Good Style Comes In Pairs

After a long day, I like to come home and be by myself for a little bit.  Decompress from the day and claim a few moments of my own.  Don't get me wrong, while I love my own personal time, I work well with others.  Somethings really are better when they come in pairs. Strawberries & Bananas, Shampoo & Conditioner, Oil & Vinegar, Chelsea Handler & Vodka... And when it comes to fashion, some of the most stylish and influential moments are conjured up and made possible by all-star duos.

Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen

The perfect representation of the balance between YIN and YANG.  These mini (literally) moguls have stepped out and proven that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.  While MK tends to have the edgier style, Ashley steps out always looking classic lady.  MK has the fantasy wardrobe I dream about.  The closet that is full of risks, up and coming trends, and never ending sky high heels. Everything completely accessorized with fire engine red lipstick, over sized sunglasses, eclectic head pieces, and a handbag collection that would cause anyone to have to take out a second mortgage.  Ashley's closet is full of timeless pieces.  Those articles of clothing that you invest in, covet, hold on to, and pass down to your daughter's daughter.  Classic pieces that continue to speak the praises of designers passed.  This fashionable duo will continue to push the hem length and turn out one passing trend after the next... And I'll be right there to envy every patent Monolo.

 

Italian Couple

I love this adorable couple. They were featured on The Satorialist and I just want to squeeze them. I can imagine going to their little villa in the country and eating El fresco while their adorable purebred Italian grand kids run around the property playing tag and futbol.  I can see Paola as a young woman with her thick hair, full of waves, adorned in floral frocks inspired by the runways of Milan.  And then there's Giuseppe, the suave stallion in his perfectly tailored and fitted suits.  What a stylish young couple they must have been.  And years later they still are totally put together for a stroll through the promenade.

  

Brad Goreski & Taylor Jacobson

Part of the "Zoe Camp" Taylor and Brad are the left and right hand to boss/friend Rachel.  I love that their styles are complete opposites.  But after watching them...yep I watch the show, they are the perfect balance for the team.  Brad is the fun and playful "green" hand, always up for a good time, trying to make a good impression and genuinely liked and appreciated.  Taylor is the stern, strong willed hand.  She makes sure that everything is in line and in order so that the job can get done well and as efficiently as possible. Yes, Taylor is FAR from fond of Brad, but at the end of the day they get the job done and all is well... Until FedEx loses an overnight package in Tennessee.

  

The Girls of Team Zoe

I know, two posts in less than one week, but credit must be given where credit is due.  This styling squad should NOT quit their day job.  They continue to roll out one amazing red carpet moment after the other.  And it's not just at the red carpet where their sense of style is seen...  Photo shoots, ad campaigns, concert tours, style and fashion is part of their soul.  You can tell how passionate they are about their job.  They have taken it upon themselves to study the industry, techniques, everything, all in an effort to enhance their craft.

The Ting Tings

I can't get enough of this band.  I first was introduced to them in February during Fall 08 fashion week, during Lela Rose's Susie Chapstick meets Park Ave. collection.  The models got ready backstage while listening to That's Not My Name, Great DJ, and the ever popular, Shut Up and Let Me Go.  Since the initial introduction the band has not left my ipod.  I love their sound, style, and quirky mannerisms.  I LOVE THEM!

The Experts

Every morning I sit at my computer with my first cup of coffee for the day and look at what was worn to premiers, to performances, to run errands, first dates, guest appearances, down the catwalk, photo shoots...  I love to see what others are wearing and how they have put it all together.  Every little detail is so well planned and thought out.  There is a 50/50 chance of an outfit being a "celebrated red carpet moment" or signing you up for the worst dressed list (I attempt to have my name on as many lists as possible, but even I know that the worst dressed isn't always a good place to be).  While some people just have the intuition to put together that perfect look, many have help and assistance from a stylist. Many of these stylist and outfits have inspired me to take more risks in my own style.  A challenge that I have enthusiastically embraced since moving to the fashion capital a little over a year ago.  I've chosen some of my favorite stylists that have consistently dressed their clients in those celebrated and unforgettable outfits.

Rachel Zoe

Many of you will roll your eyes and snicker at the thought of Zoe being on the list, but you have to admit, the woman knows her fashion!  Like everyone else I first took notice of Zoe when she was schlepping around with and dressing Nicole Richie.  Again you have to admit, Nicole came out from one event to the next looking incredible.  She even looked stunning just going to grab coffee.  Now with her own reality show on Bravo, a tell all fashion and style book (Style From A to Zoe), and a clientele list that includes some of the best dressed women (Deborah Messing, Joy Bryant, Anne Hathaway, Demi Moore) you really have to give the woman kudos for obviously doing something right.  You may hate to lover her, or love to hate her... But Rachel has made her mark in fashion and will continue to send gorgeously clad celebs down the red carpet and out to grab coffee IN STYLE.

  

Tina Chai

I love Chai's vision and determination to push designers to challenge their own creativity.  As assistant designer to Thakoon she has honed her skills and eye for perfection in details.  Chai's style sense in innate. Her time spent working with designers has only opened up her creativity and imagination even more... if that's possible.  She has a discerning eye that allows her to perfectly edit when styling runway shows or celebrities.  Not only is Chai an assistant designer at Thakoon, but she also styles designer collections for the runway (Lela Rose and Band of Outsiders).  In Rose's 09 collection was reviewed as "The Best Collection Ever," which I'm sure Chai had some influence in.  The dip-dyed chiffon and slim cut MC Hammer pants... GENIUS!

    

Nicole Chavez

Nicole is responsible for dressing many of the young Hollywood stars (many clients from the WB channel).  All seem to be adorable and cute and so pristine in their appearance.  Teacher knows best in this instance.  Nicole's client and friend, Rachel Bilson, has recently partnered with DKNY to design a collection.  Nicole's style is very lady in a girly and age appropriate way.  It's never too much and it's never over the top.  It's always the right amount of color or sparkle and the garment cut and shape is never overwhelming.  Her style isn't often about big risk, but is praised for being just right in every way at exactly the right moment!

  

Mariel Haenn

Mariel Haenn's name might be new to many, but her styling has not gone unnoticed or highlighted.  Haenn is responsible for styling Jada Pinkett Smith and Rihanna.  Rihanna has strutted her stuff to the pages of every magazine and best dressed list with the help of this uber talented stylist.  Rihanna's rocker/hip hop style has started so many trends... About as many trends at America's Next Top Model reruns on Mtv and VH1 combined.  Haenn has a way of making glamour look effortless.  Granted she has flawless canvases to begin with... but the look always seems so personable... She takes her time getting to know each client and what their personalities are like.  Keeping in mind that all personalities vary on any given day.  She doesn't just throw a dress or jeans and leather jacket on someone just because there is a designer label sewn in the back.  She takes into account lifestyle, comfort, and price tags.  Haenn is not afraid to send someone out in H&M or American Apparel.  Such a breath of fresh air!  It's about time stylist start showing middle America that you can look good, put together, and stylish without having to spend designer prices. I could go on and on about my love and admiration for Haenn's styling and interpretations, but a picture is worth a thousand words!

    

Head Case

A recent overpriced hair cut left me with limited options for styling.  While I love my new cut, there are only so many ways I could style it before the inevitable pony tail made its way to the back of my head. I needed to find some new accessories to update my fabulous but 

limiting new do. 

 I made a recent trip to Urban Outfitters and within 10 minutes I had snagged some new accessories to medicate my hair boredom.

Feather Clip

 Bow Barrette w. Gold Chains

Since my Urban finds, I've been scouring flea markets, vintage stores, fabric bins, just about everywhere for inspiration and materials to make my own adornments.  Along the way I've found tons of inspiration and ideas to dress up my basic cut.

Chinae of course has a knack for picking out the perfect accessories.  She's one of the most stylish people that I know and isn't afraid to take risks in fashion.  I love this clip!  Not only for all of the  great colors, textures, and details, but because there are so many different ways to wear it.

Ahhh Chinae!!!! She is too good! And the perk to our friendship is that she is excellent at sharing!

A couple seasons ago Prada came out with the turban headbands.  I walked into the Prada store with a friend intending to buy one headband for the two of us to share.  When we saw the $300 price tag we snickered with disgust and realized that we could make our own knock off with fabric from the closets at work.  The finished product turned out just as good, if not better than the original design.  It literally took 5 minutes to sew which makes for an easy last minute accessory for any bad or uninspired hair day!

 

(My Lydia Lydia in our faille Prada knock off)

Some Favorites and Inspiration

      

  

 

Dressing for men or women?

FACT! Women dress for women... Before we leave the apartment we make sure that every part of our outfit is exquisitely executed.  All of this work in an effort to get the "I love your..."  or "Where did you get that..." comments.  I got to wondering... Do guys dress for women or for men?  

This weekend I met a very stylish guy who's outfit was reminiscent of Dsquared's Fall 06 collection.  Although the collection received far from rave reviews, it was this collection that introduced me to the Caten duo and began my obsession and fascination with their preppy, equestrian, and edgy style.  

I'm a sucker for a man with style and of course, there was no exception here!

Whether his Dsquared inspired ensemble was intentional or not it, it was a look that not only caught my eye but made me question the Male's style intentions.  Maybe it's better that I don't know, but it is always appreciated when a man shows his own sense of style and does it well!

Dsquared: from the catwalk to the sidewalk

Birthday Cake Cover Up

A birthday celebration always means two things... Too much cake and not enough room in your well thought out birthday ensemble to house the chocolate delight. Instead of focusing on disguising the cake protruding from my midsection, I'm looking for all the great accessories that will satisfy my appetite!

I love this shoe and the color is to die for! This pair with dark wash jeans and a simple top. What a statement piece!!!! You'll see me stomping up and down the street in these for the entire fall season! (Marc by Marc Orange Patent Peep Toe Heels; CO-OP Shoes at Barney's)

I got this bag last year for my birthday and can not give it a rest. It's my everyday suitcase. I made a trip to Lake Tahoe in early May and on my return home my actual suitcase broke. Panic never set in cause I was able to fit 5 days of vacation wear in the bag with room to spare for two magazines, an ipod, camera, and a pile of work documents. I'm pretty positive that it was not intended for this type of wear and tear, but it is good to know that it can withstand the beatings it has endured. (Marc by Marc Totally Turnlock; www.shopbop.com)

My current obsession is a tie between a pair of silver Matthew Williamson aviators and green havana Marc by Marc aviators. I can't ever justify spending more than $15 on sunglasses because inevitably I will either break or lose them within 4-6 weeks. So currently I'm shielding my eyes from the sun with a pair of red resin aviator inspired shades. At the golden ticket price of $5... always a good bargain!

I was recently introduced to a new nail polish company called Butter London. The company has an array of lacquer colors that span far beyond the color spectrum of the rainbow. The benefit of Butter London is that the nail polish is non-toxic. My current color of choice is "Come to Bed Red." ($12; www.butterlondon.com)

Spring 09's BEST Collection

I have been looking through the images from the Spring 09 runway shows, making my wish list which started and ended the with the new Lela Rose collection.  The line is known for being all about color and this season was no exception.  The runway was draped in palettes of blue and yellow sapphire, lapis, ruby, and peacock accented with punches of slate, navy, and orange.  

This fire orange paillette racer back tank dress makes my eye balls burn!  The color is genius and is exactly the fresh take needed amongst the blanket of matronly pastels that so many designers brought to the tents. 

This outfit is too cute and sets the "chic bar" to a whole new level.  I want to wear this to work and then slip off the cardigan and go grab a cocktail with the girls. This is the perfect transition color from Fall to Winter and HELLO Spring! 

Really could this jacket be any cuter?  It's the follow up to my coveted green anorak from Rose's 08 spring collection.  My true love here is the pair of slate and white tweed shorts.  The a-line cut has a mini skirt feel.  Throw on a dressy top and Rose's lucite payless heels and you have the perfect Friday night last minute outfit.

This fall I am attempting to budget my shopping in hopes to save money for these incredibly vibrant perfectly edited spring pieces!