The Closet Shopper

Long Winter

2009-02-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hey Northern Californians! As you all know, our winter comes and goes from December all the way through April. And sometimes May. Because of this, we can take full advantage of all the winter sales. We still need all this stuff. While other people are paying full price for new spring looks, we get to save money on fabulous winter clothes. Then, when it's time for us to buy for spring, all of that will be on sale.

Right now, Nordstrom is having an online sale of winter coats. All under $150. Amazing. There are so many gorgeous ones to choose from.

In the coming weeks, there will be more and more winter sales. Keep on the look out.

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T22:16:00.000-08:00

It's 2009. I'm going to try to update this blog more in 2009. However, I'm already slacking.

Speaking of slacks...and other apparel. It's time to do a closet purge. First, start with all your winter clothing. Is there anything that you haven't touched this winter? Did you also ignore it last winter? If so, get rid of it. Give it away or sell it. If it's still in great shape, take it to a consignment store. You can make enough money to buy something hot for Spring.

And speaking of Spring, get rid of anything you didn't wear last year or the year before. This means shoes and bags and scarves and sunglasses as well. Everything. You'd be amazed at how much money you can make off of your old stash. And again, you can spend it on some new snazzy gear.

Rearrange your closet so that you can see everything you own. Arrange it by types of clothes and then by color. This way you can see what you have and get dressed much quicker in the mornings. You can also see what colors you have too many of. Then when you're shopping, buy that gorgeous yellow top instead of the black or white one.

Take a picture of your closet from your phone and when you're shopping, reference the picture to make sure you aren't making double or triple purchases.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please write to me at theclosetshopper@gmail.com.

Sales and Deals

2008-10-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

In my last blog entry I talked about two specific places to shop. Nine West and JCrew. Both are having great deals right now.

JCrew normally charges something crazy like $18.50 for regular shipping. It's ridiculous. The only way to get around it has been to place the order over the phone and make them offer you free shipping or some discounted shipping. But low and behold I received an email this morning offering free shipping through this Wednesday only. The promotion code is BOOO. Go get awesome sweaters and jeans to roll up! Yes, rolling up your jeans is a great look. A bit 80's but very cool.

On to Nine West. They are not only offering free shipping on ANY purchase, but 25% off any sale item. WHAT?? This is fantastic. And as I pointed out in my last entry, they've got some of the best deals around on boots. All the newest styles too.

Hopefully these deals will help you all during this awful economic slump. Oh, and don't forget to vote next Tuesday!

Have a fashionable day!

Boots and Sweaters... I'm obsessed

2008-09-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hi y'all. Sorry it's been so very long since I've posted. I've been lazy and uninspired. I mean, I continue to enjoy working with clients and dressing women so they feel fabulous. But, I've just not felt inspired to write about it. Blah blah blah, right? Shut up and write already.

Ok, I'm getting very excited about boots and sweaters. I need many of each. But money is tight and the economy sucks. However, that doesn't mean we can't get a few key pieces to update our drab wardrobes, right? The two key pieces for Fall are boots and sweaters.

Boots of all heel heights, colors, and lengths. Nine West has an array of selections and styles for much less then those high-end designer brands. And they have all the same stuff. If you love the new Gucci platform boot but you can't afford it, just look at the platform boots at Nine West. I'm SURE you can find almost the exact boot for much much less.

Here, let's try it. I really love these Gucci Boots that retail for $1390.00:

Gorgeous, right? But I need to pay my mortgage, so I won't be buying those boots. So, how about these from Nine West that retail for a mere $299:

Even better. How about these at Nine West on sale for only $159.99:

So, you have options. Ones that won't break the bank.

Now for sweaters. I'm loving cardigans right now. Simple cardigans in bright colors to punch up your current drab wardrobe. You can find sweaters for any price whatsoever. I've found some great options at J.Crew. How cute is this?

Or this?

Ok ladies. Boots and sweaters. Got it? Buy wisely. Don't break the bank, but look FAB!!

Travel Wear vs. Every Day Wear........It's the same!!

2008-05-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies. Are any of you going on a trip this Summer? Well, if you are, listen up.

When packing for a trip, remember to make a list of the days you will be away and what outfits you will need for each day. You can wear certain items more then once. Such as jeans, skirts and dresses. You really only need one jacket and one sweater. As long as your whole wardrobe is color coordinated, that is. The jacket and sweater can be neutral. Add color with scarves and tops. Even shoes.

Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to allow more room in your suitcase. You shouldn't have to check any of your bags if you pack this way. So, for example, a fourteen day trip should include:

1 skinny jean
1 black jean
1 wide leg jean (hemmed for flats)
1 trouser
3 day dresses
6-8 tops (tees and tanks)
2 scarves/wraps
1 cardigan (long or short)
1 jacket (wear on plane)
2 sandals
1 ballet flats (wear on plane)
1 heels (if you're planning to do a fancy dinner)
14 panties (mix it up with thongs and full bottom briefs)
3-4 bras

That's it. You really don't need much else. You can dress down or dress up any of the outfits with your accessories. Belts and jewelry. I didn't include them on the list because they're so small and you can throw them in your suitcase at the end.

And here's a huge pet-peeve of mine: Wearing clothes on vacation that you'd never be caught dead in at home. Why would you do that? Bring your every day clothes from home. Look great on vacation. You'll feel more comfortable in the clothes that you know look good and that fit you. And you'll fit in wherever you go instead of standing out as the goofy tourist.

Bring less clothes if you're planning to do a bit of shopping. You can wear the things you buy.

Any questions? Please contact me at theclosetshopper@gmail.com

Add-Ons

2008-04-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

It has been my experience that any outfit can look stylish and chic when you add accessories. That perfect fitted jacket and a scarf. Even the perfect shoe helps. I had a client recently that was amazed at how different her current wardrobe looked when she put on a feminine shoe rather then the "comfortable" block shaped ones she had been wearing.

I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but it really is as simple as that. Add-ons. Add accessories to your outfit. Here is your challenge for next week. Get dressed like you normally would. Then before you leave the house, throw on a scarf, or wrap or fitted jacket. Or just change up the shoes and wear a more feminine stream-lined version.

Oh, hell. Do all of the above! What do you have to lose?

I guarantee you that you'll feel more stylish and fabulous. You'll notice people stealing glances at you. You might even notice your special someone taking a few double takes and grabbing you up for unexpected kisses. Now, wouldn't that be nice?

Please write me and let me know how you did with the challenge. theclosetshopper@gmail.com.

Good luck looking and feeling fabulous!

A Pop of Color.......The Right Way

2008-04-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Every day I see my friend, Anne, and I say, "Holy Crap. You look amazing." The same thing happened today, so I decided to share it with all of you. Have a look:

She's wearing a black turtleneck sweater dress with a long black cardigan, black boots and black tights. The thing that makes it all stand out, is that gorgeous pink scarf. It's the right way to add a pop of color. I also love the patterned tights. That was a brilliant touch. It breaks up all that black.

Anne gets an A+ for gorgeous original style. What an inspiration.

Ummm, WHAT?

2008-03-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

The big sale at Shopbop.com just got even better. You can take an additional 20% off of the already low discounted price. See the code below. You only have till Thursday, March 6th. SHOP BOP!!

Use code PLUS20 at checkout!

Trench Coats

2008-02-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hey you guys. Just wanted to throw in a quick tip for the list of MUSTS in your wardrobe.

Trench Coats!!

If you don't already have one, you absolutely must buy one. Getting one in a rich color is a great idea. It can be your personal signature piece. Everyone will pass you and then say, "Oh, she wears a gorgeous red trench every day. It's her own personal style." Tee hee. And you'll walk a little taller knowing that people noticed that you've got it. You've got style.

Here are some great looks for this timeless fashion must have:

Bright White is gorgeous and classic.

A slight variation on the classic tan trench.

What?? Bright yellow?? OH YEAH!

Go to Bluefly.com for some really great deals and trench it up, girls!!

Falling Into Spring

2008-02-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies!! I know we're all anxious to start wearing our new spring clothes but it's still too damned cold. Well, here's a great way to incorporate those bright colors into your cozy wardrobe. My client, who we'll call Gina....because that's her name, has done this beautifully. Regardez.....

She's wearing a lightweight, spring dress with black leggings and great black boots. She's all wrapped up in a nice cozy cardigan. The bright spring color is peaking through...

TA DA!! Gorgeous pop of color. She's thrown a beautiful bell sleeved, lightweight, sweater over her dress. The contrast in the sleeve lengths is a great way to create depth to the outfit.

You can do this with any of your spring dresses. Just wear dark leggings, (grey, black, or chocolate), a great boot or pump, and throw a colorful sweater over it. Or wear one of your colorful spring dresses with dark tights and a great sweater in a neutral color (navy, black, grey, chocolate)

Soon we can put the leggings and the sweaters away, but for now, layer and have fun falling gently into spring.

Imfashionation

2008-02-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, maybe fusing the word imagination with fashion doesn't work. Imfashionation. I kind of like it, though.

This post is to encourage just that. Use your unique imagination to style yourself. If you think something will work, try it. For example, I work with someone who bought a jean skirt at Macy's and it came with a chain belt. She was going to trash the belt but decided instead to throw it around her neck and make it a necklace. BRILLIANT. It looks like the very popular chain necklaces that everyone's wearing right now. Check her out.

Brava, Kathy. You rocked your imfashionation.

Finding Jeans That Fit

2008-02-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs the perfect fitting jean. I found this site today that helps you do just that. It asks you a few questions and then tells you what brand of jeans fit you best. It even tells you where to find them. Give it a try.

Shopbop till you drop..............bop

2008-01-29T13:29:00.000-08:00

Shopbop.com is having a really big sale right now. They have great buys on designer clothing and accessories. I love this site. I've had great success with ordering from them. Returns are easy as well.

So, get your shop on, ladies.

Happy New Year.....Love Your Body in 2008

2008-01-11T17:18:00.001-08:00

Listen up ladies. It's a new year and you don't have to wait to shed any pounds to look great. If you're holding onto skinny clothes and wearing ill fitting clothes, you're just being plain crazy. Get rid of the clothes that don't fit the body you have right now. Dress that gorgeous shape that you're in. Go up a few sizes. Who cares! Sizes are irrelevant. It's the fit of the clothes that matters.

I understand if you want to lose weight. But do it the healthy way and love your body while you're doing it. If you buy clothes now that look great on you, you can have a tailor alter them after you lose the weight. Opening your closet every morning to all your skinny clothes will only depress you. Why would you do something that awful to yourself? You can choose to be kind and be your own best friend, or you can be a mean hateful bitch. It's really your choice.

I'm sorry to be so blunt, but it breaks my heart when I hear women say that they don't deserve to buy clothes right now because they gained weight. That's evil. Love what you have. Dress what you have. You'll feel confident and happy and most likely even more motivated to be healthy.

Be kind and love your body in 2008.

Paris Chic

2007-11-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Women in Paris REALLY know how to dress. It's not just a stereotype. C'est Vrai!! Check these ladies out in all black.

When I was in Paris last summer, I wanted to walk up to every woman, applaud and say, "Thank you!" Women of all ages and all sizes in Paris look put together and chic no matter where they're going or what they're doing. It's so refreshing. The best part is that it looks effortless. And the key is femininity. Dressing in clothes designed for women. I think too many women in this country dress in shapeless men's clothing. Why is that? I'm confused.

Even if you want to be comfy, you can look amazing. Look at this woman on the streets of Paris.

See ladies? Comfy AND stylish. I think any outfit looks more put together if you add a third thing. Jeans and t-shirt.......with scarf or jacket. Just that third thing can make all the difference. Then pour on the confidence. Commit to that outfit and sell it, baby. Like this Parisian beauty.

Every morning when you're getting dressed, channel your inner parisian and chic it up!!

Bootsie McBootstein

2007-10-18T10:42:00.001-07:00

Here is a question from a reader/very close friend.

If you're looking for a new post topic, I would love to read one about boots. I've had the same one pair for like eight years (good damn boots,when you think about it) and I am ready for some new ones. What styles are cool now, what brands are good, where should I shop for boots I can afford, and what should I wear them with? Do you still tuck your jeans into them or what? These are some questions.

OMG! There are oh so many styles and shapes of boots out there right now. Knee-high, mid-calf, ankle, booties, high-heals, riding boots. So, where to start? I'll just start with the more practical-last you eight years- boots.

A flat or medium heeled knee-high boot is a great practical choice if you're only going to buy one pair of boots for winter. You can tuck your jeans into them. You can wear them with a dress or skirt. You can wear them under pants. They're a perfect choice. You can spend as much or as little as you want on your boots. If you go to a department store, you can look at last years boots that are on sale. Not much has changed in style with these classic boots. And you will be able to wear them for years to come. But that is a great argument for spending a little bit more. You want them to last. Just check the construction of the boot. Make sure the seams aren't tearing. that the zipper is secure. That there isn't any visible glue. You should be ok.

The boot of the season is the bootie. These are great and affordable. You can wear these with skinny jeans like this:

Or with tights and a dress like this:

Also, go to Endless.com for all your boot needs.

Get booted!

Well...........................maybe

2007-10-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

I was helping a friend decide whether or not to return some recent clothing purchases. In a few minutes, I told her what to keep and what to take back. She said gleefully, "Wow. You cut right through the well.... maybe."

I like that. If you're shopping and you try something on and it doesn't immediately make you feel fabulous, don't buy it. Do it on your own. Cut right through the well...maybe. You'll spend less time shopping AND you'll spend less money.

The Denim I Heart

2007-10-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

OOOO, girl.....I found the best fitting pair of jeans. And they're reasonably priced. Only $58. That's crazy cheap.

Because my thighs are ample and my waist isn't, I have the hardest time finding jeans that fit me right off the rack. I usually have to buy jeans that fit my thighs and then take them to my seamstress to get them to fit me all over. Not these. They fit perfectly. They are marketed as low rise, but they don't sit low at all. They lie flat on the small of my back. It's like my seamstress is working for Levi's and she made them just for me.

I know there are more women out there who have the same issues with jeans, so try these. Let me know what you think.

If you guys have any questions regarding fashion, please email me.

Have a fashionable day!

Just get rid of them, please?

2007-10-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Listen, it has to be said. And I'm going to be the one to say it. Why are grown-ass women wearing baby shoes? Why? I'm referring to two very popular brands of shoes. Crocs and Ugg Boots. I'm sorry, but they look like shoes that only a baby or young child should wear.

Let's start with the ugliest of the two, Ugg or UGH. I'm pretty sure they named them ugg because they are uggly. U-G-G-L-Y you aint got no alibi. You're uggly (stomp stomp clap) You're uggly. Nobody and I mean nobody, not even Pamela Anderson looks good in these hideous creatures. And why would anyone in Los Angeles need snow shoes? The only reason a grown person should wear these is if they're in a ski lodge in front of a fire after a long day of skiing. Or they are wearing them around the house as slippers or house shoes. Unless of course, company comes over. Then you take those tacky moon boots off your feet and put on an adult shoe, for cryn' out loud.

Ok, now onto the Crocs. When did this happen? When did women give up and start wearing their gardening shoes as regular every day shoes? Is it the comfort? Because I own shoes made for adults that are very very comfortable. So, ladies, if you aren't working in your garden, please stop wearing these shoes in public. You look like a child. No matter what you're wearing on top, those shoes look ridiculous and ruin your outfit! Unless you're wearing the equally awful overalls. Then you look crazy from head to toe. Are you happy now?

I know that was harsh but I couldn't stay silent another day. It's easy to look like a woman from head to toe. It really doesn't take that much effort. If you want to be taken seriously, stop wearing Bozo the Clown's shoes.

Wow, I feel so much better now. Thanks for listening.

Style it up!!

Sleek Sneakers---Sleakers

2007-09-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have a strong suggestion for all the ladies. If you're going to wear a sneaker, how about making it a bit more fashionable. Your heavy white sneaker should be worn at the gym only! When you're putting on a casual outfit, finish it off with a sleek fashion sneak. There's nothing more aggravating than seeing a woman in a cute casual outfit only to have it ruined by huge, ugly athletic sneakers. And they're usually filthy. It's not feminine. It looks like you're standing inside a big brick.

Before you even go there, let me assure you that a tight-fitted, sleek sneaker will be just as comfortable as your hideous cross trainer. Also, if you have a favorite color, buy your fashion sneaker in that color. It's always nice to add a pop of color to your outfit.

The gym sneaker is for the gym, just like the rest of your gym wear. Most of you wouldn't be caught dead at work wearing your gym clothes, so why would you wear your gym sneaker? Add a fashion sneaker toute suite!

Look Good, Feel Good

2007-09-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a comment from a client after I cleansed her closet this weekend.

"I just wanted to let you know that I walked into my closet this morning, and instead of dreading the decision about what to wear, I was excited to pick one of the outfits you discovered. It's SO much more fun looking at a closet of possibilities rather than a small room of agony!Thanks for making me look and feel so great about myself... and my closet."

This is the reward of what I do. It's just so satisfying to see this change occur before my eyes in a matter of three or four hours. The process begins with the client being skeptical and making excuses for all their clothes or trying to convince me of the brilliance of certain hateful outfits. But after the first half hour, the client is saying "This is awful. Get rid of it." Or, "This actually fits me well." And they are right on. I just want to give them huge squeezy hugs. Which I do, because I am not one to contain myself.

My whole approach to helping women dress is to empower them to discover what works and what doesn't work on their bodies so they won't need me. Not a brilliant profit strategy, I know. But I'm not in this for people to become dependent on my opinion of what works for them. It's all about independence, baby.

I'm so excited for you to discover your own special fashionista within.

It's Alive!!

2007-09-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, everybody. It's launched. My website is live. I'm so thrilled with the outcome. It's gorgeous.

My web designer, Lisa Lynham, has done an outstanding job. Thank you so much, Lisa. When Lisa and I first started talking about this whole thing, she was living in in the Bay Area and working with my husband. But she up and moved to Portland in the middle of all of this. And still, she was able to make the final product exactly what I wanted. It's perfect. Long distance relationships DO work.

Thank you thank you thank you, Kris Larson for writing the content for me. All I had to do was tell her what I do and how passionate I am about what I do and she wrote all that content. Kris, you are an amazing writer. She really is, you guys. You should all go to her website and read it daily because she's hysterical, clever, witty, smart, and she's gorgeous to boot. A lethal combination.

My father in-law, Victor Miller, took all of the photographs for the site. He's not only a talented writer, he's an amazing photographer. Thanks, papa in law!! I've never looked better. And we had so much fun doing it. He made me feel relaxed and confident. He's not only a great father in law, he's a really wonderful friend.

Big thanks to Laurie Lion from Viva Diva Boutique for letting me use her boutique for my photo shoot. What an awesome dame. Not only did she agree to let me use her place of business during business hours, she was helping us stage the photos. Laurie and her employees were cheerleading for me during the entire shoot. It really built up my confidence. So, thank you, Laurie.

Also, thanks to Scott Evans for providing my hosting. I don't really know what that means, but I'm pretty sure the site couldn't live without him. Scott is an awesomely sweet, and lovable fella. I adore him. THANKS SCOTT!!

Last but certainly not least. Thanks to Ian, husband extraordinaire, for his support and love. And copy editing. Ian is my rock and he's been encouraging me to pursue my passion for years. I stand taller and feel more proud because of his love and devotion. I love you, Ian. Thanks!!

And a big thanks to all of you for believing in me. Now, go check out my website and let's start making the Bay Area more glamorous and confident!!

WOO HOO!

Summer Starts Now

2007-08-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

To all of you that live in the Bay Area, listen up. Summer just started here. We'll have beautiful sunny weather through Thanksgiving or maybe even Christmas. The great part about this is we can save money because of all the Summer sales. While everyone in other regions are busy buying sweaters and boots at full price right now we're at the summer bargain bins. If you're not there then you should be. Whether it be online or in person, you can get some great summer clothes for really cheap. You can rest assured that most of these fashions will be easy to wear for Summer 2008 as well. Not to worry.

Just thought I'd remind you how lucky we are to live in the Bay Area. Enjoy those summer clothes for a couple more months and then buy your sweaters and boots when everyone else is freaking out about buying the brand new summer fashions.

Oh The Irony

2007-08-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today I'm going to be having, for lack of a better phrase, a photo shoot. I'm having photos taken for my website that will be launching very very soon. www.theclosetshopper.com. Check it out. Ok, I'm done plugging.

Here's the dilemma. I can't figure out what to wear. It's laughable really because of course I have plenty but do I have the perfect outfit that will make all women want to hire me. The outfit that would make every single one of you say, "Oh my! She's the fashion consultant for me. I mean, look at her." You know?

I was talking to a friend of mine last night at flying trapeze class. She's a writer and sometimes has writers block. Well, I'm likening this dilemma to that. I'm a fashion consultant with fashion block.

Wish me luck, ladies. I'm putting together outfits right now. I hope I can appeal to all of you. Or apparel to all of you. Ok, ok. I'm done with the stupid word play.

Have a great outfit!

I Heart Denim

2007-08-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

If you're lucky enough to work in an environment that allows you to wear whatever you want then i say, "Denim it up, baby!" And if you don't then, quit your job OR denim it up after work.

This fall we're in for a treat. Absolutely every shape and style of jean is acceptable. Boot cut, Skinny, Trouser, Distressed. You name it, you can wear it. Well, unless you have the never acceptable "Mom jeans". Now that doesn't mean you can't wear the new high waisted jeans. If you are happy that they are back, then buy a NEW pair of them. Please, for the love of God, burn the old ones. I repeat, BURN THEM.

Ok, so here's the deal. You can buy any and all shapes and sizes of these jeans no matter what your budget. Unless of course your budget is zero dollars and zero cents. Unless you are my friend and the recipient of a recent closet purge. My friends are soooo lucky. Anyway, you can buy all shapes of denim at Target, Old Navy, The Gap, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Macy's, Bloomies, Saks.....and almost every chic boutique. You can also find discounted designer denim at Eluxury.com and Bluefly.com. For one pair of jeans you can spend anywhere from $20 to say $200. But it's your choice. And it's not like it was few years ago when the high end expensive jeans were really the only ones that looked great and fit great. The more reasonably priced versions are made with a much better wash and quality of denim. And all the manufacturers seem to allow for the figures of most women. Whether you are rail thin or lusciously curvy or anywhere in between, you can rock the perfect denim.

Now go out there and purchase some kick ass denim. You will feel great in the perfect pair for you. And there is a perfect pair for you. Trust me. Remember that you may have to spend hours trying them on. You must be patient because it will be worth it. Even if you only end up with one pair that works. If that's the case, buy two and hem one pair for flats and one for heels. You'll have the perfect pair of jeans for every occasion. I said perfect a lot, but it's really the perfect word to describe the perfect pair of jeans.

Shop well and be fabulous!