V-Style

Can A Big Poufy Skirt Work Outside Of A Wedding?

skirt: ANTHROPOLOGIE, top: JOIE, heels: J.CREW, bracelet: VINCE CAMUTO, ring: ARIELLA COLLECTION, necklace: ANTHROPOLOGIE

The flounce of a long poufy skirt is a highly romantic and, may I add fun, characteristic in an outfit. When thinking of a voluminous hem, a wedding  gown or old fashioned frock comes to mind, but you can do a lengthy flounce without the bridal or Victorian nod. To modernize a floor length flounce, start with separates, instead of a dress. My skirt is from Anthropologie, which is a consistent resource for whimsical pieces such as the poufy maxi.

Once you have your skirt, pair it with a sexy and/or simple top. I prefer your shirt to have some volume to it to balance out the bottom mass. I know I usually say, if you have a lot of volume on the bottom of your outfit, go lean on top, and vice versa; but when it comes to skirts, I have a different opinion. A tight tank or tee is fine, but it can make the skirt seem even bigger than it is in reality. By blousing your shirt, or selecting a top with sleeves, you create a more seamless look with the flowing of volumes. As for shoes, you can wear just about anything, from a simple heeled sandal to crazy booties, it just depends on how funky you want to get. After all, you aren't wearing a a skirt like this to play it safe.... Following the photo shoot, dressed in this blue patchwork maxi skirt, Robin Dayley and I went to dinner, had drinks at my place, and then I met up with some of my favorite stylish ladies at Nunu's. Every where I went, my skirt was the topic of many a conversation. 

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley/Dayley Photography

Make-up: Antonella Annibale

Location: Claire de Lune Coffee Lounge

Dress For Success San Diego

Last night I attended San Diego's Dress for Success Moonlight Chic event at the 4th floor roof top of Kimpton's Hotel Palomar. I was more than delighted to attend. Not only do I support this non-profit's focus on helping low income women acquire jobs, build careers and improve their quality of life, they throw a fabulous party. The live acoustic music performed by the lovely Kayla Hope, wine, fashion, scrumptious food from Saltbox restaurant (seriously yummy, seriously), and warm San Diego air absolutely made my night. Especially since I rarely go out mid-week these days. Not that you need to hear about my awesome time. Let's talk style.

The fashions were provided by Loft, which I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the looks. The last few times I have popped into Loft, I wasn't blown away, but last night, I pointed out more than a few pieces and ideas I want for myself and my clients. My favorite is the use of neutrals. I love an outfit that sways from whites and creams to light greys. The almost monotone look is farmer's market fresh and always chic. I also absolutely adore the dressy sweatshirt. This is something of a new bit in fashion. Before now, if you wanted a bejeweled sweatshirt, you used a jewel gun with your mom... and you're nine. Now, between J.Crew and Loft, we have access to chic dressy sweatshirts. I'm not sure how long it will be available as a trend, so buy now. They are so fun. 

My other lusty item, the booties. Although they could have been styled in a more flattering way, I love a bootie. Particularly in San Diego when you don't always need the full coverage of a standard height boot. I recommend pairing a bootie with tights or a quality complimentary sock. When you connect a short bootie on a bare leg it cuts off the leg and can create a cankle affect. You need dimension and texture to smooth out the sudden stop between the ankle and the boot. I will cover how to wear booties in the near future. 

Style Tips For Opening Day At The Del Mar Races

dress: Madewell, hat: B.Scene, earrings: unknown, belt: Target, wedges: Bandolino, gold band ring: Ariella, cocktail ring: unknown

I am not one to gamble, but I am one for speeding horses and overpriced alcoholic beverages. Next Wednesday, opening day at the Del Mar Race Track will give us the usual thrill of bets, sun, bursts of beautiful equines, and demands for fabulous fashion. Every year fashionable folk from San Diego and beyond trek over to the track to celebrate summer.

Before selecting your outfit for Opening Day's festivities, here are some tips to consider...

    Hat

If not for tradition, don a hat to block the sun when you press up against the fence for a jockey-horse close-up. As for what kind of hat, unless you are competing in the One and Only Truly Fabulous Hat Contest, known to me as the Ridiculous Hat Contest, choose classic or discreet hat decór. 

    Dress

Think garden party or day wedding. Leave evening dress up at home and break out a fabulous summer dress. Shorts or a skirt could work, but dress it up and think fresh. It's too hot for pants, unless we are talking linen, but then you would probably be under dressed. 

    Ditch the Dark

Skip serious hues and sport bold colors or fresh neutrals.

    Fabric

Whatever you wear, keep it light. Ditch cashmere, ponte, or other heavy fabrics. Slip into the silk or step into that cotton and enjoy the airy ambiance of the event down to your toes. 

    Wedges

Grass, gravel, stairs and drinking amounts to leaving the stilettos at home. Stick to wedges or flats.

The Del Mar Races start on July 17th and end on September 4th.

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley/Dayley Photography

Amalfi by Rangoni Footwear Catalogue Shoot

Holding the hard copy of one's efforts and ideas is an addictive feeling of lasting delight. Last week, while preparing for Rangoni's Fall 2013 catalogue, I finally laid my eyes on Rangoni's Spring 2013's catalogue. I absolutely adore catalogue shoots. I love refreshing and remixing a brand's line. Some of my highlights of this shoot includes mixing nautical stripes with orange boat shoes, making loafers sexy, pink shoulder poufs, and the female power team. Model Kim Cozzens is a vivacious delight, San Diego Make-up Artist Atonella Anibale is an on point talent, and Creative Director Jenny Carlsson's warm professionalism leads to a strong vision and joyful set.

Personal Style Profile - Alex Carbone

Occupation: Signmaker at Whole Foods

Wearing: "Gold hoops from [I don't know]. Duran Duran tshirt from some random mall store (Forever21?), scarf is from random vendor at Bhakti Fest 2011, belt from Talbot's by way of mother's closet, Bandolino shoes, a gift from sister, bracelet borrowed from a friend, glasses from Target, jeans by Jolt."

Personal Style: "Comfortable Sexy Tomboy/Lady Mental Patient." 

Favorite Store: "A great pair of jeans or three is essential. I really like expensive jeans like AG and Citizens -- but when I can't drop that kind of cash, Jolt jeans are half the price and very flattering."

Favorite Fashion Trick: "Once when I was a teenager I read in, like, Sassy or something, Milla Jovovich said that she likes her clothes to look a little weird or off, and it really made an impression on me. I always thought she looked so great so I was like, 'huh.' I grew up very preppy so it took a long time to move in that direction. Nowadays, I have 2 kids and very little money so I have no money to spend on clothes. So what I do is I just come up with crazy combinations that I feel good in. I keep playing until it feels just crazy and stupid enough to work. I don't have the luxury of finding the perfect accessory so I have to find a way to work what I have. I have basic stuff and a few statement pieces I really like and I try to find a use for anything that makes its way into my hands from whatever source. When it comes together, I feel very creative and unique and 110% myself. I truly believe that if you wear things you feel great in or find a way to feel great in something, you will look great in it. It's like a feedback loop. Also, kitten heels go with everything, you can move in 'em, and you don't have to worry about your pedicure."

Personal Style Profiles feature folks with a strong sense of fashion. They often embody the exception to fashion rules. These individuals are not my clients.

Stylish Gifts for Men on Father's Day

Working at IBM in the 80's and 90's, my Dad wore a tie to work everyday. This inspired our gift ideas for at least 10 years. He occasionally received a DVD or Beatles CD, but generally we stuck to what we knew. Considering most men hate ties, let's not follow in my siblings and I's foot steps and branch out this Father's Day. Here are some fashionable, yet unique gift ideas for Dad this year. 

Sperry belt $65

It is incredibly difficult to find a cool grey or navy belt, but Sperry has provided. For the man wearing blue or grey shoes casually, complete him with this gift.

Tie Bar J.Crew $75

In the tie category, but far more inventive, useful and unlikely to be off target in taste. Tie bars and clips keep your tie out of the copy machine, your food and other unwanted places they seem to sway and dip into. If Dad opens this up and looks at you quizzically, tell him it's supposed to clip the two layers of the tie to the placket of his shirt. It sits between the third and fourth button down from his neck. I love J.Crew's simple sterling silver tie clip. It stays on and works with any man's personal style.

Caputo & Co Leather bracelet $68 at Bloomingdale's

Maybe Daddy is younger, cooler, more adventurous, or in a mid-life- crisis, a leather bracelet is a great way for a fella to try out some new accessories a la Johnny Depp. Although not on their website, Bloomingdale's has some masculine leather wrap around bracelets for men in the men's jeans section. Ask a sales associate if needed.

Skeleton Watch Toy Watch $395

Any man with a hint of style will love the exposed happenings of the skeleton watch. 

Casual Pants AG $178

The vast majority of my clients, young and old, have no idea what a casual pant is beyond jeans. Wake up his wardrobe with AG's protege straight leg twill pants. With its 5 pocket style and freakishly forgiving fabric and fit, Dad will be shocked and delighted by the non-jean look.

Tretorn Sneakers $100

Sneakers can be so ghetto, athletic or immature, leaving men feeling out of place in the middle ground of not too dressy, not too casual. That's why Dad needs some casual sneakers by Tretorn. I adore their stylish ambiance without being dressy. In particular, I recommend the grey boat shoe, which goes perfectly with the Sperry belt above. Feel free to team up with another family member to give Dad both of the grey accessories. It looks amazing with blue jeans or navy casual pants. Bloomingdale's has a better selection in store at Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego, but Nordstrom has a better selection of the Tretorn sneaker online.

Sock Subscription About $12/month

Socks may not be the most exciting gift, but what if it keeps giving? If your Dad constantly has mismatched or worn out socks, having a sock subscription could be a delightful errand pre ran for him.

What are you getting Dad this year?

Fashion Forward Boudoir Photography

I get calls to work with all sorts of people on various projects - shoe catalogues, infomercials, wedding editorials and more. Recently I got a call from Helene Cornell to make a boudoir shoot fashion forward. I was told to go deep into creative freedom. I couldn't say yes fast enough. 

To begin the shoot, I started with the forgotten doll. I wanted the first look to emulate a doll that was tossed aside by its owner. Neglected, the doll rebels by piling on all her accessories to prove she doesn't need anyone else. She can play by herself. For the second look pictured I called it the Tuxedo. I love a black tie affair.

How To Wear Neon Colors

This past week the Del Mar Races opened its gates to the joy of many gamblers, horse enthusiasts, and about-towners. All of which, showed up in their "racing" best. Everyone knows opening day at the races is all about the outfit and, of course the notorious head accessory. Between the hat contest and the need for attention, some women take their hat choice into the realms of crazy with brims that extend into the personal space of others and topper embellishments that could accessorize an extravagant tropical beverage. For me, comfort always comes first. This puts cumbersome head decor at the bottom of my list. Instead, I choose discreet head covers that sit quietly atop my noggin. My attention getting is reserved for the dress. This year I chose an up-to-date  neon colored silk dress from Patterson Kincaid.

Neons can easily drop into the dated category because of its trendy 80's inspired origins, but if you choose the right neon color and pair it well, you can have a successfully chic look...

After putting neons on different skin colors, I see no standard equation for which neon looks best on which skin tone. These brights are too far away from a natural skin tone to put you at risk of a sallow appearance, but I have found that orange doesn't look great on tan skin and certain yellows do not flatter many pale skin tones. Beyond that, choose a deep shade of neon instead of a freakish electric or cheesy 80's hue. I find green and pink are the biggest offenders of this. If you are already unsure what color to choose, just skip green and pink. Instead try the sunny yellow, chartreuse (pictured on me above), coral, lighter blues or purple.

When talking neon accessories, avoid patent leather or plastic. Skip all those shiny neon heels or belts. Speaking of neon belts, skip anything wide. These bright hues are best on the skinny waist cincher. It is better to think small in neons. Get the slim neon yellow leather bracelet and avoid the chunky neon cuff. Same with style. A neon shift dress is more impressive than neon on a peplum dress with lots of details. The bright color will spice up the simplicity of a plain dress, tank top or mini skirt, whereas the brightness can ruin a complex garment.

Another tip for staying current with neons is the rule of one. Neons are best on their lonesome. If you choose the neon bracelet, that's all you get. If you choose the dress, that's all you get. If you choose the nail polish, that's all you get. The rest of your outfit should be in neutral shades. The neutrals that look best with neons are navy, nude, light grey, white, nudes and camel. Black never updates neon. In general, black should be no where near a bright color.

For choosing the right bright denims, click here.

Celebrity Style at Comic Con 2012

Living in San Diego, hours from the entertainment industry's major cities, can put me at a disadvantage as a wardrobe stylist and blogger. I don't have immediate access to major style houses, certain clientele and easy attendance to noteworhty events, expect of course Comic Con. The fabulosity of Comic Con was a quick bike ride away from my lady condo in Banker's Hill. 

When it comes to Comic Con fashion, you think extravagant costumes, technie nerds and fantasy mongers. This is all accurate, but something wonderful has happened to nerd-a-palooza. It's not just nerds anymore. Standing next to the lanky Halo lover is Emily Blunt in Christian Dior. Next to Spock and Queen of the Damned is Mila Kunis in sleek jeans and a black blazer. Well, maybe not right next to each other, but you're with me. The age range is endless and the celebrities run wild in their chic red carpet casual frocks and slacks with trolls and witches underfoot. In between these two extremes are San Diego natives in board shorts and sandals. There has never been a more wide range of style at an event.

I attended Friday night parties, took on a couple hours of the actual convention on Saturday and made some decisions that will make you mad at me. I know you would want me to regale you with stories of Lea Michelle's Stella & Jamie's tweed ensemble, and Naya Rivera's neon colored pumps, but instead of sitting in on Glee's discussion panel of fashionable ladies, I sat down with the least stylish gentlemen of Comic Con... Kevin Smith in his uniform moo-moo King's jersey and William Shattner in his usual Hawaiian shirt. I adore fashion, but sometimes heavy comedians take precedence.

Later I attended, the Costume Designer Guild's discussion and enjoyed seeing their concept to reality comparisons with Hunger Games, Madonna, Iron Man 3 and the Dark Knight to name a few.

Personal Stylist Fashion: Ivanka Trump Pewter Heels

I don't have an amazing pair of silver tone heels, at least I didn't until I spotted these Ivanka Trump heels. Although it is pewter and not silver, it stil works with my outfits a silver shoe calls for... like this Halston rip off dress I acquired from Forever 21. The dress cost $30, the shoes $160. The ring was $60. I love mixing price ranges. I wore this outfit on Friday night. My friend Kim and I to had plans to hit a speakeasy in downtown San Diego. On the way to the bar, I spotted a sign advertising stand-up comedy by Tim Meadows. I immediately stopped the cab. We decided to skip our reservations at Nobel Experiment and head into the American Comedy Co. As you can imagine, we were extremely over dressed,  exciting a couple of the comedians and inspiring a three some request from Mr. Meadows. We respectfully declined. He was kidding of course... we think.

Besides cocktail dresses, you can pair these dressy Trumps with clean grey ankle jeans and a white top. I also plan on pairing these heels with my purple J Crew crop pants. Nothing wrong with dressing up a more casual outfit with some Art Deco cocktail heels. Just don't pair a dressier heel like this with regular old jeans or really casual items like a cotton summer dress.

Dress: Forever 21

Bracelet: Banana Republic

Ring: Ariella Collection

Shoes: Ivanka Trump