Ten Trends to Avoid

April 4, 2010 | Uncategorized | 7 Comments

Just because it’s a trend doesn’t mean you should be wearing it.

Case in point:

Blindly following trends in an effort to look “hip” and “in vogue” often backfires and is the cause of a shit ton of fashion calamities.

To recap: A “hot on the runway” look does not necessarily translate into a “hot on the street” look.

For example, last spring yellow was a big trend. Why? You got me. I, for one, can’t think of anyone I know who looks great in yellow. I can’t even imagine myself pushing a yellow accessory on a client. Yellow shoes anyone? What about a yellow bag? Ugh. Granted, there are always exceptions. Michelle Williams’ yellow Vera Wang Oscar dress from ‘06 is one of my all time fave red carpet moments.

But I digress.

Like runway shows, red carpets are often great to watch for inspiration. Where lots of peeps fall victim (my younger self included) is in thinking that by mimicking the look of your fave celeb you’ll look cool.

Reality check: More often than not, you won’t.

And so what? Most celebs don’t look half as cool as they may think they do.

But let’s cut right to it. In an effort to help you not fall victim to bad fashion I’ve compiled a list of my current top ten least favorite trends.

Take a look:

1. Wearing Leggings as Pants.  Anyone that knows me on any level is aware that this my numero uno fashion pet peeve. I keep waiting for this horrific trend to go away. Alas, it keeps getting worse. Now American Apparel has come out with latex-esque leggings. Why? Vying for a spot on HBO’s Real Sex? Uuuugh. Unless you’re in ballet or movement class, do us all a favor: don’t wear leggings as substitutes for pants in public. Of all the peeps I know there are three that can get away with this look. And out of those three two are models and one’s a fitness guru. So for us non-models, here’s a reality check: Leggings are not pants! Leggings under a dress? Fine. As a replacement for JBrands? NO.

Lilo, leading the pact. Sienna apparently forgot her knickers. For realz? Need more proof?

1. Side Braids. Last time I checked, you weren’t appearing as Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie, or auditioning to play Pippi Longstocking. You’re not twelve right? Don’t side braid.

Nicole Richie’s rocked a lot of looks. Just not this one. We all love Rachel McAdams; myself included. She looks gorgeous here, but with the one shoulder neckline her side braid distracts from the dress. I’d prefer to see all her hair in an updo.

1. Hot Pants. Again. There may be 2% (and I’m being generous) of women out there that can rock this look. Kate Moss being one of them. For the rest of us (myself included), opt for traditional “below your butt cheeks/above your knee” shorts.

Runway                                                           Kate Moss                                  Reality. TMI.

1. Underwear as Outerwear. If anyone’s looking at you wondering if you forgot to get dressed in actual clothes before leaving house this morning, something ain’t right in my book. Let’s save the “lingerie look” for the actual boudoir.

Would you be comfortable leaving the house in one of these looks?

1. Matching Denim. There can be “too much of a good thing.” I love jeans, just not coupled with a matching jean jacket. Or denim shirt. It’s overkill.
2. 

Do you think this looks hot?

1. Jumpsuits. I have never seen a sexy jumpsuit. Ok, maybe on Halle Berry in Catwoman. But for reals. Have you? I find this look to be totally unflattering. On the runway this spring many designers were “shaking it up” (or so they thought) by creating “evening jumpsuits.” Some nutball fashion reporter even equated sequined covered jumpsuits as a “striking alternative to a traditional evening dress.” WTF? Um, NO. There is no “striking alternative” to a “traditional evening dress.” Don’t go knockin’ tradition. Tradition can be highly underrated. Especially in fashion. Check it:

1. The “Sans Bra” Look. Like “we can see your nips and apparently it’s freezing outside” ouvertly sexual look. Guys will fight me on this one. But if someone’s looking at you thinking, “You should be wearing a bra….” Guess what? Chances are, you should be wearing a bra! Particularly in a professional setting. Going au natural may not make you uncomfortable, but there’s a high probability others will be uncomfortable. (Trust me, I’ve been there. It was called “being seventeen.” Mr. Barnes, my former French teacher, can vouche.)

1. Shirts with Slogans. Jesus may indeed be your “homeboy,” but there’s no need to announce that on a t shirt. It may serve as an interesting conversation starter, but you’re not that desperate for attention, right? Alternative: Try pairing a vintage rocker t shirt (Zeppelin, the Stones, Jimi Hendrix) under a tuxedo blazer for a sharp, edgy look.

LOVE. Kate wearing a Zeppelin T.                       TMI.                                    Bad.                                   OMG.

1. Leisure Suits. Leisure suits were a big fad in the ’70’s and, unfortunately, resurfaced on the runways this spring. Frequently associated with “clueless dressing,” why this fashion disaster has made a comeback is a complete mystery to me. I don’t think this look does anything for a woman’s figure. Take a look. Flattering, huh?

1. Genie Pants. Another trend that dominated the spring runways this year for reasons I will never understand. They’re aptly named. These pants could easily make an appearance in Aladdin. Just not much else. Take a look:

1. Epaulettes. Lady Gaga can get away with wearing horns on her shoulders. The rest of us non divas? Not so much. Unless the look you’re vying for is “extra from Star Trek.”

What do you think?

Any “bad trends” I mentioned that you disagree with?

What are your least favorite trends?

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How to Use Your Biggest Ass-et to Kick Ass

March 31, 2010 | Uncategorized | 17 Comments

“The 21st century is, without question, THE century of the woman”

Oscar de la Renta

Carrie, Sex and the City Season 6                              Michelle Obama                                         Cast of Mad Men

If you’re anything like me, you wish women today would dress like the women on Mad Men.

Full silhouettes. Box hats. White gloves. Watch fabs.

Don’t get me started.

Like Sex and the City, I don’t tune in to Mad Men for the drama.

Although the acting’s pretty darn good.

I don’t even tune in to ogle at John Hamm.

Well….., totally.

I tune in to see the clothes:

Gorge, right?

The ’60’s may be ova,’ but these women are anything but old school.

On the contrary, they used clothes to show of their big asset:

The power of their femininity.

When I think about my favorite iconic women throughout history, there is invariably one trait they all have in common that a lot of other women lack, today especially.

They realised that their femininity is their greatest asset and dressed accordingly.

Take a look:

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In my humble opinion, the most successful women have built their empires (in no small part) through understanding and embracing the effect femininity can have on men.

This is not demeaning! It’s totally empowering.

I don’t care what field you’re in. If you’re serious about kicking ass and building your brand, it’s time you got serious about your image. And not just via blazers. Seriously. If I see Hillary Clinton in another black pantsuit I’m gonna scream. Why not change it up for a conservative Michael Kors or Oscar de la Renta dress? I guarantee you’ll still look powerful while accentuating your femininity.

You’re a woman, right? Start looking like one.

Am I suggesting you never wear pants? Absolutely not! I happen to think menswear can be very sexy and am a frequenter of the JCrew menswear department.

If you’re insistent on wearing a black pantsuit, you still have options. I’d suggest spiffying it up with red nails (short; long red nails look tacky). Add a splash of color with a pair of purple Christian Louboutin stilettos.

Whether or not you’re obsessed with denim or pantsuits, you can still find ways to accentuate your femininity. Here are some suggestions:

1. Don’t leave the house without mascara.
2. Blow dry your hair. Too lazy? Fork over some dough and get it done once a week. Nothing pulls an outfit together like great hair.
3. Manicured nails. Do it yourself or pay $10 to have a professional do it instead.
4. Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise. A cool broche can vamp up a tired blazer. A gold necklace will add instant personality to an otherwise drab grey v neck tee.
5. Undergarments are one of the most overlooked clothing “genre.” When your bra actually fits, your clothes will look better; not to mention you’ll feel sexier. For lingerie, Agent Provocateur is my fave go to store: http://www.agentprovocateur.com
6. Invest in a great pair of heels. Shoes are the sure fire way to sex up any outfit. A pair of stillettos can transform a cotton James Perse tee and wide leg J Brand jeans from casual errand running ensemble into rad date night attire.**My fave high end shoe brands: Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin.
7. Red lipstick. Not gloss. For high glamour, go for a matte red lipstick. Think Gwen Stefani. My favorite is Viva Glam III by MAC Cosmetics.
8. Wear a dress! Caveat: One that accentuates your curves, not a shapeless potatoe sack. In my opinion, no one makes a dress better today than Oscar de la Renta and Alice Temperley. Their clothes are an investment, but they’re timeless and you’ll have them for life with proper care. View the current Temperley line here: http://budurl.com/kwku
9. Belt it. Accentuate your waist line. If your coat is shapeless, add a belt above your hips! If your dress isn’t fitting well and you can’t afford to buy a new one or get it tailored, add a belt! **As a general rule of thumb for dresses, a belt should hit approx. two inches below your bust line where your waist is most narrow.
10. Wax. You know…down unda.’ Regardless of if there’s a current special someone in your life that will see it. You will and you’ll benefit. May sound wacky. Just do it. I guarantee you’ll feel better. In my experience, nothing feels like walking sex quite like a Brazilian.

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For the Love of Sandy

March 10, 2010 | Uncategorized | 20 Comments

I love Sandra Bullock.

I loved her in The Blind Side. I loved her in Hope Floats, although that movie sucked.

Personality wise, she’s hands down my favorite actress. She’s so candid, so witty, so redonkulously gorge.

Suffice to say, I adore her.

I was beyond stoked when she walked away from Sunday nights Oscars with that little gold man.

I’m obviously not alone in my “Sandy adoration.”

She wouldn’t be a movie star if I was.

However. It pains me to admit I don’t love Sandra because of her style.

I love her in spite of it.

More often than not, her fashion choices totally baffle me.

Case in point, the following fashion mishaps (to put it mildly):

I’m rendered speechless, these outfits are so heinous.

And normally I’m a “chatty Cathy,” so that says a lot.

In response to outfit A, all I gotta say is “Girl, whatchya trying to hide?” For someone with such a rockin’ bod, I’m perplexed as to why Sandra would go to such lengths to cover herself up.

Also, that dress is about as flattery as a potatoe sack. And please, don’t even get me started on those cropped jeans and shoes.

Word from the wise: Do us all a favor. Don’t wear jeans under a dress. It never looks hot.

In response to outfit B, “Really?” This is a woman who makes 20 million a movie and those are the best jeans she could find? I’ve seen more flattering jeans at the Goodwill.  I know Sandra has a home in Texas, but c’mon. I wouldn’t wear that get up to a hoedown, let alone a premiere.

Outfit C: I think I’m more distracted by the lack of bra action happening than the mismatched toned shirt/skirt.

Here are some more pics from my “No, Sandy” collection:

Jiving with her vibe. Get up? Not so much.                         Rule of thumb : Stay away from pantsuits.

Please hem.                                    ”Greek Chorus,” anyone?                Reminded of my grandmother’s drapes.

I’m noticing a pattern. Sandy’s “black tie” garb often looks like it could serve double duty as a figure skating costume. Truly. I used to be an avid figure skater, and I’m willing to bet a sizeable sum that were I to dig up my old skating costumes from the dress up trunk (exactly), there’d be an uncanny resemblance.

Check it:

With the exception of that last photo, she looks gorgeous.

My biggest beef with each of these ensembles is they look like costumes.

Her clothes look like they’re inhabiting her, not vise versa.

There’s much each of us can learn from Sandra Bullock.

Here’s a quick rundown of what we can learn from her fashion mishaps:

1. The importance of hiring a good stylist.
2. Stay clear of dresses that resemble a lampshade, drape or dust ruffle.
3. Pantsuits are never hot. Even when designed by Stella McCartney.
4. Pairing ankle boots with a short dress isn’t flattering. Particularly if you’re petite, closed toed shoes tend to make your legs look shorter.
5. There’s never an excuse to wear jeans under a dress. So don’t.
6. Invest in some good jeans (that are, preferably, not embroidered or adorned with rhinestones; that look is cheap). JBrand, Paige, Superfine are some of fave brands. It’s worth it. Your fans will thank ya.
7. Check yourself in the mirror, under proper lighting, before leaving the house to ensure your nips and/or cooter are not viewable.
8. If considering any piece of clothing that reminds you of a figure skating outfit, chuck it.
9. There is such a thing as too much bling. When in doubt, go for simple, simple, SIMPLE. Think Narcisco Rodriguez.
10. If you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’re gonna convey that. Regardless of how kick ass you are.

Sandra: If you’re reading this, let’s do lunch.

Got any responses to this post? Comment away!

I’d love to hear from you.

At the bottom of the next page they’re will be a box where you can “Submit Comment.”

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Know Your LA Neighbs.

February 27, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

I’m frequently approached for recs, whether for a kick ass facialist or tailor. I thought it would be cool to share a list of my favorite professionals (aka seamstress not porn actor) in Los Angeles and New York City, all of whom are peeps I use  and endorse 100%.  Each one of these rock stars is great at what they do and their rates are affordable.

I’ll be in NYC next week (meeting with clients;) and do a follow up piece next Friday on my top New York pics.

To start us off, here’s a compilation of my fave LA pics.

Be sure to leave a comment if there’s something in particular you’re looking for that hasn’t been addressed. We’ll get right back to you! xoxx CC

Los Angeles:

Facial/Waxing: Patrizia Lo Bue

Patrizia Face and Body Clinic.

230 S Roberston Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA.

310. 657. 3551

One stop shopping. Facials start at $85 and last appx. 90 mins. Brazilian wax is $50. Patrizia is an amazing facialist and one of the warmest people I’ve ever met. Love her to bits.

Shoe Repair: Star Shoe Repair

7960 Fountain Ave.

West Hollywood, CA.

323. 656. 0777

Spearheaded by this amazing Greek dude. He does a stellar job; really quick turnaround rate. The avg. cost I’ve spent to get a shoe resoled is $15. Can’t beat that!

Nails: Heather’s Nail Salon

1323 Lincoln Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA.

310. 576. 1340

Accepts walk ins and appointments. Manicure/pedicure is $28. Super nice. Got a manicure here right before I moved (not the wisest choice) and, swear to God, my nails didn’t chip during the move.

Hair: Argyle Salon and Spa

8358 Sunset Blvd

West Hollywood, CA. 90069

310. 623. 9000

This place ain’t cheap, but hair is one area I do not recommend scrimping on. Bad hair will ruin any great outfit. Women’s haircuts avg. $150.  I’d recommend Mateo.

Tailor: Lizon Tailors        

10905 Venice Blvd

Los Angeles, CA. 90034

310. 558. 8611

Extremely fast turn around rate and super affordable. I’ve dropped $10 to get jeans hemmed. Whether you need buttons sewn on a coat or a dress taken in, these are your peeps.

Vintage Clothes:

Pricey: Decades Two

8214 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA. 90046

323. 655. 1960

I gotta side with celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe here. I LOVE Decades. Decades Two is a less upscale version of Decades and more up my ally. They specialize in amazing 21^st century vintage. They carry some of my faves:  DVF, Halston, YSL, Blumarine, and Philip Lim. Great place to find some awesome wardrobe staples and investment pieces. That said, expect your wallet to have a bit of a work out. You could find a great metallic Alexander Wang top for under $200, but dresses avg. to be around $500.

Uber Affordable: Shareen Inc.

350 North Ave. 21

Los Angeles, CA. 90031

323. 276. 6226

The most affordable vintage store I’ve found in LA. I recently spent $30 on an amazing green silk ‘60’s cropped jacket here. For further incentive, there’s a monthly of $3/a piece clothing pile.

Vintage Furniture: This Is Not Ikea (TINI)

515 S. Fairfax Ave.

Los Angeles, CA. 90046

323. 938. 9230

My favorite store in all of LA. Alexis, the owner, is insanely talented and has a tremendous eye for finding the most amazingly unique vintage pieces, whether you’re looking for a lucite lamp, cool map, mod clock or desk chair. If you’re looking for something specific they don’t have, they’ll find it for you. This gem of a joint has unparalleled customer service.

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Why Attitude’s The Ultimate Style Accessory

February 18, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Ultimately, being stylish isn’t just about what you wear.

It’s about your attitude.

Like nearly every other woman on the planet, Kate Moss is one my fashion icons.

In my opinion, her iconic status is built less on her innately brilliant, creative talent for curating outfits (she was the trail blazer for effortlessly mixing vintage gems with designer pieces), and more so on her seemingly aloof, uber confident attitude. She’s the consummate of cool, rock ‘n roll chic.

Contrary to her recent collaborative collection with Topshop, I believe Kate Moss’ style is not replicable. You may try and copy her style (as thousands of gals have), but let me be the unfortunate bearer of bad tidings: Even wearing a duplicate outfit, you’re never going to look as cool as Kate Moss.

Trust me,  I tried. Often to disastrous results.

For the record, I don’t recommend copying someone’s style although, on the flipside, it can be a great learning process as to what works on you and what doesn’t.  It certainly was for me.

In my teens I went through a phase where I was a total copycat of her and fellow Brit Sienna Miller’s style. I had no idea who I was, was at war with the body I actually had, and this unawareness was totally reflective in my complete change of garb anytime a new “trend” emerged. Three- quarter black leggings? Arguably, Ms. Miller can pull them off.

Me? Not so much. I’m half Greek and have the “Greek bum,” and leggings are not flattering on me. Wearing leggings, three quarter or full length, I look like a cow. And feel like a whale.

Hot pants? Kate Moss can don them, topped off with a vintage man’s vest (sans shirt), rubber boots, and on oversized cross necklace, looking insanely hot.

Myself? Yep, you guessed it. NOPE. I, along with 99% of other gals, don’t look hot in hot pants!

Some dudes who saw me during the NYC summer of my “hot pant phase” may respectfully disagree. Clad in yellow and black striped hot pants, a tank top, and chunky Chloe heels (do I hear hooker?), I can recall bumping into a guy from my Transgender Theater Studies class on the street in the West Village one night. He asked me, ‘Why I didn’t dress like this for class?’ His reaction, case in point, was why.

I did not feel comfortable wearing those hot pants or leggings, regardless if one or two guys thought they did suit my, well, assets (pun intended). Going through that hellish leggings/hot pants phase, I felt painfully self- conscious and not too happy. I noticed that my discomfort in my garb made me more susceptible to getting irate or defensive. The ballsy ass woman I can otherwise channel was totally defunct the second I put on a pair of leggings. Still is. (Sidenote: Anyone who knows me well is privy to my #1 pet peeve: Wearing leggings as pants. Leggings are not pants!! But I digress. That’ll put the subject of a later blog post).

Not true for either Ms. Moss or Ms. Miller, who exude confidence when donning hot pants, leggings or over the knee suede boots (another trend most women cannot successfully pull off). You may not think they look too hot, but they clearly do and, ultimately, I think that’s what really matters. How you feel in a particular piece of clothing. There ain’t a cloak large enough to hide a woman who’s full of gumption and confidence.

Wearing something you feel great and glamorous in can be a total confidence boost although, ultimately, if you have no confidence or personality to begin with, clothes can only do so much for you which, frankly, ain’t a whole lot.

So, if you’re feeling so hot about yourself these days, before you invest in a stylist or impulsive shopping spree, I urge you investigate why. Overworked and undersexed? Not keeping your word lately? Have some financial messiness you need to sort out?Whatever it is, once you figure it out, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just bring your awareness to it and then change it! I believe you’re totally capable of it.

The world deserves to see you in all your glam glory. So go rock it.

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