Thoughts as we begin this New Year......

 

 

 

We live in an older neighborhood, on a street lined with many beautiful, majestic sycamores, maple and elm trees.  Most of the larger ones are over a hundred years old and when they die, the town is replacing them with new, smaller cherry trees.  A few weeks ago, after a large ice storm, one of the new trees fell.  This was not a small tree, it had been planted a few years ago and was over 20 feet tall. Before the storm it looked to have been on it's way to joining the ranks of it's towering neighbors.  The day it fell, I went out to move it out of the roadway - to TRY to move it - with the kids.  It was extremely heavy and we could not even budge it!  But what really surprised me was the roots. 

If you have ever seen a large old tree after it falls, you know that the roots usually pull up the dirt, the sidewalk and even sometimes the pavement in a large radius around the trunk.  You can see how far and deep the roots had gone to hold up that massive structure. But the bottom of this new tree looked like a stubbed out cigar!  The roots were barely visible, as if the trunk just hit the dirt, like a drawing a child would do of a tree.  It made me sad; this tree really didn't have a chance - without a real root system, it was only a matter of time before it fell. 

And I understand why they are planting these trees - the shallow root systems do not reach into the sewer lines nor buckle the sidewalks and roadways.  But it made me think about how often we do this now.  How we replace real, well crafted items with things that LOOK like the old but are really an inexpensive or flimsy imitation.  They have the image without the quality.  And while some things are probably best designed as disposable - tissues come to mind! - how often are we buying items that are designed to be disposable without really knowing it?  How often do we choose quick and shallow over deep and lasting? 

At this time of new beginnings, I wish you a very happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year with deep and healthy roots!

We have all sorts of exciting changes underway for 2008 including lots of new stones, great bead colors and fabulous styles!  This Spring will be super saturated with vibrant colors, new cuff bracelet designs, extra long necklaces and more and more chains.  I will post new images as soon as they are ready.  The new pieces are currently 'Under Construction', if you have any requests, suggestions or comments, please do let us know!

Happy New Year to all and wishing everyone good shopping at the January sales.  Around this time of year, it's so fun to pick up a few new things on the sale racks.  So, here's a few personal shopping tips to make your bargain hunting better.

First off, take the time to try on those great finds.  While you're in the dressing room, take a moment to really assess the item to make sure it's going to work for you.  I check out the fit right away.  Does the waist gap?  Is it long enough in the rise and leg?  How about the shoulders and bust?  Can you stretch out your arms?  A telltale sign of something that is too small are those horizontal lines that show the fabric stretching.  If it doesn't fit, can it be altered and will the alterations make it less of a bargain?  Also, consider the fabric content. Does it itch?  Will it breathe?  Can you wash it or are you okay with dry cleaning?

Next, look at the color and how it makes your face look.  The colors that match your eyes, hair and skin tone will make you look happy and healthy.  It's amazing how the right colors for you will even make you look younger!

How's the quality?  If you're considering a staple item (like jeans or a blazer) and it will be in your closet for a few years, then quality is important.  Look at the seams to see if they're straight and finished well.  Check the buttons to make sure they're secure.  Does the zipper go right up or does it catch?  If it's a knit, check to see if there are pulls or pilling.  Conversely, if the item is trendy and you only intend to wear it for one season, then quality becomes less of an issue.

And finally, most importantly, do you love it?  When you wear it, does it make you preen a little in the mirror, smile a bit and do a little turn?  If it makes you feel good, it very likely looks good and it will work wonders for your confidence.  So, Happy New Year and I hope you find exactly what you're looking for!

Kerry Cordero is a Personal Stylist and Image Consultant who lives in South Orange.  She is available for personal shopping consults at Lisa Marie's Home Shows where she can work with you to choose your most flattering and useful necklace and earrings.  Kerry's business is called The First Look and she provides image consulting services for private clients and seminars for corporate clients.