I have always been one of those people who can’t put outfits together - I have no idea what I’m doing. You should see the photos of me through the years. It’s just embarrassing.
When planning an outfit, I go through this endless session of matching a top with pants/jeans. Then I go through a second session of trying on every pair of shoes in my closet with it. Once I decide on shoes, it’s jewelry time. “This or this?” And on it goes with jacket, handbag, belt, etc. It is exhausting. Who has time?
Meet Alison Lumbatis.
What I have learned from her is a lot. One of my favorite things she teaches is, “Shop your closet first.” Don’t go buy something if you already have it. She doesn’t pressure me into buying new clothes. She gives me permission to love the things I already have, but haven’t known how to make use of.
The second thing Alison taught me is, “If it’s not a ‘Heck, Yeah,’ it’s a NO.” This has been the most freeing thing. I bought so many clothing items in the past because I thought I *should* buy it, I wanted to like it, it was on sale, it didn’t fit great but I loved the color, etc. I would force myself to buy a piece of clothing, but my heart wasn’t in it. Learning to wait until my heart leapt as soon as I tried something on and said, “Yes! This!” That is worth waiting for.
Now Alison has taken her years of experience, feedback from customers, and personal insights and put them into a book. I keep this book in my closet, of course!
In this gold mine, Alison teaches you step by step how to start with the basics, how to determine your own personal style, how to dress for your body type/shape, and how to purge the clothes you don’t wear. She gives you permission to clean out your entire closet! And she gives you permission to love/accept your body and your clothes. How about that? Have you been wanting to make a change? Here you go.
Her formulas are simple and allow for your own creativity. She teaches you about neutrals and color palettes. That’s why she has drawings in the book instead of photos (which would quickly date it and limit color choices). You’ve got to use the colors you wear best. She shows you how.
Style-wise, I don’t look good in her suggested horizontal striped tops (they make me look wide and boob-y), but I happen to love small prints and florals. Fine; I sub in what works for me. Also, I look really bad in the long cardigans shown (they overwhelm me and make me look huge) - no problem - I get a different style of cardigan/jacket that looks better on my body.
She gives you a framework in which to operate. You go by the formulas and then personalize them for you. Anyone can do this. It simplifies everything.
She includes a dressy/business chapter as well. For office wear, it’s pretty easy to take the formulas and apply them to a variety of outfits. She didn’t need to dedicate a lot of chapters to this.
I highly recommend this book. Thank you, Alison, for all you have done for so many women. Your loyal fan base loves you!