It has come to my attention that since focusing on costume design and construction, that I can be quite the unhelpful shopping companion. I am very picky with my choices of clothing and tend to have quite a small set of clothes in my closet because of this.

Here are the top three reasons why I am a horrible (and also amazing) shopping partner:

1. I am very picky with my fabrics-If the dress isn't easily taken care of or a 100% natural fiber (cotton, silk, etc.) I won't go for it. Viscose is something I try to steer clear of (although I have one item that is viscose, but the fit was AMAZING, more on that later). Since I know now the makeups of some items and know how to care for them without even looking at the instructions tag, I will bypass the garment if it does not live up to my (admittedly snobbish) standards. 
2. It has to fit right-There are very few times I'll buy a garment that needs extensive alterations. Yes, I know HOW to alter them, but it's like a chef ordering out at the end of a long day...I don't want to sew things ALL the time. The shoulders need to land right, the waist needs to be in the right place; if the hem is awkward and not easily fixed, forget about it. 
3. I'm not impulsive-I walk around with an item before purchasing it. It's like I'm designing for me as a character in the run of a play. I think through the item, how long the item will last before it needs mending, mobility while wearing it, etc.  How is it made? Will the seams hold up to multiple washes? Does it look like it was thrown together at the last minute because the playwright threw in a new scene two hours before opening night and the actress needs to be in a completely different ensemble? (I make up scenarios)

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I have worked as a stylist for a few friends and colleagues; all have enjoyed my insight as a stylist, but as a friend spending time shopping, I can be a bit of a knit picker.  

Back in April I had the opportunity to travel up to Salem, Massachusetts with my fellow Rutgers MFA Costume Designer, Taylor. We visited the Peabody Essex Museum to go to the World of Wearable Art exhibit. 
It was inspiring and mind boggling. It really showed me how much creativity is bottled up all around the world. Creators from wood workers to taxidermists had wearable pieces of art on display.
World of Wearable Art (WOW for short) is a design competition where your artwork must be able to we worn. The competition takes place in New Zealand every year for the past 25 years! One of the designers I have had the luxury of working with, Mio Guberinic, was a winner with fellow designer Alexa Cach. (See their winning design here) Although their creation was not included in the traveling show at the Peabody, many other past winners had immaculate pieces on display.