Dressing for Wet n’ Wild Weather

Right this moment I am wearing the following:

• Ballet Flats
• A Cotton Summer Dress
• AND
• A Hooded Wool Sweater

Who (you may be wondering) in their right mind wears a summer dress and a wool sweater in the middle of Spring? Here in Texas, the sun shines in the morning and the rain pours in the afternoon. One day it’s hot, the next day it’s not. These wacky weather patterns result in me running around town paring galoshes with daisy dukes, sporting flip flops in the rain, and donning my mohair in the sun. In short, I look ridiculous … often times it’s ridiculous and wet.

I recently stumbled across the website www.cumul.us. This brilliant site collects weather information from all over the web and people’s input for an accurate weather prediction. It tells you what people around town are wearing for the weather, that day at that hour. You can follow specific forecasters around your town and see what they are wearing and submit your own outfits. How incredibly awesome is that?!

While I may not be a meteorologist, I’ve had to develop a knack for dressing apropo for the wild wild weather my first springtime in Texas. Here’s the rules I follow everyday to make sure that storm or sun, my ‘fit is right.

1. Light-weight pants
Light-weight pants can be worn tucked into boots or paired with flip-flops depending on the day. I never feel too hot or too cold in them. Plus, they are ideal for those oh-so-often days when I forget to shave my legs. (Shhh!)

2. Blazers and Sweaters
They keep you warm, they protect your clothes from the rain, and they are fashionably fabulous. Being a native San Franciscan, I never, ever leave the house without a sweater. Living in Texas in the springtime, I’ve come to realize that’s usually always a genius idea.

3. Scarves and Shawls
Scarves have crossed seasons and become a year-round accessory. They are perfect to wrap up in and to stay warm or loosely drape (or throw in your purse) when it gets hot.

4. Closed-toe Shoes
I love my flip-flops as much as the next girl. However, these unpredictable down-pours of rain have me keeping them on the shelf for a few weeks more. I’m wearing my boots and ballet flats to keep my toesies warm and dry.

5. Layer, Layer, Layer
Layering is to fashion as rehab is to Lindsay Lohan–essential. Not only does layering cover the unwanted layers around my mid-section, but it also is the perfect way to dis-robe or re-robe if you feel too hot or too cold.

6. Dresses
I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I must reiterate how much I love dresses. Dresses, boots, and a sweater are perfect for unpredictable weather. Dresses, flip-flops, and a jacket work great too.

If all else fails, keep an umbrella and a towel in your car at all times.

Closet Remix: The Art of Dressing for a Recession

We’re all feeling the pinch. The recession pinch. People are using extreme measures to battle the economic meltdown likesubstituting listerine for vodka and using bacon grease in lieu of hair gel. Well we aren’t suggesting trading in your LBD for a LBTB (Large Black Trash Bag); we are suggesting a moment of reflection on the concept of consumption. Instead of hitting the stores to re-work your wardrobe, take a moment to simplify, accessorize, and use what your mama (and your wardrobe) already gave you.

Chisel Down to Your Own, Personal Style

Some of the most treasured fashion icons exercise a lesson in minimalism. They choose a classic look, make it their own, and repeat it everyday. One of the most famous of these icons that chose a look of uncompromising self-expression is journalist and fashion designer, Diane Pernet. Her puritanical look—inspired by young widows in Italian cinema—has not changed in twenty years.

Take a recession-breath and reflect your own personal style. You don’t need to dress like an Italian widow for the next twenty years but a clearly defined and individualized personal aesthetic goes a lot further than the latest $750 Juicy Couture bag. Dress your authentic self, and play up what everyone loves about you—I guarantee it’s not just your Alice and Olivia trousers.

Channel your inner Audrey à la Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Choose classic cuts, colors, styles, and pieces. Accessorize wisely and plainly with bold, classic pieces. If you choose to invest in your wardrobe think quality over quantity and classic over trendy.

Use Your Shoes

There is nothing more stylish, yet Zen than jeans paired with a plain blouse or tee and fan-effing-tastic shoes. Pair your boldest shoes with your simple pieces to literally kick it up a notch (or two or even three).

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

Remember the Conscious Fashionistas? Shop thrift for unique (and wallet friendly) pieces. Raid your friend’s closets, let them raid yours. Host or attend a clothing swap, which is a great way to acquire new frocks for free!

Granny, Mama, and Big Sister Too

Some of my favorite pieces are stolen from the fashionistas of years gone by—a fabulous art-deco scarf from my Granny, a beaded wooden necklace from my Mommy, and an ugly-bag-made-adorable-clutch from who knows who. Raid your family member’s closets, especially the elder ones. I guarantee you that they have pieces that even Sienna Miller would rock.

Sensationalize—Accessorize

We all have boxes of junk jewelry and drawers of old scarves. I know there are bracelets lingering in the dark corners of my jewelry box that haven’t seen sunlight since 1997. Use accessories to revitalize all of the options in your wardrobe. The same pieces can be styled in countless different ways with wisely chosen accessories.

‘Tis the season to give thanks, reflect, and eat. ‘Tis also the season to skip flaunting wealth and consider flaunting thriftiness. Clearly we love fashion, but we love our economic health more than keeping up with the Joneses.