If shopping were a sport, I could be an all-star, an MVP, an Olypian. You get the picture, right? The girl can shop. I do it for a living…constantly scouring the marketplace (hitting the sidewalk and surfing the web) to secure amazing pieces for my clients.
Well, I met the man who, literally, wrote the book on how to win at shopping. Who is this man you may be asking? And where can I meet him?
Meet: David Zyla
A profile of accomplishments:
David is an Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer and Best-Selling Author. His first book, Color Your Style, focused on coaching the readers how to wear their true color based on their unique hair and skin tones. David has studied color extensively and eloquently shares his vast knowledge with his readers as if you, the reader, were sitting face to face with the dapperly dressed gentleman. He has taken this insight further with his new book, How to Win at Shopping, by using this knowledge of what works best for you and how to find those pieces that will create the most authentic version of you and boost your confidence in the meantime.
He has designed for some of the most recognizable faces of contemporary culture including Hillary Clinton, Tom Hanks, Susan Lucci, Neil Patrick Harris and Carol Burnett.
A Colorful Meeting on a Gray Day
On Saturday, Saks Fifth Avenue--Columbus, hosted a breakfast with David. He was in town promoting his new book and offering practical advice for the fashion-forward of Columbus.
Here are some of his tips for finding the best colors and styles to accentuate your own unique self:
Go for COLOR!
Even though it's so easy to reach for that all-black ensemble, go for color. Color makes us smile. As David said, it's the person in pink or maroon that changes everything. If a style you adore is available in a neutral and a color option, choose color.
Here's a challenge for you
if you're in a black period...
The next five items you purchase,
can't be black.
Find Your Color
David provided some interesting tips for finding your own perfect colors.
- Pinch your fingertip, go to the make-up counter and match that color. That'll be your best lipstick shade. Who knew?! David, of course!
- Look at the predominant vein in your wrist. Whatever the color, blue, green or purple…that is your best dramatic color.
- Look at the ring around your iris. There you will find your best color alternative to black.
Look to Your Own Closet for Shopping Clues
Do you always receive a compliment when you wear a certain color? Hint: Buy more of that color and wear it! Do you have clothing hanging in your closet with tags? Is there a trend? Maybe it's a crew neck and you don't like a crew neck as well as a v-neck. Maybe it's not the right style. Whatever the reason, don't repeat your mistake.
David always recommends knowing what you're looking for while shopping. Have a plan.
What is your closet telling you?
Other Interesting Ideas from David
When choosing basic pieces, always consider the cost per wear or "use value." Obviously (I think), if it's an item you're going to wear more often (let's say, in central Ohio, a winter coat), then you should pay more for it. The cost per wear will actually be less because of the usage.
What item does David recommend spending more on…
For women…a good handbag.
For men…a belt.
What does David consider staple pieces…
For women…a great metallic shoe.
For men…a blazer that can go dressy or casual.
What's the best neckline to wear for your body?
Look at the shape of your chin to determine the best neckline for you. The neckline should match your chin. Do you have a square chin, you should wear a square neckline. Same goes for your shoe style.
Fascinating!
All that said, after talking with David,
I would have to describe him as a
"fashion fortune teller."
I mean that in the most magnificent way possible. He could simply look at a woman and tell her what colors, patterns, handbag style, neckline (and the list could go on) that would work best for her.
So what did David recommend for me?
You'll have to watch to find out!
Thank you, David, for making the winter a little brighter here in Columbus! We hope to see you again soon.
Positively yours,
Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID
