"Wardrobes that Workout"

In Search of the Perfect Yoga Pant
My mission for this month was to find a flattering pair of yoga pants. I believe when you look good you feel good.    Whether you’re petite, curvy or tall; beginning your yogic practice for the New Year or a seasoned yogini, the right gear can enhance your confidence as well as performance.

One of my favorite all-purpose brands is Prana (a term used in yoga to mean energy, breath, life force).  They feature clothing for men and women with active lifestyles focused on activities such as hiking, rock-climbing and yoga.  What’s great about their pieces is that they are interchangeable, for example Prana’s Bliss Capri Pant ($52) are strong enough for wear and tear rock-climbing, stylish for a trip to the Farmer’s Market and can double as yoga wear with it’s moisture wicking feature.

With plenty of unique patterns and designs, Prana’s Sport Top ($44) complete with built in shelf bra is a great addition to your “yoganista” ensemble. A Pattern draws attention to the upper body and balances the lower half.  This works great on pear-shaped figures.
With plenty of unique patterns and designs, Prana’s Sport Top ($44) complete with built in 

Another great feature about Prana’s pants is that the polyester/spandex fabric blend washes well, doesn’t shrink and doesn’t pill.  No matter how many downward dogs you do the pants stay true!  Prana can be found at Santa Barbara Outfitters and Drishti in Santa Barbara.


The second stop on my quest began with Nordstrom’s exclusive label “Zella”.  The women’s sports wear department of Nordstrom is “chakra-full” of attractive outfits and competitive prices.  I am impressed that Zella’s sizing ranges from XS (0-2) to XL (16) to fit real women with real bodies.  If Bikram Yoga is part of your yogic practice I recommend the Zella ‘Live In’ Capri Pant ($42).  This slim cut style works for petite bodyshapes as well as someone who is average to tall.  There is a hidden pocket in the waistband for your car key, credit card or lip-gloss.  You can easily go from the studio to the street by throwing on a cozy hoodie and cute flip-flops -- you’re ready for a walk on Stearn’s Wharf.

Following my fashion dharma I came to Lucy Activewear located in La Cumbre Plaza.  Lucy offers high tech fabrics, hot colors and pants in various lengths.  Their tailored pants  fit the shortest petite to taller yogini’s over 6’0.  The Lucy Hatha Power Pant ($88) features an impressive patented “Powermax” fabric that promises moisture wicking and compression (no dimples or panty lines).   With a bright panel of color at the midsection, the Hatha Power Pant shapes, conceals and flatters your yoga booty.

If you are going to invest in a yoga pant make sure it coordinates with other pieces in your wardrobe.  A well made pant can last through many classes as well as many years.  Be sure to wash according to directions and if suggested by the manufacturer use a sports detergent.  Comfort, price and style will determine your perfect pant.  Today, with the many choices out there - I’m sure it will “work-out”!

(Article from my column "The Style-List" in Society805.com)

So Right it's SARONG!

A Sarong is the staple item for every Santa Barbara woman's summer wardrobe. There's lots of opportunities for wearing one with your bathing suit: beach outings, poolside parties etc. With one item you have all the options you need in a stylish cover-up or fun accessory.

Miss. Frugal says:

"Tie it over your bikini so you won't get caught "hanging out" at Lazy Acres!"

Trend Traditions

By definition: a sarong is usually a large tube or length of fabric, often wrapped around the waist. In South Asia and on many Pacific Islands they are worn as kilts by men and skirts by women. The fabric most often has woven plaid or checkered patterns, or may be brightly colored by means of batik dyeing, although often today, they have printed designs, often depicting beach themes.

Sarong's can be found at any beach shop or even your local drug store but if your looking for one with a little more elegance try A Tropical Affair where they are priced about $45 or at Nordstrom (on Sale for $39). Whatever your preference, this wrap has endless ways of how it can be worn.

Wrap it Up!

1. Tied around the neck like a pashmina with white jeans and a tank - a Classic!
2. Tied at both ends and worn as kimono jacket - very artsy.
3. Around the neck and worn as a halter dress with a pair of Havaianas...so Santa Barbara!
4. Worn in the style of a traditional sari with bangle bracelets and metallic slip on's - Indian Summer.
5. Figure flattering-tie it around as high or low as you like to cover up your mid section and as you model the bandeau top.

Well that's a Wrap!

SB News-Press Features: The Frugal Fashionista

GETTING THE EMPLOYMENT EDGE : 'Dressing for Success' has never been more important in a tough job market

"Dress for Success" books have never been more popular as a down economy has some residents looking for that extra edge to ensure job security -- or to land a coveted position at a time when many are scarce. Whether it's combating the recession by upgrading an office wardrobe, ... More» 04/19/2009 Pick up a copy or read it online at: www.newspress.com *In photo Lesley Hall-Goodwin & Thyne Realtors www.kevinhall.com

A New Year - A New You!

Channeling your inner Fashionista-

January is always the month of resolutions and revolutions! A time of change and thoughts of what could be.  The caterpillar in the cocoon...emerging renewed!

Well stylin' ladies - this is your chance to not "change" but become a better version of YOU!

I know you've heard it all before but - enhancing what you have and embracing what you were born with makes it easier to not only love yourself but look Fabulous!

Strutting around the room in a great pair of shoes (that you already broke in) is great!  The concept of throwing everything out is misleading and not what my job is all about.  Cherish the quality merchandise that you've acquired & cherish YOU!

Pep talk you say?  Well, you need it!  This week I attended a fantastic dance class and expressed myself fully.  The message that was taught by the instructor was "Loving yourself" & "I am Fabulous"  Good Stuff right?  

So with good intentions for the New Year decide today that you want to bring out that personal style with flair - You owe it to yourself --Don't delay!

Contact me for all your Fabulous Needs!

Phone:  805.895.3400 

E-mail:  frugalfashion@gmail.com

Outfitted for Success - Tales from the Closet

Dressing a Dance Diva-

Recently I had the pleasure to work with a client who has made a name for herself in the Fitness World - the Queen of the Bollywood Workout: Hemalayaa.  Hema's closet is large and filled with sequins, color and pattern.  No paisley left untouched - no peacock left behind.  Her look is bold and beautiful.  With a palette of lime greens, purples, oranges, teals & pinks, I delved into the items many imprinted with the signature Ohm symbol.

Yoga pants, palazzo's - huge, flouncy skirts! What to do -- Hema is tiny with curves so it's necessary to spotlight her femininity without covering her up too much.

Traditional Indian clothing breathes and gives room for movement - Hemalayaa has many tunics, sari-inspired two-pieces etc.  I simply put form fitting tanks by brands like Marika & Prana under these more traditional tunics (one I found shopping Frugally for Hema - a peachy, gauzy look-diagonally cut across body)...paired with the standard yoga pants and Presto!  an easy on the go look with a little bit of flair.

Another fun look I created for Hema is with layers of color - a pink shrug - black tank - black palazzo's with pink detailing at foot - She wore this look while teaching in London

 at a Yoga Convention.  Recently Hemalayaa stepped out in cute jeans with studded pocket - a white tee with a bedazzled crown on it! (because everyone is a Princess in training) and peachy-keen wrap top!  Sooo cute!

Staying away from garish colors helps warm up Hemalayaa's striking coloring - she tends to look alive in colors that range from true red to royal purple (very regal indeed!)

Kimono-crossing: Wrap tops look amazing on her body type too! No boxy, square neck lines - this does not flatter - we need rusching, sweetheart necks or halter type tops to show of her yogini shoulders (after all she didn't work out all those hours to wear a potato sack!)

www.hemalayaa.com

Styling a "Mom In Motion"-

Jamie is a wonderful mom, has a pleasant personality and just happened to have founded a national, global organization for moms & women alike to join fitness teams of their choice and inspire themselves to be their best!

Her days are filled with time spent at home with her lovely daughters - great date nights with her husband and fellow runner, and of course work on her organization Moms In Motion.

Jamie left her closet as messy as possible and I like a Challenge!  She has minimal shoes (mostly running) and a lot of over sized sweaters (or shall I say "had" because we donated them!)  She likes a little glamour and fun with her tops but the size and shape of them did not flatter Jamie's athletic build.  She was going too large in the trapeze style - better to have a more close fitting top!  The trend of tops/dresses that resemble "maternity" wear is on it's way out and with good measure because that look is hard for any size to pull off.

Jeans look fantastic on Jamie and she can dress them up or down - Jacket, pashmina, nice earrings and the look goes from at home to - working with a sponsor, client etc.  Jeans and a beautiful top that ties at the waist and reflects Jamie's soft/autumn color scheme is awesome with a easy pair of ballet flats.

We had a blast shopping Frugally for items like a Leather Jacket (16.99) - Tiffany's Purse (all leather) (2.99) - the list goes on until we reached about ($150) - In total I found many tops, three jackets, and a beautiful handkerchief edged skirt.

I know that I gave Jamie the power to dress her best and more time with family which is what really counts!

www.momsinmotion.com

Personal Style for a Personal Trainer- 

Taking Annie's Boot camp will leave you sore and begging for more - but Annie's Dance Class (All at the Women's Athletic Club of Santa Barbara) will leave you strutting your stuff, humming Madonna all day & pulling out "Bob Fosse" moves when you least expect them!

Annie shares her closet with her husband and her collection was small but surprisingly perfect!

We started with a simple "LBD" - or Little Black Dress and paired it with matte black tights and shocking lipstick red pumps! Voila - a Show Stopper!! Annie looked taller and the shoes were a surprise element (very fashionista for this instructor extraordinaire)

We threw on newsboy hats, pashmina's (my favorite for making an outfit), different accessories to change every look!  

Annie was very open to trying on everything and as we did I noticed that she had an outfit for every activity in her life : Training at the Gym, Going to School, Walks with her Dog, Dinner with her Husband, Dancing Downtown.

I injected her Lululemon into every look just take the active look and add a skirt and jacket and your off!

I know Annie is rockin' her new looks and I'll be checking up on her every Wednesday at 5:30pm - Shake it!  

Boot camp is held Saturday mornings at 8:30am - Rise and Shine Fashionistas!!

www.womensathleticclub.net

Color my Closet - 

Lesley is a busy mom with a career in Marketing for Moms In Motion.  Recently she joined the Triathlon Team and competed in August.  Lesley has beautiful coloring (auburn hair/fine features) and a nice figure.  I wanted to play up her great shape and tiny waist.  I also wanted to inject her closet with COLOR! 

After understanding Lesley's daily activities - I decided to come up with a Casual yet Professional Wardrobe Capsule for her.  I noted her daily routine and then got down to the nitty-gritty - we began to go through each piece evaluating it's relevance to her life.

I collected 5 bags of clothing ready to be donated and we headed to my favorite haunt for some Frugal Power Shopping.  I was aiming for color, great fit and style.

At the end of our Spree - Lesley spent under $200: on designer jeans, four jackets, silk trousers, two pashmina's, an occasion dress, Capri's, two skirts (one plain, the other pattered), adorable flip flops, a Michael Star's v-neck top etc. etc. 

WOW - we were exhausted at this point - but I wasn't done yet!

I rolled out my rolling rack one last time and hung all the "new" outfits together.  Then I accessorized them with earrings, scarves, purses & shoes.  I captured it all on digital (with the help of Lesley's daughter)  I dressed Lesley for an appointment looking so chic, so pulled-together, wearing all her complimentary colors.

My time spent with Lesley was priceless and her new found confidence is catching!  

Check her out in SB-Fitness Magazine's online interview!  & in SBParent.com (Mom of the Month for October)

That's all for now folks!

*Contact me if you are having a fashion emergency: "The Frugal Fashionista to the Rescue"

The Economy & Your Closet - War on your Wardrobe

As we approach the end of the Bush era - women are faced with having to budget their extra funds and come up with new ideas of looking fashionable without the debt.  What they don't know is that the economy is forcing them to become more creative with their wardrobe and surprisingly more eco-friendly or "green".

Here's the first step to becoming Frugal & Fabulous!

Step 1- Edit, edit, edit

Simple is a good thing!!

Grab a friend or two - a great CD (I prefer a little Cece Peniston -"Finally", RuPaul "Supermodel" or any Madonna will do! You'll be strutting to the beats like a catwalking model....Oh yeah and a couple glasses of wine for your friends (preferrably white - avoid carpet stains!!)  The wine will soften their harsh opinions plus it's just fun!

Alright so you've got your friends, wine & music - it's time to attack your cluttered closet.  Start with the easy things like tee-shirts & tops. "Easy?" you say - well yes because if they don't fit - then it's an easy chuck into the bin for the Goodwill. One does not need 25 t-shirts.

On to bottoms (jeans, pants & skirts) - now this is tricky! First - if the glove doesn't fit you must acquit.  This runs true for these clothing items - Don't kid yourself!  Also don't punish yourself by having those awesome jeans staring you in the face because life happened to you and you gained 10 lbs.  Look good for the present - women rely on weight loss to dictate how they feel- Just suck it up (not literally) and look pulled together.  You can do it!  Dress like a goddess - and low and behold you might actually catch up with the "look" and start feeling better about yourself.  It's like gym clothes - wear some nice pants already.  Give the Hanes tee and grandpa sweat pants a new life through donation.

Alright so you've tried on the bottoms and put the "wrong size" in a good-bye pile. Now go on to the "they fit" pile and tackle the piece if the style works for your body type.  

I believe that clothing can act as a optical illusion for the body type you would like.  Pear-shaped? Add the bulk on top (stripes, small shoulder pads, texture and color).  All eyes should be on your face not on your hips & thighs.  Look up for heaven sakes.  Round all over?  You can still look sexy - it's about highlighting your best attributes (small ankles, nice decolletage, great arms, strong shoulders) Smaller on the bottom - bigger on top - accentuate those wonderful gams! Please because most of the world looks just plain stupid in "Skinny Jeans" except maybe Kate Moss (ha ha).

Of course if going through piles of clothes sounds tedious to you and you don't have any honest, patient friends - Hire Me, The Frugal Fashionista!  *Shameless Plug :-)