Awash in Denim
Posted by courtneygrace, Sep 8 2009, 04:46 PM in Shopping + Trends
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Both a timeless classic, a cutting edge trend statement or perhaps somewhere in between, denim captures a time honored American garment that has undergone creative and cultural evolutions since its conception. Somehow denim consistently brings us something new and something old all at the same time. To my utter delight, this season designers have called upon menswear inspired silhouettes and a special nod to the glorious denim of the eighties to discover newfound inspiration for the old. Distressed denim, menswear inspired cuts, and cropped skinnies are among the top denim trends for season. Here are a few styling tips and my favorite picks from our retailers...
Distressed Denim- With the myriad of 80s inspired influences we've been seeing on the runways, it comes as no shock that among the most shocking of denim trends (acid wash) is making an appearance. Although we've seen this trend in varying degrees, distressed denim is a fresh take on the classic American classic that can be styled to varying creative degrees. Pair with a relaxed tee or layered knits for a more casual feel for fall, or choose cutout booties and a blazer with distressed skinny jeans for a more fashion forward vibe. My favorites: Prps' Dart Skinny Jeans @ Shopbop, Helmut Lang's Distressed Jeans @ Saks Fifth Avenue, Current/Elliot 'The Super Slouchy Skinny Jeans' @ Shopbop, and 7 For All Mankind's Bootcut in Vintage Nakita
Meanswear Inspired- Denim has undergone som serious cuffing, cropping, stove-piping, and patchworking transformations under the umbrella of meanswear inspired silhouttes. And not just a favorite among Kaite Holmes, the boyfriend cut jean is among the most significant trends of the season. Worn with a looser fit and cuffed above the ankles (my personal favorite) it can be dressed up with sexy heels or keep it casual (and practical) for fall by pairing it with great boots with hardware. My favorites: Rag & Bone's Boyfriend Trouser @ Shopbop, Gap's Boyfriend Jeans, Citizen of Humanity Dylan Cropped Jeans @ Saks Fifth Avenue, Current/Elliot The Pleated Trouser Jeans @ Shopbop
Cropped Skinnies- An amazing cut of denim for boots or killer heels for fall, cropped skinnies are a new generation of the skinny jean inspired silhouette of season's past with a more tailored feel, and depending on the fabric, a very chic alternative to the classic trouser. My suggestions: Marc by Marc Jacobs Cropped Skinny Jeans @ Shopbop, Etro's Cropped Tie-Print Jacquard Pants @ Saks Fifth Avenure, Gap's Cropped Cords in corbon blue, and Joe's Jeans' Socialite Cropped Jeans @ Shopbop
Need it Now: Jimi Messenger Bag by Phyllis Leibowitz
Posted by courtneygrace, Sep 7 2009, 10:37 PM in Shopping + Trends
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Phyllis Leibowitz rocked the whole boho-chic vibe before it became mainstream courtesy of celebrities like Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins. Leibowitz's career as a stylist brought her to India, where she was inspired to make a few bags for herself made from vintage saris. This inspiration has now evolved into her new collection of handbags. When I first saw the Jimi Messenger bag, I knew I was in love. (Just to give you an idea of the coolness factor, her bags are named after rock stars from the seventies.) I had the opportunity to chat with Leibowitz to learn a bit more about my latest bag obsession.
How did your collection begin?
What inspired you to start this collection?
My bags are named after 70's rock stars who had great style. These are the bags I imagine their girlfriends would have worn: Robert "Percy" Plant, Jimi Hendrix, Syd Barrett, and Kris Kristofferson.
Tell us some of the greatest things about these bags
As a stylist, what are some of the different ways to wear this bag? Again, one of the greatest assets about this collection is the versatility factor. I've styled my bags for daytime, evening, black tie..........but I also hiked in Alaska with the "Jimi" worn messenger style carrying 3 cameras!!! They're also super chic to wear to the beach. My customers wear them with everything from jean shorts to John Galliano couture. As a NYC girl on the go I do a lot of walking and always carry a camera and something to read, I love wearing the "Jimi" messenger bag across my body and have my hands free for answering the phone, hailing a cab, or taking pictures. The "Percy" is great for evening, as you can hang it from your belt and dance the night away.
Photos: Gisele Bundchen wearing 'Jimi' Messenger bag in avocado and model carrying 'Jimi' Messenger bag in onyx. http://www.phyllisleibowitz.com/Home.html
Vintage Shopping with Meryl Reynolds
Posted by courtneygrace, Sep 3 2009, 03:11 PM in Shopping + Trends
A former intern at Vogue and vintage aficionado, Meryl Reynolds is a buyer for Clothing Warehouse in Savannah, GA and has just launched her own vintage line, Lockwood Vintage. I’ve always admired Meryl’s distinctive eye and ability to select incredibly unique vintage pieces. As both a vintage expert and a stylist, it’s always a treat to go shopping with her. On a recent excursion throughout some of NYC’s best vintage stores, I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions and thought I’d share her advice:
My love for vintage began in high school. I grew up with a passion for fashion design but could never afford the high-end labels I dreamt about. Thus thrifting gave me an alternative to finding beautiful and unique pieces. Vintage shopping is so inspirational to me for that very reason. It allows you to stand out and wear something original and at a great price, plus its a great way to recycle and keep old clothes out of our land fills.
My general tips to vintage shopping include this: do research online and see what other people have to say at stores (quality, price, etc...) explore those with great reviews and also any hole in the wall stores you come across - those are where I find the best treasures. Also look for quality pieces and watch out for stains, un-mendable tears and if you are looking for vintage furs make sure the coat looks healthy (not a lot of shedding, bald spots).
What is a reasonable budget? How much should you expect to pay?
As far as prices go... don't be afraid to ask some smaller independent stores if they'd be willing to haggle on a price if you feel something is priced too high. Have a budget you would personally spend on a skirt or other piece of clothing and go from there. You will find a piece in your budget if you keep on searching. (Keep an eye out for colored tag sales though!) Sometimes certain items can be up to 50% off and that is where you can score some real deals.
My favorite piece of vintage clothing has to be this fabulous black dress from the 1950's. It is very tight, three quarter length sleeves and has a beautiful boat-neck collar with little black bow details. (Think Cher from "mermaids"!) It is a beautiful quality piece, fits to perfection, and was one of my greatest deals price wise and quality wise!
How do you style vintage items into your wardrobe and current trends?
Keep a journal and write down the places you've found that you love. Vintage clothes come and go so you always to keep up with your favorite stores to see what is new. Also, I'd reccomend making a wish list for pieces you are looking for and try to be as specefic as possible. For example, if you are looking for a pair of vintage black boots that lace up- don't just buy any pair. Half the fun is being patient and waiting for the right ones to come along.
The Statement: Fall’s Top 5 Shoe Trends
Posted by courtneygrace, Aug 25 2009, 07:02 PM in Shopping + Trends
While shoes are key accessories to any season, there is nothing quite like the grandeur and style glory fall bestows upon accessories. After spending the summer in sandals, there is something quite extraordinary about, let’s say, a suede cutout bootie in a magnificent jewel tone or a pair of leather lace up ankle boots to channel your inner rocker chic?. This season, shoes are all about the details, hardware, and versatile color palette and materials that make this season’s shoes particularly irresistible.
Cutout booties- As versatile as they are sexy, cutout booties are especially significant this fall. Designers have shown this irresistibly trendy shoe in suede, leather, metallic, exotic skins, open-toed and lace up - pick your poison. My favorites: Elizabeth and James 'Lola' Ruffle Bootie @Nordstrom, Loeffler Randall's Mabel Very Strappy Open Toe Booties @Shopbop, and Givenchy's Open Toe Lace Up Booties
Flat boots with hardware: In addition to the cutout bootie, there’s a great variety of low-heeled boots that feature studs, buckles, and straps galore. From the workhorse-inspired boot to the tough chic of the motorcycle boot- this fall these durable but chic boots are equally trendy as practical. My picks: 'Tamzie'@ Nine West, Candela's Studded Ankle Boots @ Saks Fifth Avenue, and Frye's Maxine Trapunto Shortie Boots @Shopbop.
Over the knee boot- The most daring of the statement shoes for fall, the height and drama of these boots are perfect over tights, leggings, jeans, or pants. Heels amp up the boldness factor while the suede lower heeled versions scream sleek and sophisticated. Chloe's Suede Over-the-Knee Boot @ Saks Fifth Avenue and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti's 'Tassel Above the Knee Boots @ Shopbop.
Shrunken Platforms- The 'shrunken' part of the footbed on these shoes gives a subtle yet distict architectural detail that sets these shoes apart from your run-of-the mill platform- a decidedly unique and femine shoe. My favorites: Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Pumps and Oscar de la Renta's Embroidered Pumps @ Saks Fifth Avenue.
Oxford Shoes- With menswear's increasing sartortial influences popping up in womenswear this season, it is no surprise that this season's shoes are reflective of these trendy boyish accents. This season pair your blazers, stovepipe pants, and boyfriend jeans with these unisex shoes for a sharp statement. My favorites: Pour la Victoire Charlie Oxford Flats @ Shopbop, Gucci Riddle Lace-UpKilt Ankle Boots @ Saks Fifth Avenue, and Steve Madden's Black Tuxxedos @ Zappos.
You're Invited to a Sneak Preview of InStyle's 15 for Fall!
Posted by ashley, Aug 24 2009, 11:00 PM in Shopping + Trends
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Lucky you! The rest of the world will not be told about this site until tomorrow! It's InStyle's 15th Bday and one of the ways they are celebrating is by offering finds and special deals from 27 fabulous fall collections where Instyle editors hand picked 15 of their favorite items.They are also giving away 15 $1,000 shopping sprees! Check out the 15 For Fall iPhone app so you can track all this awesome shopping information. Don't miss out on the special offers and discounts Instyle has lined up for fall!
To see all InStyle special offers
To enter for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree
Have an iPhone? Browse and shop the best picks of the season anytime!
How to Shop the Barney's Warehouse Sale with Stylist Lizzie Curtis
Posted by ashley, Aug 14 2009, 01:47 PM in Shopping + Trends
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I had the privilege of hitting up the Barneys Warehouse sale with LA stylist Lizzie Curtis who has styled for the likes of Nylon, Target, GQ and Converse. While shopping Lizzie gave me the inside scoop on how to shop the most anticipated sale of the season without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are her tips for successful purchasing and getting through this massive event alive.
1.) Assess your closet before you go. Figure out what is lacking in your wardrobe and plan on getting solely those items to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2.) Get there bright and early on the first day (if possible)
3.) The back bins are generally where you can find the "good stuff" - don't forget to check them out!
4.) Figure out a method for trying on before hand. Leggings that you can pop items over or a loose skirt works great for an open dressing room situation. Footwear that is easy to slide in and out of is a must!
5.) Use your friends to help you edit pieces as you try them on as mirrors are sometimes scarce; and always try things on because pieces may be defective and/or be sized wrong, stained, etc!
6.) Always consider that a fantastic piece can be altered if the price is right, but don't assume altering will make the piece perfect!
NEW YORK
Thursday August 20th thru Monday September 7th
LOS ANGELES
Thursday August 13th thru Sunday August 23rd
Go here for hours and more information.
Lizzie Curtis with avid BW shopper Cheryl Spotted! Closet Couture's very own Kelli Wallace! 
I couldn't get enough of this girl Ashley, a fashion student at the Art Institute who promised herself only ONE purchase and boy did she make a great one. She snagged these amazing red Louboutins and had the right idea by wearing leggings to try things on over!
Go here for hours and more information.
Courtney's Top Picks for August
Posted by courtneygrace, Jul 31 2009, 04:44 PM in Shopping + Trends
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While the humidity here in New York City makes me long for the cool and crisp days of fall, I remind myself to revel in these last few weeks pre-September fashion, for the ease and glamour of summer dressing is numbered. Therefore August is all about taking advantage of this summer's most celebrated and playful trends; savoring the ease of jersey knits, the glamour and chic of summer whites, or even just simply rocking out in neon Ray-Ban sunnies and a simple pair of flip-flips. Whether that means divulging your downtown edge by pairing an Alexander Wang Classic T-Shirt with a Giuseppe Zanotti Buckle High Heel Sandal for a trendy summer fete, to the ephermeral season favorite of Bretton inspried stripes like Rachel Pally's Oversized Slouchy T-shirt for a nautical exursion, do not head into fall without debuting some of this season's most inspring trends in a true light-hearted summer fashion.
I've shopped our retailers with this month's theme devoted to easy and fun summer style.
1. Caroline Hedaya lace ruffle dress. Shopbop. The simplicity of this silk dress with tiered ruffles is the perfect feminine and dainty summer frock.
2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Mesh Braided Bracelet. ArmaniX. A modern mesh bracelet that adds a little subtle shimmer to any summer ensemble.
3. University Khacki Rope Soles. TOMs. Perfect for those lazy summer days lounging at the summer cottage or beach house.
4. Ray-Ban Neon Wayfarere Skinnies. Shopbop. A personal summer favorite. With the explosion of neon inspired hues taking over the accessory world, they are a great way to fend off summer rays in style.
5. White Racerback Long Dress. James Perse. A go to summer staple- it's the ultimate balance between comfort and style.
6. Wood Bead and Gold Coin Three-Strand Necklace. Vivre. With three strands of wooden beads and golden coins, this is a great statement piece to any summer look.
7. Pierre Hardy Flat Gladiator Sandal. KirnaZabete. We've seen a plethora of varying takes on the gladiator sandal this season- I like Pierre Hardy's version the best.
8. Alice + Olivia Wide Waistband Pants. Shopbop. The eptiome of chic summer white.
9. Roary Beca Adonis Romper. Shopbop. The ease of jersey is a forever plus in summer heat and the playfulness of this romper is perfect for any summer playdate.
10. Tart Hera Santorini Sunset Dress. Shopbop. The vibrant colors of this maxi halter dress make for a stunning choice for a warm weather soiree.
Overheard: Pierre Hardy for Gap
Posted by courtneygrace, Jul 28 2009, 05:15 PM in Shopping + Trends
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Pierre Hardy fans and savvy budget shoe junkies rejoice! For the fourth consecutive year, the ingenious Parisian cobbler will bring his haute couture talent to the mainstream shopping culture via Gap’s fall/winter 2009 collections. Previously the designer of progressive shoe collections at houses like Dior, Hermes, and Balenciaga, Pierre Hardy will join the ranks of Gap’s Design Editions again this fall. So while the excitement of fall fashion season trickles in and we anticipate the fresh and inventive trends of the season, consider pairing one of Hardy’s new suede boots to your look. Three exclusive models will debut in GAP stores mid September: two suede boots with buckle detail and one with wool trim, as well as leather sandals in navy, blue, beige, khaki and grey. I’m excited to see how the instant ‘je ne sais quoi’ chic of Hardy’s shoes pair with an oversized sweater, leggings, and a vintage belt.
The Anti-It Bag
Posted by courtneygrace, Jul 16 2009, 12:44 PM in Shopping + Trends
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Don’t be fooled by the practicality of the messenger bag: the style vote is in and the understated chic utility of messenger bags seems to be just ‘it.’ Coming a long way from their utilitarian past, the combination of this trendy and functional bag has us all jumping on the bandwagon. From designer to non-label, the messenger bag defies hip by nearly being an anti-fashion statement- the very rare piece of fashion that becomes more ‘fashionable’ the older and more beat up they become. For the distressed leather look, try the Kooba Jules Handbag with brass hardware at Zappos. For the more glossy spin on a messenger bag, I’d recommend the Pierre Hardy Patent Messenger Bag from our retailer, KirnaZabete. And finally, for the bohemian lovers, I’d suggest this signature Antik Batik Kassi Cross Body Bag on Shopbop, an uber chic version of the messenger bag that features tiered fringe and a braided shoulder strap.
Surviving a Recession Through Creativity
Posted by courtneygrace, Jul 14 2009, 08:42 PM in Shopping + Trends
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Recently while looking through some old fashion magazines, I was pleasantly reminded that fashion truly is a sign of the changing times. Circa World War II, I was struck by an article giving instructions how to sew bed sheets into a fashionable dress. While I’m certainly not insinuating to whip up your linens into a fabulous dress given the recent economic climate, I had to stop and reflect to the 21st century adaptations of this. Yet I feel that fashion evolving with the course of history can be a bit more than the token advice of ‘recession proof your wardrobe’ that we’ve all read before. There will always be frugal finds and masterful shopping strategies, so perhaps instead of being credit card happy, a time like this provides an opportunity to get creative and mix things up.
While researching the many ways to update your wardrobe non-monetarily (think changing the buttons on an old coat or scouring a flea market for some great vintage jewelry,) thanks to Vogue.com, I learned of another modern version of the DIY credo on Chantal van der Meijden’s blog that features instructions to achieve incredibly unique embellished tights. I decided to interview the uber chic fashion designer to hopefully give us a little inspiration. Check out the DIY instructions for embellished tights on her blog, Cocorosa.
What advice would you give to any fashion-DIY project (especially for those who have never attempted one..)
Experiment and try out a bunch of different things. There are a lot of different ways to work and its best to find a way of working with materials that you are comfortable with. I like to go on intuition and feeling and let a project evolve. Also- don’t be afraid to ask questions and advise and collaborate with others!!
Where did you gain inspiration for your embellished tights? When did you begin styling?
I actually have no idea where the idea for the tights came from, it kind of just happened! I started collecting trims, laces and stones I really liked that also formed a mood I really related to. So when I came home I started to cut out shapes and pieces and placed it together to form new embellishments. I got really inspired and started with little things I do to make an item my own- like knotting, draping and pinning and from there by being encouraged by lots of people I started to further modify and rework existing items.
Do you have any other projects that you haven't featured on your blog that you'd like to share with us?
I am working on tons of things all at the same time :) I am surrounded by half finished DIY projects. The room looks like a creative explosion!
What are 5 simple ways women can creatively update their wardrobe in your opinion?
1) Details and accessories- if studded is the trend you can easily update a look by a small studded belt or a studded cuff.
2) Replace- update a coat, jacket or blazer by simply changing the buttons for a different look and feel
3) Lengths- update/modernize vintage by changing/shorten the lengths of dresses and skirts
4) Layering and mixing of unexpected textures- play with layers and textures as hard and soft or solid and sheer, for example, to update outfits and make them exciting.
5) Draping- I’m all about draping as well as knotting and pinning. I tend to play around with outfits a lot.
Who are your style icons?
I don’t really have style icons actually, I would say my parents for always giving me the freedom to express my creativity and let me explore live and always encourage and inspiring me, also I am really inspired and encouraged by the other bloggers and what they do!!
on Tips From Closet Organizer to the Stars, Melanie Charlton Fascitelli of Clos-ette