| Tip of the Week Archives |
March 2008: Can Your Man Change His Style? Yes!
Read On (and Watch the Liz Walker Show this Sunday at 11:00am on CBS Boston)
Is your man still wearing the clothes he wore when you got married 20 years ago? Are you worried that your husband may be overlooked for the next big promotion because of his lack of professional presence? Does every suggestion to get your guy to shop turn into an argument? You are not alone. We field countless emails from women frustrated with the state of their mate’s style (or more specifically their lack of it!)
This week we worked with the producers of Sunday with Liz Walker here in Boston to showcase the two services we offer for men. Tune in this Sunday from 11:00-11:30 am on CBS Boston to view the makeovers for yourself. We’ll post the clip on our site early next week.
In the meantime, here’s a summary of what we did:
"Just for Men" Makeover — Liz’s cameraman Ron Anderson was our subject! We viewed some "before" photos of Ron, talked to his wife Mary Beth for some insight and then met him for a few hours of focused shopping at Macy's in Chestnut Hill. Ron was instantly transformed! Special thanks to Macy's, hairstylist Hamid of Leon & Co of Belmont, MA and our own June Tarter for making Ron look (and feel!) like a million bucks! Here’s a before and after of Ron:
|
|
"The Virtual Consulting" Makeover — We also provided Liz with before and after pictures of Fred Graichen of Wisconsin. Fred’s wife Sue turned to our newly launched virtual consulting program for help making over Fred’s wardrobe. She provided photos, his sizes and a brief description of Fred’s challenges — standard issues like never having anything to wear, working hard with little time to shop, being stuck in a khaki/jean and tee shirt rut. She then worked virtually with our consultant Elizabeth Fragala to identify and then shop online for a whole new wardrobe for Fred. Here’s a before and after of Fred along with a testimonial from Sue:
|
|
|
"I am so thrilled with your service! I’m a big internet user, which is how I do all my initial research for every project. Your website was very helpful. Living in the middle of Wisconsin, I wasn’t likely to find a fashion consultant anywhere near me, so I knew virtual consulting would be the way to go! I knew your pricing without having to place a call as well as what that pricing included. You were very responsive to my e-mail asking for additional information. Elizabeth was also great to talk with. She followed up very quickly with the shopping list, which was key as I was very excited to get started with my shopping for Fred. She included item numbers which is extremely helpful when shopping online. Best part — Fred is thrilled with his new wardrobe and more confident with his appearance. Thank you so much for offering this type of service!" Sue Graichen Virtual Consulting Client Neenah, Wisconsin |
Help for Your Man is Only a Click Away
Your man doesn’t have to work for Liz (or live in Wisconsin!) to get the star treatment. Follow this link to purchase one of these packages to experience your own results. If you are looking for a cool college graduation gift, we also have a special package for graduating seniors who need to build a professional wardrobe to land (and keep!) their dream jobs. We welcome the opportunity to work with you.
January 2008: Ten Tips for Getting Winter Hosiery Under Control
January is a great time to take a mid-winter hosiery inventory while vowing to get this area of your wardrobe under control and in good shape to carry you through the rest of winter and into spring.
Here are our best tips for gaining control over an area of the wardrobe that is often neglected:
#1 Play Tough Love. Toss all hosiery, tights and socks that are torn beyond reasonable repair or wear and/or are missing a mate. Make a list of all the hosiery you need to replace and make it a priority to stock up now while sales are in high gear.
#2 Categorize and Separate the Keepers. If you have the space, devote separate drawers (or crates or other cubbies that you might use to store these items) for each category of hosiery. Storing socks, hosiery and tights together often contributes to hosiery mayhem.
#3 Bag Them. If your space is limited, consider separating hosiery by color and category and storing each in its own plastic bag side by side to get them under control. We love zip-lock bags because they are easy to get in and out of and label.
#4 Make the Most of Runs. Keep panty hose and tights with modest runs to wear under slacks. Cut a slit in their labels so you can easily identify them.
#5 Save the Packaging. When you find a pair of hosiery that you love, save the packaging. When you need to buy a new pair, you’ll have all the information you need. This tip is particularly helpful if you order your hosiery online.
#6 Know Your Percentages. Chances are your favorite hose, socks and tights are made with a percentage of Lycra and/or spandex. The addition of these modern fabrics makes them more comfortable and durable. Consider doing away with all the hosiery that doesn’t make you feel (and look!) your personal best.
#7 Ditch the Styles that Date You. Nude hosiery is a fashionable choice today except when it has an orange-like tint that tells the world they are left over from the 70s and 80s! Keep only nude hosiery that is more natural in appearance while complimenting your natural skin tone. Likewise, navy and white hosiery are old school, too -- many of the younger women we coach have never even owned a pair in these hues. The exception is if they are nurses or flight attendants and their uniforms require these hosiery colors. Black hosiery in various shades continues to stand the test of time as long as it is coordinated with your outfits wisely.
#8 Get Fancy. Hosiery that you don’t wear all that often (i.e. a pair of hosiery you only wear for black tie events) doesn't have to take up valuable room in your day-to-day hosiery storage area. We recommend storing fancy hose with the dressy shoes and evening bags that go with a specific outfit in a clear shoebox so they are protected and easy to locate when you need them.
#9 Be Brand Loyal. Doesn't it always seem as if your washing machine and/or dryer eat your socks? To avoid having a sock drawer full of single socks, stock up on the same socks from the same manufacturer so you can mix and match as you go. Most women can get by with a total of 10 pairs of black and brown over-the-calf trouser socks per season.
#10 Have a Back-up Plan. Finally, whether at home or on the road, always have a few brand new pairs of hosiery at your disposal. There’s nothing worse than stockings with a run when you are getting ready for an important business or social occasion!
December 2007: Dressing Well Gift Certificates: The Gift that Always Fits!
What do a busy executive who has little time to shop, a stay-at-home parent who loves the hit TV show "What Not to Wear," and a graduating college senior who needs help building an interview-appropriate wardrobe all have in common? They will soon be receiving personalized Dressing Well gift certificates for the holidays from special family members and friends.
If you are looking to give a unique and special gift to someone on your gift-giving list, there is still time to have a Dressing Well gift certificate created specifically for them. Our gift certificates are perfect for both men and women who would enjoy having someone with an expert eye help them evaluate and spruce up their wardrobes. We offer both one-on-one, in-person consulting and virtual consulting packages.
Here are some of our most popular packages:
"The Virtual Consultation" Gift Certificate
$250
A virtual consulting gift certificate gives the recipient the opportunity to interact via phone and email with one of our expert fashion consultants no matter where they live. The recipient determines the focus and we’ll provide the coaching to help him or her meet any specific goals. Review of up to ten photos along with a half-hour of phone time and a half-hour of internet shopping research is included in this package...ORDER NOW »
"The Organized Wardrobe" Gift Certificate
$500.00
Teaching someone how to organize and then shop in their own closet is a present that truly lasts a lifetime. This package includes three hours of private coaching with an Organization By Design, Inc. fashion consultant in the recipient’s closet, a shopping plan and a set of our preferred hangers...ORDER NOW »
"Fashion Focus" Gift Certificate
$1,250.00
This package includes five hours of private consulting split between reviewing what the recipient already owns and then shopping with them in a way that saves time, energy and money! A $500 gift certificate to a mall or store of the recipient’s choice is also included in this package...ORDER NOW »
"Head-to-Toe Style" Gift Certificate
$2,500.00
This package combines a full day (up to eight hours) of fashion consulting and personal shopping along with a $1,000 gift certificate to a mall or store of the recipient’s choosing. Hair and make-up recommendations are also included. Travel in and around greater Boston and throughout the state of Rhode Island with an Organization By Design, Inc. fashion consultant is included in this package. We also accommodate out-of-town clients who either fly into Boston or Providence or travel by car or train to work with us. We'd be happy to recommend a hotel and/or car service in and out of Logan or Green Airports for those who need these additional services...ORDER NOW »
For your convenience, gift certificates can be sent electronically to you or directly to the recipient. If you would like our help creating a gift certificate not covered on this list, please give our office a call. We welcome the opportunity to help you deliver a unique gift that will truly last a lifetime!
From all of us at Organization By Design, Inc. — happy holidays! For other great gift ideas, check out our online store. Our books, booklets and signature Dressing Well products make wonderful gifts and stocking stuffers.
November 2007: 5 Tips for Selecting a Winter Coat
Now that Veteran’s Day weekend has come and gone, coat departments, from moderately priced chains like JC Penney and the Gap to high-end stores like Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue, have been transformed into a sea of sale signs.
If you are in need of a winter coat to get you through the months ahead, now is the time to act. Selections are still good and if you live in an area of the country that will be turning cooler soon, you’ll be ready to step out in style no matter how low the temperature dips.
Here are five tips to help you navigate winter coat racks this season:
#1 Think Fabric. All wool coats are not created equally. Yes, 100% cashmere coats are king, but even a small percentage of cashmere blended with other wools will give a coat more luxury and longevity. Avoid a large percentage of nylon blended with wool. The nylon (a man made fabric) can start showing through the wool in just a few seasons, making it look worn and old. Nylon in wool also contributes to that annoying "scratchy" and "stiff" feel.
#2 Consider Length & Shape. A coat that falls from mid-thigh to the knee tends to be the most versatile length, as it can work over pants, jeans, and skirts. Full length coats that aren’t fitted at the waist can look frumpy. Any length coat with a shaped waist will typically flatter both petite and full figures. No matter the length, a trench coat with a zip or button out lining can work in all seasons and climates and might be the only coat you need!
#3 Study the Details. While sleeves should cover your wrist bone, they should not wander too far down your hand. In order to be useful, pockets should not be too low or too high. In addition, you don’t want pockets to appear in places that don’t work with your figure. Buttons should be sewn on tightly and extras provided. If you love the way a coat fits but don’t like the buttons, they can be easily replaced.
#4 Punch It Up. Hats, scarves and gloves give basic outerwear signature style. If your coat closet tends to be full of dark neutral colors, add some brighter coat accessories to beat the cold weather doldrums. Cobalt blue, fuchsia and bright red look especially crisp and fresh in the winter months and can do wonders for your psyche.
#5 Take it for a Test Drive. Finally, before purchasing a coat, try it on wearing what you plan to wear under it. You’ll also want to button or zip it up and hug yourself to ensure it fits properly. "Steering wheel" and "jump rope" tests (yes, you act out both movements while in the coat to ensure mobility!) are also good indicators of fit.
Follow this link to watch Mary Lou sharing these tips live on New England Cable News with anchor Karen Swenson.
October 2007: 10 Trade Secrets for Successful Wardrobing
In a fashion rut? Have a closet full of clothes and still feel like you have nothing to wear? Struggling with how to transition your wardrobe from warm to cool to cold weather?
You are not alone. Day in and day out, our team of expert fashion consultants helps our private clients tackle these same issues. Here are some bite-size tips compiled at our last staff retreat to help you bring order and focus to your wardrobe:
#1 Think About Lifestyle — Functional Separates vs. Suits
What do you do on a day to day basis — work, travel, volunteer? Whether you work inside or outside the home, chances are your day to day dress requirements have become less formal. Sure suits are practical for many and take a lot of the guess work out of putting things together. Functional separates, however, are a great way to relax your style while getting many looks from fewer pieces.
#2 Determine Your Retail Sizing — Petite, Missy, Plus
No matter your age, size, lifestyle or budget, dressing well is all about fit. Visit a few of your favorite retailers and try on a range of different sizes from different departments to see which sizes flatter your figure the best. Taking the time to truly understand your ideal retail sizing will help you feel better about yourself instantly.
#3 Pick Your Base Neutrals — Black, Chocolate, Navy and Gray
Stock up on pants, skirts, jackets, sweaters, shoes and boots in at least two of these base neutrals and you will get out the door quicker, dressed better than you ever imagined.
#4 Anchor Your Look — Pants, Skirts, Jeans
The best way to illustrate the importance of taking care of the bottom half of your outfit first is to think like a professional contractor. He or she starts with a solid foundation and builds from there. Make it a priority to get this part of your wardrobe up to code and the rest of the game will be easier — promise!
#5 Pick A Signature Color — Many Looks, Few Pieces
Selecting one color in the same hue to enhance your wardrobe cuts down on impulse shopping. For example, if you like purple (which is one of the season’s hottest colors), look for a variety of tops, jewelry, shoes and bags and totes that are made with the same shades of purple. You’ll end up with a closet full of clothes that mix and match well.
#6 Transition Your Wardrobe — Wear Now, Layer Later
The layering trend of the moment makes it a little easier to transition your wardrobe from warm to cool weather. Long sleeve crew, turtle, mock and funnel necks are both hip and functional layered under short and three quarter sleeve tops when it gets cold. Camisoles and tights also allow you to effectively layer year-round fabrics such as cotton, denim and lightweight wools.
#7 Top Things Off — Tees, Vests, Shirts, Sweaters, Novelty Jackets
A great rule of thumb while shopping is to select a minimum of three tops for every pant and skirt you buy. If you think of your tops as accessories, this philosophy gets even easier to adopt.
#8 Connect The Dots — Buttons, Zippers, Shoes, Scarves, Jewelry
It takes two or three points of similarity in an outfit to complete your look. If your sweater has a silver zipper, complete your look with a pair of silver earrings. If you want to add color to a neutral look, consider tying a bright printed scarf that contains one of the neutral shades in your outfit to the handle or strap of your bag.
#9 Tie It All Together With Outerwear — Wraps, Long and Short Coats & Rain and Shine Gear
Outerwear should not be an afterthought. Take some time at the beginning of each season to try on coats and wraps with your outfits. Make a note of what might be missing and make it a point to stock up when your favorite merchants run a sale.
#10 Check Out At The Store, Check In With Your Closet
Dressing well starts in your closet and ends in your closet. Before you take the tags off new purchases to wear them, try them on in your own space with your own light. Make sure your new items mix and match with what you already own and they are in fact worthwhile investments. Organize the keepers in a way that makes them easy to coordinate and be sure to return what you don’t want in a timely fashion.
© 2008 Organization By Design, Inc. / Wardrobe Management & Fashion Consulting
No portion of this article can be used without permission.
Contact info@dressingwell.com if you would like to discuss our dressingwell.com syndication program.