Nothing To Wear

I just finished reading Nothing to Wear? A 5-Step Cure For The Common Closet by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo. This is not a book that will tell you what styles look good on your body shape, but is rather a book about finding your style, then reorganizing your closet. It contains much valuable information and is a good read.

The authors have 5 main style categories, classic, chic, whimsical, bohemian and avant-garde. In their system, I fall into the whimsical style, combining colors and patterns with too few neutrals in my wardrobe. As a woman who has a whimsical style ages, the authors suggest more neutrals and incorporating classic and chic pieces into every outfit. I want to achieve what they describe as the look for a 50 year old woman... tastefully sexy, subtle, elegant, assured, and self-possessed.

One of the interesting things I learned by reading this book is which designers fall into which style categories. I think this information will be useful for others, so I want to share it with you.

Classic
Brooks Brothers, Agnona, Akris, Anne Klein, Ann Taylor, Burberry, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, J. Crew, Kiton, Luciano Barbera, Liz Claiborne, Toro Piana, Ralph Lauren and Talbots.
Chic
Gucci, Armani, Banana Republic, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Club Monaco, Kenneth Cole, Express, H&M, INC, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Laundry, Max Mara, Narciso Rodriguez, Ele Tahari, Valentino and Zara.
Whimsical
Etro, Benetton, French Connection, Mac Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Nanette Lepore, Moscihino, Zac Posen, Prada, Lilly Pulitzer, and Louis Vuitton.
Bohemian
Chloe, Abercrombie & Fitch, Anna Sui, Anthropologie, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Eskandar, Matthew Williamson, Miu Miu, and Urban Outfitters.
Avant-garde
Yohji Yamamoto, Balenciaga, Comme des Garcons, Costume National, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lavin, Alexander McQueen, Roenza, Schouler, Top Shop, Victor & Rolf and Issey Miyake.

The authors give these tips for shopping, but I think they can be easily adapted for home sewing as well.
1. Create a shopping list of the things you need and fill in the gaps in your essential wardrobe before you buy the fun stuff.
2. Buy essentials at the beginning of the season and get the extras later when they go on sale.
3. Know your shape and what looks best on you.
4. Bring things you need to match with you to the store.
5. Spend the most money on things you will wear frequently.
6. Buy things that fit into multiple categories of your wardrobe needs, for example a jacket that can be worn to work or with jeans.
7 Shop realistically, don't be a fashion victim.