Stock Up Sale!

Spring is almost here. I can feel it in the air. I can also feel that a lot of good stuff is on sale right now. My spidey sense is tingling!*

(*Admission: The fact that I've been out perusing the sale racks is far closer to the truth. My only super power is sensing when happy hour is ending.)

Is it the right time to stock up on necessities for next winter? Yes, kids. Everyone likes a bargain.

But don't trends change, KK? Why yes they do. 

So what should you buy NOW that will put you in 
good shape for the cold and chill next fall and winter?

1.  Coats

If you need a new coat, now is the time. Make sure it has classic lines and will be able to be worn for the next 2-5 years. If you have a decent coat rotation, they last much longer, of course. If you don't have the basics like black, navy, brown or winter white, focus on those colors first. Then go for a fun accent color or pattern.

2.  Cashmere Sweaters

This needs no explanation. Invest in cashmere. It feels wonderfullllllll!!!!!!!

3.  Jammies & Slippers

Nothing feels quite like a brand new pair of pajamas on a cold night. In most stores, they are now half-off or more. Why not buy a new pair or two and put them aside for when the furnace kicks on next year? Also, keep those feet warm with some comfy new slippers. Extra points if they are pink, fluffy and have a face.

4.  Tights & Trouser socks 

....and warm regular socks. Imagine my shock when I realized that I had more monkey socks in my drawer than the black socks I desperately needed. I too have to be reminded to stock up sometimes! 

We don't know what the trends will be for tights next year. They were pretty wild this year! Don't stock up on crazy colors or prints unless you really, really love them. Instead, buy black and brown and any basic color you know you tend to wear in the cold weather. Textures and soft, muted patterns are fine too. 

5.  Scarves, Gloves, Hats

I'm not big on matching accessories, unless they are your outerwear accessories. I like when two of them match and they other is a wild card. For instance, today, I was wearing a charcoal wool coat, pink gloves, pink scarf and a lime, pink and gold hat. (Prettier than it sounds!) I was carrying my dark pink bag. I felt very put together. 

Now is the time to buy in sets. Go ahead - be matchy-matchy for once. I'm telling you it is okay. It's so you have all the matching pieces and can mix and match them at will. 

I am also a fan of buying elegant leather and suede gloves at this time of year. I try to have a pair that goes with each of my basic coat colors - and I also have red ones that get a lot of use too. They bring a spark to my black coats.

Stash it!

I love taking my fall and winter clothes out for the first time each year because there are always happy surprises. I love the Christmas morning feeling I get when I find things I didn't realize I bought at end of season sales. It *almost* makes the crummy weather more bearable. 

Almost.

New Year's Cures for a Style Slump

Hi Friends!

It's time for New Year's Resolutions!

Did you know that a change on the outside can serve as a catalyst for changing what we want to change on the inside? It can be tough to alter certain aspects of our lives when the proof that we are changing (what is on the outside) remains the same.

It doesn't have to be a dramatic before and after makeover, but a visible change can put you in a positive frame of mind to reach your goals in 2010.

It is never good to become complacent. Far too many of us get stuck with a style that we are comfortable with and it becomes an all too-familiar rut. Whether we’ve had the same hairstyle for 5 years, wear a daily “uniform”, or put our makeup on exactly the same way every single day.

Don’t get me wrong – there isn’t anything wrong with comfort. Many of us like our comfort zones and they work well for us. But sometimes we can become too attached to a routine, style or method and before we realize it, we have become quite resistant to change. One rut can lead to another, which can snowball into our whole lives becoming one big forgettable routine. Even those who bask in their blandness (I know several of you – and I know you are eagerly reading this!) can benefit from mixing it up once in awhile.

Many of my clients tell me they are stuck in a style and don’t know why. Their goal is to look “more interesting” but they don’t know exactly what that means to them – or how to get there.

Here are four ways I recommend to my clients to help pull them out of their fashion ruts. The best part is that you can apply them TODAY!

Get ready to make your New Year more stylish – one step at a time.

1. Expand your reading material

If you’re stuck in a Redbook, Good Housekeeping or Real Simple frame of mind, pick up a few magazines you normally wouldn't read. The aforementioned magazines generally recycle the same style advice month after month and it will do nothing to make your clothing selection more exciting.

Think more along the lines of my personal fave, InStyle – but also look at Elle, Vogue, Lucky, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, or even – gasp – Cosmo! Yes, some of the fashion can be "out there", but don’t lose heart - it's more important to see what’s happening in the fashion world and get ideas.

 

New Year's Challenge:  Start a “look book” of pictures of what you feel fits your style and what you would be comfortable wearing, plus some accessorizing ideas you can use in your own wardrobe.

2. Try a few new stores

Go to the mall and look around at Express, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Arden B., H&M, or other retailers you normally wouldn't frequent if you're stuck in a “department store” mentality. Or try a smaller step - venture out of your favorite section of the department store and explore the more trendy parts of the store.

Try clothes on! Even if you always gravitate toward the same styles, you are missing out on a lot if you just look and don't try anything on.

Find a couple of hours this month to go out by yourself or with a friend (not a hubby or boyfriend) and explore the mall in a way you've never done before or haven't done in years. Report back to me. What did you discover about what's out there? What were you attracted to? What did you try on? How did it make you feel?

New Year's Challenge: Buy something totally unexpected that you love but would never buy “in a million years” – AND WEAR IT!  

3. Explore Color

What colors are you attracted to? For most people, their color preferences change based on their mood and the time of year.

Most of us have the basics we need – navy, black, gray and brown. But they need to be punched up with accent colors to be more exciting.

By wearing colors you love, you will not only look updated but you will feel a definite lift in your spirits! Wearing color has been proven time and again to be extremely powerful mood enhancer.

New Year's Challenge:  Find an accent color or two that you like and buy a few pieces in the same shade (i.e., berry red, fuchsia, forest green, etc). Try a turtle neck, a winter scarf, gloves, hat, long-sleeve tee, purse, or even a camisole in your shade.

(Please only wear a couple pieces at the same time or the matchy-matchy police will arrest you.)

4. Update your Accessories, Shoes, and Hair

The easiest and most budget-friendly way to update your wardrobe is with accessories. Try a funky necklace or bracelet. Or look for a hot new handbag (ask the sales associate what's in and they will point you in the right direction).

I tend to buy a lot of my fun accessories at Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe.

Or buy a colorful pair of boots!

Another place many people get stuck is with their eyeglasses – only changing when their prescription changes. Don’t do this! Invest in new eyeglasses (stores always have deals!) even if your prescription still works for you. Or change your hair a little - get highlights or lowlights if you've never tried them before. Or change your hairstyle – if only slightly.

New Year's Challenge: Buy one new accessory or make one makeup or hair tweak every week. Write these down in a small notebook. Over the year, you will see how you’ve evolved. It’s really rewarding and will set the stage for further change and style (and life) victories!

***

Remember that just as you change and evolve as a person, your style should grow and change right along with you. Don't use this as a one-time fix. Make time for yourself at least once every season and give yourself time to explore what the stores are offering and decide what the next version of YOU should look like.

Gentle steps out of your comfort zone will not only help you break free from your style rut, but will set the stage for success in other facets of your life as well!

Wishing you a happy and stylish 2010!!!

My Life in the Closet

Random thoughts about women and their clothes

I've been at this a long time, friends, and every time I am in a closet, I learn a new insight or some piece of knowledge I already have is reinforced. Here are some of my observations and several truths about women, closets and shopping. You just might see yourself somewhere in here...

A woman's closet is a glimpse into her psyche. Cluttered closet, cluttered mind.

Receiving clothing as gifts is not a gift at all if you don't like them and won't wear them.

I don't know any woman who doesn't rely too much on black.

Buying the best quality you can afford beats out a bunch of cheap items any day.

A good tailor is your wardrobe's best friend. Also know how to sew a hem and do emergency repairs - I'm working on this myself.

The shades of watermelon, mint and teal blue look great on pretty much anyone.

Never underestimate wearing the right underwear - every outfit you own may require a different strategy!

Do you want people to compliment you or your outfit? There's a huge difference!

Fashion and style are contradictory terms.

Understanding what colors and contrast levels work for you is the first step in controlling your closet.

Dress appropriately for your climate. I am asked about turtlenecks all the time. Yes, they are okay if you live in Cleveland, ladies!

Most women want to look younger and hipper, but all say they don't want to look too young, trendy or silly (of course!).

So many women are challenged by shopping for jeans. If you can't find the right pair, set aside a couple of hours to shop only for denim. Odds are, you will find a great pair or two.

Every woman can wear red and yellow. The shade is all that matters.

Try on designer clothing (including jeans) and items that are out of your budget. Understanding how well-made clothes feel and fit will help you make better purchases in your price range.

MOTHER'S DAY COLOR, CLOSET & SHOPPING SPECIAL

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.)

COLOR ANALYSIS - $129 (Regular $175)

ONE HOUR POWER STYLE $99

CLOSET CLEANOUT & ORGANIZATION **OR** SHOPPING
2 HOURS $169 (Regular $300)
3 HOURS $349 (Regular $450)

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!

© Kristen Kaleal Inc. All Rights Reserved.

(Would someone please get on my case about finishing my new site - sometimes blogging stuff is NOT easier!)

Navigating the 7 Seas of Sale Shopping

….and avoid walking the full price plank!

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, prices keep getting slashed until the merchandise is gone or until it ends up being sent to 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.

Inside Business (2/2009)

Changing Your Business Life: Spruce Up Your Wardrobe
by Eric Broder

In an economic downturn, your wardrobe may have to take a hit. That belt you’re tightening ... you didn’t pay full price, right? “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,” says image consultant Kristen Kaleal.

Buying new. Take it down a notch from the pricey stores. Hit Nordstrom Rack rather than the mothership, or try Filene’s Basement. Invest first in the basics — “nothing too hip or trendy” — based on your industry. Suits, jackets, pants and skirts should be in timeless colors: black, navy, brown, gray. Then come the accessories, which include shirts and blouses. “I’ll only buy something if it goes with three other pieces in my wardrobe,” says Kaleal. And if you’ve got to have your designer wear, get it at the outlet store or on eBay.

Make ’em last. You’ll extend the life of your suits by only dry cleaning them every three or four wearings. Invest $15 in cedar shoe trees, which can double the life of your shoes. When they do finally wear out, take them to a shoe repair shop —they’ll live anew.

Look in your own closet. You’ll be surprised at how much more you have, Kaleal says. Mix and match pieces for a new look. Women can quickly update an older outfit with accessories from a discount store — earrings, necklaces, scarves and bags. It’s change on the cheap.

80's Hippies

Q: What do you get when you combine the worst of the Age of Aquarius with the worst of the 80's?

A: This ~

I don't really see anything from this look that I can steal and use for myself or any of my clients. It's really out there - styles and eras that should never be put together. The colors (for spring) aren't even inspiring. What the heck??

Stretching your wardrobe dollars in a recession

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 of interesting 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.