styelle

"It’s not ambition. It’s passion."

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:16:24 -0400

“It’s not ambition. It’s passion.”

- Gwen Stefani

Another special obnoxious alert! Follow me on Pinterest!

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:33:00 -0400

Simply click the “Follow me on Pinterest” button to the right to follow my boards on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/styelle. See what inspires me, and re-pin if you see anything that inspires you!

(PS-I highly recommend a Pinterest board to anyone who has thoughts. Even just remotely has thoughts. Beware though, for it is highly addicting. I’m talking Facebook-fall-2004-addicting. So hopefully you are unemployed with a lot of time on your hands. Have fun!)

Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear: Vanessa Bruno

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:11:58 -0400

One of my new FAVORITE designers is Vanessa Bruno, and today she showed at Paris Fashion Week. I would have to describe her aesthetic as “glam-Swedish-snow-peasant”. Interesting, I know. I have been anxiously awaiting to see her spring collection, and she did not disappoint! Woo-wooooooo:

Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear: Stella McCartney

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:49:16 -0400

Looking at Stella McCartney’s collection brings me back—wayyyyyyy back—to the Magic Eye craze of the 1990’s. God what simpletons we were in the 90’s. It took so little to entertain us (pogs….slap bracelets….MILKY PENS!!! Need I continue?).

So although Mrs. Stella’s collection evokes memories of staring cross-eyed at a book until I could see it’s pictures in 3-D, I find the optical illusion far more pleasing in this context :)

Enjoy away. (Crossed eyes not necessary)

<——UBER-Favorite Alert

She threw in some bold waves for good measure…..

And her ever-present suit:

Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear: Chloé

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:26:00 -0400

I love Chloé. Always. I don’t know what it is exactly, but all the looks are always so….fresh? I feel just as clean looking at the clothes as I do when I wear the line’s perfumes. There is just something very soft and feminine about every collection. I find that I can often easily identify a Chloé piece when I see one, more so than any other designer (with the exception of maybe Dries Van Noten, another distinguishable favorite).

Lots of color-blocking upon neutral-hued, sheer fabric helps make this collection a perfect example of structured femininity (which is the look that most women are striving for these days, let’s be honest). The structured blazers and jackets over loosely flowing material create the ideal masculine-feminine balance that is so “in vogue” these days. While I love this look (as I believe so many do), for its universal beauty, it is important to just take elements of it, and swallow those elements up so they become part of your own unique look.

Note that there are no obnoxious FAVORITE ALERTS. Because they are all FAVORITE ALERTS.

"Great fashion is all about surprise….It should always be about doing something that..."

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:11:49 -0400

“Great fashion is all about surprise….It should always be about doing something that isn’t by the book.”

- Reed Krakoff

Special Alert! Now Leave Comments!

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:04:50 -0400

Thanks to my personal IT guy (aka my lovely boyfriend), you now have the ability to post comments on any of my posts, people! So feel free to laud and/or degrade me! (I don’t really care as long as you comment.) Thank you!

Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear: Temperley London

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:29:35 -0400

Ruffles, fringe, folds, floral appliqués, polka dots, and of course, turbans (aka the head fixture at almost every show) helped evoke the romantic elegance that defined Temperley London’s spring collection.

<——LOVED the blush lace jumpsuit

<——Ruffles AND polka dots? GOOOO-juss.

<——FAVORITE ALERT

Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear: The Ethereals (3.1 Phillip Lim, Jenny Packham, and Rebecca Taylor)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:08:26 -0400

I clump these three collections together (in my mind at least) due to their common theme of fabrics that float away from the body in soft whites and pastels. While 3.1 Phillip Lim had more of a structured look, Rebecca Taylor and Jenny Packham made far more use of sheers, lace, and beading.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Jenny Packham

Rebecca Taylor

*One of my favorite pieces of any collection

<——I am having a thing for the leather cami at the moment, so I of course loved this.

<——I was a HUGE fan of the black-on-periwinkle pieces, bravo!

Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear: Oscar de la Renta

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:05:05 -0400

Truly, nobody can even hold a candle to this man. Stunning. I have no words.

Ok I have some words. The thing about Oscar de la Renta is, even if you wouldn’t be caught dead WEARING any of his designs (why someone wouldn’t be caught dead wearing them I couldn’t tell you, maybe Jesus is their personal designer or something), there is absolutely no denying that his designs are pure artwork. And if you DO deny it, I will challenge you to a duel. So there.

<——love these shoes<——If THIS is not the epitome of “Old-Hollywood”, then I don’t know what is.

<——Ok maybe THIS is….

Sidenote: Maybe part of the reason why his collection looks amazing is because his models aren’t completely skeletal. Other designers should take note. Seriously. Because clothes somehow just aren’t as appealing when they are hanging off a coat rack.

What kind of fashion advice can you give to a plus size shopper? I love all the styles you post on the site, but aside from shoes, there's nothing on here that I can apply to my wardrobe (yet). I'm sick of wearing black all the time and living in hoodies!

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:06:18 -0400

Hello miss! Welllll MY belief is that size doesn’t matter when it comes to fashion. Whether you are a size 2 or size 32, finding things that fit well and look good is hard work. It requires dedication to long and/or frequent shopping trips. You eventually will become “educated” on what looks good on your body. And TRY THINGS ON! I cannot stress that enough! Even if you think it MIGHT look bad, just try it! It will further your education, if nothing else. There is a GREAT blog I follow called Young, Fat and Fabulous (gabifresh.com or youngfatandfabulous.com). The writer’s views echo my sentiments. (And take note that her default is black from top to bottom! I myself happen to mostly wear black as well. Whatever works girfren!) She has some videos on YouTube as well. Basically, her take is that you can shop most places regardless of your size, you just have to be a tad more creative and willing to improvise. Honestly, I believe that should not just apply to plus-size shopping. It’s often “easier” to shop non-plus size, but that means it’s also easier to be lazy and unoriginal with your image. (Case in point: are you not sick of seeing the J.Crew look? You know the one— messy side bun, pearls, a polo, denim skirt, and flip-flops? The look every size 2-6 Long Islander has been wearing for the past decade? Ugh kill me.) ANYWAY, there are quite a few blogs featuring plus-size fashion, I just happen to follow that one regularly. Really the best way you will broaden your style horizon is to constantly browse to find out what you like, try things on to find out what likes you back, and keep an eye out for any magazine or online articles that apply to your body and personal style. And don’t be afraid to take risks, even little ones (like wearing dark blue or purple instead of black)!

Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear: Zac Posen (another favorite)

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:05:05 -0400

Another of my Fashion Week favorites, Zac Posen’s collection mainly consisted of structured dresses and gowns. Anyone who says they have ZERO interest in fashion::ahem-ladies-at-the-table-next-to-me-at-dinner-the-other-night-ahem::needs to seriously take a look at the gowns in this collection—the craftsmanship is unreal.

<——FAVE ALERT<——FAVE ALERT

<——FAVE ALERT<——FAVE ALERT

<——FAVE ALERT<——TILDA SWINTON ALERT

<——FAVE ALERT<——UBER-FAVE ALERT

Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear: Carolina Herrera

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:39:00 -0400

After perusing through the various Fashion Week collections, I was surprised to find that one of my favorites was Carolina Herrera’s ready-to-wear. I say “surprised” only because I’ve never considered myself a major fan, more “indifferent” (sorry CH, I know that must just crush you). This season however, my socks have been straight-up knocked off! IMHO, it is one of the most diverse yet consistently GOOD collections this season. Hers is probably the only one I flipped through and thought “love….love…..love….love…love…”. I TRIED to narrow it down to just my favorites……but wound up posting basically the entire collection….

Sheer Over-sized Plaids…..

Wispy Whites……..

Long and Flowy Geometric Shapes and Prints……

Chain-Mail-esque, yet fluid…..

Bold and Beautiful Colors with a Touch of Lineation…..

Bold and Structured with a Touch of Frill…..

Variations on The Pantsuit…..

Structured Workwear…..

Beading and Sparkle……

…….and more collections from this season to follow! Stay tuned girfren.

Hailee Steinfeld: Loving YOU!

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:53:06 -0400

The girl’s not even fifteen, yet I’m envious of her wardrobe. I don’t know whether or not she has a stylist, but regardless, I suspect she simply has a good eye. An unusually good eye, given her age. (Granted, probably not many fourteen-year-olds have Karl Lagerfeld in their inner circle, so….) Speaking of age, take note of how appropriate she always looks. She has a sophisticated style, yet never looks like a child that somebody dressed to look like a mini-adult.

But seriously, this chick looks so excellent all the time that it makes me want to cry. Seriously.

Some of my faves:

in Prabal Gurung

in Topshop

in Marchesa

in Miu Miu (she’s the face of their Fall 2011 ad campaign)

in Alberta Ferretti

in Stella McCartney

in Louis Vuitton

in Miu Miu

in Marc Jacobs

in Calvin Klein

in Stella McCartney

in Chloé

in Valentino

in Tory Burch

in Moschino

in 3.1 Phillip Lim

in Jenny Packham

in Tommy Hilfiger

in Lanvin for H&M

in Miu Miu

What to Take in Case of a Hurricane Evacuation: A Completely Irrational Fashionista's Guide

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:51:00 -0400

This weekend, I was forced to abandon my humble abode in fear of Hurricane Irene. This was quite stressful for me. How was I possibly going to quickly and efficiently pack all the necessary items I would need to restart my life after Irene completely wiped out New York?? I needed to map out my emergency E-Vac plan, and fast!

First was the obvious: my jewelry. Now I had to be reasonable. I could only bring the pieces I REALLY loved. From each category. So I got to work throwing about ten of everything (bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, etc.) into separate jewelry containers. I was like Noah loading the ark, except I had ten of everything, and nothing was included for reproduction purposes.

Next came shoes. Now at first I only grabbed my summer shoes (flip flops, peep-toes, etc.). But then I thought, well HEY, I have invested in many a pair of winter shoes(booties, boots, etc.), and I’ll be garsh-darned if I don’t get a return on that investment! (Not to mention the possibility of nuclear winter after Irene wreaks havoc on all of earth, in which case I might need some warm leopard-print wedges to keep my tootsies warm.) So I threw my favorite boots, booties, heels, and wedges in a bag.

Next of course, came clothes. I figured I might need a pair of jeans in every wash and color, just in case my house was destroyed and all stores were destroyed and I could not find any grey skinny jeans ever again. I also decided to plan ahead (once again, in case of nuclear winter due to a hurricane), and pack up all my most prized sweaters, cardigans, blazers, and jackets. I threw in a bikini for good measure, just in case after the hurricane earth went all Mad Max on me and I needed to stay cool while traveling the desert wastelands searching for water.

Finally, I decided to throw in some second-string necessities, such as underwear.

Now as it turned out, Hurricane Irene didn’t really amount to anything much more than some wind and rain. And possibly a little bit of flash-flooding in some parts of the East Coast. But if it HAD caused havoc and destruction, I would have been one prepared hurpocolysta. Because there are some emergencies one just can’t depend on FEMA for.

Styelle's Wishlist (Someone Rich, Please Take Notice)

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:15:40 -0400

Jennifer Meyer Diamond Bar Ring and Gold Stackable Rings

Vera Wang Lavender Label Peep-Toe Ankle Boot

Gucci’s flow-y, sheer, jewel tones

Welp, it has been years, and the Cartier Love bracelet is still on my wishlist!

Rag & Bone “Classic Newbury” Boot

Thakoon Blanket Dress

Top: Coach “Liana” Boot

Bottom: Rachel Bilson in her Coach “Liana” boots. Have you ever seen a comfier-looking beeatch? I have not.

"If you’re a nice person and you work hard, you get to go shopping at Barney’s."

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:17:33 -0400

“If you’re a nice person and you work hard, you get to go shopping at Barney’s.”

- Sarah Jessica Parker

"You’ve got to know the rules before you can break them."

Tue, 17 May 2011 12:40:12 -0400

“You’ve got to know the rules before you can break them.”

- Alexander McQueen

Ellie's Favorite Things: Part One-Shoes (YOU get a shoe and YOU get a shoe and YOU get a shoe!)

Tue, 10 May 2011 23:38:00 -0400

If you are on a budget and/or have enough self-discipline to not go hog-wild when at the mall, then 1) you are a better person than I, congratulations, and 2) these are my suggestions for what shoes should be in your arsenal:

Pointy-Toe Unembellished Flats

These are good for wearing under wider pants, when you just want your toes to “peek” out from underneath. I find that a round-toe looks too bulky with wide-leg pants.

Peep-Toe Flats

I find these to be a great alternative to sandals for summer, especially if your job does not allow you to wear sandals and you still want your feet to get a lil’ ventilation! Personally, I find them to be more comfortable than sandals as well.

Round-Toe Unembellished Flats

I usually favor a round-toe over a pointy-toe when wearing flats with skinny jeans. IMHO, it helps balance out the proportions. I actually own this exact pair (from Land’s End! I know right?) and LOVE the color and shape. Not to mention that they are uber-comfy.

Nude Pumps

As I’m sure you’ve heard before, nude pumps help elongate the legs, and can be worn with anything.

Flip-Flops

Obviously, everyone needs at least one pair of flip-flops. If you have to get just one pair, I would go with Havaianas with a gold thong, as gold will flatter the Jennifer-Aniston-like-summer-glow that you will most certainly have during the summer.

Black Pumps

Like nude pumps, black pumps are at the top of every fashion guru’s “must list”. They are your oh-muh-guh-I-have-to-go-to-a-funeral-and-need-to-look-presentable-but-can’t-look-like-i’m-trying-because-that’s-disrespectful shoes.

Uggs (Neutral)

I know boys hate them, but oh lawdy I hope Uggs are here to stay. As every female knows, they are beyond comfortable and if they didn’t “go” with everything a few years ago, well we have MADE them go! Jeans, skirts, shorts, tights, we don’t care, we’re wearing ‘um! That being said, I would suggest a neutral color (none of the blinged-out or even buttoned styles). Either tall or short will do.

Booties

I was unprepared for some of the images that came up when I Googled “nude booties”, although I suppose I should have been. Anywho, while booties are a current “trend”, and normally I despise “trends”, in a neutral color I believe you can get good mileage out of a pair of ankle booties.

Slim Leather Flat Boots

Because there is no heel, these can just be worn with anything, period. You can dress up or dress down.

Slim Suede Boots

This is simply my personal opinion, but suede makes me feel more “dressed up” than leather. Therefore, if you want a boot with a heel, I would opt for suede over leather.

It's the most wonderful tiiiiimmmeee of the year! (The Met Gala)

Thu, 05 May 2011 19:12:00 -0400

For me, it is the best fashion event of the year. Better than the Oscars, better than the Golden Globes, better than the Grammy’s.

The Costume Institute Gala is an annual ball held to celebrate each year’s opening of the fashion exhibit at the Met’s Costume Institute. The theme this year honored the late (and great) Alexander McQueen and the exhibition Savage Beauty, which opened at the Met on May 4th. Personally, I intend to go see the exhibit ASAP.

Here are the looks that caught my eye because they were A) interesting, B) beautiful, or C) both. IMHO, at the Met Gala, the more unusual and original, the better. After all, it is the Costume Institute, amiright?

Brooklyn Decker in Michael Kors

Jennifer Hudson in Vera Wang

Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger

Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein Collection

Lily Aldridge in Ralph Lauren

Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney

Solange Knowles in Dries van Noten

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen

Liv Tyler in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci

Kerry Washington in Escada

Dakota Fanning in Valentino

Ginnifer Goodwin in a Topshop dress and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry

Hailee Steinfeld in Stella McCartney

Aimee Mullins in Olivier Theyskens

Natasha Poly in Alexander Wang

Natalie Vodianova in Valentino

Leelee Sobieski in Vionnet

Chanel Iman in Dolce & Gabbana

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

Doutzen Kroes in Giambattista Valli

Eva Mendes in Stella McCartney

Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

Joan Smalls in Tom Ford

Lara Stone in Calvin Klein Collection

Naomi Watts in Stella McCartney