The Effortless Ironing Alternative

I have had a love hate relationship with ironing all my life. When I was a child, I used to watch my mother iron and thought it looked like fun. My aunt was the quintessential ironer. When she came to visit, she would spend hours on end at the ironing board, cheerfully tackling the most difficult challenges, like linen tablecloths and ruffled shirts. When she was done, even our bedsheets and underwear were perfectly pressed. When I was about eleven, I often volunteered to do the ironing. There was something Zen like and relaxing about this chore and I got great satisfaction out of seeing the fruits of my labor hanging starched and wrinkle free or folded into neat piles. Unfortunately, my early attraction to this domestic task faded. As an adult, I invariably suffered some unfortunate ironing mishap: either the iron setting was too hot or the steam would sputter all over a garment rather than come out in a fine continuous mist. I also had trouble getting shirt collars to lay perfectly flat or even worse, I ended up scorching a favorite blouse. Then a magical thing happened. I discovered garment steamers when I began working in retail sales. After looking at reviews of steamers on Consumer Report, I bought a lightweight hand held steamer called the Jiffy ESteam (http://www.jiffysteamer.com/) for about $60. Since then, my ironing experiences have been serene.

What is so great about clothing steamers? First of all you can easily store them in a linen closet and set them up in a flash. Just fill them with water, plug them in and you can steam any piece of clothing while it is still on the hanger. Steamers are gentler on fabrics (especially the delicates) and safer to use than irons (no more singeing another article of clothing again).  Steamers come in all sizes, from the heavy duty floor models to the tiny portable ones that you can tuck into a suitcase when you travel. To view photos and descriptions of  Good Housekeeping's seven highest rated steamers, go to http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/reviews-tests/appliances-electronics/best-handheld-steamers.

The Resale Revolution: Searching for Chic

My infatuation with second hand shopping started in the 1960’s. In my funkier days, I would scour military surplus stores for bell bottomed button fly sailor pants and then head to Goodwill to look for anything that was suede with a heavy dose of fringe on it. In the 1970’s and 80’s and on a tight budget, I made weekly trips to my neighborhood thrift store to search out bargains for myself and my family. I also frequented vintage stores looking for standout pieces that nurtured my eclectic style personality. Once I experienced the elation of finding Ferragamo heels for $9, and a black Coach purse for $20, I knew that shopping second hand would become a lifelong practice. 

Now when I visit my favorite haunts, the parking lots are full and the lines at the check out are long. According to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops (NART), resale shopping has become hugely popular among consumers everywhere. In fact, the 2010 NART survey reported that the number of new consignment stores increased by 7% over last year and there was a 12.7%  net growth in resale shop sales from 2008 to 2009. This figure compares to a 7.3% decline in retail sales for the same period. Experts point to a number of factors to explain this widespread shopping phenomenon.  First of all, the economic downturn has influenced people’s shopping habits. They are spending less and when they buy, they want more bang for their buck. Shoppers all over the globe have discovered that they can find high end used clothes in mint condition for a fraction of the cost of what they would cost new. Rather than holding on to those 7 for All Mankind jeans that no longer fit or the Free People sweater that was an impulse buy, consumers are turning them in for cash to expand their shopping budgets. Those who have an eye for style are also shopping resale to find unique pieces that are either difficult to find at chain stores or very expensive at retail boutiques. As the green movement gets traction, more consumers are recognizing the environmental and social benefits associated with the resale trend. Buying pre-owned goods cuts down on the enormous quantity of clothes that end up in landfills and uses less energy than it takes to manufacture and transport new clothes (www.ecomii.com).  Additionally, shoppers who support nonprofits such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and Amvets, are helping to fund training programs and other worthwhile services for those in need.

I always keep my antennae up for new and exciting resale shops. While working on a voter registration campaign in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia in the fall of 2008, I stumbled upon a real treasure. Appropriately named Current Boutique, it is an upscale, modern store with a relaxed vibe. The store opened its doors in April 2007 and expanded to a second location in Old Town Alexandria in November, 2009. Unlike many consignment stores, Current Boutique also carries new clothing and accessories that the owner, Carmen Lopez, selects from New York and Los Angeles. Current Boutique has gained a reputation for offering gently worn, high quality women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry and designer handbags for approximately 1/3 of their retail price. When you browse through the well organized and neat display racks, you see trendy to classic styles and designer wear by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, BCBG and Trina Turk to name just a few.  I go there whenever I can to shop as well as consign my clothes. The staff is always helpful, friendly and professional. I never leave empty handed and I am always satisfied with the speed at which my consigned items are sold. Current Boutique also allows consigners to accrue store credit when their items are sold. This feature is especially seductive because I can almost convince myself that I’m getting clothes for free!  Some of my fabulous finds include a next to new Nordstrom brand leather jacket, a long, chunky Anthropologie sweater and a lovely fine gauge Tahari  merino wool cardigan.

The consignment procedure at Current Boutique is stress free because it is not necessary to make an appointment. Amanda DeSanto, manager at the Clarendon store, did mention that the busiest day for shopping as well as consigning is Saturday and that the wait could be long if customers consign on that day.  First time consigners sign an agreement in advance or at the time of consignment.  All consigners also need to make a complete list of their items on a store form. Then, a store employee reviews the items and decides which ones to accept. The store only considers items that are in style (no more than two years old) and in excellent condition. Current Boutique splits the sale price with the consigner and will either mail a check or leave it at the store for pickup within 90 days of the date that the items were consigned.  As I already mentioned, there is also the option of establishing store credit.

Current Boutique is all about offering personalized service to its customers. Now, the store offers private, after hours parties so that a group of friends (ten or more) can enjoy leisurely shopping together and also get hands on advice from a professional fashion stylist. What could be better?  For more information, customers should contact the store.

Visit the Current Boutique website www.CURRENTBOUTIQUE.COM and their Blog (linked to site) for more store information and hours. Each week the blog also features photos and a description of the “Outfit of the Week” which is an entire ensemble created from existing store inventory. Their Blog is also a good place to get breaking fashion news.

These Boots Are Made For Walking

The boot is definitely the footwear of choice this fall. As I was stopped at a light the other day near the American University campus in Washington, DC, I couldn’t help but notice the spectacular array of boots on parade. There were tall riding boots, over the knee musketeer style numbers, ankle length booties, vintage Frye boots and of course the ubiquitous UGGS. As soon as the autumnal weather hits, lovers of boots rush to don their favorite pair. So, what is their widespread appeal anyway? Well, they keep you warm, they are often more comfortable than shoes, they never go out of style and you can wear them with just about anything.  Since boots are a bit of an investment and you will want to wear them for many seasons, here are some pointers that hopefully will help you pick out both a comfortable and "stylin" boot that will become your fast friend:.

1. Take Your Time

If you buy boots (or shoes for that matter) when you are either rushed or in one of those impulsive moods, you will probably regret your purchase. Before you start shopping for boots in stores, do some research on the internet and pinpoint certain brands and styles that you like. Looking at the ratings and reading the customer reviews may help you assess whether a certain boot may be a good fit for you. You can also read weekly reviews and get email updates about comfort shoes at www.barkingdogshoes.com.Then go to several stores and try on all kinds of boots. Once you purchase a pair, “test drive” them at home for a week (only inside or the store will not accept your return) and at different times of the day to make sure they are totally comfortable.

2. Learn About Your feet

Go to a reputable shoe store or shoe department with well trained sales clerks and get your feet properly measured. Some stores like Foot Solutions (http://www.footsoutions.com/) will also conduct a foot analysis and digital foot scanning to determine whether you have any foot conditions that require special attention. Foot Solutions will also make custom inserts for you. Knowing more about your feet will reduce the likelihood that you will end up with a pair of boots that collects dust in your closet.  

3. Think About Your Needs

Are you on your feet a lot or do you walk long distances to and from work?

Do you live in a climate where a waterproof boot with good traction is a must?

Do you have a foot type or condition that requires a specific design quality such as a wide toe bed or extra shock absorption in the heel?

4. Pay Attention to Brands

Companies such as Naturalizer, Easy Spirit and Merrell have a solid reputation for well made, stylish and affordable boots. The Canadian company Blondo  is known for its well constructed waterproof boots. Pikolinos from Spain offers unique designs with superior craftsmanship and state of the art technology. All of these companies have their own websites and you can also look for these brands on Zappos and Amazon.com. If you are live in the Washington, DC area, you can find Blondo and Pikolino boots at Amano in Takoma Park, Md. Their website address is http://www.amanotakoma.com/. Visit this mini department store for a great selection of comfort boots and shoes as well as unique clothing, jewelry and gifts.

 See the photos of my three favorite picks, #1 Easy Spirit LOVEIT for $124.99, #2 Merrell Tetra Launch for $149.99 and #3 Pikolinos Genebra bootie for 179.00. You can see I'm enamoured with all shades of brown! 

The Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere Trouser

Plaid trousers rank high on the list of wardrobe essentials, especially this fall because we are in love with all shades of  brown and beige.  Plaid pants are classy, sophisticated and timeless. You can dress them up or down and they work with an array of tops, sweaters and jackets.  After a long quest to find the perfect plaid pant that wouldn’t break the bank, I landed on the Julie Randi pant at Ann Taylor Loft online for $79.50.  It is made of polyester, rayon and spandex and is also machine washable (yeah!).  Sitting slightly below the waist, it has a wide leg silhouette but it is contoured through the hip and thigh.  Additional features include two front pockets and two back pockets with button closures.  It also has wide belt loops so you can sport a leather belt with these pants when you want to change up your look.  The Randi plaid pant also comes in a “lean” straight leg style for $69.99 and both styles also come in petite. If you are shopping for outfits that take you from work to an evening out, then I suggest you pair these trousers with a cream silk top such as the ruffle front cap sleeve shell that is featured at Banana Republic online for $69.50. Want to go slightly bolder?  Then try a paisley or print top such as the Talbot’s cream and camel floral ruffled silk shell for $89. Yes, plaids and patterns do go together. Just make sure that the colors in each item are complementary and that the patterns and plaids aren't competing with each other for attention. Add a punch of color to your neutral palette and round out your outfit with the Kate Spade New York Paulina embellished cardigan in chartreuse. Not only is the color sensational but the round neck of this retro style beauty of a sweater is bordered in jewels. You can find this item for 40% off at Nordstrom online. Originally $295, it is currently selling for $176.90.  And now for the fait accompli….a leather motorcycle style jacket in a rich chestnut brown for those chilly autumn days. I guarantee that you will make a statement and feel terrific in this head turning ensemble!

Why Fashion Matters?

I am fascinated by fashion.   Regardless of whether it is exquisite or down right ugly, I am intrigued by the inspiration behind the idea for a design as well as the effort, talent and patience that it takes to actually create a garment. 

Fashion excites me because it is dynamic and ever changing. New styles seem to suddenly and mysteriously morph from current ones and fashion possibilities are limitless.  Yet, there is comfort in fashion’s cyclical nature. Seeing a recycled style from bygone years is like running across an old friend. It is a comfort to know that the styles you once loved wearing will be enjoyed all over again by a new generation of fashionistas.

I also revere fashion because of its relationship to the intangible, inner lives of individuals. Like eyes, clothes are “windows to the soul”. How a person puts an outfit together, the colors they choose and their signature style are like clues to a puzzle about who they really are on the inside. The fact that you rarely see two people dressed alike speaks to the fact that fashion informs us of one’s uniqueness.  Even though fashion trends can be frivolous, fashion as a means of self expression is not.  

Yet, it is daunting to consider fashion’s power. Experts say that what someone is wearing and how well they are put together is more important than what they say during a first encounter. Yes, the way you look greatly influences how others perceive you and is a critical factor in deciding whether to hire, date or befriend someone for example.  As it is said, we never have a second chance to make a first impression and it takes a great deal of effort to undue a negative one.

Should we be obsessed with materialism, fashion and looking good? Should we spend more than we can afford on clothes and buy clothes that we don’t need?  Absolutely not. However, our bodies do house us and showcase who we are as individuals. Just as we maintain our home and want it to have nice "curb appeal", it makes sense that we also care for our image and want to present ourselves in the best possible light.  I believe that there is a definite connection between looking your best and being your best each day.  

Welcome to Style Matters

This blog is the voice of  Style Matters. In this blog you will read my musings on fashion and style related themes. I will share with you my thoughts on such topics as trends, style tips, where to shop for clothes and accessories in and around Washington DC,  how to spend less on your wardrobe and much more. I will also ruminate about life, my personal experiences and the lessons that I have learned as seen through the lens of fashion. My purpose is to inform and perhaps educate but I also hope to engage and offer a perspective that interests, engages and hopefully touches someone else.