I have just completed Grace Coddington's autobiography titled 'Grace' and wow what a wonderfully satisfying read. Her life and work in fashion is so beautifully documented in the book and I couldn't recommend it more. For lovers of fashion and those who want an inside look into the world of Vogue magazine and its photographers/editors, an understanding of Anna Wintour's icy demeanor and of course an insight into Grace's personal life and creative process (which are fascinatingly tightly interwoven) you must read this book ASAP!
MODEL OF THE MOMENT: SUKI WATERHOUSE
I know everyone is talking about Cara Delevigne right now as THE model of the moment (aka MOTM for those in the know) but I think that fellow Brit Suki Waterhouse is a face to watch. She has all of the requirements needed to reach It Girl/MOTM status; a movie star boyfriend, a London cool girl sensibility (she is seen at all of the right places in the capital) and her very own aesthetic of Mod 1960's meets Godard heroine. Bangs, winged eyeliner, a mini beehive and lots of knee high socks is grabbing all of the right kinds of attention in the British fashion community, its only a matter of time before the US sits up and takes notice! Watch this space....
MUST HAVE: KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses really are a lifesaver, on a day when you just need to run out of the door and don't have time to beautify, you can avoid scaring people with your eye bags by throwing on a pair of glamorous sunnies. In my book bigger is better; not only for their level of coverage but also to achieve the Jackie O meets Audrey look. My choice for loud and proud sunglasses are by the uber cool designer Karen Walker. Opt for a tortoiseshell pair for the ultimate sunglasses. To be found here http://www.karenwalker.com/
LOVE IT OR LOATHE IT?: NAIL ART
As a lover of all things Alexa Chung and a keen watcher of her style I couldn't help but notice that she has jumped on the nail art bandwagon. Palm trees, eyeballs and glitter have all had a starring role on her nails and I love it on her, but its not for me. There is a large element of impracticality for a matcha/neutraholic like me in regards to being stuck with bright green glitter or eyeball art work on my nails! For anyone other than a teenage girl, a pop star or a young fashion industry gal I would avoid nail art like the plague. Or save this trend for the weekend! XO
MUST HAVE: THE PEA COAT
It is currently sub zero temperatures in New York and even in my adopted city LA, there is a distinct chill in the air (we even had a hint of frost the other eve! don't hate me too much east coasters). Now more than ever there is a desperate need for a good, warm coat, and year after year I turn to my ever reliable classically chic friend, The Peacoat. Acquire a good quality wool peacoat in a neutral shade (think gray, navy, camel or black) and you will have a coat that will take you from day to night. It works fabulously well over a casual day look such as a cashmere sweater, black skinny jeans and chelsea boots and will be just as chic over a slick pantsuit and pumps at night. Make like one of my favorite style icons Kirsten Dunst and grab this peacoat by Club Monaco here www.shopbop.com.
FASHION CLASSICS: THE PANT SUIT
In regards to style, it simply doesn't get cooler than a woman in a pant suit. Now I am not referring to an everyday Banana Republic navy work suit, I am talking about Lauren Hutton in her cream suit, Diane Keaton in her slick yet oversize tailoring and of course the divine Bianca Jagger in her famed white suit (see above, swoon). To sport this tomboy chic look make sure to keep your suit tailored (if buying from a high street store take it to your local tailor to get the fit as sharp as possible) and sport with a heel, kitten or higher. I particularly love Zara's tailoring which is ridiculously affordable, or if you are wanting to splash out a little take a look at what Theory has to offer here: www.shopbop.com
STORE SPOTLIGHT: CLARE VIVIER
As a proud Eastsider in my adopted hometown of Los Angeles, I couldn't have been more delighted with the opening of the Silver Lake flagship store of the fantastic bag designer Clare Vivier. Clutches, totes and cross body bags at affordable prices and in rainbow colors galore decorate and illuminate the simple space. My particular favorites are her monogrammed clutches, I am a sucker for anything monogrammed! Check out her collection here http://www.clarevivier.com/
BEAUTIFUL BROWS
When I think of my beauty icons a 1980's Brooke Shields, Mariel Hemingway and Audrey Hepburn, there is one common thread; their thick brows. A thick brow (and I don't mean unibrow a la Frida Kahlo, in my book that is a never a chic look) can define and add drama to the face. The brows should appear natural but not untamed, trimming, shaping and plucking is still required, but to a lesser extent that usual. Ladies let your brows flourish and enjoy the effect. x
TREND REPORT: The Pajama Game
Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton kick started this trend late last year and I instantly sat up and took notice. Anyone who reads this blog knows that I love comfortable, easy clothing and what could be more comfortable than wearing your PJ's during the day! I can't get over how gloriously chic Sofia Coppola looks in her head to toe Louis look; the classic navy pajama set with white piping is given a seriously sharp fashion edge with its leopard print and slim cropped cut. Add louche chic into your look and purchase the rather more affordable Rag and Bone silk PJ blouse www.barneys.com, wear with a skinny pant or a city short and a flat loafer and you will as look fashion fabulous as the glorious Ms Coppola.
STYLE STAR: EMMA STONE
Emma Stone's style star continues to shine and her appearance at the 2013 Elle Women in Film awards was blinding. I am head over heels for her magenta Valentino Resort 2013 dress; the femininity and frothiness of the pink chiffon is beautifully balanced by the clean preppiness of the dresses' stark white collar and cuffs. The dress is divine and so is Miss Stone.
STREET STYLE: MICHELLE WILLIAMS
Whether its on the red carpet or the street Michelle Williams' choice of clothing never fails to disappoint. Strolling the streets of the hipster capital Portland, Williams' choice of silk print pants, chambray shirt, black loafers and cropped black jacket is so bang on trend yet so in keeping with her overall aesthetic. William's always manages to look like she hasn't tried too hard and interprets trends in her own preppy Brooklyn hipster way, and I love her for it!
STYLE SPOTLIGHT: KIRSTEN DUNST
You can always rely on the hipster fashion darling Kirsten Dunst to sport an unexpected look on the red carpet and this yellow brocade Stella McCartney shorts and top combo is no exception! I love the length of the short and the body conscious tailoring of the top gives this outfit a girlish and mini dress like appearance. Take a style tip from Kristen and clash your citrus hued clothing with an acidic orange lip, she keep the rest of the her look simple with undone done hair and suede ankle strap shoes. Love love love this look!
TREND REPORT: THE BLACK LEATHER BIKER JACKET
So all the cool girls have thrown out their army jackets and are now sporting the new must have cover up- the black motorcycle jacket. This archetypal cool kid piece is now being redesigned by all of the super hip brands and Acne, Carven and Burberry all have their own interpretation. The through lines are; the jackets are cropped, have a shrunken fit and are a little boxy. These jackets are perfect for giving your style that androgynous boy meets girl cool factor, throw over floral's, lacy dresses and of course pair with your skinny cropped denim a la Alexa. Make like Audrey Hepburn meets Patti Smith and invest in this trend pronto! x
MUST HAVE: THE FLORAL PRINT PANT
Yes minimalism is my thing but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the more playful side of fashion. One recent trend that I have been admiring is the floral print pant. For myself I will stick to a black and white print but if color is your thing, I highly suggest you grab yourself a rainbow bright pair! The key to anyone pulling off the floral print pant is keep the rest of your look simple and neutral. Go for a solid top (pull a color from the pant as seen in the photo above), for your outer layer stick to a simple, sharply tailored blazer, trench or military jacket (army green is the new neutral don't you know!) add a sky high sexy pump and you are SET! I have seen some fabulous floral pants at my old faithful www.zara.com Have fun! x
THE ALEXA FOR MADEWELL FASHION FRENZY!
So ladies did you log on at midnight this week or attend one of the Alexa Chung for Madewell 2011 in store launch parties? I must confess I logged on the minute the clock struck midnight and found myself frantically clicking 'add to shopping cart' on every lusted after item of the collection. When the time came to check out, the total amount sent me into such a state of shock that I slammed my lap top shut and went to sleep empty handed. The next day I nervously ventured to my nearest store, terrified for what may happen to my bank account. I restrained myself and walked away with the flared high waisted jeans, the 'I'm Serious' t-shirt and the round necked polka dot blouse. The palm tree dress and leopard print booties were nowhere to be seen, but I survived and my bank account breathed a sigh of relief! What did you buy?!
LOVING THE LIPSTICK
You all know I am a little bit obsessed with Jenna Lyons and all things J.Crew and my spare seconds are spent perusing their website and mailers so it was only a matter of time before I began to covet the famous J.Crew/Jenna 'orange-red lip'. Having been a rather fickle fan of lipstick over the years I took a deep breath, and thanks to the wonders of modern technology set out on my quest to find the perfect shade of orange-red pour moi. I tweeted to my make-up artist friend Amy Strozzi what her suggestions were and she came back with two; Nars Heat Wave and Lady Danger by MAC (loving the names by the way-so fun!). So I gave them both a try and Nars came out tops. Bring a little fun and color pop into your look and give this lipstick a go!
RIP THE BALLET FLAT?
When packing for my trip to London and Paris I grabbed my trusty tan Repetto ballet flats but then a wash of hesitation came over me, dare I ask myself the question; are my ballet flats feeling a little tired? Sadly the answer was yes, I had a moment of fashion focus and thought of just as comfortable alternatives. I came to the conclusion that while my ballets flats are eternally chic and will always be easy to wear, a tan Repetto loafer felt far more current and more interesting, a little more sturdy and a better contrast to my favored polka dot maxis and trench coats. Don't worry my ballet flats are not going anywhere and they are certainly not going to fashion heaven, they are just going to take a little break :) Find your Repetto loafers at www.openingceremony.com or for a cheaper alternative go to www.stevemadden.com x
KEEP IT SIMPLE
When I saw this pic of Aussie super Miranda Kerr in NYC I couldn't help but feel compelled to write a post. I want to highlight that real style is so much more obtainable if you KEEP IT SIMPLE. In your everyday life your wardrobe can be pared down to a few essential items that you will wear for years to come, trust me if you do this you will have no problem getting dressed in the morning! I used to give myself such a headache every day when I opened my closet; I would be confronted by dozens of multicolored blouses, leopard and polka dot print dresses and a multitude of striped shirts and I didn't know what to do with it all, and I'M A STYLIST! HA! I am simply too busy and don't have the time or the yearning to wear super on trend pieces, its too much effort! Here Miranda shows how fabulous a white shirt and a pair of jeans can look, she adds a fashion forward touch to the look by adding the incredibly on trend Isabel Marant Dicker boot and a tan felt hat. Put your best foot forward and start to build a simple clean wardrobe full of well made classics and you will thank me for it!
PARISIAN CHIC
When thinking about what to pack for my upcoming London/Paris trip it lead me to dream about Parisian chic. Anyone who reads this blog knows that I regularly obsess over French fashion and my excitement regarding my trip is reaching fever pitch! I suppose to break down Parisian chic there are just a few items that you need, all of which are classic and will never go out of style; a trench (go for Burberry or APC), a Saint James striped tee (can now be found at JCrew) a pair of ankle length black capri pants (H&M have some great ones at them moment) and top the look off with a Chanel ballet flats in black or camel (or if on a budget try JCrew again). See? so easy, so simple and TRES CHIC! X
MY SPRING UNIFORM
Imagine how thrilled I was when I discovered that my spring uniform (which has existed for at least a couple of years) is near identical to that of my most favored style icon Vogue France's editor Emmanuelle Alt's most recent look. OK, I'll break it down for you. firstly lets identify the essential skinny white jean which is such a great alternative to blue denim (which honestly I am finding rather BORING) and goes with EVERYTHING. Don't be afraid to wear in cooler months either, pair with a light grey woolly sweater and a little tan ankle boot for instant chic! Alt wears her white skinny's with a low rise, I opt for medium-high, when on styling jobs as the last thing I need is to flash my undies when cuffing a models jeans! Next up, we have the chambray shirt; if you read this blog regularly you know that I ADORE the chambray shirt, it adds a laid back quality to any look and is so flattering and practical. Start building a collection of different shades of chambray and wear with sequins, floral prints and of course, white denim! Now with this chambray shirt and white skinny jean uniform I find I can take it from day to night very easily. In the daytime (unlike Alt in her vertiginous black pumps) I wear my spring uniform with white high top converse, my green army surplus jacket and my tortoiseshell cat eyes, and at night I switch out the cons for my nude and black cap toe Prada's, undo one more button on my chambray, keep the army jacket on and add my black Chanel 2.55. If you want to try out this spring uniform you can find a fantastic selection of chambray shirts at www.madewell.com and white jeans in varying rises at www.jcrew.com HAVE FUN! X