Category Archives: Fashion Inspiration

It’s a Man’s World…

Posted on November 12, 2010 | Leave a comment

I have an affinity for menswear for women.  I think a perfectly fitting pair of trousers – and I mean perfectly – is better than a skirt any day.  Blame it on the overflow of denim in my wardrobe or my past life in the world of denim retail, but the dearth of skirts in my wardrobe is not an accident.

The high point of men’s fashion is probably the tuxedo.  Let me tell you about tuxedos… When they are not rented, but rather tailored to perfection, and they are worn with a sense of confidence and swagger they are not “Penguin Suits” instead they are amazing. 

To the woman he dares to wear a tuxedo, I say bravo. 

It’s a surprise.  It is daring, and tough, and sexy.  

Well, well, well… What do we have here?  
Gap Tuxedo Perfect Trouser
Do not be surprised GAP if I am trying these on this weekend. And if they are perfectly fitting, do not be surprised if these become an answer to the question, “What to wear?”

Have a wonderful weekend, make it sparkle.

Leave a comment

Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

Tagged , , , , ,

Inspiration via France

Posted on October 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

A few weeks ago The Sartorialist featured what he called the “Shoe of the Season”; the Valentino Studded Kitten Heel.  He wasn’t kidding.  

Photo via The Sartorialist
They are ladylike with an edge.  The studded detail elevates the feminine kitten heel and pointed toe without going over board.  I love the idea of wearing them with trousers for day, and then when the day turns to night, it’s surprise.

Not surprisingly this pair is a little out of reach, but there is a lot of more affordable options that is inspired by the Valentinos.  If you set out in search of a similar style you’ll want to focus in on the more feminine shaped shoes with a slim heel and delicate straps.  The look is more lady with an edge, than biker chick or rock and roll roadie.


Happy Shopping, make this fall fabulous!

Leave a comment

Posted in Accessories, Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shoes, Shopping

Tagged , , , , , ,

Madonna, The Mother of Reinvention, an Ico

Posted on October 21, 2010 | Leave a comment

Madonna has never been my icon, but there is absolutely no denying that the Mother of Pop Music is also the Mother of Reinvention.  In the span of her career no other artist has transformed their look so seamlessly, and stayed so true to their personal style.  Who would A Virgin could become a Geisha and then a Disco Cowgirl.  That is Madonna.

There is a ton of inspiration to be found in Madonna, and not just for Halloween.  Certain signature staples like a structured corset black dress, sequins, and fishnet stockings have always been Madonna. 
In the 80’s Madonna rocks leggings, layered jewelry, virginal white and then bold neons, oversized hair accessories and lace.  Watch out for the lace, it becomes a signature.

 
In the Mid 90’s Madonna identifies with another platinum icon, Marilyn and then she finds Tom Ford.  It is almost safe to assume that in the 1990’s Madonna saves Gucci from financial peril.  Nearly fully covered in a shirt and pants, she still oozes Madonna.  She also begins to infuse a vintage aesthetic to her wardrobe as she films and later promotes Evita.
 
Madonna in Gucci in 1995

Madonna discovers Kabballah and Yoga.  Brittney and Christina want to also be like a Virgin and thus Madonna goes back in time and back to the gym to look the youngest and be the most fit.  Her wardrobe in the early 2000s is inspired by disco glamour (color, sequin), and fitness (track suits, leggings, leotards).

Madonna in 2005
Today, at 52 years old, she is Mother Madonna.  She is still a rock star, but she has added to her resume fashion designer with daughter Lola, humanitarian, and she continues to be a filmmaker.  Her wardrobe today is a sophisticated representation of the past three decades.  She still favors body conscious fits, sexy details, ultra feminine pieces but it has a more practical presentation to keep up with her travels and life.

Madonna and Lourdes
“The history of women in popular music can, pretty much, be divided into before and after Madonna.”  – Susan Sarandon


Leave a comment

Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet

Tagged , , , , , ,

Valentine’s Day in October

Posted on October 18, 2010 | Leave a comment

I love flowers; the way they brighten up a room, they way they smell, what they symbolize.  But, flowers die.  Ouch, so that was a rough point.  But just because they do doesn’t mean we can’t find inspiration in flowers everyday.

Today’s fashion proves that roses are red, and black, and beige.

There are high fashion options from Valentino and Milly what is not to love about this?

Valentino “Petale-Mini” Leather Tote via Nordstrom
Rose Toe Platform Suede Pump via Bergdorf Goodman
Milly Rose Skirt Dress via Bergdorf Goodman
Okay, head in the clouds and empty wallets, where else can we find rose inspiration?

English Rose Robe via Anthropologie
Torn by Ronny Kobo Lila Rose Print Dress via National Jean Company
daniblack Jasmin Rose Sandal via Endless
How about taking the roses home?

Diptyque Roses Candle via Saks Fifth Avenue
Flowering Twig Pencil via Anthropologie
Deconstructed Rose Pillow via West Elm
Come on you didn’t think we wouldn’t have a rose inspired baking tool? 
Nordick Rose Bundt Pan via Cooking.com
 Or go for the original, the real thing:
Sharing the Love Rose Bouquet via FTD

Wishing you a house full of roses, whether you get them as a gift, or buy them for yourself.  They are a happy, and delightful treat for anyday, Valentine’s or otherwise!

Leave a comment

Posted in Accessories, Decor, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Her Home, Shopping

Tagged , , , , ,

The Look for Less: Leather & Lace

Posted on October 4, 2010 | Leave a comment

At London Fashion Week, Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Burberry Prorsum show in pieces from the Resort 2011 collection.  I loved her look, a ladylike take on leather and lace. 

Sarah Jessica Parker paired these two items:

Burberry Prorsum Leather Jacket via My Theresa
Burberry Prorsum Lace Dress via Saks Fifth Avenue

For this look:

Sarah Jessica Parker at London Fashion Week via Huffington Post

The jacket and dress are both available for purchase online.  What I love about this look is that it is completely accessible and wearable for any shape figure, and in any color.  The lace skirt (in Parker’s case a dress) is a great piece to repurpose over and over again, and the classic leather jacket is a great day to night wardrobe essential. 

In this pairing the toughness of the jacket elevates the lace skirt and together the look is neither too hard or too soft, but a playful mix that it great to wear as we transition between the seasons.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, and often for much, much less!
Kate Spade, Chinese Laundry, Anne Klein, House of Holland

ShopStyle

Leave a comment

Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, fashion week, Her Closet, Shopping

Tagged , , , ,

Iconic Fashion

Posted on October 1, 2010 | 1 comment

In fashion there are always archetypes and icons.  The women who stand out for having that certain look – whatever it may be.  Their personal style becomes the trend and something to model.  Certain women stand out as setting trends and just following them, and over the next few weeks I’ll highlight their style – and how to be inspired by it, without looking like you’re wearing a costume, Halloween hasn’t started – yet!

We’ll start with the beginning, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  I don’t think it is an overstatement to say she is the most iconic woman of the 20th Century.  In my mind there are two versions of Jackie style: White House and New York.  These different phases of her life clearly informed what was necessary and appropriate to wear but what is most striking is that no matter what she is wearing she always looks like herself, she looks effortlessly refined, authentic and American.
Image via At its best

After the White House she maintained the style and elegance she always had but in a more casual, accessible way and defined what today is called American sportswear.

Image via Harper’s Bazaar
“No one else looked like her, spoke like her, wrote like her, or was so original in the way she did things. No one we knew ever had a better sense of self.” 
– Teddy Kennedy on Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

1 Comment

Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Her Inspiration

Tagged , , , , ,

Do You Die for Fashion?

Posted on August 17, 2010 | 1 comment

The other day after reviewing Jennifer Aniston’s Ode to Barbra photo shoot in Harper’s Bazaar, I stumbled upon a Rachel Zoe editorial.  

Zoe, one of Hollywood’s key celebrity dressers, has become a celebrity herself.  She styles Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner, Eva Mendes and Demi Moore – all in a style that seems to reflect the star not the stylist.  (Which is the mark of a real stylist – her client always shines.)
Zoe has her own personal look as well, the very petite stylist is a lover of vintage, chunky jewels, oversize baubles, caftans, her wavy hair and super-sized sunglasses.  She also has her own catchphrases, most notably “I Die”.  As in, I die for fashion.  
Rachel Zoe in LA…  in July!
 Harper’s Bazaar held Zoe to her words, and in the most recent issue, she dies a very fashionable death at the hands of good friend Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Francisco Costa and more.

Good to see fashion taking their craft seriously without taking themselves too seriously.
Harper’s Bazaar
Harper’s Bazaar
Harper’s Bazaar

1 Comment

Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet

Tagged , , , ,

A Few of My Favorite Things

Posted on August 10, 2010 | 1 comment

It’s probably clear by now where on the fashion spectrum I fall.  I think of myself as a real “classic” kind of a girl.  I live in neutrals, love my denim, and keep my makeup and jewelry on the simple, and of course classic side.

These are my favorites, some are aspirational (ahem, custom DVF), and some are within reach with a visit to the makeup store.
Laura Mercier Cake Liner in Black Ebony
I don’t wear makeup everyday, and even less in the summer.  While, I have never been and don’t foresee becoming a total face makeup wearer, I can never go wrong with the Cake Liner.  The girls got it for me for my birthday, and after it met and untimely death by falling in a toilet – tragic – I treated myself to it.  It’s an instant glamour pick me up.
Essie Mademoiselle

It might be because I am not a risk taker, but I can never pick up the hot picks, purples, blacks when that was current.  No matter the season or the event I go for Essie Mademoiselle, or Sugar Daddy.  It’s seen me through my first manicure to my wedding day.  No sense in changing up a good thing.

DVF Sketch for First Lady Michelle Obama

If I could start collecting any premium designer it would be Diane Von Furstenberg.  I think her designs exemplify the modern woman, how she works, how she celebrates and how she travels.  It’s timeless, and she’s classic.

Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses

I can’t wear the traditional aviator sunglasses, they interfere with my cheekbones and segment my face in a weird way.  But, it doesn’t mean I don’t love them.  This modified shape is perfection.

Burberry Double Breasted Trench Coat
To me, nothing says classic outerwear like a Burberry trench.  Other than updates on fit, the silhouette and style have remained the same for years – it’s a timeless must have.  Don’t believe me, it ranks up there with the classic white shirt, red lipstick, and a well fitting pair of jeans as seen in every style guide from In Style to Nina Garcia.
Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard – Tiffany & Co

This is the true aspirational piece.  I have loved the look of Diamonds by the Yard since I was a little girl.  It looks like raindrops, snowflakes, a smattering of sparkle.  One day…

1 Comment

Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Fancy in the Daytime

Posted on August 5, 2010 | 1 comment

I have always had a thing for a white button down shirt. It seems classic, always in season, stately and sometimes regal if you have that kind of neck, that’s long and statuesque.  My dad’s mom has that kind of neck.

What I really love is the pairing of the classic, menswear piece with feminine standards. 

For the longest time the outfit Sharon Stone wore to the 1997 Academy Awards was the vision of pairing daytime with evening, and working with the unexpected.  She did it again with a GAP t-shirt at a different Oscar ceremony.

Sharon Stone, 2007 Academy Awards

While, I do not currently have in invitation to an award show, I do think that the pairing of a formal skirt can be transformed into the maxi skirt and evening wear can become street wear, as evidenced by Michael Kors – the master of American day wear.

Michael Kors for Fall 2010, Saks
Michael Kors

It’s feminine, it is cut to flatter the curves, but it’s surprising.  It is cashmere, ultimate luxe, but it’s ribbed for a more casual finish. I love, love, love this skirt  – but not the price.

The idea behind this look is clean, modern, neutral, tailored and crisp.  It is not bohemian, tiered, ruffled, bright, or too sunny.  I think for Summer it’s perfect with a basic tank and bold silver/modern jewelry, and for fall the options are limitless – but keep it neat, and not overly heavy or loose with fabrics, so you don’t get lost.

Bassike, Alexander Wang, Warehouse, Only Hearts Club

1 Comment

Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Peaches and Cream: Summer’s New Neutral

Posted on July 30, 2010 | 4 comments

If you’ve been following the blog you’re pretty familiar with my summer obsession with peaches, (as illustrated here and here and with a recipe that is soon to be shared from earlier this week!)  

So far, I had only been thinking of peaches for the kitchen and how they could be incorporated into recipes, until I saw a woman walking to work – on another humid day in DC – in two different shade of peach/coral.  
That’s when it clicked; peaches and corals aren’t only meant for bridesmaids dresses and Easter Egg Rolls!  With some sun on your cheeks (or bronzer 🙂 the color combination is flattering for all skin tones.  The bright color plays beautifully with white, cream, blues, teal and navy, and depending on how it’s styled it could apply to nearly any aesthetic.

Here is what I am craving on this hot, but sunny Summer Friday!

Pour La Victoire, Tory Burch, Forever 21, Forever 21
Top Row (L-R): Hoss Intropia Coral Embroidered Dress, Corey Lynn Calter coral stripe cotton ‘Michelle’ belted strapless dress, Peach Sunrise Tunic, Jeweled Damsel Necklace
Middle Row (L-R): Tory Burch – Emmy Thong Gold Mirror Leather, Pour La Victoire Women’s Agatha Ballet Flat, Butter Women’s Satin Platform Pump
BottomRow (L-R): Lily Pulitzer Whitley Skirt Mini Printed, Bahia Watercolor Print Slim Skirt, J Brand Mid Rise 16″ Straight Leg Jeans, Bead Balance Necklace

4 Comments

Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

Tagged , , , , ,