V-Style

Stylish Trench Coats For Spring

Photo by Robin Dayley

If the trench coat has a season, it is spring. Light weight and water resistant, the trench is the perfect cover-up for the breezy temperatures and watery air of March and April. Obviously, it can be a multiple season piece (Seattle anyone? London?), but the grey skies of spring are truly trench inspiring. Usually I don't put this inspiration to use. Like hats, vests and lace-up flats, a trench coat is a stand out piece a client needs to request for me to put it on the shopping list. It's a style choice; not a go-to item like work appropriate blouses, jeans, shorts and dresses. Another reason I don't recommend a trench coat purchase to many clients is the lack of selection. Each year, Burberry and other high-end designers provide many high-quality, high-style trench coat options in the $1,000 and up price range.  This is a logical investment for a true trench coat mistress. The heavy price tag is justified in the extensive use of the coat and the joy it will create in the trench's owner, but for those with less passion for the garment, the price can be excessive. Most people, like many of my clients, are interested in a trench coat without being so die hard. They don't want to spend at the $1,000 mark, but still want a quality trench with some zing. An extensive collection of trenches that fit this bill has not shown itself in ages... until now.

While shopping for a low key client, I spotted an entire section of trench coats. I realized immediately how rare it is to see so many well priced, well made and stylish trench coats at one time. I wanted to hug them all and yell like Anchor Man, "Come see how good these look!" I considered showing the client of the hour, but it was a push for this client to even consider a studded ballet flat, let alone a studded trench. I let her off the hook, but I noted the unusually expansive trench coat selection for today, for you. Now is the perfect time to check in with your trench coat desires. Following my own advice, I checked in on my own trench coat dreams. With absolute excitement, I just ordered the studded mint-colored coat for myself. Which trench is for you? 

Kenzo $1,510

Ivanka Trump $148

Burberry $1,095

Via Spiga $138

Burberry $1,395

Vince Camuto $138

Burberry $1,995

Sam Edelman $168

Soia & Kyo $275

How Do I know When Something Is Trendy?

Trendy is a dirty word. Trendy is the same as dated, but identifying trendy pieces in the stores can be difficult. Quality aside, you want to buy clothing that will last for ages, but how do you know the style won’t date you months later if not immediately? When facing a suspiciously trendy item, go through each of these categories first to purchase with confidence and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Useless or Silly

A backpack has a use. It enables us to transport numerous or heavier items at the strongest point of our body while freeing our hands for gesturing, climbing or clapping. A backpack is not trendy, a mini backpack is. In 1995 mini backpacks were available for sale. It is trendy because it had no real use. If you had that few of belongings, a purse on your shoulder makes more sense than a tiny backpack. With the perks of a backpack (relieving our arms of a heavy load) eliminated, the cons of being easy to rob and having to reach around and take off your pack every time you want to answer your cell phone or pay for something becomes publicly and personally evident.

One is Unique, Three is a Crowd

When one person wears cowboy boots in a town far from horses or cows, people notice. As the only person in these boots, the onlookers applaud you for the innovation: “How interesting to take the boots away from the ranch.” When multiple people wear cowboy boots in a place far from horses or cows, it becomes trendy. By itself, the cowboy boots stand out in a unique way, but with more than one or two people in one room wearing something “unique” it sticks out in a negative and trendy way.

Does It Flatter Your Body? Does it Freshen Your Skin Tone?

Tighter, slim fit pants flatter the body, whether you are a size two or fourteen. When worn with complimentary garments, a slim fit pant will never go out of style because it looks good. You could even say this fits under #1’s category as this lean pant has a use. Its purpose is to make you look tall and slim. A boot cut pant also has a use when worn over boots. The wider open at the bottom of the pant makes room for that bulkier shoe. Unlike these two examples, a flared leg on a pant does not have a use. A flared leg pant is an exaggerated version of the boot cut that makes the wearer look shorter and wider. You can also trip over a flared leg, putting it under the “silly” category. This goes for neons as well. Beyond the One is Unique, Three is a Crowd category, neons don’t warm the skin and often glimmers unattractively on one’s complexion, making it a trendy color for most instead of a staple shade for years to come.

Cheap Is Out

Being inexpensive does not make something trendy, but by the time a silly or unusual garment makes it to the cheap stores like Charlotte Russe or JC Penney, it is most certainly has gone stale and trendy. Also, something that looks cheap tends to lack staying power.

Trendy items will fit at least two, if not all the above categories. These touchstones can also help you avoid wearing a non-trendy garment in a trendy way. For instance, a thin legging paired with a thin baggy t-shirt is trendy, whereas thick leggings paired with tall boots and a longer structured top is chic. A baggy t-shirt with leggings fits under two of the categories: it can look cheap, and is often unflattering, as its thinness will show every flaw while the flimsy silhouette enhances nothing.

Personal Style Profile: Jan Ed Dizon

Name: Jan Ed Dizon

Occupation: "Average Supervisor at Sam's Club by day. Avid Step Coordinator for my fraternity Theta Delta Beta by night."

Wearing: "My shirt and jeans are from H&M. The bow-tie is Penguin and the wingtip shoes are 14th and Union. The vest is from a thrift store and has no tags "

Personal Style: "I like contrasting colors when picking out an outfit. I love skinny jeans and button ups.  I shop for ties and vests that are unique and one of a kind. I guess I'd describe my style as a combination of preppy and hipster, but more prep than hip."

Favorite Store: "My favorite stores for the moment is Cotton On, Nordstrom Rack and H&M, but I love shopping my thrift stores. I have a few spots that I will always find great stuff."

Favorite Fashion Trick: "Layers add so much dimension to an outfit.  Ties and vests work best when they aren't overly dressy.  Rolling up your sleeves neatly with a button up can be the difference from the getting off work look vs I dressed up for this occasion. Skinny jeans with the proper shoes always a plus, so invest in some proper shoes. Contrasting colors in an outfit gives a person style and touch to an outfit.  A jacket can complete an outfit and lastly accessories can make an outfit standout."

On A Woman: "I love skinny jeans and stiletto heels on a girl. I repeat, I love stiletto heels on a girl! I also love hi-low skirts and dresses on girls." 

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.

Client Favorite: Lightweight Teal Rain Coat

 

I have run myself ragged catering to all my clients' needs this season. Truly, this has been my busiest December in my seven years as a personal stylist with two to three clients every day. Between vacations, present shopping, events and travels to colder areas, it seemed every client expressed a need for an appointment now versus later. I felt like I was running a political campaign with my attitude, "No client is left behind!" To their satisfaction, and mine, I was able to prepare everyone for their holiday season. 

A big ticket item for my clients this season was cold weather outerwear. Many clients needed true snow jackets for their trips back east and north, but most clients requested a lighter winter cover-up that could do well with the San Diego rain and wind. I placed various jackets on numerous backs, but I found the Laundry by Shelli Segal quilted zip-up jacket in sardinia blue ($99) to fit the bill perfectly while flattering numerous body types and skin tones. The lean silhouette implies proportioned curves for all shapes including petite and plus size, while the teal color brings out the stunning eyes of a blond mother of two client and makes the skin glow of an African American client. This color is also extremely versatile. Teal will go with earth tones as well as blacks. This is the most fabulous rain proof goodie I have seen in ages. 

Under $20 Fashionable Gift Guide For Girlfriends

Stephanie & Co Teardrop cluster necklace ($18) 

It would be great if we could give gifts without thinking of the price, but there are little parties, smaller budgets, too many friends, stocking stuffers, and toppers for bigger presents, that call for inexpensive gifts. For these ocassions, we want to save on money without skimping on style....

 1) Statement Necklace 

The statement necklace can be quite pricey, so when I saw this inexpensive gem at Nordstrom, it had to be added to the budget conscience gift guide. Side note, it doesn't look cheap in person.  

2) Nude Skinny Belt ($12)

I adore the nude skinny belt from Target. I have passed this find onto numerous clients and have acquired two for myself. With numerous belt holes, it is difficult to buy the wrong size and can be worn at high or low waist. Anyone size 12 and below can use this versatile waist accessory.

4) Printed Umbrella ($18)

There are those that love rain and those that do not. Technically speaking I love rain, but I hate cold and overcast, which always seem to come with rain and bum me out. The best way to cheer up, is to face the rain and cold with a fabulous umbrella. Whoever gets this gift will now look forward to the rain, as I do.

3) Boot Shapers ($10)

Who puts the effort into finding boot shapers? No one. It look ten years to finally get boot shapers in my closet and I love them. It may seem like an odd gift at first, but it will be appreciated. 

5) Printed Nail Wraps ($16)

Statistically speaking, very few have tried the printed nail wrap, making it an innovative and creative gift. When giving this gift, mention the tutorial on NCLA's website for easier application. 

Personal Style Profile: Celeste B.

Name: Celeste Byers  

Occupation: Artist

Wearing: "I'm wearing shoes from Salvation Army, pants from the sale section of Urban Outfitters, belt from Forever 21 back in high school and the shirt was dyed and printed by myself as part of a project I started called Terrestrial."

Personal Style: "I wear what I find comfortable, interesting and fun."

Favorite Store: "I've been a fan of thrift stores since I was introduced to Salvation Army in high school. After buying an entire bag of funky clothing for $20, it's hard to spend a lot of money on new clothing."

Favorite Fashion Trick: " I am a big fan of face painting and re-purposing eyeshadow. Why not cover your entire face in that purple glitter eyeshadow you got in 7th grade? Why not rock a glitter nose for a day or paint a stripe across your face? have fun with that you wear because as my mom reminded me last night, there are infinite possibilities."

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.

Best Cyber Monday Deals

With some help from Free Shipping.org, I have collected my favorite Cyber Monday Deals. When shopping online with a time limit, keep in mind gifts for friends and family as well as necessities for yourself. Do you need more cold weather cover-ups? Have you been itching for some gold heels? Focus on items that were already on your mind and shop specifically, otherwise you will be overwhelmed by the huge selections of each store. 

Eddie Bauer
Get free shipping and 40% off any order with code ICE.

Amazon.com
This is the one website, I alwasy hit on sale and non-sale days for EVERYTHING.

Bebe
Get 30% off any order with code CYBER30.

Bloomingdale's
50% off numerous items, plus take $50 off your purchase of $250 or more. Lastly, free shipping on any order November 20th through December 20th.

Ann Taylor
Everything is 40% off with code MONDAY.

Nordstrom
You know I love Nordstrom. Clicking above will take you to the discounted items of the day.

Lands' End
Get free shipping and 30% off your order with code WONDERLAND.

Macy's
Get free shipping on orders of $75 or more plus 15% off your order with code CYBER.

Kamishade
40% off and free shipping with no code needed.

LOFT
Take 50% off any order with code TODAYONLY.

Micha Design Accessories
Everything is 35% off with code CYBERMONDAY.

Kohl's
20% off all orders with code CYBER20.

Sierra Trading Post
Save 25% on any purchase with code CYBERMONDAY12.

Banana Republic
Take 30% off most orders with code CYBER. Use the same code for 30% off at Gap and Old Navy.

Coldwater Creek
Get free shipping and 50% off everything sitewide with code MONDAY50.

OnlineShoes
Get free shipping plus $30 off orders of $100 or more with code 2CYBER.

Famous Footwear
Buy one, get one 20% off plus free shipping with code CYBER12.

DSW
Get $15- $50 off, plus free shipping, with code  HOLIDAYS.

Delia's
Get free shipping on any order with code CYBAFFD.

Lids
Take 30% off orders of $30 or more.

Guess
Get free shipping plus 30% off any order (no code required).

Chinese Laundry
Get free shipping plus 30% off any order with code CYBER2012.

Athleta
Get 20% off any order with code CYBER.

Levi's
Get free shipping plus 40% off store wide with code CYBERMON.

Vanessa's Personal Style: Cut-Outs & Florals

DRESS: Urban Outfitters, BELT: Aldo, PURSE: Aldo, SHOES: Seychelles, EARRINGS & RING: Ariella

Flower prints can be too girly and cut-outs can be too retro rocker, but combine the two and we have ourselves a bite of heaven. At first try on, I thought the dress might be too young with its short hem and feminine shades. I wouldn't have even questioned this purchase ten years ago, but I am no longer that giggly gal. Although it took a moment, the contradiction of the cut-outs with the artistic smearing and twisting of the floral pattern sold me on it's modernity.

It's perfect for those sweeter moods that often come with dates and garden parties or it can be paired with sandals for a more casual lunch look. As you can see, I have brought out the pink tones of the pattern with rose gold jewelry and blush colored heels and purse, but light grey or white accessories can also work.

It seems silly to post about such a warm weather look with the hurricane on the east coast, but San Diego is steamy. It seems east and west have gone polar. This is why I always say, dress for the weather, not the season. Anyone in boots or pants today was sweating and silly in front of the bold sun's backdrop.

Photos by Robin Dayley

40 Years of ALDO Handbags & Shoes

I rarely post about brand anniversaries and I never post about contests unrelated to V-Style, but ALDO has been a fabulous resource for my clients and I the past few years. Although their customer service can lack sincerity, their selection and prices have saved me numerous times with both my male and female clients. For male clients, I love their men's jewelry. Periodically, my male clients want to see if they are jewelry kind of guys. We don't want to drop hundreds of dollars on bracelets or necklaces they're not sure will work for their personal style, making a $12 fashion forward bracelet from ALDO, the perfect beginning. The quality of said jewelery has surpassed it's price as well. 

I also adore their men's shoes. To get those fashion forward styles else where you need to drop hundreds of dollars, order online, seek out a niche boutique, or go to New York - which a lot of my clients are happy to do. The higher prices lead to higher quality and often solid comfort, but some of my clients have smaller budgets and many of ALDO shoes have been very comfortable for my men.

As for women, I don't often use their shoes. The heels are too high and the flats need more support, but their handbags are divine. Just the other day, I was looking high and low to find a nude purse for a client's event. We didn't have time to order online and she was on a budget. I took her to ALDO, laid out their three nude colored patent leather clutches and asked her to choose. She loved them all. I chose for her and I continue to purchase this nude purse for clients.

Then they have rose gold purses. Purses at large have not fully caught up to the rose gold obsession, leaving my clients and I at a bit of a loss. When I found ALDO's light weight rose gold purse, I practically peed my pants. I wish the quality was a touch better, but that didn't stop me and a few of my clients from falling in love with it. Rose gold jewelry needs a rose gold purse. Thank you for that ALDO and happy 40th.

In celebration of 40 years in business, Aldo is inviting you to ‘Bag & Brag’ your way into winning one of 10 handcrafted, limited-edition ALDO leather tote bags, worth $1,000.  To enter, use your phone and take a picture of you rocking your favorite ALDO handbag using the Instagram Ap and include the hashtags #ALDO40 and #bagandbrag. Once you have posted that to your Instagram account, go to the ALDO40.com site and click on the contest's entry form. At the end of the entry form there is a slot for you to input the Instagram link/URL of your photo. Contest starts today September 26th, closes November 3rd and the winner will be announced November 15th.  

Personal Stylist Style: Printed Casual Dress With Three Quarter Length Sleeves

The casual dress can be an elusive beast of fashion. They tend to be too casual and beach oriented or too dressy - for how many cocktail events one attends in a year, there are a lot of fancy frocks out there. Therefore, I am always (always) on the look out for the perfect casual dress for both myself and my clients. 

On a whim, I made a pop into Forever 21. When shopping at a cheap store such Forever 21, you want to steer clear of the polyester and dive into the soft fabrics, like rayon, in this shopping arena. These fabrics don't read cheap like its price tag. Knowing this, I tend to shop Forever 21 by feel versus eye, but this fantastic dress jumped at me with its print. Is it birds? Is it feathers? Is it pineapple tops? I don't know. don't care. I love it. It turns out, it's an abstract print - who knew? I was also aroused by it's sleeves. Three quarter length sleeves are needed for those with arm insecurities or those in need of protection from the sun (my shoulders and arms get the worst of the sun's attacks). Those who desire the sexy freedom of a dress with the coverage of a sleeve are often left on the sidelines, making this frock a real rare find. And I will mention the fun print again.

As predicted, it is a soft, but structured 100% rayon. It is also flattering as all hell - which you are unable to tell in this photo - and can work for a lunch, drinks, the park, errands and a casual dinner. It would be perfect for one of my clients and even yourself, but alas, there was only one in the store I visited and none online, but I will keep an eye out for another perfect casual dress for you.