V-Style

Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, Olivia Palermo in Victoria Beckham

Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé and Olivia Palermo in Vcitoria Beckham really wowed me in these bold colored, structured silhouettes. The similar scoop of the top's hem are relatively unique and even though the skin coverage and structure borders on conservative, these dresses feel extra fresh. Perhaps because I am a little "Been There" with a lot of celebrity looks of late. Not right now. These looks have a very new born vintage feel. And those colors! May I mention again how hit-in-the-heart these hues are? These hues are hit-you-in-the-heart fabulous. 

Fashion In Film: Interview With Mena Suvari

This week I saw the pre-screening of Hemingway's Garden of Eden, which opens today in select theatres. Based on Ernest Hemingway's revealing last novel and directed by John Irvin, the film is a disconcerting tale of a 1920's married couple, played by Mena Suvari and Jack Huston. Huston is David Bourne, a poor, but talented writer that marries the well off Catherine Hill (Mena Suvari). Once married, they decide to take an extend honeymoon near Cannes, France for the summer. What follows involves sexual games, a stunning Italian woman, heavy drinking and a dash of mental illness.

Although not my favorite movie this year, I was madly in love with the incredible landscapes, music and, of course, the fashion. The Costume Designer, Alexandra Byrne, dressed Mena Suvari impeccably. Fabulous jump suits, drop waist gowns, floral day dresses, wide leg slacks, lengthy pearls, nautical stripes, and more. If for nothing else, watch the film for the fashion and enjoy a martini afterwards, as I did - or wanted to do.

Yesterday I talked with the lovely and friendly Mena Suvari about the making of the film. Listed below are portions of our conversation.

What attracted you to the making of Hemingway's Garden of Eden?

Mena: I loved the story...and it is hard to find challenging roles (like this). As a woman I could identify with her and her struggles...

What is it that you identified with Catherine?

Mena: ...(I can relate to) a woman who has gotten a certain amount in her life... and the pressure to act or look a certain way when you have other desires in you.

What aspect of Catherine was the most difficult to wrap your head around?

Mena: ...This is the most challenging character I have had to play in my whole career. Emotionally mentally, physically...

How do you mean by physically?

Mena: The whole thing was so intense and to be abroad in Spain all alone - so much put into it. I didn't even think I could ever work again... I put so much into it... I read the novel many times... examined where Catherine was at every moment...it was so hard because we can't shoot consecutively... I was all over the place... I was lucky to have John Irvin (helping me).

 

After I got the character questions out of the way, I couldn't wait to get into the fashion questions. Mena spoke to me about the authentic vintage patterns that were used to build the costumes and the accurate fabrics that were used, like wool for the bathing suits. "The bathing suits were awkward...and uncomfortable. Can you imagine trotting on the beach in wool?" Mena laughed.

Although the bathing suits weren't much fun for her, Mena is "someone who loves fashion" and every garment was "an absolute delight." Mena excitedly told me about the authentic 1920's Chanel textile that used to make the blue dress she wears when her character meets Richard E. Grant's character. She also told me about being able to choose some of her own props. "I've never done that before," Mena explained. She was escorted into a room full of authentic items from the time period and was able to pick out the cigarette lighter she would be using as well as the white rounded sunglasses she wears many times throughout the movie, "It was made from real Ivory."

When I inquired about her favorite look or garment from the film, I already knew she was going to say the rose colored, sequined, see-thru frock she wears towards the end of the movie. The dress was absolutely stunning and she looked absolutely gorgeous in it. Her lean frame and bleached shorn hair combined with that incredible gown is a fashionable image I won't forget. 

Directorial Debut of Jessica Biel, Eva Mendes and Rachel Weisz

I have a film degree. I am a fan of film. I am a woman. I am a fan of women in film. To this day men are still dominating the major roles in quality films, comedy and high power positions. I am no fan of that, but every year there are steps being made.

Last night, Glamour Reel Moments Presented by Hyundai celebrated its 5th anniversary with Jessica Biel, Eva Mendes and Rachel Weisz making their directorial debuts, each with a short film. The films were screened to a packed theater at Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. Glamour Reel Moments is based on real women’s stories, inspired by Glamour readers and then written or co-written and directed by said actresses. The purpose is to empower women in film by creating opportunities for them to step behind the camera. Glamour Reel Moments also supports FilmAid International, an organization that uses the power of film to promote social change, strengthen communities and enrich lives.

All three films are worth watching, but Sodales, directed by Jessica Biel, and The Thief, directed by Rachel Weisz, are true gems.

After the screening, an intimate party was held at the Chateau Marmont. Celebrities in attendence included Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Eva Mendes and 2008 Glamour Reel Director, Demi Moore. Eva Mendes was best dressed in Lela Rose.

 

The Top Three Fall Trends for 2010

 

To make picking up the current trends easier for the fashionable woman, I went on FOX yesterday to discuss my top three favorites for this Fall. When choosing my favorite trends you will notice that I always go for the freshest, most unique and wearable treats that have come down the runways. I never put my clients in "trendy" trends. Instead we always stick to the pieces that will flatter the body, warm the skin tone and last beyond the year it graced the catwalk. So feel confident in splurging on these three Fall trends: artistic prints, camel and tan colors, and unexpected leather. 

In the segment you will see both an inexpensive and expensive version of each trend that are all available at Bloomingdale's.

Leighton Meester Shows How To Mix Patterns

  

I adore the perfect use of two different patterns. In contrast to my usual adage of pairing a pattern with a solid colored item, when done correctly, pairing a pattern with a pattern can be incredibly unique and utterly stylish. I know I have already written about it a couple years ago, but I wanted to show you some modern day examples and give you a little reminder.

Allow me to begin with, if you really don't get it you probably shouldn't try it, but here are the basics. One, there needs to be something that unites the patterns together. It could be the color tones, it could be the size of the pattern, it could be the graphics. There must be a common bond between the prints and the fabric should be the same. Silk with silk, cotton with cotton and linen with linen. As you can see on Leighton Meester the two patterns that are paired together have the same color tones with one color tone matching exactly (the yellow). Also the patterns have a similar rhythm. Both patterns resemble flowers and are a bit pointy. Lastly, the fabrics are have the same weight and consistency.

 

Pictured above on Kristen Bell is the epitome of mixing patterns for beginners. She let Louis Vuitton do the work for her when she chose an outfit pre-made to match. As you can see the top and skirt have something obviously in common. It is the exact same pattern, but in different uses of the same color tones. Although less interesting then Leighton's version of mixing patterns, this is still a solid look of style and a great example of pairing patterns that don't overwhelm your entire look - which is what can happen if you mix patterns badly. You can become an eyesore stat if you have mixed up the wrong concoction of print. Pictured below is mixing pattern no-no's. 

    

What Not To Do.

 

Ecoist Handbag in Sex And The City 2

 

Now that we have the movie review out of the way, let's find out where to get a sweet piece of Sex And The City 2's fashion action.

One item spotted that is available to the average consumer at a relatively decent price is this silver Ecoist handbag/tote ($178) that Samantha (Kim Cattrall) carried while shopping for a red carpet dress in the film.

“We chose the Silver Mega because its very modern, the proportion is perfect, it went great with her look..it’s got a very glamorous look, day glamour” said Danny Santiago, Sex and the City’s stylist.

 

Day glamour is the perfect description of this utilitarian, modern and fabulous bag that not only creates a stylish appearance, but also cleans up the environment. Founded in 2004, Ecoist is a Miami-based eco-design company that “upcycles” waste to make durable fashionable handbags and other accessories. Ecoist's lines are made from recycled candy wrappers, food packages and soda labels and its growing list of partners such as Coca-Cola, Mars, Frito Lay, and Disney, among others. Obviously, the company’s objective is to merge design with environmental consciousness to provide stylish, yet functional, products.

I'm personally a little over the obvious candy wrapper look, but I absolutely adore the one toned versions like the Silver Mega that Samantha carried. Fabulous day, fabulous for beach, fabulous for travel.

Sex And The City 2 Movie Review (Without Spoiling)

Sex and the City Two has earned it's bad reviews. The HBO series known for pushing social boundaries with the female sex and fashion has birthed a film sequel that has scant to do with it's roots. Unbelievable and downright silly are a couple of the adjectives cropping up for Sex and The City Two. 

I would also like to add to the reviews: adventurous, hilarious and fun! It wasn't as smart or realistic as I would have liked it to be but, I am a huge fan of ridiculous. My main concern was the fashion. It was about a 50-50 split between fabulous and cool peices versus dated and unflattering looks. That's a low percentage, even for Patricia Field. 

Pictured above is a good example of the fashion mix. Samantha looks pretty fabulous, Carrie has a forward fun look, Miranda's outfit should be burned for how dated and irrelevant it is and Charlotte's looks is predictably cute. This is the kind of fashion confusion you will see repeatedly through the film.I found myself saying this in my head as I scanned each costume change: Bad, cool, horrible, interesting, dated, awesome, kind of cool if it was styled differently, dated, ugly, unflattering, cool, terrible, that's fine...

Let's end the review with some of the cool looks - pictured below.

 

 

 

 

What is a Peplum? Should I Wear A Peplum?

 

A peplum is a a flared ruffle attached to the waistline of a dress or jacket or blouse. The peplum has been been popular a few times in fashion history including Elizabethan times and the 1980's. Today brings a new resurgence of the peplum and I wanted to let you know that it is okay to get on board with the peplum trend with a little bit of advice. 

      

When a trend is on it's 3rd, 4th, 5th or 100th time around you have to be careful when wearing it. You don't want to emulate the past form it took. You want to reinvent it, embrace the fresh and modern version. If you are feeling a little too King James or Prom '86 coming on when you put on a peplum, skip it. An example, last Saturday Jessica Alba wore this Marios Schwab dress with a peplum - this isn't the freshest version of a peplum so I would say skip it. Even though the top portion of the dress is elegant and modern, the long skirt added to the peplum mimics too much an 80's silhouette. 

Hints to keep in mind to avoid the 80's look: 

1) Avoid pastels, florals, and geometric patterns and stick to neutral colors like grey, black, nude and olive green. 

2) A shorter peplum tends to be more modern.

3) Go towards peplums that have more of a flare to them and less of a ruffle.

Great peplum looks pictured below:

 

Porter Grey Embroidered Peplum Dress with Cutout Back

  

Aqua Peplum Combo Dress

 

Pink Tartan Peplum Suit Jacket

 

Jennifer Lopez in The Back-Up Plan

Last night I saw a pre screening of The Back-Up Plan starring Jennifer Lopez and Alex O’Loughlin. Although there are numerous funny occurrences and one screaming good scene, the middle drags and the cheese factor reaches uncomfortable levels. Plus most of the movie is unrealistic both emotionally and physically. The desirable side, there is an unconventional hot guy and Jennifer Lopez is truly looking fabulous. 

The costume designer Karen Patch chose a sexy bohemian look for this baby hungry crazy woman. With fake eyelashes, Jennifer Lopez as Zoey begins the movie in a Missoni-esque thigh length sweater belted over a simple dress with killer black boots. A fabulous look.

She is also shown wearing a shoulder bearing jumpsuit with harem pants that I must have! Her jewelry is marvelous too with a leather wrap bracelet and fabulous gold earrings used a couple different times throughout the movie. As a pregnant woman her style takes a bit of a downturn, but her short sleeve trench is a must have for any woman with or without child. She also did look quite good as pregnant bridesmaid. Anyone with a pregnant bridesmaid should check out this movie.

Basically, if you adore Jennifer Lopez, you will love this movie, if you don’t you won’t. The Back-Up Plan opens in select markets tomorrow, Friday.

 

Personal Stylist Discusses Affordable Looks on The CW

 

As a personal stylist I am working with all kinds of budgets from high-end, to medium and low. My clients love this because although my hourly rate stays the same per client, the money spent on shopping always varies depending on the client's preferences, needs, and budget. This is the perk of a personal stylist versus working with retail associates or department store "stylists." I receive no commission and take my clients to various stores so their wardrobe gets that untraceable, timeless and stylish look of someone who has numerous brands versus just one or two.  

In this recent news clip from The CW6, I am demonstrating how I work with a small budget. I was given $975 to put together 13 stylish looks at Marshalls for the ever fabulous Renee Kohn of San Diego Living. Talk about a challenge, if I can work it in Marshalls, I can work it anywhere. Click here to watch it.