Personal Shopping!

Are you having a hard time finding the style that work best for you? Are you overwhelmed with the assortment of trends, and how quickly they change? Would you like to have someone shop with you (in your closet and abroad) who will give you honest opinions and advice for improving your look?

I’m a retail therapist, and I’m here to help!

Equipped with a Texas license in counseling, and years of retail experience, I’m ready to help you bridge the gap between your mind and reality when it comes to how you want to look.

Starter Kit – You and I meet in your closet. You tell me what you wear and what you haven’t touched in five years, but can’t seem to throw out. I tell you what you should and shouldn’t be wearing from your closet, what shapes, styles, and colors are most complementary on you. You let me know whether or not you want to see me again. $75 (1 hour increments)

Personal Shopping – The basics. Includes shopping for events, interviews, work, day-to-day, vacation, weekends, etc. Think of me as your incredibly honest friend, but with more style. $75/$50 (1^st 2 hours/hourly thereafter)

Re-do! – Are you a jeans and tshirt kind of person who needs a little polishing? Did you just graduate and need help dressing for the corporate world? From consult to shopping, I’ll help you get from where you are to where you want to be. $125 (consult + 1^st shopping)

SOS – For those who need to purge their wardrobes, need a total makeover, don’t know what treasures they have, and want someone else to make the major decisions. My only requirement? Donate whatever you don’t keep. $100 (2 hours)

The Organizer – You know you had that one scarf that looked fantastic? And those shoes that looked perfect with that pencil skirt? But you can’t find it? I’ll get your closet organized in no time—by season, by genre, by whatever makes most sense to you. $150 (3 hours)

Style File – Let’s digitally archive your looks (and hard work!) to give you fingertip access to your wardrobe and all its potential. Notes will be created to give you alternative accessories, shoes, etc. so you won’t feel stuck in a rut. Time consuming to create? Sure. Time saving when you look in your closet and see nothing to wear? Definitely. $250 (start to finish)

Pretty in Puce

A quick look at First Lady Obama's Inaugural outfit tells us a few things about her personality that we previously may not have known:

1. She is not afraid of some daytime sparkle. (Yay! Let us all follow suit!)
2. She is brave enough to try colors previously only worn by Pixar characters (see: Mike Wazowski in Monster's Inc.)
3. She does not have to wear schmancy designer labels to feel fabulous. (Isabel Toledo dress, JCrew gloves, Jimmy Choo shoes. See also: interview with Leno outfit)
4. She is classic with a twist. (Like Jackie O. meets an Uptown girl)
5. She plans on keeping us surprised with her fashion choices throughout the Presidency.

I, for one, very much look forward to what fashion wheels she will get turning and what fads she will lead.

Election Day!

In light of all the political conversations going on today, I'd like to take this opportunity for a moment of fluff.

When considering your options at the poll, please take into consideration how influential the style of our elected leaders can be (see: Jackie O., JFK...that's about it). Then, think about the individual styles presented by our options today. I'd like to take a closer look at the women being represented (for the men's fashion, see what The Magnificent Bastard has to say).

If elected, Palin will entice scads of women (who haven't already done so) to run to their local beauty salon and ask for the "Sarah Palin". Although in it's most perfected state (left) this is a classic half-chignon with backcombing and slight bouffant. It's a beautiful updo for a middle-aged woman heading to an event. It is NOT an everyday look. In it's daily (or end-of-day) state (right) it's a messy and easy-gone-awry way to look. This rush to the salon will remind us of the "Rachel" haircut donned by Jennifer Aniston in Friends. And, quite frankly, although the look was stunning on her, it wasn't necessarily as flattering on the millions of others who got it then (and continue now). This comparison is accurate not only because of the similar rush already being felt among moms nation-wide, but also because both looks are overworked and most appropriate for the mid-90s.


If elected, Obama('s wife) will encourage everywoman to look her best. She does not spend outrageously (see article on Palin's wardrobe ravamping); rather she shops at stores we can all find in our local malls. Michelle recently rocked this JCrew outfit on The Tonight Show, surprising both Jay Leno and the audience with her admittance to e-commerce (as well as causign a 64% spike on JCrew's website!). Michelle Obama has already inspired moms across the country to take a harder look at White House Black Market, Banana Republic, and department stores. Sure, Michelle is guilty of picking up luxury items by Thakoon and Tory Burch...but she does so in the same moderation that other middle-class American women do. (For more on Michelle Obama's style, click here).


So, Magpies, when headed to the polls today, think: Which candidate's style will I be less sick of emulating at the end of four years? Which candidate will inspire women the most while in office?

GET OUT AND VOTE!

Now, for the record, I am a firm believer in knowing your candidates before making a decision that will affect not only your life, but the lives of those around you. Go to the Obama and McCain websites and make an informed decision.

Suiting

Q I think I need you to do a post on the classic business suit because I need to go shopping for one for interviews and I am LOST. --Samantha

Samantha:
There are guidelines in life, and certainly a specific set exists for suiting. Although I probably allow more grace when it comes to all things professionally oriented, I do have my standards.

1. 2 vs 3 button jacket

It is crucial that the stance on your jacket be perfect. Not only will it ensure that the girls are “locked & loaded” (thanks Stacy & Clinton), but it is one of the first things that a potential employer/professional colleague will see. Look in the mirror and put your arm out as if you are going to shake someone’s hand. If you follow the line of sight from your hand, up your arm, to your chest, then up to your face, you realize that the stance of the jacket serves as a frame for your figure and for your face. Whether you wear a button-up or a silk tie-neck under your suiting, the construction and shape of the jacket is of most importance. Two or three buttons is a personal preference (but also one of logistics, see: aforementioned need to lock & load). I prefer a two.

2. Pants AND skirt

Every Magpie needs versatility: it is what we thrive on. This is why I highly suggest that wherever you go to look for suiting, be sure they sell both pants and skirt in the same fabric. On top of that, if the brand carries both a trouser leg and a wide leg pant, as well as a skirt, you’ve hit the suiting holy grail. While the suit you wear will be your first impression in your interview (and therefore must be outstanding) you have to remember that the suit is now a part of your larger wardrobe. Long gone are the days of “interview wear” and “job wear”. In fact, I’ve seen many a girl take her jacket out with her for a night on the town while wearing a slinky top and jeans. Bottom line: the more options, the better. Think about wearing your suiting pant(s) and skirt multiple times throughout the month (or even week, if done craftily). Now think about how many ways you could wear a jacket, skirt, and pant while integrating the rest of your wardrobe. Benefits: less time spent figuring out what to wear in the morning, cheaper dry cleaning bills, more time and money for play.

3. Fabric

The suiting fabric of choice would be a summer weight wool blend. My theory is you can always layer, but you can only take off so many clothes and still be considered socially appropriate. You can purchase a cotton-blend suit (like Banana Republic’s Smart Suit), but you limit your options (e.g., cotton-blend suits tend to show wrinkles more quickly, don’t always travel well, and are usually only weighted appropriately for the South. They do not layer well.)

In my previous life (when I didn’t know any better) I bought a denim suit. It was a perfectly fitting jacket and skirt; the jacket had a zipper (ew) and leopard lining (cute, but professionally inappropriate), and all the hems and seams were contrast stitched (ew). Although I felt very cute while wearing it, I soon realized that a frequent appearance from this suit may lead my boss to realize that (1) I have no taste, (2) I don’t understand the meaning of business professional/casual, and (3) I’m not spending my hard earned money appropriately. Termination? Probably not. Snickering by the water cooler? Definitely.

4. Neutral colors

This should be the easiest rule. Stay with black, brown, grey, tan. My personal preference is a dark mottled grey because it can be worn with black or brown, thus offering you the most options for your money.

5. Subtle or no pattern

I once went to a church in South Dallas where the men and women were wearing suits with half-inch wide stripes (in blaring colors). This is NOT the way to wear a suit (especially if you want to wear it multiple times in a month/week). Stick with a light pinstripe, heathered fabric, or glenplaid.

6. Short sleeves?

The fad this summer was to have suiting with a short (usually puffy-sleeved) jacket. I’m not a fan. Although I believe in the right to bear arms, I do not believe that baring arms in the professional world is always well-accepted. (see: BR) *Note: if you did purchase the short-sleeved jacket, it looks great layered with a thin knit—probably turtleneck or vneck is best…and with jeans.

There is some fear, I am sure, that you will be too well dressed. NONSENSE! You can never be too well dressed or too appropriate. It is ok if you are dressed better than those with whom you are interviewing. If you choose to accept the position, just be sure to tailor your look to fit into their environment. However, this does not mean skimping on what you already know to be true: quality construction and good fabrics are always in style and should not be skimped on.

Remember: your suiting should be classic, wearable, impressionable, but not too memorable because you want to get maximum wear. Your most important professional investment should be the perfectly tailored suit (oh, and your education!).