October 2009 Archives

By: Lauren Bailey, AICI FLC

Over the course of the last month, I have heard two different people (I am not naming names) complaining that they don't like any of the clothing that they see in stores these days. At first, this complaint caused my heart-rate to race. What's wrong with fashion? Is the system broken? What do I need to do to help? I want people to be happy with how they look and with the clothing that they buy. This is what drives me to be a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant. And, when people dislike the fashion system as a whole, I panic.

But, then I started thinking about all of the people that I have helped develop and maintain fabulous wardrobes. I am sure that before many of my clients found me, they just wanted to give up on fashion. But, the answer to finding peace with your wardrobe and contentment with how you look isn't found in shunning the current styles of clothing. Like it or not, wardrobing and shopping is work. It takes time and energy to look your best. 

If you don't like any of the clothing in the stores, the problem could be one of two things:

#1) You aren't staying current in your clothing. Perhaps you are stuck in a rut and can't find anything you like because the clothing styles have changed, and you haven't changed with them. Before you can find clothing that you like, you are going to have to have an open mind. The best way to do this is by getting out there and trying on some news styles. Don't be afraid because you can look great this season!

#2) You are trying on the wrong shapes and colors of clothing. You become frustrated because nothing looks good on you. The styles and colors that worked for you 10 years ago may not be your best option anymore. You will have to change the way you think about fashion and embrace new shapes and colors.

Either way, the answer to finding clothing that you love and that flatters your body is to change your attitude about yourself, your body, and fashion. Decide that you are beautiful, that there are great clothes out there for you, and have the patience to find them. If you lack the patience, don't forget that you can always call me. One of my favorite things to do while personal shopping is to convince my clients of how beautiful they actually are and how fabulous they can look!

By: Lauren Bailey, AICI FLC

You have probably noticed that jeans are being made with a greater percentage of spandex these days. For those of us with some curves, all I have to say is "Thank Goodness!" But, spandex comes with its own little mess of problems. 

To help you understand these problems, and hopefully avoid the trauma I have encountered, I want to share one of my most terrifying wardrobing experiences.  I was putting my favorite pair of designer jeans on after a wash (and line dry. Drying your nice jeans in the dryer will shorten their lifespan and wear out the spandex faster). I was doing my post-wash deep knee bends (and don't even act like you don't know what I am talking about, ladies), when all of a sudden, devastation. That's right, my favorite jeans ripped right down the crotch seam. 

I will never forget the sound of those jeans meeting their fate. I rank it right up there with a fire alarm, screeching tires, or nails on a chalkboard. When I came to my senses, I realized that I had been ignoring all the signs. If I had been paying attention, I would have noticed that the fabric of my jeans and been wearing thin. Where there was once a nice dark wash, my jeans had worn down to a lighter shade. And with that wear and tear, the spandex just couldn't hold up any longer.

The moral of the story is that the blue jeans of today aren't like the golden oldies of the '80s and '90s. We aren't wearing the same rugged Levi's that could stand the test of time. In order to avoid my pain and frustration (it really is devastating to lose a wardrobe staple), be honest with yourself about your jeans.  Understand that they aren't going to last forever. If you love a pair, buy two. You might not be able to find the same great fit the next time you go shopping. And when you hear that horrible tearing sound, you will know that it is too late.

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*Offer expires October 23rd, 2009. (You must stop by or call the studio to receive this offer.)