Seasonal Closet Update: Feeling French

Posted on January 31, 2009 by justin Shopping + Trends

It probably comes as little surprise to hear that we're giant fans of Vanessa Bruno. Her collections are always filled with pretty, unfussy pieces that have that certain French way of dressing–super cool, but seemingly unstudied–down. Her spring ad campaign is quietly lit, breathtakingly beautiful–and stars Lou Doillon, to boot. This week, retailers are stocked up with her new spring pieces, which inspired this week's Seasonal Closet Update.

Bruno's Silk Paper-Bag Waist Pants are a great option for spring–perfect with flats or heels, and equally easy for day or night. We've paired them with her simple linen tee, a slouchy hobo from Chloe, and our favorite lucite cuff from Isharya.

We're also totally digging her Asymmetric Pleat Dress; it's a great little LBD and has just the right amount of slouch. We added Givenchy's Melancholia Clutch, Tom Binn's silver cuff, and a fun pair of navy zip back heels from Sergio Rossi–because combining navy and black is not only not a no-no, it's the ultimate French style secret.

Check out the Seasonal Closet for other great items from Vanessa Bruno, Alexander Wang, and tons of others!

Vanessa Bruno Silk Pants and Linen Tee, Jimmy Choo Sandals, Chloe Hobo, and Isharya Cuff, all available at Net-a-Porter.com.Vanessa Bruno Asymmetric Pleated Dress and Sergio Rossi Zip Back Sandals, available at Net-a-Porter.com. Tom Binns cuff and Givenchy clutch, available at Barneys.com.

A Minute With: Hollie Velten

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Joanna Style Icons

With a penchant for statement jewels and a desire to have a dream closet that echoes the style of Charlotte Gainsbourg, it’s no wonder why Hollie Velten is on our fashion radar. We spent a minute with Hollie, Accessories Buyer for Anthropologie, to get the scoop on her personal style and find out what she's lusting after for spring. A Philadelphia resident but a California girl at heart, Hollie reminisces about her favorite LA shopping spots and fills us in on her most recent purchases.

1) My personal style could best be described as:

A bit disheveled with a dash of femininity (and a little milkmaidish- i'm always in braids!!)

2) My favorite designers are:

I tend to consistently love Chloè and Marni, Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, and Vena Cava's prints. I also like Duskin’s easy, dreamy separates.

3) The last thing I bought was:

Striped, lace, knit, and nubby socks to wear with my open-toe booties and heeled sandals for winter.

4) My favorite places to shop are:

American Rag, Squaresville in Los Feliz, and of course Anthropologie!

5) Right now I’m listening to:

Kings of Leon, Department of Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Kelli Scarr

6) My most recent luxe buy was:

A huge textured wool rug for my bedroom

7) My most recent budget buy was:

Cardigans galore on sale at J.Crew

On my spring wish list:

Oversized gold kidney-shaped ring by Alexis Bittar, Chloè pastel carrot pants, and a perfect white ruffled vintage blouse.

9) Right now I’m reading:

Play it as it Lays by Joan Didion

10) Trends I’m loving now:

Statement Jewelry! And I must admit, I do love a boyfriend jean.

11) My favorite thing about being a buyer is:

Taking something out of context and finding a new meaning in it.

12) My dream closet looks like:

A mix of Theresa Russell's in Nicolas Roeg's Bad Timing, and Charlotte Gainsbourg- with plenty of vintage lace, worn denim, nautical stripes, oversized blazers, high-waisted skirts, and stacked shoes. Timeless mix-and-matchers!

Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion

Photo of Charlotte Gainsbourg

Still from Bad Timing starring Theresa Russell

Fleetwood Mac album cover

Anthropologie necklace

Need it Now: Plain White Tees

Posted on January 29, 2009 by justin Shopping + Trends

They might be an afterthought in your wardrobe, but it's time for the white tee–a long-time staple of casual weekend wear–to be reconsidered, especially for night. With all of the complicated trousers, bandage-detail skirts, leather layers, and embellished jackets popping up in spring's evening looks, there's no better way to cut through the fuss than with the ultimate basic.

What makes these guys so special? For starters, they're all super-soft, and unlike your boyfriend's Hanes V-Neck, have a more elegant drape that's just right for night. Beyond that, it's all about the details: John Patrick's Organic Bias Tank is made of 100% biodegradable Cupro, has adjustable straps, and an unfinished hem. Kain's offering is in a 90/10 modal-silk blend with a fantastic oversized pocket. And of course, the master of all things urban chic, Rick Owens, does a super-fine ribbed knit, raw-edged long-sleeved tee with a signature seam up the back.

Of course, while we think these are three great options, we know there are tons of fantastic white tees being offered up, so spill it: who makes your favorite plain white tee?

Orgainc Bias Tank, available at LaGarconne.com. Kain Silk Blend Tee and Rick Owens Ribbed Cotton Top, available at Net-a-Porter.com.

eBay: Inspired by Art Deco

Posted on January 28, 2009 by Joanna Shopping + Trends

We love the ongoing Art Deco trend that we have been seeing the past few seasons, and while scouring eBay to get our weekly vintage fix, we came upon some dazzling sequined dresses and skirts that have flapper written all over them. Persephone Vintage, one of our favorite eBay haunts, grabbed our attention with a vintage Lillie Rubin beaded Deco skirt with an asymmetrical hemline. Worn with a long jersey cardigan and sandals, it’s casual but still looks chic and well put together. A black and gold sequined dress with scallop details and a gold crochet mini dress complete with a fringe hem, both carrying on with the flapper theme, also made it to our watch list.

Vintage Lillie Rubin Beaded Deco Skirt:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…em=250363454031

Vintage Black and Gold Sequined Dress:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…em=190282845778

Vintage Gold Crochet Mini Dress with Fringe:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…em=330303629362

The Back-to-Back: In the Trenches

Posted on January 28, 2009 by justin What to Wear

A cotton trench is the kind of springtime essential that simply doesn't go out of style. Differentiated from its foul-weather sister by its shorter cut and lighter construction, it's the perfect jacket to throw on over a springy floral dress if there's still a hint of chill in the air. This week, we're putting offerings from the Gap and J.Crew in the back-to-back spotlight. Here's what we found:

Though we love all of the details on the J. Crew version–fantastic oversize buttons, a great print lining, embroidery stitching, and sleeve closures–we still can't quite get behind it. Theoretically, it's fine if you were wearing it with a pair of shorts in a safari-inspired ensemble or like seen here, but the proportion of the jacket might come off a bit short over longer items. There's something lacking in the color department, as well–the khaki color isn't rich enough, while the navy color (not shown) might be a bit dark.

Gap's offering, however, hits many a right note. Kudos to designer Patrick Robinson–we've been noticing a slow and steady improvement in the designs at the Gap and if there's anyone to thank, then surely its him. What sets their trench apart? For starters, we love the colors offered–the navy (shown here) has just a hint of grey in it, the creamy yellow is quite adorable, and the pecan is great take on a darker British khaki color that reads a bit more elegant. To boot, it cuts a longer line, hitting mid-thigh.

Splurge vs. Steal: Double-Breasted Blazers

Posted on January 27, 2009 by Joanna Shopping + Trends

One item of clothing that will forever remain in our closets is the boyfriend jacket. In continuous wardrobe rotation, it’s the go-to staple when in doubt of what to thrown on over our weekend duds and it can also pull together a work outfit in a matter of seconds. We’ve been eyeing this double-breasted blazer from Alexander Wang and love the casual, effortless look in exudes when worn unbuttoned. It is a closet essential worth investing in and will continue to be a reliable staple. For a similar style in a more budget-conscious price range, we suggest Topshop’s double-breasted blazer in jersey fabric with a more oversized silhouette. Either option is guaranteed to be the quintessential jacket, season after season.

Alexander Wang Double-Breasted Blazer, $625, available at www.shopbop.com

Topshop Double-Breasted Jersey Blazer, $110, available at www.topshop.com

Birkin Bag Winner Announced!

Posted on January 26, 2009 by Anne Announcements

And the lucky winner is….Lisa from Michigan! We know, we are jealous too, but at the same time, we are thrilled for Lisa to enjoy her amazing new Birkin Bag! We asked Lisa to share her thoughts on fashion, style, and how it feels to be the luckiest fashionista around. We have styled some outfits for Lisa to help her get started, but we would love to see your outfits for her too! Click over to create outfits for Lisa with the Birkin (located in the Seasonal Closet) and share them with Closet Couture!

Name: Lisa

City: Dowagiac, MI

Tell all of us jealous fashionistas, what your initial reaction was when you found out you had won the Birkin Bag? Honestly, I was shocked and skeptical. Nothing big like this ever happens to me! Then when it sunk in, I was thrilled! (Plus, I had just seen the movie, “The Women”, and Annette Bening's character carries one throughout the entire movie.)

Besides the Birkin, of course, what would your dream closet look like? Like any movie star's closet probably. Definitely a place for all my shoes to be on display so you can actually see what you have, what color, style, etc. Also purses on display would be awesome!

What item(s) are you on a perpetual hunt for? It's always a purse or some kind of tote bag. I've had a thing for purses since I was little (and it always seems to be champagne tastes on a beer budget)!

Where do you get your style inspiration? Current magazines, television shows, movies. Also from my friends and what they like and wear.

Who is/are your style icons? Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly. Anyone old Hollywood with that lovely polish and grace.

What is your favorite feature on Closet Couture? I really like the Forums to see what others are talking about and wanting to know more about.

What to Wear: An Interview in Finance

Posted on January 26, 2009 by Joanna What to Wear

Deciding what to wear to an interview is a struggle that we have all had to deal with. We all want to look our best without looking overdone, or in some cases underdone. When does a suit become too professional looking? Are tights necessary when wearing a pencil skirt? And is it appropriate to show arms in a sleeveless dress? These are all questions many of us have had and continue to ponder when that coveted interview comes our way, so we put together some work appropriate outfits suitable for each profession. We also took into consideration options that won’t break the bank and that are guaranteed to stay in style. This week, we bring you what to wear to an interview in finance.

If you are on a career path in the finance world, know that most offices require business professional dress. Sounds boring, right? But you can still get a little creative by looking for a suit with subtle details, like this grey one with black piping that we found at Nordstrom. It has a professional, polished look with just the right amount of character – you don’t want to make too much of a statement to those finance heavyweights. A black fitted tank like the one pictured here or a white button down are both appropriate to wear underneath the jacket. With a wide leg pant, you can get away with more when it comes to shoes, but we strongly suggest heels. We chose this croc-embossed leather oxford with a heel; it’s classic enough for an interview but still fashionable.

Semantiks Mélange Jacket, Semantiks Mélange Skirt and Sudini Katen Oxford all available at www.nordstrom.com

Style Icon: Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti

Posted on January 26, 2009 by Joanna Style Icons

As one of today’s most revered style mavens, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti has garnered as much of a following for her impeccable personal style and she has for her wildly successful e-commerce website, Vivre. With a discerning eye for uniquely beautiful clothing and accessories both old and new, Eva’s approach to getting dressed is as much about the visual aspect as it is personality. We spent some time with Eva and her extraordinary closet to find out more about her fashion philosophy and about her style icons.

How would you describe your personal style?

Style to me is ones visual persona. It is an expression of details that are unexpected, individual and acquired. I am always trying to mix pieces in an imaginative way. I feel that jewelry is a form of art that should be complemented by a background of simple clothing. For day, I prefer clothes to be well tailored and elegant. I also love collecting accessories and interjecting the old with the new. Whether it is jewelry, a great handbag or a fabulous shoe, it should be a piece that highlights your outfit and expresses your personality.

Was there anything in your childhood that impacted your personal style, viewpoint, and sense of self?

I grew up with a mother and grandmother who always had tons of rules, which had a great impact on me. My sense of style was definitely impacted by my mother who has a very sophisticated sense of style. She is a great shopper and collector!

What are some treasured items in your closet?

My evening bag collection, my vests, a Chanel raincoat from the ‘50s, flea market bangles from the ‘40s, Chanel evening dresses, all of my incredible jewelry and definitely my Rene Caovilla shoes!!

Do you have a philosophy about fashion/how to put together an outfit?

I really think that the key to putting together a great outfit/look is creating a great palette. I know I’ve said it before but the most important aspect of any outfit is that it is well cut. You should then decide what you want to focus on; i.e. a great pair of earrings, a necklace, etc. but the most important thing is that you should stand out, not the outfit.

Do you have any signature pieces?

Big Jewelry!!! (My Lucite ring.)

How do you like to shop? In one fell swoop? Little by little?

Definitely little by little – it should be like a collection.

What is your favorite luxury in life?

I’d have to say my favorite luxury in life is having a fantastic dinner or lunch with my friends.

Who are your style icons?

Maria Felix for her exuberant and extravagant approach to life, The Marchesa Luisa Casati for her eccentricity, Frida Khalo for her passion and inner strength to surmount and Babe Paley for her simplicity, strength and elegance.

View Eva's closet

A Minute With….Bettina Adger

Posted on January 25, 2009 by Anne Style Icons

We caught up with effortlessly stylish aspiring actor, Bettina Adger, to get a taste of what she is loving right now. Born and raised in Texas, Bettina's style mixes her Texas roots with her laid back Los Angeles style. Bettina never fails to look chic and on trend, but always stays true to her own personal style.

Style icons:
Ali Mcgraw, Erin Wasson (I love the new line she just did), Kate Moss, Sienna Miller

Style inspiration:
My stylish friends!

Favorite stores in LA?:
Barneys, Satine, Decades, Diavolina

What are you pining for right now:
Where do I start?? A Ricks Owens leather jacket, a Chanel vintage bag, and a red Chanel vintage dress at Decades are on the top of the list.

What are you perpetually on the hunt for?
A cute boy…oops we are talking about clothes…probably the perfect flats for Fall/Winter.

Wish someone would have told me…
Straight leg jeans don't look good on me. Nor do wrap skirts.

Currently, the favorite thing in my closet is:
My new Isabel Marant suede boots and my Kain tees — I have them in every color.