Seeking a Summer Intern, age 18 and up, to begin June 16th, ending August 15th. Weekly hours will vary, some weekend work required. Possible travel (expenses paid). Internship is unpaid, for course credit or experience only. Tasks to include assisting Tracy with clients (shopping & closet revamps), fashion editorials, on photo shoots, at style seminars and Fashion Camp (7/14-8/8). Fashion experience and writing skills preferred. If interested and for more information, please send an email to tracy@chicmadesimple.com with "Internship" in the subject line.
Look Grand for Less
Each month I style and write a one-page editorial piece for The Outlet Shops of Grand River (OSGR) that appears in the first few pages of B-Metro Magazine. For the promotion, OSGR selects a lucky Birminghamian to receive a generous $250 gift card to spend however they need - we've had moms buy children's clothes and birthday gifts, career women buy office appropriate attire and aspiring fashionistas select the latest trends. So what a fun surprise and treat it was when OSGR gifted me the opportunity, challenging me to focus on the best Spring accessories. Check out my stylish loot!
Style Service: Sorority Rush Readiness
One of my favorite tasks each summer is helping college bound girls prepare for Sorority Recruitment. In addition to selecting the right wardrobe and deciding what to wear on which day, I assist these rising freshmen ladies on proper footwear, accessorizing, and hair & makeup, as well as advice on what to carry from house to house (a Rush "emergency kit," if you will). My goal for each and every girl I help guide through Rush is to make sure she is prepared and confident so she can let her true self shine! Email me at tracy@chicmadesimple.com to learn more or get on the schedule for a consultation.
Style Blueprint Event Thursday night honoring "Faces of Birmingham"
Hope you will join me this Thursday night at an event hosted by Gus Mayer and StyleBlueprint Birmingham, celebrating Style Blueprint's "Faces of Birmingham," of which I am honored to be one! From 5:30-8:00pm at Gus Mayer, enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres & tax free shopping.
And, OK, I should mention that there's something in it for me too - the 'Face of Birmingham' with the most attendees will receive $500 to their charity of choice (as well a dinner for 2 to FOODBAR in Cahaba Heights)! So stop by if you can to browse & show your support!
PS: Clients, I will be offering complimentary style advice during the party should you need it while shopping!
Chic Deal!
Right now the J.Crew Factory Store has their classic Clare cardigan (regularly $54.50) 60% off. Available in a variety of colors and patterns fresh for Spring, the Clare cardigan has flattering and practical three-quarter sleeves, and enough stretch to hold it's shape. Perfect over a sundress or as a suit jacket alternative at the office. TIP: I always advise my clients to buy their cardigans at least once size smaller than they would normally wear. Why? We're really not wearing our cardigans closed anymore (a la twinsets back in the day), but rather just as an arm covering, so there is no reason it needs to be able to button. Plus, you want a fitted silhouette that hits above the hip, which makes cardigans work over dresses and prevents a matronly or "librarian" look.
Save the Date for Fashion Camp Summer 2014!
SAVE THE DATE and mark your calendars now!
The ORIGINAL Fashion Camp with Fashion Stylist Tracy James of ChicMadeSimple
"Because confidence never goes out of style."
2014 Back to School Edition
Where: Brookwood Village
When: July 14-Aug 8 (see class breakdown below)
Time: 9:30am-2:00pm each day
Cost: $65 per child, per day (includes etiquette lunch & $10 gift card)
Ages: 5-15
When I started Fashion Camp 6 years ago, my goal was to create a fun, activity-filled day camp in which young girls could learn about - first and foremost - the importance of individuality, healthy self-expression, positive self-image, and grace... along with practical lessons on coordinating, wardrobing, accessorizing, deciphering and communicating style likes/dislikes, and manners....just to name a few! I am extremely passionate about relaying to young girls the message that style doesn't come in a particular size or shape, or at any specific price point, but rather that their uniqueness is what makes them the most beautiful. After 4 years at The Summit and 1 year at The Shops of Grand River, last year I took Fashion Camp to Brookwood Village for a late-summer, Back to School edition of Fashion Camp, and it was a perfect fit. I hope your child will join me this summer for this fun learning experience that has become a favorite of so many.
Fashion Camp is intended as a day camp, with 2 different agendas from which to choose. Girls may attend one or both days, and these days do not have to be consecutive. Class breakdown is as follows. Specific activity agendas and registration form coming very soon! (You will receive via email.)
□ Age 5-7, Agenda A: 7/14, 7/28, & 8/6
□ Age 5-7, Agenda B: 7/21 & 7/29
□ Age 8-9, Agenda A: 7/15, 7/22, 7/30 & 8/7
□ Age 8-9, Agenda B: 7/16, 7/23 & 7/31
□ Age 10-12, Agenda A: 7/17, 7/24, 8/1 & 8/8
□ Age 10-12, Agenda B: 7/18, 7/25 & 8/4
□ Age 13-15: 8/5
5 Spring Trends: From Runway to Reality
Check out my latest article in StyleBlueprint!
B-Metro Magazine: Social Media Broadcast: Salon Suites
Tonight I was part of a Social Media Broadcast led by B-Metro Magazine at the Grand Opening of the Salon Suites at The Colonnade in Birmingham. You may have caught some of my Facebook posts and Tweets during the live blogging event - we bloggers were furiously transmitting info about the event in real time. (This genius concept is the brainchild of B-Metro's Cathy Fingerman.)
What a cool concept Salon Suites is! The large, beautiful space houses separate suites that beauty professionals can completely decorate and personalize to their own aesthetic. Whether a hairstylist, masseuse, aesthetician, manicurist, etc., one can become an independent salon owner for as little as $190 a week! Until the end of the month, Salon Suites is offering incentives for potential salon owners:
- Salon owners who sign a lease by 3/31 receive 1 month free rent for their salon
- New salon owners receive $200 worth of the product line of their choice with which to stock their salon
At tonight's event, Mayor William Bell did the ribbon cutting honors and commented on what an amazing opportunity Salon Suites provided those wanting to be small business owners.
As for the clientele, seeing a beauty professional at Salon Suites provides a private atmosphere, especially ideal for those who aren't crazy about the hustle and bustle of a large salon. Guests at tonight's open house enjoyed complementary wine, hors d'oeuvres from Asian Rim and desserts from Edgar's Bakery, as well as swag bags and tons of door prizes, some valued over $400.
A Salon Suites is already in operation at Bazaar 280 and a Vestavia Hills location is under construction.
Chic Pick
Following Spring's pastel trend, French fashion house Balenciaga reworks their classic glove leather wedge sandal with a lavender-tinted grey heel, elasticized straps and ayers snakeskin accents. And instantly it becomes the kind of shoe that can make an outfit.
Have Style Needs? Will Travel...
What a pleasure to be in Shreveport, Louisiana this past week, delivering a Professional Dress Style Seminar to and having one-on one mini sessions with Ameriprise Financial employees.
In addition, I was able to assist a few individual clients with their closets and wardrobes, shopping for them at local boutiques. As a result, I had the privilege of meeting some of the friendly residents of Shreveport. At both John Pickens Clothiers and Knox Goodman's Boutique I was well taken care of by the stores' namesakes themselves. Elegantly appointed Knox greeted me at the front door with "May we help you find something fabulous today?" and showed me a multitude of dresses she deemed suitable for "dinin', dancin', drinkin' and prayin'." Her store's motto, "Beautiful clothes for beautiful women," certainly rang true in not only her inventory (which includes Yoana Barachi, Tracy Reese, and Alexis Bittar jewelry) but also in the graciousness of her staff. John Pickens (who carries lines including Robert Talbott, AG Adriano Goldschmied, and Hickey Freeman met my every need with gentlemanly flourish, including helping me custom order several items for my client.
Having worked with retailers for the past 14 years, it is wonderful to come across those who understand the value and purpose of a personal shopper/stylist and who seek to make my job easier, resulting in a win-win for both of us in the form of a pleased client! These retailers represent what all boutiques used to and still should be. I look forward to returning to this Louisiana city in the fall for another round.
Knox Goodman has been in business for 30 years
You're rarely a stranger in John Pickens' Clothier, but if you enter as one, you certainly won't leave as one.
I'm a fan of Strong Suit, a men's apparel purveyor based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Custom tailored suits and sportcoats at an exceptionally reasonable price, available at John Pickens.
Chic Quip
Leading Ladies
Fashion marketing and PR agency MediaRun Digital have trawled through the archives and managed to turn every dress worn by a woman accepting the Academy Award for Best Actress into the one amazing infographic. Tune in Sunday, March 2 to the 86th Academy Awards to see which actress' frock will join this historic image. (ChicMadeSimple's prediction: Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine)
Chic Tip
Other than the fact you're not supposed to eat it (has it ever actually occurred to anyone to do so?), what do you know about silica gel? We're usually instructed to throw away these little packets we find in the pockets of new clothing, vitamins, and beef jerky. Silica gel is a "desiccant" (fancy word of the day), or moisture removing agent (ever used Damp Rid products and wondered what those little crystals are?) Thus these packets can be quite handy in a number of ways, especially in the humid South. Pop a few in your jewelry box to impede sterling silver from tarnishing and costume jewelry from turning.
Chic Quip
10 Commandments of Men's Style
1. Thou shalt own several good dress shirts and wear hem often (whether you’re wearing a tie or not!)
1. Thou shalt own several good dress shirts and wear hem often (whether you’re wearing a tie or not!)
2. Honor thy tailor. (VERY few men can wear clothes straight off the rack.)
3. Thou shalt invest in the right timepiece. (And not wear to the office the one you wear to the gym.)
4. Thou shalt take care of your clothes.
5. Thou shalt coordinate your socks with your pants. (No, black socks do NOT "go with everything.")
6. Thou shalt put your wallet on a diet. (Don't be George Costanza.)
7. Thou shalt know how to chose a pair of pants: cuff vs. no cuff, pleats vs. flat front.
Before
After
Before
8. Thou shalt wear clothes that fit properly.
After
9. Thou shalt wear (polished!) brown shoes - with almost; everything.
10. Thou shalt wear sneakers made for a man (not an athlete, unless playing a sport).
Chic Quip
Style Tips for Moms
As moms, we welcome Spring’s warmer temperatures that allow children to play outside, but often stress about what to wear during the sports season that comes with it. One of the biggest complaints of many of my clients who are mothers is that when they took on the rigors of managing a family, out went any sense of personal style. I tell these women that while their lifestyle may not require the wardrobe of a supermodel, there is no reason they can’t feel attractive and stylish even when chasing kids and grocery shopping. Just as she endeavors to please the members of her family, a mother deserves to feel pleased about her own appearance.
There is a fine line when it comes to proper dressing for such occasions. Moms want to look suitably casual, but not sloppy. Perhaps a bit dressier than athletic wear, but not so glitzy that one appears to be “trying too hard.” Being age-appropriate is also a concern: be too trendy and risk looking like you are trying to emulate a teenager, but god forbid falling too far on the other side of the spectrum and being labeled “frumpy” or “matronly.”
So what to do? I recommend that instead of focusing on trendy fashion, focus on the fit of basic pieces that work for your life. Often, it isn’t the style of clothing that someone wears that makes them look frumpy, it is the fit that does. Take, for example, a pair of capri pants and a T-shirt, which is a staple summer outfit for many moms. They call them “mom jeans” for a reason, you know, so be careful about how frumpy your pants are fitting. I am not implying that your pants should be so fashion forward that your teenage daughter will want to wear them, but there is a broad spectrum between pants your kids will wear and pants that are just plain dowdy.
Start by investing in some basic casual pieces. Look for items that are easy to care for and comfortable, but well-fitting. The tendency is to buy casual clothes solely for comfort and not for flattery, thus too large or baggy. When it comes to fit, casual clothes should be held the same standards as dressier clothes. Just as you do for those dressier clothes, think about building wardrobes. For example, choose cohesive pieces built around basic styles and colors for the best mix-and-match wardrobe. Here are a few tips to help you find your own casual style without falling prey to the “soccer mom uniform.”
Tees
A great tee shirt, one that fits correctly (in no way baggy but not skin tight either), is a weekend staple. For best fit, look for tees with at least some lycra/ spandex content, as this will help the tee hold its shape. When you try tees on, be certain that the shoulder seams hit AT your shoulder (not half way down your arm), that the hem is longenough to cover your waistband when you sit down or cheer for that scored goal/base hit, and that the body doesn't tent out around you but rather gently hugs your torso. Crew necks are always easy, but look also for tees with a scoop or V neck or (good for those with larger chests), boat neck (can balance wider hips) and square neck (elongates a short neck). With a few exceptions, polo-style shirts are generally dated for women and should be left to dads. And when in doubt of whether a neckline is too low, layer a fitted tank underneath!
DONT’S:
-Team uniform (unless you are a coach and absolutely required)
-Bared (or even peeking out) midriffs
-Tees with “cute” logos, sayings, cartoons, etc.
Lightweight Sweaters
Juicy Couture Striped Pointelle Hoodie, $248
J.Crew V-neck short-sleeve cardigan, $59.50
A simple cardigan, hoodie or pullover sweater is easy to layer for outdoor activities; wear over a tee or tank. Cotton and cashmere can both be washed at home; both make good layering pieces for those windy spring baseball games. As with tees, look for interesting detailing on the sweaters - three quarter sleeves, for example, which can beworn over a long sleeved tee for a cool layered look - and cheerful colors.
Simple jacket
Addidas “Street Graphic" Fleece Hoodie, $44
Spring often means winds and temperatures that can veer from positively summery to quite cold in a matter of innings. Having a lightweight jacket - including one that can withstand wind and rain and cold - is a must for sporty weekends. Choose a tailored cut; warm or weatherproof without being bulky. Some days will be merely crisp and allow for just a zippered jacket or hoodie. Avoid windsuit or overly athletic looks (leave those to the mall walkers and joggers, respectively). Instead opt for fitted jackets in fun colors and rich fabrics like velour or terry.
Yoga pants & Jeans
Old Navy Yoga Pants, $19.50
Yes, you read that right: busy moms need a pair of yoga pants, because inevitably, some Saturday, your son or daughter will have an 8:00AM game, and it will be all you can do to get everyone fed and dressed and out the door in time. The important thing here, though, is that you wants a pair of yoga pants that FIT PROPERLY, particularly through the backside. Look for a fairly substantial fabric, because thiner fabrics will cling, and something with some stretch, too, because it will smooth out the parts of you that may not be so smooth. Pair yoga pants with a hoodie or a tee and a sweater.
Jeans are a no-brainer. Just make sure they are NOT the dreaded “Mom Jeans!” Avoid this by buying jeans with a darker wash, lower waist and modern fit. I am a proponent of the “premium denim” jeans, aptly named not only for the quality but also the price! Once you get over the sticker shock, in my opinion, these jeans are well worth it because or the superior fit, look and durability. Be prepared to try on a LOT of different pairs in different brands, styles and sizes. It can get kind of frustrating, so if you don’t want to hire someone like me to hold your hand throughout the process, go to a shop that has a denim specialist (Belk, Soca, Doree) who knows how different styles fit. Brands to check out include Joe’s, 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, David Kahn and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.
DONT’S:
-”Mom jeans”
-Jean shorts
Dresses
Ecoganik Jersey Dress, $108
Many women can’t imagine wearing a dress to the ball field, but I’m not talking about ladies’ lunch frocks. I’m talking about loose, comfortable jersey knit dresses that are perfect for those hot days. Paired with cute flip-flops (I recommend a go-with- everything metallic pair), a soft, cool dress is my favorite for those sweltering Saturdays.
Cute casual shoes
J-41 “Leo,” $90
Since you’re probably not actually PLAYING a sport in these shoes, they need not be actual athletic shoes. Puma, Rocket Dog, Privo and Merrell are among the vendors who make great sporty slides and slip-on sneakers; wear them with jeans or yoga pants. Ballet flats, driving mocs or cute flip-flops are a nice alternative with jeans, shorts and summer dresses.
DONT’S:
-Keds
ACCESSORIES
Not much is needed in the way of jewelry with the exception of a watch and a simple pair of earrings. As an alternative to an athletic watch, I wear a man’s stainless watch - the size and style makes it appropriately casual and sporty. As for earrings, a pair of diamond studs (faux or real) is classic and simple.
DONT’S:
-Scrunchies
When it comes down to it, most important is to take the stress out of dressing for sports season so that you feel comfortable and attractive in your clothes, allowing you to focus on cheering your child to victory.
Chic Tip: Pest Proofing your Clothes
Now that the weather has finally turned cold, I have been getting out my winter knits, and inevitably (despite what I thought were some pretty good efforts) have found a few dreaded moth holes. So it's worth reviewing how to keep these annoying and destructive pests at bay:
WHAT'S BUGGING YOU
If you see moths flying in your house, they probably aren't clothes moths, but pantry pests -- the type that infests flour and grains. Clothes moths don't like light and are so secretive that you'll probably never see them. What's more, the adult moths won't do any harm. Damage to woolens is actually done by the larvae of two types of insects: clothes moths and carpet beetles (the latter being more prevalent than moths in most areas of the country). Both insects lay eggs in secluded spots with plenty of food -- wool, fur, down, shed pet dander, and other animal-based materials. Larvae emerge within a few weeks; beetle larvae can feed on fabric for a year or more and moth larvae may cause damage for a couple months.
CLEANING UP
Moth and beetle larvae shun bright light, so they rarely attack frequently worn clothing or heavily trafficked carpets. They thrive in clothing that is packed away and carpet hidden under furniture, especially if there are food spills or other attractive scents. The best strategy? Keep things clean.
VACUUMING
Weekly use of the vacuum and general good housekeeping go a long way toward keeping pests at bay. If you clean often, you may remove them without even knowing it. Vacuuming also removes moth eggs and larvae from carpets before they have the opportunity to hatch.
LAUNDRY
Before you pack up winter clothing for storage, wash or dry-clean garments that have been worn. This rids them of moth and beetle eggs and also eliminates perspiration remnants and food spills, which attract and nourish pests. Moths and beetles don't eat items made of synthetic or cotton fabrics, but you should clean those, too, if you store them with woolens.
BRUSHING
If you have winter coats you haven't worn, you probably won't want to pay for dry cleaning just to guard against eggs that might have been deposited on them. Yet if you store them as is, you risk an infestation. In this case, try an old-fashioned but effective regimen: Take the items outside on a sunny day and brush them vigorously, especially under collars and along seams. This should remove eggs and larvae, which are so small, you probably won't be able to see them. In case you miss a few of the pests or their eggs, pack this clothing separately from laundered or dry-cleaned items.
SMART STORAGE
Moths and beetles can get through extremely tight spaces. When storing woolens, reclosable plastic bags or plastic boxes are best for keeping pests out. To protect the items from condensation, wrap them in lengths of clean cotton, and store. Take care in using plastic containers for long-term storage -- years rather than months -- as they do not allow the items to breathe, and some plastics may degrade fabric over time. If storing valuable items, consult with a professional textile conservator for recommendations (like those who preserve wedding dresses).
CHOOSING A METHOD
There are numerous products -- some natural, some chemical-based, and with varying levels of effectiveness -- that are intended to deter moths and beetles. It's best to know a product's pros and cons before you make a choice. In the right circumstances, any of these approaches can be useful. Just remember that nothing discourages clothes moths and carpet beetles more than keeping your woolen items clean and storing them correctly.
CEDAR
The dark-colored heartwood of red cedar contains natural oils that kill clothes-moth larvae, but this alone won't protect clothing. It's not effective against carpet beetles, and, with moths, it kills only young larvae, not older ones or eggs. The effect also fades as the scent does. You can replenish the scent of boards, closets, and chests by sanding the wood lightly or dabbing on cedar oil, but there is no way to know if you've added enough. If you have a cedar chest, it's best to think of it as a reasonably airtight storage container -- and only keep clean fabric inside it. Again, wrap items in clean cotton before storing them.
MOTHBALLS AND MOTH CRYSTALS
These can thwart infestations but come with many drawbacks, so you're probably better off without them. Both products contain pesticides that can be harmful to people, unborn babies, and pets. Since mothballs and moth crystals work by releasing fumigant gas, they must be used in tight-fitting containers, rather than in closets or drawers, to be effective. If you do use these products, keep containers out of your living area -- in a garage, perhaps. And air out clothing thoroughly outside before wearing it or hanging it in your closet again (dry cleaning won't eliminate the mothball odor).
LAVENDER
Using this plant to repel clothes moths is an old homemaker's trick. Sachets filled with lavender (and/or laced with its oil) and suspended in your closet or tucked in your drawers are said to protect woolens. They will also leave a pleasant scent behind. Lavender will not, however, kill moth eggs or larvae, so be sure the space is free of them first.
SOLVING AN EXISTING PROBLEM
What if you already have clothes or carpet pests? Here are some tips for identifying the bugs you are dealing with, getting rid of them, and then salvaging your woolen items.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
You won't likely see clothes moths, but if you find holes, you know you have a problem. With moth larvae, you may find silky webbing or cigarlike cocoons. Beetle larvae leave dried skins -- like tiny rice grains.
TREATING CLOTHES
Remove and treat all infested material. You might throw away the most damaged clothing. Dry-clean or launder items you keep; freezing also eradicates pests: Put items in sealed plastic bags, squeeze out air, and freeze for a few days. Take the bags out, let them return to room temperature, and then repeat. In case of condensation, let clothes air out before storing again.
CLEANING CARPETS
For a severe infestation, call a professional. To treat a minor problem, buy a spray made for these pests and spot test to make sure it doesn't affect the carpet color. Apply, following label instructions, anywhere you find traces of larvae or don't often clean -- such as behind bookcases and along baseboards. Treat both sides of the carpet (if not fastened down) and the rug pad.
CATCHING THEM ALL
Clean your house thoroughly before replacing treated items. If furniture is infested, you might need to call an exterminator.
USING TRAPS
Try pheromone-laced cardboard traps to check if moths remain. (These shouldn't be your main defense, however, and won't trap beetles.)
MENDING
You may be able to repair blankets or other large-thread items yourself, using matching yarn. Finely woven items and heirlooms should be taken to a company that specializes in reweaving. This can be rather expensive, so be sure to weigh the cost before doing so - you may be better off just replacing certain knits.
Chic Tip: Shopping Tips From a Pro
As a fashion consultant, I spend an inordinate amount of time browsing clothes online. Accordingly, over the years I've amassed several insider tips for shopping smarter. I figure that a couple of days before biggest shopping day of the year is a perfect time to share my tips on everything from how to score a promo code to knowing the exact time a sale goes live.
When are the best sales? It's not when you think.
Ask any shopping enthusiast the best day of the year to shop, and she’ll probably answer Black Friday. While there are definitely deals to be had, according to the Wall Street Journal, there are other times of year when prices are lower. The two months when you’ll snag the best deals? Early January and late June. And of course, with the influx of flash sale sites like Gilt, RueLaLa and Hautelook, there are amazing sales to be had every 24 hours. So stay out of the fray and home with your family enjoying leftovers on the day after Thanksgiving!
Know when your wanted items go on sale.
Sign up at sites like Hukkster to get notifications when her favorite items go on sale. Whether you do most of your online shopping on a computer or mobile device, you can get an email or push notification the second your favorite items are reduced.
Find out when stores get new shipments.
Buddy up to the local store manager of your favorite shopping haunts and find out which day of the week they get in new merchandise. Often when new clothing comes in, older clothing will be moved toward the back of the store and put on sale.
eBay Save Search
Is the item of your dreams sold out everywhere? No worries: there's second hope for slackers on eBay. Simply search the brand and style name of the desired garment on eBay. When the search results come up, narrow down by size and the maximum amount you are willing to spend, then click on the link at the top that says “save search.” It will give you the option to receive an email when new items matching your search terms are listed. I actually use this tool to shop - each morning I receive an email with offerings in my size from my favorite designers.
Use coupon codes: Refuse to pay retail!
Often sites will advertise their coupon codes, but occasionally a discount code will fly under the radar, in which case RetailMeNot.com is a godsend. With coupons for over 50,000 sites, I never make a purchase without checking the site first.
Amex Sync
American Express’ Amex Sync program allows cardholders to link their plastic to Facebook, Foursquare, or Twitter to get deals in exchange for sharing a post, checking in, or Tweeting. For example, recently cardholders could tweet #amexwarby to score $10 back on a pair of Warby Parker frames. The no-hassle approach doesn’t require any coupon codes; simply pay with your Amex card and your statement will automatically be credited.
Shop Off-Season
This may seem like a no-brainer, but consciously planning ahead to shop for fall items in the spring and vice versa can save you a bundle. Sure, buying a bathing suit in September isn’t as fun, but when you aren’t paying full price for that bikini at the peak of next swim season, you’ll be smiling.
Sign Up For The Store's Newsletter
Increasingly, e-commerce sites are drawing in new newsletter subscribers with the lure of a promotion code. In addition to the easy discount off your first purchase, signing up can be worth the extra email in your inbox when you get advance notice of promotions or access to secret sales.
ShopStyle
In addition to checking RetailMeNot.com, search the item on ShopStyle.com to confirm that your intended online store of choice is actually selling it for the lowest price. Often smaller boutiques you may be unaware of are selling the same item for less!
Lucky Breaks
The ladies behind Lucky are women after our own shopping-happy hearts. They have an entire Lucky Breaks section dedicated to delivering sweet deals—usually 50% off editor-curated items, ranging from darling earrings to printed pencil skirts.
Ask Tracy: Be Don Draper?
Q: My brother and I have an ongoing debate I'm hoping you can clear up. When is it appropriate/ not appropriate for a man to wear a hat?
A: Not only do I conduct a lot of business dress code seminars, but from time to time I am asked to teach etiquette classes. So this is a question that frequently arises, especially with the recent popularity of the TV show Mad Men, depicting an era during which hats trended toward dapper styles, and baseball caps were reserved for actual baseball players.
In the 1930s through most of the '50s, a man wasn't considered fully dressed without a hat. But by the 1960s, hat wearing fell out of favor, partly as a result of longer hairstyles, cars with lower roofs, and resistance from some World War II vets weary from wearing helmets for so long. JFK's habit of not donning a hat was seen as the final blow to the trend.
In large part to Mad Men, hats are experiencing a revival, but unfortunately the rules surrounding hat wearing (and removal) have not followed suit. Generally one shows respect to others by uncovering indoors, but "indoors" can be a subjective term. All homes, churches (unless required by the religion) and restaurants should be hat-free. Public spaces, like train stations, airports, hallways and elevators, are considered hats-optional, as are sports arenas. However, old school gentlemen (a lost breed) will still remove their hat when a lady enters an elevator.
Ladies are mostly exempt from hat etiquette, with the exception of baseball caps. It has always been accepted that if a hat is considered part of a woman's outfit, it may be kept on. In the spirit of equality, this allowance is now being extended to men as well, to the pleasure of vendors such as J.Crew and Gap, who have included fedoras and pageboy caps in recent collections.
But to all, wearing a baseball cap backwards is never appropriate!