Lifestyle Dressing - What Does it Mean Exactly?

Many interesting conversations come from talking to people about what they wear and why they wear it. One such conversation is about dressing well for your lifestyle. I know people who used to dress immaculately, by their account, in high school and college, and are now stay-at-home moms, work from home, or don't want to look out of place in a business casual environment and don't put the same effort into it. Again, their admission and not my observation. My questions are always why not, and what changed about your commitment to looking the best you possibly can? It's not that I think they don't look just fine as is, but when I tell people what I do, fashion becomes a topic of discussion most of the time. I talk a lot about lifestyle dressing, and I know it doesn't mean we have to end up as one of the 10 worst dressed cities on a GQ list, or the 10 best dressed in Glamour - do you know that?

We're blessed with temperate weather and a laid-back lifestyle, but that doesn't mean you get to use that as a reason to wear the same clothes all the time. Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Charleston, and Savannah are warmer than Raleigh, and yet, mixed in with the khakis and polos, shorts and camis, you meet people who wear regularly things like linen, ties, belts, work appropriate shirt- and sundresses, anything other than flip flops or sandals, and lots and lots of color. It fits their personal esthetic, the weather they experience, and the life they lead - lifestyle dressing to a T!

Now I know there are some of you out there shaking your head no. You love your khakis, your cargo shorts, your camis, and your flip flops. I'm all for a relaxed look - believe me! I, too, wear flip flops, a cami, and khaki shorts. What I hear most from clients is that it takes too long - the shopping, the morning routine, the traffic, and the stress of finding the right thing to wear when leaving your comfort zone. I have solutions for stuff like that. Not the traffic, of course, but the shopping, the morning routine, and the stress.  

First, you don't have to look like a model or be at your goal weight and perfect size to dress well. By dress well, I also don't mean fashion plate, but if that's what you aspire to - go for it! Mostly you simply have to find a good tailor and buy clothes that fit. Reminds me of Goldilocks - buy clothes that aren't too big or too small, but juuuust right.

Second, look at what people are wearing in the magazines you read. The pictures that have captions that read 'coming from the gym/yoga' or 'heading to/at the beach', are probably not things you should wear every day. I know, I know, those clothes are comfortable. There's a reason for that, and unless you're a trainer or yogi, personal pride and professional appearance have little to do with looking like you should be at the gym or the beach. Some magazines have a dedicated section for fashion finds or how to wear, like Real Simple or Garden & Gun. If you think you see something you like, or you see something new that is supposed to fit your body shape, go find it and try it on. 

Third, and last, take a day and pick a store. Remember when it was fun to go shopping and get lunch? Get together with a friend or two, and have fun. See what else is out there, what the designers are doing, and what might be truly out there in left field, as in who would wear this left field. Try on colors you like. If you find a pair of capris or a sundress to try on, try finding a scarf in a bold color or pattern to use as a belt. Mix and match patterns and colors in ways you've seen on tv shows, in magazines, or online. Put together a whole outfit for yourself or a friend (be sure to keep their body shape in mind - no friend wants you to feature their flaws, real or imagined). And have fun! 

So that's lifestyle dressing, just as simple as when you were a fashion conscious teenager. If you weren't a fashion conscious teenager, you've definitely had to learn to dress for your personal and professional life, both to present the image you'd like to project and to fit your circle of friends and activities, which is exactly what dressing for your lifestyle is all about.

Last tip, ironically about t-shirts. The CFDA, who hosted the awards I wrote about last week, is working with Coca-Cola to pick their new t-shirt that will be available for purchase at Target. To take a look at the new designs from young designers, and vote, visit their site.

Jason Wu for Target

Remember how stunning Michelle Obama looked at the inaugural ball in her one shoulder floor length gown? Two years ago, Mrs. Obama took a chance on an up and coming designer, and now 26 year old Jason Wu is about to launch his 43 piece line for Target. Availability begins February 5th and runs through March 6. Get your fingers on your laptop and be ready to pounce!

I expect Jason's fashions will be similar in popularity to Missoni’s line last fall. Like Missoni, Jason's goal was to make it different than his regular couture line, with new clothing and accessory designs. The clothes will offer a look of playfulness that the average woman could wear for work, brunch, or a cocktail party. Now that is what I call lifestyle dressing. A change of shoe and off we go!

The color palette theme begins with nautical colors of navy and red, a touch of mustard, a few items in blush, and a chunk of black pieces strewn in. Check out the Peter Pan collared dresses, striped black and white scoop neck sweater, and the little black dress with the nude colored belt and lace underlay. Jason also has incorporated a few bags, including a fabulous lady-like boxy shaped clutch. If the designs themselves aren't enough to make you buy, then the price tag of $20-60 for the clothes and $20-50 for accessories will do the trick. Check out this recent clip from NBC’s interview of Jason as he shows some of his 60's inspired designs:

http://thelook.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/18/10174686-the-best-of-the-jason-wu-for-target-collection

I do want to say, if you’re interested in buying the line, I wouldn't wait until the 6th to get serious about purchasing. I have a feeling it will all go fast and furious, including the black and red kitten scarf.

On another note, Target unveiled on January 12th an entirely new design platform being offered to shoppers. It’s called The Shops at Target. This ongoing program will bring upscale specialty stores like Polka Dog Bakery from Boston, Cos Bar beauty shop from Aspen, and The Candy Store from San Francisco to Target. Each specialty store will offer a six week run from their various product lines to be highlighted within local Target stores. How much better does it get than that? Do I actually need another excuse to shop at Target? Bless my credit card. Prices in The Shops at Target will range from $1-$160 with each shop designer contributing their design aesthetics to the product selection, packaging, and in-store shop displays. Target is surely thrilled to be able to offer shoppers the experience of shopping at these one of a kind specialty and boutique collections. Target is certainly ramping things up.

Remember to Wu on February 5!

Building That Designer Style House at Target

Go Target, go Target, go Target! Do you see me dancing and pumping my arms in excitement? What I would give as a stylist to be in the room of the marketing and strategic planning group for Target. I’d like to thank whoever is making the decisions to bring on these designers at Target and introduce them to the rest of the world - they’re doing a great job.

Target seems to do this best with its’ collaborations, so much so that other big box retailers like Kohl's and JC Penney have followed a similar path. But remember last year’s nightmare with Italian fashion house Missoni? The Target website crashed just after a few hours due to unexpected demand. Online orders were delayed and some cancelled, leaving shoppers frustrated. Although I have to say, I have a girlfriend that just received a garment she ordered with her initial order. Now that was a good surprise!

Stacia Anderson, Target's senior vice president, is working with the team to ensure delivery issues never happen again on such a grand scale. Going forward, the company will pursue more collaborations and limited editions to help bring in more of their core customers (women), and bring them in to Target in a way that the delivery schedule runs smoothly.

Hmmm, is it a good move to focus on women mainly? You betcha! Retail analysts disagree and feel as though sooner or later the tactic of focusing on the woman shopper will become an unsustainable business model. Target’s position is surely that keeping up with new strategies, new fashions and new designers keep up the level of excitement for their shoppers. I agree with both opinions, and women are the ones looking for fresh fashions routinely.

Let me just say, I am pretty excited about what Target is doing. Let’s first reminisce about the list of designers that Target has collaborated with over the years:

1999-today - Michael Graves, the world renowned architect has been designing kitchen gadgets and small appliances by using form and function.

2003-2007 - Isaac Mizrahi, he helped put Target on the map as the go-to style destination. He has collaborated on bedding, apparel and accessories. I'd love to see him show a presence again!

2005-today - Thomas O'Brien, NY based interior designer, has been a Target staple with his affordable VintageModern look for bedding, home textiles and house wares. He design brings old and new together. Love that look myself!

2008 - Anya Hindmarch has offered her famed designer handbag designer during the peak of our recession, pricing her line between $20-50. Fans jumped at the opportunity to purchase her signature styles of satchels, shoulder bags and clutches.

2008-2009 - Thakoon Panichgul offered his take on contemporary, for the women's classic resort wear. He offered tunics, tees, tanks, coats and dresses in bright colors and prints. His collection was his take on his Eastern heritage as it was already an established hit with his celebrity clientele. I must have missed this one, as I expect it was wonderful. Gotta love a bright frock!

2008-2010 - John Derian, a 1989 artist who pioneered the trend of decoupage. He incorporated this whimsical signature style into three decor collections for Target. Very funky with a twist!

2010 - Mulberry is an English luxury label designer handbag line. Target and Mulberry priced it to sell at around $50, without losing the exquisite craftsmanship and detail. I remember seeing them in the store, thinking it would be nice to be able to afford the real McCoy. Kinda like buying a knock off Louis Vuitton.

2010 - Zac Posen, with his trendy flair, was able to take many of his creative ideas about making dresses that converted style with the easy removal of a strap or hemline. The biggest hit in the collection was a black tuxedo style jacket and wide leg pant. Much of his line reminds me of an upscale H&M.

2010 - Temple St. Claire is a 14k gold plated jewelry line of necklaces, cuffs and charms. This inspired look by the Renaissance of Italy was so popular that Lucky Magazine even pictured it.

2011 - Calypso St. Barth is a house wares line, designed to highlight Moroccan artistry. The elephant ceramic tea pot and metallic poufs were the biggest hit of the line. I wonder if a pouf is in the same category as a gotta have it black blazer in your wardrobe. I can imagine putting my feet up and using the pouf. I read that someone used it to hold recycled bags. Really?

2011 - Missoni was the largest collection from a designer ever sold at Target, with 400 available items. Need I say more?

2012 - Jason Wu is one of the hottest new young designers around. Thanks to Michelle Obama, who wore a silk one shoulder dress designed especially for her for the inauguration ball, he is now highly sought after. His line is available online and in several larger Target stores starting February 5th-March 6. I am expecting this line to make a huge showing in the stores.

Look for my next blog to talk about the hot designer Jason Wu and the line he is rolling out in just a few short weeks. I look forward to sharing his looks with you!