I Long for the Fall Shows

Hi Everyone,

I have been half-heartedly looking at the runway shows for Spring/Summer 2010. As I clicked through the slide shows, I was sadly reminded how much richer I, personally, find fall and winter fashions. It could be that I grew up in a place where, typically, summer clothing was not necessary. Here in the Pacific Northwest (much like in San Francisco) you can get away with a multi-purpose wardrobe. That said, I will be more diligent over the weekend at looking at the runway shows and expounding of fashion week.

For now I want to say a little more about what everyone needs to have at their disposal for this current season. Sadly, we are in need of a boost, economically, before we start dropping thousands of dollars on those incredible pieces (say that cashmere coat). So for most of us, it is going to be that search for the accessories that will give the current collection in our closet a face lift. I know I blogged about this earlier, but it is important. ACCESSORIES ARE KEY!!!

I am not suggesting that everyone go out and buy accessories for the sake of buying accessories. Figure out what you want your signature to be. Are you going to be known in your circle as the person who has incredible necklaces, pendants, etc.? Are you the bangle queen? Do you have a scarf for every occasion? Do you wear killer hose that really pop your outfits? Are you the "Bag, Borrow or Steal" for all of your friends (and no you cannot ask to borrow the Ferragamo bag, the Marc Jacobs yes, but not the Ferragamo)!? Do your shoes make everyone go nuts because you have the greatest collection ever (including boots)?

So I think you get my point. It is once again about being you. If you think the new Fendi bag is just not going to do it for you, don't get it because every fashion mag says you should not be seen without it. If those Louboutin's are just not to your liking, I don't care if your friends are all looking for shoes with red soles, leave them at the store. Nike's slogan is 'just do it'. For us the clarion call is 'just do you'!

Here is what I suggest, take out three outfits at a time. (Remember that we did the closet scrub and it is in pretty decent shape). Lay the outfits out on the bed and put the typical accessories you pair with them on the outfits. Now think of one additional, or replacement accessory that would be really nice. For me, I have this metallic bronze 3/4 sleeve leather jacket. It has large covered buttons for closures. I purchased a pair of chocolate brown elbow length leather gloves to go with it. It is a subtle look. So now I am going to pop it with a more colorful and vibrant pair of leather gloves. (No not black. That is too easy).

If you feel that you cannot do this (purchase the new accessories) with the outfit on the bed, do what I often do. Get out the garment bag that I know you have. We all have them. (I have them from Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman's, Macy's, Galaries Lafeyette, Le Bon Marche, Harrod's you name it, I probably have the bag). Place the entire outfit in the bag and haul it around with you. As long as you are not trying to match colors, find a new jacket, etc. the sales associates will be happy to help you find just the right scarf, gloves, hat, etc.

Here is the added bonus to the pack and haul approach. If the outfit is hanging in your closet, the assumption is that it is ready to wear. That means clean, pressed, steamed, etc. I know the temptation to hang that garment back in the closet and say, I'll get it to the dry cleaner's next week. Don't do that. You'll forget. Out of sight, out of mind really is true.

Invest in a chair to place by the front door. Loving drape the garment over the chair and when there are three garments on the chair (that is a pretty unsightly greeting as you return to your palace after a long day) you will be forced to scoop them up on your next outing and drop them off. Do not hang them in the hall closet either. Only ready to go clothes should be on hangers taking up room in the closet.

So, start figuring out your signature and 'just do you'!

a la prochaine

Debra