I frequently encourage you to cast a wide search net when you're hunting for items to round-out your wardrobe.  I certainly have my favorite stores, but I peruse lots of other places for new and interesting pieces. Shopping only from one or two places can often result in a wardrobe in a rut. So today, I'm reviewing the top 4 sample sale sites that you should definitely be checking out.
To join any or all of the sites (each is free) click on any logo below.

You might be asking - what in the heck is a sample sale site? Have you ever heard of designer sample sales in New York and L.A.? Did you see "Confessions of a Shopaholic?" The scene where all the women are let into the before-unknown warehouse location and duke it out for the few samples of highly coveted items? That was fairly accurate, and  these internet sale sites are the same concept, minus the fisticuffs. 
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  • In general has the lowest price point and least exclusive designers
  • Usually has the most daily sales for a great variety
  • Feature Sales- Women's, Men, Kids, Home, Experiences and the just-launched Travel section
Featured today on ideeli...
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Bass Loves Rachel Antonoff cream/pink saddle oxford heels for $65 instead of $109
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  • Mid-range price points, lowest number of daily sales
  • Great mix of high end with mid-level brands
  • Sales feature - Women, Men, Home, Travel, and Local Picks for Boston, NY, Philadelphia, Seattle
Featured today on Rue La La...
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Robert Rodriguez orange pintuck skirt for $69.90 instead of $242.
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  • Best offering of beauty items for women and toys for children
  • Next to highest price points and designer offerings
  • Sales feature - Women, Beauty, Home, Kids, Men, Getaways
Featured today on Hautelook...
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M by Marcus printed silk roll-sleeve blouse for $49 instead of $198.
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  • The original luxury sample sale site
  • Usually has the highest price points and most exclusive designers
  • Great for investment, own-it-forever items
  • Sale Sections- Women, Men, Home, Children, Gifts, Jetsetter, City, Taste
Featured today on Gilt...
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Pink Tartan stretch silk knit wrap dress for $159 instead of $395. Yowza!
A few other tidbits about these sample sites -
  1. They're a great way to branch out and discover new brands and styles, all on easy to navigate, secure sites
  2. You get incredible bang for your buck.  If you're going to buy a skirt, why not get the best you can, for less? I'd much rather wait for a great designer skirt to pop up on these sales than settle for lesser quality or style at the same price.
  3. There are new sales daily, usually starting at noon Eastern time. Hot designers and items go fast, watch out for those virtual fisticuffs!
  4. There are smartphone apps for each site, making giving the sales a quick glance at your convenience more than easy. You can also get email reminders about what sales will be featured that day.
  5. With so many different looks and designers in one place, they're a great way to grab a little outfit inspiration, even if you're not looking to buy anything new.
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Bosom Week has arrived! 
I've been looking forward to this series of posts for a while and am anxious to exchange information on a feminine issue we all face. 

Like many women before me, I embarked upon a quest to find the perfect bra. 
Not that there is only one perfect bra manufactured out there somewhere, but the perfect bra for me.  I am still on that quest and I want to share with you what I've discovered so far.  Like me, you will probably already know some of this, but hopefully you'll learn something new.

Today, we're going to examine the reasons WHY women need a good bra, and part of what that entails.
  • ALL women need support and shaping, no matter how large or small your breasts.  Even the tiniest of breasts can flop, giving up on its job of enhancing your feminine figure.  Don't make the mistake of thinking boobless can equal braless.  The picture below illustrates what happens when a bra doesn't do a proper job of supporting and shaping.
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That's not a happy breast on that left side.  Down and out is not a good description on any terms. 
 - Proper support helps preserve breast fullness and firmness while preventing back pain and poor posture. 
 - Proper shaping helps more than just the look of the breast.  As you can see on the "before" side, the breast has sagged low on the ribcage - encroaching on the smallest part of the woman's body.  Any woman will look better if she can keep the area from the bottom of her breasts to her waist as long and lean as possible.  This is a crucial style tip!  The only difference in the two halves of the above picture is an ill-fitting bra vs a well-fitting bra.  She looks 20 lbs thinner and significantly taller in the "after" half. 
In the next post in this series we'll go in-depth into how a bra should fit to properly shape and support your bosom buddies.
  • A good bra saves money.  Make no mistake, well-made bras aren't cheap, but they can save you a small fortune over time.  Several years ago a friend of mine was lamenting how much she had spent on clothes that year and still wasn't happy with her wardrobe.  It was easy to see that one of her main problems sagged, I mean, sat squarely on her chest.  She was full-bodied up top and was clearly wearing bad baggy bras.  When she asked for advice, I told her that getting a few great bras is where I would start.  She balked at the idea, stating that "expensive bras don't do anything special." I told her I didn't mean "expensive" I meant "well-made and well-fitting."  She finally agreed to get fitted and at least try some on.  And as expected, she was amazed by her transformation.  Miraculously, most of the new clothes she had complained about now looked great, as did a mountain of clothes she had stopped wearing.
  • A good bra is one that shapes, supports... and perseveres!  The elastic in bras simply doesn't last forever, but those that give up the ghost too quickly are a waste of money. If you have a bra that refuses to do it's job after a month or two of wearings, steer well clear of that line in the future!  That being said, you shouldn't wear the same bra two days in a row.  Elastic needs time to rest and retract.  Your bras will last longer and wear better if you rest them between wearings.
  • Bra sizes are a joke.  Did you know that while band size is fairly standard, CUP size varies by manufacturer AND by band size?  That's right.  An A, is not always an A.  The volume of breast that a cup holds will vary depending on who makes the bra and what band size it is attached to.  This stunned me!  I had no idea.  I know many women who think like I did until recently, that their cup size is pretty consistent but their band size can vary.  In actuality, the reverse is true!  Just like you should disregard clothing sizes and buy what fits and flatters - the same holds true for bras.  It's best you learn to laugh at the sizes and search for what truly fits. (We'll discuss the fine art of bra fit in the next post.)
  • Fitting "experts" can be anything but!  When I started this quest I'd read on many blogs the horrible experiences other women had had with "expert bra fitters" and I must say, I ran into some who took the term "pushy saleswoman" to new heights.  One was so unabashedly condescending I had to remind her I was not the scarecrow in search of a brain but a woman in search of a bra.  And the bras she put me in fit terribly.  The bra quest is not for the faint of heart!  You have to be prepared to strap a pair on!  Boobs, I mean.  And not be afraid to question the fitter.  Armed with the right information you will be able to find bras that fit you properly - you're just going to have to break a few saleswoman's hearts in the process.  Collateral damage is often unavoidable. 
I love the video clips from Cold Comfort Farm I presented at the beginning of this post.  The fact that it was just as crucial in Elfine's makeover to get her "a bit of uplift" as it was to get her educated.  Once you learn what to look for in a great bra, it'll be easy to weed out the sagging from the supportive.  You won't waste money on bras that just sit in your drawer and you'll look much leaner, shapelier, and more youthful under your clothes. 

Please share your experiences and advice!  How did you find your great bras?  Or are you still struggling against the sag?

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Throughout this series I'll be posting links to other useful or humorous bra-related sites.  Here are today's:
1.  An absolutely hysterical and informative look at breaking out of the Bra Matrix! 
2.  A rant against the fitters!
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Coco & her LBD

Q - "You and many others have mentioned the necessity for a "little black dress" but why? And how do I keep it my style?  They all seem to be so "little!"
A:  Excellent questions both!  To which I offer the following answers and examples.

First, the Why.  Everyone needs in their closet the "instant elegant outfit."  Something you can put on and never have to question how nice you look.  Because this outfit must be appropriate for all occasions it has to be a versatile.  Versatile is easiest when it's in the form of a neutral base that can be accessorized a million different ways.  Black is universally flattering - every woman in the world can wear it in some way or another and look lovely.  It's the perfect backdrop to anything you'd like to do with it.  And no, it doesn't have to be "little". 
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Coco Chanel created the LBD (little black dress) around 1926, officially premiering it in Vogue that year.  Her design was only "little" in the sense of "simple".  It was actually very modest - calf length, long sleeved and trim fitting but not skin tight, with virtually no embellishment.  Until that point, all-black clothing was mainly reserved for funerals and periods of mourning.  It tended to be long and stuffy.  Her simple design, dubbed "Chanel's Ford" because it was versatile and intended for every woman, like the Model T for every driver, was simultaneously a revolution and instant classic.


It's nearly impossible to find pictures of Coco wearing the dress, but I found the one above that someone took with a stuffed monkey.

Second, the Personalization.  In answer to your other question, I offer the many examples below.  (Click the images to enlarge.)  The LBD you choose should a) speak to your social life and b) reflect your personal taste.  For example, if your social life consists of lots of fancy dinner parties with your husband's company and clients AND you like a dash of retro, you might choose something like the dress on the far right below.
If your social engagements tend to be more casual (dinner here and there, a movie, but maybe the ballet occasionally) and you like something sleek you might choose one of the short sleeved options below, or the wrap dress on the right.  
You can find everything from a vintage party dress to something very avant garde.  Embellished to the hilt or a blank canvas.  Personally, I think Coco had it right.  The more simple the dress, the more versatile it is.  You can throw a colored cardigan over a simple jersey LBD, add some flats and head out to run errands.  Swap the cardigan for sparkly accessories and the flats for heels and you're good to go for date night. I have two in my closet. A simple matte jersey wrap dress that gets the most use, and a fancier, layered chiffon dress for really special events.
If you noticed, I offered up only modest options.  And I wanted to showcase a few below from Shabby Apple.  For being a small boutique shop, their selection of LBD's is nicely varied to fit many tastes.  And all are modest without you having to modify.
So yes, whether it sweeps the floor in satin drama... or kisses the ground with bohemian relaxation, you need one of these dresses.  Take your time. (You didn't have it yesterday so you don't need it tomorrow.)  Enjoy the process. (Your perfect LBD match is out there!)  Buy the best you can afford. (This is most definitely an investment item!)
  And once you have it - WEAR IT! Wear it often, wear it well.
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Dress Your Man 10/05/2009
 
Christmas is just around the corner and many women like to give their better halves a wardrobe refresher or two as gifts.  I was chatting with a friend a few days ago on this very subject.  Her husband is in "desperate need" of some new clothes and she wasn't sure what to get him.  Just like our own wardrobe's, men can also easily find themselves in a fashion rut, wearing the same unflattering pieces day in and day out.  Luckily, there are also great style tips and tricks for men so I rounded up some of the best current advice and hope this will help you with gift giving or simply giving a confident answer the next time your hubby says he's not sure what to wear.
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Jos. A. Bank
A single-breasted two or three button suit is better than a double-breasted suit. 
Double-breasted suits can make your man look wider and shorter than he actually is.  While I prefer the look of a three-button suit for dressier occasions, GQ touts the benefits a two-button suit - it'll give you a slimmer, more streamlined look and will better show off your shirt and tie.
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Cox of Malvern
Suits should fit snuggly, not baggy. Tailoring is as important for men as it is for women.  Just like most women are wearing the wrong bra size, most men are wearing the wrong suit size, choosing a suit that's too large. 
  • The suit coat should closely skim the body without pulling at the buttons, shoulders or back slit.  Suit coat shoulders should hug your man's shoulders, not stick out or bag around them.  Suit coat sleeves should never be longer than his thumb joint.  The best look is when the sleeve stops where the wrist meets the hand. 
  • The suit pants should hang trimly, without bunching like a paper bag when he puts on a belt.  And they should never bag at the ankles.  No more than two breaks (preferably one) before the top of the shoe.  "Breaks" are the little bends that occur in the front crease of the pant leg when standing still.
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Nordstrom
Jackets and coats shouldn't be baggy either. 
Slim fitting, tailored coats - from your basic leather jacket to a long rain trench or winter wool - will make him look trimmer and younger. 
Avoid too many "manly" details, like heavy buckles or thick zippers.
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A sport coat will instantly elevate your man's style. 
So much more stylish and versatile than the ubiquitous fleece jacket, it'll take him through fall, into spring and any event where a suit would be too dressy.

Add a winter scarf and he can avoid a bulky parka, looking instead dashing and debonair. (The scarf at right is worn continental style.  You can also wear it open and hanging straight.  Or any other number of ways!)
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Nordstrom
A gray v-neck sweater adds miles to wardrobe basics. 
GQ says it goes great with a dark suit and fall colors as well as jeans and lighter colors in spring.  Buy the best one you can afford and try to pamper your man with a cashmere blend.
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Johnston Murphy
Men's dress shoes are investment items. 
A nice pair can last a lifetime, literally!  Some mainstream brands offer lifetime repair and resoling, a luxury almost nonexistent in the female shoe universe.  A classic, quality pair will dress up any outfit and remain timeless.     
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Tateossian - cufflinks.com
Cuff links are crucial. 
If your man doesn't own a pair, get him a set to match his style and a proper white shirt to go with them. 
And don't reserve them for the times he dresses up with a tie.  GQ says wearing them without a tie will give your man a "rakish yet elegant flair."  How sexy is that!
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I've been getting some questions about "invite only" shopping sites.  Mainly, "What are they?" They're a fairly recent addition to the shopping world, essentially extensions of the age-old "secret sample sales" that happen in fashion districts in New York and LA (Milan, London, Paris, etc.)

The websites offer a variety of designer (both big name and up-and-coming) clothing, shoes and accessories.  A couple of them offer men's and children's clothing, and some, like Rue La La and Hautelook, even offer perfume, makeup (like Stila!) and home decor sales. 

Items are usually offered at better than 50% off.  I'm currently stalking ideeli for a particular pair of 85% off heels to pop up in my size.  Another nice aspect is these are not super-model sizes.  There's usually a broad range, instead of just 0's and 2's.  These are good sites for scoring deals on those investment items. 

Want a tiny taste of what's available today?  How about the fabulous wrap dress below from Gomatta Girls for $45 instead of $395?!?  Also comes in black, white, and a pale blue floral.
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Or either of these two Anne Klein dresses from ideeli for $92 instead of $168!  Love them!
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To get free access to any or all of the sites, simply click on the logos or links below.
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www.ideeli.com/invite/imageinterpreters
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http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/imageinterpreters
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http://www.ruelala.com/invite/fightthefrump
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http://www.hautelook.com/invite/imageinterpreters
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https://www.gomattagirls.com/invite/77779049
And remember - moderation in all things.  Don't get sucked into obsessively checking the sites everyday.  This is just another way of casting a wide search net when fishing for wardrobe additions.  All the sites give you the option to sign-up for email alerts or their RSS feeds.  The email will preview what's going on or coming up and you can decide if it's something you want to check out or not.  Enjoy!
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A woman once told me, "I hate to shop.  It's like running the gauntlet and always getting destroyed."

She didn't have any real personal style and her daily outfits consisted of whatever she could cobble together from a very muddled wardrobe.  No real surprise, considering the wardrobe consisted of random pieces she'd grabbed when she or someone else had forced her to go shopping. 

A few days later I saw an episode of this hilarious Japanese show (highlighted below) and it struck me that for many women who hate shopping, it must feel just like running this gauntlet and coming out the other side feeling crushed!
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The woman called me her "Shopping Therapist" but I prefer something a little sexier.  Maybe continue the Asian theme with Style Samurai.

Ever since, it's been fun categorizing the skills of those I'm shopping for, or with,
in terms of karate ranks. 

Newbies with no idea what to buy or where? 
White Belts. 
Shoppers who've confidently shopped before but are stuck in a style rut? 
Green Belts. 
Skilled shoppers looking for inspiration or to discover different stores/sites? 
Black Belts.  
While Image Interpreters is all about the WHOLE image of a modern modest woman, shopping is a huge factor.  So we're glad to announce our new shopping section is complete!

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The Shopping Section will highlight the best stores and sites we find. Simply click the little pink shopping bags in the sidebar!
We'll keep it fresh with tons of information about the stores/sites, what they offer, price range, what they're best for, what to avoid, etc.
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I have a schizophrenic relationship with fall.  I'm a September baby so I get to celebrate, but it's also the season of Halloween, my least favorite holiday.  (I'm just not good at coming up with the creative costumes!) I love the fall leaves and cooler temperatures but it also signals the coming of winter, my arch nemesis of seasons.  But I also love fall for the fashions!  This is usually a very EASY style season for modest dressers.  And the fall fashions are here!

One of my favorite sales, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, starts today!  It's a totally unique event not duplicated anywhere else in the industry - it is a sale on NEW items and I have scored some great pieces in the past.  Click on the link above to check it out.  Now would be a great time to score that new pair of non-Mom Jeans!  And the sale covers men, kids, and accessories!  Here are a few pics of some great items. The sale ends Aug. 2.

Many of the clothes debuting now are considered "pre-fall."  When exactly is "pre" fall, you ask?  Good question.  I believe it falls somewhere between midnight and 8 am between August 31 and September 1.  But only in certain counties and time zones.  And only if the temperature is below 90 that day.  Point being, pre-fall and fall clothing can hold some great finds for you!  The clothes are lighter weight, very close to summer weight, but with longer sleeve and skirt lengths, higher necklines, etc.  Very wearable for spring & summer, and not heavy like true winter clothing.  Modest dressers get mileage out of fall clothing more than any other season.  Fall is the absolute best season to score those Investment Items - the perfect black trousers, skirt suits, wrap dresses, jeans, etc.

And remember!  It is infinitely easier to shorten than to lengthen, which is nigh on impossible.  That means, if you find a dress, shirt, skirt, etc. that would you would love for summer/spring if the sleeves were a little shorter, get it and run it over to a tailor!  It's very likely they can easily transform a long sleeve to a 3/4 or shorter and still keep the item looking great.  And hemlines are a cinch to shorten. 

Also hitting with the fall fashions are the start of the summer sales.  Still with plenty of time to wear the clothes this year, as well as many springs & summers to come.

Click on the sale links below to check out the offerings!

Ann Taylor - up to 60% off

Ann Taylor Loft - 20% off with code STYLE20
YOOX.COM
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So tell me - what is YOUR favorite season to shop?  And where?
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Shoe Shy? 07/06/2009
 

Why don't modest dressers have the most fabulous shoes?  Compared to much of the rest of the world, our outfits from neck to knee are relatively tame.  So why aren't our shoes making bigger statements?  Why, my sisters, do I see so many boring, bland, gag-me-with-a-shoehorn, frump-a-dump shoes on you!?!  Let's discuss the possible explanations.

Is it a money issue?  I've certainly been one of those who's said that, if I only had a little more disposable cash in my wallet, I'd have more fabulous clothes.  But I try to remind myself that true style doesn't have a price tag.  A great wardrobe is a combination of both higher quality investment pieces, and lower priced trendy/often replaced pieces. While you can save money buying cheaper white t-shirts that you're just going to replace every year or so anyway, shoes are ABSOLUTELY an investment item.  Cheaply made shoes (notice I didn't say "cheap", but "cheaply made") will look old and break down much faster than well-made shoes.  What price you pay for those well-made shoes is up to your budget and bargain hunting abilities.  I am all about scoring a great deal on good shoes.  If you cast a wide search net (stay tuned for the upcoming post about widening your search) and bide your time, you'll usually find what you want at a pain free price.  Usually.  Some things never go on sale. Hello Blahnik? You and that Carolyne high-heel halter-back.  I'm talkin' to you! Don't pretend you can't hear me!

Is it a fear issue?  Are you too shy to let your feet make a bolder statement?  I've heard lots of excuses for wearing snooze inducing footwear.  Everything from, "Bright shoes are for little girls." and, "It's not sophisticated." to, "I don't want to appear too racy or radical and draw attention to myself."  As I've said before, whether you want to or not, everyone makes a fashion statement.  Every day.  Shoes speak volumes so think of them as your PR agents. There's a moment in the movie Sneakers, when River Phoenix comes to Robert Redford all excited that there are two potential clients waiting to see him.  "Shoes?" asks Redford.  "Nice!" says River.  And only then is the team excited to let the men in.  Truly, what could happen by literally stepping out of your comfort zone in some non-traditional (for you) shoes?  It'll be an adventure!  Your step will certainly be a little perkier... you'll probably give yourself a quick pedicure since your feet will be showcased... you'll feel better from the pedi and do a quick mani... might as well swipe on a touch of mascara... before you know it that baby step of a new choice in shoes has turned your whole day into something more fun than it might have been. 

Is it a comfort issue?  Is it easy to spend a few hours in 4" stilettos?  Nope.  And it's no crime to lower your heel height as the amount of time you'll spend in them increases.  Statement shoes don't have to be sky high heels. Everything from heel height to color to embellishments comprise the shoe's statement.  I usually start high and knock an inch off for every two hours I expect to be standing in them.  And the color or my shoes turns on the more my outfit tones down.  Try thinking of comfort in the context of your whole look.  If the outfit will be ruined, or at least not enhanced, by dull and boring shoes, you're really not going to be that comfortable.  Knowing you look great from head to toe is infinitely more "comfortable."

Do you not know how to do the look "right?"  Oh boy, do I sure understand this one.  I've had some colossal outfit disasters because I was trying too hard to recreate a certain look.  Shoes and accessories are actually the easiest ways to branch out.  Start with your favorite basics that always make you feel great.  That perfect skirt?  The trousers that give you a perky rear view?  The top that brings out your eyes?  Now pick a shoe in a coordinating (not matching) color that you wouldn't normally wear.  Or maybe a basic color but a more daring style, such as a high-heel when you would always wear a flat.  The comfort and confidence of your go-to article of clothing will balance the out-on-a-limb shoe choice.  And practice makes perfect is true even where style is concerned.  The more things you try, the more pairings you'll find that you like (and don't like) and the easier it'll become.  

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To give you a little inspiration, here are some beauties from my own collection.
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Fun shoes also make you look taller by drawing the eye all the way down to your toes.

Keep the eye moving between statement shoes and fabulous earrings and they'll also view everything in the middle as wonderful.
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Take the first step and slip on a pair of shoes you think are outside your comfort zone.  Wear them confidently and I guarantee you'll get nothing but compliments.  Or jealous glances from those still too afraid to let their feet do more than just the walking!
And here are some to dream about and emulate!
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