Courtney's Top Picks for August

Posted on July 31, 2009 by courtneygrace Shopping + Trends

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 on July 28, 2009 by courtneygrace Shopping + Trends

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.

How to: Dress your Friends!

Posted on July 28, 2009 by alyson Uncategorized

Calling all budding stylists / fashion know-it-alls / true-blue girlfriends… Here's how to dress your friends on Closet Couture: Just SWITCH closets in your dressing room.

Click the hangers that say “Switch” and you'll get to choose whose closet you want to dig through. The outfits you make will be styled IN THAT FASHION FRIEND'S ALBUM!

Whenever a lovely Closet Couture friend has styled an outfit for me, i'm always FLOORED by how someone else can use my clothes in a new, more creative way than I would. It totally breathes new life into my old stuff!

Chic of the Week: LCS

Posted on July 28, 2009 by alyson Uncategorized

Let's shop on a shoestring with Closet Couture Chic of the Week LCS!

“My name is Lonica and I am a student, so I'm on a serious budget. In the last four years, I have gone from a barely full 3 foot-wide closet to a packed full 8 foot-wide closet…plus a dresser packed to the brim. I love shopping and making different outfits out of my clothes. Here is my guide to how to spend wisely for summer!“

1. Peep-toe platform pump:

SPLURGE: Christian Louboutin Very Prive pumps for $795.
SAVE: Jessica Simpson Abba pump for $98.

VERDICT: The JS shoe looks very similar to the CL, they are leather and they're comfortable. If you want the red CL sole and can take care of a shoe, then SPLURGE! But if you just love the design of the shoe, and the red sole is not a driver, SAVE!

2. Color-block tank top dresses:
SPLURGE: Theory color-block dress for $325.
SAVE: Forever21color-block tank dress for $14.50 that is cotton and available in a wide range of colors and styles.

VERDICT: SAVE! Both dresses are the roughly the same, only the price is different. And we’ll be over color-block by the end of fall….

3. Gladiator sandals:
SPLURGE: Delman gladiator from Neiman Marcus for $325.
SAVE: Target sandals for $19.99

VERDICT: SAVE! Gladiator sandals were popular last year…and this year…how many more years

4. Louis Vuitton anything

SPLURGE: Go Speedy or the newer Neverfull.

SAVE: If you want the bag, but cannot afford a new one, do your research! With a bit of dedication and a keen eye, you can learn how to quickly spot and avoid a fake bag. Once you know how to decipher the bad from the good, head over to eBay and grab yourself a deal!

VERDICT: SPLURGE!!!!!

How to Wear: Black in August

Posted on July 27, 2009 by ashley What to Wear

As August approaches and thoughts of fall start to creep in, most of us become tired of our cheerful summer threads and we long for something more; something that at one point last spring felt dull and lifeless but wins a spot in our hearts again – BLACK! Nothing can feel as effortless when temperatures rise and we get a little lazier with our fashion in favor of the 3 L's of summer: lounging, lemonade and less-is-more. (OK, just made up that 3-L's bit, but it applies… )

So are we crazy for wanting to pull it out again when the sun is still blazing hot and the leaves show no sign of changing? Absolutely not! Here are some styles that convey that, “Oh thanks, I just threw it together” feel.

KAIN Lavel 3 Strap Tank Dress Alice + Olivia Chevron Dress

1.Kain Label 3 Strap Dress 2.Alice + Olivia Chevron Dress

Rachel Pally Diamond Wrap Dress

Draping gives a summery look to the LBD
3.Rachel Pally Diamond Wrap Dress 4.Vince French Terry Romper

Chris Panels it Up, Smarty Style

Posted on July 23, 2009 by alyson Uncategorized

Check out Chris getting her panel on at the “Entrepreneur's Panel: A Very Fashionable Business” hosted by Smarty, L.A.'s best resource for female entrepreneurs both new and seasoned (Love them!).

How much do you love her gauzy, white top? How posh is the meeting room at Century City's Intercontinental Hotel?

And look what chic company she's in: to her right is Mara Segal who has a gorg beauty vending machine called Utique, then to the left of her is Intuition founder Jaye Hersh (we're mad about her new line for Target!) and, in sleek summer black, L.A. designer Karen Zambos.

The moderator Amy Swift (far left, cute pink sundress), who's the force behind Smarty, kept it lively and Chris dished on the highs and not-so-highs of running a fashion business. Per normal, she had the room in stitches – All of the Smarty members had to laugh at her “L.L. Bean snowflake sweater” skeleton-in-the-closet story or when she recounted pitching Closet Couture to an enormous captive audience of… Silicon Valley tech people (NOT too interested in fashion).

Wish you all could've been there!

Chic of the Week: FabulousNobody

Posted on July 22, 2009 by alyson Announcements

FabulousNobody
If being a “nobody” means having such devastating style that you stand out in a crowd in spite of your low-key ways, then sign us up.

FabulousNobody is our first Chic of the Week because her outfits are totally her and also totally worth emulating!

“The current economic condition make me inspired to ‘shop’ in my own closet. Closet Couture is the best tool for this!
- FabulousNobody

To check out FabulousNobody's closet and inspirations, click here >>

FabulousNobody’s style tips for summer: right now she loves metallic and orange pieces with white jeans!

1. My AG white skinny jeans. it works with just about anything, and it's the perfect cut!

2. My Kooba Ashley silver Python bag. Metallic color is fab this season.

3.My Chanel silk sequined camisole top. It's glamorous yet casual, and it's from Chanel 2000 Cruise collection. The current economic condition make me to “shop” in my own closet. Closet Couture is the best tool for this!

4. My Mara Hoffman built in Bra silk Jersey top. Love the color combination of this top, silver and turquoise.

5. My Christian Louboutin Bronze Palace platform Sandals. They are so versatile, almost goes with everything.

6.My Burberry Jeweled Satin Flats. They are so comfortable to walk in, yet glam enough to been seen in a swanky wine bar with my girlfriends.

7.My Charles David Orange leather patent clutch. This clutch is the perfect size to fit everything including my Iphone in, also it's the perfect shade of sunny orange for the summer.

8 . My Hermes silk scarf. A classic scarf from Hermes, I wear this scarf as a halter top.

9. My Kenneth Jane Lane ring. A very eye catching piece of jewelry is all I need to bright up my outfit.

10. My Juicy Couture flower cluster ring. I don't take fashion too seriously, it looks almost childish but it has the perfect shade of orange and metallic tone.

Here are some of the outfits I created use the above items Wine bar with girlfriends:

Husband birthday dinner

Outdoor concert

3 CC Photo Tricks: Take Better Pictures of Your Clothes

Posted on July 22, 2009 by ashley Announcements

Want to be an ace wardrobe shutterbug? Try these tips and the outfits you make will look so much better!

1. Lay your clothes flat on a PLAIN white bed sheet fitted to your mattress.

2. For accessories like shoes, bags and jewelry, make your own seamless backdrop by draping a white sheet over a chair—make sure you have a nice curve in the sheet where the back hits the bottom cushion.

3. Use white or clear hangers when shooting against a white door and avoid getting the door hardware in the shot.

For more tips, read our Photo Guidelines »

Summer Time in Paris!

Posted on July 21, 2009 by ashley Travel

IN THIS OUTFIT:

Ksubi Delinquent Jean
Mulberry Large Jody Shoulder Bag
Tsumori Chisato Starry Stole
James Perse Women White Casual T
Wouters & Hendrix Smoky Quartz Necklace
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Denim Hi

View Details & More Outfits »

By Chris Elia

While Paris is a treat all springtime long, summer is really when the action heats up. As Americans, we are let loose on Europe while the Europeans are let loose on the beaches of Croatia. So… what to pack for a Paris and environs trip? I have a couple of trusty standby’s from the summer I worked in Paris and lived in the “maid’s quarters” of a posh 16th Arrondisement building – and to clarify: maid’s quarters means bed, sink, shower and that’s it. Thank you to the owners of the tabac downstairs for letting me do my makeup in their bathroom!

First of all – footwear. It’s the most important piece of the puzzle because it identifies Americans miles away. Stay away from the sneakers at all costs. Even if you have some sort of foot related issue. I recommend Hogan Sneakers for those who really need comfortable walking around shoes. They usually have matching laces or velro closures and thin rubber soles so look more discreet but are really comfortable. If that is not your style, chic Parisian women are running around in Converse All Stars these days – they have this way of pairing a light gray pair of hightops with skinny jeans, the perfect T and a scarf that allows them to be casual and super chic – do the same thing.

If you spend enough time in Paris you will start to notice most people wear the same few things with a wide array of smartly chosen accessories. So I would pack several scarves – both the Hermes silk kind and the long loose kind.

Jeans are ok, but preferably either skinny and dark or skinny and gray. The pencil skirt is the most versatile piece for Paris summers and transitions well to the beach if you decide to hit the Isle de Re or go south.

The cardigan works so well as a day to night transition piece. It doesn’t get too cool in the evenings in Paris but someplaces ( like museums) surprise with lots of AC. If you don’t want to wear it, throw it around your shoulders, not around your waist. That is another move that says “I am a tourist”.

After this, it is all about where you are going to hang out. If the Marais is your speed (young, hip, funky) then you have a wide palette of vintage and flea market find you can tap.

If the 16th or 7th is what you feel, then chic it up with scarves and stylish jackets and skirts.

Below are some of my favorite places to stop in Paris – some of these you may know, others took me decades to find. Check first on all the info – you never know hours and openings.

Le Bon Marche: 24, rue de Sevres (7th Arr) This is a wonderful small department store that merits a visit no matter what your budget, as despite being a Parisian favorite always has wonderful treasures inside.

Maria Luisa: 2, rue Cambon (1st Arr) One of the best women's boutiques in the city, it was recently several seperate storefronts and now is more consolidated.

Cadolle: 4, rue Cambon (1st Arr) Next door to Maria Luisa is a fabulous lingerie store featuring handmade artisinal quality pieces. Enjoy!

Karine Arabian: 4, rue Papillon (9th Arr) Jewelry and trinkets galore at this lovely tiny shop in the 9th – she used to work as head of Chanel's design and production. It shows.

And now…. to eat and enjoy!

Al-Ajami 58, rue Francois, 1st Arrondisment (right near Champs Elysee). Open 7 days a week. 01.42.25.38.44 tel Wonderful Lebanese food – always a hip crowd and interesting scene.

One of the best chocolatiers in Paris, in my opinion. Try it and tell me what you think:
Le chocolat par Michel Chaudun, 149, rue de l’Univeriste. 01 47 53 74 40 (7th Arr)

And one of the best patisserie / boulangeries: Secco. 20, rue Jean Nicot 01 43 17 35 20

If you find yourself in Passy, a slightly off the beaten track real Paris neighborhood in the 16th Arr with charming shops, do stop for a refreshment at The Cool (Tea Cool) 10, rue Jean Bologne 01 42 24 69 13.

And, something I always find difficult to locate, a florist in Paris: Des Fleurs 4, rue saint-Dominique. Perfect for a thank you or for you to enjoy!

The Sartorialist Takes on the Literary World

Posted on July 20, 2009 by courtneygrace Announcements

I do believe if there existed a modern day Robert Doisneau, it would exist in the form of Scott Schuman, aka The Sartorialist to the rest of the fashion world. For those who haven’t discovered the much acclaimed fashion blog documenting street style fashion, The Sartorialist consistently brings to life the realness of street fashion through the captivating lens of his ever-present camera. I allude to Robert Doisneau, as I find his photographs to be the romantic equivalent of Doisneau's 20th century photography that pioneered street culture and street style as an art. Whether it’s observing high profile fashionistas to every day men and women on the streets, The Sartorialist’s street style photography captures the unconventional brilliance of street fashion throughout the world. As one of my favorite daily inspirations, I couldn’t be more thrilled for the release of his long awaited book, The Sartorialist, which follows the same design as his renowned website. Available throughout the US on August 12, I can personally testify that the ‘Bespoke’ limited edition of Schuman’s book can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com.