Down the Block

I was walking down Olympic in downtown LA yesterday on my way to the Cal Mart and was stopped dead in my tracks by a grungy old building covered with fantastic graffiti. Inspiration isn't always found in glamorous or beautiful places. 

Dressing for the Holidays: 3 Picture Perfect Outfits

Diane von Furstenburg Experience Fall 2011

DVF Show Stoppers

I have been eyeing these breathtaking gowns since they arrived on the runway last February. The spectacular FA2011 collection is available at the Melrose DVF boutique and I finally had the chance to check it out last week. The store is beautifully merchandised and the pieces are even more brilliant in person. Everything a girl could want for the perfect holiday wardrobe! 

Roxy Spring/Summer 2012

I was recently asked if I were to hypothetically create a S/S 12 collection for the ROXY brand what would my mood and theme be? This is what I came up with. The look is an edgier take on the typical beach esthetic of Roxy. Soft metallics mixed with leather, silver embellishments, scuba esque trims and draped silhouettes create a soft and hard contrast. The silhouettes are inspired by seventies dresses created by Halston and worn by Bianca Jagger. The S/S 12 scuba trend is incorporated in a new way using a soft surfer vibe. Darker sea life like Octopus tentacles, jellyfish, and sea urchins are a huge inspiration for the trimmings. Draped hooded capes inspired by Bianca, Liza and Grace Jones worn during the days of Studio 54 are transformed into ultra wearable pieces for the Roxy girl. Octopus ink, spilled oil, jagged ocean rocks and molten metal create a mood of beachy rebellion. The Roxy teen is evolving and so is her color palette. Sophisticated but still fun, the collection includes rocker black, ethereal whites, subtle mauves, liquid greys, and shimmering gunmetal. Pantone’s mellow mauve, Metallic coated grey, deep taupe, whisper white, and high rise are a jumping off point for the collection. 

My Roxy Customer: The Downtown Beach Bunny

Precious Gems

Fur and jewel tones what a great combination. Fur in jewel tones, now that’s fashion! The dismissal of John Galliano from the House of Dior surprisingly did not stop his talented design team from creating an unexpectedly gorgeous fall collection. Rich jewel tones were paired with dainty printed silks and untraditional tweeds, all fur lined of course. Despite the groups of overly passionate anti-fur protesters and devotees, I will always openly say, “I love fur!” Fur is back on the runways in a big way. Not only is every accessory from shoes to gloves to handbags and headpieces being lined and trimmed lavishly, but also Pucci-esque colored furs are dominating runways and retail store alike. Gucci amped up the volume yet another notch with even richer furs in exotic ultra-violet turquoise, rust, amber, and cobalt.

How NOT to wear your Missoni for Target

stylecaster.com

Roitfeld & Lagerfeld

Carine and Chanel are moving on together. Famed Creative Director of Chanel Karl Lagerfeld positioned the brand for a facelift this season with the styling expertise of former Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld. The advertisements created by Carine are fantastically young, playful, and fresh. The Fall 2011 campaign features Freja Beha Erichsen shot by Lagerfeld himself. The collaboration is the perfect rejuvenation for the classic brand. PICSviaOHLALA

Editorial Styling Inspiration

Madone by Sebastian Kim featuring Abbey Lee Kershaw for Numéro #126 September 2011.

American Boy

The other day a friend of mine was headed out for drinks with his buddy. He tried on a couple of outfit options, and settled on a Hugo Boss black button down, crisp blue jeans, and grey Chuck Taylors. Minutes later his friend arrived wearing the exact same thing. Have American men become so lazy that dark jeans, black or brown leather loafers, and a moderately patterned button up is as good as it gets? Guys its time to step it up a notch and break out of this monotonous collection of unimaginative ensembles. As a stylist I understand the importance of ease in menswear, but it has gotten to a point where this effortless three-piece wardrobe has become to look like a dull uniform. Draw some inspiration from European men. Trade in boring denim for colorful slacks. Integrate textural accessories and blazers. Break free from black and brown shoes, instead opt for a printed or neon accented oxford. The days of a button up and jeans are so “I’ll have a Redbull vodka.” Guys we’ve moved on, and it’s time you did too.

Indigenous Inspirations

( Agua Bendita, Leonisa, Missoni, Olga Pidrahita)

Last week I had the honor of meeting VIX swimwear’s merchandise planner and learning about the creation, inspiration, and distribution of a swim wear line. As with most clothing lines, sourcing materials and designing a style happen a year out from when we actually see the suits in the store. Erika mentioned a trend that VIX owner Paula Hermanny has been inspired by lately is tribal design. Colombiamoda, the most important show in Colombia is swarming with the trend for S/S 12, and top designers like Missoni, Versace, and Derek Lam embraced the look entirely for their 2011RTW collections. It is no wonder that always-current VIX is inspired by the primitive prints. I can’t wait to see how they incorporate this rad motif into their stylish line.

Vogue Italia: The September Issue

Vogue Italia’s controversial 24-page fashion spread features model Kristen McMenamy drenched in oil sprawled lifelessly over pollution soaked rocks lining the beach of the Gulf Coast. The tidal wave of reactions generated from the pictures, shot by Steven Meisel, ebb from readers questioning Vogue’s motives. Is this just a darkly exquisite photo shoot stemming from an abstract idea, or a carefully plotted political statement with an agenda? Either way the concept of the shoot is one of the most original I have seen in a long time. Art that evokes emotion, uncomfortable or otherwise, is truly good art.

 

Time to Paint

I’m finally moving to Los Angeles and found a gorgeous warehouse loft in the garment district. The only thing left to do before the move in date is choosing wall colors. Neon seems to be my new obsession due to Proenza Schouler’s SS11 collection and a fantastic ice blue guitar I’m trying to convince Dad to pass down. I always choose one piece of inspiration and then decorate around that piece. 

Heel Condoms?

A friend of mine recently shared with me a new micro trend, the heel condom. At first I said you’ve got to be crazy, the name alone is so NOT chic. But I have to say that the concept stuck in my head and now I find myself spotting these stiletto add-ons more and more. They are definitely a little out there, but as Warhol once said, “you have to do the things that people don’t understand cause they’re the only good things.” 

A Day in the Life of Jenna Lyons

Creative Director for J.Crew, she is a trend setting genius so talented and magnetic I can't get enough of her. The more I learn about her the more in awe I am of her business savvy and truly unique sense of style.

WATCH VIDEO

What is the Perfect Pink?

Wearing neon pink is always tricky. Pulling off an electric look is all about the perfect texture, tone, and technique you use to incorporate it into your wardrobe. It may be in the form of the perfect fuchsia lip color worn with a neutral ensemble, or a blazing statement dress balanced with a metallic or nude heel. The trick to remember in order to pull off eye-popping color is to be true to yourself, and never wear anything that feels forced or makes you uneasy. 

(Q: How would I put together a Summer look based on the trend from my own closet? A: Chelsea Flower top, Marc Jacobs magenta stam bag, Pour la Victoire pumps, H&M scallop shorts)

Blogger bee at Atlantic-Pacific is a wiz when it comes to styling a color filled wardrobe, Cambridge Satchel Co. recently released a line of neon bags in tones that are so perfectly saturated they are a completely fool proof addition to any fashion lovers wardrobe, and if your still feeling a little uncertain about wearing neon pink look to Jill Sander’s SS2011 show for make-up inspiration centered around perfectly glossed lips that create the ultimate pop of glamour mixed with beach town ease. 

Shades of Green

“Lush foliage and paper-thin blooms recall sumptuous rose gardens with overpowering, heady bouquets. Exuberant florals in vibrant palettes will feature as repeat and placement prints, as silhouettes burst with color. Create diaphanous delicacy with layers of petals in sweet hues.” According to Style Sight, WGSN, Doneger and many other top trend forecasters, honeysuckle isn’t the only color dominating this year. Spring/Summer 2011 runways show an abundance of lush exciting greens, and pre-fall is already splattered with emeralds and soft mints. Vibrant shades of green update any LBD/LWD and muted natural tones will make for great basics in a color filled year. 

Derby Worthy

Styling clients and friends for Derby events is a new experience for me. Opening Day at Del Mar is defined as one of the most fabulous and fun festivities in the west. This event is not only about big bets and fast horses, but celebrating the season in style. Lady like frocks, dapper suits and blazers, forties reminiscent hair and makeup, and of course dressing for a derby is all about the perfect hat! Here are a few looks that I have used for inspiration in choosing and recommending hats for Opening Day 2011.

The City Girl

Not my first post about style inspiration Olivia Palermo and definitely not my last. Her street style is so perfectly put together, yet so obtainable. The girl knows just what to wear and how to wear it. Whether it’s a black tie event, day walking in Manhattan, or a socialite luncheon, Miss Palermo is always dressed in the hottest new trends while maintaining impeccable elegance. Whenever I find myself questioning the appropriateness of a styling choice for a certain event I ask myself would Olivia wear this?

Fourth of July Style: California Cool

Summer Stems

This week has been all about the stems. While reviewing my personal photography from the past week I noticed that every photo is centered around the stems of a wardrobe, dashing model, intriguing shoe, or that of the botanical variety. I guess you could call it my obsession of the week. Summer is finally here; wild flowers are in bloom and bare legs are back! Here are a few of my favorite shots from the San Diego loft, styling assignments, and an Angel Status shoot on the USS Midway.

WEAR NOW BUY NOW

WEAR NOW INSPIRATION: Yoryu pleated chiffon skirts and dresses, tulle mounted fox furs, ballet style draping, and just the right amount of coral in the occasional dress, lip color, and grosgrain wrap Louboutins. Uptown classic meets downtown cool in Gilles Mendel’s magically light, ethereal, and painfully chic Spring 2011 collection. I have always loved Mendel’s collections, so much so that when the day comes he would be my top pick for wedding gown, but in the mean time I look to each collection for styling inspiration, especially when it comes to color, with every new season or special occasion.

BUY NOW: Parker draped front blouse, Lanvin Grosgrain espadrilles, Haute Hippie romper, Sandro pleated chiffon maxi, Alice and Olivia faux fur vest, Nars palette, Diane von Furstenberg Flyma draped wrap dress

California Cycling

CFDA Awards: Celebrity Frocks

He Wears Short Shorts

A very close, and might I add extremely straight male fashionista friend of mine made a comment the other day about men’s current fashion trends that stuck with me. He said to me, “what happened to clean masculine silhouettes? Everything I find in the stores for the contemporary market is just so feminine, I feel like im running out of options, I just cant do the 4’ inseam!” I thought about what he said, did some research, and it’s just so true. Men’s fashion has always carried off pastels, salmons, and historically royal blues and purples, colors mostly associated with femininity, as well as embellishments like ruffles, rhinestones, pleats, and gauze, but in the past have done so on classic or masculine silhouettes. Recently the problem many men find themselves facing while shopping for say a pair of summer shorts is that no matter the color, they are just too slim and much too short. Granted if you’re an ultra hip fashion god say like David Beckham then short, tight, and pastel is completely acceptable, but for the average style conscious guy the options at stores like Barney’s, Neimans, and Nordstrom are getting “slimmer” by the season. Now don’t get me wrong, I am completely obsessed with wild chic men’s fashion, especially that of the gay community, as a matter of fact I worship the gay community for that exact reason, but I think its about time that department store buyers and designers pay a little more attention to this forgotten niche; the masculine male and his everyday look.

STYLE ALTERNATIVES FOR THE AVERAGE "PAT"

Wear Now Buy Now

WEAR NOW INSPIRATION: Takoon Panichgul’s SS 2011 collection is full of new styling and fabric combinations mixed with vintage silhouette’s like paper bag bloomers, simple sheer tanks, and chiffon barley there lingerie inspired dresses. The color selection is to die for. Hyper feminine lavender, bleached white, and delicate floral patterning is mixed with buttery leather, open mesh eyelet and canvas accessories, a look to definitely try at home and perfect for memorial day parties and summer weekends to follow. 

BUY NOW: Diane von Furstenberg Damiana Dress, Elizabeth and James Blazer, Vince Knit String Tank, Jagger Edge iPad Case, Rag & Bone Mesh Skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs Canvas Wedge Oxfords

Lighten Up

Torrey Pines & Proenza Schouler

Art and nature go hand in hand, so it’s never a surprise to me when I am strongly reminded of a favorite fashion collection while in Mother Nature’s presence. This week it happened to be when hiking in The La Jolla Mt. Reserve. All I could think was Proenza Schouler S/S 11. The combination of watercolored beach, dry cactus, sandy wood lined trail, and luscious flora screamed Schouler Spring Runway. 

Trend Report: The Floppy Hat

The Brigitte Bardot-esk seventies floppy hat is back again! A retro inspired Spring/Summer welcomes the timeless classic with open bangle clad arms. Spotted in Elle, Marie Claire, Bazaar, Louis Vuitton Ads, and countless runway shows, these oversized sun hats are a seasonal must have. A dark designer shade and floppy hat combo is ALWAYS glamorous. Pair it with nude polish, orange glossed lips, and a low chingnon bun or braid, and you’re ready to hit any swanky retreat in the world