The Feminine Suit
Due to the cyclical nature of fashion, the ladylike suit, although out-of-favor for a time, is in its comeback season. There are lots of good reasons to buy one now:
- Fabric technology continues to improve. Avoid a plastic-looking suit. Research has shown that many people associate obviously synthetic fabrics with negative character qualities.
- Easter is April 24th this year. A feminine suit is a lovely alternative to an easter egg pastel dress.
- Suits which are sold as separates allow you to buy the size(s) you need even if you don’t wear the same size jacket and skirt. You can also buy two trousers, or a skirt and trousers, to avoid unequal wear to the matching pieces.
- Unlike many contemporary styles of dresses and sweaters, people generally understand suits. That does not include the ”mini-skirt suit”.
Now through March 6th, take $100 off a suit at The Limited. A suit consists of any jacket with either a pant, skirt, or dress. Shop The Limited Online.
Do suits work in your idiom? Why or why not?
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Shop Your Closet
Here in the Great Northwest, winter is far from over. I will be wearing wool sweaters until at least the official first day of Spring. Back when this was a baby blog, I described the formula I use to calculate the number of sweaters I need. But, even if I have enough, about this time of year I start to get tired of them.
So, for the past several days, I have been seeking new combinations. Yes, I know, I shouldn’t have any that I haven’t already discovered; after all, I did recommend that we all style in each new item when it enters our wardrobe. But, I have either been too lazy or (should I offer you the opportunity to vote?) spending too much time blogging.
Enter closet shopping. Even if you don’t have any new items, you may have combinations you have never tried. Because of the warmth afforded by extra layers, late winter is the perfect time for this project.
Wonder what I have been finding?
- Spring and summer t-shirts to wear under winter sweaters for a flash of color at the neckline.
- Sweaters that will fit under a tailored jacket.
- Sweaters and jackets that can be topped with a belt.
- Silk, cashmere, and cotton tops that can be layered three deep.
As an example, an uncommon color combo I wore yesterday: light taupe crewneck tee ( my hair color), topped by dark brown longsleeve thermal knit (my eye color), plus light blue cashmere cardigan (the complement of my light orange skin) with silver + crystal buttons (again, my haircolor). It works for me.
Results may vary. Some restrictions apply. See your closet for details.
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Do Boots Work in Business?
Do boots work in business? In 1996, according to John T Molloy, the answer was no. From the book The New Women’s Dress for Success:
Boots do not work in business. Every couple of years the fashion industry brings them back and tells women they can wear boots to work. It is not so; even the most conservative boots do not work very well.
quoted from googlebooks.
I am going to suggest two reasons why that is (mostly) no longer true:
- Mr Molloy’s very well-researched book came out early in the “business casual” work environment revolution.
- Sarah Palin.
One of the reasons certain looks are not accepted is that they are not expected. Someone needs to get people used to seeing it; for example, seeing boots worn with a business look. Presently our eyes are quite accustomed to boots with pretty much everything. I still think knee-high boots, worn with a knee-length skirt, look most conventionally professional.
A footwear treat for president’s day: Shop Shoes.com and Receive 25% off Sale + Free Shipping with DEAL25
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Should You Let Your Hair Be Gray?
As you can imagine, I get in alot of conversations gray hair.
Recently a loved one emailed me on that very topic. She is tired of the hassle of getting her hair colored. She’s determined to simplify. I think it is a brilliant idea; after all, to avoid the “skunk” look requires a costly and time-consuming visit to the salon every four weeks. And “skunk” is not any woman’s best look.
Since I put some effort into crafting my response, I wanted to share some of it:
I think there is growing acceptance of gray hair. Your reasons make so much sense! The biggest risk, IMO, is losing your feminine look; therefore, [getting a buzz cut] is probably not your best choice.
As to what increases in importance: yes, earrings; maybe makeup. The real biggie, IMO, is CUT. You are a powerful presence and could be downright intimidating without a pretty feminine hairstyle. Color in your clothing and accessories can contribute energy and creativity to your look (see quotation below).
For Christmas I got the 2001 book Put Your Best Foot Forward: Make a Great Impression by Taking Control of How Others See You
, by Jo-Ellan Dimitrius and Mark Mazzarella. You can read much of what they say about hair on googlebooks.
From the book:
“Women, however, don’t fare so well when they turn gray. Studies show that they are considered older, tired, less creative, and less capable. Unlike men, there are no corresponding positive associations when women’s hair turns gray. Women with striking white or silver hair in short, chic hairstyles avoid the negative associations that generally apply to women who have grayed. But for those whose hair has turned gray or salt and pepper, hair coloring will significantly improve their image, particularly in the professional arena.”Also:
“Studies have shown that women, particularly older women, are perceived as more credible, friendly and competent when they wear their hair shoulder length or shorter, and in relatively simple styles and cuts. Particularly short, chic, styled hair can look very professional, and scores well in the capability category as well, although it appears more harsh and unfriendly.”
To dye or not to dye? Share your thoughts here. 
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Speed-Shopping the Thrift Store for Jeans
Shopping by color is the most powerful tool in the speed-shopper’s arsenal. Knowing what color you are looking for facilitates scanning the rack quickly for the few items worth trying on. The general guideline is this:
if your legs are greater than or equal to 1/2 your total body length, your jeans can be lighter
if your legs are less than 1/2 your total body length, your jeans should be darker
For some pictures illustrating this principle, see this previously-published article: Color Value Placement.
In some communities, thrift stores may not have the best selection of inexpensive jeans. Scanning the racks quickly for color can be implemented in any store with a wide variety of styles organized by size: thrift stores, consignment or resale shops, discounters such as TJMaxx and The Rack. Btw, did you notice you can now shop The Rack via my sidebar?
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Polos Are NOT Business Casual for Women
The quintessential business casual uniform template for men:
khakis + leather shoes + polo shirt
If only it were so easy for women! Consider the following insightful comment made (several years ago) by Mella DP:
My job: engineering consulting. That often means having to demonstrate credibility in the executive conference room and on the plant floor on the same day. Dressing in a way that works for both situations is tricky. It’s easier for the guys - most men can wear chinos and a polo shirt and and sturdy shoes and look decent and functional (if a little dull). Most women in a similar outfit would look like an Applebees hostess. (Emphasis added.)
Indeed!
The other primary reason, IMO, polos don’t work for women’s business casual is this: historically the polo is athletic wear, making it fall into the leisure category. Although I’m not entirely certain why it is otherwise for men.
My advice? When you hear the word “polo” substitute “sweater”.
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What to Shop for the First Week of February
Thrift:
- Suits. This is a good time in the fashion cycle to be wearing the matching skirt suit. Recently I found a black/white silk tweed at Goodwill for $7.99. It had to be really old (Ann Taylor size 6 jacket and size 10 skirt?) but looked completely contemporary.
- Jeans. Buying jeans thrift is a huge money saver.
- Boots, if you don’t already have too many pairs.
Stores: Hit the clearance racks, if at all possible! Just the other day I heard a story unlike any I’ve ever heard before: customer gets to the register with items marked-down to roughly a quarter of their original price, expecting them to be discounted another 50% off their marked-down price; instead they ring up at $0.00!
Online: baby stuff and maternity, if you need it; cashmere sweaters; and it’s not too soon to think about swimwear.
- Old Navy: Shop our Kids, Baby & Maternity Sale with great deals starting at $5! Ends 2/17.
- Rack New Arrivals Just In ¿ Shop the year’s largest delivery of new arrivals for the entire family online and in-store at NORDSTROM Rack.
- Athleta swimsuits are sold as separates, so you can mix or match. Find the perfect fit at Athleta.com - Shop now.
- Check Out Target’s Weekly Ad
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Boden Introduces Maternity Line!
BodenUsa is now offering maternity-wear - and 15% off for spring.
More retro than contemporary, animated personalities craving something a little different in terms of pattern and/or color will appreciate Boden’s offerings.
They also have baby stuff, which leads me to hypothesize that Boden may be the place to get your diaper bag. Possibly one that is not only fun, but also different from the rest of the diaper bags in the nursery! The second bag pictured is not a diaper bag, but it is available in pink.
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