Are you “Extensive Therapy Girl?”

I had a client that came to my shop at closing one Sunday night. She had found us on the internet and wanted a “whole new wardrobe.” I stayed with her for three hours finding outfit after outfit that fit her perfectly. Clothing that flattered her shape and gave her a professional appearance that could only help in advancing her career. This was her goal.

A funny thing happened.

She didn’t like anything. Even when it fit perfectly.  Even when it flattered her shape. Even when she looked gorgeous! You see, her mind had been poisoned. I don’t know if it was by her mother, by her friends or by society. She just hated herself. She hated the way she looked. She hated the way she looked from the side and at any angle standing in front of the mirror. So she camouflaged it by wearing men’s t-shirts and bulky sweaters and jeans. So old hat! Didn’t she ever watch, “What Not to Wear” or “Big Brooklyn Style?”

I am now frustrated. I completely wasted my time, talent and effort with someone who was beyond help.  I was completely drained. I had stayed three hours after closing and she walked out empty handed, I literally collapsed with exhaustion. As she was leaving she commented, “I wish I was leaving with loads of bags of new clothes!” and I quietly said, “So do I.” At this point I did add that instead of retail therapy she should seek extensive therapy. She needed to heal from within first.

It is my experience of dressing women that you need to find the tools to help you heal both your body and your soul. It’s not just Clothing. It’s not just Diet. It’s digging deep. Finding meaning.  Finding your Spirituality. It all must all work together to let you become the best possible version of yourself. Even the best dress will not solve all of your problems.

You have to heal.

Are you “Extensive Therapy Girl?”

Gluten Free Gorgeous Balls

New York weather doesn’t leave much to the imagination these days. Either you walk out in a lightweight sweater or you’re layered up with three sweaters, a down jacket, ear muffs, two scarves and gloves. This could be just one day after it was seventy degrees.

So when it is cold, all you want is soup. Make that Hot Soup! Take it even further and make Italian Wedding Cake Soup with tiny little balls. Gorgeous Balls!

Italian Meatball Soup from Lisa Dolan on Vimeo.

Code Black…Coffee

Code Black…Coffee

We decided to cut back and have one cup of coffee to start each day. Switching back to the French press device gave us that one great cup of coffee we savored every morning until an episode of “Code Black” broke out in our kitchen.

Our French press sprung an artery and coffee streamed across the counter. We had to apply direct pressure with paper towels before our coffee flat lined. We bandaged up the glass on the French press with packing tape (the only thing available within in the time limit) and had to act fact. That one cup was bleeding out right in front of our blood shot eyes.

Once she was all taped up we were able to add more hot water and press down. We knew it would be for the last time. 

The next day...we purchased The Original French Press. :)


The Original French Press! from Lisa Dolan on Vimeo.