Oct 30

Dame et Chien

After a year of no shopping, and hearing my cohorts who are now at the end of the diet talk about how they are still not shopping, I realize that I love that particular activity. More than ever. The year off only honed my taste level and made me more mindful, focused, and particular when I shop. I am better at it now. During the diet, I could see what fabrics failed me, wore out too fast, seemed like disposable clothes. I took a mental note of that and paid attention to the fact that three cheaply made sweaters are the same price as one great, long lasting one. I would rather have fewer things than things made with the idea that they can be tossed out because the item is so “cheap”.

I love shopping alone, I love shopping with my friends, I love finding out about new businesses, meeting the owners, and telling my clients where they might find what they are looking for. Even my salon on Queen Anne has a series of photos in each room, photos of women shopping in Paris. The photographer, Esther Sirotnik, uses digital film, but does not touch up the images, crop or change them. The shot above is the shot she captured that day. I love it that only the dog is aware. I adore these images (Ms. Sirotnik also has a book called Unexpected Paris) because it captures these women, who are all doing the same thing, but they are from all different parts of the world. The photos really do capture the feeling of why I love wandering through shops, the feel of fabrics, talking to the boutique owners about their businesses, seeing what kind of buyers they are and what they are passionate about.
You can see the photos on Monday, November 8th from 4PM to 7PM during the Olivine “pop up shop” we are having at my studio. Or go to Esther Sirotnik’s website. But I warn you….if you are still on the diet here looking at the photos is like a person off sugar looking at pictures of Trophy Cupcakes.

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Oct 06

Does this make my butt look big?

The first day I was free to shop, I went down to the Max Mara store in Pacific Place and bought a pair of black dress pants. My new outlook on shopping is buy the best quality I can afford, and have very few things. I was very interested, too, in Sally’s idea to only buy things that are needed, combined with Tim Gunn’s (I love him) advice to have basics that fit well. That following day, after my trip to Max Mara, I went to New York. I had heard about this store called Karen Millen, she makes clothes for curvy women. Her shop is in Soho, but while there they told me they also have a store in the new Bravern in Bellevue. I bought 4 items there, a skirt, a vest, a sweater and a jacket. Again…all black. They fit me perfectly and no tailoring was required. Yes, I have hips, and the skirt makes no apologies for my shape.

I also bought 2 James Perse t-shirts, one gray and one teal. Last week I went to Patagonia and bought a teal rain coat, 3/4 length, with a hood. No more denying that I live in Seattle and it rains here. Might as well stay dry and be in a color other than black. I am happy with my well made basics, and they all can be worn as separates, and dressed up or down. No more crappy clothes, that are poorly made, or sweaters that pill and look awful after one washing. Any suggestions on sweaters?

I also went down to Lulu Lemon and bought a pair of yoga pants and a pink long sleeved running top, and a jog bra.

So, that is what I have so far. It felt like “back to school” shopping because my freedom from TGAAD came in September. The only class I have now is a meditation class in Wallingford, where I show up with baggy pants, a sweat shirt, and shoes that look like baked potatoes. I will save my new clothes for opening nights at the Seattle Rep or ACT or my charity cocktail event at Book It Repertory Theater (Tues Oct 12th). Yes….I had to plug my event for CAIR, so come at 530 and I will pour you a $5.00 drink. You can also get 20% off your ticket for Cider House Rules. I hope to see you there, you can tell me what you think of my new outfit. I think what this diet has taught me is that we shouldn’t buy clothes without a focus, and not just unconsciously buying things just to shop. In the end, too, I think buying quality (as best as a person can afford, even second hand shops) saves money because the clothes last longer. Ok, that is it. I hope you new people can stick with it, it really does change your perceptions for the better.

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Apr 19

OK. Just came back from Nordstrom. I had to get some nice underthings for a black dress I am wearing to the Humane Society Auction. The rules say we can shop for underwear, so here is what I bought: One fantastic Wacoal black bra, one “Commando” (yes, that is the name) black slip, and some hosiery. However, when I was in hosiery I might have crossed a Great American Apparel diet line. I had to have these capri things that go under your dress, I consider them hosiery. And…they were in that department. Plus they go under so I can even safely say under thing. I loved shopping today. I went with my friend Anna. I do not understand people who hate shopping. I find myself wondering, what happened to these people? Did they go shopping with someone really mean when they were kids? Was there a cruel sales person in their past? Anyway, very hard to give up shopping, I am grateful to have the room for underwear, shoes and accessories. Also, I haven’t had sugar or honey or maple syrup or anything in over a week, so today was my reward for being so sugar free.

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Mar 12

My Wrap Sweater From Sally

Here is my free sweater from Sally. It is from recycled fabric, and I love it!

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Mar 12

A few days ago, Sally came to my shop and gave me a fantastic sweater. She also gave me a blue 3/4 sleeve top…on the tag is says “Anne Fontaine Paris” and that make me feel fancy. Her website is annoying, though. Sorry Anne Fontaine! The wrap around sweater has beautiful flowers on the shoulder and the tag says Taxi CDC. Never heard of that one…doesn’t sound fancy. After going to the website I see it is a recycled clothing company, which I love! Now this sweater is my favorite sweater! I almost wore it two days in a row. This apparel diet is turning out pretty good for me. Thanks Sally! I owe pictures of my Via Spiga faux shearling coat from Bluefly and these two things, too.
Now, off to work on the redesign of my website www.beautyalert.biz because we have three gorgeous doctors who recommend our system!

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