Styling Contest Winner......!
Posted by Chris, 5 hours ago in Announcements
The challenge? Style Fiona (aka justapuppy) in fresh looks for everyday wear.
You know, provide the solution to that problem of standing in front of your closet thinking: I have NOTHING to wear!! We asked, and you answered with fabulous options for Fiona for day, evening and everything else. We loved these looks and found that sometimes you have most of the pieces there, you just need a fresh eye and a new piece or two to feel like a million bucks!
The winner? TAMTIEHEL (aka Tammy)! Congratulations, Tammy will get $200 from Saks Fifth Avenue as her prize!!
Here is the winning outfit:
Fiona says: "I love this look from tamtiehel, and think it's perfect as the weather warms up and I'll be investing in a sexy pencil skirt like the one shown!"
RUNNERS UP: Outfits we all loved and that Fiona will be debuting as well this spring. Her thoughts on each, below:
"I know this look will look perfect together, and it's one I wouldn't have put together alone":
"I love the accessories chosen for this outfit by leighthomas":
"I tried and tested this look by Lady Diane, and got some compliments which was lovely":
Member Styling Contest - win $200 from Saks Fifth Avenue!
Posted by Chris, 3 weeks ago in Announcements
You asked, and we listened!! Now that we have all warmed up our styling savvy on celebrities, we are pleased to annouce our real-life styling contest - on uber-member FIONA (aka Justapuppy) her photo above top right. The contest works the same as the others ones:
It's so easy to enter! Just follow Justapuppy on ClosetCouture to get access to her closet. Then go to STYLE AN OUTFIT, click on the "switch user" button and choose "Justapuppy". Then make outfits for her from both current items in her closet, and any other items you think she will like. Then Save them to her closet - and name them FOR FIONA.
Fiona and Closet Couture will pick the winner - the member who makes the outfit Fiona likes best wins a $200 gift certificate to SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.
Style Scene from Fiona:
WHO I AM: I live in London and my current style is fairly relaxed. I like to look smart for work, but my current job is not super corporate. I have a pretty active weekend lifestyle which can mean running around with my extended family and friends and the usual out and about activities.
WHAT I NEED: I find it hard to dress for the weekends, and often find myself wearing the same types of clothes from one day to the next - I'd love to have a 'weekend' look, and a 'work' look. I'd love help for any kind of outfit though - going out, dates, work and weekend!
WHAT I LOVE: I absolutely love the style of the Mad Men ladies (see above Betty Draper pic), but on a practical day-to-day level, I'd like to learn how to channel the looks of Pixie Lott, Natalie Portman (also above), and Reese Witherspoon. All three always look stylish, and feminine. I love the idea of wearing a 50s inspired look, or trying to get into the current nude tones, without looking pale!
Contest ends at 6pm EST on March 3, 2010 - and you may enter as many times as you'd like.
Terms and Conditions here
Our Man in Bryant Park - ADAM
Posted by Chris, 3 weeks ago in Shopping + Trends
By Shannon Hallenbeck
Following a particularly lovely lunch of grilled skirt steak on toasted bianca bread at the trendy Bryant Park Grill, I braved the cold and rounded the corner of Bryant Park to check in for the ADAM show by Adam Lippes. While waiting in line to enter the promenade, I chatted with Robert, a fashion photographer for H&M and Christian Dior, who was attending the show to support his friend who had worked to style a number of the runway looks. “I always look at the model’s shoes,” he told me. “The wrong shoes can ruin an outfit.”
Upon entering the promenade, Robert and I were ushered to adjoining seats overlooking the entryway to the runway. As the show started, models in bright red, black, and embellished tops came down the runway, with chunky snoods draped around necks and shoulders. The thick scarves were wrapped among a number of the model’s necks, and created a funnel effect to their otherwise tailored forms. The ADAM-inspired woman will be able to replicate a number of these looks through the classic method of layering tailored pieces.
The palette of greys, cream, black and red suit most most women, and the beautifully cut skirts and dresses will flatter most any figure, which we love and the knits and flannels will drape really well on straight and curvy figures alike.
All in all, this was a chic and wearable collection that though the temperature outside is still sub-zero, makes me already look forward to fall - and I loved the shoes!
Our Man in Bryant Park - ELISE OVERLAND
Posted by Chris, 4 weeks ago in Shopping + Trends
By Shannon Hallenbeck (Shallenbeck)
Following a bicycle and buggy cab ride (which I do not recommend in the winter, or hardly think worth the twenty-five dollars for four blocks—lesson learned!), I arrived at the Exit Art building on 475 10th Avenue for the Elise Overland show. Chris had informed me beforehand that it would be best to find a spot nearest the end and at the right of the runway so that I might gain a better view for taking pictures of the models as they turned to strut backstage again. Taking her advice, I found myself not only at a preferable angle to the runway, but right across from Kelly Osbourne and Heidi Klum!
As the show started, I was instantly drawn to the fiery red evening dresses and black leather jackets coming down the runway. Her show consisted of corset-style dresses, dresses with a metallic sheen, cropped jackets with and without fur, and jackets with sewn-in belts issued forth. (There is a certain degree of practicality in jackets featuring sewn-in belts. While jackets with loose belts can look particularly chic, the last thing a busy woman on the go wants to do is buckle-down and have to hold on to her otherwise loose belt.
The inspiration was open heart surgery (see above graphic) - as one of Elise's friends gave her a DVD of a procedure for her viewing pleasure. Not sure if we would have made the jump from there to such lovely and wearable clothes, but glad she did!
Spotted at the tents: Project Runway's Jay McCarroll
Posted by Chris, 4 weeks ago in Style Icons
During our mad sprint for a sammy at lunchtime, we ran smack into the former Project Runway star and winner of Season 1, JAY McCarroll! He was kind enough to pose for a moment, talk fur - only FAUX for him, thank you very much - and admire and stroke our glam iphone cover (gold - I had a Lady Gaga moment in the Apple store).
Wondering what Jay has been up to since his TV debut? We were too, and thus he directed us to his online store / boutique, called The Colony where his own designs are sold along with other items " that I picked for their super style and uniquenessity!"
NYFW - Daniel Vosovic
Posted by Chris, 4 weeks ago in What to Wear
Remember Daniel Vosovic on Project Runway? He stole my fashion heart with his orchid-inspired ensemble which Michael Kors described as so chic..... and now he is back showing in NYC at Exit Art this afternoon. Daniel's presentation was lovely and not a traditional show format - rather he had his model's all out on risers and the guests could walk amongst them and really see the clothes. And what a lovely selection.
Above are some of my favorites, including my most most favorite look, the gray shawl lapel coat and trouser suit. This would look great on just about everyone, no matter your age or body shape. The black short sleeved suit is also a winner - with a shirt beneath the jacket for those not into the whole bare tummy thing (like me).
The marbled silks (like the rust-colored ones above) were beautiful in it's craftsmanship, but might be harder to incorporate day to day. The overall collection was lovely and chic, and very wearable. How would you wear these looks?
(Photo of the designer is top)
Come Sail Away.....
Posted by Chris, 4 weeks ago in Shopping + Trends
Since the shows last fall for Spring 2010, we have been craving a little nautical stripe action in our day to day ensembles. As we trudge through the endless winter storms and sleet, our thoughts turned to the questions: When is it going to be spring already, and when can we bust out the stripes?
For resort this year a strong list of designers added their nautical interpretations to their lineups, including Donna Karan, ADAM, Jeremy Scott and Band of Outsiders, among others.
Above are a few pieces we really like for resort / spring, all available here at ShopStyle:
T-Bags Striped Cardigan, $170
Classical Nautical Black Dress, $22.80
Nautical Striped Top, $17.80
Alexander Wang Nautical Frill Pullover, $425
Here's how I would wear them now if I just couldn't wait for spring: how would you?

- Forever 21 Classical Nautical Dress
- Black Patent Manolo Blahnik Pumps.png
- Ysl Black Jacket
- Topshop Chain Print Square Silk Scarf.jpg
- Gold Patricia Von Muslin Cuff
- Mary Norton Black Clutch

- Mcq By Alexander Mcqueen
- Ccwardrobe_195.jpg
- Prada Black Motorcycle Boot
- Navy Seven For All Mankind Skinny Jeans.png
- The Row Short-sleeve Blazer
- Chain Laced Necklace
New York Fashion Week....
Posted by Chris, Feb 5 2010, 06:06 AM in Announcements
Coming to you live, on Closet Couture! One of our most stylish members, Shannon Hallenbeck, will be joining the Closet Couture editors in covering fashion week this season. Here is a link to his AMAZING closet - check out the outfits and you. will. die. This week and next, see our coverage on our blog here, and on our Twitter page for minute by minute updates and pics....
Our line up includes some terrific shows, including Jenni Kayne, Nanette Lapore, Malandrino, Adam, Tory Burch, Tibi, VPL, and more. We will be updating from the shows, and of course, live Twittering during the shows and posting our coverage as fast as our nimble fingers can. Look for street style, more Models in the Wild and other recurring features.
(And above are some of the invites we have received in the snail mail - they are all on heavy card stock and lovely....)
xx Chris
5 Items to Go Buy Now
Posted by ashley, Jan 27 2010, 07:35 AM
With NY Fashion Week (which we will be covering for you our readers) just around the corner, what better time to invest in some pieces that will add a little pop to your current winter wardrobe and transition nicely into spring. The theme here: layering!
1.) Striped Dresses
Great to wear with tights, boots and bold accessories to really make it your own. Both of these dresses will look great in winter layered with a cardigan and jacket and alone once warmer weather hits. Stripes also look GREAT with metallic. Buy them here.
2.) Oval Frame Sunglasses
These are an easy way to update any look right now. Each pair from Cutler & Gross is handmade and we love them all. The lines on them give off the perfect preppy yet edgy vibe. It's so great when a piece feels retro and chic at the same time.
3.) Neutral Booties
Rag & Bone score again! These are the perfect booties to take you from Winter to Spring. Pair them with dresses and tights now and dare to go with bare legs in the Spring. These are both walkable and wearable for every day - a wise investment.
4.) Woven Necklaces
Layer ACB's woven black leather necklace over a loose fitting tank and jeans to update your look. Or, for more of a statement layer it with other silver or gunmetal necklaces.
5.) Loose Fitting Leather Vests
This asymmetrical fold-over vest looks great over a long sleeve or a tank. It would be perfection paired with the striped dress above.
Top 5 must-haves for 2010
Posted by ashley, Jan 13 2010, 06:26 AM in Shopping + Trends
Hi All: What are your top 5 items for 2010? I am dying to know what others are loading up on for this spring and year - there are so many choices, I think, that work for lots of us!
Here are mine:
1. Anything Alice in Wonderland - whether it's the Stella McCartney inspired by collection or the Tom Binns (among others) bracelets, I am all for a character tie in that is chic instead of shabby. We can all thank Tim Burton for this new take on an old classic, which will take us down the rabbit hole of fashion!
2. Military - khaki green is the chicest color, I think (maybe navy blue gets a run for the money) and paired with a metallic, it's over the moon. I am on the hunt for an army green pencil skirt that I want to pair with my Hermes buckled belt (note that I did in fact take the buckle off the belt and put it on a much more casual one - it's in my closet for you to see) and white shirt with LOTS of gold jewelry.
3. Silk shirts with cardigan sweaters over them. I know, it's a two-fer. But this look is going to save me in winter and then come spring, I will jazz up the winter colors with spring pops of color. I like the silk tops at J. Crew for price and colors, and then the cardigans at The Gap (finally getting back their mojo...!) for the same reasons.
4. Spots! Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe (not a spot, more a blob, but gorgeous). All things animal work as a great pattern in almost any color - and are a perfect way to go from day to night. Do it as a belt or shoe if you are afraid of it overwhelming, or go for a full on look if you dare!
5. Lightweight leather. It can be pricey, so best to save for a jacket or the like that can go from winter to spring - so a cut and color that looks good open, closed or layered, to get the most bang for your buck. I like a carmel color, which works well with chocolate browns and grays for winter and whites and creams and picks for spring.
What are your must-haves?










on Our Man in Bryant Park - ADAM