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Holding the hard copy of one's efforts and ideas is an addictive feeling of lasting delight. Last week, while preparing for Rangoni's Fall 2013 catalogue, I finally laid my eyes on Rangoni's Spring 2013's catalogue. I absolutely adore catalogue shoots. I love refreshing and remixing a brand's line. Some of my highlights of this shoot includes mixing nautical stripes with orange boat shoes, making loafers sexy, pink shoulder poufs, and the female power team. Model Kim Cozzens is a vivacious delight, San Diego Make-up Artist Atonella Anibale is an on point talent, and Creative Director Jenny Carlsson's warm professionalism leads to a strong vision and joyful set.
There is a time and place to buy cheap. These items tend to be the garments you wear once or replace often like tights and Tees. Especially when it comes to T-shirts... that soft cotton Tee really does feel and fit quite similar whether it is Forever 21 or Helmut Lang, and both will end up mangled after one toss in the washing machine. Then there are the moments that call for cash. Obviously if you have the budget, buying high quality is a great idea 95% of the time, but whether you are making $300,000 a year or $30,000 a year, these are the items you should invest in...
Gold & Silver Studs
Studs are essential for the gal who loves necklaces and the woman who adores simplicity. Fake gold & silver studs will tarnish easy, look trashy and need replacing. After dropping the money to replace them over and over again, might as well drop the money all at once and put sterling silver and 14k gold in your ears.
The Everyday Watch
If you are wearing a watch everyday, you are going to want a quality one that will last.
Jeans For The Jean Lover
If you live in jeans, splurge on Citizens of Humanity, Paige or whatever designer jeans hug your ass right. You will get that great fit, less stretch and lasting glory.
The Perfect Purse
Butter leather, perfect pockets, and stunning color is not going to cost $40. Drop the dollars on the everyday, everywhere purse.
Versatile Flats
I am horrified by the amount of uncomfortable flats, priced both high and low. Take the time to try on shoe after shoe, walk quickly around the store numerous times and then spend the money on the flat that can keep up, blister-free. I have found cheaper shoes that are comfortable, but inevitably deteriorate after I have stomped around in them. I work shoes hard. A cheap pair will break down and become uncomfortable in the end.
Cheap boots are extremely obvious, let in water and chill, and often offer no support. Search for the perfect boot in color, comfort and style, and then splurge. You will find you may not have to replace them for at least a decade if you take care of them. If you wear them hard and often, polish them and eventually resole them. A quality boot is made like a car. With the right maintenance, expect to have it for ages and then hand it down to your 16-year-old child.
Statement Necklace
Just like boots, a cheap statement necklace is extremely obvious. Search out a versatile, amazing statement necklace and drop the dollars.
Investing and splurging is not for the indecisive. Investing in a piece is a commitment. You are vowing to love it for an extended period of time. If you are still unsure of your style, investing does not make sense. You need to know you will wear the jeans often, sport that necklace every other week or strap on that watch every morning. Otherwise it becomes a waster instead of a saver. Finding the perfect garment and spending an unusual amount of money on it is to ensure you don't waste money purchasing numerous items of similar characteristics. So often we buy something to tide us over for various reasons or get impatient and purchase something only close to our desires. In order to invest in fashion, you need to have patience, and you need to get to know yourself.
Nothing shocks me, no closet frightens me and, when I am not with a client, I so rarely notice when someone is wearing something "not awesome," I keep track of it in my mind. This year so far, I have one. It was #9. Still, there are some no-no's that I always disagree with, no matter the styling, no matter the owner. Here are my top ten fashion faux paus...
1) Black patent leather wedges with a cream, cork or earth tone colored bottom.
2) Too much black clothing in a closet.
3) Coach's signature print on a handbag. Although any kind of obvious branding on anything is bad, Coach is the worst for handbags.
4) The inability to walk gracefully in one's shoes. In other words, buying and wearing uncomfortable shoes.
5) Juicy Couture or any other brand of matching track suit.
6) Obvious polyester favored by Sweet Pea and Jcpenney.
7) Buying pieces that are "good enough." In other words, buying 6th best, versus the best.
8) Traditional True Religion jeans with contrast colored stitching and any other denim with highly decorated back pockets.
9) Obviously fake hair.
10) Wearing a belt at the wrong point of your torso or out of balance in relation to your garment.
My dear friend invited me to Colorado's SmithFork Ranch because she knew I loved horseback riding and needed a getaway, but I got so much more than a massage, exquisite views and decadent eats. I had no idea going to the Andrew Harper recommended luxury ranch would also put me at a dinner table with Marley Hodgson, the founder of Ghurka leather bags, and his lovely wife Linda.
After watching another guest display his earnest devotion to the Ghurka bag, and hearing Marley's enthusiastic tales of his past, I had to look into Ghurka again. It has been too long since I have thought of them. Although Marley sold the company ages ago, Ghurka still provides gorgeous leathers, distinguished designs and embraces the line's origins. I adored reading about Ghurka's history, including the soldiers the line was named after for their "bravery, loyalty and cheerful indifference to all difficulty."
What I didn't care to read was the website's SEO title, "Designer Leather Bags for Men." It makes perfect sense, having been developed by a man for a man, but their leather goods are as equally genderless as they are gorgeous. The duffel and messenger bags are absolutely timeless and an amazing addition to any wardrobe.
Wearing: "Gold hoops from [I don't know]. Duran Duran tshirt from some random mall store (Forever21?), scarf is from random vendor at Bhakti Fest 2011, belt from Talbot's by way of mother's closet, Bandolino shoes, a gift from sister, bracelet borrowed from a friend, glasses from Target, jeans by Jolt."
Personal Style: "Comfortable Sexy Tomboy/Lady Mental Patient."
Favorite Store: "A great pair of jeans or three is essential. I really like expensive jeans like AG and Citizens -- but when I can't drop that kind of cash, Jolt jeans are half the price and very flattering."
Favorite Fashion Trick: "Once when I was a teenager I read in, like, Sassy or something, Milla Jovovich said that she likes her clothes to look a little weird or off, and it really made an impression on me. I always thought she looked so great so I was like, 'huh.' I grew up very preppy so it took a long time to move in that direction. Nowadays, I have 2 kids and very little money so I have no money to spend on clothes. So what I do is I just come up with crazy combinations that I feel good in. I keep playing until it feels just crazy and stupid enough to work. I don't have the luxury of finding the perfect accessory so I have to find a way to work what I have. I have basic stuff and a few statement pieces I really like and I try to find a use for anything that makes its way into my hands from whatever source. When it comes together, I feel very creative and unique and 110% myself. I truly believe that if you wear things you feel great in or find a way to feel great in something, you will look great in it. It's like a feedback loop. Also, kitten heels go with everything, you can move in 'em, and you don't have to worry about your pedicure."
Personal Style Profiles feature folks with a strong sense of fashion. They often embody the exception to fashion rules. These individuals are not my clients.
Whether you are off to Europe, Asia, New York, Australia, a 1-hour flight north, you are getting on a plane and you want to be appropriate for both the flight and the trip ahead of you. For hot weather destinations, I recommend a maxi skirt, a tank top and a soft sweater. I recently put a client in this Bobeau maxi skirt, and I am always putting recommending this Bobeau cape sweater for travel. Each item can be used repeatedly on summer vacation trips, but still keep you warm on the ever freezing plane.
If you are traveling to a bi-polar location with possible rain, chill and heat, I recommend wearing your warmest outfit on the plane. In fact, I always recommend packing at least one outfit for the opposite weather expected. If you are flying to a colder weather destination, pack a sleeveless dress or shorts look, and it is always a good idea to have a summer top at the base of a cold weather outfit. You never know what mother nature has in store and there is always the chance you walk out of the cold and into an artificially heated room with an overzealous operator.
As for warm weather vacations, I highly recommend wearing a warm outfit on the plane. By wearing pants, lightweight boots or closed toe flats, and a heavier jacket or sweater, you are now prepared for unexpected cold and rain without taking up space in your suitcase. Not to mention that cold plane again, goodness. I recently packed a client for the Riviera and she was dumbfounded when I recommended wearing boots and a chic raincoat on the plane. When I say dumbfounded, I mean she was horrified. I explained I was just in Cannes and despite the warm weather during the day, it rained periodically and I was freezing at night. To convince her this travel outfit had emergency use as well as versatility, I instructed her how to wear the boots with shorts for warm weather days that involve a lot of walking or risks of water and trash stepage. The right boot is far more comfortable than a sandal or simple flat, and far more stylish than proper walking shoes. Then I showed her how to wear the raincoat with her cocktail dresses for nights out that come with rain. Finally, she said okay. She gets back in a week. I am pretty sure she will thank me for the just-in-case flight outfit; although, there is the chance she may hate me for making her carry that rain jacket everywhere.
Working at IBM in the 80's and 90's, my Dad wore a tie to work everyday. This inspired our gift ideas for at least 10 years. He occasionally received a DVD or Beatles CD, but generally we stuck to what we knew. Considering most men hate ties, let's not follow in my siblings and I's foot steps and branch out this Father's Day. Here are some fashionable, yet unique gift ideas for Dad this year.
It is incredibly difficult to find a cool grey or navy belt, but Sperry has provided. For the man wearing blue or grey shoes casually, complete him with this gift.
In the tie category, but far more inventive, useful and unlikely to be off target in taste. Tie bars and clips keep your tie out of the copy machine, your food and other unwanted places they seem to sway and dip into. If Dad opens this up and looks at you quizzically, tell him it's supposed to clip the two layers of the tie to the placket of his shirt. It sits between the third and fourth button down from his neck. I love J.Crew's simple sterling silver tie clip. It stays on and works with any man's personal style.
Leather bracelet $68 at Bloomingdale's
Maybe Daddy is younger, cooler, more adventurous, or in a mid-life- crisis, a leather bracelet is a great way for a fella to try out some new accessories a la Johnny Depp. Although not on their website, Bloomingdale's has some masculine leather wrap around bracelets for men in the men's jeans section. Ask a sales associate if needed.
The vast majority of my clients, young and old, have no idea what a casual pant is beyond jeans. Wake up his wardrobe with AG's protege straight leg twill pants. With its 5 pocket style and freakishly forgiving fabric and fit, Dad will be shocked and delighted by the non-jean look.
Sneakers can be so ghetto, athletic or immature, leaving men feeling out of place in the middle ground of not too dressy, not too casual. That's why Dad needs some casual sneakers by Tretorn. I adore their stylish ambiance without being dressy. In particular, I recommend the grey boat shoe, which goes perfectly with the Sperry belt above. Feel free to team up with another family member to give Dad both of the grey accessories. It looks amazing with blue jeans or navy casual pants. Bloomingdale's has a better selection in store at Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego, but Nordstrom has a better selection of the Tretorn sneaker online.
Socks may not be the most exciting gift, but what if it keeps giving? If your Dad constantly has mismatched or worn out socks, having a sock subscription could be a delightful errand pre ran for him.
top: Bar 111, pants: 7 For All Mankind, shoes: Tahari, clutch: J.Crew, earrings & embellished bangle: Alexis Bittar, gold bands: gifted from Mimi & Lu, ball rings: JewelMint, watch: StyleCo
A peplum dress or top has paraded itself all around stores, television shows and celebrities. When a trend gets this much exposure, it usually means it's time to move on. Photographer Robin Dayley admitted to me when the peplum first showed up, she was itching to try it. Mere moments later, she was sick of it... until she saw me in this photo shoot's peplum top. "That's adorable!" I believe is what she said.
The problem with trendy trends is not necessarily the piece itself. Anything can be done beautifully with a fresh eye. The issue with trendy pieces is the way it trails down the line of availability. It begins as a surprise. It is interesting simply because you have not seen it or not seen it in awhile. The first round of a trend tends to be so-so, but because they are first, they are amazing. The second and third round of a trend corrects and invents upon the first flush. It is around this time you get the pick of the litter of fabrics, patterns and unique tweaks. Then the stores get oversaturated and generic and cheap versions of the trend storm the retail castle, confusing the original point and roping in amateur fashion lovers.
Is the peplum too trendy to purchase at this point? Not if it is unique, cut to flatter and paired well. If you are loving it, dive in. Scour the last round of peplum pieces, but only if you have the eye or a personal stylist with the eye for originality, quality and silhouette. If you are feeling unsure, then, yes. Time to slip the peplum.
Photo Credit: Graham Whitby Boot/Photoshot/AdM via Instyle
Apparently Cannes is not that great. Having just returned from the Riviera, where Antibe is stunning and Nice is quite nice, I would say the only reason to visit Cannes is for the Film Festival. The Cannes Film Festival brings out some of the most creative films, shinning stars and fabulous outfits. This year I was drawn to Rooney Mara wearing a Christian Dior black and white dress. You could say it is a color blocked look as the top is a block of white stacked on the block of black skirt, but the term color blocking brings to mind trendy trends, versus timeless chic, and this dress will forever be beautiful.
Generally I am not a fan of black and white. It's trend driven, harsh on the skin, and costumey. Black and white always reminds me of Beatle Juice's suit; which my older brother wore for Halloween in the 90's and then I wore, just cause, to school in 7th grade. Yes, I wore a black and white striped blazer to school and I felt innovative. Having felt innovative as a young girl in the 90's knowing little of what's been done and what has not, I can say with confidence, today black and white is very done, unless it is executed in a flourish of elegance, Rooney style. Keep this in mind as black and white rages like a forest fire in the stores. Don't be drawn in by the cheesy prints and pieces like Zoe Saldana's Cannes frock. While Rooney shows the Riviera how black and white is done right, Zoe arrives as a victim of trends in Emanuel Ungaro by Fausto Puglisi. Although well made with a stroke of theatrics, it still speaks of right now, or worse 1995, versus forever.
The flourish of the 1920's style is by far my favorite look of decades past. I relish the resurgence of the fashion brought on by the newest Great Gatsby film with Carey Mulligan and Leonardo Dicaprio. Beyond it's obvious appeal of sparkles, jewels, fur, tassels and hats, the style calls to me on a personal note. When I look at a drop waist frock, paired with a pile of necklaces and a silly hat, I see the purpose of modern day fashion in its truest form. Fashion is supposed to be fun and no decade's style is more fun, more dazzling. Dressing in a 20's look, reminds me of my little girl self covering up in a sparkley teal robe, sporting a crown and plenty of jewelry, dancing around my room in my mother's heels. I was not doing this for a man, I was not doing it for society, I was doing it for me. I was dressing up for fun. The Great Gatsby look is for you, my god, get into the fun of it.
To reap all the joyful benefits of the jazz age clothing, throw a themed party, but adding it to your everyday life is easier than you think. A pile of pearls and diamonds here, an incredible hat there, and a drop waist dress tomorrow will give you the essence.
1920's was all about interesting hats, with the cloche being the most stereotypical; however, numerous head coverings were used from larger brim hats and silk scarves to turbans.
Long necklaces of pearls, diamonds, pendants and more, more, more says 1920's. Recently I visited London's Victoria & Albert Museum to find a delicious glimpse of the 1920's tassel necklace.
The 1920's is absolutely famous for the drop waist, an generally unflattering silhouette that works best on women with lean arms and longer legs. This silhouette is hard on the busty and those with extra weight, but if you are feeling the look, sport it. I love wearing a short and breezy drop waist dress in cotton for day (first picture) and going all out with the beads and sequined drop waist for evening.
What is your favorite part of the 1920's? Please share in a comment below.
There is nothing I am more passionate about then protecting my clients from victimization. I see it everyday during the closet purge, women that were convinced by a sales associate that they just had to have some overpriced, wrong colored, ill fitting garment. Is making that few dollars commission worth a lie? Not to me. I worked retail for two weeks when I was 15-years-old. I quit because they wanted me to push and sell people things they don't need. They were so confused by my need to please the customer, not the corporation. I am not here to sell, I am here to help. I am not interested in deceit.
On that note, I recently checked out JewelMint.com made popular by Kate Bosworth. I did my usual pop over and evaluated the website. Fresh and clean layout, clear pictures of cute items, good prices (if the quality is there), and free shipping. With my tight schedule, I am zipping through clothing and websites. An online retailer has little time to make an impression and I never give a second glance to fashion websites that charge shipping (that's how Gilt lost me). Jewel Mint passed my speedy once over. I pick two items worth wearing. I received them timely in cute boxes. They are stylish enough and the rings I bought even make it into two of my photo shoots.
This week I return from London and look at my American Express account to check out how much damage the pound sterling has done to me. As I browse my purchases, I see Jewel Mint has charged me $29.99. I call in to correct the mistake. The purchase I made was in April. It turns out when I made that purchase in April I was enrolled into a monthly subscription, and this is the second month I have been charged. I felt stupid and the Jewel Mint's customer service made sure I felt stupid. They explain it is written everywhere. I believe her and assume the French wine I favor has taken it's toll on me. I explain how stupid I feel, and request a refund as I don't have any foreseeable plans to use Jewel Mint again. I am trying not to react to her already biting tone. When she informs me that the charges are non-refundable, I explain how quickly I shop and did not understand that I had signed up for a subscription. She gets snide and offers me a $9.99 credit which affords me nothing on the site. Just another ploy for me to spend more money with them. I decline the credit.
I tell her to inform Jewel Mint's PR team that a negative review will be written. She seemed pleased with this information and asked if there was anything else I would like. I said, no. We parted the proverbial ways. Although angered by her treating me like an absolute fool, I assume I was one. I did just yesterday leave my groceries in the back of my car for three hours. The goat cheese didn't make it.
I go back to jewelmint.com and start fresh. I type in the url and wait for "Jewelry Subscription" to blast across the homepage. Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman did tell me it was written everywhere, yet absolutely nothing of the subscription is stated on the home page. I sign up and take the little fashion quiz - nothing is written about a subscription. I receive an e-mail about the great pieces they get monthly, but again, mention nothing of a subscription or that I will be charged monthly. Ok. So, I pick the first cute pair of earrings I see and head to checkout and look for what Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman was talking about. Nothing of the subscription is noted. And then I scroll to the bottom of the page... in the finest light grey print it says that if I purchase this pair of earrings I will have signed up for a subscription and will be charged $29.99 every month. I no longer feel stupid. Well, the whole grocery fiasco makes me feel like a royal idiot, but Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman is wrong. Even when deserved, I look down on rudeness, but when it is unwarranted, I become incensed. There is no need to make me feel like a fool when anyone could make this kind of mistake. I realize now she must get calls like this every minute. Hence the crankiness.
I am horrified by this incident for a few reasons. First, I expect and almost welcome a rip-off in a foreign country's street markets. They need the money more than I. I do not expect Kate Bosworth's jewelry company to deceive me. When you first sign up for Jewel Mint they send you e-mails to get you to buy. Once you buy and discreetly sign up for a monthly subscription, they no longer send you anything. Perhaps to let those monthly charges go by quietly. I have zero tolerance for such non-sense. It is not the money, it is the disrespect. Jewel Mint and its sister companies is what gives online shopping a bad name. This is why I stick to the same online stops over and over again. They have my trust. Trust is invaluable. Trust is why my business is successful. I believe in my services and I am more than open. I charge by the hour and often give free time. I wish more businesses would as honest and generous.
What companies do you trust? Please, share in a comment below.
How men wander the streets with only a wallet in their pocket is beyond me. Even when down to the basics, I am carrying my ID, money, business cards, sunglasses or eyeglasses, lip blam, sunscreen, keys, cell phone and tissue. Did I mention that my keys have a sizable pepper spray attached to it? I can't fit it in any of my pant pockets, let alone my dress pockets, without someone thinking I am a transvestite with a boner.
Thankfully, a purse can solve that, but there are times I just don't want to carry around a fabulous handbag that fits everything I could possibly need. On the flip side, there are times I don't want to be Kate Middelton with my teeny pocketbooks. Sometimes I want to carry more than the basics and less than my everyday action. For those occasions, I recommend the crossbody bag - a bag of smaller proportions (8-9 inches wide is a good size) with a longer strap. You place the strap over your head and slip one arm through so that the strap sits across your chest and has the bag rest against your hip. If you are the prowl, Chloe handbags' have some marvelous pieces.
The key to having a crossbody bag is knowing when to wear it. The crossbody bag can wrong you if worn inappropriately. One second you are feeling stylishly adorable with your crossbody bag, a moment later you realize you should have brought more with you, or it turns out the crossbody bag is too casual for the occasion.
1) Metropolitan Travel
New York, London, Chicago, Boston, Mexico City... any city you are not renting a car needs a bag that can carry your everyday stuff without weighing you down on your walks, cab rides and public transportation. It's also the hardest purse to mug.
2) Casual Hiking/Walking
A casual day walking a park, or hitting some not-so-steep hills doesn't need a big bag or camping gear, but may call for sizeable items like sunscreen and sunglasses.
3) Shopping Event/Crowds
Perhaps you are dressed up a bit, heading into a crowd, picking things up, putting them down. The crossbody leaves hands free to mosey the merchandise while de-bulking your look in a crowded room. No one wants to bump into your purse.
4) Concert/Dancing/Amusement Park/Crowds
No one wants to dance with a bulky bag or hands full. Nor do you want to pop onto a roller coaster and watch your things go flying. A tightly shut crossbody bag is the way to go.
5) Work
Depending on your job, you may need to bring a lot of things into the office, i.e. laptop, research, lunch etc; but all that can go in your computer bag. Once all your materials are in the office, you may end up outside the office for meetings, gym or taking a break, where a large tote is not needed.
Where do you carry your crossbody bag? Share in a comment below.
My mother made it her duty for us to dream, create and invent. I have memories upon memories of fabric stores, crafts shops, and art supplies. Everyone of us children always had a drawing pad at our disposal, though I was a terrible artist. Unlike my brothers who could draw X-Men characters with their eyes closed and went through sketch paper like water; I drew tables, chairs, awkward faces, and dresses in barely used notebooks.
Despite my inept rendering skills, my mother's arty enabling was infectious. I barely noticed my lack of genius. I even remember standing in the backyard with my dog, wondering if I was going to be the next Picasso. I was that young and that adored by my mother, the possibilities of who I could be and what I could do seemed endless. It was more out of boredom, then realizing I had no talent, that had me drop the pencil and pick up Vogue and Instyle. The moment I saw my mother tear out sheets of beautiful images from the Condé Nast pages, I wanted part. I only had to ask once before she started giving me most of her fashion and decór magazines, and eventually my own subscription. Once the magazine was in my hands, I followed suit and tore out the images I found interesting or beautiful. My drawing pads were no longer empty. Soon they were filled with stylish collages.
I have only realized recently the moment I began tearing up Instyle, I began my path as a stylist. As a stylist, you curate, not create. Sifting through the magazines, finding the best images, then putting them together to form an attractive and balanced collage was practice for what I do today. Realizing how powerful this practice was, at such a young age no less, made me realize my mother's influence on my career. It was my mother that provided me the prerequisite tools to becoming a stylist... Mom deserves some recognition. In fact, let's give her a day. Let's give her May 12th. Let's give all mothers May 12th to thank them for all they have done for us. I shall call it Mother's Day. Let's talk gifts.
This is what my mom gets this year. Not to worry, I am not publicly spoiling her gift as she has already received it. Since I am in London most of May, I gave it to her early. She watched it every day until the last episode and now awaits the next season. She is wild about the 20's decadent fashion as well as the fiery heroin of the series.
I love holding and smelling a good book, but with all the traveling I've been doing, books have become a weighty nuisance. I just bought the e-reader Kindle and am really impressed with the light weight reading. All those books on one little thing? Seems like magic. If your mother travels a lot for work, retirement or other reasons, a kindle is divine. Particularly now that a new ergonomic Kindle case is coming out, your mom will love it.
A go-to gift, I love a beautiful scarf, especially a colorful one like Jonathan Adler's retro floral. The navy tones will wake up her skin, while the yellow says fun. A bonus, have her watch Nordstrom's "4 Ways to Tie A Scarf" series. I am sure she will learn something new.
4) Sentimental Jewelry
There is something so beautiful about jewelry. It can become an everyday piece - a constant reminder of someone's affections, in this case, yours. Or it can be a special occasion piece that makes the evening or event that much more memorable. Tiffany's Paloma Picasso olive leaf collection has caught my eye as a perfect gift that will last for years. From the earrings to the necklaces, they are stylish yet subtle pieces your mother could wear often. I also love Argento Vivo jewelry as a gift, especially the Chalcedony's pendant necklace.
5) Shoes
An odd choice, especially if you don't know her size, but I have fallen in love with Zoe + Luca flats at Macy's. Oddly, they are not available on Macy's website and literally cannot be found on the internet. But in San Diego's Fashion Valley Macy's there they sit: weaved, comfortable (!), stylish and available in various colors. I am putting them on so many clients, including myself, and I can't emphasize enough their everyday-fabulousity. Plus, who gives a shoe? It's a unique gift. Pop into Macy's or give their shoe section a call and ask if they have Zoe + Luca flats.
What are you planning on getting Mom? Please share in a comment below.
So, you bought the printed pants, now what? You like the fit, you like the print, and now you are standing in your closet looking at your tops, looking at your shoes and wandering what on earth is going to go with these [insert pattern type and color] pants.
Let's start with tops. Wear a solid colored top. The color should be complimentary to all the colors in the print. For instance, a tan, brown, and yellow patterned pant will go nicely with a green top, because green will go with all three of those colors. Another example is pictured above. My crazy floral print pants is full of yellow, white, green, baby blue, orange, and red. The indigo shade top I chose compliments every single one of those colors.
The other option is choosing a top in the least used color in the pant. In my case, a white top would be lovely because there is very little white in the pant. I could have also worn a baby blue shirt.
When talking shoes, I find a metallic, or nude works wonders. I chose a gold heel to bring out the warm tones of my printed pant. Again, you want to keep things simple. As you can see I went a bit daring with the sparkly cap toe pumps, but the entire shoe is still gold, therefore, it does not disrupt the pants' print party. If the pant had black tones, a black flat would work. Think basic colors and simple color pairings for your shoes. A colored shoe can definitely work, but can be tricky. The louder the pant, the better it is to have a neutral shoe. In my case, these pants are loud. Had I used a white shirt, I could use dark green shoes, but since I chose the bold indigo hue, a neutral shoe is a must, in order to avoid an over the rainbow look.
Kate Hudson wore a Reem Acra gown in a very relevant color with Tiffany & Co.'s diamond bracelet, earrings and ring at the jeweler’s New York event last week. There is not much we can learn from a celebrity in a floor length gown, as these types of occasions for most of my clients exist once a year if at all, but I can always find a moment to appreciate loveliness. My goodness, that dress on it's own is stunning, but when worn by this perfectly styled beauty, I am absolutely captivated.
I had set this photo aside to address on V-Style immediately upon viewing it, but I had not decided on our fashion lesson until a few days ago. As I was waiting on the first floor to visit my dear friend on the 6th floor of a Redwood City Hospital, I realized the elevator doors were Tiffany blue. Although an unexpected color choice for a muted hospital interior, this shade of blue is stunning on our bodies. Whether it is a pair of pants, shorts, dress, top, or nail color; Tiffany blue is a delicious shade of fabulous.
In a world filled with hungry sales associates and unrealistic fashion magazines, V-Style is a safe place for a style conscience woman to get real style advice and relevant fashion updates from an authentic expert, personal stylist Vanessa Valiente.
most of May, I gave it to her early. She watched it every day until the last episode and now awaits the next season. She is wild about the 20's decadent fashion as well as the fiery heroin of the series.
