WHEN TIME IS THE ENEMY: CARLISLE’S “CORE” SOLUTION
by Anita Sarko
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| Time is something that professional women do not have enough of. Therefore, the over-extended woman has the need to prioritize. Though clothing is as essential as shelter and food, it may fall to a distant third in importance. Not a good idea, Ladies! First impressions may be the deciding factor between whether or not you get a job and seemingly superficial judgments can be a deciding factor in how you are perceived doing it. So, what does the TYPICAL woman do to achieve a no-brainer solution to the problem of creating a foolproof professional wardrobe? She wears a uniform. It doesn’t matter if that uniform is just one style (Hello Hillary!) or one color (not that there’s anything wrong with black), because, in the end, it’s boring. Looking appropriate does not need to be boring. You actually should want to stand out, want to differentiate yourself from the pack and want to be noticed ... in the RIGHT way. Happily, there is an alternative that is just as proper as a uniform, just as fiscally sound and not boring at all. This is what Leena Gurevich, NYC Showroom Director of the Carlisle Collection, calls “Core Dressing”. |
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| DRESS (54% Acrylic/ 33% Cotton/ 8% Wool/ 3% Polyester/ 2% Nylon), $575 + TOPPER (54% Acrylic/ 33% Cotton/ 8% Wool/ 3% Polyester/ 2% Nylon), $995. Above, right: DRESS (Alone). |
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| DRESS + SWEATER JACKET (100% Merino Wool), $25. |  |
TOPPER + SWEATER (100& Merino Wool), $295 + PANTS (71% Viscose/ 24% Polyester / 5% Elastane), $325. |
| “I teach professional women to learn to be open-minded and think outside of the uniform box.” Explains Gurevich. “During our workshops, we take a woman who is dressed in a uniform-like suit and teach her that, by simply adding an accessory, she can change the look of the entire outfit.” Gurevich is alluding to the workshops that Carlisle offers on a variety of topics, including, but definitely not limited to, such problems as having a closetful of clothes with nothing to wear, how to travel for a 3 or 4 day business trip, and the importance of a professional corporate image in the workplace. “With 20 years in successfully dressing professional women, we have a very good understanding of a woman's fashion fears.” Gurevich notes. “Unlike a department store, our consultants take their time to truly listen and determine-with the client-what will suit her lifestyle best.” The Carlisle workshops are conducted for both groups and individuals. They are free for clients and are offered through word of mouth and networking. In addition, the attendees are not required to purchase any Carlisle/Per Se items. “My consultants are not here to sell, but to educate." |
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| JACKET (97% Wool/ 3% Elastane), $565 + PANTS (70% Alpaca/ 30% Wool), $325 + BLOUSE (100% Silk), $325. | |
JACKET + BLOUSE + SKIRT (70% Alpaca/ 30% Wool), $425. |
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| SKIRT + BLOUSE. |
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SKIRT + SWEATER (60% Modal/ 40% Nylon), $295. |
The result is a relationship between the client and the consultants based on trust: “We’re allowing them to let their guard down and trust in our dedication to help them.” The clients are asked questions regarding their lifestyles and time constraints, such as “How much time is spent in the morning on choosing an outfit for the day?” Anyone who has a busy lifestyle knows that, after a while, the sheen wears off of having a lot of choices, and you find yourself wearing a few pieces most of the time. “Most women just want to reach into their closets and automatically know what matches with what. It is about simplifying one wardrobe without compromising their image.”
Once the Core is established, it is easier to build on the outfits and create a minimum of 4 to 6 looks out of just one Core. Carlisle workshops show how looks can be achieved by wearing different Core items with each other, as well as adding in other versatile pieces, such as sweaters and blouses. “This is not only easy for the client to learn, but it is cost effective.” Though I mention my personal affinity for black clothing made out of stretchy materials, Leena recommends a different route for the businesswoman: “Carlisle does offer a fabulous Techno Suit that not only travels well, but packs well and is easy to take care of. This fabric can be worn 10 months out of the year.” As for how to make this Core idea work for that pesky problem of dressing day to night without having to completely change, Gurevich suggests starting with a matching dress and jacket or coat. “For cocktails/dinner, I would recommend taking off the jacket or coat, changing the lipstick color and, if convenient, changing shoes.” Who ever thought it could be so simple? To give you an idea of the ease of this method, we are showing two examples of Core Dressing: One based on a dress and matching “topper” and one based on a suit. In addition, there is the Wild Card: The Techno Suit. Then, notice how this suit can be used with both Cores. Consider how easy and affordable Core Dressing is, yet you don’t look Cookie Cutter; how convenient it is to just buy extensions when you feel the need to refresh your wardrobe for different seasons and occasions, as opposed to actually having separate or new wardrobes; and, finally, think of all the time you’re saving. Since, as we all know, “time is money”, there doesn’t appear to be any downside to this. Downtime, yes ... and who doesn’t need more of THAT? For appointments in the Manhattan showroom, call: (212) 751-6490. For appointments in the Greenwich showroom, call: (203) 422-2464. Images of the new collections can be previewed by visiting www.carlislecollection.com and www.persecollection.com. |
Twitter: ShoppingDiary |
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