Guilt Jeans

Here are some photos of the pants I can't seem to get rid of. They were beyond hideously expensive and they feel soooooooo nice on. Should I just wear them or are they too 'out there' to wear?
Thanks, Zebra

Another view

CheryleB:
Will you enjoy wearing them? Will you feel confident in them? Do you really like them? If you said no to any of the above, I think you should overcome the guilt.

Miniera:
If you decide to keep them I think they'd look great as part of a'retro' look, pair them with a bright paisleyish top (like the ones Judy and TGirl have from RL) and sandals and go for the whole 60's beach-girl look. The lace-up front jeans say to me 60's California beach girl. Could be because I was in CA in the 60's and saw lots of those jeans around.

Ilie:
i am going to approach it differently since cheryle and Min did a great job giving you food for thought, here's my food for thought from another angle>..this is interesting, because although they fit well, etc they don't match the 'Zee' you've transformed into. they look like they were mid early-mid 2000s. am i right? could you wear them? sure. are they Zee sophisticated? no. supporting cast is everything of course but if i saw them on anyone i'd think to myself : 'not current, time to give em up!' mostly though if you were the type of 'tlc' [who caaaares if they're not current?} i think you've moved from that particular Vibe..

Vava:Hi Zee!
I think I'd send them on. The lace-up front doesn't look like your style these days.

Pres: The laces are adding nothing, and distracting much. The focus of jeans these days is on the cuffs (and therefore the shoes) not the tummy.

Judyanne:I was wondering how long ago you bought them. The just look out of style now but they do look good on you and they are comfy so they might be fine for stay at home days.

Siepres:
I just don't think they're doing as much for you anymore, Z. You have such a classy, but fun style now, and I think the jeans just aren't fitting in with it anymore. Even when you wear shorts or jeans, you look sophisticated! Definitely time to swallow the guilt and move on. :(

Zebra: Thanks for the thoughts. Sometimes it's hard to be objective and I'm so happy you guys are here to ask! I think I will move them on but with regret.....soooo comfy....so pricey (ugh)....

I can't remember the year. My best guess is 1993. I think it was between babies. They are Roberto Cavalli which you can see on the front of the pant - the black 'streak' going down the leg is his signature.

This was the kind of thing I thought was 'timeless.' Okay, I'll say....the pants were $800. How on earth can something like that date?? Maybe you have to live in the economic bracket where $800 pants are what you normally buy and then in the next year or two, donate.

Pres: Wow. I once bought a used car for less than that.

Do Trends Come Back?

The occasional spectacular fashion piece may, if supported by a new hair style, new make-up and new shoes and hose, make another appearance, as in this AJBari dress from 1993, worn last Winter with black tights, an embellished enamel cuff, and flat ironed hair. But when trends return, they are usually not the same as they were when they went. The fabric, color, prints, shape, etc., have been tweaked, Big Time. The aim of matchy-matchy was to de-emphasize the shoe/bag/belt combo. Today's matching highlights the shoes by showing monochrome tints. And today's pencils are not the pencils that were around in the Mad Men Era, either. They aren't even the pencils that were around last summer (they are shorter and more fitted.) Knits are much closer to the body than before, when turtles had big swaths of cloth at the sleeves and torso. Cloth, in general, was used in greater quantities than now. View briefs and slips, vs thongs and linings. The A line that returns is flirtier, not triangular like those of 2007.

So, what to do? Wear what's in now. Don't worry that your navy&turquoise padded shoulder suit with the A line skirt may return. It's not here today is it? I wonder why that is?

And, if you have a successful rerun of shoes or garment, show us a picture of this marvel. We'd like to admire it.

The Trend Police

There is no Trend Police. No one will stop you from sporting outdated trends forever.
Enjoy it, if you feel like. But don't think that the trends aren't out there, even if it's difficult to understand how to create up-to-date outfits. For education, and fun, look over the end of season sale racks at fashion stores, and you will easily be able to pick out the remnants of last season's trends (don't buy them!) Predicting what the trends will be next year is more difficult, and it's even more difficult to predict which trends will catch on.

Luckily, we don't have to. We can buy and wear our clothes immediately, once they are in season. At the same time, we can use pieces from the middle range of our wardrobes to integrate into the new outfits. Sometimes these pieces need work (see Tailor or Toss) to remain in style; pencils have become shorter and tighter this year. Clothes from the back end of our wardrobes should be donated.

You may ignore trends, no one will arrest you. But don't think it isn't noticeable.
The pencil has changed, the jeans have changed, the shoes have changed. It may upset you to learn that things do change, but that's what style is about.

If you want to look up-to-date this current season, look for:
Ralph Blue and other saturated colors.
Prints that are amorphous
Safari prints
Neutrals such as khaki and army olive

These things are hardly cutting edge. They are just fresh.

Ralph Blue&Cream

That's the bottom line of the whole argument: Some want to hang on to old clothes, and they don't like change. They'll even deny that change is happening. After all, they don't see it. There's a wide range of (old) styles available out there.
They'll say change isn't for women over 40, or 60, or for women who aren't model height or weight, or for women on a budget, or for women who are busy with work or with children. They are so dedicated to holding on to the stale and passe that they'll say there is no fresh or new. It's all the same to them. They'll attack those who can see change and show you how to benefit from it. They'll attack the messengers of change. Watch out for them.

More Casual: Jeans Need Support

Continuing our interest in casual outfits, which are even more difficult to assemble than dressy ones, we're asked: "What's wrong with jeans&flips? They're so comfortable!"

The focus of jeans has shifted from the tummy (low rise, exposed skin about the waist) and the pompi (gigantic embellished pockets) and has added a view of the cuffs. The rolled cuff, which exposes the ankle, and even higher if attractive, sends the eye down to the shoes. Therefore, the outfit of jeans/flips fails now. The shoes need one or more interesting elements: a tip-up to elongate foot (a heel) or strappy art (caged) or a nude color (to elongate leg) or, if a closed pump, some ferosh high heels or a hot color or both. Closed gray mid-heel pumps won't do it. They're good for a pinstripe suit and a court appearance, but they cannot support casual pants.
Rolled Khakis with Shoes

BTW, my friend Wifeybug taught me a trick to rescue leg-chopper crops. It works for light gauge denims of all colors and for khakis: Roll the cuff up higher, maybe to just below the knee, and then scrunch the pants in the legs to create some folds.

Remember that a casual outfit requires the same care to produce as a dressy one. The components may be casual, but they must support each other. Perfect pieces don't imply dressy. In a jeans outfit, rolled hems or not, the feet are now an important focus.

Big Top

I asked for help with my plus size top days ago at another forum, but no one replied. Can you help me?
Thanks!

Happy to help!
The key to dressing a larger top is visual breakage, sometimes called "color blocking." If you wear a solid unbroken, soft, light colored tee across your top, you'll be outlining and filling in the apple shape. It's better to create a faux torso effect by using illusion. You can try the column, which starts with a solid central column, and then is flanked by two sides of a different color. It's nice if the textures are different, too, with the crisper, more structured piece on the outer edges.
The Column
I also recommend keeping the side pieces (the outer shirt) darker than the central column (this is a good place for a dark jacket) but here's something that uses a vee, and works with the opposite color blocks, too:
Lane
I don't usually like plaid for the sides, either, but this one is small scale and in a light monochrome, so it does look good. Note how this outfit makes use of the vee, which creates two additional color blocks: the skin above the cami, and the shirt color in the vee.

Another way to add color breaks is by the correct use of a scarf. The scarf should be very crisp, and narrow, and create an additional two color blocks on each side of your top. No wide, filmy scarves. This one has vertical stripes in the design.

Ombre which creates a faux torso with horizontal color blocks here, is a great way to dye a shirt, too.

Remember some basic ideas: Black on the sides, to visually trim the expanse, vee neck in the center to cut the apple into slices and avoid the rounded neck of the scoop top, narrow scarves to create vertical lines, and crisp fabrics to create faux structure.

Tailor or Toss

I love the completely neutral but still spicy color of my JC Twig pencil skirt, which would support White shirts, Navy shirts (I have a two different ones, one tissue weight with ruffles;) and Multi shirts this Summer. I love the Twill Fabric. The skirt is too big (as usual, my waist is too small; 26.5, so that the skirt slips down to be a hipster, which makes it too long and also obscures my waist in the tucking.) I think it's designed for this look. But I will interfere with the design to get the perfect look for Summer. In Winter, I wore a sweater layer over that obscured the waist, anyway.

The prob is the pompi. It's loose, rounded, and saggy (on the skirt! not on me!) Is this b/c of the fit, or is The Skirt Worn Out? Tom The Tailor is a Never-Say-Die kind of guy (and he wants the work) so he won't fill me in on this. He'll just mumble and pin it (I'm guessing along the side seams? b/c it's too big?) I noticed that I can improve the situation by folding in the center back seam below the zipper and above the kick pleat? if I have it cleaned and pressed, will that help? My beloved ATL khaki skirt (same idea, worn on the hips) isn't as bad in the Pompi (a little smushed) but cleaning and pressing doesn't help that. Any ideas?

Zebra:
I'd donate the Twig for the following reasons:

You say that you worked with it in the winter by wearing it with an untucked sweater to obscure the waist but it must have been too long also as you started by saying it was too big in the waist and therefore sits on the hips, making it too long.

I think the problem with the rear has to do with the proportionality of the cut. If the waist is too big then the seat will be bigger to accommodate a proportionally bigger behind. The behind problem might not have been as accentuated as it is now because over time, the fibres stretch and it's not am immediate thing. Often, you'll start with a snug skirt and end up with it fitting looser over time.

It sounds like you got the wear you needed - it's JC not Chanel so I'd move on.

pres:
I wore it with boots in the winter, so the length was flexible. I think it fit pretty well before, especially in the pompi, as a hipster. The stretch-out is what I am referring to as "worn out" so we are both on the same page. It's not the cost, etc, that's making me hang on, it's that great versatile color and the nice twill texture.

Siepres:
I recommend donating too since I'm not sure what they would do to
"lift" a saggy bottom in the skirt. Pres, knowing you, you'll find something even better that you love and is perfect in no time flat!

Cheryle:
I can't remember what book it was in (I suspect it was Color Me
Beautiful) in which they suggested that taking in a skirt from just below the pompi down adds curve to the lines and is a very common alteration. I doubt it would cost more than $10 to have him try it. Is it worth sinking a few extra dollars into the skirt to make it work with the blues? I thought based on your first post that you particularly like the color and fabric so it may not be easily replaced.

pres:
Thanks!
Here's a pic of the skirt on a :Mannequin
Note how it fits? Same on me. The back is saggier, though.

Vava:
The JC pencils from last year are problematic. They were designed to fit just below your true waist. (I never understood this...) I remember trying one that was a fine wale cordoroy last fall (wine color?), and I sent it back for this very reason, because I didn't want to deal with the tailoring....
However, I will say that my denim pencil is from the same group, and I had it altered successfully. The alteration brought the skirt up to my true waist. You could have the tailor "pin fit" the side seams so that your pompi has the correct snug fit. He may also have to lengthen the darts that hit on your back hip. That's what I'd do. I would steer clear of that center back seam. If they can't correct the fit with the side seams and waistline darts, then by all means send this skirt on to new territories.

Judyanne:
It all depends on your tailor. It should be fixable.

pres: Wow!
I'll see if the pinning works.
As Cheryle noted, that neutral color is hard to find.

Boots for Fall

I am looking at some Boots in pre-Fall planning.
Any Advice?
Thanks,
Future

What are you wearing today? Do you have a perfect Summer outfit? Even one? How do your Summer shoes look? Are you wearing some terrific nude sandals?

Can you tell what the big trend will be for Fall boots? How? You have enough trouble sorting out the Summer trends, it seems to me. Try living in the Fashion Moment. Buy clothes in season when they are usually on sale, anyway. Of course, if you are a special size, or need custom clothes, arrange to purchase your items when they are available. Otherwise, buy&wear immediately.

Distressed

I was really casual today: light wash jeans with holes at the knees, plain white cotton round neck Hanes tee, and leather flips. No jewelry. What do you think?
Thanks,
Distressed

You need help. I think it's great for cleaning the house, but not for public viewing. Although distressed jeans are a fashion statement, they are meant to be worn ironically, not because you were too lazy to change your clothes after you purged the closet (let's hope.)
Analyze the elements of a successful edgy outfit, and note how yours is lacking:
Hot shoes? No. Ferosh top? No. Great Pants? Nada.
If things are neglected that far, it goes past edgy and veers into ramshackle.

Destroyed 7s

Notice the Shoes Here

Cuffed hems

The distressing is a detail in a perfect outfit. Hair, Top, Shoes, Jeans.

Go back inside and put together a perfect denim outfit, casual, but still perfect. Show us what you can do.

Which Trends?

I can't follow all the changing trends and the different colors that are being shown in all the mags. Aren't they contradictory and impossible to settle on?


Trends do move swiftly these days. The trick is to pick what works best for you, don't overbuy, and don't waste money on items that are already passe. Also, you can educate your eye about current structural trends so that you have the right lines to color inside of. Here are some tips:

Structural pieces: The pencil skirt is the single most important piece in the current wardrobe. Remember that pencils aren't as loose and long as they were. They are fitted and short. If you are looking for an anchor piece, try silver gray, khaki, or white in a short summer pencil. No triangular knee length A-lines. If you are looking for a fresh look in dresses, try a one shoulder dress. They are marvels of engineering this year.

Accessories: Scarves are the number one accessory. Bold Open loop necklaces look great, too. Avoid dainty jewelry with tiny beads.

Color Trends:
Soothing Neutral colors are a great look, especially when used in Safari trend items, like jungle animal prints. Pair a zebra stripe top with a khaki skirt.

Bright Colors: Saturated Blues are the big color, especially in eye makeup. If you can't wear blue shadow, try for a ruffly blue scarf. Other very saturated brights, especially multis, are also in; remember that the prints must be modern; there's an amorphous feel to the color blocks.

Shoes are really neutral, with nude sandals leading the pack. Look for sandals with multiple straps.

Soothing Neutrals


Brights

Ageism

Do you think that older ladies should wear patterned tights?
Thanks, Stuck-in-the-Sheers


Dear Stuck,
The general rule about age-appropriate clothing hovers around age 35, after which it's all the same rule. There are no new cut-off points for 40, 50, 60 or beyond.

Wear the clothes that look best on your body. If you have long shapely legs, and can wear cute heels for support, don't be afraid to try a bright solid or a print. If you need to wear soft, flat MJs, etc.; stick with a more neutral look for the hose.

Of course, remember to take work/occasion appropriateness into consideration. Brightly patterned hose are not a good look for a condolence call. And, remember to provide the perfect support outfit. New mixes don't work with passe colors and prints.

Animal prints are hardly cutting edge these days. They've slipped into the classic for now, especially in neutral colors. BTW, I was very recently accused of providing advice that is "too conservative" and for "a different age group," so which is it?

Why The Pres Method?

What's the point of all the talk about the Pres Method? Can't we check magazines layouts and ask aquaintances if clothing works? It's not difficult. It's choosing whatever you like. Your favorite colors&prints from all decades work best for you. Following fashion rules isn't original. And stores have sales help to give advice. They don't have an agenda. Their opinions are completely trustworthy.


Techniques for shopping and managing your closet may seem obvious to you, but judging from the mail that we get here, not everyone is so confident. And lots of luck with the store clerks, too; their opinion is objective, with the tiny exception that they are there to sell garments. Passing an orphan piece off on you, with no hopes of a supporting outfit, isn't a problem for them. (BTW, you can counter by asking, " and what is being shown with this?" ) And have you ever asked them where the trouser jeans are and been directed to a wall of mixed denim? Do they know which jeans have a yoke in the back (5 Pocket, not Trouser), and on whom they look best?

It always helps to have technique. Knowing the Pres Method will help you to avoid that sinking feeling when your packed closet and offers nothing to wear. If you keep the Pres Method in mind when you shop, you will have a closet filled strictly with things that you love.

The Pres Method: Find a beautiful item (top or bottom) that is the hardest to fit for you. Then add the perfect piece for the other half. Perfect: no conflict in waistline, pockets or hem. Walk the pieces over to shoes, and find the perfect pair to support the hemline. Add perfect accessories, and you are good to go!

Remember, each part should be the most flattering, the best color, and the best fit of your life. Do you have any outfits like this? Even one? They should all be like that. When they are, you can dis The Pres Method. Until then, Good Luck!

Pres' outfit: Jacket, Kenneth Cole Reaction, L&T; Skirt, ATL; Tights, L&T. Blue Scarf, Ricky's 14th Street.

What's Casual? The Vibe

Getting The Vibe right is the most important part of dressing, and it isn't easy, especially in the current
casual atmosphere. Here are a few tips:

1) Don't use clothes that are designed for certain specific activities as your default casual wear. If you are going to the gym, or to yoga, that's where sneaks, sweats and yoga pants work. They aren't for lunch, shopping, or travel. Look at them, and know what they are for.

2) At the other end of the problem, don't wear work or evening clothes for sporty activities: those closed leather pumps, sheer black hose and shiny tops aren't for a casual family restaurant.

3) Casual does not mean that you can add a ton of amusing accessories and look sharp. A headband, floppy flats, a faux flower, some beads and a pale tee&long cardi over some knit crops aren't a perfect outfit. Not even close.

4) Don't give up on structure because the outfit is casual. A soft tee, knit cardi and gathered skirt won't support each other. Look for a structured (white denim?) jacket to rescue the outfit. And watch that wide expanse of mono-color tee across the abdomen. Your best color won't work for you there. It has to be near your face to work. A short cardi may be casual, but when it adds a light color block up at your armpits, and does nothing to create a torso, it's a loser.

5) Don't give up because of a little rain. Adding sneaks, 3 layers of clothes without defining a waist at all,
and some leg-chopper crops won't keep you dry. How about a short trench with a defined collar? A perfect outfit for bad weather earns an A+. Work on this. In most places, It is going to rain sometime.

6) Be careful with the underwear vibe. Embellished tank tops and white cotton tees may be cute, but they require very, very structured support items, like defined cage sandals, not soft MJ or ballerina footwear.

Florals at Work: An SOS Discussion

Tenn Girl: I just saw my director in our little break room, and I commented on her sweater which was white with pink cherry blossoms on black branches(from Macy's she said, but I don't see it on the website). Not a loud pattern at all. She said that she had always read and heard that professional women don't wear florals in the workplace. I said that I had never heard that. She said that she and our other female director both tried not to wear them, and when Lisa wore this sweater earlier, they discussed it. Then, Cherie wore shoes with a floral pattern. These women are about my age, but they are at least two levels above me in title. Have I missed something all these years about florals and professional women?

judyanne:
I think it goes back to the feminist movement when women felt the had to dress like a man to be respected, and maybe they did. It also depends on the workplace. In a male dominated setting a person might want to go light on the florals.

Vava
Hi Tenn Girl,
I think it might depend on the type of floral....Some bold and kind of crazy florals probably wouldn't scream professional, but I think florals like you see in JCrew or places like that are great for work. Maybe they read somewhere an opinion on a floral and they decided that was a "rule"....?

Siepres
I don't think there's a rule against floral prints. Maybe the caution is that some floral prints are just loud and obnoxious, but I agree with Vava that any of the ones like you see at JCrew, RL, etc. should be fine. The owner of the company my mom worked for (very successful company too) wore floral blouses with her suits in spring quite often.

Joanne
Where do you work? An automotive supply company, right? If so, it would seem to be male dominated. And you have a curvy figure, no one is going to forget you are a woman. In light of both of those, I would go easy on the florals. I think you can still wear them, but you should make sure they aren't some sweet little dress, but rather are a more structured, tailored item.

CheryleB
The definition of professional attire for women has changed dramatically over the years. In the first decade that women were predominant in the workplace and competing with men, we seemed to be dressing like clones of men. Even the shoes were plain and unsexy. It was only a few years ago that Pres posted that in New York if a woman wore a dress to the office it was a sign that she was no longer on the career track. Now that more university grads are women than men, things are changing more rapidly. Business now needs to recruit he best and the brightest to succeed whether they are men or women. We can now be women and professionals in the workplace. I think the balance has resulted in the rules relaxing, and to a great extent, disappearing.

Pres

>It was only a few years ago that Pres posted that in New York if a woman wore a dress to the office it was a sign that she was no longer on the career track.

Yes, this has a name; it's called "Fluffing Out." It happens to women who have hit the ceiling. It's an important topic. I have 2 wardrobes: Work and Weekend. And I have to be careful about each of them. I don't want my suit skirt to ruin Sunday's outfit and I don't want my denim moto jacket to ruin Monday's. (I call this The Bob Dole: when he was running for office, he was seen walking on a beach, and also on a treadmill, wearing his wingtip lace up shoes) I think that we can use what Ili always says to help us here: What is the vibe of the outfit? Does it project "I am here to work" or does it project "I wish I were sitting in a garden and sipping a mint julep?" So, if you are wearing serious pumps, pencil and a jacket; a muted floral blouse under would be great.

Nervous

I'm nervous about the fancier items that are popular now. I fear animal prints, denim in light or dark wash and plain or distressed. I avoid the new fitted jackets. An old suit jacket with a peplum is OK, and I love knits, but not fitted cardis. I think cardis are OL. I don't like pencil skirts or heels. I like full skirts. Soft flats are best. I don't like the softer prints and florals. I like defined prints or oatmeal or pale pastel colors. I hate black. Don't even mention flat irons. I don't like the heavier modern bangles, either. I like fine filligree jewelry. Matching makes me feel safer than a mixed bag. I like to dress up.
So should I try Crops? I'm going to an important casual event,
Nervous

Crops can be great, but they have to fit properly and need the proper support outfit. No tapering, no stretchy fabric. They will be displaying your ankle and emphasizing your feet. How are your ankles? You can improve their look with a neat heeled shoe. Flat flips, even leather ones, won't do it. They are for a beachy outfit. The crops outfit needs some structure, like a structured jacket or a tucked shirt, at least. Don't try to get away with a white tank that emphasizes your hip line and a pale knit sweater over. And avoid a bunch of pale pearls, too.

The crop here is blending with the leg, no defined cut-off line, and the shoe is really doing the Job

Clueless in Florida

Ok, so as embarrassing as this may be, I'm holding my breath and just typing away cuz what's the worstthat can happen, right? Well I'm a 27 year old young momma who is 5'2 and 135 lbs. So as you can see I do have a little junk in the trunk but nothing serious. You would be surprised I am asking for help seeing as though I consider myself to be pretty attractive and clothes fit me great. It's just what clothes to buy. I haven't been shopping in years so my closet is terrible. I somehow make do with what I have but I have reached my limit. What's annoying is I actually do have money to spare on a wardrobe but get overwhelmed with the shopping thing. I end up with a new pair of sweats and a tank and call it day...Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease help me be a part of 2010.. oh yeah another trick is I do not wear open toe shoes (foot injury)and i live in Fl..great..
Thanks,
Young Mama

The Answers:
From Pres:
Money to spend, 27 years, 5-2&135 lbs, lives in Fla, and likes closed toes. This is not the most daunting task SOS has handled. First, you need a little infrastructure, both mental and physical. This starts with educating your eye about what's in right now. Do you know the hot colors of the season? (Blue, also Safari Neutrals) Current themes? (Besides Safari, there's Moto, and Brushstroke Florals) Current fit? Close to the body. Skirt length (knee or above) You can learn more at sites like Lucky Magazine, and Runway Shows (Ralph, Spring 2010) Educate your eye before you shop.

And, How to shop? That takes technique, too. Try the Famous Pres Method TM. (You knew it wouldn't be easy, but it will be worth it!) First, look for one, just one, perfect item. You can start with the most difficult part to fit (shoes? the skirt?) This season, you could start with a short, neutral skirt in khaki. Look for a good fit (at the waist; no pulling across the pompi) and an easy care, cool fabric like cotton poplin. Then, take the skirt and walk it over to tops; find the one that works there. The top must tuck properly, close properly, define your torso properly; that is, be Perfect for the Skirt. When you have a skirt and top, move them over to shoes, and find the right (not almost right!) pair.

Great Wardrobes are built one Perfect Outfit at a time. Don't try to stock up on a bunch of dull tees. Don't try to fill your empty closet in one day. That's fantasy, not real shopping.

Or Start Here

Good Luck!

ileana:
hmm...a shortie (like mua) in florida (loveth!) i suggest (without knowing her shape, which would help) summery A-lineish cotton dresses in pretty neutrals orwhite for this season in interesting necklines
like keyhole halter (spend some of the money on the perfect bra.) i also would encourage her to concentrate on one season at a time in clothes that will be instant-glam and prettiness and in the latest style. (make your money and wardobe last). things can change in a season- worry always about the Here and Now Espadrilles would be fun and flirty and take care of the closed toe without compromising
summer vibe . a cork or raffia bag, oversized sunglasses.< DONE!>


Vava:
I agree, Ili.
The Pres Method will be a huge thing for this woman. Great approach for the shopping challenged!

I think if I were in her location, I'd find a skirt with a couple of tops, a pair of shorts, and maybe a dress. A couple pairs of shoes/ sandals. A hat, bathing suit, and coverup. And that would work for me for the Summer of 2010.

Pres, maybe we can find out more about her lifestyle? Maybe peep toe
shoes would work? Is she going to an office during the day?