People who visit the store always ask us about the bar in the middle of the store. It doesn't look like a typical bar because there are huge jars of sugar, salt and various butters. And, you can't help but notice that there are bottles of oils too. Then we explain that it is our organic scrub bar and people get excited.
The experience is unlike anything else in St. Louis. Take a seat at the bar, look through the menu and order what you want custom blended just for you. It is all about getting the texture that you want with the scent and oils that appeal to you. There just isn't a more customized experience for spa products.
The reason I started this is because I am a sugar scrub addict. I have tried every scrub available looking for one that has high quality ingredients that are beneficial. Then I did a lot of research and started being what my staff fondly calls "the mad scientist". I've made hundreds of scrubs trying to find the perfect texture and results. The result? Our scrubs are absolutely amazing and affordable.
Our ingredients are by far the freshest that you can get in spa products. We buy in small quantities and go through them so fast that you are getting the absolute freshest oils, sugars and butters. This is important because we don't use preservatives. You want to get the longest shelf life possible.
I quit using lotions over a year ago and have never had skin this soft. Exfoliating gets the dead skin off and then the scrub returns moisture. Couple this with high quality ingredients and you just can't beat the fabulously soft skin that you get!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Fall Fashions from A-Z
When the weather starts changing and layering becomes an option...I get excited. I love jackets, vests and accessories for fall. The texture of the fabrics and the styling of jackets and coats really makes me happy.
Quality Pieces
Coats
When it came time to share with all of you the great things that we have in for fall we just couldn't resist giving you a list of all our favorite things from A-Z! In addition to having lots and lots of fabulous things in for the season, we have some really cool events planned. Trunk shows, cocktail parties and deep discount days. Keep checking back with us because you won't want to miss all of the exciting things happening at Anatomy of Style.
But, before we start partying and shopping, let me give you a little sneak peak of our fall favorites from A-Z.
Quality PiecesCoats
We hope you enjoy our fun little fall list!!
Gini and Carrie
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Economy and Style
When financial times are tight it might seem like a really impractical time to spend money on clothes. However, you have to ask yourself if you look like a successful professional when you hit the office every day. The impact that your personal style has on your professional life may be more profound than you think.
With lay-offs becoming the norm rather than the exception it is necessary to employ every weapon in our arsenal to stay on top. This includes the way that you look in the office, at company functions or even in social situations where you may run into clients. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that if you are mediocre at your job but you look good you won't ever get the ax. I mean, if you are exceptional at your job but you want one more thing to make you the most desirable choice when it comes to reorg decisions.....look good!!
You can take a few really nice pieces and create a professional, stylish wardrobe for work. It isn't necessary to spend a fortune to make sure you look like you are worth a fortune. It is necessary to be up to date. You want to show that you are current, you know what is going on in the world, but you still take your job seriously.
I've worked with lots of clients that aren't interested in they traditional suiting. But, they want to look competent and attractive. We put together jackets, shrugs, interesting tops and pants or skirts that all work together. This makes it easy to get ready in the morning and simply pull something out of the closet without too much thought. The benefit? You get to focus on your business and being your brightest while looking great doing it!!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Pink Capri Pants
I made a commitment recently to donate $10 from every pair of pink capri pants that we sell. Well, it's one thing to make the commitment and another to get the word out so that you can raise money and awareness. So, I wrote my blog and posted links on my website.
I have a daily routine that I do to check and see how well my keywords are actually working. Today I went in and checked "products that donate to breast cancer research". I was looking for the article that I put on my website using that exact search term. I came across an article of a different nature.
The article was about pinkwashing. It was on a PR watch site. At first it kind of made me mad. So what if companies were marketing their products around breast cancer awareness as long as they were raising money. But, the more I read the more I understood what they were talking about. And sure enough, I was guilty of pinkwashing. I was just raising money and selling products. I wasn't doing anything personally to make women aware of the dangers of breast cancer or the ways that we can prevent it.
Ironically, today I was home because it was Memorial Day and I sat down to watch Oprah. It was about breast cancer! You think I'm getting a strong message here? I learned a lot...and a lot that scared me.
I assumed that I was a low risk woman because there has never been any breast cancer in my family. WRONG. 70% of women who get breast cancer have no family history.
I assumed that if I ever did get breast cancer that it would be caught early because I get mammograms. WRONG. If you have dense breast tissue then some cancer won't show up on a mammogram. And the only way to know if you have dense breast tissue is to ask the radiologist the question. Who knew?
I thought that drugs were the only way to affect the cancer if you did get it. WRONG. Some women who have had breast cancer have been able to reduce the growth/spread by as much as 25% with a change in diet. Imagine how much we could do for prevention just knowing that diet affects breast cancer that much.
What I learned today is amazing. I am still making the same offer of $10 being donated for every pair of pink capri pants that we sell. But, I want you to get more from us than that. I want you to know what you can do to prevent breast cancer. I want you to know that we are making sure that the money we donate goes to organizations that focus on prevention as well as a cure.
Visit http://www.krazylarrypants.com/ to find out more about how we have joined in the fight against breast cancer.
Thank you!
I have a daily routine that I do to check and see how well my keywords are actually working. Today I went in and checked "products that donate to breast cancer research". I was looking for the article that I put on my website using that exact search term. I came across an article of a different nature.
The article was about pinkwashing. It was on a PR watch site. At first it kind of made me mad. So what if companies were marketing their products around breast cancer awareness as long as they were raising money. But, the more I read the more I understood what they were talking about. And sure enough, I was guilty of pinkwashing. I was just raising money and selling products. I wasn't doing anything personally to make women aware of the dangers of breast cancer or the ways that we can prevent it.
Ironically, today I was home because it was Memorial Day and I sat down to watch Oprah. It was about breast cancer! You think I'm getting a strong message here? I learned a lot...and a lot that scared me.
I assumed that I was a low risk woman because there has never been any breast cancer in my family. WRONG. 70% of women who get breast cancer have no family history.
I assumed that if I ever did get breast cancer that it would be caught early because I get mammograms. WRONG. If you have dense breast tissue then some cancer won't show up on a mammogram. And the only way to know if you have dense breast tissue is to ask the radiologist the question. Who knew?
I thought that drugs were the only way to affect the cancer if you did get it. WRONG. Some women who have had breast cancer have been able to reduce the growth/spread by as much as 25% with a change in diet. Imagine how much we could do for prevention just knowing that diet affects breast cancer that much.
What I learned today is amazing. I am still making the same offer of $10 being donated for every pair of pink capri pants that we sell. But, I want you to get more from us than that. I want you to know what you can do to prevent breast cancer. I want you to know that we are making sure that the money we donate goes to organizations that focus on prevention as well as a cure.
Visit http://www.krazylarrypants.com/ to find out more about how we have joined in the fight against breast cancer.
Thank you!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Pink Capri Pants
For those of you who read my blog regularly you will probably be shaking your head and wondering what has gotten into me. I mean, pink capri pants, what is that about? Well, it really is about something completely different than pink capri pants.
I am so fortunate to be walking with a lovely group of women in the Race for the Cure. When I sent out my note to friends and family asking them for their support, I got many back saying that they had participated or donated for a long time. That really impressed me.
I've been working with women for years now in regards to their appearance. I have to say that I am shocked by the number of women who have faced breast cancer. We all know someone, we all have heard the survivor stories and we all hope that it will never be us.
With that said, I heard a story of a 10 year old girl who was diagnosed with breast cancer. What????? Does she even have breasts? This sent an alarm clear through my body. If the danger of breast cancer is starting at such a young age then we must step up our efforts to stop this horrible disease.
Every little thing that we do makes a difference. That's why I am doing something a little different. In addition to being a part of Race for the Cure, I am going to donate $10 for every pair of pink capri pants, pink ankle pants or pink pants that I sell until the end of the year.
If you have been looking for a pair of pink pants then this is your opportunity to get what you want and help to stop the spread of breast cancer.
Visit www.krazylarrypants.com or www.anatomyofstyle.com to purchase your pink pants!
I am so fortunate to be walking with a lovely group of women in the Race for the Cure. When I sent out my note to friends and family asking them for their support, I got many back saying that they had participated or donated for a long time. That really impressed me.
I've been working with women for years now in regards to their appearance. I have to say that I am shocked by the number of women who have faced breast cancer. We all know someone, we all have heard the survivor stories and we all hope that it will never be us.
With that said, I heard a story of a 10 year old girl who was diagnosed with breast cancer. What????? Does she even have breasts? This sent an alarm clear through my body. If the danger of breast cancer is starting at such a young age then we must step up our efforts to stop this horrible disease.
Every little thing that we do makes a difference. That's why I am doing something a little different. In addition to being a part of Race for the Cure, I am going to donate $10 for every pair of pink capri pants, pink ankle pants or pink pants that I sell until the end of the year.
If you have been looking for a pair of pink pants then this is your opportunity to get what you want and help to stop the spread of breast cancer.
Visit www.krazylarrypants.com or www.anatomyofstyle.com to purchase your pink pants!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Best Black Pants for Your Body Shape
Having a pair of black pants in your wardrobe can make getting dressed so much easier. Black pants go with any color, they can be casual or dressy and they are slimming when they fit well. I don't know of any woman who doesn't have a pair of black pants in her wardrobe. The question is, "Are they the best black pants for your body shape?"
Black pants alone are not going to solve all of your wardrobe woes. But, the best black pants for your body may. Here are a few tips to help you find the black pants that will make you look like a million bucks!
1. Go for quality fabrics. This doesn't necessarily mean expensive, but the fabric should drape well and feel good against your skin. Krazy Larry pants (www.krazylarrypants.com) have a nutty name, but their microfiber fabric is simply the best!
2. Buy easy to care for fabrics. If you have to dry clean your black pants every other time you wear them then you will probably find them in your dry cleaning pile more often than hanging in your closet. Purchase black pants that have a nice drape, good feel and are washable. This will make all the difference in the world. Krazy Larry pants are washable and wrinkle resistant so I always recommend these to clients.
3. Buyers beware of awkward pockets. Some body shapes look great with a little pocket as a distraction. But, many body shapes look so much better without pockets. And, as women, we shouldn't be carrying things in our pockets anyway!
4. If they don't fit perfectly in all the right places the get them altered. You can take a good pair of black pants and make the the best black pants ever with a little alterations. Face it, they weren't made for your body specifically...why would they fit you like a glove without a little nip and tuck?
If you are an hourglass:
You have a wonderful figure that you can show off. Smooth, clean lines help to bring the attention to your feminine curves. Pants without a waistband and simple styling is best for your body shape. Go for a boot cut or if you are a smaller size a slim pant.
If you are an inverted triangle:
You are smaller in the waist and hips than in the shoulders or bust. A small, flap pocket on the back of your pants will help to balance your figure without adding bulk. You can get away with a trouser cut as long as the front pockets don't gape open. Watch the fit, these are supposed to be loose. You can also wear a skinny pant if you are on the smaller side.
If you are an oval:
Pants are probably difficult to find and be comfortable. Look for pants without pockets as they will typically add bulk around the middle. A hidden elastic waistband is perfect for your shape. Side zip and a straight leg will help you to look your best in black pants.
If your are a rectangle:
You are shaped very much like the inverted triangle in your waist and hips. You will be able to wear just about any pant that you like as long as there is not too much of a contour in the waistband. Pants that are smooth and simple look best with jackets that have interesting shapes and long tunics.
If you are a triangle:
Pants are probably an area of frustration for you. With a small waist, larger hips and thighs you suffer the "gap in the back" syndrome most often. Alterations are going to be your friend. If you buy simple cut pants with no pockets alterations are easy and inexpensive. Find a style with no waistband and lot of contour. This means, hold the pants up and if you see a smile occur between the front and back of the pants then they have contour. The bigger the smile, the better the fit for a triangle.
Once you find the best black pants for your body shape then you should buy a couple. I recommend that you go to www.bestblackpants.com to start your search! They should always be clean and ready to go at a moments notice. I would even suggest that you buy a couple of pairs and have them hemmed for flats and heels.
Black pants alone are not going to solve all of your wardrobe woes. But, the best black pants for your body may. Here are a few tips to help you find the black pants that will make you look like a million bucks!
1. Go for quality fabrics. This doesn't necessarily mean expensive, but the fabric should drape well and feel good against your skin. Krazy Larry pants (www.krazylarrypants.com) have a nutty name, but their microfiber fabric is simply the best!
2. Buy easy to care for fabrics. If you have to dry clean your black pants every other time you wear them then you will probably find them in your dry cleaning pile more often than hanging in your closet. Purchase black pants that have a nice drape, good feel and are washable. This will make all the difference in the world. Krazy Larry pants are washable and wrinkle resistant so I always recommend these to clients.
3. Buyers beware of awkward pockets. Some body shapes look great with a little pocket as a distraction. But, many body shapes look so much better without pockets. And, as women, we shouldn't be carrying things in our pockets anyway!
4. If they don't fit perfectly in all the right places the get them altered. You can take a good pair of black pants and make the the best black pants ever with a little alterations. Face it, they weren't made for your body specifically...why would they fit you like a glove without a little nip and tuck?
If you are an hourglass:
You have a wonderful figure that you can show off. Smooth, clean lines help to bring the attention to your feminine curves. Pants without a waistband and simple styling is best for your body shape. Go for a boot cut or if you are a smaller size a slim pant.
If you are an inverted triangle:
You are smaller in the waist and hips than in the shoulders or bust. A small, flap pocket on the back of your pants will help to balance your figure without adding bulk. You can get away with a trouser cut as long as the front pockets don't gape open. Watch the fit, these are supposed to be loose. You can also wear a skinny pant if you are on the smaller side.
If you are an oval:
Pants are probably difficult to find and be comfortable. Look for pants without pockets as they will typically add bulk around the middle. A hidden elastic waistband is perfect for your shape. Side zip and a straight leg will help you to look your best in black pants.
If your are a rectangle:
You are shaped very much like the inverted triangle in your waist and hips. You will be able to wear just about any pant that you like as long as there is not too much of a contour in the waistband. Pants that are smooth and simple look best with jackets that have interesting shapes and long tunics.
If you are a triangle:
Pants are probably an area of frustration for you. With a small waist, larger hips and thighs you suffer the "gap in the back" syndrome most often. Alterations are going to be your friend. If you buy simple cut pants with no pockets alterations are easy and inexpensive. Find a style with no waistband and lot of contour. This means, hold the pants up and if you see a smile occur between the front and back of the pants then they have contour. The bigger the smile, the better the fit for a triangle.
Once you find the best black pants for your body shape then you should buy a couple. I recommend that you go to www.bestblackpants.com to start your search! They should always be clean and ready to go at a moments notice. I would even suggest that you buy a couple of pairs and have them hemmed for flats and heels.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Perfect Black Pants
Oprah just did a show about the perfect black pants and white top. It is a great go-to outfit, but really just having the perfect black pants in your closet is more than half the battle. I mean everything goes with black pants!
When I think of the perfect black pant here is what comes to mind:
* they need to drape well, just skimming your body
* you want a smoot profile so that you can wear your shirt out and not have bulges and bumps
* you want a leg that flatters your body shape (boot cut for triangle, straight for rectangle, straight for oval, straight or boot cut for inverted triangle or hourglass)
* you want them to be easy to care for so that they are available more often than not.
Of course, I looked high and low to find just this type of pant for my store. They are available in 3 fabrics, 3 lengths, sizes 2-24 and a wide variety of colors. They are also washable, dryable and wrinkle resistant. I just can't believe how great and expensive these pants look!
So if you are looking for the perfect black pants or the perfect brown pants or the perfect ivory pants....the list goes on and on...visit http://www.krazylarrypants.com/!
When I think of the perfect black pant here is what comes to mind:
* they need to drape well, just skimming your body
* you want a smoot profile so that you can wear your shirt out and not have bulges and bumps
* you want a leg that flatters your body shape (boot cut for triangle, straight for rectangle, straight for oval, straight or boot cut for inverted triangle or hourglass)
* you want them to be easy to care for so that they are available more often than not.
Of course, I looked high and low to find just this type of pant for my store. They are available in 3 fabrics, 3 lengths, sizes 2-24 and a wide variety of colors. They are also washable, dryable and wrinkle resistant. I just can't believe how great and expensive these pants look!
So if you are looking for the perfect black pants or the perfect brown pants or the perfect ivory pants....the list goes on and on...visit http://www.krazylarrypants.com/!
Staples in Your Closet
The subject of what should be in your closet came up again today. When I say staples, I mean something that makes you feel really pulled together, something that allows you to look amazing in less than 5 minutes and something that won't look dated next season. There are a couple of staples that every woman would benefit from having regardless of her shape or style. Great jeans and the perfect black pants.
I wrote a blog last year about Miracle Jeans. I love these jeans...they fit about 85% of the women who try them on. That is a miracle in itself. I won't go on and on about these. You can read my older blog to find out more.
The perfect black pants are what I really want to talk about. I love the idea of drawing attention to the face after the initial perusal of an outfit. If the pants are too dramatic then they draw the eye down below the waist. That's not usually where we want someone's focus to be. So, I found these pants that are smooth, flattering and look terribly expensive. There are a variety of styles, 3 fabrics and 3 lengths. So, really, no matter what your shape or lifestyle, you can find a pair of these pants to work. Even though they look expensive they are wash and dry. Plus, they are wrinkle resistant. If you are a busy working woman, a mom or a traveler you won't find a better option.
Check them out at http://www.krazylarrypants.com/
I wrote a blog last year about Miracle Jeans. I love these jeans...they fit about 85% of the women who try them on. That is a miracle in itself. I won't go on and on about these. You can read my older blog to find out more.
The perfect black pants are what I really want to talk about. I love the idea of drawing attention to the face after the initial perusal of an outfit. If the pants are too dramatic then they draw the eye down below the waist. That's not usually where we want someone's focus to be. So, I found these pants that are smooth, flattering and look terribly expensive. There are a variety of styles, 3 fabrics and 3 lengths. So, really, no matter what your shape or lifestyle, you can find a pair of these pants to work. Even though they look expensive they are wash and dry. Plus, they are wrinkle resistant. If you are a busy working woman, a mom or a traveler you won't find a better option.
Check them out at http://www.krazylarrypants.com/
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Garanimals for Adults
I'm one of those people that gets inspiration at the weirdest times. I was making my bed, after washing my sheets, and I really hate making my bed. But, I do love my sheets. I did this really eclectic thing and mixed and matched a variety of yummy sheets, blankets and pillow cases. It all works really well. So, I got a moment of pure pride that I am able to do something like buy random sheets and make it look like luxury. Which led me to think about Garanimals.
All of a sudden, my head shot up and I got that "aha" glow in my eyes. I obviously had to be hit over the head with it a million times before it really sunk in. I mean, I've had scads of clients tell me that I should do Garanimals for adults. Duh, I just wasn't listening.
How cool would it be to offer Garanimals for women...I mean, think about the possibilities. I have a fabulous pair of grey Krazy Larry pants, I put a cute Scala tank with them in hot pink and the cool black and white topper that just came in. Throw in a recycled bag, a Silk and Stone long sterling silver chain with a black Swarovski crystal and cool black wedges. No thought...you are stylin' and out the door. Imagine the tags on these things have cute little matching flowers. I group them on my website under the flowers name and anything in that group works together. Garanimals for adults!! That all ran through my head in about 20 seconds.
I quit making my bed...I hate doing it anyway, and raced upstairs to check and see if the domain name garanimalsforadults.com was available. It was!! Of course, I buy it. What else would I do. I own a website for every flash of inspiration.
Then a thought occurs to me. Is Garanimals still in business? Should I check on the trademark and see what's shakin'. I reluctantly google Garanimals and lo and behold there they are. They're still around and their trademark is still intact.
So, the Garanimals for Adults was a short lived dream. I'm thinking of calling it a clothing bouquet anyway!!
All of a sudden, my head shot up and I got that "aha" glow in my eyes. I obviously had to be hit over the head with it a million times before it really sunk in. I mean, I've had scads of clients tell me that I should do Garanimals for adults. Duh, I just wasn't listening.
How cool would it be to offer Garanimals for women...I mean, think about the possibilities. I have a fabulous pair of grey Krazy Larry pants, I put a cute Scala tank with them in hot pink and the cool black and white topper that just came in. Throw in a recycled bag, a Silk and Stone long sterling silver chain with a black Swarovski crystal and cool black wedges. No thought...you are stylin' and out the door. Imagine the tags on these things have cute little matching flowers. I group them on my website under the flowers name and anything in that group works together. Garanimals for adults!! That all ran through my head in about 20 seconds.
I quit making my bed...I hate doing it anyway, and raced upstairs to check and see if the domain name garanimalsforadults.com was available. It was!! Of course, I buy it. What else would I do. I own a website for every flash of inspiration.
Then a thought occurs to me. Is Garanimals still in business? Should I check on the trademark and see what's shakin'. I reluctantly google Garanimals and lo and behold there they are. They're still around and their trademark is still intact.
So, the Garanimals for Adults was a short lived dream. I'm thinking of calling it a clothing bouquet anyway!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The beauty of Earth Day
Tomorrow is Earth Day and I've seen notices for all kinds of events for planting trees and recycling. All fabulous endeavors and helpful to our environment. But, we don't often think of beauty in terms of what it does to the environment.
Go ahead and take a look at all of the beauty products that you use. The chemicals in your products would be overwhelming if you listed them all together. Now, don't get me wrong. I have no intention of telling you to go au natural. I love my beauty products. And, over the course of the last year I have found a way to have the best of both worlds.
We all know that the chemicals in our products are probably bad for our health but how could they possibly be affecting the environment? Think about what you wash down the drain each and every day. When you shower...do you use soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash or body scrub? You had to have answered yes to a couple of those at least. The chemicals in your products are being washed into our water supply.
Once you have exited the shower you may continue your beauty routine. Do you use any aerosol products on your hair? These have a negative impact on the environment in terms of air quality. Do you use anything that has packaging that isn't biodegradeable? This all goes into a landfill.
There are some simple steps that you can do to change your beauty routine to be more environmentally friendly. Use products in the shower that are all natural and contain no harsh chemicals. It's good for the environment and your health too!! Use hair products that come in mister bottles versus aerosol cans. And finally, any time that you are able to buy something without extraneous packaging or recycle the packaging...it is good!
Happy Earth Day!!
Go ahead and take a look at all of the beauty products that you use. The chemicals in your products would be overwhelming if you listed them all together. Now, don't get me wrong. I have no intention of telling you to go au natural. I love my beauty products. And, over the course of the last year I have found a way to have the best of both worlds.
We all know that the chemicals in our products are probably bad for our health but how could they possibly be affecting the environment? Think about what you wash down the drain each and every day. When you shower...do you use soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash or body scrub? You had to have answered yes to a couple of those at least. The chemicals in your products are being washed into our water supply.
Once you have exited the shower you may continue your beauty routine. Do you use any aerosol products on your hair? These have a negative impact on the environment in terms of air quality. Do you use anything that has packaging that isn't biodegradeable? This all goes into a landfill.
There are some simple steps that you can do to change your beauty routine to be more environmentally friendly. Use products in the shower that are all natural and contain no harsh chemicals. It's good for the environment and your health too!! Use hair products that come in mister bottles versus aerosol cans. And finally, any time that you are able to buy something without extraneous packaging or recycle the packaging...it is good!
Happy Earth Day!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Fit Matters
I had a fabulous conversation this morning with Cricket Lee. She is a pioneer in the field of sizing. If you are scratching your head and asking what the field of sizing is don't think you've missed something. When I say pioneer....I mean pioneer. The likes of The Wall Street Journal (click the link to see a short video featuring Cricket...be patient, it takes a minute to load), the Today Show (Cricket will be a guest again next week) and countless others have had her talk about her revolutionary sizing system.
So here is the deal about sizing. Can you say that you are always a specific size? Or, can you wear everything from a small to a large depending on the cut? The answer is typically that you can wear a range of sizes depending on the designer, cut or type of fabric. But, what if you could buy clothing based on a uniform sizing system that wasn't just about the size, but it was also by the fit. Like, are you a triangle, hourglass or oval. You would never have to try clothing on again because you would know what size you really were.
Well, Cricket is the woman who has taken this on as her mission. She has a system that doesn't just standardize the way that clothing is sized, but actually starts at the manufacturer. The designer and manufacturer make their designs and patterns to incorporate the various shapes of women. As consumers we will look for clothing that has the Fitlogic symbol attached. We will buy the exact same size every time. I don't know anyone who doesn't think that it would be nice to buy pants that fit in the waist and the hips! Today pants...tomorrow jackets.
It is up to us, the real women, to support the people who have gone to battle in the world of fashion for us. We deserve to be able to buy clothes that are fabulous, affordable and fit well. It is time for us to stand up and say that we believe we are worthy of beautiful clothes made for the real woman's body. Thank you, Cricket, for being our champion!
Please comment to this blog if you believe we are moving in the right direction. And, if you want a great fitting pant visit the Fitlogic website to see where to buy them.
So here is the deal about sizing. Can you say that you are always a specific size? Or, can you wear everything from a small to a large depending on the cut? The answer is typically that you can wear a range of sizes depending on the designer, cut or type of fabric. But, what if you could buy clothing based on a uniform sizing system that wasn't just about the size, but it was also by the fit. Like, are you a triangle, hourglass or oval. You would never have to try clothing on again because you would know what size you really were.
Well, Cricket is the woman who has taken this on as her mission. She has a system that doesn't just standardize the way that clothing is sized, but actually starts at the manufacturer. The designer and manufacturer make their designs and patterns to incorporate the various shapes of women. As consumers we will look for clothing that has the Fitlogic symbol attached. We will buy the exact same size every time. I don't know anyone who doesn't think that it would be nice to buy pants that fit in the waist and the hips! Today pants...tomorrow jackets.
It is up to us, the real women, to support the people who have gone to battle in the world of fashion for us. We deserve to be able to buy clothes that are fabulous, affordable and fit well. It is time for us to stand up and say that we believe we are worthy of beautiful clothes made for the real woman's body. Thank you, Cricket, for being our champion!
Please comment to this blog if you believe we are moving in the right direction. And, if you want a great fitting pant visit the Fitlogic website to see where to buy them.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Mommy Jeans
This is a departure from what I normally write, but I would like to discuss "mommy jeans." I've seen a lot of them around lately and am wondering what's going on with these jeans. Just so we are clear, let me define "mommy jeans." These jeans are higher waisted (not a bad thing) and have a tapered leg (not usually a good thing). The combination of the high waist and tapered leg is what makes them "mommy jeans."
The combination is also what makes women look an awful lot like an ice cream cone. Even very thin women have trouble pulling off this style of jean. It just isn't a flattering shape for any body. But, the good news is that there are alternatives! Good alternatives.
I know that for a lot of years it has been difficult to find a jean that you felt covered your bottom when you had to bend even a fraction of an inch. I think that is a very big reason that women have hung on to their dated "mommy jeans." I can completely sympathize. No one wants to feel that exposed when they are running errands, running after kids or simply getting into their cars. The good news, overall, is that waist lines are going up and they are generally not combined with a tapered leg.
When buying a new jean to update your look...go for a boot cut or even wider if you want a really modern look. It is okay for your jeans to come to your belly button or just slightly below. As a matter of fact, they are fairly easy to find now. Eddie Bauer has a great, casual jean that is perfect for daily wear (and its got some stretch to it). Another option is the Coldwater Creek Natural Waist logo cropped jeans
. They offer a nice fit at a reasonable price and a wide range of sizes.
I don't want anyone to feel bad if they are still wearing their "mommy jeans." Our goal is to let you know that there are jeans out there that offer a modest fit and will make you look a whole size smaller. Not only will you appear smaller, but you will also look younger with an updated jean. I don't know many women who aren't interested in looking thinner and younger. Happy shopping, ladies!
The combination is also what makes women look an awful lot like an ice cream cone. Even very thin women have trouble pulling off this style of jean. It just isn't a flattering shape for any body. But, the good news is that there are alternatives! Good alternatives.
I know that for a lot of years it has been difficult to find a jean that you felt covered your bottom when you had to bend even a fraction of an inch. I think that is a very big reason that women have hung on to their dated "mommy jeans." I can completely sympathize. No one wants to feel that exposed when they are running errands, running after kids or simply getting into their cars. The good news, overall, is that waist lines are going up and they are generally not combined with a tapered leg.
When buying a new jean to update your look...go for a boot cut or even wider if you want a really modern look. It is okay for your jeans to come to your belly button or just slightly below. As a matter of fact, they are fairly easy to find now. Eddie Bauer has a great, casual jean that is perfect for daily wear (and its got some stretch to it). Another option is the Coldwater Creek Natural Waist logo cropped jeans
. They offer a nice fit at a reasonable price and a wide range of sizes.I don't want anyone to feel bad if they are still wearing their "mommy jeans." Our goal is to let you know that there are jeans out there that offer a modest fit and will make you look a whole size smaller. Not only will you appear smaller, but you will also look younger with an updated jean. I don't know many women who aren't interested in looking thinner and younger. Happy shopping, ladies!
Friday, March 21, 2008
A little chamelion
I went to an appointment today with a practitioner I see on a regular basis. When she walked out of her office I didn't recognize her. I think the first thing out of my mouth was, "Oh my God! You are gorgeous!" She had completely changed her hair....that's it.
I oood and awed over her hair and had her turn and touched it. I just loved the way it made her look sassy and sexy. She usually has lovely, curly hair that, those of us with straight hair envy, totally reflects her personality. But, this new hair made a different light shine through. It didn't take too long for her to share the secret.
It was a wig. A really good wig! She had found this store and played with various styles one day. She discovered that she liked the way she could change her persona with something as simple as wearing a wig. I have to say....it was working for her. So, the question is, is wearing a wig changing who you are to the point that you are being deceptive?
I personally think that it is just like clothes. Some days you feel different than others. There are days for power suits and days for jogging suits. Doesn't it really depend on who we are in that moment? Fundamentally, I think we always have the same style. If you are a classic you will still be a classic whether you are wearing your version of sexy or your version of work attire. But a wig helps you to express who you are in that moment. That's how this friend was feeling. She was expressing a more joyous side of who she is.
Think about the possibilities that open up with the wigs that are available today. When I got married I wanted my hair to be in a high up do. Well, I just didn't have enough hair to make that happen. I was going to be in Los Angeles on business and what better place to find hair than the city of angels. I visited His&Her hair on Wilshire Blvd. I think that is when I became a hair junky. But on the day that I got married my hair was piled high on top of my head with flowers braided into it. I felt, appropriately, just like a princess.
Next time you are feeling like you want a little change in your life, don't discount what a change of hair can do for you.
I oood and awed over her hair and had her turn and touched it. I just loved the way it made her look sassy and sexy. She usually has lovely, curly hair that, those of us with straight hair envy, totally reflects her personality. But, this new hair made a different light shine through. It didn't take too long for her to share the secret.
It was a wig. A really good wig! She had found this store and played with various styles one day. She discovered that she liked the way she could change her persona with something as simple as wearing a wig. I have to say....it was working for her. So, the question is, is wearing a wig changing who you are to the point that you are being deceptive?
I personally think that it is just like clothes. Some days you feel different than others. There are days for power suits and days for jogging suits. Doesn't it really depend on who we are in that moment? Fundamentally, I think we always have the same style. If you are a classic you will still be a classic whether you are wearing your version of sexy or your version of work attire. But a wig helps you to express who you are in that moment. That's how this friend was feeling. She was expressing a more joyous side of who she is.
Think about the possibilities that open up with the wigs that are available today. When I got married I wanted my hair to be in a high up do. Well, I just didn't have enough hair to make that happen. I was going to be in Los Angeles on business and what better place to find hair than the city of angels. I visited His&Her hair on Wilshire Blvd. I think that is when I became a hair junky. But on the day that I got married my hair was piled high on top of my head with flowers braided into it. I felt, appropriately, just like a princess.
Next time you are feeling like you want a little change in your life, don't discount what a change of hair can do for you.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Spring Cleaning Your Closet
The state of my closet is a direct reflection of what is going on in my life. When my closet looks organized and holds just the clothes that I am currently wearing...my life also seems to be organized and sailing along swimmingly. When my closet gets away from me and becomes chaotic I find that things in my life are also uncertain and crazy. I don't know which comes first....the closet or the life, but I do know that they are related!
So, as I look at my closet this weekend (the last official weekend of winter), I got that Spring cleaning bug. All of a sudden I wanted everything out of my closet. I really am a less is more girl and prefer to have 10 fabulous outfits in my closet instead of a bunch of stuff that isn't perfect for me. I dug in and got my closet back in order and it felt so good.
I have been working with women for years regarding their appearance, shopping and the dreaded closet organization. The thing that is hardest for women to do for themselves is get in that closet and get it working for them. I thought I would share with you the steps that I use with clients and for myself.
So, as I look at my closet this weekend (the last official weekend of winter), I got that Spring cleaning bug. All of a sudden I wanted everything out of my closet. I really am a less is more girl and prefer to have 10 fabulous outfits in my closet instead of a bunch of stuff that isn't perfect for me. I dug in and got my closet back in order and it felt so good.
I have been working with women for years regarding their appearance, shopping and the dreaded closet organization. The thing that is hardest for women to do for themselves is get in that closet and get it working for them. I thought I would share with you the steps that I use with clients and for myself.
- Look at each piece in your closet with brutal honesty and ask yourself if you feel great when you wear that item. Ask yourself if it fits well, if it is in good condition, does the color look good on you and does it reflect your personality. I have a beautiful, turquoise, cashmere sweater that I bought several years ago. It is the perfect color and it was expensive. I finally gave it up and got it out of my closet because it just didn't fit well. You have to be very honest with yourself when you go through this step...even if it means that you are getting rid of the majority of your wardrobe.
Clothes that do not make you feel great can actually damage your self esteem.
Take anything out of your closet that needs attention. Whether it is alterations, dry cleaning, repair, ironing or anything else. Put these items in the appropriate stack and make a pledge to yourself to get these taken care of, in a set amount of time, so that you can enjoy wearing them.Neglecting clothes that would work for you is like leaving dollar bills just hanging uselessly in your closet.
Take anything out of your closet that doesn't have something to go with it. I have this rich, caramel colored, silk blouse that has to have something under it because it is so low cut. The color is beautiful on me and I love the top. I have not had anything to wear it with for close to a year. I just haven't made it a priority to get something to go under it. This weekend I took it out of my closet, made a note in my planner to get something to go with it and promised myself that if I haven't gotten something by the end of the month then it really isn't that important and I will give it away.Things that hang in your closet without purpose create clutter in your mind.
Finally, take the clothes that are left and organize them in a format that works for you. I am going to share with you several ways that I organize clients closets. Everyone has a different personality and therefore a different approach to organization.
- Hang your clothes by type: all blouses together, all skirts together, all pants, etc. The person who is traditional and classic prefers to hang her clothes this way and make the most out of her wardrobe overall.
- Hang your clothes by color: put all of your blues, browns, reds, blacks, etc. together in groups. The person who like to hang her clothes this way is creative and likes to pull together outfits by color vs. type.
- Hang your clothes by outfit: put an entire outfit together on the rack including blouse, jacket, pants, scarf, etc. The person who enjoys organizing her wardrobe this way doesn't want to spend any time trying to pull together an outfit. She would rather wear the same combination over and over for the ease of having it together in her closet.
Organizing your closet according to your personality is the way to create a sense of well being whenever you get dressed.
It is important to put ourselves on the list. Many times women put off doing something for themselves because they are so busy taking care of everyone else. I promise that if your closet is not in the order that you would like for it to be and you take the time to do something about that...it will positively impact your life.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Transitional Clothing
The other day was a beautiful, sunny afternoon in the 60's. I put the top down on my car and relished in the warm sunshine. The funny thing is that there was still snow on the ground from the 10 inches we received earlier in the week. Could it be any harder to get dressed during this season? This time of year is always a challenge. And, technically it is still Winter, but our minds and bodies seem to be longing for Spring.
So, we go to get dressed in the morning when there is a little chill in the air and it is hard to figure out what to wear that will be comfortable all day long. Our heavier sweaters and jackets may be just a little too much right now. However, the lighter linen and cotton jackets may feel a little bit too "Springy" since it is still winter. Here are the suggestions that we have to help you make it through this transitional time.
So, we go to get dressed in the morning when there is a little chill in the air and it is hard to figure out what to wear that will be comfortable all day long. Our heavier sweaters and jackets may be just a little too much right now. However, the lighter linen and cotton jackets may feel a little bit too "Springy" since it is still winter. Here are the suggestions that we have to help you make it through this transitional time.
- Layer, layer, layer. You cannot go wrong if you are wearing things that you can pile on in the morning and take off during the day. Make sure that you are wearing items that you are comfortable with even if you take off a jacket or sweater.
- Wear lighter colors in heavier fabrics. Go ahead and break out the white, brights and pastels as long as they are in heavier knits, wool or a tweed. The lighter color will make you feel like Spring while the heavier fabric will help you to stay warm.
- Wear bright colored leather. You will be warm and chic. The brighter color will help your mood to stay sunny.
- Finally, wear something patent. Whether it is shoes, a handbag or even a jacket...the shine will create a sense of light and brightness. Patent has a way of lightening even the most wintery of outfits!
The good news is that this weather won't last long and we will be able to pull out our Spring frocks in just a few weeks! Until then stay warm and cool.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Does Size Matter?
I have to start this blog entry with a disclaimer. I absolutely do not believe that size matters when it comes to beauty. I think that if we put parameters around what beauty looks like that we end up with a society that has no flavor or diversity. We end up all looking the same. With that said...I want to talk about size and clothing.
Here goes....I am 4'11" and range from a size 10-14 on any given day. Today, I happen to be around a size 14. A lot of women keep wardrobes in a couple of different sizes. I keep 3 wardrobes in different sizes and can change size 3 times in a month depending on what I am eating and how much exercise I am getting. I don't mind my size. I wear it well and don't spend too much energy on worrying about it unless I am trying to buy clothes.
The only time that clothing fits me well is when I am a size 4 in misses or 6 in petites. Otherwise, most things are too long in the torso (I am short waisted) and long in the rise (still short waisted). I have all the resources in the country available to me and I still struggle to find clothing that fits well. So, what is the solution?
Here is the best way to handle being a size that clothing manufacturers do not address:
- Less is more! Don't buy something and wear it because it fits okay. Wear things that fit fabulous even if that means you wear them over and over. You will feel better than if you wear something that you fuss with the entire time that you have it on.
- Avoid shopping sales. Buy what fits you well regardless of the price. If you follow the less is more philosophy you can afford to spend more on clothing that makes you feel good about yourself.
- Find a seamstress who can alter what you buy. Lengths on sleeves, pants and skirts can easily be changed. Find a seamstress who has the skills to do even more. Mine recently removed the waistband and zipper of a skirt that had a decorative bottom and shortened it from the top.
- Do not blame your body. The fault does not lie in your size or shape. Designers and manufacturers are not addressing the needs of all women. Bottom line....be kind to yourself. The more you hate your body and the way you look, the more it effects the quality of your life.
There is a change coming in the apparel industry. Finally, the people in the industry are beginning to see the value in addressing different women's shapes and sizes. A couple of examples are Fitlogic Pants that are sold according to waist and hip size and Triofit from Rebecca&Drew Manufacturing that are sold according to bra size, waist and hip measurements (unfortunately, they aren't available in petites). My favorite, not just because she is a friend, but because she has the product that stresses us the most is Lori Coulter TrueMeasure bathing suits. A body scan takes over 140 measurements and translates those into the perfect fitting bathing suit!
The changes will continue to be made as long as women demand it and support the pioneers in this area. Remember, buy less for more and get the most!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Vacation
I apologize to those of you who read this blog regularly. I am in Puerto Rico this week and thought that I could post from here. I have found that I do not have regular service and will not be able to post.
Please visit me next week when I return rejuvinated and full of new insight to share.
Thank you,
Gini Swancy
Please visit me next week when I return rejuvinated and full of new insight to share.
Thank you,
Gini Swancy
Sunday, March 2, 2008
What to wear on a date
This question comes up so often that I thought it was time to write about it. Women email me all the time asking what they should wear on a date. Almost every time I hear the same thing. Women tell me that they want to look sexy, but not too sexy. They want to look dressed up, but not like they tried too hard. They want to look like themselves, but better. If you've dated recently you are probably laughing right now. I think we have all been there!
I find it so intriguing that we go through this to get ready for a date that I started asking men what they wanted to see. If we are getting dressed to impress them...shouldn't we find out what does it for them? The answers were the same most every time. Okay, there are a couple of exceptions, but I'll talk about them later.
Men say that the sexiest thing on a woman is confidence and a smile. Most men can give you an idea of what a woman was wearing, but not a real description. For example, if you ask my husband what I was wearing when he met me you will get a remarkable answer. He will tell you that I had on a navy, skirted suit and heels. Not bad, right? I mean, that was 12 years ago! Except, I had on a black, skirted suit. The suit was this fantastic long jacket and shorter skirt. I wore it with really sheer black nylons and a pair of kid leather pumps with a small bow on top. The jacket buttoned all the way up with five buttons and had a double collar. Okay, what I was wearing was way more important to me than it was to him.
If you ask him what he remembers about me he will tell you that he thought my smile lit up the room. He liked that I was confident and took the lead with my group (we met in a business setting). He will also tell you that he thought my eyes were beautiful and he couldn't get them out of his mind. These are the things that he fell for. These are the things that made me beautiful to him.
I'm telling you this because at that point and time I wasn't dressing for him. I was dressing for me. I wore things that made me feel like I could conquer the world. I remember shopping with my mother for weeks to prepare for this job. It was a really big deal and I wanted suits that were unique and reflected my personality (conservative with an edge). I managed to find five suits that were perfect.
So when you go on a date remember this. Dress for yourself. When you feel like you can conquer the world he will take notice. He will probably not be able to remember what you had on, but he will remember that you were confident and happy. But, there's more.
The one thing that you must pay attention to is grooming. Make sure that your nails are clean, shaped and that you are not wearing chipped polish. If you have on polish and it chips, take the time to take it off. Make sure that your clothes are clean and in good shape. Wear shoes that are in good shape and don't show excessive wear. Make sure that you wear a conservative amount of perfume. So many people are allergic to various scents. He probably will not notice the details (I mean, they are men!), but he will notice that you care for yourself. That makes it easier for him to care for you too.
Finally, I told you that there was an exception to the rule about what impresses a man. The main exception is situational. He may not care much about what you have on but if you are extremely out of place with what you are wearing he will probably notice. For example, if you are going to a five star restaurant you will want to skip the jeans. If you are going to a ballgame you will want to skip the dressy dress. Just be aware of what the norm is (especially for him) and follow that.
Happy dating, girls.
I find it so intriguing that we go through this to get ready for a date that I started asking men what they wanted to see. If we are getting dressed to impress them...shouldn't we find out what does it for them? The answers were the same most every time. Okay, there are a couple of exceptions, but I'll talk about them later.
Men say that the sexiest thing on a woman is confidence and a smile. Most men can give you an idea of what a woman was wearing, but not a real description. For example, if you ask my husband what I was wearing when he met me you will get a remarkable answer. He will tell you that I had on a navy, skirted suit and heels. Not bad, right? I mean, that was 12 years ago! Except, I had on a black, skirted suit. The suit was this fantastic long jacket and shorter skirt. I wore it with really sheer black nylons and a pair of kid leather pumps with a small bow on top. The jacket buttoned all the way up with five buttons and had a double collar. Okay, what I was wearing was way more important to me than it was to him.
If you ask him what he remembers about me he will tell you that he thought my smile lit up the room. He liked that I was confident and took the lead with my group (we met in a business setting). He will also tell you that he thought my eyes were beautiful and he couldn't get them out of his mind. These are the things that he fell for. These are the things that made me beautiful to him.
I'm telling you this because at that point and time I wasn't dressing for him. I was dressing for me. I wore things that made me feel like I could conquer the world. I remember shopping with my mother for weeks to prepare for this job. It was a really big deal and I wanted suits that were unique and reflected my personality (conservative with an edge). I managed to find five suits that were perfect.
So when you go on a date remember this. Dress for yourself. When you feel like you can conquer the world he will take notice. He will probably not be able to remember what you had on, but he will remember that you were confident and happy. But, there's more.
The one thing that you must pay attention to is grooming. Make sure that your nails are clean, shaped and that you are not wearing chipped polish. If you have on polish and it chips, take the time to take it off. Make sure that your clothes are clean and in good shape. Wear shoes that are in good shape and don't show excessive wear. Make sure that you wear a conservative amount of perfume. So many people are allergic to various scents. He probably will not notice the details (I mean, they are men!), but he will notice that you care for yourself. That makes it easier for him to care for you too.
Finally, I told you that there was an exception to the rule about what impresses a man. The main exception is situational. He may not care much about what you have on but if you are extremely out of place with what you are wearing he will probably notice. For example, if you are going to a five star restaurant you will want to skip the jeans. If you are going to a ballgame you will want to skip the dressy dress. Just be aware of what the norm is (especially for him) and follow that.
Happy dating, girls.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Just a little piece of the puzzle
I have been reading the book A New Earth. Yes, I jumped on the Oprah bandwagon and decided that it would be fun to be part of the biggest book club meeting ever! I have to admit, this is a hard read. I started the book and found that my mind was really wandering and had to start over. I am only to page 57 but something started to happening that I wanted to share with you.
The part of the book that I am at talks a lot about ego. How our ego is that little voice in our head that never seems to turn off. It causes us to over think things; spending time and energy trying to work through every situation. Eckhart Tolle gives us little exercises to do to just "be". This is the awareness of being a living thing. An awareness of being a life force. Heavy stuff.
So, I do the exercises. I focus on my hands....with my little voice in my head telling me how stupid this is. Never the less I just try to feel. Okay, I get the tingling in my hands and the voice in my head gets softer. How this is going to help me find my life purpose I have no idea, but I'm hanging in there.
When I get in the car, I put the top down. It is the first day that we have had glorious sun in so very long. My mind is completely quiet. I am just enjoying the feeling of the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. About 20 minutes later, it occurs to me that I was just "being". I was experiencing pure and complete bliss. I can't tell you how happy that made me feel.
As I was pulling into my neighborhood there was a couple walking and they stepped into the street just as I was making the turn. I just stopped and gave them a big smile. I mean, I feel great in this moment. Why not spread the feeling around. They both gave me big waves and smiles. It was an Ah Ha moment.
The positive energy that we create by "being" in our lives is actually just a little piece of the puzzle. Our positive energy flows to someone else and then their positive energy flows to someone else and then their positive energy flows to someone else. See how we can affect things on a greater level just by following our own bliss?
The part of the book that I am at talks a lot about ego. How our ego is that little voice in our head that never seems to turn off. It causes us to over think things; spending time and energy trying to work through every situation. Eckhart Tolle gives us little exercises to do to just "be". This is the awareness of being a living thing. An awareness of being a life force. Heavy stuff.
So, I do the exercises. I focus on my hands....with my little voice in my head telling me how stupid this is. Never the less I just try to feel. Okay, I get the tingling in my hands and the voice in my head gets softer. How this is going to help me find my life purpose I have no idea, but I'm hanging in there.
When I get in the car, I put the top down. It is the first day that we have had glorious sun in so very long. My mind is completely quiet. I am just enjoying the feeling of the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. About 20 minutes later, it occurs to me that I was just "being". I was experiencing pure and complete bliss. I can't tell you how happy that made me feel.
As I was pulling into my neighborhood there was a couple walking and they stepped into the street just as I was making the turn. I just stopped and gave them a big smile. I mean, I feel great in this moment. Why not spread the feeling around. They both gave me big waves and smiles. It was an Ah Ha moment.
The positive energy that we create by "being" in our lives is actually just a little piece of the puzzle. Our positive energy flows to someone else and then their positive energy flows to someone else and then their positive energy flows to someone else. See how we can affect things on a greater level just by following our own bliss?
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