Spotted at the tents: Project Runway's Jay McCarroll
Posted by Chris, Feb 12 2010, 10:30 AM in Style Icons
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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!"
Chic of the Week: Melrose
Posted by alyson, Sep 15 2009, 04:35 PM in Style Icons
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We adore Melrose! She's amazing at styling new trends, like the strong shoulder, into real-world looks. This Chic of the Week is a "Libby Arts Major" (her words - LOL) from Tampa, Florida and what she loves working with right now is, "Leather, purple, 1940's opulence, Blazers, Slouchy t's." Just FYI, the picture above is the REAL Melrose and the one to the left is her user picture on Closet Couture.
And her closet is 2die4. It goes on for miles! Follow her to borrow her stuff... We use it all the time; especially the accessories. Hello, hat heaven! You can follow here here. >>
You have to check out her album of outfits (here). There looks created around the likes of Balmain blazers, uptown Lanvin top and sailor shirts.
Here are a few of our faves... You can see them all by checking out her looks, here! >>
Chic of the Week: rain617
Posted by alyson, Aug 25 2009, 09:31 AM in Style Icons
The new Chic of the Week is rain617!
While we love all Closet Couture members equally, there are some we love a little more equally than others... There are girls who use the site like an album of their day-to-day looks and still manage to make the rest of us look unkempt in relation and we pretty much can't handle how amazing they are.
Follow rain617 if you want to get your hands on her adorable bag and boot collections. Heck, even the girl's sneakers are cute!
To follow rain617, go to her page! >>
And check out some of her fab outfits - love them!
Chic of the Week: Vinaholly
Posted by alyson, Aug 17 2009, 09:01 PM in Style Icons
Londoner Vinaholly's eclectic, funky-yet-polished style has caught everyone's eye on CC. Her closet goes on for miles and her outfits are always so fresh; at once on trend and totally her.
Right now, Vinaholly's all over statement pieces and "painfully high ridiculous shoes."
CC member french_wench paid her this awesome compliment: "I've always trusted your great taste for bags & shoes. I love borrowing stuffs from your closet, so enchanting and tasteful."
We couldn't agree more!
Check out a couple of her darling events below, click into her amazing closet and follow her to borrow what's inside!
Q&A with Erin Fetherston... Cutest Closet Ever.
Posted by alyson, Aug 12 2009, 04:02 PM in Style Icons
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Face it, no one has a cuter closet than designer Erin Fetherston. It’s fanciful. It’s dressy. And it’s totally Erin – there's even a glittery mouse mask! A lot of us first met Erin when her Erin Fetherston line appeared at Target ('member the heart-shaped tote? Love it!) and, today, are still totally enamored with her classic-meets-pixie designs.
We caught up with Erin this month to talk first-fashion memories, style icons and fashion SKELETONS in the closet:
1) How would you describe your personal style? Which designers rule your closet, besides your own?
I think my personal style is feminine with an edge. My closet is full of Erin Fetherston clothing, and also a lot of vintage clothing. When it comes to accessories I stick with vintage Chanel handbags and Miu Miu shoes.
2) Whom or what do you look to for design inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere, from everyday things to more researched imagery. I constantly look to film, art, and the many inspiring female friends I have in my life to inspire me.
3) Why did you start out in Paris? And what prompted you to come back to NYC to work?
I went to Parsons in Paris and ended up starting my collection there. Paris will always be very special to me, but New York is the center of the universe in terms of fashion. I really moved back to the US to grow my collection and my business.
4) How do you design? What is your process?
After every collection I have to hide away and escape from the world for a little bit to find my inspiration for the next season. I do a lot of reading and I watch a lot of old films, and once I find the heart of my inspiration the collection just sort of evolves from there.
5) Tell us about your first fashion memory – how did you get hooked?
I got to attend my first fashion show when I was 18. It was a Calvin Klein fashion show at Milk Studios and after the show was over the beautiful models of that time like Amber Valletta and Shalom Harlow were just hanging out, draped on the sofas drinking champagne and I think I was totally seduced by the glamour and decadence of it.
6) What is your fashion skeleton in your closet? Something that you just cannot part with no matter how out of date, etc….
Havaiana flip flops….once summer comes around, there is no resisting them.
7) Favorite accessory that you have?
My heart shaped tote bag that I designed for Target.
8) How do you like to shop? Do you prefer going with friends or alone or having things sent to you?
I like going alone.
9) What is your favorite city to shop in and what are your favorite stores / haunts there?
I love vintage shopping on the west coast, when I’m on a vintage tour I go from LA, to San Francisco, to Portland. My favorite store of all is Shareen’s in Los Angeles.
10) Who are your personal style icons?
Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger, Catherine Deneuve, Lou Doillon, Tinkerbell (always need 1 part fairy in a good outfit)
12) What is your favorite kind of event to get dressed for?
I absolutely love dressing up, so any sort of red carpet event or cocktail party is always fun to dress up for.
13) What’s the usual Erin Fetherston outfit for casual dinner with friends?
An Erin Fetherston dress, opaque black tights (depending on the season), and a great pair of heels.
14) What do you love about Closet Couture?
Closet couture offers such a unique and personal perspective on style!
Don't forget to style an outfit for Erin from her closet - Make sure you are following her, then go to the Create a Look link under My Closet. Then, Switch Closets into ErinFetherston, and make an outfit for Erin using one or more pieces from her closet. You can add in any other items from other closets to finish the look! Save the look as "For Erin" and you are entered to win the cutest dress ever! Good luck, and may the styling fairies be with you!
Terms and conditions apply: read here
Style Profile: Winifred Grace Jewelry
Posted by courtneygrace, Jun 16 2009, 08:52 PM in Style Icons
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Winifred Grace Jewelry embodies beautifully simple, yet modern jewelry that combines an elegant edge of nature inspired colors and designs for a truly magnificent outcome. Using a variety of oxidized metals, fresh water pearls, and Swarovski crystal rhinestones in pale pinks, blues, and opals, this inventive jewelry designer is definitely onto to something quite extraordinary. Using rich colors and textures, each season Winifred Gundeck renegotiates art, nature, and the feminine mystique to create her exclusive collections for which she is now a recipient of The Fashion Group International's Rising Star. I had the opportunity to interview the up and coming jewelry designer to discover some of the brilliance behind her work.
1. Tell us about your current collection.
WG: I am currently working on Winter/Holiday 2009 which incorporates many muted, subtle neutral tones indicative of the season. Smokey, sexy, soft and romantic in color paired with the oxidized chains to give it that harder, more modern edge. I'm really excited about this particular collection!
2. What inspires you the most? I've read that you gain great inspiration from nature. How are elements of nature incorporated into this season's collection?
WG: The colors I have chosen are very natural and soft. The fringe that I create with the different rhinestone chains is reminiscent of many of the repetitive lush patterns & texture found in nature. I am also incorporating large asymmetrical Swarovski crystal pendants which are cut in such a way that they appear to have just been uncovered from some amazing source and polished up for use. There is raw quality to their shape, while the perfectly polished surface lends itself to luxury.
3. Who are your personal style icons?
WG: My maternal grandmother was always a personal style icon for me. She always dressed in a very free, youthful and creative way. Nothing was ever too restrictive, but always had a great element of style. Massive amounts of ethnic, handmade jewelry she had procured from her travels around the world, paired with a feminine silk blouse, trousers and men's shoes. It was a great mix of feminine & soft paired with practical & masculine. VERY Annie Hall. She never ever thought of her self as old, and it showed in how she dressed. I really miss her.
4. How would you describe your personal style?
WG: On any given day in the summer I can be found in flip flops or the classic dr. scholl's. I have a closet FULL of safari sleeved shirts. Praire skirts. I wear less pants, and more skirts - although I do have a pair of bell bottomed painter pants that I can't seem to get enough of. There is a STRONG influence of the early 70s, and though I LOVE pattern in my home, I mostly wear solid colors. In my every day life, I am quite casual - but when I do get dressed up there is a very strong GATSBY influence. 1920s, flapper girl - long necklaces, long dresses, subtle sexy curves and shape. This shows up in the jewelry I design.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of your career as a jewelry designer thus far?
WG: Every time someone buys a piece of my jewelry. Every time a store places an order. That reassurance that what I am creating is something people actually want. And then developing long lasting relationships with those people - that is quite rewarding. Also, when I look back to what the business used to be and where it is now it is extremely satisfying to know that I did it all on my own! What has been the most challenging? I probably spend about 5% of my time actually designing jewelry and the rest of my time is spent running and managing the business. This has been extremely challenging, but maybe one of the most rewarding parts. I wasn't trained in business, but it is exciting to learn.
6. Who would you like see wearing Winifred Grace Jewelry?
WG: Women, any age, who care about fashion, art, other cultures, and being good people.
http://www.winifredgrace.com/inspiration/
As told by Winifred Gundeck to Courtney Peterson
Margherita Missoni: La Bella Figura in Your Twenties
Posted by alyson, May 8 2009, 03:50 PM in Style Icons
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After living in Milan for a year and navigated the at times intimidating Milanese chicness, I have to wonder: If aesthetic judgment and an innate sense of style is part of an Italian’s DNA, it couldn’t be more eloquently encapsulated in the expression, “fare la bella figura.”
While translated literally it means “to make a beautiful figure,” the idiomatic expression signifies to make a good impression, whether that be dressing exceptionally stylish to mistakenly ordering a cappuccino after 11 am, the philosophy of la bella figura is literally a way of life. And while it’s a concept that I’m still mastering, it certainly is an inspiring style mantra that I believe, gives the coveted Italian woman that seemingly unattainable chicness.
One of my personal style icons is Margherita Missoni, as she embodies the values of la bella figura even in her twenties. Stylish, chic, and sophisticated, Margherita Missoni understands the concept of living la bella figura with an edge of youthful grace that makes her one of my role models.
To emulate Margherita Missoni’s look, select a belt as the main statement piece of your outfit. You can pair this fabulous belt with a variety of dresses to carry you through different seasons. I’ve selected this Fendi mink belt from Closet Couture Seasonal and paired it with a Clu silk wrap dress or a black Alexander Wang knit dress to give you the idea.
- Clu Silk Wrap Dress
- Fendi Mink Print Belt
- Jimmy Choo Chryssie Clutch
- Christian Louboutin Zip Up Bootie
- Alexander Wang Cap Sleeve Knit Dress
By Courtney Peterson
Style Icon: Alberta Ferretti
Posted by Joanna, Apr 19 2009, 04:42 PM in Style Icons
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Alberta Ferretti has established a successful brand of chic, ultra-feminine clothing and accessories that speaks to women who possess a sophisticated, elegant gracefulness. Her eponymous line is frequently seen on the red carpet, worn by A-list celebrities and style stars around the world. Beautifully draped gowns, elaborately decorated cocktail dresses made from luxurious fabrics, and bejeweled heels are just a few of Ferretti’s stunning pieces from her two collections – Alberta Ferretti and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. Here, Alberta gives us a peek into her world and shares some of her own style philosophies.
1) How would you describe the Alberta Ferretti woman?
The Alberta Ferretti woman is elegant, feminine and modern. She embodies a timeless sophistication, yet is poised with a unique confidence and beauty. She has an intellectual curiosity and is willing to experiment with her wardrobe choices because she is always evolving with today’s society.
2) Who or what do you look to for design inspiration?
I live my life with an open mind and constantly absorb my environment, as you never know what situation you will encounter or who you will meet. People, art, literature, film, even the weather, are all elements that contribute to my designs and inspire me to always reinvent myself, and my collections. There’s always something to learn from what it is happening around us.
3) Describe your personal style. Which other designers rule your closet?
For me, it’s all about being practical and functional with your wardrobe, yet never compromising the elegance and style of the clothes. I don’t like to be too fussy, so I try to keep it simple and chic. If I have to work, I prefer wearing black pants and black jacket; it is practical and elegant, and lets me function with ease through the day. At night, for a more formal occasion, I usually choose a long dress to feel like I’m dressed up from what I typically wear during the day.
4) What is one trend that you wish would go away?
A woman should always look chic and elegant; therefore the urban trend of dressing down in jeans and looking messy isn’t appealing to me. Mixing luxury with cheap and poor quality items doesn’t enhance a woman’s beauty and compromises the idea of investing in pieces that are worthy of the investment.
5) Tell us about your first fashion memory.
My first fashion memory is of my mother and the beautiful dresses she would wear: they were so special, intricate and elegant. She always accessorized everything beautifully! She was very influential in my career as a designer and also influenced my personal style.
6) What was your most recent luxe buy?
A pair of antique earrings.
7) How do you like to shop? Do you prefer going with friends or alone?
The best way to go shopping is alone and with plenty of time on your hands, so you can really evaluate what it is you are buying. Sometimes I will go with my friends if we are going to stop and have lunch or afternoon cocktails. However, if I have to purchase something important, or that requires a lot of thought, I prefer going alone.
Pictured:
Alberta Ferretti at the Alberta Ferretti Flagship Store Opening in Los Angeles
Alberta Ferretti at the Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Fall '09 Presentation MBFW
Lucy Liu in Alberta Ferretti at the Flagship Store Opening in Los Angeles
Meryl Streep in Alberta Ferretti at the 81st Annual Academy Awards
Style Icon: Lisa Airan, M.D.
Posted by Joanna, Apr 10 2009, 09:06 AM in Style Icons
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As one of New York’s most impeccably dressed women, Dr. Lisa Airan reflects a way of dressing that is modern, articulate, and yet fearless and uncompromising. Whether she is donning Rodarte for The Costume Institute Gala in New York City or making the rounds at her office, Lisa looks perfectly polished in creations that are classic with unexpected details. We caught up with Lisa to find out about her favorite shopping haunts, what trend she wishes would disappear, and what she loves about Closet Couture.
1) How would you describe your personal style? Which designers rule your closet?
I like to wear classic pieces but with an eclectic twist. I am attracted to whimsical fashions and Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Rodarte, and J Mendel rule my closet.
2) Whom or what do you look to for design inspiration?
I look towards those designers who push the limits of fashion while maintaining the feminine grace. I am really interested in designers who continually reinvent what exists and deliver designs which we as fashion consumers were not aware that we wanted until they are shown on the runway.
4) What is one trend that you wish would go away?
Skinny jeans
5) Tell us about your first fashion memory – how did you get hooked?
I can always remember being interested in fashion, even as a five year old I had particular tastes about how I would dress and my mother gave me the freedom to express my personality in this way.
6) What is your fashion skeleton in your closet? Something that you just cannot part with no matter how out of date, etc.
The truth is that my closet is filled with signature and unique pieces which do not appear incongruent with the times. I choose really carefully and I am always editing so I wear everything in my closet...each piece would be difficult to part with! Many of my Rodarte and Lanvin dresses are so amazing, I can't imagine letting them go.
7) Favorite accessory that you have?
I like to carry an Hermès bag in an unexpected color.
8) How do you like to shop? Do you prefer going with friends or alone or having things sent to you?
When I walk into a store, I know exactly what I want and don't waste time searching. The salespeople eventually begin to understand my taste and at times send new pieces that haven't hit the shelves for me to try out.
9) What is your favorite city to shop in and what are your favorite stores / haunts there?
I love shopping in Paris, especially the Lanvin store. I also like to shop at Corso Como and Heneage for books!
10) Who are your personal style icons?
Marc Jacobs, Anna Wintour, Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, Prince Charles
11) What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Trust your instincts
12) What is your favorite kind of event to get dressed for?
The Met Ball
13) What’s the usual Lisa Airan outfit for casual dinner with friends?
A Marc Jacobs or Lanvin dress with Giambattista Valli Heel
14) What do you love about Closet Couture?
Closet Couture is the perfect resource for anyone looking to define their outward appearance through style. It really is about the individuality of the person and organizing one's look while discovering one's best self.
Addresses:
Lanvin
22, Rue Fbg St Honoré
75008 Paris, France
+33 1 44 71 33 33
Corso Como, 10
20154 Milano
+39 02 29002674
Thomas Heneage Art Books
42 Duke Street St. James's
London SW1Y 6DJ
+44(0)20 7930 9223
Style Profile: Lizzie Fortunato Jewels
Posted by Joanna, Apr 9 2009, 07:56 AM in Style Icons
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Closet Couture can’t get enough of Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. Last fall, we wrote about the whimsical, geometric designs for Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato’s collaboration with VPL for Spring 2009. This season, the lovely sister duo behind the line continue to dream up artful and eclectic pieces for creative women who aren’t afraid to make a statement. Inspired by “the American West and the vastness of the open road,” the Fall 2009 collection consists of bib necklaces decorated in metal studs, leather covered beads, and clusters of baubles incorporated into chain and rope. We spent some time with Lizzie and Kathryn and got the scoop on their style inspirations.
1) Tell us a little about your current collection.
The fall winter 2009 collection is inspired by the American West and the vastness of the open road. I wanted a look that was tougher than my S/S09 season which features feminine liberty print fabric, youthful vintage buttons, and peace sign charms. This season is all about the city girl who discards her sophisticated life in favor of the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle – adopting his worn leather jacket and a life of purely American adventure. Our heroine was beautiful yet tough.
2) Who or what are your style inspirations?
I’m inspired by my surroundings / life in New York City, art (particularly land art), and by my travels. The energy of New York is constantly influencing me – from the 24-7 chaos of Chinatown where I live to the effortlessly chic girls wandering the Lower East Side, to the historic brick warehouses of Red Hook at their artist inhabitant - this city never fails me. I also find myself frequently looking at art – from the surrealist work of Picasso and Louise Bourgeois’ fabric sculptures (which inspired the Lizzie Fortunato Jewels for the VPL FW09 collaboration) to Andy Goldworthy’s outdoor sculptures – there’s something about creativity in other mediums that greatly inspires how I operate in my own medium of beads, metals, and fabric.
3) Describe your personal style.
My style is classic but with an element of surprise or interest. When I’m trekking around the garment district you can almost always find me in tapered jeans (Levi’s tailored to hit above the ankle), a t-shirt or men’s button down (Gap men’s shirts are my go-to) and a tailored blazer (Phillip Lim or J.Crew are staples!). There is nothing like a properly fitting blazer – These take me from the studio to the street to meetings to dinner! And then I mix it up with an oversized necklace, patent loafers (I’m loving Dieppa Restreppo’s), or my recently purchased leather high-tops (Ash; made in Italy). For evening it’s more fun but never too much skin – I know what works on me and I stick with it: skinny skirts, blousy shirts (again Phillip Lim!), long cardigans (Alexander Wang) and printed shirts or dresses (love Vena Cava for these). I prefer to wear neutrals, navy, and black and then layer on the accessories. I’m not much one for bright prints or patterns or trends – you’ll never see me in leather leggings!
4) What are you currently reading?
Neverland by Joseph O’Briend and I just began The Hakawati by Rabih Alameddine, which I love.
5) Who would you like to see wearing Lizzie Fortunato jewels?
Confident women. Any girl who’s not afraid to turn heads and never wants to look like the girl standing next to her.
6) What 3 items could you never part with?
Jonathan Fineberg’s “Art Since 1940: Strategies of Being” – it sits by my bed, and my blackberry, sad but true. I spend so much time trekking to flea markets, or scouring fabric stores that I need to know when press or buyer requests are coming in! Also, a Phillip Lim navy blue tuxedo jacket with black lapels – I wore this to the Lizzie Fortunato Jewels launch party in March of 2007. I think it’s good luck!
7) What are you currently listening to?
TV on the Radio; Devendra Benhardt’s “Smokey Rolled Down Thunder Mountain” album; and the best soundtrack for designing: the new Animal Collective album, “Merriweather Post Pavillion.”
8) Where do you like to shop?
Maryam Nassir Zadeh in the Lower East Side, Pas de Deux on 11th street, Narnia vintage in the LES, and my mom’s closet (I’ve adopted an old Miu Miu leather doctor bag from her and Louboutin spectator pumps that she deemed too tall. They’re incredible).
9) What is on your spring wish list?
An Apiece, Apart long blazer (in the slate grey with oversize pockets!), a plane ticket to Berlin, and entry into James Turrell’s Roden Crater in Arizona (currently closed to the public).
Pictured: Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato, Crossroad Blues Necklace, Midnight Rambler Necklace, Dusty Love Necklace
Visit www.lizziefortunatojewels.com for more info
on Tips From Closet Organizer to the Stars, Melanie Charlton Fascitelli of Clos-ette