Designer Consignment for Cash

Do you have designer clothes in you closet that perhaps never fit you right, was a gift that was not your style or color, or simply a bad purchasing decision. If they are still in style, clean, and in good condition you can turn them into cash. In Pasadena, Roberta Lyon, owns a consignment store called "Style of Green". She will inspect your garment before accepting it, then determine the resale price. You receive 50% of the sale on garments priced at $100 and above. There is a one time marked down of 25%. New or gently worn couture quality pieces do not get markdown.

"Style on Green" is located at 1136 E. Green St. Call for an appointment to bring garments in 626-796-9924. Roberta will come to a home to collect larger consignments. Last month Roberta sent checks to women for thousands of dollars. This is because "Style on Green" has a great client base that frequents her beautifully merchandized store full of designer clothes and accessories.

Summer Whites

Nothing says summer like white. This turquoise Carlisle sweater just "pops" when paired with white, as do all bright colors. White does require some extra care though.

One of the complaints I often get is keeping summer whites from turning yellow or taking on a dull gray hue. I called Scott Bell, owner of Bryan's Cleaners, and my dry cleaner for decades. The best advice is to remember to clean frequently. Body oils, perspiration, unseen splatters of white wine or other unnoticed foods or sprays absorb into the fabric. The longer they stay in the fabric the harder to remove them.

When you clean your washable clothing note that regular bleach can turn some white fabrics yellow. Look for natural oxygen safe bleach, usually found in health stores. Borax or washing soda will also brighten whites, as will sunlight for cottons especially. Really hard water can turn garments that dull gray color, so use vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Byran's has an excellent website with tips. Go to http://www.bryanscleaner.com/ then the tab newsletter. You'll see several letters about the care of whites by Steve Boorstein. In addition there are style tips on body types by Kate Rice starting with #22.

Finding the Right Swimsuit

I had to face the terrible moment of buying a new swimsuit for the summer. On line I found this great site. www.itfigures.com You click your figure issue and a selection of possible choices come up. My issue is heavy thighs. Pictures here is one of their solutions. Other figure issues could be tummy, long torso, wide hips, small bust, large bust, or mastectomy. You can order on line, find a store that carries this line, or request a catalog.

Makeover for Executive Level Interview

Shirley was selected by McDermott and Bull Executive Search for a makeover by Corporate Icon. As a member of the team I helped Shirley with her wardrobe and accessories. Patsy Cisneros coached Shirley on her body language. Michele Hardy was brought in for hair and makeup. Shirley needed to step up the quality of her attire to reflect the director level position she was interviewing for. I selected a suit with some texture and updated 3/4 sleeves, as opposed to more traditional brasers which just looked simply boring

on her. The necklace was an appropriate size or her small frame and added that extra polish.

Executive Makeover

Through McDermitt and Bull Executive Network I was introduced to Jonathan . He needed an executive "touch up" after a weight change. Jonathan is 6'3" and tayloring was a key component in giving this well constructed dark gray suit made of quality designer fabric, the sense of confidence he needed to project. With a wide neck and long torso, he needed extra long ties. As the selection of long ties was not vast, we looked for three ties first, then three shirts that would send three different messages. Photographed here is his most powerful look for presentations and a new head shot which he needed.

Other shirt-tie combinations took the suit from networking events to more formal social events.

Every suit should have at least five combinations. Often it's a good idea to photograph your combinations in case you can not remember what tie you intended to wear with a particular shirt. Also after acquiring a new shirt or tie "play" with the other combinations you may be able to make with your existing wardrobe. Photograph these also, so that when you are in a hurry you can refer to the photos for possible combinations.

Keeping Up Appearances

I am preparing for a trip to France and recently read a book, "Almost French" by Sarah Turnbull. The author who is from Australia writes about her cultural adjustments during her first years of living in France. In one section she writes about her boyfriend's shock that she was going out in the morning to get croissants in her baggy sweatpants. He thought that the baker would not be very happy to have her in his shop dressed sloppily. In other words her appearance downgraded the quality of his store. Most likely he would want to ignore her and wait on others. It really tickled me. I am one of those people who really likes to dress nice even when running errands. For instance today I have a nice top, skirt and sandals on with a necklace and bracelet. I just feel better when out and about. I do get better service. Plus I never have to be embarrassed if I run into a friend or business associate.

What is your feeling about the way most American dress when running errands and shopping?

Fashion Show at Sheraton Universal

May 10 I helped put on a fashion show for St. Joseph's Medical Center Benefit. The theme was Kentucky Derby Day, so lots of the women wore hats including me. The fashion producer, Lucienda Meidema, did a great job with the CARLISLE fashions. The opening scene was done to the music of "Ascot Opening Day" from "My Fair Lady" with the models in five CARLISLE black and white outfits and hats striking poses to the music.

The hats in the fashion show were from Lynn Frances Millinery. She can customize a hat to go with any special occasion outfit. So if you have an outdoor wedding, afternoon tea, or trip to the Ascot races, she is your resource. www.lynfrances.com or phone 866-lynfrances.