If the Balmain show was any indication of where the rock-&-roll chic trend is headed, we’ll be sure to follow. When Russian model Anna Selezneva (rumored to be a favorite of French Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Carine Roitfeld) strutted down the runway in a Sgt. Pepper style jacket, we knew there was a trend in the making. Rounded shoulders, epaulet details, military buttons; it was like being in high school marching band all over again, minus the geek factor.

No need to wait until next spring to snag one of Balmain’s oh-so-cool jackets; we did our Ebay research and uncovered three notable styles up for grabs. Should you prefer a new one to break in, check out our seasonal closet for more options.

Vintage Purple Band Jacket:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…=tab%3DWatching

Vintage Black Band Jacket with removable epaulets:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…em=380068351339

Vintage Red Band Jacket:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…em=160287511999

Every Tuesday we will be featuring profiles on our amazing Closet Couture stylists so that you can get to know them better. You can read more about each of them on their profile pages in the Stylist section of the site. Feel free to add them as a friend and, of course, hire them to style you and your closet!

*To hire a stylist, go to their page and click on the desired service on the menu bar to the right of the page. You will be taken through an automatic process where you and the stylist can discuss the state of your wardrobe and how the stylist can help.

GENA TUSO, Closet Couture Stylist:

State of the Union:
I just wrapped up a couple of shoots with tons of left over pieces to go through. Lot’s of fun accessories to keep and return…more keeping than returning.

When did you know you wanted to be a stylist?
I was always experimenting with new looks ever since I can remember.

How would you describe your own personal style?:
playfully chic.

Recent Luxe Buy?:
vintage silk 80’s karl lagerfeld blouse, leather handbag at matieres a reflexion in paris and proenza schouler tuxedo dress for my wedding

Recent Budget Buy:
a few wood necklaces in chinatown, a converse tunic from target, a pair of combat boots and mesh scarf from the army navy surplus store, distressed 80’s leather handbag, ivory vintage lace-up elf boots for 50 cents visiting my mom in arizona.

Worst Fashion Faux Pas:
hi waisted skinny jeans and carrot shaped sillouettes don’t suit everyone.

Collecting:
in addition to my wood necklace obsession, bolo ties, navajo jewelry, vans shoes, vintage cropped jackets, and any other unique jewelry I can hang on my office wall.

Pining For:
size 10 vintage knee high boots…again. I wear them out quickly!

Sometimes I wear….
My husbands jeans…frightening I know…we trade denim.

Where do you get your style inspiration?
Music, film, people on the streets, travel, women making mens pieces their own, vintage skate/surf culture, design, neo preppy-ism, fashion extremists.

What are your favorite stores, boutiques or websites?
Creatures of Comfort, The Way We Wore, Oaknyc, the commes des garcons guerilla store in dwntwn la, bird, I heart, opening ceremony, scout

What is the best part about being a stylist on Closet Couture?:
Having the opportunity to do everything online is so refreshing. From closet consultations to shopping. So cool!

How do you feel that you can help users on Closet Couture to be or feel more stylish?:
not only by helping with day to day fashion emergencies, but also inspiring new looks for special occasions, everyday wear and makeovers.

What is your favorite feature(s) on Closet Couture?
The CC blog

Photo Credit: Margo Silver

One image that will forever be etched in the heads of countless women is the scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts, in an up-to-there mini dress and thigh high boots, lifts her leg onto a hotel lobby chair in front of a seemingly disturbed older couple, and jokingly declares to a devilishly handsome Richard Gere, “Honey, I’ve got a runner in my pantyhose.” She flashes her mega-watt smile and sarcastically replies to herself, “I’m not wearing pantyhose.” Those patent leather thigh highs should have won an Oscar. Flash-forward 18 years later, and over-the-knee boots are all over the runway. There’s something so sex kitten chic about them and we can’t stop pining for our very own. It’s the Julia Roberts in us. We’ve picked out three of our favorites for fall to be worn with confidence.

Jonathan Kelsey: The patent leather accents and the lacing are a little S & M, but in a more nice than naughty way. If this is the Brit shoe designer’s version of fetish footwear, we’ll take ‘em. Available at Saksfifthavenue.com

Loeffler Randall: If you prefer something that’s more understated, these Loeffler Randall back zip boots are a smart choice. They have a small wedge that adds just the right amount of height. Available at Singer22.com

Alexandra Neel: This flat over-the-knee boot looks great in suede and has a 5” slit up the back. It’s a versatile boot that can be worn tall or cuffed. Available at Shopbop.com

Out with the old and in with the new is what October brings, at least to our favorite retailers. The first official fall month (we were still rocking cut-offs in September, so give us a break) is upon us and that means boutiques are marking down prices even further to rid of summer merchandise. Angelenos should be sure to check out Scout in West Hollywood for clothing and accessories marked at up to 70% off. Score on Grey Ant denim, Veronique Branquinho shoes, Cerre accessories, and pieces from their own Scout collection. The semi-annual Ron Herman sale is in full effect at the Fred Segal Melrose boutique. Discounts of up to 50% off can be expected on clothing and accessories from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Twenty8Twelve, and Vanessa Bruno. New Yorkers can head to Dalaga to scoop up new fall arrivals for both men and women. Now through October 5^th, the boutique is offering a special 10% discount on select jackets, jeans, and jewelry. Don’t forget to scour their discounted summer merchandise now at 50% off.

Scout: 7920 West Third St., West Hollywood CA (323) 658-8684

Ron Herman at Fred Segal: 8100 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood CA (323) 651-4129

Dalaga: 150 Franklin St., Brooklyn NY (718) 389-4049

On another shopping note, Alberta Ferretti has opened her first US flagship on Melrose Avenue, joining other high-end retailers on the block such as Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs. The 4,500-square-foot-space houses the Alberta Ferretti collection, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, accessories, footwear, and Alberta Ferretti Girl. Clothing is displayed on magnetic, transparent fiberglass hangers so that pieces can be displayed in their natural form. The gray terrazzo floor, inlaid with stainless steel, has hidden fixtures into which mannequins and accessories displays can be inserted to give the illusion of blooming from the floor. “The concept is contemporary, elegant, and personal,” says Ferretti. “We have created an atmosphere that is simultaneously sensual, ethereal, and elegant.”

Alberta Ferretti: 8626 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood CA (310) 652-9000

It’s no secret that designers have been looking to the art world for inspiration. In the past year alone we’ve seen enough painterly abstracts on the runway to garner us an art degree. Don’t get us wrong, we love the freehand brush strokes that Dolce & Gabbana gave us last season, but we’ve got our eyes on Art Deco opulence for fall. Bold hardware details on accessories, embellished dresses that echo the Roaring Twenties, and dazzling, ornate patterns that sparkle and shine are worth mentioning, and purchasing. If you’re looking for a splurge, Marc Jacobs’ flower shoulder bag has just the right amount of luxe and makes a quiet statement with a deco flower detail. Missoni’s deco waist belt complete with gold hardware and tri-color stones is a true gem, no pun intended. For those who prefer to hit the ATM rather than max out the credit card, go for this deco silk blouse from What Comes Around Goes Around. Adorned in beautiful beads, it’s enough to complete an outfit.

Splurge: Marc Jacobs Flower Shoulder Bag, $1395, Available at Netaporter.com

Save: Missoni Deco Waist Belt, $775, Available at Netaporter.com

Steal: What Comes Around Goes Around Deco Blouse, $295, Available at Activeendeavors.com

With a knack for mixing indie designers with vintage finds, Elinor Villaflor exudes a certain style that could best be described as downtown cool meets Hollywood glam. Working as an agent to fashion photographers, Elinor is always on the search for something unique, which is not only reflected in the artists that she reps, but in her wardrobe as well. Here, the L.A. based Closet Couture member and self-professed foodie lets us in on her favorite Vietnamese spot, her style aliases, and her devotion to Siouxsie Sioux.

Favorite Designer(s)?

Christina Ortiz for Brioni women, Vintage Halston

Favorite Jeans?

Grey Ant and Levi’s Capital E line

Day Uniform?

Oversized shirt dress with a big belt and comfy Melissa rubber shoes

Night Uniform?

Lately it’s been tunics with stirrup stockings and a statement necklace

Fragrance?

Stella, Miss Dior Cherie, Chocolat Frais by Il Profumo

Favorite Artist(s)?

Barnet Newman, Mark Rothko, Ellen von Unwerth, Anna Gaskell, and Jeremy Blake (r.i.p.)

Favorite Restaurant?

Too many to name! Mastro’s Steakhouse in L.A. and Two Boots Pizza in NYC (I can eat at these places everyday!) For Cuban I like Barracoa and my favorite Vietnamese spot is Blossom, both in L.A.

Favorite Vacation Spot/Hotel?

Hawaii. But my favorite hotel has to be any of the W hotels. Soooo cozy!

Favorite Annual Event/Celebration?

Christmas just because I can give gifts with no “you shouldn’t have” responses and because I enjoy spending time with loved ones.

Favorite Style Movie?

Suspiria seems to describe my look in a nutshell. Dario Argento’s films are sleek and stylish with the right amount of colors. Dressed to Kill and Roman Holiday are also a few of my other style aliases.

Favorite Style Icons?

Siouxsie Sioux because she embodies the era I grew up in. I also love Human League because they are soooo incredibly cool and talented! Cool hair, cool clothes, cool music!

Favorite Fall Trends?

Velvet blazers and layering (which I need help with!) are always my favorite fall trends. And, I can always build an outfit around red lipstick.

Favorite Interior Designers?

My brother, his ex, and Jeremy Conway who is the set designer for Sex and the City.

Favorite thing about Closet Couture?

Reading about everyone’s inspirations and associating with their sense of style.

There's a saying in the fashion world: three's a trend. Meaning, of course,
that if a certain something trots down the runway more than twice, well,
it's probably going to be big next season. That said, we've spotted a bona
fide movement: old houses are popping up everywhere with new designers at
the helm.

It started at NY Fashion Week, when Alessandro Dell'Acqua presented his
first collection for Malo. Then, off to Milan, where Monday, Tommaso
Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, formerly of 6267 and currently of
Aquilano.Rimondi (long story), showed their first collaboration for
Gianfranco Ferre. Next, Jonathan Saunders pulled out all of the stops for
Pollini–check out this awesome grey coat with contrast collar and
cuffs–totally our favorite show so far.

That's three (trend!), but there's more:

Ballantyne, a Scottish cashmere firm with a serious history, debuted a
collection by Dawidh di Firmo, formerly senior designer at Prada.
Finally–and perhaps most exciting–Hannah MacGibbon, who recently took the
reigns at Chloe, will stage her first show for the house during Paris Fashion
Week. We can't wait to see what she'll have in store!