OT: Javarian Fashion Advice

[java]

Get Help

Foster a relationship with a store and sales associates. The big box stores like Nordstroms, Neimans, Macy's, Dillards, Saks, and Belk are nice because you can lose yourself and remain anonymous and part of the crowd. They're less intimidating than walking into a boutique store where you're it because there's no one else in there and you're thinking you don't belong as you peruse items with criminal prices, or that the sales folks are judging you and you'll just end up re-enacting the scene above from "Pretty Woman".

Wish I could tell you that it won't happen but it does happen, maybe not so overtly, but even happens to me. You're dealing with people and people can be snooty, condescending, irrational, judgmental, aloof, and irritable. Don't let it stop you from trying things on. You don't have to buy but please feel free to use up the shmuck's time and have him/her fetch you clothes and hang things up. Just do it politely without malice. I had that experience yesterday at a very high end men's boutique where I was the only customer. $185 per shirt and $23 for alterations. Tried on three different sizes. I could not find the correct fit but now I know. Cross them off my list forever even though the material, color, and craftsmanship were impressive.

Honestly, most of the time, the snooty, rude folks will be other shoppers. Ignore them. You're on an adventure, an exploration. Expect to run into mosquitoes and gnats.

And sometimes, things work out very well. I'm not old enough to experience the personal dresser/shopper of the old days as compared to the cash register person with the "sales associate" name tag. But, I try, try, and try again, regardless of big box store or boutique, and eventually I'll find a place that fits me, my style, and my needs. This is where a boutique store is magnificent because that one on one relationship developed through the years can help tailor your wardrobe and push your boundaries SUCCESSFULLY. Not everybody is out to get you nor out to get you to buy the most expensive item. There are professional career men and women who are there to build a relationship with you for life and not just to earn a commission today. They work hard and it shows.

My store is Burberry. No, I don't like everything in there. Most of the items are just too gaudy and prices range from high to astronomical. But it's the place for signature pieces and to push my boundaries. I can count on one hand the amount of clothes I've purchased there but they treat me very well everytime I go in, they offer me drinks (water, capp, espresso, wine, champaigne) and I'm kept up to date on sales. For example, my leather bomber jacket split at the elbow seams. My guy took that jacket and shipped it several states away to another store where their tailor was an expert with leather. Repair was perfect. No charge. I know you're thinking that's what should be expected for a $1395 jacket but, uh, nope.

And he pushes my boundaries successfully. They had a navy linen suit. I didn't think I would like a linen suit. He picked it out for me. Tried it on. Had their expert adjuster pin the suit. It was perfect. I look like a million bucks, maybe two mill, and it works for my environment. Replaces the suit I mentioned previously in this thread (went to my brother on Saturday) and it was held for me (pre-sale, 50% off) because my size goes fast: 36s. Always thought I was a 38s but we had a discussion. "Who said you were a 38 short?" I name another boutique. He runs off and I spend the afternoon (3-4 hours) trying on suits, jackets, and shirts while sipping cappuccinos. Yep, I'm a 36 short.

Get help. Improve your wardrobe with good fitting clothes that are durable in a style that would wear well through the years so you can maximize your budget and look like a million bucks.




 

[java]

What to do in 2015.

1. Wear everything in your closet(s).

2. Get to know your clothes. Pay attention to what you wore. What material is it? Is it itchy? Lumpy? Too worn out? Does it fit? Do you like it or do you STILL like it? Your attitude/style may have changed since the purchase date. No? Dump it like Beckett dumped Demming. Study this scene from 2x24. Memorize Beckett's lines.



Hesitant? Stick it in a bag. At the end of the year toss or donate that bag. Do not go back and look inside.

3. Is it fussy? It may fit but you're finding yourself tugging at it all day or it attracts unwanted attention or there's some little part of it that just bothers you. In other words, you want comfortable, good fitting clothes that don't call attention to itself. If it does, dump Demming. Now, a piece of clothing may fit you perfectly, may look great on you, gets you tons of compliments, but it's a pain to maintain and so you wear it once a year or every other year. Dump Demming. It's really great but... This is entirely up to you. I have a fantastic, Italian cotton,& khaki dress pants. Fit is perfect. Drape is perfect. Dry clean only and it's white meaning I have to be careful about what I'm doing and what I pair with it so colors don't bleed. It's FUSSY but I choose to put up with it. Formalwear and work wear may be exempt unless you have too much and need to pair down.

4. Not enough clothes to dump what you have? Not enough money to replace your wardrobe? Follow the Five Piece French Wardrobe rule. Go read it. I'll wait. Be choosy. Be deliberate. Plan. WRITE IT DOWN. You were paying attention to what you were wearing all year? You did make a note of material? Color? Shape/color/silhouette? These questions teach you about your likes and dislikes. This becomes your style and not just fashion.

Plenty of money to replace your wardrobe? Follow the Five Piece French Wardrobe rule above. The goal isn't to see who dies with the most clothes. The goal is to have a manicured, small wardrobe that makes you feel like a goddess everytime you step out no matter what you pick out.

5. Avoid "cute" and "different". Appreciate it. Marvel at it. Move on if it doesn't fit nor fit your style or you need to address other parts of your wardrobe first. Buy strategically. This goes for things that are already in your closet. Sure, now and then there are pieces that you normally wouldn't consider that would be fabulous on you and if it fits and works then go for it. Just remember these pieces need to be exceptions to the rule.

6. December 2015. If you haven't worn it, dump. Didn't get to closet #7? Dump everything in it. Didn't wear that safari jacket because you're waiting for it to come back in style? Dump Demming. Emergency clothing in case you gain weight or bloat? You had a year to bloat. Recite Beckett's line from 2x24 then dump it.

Supplemental Readings.
recoveringshopaholic.com/what-i-learned-from-the-five-piece-french-wardrobe-experiment/
www.erindepew.com/blog/tag/stylish-minimalist-wardrobe/

Edit: Remember that no matter how expensive it was to toss your clothes, bear in mind that you're paying an educational cost to learn what works and what doesn't. As you learn to refine and define your style as well as have fun with your wardrobe, the cost will be less or more manageable because you won't be buying on impulse and you're less likely to change your mind and toss it later or worse - having something that's taking up space and your time that doesn't really work for you.

[ProudTVJunkie]

Yay! So happy to see this here. It was always one of my favorite threads. I really hope you add to it over the summer.
Thanks.

[Fjordmom]

Thanks, java, this will give me something to read over the summer, as I don't think I was paying attention to much of this when you were doing it.    After all, I've got my low-cut hikers and cargo shorts on board (I was laughing when I saw the post by me that you pulled over)....still wearing those sparkly things!!!!
 

[ProudTVJunkie]

Just bumping this up in the hopes that java, our Galactic Emperor of fashion advice might add to it...