What Can We Learn From NY Fashion Week?

There are always a lot of things to learn from the new designs on the runway. The one thing to remember if you are watching on a designers website or YouTube, the models are just that - models. If you see a pattern you like, or a silhouette that is close to what you normally wear, go with it.

We discussed the Pantone color palette this spring, and the color for spring is described as African violet. Look this fall as summer wraps up and things go on sale to purchase shades of purple if you come across them - it'll fit in perfectly next spring. Some of the other trends noted at NYFW were light and gauzy fabrics, a short skirt underneath a see through material that is likely color blocked or having an architectural hem, and some very simple shapes.

While you're thinking about spring, take a look at the clothes in your closet now. As summer winds down and you start changing out your closet from summer to fall/winter, make plans to visit your tailor with items you won't be wearing for a while. It's so much easier to have your clothes tailored when you aren't as likely to wear them. The reason for that is that you won't miss them as a staple in your wardrobe, and when they come back from the tailor, they can go straight into storage and come out clean and ready to wear next year.

Let me know if you need help - cleaning out closets is very cathartic for me (and hopefully you, too)!

Shopping for Budget Busters

Shopping for those items on your wish list that ordinarily bust the bank - how many times do you see an item in the store that you love and then check the price tag and say no way, can't swing that! This is the perfect time to go back to that item and see what the price tag now reads. I expect it will be at least at 50% off and can even be found with additional savings on weekends. This is the time to buy what you wanted earlier in the season but also focus on items that need replacing but you didn't have the budget for previously.

The best examples of higher ticket items worth checking out:

• Leather anything: shoes, belts, handbags, jackets, skirts and gloves
• Wool or cashmere coats, sweater or blazers
• Trench or down jackets
• Accessories like trendy jewelry, embellished belts, wraps, pashmina scarves, hats or beautiful umbrellas
• Cocktail wear
• If you like fur or even the look of fur, check out jackets, vests and yes- shoes (Jeannie, are you cringing?)
• Items that will transition into spring

We have had the oddest winter here in NC. Here it is mid January and just recently I have been pulling out my winter coats. Because it hasn't been exceptionally cold, it's been a wonderful opportunity to continue to layer with sweaters and vests. This is a great time to think about buying items that are worn layered now and alone when it warms up.

The best example I found was during a recent trip to JMcLaughlin at North Hills Shopping Center. Erin and Molly are probably some of the nicest people in retail I have come across in a long time. This store really leans towards classic dressing with well-made garments. More she-

she than Talbots. I was told through the grape vine many years ago that this company has fabulous sales. I believe they opened in early spring of 2011, so I figured one way or another I would eventually wander in for a sale. I did that just last week.

Most everything is 60% off and the store is ripe for the picking. Molly has beautiful long legs so who better than her to model for me and try on a dress that is easily layered with tights or leggings for winter and a simple flat or boot. Molly could transition this in the spring with a bare leg and a casual sandal. Either way, I love a good leather tote and the easy jean jacket that she had thrown over her shoulder.

Endless possibilities exist with this striped boat neck dress that would pack and travel beautifully.

Lastly, I would be remiss in my job as a stylist if I didn't remind everyone that this is the time to buy any fine silk or sequined items that you wanted to build into your wardrobe. Since we can all agree that sequin's aren't going anywhere and is now considered more of a staple for holiday dressing or a night out, buying the best quality sale garment is the true trick and treasure all in one. Personally, I prefer my embellishments not to fall from the fabric as I move and shake, and I have been known to move and shake!

This little black number is more than half price and looks great with a dark wash jean and heels or a classic satin pant or skirt. Can you tell I am salivating?

So take one last peek in your closet, pull together your wish list and a credit card, and check out what half price or even better values are out there.

From my closet to yours -

Suzanne

Black Friday Shopping Expert Tips and Tricks

Retail was up .5% for the month of October. Hooray!

What does that actually mean? Retail sales haven’t shown a positive increase in forever, and stores have traditionally relied upon heavy discounting and carrying less inventory. As you may know, Black Friday is called that because stores have taken the upcoming holidays, discounted their goods for shoppers who have the day after Thanksgiving off and can go shopping, and crossed their fingers that it would allow them to show a profit.

Let's chat about upcoming shopping for Black Friday. Is it worth fighting the crowds of crazy people all in search of what they think is the bargain of the year? If you are looking for clothing, do the research beforehand. Most stores have a pretty good idea of what will be on special sale next Friday. If they choose not to share with you that is one thing, but the information should be available. You need to weigh the savings versus the stress of it all.

 

I had my first experience shopping on Black Friday last year with my daughter. It wasn't pretty, but I will do it again ‘cause I love my daughter. I frequently don't do malls on weekends. There has to be a really good reason for me to shop, and the same thought applies to shopping on any holiday. A holiday is meant to be just that. A break from your job! Not that I don't love it, but the crowds kill me.

I figure I log anywhere from 15 - 30 hours alone in just one of our various malls in the Triangle on any given week. That doesn't include shopping centers, or one-stop destinations.  My car survival kit isn't quite the same as most traveling salesman's. What you typically find in my car or purse on a regular basis is meant to help with my job of shopping.

Let's compare notes and see if you are as equipped for a typical shopping expedition with a personal shopper!

·         Two bottles of water, usually cold at 10 am and warm by 3 pm,

·         a small cooler if I plan ahead, with carrots, an apple and maybe some cheese,

·         a bag of my favorite snacks, typically raw cashews or smoked almonds,

·         an empty Starbucks cup, from my morning routine and just waiting to be thrown out,

·         several ink pens, because I am forever losing them between the seats,

·         black flats, for when my heels don’t like my feet anymore and my dogs are barking,

·         straight pins and safety pins, for showing clients what the garment will look like when hemmed,

·         a jewelry chain to measure what length my clients might want a necklace made to accommodate their necklines,

·         a pad of paper, and

·         a good old fashion yellow pages.

Now let's chat in terms of how you need to prepare yourself for Black Friday, and what to expect. Do your research and have a plan. Now if you’re not going for anything in particular, then are you crazy?

1.    A somewhat good night’s sleep, either Wednesday the 23^rd, or if you’re hard core and don't plan on going to bed on the 24^th, forget my suggestion.

2.    A plan of action. Decide what stores are most important to you and go there first.

3.    Comfortable shoes - rubber soles are a must. The mall floor will get old quickly while fighting the crowds.

4.    An outfit with no more than two layers. A sweater that can be thrown in a purse or around your waist is good for changing temperatures in stores, the mall and outdoors.

5.    A lightweight purse with a front closure or body bag purse. Don't give pick pockets an opportunity to ruin your fun.

6.    A bottle of water and a snack.

7.    Bring your patience, because you will be waiting in long cashier register lines.

8.    Any online coupons that might be used along with regular store discounts.

9.    Walkie talkies (just kidding). A cell phone will work as well. You may lose your family member in a store. Or is that the plan?

10.  Lastly, bring your smile, as this is supposed to be fun and not too painful. Hmmm, I'm just saying.

So, what might bring me out shopping besides my daughter asking me - nothing. No discount is great enough for me not to be home relaxing. If you do happen to run into me, I’ll be sporting a large cup of coffee, an extended belly from eating way too much the day before, and possibly my mother and mother-in-law on my arm. I can't imagine why they will want to come. My mother doesn't get up before 8 am. My mother-in-law is so little and doesn't hear well, and I could easily lose her under a rack or in a corner and she wouldn't hear me yelling for her. As for my daughter, truth be told, I wouldn't trade the craziness of it all to not be with her. Soon enough she won't be as determined to find a great buy at the Gap.