Book Review: I LOVE Your Style

"Personal style is accepting who you are."

- Diane Von Furstenberg

     I'm building my fashion library as we speak. I love to read. I've always loved reading, but it wasn't until I purchased my first so-called 'style' book did I even consider purchasing and collecting them. The very first style book that I ever owned was this hard cover book printed by InStyle Magazine. It was a good start considering that after having read such reference book [it was more a reference book than an actual book] that I started to think that there had to be better 'style' books out there. And there are! [alleluia!] This book, I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks is an excellent start. 

     I came across this book while I was rummaging around Anthropologie [they have a great selection of coffee table books there.] Looking through books in small clothing boutiques and stores like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters and bookstores is a great idea, because it will let you preview the book before you commit into buying it [Amazon.com doesn't have book previews for every book or even for every page for that matter!] 

     You know how people believe in love in first sight? Well, I believe in love in the first few pages. This book immediately caught my attention because of it's table of contents page and the foreword by Diane Von Furstenberg [I love her.] We don't have all day to stand around and flip through a book all day [unless it's the weekend, of course] so a good strategy in previewing a book quickly is by reading it's table of contents page, finding a section that immediately strikes your interest, and going directly to that section of the book to see if it's as good as it sounds. After all, a trailer for a movie isn't always as good as the actual feature film. 

     The one thing that I absolutely loved about this book are the photographs! Amanda Brooks, a fashion consultant who has written for publications like Vogue and the New York Magazine and who has appeared as a fashion expert on shows like the Today and Early Show, filled this entire book with photographs of her growing up, her family, and favorite photographs of movie stars, super models [lots of Kate Moss], and performers -- aka fashion icons. In the beginning of the book she even said that it's okay if you just want to flip through the book and look at the pictures. In fact, she encouraged it! She said that they are there for a reason. Don't mind if I do! 

     Another thing that I loved about this book is the section titled "My Style History." It included photographs of her early fashion influences like her parents, especially her mother, and grandparents. It was very evident from the early stages of her life that fashion was in her blood. When her mother got married, Lily Pulitzer, the designer known for her bright colors and patterns, designed a special pattern just for her bridesmaids to wear. That photograph included her mom and her five bridesmaids wearing dresses in the new green and white floral pattern. There was even a picture of her father climbing Machu Picchu in his Gucci loafers! This is a good fashion project that you can do -- trace your style history in your family. I've always wanted to do this and I've been meaning to add this to my fashion journal [stay tuned on that progress.] 

"People ask me how I can be stylish, how can I be elegant and what can I wear? My only answer is study! You have to learn."

- Muccia Prada 

     To get you started to the main attraction of the book, Amanda Brooks suggested two introductory steps in path of the finding your own style. These two components are the "6 Ways to Find Your Style" and her five-point series of "A Few Things to Consider." The lists are as follows: 

"Six Ways to Find Your Style"

1. Make tear sheets -- anything that resonates with you: outfits, color combinations, textiles, scenery.
2. Write down your style history.
3. Try a lot of looks.
4. Constantly ask yourself questions -- what proportions flatter you? what fabrics and colors do you love? what pieces in your closet do you come back to again and again?
5. Find your style icons and inspiration -- identifying with someone whose style you admire is a great way to figure out whether something is 'you.'
6. Make an effort -- try to always look and feel your best, in short, get dressed up! 

Here are the five-point, pretty self explanatory, "A Few Things to Consider"

1. Your budget 
2. Your body
3. Your age
4. Your rules -- like "I don't wear a brown belt with black shoes."
5. Your signature

"Finding your personal style is really about discovering yourself."

- Amanda Brooks

"It is a way of putting yourself together that allows your combination of tastes, desires, interests, aspirations, lifestyle, and history to shine through."

     But the creme de la creme lies in the chapters of the six distinct ways of dressing -- classic, bohemian, minimal, high fashion, street, and eclectic. Amanda noted that since it's somewhat easier to pin down the consistent elements of classic, bohemian, and minimal styles, she appropriately called that cluster of styles definable. So in contrast, high fashion, street and eclectic, given that their elements are always changing, she called those styles indefinable. As if that's not great enough already, after each style chapter she also included an entire section of what she calls "homework." It's not the usual grunt work that we associate with the word. Her definition of homework actually consists of recommendations of books to read and films to see in association with each style. For instance, after the classic chapter, she recommends seeing movies like La Dolce Vita and Bonnie and Clyde. These recommendations serve as an extra step toward exploring that particular style. 

     The rest of the book is dedicated to 4 types of shopping -- basics, cheap chic, designer, and vintage. Naturally these chapters include shopping tips like what to look for and where to find it and other tips like vintage thrifting tips! The designer shopping section even includes an entire page of difficult-to-pronounce designer names like Herve' Leger (Air-VAY Le-ZHAY) or Yves Saint Laurent (EEV Sahn Low-Rahn.) Work on those pronunciations and check out this book! I guarantee that you will love it as much as I do. 

Love, KB

Window Art: Winter Edition

"Fashion is the most powerful art there is.  It's movement, design, and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we'd like to be."

- Blair Waldorf 

     

     Another thing that you have to know about me is that I'm obsessed with window displays. I have this weird fascination with them. To me it's like another form of art that's constantly changing and always inspiring. I've always wanted to be the person designing them and making them come to life! On top of which, I get a lot of outfit and creative ideas from these displays. And on a recent trip to Orlando, Florida for my 24th birthday, I saw this window display outside Anthropologie that was so whimsical and beautiful -- I imagine it's what my dreams look like, colorful and eccentric [and I do dream in colors!]  The display was this gorgeous pastel yellow, one-shoulder dress with a long train that breaks into little petals of yellow and coral into the wind. 

     So when I see a window display or a dress form in an interesting outfit, I immediately reach out for my iPhone 4 and take a picture. That's the beauty of this kind of art form -- it's free and very inspirational! And in today's economy, nothing's better than free. After looking through the images on my phone I thought those pictures would make an interesting blog segment and something for all of you readers to try at home! Window displays could also be another substitute to magazines when you want to find the season's latest trends or just an idea or two for a new outfit to wear. I'm always looking out for new outfit ideas wherever I am. Here are some of some interesting wardrobe ideas I've seen and compiled for this winter season:

    

J.Crew

DO: 

Mix a denim shirt with your favorite winter pieces. 

A denim shirt?! Who knew right? Denim is making a huge revival right now and not just in the jeans department. Pair a denim shirt with a textured/patterned skirt, preferably something that closely resembles tweed or wool or even sequins as pictured above! Also add a skinny metallic or brown belt to define your waist. Then add your favorite winter accessory like a statement crystal necklace, cashmere scarf, or full length winter coat! I'm in love with the idea of mixing a denim shirt with a red nautical stripe shirt tucked into an A-line sequined skirt and cinched by a brown belt as featured in look #3. 

Chelsea and Violet & BB Dakota 

DO:

Wear a colorful and patterned dress for the winter season! 

As much as I love the Little Black Dress - LBD for short, [thank you Coco Chanel] many women gravitate towards a lot of dark and neutral colors when the temperature drops. I embrace colors and patterns all year round! I think it's the best way to brighten up your gloomy mood, especially when the cold weather has you bundled up and feeling a bit down. I'm often seen in the middle of January wearing a floral dress paired with colorful stockings! I feel like it's just my way of patiently waiting [and welcoming!] spring. 

Urban Outfitters 

DO: 

Layer different pieces and different patterns! 

I love layering as much as I love a good tiered dress. Not only will this keep you warm but it's also so fun and chic. Try layering a lace top with a chunky knit complete with a colorful statement necklace, or layer an A-line skirt with a grandpa cardigan tucked in or out and complete the outfit with a patterned scarf, stockings, and ballet flats or ankle boots. You'll be ready to play in the cold in no time! 

BCBG

DO: 
Wear a white dress in the winter! 
Many women try to avoid white in more than one occasion, but I love a white dress moment when it's cold out. Even though black and white falls in the same color categorization, the way I feel about black is so so different with the way I feel about white. When I think of white, I think of a white canvas, a clean white sheet of paper, or white flowy curtains. The beauty about this color is that you can accessorize it with any color! I see a white dress and I immediately think of the emerald, coral, or cerulean jewelry that I want to pair it with. And nothing says Coco Chanel better than a white dress paired with black patent leather pumps. So chic. 

   Try this at home! Just follow these four easy steps: 

1. Keep your eyes open for extraordinary window displays and dress forms inside the store.
2. Keep your camera phone or digital camera in handy at all times. You'll never know when you will come across something that will catch your eye. 
3. Take a picture! It's the most obvious step. It's going to feel awkward at first, but who cares! You're never going to see those people watching you do this ever again and you don't even know them! 
4. Try out your window display inspiration at home! Play dress up! I highly encourage it! 

Let me know what you guys think! Keep warm! 


Love, KB

Documentary Film Review: Valentino -- The Last Emperor

"I know what women want. They want to be beautiful."

   

     This inspiring, heartfelt, and surprisingly humorous documentary chronicles the events leading up to the 45th anniversary celebrations of the grand couturier Valentino Garavani and his business and life partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. The documentary takes place in Rome, Paris, and Venice where the parties and runway shows for the designer's celebration took place with the guest list including fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld, Giorgio Armani, Anna Wintour, and Gwyneth Paltrow. The audience gets to see first hand the behind the scenes of what goes on in creating a couture collection where you basically get to see the creation from sketch to runway and all of the decisions, editing, and arguments that come along the way. Aside from the obvious observation of Valentino being an artist, this documentary shines a light in his role as a business man, father to his pugs, friend, and lover. 

ARTIST
     Like any other artist, Valentino is always in the pursuit of beauty and always wanting something better. As the fashion show to his 45th anniversary quickly approaches he talked about this dress that he had been dreaming about and in the very last days before the new collection was revealed, he translated that obsession and dream into this beautiful floor length, white gown complete with sequins, and panels of ruffles. What's even more amazing is the team of seamstresses who work for him. At one point Giancarlo talked about how in 45 years of making gowns, they bought one sewing machine and it was never used. All of Valentino's gowns are sewn by hand [wow!]  by all of these women who stayed faithful to Valentino and the fashion house. 

   There's no question that Valentino was very passionate about his work. His passion for his work is as evident as his signature and iconic red gowns. During a press conference in the film, he talked about how designing couture gowns was all that he was ever good at and that he was a "disaster" in everything else. He also talked about how women in film noir movies inspired him to become a designer in the first place. When he was a little boy he talked about the time his sister took him to the movies and how the women in the silver screen inspired him to want to become a designer and create clothes for women. And what do you know, years later he dressed and designed for some of the most well known and powerful women in the world like Jackie O, Princess Diana, Anne Hathaway, and Gwyneth Paltrow.  

BUSINESSMAN = GRAND COUTURIER 

     One of the things that you never really think about when you think of a fashion house is how it's ultimately a business. During the film it was noted that creating haute couture dresses is merely for the image of the fashion house and that it doesn't really make money. What generates revenue are things like Ready to Wear (RTW) clothes, handbags, shoes, and accessories. This makes a lot of sense, because when you see celebrities on the red carpet wearing haute couture gowns by these famous designers, those gowns are just loaned to them. They're usually never purchased and later stored in the fashion house's archives. In 1998, Valentino and Giancarlo sold the company to an Italian company called HdP and ultimately ended up with Marzotto Apparel. That venture was one of the issues that ensued in the film, in which the business partners of the company were trying to control the creative side of the fashion house. And you can just imagine how Valentino reacted to that [drama!]  

FRIEND & LOVER

     Even though Valentino is the creative mastermind of his designs and how several seamstresses helped him make his work come to life, it was very heartwarming to see how humble and thankful he was to them and how emotional he gets when reflecting on his work. During the exhibit of his work titled "Valentino in Rome, 45 years of style" he greeted the ladies as they arrived at the historical venue called Ara Pacis which showcased 300 of his creations [holy crap!] Surprisingly enough, this was only one of the tearful moments in the film. 

     And when he was given the French Legion of Honor medal, his tearful speech included his gratitude to his work and life partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Throughout the entire documentary, the two were often seen arguing and bickering about anything and everything, business or personal, and it was moments like that speech where the audience gets to see the dichotomy of those two worlds and their sincere appreciation for one another. In the film, Giancarlo even said that "to be with Valentino as a friend, as a lover, as an employee, you need a lot of patience." It only comes natural given that they've been together longer than the fashion house itself. They were there for each other since the very beginning. The film portrayed their relationship as definitely very genuine and moving. So if you want to learn a little bit about fashion history and one of its most influential icons, this documentary is a definite must see. 

Love, KB

The Importance of: Accessories

"Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory"

- Coco Chanel 

     It's no secret that I love to quote Coco Chanel. Aside from being as iconic as the two interlocking C's of her fashion house, the lady is just so classy and so wise, it's hard to resist. Just recently, I received a book titled The Gospel According to Coco Chanel so definitely more wisdom to come! But the point of the matter is, Coco Chanel acknowledged the importance of accessories and being well accessorized -- or at least being accessorized in moderation. After all, you definitely don't want to look like a Christmas tree filled with ornaments when you leave the house [tragic]. But one thing to always remember is that accessories are just as important as the clothes you put on and the shoes on your feet. 

     I have my everyday basics of jewelry that I wear which consist of my Tiffany & Co earrings, bracelet, and necklaces and on some days, a watch. But on days when I want to dress up an outfit I go through all of my jewelry and find the ones that best suit the outfit. Although, I do have a couple of rules regarding accessories: 

• If I have a big statement necklace on, the earrings that I wear are very minimal. I tend to opt for studs in that situation. But if I have dangling earrings on for a formal event, I usually don't wear a necklace. 
• If one piece of jewelry that I have on is gold, then the rest have to be gold. In another instance, if one piece is silver, then the rest have to be silver as well. 
• I can only wear one statement/cocktail ring at a time. 
• If I decide to wear a bracelet and a ring, each has to be in a different hand. 
• When wearing hair accessories it becomes my main piece. I try to minimize other accessories so it doesn't take away from that one piece.
• I'm cautious when layering necklaces and bracelets. It has to be done right. 
• Ankle bracelets and toe rings are a definite NO NOs. [what is this the 90s?!] 

"Accessories are everything. To me, they're more important than the clothes."

-Rachel Zoe

     The beauty of accessories is that they're relatively inexpensive. If you are on a tight budget, you can buy several pieces and update the look of the clothes you have in your wardrobe. You would be surprised how one piece of accessory can change an entire look [try this at home!] Stores like Forever 21 and H&M carry a massive amount of jewelry that's very affordable. The only trick is just finding the right pieces. You have to be smart about your choices because I've definitely been guilty of buying some fashion accessories and then left asking myself, "Do I really like this?." You want to build a staple collection of accessories that you go back to time and time again, but not a pile of jewelry that you have no idea how to integrate into your wardrobe. It's better to have a few statement and staple pieces that you love and will use than a massive collection that fades as fast as trends. The trick is to pick the classic pieces that will withstand time [*lightbulb.] 

     Here are my favorite pieces (from top to bottom): 

Hair Accessories 

J.Crew, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and Claire's

Earrings 

Betsey Johnson lips earrings and Forever 21 chandelier earrings 

Necklaces 

Erica Lyons, Natasha, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Kohls, Charming Charlie

      

    

Bracelets

Juicy Couture bracelet and charms 

Watches 

Betsey Johnson watch, necklace, and bracelet & Dooney and Bourke watch

Rings 

Forever 21, Charming Charlie, and Charlotte Russe 

     Another important point to know is ORGANIZATION! There is nothing worse than opening a jewelry box of tangled necklaces and bracelets. As shown above, my solution for this are jewelry trees and organizing drawers. For the pieces that I wear often or want to display [because they're pretty!] they usually end up in the jewelry tree. As for the special occasion pieces or pieces that were too long or bulky for a jewelry tree [you don't want it to topple over. trust me!] they have their special place in organizing drawers lined with cloth so they don't slide around when I open and close the drawers! Embrace accessories and colors! I guarantee that you will love it! 


Love, KB