The New Must Have... the LBJ

I swear I have more to do in the mornings than sit and watch Kelly & Michael, but today I am pretty excited that I did.  I was cleaning up the kitchen, and out walks the first guest... Julianna Margulies.  I always stop what I am doing to watch this part... I have to check out what the celebrities are wearing, duh!

So, Julianna Margulies confidently strides out looking gorgeous in a sleeveless black jumpsuit accented with several gold necklaces (either wrapped or varying lengths) and very cool green and black platform sandals.  The jumpsuit was so great that I must find one immediately.  It was so classic, chic and flattering.  Forget the LBD, go buy the LBJ.

Julianna told Kelly that her friend, Tess Giberson, was the designer.  After googling Tess, I find out that she is a very talented designer (i.e. I loooove her look), but it is expensive.  I guess she will be my new go for inspiring looks.

Her aesthetic is more minimalistic with some tailoring... clean looks, but with great detail to how the garment is constructed.  Here are several looks from Fall 2012, Resort 2013 and Spring 2013.

Beautiful clothes, right?!  But, back to the LBJ... as with any perfect garment, the only tasteful versions seem to be on the expensive side.  I am going to work on a new post trying to find more reasonable versions... hopefully with an image of Julianna Margulies from this morning.

For now, I found these two jumpsuits to give you an idea of what I am referring to...

Elle Ruffled Jumpsuit by Single

L'Agence Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Until next week...

                                                                                                                  - Allison

                        

*Photos courtesy of tessgiberson.com, neimanmarcus.com, farfetch.com.

The Month of Zoe

Since the birth of her adorable baby Skyler this past March, we haven't heard or seen much about Rachel Zoe.  Maybe it was due to a much deserved maternity leave, or was it more about lying low in preparation for the RZ media blitz that is upon us as we speak.  On the eve of the launch of her much anticipated fall collection (select pieces are already available at Neiman Marcus), RZ is everywhere.  I am not quite sure how she does it, but she is doing a very large amount of publicity for her new clothing line (plus prepping for the Spring show), she just announced plans for a children's line, she is endorsing Exude lip stick, the 4th season of her Bravo show is debuting September 6, you can't forget her QVC line and there are rumors of a home accessories line and another TV show... phew, I am out of breath!

As exciting as all of these ventures are, I am here to discuss her new collection (of which I am a huge fan).  But, I must say that the photographs do not do the clothes justice.  When I first saw the photos earlier this year, I thought that the clothes were nice.  They definitely reminded me of RZ's signature look (jackets, blouses, flared pants, bohemian style dresses, faux fur, sequins), but I wasn't chomping at the bit to buy anything.  Then, I entered the "Oh So Zoe" styling contest (I couldn't resist).   It was a contest that Neiman Marcus held as a promotion for the launch of her new line, and that is when my opinion started to change...

As I played around with the various pieces in the line, they started to grow on me.  I began to realize the genius behind the collection.  Each piece could potentially be a classic in any woman's wardrobe.  Just as Zoe has said that this collection had been inspired by her own vintage pieces that she continues to wear, you are going to be able to wear and re-wear her clothes in many different ways over the years.  Not only does the potential longevity of these clothes make them a smart purchase, but they look good too!  I am partial to the well-tailored blazers and amazing outerwear, but the pants, the dresses and the blouses are just as fabulous.

As if I weren't excited enough, I was at Neiman's this past weekend and finally got the chance to see the clothes in person.  RZ is not reinventing the wheel, but she has put her styling experience to good use.  She is an expert at knowing the types of pieces women need in their wardrobes.  She is very knowledgeable about quality craftsmanship and fabric.  And, most importantly, she has a good eye.  She designs beautiful pieces that can be styled in so many different ways... in other words, she knows how to design a piece to stand the test of time.

My recommendation to you is to get yourself to a store carrying RZ asap!  You will fall in love when you see the clothes in person.  Just wait to you see the Bonnie Cashin inpired cape... I die!

                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of style.com.

Resourcefulness... creativity at it's best

After anxiously waiting in anticipation and excitement for the Duchess of Cambridge's wardrobe selections for her North American tour, I was quite impressed with Princess Kate's choices.  Not to say that I was blown away (although there were a few that were fabulous) but very happy that she has remained true to her style.  As seen in the Kate Middleton Look Book (courtesy of The Cut), KM's style has always been elegant, classic, understated and fairly safe but very flattering.  She is the perfect style icon for all of us commoners who go to work, take care of kids, attend various events from time to time and are on some sort of a clothing budget (in other words, a perfect style icon for "real life").

As I always tell my clients, you must first invest in the basics... the foundation of your wardrobe.  Once you have the groundwork established, you can start to add the fun exciting fashion pieces.  If you just go for the fluff without any any structure behind it, what will you have to work with?  And, if you wonder why you are always buying, buying, buying and have nothing to wear, take a look at your basics (or probably lack there of).

Okay, so my point is that KM can teach us all a thing or two about how important basics truly are to any girl's closet (with the exception of celebrities, socialites, etc).  First, her "go to" navy Smythe blazer.  Worn several different times while traveling and in Canada.  Wear it with dresses (business appropriate, fun & floaty or maxis), jeans, skirts or shorts.  Layer it with different tops depending on the event... stripes, lace, sequins or your basic shirt.  I found it very irritating that she was criticized for re-wearing it on her trip.  Is that not the point of packing smart (although she did have 40 outfits), and down to earth?  Did you know that blazer sold out within several days of it's first appearance on KM?

Then we have the J. Brand skinny jeans that KM wore consistently throughout Canada.  Is that not what you are supposed to do with jeans?  You have your favorite skinny pair, your wide leg pair, the pair for heels and, of course, a pair for flats.  Once again she was criticized for wearing them too much.  Seriously, she wore them when it was appropriate to wear pants.  She is 29.  Skinny jeans are a perfect choice.  More importantly, that is her style.

I must also mention her L.K. Bennett nude pumps.  Although it would have fun to have a new shoe for every outfit, she once again used her "go to" shoes.  And, she always looked polished and put together. KM has done more for nude pumps than any other celebrity out there.  If you don't own a pair yet, it is time to invest.  Nude pumps are a must have for any girl.  When in doubt of which shoe to wear, always go with the nude (plus they make your legs look great!).

These are just a few examples of KM's timeless style.  There is much to be learned from how she mix & matches her wardrobe.  The resourcefulness that she uses is great to see.  It is what we all have to do on a day-to-day basis.  And, that is where the true creativity lies.  Anyone can go out and buy new pieces and look great, but to put together your existing wardrobe in new ways... that is where true cleverness and imagination come into play.  All the makings of a style icon.

                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nymag.com.

The Perfect Dress for my Parisian Getaway...

A few nights ago I found myself wandering around the upper East side... I actually had time to kill, which is unheard of in my world (I was so excited)!  I happened upon this little French restaurant, Brasserie Julien... their logo is "Paris around the corner"... and indeed it was.  I ordered a glass of wine, listened to the jazz and thought about all of the craziness of holiday shopping.  I started laughing to myself about the fact that all of the stores push all of these cold weather gift items on you, but meanwhile they are stocking their shelves with latest resort wear.  The world of fashion... wouldn't it just be easier if we could find pieces that we can wear for most of the year.  Pieces that are timeless and make you feel pretty when you put them on...

Well, I have found one brand that you may or may not have heard of that certainly fits into this category... Tucker by Gaby Basora.  She has the most charming pieces that can be worn in so many different ways... you just feel like a lady when you don something from the Tucker collection.  The collection has a definite vintage vibe, apparent from the moment you open up the website.  It is know for it's beautiful prints and silk the is the fabric of choice.  The clothes are very wearable and would certainly look great on everyone.  When I daydream about some of the Tucker pieces that I would buy, I picture myself strolling along a little street in Paris, sitting in cafe or maybe stopping by the flower market to purchase some flowers that I would effortlessly throw together in some dazzling arrangement... 

My only beef with Tucker is that the pieces are on the more expensive side... so annoying!  However, if you ever did purchase a piece it is definitely a good investment.  These aren't the type of clothes that go in and out of style.  They are staples that can be adapted to fit into any wardrobe, therefore the price could be justified...  Either way, you must take a look at the website... I love it!  I believe I may have a new item(s) to add to my Christmas list...

                                                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of tuckerbygabybasora.com