Wardrobe Colors by the Month

In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal Christina Binkley wrote about Holiday attire and the short number of weeks we might wear something like a red velvet dress. I certainly have a few items that only get worn in December. For years I have hung out on my hall rack a 3/4 length red and green plaid Carlisle coat that I wear multiple times per week all through December. I think the red silk dress pictured here can be worn October through March and not simply December though.

I actually tend to go through my favorite colors to wear by the month. In October and November it's my orange tops. My base tends to be brown. My December it's naturally anything red often with black bottoms. Though I wear red accessories almost year round. In January-February I love wool sweaters and pants in winter white. By Spring I am into corals and aqua blue. The hot days of summer it's often bright lemon yellow or lime green cottons with crisp whites.

As I buy classics these seasonally rotated clothes are in my wardrobe for years. Though many pieces can be worn any time of year, they just cry out to be worn certain months especially.

All this is somewhat mirrored by my home decor. I rotate my accessories by the seasons. In January and February it's mirrors with crystal vases and bowls and white candles to pick up the weaker winter light. Come Spring it's flowers and bunnies. In Summer I display all my seashells.

Am I alone in the joy of expressing the flow of the year by the rotation of my clothes or household decor? Certainly retailers hope other women do the same!

What to wear to Business Holiday Parties

At this time of the year your company, your vendors, or your clients often have parties that you are invited to. It is a great time to form closer relationships with these groups, plus have some fun. Be careful not to get to carried away with the alcohol and embarrass your self though. This is a business event.

Since this is still business not a date night or evening with your husband, refrain from anything too sexy like plugging necklines. Can you hear the buzz from all the men if you do! This is not how you want them to remember you when you next meet for business.

There are lots of beautiful dresses that are appropriate. Picture here is a Carlisle Collection shiny charmeuse silk blouse with satin bow paired with a flowing pleated chiffon skirt. Elegant, appropriate and also versatile. You can pair the skirt with an existing jacket for an updated look or wear the blouse with slim evening pants.

Have you worn bamboo yet?

The Thursday Nov. 12 issue of the Wall Street Journal had an article on bamboo fabric used in designer clothing. It is touted as an ecologically friendly textile. The downside is that toxic solvents are currently used to break the stems down. Hopefully this can be improved in the future.

Have you worn bamboo yet? Please comment on your reactions. Was the fabric comfortable? Did it wear well? Was it blended with other fabrics? Did it enhance the styling of the garment?

Sweater Care

Now that we can finally wear sweaters in Southern California it's time to think about proper care. Though you may not be able to tell it, the cardigan pictured here is a cable knit. It should not be hung on a hanger both because of the weight and looseness of the knitting. Hanging will lead to the shoulders stretching out and the entire garment. "growing" or lengthening. Occasionally you may have a light-weight tightly woven knit sweater that can be hung on a padded or heavy hanger, but usually sweaters should lay flat.

Snags and pulls are another care issue with sweaters. Larger loose weaves are prone to being caught on protruding objects. Tight weave can easily be snagged, so watch that your jewelry and purse have no rough edges.

Moths love lunching on the food particles dropped on your sweater, even those particles you do not see. So dry clean them for sure at the end of the season, but also during the season as needed. You can even wrap your sweater up and place it in the freezer over night to kill any bugs or eggs that might be inside your favorite wool or cashmere pieces.