People often ask me why I did not become a fashion designer. It is a simple answer. I cannot draw. Having been born mid-century, all of the greats that I could see drew. I can draw a flat that resembles what I am trying to convey. However, to get that movement and the three demensional view of the garment, you need an illustrator. That is not me.
There is a program that I have participated in and I am going to design some tops for them. I have great ideas and I am off tomorrow to buy some colored pencils so that I can send the concepts to a couple of other people. Maybe we can do a whole line around this concept. I really like what I am doing and it is great. No one should be this happy working this hard. I love what I am doing!!!!
That said, let's talk about quality. In these days when it is difficult to purchase items, you want to really make sure that you are buying quality. Every item should be an enhancement to your wardrobe. This is not the time to add 'junk' to the closet. When you are in Saks or Nordstrom ask yourself this question .... Does this item fit in my wardrobe? Do I need another one of these?
I am rocommending that all tee shirts and tanks go low end. They will be replaced easily and if you are spending more than $20 on a tank top you are nuts. It is an underpinning. Unless there is something really special about that $200 tank that goes under your Dries, let it go. If it is a cotton knit tank or tee go to Target and see if there are a couple you can pick up for a song.
If you cannot do that, then go to J Jill or somewhere else. I am here to tell you that there isn't a tank or tee worth $200. (sorry Oscar and Donna). However, I think they would rather see me buy that skirt or jacket as opposed to that over priced underpinning. So please think before you throw that plastic card on the counter.
Quality, timelessness, classic, chic. That is what the current times require. If Oscar de la Renta knows that the industury needs some help, then we are on his side. I am going to get on his band wagon. In the next post I am going to take off the gloves.
The first 100 days have elapsed. It is now time to really talk about what the First Lady is wearing. I will be diplomatic but honest. Here we go.
a la prochaine mes amis
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Rule of Thumb
A good rule of thumb for your Wish List is to actually write /journal those items
in your closet ,which are your favorite ....go-to....most wearable items ..
Then ask yourself why ????? and more than likely is because they may you
look good,,,feel good...and you receive compliments everytime you adorn the
item. Whether it is a jacket ,fabulous one of a kind sweater ..or the pair of shoes
you hope that will never wear out ,actually assess why ??? Most of your
answers will probably fall in the category of high quality fabric ,fantastic fit ,
classic cut to adorn your frame and it compliments at least 4-5 items in your closet .
These are the modules that you want to work from in developing your wardrobe .
Quite honestly ,I had been finding that many jackets are being cut too narrow in the
arm /shoulder . Nothing is worse than feeling like if you stretch too high up on the shelf
that you rip out all seams....So in doing so...my alternate has been some great sweater/
jacket types that still serve the purpose .
If you are in the beginning stages of formulating your closet .....begin with the basic colors ,
black ,navy, tan ,white ...then look @ your 'pop' color to accent your wardrobe throughout the year !!! Yes ,year .When you find yourselves waking up late for work ,etc..the basics will always
fall in place magically ! I have a array of colors with basics for vacationing in hot weather that
keeps me to one suitcase whether it is for a 3 day fling or a week relaxing in the sun .Then I have
room in my suitcase to purchase that significant piece ..then I go for it !!!!!!
Natural fabrics.........last ,last ,last...cashmeres,cotton,linens, double face wools.......etc
The only reason I say journal is to keep you on track and when you are faced with that
encouraging sales person to buy that incredible item ...question yourself and say is this
a possible garage sale item ????????????????
A demain
Janice
in your closet ,which are your favorite ....go-to....most wearable items ..
Then ask yourself why ????? and more than likely is because they may you
look good,,,feel good...and you receive compliments everytime you adorn the
item. Whether it is a jacket ,fabulous one of a kind sweater ..or the pair of shoes
you hope that will never wear out ,actually assess why ??? Most of your
answers will probably fall in the category of high quality fabric ,fantastic fit ,
classic cut to adorn your frame and it compliments at least 4-5 items in your closet .
These are the modules that you want to work from in developing your wardrobe .
Quite honestly ,I had been finding that many jackets are being cut too narrow in the
arm /shoulder . Nothing is worse than feeling like if you stretch too high up on the shelf
that you rip out all seams....So in doing so...my alternate has been some great sweater/
jacket types that still serve the purpose .
If you are in the beginning stages of formulating your closet .....begin with the basic colors ,
black ,navy, tan ,white ...then look @ your 'pop' color to accent your wardrobe throughout the year !!! Yes ,year .When you find yourselves waking up late for work ,etc..the basics will always
fall in place magically ! I have a array of colors with basics for vacationing in hot weather that
keeps me to one suitcase whether it is for a 3 day fling or a week relaxing in the sun .Then I have
room in my suitcase to purchase that significant piece ..then I go for it !!!!!!
Natural fabrics.........last ,last ,last...cashmeres,cotton,linens, double face wools.......etc
The only reason I say journal is to keep you on track and when you are faced with that
encouraging sales person to buy that incredible item ...question yourself and say is this
a possible garage sale item ????????????????
A demain
Janice
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Wish List ...!!!!!!!
Debra and I have just returned from an exhilirating ' Closet Cleanse ' ...Yes we Did !!!!!
The Year of Hope stills prevails in all areas..........
We sucessfully cleared our closets of all clutter ,wannabes,self-gratification,memorable,
forgotten items that had has bound with bulging closets to prove it ...Just call us hangers
anonymous !!!!! We could have opened a scrap-metal shop or produced a sequel to
'No More Wire Hangers ' .........Now that you have the picture....Let's fast forward..........
First of the season markdowns are upon us and this is definitely time to make that wish list.
Yes ..you may say I just cleaned out the clutter but it is just as important to steered clear
of the ongoing promotions to buy some,get some ...!!!!No.NO...No...............
The Wish List can begin with your classic items to supplement your wardrobe ,especially
if you have to dress for the corporate industry . We are looking @ 100% cotton white blouses
that you keep for work only . You may want to look at your black skirts and black pants.
Donna Karan has a great box-pleated skirt for the spring ,paired with your short jacket ,
a great pair of fashion hose( minimal pattern..for day wear !) ,a fun bangle or 2 ,and the ballet
flats are numerous ....More color you say ???? a scarf or one of the new bauble necklaces for a
little splash .
An important facet of the list is to prevent duplication !!! Now your closet and creative fashion
skills can advance to another level ...More to come.....................
A demain
Janice
The Year of Hope stills prevails in all areas..........
We sucessfully cleared our closets of all clutter ,wannabes,self-gratification,memorable,
forgotten items that had has bound with bulging closets to prove it ...Just call us hangers
anonymous !!!!! We could have opened a scrap-metal shop or produced a sequel to
'No More Wire Hangers ' .........Now that you have the picture....Let's fast forward..........
First of the season markdowns are upon us and this is definitely time to make that wish list.
Yes ..you may say I just cleaned out the clutter but it is just as important to steered clear
of the ongoing promotions to buy some,get some ...!!!!No.NO...No...............
The Wish List can begin with your classic items to supplement your wardrobe ,especially
if you have to dress for the corporate industry . We are looking @ 100% cotton white blouses
that you keep for work only . You may want to look at your black skirts and black pants.
Donna Karan has a great box-pleated skirt for the spring ,paired with your short jacket ,
a great pair of fashion hose( minimal pattern..for day wear !) ,a fun bangle or 2 ,and the ballet
flats are numerous ....More color you say ???? a scarf or one of the new bauble necklaces for a
little splash .
An important facet of the list is to prevent duplication !!! Now your closet and creative fashion
skills can advance to another level ...More to come.....................
A demain
Janice
Monday, April 6, 2009
Shoe Don'ts
Okay, Janice has rung the bell regarding that ultimate cleaning of the closet. I admit that I am a bit behind but I will remedy that this evening. I have a date with my room and the closet and I will not stop until it is in shape. So those of you who are in the same boat, make the commitment and move forward.
Janice has a great point about shoes. I am all about saving my feet. Once your feet hurt you can not be beautiful or sexy or even happy. You just want to be off of your feet. I no longer do the 4 and 5 inch heels. They look great but ladies, if you are walking, six blocks in it gets pretty ugly. Save your feet, knees and back by opting for a lower heel if you are about to set out on a serious trek.
That said, here is why I really decided to post today. Saving your feet is one thing. Now try and save the rest of us who are offended by unsightly alternatives for comfort.
Rule No. 1 - - - flip flops do not go with everything!!!
As a matter of fact, if you have more than two pairs of flip flops you have a problem. I view them as shoes that you wear at the beach, in the public shower, for a run to the store in summer and schlepping around the house. They are not some all purpose shoe alternative that goes with every outfit you own. If I see one more woman in a designer skirt and flip flops I am going to scream. AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! I just saw some.
They are a lazy way out and they are not attractive. buy a pair of sandals with some class and a bit of style. Opt for a basic color and move on. But definitely lose all those extra flip flops. If you have a pair in every color, seek therapy. You have lost touch with fashion reality.
Rule No. 2 - - - Ughs acquired that name for a reason!!!
Unless you live in a place where the climate is frigid or you are at a ski lodge, do not wear ughs. They are called ughs because they are ugly!!!!!!! How or better yet, why do I see women wearing after ski boots (a.k.a. ughs) when it is 80 degrees outside. It isn't a fashion statement.
Those boots should have never been made; period, end of statement. They should only be sold at sporting goods stores. They belong in the section with ski wear. It doesn't matter if you are talking cross country, downhill, snow boarding, whatever. Just know that those boots belong on feet that are walking around a ski lodge or walking on snow. If you have a pair, retire them now!
Buy a great summer boot (there are some great designer sandals that look like summer boots). Buy some great winter boots. I know that there are lots out there. But as for ughs, I am on a campaign to rid the fashion retail stores of these unsightly disasters. NO MORE UGHS!!!!!!!!!
Rule No. 3 - - - NO TO CROCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hear they are comfortable. I hear they are great for your feet. I hear they provide great support. So now I will say something that you can hear from me. THEY ARE A CROCK!!!!! Why do you want big rubber clogs on your feet? What kind of statement is that? I have no taste, except in my mouth!
Come on ladies. How in the world do you justify these so called shoes? I don't live in a country where clogs are king. I have never seen a pair of crocs on the streets of Paris, France. I am confident that I never will. However, I see them all over San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, you name the city. It is like as Americans we have gone for every stupid, ugly shoe fad ever launched. Throw them away.
I would rather see running shoes on women's feet. There are some great athletic shoes posing as great fashion alternatives. Puma, Adidas, you name it. There are some great slip on alternatives that are cute and fashionable. Some can actually be worn with dresses. Just do some looking around and you will see all of the great alternatives to these unsightly footwear options. So again ladies, throw them out!!!!!
Okay the rant is over. I just had to get that out. So here is what you should do. Find a great cobbler shop. It is time to consider shoe repair and renewal. I have a pair of winter white fisherman sandals that I will not throw out. I am getting them repaired and renewed. They are great.
Also, if you change the way you trot around the planet, your feet will be greatful and all of us fashionistas will be happy. So repeat after me. No flip flops, No Ughs, No Crocs.
Don't you feel great and doesn't that closet look better!!! Shoes, shoes, shoes and shoes.
a la prochaine!
Janice has a great point about shoes. I am all about saving my feet. Once your feet hurt you can not be beautiful or sexy or even happy. You just want to be off of your feet. I no longer do the 4 and 5 inch heels. They look great but ladies, if you are walking, six blocks in it gets pretty ugly. Save your feet, knees and back by opting for a lower heel if you are about to set out on a serious trek.
That said, here is why I really decided to post today. Saving your feet is one thing. Now try and save the rest of us who are offended by unsightly alternatives for comfort.
Rule No. 1 - - - flip flops do not go with everything!!!
As a matter of fact, if you have more than two pairs of flip flops you have a problem. I view them as shoes that you wear at the beach, in the public shower, for a run to the store in summer and schlepping around the house. They are not some all purpose shoe alternative that goes with every outfit you own. If I see one more woman in a designer skirt and flip flops I am going to scream. AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! I just saw some.
They are a lazy way out and they are not attractive. buy a pair of sandals with some class and a bit of style. Opt for a basic color and move on. But definitely lose all those extra flip flops. If you have a pair in every color, seek therapy. You have lost touch with fashion reality.
Rule No. 2 - - - Ughs acquired that name for a reason!!!
Unless you live in a place where the climate is frigid or you are at a ski lodge, do not wear ughs. They are called ughs because they are ugly!!!!!!! How or better yet, why do I see women wearing after ski boots (a.k.a. ughs) when it is 80 degrees outside. It isn't a fashion statement.
Those boots should have never been made; period, end of statement. They should only be sold at sporting goods stores. They belong in the section with ski wear. It doesn't matter if you are talking cross country, downhill, snow boarding, whatever. Just know that those boots belong on feet that are walking around a ski lodge or walking on snow. If you have a pair, retire them now!
Buy a great summer boot (there are some great designer sandals that look like summer boots). Buy some great winter boots. I know that there are lots out there. But as for ughs, I am on a campaign to rid the fashion retail stores of these unsightly disasters. NO MORE UGHS!!!!!!!!!
Rule No. 3 - - - NO TO CROCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hear they are comfortable. I hear they are great for your feet. I hear they provide great support. So now I will say something that you can hear from me. THEY ARE A CROCK!!!!! Why do you want big rubber clogs on your feet? What kind of statement is that? I have no taste, except in my mouth!
Come on ladies. How in the world do you justify these so called shoes? I don't live in a country where clogs are king. I have never seen a pair of crocs on the streets of Paris, France. I am confident that I never will. However, I see them all over San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, you name the city. It is like as Americans we have gone for every stupid, ugly shoe fad ever launched. Throw them away.
I would rather see running shoes on women's feet. There are some great athletic shoes posing as great fashion alternatives. Puma, Adidas, you name it. There are some great slip on alternatives that are cute and fashionable. Some can actually be worn with dresses. Just do some looking around and you will see all of the great alternatives to these unsightly footwear options. So again ladies, throw them out!!!!!
Okay the rant is over. I just had to get that out. So here is what you should do. Find a great cobbler shop. It is time to consider shoe repair and renewal. I have a pair of winter white fisherman sandals that I will not throw out. I am getting them repaired and renewed. They are great.
Also, if you change the way you trot around the planet, your feet will be greatful and all of us fashionistas will be happy. So repeat after me. No flip flops, No Ughs, No Crocs.
Don't you feel great and doesn't that closet look better!!! Shoes, shoes, shoes and shoes.
a la prochaine!
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