2016 Already?

Jackie Walker

Guest post by Jackie Walker

Happy New Year! Yes, a little late, I know, but it is hard to believe that 2016 is already here. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season! We did and I want to share thoughts on one of my favorite gifts that I received from my children. It is a book called Worn Stories by Emily Spivack. I was captivated by the variety of memories that were attached to the items of clothing that each contributor relayed. Of course this appeals to me as I have dedicated my career and brand Closetology to the psychology of clothing. So in this “New Year” I want to share a story with you about an article of clothing that was so dear to my heart!

We lived in Philadelphia and my mother was working at the time. She worked every Saturday and that was the day my dad and I would take off and share a fun adventure. Being an only child and 9 years of age this was exciting.

This particular Saturday we shared lunch at a favorite restaurant and then went window
shopping. There we were standing in front of a very elegant children’s clothing store. In the window was the most beautiful coat I had ever seen. It was beige and a faux fur called Borgana. I pleaded with my dad to go in and just try it on. It was a challenge for the sales associate to remove it from the window and take it off the mannequin. I had it on and twirled in front of the mirror with a huge smile on my face. I pleaded and begged for my dad to purchase it for me. Dad asked the price and was told that it was $100.00!!!!! That was a fortune and at the time money was very tight and this was not possible. BUT......one look at my smile and constant pleading the coat went home with us.

“Hide the coat and don't tell your Mother,” he cautioned. I stayed in my room loving my new treasure when I heard the words from downstairs! “You what?” My mother then asked me to come down and show her the coat. She smiled and I knew that I could keep this beautiful piece.

The coat was full length and through the years I wore it that way....then as a three quarter length piece ....and then as a much shorter jacket.

Many, many years later it hung proudly in my mother's hall closet and she wore it to walk the dog on cold mornings. When I lost my Mom it still hung proudly as a memory.

When I close my eyes I can still see the lush beige softness with the blue and silver stripe lining and I smile!

Now it is your turn! I would love to feature your clothing memory in my monthly newsletter. Please Closetology! These will be special edition Newsletters in addition to my regular Tips and Trends! Excited to hear!
email me a picture of the item and your memory. I will include your name or not depending on your preference. For the first ten people that submit a memory to jax6014@aol.com I will send you a copy of my CD

Jackie

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet. Visit Jackie’s Web site by clicking here.

Long-time Host Bids Adieu to "Meet Me at the Movies"

Almost two years ago, Jackie Walker, Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance Vice President, asked me if I would volunteer and host a monthly movie event, in the South Loop that became known as “Meet Me at the Movies.” The concept: I would pick films to screen, introduce them, giving background and “color commentary” on each movie presented. Afterward we would go to a local restaurant to share a meal.

The first movie screened 17 months ago

My focus was on classic Hollywood films. The reasoning? Films made before the end of the production code—the mid-1960s—were for the most part, appropriate for all audiences and tended to fit within a two-hour time frame. In addition, it gave me great pleasure introducing these classic films to people who were unfamiliar with them.

Hollywood’s golden age was a period of great creativity and artistry. So much of our popular culture comes from the movies. “Here’s looking at you, kid,” uttered Humphrey Bogart to Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca. “How does a girl like you get to be a girl like you?” Cary Grant questioned Eva Marie Saint in North by Northwest, the very first MMATM event. But my all-time favorite line is, “For a charming, intelligent girl, you’ve certainly surrounded yourself with a remarkable collection of dopes,” spoken by Dana Andrews to Gene Tierney toward the end of Laura.

"Casablanca" really packed the house.

It was tough deciding on which classic films to screen, but I enjoyed the challenged. We screened some of the best movies Hollywood produced and showcased some of the silver screen’s most popular stars at the height of their careers, including Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Dana Andrews, Jeanne Crain, Joseph Cotton, Teresa Wright, James Stewart, and Sophia Loren to name a few. And who could forget Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon in Some Like it Hot?

Marilyn Monroe and her "bosom" companions in "Some Like it Hot"

One of the best things about MMATM was meeting and getting to know my neighbors in the South Loop. Over the months, we developed into a community of classic movie fans, who just happened to live in the same Chicago town. What was even more gratifying were the regular attendees who came from the north and south sides of the city. I was honored that they made the trip and worked hard not to disappoint them for making the journey.

James Steward and Grace Kelly solved a murder in the Hitchcock classic, "Rear Window."

Picking movies and preparing monthly presentations may not seem like much, but it was a big time investment. For this and other reasons I decided not to move forward with MMATM. I submitted my resignation to Tina Feldstein, PDNA president, and Walker before the screening of the season’s last film, The Bishop’s Wife. According to their Web site, they’re planning to continue with MMATM starting in January. Not sure what the “new” MMATM will look like, but you might want to give it a try.

Howard Keel and Betty Hutton in "Annie Get Your Gun," the first musical screened by MMATM

Thank you to all the people who came out month after month, the ones I knew by name, and the new folk that seemed to come almost every month. It was a wonderful 17 months. I will always remember my MMATM experience with great fondness. For a look back from a regular MMATM attendee, check out Bonnie McGrath's blog at the Chicago Journal by clicking here.

Sincerely,
Stephen Reginald
South Loop Connection
Classic Movie Man

P.S. Have a great MMATM moment/story? Please share it here.

Docent Council Established at Glessner House Museum

Jackie Walker Dunscomb was elected chair of the Docent Council for the Glessner House Museum at a meeting held this Saturday morning November 13, 2010. Walker Dunscomb will be responsible for organizing programs and events for the docents, as well as addressing broader topics such as what items to stock in the museum store and the upcoming 125th anniversary of the Glessner House.

Glessner House Museum executive director, Bill Tyre, addresses docents

If you are a regular reader of the SLC, Walker Dunscomb is no stranger to you. She's an author, (I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet) speaker, and Vice President of the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA).

 

The Psychology of Wearing a Skirt

by Jackie Walker

Fact: 98% of all women are trouser driven. That means that they wear pants more than skirts.

As a young buyer of couture clothing, I remember a conversation with my divisional manager. I was delighted to show him a new concept in double knit that I had purchased for my department. It featured a double-breasted jacket and the ensemble came with a pant and a skirt. A three-piece outfit was new and exciting at the time. I mentioned to Mr. Spector that I was going to purchase one and wear it on my next buying trip and that I would have the duo of both foundations pieces to stretch a wardrobe while away.  

As long as you work for me you will never wear pants to the New York market,” he exclaimed loudly, “You will always wear a dress or skirt!”

Katharine Hepburn helped popularize trousers for women.

I recall those words with fondness and a bit of humor as I view the New York market today. Pant! Pants! Pants! Thank you, Katharine Hepburn for giving us the image of elegance and comfort.

Fact: Women wear trousers more today because they hate to wear pantyhose! As I make that statement in presentations around the country I get total confirmations from my audiences. I do believe there are other reasons that woman “skirt the issue” of wearing a skirt.

When we wear a pant the fabric is wrapped around the ankle or a bit higher in casual lengths. As we walk we control this fabric and take it with us. When we stand we pull the fabric in as we pull our legs together at the ankle. This creates a slimmer feeling for all women. We always want to be wider at the top and slimmer at the bottom. In wearing a skirt the fabric drops from the hip line and is not controllable or brought in so it adds visual weight to the bottom of your body. If it features an a-line look or a fuller skirt it also adds more visual weight. Depending on where you drop the horizontal line of the hemline against the leg it can reverse the desired image and make you look wider at the bottom. The petite torso can also take away inches from a woman’s height by the fabric going out at the bottom. This is especially evident when a woman is wearing a jacket.

“I haven’t worn a skirt in years,” said Lynda. “I just feel dowdy and fat. I want to wear one. I try them on and take them right off. There are occasions where I feel like it is more appropriate and yet I still can’t do it! Another issue is my shoes. I love the newer lower heels but they also feel better with a trouser and will not work with a skirt.”

I stood Lynda in front of a full-length mirror the next day. I placed her in a jacket that was the correct architecture for her stature. Then Lynda tried on that all too unfamiliar skirt. I kept Lynda from seeing the finished image until I corrected the too-long sleeve length and then raised the hemline to the right horizontal line. I turned Lynda around and reached for the hemline of the skirt, while I gently pulled back at the hemline just a bit, creating the image that the skirt narrowed in at the bottom. 

“I feel taller and slimmer,” cried out Lynda. “I am amazed at the difference and yet it is such a simple alteration.” 

The answer to feeling better in a skirt is pegging. Each woman just stands with her arms at her side. She places her palms inward. From her middle finger down to the hemline of the skirt she has it eased in just a bit to offer the illusion of what trousers have given her for years…a taller and slimmer appearance. Heel heights can be lower because the slimming of the bottom of the skirt along with the right horizontal hemline works well with a lower heel.

I never cease to be amazed and elated at the words my clients and audiences relate to their clothing. The word “feel” always replaces the word “look.” Just this simple alteration will make you feel more comfortable and confident and that is the answer to “dressing from the inside out.”

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet. She is also the Vice President of the PDNA here in the South Loop. If you have any questions, you may ask it here, or e-mail the author at jax6014@aol.com or visit her Web site.


Ms. Walker is a South Loop Connection guest blogger. If you have something to share and would like to write a guest blog, please e-mail your ideas(s) to sreggie@sbcglobal.net.

The Psychology of Packing a Suitcase

by Jackie Walker

Vacations Should be Fun!
Vacations are a time to relax and get away from your day-to-day routine. Yet many of my clients seem to attach more stress to the process of planning their wardrobe for these occasions. Do you spend time thinking about what to wear? Do you then go shopping and search for the desired items?  More time is spent figuring out how to pack everything in those suitcases. What should you check and what goes in the overhead compartment? What should you wear on the plane?

STOP! All of this planning is done out of FEAR. You FANTASIZE that you will not have the right items for the EXPERIENCE. It APPEARS REAL. Here are some great ideas to make your time away from home fun rather than frustrating.

1. First, draw a circle. Above the circle write your destination and amount of days you will be traveling. List your activities.

2. Divide the circle into a pie chart listing your activities by percentages of time. List the clothing needed for these activities. For example, if you are going on a five-day cruise chart it this way.

• Formal wear  (one night)              10% of my circle
• Bathing suits                               15% of my circle
• Exercise Items                            15% of my circle
• Real casual, shorts, tees, etc.       40% of my circle
• Upscale casual                            20% of my circle

3. Select four colors to use as a base. One color is a basic such as black, navy, or brown. The second color is a neutral such as white or cream. The other two colors are your choice. Perhaps red and olive can be the other two. No matter what colors you chose all four work beautifully as solids, prints, and florals.

4. List the following classifications you wear above the waist.

• Jackets
• Blouses
• Shirts
• Tees
• Sweaters

5. List the following classifications you wear below the waist.

• Pants
• Skirts
• Shorts

6. Select the desired items in your personal colors and make sure they all mix and match.

7. Take three to four pairs of shoes in one of the base colors: black, navy, or your choice. One should be a flat casual, the other an upscale casual, and the third a dressy fabric. Wear the bulkiest shoe (athletic shoe?) on the plane to keep the space in your suitcase.

8. Select a handbag that is versatile and slip a dressy one in your case.

9. Prior to your trip lay all the items out in full view on your bed. Rehearse your options and pack your suitcase according to your trip circle. (see above) Ten per cent of the suitcase should be in formalwear. This could be one dressy dress or dressy top and pants. Fifteen per cent should be bathing suits. Two suits and a cover-up that could also go out at night as a shawl are ideal. Now you get the concept.

10. Always pack your cosmetics and essentials in a separate bag that goes with you on the plane.

Once you zip that bag shut you are on your way. You will have closet confidence in that hotel or cruise ship closet. Instead of a ton of outfits you will have a ton of options. You will be making new outfits right there on vacation by using the same pieces in effective ways. As you shop on that vacation--our favorite sport--pick up a couple of pieces in your core colors and you will create six to seven new looks as you travel along the way.

No Fear
No More FEAR! No more fantasizing that you will not have the item for the experience. I leave you with five thoughts.

1. Plan ahead-Use the Circle
2. Select items not outfits
3. Rehearse your Options
4. Pack
5. Have Fun!

If you have any questions, you may ask it here, or e-mail the author at jax6014@aol.com or visit her Web site.

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet.

Docent Diaries: The Case of the Missing Docent

American Ambassadors
In past posts, I've written about being a docent for the Glessner and Clarke house museums. One of the best things about being a volunteer is you get to meet people from all over the United States and the world. We try to make visitors to Chicago feel welcome; we're not just ambassadors for the city and the state, but the United States as well. For many foreign travelers, Chicago may be their first trip to America.

A Fortuitous Visit
This past Sunday, I stopped by the visitor center/gift shop to say hello to another volunteer docent who was working there. While I was visiting, one of the docents scheduled to give afternoon tours of the two historic homes didn't show up.

Volunteer docent, Jackie Walker, checks the tour schedule in the visitor's center.

Docents to the Rescue

A docent, on duty earlier in the afternoon, filled in for the missing volunteer and took a couple from Maryland on a tour of the Clarke House. As it got closer to  3 p.m., I stepped in and took a group of about seven guests on a tour of the Glessner House. Included in this group was a couple from Bologna, Italy. Not as famous as Venice, Rome, or Florence, Bologna is a beautiful city with edifices from the 11th and 12th centuries that are not only still standing, but still in use. Bologna is also home to the oldest university in the Western world. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088.

Two visitors from Bologna

These twin towers are a popular tourist attraction in Bologna.

Author, Karen Abbott, "visits" the South Loop

Sin in the Second City author, Karen Abbott, spoke with members of BookSpeak, a book club in the South Loop, via telephone last night. BookSpeak's April selection was the nonfiction bestseller about the infamous Everleigh Club located in Chicago's notorious Levee District.

Call me!
At 7 p.m., BookSpeak leader, Jackie Walker, started the discussion and explained that each member present would be able to ask Abbott a question related to her book. After a few discussions and glasses of wine, Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) president and BookSpeak member, Tina Feldstein, called the author.

For around 40 minutes, members asked Abbott: "Were Minna and Ada really sisters? Did they have any boyfriends--did they even like men? If they were living today, what business do you think they'd be in?"

Philly and Chicago have something in common
Much to everyone's delight, Abbott was an engaging and personable author. She did her best to answer members' questions and speculations. A Philadelphia native, Abbott told the group that "she loves Chicago" and it's welcoming spirit. She noted that the cities of brotherly love and big shoulders have a lot in common, not the least of which is political corruption. Abbott observed that Chicago residents are more interested in their city's history than those living in Philadelphia and New York. Abbott also talked about her current project, a biography of burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee, which will be released in January 2011.

Invitation extended
The meeting ended around 8:15, but could have gone on much longer. One got the feeling Abbott would have been happy to continue the conversation.   Before the group signed off with Abbott, she was invited to Chicago and promised a tour of the Prairie District and the other locations she wrote about in her book. Here's hoping she takes up BookSpeak's offer.

May's selection
May's BookSpeak selection is Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. De Rosnay's novel takes place in France during the Nazi occupation in 1942.

Wardrobe Cents-A-Bility

by Jackie Walker

"Shop in your own closet" has been my philosophy for many years and now with the economic situation everyone has jumped on the bandwagon. With frustrating clogged closets sending us back into the stores it is high time to discover who you are and what you need right at home. These are the pieces you craved and purchased time after time so why not take a new view of them and yourself.

Fact: Nationally, women wear only 20% of the clothes in their closets!

Take the emotion out of clearing the clutter in that room by planning the work and working the plan! Take out your calendar and do one classification everyday or once a week.

Order of Appearance!

• Jackets are the place to start. They are the most expensive part of a wardrobe. Try them on. If they are tired, retire them! Try each one on and ask yourself if they still are a part of your current life and make you feel great. If not they certainly will make someone else smile.
• Pants are the foundation of your closet. Do you really need all of those black bottoms? Do they fit?
  Be reasonable and keep only the ones you really need.
• Skirts may have been sitting there for a long time because 98% of all women wear pants more than skirts. Be realistic.
• Tops! Tops! Tops! 75% of your closet should be in tops and 25% in bottoms. A top driven wardrobe makes more options. Clear out the past lives and  keep only what is modern and age appropriate.
•  Dresses! Try them all on and picture yourself entering the room at a prominent event. Time to pass some along. 
• Accessories! Clean out the old handbags. Did you find any money? Throw out the old belts that belonged to pieces that disappeared long ago. Untangle the chains and rid yourself of earrings that are missing the pair piece. Yes I know about all this as I have been there and done that!

Not Wanted
Last week I sold my home in Florida and spent time watching all the things I just had to have go out the door by way of an estate sale, garage sale, and charity. It was a wonderful lesson on collecting. Even the antique basket that I had to possess was not wanted by anyone else. Keep that thought in mind as you clear out your clothes.

Finally take a realistic look at the pieces that are left that fit, you love, and work! Make new options in your closet. It just takes time to make this happen. Now make a list and when you go shopping your dollars will go so much further and your closet will reflect you and your budget!

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet.

"Closetology" wine tasting at South Loop Wine Cellar

Wednesday March 10

6:30-8 pm, $20

South Loop Wine Cellar 

Jackie Walker, the Dr. of Closetology, will be presenting another installment of Closetology, the psychology of your closet at South Loop Wine Cellar, 1442 S. Michigan Ave.  

The event starts at 6:30 for a wine tasting followed at 7:00 by the Closetology lesson and discussion.  Learn the ins and outs of your wardrobe!

Walker is an author, speaker, fashion consultant, and a Chicago resident. Her book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet is a bestseller and is available at Amazon.com and bookstores everywhere. To order a copy from Amazon, click on the link below.

For a video explanation of Closetology, click here.

New book club in the South Loop

BookSpeak is a new free book discussion group that recently formed in the South Loop. Sponsored by the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA), the discussion group has day and evening meetings.

Jackie Walker, PDNA vice president and local author, is leading the discussion at the historic Keith House, 1900 S. Prairie Ave. The first book they will be discussing is The Help, by Kathryn Stockett.

For more information, visit the PDNA's Web site or e-mail JAX6014@aol.com.

Closetology explained by Jackie Walker, the "Doctor of Cosetology"

Jackie Walker and Closetology
Many readers will remember that Jackie Walker wrote a weekly column for this blog called Friday Fashion Focus (maybe we can coax Jackie to write some more columns soon).

Your closet of emotions
Well, Jackie has a wonderful video that clearly explains the philosophy behind closetology and what it means to her and to you potentially.

I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet
In Jackie's book, I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet, she explains how you can clean out those negative emotions from your closet. Some of these emotions hold women back from being the confident individuals they were meant to be.

To view a video of Jackie explaining closetology, click here.

Available for speaking
Jackie is available to speak to your small group or your corporate audience with equal ease and grace. For information on how to contact her, please click here.

The "Doctor of Closetology" makes a call

Jackie Walker,  "Doctor of Closetology," held an event at the South Loop Wine Cellar at 1442 S. Michigan Ave. Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The event combined wine tasting along with practical advice on how to organize that "room of emotion," your closet.

Walker, a professional in the fashion industry, has lectured across the country on how to match your clothing choices to inner you. Most women have full outfits hanging in their closets that they've never worn, have not intention of wearing, yet can't seem to bid them farewell. Most of the time, the clothes you don't wear just don't fit your personality, or as Walker says, your fashion persona.

In Walker's best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet, she identifies five fashion personas: The Classic, The Romantic, The Natural, The Dramatic, The Mood Dresser. Most women don't fit one persona, but are usually a combination of two or more. The important thing is to discover what your fashion persona is, so you feel good about the clothes you purchase and wear.

As Jilly Brady, Founding Director and President of The Sackrider Museum of Handbags said, "I'm my authentic self. This seminar confirmed what I've always believed." Brady doesn't buy clothes based on the latest fashion, but rather on clothes that make her feel and look good. And that's the goal of the Closetology experience: helping you realize your fashion persona so you can discover what clothes work best for you. According to Walker, once you discover your fashion persona, you'll never say, "I don't have a thing to wear."

The Dr. (of Closetology) is in!

Jackie Walker, the Dr. of Closetology, will be hosting an event November 12, 2009 at South Loop Wine Cellar, 1442 S. Michigan Ave. The event will feature wine tasting at 6:00 p.m. with the Closetology presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m. To RSVP, call Amy Garman at 312-356-0630. The cost for the event, including the wine tasting is $20.

Walker is a popular speaker, lecturer, and author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet, which she will be selling and autographing on the 12th.

Come and be inspired by the "Good Dr." You'll learn how to deal with that room filled with emotion: your closet. Once you understand what type of clothes work best with your personality, you will never declare "I don't have a thing to wear" again. Walker will help you discover that true beauty and self-esteem comes from within. By learning how to choose clothes that match your personality, you will gain confidence and enhance the beauty that is inside you.

A wardrobe puzzle

by Jackie Walker

While shopping for gifts over the last month I decided to purchase some assorted puzzles for members of my family. The first thing that attracted my attention was the picture on the box. Second I checked the number of pieces and then the suggested age ranges that were appropriate. As I was wrapping these assorted presents an idea hit me. A complete and functional wardrobe is just like a puzzle. A wardrobe puzzle!

Putting the Pieces Together

We start with the edges and create a frame that gives our work shape and form. The edges of a wardrobe puzzle are the jackets, pants, and skirts. We glance over at the pieces left that form the middle of this work of art. These are tops, tops, tops, accessories, and more tops!

Fact: 75% of a functional wardrobe should be in tops and 25% in bottoms.

Fact: Tops change the look of a created outfit.
Fact: The shape and architecture of a neckline is the most important part of the wardrobe options.

 As I work with clients,I find that if they do not have a strong top classification they will always feel as if they have nothing to wear. If you do not have an assortment of tops that you love and feel great wearing it will always be a challenge for you to put the pieces together.

A Date with Yourself

As you start on dealing with your wardrobe puzzle, make a date with yourself and visit that room or rooms of emotion…your closet Make sure it is balanced with a majority of pieces that can travel through your wardrobe and lifestyle. Do you have a strong frame built with jackets in your fashion persona? Do you have a firm foundation of basics in your trousers and skirts? Then visit your personal “Top Shop.” Do all your pieces fit together like the pieces of a puzzle to give you more options for outfits? Stage a dress rehearsal and pull together a variety of looks that you need for your everyday opportunities. See how you can mix them up just by changing the tops and adding some punch-piece accessories. Take some pictures of these looks or write down the combinations. Make a list of the items you keep reaching for and do not have or only own one. This list will be your starting point as you enter your favorite store or approach that sale rack. Do whatever is easier for you to remember how creative you have been in this fun fashion exploration. The more time you spend doing this , the bigger your reward will bein time and closet confidence.

Fill in the Blanks

Stick to your list! These pieces are your roadmap to completing what you have started.

When you go shopping purchase a core wardrobe instead of single items or outfits. A core usually is 6 to 8 units that interchange with each other and additional things already hanging in your closet. Eight units can equal 22 options. This way you are building a wardrobe not just adding bulk.

While in the dressing room think of all the ways you can wear these options and how they will benefit you and your life.
When you decide to build around a new color, select one that will also add to the colors you already own so more is more! For example if you build 6 to 8 new pieces around khaki these pieces will interplay with all your black, denim and navy living in your current closet. Your puzzle is growing.

You can build a wardrobe puzzle of as many pieces as you wish. You can place a personal “age appropriate” on the box!

One last Rule

One last rule: When building your personal puzzle, make sure to imprint your picture on the box. Don't place anyone else's or your pieces will never fit.

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet.

Friday Fashion Focus: The Psychology of Wearing Color

 by Jackie Walker

In the past my career as a buyer had me searching the markets for the color of the season. Then there was only one hemline and one special color that was the focus of fashion. Today there may be more lengths and colors yet the true personal choice lies within the feelings of the woman wearing the cloth.

The Comfort of Color

Yes it is true that emotions play a big part in a woman’s shopping experience. Through the years I have found that women fall into two categories. They are either what I call “Neutral/Neutrals” or “Color Oriented.” The Neutral/Neutrals wear only black, black, and more black Neutral/Neutrals also wear navy, maybe denim or khaki, and some more black. The Color Oriented women fill their “Crayola” closets with brights. Each never strays from these fashion equations. Some women say to me that they love color in their homes and yet not on their body. Others will have stark minimalism in their abodes and yet color their bodies with constant sunshine. I have found that it is all about the comfort of living within your clothes.

Mary’s Story

My client Mary bemoaned to me during our “Closetology” session that she wanted to modernize her image. She had gone out and purchased bright suits to wear for her executive career. Recently she had worn one of those suits and walked to the front of the room to deliver a very important speech. Speaking was second nature to her and yet this experience was different. She seemed to feel out of sync and kept losing concentration. Why did this happen? She concluded that wearing this bright suit was out of place with her comfort zone. The color made her feel as if there were visual noise between her and the audience. She was complimented many times prior to the speech on her attire and yet it didn’t matter what anyone said. What was important was what she felt. A week later Mary called to say that she had just delivered another speech wearing her beige silk suit and was a complete success.

Your Story

What colors do you love? Make a date with yourself. Walk into your closet and ask yourself these ten questions.

1. What are my favorite pieces?
2. Why are these my favorite pieces?
3. What are the colors of these pieces?
4. Do you see a pattern in your selections?
5. Which pieces have given you inner confidence?
6. Which pieces are hanging there with tickets still attached?
7. What colors are those pieces?
8. Why haven’t you worn these pieces?
9. Did you buy them for fashion or for you?
10.  Are you a Neutral/Neutral or a Color Oriented woman?

This exercise will help you to purchase items that will be in harmony with you not some trend report. Today there are so many choices that we as women can be more of who we are and that leads to more self-expression. It’s all wonderful when it’s you!

Tip: If you are a Neutral/Neutral and want to add a color punch to your palette do it with a layering piece, wonderful tops, or in your accessory world, shoes or handbags.

Tip:  If you are a Color Oriented woman have fun with all your choices. Be very careful to balance the color choices so the clothes are not wearing you.

One More Tale

On another occasion Bobbi wanted me to take her shopping. As we entered the department store, she cautioned me with these words, “Don’t let me buy any more black suits, pants, or anything.” Color was everywhere for the spring season. Every magazine guided us to display ourselves in these amazing choices. Three hours later as we reviewed the options that Bobbi loved she looked at me and said “You can’t have too many black pants, suits or tops can you?”

Celebrate Yourself

Create your very own personal fashion trend by knowing who you are on the inside and dressing for it on the outside. This will truly bring the harmony of positive emotional dressing into your life.

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet.

Friday Fashion Focus: The Psychology of Purchasing a Handbag

by Jackie Walker

Handbag attraction

Is it the color that attracts you or the size? Do you search for pockets of varying shapes to hold everything you own or are you creating an image with a designer logo? Is it function, fashion, or both?

There is a psychology behind your handbag purchase. Women everywhere have a preference. This is the one accessory that is your focal point while giving you the comfort of housing all the needs for your individual lifestyle.

Handbag review

My clients all over the nation are similar in having definite ideas about this classification. After reviewing their clothing and shoes we always leave handbags for a last evaluation. I usually see many of these “friends” stacked to the ceiling on top shelves. “Tell me about your handbags,” I ask. These are some of the answers that I hear.

• This is the one I use everyday.
• My mother gave me this as a gift and I never use it.
• I like this one but it is too small to fit my needs.
• Is this still in style?

As they start to clear out the “tired” ones they see what items are hiding in these collected bags. They find lost credit cards, money, lipsticks, and receipts of all sizes and shapes. They smile and recall the last time they used some of these items.

Here are some tips to ease this very important purchase.

• Review the bags in your closet and decide which ones you want to keep and the ones that need to be retired.

• Decide on a classic color that can take you everywhere for day or work.

• Do you have special requirements that lead you easily to finding your needs such as a cell phone, driver’s license, or credit cards?

• Are bags your passion; do you want to make a fashion statement? Review your clothing and make a list of multi function bags that can travel through your closet and life.

• Select a bag that fits your figure proportion. For example if you are petite do not select a bag that is twice your size when empty or filled to capacity.

• If you travel perhaps a briefcase that doubles as a handbag would work best.

Help in a handbasket

As we travel through our days we constantly make our handbags the receptacle of loose change, credit card receipts, telephone numbers scratched on loose bits of paper, and business cards gathered from chance or scheduled meetings. They get heavier and heavier. Here is a great idea! Get yourself a handbasket.

Place a medium size basket in your closet. Each evening empty all the contents of your handbag into this basket. The next morning take only the items needed for that day from your basket and place them in your bag. At the end of the week inventory the remaining items in the basket. There will be lots of money to put in a special bank. File the receipts and analyze the business cards for later communication use. You have now accomplished a lighter handbag and an organized way to keep organized.

If these handbags could speak

I attended a party a month ago. All the women were asked to place their handbags on the guest room bed. I was the first to leave and as I went to retrieve mine I stopped and marveled at all the different brands, sizes and shapes that remained. What fun it would be to try to match each with its owner. I smiled to myself and left the party.

The psychology of a handbag! Yes there really is an emotional plan that works.

The Dr. of Closetology says: At the end of six months some of my clients have saved enough loose change to purchase a great pair of shoes or another handbag.


Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet.

Fashion Friday Focus: The Psychology of Shopping

by Jackie Walker

Recently on a trip throughout Italy I found that the one word that is universal is “shopping.” Wherever we traveled the quest to purchase something we had never seen before became the challenge. I would always go to the desk of the hotel and say, “shopping.” I immediately saw a smile of understanding, especially from the women, and was directed to the hot spots in town.

What is it about that one sport that satisfies every urge? We feel happy and we shop. We feel sad and we shop. Thin or a little bloated? Shopping lifts our energy and mood.

Retail Infidelity!

I found out one of the answers from a client that lives in Florida. I was constantly trying to keep her closets in order and yet from visit to visit I found new purchases that were not part of our plan. She tried to convince me that I had just forgotten when we picked these out together. I looked at her and said, “Phyllis, you are fashion cheating on me!” The answer came the next month when Phyllis’s daughter was visiting. She peered into her mom’s closet and said how nice it looked but how it would be filled again to the brim because of her mom’s sport. She explained that it wasn’t about the shopping or fashion that intrigued my client. It was the hunt.

The Answer to Why

What is the psychology behind your shopping patterns? Have you ever thought about it this way? When working with a new client I always ask this question. Many of them have to think about it as they never realized why. That is the first answer to clogging the closet with best friends or purchase errors.

Fact: On average women only wear 20% of the clothing in their closets.

Fact: Men shop for need and women shop for emotion.

Answer the following ten questions and see if they fit an emotional shopping pattern.

• Do you shop because you are happy or sad?
• Do you go out looking for specific items?
• Do you have a list that will lead you to needed options?
• Do you shop with others or alone?
• Do you often return what you have selected?
• Do you like to shop?
• Do you wrap shopping around a social occasion such as lunch?
• What percentage of what you buy do you actually love and wear many times?
• Do you just shop on sale?
• Do you have items with tickets still attached?

Is it on Sale?

Carol was amazed that she had purchased the same skirt three times at different stores. They were embedded in a mass of closet clothing and she never knew it. The first one was bought at retail and the second one was 25% off. The third and final triplet was 75% off. The amazing part of this story was she had never worn them outside of her bedroom. She told me that every time she tried them on she took them off. Why buy three you ask? The last two were on sale. How could she resist. This is the same client that has been known to buy shoes a size too small because the price was too hard to resist. She said that her feet shrink in the winter. She lives in Boca Raton, Florida. They have no winter!

It’s Up to You!

Take some time now to analyze your shopping habits and the telling reasons behind them. Shopping should be fun and it will be if the right intent is there. You will then wear all these options and delight in your shopping savvy. Ask yourself these questions as you hold the item and your charge card in your hands!

• Do I love it?
• Will it fit my current lifestyle?
• How many ways can I wear it?
• And if on sale would I pay regular price for it?

Now you are ready! Go Shopping!

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet.