"Bonnie and Clyde" Photoshoot for TheFashionWalk.com

As you all may know by now, I have been styling photo shoots galore lately (hence why I have been MIA, sorry!). Last week I was working with www.TheFashionWalk.com doing a menswear inspired shoot. There is a section called, "The Look of Now" and as the stylist, I decide what that is! I decided it was menswear inspired women's clothing:)

I decided to do a "Bonnie and Clyde" look since I had 2 models to work with. For all of the shots, one model was "Bonnie" and the other was "Clyde". I got two thumbs up from the team about the concept, so I figured I might know what I am doing:)

I was lucky enough to have access to some amazing menswear inspired clothing. The designers behind the line Eva Khurshid have created a very sophisticated and classic collection. It was the perfect fit for my idea. Everything is conservative with a twist. Perfect for the stylish woman who wants to remain super classy!

The truly key part of this particular line is that they create foundation pieces for your wardrobe that will be the best investment items ever! It can be styled quite simply (like the top pictures), or funked out (like my photo shoot pictures). It really just depends on your mood and style. Either way, these are the basic foundation items that I constantly push with clients no matter what their age, job, personality or background may be. They really will stand the test of time!!

Of course what is a photo shoot without a little bit of crazy? I always bring the crazy:) Fun that is! While the models are hard at work, I am the one in the background trying to make everyone laugh. Photo shoots can be long and tiring (yes, this actually is work people), so you have to keep the energy up. I decided to take a picture with the lovely and VERY tall model Snow (6' baby!). A stool was necessary if I wanted to be seen in the shot!





















This is the finale shot with the entire team. That lovely gentleman to my left is Keeniun, the founder and owner of the magazine. Shout out Keeniun. We are working together for the upcoming fashion week at Bryant Park, so be ready for lots of backstage access! I am going to be interviewing designers and checking out ALL of the shows. Oh yea, how cool am I? Very cool:)

Belstaff: The Original Coat for the Guy's Guy

Everybody's doing it. Brad Pitt did it in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Will Smith saved the world in it. Hell, even guys hating middle age (yes, that's you John Travolta) have done it. And let's not forget our little Shia, he looked pretty cute doing it too. What is it that they are all doing? Trying on their guy's guy look by rocking a Belstaff coat. A very simple way for a man to get in touch with his rugged biker side.

Founded in 1924 in Staffordshire, England, Belstaff has remained the "it" coat for men who are looking to invest in a piece that really doesn't lose it's value. Not to mention that it seriously is pretty studly. I didn't learn about this little gem of a brand until my boyfriend threw his Belstaff on and I almost hit the floor. Now I must admit that he is pretty damn cute standing alone, but wearing his Belstaff did wonders for his "hot" quotient. I suggest all women promote their man buying anything that will make them look even hotter.

The original Belstaff gansta, or at least the first movie star to make it popular, was Steve McQueen. He would wear the very popular Trailmaster while biking. In 2007, Belstaff released a new and improved Trailmaster in honor of Steve Mcqueen. He must have really loved his Belstaff.








Why all of this talk about Belstaff? Well, I wish they were paying me, but that is hardly true. I was in J. Crew over the weekend and they are now selling Belstaff! I don't regularly walk into J. Crew (although I do like it), so I had no idea! As the price point of J. Crew goes up (thank you Michelle Obama for wearing it), so do the brands that they carry. Belstaff is definitely an investment with this particular coat being $795. But as I mentioned, it is definitely a worthy investment and does not lose it's value! It is meant to look rugged and worn in. The one my boyfriend has is actually waxed cotton, which means every 2 years he has to re-wax it for $50 and it looks brand new. Pause for sexual joke.

So invest boys and buy yourself some manliness.

J. Crew Belstaff Trailmaster Jacket: $795

Fur: A Faux Pas or Just Awesome!

This is awesome. Is this chick serious? Seriously foxy. Get it, get it... Foxy!!! I am so funny. Alright, enough "adult" humor (as in cheesy), let's get down to business. This is insane and I am not quite sure what set of eyes to look at. Even if you live in Alaska this is not cool. I mean, it is cold, but you do not need to actually WEAR the animal! No matter whether you love or hate fur, we should ALL hate this.

In actuality, I do love fur. Sorry PETA. I know it is wrong and mean, but it looks so damn good and feels so damn warm! Why be good when being bad literally feels so great! There are levels of fur that are unacceptable (example at left), but using fur as an accessory is perfectly acceptable and looks very stylish. Think hats, scarves, earmuffs... You get the idea.

All of these girls are doing it, so why not become part of the "cool" crowd? I can hear PETA tearing me a new one right now.... I am half kidding, save the animals! Or wear them stylishly.... Your choice:) I do love this ode to Russian chic with a big fur hat. Clearly you have to be very secure in your style to pull off something like this. Either you rock this in the backwoods because you are so freakin' cold it doesn't matter what you wear or you pair it with a very chic and fashionable outfit and look like you just walked off a runway. Again, your choice. I am not making judgments here:) (Yea, right).




You could also be the girl next door who just wants a little spice for her winter look. Choose earmuffs, they are fun and you are not draping yourself in animal. Look at how happy this model is in her fun fur earmuffs and wrap scarf? You too can be this happy:)




Then, of course, there is always up-town chic... Never to be messed with! Fur can simply be the most fabulous thing on the planet when done right! The stylist's over at Harper's Bazzar proved this perfectly with these completely expensive ensembles topped off with Jackie O inspired fab. I want to be them. Ok, maybe just for an afternoon... All of that sophistication and class would mess with my crazy and loud personality. The cracks would start to show very quickly... You can dress up the girl, but you can't take her out... for long:)

Photo courtesy of Alaskakraft.com
Photo courtesy of Furgirldir.com
Photo courtesy of Macys.com
Photo courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

Winter Warm without the Bulk!

I received a great question yesterday, how do you look hot in the winter without emulating the state puff marshmallow man? Easily...

This is a fabulous daytime chic look. It is appropriate for SO many occasions including work and play (of course this depends on your job and the type of "playing" you will be doing:). It has a "I am not even trying" feel to it which is what makes it so cool. Pairing a dress with tights and boots is an easy and quick way to make more use out of a large portion of your wardrobe. Don't store away those dresses when it gets cold outside! Go and buy some tights:) I wear two pairs when it really gets cold for twice the protection. Plus, you can use one plain pair and one textured pair for funk. I love sharing my tricks!




Another great idea for winter warmth without the bulk, is layering a thin long-sleeve t-shirt underneath your bigger sweaters. Using a short sleeve sweater on top, as this model is showing, is a great change from the "typical" way of layering. It adds depth and creativity to a really accessible daytime look.







When picking out a winter coat, don't choose the most bulky and heavy one! I want you to be warm, but I want the world to know that you still have a body under there. Choose a style that has a cinched belt to give you a waist. This coat also has a bell skirt for the bottom half so it give you lots of room to pile on clothing underneath. I love the big fur collar because it only makes your waist look even smaller!!!




Finally, my favorite winter go-to look. Leggings and a longer sweater will be any gal's best friend, no matter what your age! For the more mature woman, choose a longer style sweater, leggings are still appropriate. You must pair this look with taller boots. It is not only important style wise, but your legs will be freezing otherwise! I also would add a pair of tights underneath your leggings just to make sure you are nice and toasty.

So there you have it, all of the ideas for cozy, comfy winter ensembles without all of the bulk. You are now chic and fabulous... at least until the spring:)

Photo one: Courtesy of Flikr.com
Photo two: Courtesy of loveitorhateit.com
Photo three: Balticnordic.com
Photo four: macys.com

Over the Knee Boots: Can You Pull it Off???

Which one of these is not like the others? Come on, you can do it! You remember this little challenge from your grammar school days.... Let me give you a hint, two of these women should realize that although they are hot, this boot style is for a "less mature" woman. Sorry gals.

Rihanna hits the nail on the head by vamping up this cute and simple sweater dress. By pairing together these two pieces, she is keeping it sexy yet appropriate. She pulls in a very big trend right now, the over the knee boot, while keeping the look grounded.

And then there are the other two. Mariah Carey always causes my fashion brain to hurt. She just can't accept that curves can be beautiful when they are not completely being hugged by spandex material. Adding a pair of "hooker" boots only puts this already over-the-top look, more over-the-top. This outfit would be best worn by a 20 year old girl who is about to go out to the club. Not by an almost 40 year old woman in broad daylight. It is time to put away the spandex dear. You are a beautiful woman that does not need to have it all hanging out even if that is what you consider "your style". That is not a style, it is actually known as your late teens and 20's.... A time that is over:(

Now there is a bit more hope for J. Lo. I still think that she gets it right most of the time, but there are a few slip ups here and there. Mostly, she is now 40 and it is time for her to reflect that. Her thighs are more in shape then they have ever been, but unfortunately that does not mean that they should be wearing thigh high boots. I have been asked if there is a cut-off age for this trend and my simple answer is yes. Anyone over 35 probably should pack this possiblity up along with their spandex clothing. Hot or not, age appropriate clothing is a big plus in my book. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD NOT STILL BE SEXY. This just means that certain trends are not appropriate for you anymore.

For those of you that reflect Rihanna more than Mariah and J. Lo, here are two options for you. First we have the very pricey Christian Louboutins, totally hot, totally expensive. If you can pay this price, well then I am totally impressed and I want to be friends with you:) If not, you have a less expensive option that you can totally rock. Either way, this look will be here for a few seasons so it is worth investing in a pair. Choose high heels for a flashier version, but you can completely wear flat ones during the day with a longer sweater and leggings. Have fun, be sexy and remember that Julia Roberts in "Pretty Women" is not the only hooker who can wear hooker boots.

Photo courtesy of whosdatingwho.com
Christian Louboutin contente over the knee boots: $1995.00
Lucky Brand "Gwen" over the knee boots: $239.00

Holiday Twist: Suit Up and Leave Your Party Dress at Home!

I know, I know, I have already chatted about Angelina Jolie's Akris white suit. It was so good though, that it was worth another mention. Not just Angelina's beautiful ensemble, but the white suit in general.

Holiday party season is upon us and I am looking for the anti-cocktail dress. How many party dresses can one girl own? Don't answer that, you might scare yourself.

A great option in these chillier winter months is a tuxedo. The age-old winter problem with a dress is that your legs are freezing and you have to find a layering piece to go with your look. Now you have covered up your cute new dress! Of course I love the idea of a classic black women's tux, but have you ever considered winter white? Well you should!

Even Bianca Jagger has done it. She went white and looked uber-chic. Ok, the Colonel Sanders style tie is a bit much, but hell, it is Bianca Jagger!

You may be asking, "All white in winter? Isn't it past Labor Day?" The answer is yes and yes. If it is just too much for you, try a cream tuxedo instead. It softens the bright element, but still has the same dramatic affect. You will stand out... In a good way!



If you are lucky enough to be in a warmer part of the world during this holiday season, change up your idea of a tuxedo. Emma Roberts shows that pants are not always a must when choosing a sophisticated white suit. She is still portraying a classic, yet sexy ideal. Add black tights and black pumps to funk up this concept and wear it in colder weather. Slightly alternative, a little bit funky, totally awesome.





Now although I do believe that this model should have opted for a shirt, the suit does speak for itself. When has a bra and necklace counted for a layering piece? I strongly promote a white suit for a nice change from the party dress, but in addition, it is a great foundation staple! You not only get an amazing white suit, but you get separates. You can really utilize a white blazer and white pants because of the multiple options for styling. The best part, it is seasonless! Yes ladies, you can wear this anytime of the year and to multiple occasions. Dress it up, dress it down, make it what you want it to be. The white suit is a must for all wardrobes, and of course, holiday parties!!!

The Bridget Fit wide-leg pant: $49.50
Boyfriend jacket in seasonless stretch: $108.00

Big Calves? Small Calves? You CAN Own Tall Boots

Having worked with every size person on this planet (or pretty close to it), I can tell you that feet are always the biggest issue. "I can't wear heels. I will only wear heels. My feet are too wide. My feet are too narrow. My feet are too ugly, cover them up." The most common problem I have come across though is that people have the most trouble finding boots that fit their calves! It really is a wonder that more shoe designers have not taken this into account when creating their lovely lines for women of all shapes and sizes. That is until Michael Kors got smart.....


Let me begin this mission to find the perfect boots for your possibly not so perfect calves with a basic statement, I HATE STRETCH BOOTS. I have made this feeling pretty clear to anyone that will listen. They are tacky and cheap looking no matter how much you pay for them. For those of you that have followed my blog for a while, you might remember the new one that I tore Jill Biden the day of the inauguration. What on earth did this sophisticated, mature woman think she was doing in this ensemble? Pretty from the knees up, but everything on the bottom was a big ol' mess. She has the opposite problem from most women, her calves are too skinny. That is still no excuse to pull these Payless style shoes out for the biggest day in this countries history. Ug, oy, gross, yuck. No offense Payless:)

So now that I am done complaining, let me give you the solution: This year's line of Michael Kors boots. For curvy calves, for skinny calves, by gone it, he has done it. Or at least his team of designers has done it. He combined stretch material and leather to create a wearable boot for most any size calf. This combination allows the boots to remain stylish and sophisticated while still being realistic for ALL calves. Thank you Michael.


From the dressy version above to these more casual versions, he really hit the nail on the head. I am obsessed with riding boots and motorcycle boots because they add a bit of fun and theme to your look without overpowering it. You should have a good time with your footwear! Black boots do not equal boring. Don't ever give up on finding the perfect basic that will stand on it's own and be noticed by all of those around you. Not only are these boots stylish, but they really will be the answer to all of your calf problems. I accept all thank you's very graciously, I have saved many before and now I have done it again....:) Your welcome.

Kinkade Small Heel Tall Leather Boots: $199.99 SALE
Bromley OTK Flat Boots: $250
Audrina Strech Boots: $84.95

My Big Day at Bendels

I love fun and fabulous days! I had a meeting yesterday at Henri Bendel which was a great excuse to play in the store for an hour and a half. Yes, that is work to me! I was lucky enough to have a personal, guided tour from their very stylish marketing director. I was introduced to every designer, jewel, bag, scarf and anything else amazing that you can think of. A very good day if I might say so myself.


Just as Bendel's promotes, it is like a playground for the fashionable lady. So basically it is the very upgraded version of the feeling you used to get when you saw a McDonalds with a playground attached to it. Ooooh, I love that feeling! Everything is completely accessible so that you can try it on and see how much you really love it! I loved quite a bit yesterday.... The benefit and danger of their "only accessories" store, is that you really can afford most bobbles they are dangling in front of your face. It is truly the perfect "emergency shop" store. Quite simply, if you are having one of those days where you must buy something or you will die, this is the place to do it. No guilt attached because you did not break the bank!

My newest fun, favorite item is headbands. Love them. How stinkin' cute are they if you can really pull them off? I know I am 30, but I am a stylist and I look young so damn it, I am gonna do it! Don't I look so completely Blair Waldorf in this picture? Obviously I came in with the necklace, because these two crazy and fabulous pieces DO NOT belong together! I am on the search for the perfect headband right now... With all of the choices, I have to be meticulous about finding the exact right one. The benefit of my job (besides the fact that it is awesome), is that I can really search for what I want because I am always out looking at beautiful things. I do not have a time crunch to find things for myself. Lucky me:)





And don't forget about bags! They are one of the most important accessories you can own, if not THE most important. I ran into (literally) these amazing Rebecca Minkoff bags and immediately fell in love. It was actually at first sight, I saw them from accross the room and that was it, it was over. They are edgy and interesting, yet they would easily compliment any outfit without competing with it. This is the sign of a really great bag that will be worth the investment. Can it stand alone as a fantastic piece and mesh with everything you own? If the answer is yes, swipe the credit card, you need to own it.

I love accessories, I am now totally obsessed with Henri Bendel and you should be too. Fun, fabulous pick-me-up pieces mixed with higher end goodies make this a one-stop-shop for everything trendy, glamorous and chic.

Visit the Henri Bendel's site to learn about everything fabulous!

The Infinity Scarf: It just keeps going and going and going....

There is always a new fashion craze and this time, the infinity scarf is it. I love when the wheel is re-invented. Just when you thought a scarf is a scarf is a scarf, they think of something brand new! Fun for me and fun for you.

I got one of these little goodies and began my afternoon of seeing what magical things I could do with it. How many ways can you wear the infinity scarf? I managed to create quite a few wearable options. I love the idea that something is not only comfy and cozy, but completely versatile and functional.

So here goes for the fashion show of me and my infinity scarf!




Basic, basic, basic. It ain't interesting, but it works. Don't I look like the model?:) You really need to feel this yummy piece in person, so delicious.











A great way to wear it if you are chilly once you wonder inside. Pull your infinity scarf down around your shoulders and look stylishly warm. I hate when it is too cold inside! This way you don't have to completely cover up your fabulous outfit by keeping on your coat, your scarf becomes part of your look!






This version reminds me of my former days as a competitive ice skater. Even if I had on a little ice skating dress, my neck always seemed to be cold! Wrap this little piece around your neck twice and you have an insta-neck warmer!







I feel like a winter princess wearing the scarf this way. I usually feel like a princess in my own mind, so this way everyone else is in on my reality! I just placed it over my head and allowed it to drape down. Nothing to fancy or tricky, but it definitely warms up my noggin and ears. Sometimes you just don't want a hat and a scarf! This is a classic and sophisticated way to wear the infinity scarf.


And for my scarf tying finale! Jackie O, here I come. I should probably get into a convertible immediately and drive through the Alps. I guess I need to take the alternate option and walk down the streets of New York City looking just as fabulous. I just wrapped it around my neck and looped it over my head. Again, nothing to complicated, just chic and fabulous!



Baijra Cashmere Jersey Loop
$198.00

Rachel Roy Takes Over Macy's

Who knew that a Sunday of nothing could turn into a full blown fashion show of the Rachel Roy line at Macy's? I am quite sure that my friend Erin and I did not go up to Herald Square anticipating such a fabulously fashionable adventure. Just down the street are the tents for fashion week in Bryant Park, but right there in that small dressing room was the real drama and style....

It is always good to have girlfriends who love clothing as much as you do and have a slight addiction to buying it. Oh, and it doesn't hurt when they look good in it and are willing to play the "fashion show" game for your blog. Thank you Erin.

This little montage of photos was quite literally an accident. I agreed to make the trip (yes folks, it is a trip when you have to go to Macy's on a Sunday) as a good friend must agree to do. We were seriously only going up there to return something Erin had bought earlier and then run right back downtown where the shopping is smaller, boutique(ier) and much more consignment/vintage style.... But alas, Rachel Roy's line attacked us from across the store and there was no stopping us.

Holy crap, I am obsessed. I should re-state that, WE are obsessed. Erin and I dove in like two crazy women looking for the holy grail... Only we had already found it! I knew that Rachel Roy was doing a line for Macy's, but I had no idea that it would be so fabulously fantastic. The silhouettes were interesting, the line was vast and the price points were not necessarily going to kill me. Things ranged anywhere from $60 for a sweater to $130 for a nice dress. Think BCBG prices.

I need, actually I implore you to take a gander at this "oh so fun!" line. It is sassy, it is sleek, it is fun, it is full of fashionable energy that screams for you to try it all on.... Or at least that is what it said to Erin and I. I do enjoy when designers go "low-end" to try and sell to the masses, but sometimes something is lost in the translation... NOTHING was lost here. All hail Rachel Roy.

Macy's Rachel Roy Line

Fabulous Fingerless Gloves

Ah, the problems that technology has created in my life and how it affects my style.... I am sure all of you have fashion/technology problems:) I have recently acquired an iPhone (LOVE it), but it is a touch screen and this is a problem with my wide selection of beautiful gloves. My hands are freezing just so I can call my awesome boyfriend (he is sitting here so I have to give him a shout out!).

Lucky for me, I have a mother that knits constantly and is always looking for reasons to make me something. She recently stumbled upon a pattern for fingerless gloves and little did I know, this would literally alter my fashionably freezing life. Finally, I can be warm and use my touch screen phone all at the same time!!!

Don't worry if you don't have a mother who is knitting at every waking moment of her life, there are plenty of places that you can buy your own fabulous pair of fingerless gloves! Never be left out in the cold again, dial away and be cute and cozy doing it. Thanks mom.

Malorie Armwarmer
$19.99

Winter Wonderland: Dress HOT for the Colder Months!

I love my friends. This is clearly an umbrella statement, but let me explain..... They are not only smart, vivacious people, but they are hot and know how to dress. Yup, I said it.

Meet Courtney. She is a fashion designer with her cousin Kathlin Argiro in NYC and has been my friend since the day we fell in love (in a friendly way!) about three years ago during a blizzard. We were the only two asses who thought it was a good idea to go out for a hard core night of drinking in dresses. She got stuck at my apartment for over 24 hours and the rest is history.....

As you all know, I hit the milestone of 30 this past week. I invited 17 of my closest friends up to a snowy lodge in Vermont to celebrate my new found wrinkles for the weekend. Now although Vermont is not known for its fashion sense, somehow my friends seem to work in a little sass no matter where we are. Enter this AWESOME ensemble. Now granted Courtney is 5'9" and beautiful so she can pull off just about anything, but she really does rock this furry look. Everything about it is real and functional, yet stylish. Realistic fashion yo. Them is some kick-ass boots! She is just earthy and furry enough with a touch of femininity through her very pink pashmina. Everything about the look is loose, easy and fun, but it really does define Vermont snowy style without her looking like she is trying too hard. Remember folks, no matter where your travels take you, looking good is always a reality.

Jill Biden Forgot to Hire a Stylist for Inauguration Day

Where was I when poor Jill Biden needed me? I am a bad US citizen allowing such an inauguration day fashion crime to occur. Clearly she found a fabulous red coat to cover up her outfit from her night job... She should have remembered a change of shoes. I am so mean.

Here is a styling note for all of you out there who trust my style judgment: If you own a pair of boots such as these, get rid of them. You know them, the kind that is stretchy and does not need a zipper to get them on and off. The kind that flop over because there is no structure through the leg of the boot. U. G. L. Y. and C. H. E. A.P. You are the vice president's wife, we know you have the benjamins! Never, ever should a woman of this age (she is not old, just too old to be wearing these) and at this event be showing her knees. If she had just added an opaque pair of black tights the outfit would have been WAY more acceptable. Not right, just acceptable. Stop telling me I am a bitch, I may be mean, but at least I am right:)