Knowledge changes, it is a fundamental component of science. It is often said that you can spot an American traveling abroad by the way they dress. Maybe it’s our fondness for “Athleisure” or quite possibly it’s simply that Americans just like to be comfortable at all times. We think that being well dressed and comfortable aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact we are certain of it.
The power of being well dressed can be transformative, it’s not about self-importance, it’s about self esteem. At the very least feeling good about what you’re wearing can improve your confidence. There are simple steps you can take to improve how you dress. There’s help everywhere online. It doesn’t have to cost a small fortune, buying basic classic pieces and finding a good tailor are the building blocks that can make it an easier process.
Back to the part about knowledge changing. There is hope for the future, we are seeing more and more young people who are extremely knowledgeable about clothing, value and fit. They want to know how what they’re buying is made, where it’s made, and by whom. There is a really great shift that we’ve seen from our younger clientele who have moved away from a throw away mindset and fast fashion to wanting well-made and repairable. The word sustainable is used often in the fashion industry, we all need to take notice, it’s critical that less quantity, more quality become the norm.
We aren’t guaranteeing that by dressing well you’ll achieve total consciousness, but it’s a good start.
]]>Here we are, post Covid, time to re-emerge & re-evaluate what we really need in our wardrobes today. Figuring out what you need new and what pieces should stay and what should go. You can save space, save money and look the best that you ever have. This is a formula driven by some wardrobe resolutions:
1. Simple, classic rather than trend-led pieces will always be a closet staple that you will reach for time and again.
2. Be realistic and honest with yourself about keeping clothes that you can't physically wear, whether too small or too big, and eliminate the clutter. The six month rule is helpful, if it has been that long since it has been worn then it won't be missed.
3. Does it suit you? Was the item a whim purchase? If a piece of clothing doesn't make you feel confident or comfortable, it's time to toss! Understand what suits you for size, proportion, fabric and color.
4. Shopping for bargains...a bad idea. Just because it is marked down it may not be the right addition. If left unworn, it becomes a complete waste of money and closet space.
5. Shop for a capsule wardrobe where all the pieces are "go-to" pieces. This is a constant and evolving process requiring careful and thoughtful choices. Re-assess and shop for the gaps in your wardrobe Capsule wardrobes are easy to wear, maintain, pack and enjoy. Styles to consider are versatile, great quality, classic with neutral colors. A well-fitting navy, black, white, taupe, military green palette can be paired with some seasonal prints, colors and textures. This is the foundation to creating a stylish wardrobe.
6. Discover new brands. You may have always admired a brand but haven't had the confidence or comfortable access to giving it a try. Keep up with what is current yet not trendy. Don't get in a brand rut and locked into the season after season image of yourself.
7. Analyze your wardrobe as we all surely forgot what was in our closet during lockdown. Having a clear idea of what you already own will make you a more confident and efficient shopper.
8. What is your uniform? How different are your clothing options season to season? Are you wearing loose fitting, unconstructed styles, or tailored or athletic? The new performance materials can provide an elevated casual when mixed with better sportswear. Build the capsule collection from the footwear up. Purchase the best quality sneakers, boots, sandals possible and your feet will thank you. In New England we have the excuse of so many weather scenarios that multiple outerwear pieces are required. A great raincoat, a versatile overcoat and various length & weight vests and jackets are necessary. Think about your daily routine now and the functionality of your wardrobe.
9. The care of your favorite items is also quite important. Finding and using a tailor is a style icon secret. Sometimes a nip and tuck and hem can make all the difference in stylish or sloppy. Extend the life of your favorite leather goods and footwear with repair and recondition. I recommend the professionals at LaRossa Shoe. Dry clean as little as possible as the chemicals break down the fibers and change the texture and appearance of some fabrics. Hand wash cold and lay flat your cashmere and more delicate pieces. Spot clean with Woolite or a mild detergent and clean sponge and cold water.
10. Trends come and go, but style will stand the test of time. Looking well dressed can also work by mixing vintage pieces with contemporary ones. This is an ageless philosophy in dressing. Another one of my favorite personal rules in dressing is the high low outfit. This can consist of a timeless designer handbag, a contemporary dress, trendy footwear and a mix of real and faux jewelry. Simply, you can still look stylish without sacrificing comfort. Think soft, natural fabrics, like a 100% cotton tee that is great quality and fits well paired with a structured cardigan/overshirt or blazer and dark jeans. Tie it all together with a few effortless statement accessories including a scarf, jewelry, comfortable loafers and an elevated bag and show off your personal style.
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I’ve owned an Aran sweater from Inis Meain for over 30 years, it still looks and feels like the day that I bought it. It’s rugged and durable, and the feel is as good as it gets.
Inis Meain is an island in Galway Bay, 30 miles off the western shore of. Ireland. The Inis Meain Knitting Company was founded in 1976 by Tarlach de Blacam and Aine Ni Chonghaile. Tarlach was a graduate in Celtic languages from Trinity College Dublin, Aine, a native of Inis Meain, was working as a teacher in Dublin. When they married in 1973 they were determined to make their home on the island.
Today, The Inis Meain Knitting Company continues the rich knitting heritage of the island, using the finest yarns to create some of the most beautiful garments in the world.
They are a LOUIE favorite and one of the best values available.
]]>It was a combination of wanting to transition from the digital world to the analog and needing a wallet. So I thought I would give it a try. The first version of the wallet was terrible, but eventually realized that I needed better tools and better leather. Having good ingredients makes for the best end product. That learning remains true to this day.
2- As you know, at LOUIE we love “Made in USA” Can you tell us what that means to you?
We have a long tradition of making things, it was steadily declining since the 80s but I think after the recession of 2008 a lot of people felt a calling to make things with their hands. What I like about buying Made in the USA is you have a greater chance of seeing and feeling how your money impacts the surrounding community.
3-You are in one of the Worlds Greatest Cities, near and dear to our hearts. How does living in and running J.Stark in Charleston affect your aesthetic and creative approach to design?
Our retail shop has been a great incubator for ideas and designs. So many people travel to our city and they have just been using a bag or luggage to get here. They will stop in the shop and tell us what's good or bad about it and then we can design from all the input we receive. It starts with function for us.
4-Your products are so well made and your “pride of authorship” clearly shows that, what is the one thing you’d like someone who buys a J.Stark bag or product to come away with?
When you buy from us you're getting something made by human hands and because of our size, if anything goes wrong you can reach out to us and get a human being on the phone. We're striving to improve our designs and craftsmanship every day. We and our staff take money we earn and spend a great deal of it on other US Made goods and small businesses.
5- Like us, you’re a true family business, what are the challenges/benefits of working together with your partner?
The greatest benefit of working with family is the incredible amount of trust you can have in them, which is important for a partner. The biggest challenge is making sure to incorporate staff into ideas and conversations that happen easily and naturally between family/partners.
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