Are there items that you pine for?  Are there shoes, purses or a pair of slacks that you passed over — perhaps, due to the price or you just didn’t make it to the store in time — that now you wish you owned and are always thinking of how you would wear them, use them, etc…?  If so, then you have the “Simply Gotta Have It” shopper’s dilemma.

I have it, so I completely understand it.  There are red sandals that I purchased and returned twice about 10 years ago (I am not kidding) that I still think about.  Why did I return them?  I felt that they were unnecessary, expensive and simply wouldn’t be worn enough to warrant the expenditure.  That purple backpack up in the left corner has come and gone and boy do I wish I had it!  It’s by Tory Burch and I saw it in Elle Magazine this Spring but by the time I looked for it, they were all, long gone.  I will continue to search high and low for it, calling and trying and wasting time because it’s given me that “Simply Gotta Have It” itch.

I call this issue a dilemma because it turns seemingly strong individuals to complete mush.  If you don’t have the “Simply Gotta Have It” dilemma than you are a free person.  You can shop and pass up those items that don’t fit into your current needs list or your current budget.  But, for those of us with this dilemma, passing-up is simply not an option.  One cannot pass up a red dress because one owns 10 other red dresses.  It’s impossible because it is feared that come a few weeks or months down the road, that dress that was passed-by, will be the perfect thing to wear, the one red dress that is completely necessary to complete the day’s look.

I don’t wish this dilemma on anyone.  Stick with what you need, stay within your budget.  Don’t buy too much of the same thing because next year your “thing” may change to something else and then you have to purge… a lot.

Since I have the dilemma, I have also learned how to handle it and overcome it.  It takes hard work and determination but it’s very possible.

First thing: one must get rid of the guilt and worry.  So, even though you own a couple of red dresses, you can still buy a red dress if you find one that you truly love, that fits your budget and doesn’t completely replicate another dress in your closet.

Second: don’t fret or worry if you can’t get a specific something at the moment you want it.  There are always wonderful new things to be purchased and there is so much out there today at your fingertips (literally, if you shop the internet) that one item will not change your life. 

Unless, of course, it’s a fabulous purple backpack!

Call or email me, your savvy fashion consultant, to learn how to maximize your wardrobe by making smart choices.

This Spring clogs are it!  If you look back on my post from Spring 2009 “Look of the Week: Fringe, Clogs and Long Cardigans”  you will see that I have always loved clogs.  And, now there are a multitude of styles to choose from including the top left from Chanel and the top right from Miu Miu.  I love Stuart Weitzman’s denim clogs and Jeffrey Campbell’s beige clogs that still are totally reminiscient of the more traditional clog but way sexier!

These two pairs above are also being called clogs because the shoe sits on a clog-type platform.  The above left is another Stuart Weitzman and is available in a few colors and the above right clog is from Free People.

Of course, a more traditional clog is still available.  Try the Swedish Hasbeens if that’s what you prefer.

For me, I’ll try one of the newer styles.  They are fresh and will look great with dresses for Spring and Summer or jeans and pants going forward into Fall.  The look is hip but casual.  Something different from a regular sandal or a flip flop.

I think this is a trend that will last — since it’s already decades old.  And, that’s a good thing because I still love Clogs!

Yes.  You can have too much in your closet.  And, it can be just as confounding as having too little.

Most of my customers tell me the same thing, “I have closets of clothes and nothing to wear”.  If this feels like a familiar statement to you, then as your fashion and wardrobe consultant, I advise you to stop shopping right now!

I didn’t say to stop shopping forever but let’s take a breath and reassess.  I love to go to a new client’s home and get into her or his closet before we do anything else.  First, we toss out what’s really outdated, not in wearable shape and looks bad.

Next, I ask my client to tell me what in the closet makes them feel uncomfortable when worn, never, ever gets worn and what do they just not like at all.  This often leads to statements like, “I spent a lot of money on this, but…”, or “I plan to wear it but it never goes with anything…”, or “I use to wear this and love it but now whenever I put it on, I feel lousy”.

I look over these various pieces and help the client to understand that sometimes it’s just best to say good bye no matter the price, the personal history or the other various reasons for keeping something that just doesn’t work anymore.

What to toss:

* Anything that’s obviously worn, tattered, spotted (with spots that can’t be removed)

* Any piece of clothing that makes one feel uncomfortable, self-conscious, needs constant readjusting (such as snaps that always pop open, slits that are too high, tops that need pulling down all day)

* Clothing you hate, dislike strongly, really can’t stand to wear

* Ill fitting clothes that a tailor can’t fix

Our next step in the process is to look over what a client has left and what we feel can either be useful in any new wardrobe or a special piece that just needs a little nipping or tucking, or letting out as the case may be with some pieces.  I also teach my clients how to organize their closets so they can see what they have and find outfits and pull together looks easily.

Once we’ve done a good job of cleaning out the closet, the next step is to figure out what are the holes in this wardrobe, i.e. what do we need to shop for and what pieces are left that need a complimentary piece.  Often we’ve kept a jacket but not the pants and skirt that were with it and then we look to find alternative new looks for that jacket.  Or, we kept the pants and want to find a blouse or great, new top to compliment them.

The goal is not to have too much but to have the right amount.  And that amount depends on the person and how many different options that she or he likes to have for their wardrobe needs. 

If a client dresses up for work 5 days a week, that needs to be taken into consideration.  If a client attends many evening events, Saturday afternoon ball games, works from home a lot or goes out to upscale restaurants on a regular basis, it all must be taken into consideration when creating a great wardrobe.  What a client’s lifestyle and career are makes a difference as to what and how much of any type of clothing one needs.

A great wardrobe and shopping consultant will not push a client to buy, buy, buy but will help a client to put together a great, working wardrobe that fits that client’s lifestyle and budget.  When you open your closet door each morning, you should feel excited and be able to pick out something great within a couple of minutes.  If when you open that closet door you just feel dread or get stressed, then you need to give me a call!

We all want to find it and we search and search… Some of us believe – every once in a while — that we have found it and hold dearly to it for at least a few wearings.  That most perfect of all items — the dress of all dresses!  I have owned quite a few.  Some of them I still own and do wear… a lot.  Usually they are black.  Typically they are simple — crew necked, just above the knee, sleeveless, a-lined skirt with a fitted bodice.  Sometimes they are belted or do have a long sleeve or three-quarter length sleeve.  Sometimes they are navy or deep crimson or even lacy (that would be a perfect party dress).  And, once in awhile, it’s a dress that doesn’t get a lot of wear but is always in fashion, always looks great and can get pulled out at least once or twice a year for that special occasion.

What makes a dress a perfect dress?  What makes a man a perfect man?  Everyone’s answer will differ, won’t it?  For me, it’s a lot of what I listed above –simplicity, ease of fit over my hip area, tighter fit through my waist, etc…. For you, it may be that the dress covers just the right amount of arm, dips down your cleavage to where you are most flattered but still most comfortable, it’s the exact right length and material, etc… I could go on and on.  Sometimes, it’s the back of the dress –see the two above: one with the bow on the top of the zipper, which took a very simple short dress to one with a sense of humor; and the lacy backed dress…just gorgeous.

However, like finding the perfect man, it is really an illusion.  NO DRESS (i.e. NO MAN) will ever be perfect.  No dress can be your best friend forever.  No dress can be worn for every occasion for the rest of your life.  Love for clothing, like love for your fellow humankind, is fickle at best.  You love a dress, you wear it quite  a few times but maybe by the 6th wearing, you sense deep down inside that you don’t get that same glow inside when putting it on and the same excitement at the thought of wearing it to your next ladies luncheon.

That’s okay.  Don’t feel guilty and don’t feel that you can’t buy another similar dress to give you that same “lift” again.  We all need perk-ups, in love and clothing.  I have many clients who say to me — I love this dress but I already own: (fill in the blank here) a blue dress;  a black dress; a sleeveless dress; a brown dress; a party dress; a tweed dress.  As you personal shopping assistant and fashion consultant I give you permission to have more than one: (fill in the blank here) blue dress; black dress; sleeveless dress; brown dress; party dress; tweed dress. 

When you find true love, grab hold it and never let it go.  But always remember, love is fickle and that’s just human nature!

Do I look good in this?  Does this dress express what I want to say about myself?  Do I look too old, too young, as if I’m trying too hard, too curvy, too casual, too dressy, smart, sexy, too hippy, not hip, fat, too thin?  I could go on and on listing the questions we ask ourselves — and others – about our clothing and our style.

When I page through a magazine and see some of the most beautiful and outrageous outfits shown on models, I look at the pieces separately thinking of how I could use them in my “real” life.  I know I’ll never look like a model but I do believe that there are many styles I can wear and wear comfortably.  But, like anyone else, I know that my clothing expresses a lot about me and I want to be sure to express who I really am…or at least want to be.

The two photos above are my representation of the “A” to “Z” of fashion design.  Anna Paquin on the left is wearing an Alexander McQueen black dress and Fred Pinto on the right is in a Zac Posen.  Designers, who if you thumbed through a Vogue, you would believe to be designers of over-the-top and more exotic dresses for theatrics only.  Yet, here both of these women show great style wearing these simple — yet sublime — dresses.  Perfect for their looks.

This photo on the left below is from a Christian LaCroix Couture fashion show.  It shows an interesting meshing of animal print, sophisticated design and drama.  Probably not something you’d see someone wearing walking around the Loop, not even on Michigan Avenue.  But, the leopard print dress on the right below is something you might see around town, at a party, at dinner or maybe even during the day with a cardigan or jacket over it.  This dress is by Nanette Lepore (one of my favorite, most wearable designers) and is truly flattering.

There are so many, many choices of outfits, looks, ways to put ourselves together that it can be overwhelming figuring out what’s right for you and your lifestyle.  If you’re a corporate executive with hopes of moving up the ladder, a suit from Ann Taylor probably isn’t the best bet.  You need to be wearing something different from those who report to you.  If you’re just starting out in your career, perhaps in banking or finance, a simple, yet great-fitting suit (maybe one from Theory) will pay for itself over and over with the amount of use you’ll get from it.  A volunteer mom who wants to be in something other than her sweats for the next PTO meeting?  Get yourself over to Anthropologie and pick out a fabulous boho top and some slimming pants, add a great purse and flats and you’re not going to look as if you just came from the gym.

I realize the complexity of dressing and all the complications of putting together just the right outfit.  I battle with these issues for myself and understand your questions and concerns.  Contact me before you spend another wasted dollar on clothing that doesn’t make you feel “Just right”.  I promise you’ll spend your dollars wisely and you’ll have fun getting dressed for whatever life may bring.

xoxox Susie

 I purchased this fabulous Nanette Lepore Party Girl Coat after eyeing it longingly for about a month.   It was kind of a funny purchase for me because when I first saw it I didn’t even want to try it on.  It looked too busy for my smaller body type and I just figured I’d be overwhelmed by it.  Was I ever wrong.  After some prodding by a very determined saleswoman, I put it on and, voila, it was perfect!  I fell in love. 

Better yet, each time I wear it I get lots of compliments and questions.  Where did you get that?  It’s so adorable, who makes that coat?  I even gave it to one of my customers to try on she was so enamored of it.

But, when this customer tried the jacket on, something funny happened.  It just didn’t look right.  She is a very attractive woman who typically looks wonderful in just about everything I gather up for her.  But, this jacket was not right for her.  Then over the past weekend, I bumped into a friend of mine who had seen me wearing the jacket and told me she also had seen it in the store and was thrilled to try it on after having seen it on me.

Alas, she too said it just wasn’t the right look for her.

What makes something look perfect on one person and simply wrong on another?  Sometimes, it is difficult to know.  Body type, hair, coloring, attitude — they all go into the mix of an individual’s look.  Perhaps, clothing somehow mixes with a person’s uniqueness to create a new look for each individual, much like perfume and how it smells different on each person who puts it on.

There are some important lessons to be learned from this one little jacket: 1. Don’t hesitate to try on pieces that are outside your normal sphere of comfort.  This is something I tell my customers on a regular basis because often they look at what I’ve brought into the fitting room and say, “no way is that going to work on me”  and most of the time, they are pleasantly surprised.  I, too, need to try things on that I normally hesitate from — I had to be prodded by that saleswoman. 2. You can’t copy another woman’s look  — it’s unique to her.  Sometimes we can get an idea of what we’d like to buy or an outfit we’d like to put together by seeing it on someone else.  But beware when that what you’re putting on you is right for you! 

Look objectively at yourself or better yet, get someone you can trust to help you out.  Someone, like me, your personal shopping and wardrobe consultant, who can help you hone in on the style that is right for you, your body, your career, your lifestyle and your pocketbook.

xoxo Susie

I really love uniforms.  They can be quite sexy and stunning.  These women are adorable in their red Chinese dresses, white berets and — dare I say? — go go boots!  But, the “having to look like everyone else around me” when you’re over the age of consent is ridiculous.  At dinner last night, out with my husband and youngest son, I wore an adorable Theory dress, black tights, Stuart Weitzman booties and a Nanette Lepore fabulous, sweater-coat.  I carried a large Prada nylon/gold black bag (with and extra sweater for layering in it, in case it got a bit chilly).  Needless to say, I felt quite lovely.

But, as I looked around the dining room, I could have sworn I entered the enclaves of the Russian Proletariat.  EVERYONE was in lousy fitting and bland looking jeans with even blander looking t-shirts and sweater tops.  Men and women included.  And, they did not look as cute as the real Proletariats, pictured below.  At least these men and women tipped their hats and did their hair.

A lovely friend of mine, who is always beautifully coiffed, manicured and dressed once said to me, quite frankly,  “You know, jeans were invented for the workers.  They are the uniform of labor.”  Okay,  I’m fine with that.  Jeans have gone beyond their initial use of clothing for the San Francisco 49′s (not the football team).  But, I get where she was coming from.  Jeans are not meant to be our only form of dress.  They are great to have for those days when you are just hanging, great for students and for taking walks, doing gardening, etc…  And, they can be quite good looking for going out in — but you have to “rock those jeans”.  Not add a worn out Gap t-shirt and call it a day.

I thank Beyonce and Rihanna, both pictured here looking awesome.  I thank them because they don’t have the needle thin legs of models and boyish-figured girls, but they wear their jeans and they wear them the right way — with panache.  I feel that I don’t have to be built like a boy to wear jeans, but I better wear my jeans so it’s clear there’s a women in those denims.  Show your figure, accentuate your curves and add a top, jewelry and accessories that give the outfit some ‘Pow’.

Millions of people across the globe have fought to unleash themselves from the grip of Communism and the visions of a world where literally “everyone is the same”.  They shook off their uniforms and looked to us, the West, to give them an idea of style that emerges from being free.  Please, let’s utilize our freedoms and let ourselves understand that emulating your neighbor down to wearing everything she does is only a good thing if your neighbor happens to look like Salma Hayek.  Otherwise, find your own style, make an effort and call me, your personal stylist and fashion consultant.  I can lead you down the path of individualism, beauty and fashion fun!

As you know from my previous blog, Why I DIY, and from my website which is filled with my own paintings and ideas, I like to make stuff!  And after wearing my own creations around town, I was asked to put a few of them in a local store window.  That got me going and going and going.  Here was my conundrum: if I made necklaces that I really loved, how could I sell them (I want to wear them) but if the necklace I made wasn’t something I loved, I certainly didn’t want to put my name on it as creator and then sell it…. I have a reputation to uphold (or at least I want to develop a great reputation, not a mediocre one).

Here’s what I have decided and it’s a good life lesson.  Create beautiful pieces and if someone wants to buy anything for a fair price, sell it and move on.  There are always more beautiful pieces to be made, to own and to wear.  What we do own isn’t really permanently ours; we have it for awhile and eventually it either is too old and ragged to wear anymore, we have outgrown the fit or the style and we send it on its way, or it if should outlive us, the piece will be passed on to the next generation.

The necklace that I was so proud of in my Why I DIY blog (and the one pictured above that I am wearing) has sold.  I loved that necklace and I did wear it a few times.  The funny thing was, before I sold it I didn’t love it as much anymore anyway and I told myself that its time for me had passed, such as some of the fabulous clothing that I had worn and given away.  I have often looked back on what I’ve given up with regret.  But, there were reasons I chose to give up those pieces.  Mostly the reason for me has been that I just didn’t feel great wearing that dress, those pants, that top or jacket anymore.  And my personal philosophy is, “If you don’t feel wonderful in it, get rid of it.” 

So, I have offered up these pictures to show what I have made (these are just a few) and to let you know that: 1. It’s great to make your own stuff and to enjoy wearing it; 2. It’s okay to move on from clothing, jewelry, special items and to sell or give them away when you no longer have the same connection to them; and 3. Don’t feel obligated to wear or keep items that don’t enhance the way you feel about yourself.

If you’re interested in my necklaces, some can be found on http://sostrov.etsy.com.  Tell me what you think and remember, closet-cleaning is not a once-a-year activity, it’s an ongoing ritual.  Call me or email me at susan@ostrovs.com for help with choosing what to keep and what to get rid of — I am your personal stylist and I’m ready and able to help!

  

We all have them — parts of our bodies that we don’t love or don’t think fit into what’s “in style” today.  How can a body part be in or out of style?  I’m not sure but it seems to be in vogue right now to have a nice, round behind.  When I was a young girl, we all wanted the teeny tiniest tushy possible.  I guess it’s a good thing for all of us “rounder” women that we can now find acceptance and can feel good walking away from a crowd in our blue jeans.  But, hey, now it’s the girls with the flat buns who feel a bit bad about their backsides. 

Whenever I’m in the fitting room with a client, I hear exactly how they feel about their body.  The flatter-chested women are not pleased with their bosoms; the wide-hipped gals are embarrassed by their womanliness.  The bigger busted women wish theirs tilted upward more.  The women with bigger calves are ashamed of their less-than-petite legs.  Just about every woman seems to have issues with her feet as well (What’s up with that?  They are feet and no one looks at your feet and thinks negatively about you.  And, if they do, pity them!).

Your body is your home.  If yours is less then perfect, welcome to the human race.  Stop looking at celebrities and wondering why they look so great — it’s called airbrushing, plastic surgery and great stylists.  We all have flaws.  It’s how you work with what you got that makes a difference.  And, getting the right advice is priceless.

Call or email me and I’ll show you how to have fun getting dressed and how to look and feel great.  As your personal shopping consultant, I know the “tricks of the trade” and I know how to enhance what you’ve got in every way.  Of course, the first step to real beauty — you know the inner and the outer kind — is acceptance.  Leave the rest to me!

susan@ostrovs.com

847-971-7507

A new customer reached out to me this week asking me to decide if we should work in her closet first — see what she owns, get rid of what doesn’t work, put together new outfits from what she has that does work, etc… — or if we should just go directly to the stores and shop.  I wrote her back a rather, lengthy email telling her that really this decision must be hers.   Does she want to spend budget money more on my time by going through her existing wardrobe?  Or, should she simply give me a listing of what she thinks she has that’s worth keeping, spend a bit less on my time but more on some new clothing?

Personally, I think it’s always best to try to salvage what you have that’s worthwhile first.  For all I know as your new wardrobe consultant and personal stylist, you have made some terrific purchases over the years.  You may not realize that the jacket you bought last season but never wore will look really great once you take it into the tailor and have the waist nipped a bit (about $25-$35) or that putting a belt over that simple red dress you bought on a whim will change its look completely and make you feel sensational in it (a new belt is typically much less expensive than a new dress).

On the other side of it, you may say to me that you already own two perfectly fine white blouses and don’t need to purchase a new one.  I then go into your closet and see that those two blouses are yellowed, pilled or simple outdated and not worth fixing.

There are many, many choices out in the world today.  Knowing what to pick and what to spend your hard-earned cash on can be difficult.  I know that I love a lot of different looks and styles.  I am open-minded to individuals showing their own taste and creativity when it comes to getting dressed.  However when it comes to get myself dressed —  especially as I have gotten older — I no longer want to be uncomfortable at all — even for a couple of hours at a party or event.  I like high heels but will only buy ones that fit my feet just right and offer me some comfort.  That’s why I tend to always go with a platform shoe.  I love dresses but can’t stand feeling confined in anything.  So, I usually purchase and wear dresses with more of an a-line style than straight bottom.  I can’t buy it all, so I’d rather keep my fashion style within a certain look that I know always works for me.

What’s just right for you?  Maybe you aren’t sure.  Maybe you never realized that much of the clothing that you own already can be adapted to fit you better so you feel better while wearing it and flatter your figure best.  Perhaps, you think you’re dressing just fine for the office but haven’t really taken a close enough look at that black suit that’s fraying at the edges. Or, that attending a school event for your children in an old t-shirt and schleppy jeans is fine (it really isn’t).

Call or email me and let’s set-up a time to talk about you, your wardrobe and your clothing needs.  As your personal stylist, I can help you sort through the myriad of clothing and accessories calling out to you from the stores and crying out to you from the back of your closet.

Reach me at susan@ostrovs.com or 847-971-7507.