Helping daughter move from "Clothes" to "Wardrobe" -- any help or resources?

MWC · 10-26-2007

My eldest daughter has been watching more shows on The Style Channel, and declared yesterday that she wants to throw out everything in her closet and start all over again.
I agreed that it was a good idea for her to start thinking beyond school in terms of her clothes; and for us to stop being so piecemeal in our purchases for her, and to become more strategic. The problem is that I am a pretty sloppy dresser, and haven't done serious wardrobe shopping in a good 10 years

. The poor girl had to learn about make-up from our niece (

), and now this --

Does anyone have a book, magazine or website that's been helpful in terms of wardrobe creation/building? Or any suggestions that have worked for you/your daughter? (It kind of needs to be something she can look at, or we can look at together; otherwise, if it's something I have to describe to her, she'll end up tuning me out.)

She's 14, but very mature. She's about 5'3", and around a Size 16, although she has been trimming down lately. Her coloring is very fair.

She doesn't mind making a splash at school, and would, in fact. like to dress more like the performing artist she sees herself becoming. I would think a wardrobe that uses simply, monochromatic tops and bottoms that could be accessorized with colorful jewelry or the like would work well for her ... but am more than open to your suggestions and advice.

Thanks!

NorthMinnesota · 10-26-2007

My youngest who is 16 is the fashionista in our family. She loves to pick up magazines and see what the current fashions are. She loves to watch the show Tim Gunn is on...his show, not Project Runway, on Bravo. I think he just put out a new book... A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style. Also try the magazine InStyle although she only glances at that one.

Both of my girls keep basics or standards and work from there even though both have totally different styles. Oldest is more preppy/athletic/classic...think Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, J. Crew, Banana Republic. Youngest leans more toward high end fashion/a touch of trendy...think Prada, Missoni, J Brand jeans. I think their style evolved from their body shape...oldest is muscular, toned, athletic build...strong legs and booty from years of sports; youngest is long and lean, willowy, and a size 0 which is difficult to find!!! Both keep black pants/skirts, black and white t's, turtlenecks, shirts, favorite jeans and a pair of khakis as basics that can be mixed and matched. Youngest is the acessory queen....uses headbands, scarfs and jewelry all the time...oldest never wears jewelry! It sounds as if your daughter has some idea of her personal style. that's at least a start!

I saw an Oprah show once and she likes Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine and Stacy London....What not to wear stylists. Do they have any books???

maas1114 · 10-26-2007

Definately buy her a GOOD pair of jeans! (Seven jeans are great)
Jeans are so acceptable now, just about anywhere. (You can dress them up with a funky shirt and heels and wear them to a nice restaurant) But it's all about the fit.And in my opinion, totally worth spending the extra $$$ on a pair of comfortable- good looking jeans
7 for all man kind dot com

Rissask · 10-26-2007

No, not for younger women...sorry!

But I did find this

Clothing Advice for Women Over 40

it has tons of great advice for all ages too in there!

OMG it does say to wear pantyhose...nobody tell Karen!!!

Rissask · 10-26-2007

I went to Ask.com Search Engine - Better Web Search and did a search on 'wardrobe building' and gots lots of websites too!

10-26-2007	#1 (permalink)
MWC añejo Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 6,197	Helping daughter move from "Clothes" to "Wardrobe" -- any help or resources? My eldest daughter has been watching more shows on The Style Channel, and declared yesterday that she wants to throw out everything in her closet and start all over again. I agreed that it was a good idea for her to start thinking beyond school in terms of her clothes; and for us to stop being so piecemeal in our purchases for her, and to become more strategic. The problem is that I am a pretty sloppy dresser, and haven't done serious wardrobe shopping in a good 10 years . The poor girl had to learn about make-up from our niece (), and now this -- Does anyone have a book, magazine or website that's been helpful in terms of wardrobe creation/building? Or any suggestions that have worked for you/your daughter? (It kind of needs to be something she can look at, or we can look at together; otherwise, if it's something I have to describe to her, she'll end up tuning me out.) She's 14, but very mature. She's about 5'3", and around a Size 16, although she has been trimming down lately. Her coloring is very fair. She doesn't mind making a splash at school, and would, in fact. like to dress more like the performing artist she sees herself becoming. I would think a wardrobe that uses simply, monochromatic tops and bottoms that could be accessorized with colorful jewelry or the like would work well for her ... but am more than open to your suggestions and advice. Thanks!

10-26-2007	#2 (permalink)
NorthMinnesota añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 5,601	My youngest who is 16 is the fashionista in our family. She loves to pick up magazines and see what the current fashions are. She loves to watch the show Tim Gunn is on...his show, not Project Runway, on Bravo. I think he just put out a new book... A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style. Also try the magazine InStyle although she only glances at that one. Both of my girls keep basics or standards and work from there even though both have totally different styles. Oldest is more preppy/athletic/classic...think Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, J. Crew, Banana Republic. Youngest leans more toward high end fashion/a touch of trendy...think Prada, Missoni, J Brand jeans. I think their style evolved from their body shape...oldest is muscular, toned, athletic build...strong legs and booty from years of sports; youngest is long and lean, willowy, and a size 0 which is difficult to find!!! Both keep black pants/skirts, black and white t's, turtlenecks, shirts, favorite jeans and a pair of khakis as basics that can be mixed and matched. Youngest is the acessory queen....uses headbands, scarfs and jewelry all the time...oldest never wears jewelry! It sounds as if your daughter has some idea of her personal style. that's at least a start! I saw an Oprah show once and she likes Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine and Stacy London....What not to wear stylists. Do they have any books???

10-26-2007	#3 (permalink)
maas1114 life=playa Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 555	Definately buy her a GOOD pair of jeans! (Seven jeans are great) Jeans are so acceptable now, just about anywhere. (You can dress them up with a funky shirt and heels and wear them to a nice restaurant) But it's all about the fit.And in my opinion, totally worth spending the extra $$$ on a pair of comfortable- good looking jeans 7 for all man kind dot com

10-26-2007	#4 (permalink)
Rissask Brit basher Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 20,997	No, not for younger women...sorry! But I did find this Clothing Advice for Women Over 40 it has tons of great advice for all ages too in there! OMG it does say to wear pantyhose...nobody tell Karen!!!

10-26-2007	#5 (permalink)
Rissask Brit basher Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 20,997	I went to Ask.com Search Engine - Better Web Search and did a search on 'wardrobe building' and gots lots of websites too!

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