Dress for Success

Last week, work was rough - busy. Unfortunately it's sounding like a broken record. I feel like I'm starting to get a handle on things (for now), but in an attempt to keep burn-out in check I had a three day weekend. Grandiose plans of running errands, spring cleaning, sleeping, laundry, knitting and watching my netflix movies. Well, I got two done on the list (sleeping and movies). Still feel like I need a break though - a nice true vacation, change of scenery However, in an effort to address the problem, I'm trying to pace things better at work, which brings me to the subject at hand - clothes.

Clothing for me is a nice escape. I don't have a large clothing budget. My style and approach has changed (I like to think the word to use is evolve) over the years. Half hobby, half scavenger hunt, half artistic expression (of sorts). Like everyone, my body isn't perfect, but I'm more comfortable in my skin these days, and skinny is in (not like it ever wasn't). And I've always been the type of person who dressed up to take a big exam - nice clothing makes you feel, well nice. There is a correlation. In a way clothing is therapeutic for me. I love the colors and textures. And I need therapy.

So over lunch, I spent time reading my blogs, several of which are fashion. I always love the Sartorialist - which I think is on everyone's list who follows fashion. I like the underlying approach of "old fashion" - buy a few key quality pieces that last over time - very french. My local TJ Maxx has the wonderful Designer's corner that I like to pick through periodically for affordable quality pieces. That's where I discovered Theory and Eli Tahari (elegantly understated fashion) which have to be my two favorites represented in the closet these days. They have some "of the moment" fashion but in their lines they also have some good solid pieces. Almost all my blazers and slacks are from them.

And I'm adding Teenflo to round out the list. I never heard of the brand before and although I don't love the name, they have a wonderful line. I recently discovered them at a Boutique store in Harvard Square, that is going out of business. On a side note, I never noticed the store before on JFK. Killing time before meeting a friend for dinner, I popped in. Apparently this was just the location for their liquidation. They were located around the block on a side street, up on the second floor. It might be the economy, but I think it might have had a bit to do with location too. Just a guess.

So now I find myself buying less clothing and it's working out marvelously for this city girl. In my apartment, I have one dresser and one small closet. When I moved in three years ago they were stuffed full. Now, with the new clothing style approach, I have a much smaller quality collection. Yes, I spend $60 on t-shirts, but I have less t-shirts this day that take up less space. Overall it's the same amount spent, just on less. Ok, that last part I did write unmercifully just to see if Dad is reading this. To clarify, I do buy $60 t-shirts but at very deep discounts. I used to scoff at people who would spend so much money on something like a t-shirt, but I understand now why they do. Having quality material next to your skin, walking around in clothing that fits well, cut for your shape is marvelous - you hold yourself differently. However, I still don't understand people who spend money on expensive t-shirts who can't afford to. There's a big difference - spend within your means (but that's another rant for another time).

So the whole buying less thing is working out wonderful. I write this statement, while sitting here in Marc Jacobs pants. Marc Jacobs!! The day I thought I'd being wearing Marc Jacobs, was the day I would own a Jaguar. Granted, no Jaguar on the horizon - have to see how Tata handles the new ownership. I wasn't wild about the whole Ford era. Again, rant for another time though, I digress.

The point is, finding that little special piece is wonderful. It's very much a process shopping approach versus product shopping. My poor brother would be miserable as he has a stamina of about 10 minutes for shopping. I understand this approach isn't for everyone, maybe not everyone will understand it. But stumbling upon new clothing lines or bargain places is marvelous. It's like when I discovered Webs. Yarn I could afford that wasn't synthetic. Amazing.

My latest find is through another blog, Daddy Likey, and is an online store. I'm not sure where I stand on online clothing shopping. I did luck out on my winter jackets this year but haven't had a wonderful track record in years past with catalogues. I do like to try things on and feel the material. But still, this place has some really nice vintage/retro yet still modern items. And from up and coming designers - it's no Gap. I was "window" shopping, and cam across an item I'm tempted to buy:

I like the longer tops these days - more elegant and also more practical - in the northeast exposed skin gets cold. The real clincher though, is the marketing - the piece is named, A Prairie Home Companion! How could I not buy it? I really wish I could see it up close and feel the flannel. It's not cheap, but with skinny jeans and not fully buttoned up and some jewelry could be quite cute. My theory is that by being retro, it's timeless. Not sure if this is true, but it does seem retro is more often 'in' then 'out'.

Now, I'm not sure if I've convinced you of my ways. But feel I should provide full disclosure. There is one down side to the "less is more but choose quality" approach. It doesn't work well when your life is such that you work many hours, crash when you get home and have no energy or time for chores. The Achilles heel to this fashion approach is laundry. I have to admit it's been nearly 2 months now since last I did a load. It's not because the laundromat is far - it's not, laundry is in the basement. It's not because I share the machines with my neighbors - I don't, I have my own set. I blame it purely on my old college trick of always making sure you have 3 months worth of underwear. That's all you need really. The rest you can make do with what you've got.