Celeb Style: WWZDW

Friends, I may have stumbled upon the world's most wonderful fashion resource in the history of the internet. I have found WWZDW which stands for "What Would Zooey Deschanel Wear?" Not only is Zooey Deschanel one of the most adorable people on the face of the earth, but her style both on and off camera is so perfectly quirky, feminine, and playful that I never cease to find inspiration in her attire. She favors silhouettes that emphasize her natural waist and that feature fun colors, bold patterns and striking details.

But back to this website- it's a fairly large collection of photos of Zooey from street shots to public appearances on the red carpet, at awards shows, concerts, interviews, etc. as well as screen shots from movies and TV shows and even ad campaigns from magazines and other media. Each photo will either say "exact match found" or a number of "similar items." Click on the photo and you're brought to those items that are available for purchase! Isn't that brilliant?

There's formal wear, casual wear, outerwear, even bathing suits and pajamas! I was most excited about this dress:

The exact match is a dress by Kate Spade, but the website also had two similar (and far less expensive) options as well! Amazing! I don't know about all of you, but my mind is BLOWN. Do any of you know of other similar websites? I think that Zooey Deschanel is my most spot-on style icon, but I'd certainly be curious about other similar websites for say... Reese Witherspoon or Rachel Zoe?

Take a minute to leave a comment and tell me about your style icon. Who do you love and why? 

My Celebrity Style Inspiration: Adele

Not too long ago, one of my coworkers remarked that the singer Adele and I have a similar style. I was super flattered- Adele pretty much always looks amazing and I have to agree with my coworker- Adele and I do have a similar aesthetic:

Photo from My Fashion Cents

Look familiar? Her dress is strikingly similar to the one I made for myself: 

Of course, instead of 2 Grammys, I have a giant flower. It'll do. I love Adele's quirky vintage-esque style and I love that she's not your standard size 0 that is so typical in Hollywood and the music industry. I love her hair and make-up choices as well. I didn't intend to emulate her when I started dressing this way, it just seems that we have a similar approach to dressing our bodies. It's no surprise since we're built very similarly as well. We're both curvy women who like a classic silhouette. 

Are there celebrities out there that you try to emulate? Or are there celebrities that people compare to your style? Tell me about it- I know I'm not the only one! 

Style Icons- Reality Competition Show Hosts

I admit it, I'm a reality competition show junkie. You already know about my obsession with Project Runway, but I also love The Amazing Race, Top Chef and Top Chef Masters and never miss an episode of any of them. I also occassionally indulge in America's Next Top Model, the Bachelor/ette, and I'm looking forward to the new Bravo show "Work of Art" (premiering tonight, actually). I prefer the shows that require a refined skill, which is why Project Runway and Top Chef rate so highly for me. But every reality show has a host and everyone knows that the host's job is to speak well and look good.

ANTM has Tyra:

I'm not even gonna go there.

The Amazing Race has Phil Keoghan:

Dressing Phil is probably the hardest host-styling job out there. His travel schedule is absolutely insane- the contestants are usually in a different country for each leg of the race and sometimes even a different continent. Weather and climate are always a factor, I'm sure. But no matter where they are- Detroit or Dubai, Phil always looks pulled together and appropriate. I love his casual, laid-back style. It must be fun to travel the world, but he spends so little time in each place, it also has to be hectic. I don't know if I would be up for the task of hosting a show with that much traveling in such a short amount of time.

I would be happy, however, to host a show like Project Runway with Tim and Heidi:

Let's be honest- Heidi basically always looks stunning- and she's been pregnant on the show more than once. As for Tim, he knows what works for him, so he is consistent with his perfectly tailored suits. Obviously I would enjoy being the host of a show like PR because the task hits so close to home for me. But if I had to choose between hosting Project Runway and hosting Top Chef or Top Chef Masters, I would go with Top Chef/Top Chef Masters hands down without a second thought. There two primary reasons for this:

1.) Chef-testants are not known for being very fashionable. In fact, they are often quite a motley crew, so the host always looks stunning by comparison.

2.) There is an abundance of exceptional, gourmet food around at all times for the host (and judges) to eat.

Padma Lakshmi and Kelly Choi are the lucky hosts of Top Chef and Top Chef Masters, respectively. I love both of their style choices nearly all the time. Occassionally Padma will wear something a little out-there, but I always appreciate that she's a fashion risk-taker. (And did you know she's one of the former Mrs. Salman Rushdies? How's that for a notable spouse?) Both Padma and Kelly like to sport solid jewel tones and they always look amazing in them:

I find that I have difficulty watching TV and movies without thinking about what people are wearing. It's an occupational hazard, I suppose. But I appreciate your indulging my obsession through this blog post. Is there a host or hostess that I've left out who you feel is an amazing style icon in the reality show world? Leave a comment!

A note on gentlemanly style... and being a gentleman

I hate to generalize, but.... I'm starting to think that men who drive fancy sports cars are not only "compensating" but maybe they're trying to use the car as a reason not to behave like decent human beings. Like, "Oh, I can be a jerk, because I drive THAT."

Today while out running errands, there were TWO separate occassions when I felt slighted by a man near me. The first was as I was heading back to my car with my arms full of grocery bags. A man in a fancy silver sports car pulled into the spot next to mine. As I was about to open the door to my car, he opened his and as he was about to step out, noticed he was blocking my way. For the record, the gentlemanly thing to do would have been to shut his door, and allow me to pass. I'm sure you've surmised he didn't do that. I stood with my arms full of heavy bags (I bought a lot of yogurt) while he went first. Then he skipped away while I mumbled something under my breath about letting a lady go first.

Next was later in the evening when I stopped at the gas station near my home. I filled my car with gas and then went inside for a fountain drink (to quench my thirst in this stifling heat). TWICE in the store- once by the soda fountain and again by the cashier as I was paying, another man LITERALLY brushed against me as he passed. Um, hello? It's called personal space. Ever heard of it? The thing is, in BOTH brush-ups, there was ample room for him to give me a WIDE berth and yet he felt the need to literally invade my space to the point of making physical contact! For real? It was as if he didn't even see me, or as if it wasn't worth the effort to step aside. And in both cases, I had nowhere to go. I was up against the soda fountain and up against the cashier's counter. As I walked back to my car, I saw him step into the same kind of car as the rude guy at the grocery store earlier.

Ok, this blog is not supposed to be a rant about the lack of social skills in today's society, but it got me thinking about accessories for men as well as women. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the most important accessory a woman can wear- confidence. Well, for men and women I'd like to say that one of the most important accessories we need to put on in the morning is politeness. The next time you have an opportunity to let someone else through a doorway first, let them. Someone needs to change lanes on the highway? Slow down & wave them in. Gentlemen, let the woman go first and everyone yield to the older person- remember that whole "respect your elders" thing? It's still cool to do that.

Ok, I'm stepping off the soapbox now. I'm sorry to rant like that, but both situations just really irked me. And then of course I started thinking about men and style and in the background my TV was playing a commercial for "Burn Notice" and I realized that I see the commercials for that show all the time and Jeffrey Donovan always looks amazing. Evidence:

Here's what I like about his style: the simplicity. In all these looks, he's in a simple, light-weight suit, crisp button front shirt and his signature shades. It's proof that menswear can be done simply, but still with style. When it comes to the suit and shirt, it's all about the fit. Invest in higher quality with these pieces- they will last longer and the quality is always clear to the observer. Want Mr. Donovan's look for yourself? I've done the work for you:

Modern khaki chino 2-button suit, Banana Republic, $380 (Jacket- $250, pants- $130)

Slim Fit Stretch-poplin dress shirt, Banana Republic, $59.50

Fossil Watch, Macy's $95

Lauenroth Loafer, Aldo, $90

And of course, the signature sunglasses:

Burn Notice Sunglasses, Sunglass Shack, $39.99

When emulating the style of a celebrity or fictional character, it's always important to spin the outfit in the direction YOUR personality dictates. If something about the look doesn't work for you, then switch it up. And of course, I recommend finding the perfect sunglasses for YOU rather than copying the ones worn by celebrities. It doesn't matter who made them famous, it only matters how they flatter YOUR face. The same goes for any aspect of the outfit.

So what do you gentlemen think of my Burn Notice-inspired outfit? Would you wear it? Ladies, would you like to see your man in an outfit like this? Leave a comment- I always want to hear what you are thinking!

Vintage Inspiration

My latest assignment at AMT is to design the wardrobe for "California Soul" a rockin' tribute to the music of the 60's & 70's, specifically geared towards the west coast. There is so much great music in this show, but what I'm loving the most about it is all the fun research I get to do. The late 60's through the early 80's were a crazy time for fashion, particularly the 70's. Psychadelic prints, maxi-dresses, big hair (on women AND men), platform shoes, bell bottoms, I love all of it. It's a lot of clothing that I personally might not have the nerve to wear, but that's what make the fantasy of it so much more enjoyable. I've encountered some great style icons in my research including:

Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane

Janis Joplin

The 5th Dimension

Twiggy, the icon of icons

All the clothing is so over the top, but I adore it all. We all know what a treasure trove of vintage can be found on Etsy, so here are some fabulous inspiring pieces from various vintage etsy stores for all of you:

Does this dress make you go cross-eyed like me?

As Tim Gunn would say, this maxi dress is a lot of look!

Is there anything more "hippie chic" for a hippie chick than this cool printed blouse?

Well maybe, but it would have to be these zipper trimmed bell bottom jeans!

Let's not forget the stylish options for men! Every guy needs a great dashiki, right?

I also love a guy who can rock a fur-trimmed collar on a coat like this.

And what vintage 70's round-up would be complete without a pair of fierce platforms?

And finally, don't you just die for this swirly Mod dress?

I tend to look better in 50's style silhouettes (a-line and full skirts), but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the silhouettes of the following 2 decades. Do you have a vintage style icon? Leave a comment and tell me all about your faves!

I'm joining the 21st century....

Yes, it's true- I've decided to join the 21st century. I've added a shopping cart to my official website so now you can purchase gift certificates and closet consultations ONLINE! Whoo-hoo! Isn't that exciting?

I chose to only include closet consultations (Single or couple) and gift certificates in $25 incremements because the other services I provide can vary more in price. For example, a style party with only 4 people would cost less than one with 6 or 8. Also, corporate events can vary in price depending on how long you'd like me to present and whether or not I'll be doing individual evaluations. For those services, please email me for more information or to schedule an event.

The good news is that with Christmas fast approaching, you could very easily get all your stocking stuffers out of the way with a handful of gift certificates from yours truly!

Feel free to stop by the website anytime as I update it whenever there is something new and exciting to share.

Amy & Aaron's Wedding

So today was the big wedding day for Amy & Aaron. The weather was spectacular which was a total surprise since all week long they'd been predicting rain. Instead it was about 10 degrees warmer that it has been all week and the sun was shining all day. It was gorgeous.

But the weather doesn't have a whole lot to do with my fashion dilemma. As you all know, I really WANTED to wear this outfit to the wedding:

I wasn't totally convinced that it was appropriate and pretty much everyone who offered feedback recommended this outfit instead:

In the end, I got to wear both outfits- the first one to the rehearsal and dinner which was followed by a party at Amy & Aaron's house. The next day I wore the black dress, but I decided to change up the shoes and wore these instead:

The site of the ceremony was in the groom's brother's backyard, so I thought a more substantial heel and an ankle strap was more appropriate than a satin stiletto pump. They totally worked. In the end I'm really glad I went with the black because Amy actually had a gorgeous corsage for me which would NOT have worked with the polka dot dress. Here's a lovely photo of me with the blushing bride. Isn't she stunning?

I have to tell you guys that the necklace I wore got SO many compliments. It was only $7 at Forever 21, but every time I wear it, people ask if I made it out of vintage beads or if it's an antique- it fools everyone every time. I think it works really well with that particular dress- the neckline is perfect for it. Every time I tell people the price and where I got it, they just about die. But enough about me- doesn't Amy look spectacular? Her dress was so pretty and I just love the orchids in her hair.

If you have any particular thoughts or questions about my outfit or Amy's outfit or wedding outfits in general, just leave me a comment and I'll address it in a future blog. Talk to you later!

Sooooo much!

I feel like I have SO much to share with you guys that I could literally post 5 times a day and still have more to say. So please let meknow if there is anything specific you'd like to read about- I'll be happy to oblige. In the meantime, I have some fun things to share. First, a combination of two recent posts: Fair Indigo and cameos. They've come together in this fabulous outfit:

I'm sure most of you have been thinking that I wear nothing but dresses and you wouldn't be too far off. I do pretty much live my life in dresses whenever I can. They're more comfortable than sweat pants most of the time but they look so much better. I do, however, know how to rock an outfit that does not involve a dress. Like the one above- I'm really happy with it. It's stylish, comfortable and inexpensive.

The breakdown:

Cowl neck top: Fair Indigo, $22.50 (on sale)

Cropped swing coat: Target, $13.98 (on sale)

Jeans: Old Navy, $19 (on sale)

Shoes: Target, $19.99

Cameos: Various antique dealers, total for all six was probably about $20

Total: $95.47

Under $100- not bad considering all those cameos. I like the cluster placement and I got a lot of compliments on the idea today. A lot of people looked at me with fairly quizzical expressions, but ultimately the response was good. I think it's a clever, creative way of wearing what could be a very dated-looking accessory.

Speaking of dated accessories, today was also a good day for some fabulous vintage jewelry finds, but I will save them for a future post. I also received a package in the mail from ShopKim on Etsy. It had some really cool goodies in it. Here are a couple of sneak peeks:

Can you tell what they are? Leave a comment to venture a guess.

Unsung Beauty

At a time when the typical style icons plastered all over the media are the likes of Paris Hilton and the Olsen twins, Cote de Pablo is a refreshing alternative. As part of the cast of NCIS, her character is about the least glamorous on television these days, but whoever cast the show couldn't have picked a more beautiful actress to play the part. As Ziva David, she is most often seen in cargo pants and a t-shirt, always in muted colors and mostly earth tones. She is not the typical hollywood stick-thin waif, but has a strength about her that makes her a great role model for style and health. Her hair is long and naturally curly and she proudly displays her distinctive widows peak. In a world full of silicone enhanced, botoxed, bleached blonde, faux tanned stick figures, Cote is a breath of fresh air.

Recession Fashionista- How to dress for a job interview

Unfortunately, I know of quite a few people who have been laid off due to company downsizing in this recession. Fortunately, those people are all talented, intelligent, skilled individuals that any company should be happy to hire. But no matter what your experience, you can blow an interview if you don't look the part. Did you know that in some states, your appearance is not a protected class where discrimination is concerned? If you look disheveled or unprofessional in your attire and grooming, your potential employer can legally use that as reasoning NOT to hire you! In other words, while they can't discriminate against age, race, gender, etc., they can discriminate against your appearance.

Dressing for a job interview isn't too difficult, but there are some aspects that can be tricky. First of all, find out the dress code of your potential employer. When HR calls to schedule the interview with you, it is perfectly appropriate to ask then. Business, business casual, casual- these are all common dress codes, but some companies don't necessarily have one either. Without asking too many questions, feel free to ask for clarification if the dress code is casual- to some that means jeans and t-shirts, to others it's actually closer to business casual standards. When it doubt, overdress. Did you know that there are STILL lots of companies that require panty-hose with skirts & dresses? It's true. Scary, but true.

Next, consider the industry your potential job is part of. Obviously, if you're applying for a job in an artistic field- music, art, fashion, etc. then you can have a LOT more freedom with your clothing choices. In fact, showing your creativity through your attire can make you stand out in a positive way. Be careful, though. If you're applying for an accounting position at a music company, don't try to dress like a rock star in leather & chains! But if your wardrobe typically has a bit of an edge to it, it's ok to show a little off that edge. Just make sure that the remember YOU, not your outfit. If your potential job is in a more conservative industry, dress accordingly, but don't be afraid to add a little of your personality to your attire. A bright, printed scarf tied to the handle of your briefcase adds a little flair without being over the top. Also, a plain suit can be jazzed up with a little bit of interesting jewelry. Key words: a little bit. Don't go too far. I repeat: you want the interviewer to remember YOU, not your outfit.

Finally, I know you all really want the specifics, so here are guidelines for basic job interview dress code:

SHOES:

• Generally speaking, stilettos are a no-no for job interviews.
• Keep your heel height conservative (less than 3 inches) and the heel itself more substantial than a stiletto.
• Open toes and strappy shoes should be avoided but if you must, make sure you spruce up your toes with a decent pedicure.
• Shiny or sparkly shoes should also be avoided- save the satin, rhinestones and glitter for after 5 PM. Stick with leather and fabrics with a matte finish.
• Color is ok- a pop of color at your feet adds a little personality to your outfit.
• Never wear sneakers, flip-flops or any other type of casual or athletic style of shoe.
• Guys, a nice pair of leather dress shoes are always appropriate. Make sure they're clean and relatively scuff-free.

CLOTHES:

• Low cut tops and mini-skirts are verbotten. This seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised what some people think is work appropriate.
• Small to medium subtle prints are better than large, bold ones.
• Use bright colors in moderation.
• As annoying as it might be, if the company's dress code requires pantyhose, wear them.
• Wear clothes that are structured, fitted and well-tailored. Loose, flowy, or ill-fitting clothes will make you look frumpy.
• No jeans, please.

GROOMING:

• Neat, conservative hairstyles are a must.
• Avoid perfume and cologne, but definitely wear deodorant.
• Trim your nails and keep the polish light colored and conservative- no acrylic tips, please.
• Wear make-up, but not a lot of it and once again, keep it conservative.
• Guys, make sure you shave or trim your beard.

If you have a job interview coming up, I wish you all the best and I hope these tips will help you make a strong, professional impression. Once you get the job (and I know you will), model your daily work attire after the best-dressed person at the office. If you're not sure who that is, look to the ones at the top of the company and follow their lead. Just like your personal style outside of work, it's a great idea to have an office, or professional, style icon.

Style Icon- for men!

I received an email today asking for tips on what is slimming attire for men. The answer is: that depends on your body. I know that's not the answer you want, but it's the truth. All I can tell you is to start with Step 1: look in the mirror and be honest about your body type and the dress it in clothes that fit. Too tight will make you look sausage-y. Too loose will make you look frumpy and disheveled. Clothes that fit well will make you look great. That being said, there are a few general tips I can offer.

1.) Flat-front pants with a straight leg are generally more slimming than pleated front pants

2.) Vertical stripes on a button-down shirt help elongate your look which can also be slimming

3.) Monochromatic outfits are also slimming because once again, they elongate your body

But these tips are only a little useful. If you have trouble identifying what isn't working on your body or what your body type is, look to the celebrities. They have professionals making sure they look amazing no matter what the occasion or their body type. Use that to YOUR advantage.

Want to look sophisticated, classic and polished? Do you like to look sleek but not draw too much attention to yourself? Model your look after George Clooney and Daniel Craig. What guy DOESN'T want to look as cool as James Bond, right? Both of these men wear very classic attire in both casual settings and on the red carpet.

P.S. Can we just pause for a moment to mention Daniel Craig's blue eyes? Irresistible is a word that comes to mind.

Maybe you'd rather show off your sense of style by experimenting with trends. You want to be NOTICED. Look to Johnny Depp for quirky, trendy attire. He knows a thing or two about stepping outside of the box and he does it with panache.

I understand, though, if those options don't appeal to you. While Clooney & Craig look dapper, maybe it's a little too polished for your taste. And Johnny Depp is definitely cool, but maybe you just aren't that interested in fashion. You want to be more laid-back, more casual. You can still look good, and be in good company while you're at it. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are two guys who can rock a t-shirt and jeans and look better than anything else for miles. And miles.

Although I don't recommend a t-shirt and jeans as your everyday go-to attire, I do think that you can look just as good casually dressed as you can look in a 3-piece bespoke suit.

I hope this post has been useful to all of you guys out there. To be honest, menswear can be even more difficult than womens clothing because of its simplicity. You have to have all the details right in order for it all to work. Women have the advantage of layering all sorts of accessories on top of our clothes to alter the shape and feel of our outfits. Smoke and mirrors aren't as readily available to men. Fortunately, once you figure out exactly which details work on your body, you're good to go for quite a while. Menswear hasn't changed a whole lot in the last 100 years or so. In fact, each of the style icons mentioned above has his own counterpart in a previous generation. Think I'm wrong? Check it out:

George Clooney: Clark Gable

Johnny Depp: Truman Capote

Ben Affleck: James Dean

No matter who your style icon is, you need to remember that fit is the MOST important factor. I don't care if you spend $1500 on a pair of Dior jeans or $5 on a pair from Goodwill. If they don't fit you well, they are a waste of money.

Style Support

I spent the morning hanging around the house thinking about what I wanted to write about today. The fashion industry is so enormous, so widespread and ever-changing, it can often feel overwhelming and I sometimes struggle with choosing a relevant subject that's simultaneously broad in its appeal and focused in its scope. While musing over the many topics to discuss today my phone rang and it was Beth- my oldest and closest friend. After over an hour of chatting I had my topic: personal style support and its importance in my (and your) life.

I can't begin to impress upon you the importance of having girlfriends in your life. At the risk of sounding like a sentimental sap, I'd like to share with you the many reasons why Beth (and Melanie and Amy and all my close girlfriends) are so important to me. I can't imagine where I would be today without them! Where personal style is concerned, I can read fashion magazines and watch runway shows until I'm blue in the face, but even if Karl Lagerfeld himself was dressing me, I'd still want at least one of my girlfriends there. Style advice from magazines, blogs, articles, etc. are all well and good, but they are far from personalized. If anything, they're geared towards the masses.

Think about the occassions for which you really dress and they will (hopefully) be events in your life that you share with those close to you- weddings, anniversaries, holidays, etc. Your girlfriends are the people in your life who know you better than anyone else, who want nothing but the best for you in life, and who support you in the decisions you make- work, school, boyfriends, and of course fashion and style. Like life support for your wardrobe, your girlfriends keep you going. Maybe it's an encouraging smile or a knowing look that gives you the confidence to try a bold outfit. Or the furrowed brow and frown only a real friend can give you that says, "It is BECAUSE we are so close that I can be honest and tell you not to wear that. Ever." And who better to celebrate with you when you find Dior in your size at 85% off?

Beth lives a few hundred miles away in Boston, but that one phone conversation this afternoon left me completely energized and inspired and as close to her as ever. I hope for each and every one of you out there that you have your own "Beth" in your life, someone who inspires, encourages and supports and who feels the same way about you.

I miss Christian!

I was just sitting on my couch watching last week's episode of Project Runway (yes, again) and it made me feel a little nostalgic for Christian Siriano. I think this is going to be a good season, don't get me wrong, but I miss his dramaticly spectacular designs, as well as his light-hearted yet over-the-top personality. I started wondering, "What is Christian up to these days?" Google rocks. In a moment, I was visiting his website and before long I had found some pretty amazing fashions. I have so much respect for Christian because he is truly an artist. He seems to have innovative ideas bursting out of him- you can tell by his collections that he has an endless supply of ideas to execute and oh boy, does he execute them! On his season of Project Runway, his designs were always beautifully constructed in addition to just being beautiful clothes. Also, Christian makes me smile. I mean, look at him! How can you NOT smile at him?!?!

Who knew there could be so much talent stuffed into such a tiny package?! Speaking of talent, I wrote in an earlier post about this beautiful ombre cocktail dress from his final collection on Project Runway. It's beautiful enough to earn another mention, don't you think?

Similar to the dress above is this grey and blue concoction from his Spring 2009 collection:

I would LOVE to wear this dress. It is spectacular! Another dress from his Spring '09 collection that I would die to wear is this beautiful grey and black cocktail dress. I especially love the drama of the hat. Bold, but it totally works! This is far and away my kind of outfit!

And what is it about Christian and his ability to make oodles of ruffles look good? He's like a magician! Christian Siriano or Christian Potter? He must have a magic wand somewhere up his stylish little sleeves.

I also really admire Christian's sense of drama and movement in his gowns. This blue gown is not only an interesting design, but it's such a special color, too! He makes clothing that pushes into the avant garde, but that also manages to be flattering and wearable!

I can't get enough of Christian Siriano and I hope he keeps cranking out amazing designs like he has for the past couple of seasons. What do you think? Love him? Hate him? (How could you?)