The Most Expensive Clothes You Own Are.......

the ones you never wear.

Today, I found inspiration for this article from watching a roundtable with Issac Mizrahi about value. Issac’s discussion with three other style experts made me think about my closet and probably yours. Here's the link for Issac's roundtable: http://cli.gs/n76r0r

Do you know that women generally wear about 20% of the clothes in our closets? That item you bought from the clearance rack that is still hanging in your closet with the tag on it is the most expensive thing in your closet. You bought it because you thought it was a great price, but now you don’t wear it because you really don’t like the way it looks on you. The second most expensive item is the outfit you bought at the last minute for a particular event. You can’t wear it again as an outfit because everyone saw you in it and you can’t break it up because the top and bottom don’t go with anything else in your closet. So it sits, taking up space. Consider how planning ahead and shopping by appointment can help you save time and money. No last minute purchases from everyone else’s rejects. No settling for OK when fabulous will satisfy you with years of wearing.

- Are your favorite black pants a little thin in the seat?
- Has your best blouse seen better days so you can’t take off your jacket when you wear it?
- Would a top or sweater in a vivid color be the one thing to update your suits this season?
- Do you need a new accent piece to add a little shine or animal attraction to your Spring?
- Would you love to start wearing skirts or dresses but aren’t sure what looks good on you?
- Do you have casual clothes that reflect your need for style. - Do you always feel like you don’t look pulled together when you’re casual?

I invite you to consider the value of shopping by appointment.

My boutique show is Wednesday, February 11th through Wednesday, February 18th. I invite you to experience a no obligation wardrobe consultation where we will talk about your life, your style, your fit needs and your upcoming events. It's like shopping with your most fashion savvy girlfriend but you don't have to listen to all her "stuff" while doing it or spend the whole day shopping. If you find an item you love from the Carlisle or Per Se Collections, I will order it, arrange for delivery and a fitting, and help with alterations if necessary. I'll also keep track of what you've bought so that we can build on what's in your closet each season. I make appointments for days, evenings, and the weekend. Contact me to arrange for your most convenient time. You can preview the Collections at http://www.carlislecollection.com/ or http://www.persecollection.com/.

And if those black pants you bought last year are getting a little thin consider replacing them with a pair of Carlisle Collection pants that will last for years (value). And even better is that those pants are reduced in price by 20% for Carlisle's "Back in Black" promotion!

Amazing - Which One Do You Like Best?

Today, I made a discovery while looking for shoes online. A dress that is amazingly similar to the Carlisle Collection's Foliage dress. Foliage is a double-layered dress. It is a poppy colored embroidered laser cut poly charmeuse (fancy terms that describe the lace overlay) over khaki linen. It has a wonderful shape that is great on all body types because there is room in the hips for a curvy body. My discovery was another designer's dress that has a similar look but was priced at $4995. Which dress do you like best? I love the Carlisle dress. By the way, our dress is a little more budget friendly!

Sassybax Body Shapers

Wow, just when you think that no one is reading what you're writing, you get confirmation that there are others out there reading. I got a wonderful comment on my previous post from Amanda Horan Kennedy, the creator of the Sassybax line of shapewear. It's kind of funny because when I was writing my post earlier and mentioned "several other body shaper companies", I was specifically thinking of Sassybax. Amanda has a great product which I have also recommended to clients. Recently, I recommended it to a client who now loves the Sassybax underwire torso trim bra so much that she wears one every day. I recommend the Sassybax bras to any woman who needs slimming in her upper torso. The bras are available in sizes 2 to 18 and up to a DD cup. Great for Carlisle Collection and Per Se clothing.

I am thankful for Amanda's comment because I was not aware that Sassybax also had lower body shapewear. If it slims through the hips as well as it works on the back and sides then I'm all over it or should I say it's all over me! Thanks Amanda.

Here's a link to the Sassybax collection: http://www.sassybax.com/index.php

Got Spanx?

Whenever I am working with a client who is trying on something a little form fitting, I ask if she knows about Spanx. I am always surprised when I discover a woman who hasn't discovered them yet. Spanx and several other body shaper companies are woman's salvation as far as I am concerned. They smooth out all that you might need to smooth while depending on which product you choose, holding it in! I have a link for Spanx in the Wardrobe Resource section.

Recently, I was speaking to a client who had an event in less than two hours. She wanted a little foundaion to help under her Carlisle Collection outfit. Where can I find Spanx in 30 minutes she asked. If you live close to a department store or specialty lingerie shop that's a no brainer. If you are not that fortunate, I have an alternative solution. Everyone has a Target close to them. Target carries ASSETS by Sara Blakely! Sara Blakely, by the way, is the creator of Spanx. My client reported that she was in and out with her shapewear in less than 10 minutes. She also reported that the ASSETS were very comfortable while shaping her "assets".

Spring 2009 Show Dates

In reviewing my blog post, I realize that there is something missing. My showing dates for Spring. If you are in the South Jersey area and are interested in seeing the Carlisle Collection or the Per Se Collection, please email me to set up an appointment.

Spring 2009 Showings
Wednesday, February 11 through February 18th.

Shine On!

A hot trend for Spring 2009. It’s all about light seeking patinas. Subtle sparks of gold, silver and cooper found in fabrics and accessories. Per Se has a metallic glazed leather jacket called Cheerio…..it’s to die for. This trend includes metallics, garments with glazed fabrics, and garments with beading and paillettes. Paillettes are just a French term meaning sequins. You will see them on tops and bottoms in all differents sizes. Check out our Carousel dress, a sheath dress with oversized white paillettes or the Explorer jacket which has every embroidered inch covered with small white paillettes. High gloss glimmer is everywhere. Glazing which gives a polish and luster to fabric or leather can be found on jackets like Hudson and Cheerio.

Most importantly, it’s okay to wear clothing with shine during the day. It's not just reserved for evening functions any more. For the day just make it a little more casual by choosing more casual coordinating pieces to wear with your shine on piece. Absolutely don't wear shine from head to toe.žEven Louis Vuitton is showing metallic coats for Spring. I like our Gypsum jacket better though, are you surprised?

New Year, New You Evening

I was fortunate to share the hosting duties for an event for ladies, last night. Everyone had a fabulous time. I got to see so many of my favorite people. I shared the stage with Dr. Karen Harkaway who is the Director of the Center for Skin Refinement in Delran, NJ. We both did presentaions on how to create a new you this new year. Of course, I spoke about Carlisle and Per Se but I also went over seven trends for Spring 2009. I will review those here in upcoming posts. Dr. Harkaway spoke about some of the wonderful services she offers like SmartLipo and Juvederm injects. A few lucky ladies were able to participate in a demonstration. If you want to learn more here's the link: http://www.drharkaway.com/Center.html

I also had an informal fashion show featuring a preview of the Spring 2009 collections. The ladies there loved the Elite dress which fit our model perfectly, they were wowed by the Bright jacket worn with the Marmalade top and Pegasus pants, I also heard a lot of comments when Staci, our model, came out in the Gypsum jacket carrying the Fireburst red patent leather bag. It was a great night for everyone. Thanks to all who came by!