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Well, I was going to ask you to help me pick which of these outfits to wear to my husband's work holiday party. But it turns out our babysitter is sick, so I'm not going to the party (collective awwww). But I don't mind since I love hanging out with my boys! They helped me with this post. Outfit #1: Shades of gray Outfit #3: Never-before-worn-but-owned-forever Dress & Cardigan This dress & the cardigan are one small step from getting sold on ebay. I know it's a bit like comparing apples to oranges since these outfits are so different, but on the off chance I do get to go to the party, which one should I wear? "Fishing for compliments is bad." --my son Jordon, age 11 We do know that it's bad form to fish for compliments, but just for interest, we've been paying attention to the nature of complimenting. We've discovered 3 primary ways to get complimented: 1. Wear something new (novelty) 2. Compliment the other person (reciprocity & affirmation) 3. Put yourself down (self-deprecation) Here's how the methods work... Method 1: Wear something new (novelty)"You look nice today." --our first words of greeting often involve clothes. Method 2: Compliment someone (reciprocity & affimation)
Every compliment someone gives you is a gift & becomes part of how you see yourself. Method 3: Put yourself down (self-deprecation)"I'm not just a fatty with a suit, am I?" --Santa to Mrs. Claus in Arthur Christmas We want you to be happy. And, look at you, you're beautiful! We promise to remind you if you ever doubt it.
So...do you think my hair looks ok?
Curry, paprika, mustard, maybe a touch of honey--it's like a visit to a spice shop. Do you wear spicy colors? From Zara... From Nordstrom... From Anthropologie... From Modcloth... From Boden...
Do you make a list of what you're giving to everyone to help you through your shopping for the holidays? Did you make the list on paper or on your phone or tablet this year? Do you buy everything in advance or wait till the last minute? Do you buy everyone the same thing (umbrellas, perhaps?) or individualize each gift? What process do you go through in choosing the gifts for your friends & family? In an episode of SpongeBob, Mr. Crabs gives SpongeBob a credit card & tasks him with buying presents for Pearl's 16th birthday. SpongeBob trails, unnoticed, just behind Pearl & her friends as they roam through the mall. He listens to Pearl rave about lipsticks, puppies, & pants, & then buys her everything she loves. It turns out to be Pearl's best birthday ever! Do you ask your family members what they want? I don't have too many clues to go by this holiday season, so I've mostly just asked my family what they want. The kids want Nerf guns, legos, & a camera for the Playstation. My husband wants new cookware. My mom asked for movie tickets. Do you give gift cards? Lately we hear how many gift cards don't get used. I still think gift cards are good gifts as long as they're to stores or restaurants you know the recipient loves. The gifts I enjoy buying the most are special surprises for my closest friends & family & for the kids' teachers, things they've mentioned wanting or needing, sometimes clothes or jewelry, sometimes ceramics, cards, hand lotions, or champagne! I wish like SpongeBob I could stalk my besties in the mall & then buy them their favorite things! Do you have one big expensive gift you're buying for someone this year? I really don't think it matters so much how much you spend--some of the best gifts are small & meaningful. For one friend, I bought delicate gift tags & fancy matches--I think she'll love them! I think a good bottle of olive oil or homemade treats also make wonderful gifts. I hope your shopping & your holidays are joyful & bright! Do you wear much red in December? Some people can wear show-stopping red without a chaser. But, for me--especially in the daytime--I need to water down red's intense impact. I also have the hardest time wearing red in the winter months--especially in December & February when everyone's wearing it in honor of the holidays & Valentine's Day. I think part of the problem for me is that I don't like drawing attention to what I'm wearing, & people can't help noticing & commenting on red at this time of year. But I love red, & I don't want to give it up just because everyone's wearing it. So here are some ideas on how to wear red without feeling like a holiday card...
Here are some examples... Pairing red with white or winter-white looks clean, bright, & uncomplicated... Bonus: Wearing red makes you look more awake! :-) Pair red with gray
Try burgundy, merlot, or cranberry instead of bright red Here are a few of my outfits... Red with a mix of colors Merlot... How do you wear red in December? You may also like...
Let's mix things up by adding a bit of embroidery, chiffon, leather, or tweed to everyday cotton tees... In the coldest months, we typically wear our darkest colors--charcoal gray, navy, black, & maroon. Our summer colors are stashed in the back of the closet. But I don't let winter weather get me down--I put on my sky-blue summer shirts... I wear white year round :-) I wear a lot of button-downs--especially for work--but I think any summer shirt will work. I think colors are lightening up for this winter in general; here are a few examples: What's your favorite color to wear in the winter?
Personalized pricingAbout a year ago, I realized GAP gives different discounts to different customers. I'd picked out something from their website & had a 30% off discount code across the top banner of the page. But when I called up the GAP site on a different computer, a 40% off discount banner appeared. The moment I logged into my account on the site, the discount reverted to 30% again. Why would GAP offer me, a loyal customer, only 30% off but offer a stranger 40% off? Here are a couple possible reasons: 1. I return 90% of what I buy there. I might actually be their worst customer. 2. They already have me; they want to attract a new customer. No matter what the reason, I think it's unfair to offer different discounts, but I also think personalized pricing, personalized sizing, personalized shopping will soon become commonplace. Personalized stylingI've recently come across two websites that will customize clothing to your specifications...
Personalized serviceWe have personal trainers, personalized interior designers, & image consultants. An image consultant will assess what you have & then help you assemble a wardrobe to help you achieve your career or personal goals. Several stores also offer personal stylists or live chat--have you ever used the service? The other day I received an email offering me a personal concierge through one of the online stores where I shop: I predict we'll be receiving more emails of this type. The bottom lineOur eyes are bigger than our stomachs: I'm not the only one returning 90% of what I buy--especially online. Returns flood most stores & result in huge losses for most retailers (more on this topic in this article from New York Daily News here). But would you return something that someone personally helped you pick out? And items customized to your size & style are rarely returnable. In short, personalizing saves companies money. Because I'm a bit of a whimsical shopper, I like the option to return what I buy. I've also discovered that the more trouble I put into customizing a piece, often the less likely I am to wear it. I also like being anonymous by shopping online & returning through the mail. Although I appreciate the trend, I'll be trying to steer clear of personalization. What about you? Have you ever worked with a stylist or had something personalized for you? You may also like... |
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