V-Style

Best Dressed At The 71rst Golden Globes 2014

This year of quality films has been met with equally inspiring attire at the 71rst Golden Globes Awards. Color, swaths of materials, volume, sparkle, whimsy, and structure burst across the stage and carpet providing diversity and glamour. I feel more fabulous having witnessed it, despite my watching it from my couch in panties and a robe. 

Every time I put together a list of best dressed, I never declare a number, I simply select every outfit that bursts with best-ness. This year includes the opening looks of the lovely bad ass hosts, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Love.

I adored Amy Adam's transition of the plunging vee from the fashion of American Hustle to the Golden Globes. I don't believe anyone has worn a plunging vee better, and the combination of the two shades of red are dynamite. Very sexy.

It is freakishly rare for me to declare a black dress, let alone a flat black garment a best, but tonight Emma Roberts has proved, when done right, a black dress can be amazing. The hour glass silhouette, the booming turquoise earrings, and pulsing neckline are perfection.

Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren confirms a cape is always a good idea. I adore the drama combined with the sleek and flattering silhouette. Fabulous.

More in line with my black frock beliefs, Lily Rabe looks stunning in this layered sheer frock with sun burst detailing and cinched waist. The full skirt and t-shirt sleeves are just plain delicious.  

Although, this shade of beige, off white, or whatever is not the best  for Michelle Dockery's skin tone, the dress is perfect glamour. 

I cannot stand her music, but Taylor Swift is incredibly lovely in her style choices. She wins again in this Carolina Herrera pink gown with black bust. Gorgeous. 

Diane Keaton is awesome. Her consistent manipulation of men's wear constantly demands fashion nods. In this instance, I'd like to acknowledge the perfect show of sleeve hem, the endless legs, and use of a thicker tie. With all the skinny ties out there, it is nice to see a thick tie look modern and romantic.

This look was a bit difficult to select as Kaley Cuoco's hair and clutch really ruin the dress, but the fact remains, the frock rocks. 

Patricia Field Styles Helen Yarmak Furs

I love Patricia Field's adoration of trashy looks and luxury furs. I am always pushing chic and unique simplicity, but sometimes you just want to be decadent, ridiculous and even a little slutty. Although I struggle with the idea of fur, I do not struggle with the glamour and melting softness of the furs presented at Helen Yarmak's Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Furs in summer? Yes, as long as you pair them with skimpy dresses and baseball hats, if you take a cue from Patricia Field. I certainly felt at home surrounded by scantily clad women in large furs, as that is my outfit of choice for writing throughout winter, but the difference between my vintage fur at home and Helen's modern pelts are extensive. Whereas I have a simple cream rabbit fur, Helen provides patterns involving checkerboards, stripes, color blocking and a series of different animals from mink and fox to lamb and ermine. The collection is said to combine the traditional Tzar's luxury of sable with the advanced modern technologies and designs. 

Between the elaborate styling and furs dripped everywhere, I assumed my eyes had enough to feast on, but I found myself consistently distracted by the fabulously dressed guests, view from the top, and Vanessa Williams inquiring about Patricia Field's hurt arm in a silk scarf sling of her own design. At one point, a beer was dropped near a woman in a lengthy fur vest. I've never seen so many useless people as the stylish masses froze in horror at the possibility of beer hitting the fur. As they concluded no beer touched the pelt, movement was regained, the glass was picked up, and the woman whose garment was in danger grinned at the miss. "Save the sable!" She declared to the party. 

Sophie Zinga Spring 2014 Collection

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of viewing Sophie Zinga's Spring 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week. Upon entering the suite at NYC's London Hotel, I was immediately captivated by the presentation of said collection. I felt as if I had walked in on a two page spread for Vogue the way the striking models were spread across a slightly elevated stage with the New York skyline for a background. It was both the beauty of the photo opportunities as well as the perfection of the garments that inspired me to devote an entire post to Sophie Zinga's first showing in New York.

When I say perfection, I am referring to the ultimate triangle of wearability, quality and freshness. I would describe the collection as structured femininity and my instinctive visual reaction saw a collision of vintage glamour meeting the exotic future, an odd take considering the collection's inspiration stems from such simplicity as roses, leaves and the textiles of her native country, Africa.  

I look forward to dressing clients in her pieces for events and fabulous occasions. I especially love the white two piece ensemble of white lace brocade. I am picturing a cocktail party, fantastic birthday dinner or white party.

Sophie Zinga, Designer

Naomie Harris Wears Photo Print Strapless Mary Katrantzou Dress

A straight across strapless dress can look cheap and bridesmaidy, but a raised strapless dress with artistic images printed on it declares creative sophistication. Naomie Harris is ravishing in this Mary Katrantzou dress with Smythson envelope clutch and black strappy Rupert Sanderson heels. My only note on the look, I would love to see the streak of red in the dress played up beyond the nail polish and flushed out through her accessories. By adding a pop of red in the earrings or on the wrist, the look would be that much more interesting.

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.

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. 

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.

Client Favorite: Gold Ballet Flats

If you are an earth tone or gold jewelry gal (most women are) then you need yourself a gold flat. A gold flat solves the which-shoe-works-with-this-outfit problem faster than any other colored shoe. Browns don't always work. Nude can be too neutral and all other colors can go wrong easily. 

When working with my clients I always put a gold flat on our shopping list. Which gold flat depends on the client, but my go-to gold flat choices are Jimmy Choo's "Finlay" flat and Michael Kor's Aria ballet flat in gold. The Michael Kors flat I get at Macy's, but they do not have it available online, so I have linked to it's pewter, and equally fabulous, sister on Zappos. Both these flats are incredibly comfortable, especially the Michael Kors. Every single client comments on its comfort.

Today, I put a pair of the Michael Kors on a lovely fifty something woman and ordered four pairs of the Jimmy Choo for a client that fears the "Finlay" will stop being made. A smart move. The perfect gold flat will never go out of style. 

Solid Gold Case For iPhone 5

As you may have noticed, the price points of the items I recommend span from cheap chic to a bit of a splurge. Rarely do I find clothing items or accessories worth the price tag when you head beyond the "splurge" category, but rarely is certainly not never. 

Brikk has brought customizing your iPhone  to a new light with the Haven, a solid gold iPhone 5 case. Priced at $11,610, this accessory certainly leaves the bit-of-a-splurge level for most people and sits in the investment category, literally. Gold is a fantastic investment, making this case absolutely ridiculous and incredible all at once. You can certainly rationalize this purchase, but then the logic of toting around your sound investment around all day, dropping it on the ground, and perhaps in the toilet, could almost seem silly. Almost. Once you realize the authenticity of the material means the stunning color does not wear off, and then find out there is also a rose gold iPhone case, you take a look at your budget and see if it works.

Each gold model features 75 grams of gold, while the platinum model features 100 grams of platinum with customized versions available with diamonds and precious stones. I highly recommend skipping any jewels. Even though it ups the price, it will cheapen the look. Instead have your name or an inspirational sentence engraved on it. 

To further my Haven desire, all products are currently made in Los Angeles and a percentage of the proceeds from each purchase of a Brikk product lends aid to ending hunger in the form of rice. As stated in their press release, when someone buys the Haven, 1 metric ton of rice is donated. 

Although I wonder how it deals with scratches, the Haven is becoming more and more enticing.