If you haven’t yet watched the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” it’s time to grab your daughters and granddaughters, or as I lovingly call mine, “The Grands,” and get to it.
Meryl Streep offers up a fabulous performance playing an impeccably dressed — albeit not overly kind — fashion editor and the adorable Anne Hathaway plays a just-out-of-college journalist who ends up working as an assistant to Streep. One of the best scenes in the movie goes like this…
MS: “You have no style or sense of fashion?”
AH: “I think that depends on…”
MS “No, that wasn’t a question.”
As the movie progresses, Hathaway comes to respect not only the importance of great style (and of finding your own as we recently discussed), but she also comes to appreciate the value of getting guidance from those in the know.
No man is an island, darlings, and no fashionable woman can maintain a budget and impeccable style without expert assistance.
Enter the Sales Woman
Trust me, you don’t need a fashion editor in your back-pocket or on speed dial to stay current and on trend. A great saleswoman holds the key to style nirvana… and often times to special offers and discounts that those women who eschew help in favor of self-service will never see.
I am a very experienced shopper. I must admit that I have made my blunders. Therefore, I shop with a professional saleswoman, of my choosing. And that my darlings, is your first and most important find!
My Advice to You
- Consider a professional saleswoman an investment in ‘your look.’
- Converse with her before you solicit her advice to make certain you are on the same page.
- Choose a person who loves her profession… a woman with enthusiasm.
- She should engage you in conversation about your lifestyle, your favorite colors, and fabrics.
- A great saleswoman should be honest with her advice.
- She should be a good finisher. Accessories are just as important as your new articles of clothing. Remember: accessories are the frosting on the cake!
- Look at her style. Does she exude confidence?
The shop you choose matters not. It can be J. Crew, Neiman Marcus, a beautiful boutique or Lululemon. Use a saleswoman!
And while I’m always interested in great style, I also love to read about health, travel, and business, so, not unlike Anne Hathaway, sometimes even I need the skinny on what is of the moment in fashion from an expert… enter your trusted saleswoman. (Of course, I never dress based solely on trends but I like to stay in the know and decide what suits me).
On that note, I’ve rounded up some summer fashion trends straight from the mouths of saleswomen in the know…
Summer Fashion Trends
Cherry Print
“Good to eat, but even better to wear,” reads a headline from ELLE magazine which touts the cherry pattern as one of the summer’s biggest trends, much like this embroidered gingham cotton shirt and these cherries smoking slippers.
Straw Beach Bags
One thing I love about trends, as we grow older and wiser, is they are far from earth-shattering… but boy are they fun!
Your classic straw beach bag has been elevated and is now available in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can go straw on everything from an upscale evening clutch to a casual daytime tote.
When “trendy“ and timeless intersect, color me happy! Check out this straw clutch from Anthropology and this round straw handbag by Melie Bianco.
Tassel Earrings
Tassel earrings are still going strong and I think they’re such fun! What better way to embrace the ease and affordability of fashion than with a new take on costume jewelry like these from Lilly Pulitzer and Sole Society?
What Are Your Favorite Summer Pieces?
Have you treated yourself to any fun summer pieces this year? Please share your thoughts with me via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or in the comments section below.
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A few years ago I found an adorable straw purse made by Brighton for less than $20. I have gotten many compliments on it and I carry it every summer! What a great find at a consignment shop!
It is so much fun to shop at a consignment shop. You wonder whose ‘give away’ is ‘your find.’ I have a Missoni tiny handbag that I love. It cost $40.00. We are on the same wavelength.:-) Warmly, Honey