Have you ever wanted to try Zumba but haven't had an opportunity? Or maybe you don't dance but think it looks fun?
It IS fun - so, so, so fun !!!! And you don't even need a hint of dancing ability! (As evidenced by yours truly and I don't mean the restaurant.)
Join me for a fabulous, super-size Zumba class on Saturday, April 16th, 11:30am-1:00pm at Mentor (Ohio) Fitworks.
If you can burn 600-1000 calories during an hour-long Zumba class, imagine how many you'll burn in 90 minutes!! Those are pre-Easter calories, yo. So we can all eat more candy :-}
My instructor Erica will be teaching it and she is a blast!!!
Lunch will be provided and the cost is $15 per person.
I could not be happier to hear the good news today. Phil Collins is retiring!!! This gives me a great reason to dance a jig a couple of weeks before St. Patty's Day. Maybe not just a regular jig - I will need to invent a
!!! SUPER JIG !!!
for this momentous occasion.
A lot of people have seen my Twitter profile (yo, follow me if you're not already) and wondered exactly what my problem is with a certain Mr. Phil Collins. No, my "unresolved issues" are not just a quirky little made up factoid to give prospective followers a glimpse of what my quirky little tweets will be like.
My problems with the defendant, Mr. Collins, run much deeper than that.
Without a doubt, the guy is the purveyor of some of the worst music of my generation - even though he's old enough to be my great-great grandfather. (And that was what you call a hyperbole, kids. In reality, he's only old enough to be my grandpa - and yet with less hair than my gramp had in his 90's.)
I really didn't like the reincarnated Genesis and was too young to understand the original with Peter Gabriel (I still sorta don't see how that evolved into conventional bullcrap music with the addition of a balding drummer, but maybe that is the source - aka "genesis" ha ha - of the problem.)
I truly hated the song Illegal Alien, even though at the time I didn't realize how extremely discriminatory it was. The video was racist and filled with stereotypes to the extreme.
NOT* RACIST
(*And by not, I mean TOTALLY, of course.)
And then there's the mid-80's video where he's a bum and wears fingerless gloves, which are a staple of my winter gear nowadays. Not only did he ruin an accessory which is mandatory for a writer who frequently suffers from cold hands and lives in a cold weather state, but he made me think of a bum every time I've seen him since then.
The worst "P.C." (Get it? And I don't mean "politically correct"!) infraction came when I was in 10th grade and had knee surgery, which was followed by a long stint in physical therapy. When my mom picked me up from school and took me to therapy twice a week, the only songs we seemed to hear in a six-week period were "Another Day in Paradise" (the irony of that song was completely lost on my teen mind) and "I Wish it Would Rain Down" or whatever it's called. It's not really worth the three seconds to Google it. (Which is actually ironic - I understand this concept now - because I'm taking precious time to write a post about the dude. Sorry, but it's not every day you receive life-altering news like this. And if you guessed that was another hyperbole, you are wrong. My existence will never be the same knowing there will be no more Phil Collins lite rock to fear for the rest of my life.)
Anyway, back to my knee...added to the fact that I was on crutches, in a brace and wearing ugly shoes all the time, it was also the yucky end of winter in Cleveland, which is exactly as wonderful as it sounds. The rain was frequently fallin' (in fact every day was kind of like today) and if anyone reading this has joint problems, you know I was hurting more because of the dampness.
And Phil just rubbed it in. "Let it rai-ai-ai-ai-ai-n down, let it rai-ai-ai-ai-ai-n down on Kristen and her crappy kneeeee...."
Can someone say D-E-P-R-E-S-S-I-O-N ?
I can. "DEPRESSION."
More insipid Genesis music came along in the 90's. More craptastic solo music too. The list of music related to that guy that I can't tolerate is a mile long. Perhaps the only songs I can stand are "Groovy Kind of Love" - first, it's a cover and second, pretty good memories are attached to it. And second, "Easy Lover" because Phillip Bailey, the signature voice from one of my very favorite bands, Earth, Wind & Fire, dominates it.
Phil Collins won an Academy Award for perhaps the most trite and awful song from a Disney movie ever (and this includes the Siamese cats song from The AristoCats). Does anyone remember how South Park skewered him and his Oscar? I know there were sour grapes involved, but Trey's Blame Canada SHOULD have won.
Anyway, I've grown very weary of the subject matter. I'm surprised I've actually lasted this long.
Allow me to conclude with a few lyrics he once sang (and I was forced to listen to in countless convenience stores, car washes, and bus depots). Ok, I don't think I've ever actually been in a bus depot, but it's the sort of music I would imagine they might play in one.
Jesus he knows me
and he knows I'm right
I've been talking to Jesus all my life
oh yes he knows me
and he knows I'm right
and he's been telling me
everything is alright
And yes, Jesus, everything IS alright.
Phil Collins is no longer making music. All is right with the world :-) :-) :-)
1. Sometimes one strong statement is all you need.
Simply. Gorgeous.
2. Don’t look for the wrong kind of attention.
Did Charlize and her stylists really think this kind of weird risk would work for the Oscars? Check out its, er, "inspiration."
3. Throw them a curve.
We are used to edgy red carpet fashion from Cameron Diaz. Last night, it was elegant classic Hollywood style, from head to toe.
4. You can look beautiful at any size.
So stop hiding.
5. Color can make all the difference.
(I never did care for that pale pink dress)
6. You can look sexy and age-appropriate at the same time.
Meryl finally hit the fashion bulls eye!
7. Horizontal lines are not our friend.
Especially if they look like they are strangling us, SJP.
8. If it works for you, stick with it
Maggie Gyllenhaal (lt) in the color palette (black & blue) of a past Oscar gown (rt).
9. Darker skin looks gorgeous in pastel shades.
I swear the Queen has never looked better.
10. When in doubt, go all out.
Vera Farmiga in a bright and wildly ruffled gown. She has the coloring and the stature to carry off such a dramatic dress. Plus she's a nominee! This may be the only chance she has to make a splash!
Stay tuned for my official Oscar gown recap! Muppets will be involved. That's a promise!
I wasn't planning to do this, but after several requests and last year's popularity, I’ve decided to offer a Mother's Day Special available to Greater Clevelanders only.
This offer is not only good as a gift for your wife or mother, but are available to anyone who has wanted to work with me but has not yet had the opportunity. They are also great as employee appreciation, incentives or door prizes.
Everyone who purchases at least two hours of shopping or closet services receives a complimentary copy of the My Style workbook (a $35 value).
Because I have been hard at work on my book, I haven’t done anything like this in a year – I have no idea when it’s going to happen again.
This special is valid through Sunday May10, 2009 and all purchased services must be rendered before June 30, 2009.
We can accept cash, checks, all major credit cards & PayPal. You can have a gift certificate in your hands today.
(If you are unfamiliar with who I am or what I do, click here for my bio.)
Gift certificates are also available in any denomination.
Please see below for details and explanations.
COLOR ANALYSIS Knowing your best colors will make your eyes sparkle. Your skin will look more luminous. You will look healthier and more vibrant - and you can even look pounds thinner and years younger!
The process starts with a short presentation which demonstrates real people wearing the correct colors for their coloring as well as the incorrect ones. Then you will be asked to sit in front of a mirror and will be draped with a series of colors to determine whether your undertones are cool (blue-based) or warm (yellow-based). Next, we will determine the depth of your coloring and determine which of the twelve "seasons" best suits you and we will discuss how that will impact your wardrobe, accessory, and even makeup choices.
A few days later, you will receive a custom color palette which is filled with a variety of color suggestions - from the best basic wardrobe pieces to accent colors that will make your wardrobe more exciting. We also take your preferences into account, so you have colors that you will love wearing.
Knowing your colors is your secret weapon that will save you time and money when you shop and can help you create a more harmonious and cohesive wardrobe.
CLOSET CLEANOUT & ORGANIZATION / POWER STYLE
We have met many different kinds of closets along our journey - large and small, some filled with designer duds and others with discount store buys; closets that are fully-functional...or somewhat less.
The one common thread we've found is that every closet has a story to tell. And just like the diverse closets we encounter, there are a myriad of closet owners, each with a different style philosophy, unique set of personal experiences, shopping tendencies and organizational skills that have shaped their closets. Since no closet (and no owner) has a one-size-fits-all solution, we happily serve many different functions, depending on what our clients need.
From a style therapist who gets to the heart of what ails their closet, to a fashion exorcist who removes years of poor advice and clothing choices that haunt their wardrobe, to a drill sergeant (which one client said she needed!) to finally rid herself of years of overbuying and hoarding clothes she would never wear.
Our favorite role, though, is that of trusted friend and ally - we're your confidence booster and cheerleader. We are there to tell you what you're doing right and give you the knowledge and skills to build a wardrobe that truly serves your occupation, lifestyle, personality and goals - right now and for years to come.
Many women are not aware that they have two wardrobes - the clothing choices they see every day and the possibilities viewed by a fresh and experienced pair of eyes. Why buy more clothes when you have a whole new set of options to explore?
PERSONAL SHOPPING
When it comes to shopping, we usually meet women who are one of three types. There are those who hate to shop and find it difficult and even confusing at times. Others love to shop so much that they buy too much and it may affect both their closet space and bank account. Then there are those who enjoy to shop, but feel like they can use the help of a professional shopper to make better purchases and shop with greater efficiency of both time and money.
We understand that with so many stores to choose from and thousands of items in each, it can get pretty overwhelming when you are trying to figure out what clothing and accessories will work best for you - from your personal style, personality, goals and lifestyle - to your budget.
We are your trusted friend and guide when it comes to hitting the stores. Let us help you weed through everything that's out there and select only the colors, patterns, designers and price points that work for you.
Along with your new clothing and accessories, we want you to leave your shopping excursion with the skills to shop more confidently for yourself. We can teach you the "secrets of the pros" to help you look younger, slimmer, and more exciting each and every day. These tips and tricks are timeless and will bring you a higher success rate every time you shop!
This is a newsletter article I thought I would dust off since pirates (alas, the very, very bad kind) are in the news again.
Ahoy Mateys!
If there is one thing I know for sure, it’s that yours truly shouldn’t watch pirate movies. They’re just too darn inspiring. They leave me dangerously inspired to draw you a map to lead right to the best shopping treasures out there.
You may hear about fabulous deals in consignment shops, outlet malls, thrift stores, little out of the way places, but you don’t know why you never find them yourself.
As your captain, I will help guide you through the rough sale waters. It’s high tide and time to pillage & plunder the stores!
1. Do your research
I must have been a research analyst in another life. How many of my columns include this advice? Regardless, I cannot stress this enough! Know what you like, what colors are your personal basics, and what accent colors look great on you. Know where to get what you like and what it should cost.
For instance, I like going to Talbots for basics. You better believe I hit the Talbots outlet in Solon (southeast of Cleveland). I bought a basic tropical wool suit there for…$60. Regular price was $180. And I’ve been able to wear it together and as separates more than almost anything in my closet. It was the right color, right fit, and I knew it was something I would get a lot of wear from.
2. Be prepared to shop off-season
Get rid of the preconceived notion that hey, it’s sunny now, so that means it’s time to buy capris. Great sale shoppers shop year round and plan ahead. So what if you’re buying tank tops in December and wool pants in June? I know this probably goes against everything your mother told you, but if you find something you love now, you will probably love it five months from now as well. Plus it’s always fun to pull out your winter or summer clothes and find something you completely forgot you bought!
3. Get chummy with the sales staff
If you can get over the fear of being pressured to buy something you don’t want, a good sales person can be your greatest ally. You better believe they have advance warning about sales, and they will usually spill the beans.
Why? Many department stores like Nordstrom have a commissioned sales personnel. And if they aren’t commissioned, like at Dillard’s, you can bet they have a sales quota to meet. If you see something you like on Thursday and the sale isn’t until Saturday, you may be able to get them to hold it for you.
4. Brush up on your sale dictionary
Think quick – what’s a promotion? What does clearance mean? Hmmm?? A promotion is done in-season to push merchandise. This is the same stuff you will find much cheaper at the end of the season when it’s put on clearance. Generally, priceskeep getting slashed until the merchandise is gone or until it ends up being sentto an off-price retailer (TJ Maxx, Marshalls) or a clearance center (think Nordstrom Rack or Last Call Neiman Marcus).
The favorite place for my friends and me to pick up good stuff on clearance? After it has bypassed all these channels, it usually ends up on the clearance racks at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross (which I love, but are everywhere EXCEPT the Midwest!)
5. Stay away from oddball pieces
One of my worst buys ever was a brown cotton prairie-style skirt (bought when they were hot) with pale blue embroidery and sequins. Yes, it was 75% off and I wore it for a special occasion, but now it’s going to gather dust in my downstairs closet until I give it away. To me that is a big-time waste. I was shopping at the last minute, which I never do, and I liked it – sort of. But I never would have purchased it in a non-pressure situation.
To avoid this pitfall, make sure whatever you buy can be worn with AT LEAST 3 other pieces you already have.
Even at 75% off, that skirt was no bargain. Not only was it a waste of $40 I could have put toward something I truly love and makes me feel great, but more importantly, it bugs me every time I see it. I always ask myself “Why?”
See, even the pros make occasional mistakes. But believe me, I think of that skirt every time temptation strikes to buy something on impulse.
6. Beware of the BOGO
You may know that this means when you buy one get one half off. To a great bargain hunter, it’s a sucker bet. If you never pay full price for anything, don’t pay full price now, even if you get one for 50% off. Here’s how it works. Say two pairs of shoes are $50 apiece. You buy one for $50 and you get one for $25. Combined, that’s only 25% off. Any moderately adept sale junkie knows that is no bargain.
A better buy that we used to see everywhere is the buy one get one FREE. Keep an eye out for this and take advantage of it when you see it.
7. Buy only what you LOVE and NEED
I have seen way too many closets with pieces of clothing with miscellaneous sale tags still hanging on them – “but it was Jones NY and it was only $20!” Beware – this is a serious money and space trap.
Think of your closet as precious high-rent real estate in Manhattan. You sure as heck want to maximize every square inch – because you HAVE to. Whether you have a huge walk-in closet or a teeny tiny one, there shouldn’t be space wasted by pieces you bought on sale that will never see the light of day. Be smart when you buy.
Just a few notes on style and the recession - with my focus on book deadlines, my blog is getting the leftovers. Sorry about that. I felt this topic was too important to ignore right now...
Since the downturn in the economy, we’ve learned a new term: “recessionista.”
While being a recessionista is all about learning how to be fashionable on a budget,to me, it’s not so much about scaling back what you buy and how you shop, but being smarter and more conscious about where your wardrobe dollars are going. It’s a great skill to have to protect your own wallet - regardless of what’s happening with the economy.
Investment Dressing
The first question to ask yourself – before you spend a cent is “Do I have the basics?” What constitutes the basics is pretty much based on your industry. Do you need suits or jackets, pants and skirts – or maybe even a few pairs of good jeans? These are your investment pieces. Everything else (including shirts and blouses) are your accessories.
Make sure that your basics are timeless – nothing that is too hip or trendy – and in basic colors like black, navy, brown, tan or gray.
One of my favorite tips is to only purchase something new if it goes with 3 other pieces in my wardrobe.
Buy fabrics that are year-round. Cotton pants and shirts and tropical-weight wool will stretch your wardrobe further.
***
We’ve been told for years that when it comes to our wardrobe, less is more. Now it’s time to put that concept to work.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but cut out frivolous purchases. I see so many closets – both men’s and women’s – that have multiple items with the tags still on them. It’s sad because those were clothing dollars that could have been spent more wisely.
Never pay full price. Before you buy, do your research. Scope out where the sales are on what you need. Some men’s stores have two-for-one deals, and every weekend department stores have big sales. There really isn’t a need to pay retail for anything these days.
Change your stores
Do you tend to shop in stores within a certain price range? You do not generally lose quality in taking a step down to the next level of store. But you may save a decent amount of money.
In the Cleveland area, we are lucky enough to have Filene’s Basement and Nordstrom Rack, which are the discount versions of department stores. (Filene’s Basement is related to Macy’s.) You can find many of the same goods, but at a much lower price point by shopping at these locations.
Recession style isn’t about designer labels. A lot of people are still caught up in the idea that because there is a designer logo on an item, that means it’s better. In some instances, designer clothing is higher quality, but these days, many designer pieces are manufactured right along with non-designer brands.
If you still love and need your designer brands, try outlet shopping or buying them on ebay.
Spend more on items that last longer
Suits and shoes are two of the top items that I recommend investing in. Suits last much longer if you dry clean them every 3-4 wearings.
And be sure to care for those shoes! A $10-15 investment in cedar shoe trees prevent the leather from wrinkling and can help you get twice the wear out of your shoes. When your shoes wear out, take them to a shoe repair expert, and they will be almost as good as new.
Seek Professional Help
Are there items in your closet that don’t quite fit properly, but you think they can still be saved? Take them to a tailor! A good tailor can tell you if the piece can be salvaged, or if it’s something that should be replaced.
A professional wardrobe expert can also help you see your closet through a different set of eyes. Many men and women are surprised that they have exponentially more clothes than they think they do. We tend to get into a rut of putting the same items together over and over again to create outfits. Sometimes it’s just a matter of taking apart suits and using them as separate pieces, combining different items, and accessorizing. You can have a whole new wardrobe just by shopping in your own closet!
Accessorize
What the current economy is teaching everyone is what many of us have been doing all along – making our wardrobes go further with the inclusion of a variety ofinteresting accessories.
Women can quickly update an older outfit with accessories. I like shopping at discount stores for fun and trendy accessories – earrings, necklaces, scarves, even bags. You can pretty much change your accessories at whim and it doesn’t cost much.
Maintain what you have
If you’re used to spending every month to have your dress shirts laundered, an excellent investment is a professional steamer. In a short amount of time, you will have saved enough to pay for it, and will never have to pay for shirt laundering again.
You can even freshen up suits this way, between dry cleanings.
