TODAY, instead of focusing on one particular style topic I want to share some photos of women whose STYLE I ADMIRE…..starting with Audrey. Some you will know, some you will not, but they’re all a lovely lot. Each with their own individual style (of course personal stylists & an abundance of cash always helps) but these women have plenty of fashion sense and charismatic personal flair.
Swedish blogger Elin Kling. Her resume includes Fashion Director of Swedish Magazine STYLEBY and Creative Director of Elin Kling, which has evolved from her own personal blog she started seven years ago to a daily fashion journal. Nowhere is her clothing line. I love her clean, simple lines and perfect blond hair.Victoria Beckham. NO matter what you want to say (jealousy aside) about her – there’s no denying her total put together STYLE package!
Musicians as models…
We have Sky Ferreira and Daft Punk for Saint Laurent, David Bowie for Louis Vuitton and Lady Gaga for Versace.
So why not Rhianna for Balmain? Photographed by Inez and Vinoodh.
I like Rhianna because she’s young & fearless. And her mom is adorable! Hers is not my personal style choice but then again, I’m not a rock chick. It doesn’t matter what she wears she always looks beautiful.
Diane Von Furstenburg. She created the wrap dress in 1974 & it’s still going strong but her style is always evolving.“The Conversation” Web Host Amanda de Cadenet. She’s not a skinny girl but embraces her body type & encourages other women to do so too. photo: Annie Leibovitz.
Gwyneth Paltrow rarely if ever seems to make a wrong move. She looks good in everything.
SJP – because she’s quirky a lot of the time but it suits her. She somehow manages to pull it off where as other women (like me) wouldn’t dare.Kate Moss….there’s nothing more to say. Save the BEST FOR LAST!
It’s dangerous at the best of times walking into any Sephora.
Sometimes I manage to bypass many of the temptations & go for only exactly what I came in to buy. This is done with great difficulty because it means not looking at all the shelves that pull you in with such appealing product displays. You have to remain strong & focused.
This time of year we get an extra discount for being a ‘VIP insider’ (which I’m sure most of us that shop there become on the very first visit) and can save $15 on a minimum purchase of $50 (not a difficulty). So we walk in with our VIP cards that give us that little extra bonus to choose a small gift whenever we spend a minimum of $100 (not a difficulty). If you spend $500 (not a difficulty) even better – more choices. Since we always need something from there, any extra savings is a bonus.
I’m sure I needed something – just can’t remember what. Maybe extra bronzer & a nice blush. For sure I needed the inexpensive nail polish remover that you dip your fingers into & almost instantly dissolves all polish. Done! Then in the lineup for the till I spotted an Yves Saint Laurent lipstick in a most beautiful color (#12) in one of the discount bins – although I found out that it was put there by mistake so it was really regular price. I believe it found me so into my bag it goes. Then on my way home I realized the discount coupon was still in my purse – can’t believe it. So back I go thinking I’ll just get a rebate for the difference….until I noticed the YSL touché éclat (magic wand that every makeup artist swears by) in the bin for exactly the price of $50 – Done!
What a great deal because it really only cost me $35. I’m such a smart shopper!
How do you shop at Sephora?
Stuff I needed: Sephora instant nail polish remover. Other stuff I wanted needed: Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, Nars (the multiple stick) in Orgasm, YSL Rouge–Volupté – silky sensual radiant lipstick (SPF 15), YSL Touche–Éclat pen, Nars blush/bronzer duo (in Orgasm & Laguna) for purse & travel convenience.
Something I liked but didn’t buy:
The most beautiful eye pigments in the Kat Von D eye palette.
Who said wearing exposed zippers was not in style?
Cynthia Rowley Double knit and leather, $199; cynthiarowley.com.
Someone in my own family said that. They suggested I get rid of an exposed-zipper skirt when I was last clearing out my closet and it wasn’t because the skirt no longer fit or the material was not good. It was because of the zippers which this normally fashion-conscience person (who will go unnamed) said was no longer in style. I’m happy to say I did not listen to such bad advice from somebody whose opinion usually matters…especially since there are many other exposed pieces in my wardrobe that I think look pretty cool.
Zara Faux-leather, $40; zara.com.
You get the idea. Exposed zippers are where it’s at right now, and how you’re going to make your basics stand out against the crowd.
Rag & Bone Cotton, polyester, and lycra, $253; aritzia.com.Oasis Leather, $160; oasis.andotherbrands.com.
Rebecca Taylor Polyester, rayon, and spandex, $177; rebeccataylor.com.
It’s hard to create a new design element on standbys. So often, stocking up on the basics becomes boring. We try to look out for a different detail, whether that be of color or print, and find the same old same old. So that’s why exposed zippers on everything from sexy minis and shift dresses to blazers and shells give us goosebumps. It’s a way to inject an unexpected element into your looks without having to overthink it.
Ted Baker London Cotton, lyocell, and polyurethane, $325; tedbaker.com.
Take a black romper whose pockets have been highlighted with exposed zippers and you’ve got a piece that can be worn to a cocktail party, the club and to less conservative offices with a cardigan and belt. A zippered ankle on a pair of leggings gives them all that much more credibility in the “Are they pants?” debate.
LOVE IT or leave it…these elaborately embroidered, richly patterned, or gilded and encrusted with jewels clothes are pure escapism.
(left to right) Prabal Gurung, Oscar de la Renta, Tom Ford.
Slipping into them transports you to another time and place (China! Italy! Brazil!), and they radiate a sense of refinement and adventure that makes you feel like a member of the jet set.
WORK IT:
Kate Spade New York Coat Cotton-polyester, $785; at Kate Spade New York, 212-988-0259.
Some of the looks are a nod to a nation, while others are a postcard for it.
ML Monique Lhuillier Dress – Embellished polyester crêpe, $448; saksfifthavenue.com for stores.
The subtle references tend to be more universally appealing (and wearable).
Adopt a when-in-Rome (or Beijing, or Rio) approach: Pile on big gold necklaces or long gemstone earrings (as long as they look chic – not like a Halloween costume) with black pants and a turtleneck.
Hair and makeup should have a regal sophistication: Part hair in the middle or pull it back, and go for bold brows or dramatic, kohl-rimmed eyes.
LBDs have always had a restrained sex appeal, but this season designers really cranked up the heat, sneaking in sheer panels or slashing up classic shapes to expose subtle hints of skin. The look is definitely tight, leggy, and lingerie-ish but still completely refined.
HOW TO WORK IT:
This is not an Audrey Hepburn moment—the vibe is raw and seductive. Hair should have an effortless quality (worn combed back or loose and down), and go with kiss-me lipstick in red or wine. Pair one of these edgy LBDs with black pumps, or if you’re feeling bold, try red ankle-strap heels. To keep things from getting to risqué, make sure one area of your body remains covered. Choose a short dress with long sleeves, or if you’re working a plunging neckline, look for a hemline that hits past the mid-thigh. I love a below the knee black strapless with a thigh-high slit.
Rachel Roy black dress – $298Kate Bosworth wears Emilio Pucci…with perfection. Taken from Images
If you’re on a tight budget try H&M or Winners for some nice inexpensive selections.
In any event you should have no trouble finding your perfect match with so many options to be found.
Yes, but I must admit I’m a bit colour shy after having had many a colourful coat. There was a beautiful long soft leather fuschia (yup – that was an expensive mistake), an ankle length red wool coat, a mid length purple wrap coat and a shorter yellow cashmere coat (It was a mistake letting that one go). Then I got tired of all the colour, went back to safe ‘go-with-anything’ neutral toppers and stuck with that. So while they’re not the most exciting choices out there right now I know that in a year or five years from now I can still wear them. The coloured ones felt a bit dated…..of course until now.
Club Monaco – $495.00
Blame the designers. They draw you in, get you to drop lots of $$$ on every colour out there and then fade back to black. This year they’re on a monochromatic kick, matching coats to the clothes underneath (I refuse), so pick one vivid hue – whether it be scarlet, taxicab yellow, hot pink or purple – and run with it. Since you’re dealing with loud shades, keep everything else quiet. That means clothes with minimal prints, simple shoes and a few accessories.
Bonus – if you end up checking your coat it will sure be easier to find, but why bother? Why miss a chance to make a memorable entrance? For me, I’ll check my black/grey/navy/camel coat at the door and wear a vibrant bodysuit underneath….perhaps.
I’m just annoyed that I let go of all my colourful cover ups.
These coats make you welcome the colder weather. Just don’t make the mistake of buying too many.
If you do buy one, which colour would you choose? For me it would be red or yellow or purple or fuschia.
You don’t have to be a vegan to carry off faux leather.Last week I came across these bags in a little Parisienne style boutique in Vancouver and thought they were made of leather. The salesgirl informed me that they’re all made from recycled non-toxic vegan style leather. Not only that but these sensible fairtrade bags from Canadian company Lavishy are designed in Toronto and retail reasonably from $65 – $105. I liked the prints and neutral go-with-anything style background.
Features:
From their first ever unisex Viaggio collection (Italian for Travel) this messengerbag is fully padded and doubles as a laptop bag.
Made with certified toxic free & Eco-friendly durable vegan leather, this bag features beautiful prints both front, back and inside. Zipper pocket at the back of this bag will help you safely carry your wallet and important documents like passport close to you to reduce the trouble with pickpocketing.
Under the flip-open cover, the body of the bag is safe guided by the zipper closure. There is another zipper pocket front compartment on the front under the flip-open cover.
This bag also features a giraffe at the back with an antique map of Africa.
Measurement: 33 x 24.5 x 10cm / 13 x 9.6 x 3.9inch.
Available at: Meuse boutique -2005 West 4th Ave., Vancouver 604.558.0712
Love the Retro look but not sure about shopping vintage?
Lily & Cie – Los Angeles
Locating the best pre-loved pieces can be tricky but definitely worthwhile for those who love that extra attention to detail. The stores mentioned here fail to capture the true essence of what they really are. They offer so much more. They are run by truly obsessive people – scholars, men and women who can spot a 1966 vs. a 1968 YSLwomen’s tuxedo on the street, who can call out a fake Chanel jacket from a sample of thread. This is not your typical thrift shop deal although people have been known to occasionally spot a great find from one or even a rummage, garage or sidewalk sale.
Lily et Cie in Beverly Hills may just be the original fashion archive, the store that made vintage acceptable, wearable and cool. Owner Rita Watkin, known to be notoriously picky, is a true character with an encyclopaedic knowledge of fashion. Her story: before founding Lily et Cie, she worked at Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Valentino and YSL. One day, she inherited a prestigious collection of 20th Century fashion (that today rivals that of the Met and the Louvre) from a close family friend. She stored it for years until word spread and she finally opened up shop in the 80’s. On a visit years ago, we spotted John Galliano and his entourage (circa the Christian Dior years) taking notes and seeking inspiration. Ahhhh.
Renée Zellwegger & Penélope Cruz – both in Lily & Cie dresses.
Picked up from Lily et Cie – the iconic yellow Jean Desses worn by Renée Zellwegger to the Oscars. Gorgeous on her! And of course, Penélope Cruz looks great in anything but check out this Balmain princess frock also worn to the Oscars -where she won for Vicky Christina Barcelona.
Then…there’s:
Decades on Melrose, known as Hollywood’s destination for the finest vintage couture and modern luxury consignment.
Decades
Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos, aka The Dukes of Melrose, run a vintage store so revered in Hollywood that it had its own TV show on Bravo. In fact, Cameron has literally written the book on fashion. It’s name? Decades. Hand-picked items are displayed in their deluxe boutique in such a way that customers can truly see each piece for what it is – vintage couture. Cameron says it best, “When Decades opened in 1997, vintage was still rather socially unacceptable and people were turned off by wearing something ‘used.’ However, Decades educated the savvy fashionista that vintage is a modern way to differentiate your style and the edit has always been about ‘vintage that looks modern.'”
“There isn’t a season that goes by that a designer doesn’t reference the iconic Norman Norell mermaid gowns of the 1960’s. Marc Jacobs recently showed several variations. Whether fully covered like a second skin or a more bare halter style, the flat paillettes look magically applied to the body in a very sensual manner that remains timeless nearly 60 years after this dress was designed. This is pure glamour.”
70’s Courreges
“One of the big trends this fall is the introduction of the oversized bold pattern coat. Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo have both proposed this fresh silhouette in recent collections. This is a late 70’s Courreges check coat that has the spirit of the current runway looks.”\
Early 80’s Kenzo
“Everyone’s mad for plaid this season, and the grunge-redux look can easily be luxe’d up with a vintage Kenzo shirt. I love this worn casually with jeans or a leather legging. Don’t be afraid to wear it tied around your waist with a tank top for a rocker-chic vibe.”
Ruth Myers, a true vintage fiend and the costume designer for movies like L.A. Confidential, Emma and The Addams Family, gives us her top list of vintage dealers in the two cities she calls home, L.A. and London.
Kim Basinger – L.A. Confidential
“In London, I love the stalls in Alfie’s Market. Tintin is incredibly classy, and the owner Leslie has a ton of knowledge and has wonderful treasures, as does June Victor on the top floor. I also love the basement at Gray’s Antique Market off Bond Street, Portobello market on Saturday mornings and Annie’s, Cloud Cuckoo Land and Dreamtime in Camden Passage, Islington, and it’s always worth a trail through Camden Market.”
content for Decades & Lily & Cie taken goop.com mag #11
Consulting this book is a good idea before hitting your local pre-loved boutique.
Since good quality vintage can be pricey and the sizes confusing, we asked the UK’s leading vintage stylist, personal shopper (and author of new book Style Me Vintage) Naomi Thompson to create a guide on finding the best items. Read on..
1. Be prepared
Arm yourself with garments that are easy to get out of; something you can slip on and off without fuss – my favourite uniform for vintage shopping is a button-down dress. Wear minimal make-up. Many vintage garments do up at the side and have to go over your head, rather than over your hips, so whilst it’s tempting to don a red lippy to get into the spirit of things, it’s best not to smear it all over the neck of a yellow 50s frock. You won’t be judged in a shop for not looking the part.
2. Always hold garments up to the light
Have you noticed how dark vintage shops can be? Well, it’s not always intentional (they can just be cluttered places), but it sure does make it harder to spot flaws. By holding it up to the light you can instantly see any holes or repairs. The light will also shine through any patches where the fabric has become too thin and delicate. With woolen garments, check the elbows to make sure there is not excessive wear.
3. Always check the armpits
As far as I am concerned, this is Number One in terms of importance; I don’t know why it took me so long to do this automatically! Before the days of deodorant, sweat had a habit of damaging fabric due to the acidic qualities of perspiration.
4. Look at the fastenings
Double-check that none of the buttons are missing and the zips are working properly. This may seem like a no-brainer, but all too often I’ve gotten home only to discover that a crucial covered button has fallen off or a zip is faulty. Key areas to check fastenings are around the neck line where small buttons may be hidden under a collar, and also around the cuffs. Whilst you are there, make sure the belt is still attached. If there are belt loops and no belt, it’s OK to ask for a small discount because the garment is no longer complete.
5. Talk to the sales assistants
Don’t be too proud to ask for advice in a shop, especially if you are looking for era-specific garments. This will speed up the learning process and before long you will be having a friendly debate on the age of a frock. Good shopkeepers should know their stock inside out and quite often they will keep special pieces behind for the right customer. It’s also good to develop a relationship with the vendor, as they will start to look out for garments in your size and style. Most vintage sellers are passionate about what they do and are happy to talk to customers about stock, sizes and fair pricing.
6. Go for the best you can afford
Resist the temptation to buy in bulk. Despite years of collecting for the sake of it, I now wish I had stuck to buying garments that were 100% wearable and in my size. My repairs bag is huge and you can’t ‘rescue’ everything. The less you buy, the more you can spend on those show-stopping items!
7. Don’t pay any attention to sizes on labels
Sizing is completely different nowadays, and if there is a size label I’m afraid the best option is to ignore it. To give you an example, I am an 8 but fit an 80s 10, a 60s/70s 12 and a 50s 14. Now, is this because women were smaller or are current brands changing sizes to make us feel better about ourselves? This has not yet been answered, and if you are interested in finding out more read up on Vanity Sizing. Gemma Seager, who writes the Retro Chick blog, is considered to be the industry expert.
8. Always check the bottom of shoes
More often than not, a heel tip will be missing. Check the leather around the buckle and strap for signs of wear and tear. If a leather strap looks cracked, it may break off easily. Make sure the shoe is not too bendy and will hold your weight – this can be achieved only by trying it on. In some cases the shoe’s sole can be reinforced, but this can be costly. Avoid shoes where the leather has stiffened, as they will be uncomfortable to wear.
9. Don’t buy anything that needs a lot of repairs
Don’t be tempted by garments that need altering above and beyond a simple strap shortening or a dropped hem. Scant few alteration shops will do it justice and if the fabric is raw, frayed or thin, it may not last even one cold wash!
10. Don’t be scared to try anything on
If you like it on the hanger, then chances are you will like it on you, but you also shouldn’t shy away from the bizarre; sometimes a hanger can’t convey an item’s true potential, so get it on your body – what’s the worst that could happen? As a vintage personal shopper, this has been the most rewarding element of what I do. If I got a pound every time a customer reluctantly tried on a garment which turned out to be amazing, then I could probably retire!
And finally…here’s a Vintage Shopping Kit List
A tape measure. With this and a good knowledge of your own measurements, you will save yourself a lot of stress finding changing rooms and squeezing into and out of too small items.
A waisted belt to try things on with – dresses can look completely different once they are cinched in.
A handbag with a strap to help free up your hands and avoid having to put things down. (I’ve put things down before, not realized and then seen them sporting a price tag on my next visit!)
A smile – it helps with discounts
Have fun, expect the unexpected and shop with an open mind, as you never know what may turn up.
Falling for feather & fringe on the fall/winter runways.
Do you dare? A little bit of feathered clothing and fringe boots can be fun but it’s not for everyday or everyone.
A feathered skirt beneath a knit top can strike the right note, but these richly embellished garments have plenty of glam on their own so hold the bling. Adapting a little goes a long way.
Time to pull out my mohair/ostrich feather wrap bought from a trip to S. Africa. I’ll pair it with something simple and tall heeled boots.
There must be a reason that ‘almost’ every single designer on earth is gay!Where does this connection between style and homosexuality come from?
Initially the desire to create beautiful things may have been born in reaction to dealing with a homophobic society (which has changed to become much more accepting). Thank goodness because what kind of clothing would we be wearing otherwise? And let’s face it, who can teach us all about accessorizing more than a gay man? Who gets noticed more, likes to celebrate more and really knows how to strut their stuff? All in fun it’s hard to keep a straight face!““A Queer History of Fashion – From the Closet to the Catwalk” is a new exhibition at the FIT Museum in New York. The fascinating show curated by Fred Dennis and the museum’s director, Valerie Steele, spans more than three centuries of gayness. It includes 100 looks that chronicle the community’s experiments in hiding and flaunting and outdoing itself in all sorts of aesthetic ways. The show also explores the flip-side of gay fashion: masculine women.Teaser – a little bit of history:
Drag queens, often the leaders of the gay pride parade, will, fittingly, also kick off the show. Similar to the 18th-century mollies, who dressed up to go out to private parties and taverns (called molly houses), running the risk of arrest.
In the oppressive 50’s, most gay men tried to blend in and be invisible, unless at a club at night. But what a difference a decade makes. The 60’s seemed to make everyone bold and flamboyant. The gays embraced the mod, hippie, disco and punk movements. And then of course, there was Liberace. The exhibition includes one of the performer’s pink sequined capes trimmed with marabou feathers – you know, just a little something to dazzle the crowds with. And nobody knew he was gay??
There is a section of the exhibition devoted to the work of designers who died of AIDS, like Halston and PerryEllis, plus a sampling of AIDS-activism T-shirts bedecked with clever slogans and graphics.
For the really daring, the curators have included a Jean-Paul-Gaultier skirt-pant look from his 1984 menswear collection. The lender said he always felt very masculine wearing it. It would not be complete without the cone-bra corset dress like the one famously worn by Madonna.
The show ends on an elegant note, with his-and-his and hers-and-hers wedding ensembles.
The book “A queer history of fashion” accompanies the show.Worth seeing!
..starting with Audrey. Some you will know, some you will not, but they’re all a lovely lot. Each with their own individual style (of course personal stylists & an abundance of cash always helps) but these women have plenty of fashion sense and charismatic personal flair.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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