Posts filed under 'Fashion Theory'
Fashion Theory: Seven Deadly Shopping Sins
3.) You can only see yourself wearing it in a fantasy situation.
You know it’s the perfect dress; the trouble is you just haven’t figured out exactly what it’s perfect for. I’m reminded of a friend who found the perfect wedding dress, long before she accepted a wedding engagement or met someone to be the presumable groom for that matter. I admit the example is a bit far-fetched, but the truth of the matter is that my friend purchased this wedding gown based on a fantasy situation. I’m not doubting the fact that she’ll get married; however when she does in fact marry it’s very possible that her style, her size and her overall “fantasy” of the wedding may all have greatly changed. Purchase items that fit into your current reality.
4.) You fail to see the value of accessories.
Nothing pulls together an outfit quite like accessories. Accessories offer an easy way to create a modern, versatile wardrobe. A sparkling necklace, a silky scarf or a shiny metal belt buckle can dress an outfit up or down, take a look from day to night, or change it from office professional to night on the town. Best of all, accessories allow you to personalize your outfit and display your unique style. When your wardrobe begins feeling drab and tired, consider purchasing new accessories to punch up current items rather than simply buying new clothes.
No one, I repeat, no one is above a $7 tank top. Basic tees and tanks just happen to be the bread and butter of low-priced clothing stores like Old Navy and H&M. Forgive me; there are some higher-end labels that do basics extremely well such as Vince, Armani, C&C, and Donna Karen. However if ever a wardrobe was lacking the frequently coveted scoop neck tanks and v-neck tees, there are no excuses. Stores like Old Navy and H&M offer a consistent supply of these basics in various colors and fits. If Old Navy is too unbecoming, shop American Apparel.
6.) You don’t think you’re good enough for Bergdorf Goodman.
Not shopping at a store because it’s hopelessly out of your price rage – understandable. Not visiting? Downright disgraceful. News flash, the next “it” trends are not unveiled at Wal-Mart. They are fashioned and launched at high-end retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Barney’s. Shopping is not just about buying, it’s also about research. Stores like Bergdorf, Barneys, Neimans and Saks are all mini dossiers for trend setting designers like Zac Posen and Derek Lam. Since high-end retailers tend to release season collections early, these stores provide important insight on upcoming prominent trends. Still feeling a little nervous about visiting high-end retailers? Shop their respective websites.
7.) You drop off your old clothes at Goodwill; but never look to see what others are dropping off.
Some of my most acclaimed pieces are from goodwill and thrift stores. When you realize that many of the items in vintage stores were found at Goodwill; the value of these stores becomes elementary. Fashion is a revolving door. We have witnessed fashion trends go “in” and “out” from decade to decade, while classic styles have withstood the changing times of several different decades. A few things to be on the lookout for include: anything cashmere, vintage jewelry such as broaches and clip-on earrings, cocktail and evening dresses, silk scarves, and tailored pieces. Whether it is goodwill, a thrift store, or a vintage shop, keen eyes can find some amazing pieces at these stores.
Apresenta
2 comments March 4, 2008
Fashion Theory: Establishing Your Clothing Budget
I suggested to Aisha, a recent client, that she invest in a durable leather handbag. Aisha argued that she simply couldn’t afford to spend upwards of $300. The remarkable thing about this was that once we analyzed her recent clothing purchases we realized that she was spending about $300 monthly on clothing! Aisha was actually suffering from sticker shock and had kind of become accustomed to buying quantity instead of quality. The end result was that her closet was essentially bursting at the seams with discount and poorly constructed clothing. In the end, Aisha was in effect spending $3,600 annually (nearly 10% of her $37,000 salary) on a wardrobe that lacked both function and style.
Establishing a budget is a very difficult question to answer from a general perspective because everyone’s financial and clothing situation is different. If you have a job that allows you to work in a casual environment where some of your everyday clothing can be incorporated into you daily work outfits, I would estimate the overall clothing allowance to be somewhere around 7%. For those that work in a more professional office environment where you are expected to dress the part and dressing the part may overall affect your promotion-ability factor; I would estimate around 10% of your salary. Keep in mind, this budget should include the costs of alterations and professional cleaning services. It is also important to note that if you are maintaining a household on this salary, i.e. you have children or a spouse you must allocate a portion of this amount to their clothing allowance as well.
Example 1: Aisha works in a business casual environment. Her salary is $37,000. Her clothing allowance is: $2,590.
1. Invest in Investment Pieces: Investment pieces are just that – “investment” pieces! So, don’t be afraid to spend a little more money on the classics which are required to create a functional wardrobe. Discount stores such as Marshalls, Century 21, and DSW could produce some very valuable finds, however it is important that you don’t become distracted and divert from the standard classics when shopping at these stores. For classics, I recommend shopping at a formula store. A formula store is typically a specialty retail store that stocks key basics. Some great formula stores are Gap, Ann Taylor LOFT and The Limited. The great thing about a formula store is that once you find the sizes and styles that suit you best, you can shop there season to season with little difficulty. These are great stores for purchasing a classic a-line skirt, trousers, jeans, button-ups, and tees, tanks and camis of variety.
2. Don’t Be a Label Whore: When it comes to beautiful dresses, handbags, shoes and scarves there are some designers that are simply ahead of the par, however to simply focus all of your efforts into collecting clothing that has a designer label tag regardless of how flattering or well-fitting the item is – is simply not a good option.
3. Do Apply The Cost-Per-Wear Concept: To get back to the example I gave previously of Aisha spending $300 on a leather handbag. The leather handbag is an investment piece which can be carried for months or possibly years to come. If Aisha carried this handbag for just six months her cost per wear would be $50. I discuss the Cost per Wear Concept in more detail in a recent post.
4. Don’t Charge: I know to some people this may seem unthinkable; however I think whenever you shop with credit cards you are always tempted to get caught up in the emotional buzz of said item and go well over your budget. If you’re carrying a lot of debt (particularly from past shopping activities) you really need to think long and hard about plunking 7-10% of your income towards clothing. A simple rule of thumb I often use is “Don’t buy it unless you can afford to buy two.” No, I’m not saying that you should buy two of everything; rather what I am suggesting is that every time you buy something, you take that same dollar amount and apply it towards paying off debt or towards savings. So in effect, that $300 handbag will now cost you $600; $300 to purchase and another $300 in savings or debt payment. The amount of your clothing budget should match or exceed the amount you are saving or applying towards debt repayment.
5. Make It Automatic: Now that you have established your clothing budget, the only sure fire way to stick to it is to make it automatic. Here are two great ideas for actually staying on budget.
High Tech Option: Set up a separate checking account (I suggest an ING Orange account) and have a specific amount deposited into your account periodically; for example $50 a week. When shopping for clothing only use the debit card associated with this checking account. The nice thing about this option is that if you are not someone who shops on a weekly or monthly basis the money continues to grow towards your much anticipated shopping spree.
6. Maximize Your Budget: A pair of Jimmy Choo shoes is no longer $500. It’s $500 minus the $165 you will get for selling them on EBay the following year. EBay and consignment stores are a great source for stretching your clothing allowance. If you don’t have a lot of designer clothing in your closet you can still receive some financial benefit from making a tax-deductible donation to your local goodwill or charity.
Apresenta
Add comment February 24, 2008
Fashion Theory: Your Style Personality


Style Staples: The basics – t-shirts, tanks, blazers, classic white shirt, trousers, and blue jeans. Embrace: Tradition – stick with pieces that stand the test of time, such as the classic trench, turtlenecks, and pearls.
Don’t Do: Trends. If intrigued by a trend incorporate it into your wardrobe in a subtle way, such as with an accessory like a handbag, hairclip, or jewelry.
Rule #1: Focus on clean lines. Stick with sophisticated silhouettes, stay away from frivolous styles and cuts.
Palette: Stick with the neutrals – black, grey, white, and navy are classic. Other colors tend to be classics such as red and blue. Tend to stay away from prints and bright colors.
Personality: Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Charlize TheronThe Diva:
Style Staples: Sexy is the mantra. Clothes that accentuate the hourglass. Deep-V’s and high slits are de rigueur.
Don’t Do: Sack dresses, masculine tailoring, anything with too much coverage.
Rule #1: Confidence is by far your best accessory! Be sure to pose the perfect balance of sex appeal and class.
Palette: Brights, whites, and black. Print and patterns should be avoided as they tend to detract from your figure.
Personality: Salma Hayek, Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson
The Bohemian:
Style Staples: Vintage pieces, layering – combining multiple textures adds appeal.
Don’t Do: Sloppy. Choose breezy gowns over bell bottoms.
Rule #1: Play with prints – earthy and ethnic paisleys, florals and retro patterns all emphasize the haute hippie look.
Palette: Plain shades and neutrals. Tend to opt for earth tones and vivid colors.
Personality: Kate Hudson, Maggie Gyllenhal, Kirsten Dunst
The Fashionista:
Don’t Do: What everyone else is doing. Be ahead of the curve and let the masses follow.
Rule #1: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Just because it hasn’t been done yet doesn’t mean it shouldn’t! Palette: Unique colors and trimmings. Brights, leopards, and feathers.
Personality: Chloe Sevigny, Kate Moss, Victoria BeckhamThe Eclectics:
Don’t Do: Safe. Follow your heart when it comes to picking out clothes. Forget what’s appropriate or safe.
Rule #1: Mix and match. Try a tailored jacket over a funky frock.
Palette: Anything goes.
Personality: Uma Thurman, Drew Barrymore, Gwen Stefani
Add comment February 20, 2008
Fashion Theory: How Many… The Fundamentals of a Well Stocked Closet
Add comment February 15, 2008
Fashion Theory: Springs Building Blocks






Here’s a few key guidelines for updating your Spring wardrobe:
Know the Classics:
Okay, we need to regroup here. Have you ever seen someone maybe in your office, school, or wherever you spend most of your daily life, out of nowhere get a brand new wardrobe. The dramatic change is clear and you can pretty much tell that this person went on a shopping spree or binge and now has a “new look” so to speak. You may even be able to identify the designer or the retailer in which the macro of items were purchased. Perhaps it’s Calvin Klein’s new line or Club Monaco. No matter how desperately this fashion frenzy was needed you must admit this approach is pretty lame and doesn’t exactly constitute a style maven. I mean it’s pretty easy and predictable to just waltz into the nearest J Crew and shop the Spring line. Be careful not to confuse stylish clothing with stylish people. Stylish clothing is everywhere and now thanks to top designers such as Vera Wang heading to discount department store like Kohl’s stylish clothing is more accessible than ever. To actually possess style is the art of incorporating important pieces into your wardrobe which keep your entire wardrobe looking fresh and new each day.
The Audrey Hepburn classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s continues to enchant us more than forty years later. It’s still one of my all-time favorite “pick me up” movies. A big part of the films allure has to do with Audrey’s classic wardrobe. The two chic black dresses, the belted trench, kitten heels… These clothes all look incredibly stylish today due to Givenchy’s attention to clean lines and Audrey’s effortless style and grace. Givenchy’s message of simplicity is the reason why time and time again this simple and chic classic look endures.
Classics are timeless and seasonless. Trends are on borrowed time and have low season-to-season survival rate. Chasing trend is not only exhausting and expensive, but the payoff – a fleeting moment of hipness followed by a fleeting feeling of haplessness – is not fun. That isn’t to say that trendy items don’t have their place in the wardrobe of a well-dressed woman. But they should be used in a sparingly fashion, so they complement a wardrobe of your favorite classics without overwhelming them.
The Trench Coat
I know it’s been said 1,000 and 12 times but seriously, “it’s time you get a trench…” and “… it’s time you get a good one”. In fact, I’ll up the ante on that and suggest 2; one in a neutral shade, such as black, white, navy, camel, or grey and one in one of this seasons fantastic brights – my favorites for this season are canary yellow, kelly green, and crayola blue. If you’re a little reluctant on the mileage you may get out of the yellow or green, the safest bet for color is red, which is a bright color that tends to be more classical than whimsical.
The Skirt
Style: Pencil, A-line, Flat front, Knee Length
Colors: Neutrals – Don’t recommend any brights here. Go for black, khaki, grey, brown, and white.
Avoid: Boxy styles, Stiff fabrics, pleats, wrap styles, horizontal or zany patterns.
Pumps, Kitten Heels, and Ballet Flats.
Colors: Bright pumps are actually becoming quite the stylish staple, so you can have a bit of fun in this area. Go for classic shape, but feel free to buy that red or purple pump you’ve been eyeing up.
Avoid: It’s really difficult for me to tell someone to avoid any kind of shoe. I truly believe there is a time and place for just about every shoe – particulaty if we are discussing high heels. The most supportive advice I can give in this regard is first stock up on your basics and then feel free to go on you emotional shoe buying brigade.
Cashmere:
“The cashmere sweater will always get the upgrade to first class before the jogging suit!”
Five resasons to believe in cashmere.
1. It’s timeless.
2. It’s cozy.
3. It’s elegant and expensive.
4. From scoopneck, to v-neck, to t-neck, to cardigan there is a style for every shape.
5. Oh and did I mention, “The cashmere sweater will always get the upgrade to first class before the jogging suit!” Cashmere is contagious!
Jeans:
The topic of jeans can be discussed so extensively that I wil no doubt have to leave that a topic for a latter date. However for the time being I leave you with this advice: go shopping for that perfect pair of jeans – and once you find them buy two pairs.
Other important classics:
Fitted cotton shirt
Semi-fitted suit (3 pieces – blazer, pant, and skirt)
Leggings and/or hosiery
Lingerie
Add Fun to Function: Revitalize the classics by adding
Waist Belts – This style trend is going nowhere!
Long Gloves
Jewelry – Classics and Funky
Bright Patterned Scarves
Bright Handbags
and Shoes!
Don’t be scared to:
Mix swimwear with daywear (seriously).
Mix lingerie with eveningwear.
Change the buttons or hemming on that classic black trench that you want to spice up.
Don’t be afraid to “be your own Audrey” impose your take on the classics – and project a personal sense of style and stability.
Fashion Tip:
Work one trend at a time.
For example: If you do a bright color chose a basic shape.
If you’re doing a different shape choose a neutral color.
Featured:
1. Miu Miu Leather Nappa Trench in Putty
2. Marc Jacobs Short Trench in Jungle Green
3. Rachel Roy Bella Pencil Skirt in Ivory
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Peep-Toe Patent Pumps in Nude
5. Tory Burch Reva Elasticzed Ballet Flats in Pink
6. Michael Kors Cashmere Kimono Sweater in Sand
7. Missoni Woven Shawl Wrap in ZigZag
8. Marni Medium Balloon Tote in Yellow
All items available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/
Add comment January 15, 2008
Fashion Theory: The Cost Per Wear Concept
The CPW = P= price of the item, D = number 0f days worn each month, M – number of months worn per year = Annual CPW
Example: The cost per wear of a coat which was purchased at $600 that you plan on wearing 4 times a week for 3 months would be $50.00. If you plan to wear this coat two years in a row the CPW becomes lower at$50.00/2 year = $25.00 cost per wear.
Item on sale? Even better. An adjusted formula can be used to calculate the value per wear.
The VPW = V = retail value of item, D = nomber o days worn each month, M = number of month of worn per year = Annual VPW
Example? The value per wear of a handbag which was originally priced at $1200 yet purchased on sale at $900 that you plan on carrying 5 times a week for 4 months would be $60.00. The CPW for this site would be $45.00. If you compare the VPW/CPW you are actually realizing a value over cost of $15 every time you carry this bag! This is called an investment piece!
The Cost-Per-Wear Theory at Work:
Louis Vuitton
Monogram Canvas Manhattan GM
$1,895.00
Drawing inspiration from his own leather goods collection, Marc Jacobs infuses Louis Vuitton’s newest must-have Manhattan GM with his characteristic urban-feminine style. Chunky gold metal hardware meets the classic Monogram canvas to positively smashingly stylish effect.
Monogram canvas with natural cowhide trim and gold metal hardware
Chunky metallic Louis Vuitton rivets
Two outer gusseted pockets with push-lock closures
Rounded natural cowhide straps with squared gold metal links
Zipper closure with buckled leather strap
Functional storage spaces for phone, wallet, accessories, and documents
Taupe alcantara textile lining
15″ x 10.2″ x 5.5″
CPW = $1895/5 times a week/6 months = $63.oo annually. This keeper can easily be carried for 5 years or more – bringing the cost down significantly. Your investment $63/5 = $12.60
Versace
Patent Pump
$615.00
Patent leather with suede piping
Fine topstitching
Pointed toe
Decorative suede belt at heel with polished silver metal buckle
Grained leather lining
Padded grained leather insole
Patent sole with rubber heel patch
4″ patent-covered stiletto heel
Made in Italy
CPW = $615/2 times a week for 7 months = $43.92.Fix the heels next season and wear these puppies for another season and you’re looking at less than $25.00 a wear. Another sound investment piece!
Roberto Cavalli
Pleated Trench Coat
$3,030.00
SALE PRICE:
$1,364.00
98% cotton, 2% spandex
Traditional collar with hook-and-eye closure
Long sleeves with accordion-pleated cuffs
Buckled bands encircle sleeve openings
Classic trench-style flaps at bodice sides
Hidden button down placket
Flapped side pockets
Removable belt with buckle closure
Rear vent
Pleated skirt at hem
Made in Italy
VPW: $3030.00/5 times a week/6 months = $101.00
CPW: $1364.00/5 times a week/6 months = $45.47
VPW-CPW: $55.54 value over cost
Time to invest in your spring wardrobe? Contact http://www.apresentaconcept.com/ to complete your style evaluation today!
Topic ideas for this blog? Email your suggestions a info@apresentaconcept.com
Add comment January 15, 2008

















