Phase II of Equilibrium’s Personal Shopping Venture

Phase II of Equilibrium’s personal shopping venture was a great success!

What fun I had tripping the light fantastic at KOP. The clothes this season are to die for gorgeous! I really enjoyed the shopping experience on Cassidey’s behalf knowing everything I pulled off the rack would look amazing on her! This consultation actually ended up taking a different turn than what I had originally offered for the contest as I was expecting to just chat with someone who had a fashion or style conflict that needed tweeking. Her situation is unique in that she is starting over…from student to professional…so I felt it was my professional obligation to go that extra mile on her behalf.

With an afternoon of great shopping under my belt let me tell you what I’ve accomplished. I first browsed the higher end designer departments to get an idea of what’s current and what the lines look like this season. Of course, not grabbing pieces that will look dated but with a style and professional flare. Diane von Furstenberg had some awesome slacks that had such style and flow to them…I could have purchased myself a pair but had to remember it wasn’t about me! At $295 I knew I could find a similar look for less.

After making copious notes I then went to the stores that offer well made and affordable pieces such as J. Crew, Banana Republic and the Bridge Department at Nordstroms, not to mention Ann Taylor and White House/Black Market to try to find like items that give a similar look and feel of the higher end pieces in a more affordable range.

This is what I was concentrating on for Cassidey. She has a great wool coat for winter and just needs a few accessories items to pull the complete look together. Banana Republic at www.bananarepublic.com has some fun colorful wraps in silk or cashmere to add the bright color accents to a black coat, so chic today. I focused heavily on the foundation pieces; a utilitarian trench coat both by Banana Republic and also Ellen Fisher at Bloomingdales at www.bloomingdales.com , $99 on sale! Great boots by Franco Sarto at www.nordstrom.com for $99..a steal..to span the needs of her lifestyle, a few pairs of pumps for work and an investment piece like a Kate Spade tote… or two. While these are priced a tad higher than a student should pay, if you have a great bag and shoes and a couple of great pieces of jewelery you’ve already upscaled your outfit. These pieces to me are also investment pieces and while a bit designer are that way because they are made with exceptional care and will live a long life, thus, worth the initial outlay. You will get your money’s worth with use of these pieces.

The clothing list consists of suiting from J. Crew, Nordstrom featuring BCBG and Classique Entier and also a few great finds at White House/Black Market at www.whitehouseblackmarket.com . Go for the speckled gray and black suit with ruffle skirt! Adorable and so versatile. Ann Taylor had some terrific looking dresses with clean, classic appeal that will work well for the courtroom and even go into the evening. The suiting from WH/BM can be worn as separates easily and have a great new life with a silk blouse under a cashmere cardigan. J. Crew has some easy on the wallet prices on cashmere this season in an array of colors, both bold and classic neutrals. The V-neck or the scoop neck cardigans were great and the patent leather belts come in a variety of widths and colors to pull the look together. Adding a few chains and pendants and Cassidey is ready to go to work!

After having seen Oprah’s Favorite things this year I ran right out to Brooks Brothers at www.brooksbrothers.com to see if she was right about the perfect white blouse, and she was! This classic piece cut to be contemporary is so well made, washes great and flatters everyone. At the easy price of $88 you only need one-but why not two? Wear tucked, tied or belted. Under a suit, a cardigan or paired with a long velvet skirt with pearls for evening. The options are endless for this blouse.

The slacks that worked best for me as the DVF substitute were a beautiful pair by BCBG named Carla. At $198, a savings over DVF and a gorgeous cut and fit. A great pair of slacks will pull an ordinary outfit out of the dulldrums fast. J.Crew also offers suiting through it’s catalog ( www.jcrew.com) in various cuts and fabrics. Unfortunately, they are not available in the stores so I trust they are made as nicely and fit similar to their off the rack designs. A style I liked was the wool gabardine in a selection of colors, slacks priced at $130 for the City Fit classic trouser. If you prefer the wider leg fit it is available at the same pricepoint.

I’m hoping that Cassidey found my shopping trip to be just the right fit for her and I am anxious to see how successful she is when she returns from her day at the mall. Photos to follow in my wrap up article. Please look for this final feature soon!

Editor’s Note: Wow! What a fun job shopping for someone else. Of course, my problem would be that I’d find so many things I would want that my paycheck would disappear far too quickly! I can’t wait to find out what Cassidy buys and how she looks! I want to mention that all the suggestions Miriam made are perfect solutions for busy moms as well. The pieces she suggested are classic and multi-tasking. Think of ways you can incorporate her suggestions into your own wardrobe!