Give Us Our Daily Thread: January 2011

January 27, 2011

In the Jeans?

This one is dedicated to the little ones!

Have you ever noticed children with a definitive fashion sense? Have you wondered whether their parents have styled them or if they belong to the group of those very decisive mini people with a strong fashion stance? Well, I can tell you from first hand experience that there is a bit of both going on, but one cannot dismiss the importance of genetic predisposition. And, I say bravo little fashion plates – show your colors! I am absolutely sure my attraction to fashion came directly from my mother. And, now I can see I have passed it on to my sartorially opinionated mini me’s. In fact, my four year old son, who insists on the skinniest of skinny jeans and rock t’s has made me a virtual expert on how to get that rock star in training look. And, I must share… All Saints, The UK brand which has recently opened up shop in two locations here in Los Angeles, is where it’s at. And, if you get on it quickly, you can score some super cool duds for your little ones at significant savings, as they are in their final reduction sale!

My 4 year old son Augie(self styled) in Levi's Super Skinny Jeans, All Saints Graphic T & Collapse Boot

Augie’s All Saints boy picks:

Graphic T's (Shield T shown)

NFL Jacket

Wyatt Ashby Jean

Collapse Boot

For little girls, the street urchin look is irresistibly cute. I’ve loved it ever since I laid eyes on Newt in Aliens.

All Saints

My daughter, Maxima (6) inherently styles her hair a la Gossip Girl (I promise she’s never seen it!)

Maxima’s All Saints girl picks:

Collaps Shearling lined boot

January 21, 2011

Love is Gold

Yesterday I went to view designer Sandra Muller’s collection of jewelry. We had met through a mutual stylist friend and, as it goes, ended up in the six degrees of separation game. I remember Sandra's jewel box of a store just off Beverly Blvd, here in Los Angeles at a time when Beverly was just sprouting with burgeoning talent. She now sells privately to clients across the globe, as well as through select boutiques, among them the notable Church, an edgy boutique here in Los Angeles.

Although I am not one to put people in a box, I can best describe her collection as unique, organic and somewhat mystical. The designer’s soulful take on life can be felt in her work. I was particularly drawn to her amethyst and ametrine stones strung on an Indian gold thread dating from c.1850! She has given some of this thread to LACMA where it resides in the textile library. How fabulous to be able to wear a precious piece of history. Get it while you can! As one long strand, it can morph from necklace, to bracelet, to my favorite interpretation: hair adornment. Paired with a flowing seventies dress for Summer, it is the crowning touch on boho luxe.

The Chilean born Muller uses stones which are both exotic and symbolic. Below are her Nectar of Life earrings, which are made from Trapiche natural Columbian Emeralds, yellow and white diamonds… stunning.

These were shown alongside some of her other works in the Forbes Museum Galleries in 2008.

Below are a few more of my favorites, amongst them a must have cocktail ring!

Citrine and gold flower ring

Stackable gold bands

Smokey Quartz on Indian Gold thread c.1850

To see more, visit her facebook page.

January 17, 2011

What a difference a do makes!

With all eyes on last evening’s Red Carpet, the Golden Globe Awards seem to have taken it up a notch, no longer the “casual” event it once was. With gowns worthy of the main attraction, this event has proven itself a strong indicator of what trends will be seen in a few weeks.

With the best and worst lists covered by a sea of publications, one doesn’t really need another. And, since style is individual, one person’s favorite could be another’s least. Therefore, I have decided to comment on one view that is often overlooked. Although hours are spent on hair and makeup, there sometimes seems to be a disconnect between the dress and the hair. The subtle change of a hairstyle can transform a look, take it from what's wrong? to right on!

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa. Jason Merritt - Getty

Scarett Johansson in Elie Saab. Kyle Rover startraksphoto

Put Scarlett Johansson’s hair on Olivia Wilde and she goes from pretty to perfection, sartorially speaking.

Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs. Jason Merritt - Getty

Guy Bourdin In Between

Heidi Klum was not nominated, therefore it was fine to be a little more casual. But, if we were to swap her beachy hair with Guy Bourdin volume and drama, ok goes to OKAY!!

And, Sandra Bullock’s perfectly pretty dress received less than rave reviews because it was overshadowed by overwhelming hair.

Two beauties who got the match just right were Natalie Portman who was as pretty as a flower, and Hailee Steinfeld, who had a look that was adorable and age appropriate.

Maybe next show we should be asking, and who did your hair??!

Trends from Runway to Red Carpet: Brights, especially Coral; Blush; Minimalism; architectural volume; sheen ... and seventies.

Marchesa Spring 2011

Halston Spring 2011

Badgley Mischka Spring 2011

January 12, 2011

Awards Season

The Awards season frenzy has started in Tinseltown. In just a few days, on January 16, the spectator season kicks off with the 68^th Annual Golden Globes, followed by the 17th Annual SAG Awards on the 30^th, culminating in the 83^rd Annual Academy Awards on February 27. In between the events, the Hollywood and Fashion sets will be jetting to Sundance (January 20,) New York Fashion Week (Feb

10-17,) London Fashion Week (Feb 18-22,) and Milan Fashion Week (Feb 23-March 1.) Yikes, now that’s a conflict!

My stylist friends are in high gear, busy pulling dresses, having fittings and finding those perfect accessories. The rest of the world, in the meantime wonders who will dazzle us, who will take risks…who we will cringe for! We can always count on certain fashion loving women to break the mold. And, that is what I look forward to! Last year I loved the bold moves of Zoe Saldana & Sarah Jessica Parker at the Academy Awards. Granted neither were unanimously approved of, but there is something to say about expressing one’s own unique style.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy at the 2010 Academy Awards. Photo Alberto E Rodriguez - Getty.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel Couture at the 2010 Academy Awards. Photo Steve Granitz wireimage

Amanda Seyfried looked stunning in Armani Prive's futuristic take of the popular princess silhouette at the 2010 Academy Awards. Photo Jason Merritt. Getty.

The one shoulder and the strapless were definitely the cuts of choice, while statement necklaces virtually vanished from their ubiquitous position, arm candy taking the lead. The dominance of the hourglass figure and fairy tale skirts at the Oscars following Marc Jacob’s fifties extravaganza at Louis Vuitton brings the question – following seventies laden runways, will we be seeing things loosen up a little, making for a swankier silhouette on the red carpet? We can probably bet on one hot name to serve up the slinkier side: Tom Ford. With a super exclusive Spring Fashion Week presentation and the collection kept under wraps, he has succeeded in keeping everyone at attention. But did you expect any less?

Tom Ford Spring 2011 shot by Steven Meisel for December 2010 Vogue.

What to do if you are attending one of the events, not a nominee and don’t have a dress yet, or a stylist, for that matter? See the ad I styled for 1stdibs, which is in the latest Awards edition of LA Confidential.

...Or maybe one of these lovelies:

Vintage:

1970's YSL on 1stdibs

Halston on 1stdibs

Jacqueline de Ribes on 1stdibs

Valentino on 1stdibs

Ted Lapidus on 1stdibs

Current Fashion:

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Lanvin

Under $500!

Halston Heritage

Keep in mind you want to be chic but comfortable in your look, and no matter what, avoid looking like you belong on top of a wedding cake ;)

January 6, 2011

A New Beginning

Well, it’s not the first day of 2011 but I figure as long as I make it happen within the first week, I’ve successfully embarked on my new year’s resolution. For months I have intended to start this blog – and finally the cliché resolution has made me do it, along with numerous requests of style seeking friends and acquaintances. And for all of you, please enjoy my first webisode of the year: Shop Your Closet.

Here are some core pieces from the looks at three price levels:

Silver Level:

Buy wide leg jeans at Mango Buy Always Skinny Jeans at The Gap

Gold Level:

Buy 70's earrings on 1stdibs.com Buy 70's Lanvin pendant on 1stdibs.com

Buy Vintage Fox Collared Jacket - 1stdibs.com

Platinum Level

Buy The Row pencil skirt at Barneys

I’m sure I will be attacked by religious fanatics for the choice of title, but I mean no disrespect, honestly… I went to Catholic school. Maybe since I’m not Catholic, I don’t have the guilt – ha! Now I’m really getting myself into trouble - and no – this isn’t at all meant to be political or controversial. I just like to play with words - in case you haven’t seen my weekly editorial This Week's Get on 1stdibs. Below is one I made at the beginning of 2010 but I'd actually love to wear right now. That's the great thing about vintage!

Speaking of 1stdibs, this Saturday I will be the Tastemaker on Saturday Shopping. I encourage you all to take a shop with me, as I have edited down thousands of items to my favorite picks. And, I do actually get paid for my style advice ;)

Speaking of style, I am fully immersed into the idea of 1970’s glamour. It first emerged on the Fall 2010 New York runways last February, followed by the polar opposite prim 1950’s in Paris. I was all along rooting for lady louche. And, last September in New York she emerged victorious at Spring 2011 Fashion Week.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011