V-Style

Black & White Dresses on Zoe Saldana & Rooney Mara At Cannes Film Festival

Photo Credit: Graham Whitby Boot/Photoshot/AdM via Instyle

Apparently Cannes is not that great. Having just returned from the Riviera, where Antibe is stunning and Nice is quite nice, I would say the only reason to visit Cannes is for the Film Festival. The Cannes Film Festival brings out some of the most creative films, shinning stars and fabulous outfits. This year I was drawn to Rooney Mara wearing a Christian Dior black and white dress. You could say it is a color blocked look as the top is a block of white stacked on the block of black skirt, but the term color blocking brings to mind trendy trends, versus timeless chic, and this dress will forever be beautiful.

Generally I am not a fan of black and white. It's trend driven, harsh on the skin, and costumey. Black and white always reminds me of Beatle Juice's suit; which my older brother wore for Halloween in the 90's and then I wore, just cause, to school in 7th grade. Yes, I  wore a black and white striped blazer to school and I felt innovative. Having felt innovative as a young girl in the 90's knowing little of what's been done and what has not, I can say with confidence, today black and white is very done, unless it is executed in a flourish of elegance, Rooney style. Keep this in mind as black and white rages like a forest fire in the stores. Don't be drawn in by the cheesy prints and pieces like Zoe Saldana's Cannes frock. While Rooney shows the Riviera how black and white is done right, Zoe arrives as a victim of trends in Emanuel Ungaro by Fausto Puglisi. Although well made with a stroke of theatrics, it still speaks of right now, or worse 1995, versus forever.

Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News via Instyle

Will you be weaing black and white? Please share in a comment below.

Great Gatsby Fashion For Modern Day

dress: ASTR, shoes: Seychelles, earrings: House of Harlow 1960, bracelet (rt): Gorjana, bracelet (lft): Vince Camuto, watch: Styleco, necklace & rings: Argento Vivo, purse: vintage. Vintage Photos Source: My Vintage Vogue

The flourish of the 1920's style is by far my favorite look of decades past. I relish the resurgence of the fashion brought on by the newest Great Gatsby film with Carey Mulligan and Leonardo Dicaprio. Beyond it's obvious appeal of sparkles, jewels, fur, tassels and hats, the style calls to me on a personal note. When I look at a drop waist frock, paired with a pile of necklaces and a silly hat, I see the purpose of modern day fashion in its truest form. Fashion is supposed to be fun and no decade's style is more fun, more dazzling. Dressing in a 20's look, reminds me of my little girl self covering up in a sparkley teal robe, sporting a crown and plenty of jewelry, dancing around my room in my mother's heels. I was not doing this for a man, I was not doing it for society, I was doing it for me. I was dressing up for fun. The Great Gatsby look is for you, my god, get into the fun of it. 

To reap all the joyful benefits of the jazz age clothing, throw a themed party, but adding it to your everyday life is easier than you think. A pile of pearls and diamonds here, a incredible hat there, and a drop waist dress tomorrow will give you the essence. 

Jennafer Grace $18

1920's was all about interesting hats, with the cloche being the most stereotypical; however, numerous head coverings were used from larger brim hats and silk scarves to turbans. 

Half Past Noon $88

Long necklaces of pearls, diamonds, pendants and more, more, more says 1920's. Recently I visited London's Victoria & Albert Museum to find a delicious glimpse of the 1920's tassel necklace. 

ASTR $69

The 1920's is absolutely famous for the drop waist, an generally unflattering silhouette that works best on women with lean arms and longer legs. This silhouette is hard on the busty and those with extra weight, but if you are feeling the look, sport it. I love wearing a short and breezy drop waist dress in cotton for day (first picture) and going all out with the beads and sequined drop waist for evening. 

What is your favorite part of the 1920's? Please share in a comment below.

Kate Bosworth's JewelMint.com Review

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley/Dayley Photography

There is nothing I am more passionate about then protecting my clients from victimization. I see it everyday during the closet purge, women that were convinced by a sales associate that they just had to have some overpriced, wrong colored, ill fitting garment. Is making that few dollars commission worth a lie? Not to me. I worked retail for two weeks when I was 15-years-old. I quit because they wanted me to push and sell people things they don't need. They were so confused by my need to please the customer, not the corporation. I am not here to sell, I am here to help. I am not interested in deceit.

On that note, I recently checked out JewelMint.com made popular by Kate Bosworth. I did my usual pop over and evaluated the website. Fresh and clean layout, clear pictures of cute items, good prices (if the quality is there), and free shipping. With my tight schedule, I am zipping through clothing and websites. An online retailer has little time to make an impression and I never give a second glance to fashion websites that charge shipping (that's how Gilt lost me). Jewel Mint passed my speedy once over. I pick two items worth wearing. I received them timely in cute boxes. They are stylish enough and the rings I bought even make it into two of my photo shoots.

This week I return from London and look at my American Express account to check out how much damage the pound sterling has done to me. As I browse my purchases, I see Jewel Mint has charged me $29.99. I call in to correct the mistake. The purchase I made was in April. It turns out when I made that purchase in April I was enrolled into a monthly subscription, and this is the second month I have been charged. I felt stupid and the Jewel Mint's customer service made sure I felt stupid. They explain it is written everywhere. I believe her and assume the French wine I favor has taken it's toll on me. I explain how stupid I feel, and request a refund as I don't have any foreseeable plans to use Jewel Mint again. I am trying not to react to her already biting tone. When she informs me that the charges are non-refundable, I explain how quickly I shop and did not understand that I had signed up for a subscription. She gets snide and offers me a $9.99 credit which affords me nothing on the site. Just another ploy for me to spend more money with them. I decline the credit.

I tell her to inform Jewel Mint's PR team that a negative review will be written. She seemed pleased with this information and asked if there was anything else I would like. I said, no. We parted the proverbial ways. Although angered by her treating me like an absolute fool, I assume I was one. I did just yesterday leave my groceries in the back of my car for three hours. The goat cheese didn't make it.

I go back to jewelmint.com and start fresh. I type in the url and wait for "Jewelry Subscription" to blast across the homepage. Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman did tell me it was written everywhere, yet absolutely nothing of the subscription is stated on the home page. I sign up and take the little fashion quiz - nothing is written about a subscription. I receive an e-mail about the great pieces they get monthly, but again, mention nothing of a subscription or that I will be charged monthly. Ok. So, I pick the first cute pair of earrings I see and head to checkout and look for what Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman was talking about. Nothing of the subscription is noted. And then I scroll to the bottom of the page... in the finest light grey print it says that if I purchase this pair of earrings I will have signed up for a subscription and will be charged $29.99 every month. I no longer feel stupid. Well, the whole grocery fiasco makes me feel like a royal idiot, but Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman is wrong. Even when deserved, I look down on rudeness, but when it is unwarranted, I become incensed. There is no need to make me feel like a fool when anyone could make this kind of mistake. I realize now she must gets calls like this every minute. Hence the crankiness.

I am horrified by this incident for a few reasons. First, I expect and almost welcome a rip-off in a foreign country's street markets. They need the money more than I. I do not expect Kate Bosworth's jewelry company to deceive me. When you first sign up for Jewel Mint they send you e-mails to get you to buy. Once you buy and discreetly sign up for a monthly subscription, they no longer send you anything. Perhaps to let those monthly charges go by quietly. I have zero tolerance for such non-sense. It is not the money, it is the disrespect. Jewel Mint and its sister companies is what gives online shopping a bad name. This is why I stick to the same online stops over and over again. They have my trust. Trust is invaluable. Trust is why my business is successful. I believe in my services and I am more than open. I charge by the hour and often give free time to clients without them even knowing. I wish more businesses would as honest and generous.

What companies do you trust? Please, share in a comment below.

When To Carry A Crossbody Bag

How men wander the streets with only a wallet in their pocket is beyond me. Even when down to the basics, I am carrying my ID, money, business cards, sunglasses or eyeglasses, lip blam, sunscreen, keys, cell phone and tissue. Did I mention that my keys have a sizable pepper spray attached to it? I can't fit it in any of my pant pockets, let alone my dress pockets, without someone thinking I am a transvestite with a boner. 

Thankfully, a purse can solve that, but there are times I just don't want to carry around a fabulous handbag that fits everything I could possibly need. On the flip side, there are times I don't want to be Kate Middelton with my teeny pocketbooks. Sometimes I want to carry more than the basics and less than my everyday action. For those occasions, I recommend the crossbody bag - a bag of smaller proportions (8-9 inches wide is a good size) with a longer strap. You place the strap over your head and slip one arm through so that the strap sits across your chest and has the bag rest against your hip. If you are the prowl, Chloe handbags' have some marvelous pieces. 

The key to having a crossbody bag is knowing when to wear it. The crossbody bag can wrong you if worn inappropriately. One second you are feeling stylishly adorable with your crossbody bag, a moment later you realize you should have brought more with you, or it turns out the crossbody bag is too casual for the occasion. 

1) Metropolitan Travel

New York, London, Chicago, Boston, Mexico City... any city you are not renting a car needs a bag that can carry your everyday stuff without weighing you down on your walks, cab rides and public transportation. It's also the hardest purse to mug.

2) Casual Hiking/Walking

A casual day walking a park, or hitting some not-so-steep hills doesn't need a big bag or camping gear, but may call for sizeable items like sunscreen and sunglasses.

3) Shopping Event/Crowds

Perhaps you are dressed up a bit, heading into a crowd, picking things up, putting them down. The crossbody leaves hands free to mosey the merchandise while de-bulking your look in a crowded room. No one wants to bump into your purse.  

4) Concert/Dancing/Amusement Park/Crowds

No one wants to dance with a bulky bag or hands full. Nor do you want to pop onto a roller coaster and watch your things go flying. A tightly shut crossbody bag is the way to go.

5) Work

Depending on your job, you may need to bring a lot of things into the office, i.e. laptop, research, lunch etc; but all that can go in your computer bag. Once all your materials are in the office, you may end up outside the office for meetings, gym or taking a break, where a large tote is not needed.

Where do you carry your crossbody bag? Share in a comment below.

Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas

My mother made it her duty for us to dream, create and invent. I have memories upon memories of fabric stores, crafts shops, and art supplies. Everyone of us children always had a drawing pad at our disposal, though I was a terrible artist. Unlike my brothers who could draw X-Men characters with their eyes closed and went through sketch paper like water; I drew tables, chairs, awkward faces, and dresses in barely used notebooks.

Despite my inept rendering skills, my mother's arty enabling was infectious. I barely noticed my lack of genius. I even remember standing in the backyard with my dog, wondering if I was going to be the next Picasso. I was that young and that adored by my mother, the possibilities of who I could be and what I could do seemed endless. It was more out of boredom, then realizing I had no talent, that had me drop the pencil and pick up Vogue and Instyle. The moment I saw my mother tear out sheets of beautiful images from the Condé Nast pages, I wanted part. I only had to ask once before she started giving me most of her fashion and decór magazines, and eventually my own subscription. Once the magazine was in my hands, I followed suit and tore out the images I found interesting or beautiful. My drawing pads were no longer empty. Soon they were filled with stylish collages.

I have only realized recently the moment I began tearing up Instyle, I began my path as a stylist. As a stylist, you curate, not create. Sifting through the magazines, finding the best images, then putting them together to form an attractive and balanced collage was practice for what I do today. Realizing how powerful this practice was, at such a young age no less, made me realize my mother's influence on my career. It was my mother that provided me the prerequisite tools to becoming a stylist... Mom deserves some recognition. In fact, let's give her a day. Let's give her May 12th. Let's give all mothers May 12th to thank them for all they have done for us. I shall call it Mother's Day. Let's talk gifts. 

1) Miss Fisher's Murder Myseteries

This is what my mom gets this year. Not to worry, I am not publicly spoiling her gift as she has already received it. Since I am in London most of May, I gave it to her early. She watched it every day until the last episode and now awaits the next season. She is wild about the 20's decadent fashion as well as the fiery heroin of the series.

2) Kindle 

I love holding and smelling a good book, but with all the traveling I've been doing, books have become a weighty nuisance. I just bought the e-reader Kindle and am really impressed with the light weight reading. All those books on one little thing? Seems like magic. If your mother travels a lot for work, retirement or other reasons, a kindle is divine. Particularly now that a new ergonomic Kindle case is coming out, your mom will love it.

3) Scarf

A go-to gift, I love a beautiful scarf, especially a colorful one like Jonathan Adler's retro floral. The navy tones will wake up her skin, while the yellow says fun. A bonus, have her watch Nordstrom's "4 Ways to Tie A Scarf" series. I am sure she will learn something new.

4) Sentimental Jewelry

There is something so beautiful about jewelry. It can become an everyday piece - a constant reminder of someone's affections, in this case, yours. Or it can be a special occasion piece that makes the evening or event that much more memorable. Tiffany's Paloma Picasso olive leaf collection has caught my eye as a perfect gift that will last for years. From the earrings to the necklaces, they are stylish yet subtle pieces your mother could wear often. I also love Argento Vivo jewelry as a gift, especially the Chalcedony's pendant necklace. 

5) Shoes

An odd choice, especially if you don't know her size, but I have fallen in love with Zoe + Luca flats at Macy's. Oddly, they are not available on Macy's website and literally cannot be found on the internet. But in San Diego's Fashion Valley Macy's there they sit: weaved, comfortable (!), stylish and available in various colors. I am putting them on so many clients, including myself, and I can't emphasize enough their everyday-fabulousity. Plus, who gives a shoe? It's a unique gift. Pop into Macy's or give their shoe section a call and ask if they have Zoe + Luca flats.

What are you planning on getting Mom? Please share in a comment below.

How To Wear Printed Pants

top: Forever 21, pants: J.Crew, jewel ring: Macy's, gold bands: gifted from Mimi & Lu, bracelet: Vince Camuto, heels; J.Crew, clutch: Kate Spade

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley/Dayley Photograph

So, you bought the printed pants, now what? You like the fit, you like the print, and now you are standing in your closet looking at your tops, looking at your shoes and wandering what on earth is going to go with these [insert pattern type and color] pants.

Let's start with tops. Wear a solid colored top. The color should be complimentary to all the colors in the print. For instance, a tan, brown, and yellow patterned pant will go nicely with a green top, because green will go with all three of those colors. Another example is pictured above. My crazy floral print pants is full of yellow, white, green, baby blue, orange, and red. The indigo shade top I chose compliments every single one of those colors.

The other option is choosing a top in the least used color in the pant. In my case, a white top would be lovely because there is very little white in the pant. I could have also worn a baby blue shirt.

When talking shoes, I find a metallic, or nude works wonders. I chose a gold heel to bring out the warm tones of my printed pant. Again, you want to keep things simple. As you can see I went a bit daring with the sparkly cap toe pumps, but the entire shoe is still gold, therefore, it does not disrupt the pants' print party. If the pant had black tones, a black flat would work. Think basic colors and simple color pairings for your shoes. A colored shoe can definitely work, but can be tricky. The louder the pant, the better it is to have a neutral shoe. In my case, these pants are loud. Had I used a white shirt, I could use dark green shoes, but since I chose the bold indigo hue, a neutral shoe is a must, in order to avoid an over the rainbow look. 

Kate Hudson Wears Tiffany Blue

Kate Hudson wore a Reem Acra gown in a very relevant color with Tiffany & Co.'s diamond bracelet, earrings and ring at the jeweler’s New York event last week. There is not much we can learn from a celebrity in a floor length gown, as these types of occasions for most of my clients exist once a year if at all, but I can always find a moment to appreciate loveliness. My goodness, that dress on it's own is stunning, but when worn by this perfectly styled beauty, I am absolutely captivated.

I had set this photo aside to address on V-Style immediately upon viewing it, but I had not decided on our fashion lesson until a few days ago. As I was waiting on the first floor to visit my dear friend on the 6th floor of a Redwood City Hospital, I realized the elevator doors were Tiffany blue. Although an unexpected color choice for a muted hospital interior, this shade of blue is stunning on our bodies. Whether it is a pair of pants, shorts, dress, top, or nail color; Tiffany blue is a delicious shade of fabulous. 

Eco Friendly Fashion

Annie & Jade

My mom wrapped four baby bums in cloth diapers and took large totes to the grocery to avoid their plastic bags. At 26 years old in 1982, Gwendolyn Valiente was beyond her time as a young mother of four in a decade of wasteful decadence. She taught us to protect the earth and care for the people on it. Earth day always reminds me of my childhood and the "caring" lifestyle I was taught and strive to mimic today. To celebrate, here are some fashions that keep the earth and humanity  in mind...

annie & jade is a modern eco-luxury brand of women's clothing that uses earth-friendly Siro-Micro Modal (knitwear), 100% pure silk and a new 100% natural wool with woven elements to create color and tone without the use of dye. They also contribute to the Carbonfund.org for any part of their line that cannot be made in an eco-friendly way.

SSeko $250

Sseko began as a way to generate income for high potential, talented young women in East Africa to continue on to university. Every woman who has graduated from Sseko is currently pursuing her college degree. In addition to their university-bound team, Sseko also employs a full-time team of women from all walks of life. Sseko Designs provides the opportunity for these women to end the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society.

Dalia MacPhee

Dalia MacPhee is a vegan clothing line that plants a tree every time you purchase a gown in the Tahoe National Forest. An illegal campfire destroyed much of the area a few years ago leaving black tree skeletons. Dalia's goal is rebuild the entire forest.

Raven & Lily $18

All Raven & Lily products are fair trade and eco-friendly. Their employee women in need from all over the world to hand-make these stylish goodies from recycled and naturally-dyed materials.

Social Good Network turns your everyday online purchases into support for the causes you care about. When you shop your usual retailers from Amazon.com to Bloomingdale's, the purchases you make through socialgoodnetwork.com generates donations to benefit the causes you select. 

Future Standard $85

This cosmic print scarf is designed, produced, and naturally dyed by the L.O.V Project. Their philosophy focuses on being close to nature. Every scarf is handmade, fair trade and one of a kind.

Why Wear Higher Waisted Jeans?

Citizens of Humanity 'Rocket' $176

My belly sticks out. A lot of my clients' bellies stick out. Then there are others that just don't like muffin tops or pressure across their lower belly. Jeans in particular can really emphasize a belly insecurity. The solution to belly bee-bop is a higher waist. My clients are loving the high waisted jeans I am showing them from a size 26 waist to a size 16. Here are my favorites...

Citizens of Humanity is my go-to for jeans anyways, but their high rise 'Rocket' jeans in black, white, and traditional blue are exactly what I am seeking for my clients. We love the comfort, softness and flattering aspect of the jeans. Also in my high rise denim dressing room is J Brand, NYDJ, Seven For All Mankind and I am trying out Habitual. 

J Brand 'Maria' $200

Seven For All Mankind $169

NYDJ $110

Habitual $165

NYDJ $140

Best Statement Pants

Michael Kors

Fancy pants, statement pants, printed pants, patterned pants, weird pants, whatever you want to call them, they are available in stores and tugging at your fun side. Putting feathers aside, I can't think of anything more fun than a printed pant. In a pair of loud pants, you feel whimsical, ready for fun and stylish as all hell. Next week I will tell you how to wear these patterned legs, but first we need to get them in your closet. Here are some of my favorite printed pants out there right now and why.

In J. Crew stores, but mostly online, there is an incredible selection of printed glory. Striped, brocade, polka dots, florals, and silk foulard is all on the menu. You will notice most of their printed pants are capris or ankle length. This is good. A printed trouser can be dated, a lengthy skinny can be too trendy and a longer straight can seem a mixture of the two. If you are more classic or nervous of this loud pant, stick with the more popular ankle pant or straight capri, but there are always exceptions. Solange's Michael Kors longer cloud print pants above is one exception, as is the wide BCBG pant pictured below. 

J.Crew

BCBG $198

Two by Vince Camuto $99

7 For All Mankind $225

Nanette Lepore $298

 

Paige $189

Not Your Daughter's Jeans $120

Vigoss $58

Who Can Wear Coral Lipstick

Without interest in television, mass news or You Tube; I find myself  at the mercy of my social circles, a small collection of requested e-mail notifications, and press releases. You may be surprised the range of pop culture knowledge the word of mouth and my Inbox brings me. One of my recent press release treats involves the fabulously bizarre music video, Stevie Jobs by  nuvo-jazzy pop singer Petite Meller. The tune may not be your cup-o-tea, and the gargantuan mouse covered in maple syrup may not be the most pleasant sight, but I adored Petite's use of Yve Saint Laurent's Rouge Pur Couture in orange imagine.

This bright coral shade stands boldly against her fair skin, blonde hair and neutral hued outfits. I find Petite proves this almost neon shade works best with neutrals like white/cream and black. It will also work with navy and grey. You don't want to pair this shocking shade with other bright colors like red, purple, pink or green. If you are feeling more daring, a happy yellow or brilliant blue pairing can be a fun exception.

As for who can wear coral lipstick, fair or very dark skinned is best. If you have red or strong yellow undertones, best to skip the coral shade. You want contrast between the color of your face and the bold lip. Otherwise, your look goes 80's and/or your face seems to bleed into a wound in the mouth region.

The Best Places To Shop

Ted Baker

People are always asking me where I take my clients shopping. Generally, I reply with, "No store is safe from me." I shop everywhere from independent boutiques, to online only retailers, and scour Fashion Valley Mall's selection of stores. It all depends on the client's size and style. For instance, for my plus size women, I shop Nordstrom's plus size section, Macy's plus size section, stop into Chico's for a few pieces and occasionally JC Penny's. Beyond that it's out shopping list that dictates...

Nordstrom is my go-to for dresses, diverse jeans, bohemian styles, quality trendy pieces, comfy casual looks from Halogen and Caslon, and slimming basics. If we are looking for business looks, I immediately look through Classiques pieces. I also check in with Elieen Fisher and Nic + Zoe for certain clients.  To continue their roll, I love Nordstrom's lingerie section for bras, leggings, slimming undergarments and tights. I use their BP section for petite clients, and trendier styles. 

Bloomingdale's has amazing cashmere, good jeans selection, specific brands and fabulous sales. I go here for Theory slacks and separates, their Joie selection, Tory Burch sweaters, BCBG pieces, and higher quality Aqua pieces. I love Aqua's casual dresses. Our San Diego location also carries Ted Baker goodies, Karen Millen dresses and a solid section of bras and formal dresses. 

I use J. Crew for shorts, a shoe or two, a jacket or two, a dress or two, their belts and casual pants. They also have an amazing jewelry piece or two. It only takes a moment to shop in J. Crew. You just get your few peices and go.

Ann Taylor is my go-to for slacks. They also have a great top every now and then, an appropriately sexy pump or flat, and on trend jewelry you can use for the office and play time. I also use Banana Republic for their accessories, but next to never use their clothes for my female clients. I adore their men's clothing, though. 

Although I recently had to write a stern letter for their customer service, Macy's is amazing for accessories. From socks and belts to jewelry and shoes, Macy's has a great selection and delicious sales. Although I rarely use them for clothing, I love their coat selection and their Bar 111 brand. Their Impluse section in general is useful for myself and younger, edgier clients that I shop without. I don't like taking clients with me to Macy's due to the messiness and under developed sales staff. 

Zappos.com is another must shop on my roster. I constantly use them for shoes, handbags and the occasional garment. For sunglasses, I use Nordstrom and Sunglass Hut.

The last noteworthy store is Zara. For my size 8 clients and under, I shop here for jackets, unique pieces, basic leggings and tops, and jewelry. I never use their shoes.

Of these stores, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Zappos and Banana Republic are affiliate advertisers on my blog. When you click on a link to one of these stores from V-Style, I make a small commission if you purchase something. I pursued them as advertisers because I love them. Without these stores, especially Nordstrom and Zappos, my job would be incredibly difficult. The rest of these stores on my list; Zara, Macy's, Ann Taylor, J Crew and such, have chosen not to advertise with me, but that does not stop me from writing about them. You can always trust that I am recommending the brands, styles and specific pieces that I am recommending to my clients or using myself. I often decline advertisers because I don't approve of the product or store. 

Most Versatile Purse Color

Cole Haan handbag, Elliot Lucca wallet

Like many of my clients, I have no interest in multiple options for my perfect everyday purse. If I am going to change out my purse, it is for a clutch on an evening out, not my day to day schedule. I don't have the time or desire to mess around with different hobo bags on a Tuesday morning. I need one fabulous sac that will hold everything I need, compliment all my outfits and stay on my shoulder without destroying my posture. Particularly for me, to find a purse like this is an incredible feat. I go from red to black to shorts to shift dresses, and jewelry swings from gold to silver to bronze to gold. 

Right away, a black purse is the least versatile. Even if you wear black all the time, a black purse is no good. It is too much black in one outfit. A chocolate brown is out too. Unless you always wear pastels and white, a dark brown will be too dark for a lot of outfits. A tan or light brown purse is great if you don't wear black, but most people wear black pants or boots at some point in the week. 

It turns out the most versatile purse colors are dark turquoise, deep emerald green, a pinky blush, a light purple/mauve or a soft metallic. Let's break it down. The only color that does not go with deep turquoise and emerald green, is a solid colored turquoise or emerald green garment. Every other outfit color works from black and brown to white, yellow and red. Same goes with a pinky blush. Every color will compliment the pink, except a solid colored light pink top and some yellows. As for light purple, even red can work with it. You just don't want to wear a light purple dress. Now, for the soft metallic purse, if it is soft enough - not quite gold, not quite silver - it should be able to pair with all colors and most jewelry tones.

Elliot Lucca - Cordoba

When deciding on your versatile purse, keep in mind the jewelry tones you prefer. If you primarily wear silver, a purse with gold hardware will clash with most of your looks. It would be best if your purse had no hardware, but that can be incredibly difficult to find. If you must have metal embellishments, choose the metal you usually wear. In my case, my most recent purse purchase has very subtle champagne silver on it. Although I am a gold girl, the metal is so subtle, I feel confident in sporting this marvelous Cole Haan find with all my golds.

Speaking of my Cole Haan bag, a moment to brag. The purse is perfect in quality, style and size. It is large enough for my client files without being confused for a carry on. Often my purses are gargantuan which make me look ridiculous and often become too heavy. It also has a wonderful outside pocket, can stand on it's own - yet is soft and flexible, and the straps not only look luxe, but grip my shoulder softly, which prevents slippage. My right shoulder used to reach for the heavens every time I carried my purse. Turns out I was trying to keep the purse from falling to the ground. With the Cole Haan, my shoulder stays down and my body remains relaxed. I'm pretty sure I can write this purse off as physical therapy. 

Unfortunately this Cole Haan find really was a find. It was a rogue items at DSW. I could not track down another one for you to purchase, but I do have some other options for you.

B. Makowsky

Chloé - Marcie

Bottega Veneta

When To Keep A Plaid Maxi Skirt

You saw a skirt. You put it on. You loved it. You bought it. That was five years ago. You have yet to wear it. You have no idea what to do with this skirt. 

Many people have this one skirt, dress, belt, scarf or shoe that they love, but have no clue how to wear it. More often then not you don't actually own the items to work with this particular garment. When we come across this predicament during one of my client's closet purges, sometimes we decide the time and money needed to make an outfit out of the confusing item is not worth it and we donate it. Other times we keep it and seek out the missing puzzle pieces. 

The most recent "keep and seek" garment on my mind is Katie Farris' maxi plaid skirt. Katie is a writer and dream client. Nothing is too edgy or too funky and she trusts me completely. She is also delightful as all hell. When she presented me with this sensational Scottish piece, I knew she was the client that could handle the outfit this skirt demanded. Inspired by Sharon Stone's look at the Oscars in 1998, I asked if we had a glamorous button front. Katie showed me a baby blue version of what I wanted. The shade perfectly picked up the thin light blue stripe in the plaid. We then looked through her belts and selected an ornate gold thrift shop find of Moroccan or Ottoman influence. We then added one of Alexis Bittar's stunning rings to her long fingers. All we need now is Dolce & Gabbana's elaborate gold heels from their Mosaic winter 2014 collection. Too bad today is Spring 2013 and the heels may not be in our price range. This is where the seeking begins. We had a few of the pieces to make this skirt work, but not all. After seeing the skirt's outfit potential, Katie was more than excited to search out the missing shoes and necklace.

Although the look we want with this plaid maxi skirt will be interesting, flattering and appropriate for cocktail or holiday parties for years to come, it is Katie's love for the skirt that ultimately made us decide to seek out the items the skirt needs instead of donating it. When a client loves something and turns to me for help, as Tim Gunn says, I make it work. I can always find a way to freshen, modernize or fabulize (not a word, I know) a client's beloved garment. 

This picture of my client was taken as part of the outfit creation portion of my services. This picture was published with my client's permission. No client photos are used on V-Style without the client's consent.

Statement Necklace & Bold Colored Clutch

studs: Bloomingdale's, necklace: The Fabulous Rag Boutique, top: J.Crew, skirt: J.Crew, bangles: Forever21.com, white & gold ring: Kohls, gold bands: Noon Boutique, watch: Kenneth Cole, pave rings: Jewel Mint, heels: J.Crew

V-Style photo shoots often do not have content attached to the ideas during their planning. On these occasions, the amazing Robin Dayley and I work for our moods. Sometimes my outfit du jour dictates this type of shoot, other times, Robin's discovery of a new wall or concept pushes me to find the right outfit. 

For the most recent free style collaboration, I became overwhelmed as I looked at the finished photos. During the shoot I was so busy sitting on a filthy couch, I did not realize the extent of advice one could take from our over-styled-pencil-skirt-in-the-alley photo shoot. I immediately saw seven blogs in the images. I decided to merge them into one post and break it down into a flurry of fashion advice. Here are a few ideas you can take away from this outfit. Can you think of more?

1) Bold Colored Clutch

This golden tan suede clutch is of vintage descent, but you can create the same look at home with any bold colored clutch. By making a statement in your clutch you are free to wear simpler outfits and more neutral colors without feeling boring. 

2) Statement Necklace

I adore a statement necklace with a white button front top. When creating any statement necklace look, place an unusual yet, complimentary stud in your ears. The gold pyramid studs play up the light gold detailing of the ethnic inspired necklace. 

3) Multiple Rings

My favorite fashion trend of the 90's was the hand styling. I adored the piling of rings done by Phoebe on Friends and Drew Barrymore in everything. These days I prefer gold bands to butterflies and strong jewels to flowers, but the sentiment remains the same, let's wear it all!

4) How To Wear A White Button Front

Choose a cotton based white long sleeve button front top and then always roll the sleeves. You can tuck it into skirts as shown, pair it with jeans and heels, or sport it with shorts. 

5) Funky Pencil Skirt

The pencil skirt does not just come in office appropriate black. Try a printed pencil skirt instead. This way you can flaunt it at a party or dinner out; then spice up your work attire by wearing it 9-5.

6) Gold Heels

I'm a broken record I know, but gold heels are fabulous. Basically, gold heels can go with most outfits as long as you are wearing gold jewelry. 

7) J Crew

Although bought in different seasons, the top, the skirt and the heels were all purchased from J Crew. Some people still see J Crew as a conservative retailer, but I beg to differ. Yes, I am always taking clients to J Crew for their basic shorts, stretchy pants and belts, but I am also there for the stand out coat, skirt, print, and necklace. It's always a good idea to check in with J Crew, even after you've acquired their chic basics.

Photos By Robin Dayley