Think couture is beyond your budget? Not if you go the vintage route. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is holding an auction of vintage couture next week and has estimated prices for some pieces are as low as $200. LHA was kind enough to send me a catalogue (thanks Alice!) that I am drooling over. To wit: A slinky yet elegant Yves Saint Laurent black jersey evening gown from 1979 with a triangular open back and an apron front. A 1950 pocket watch with a neon chartreuse face by Schiaparelli. A glam black wool coat by Pauline Trigere from the 1970s with a round fur collar and cuffs. Want want want. The auction takes place on Wednesday, December 3, but if you want to check out the pieces before that (or just want to be a looky-loo) there are previews starting this Sunday, November 30. You can also look at the catalogue online.

If you just can’t get enough couture, head over to the Chicago History Museum for the Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures From the Chicago History Museum exhibit. The show–which features only a small amount of the museum’s collection–includes couture pieces dating all the way back to 1863, all worn by actual Chicagoans. See a slide show here (click on the image for information about the item). Or listen to a story I did for Chicago Public Radio on the exhibit.

• your underappreciated parts (elegant hands, sexy shoulders, cute ears)
• the way new lipstick works as an inexpensive pick-me-up
• the everyday beauty of leaves falling to the ground and golden late-afternoon sun
• the transformative power of art
• access to an abundance of food whenever you need it
• friends and family who love you just the way you are

Happy Thanksgiving!

I belong to an online community of freelance writers, many of whom work at home (where it’s all too easy to stay in your bathrobe until 1 pm). Recently a group of them decided to do a “fashionista 30-day challenge”: they would make an effort to get dressed up every day–accessories, makeup, the whole deal.

I think this is a great idea, even if you work outside the home. Too often we get lazy, telling ourselves that it doesn’t really matter because we’re not going anywhere special, and it’s too much trouble. Or we get stuck in a rut, wearing the same boring ensemble day after day.

Why should you bother? Well, you’re getting dressed for yourself, first and foremost. There’s no denying that how you dress affects how you feel. In my high school drama class, our teacher used to make us wear skirts for roles that called for them, because they made us act and walk differently. Getting dressed in a flattering outfit, even if it’s just your best jeans, a great top, and your favorite bracelets, will make you feel good.

The key to success, as with so many things in life, is planning ahead. At least once a week, take some time to put together some outfits. Don’t plan on wearing each one on a specific day–you may not be in the mood for polka dots on Monday morning. Don’t worry about being overdressed–unless you’re wearing a ball gown to a breakfast meeting, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. (And I think a ball gown at breakfast could actually be very chic, if you have the nerve to pull it off.)

The holidays are the perfect time to start this challenge, as you’ll be in the habit of dressing up for parties anyway. Dressing up always helps create a festive mood–and let’s face it, during the holidays, what with the family and the shopping and the overeating, sometimes you need all the mood elevators you can get.

Welcome! As both a stylist and a writer I am really excited about this new blog, which I have wanted to add to the site for a long time. I plan to post often about everything from new boutiques to street style, and I look forward to your questions and comments about all things fashionable.

If you’re a newcomer to the site, you may still want to sign up for my email newsletter, which will give you first crack at signing up for events as well as the occasional giveaway!