Orphan Pieces in the Storm

My biggest problem is creating perfect outfits. Although I can shop for single pieces, they often end up without ensembles. I'd like to shop for ensembles. Do you have any ideas for me? And, once I leave the store, how do I make outfits for the occasion, or the weather? I can do one, but not the other. Help!


The Pres Method to the rescue: Once you have that perfect top, bottom, or those shoes,

a) Ask the Sales Associate "What is being shown with this?" and let the designer do the work for you.

b) Walk the item around the store until the right mate sings to you. Try on (together!)

c) At home, take the item and hang it on your closet door. Then, hold up some likely pieces from your closet. Try on. If you hear singing, hang the items together.

d) Be sure that you are looking for the right pieces to begin with! The weather is a real headache for me, too. Many perfect outfits are sabotaged by the need to wear boots or a warm coat over (will the sleeves pull on?) Let's be realistic, and not fill the closet with clothes that don't work for your climate. I have to be careful about jackets, myself. They have a really short season; it's either too warm, too wet, or too cold. And jackets, with their shoulders, are quick to look dated, as well. So, it's just one jacket per season for me; cardis are more versatile, and for everything but a formal suit look, they do the trick. You may need another look for your climate.

To get some fun help with choosing outfits for your daily weather, look here:

The Feather Report