Hola lovers!

With spring in full swing, I’m sure your social calendars are bursting with invites:  barbecues, concerts, a hoedown  on a dude ranch (no? just me?)

Today I’ve styled an ensemble for the more formal occasions on your docket.

Regardless of the designer, a bold colorful printed jacket, shift dress in a solid color, pendant and a killer pair of heels is a great template to ensure you’re the (aesthetic) hit of the party.

Givenchy Croc-Stamped Clutch

Matthew Williamson Embroidered-Tweed Jacket

Givenchy Rock Crystal Pendant Necklace 

Stella McCartney Sheer Dress

Louboutin Python June

I always love reading others responses to Oprah’s famed “what I know for sure” question – maybe because I never feel like I have a sage answer, or doubt that my answer is “right” so I look to others to compare (did I mention I’m insecure?).

I realise there is no “right” or “wrong” answer to this question (it’s subjective after all), so I sound particularly ridiculous right now. Still, I always feel like the answers I generate are lame. Sure, I may feel like I know something “for sure” today, but tomorrow? God only knows. (Youth is totally wasted on the young.)

And yet, one thing I find constantly fascinating about this question is the commonality of answers  - like “all is well,” or “love is it.” Regardless of ones background or lifestyle, there seem to be salient truths - universal truths – that we know for sure because, well, they’re true.

As previously noted, I’m terribly ambivalent (blame it on being a Libra), but tonight, here’s what I “know for sure:”

1. We’re not supposed to have all the answers. Not knowing is okay.

2. Easy does it. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be in this moment.

3. We’re all connected. Everyone really does subconsciously know everything. (Remember that the next time you’re tempted to lie.)

4. Love is the bottom line. When you honor what you love – whether a place (in my case, England), a person, a career path – what you love will show up, magically and consistently. Unhappiness is a byproduct of NOT honoring your passions.

5. Six degrees of separation is real. If there’s someone you really want to meet, put it out there. You’d be surprised at who you know who knows someone who knows someone who knows that person.

6. There’s an unforeseen hand guiding us in every moment. You can either trust that there’s a bigger picture unfolding (I think that’s called “having faith”) or you can choose anxiety and think everything “should be different” or “happening faster.” Your call.

7. Depression is an indicator you’re self-obsessing. So get out of your head and go do something for someone else. Connect with others. I guarantee  that you’re not going through anything that someone hasn’t already gone through before.

8. “Dog” isn’t “God” spelled backwards accidentally.

9. “Good” or “bad” is all a matter of perception. Some of the so-called disasters of my life (like missing an international flight and spending the night in Heathrow airport on a restaurant coach – I kid you not) led to the most miraculous, life-transforming connections.

10. The purpose of life is to live it – fearlessly, and with a wide open heart.

Lovers! Sincerest apologies for neglecting you (and my blog) this month. But rest assured I am back! In this instance, to share the latest drool-worthy pieces from Diane Von Furstenberg.

My Mum bought me my first DVF wrap dress when I was seventeen (yes, I was utterly spoiled). The fact that, a decade later, I still have it, it actually fits, and is still “in vogue,” is a testament to DVF’s brilliance and unparalleled staying power (nevermind the timeless appeal of the wrap dress). The word “iconic” is soo overused, yet I can’t think of a more apropos word to describe DVF’s wrap dress. Regardless of your age or body type, the wrap dress is universally flattering (and this is coming from someone who almost never wears dresses.)

ANYWAY. After three decades in the industry, DVF’s Fall 2013 runway collection was my favorite yet. Probably because the clothes had a potent “rock ‘n roll” vibe (think fur vests, metallics, leopard print), while still maintaining von Furstenberg’s decidedly feminine appeal.

At the end of the day, I will always be most drawn to the rocker aesthetic. I mean, doesn’t everyone (even movie stars) harbour a secret desire to be a rock star? Von Furstenberg’s said that, “Every woman wants to be glamourous and rock’n roll.” Why? I think Diane hit the nail on the head when she remarked,”It’s not about going to the party. It’s life as a party.” And who would know that better than a rockstar.

*Photos courtesy of Style.com

HOLA LOVERS!

Michelle, my writing-partner-in-crime, and I are back in all our high fashion glory to answer your most most pressing clothing conundrums.

Last time we taught you what to wear on your wedding night.

This round we’re here to teach you how to dress high fashion (haute couture) while embracing the floods like Noah.

]]> http://www.wearareyougoing.com/how-to/how-to-dress-high-fashion-haute-couture-in-the-rain/feed/ 0 http://www.wearareyougoing.com/guest-posts/parisian-fashion-a-lesson-in-haute-couture/ http://www.wearareyougoing.com/guest-posts/parisian-fashion-a-lesson-in-haute-couture/#comments Mon, 11 Mar 2013 06:28:19 +0000 admin http://www.wearareyougoing.com/?p=11011

*Today’s post is written by a guest writer

When most think “Parisian Fashion,” they think “Haute Couture.” Yet, most of us don’t know the first thing about “haute couture” (and those who do are frequently misinformed). No judgment. If you too are clueless, you’re in good company. Most people (myself included until recently) have a big of misconception about what “haute couture” is; even ever-candid superstar Jennifer Lawrence, who freely admitted on the Golden Globes’ red carpet that she was “wearing Dior Haute Couture. I don’t know what “haute” means, but they told me to say it.”

Subsequently, I thought the timing was perfect to dish out a lesson in haute couture, courtesy of style icon (and avid haute couture collector and wearer) Daphne Guinness.

(Don’t worry. It won’t be cumbersome. I assure you it won’t take longer than a game of “binguez.)”

The literal meaning of “haute couture” is “high dressmaking.” In this instance, “high fashion” refers to “exclusive, custom-fitted clothing.”

Charles Frederick Worth was the first designer to produce “haute couture” pieces in mid-1800′s Paris. Specifically, Worth created “one-of-a-kind pieces” for his affluent clients. The client would specify fabrics and colors, and Worth would  individually tailor  each unique piece to the clients’ measurements.

Nowadays, haute couture is a “protected name” – in France by law – and only fashion houses whom the regulating commission deems “eligible” can dub themselves “haute couture houses.”

Sadly, haute couture is a dying art form. Fifty years ago there were more than one hundred operating haute couture houses. Currently, there’s a mere ten high-ranking couture houses.

Haute couture’s downward spiral is one I hope is soon reversed for, extravagant as it may seem, haute couture is the living soul of dressmaking.

“People think ‘couture’ just means expensive, and that’s just completely wrong,” Daphne Guinness stipulated in an interview with Alex Fury. “Yes, if you’re buying something that’s beaded from head to foot of course it’s going to be expensive; but you’re not paying for the name. You’re paying for the artisan, the concentration of the work. And it shows! The more intention you put into something, the more you can see it. If somebody runs something off very, very quickly and just writes their name off, you can see it. And the more you concentrate on something, the more of yourself is invested in it. It just means so much more.”

On the flip side, haute couture is also a BUSINESS.  Guinness goes on to articulate, “These are industries; these are jobs;” and, in the case of many houses, “two, three hundred years worth of families that know how to make lace and sew.

This isn’t about rich people putting on something so that they can look better than everyone else; it really isn’t about that.”

So what IS it about?

I believe Guinness nailed it when she stated haute couture was about the “artisan, the concentration of the work,” as well as YOUR OWN investment in the process. (Cost aside, making a couture piece requires a timely commitment to multiple fittings on the clients end.)

Ultimately, as with anything, the more of yourself you commit to the process, the more meaningful the end product will be. And haute couture is no exception to that. If anything, it’s the rule.

I believe competition is bullshit. Regardless of what field of work you’re in, we all have something different (and irreplaceable) to offer. Once you figure out who you are, own it, and stick to your guns (a super quick process, I know;), you’ll find the notion of competition is delusional.

Not to say once you make it to the top others won’t be gunning for your job. Newsflash: they will. (I know that, and I’m not even at “the top.”)But what I’ve observed is that your resume is just one tool in getting a job or client. The bigger piece of that “success puzzle” is personality, work ethic, and confidence.

No one person is alike, so the cool byproduct of owning your personality is that you never have to worry about being like “someone else,” because no two people are the same.

Of course, owning your personality (and all your eccentricities) is where confidence comes in. And the confidence to “be you” and own it, is how you’ll get the job when you show up. Your solid work ethic will be instrumental in maintaining the gig (and peeps rehiring you, which is how you move from having a “job” to a “career”).  It’s all interconnected!

God willing, I’m just at the beginning of my styling career, and subsequently I’m always looking to stylists I admire for advice and inspiration.

Whether you’re at the bottom or the top, I think it’s really important to celebrate each other; in part, as a reminder, that competition is bullshit (bears repeating), because ultimately we’re all in this together.

In that spirit, today I want to celebrate one of my favorite stylists, June Ambrose.

There are stylists and then there are visionaries. I believe June is a visionary first; stylist second.

I have been enthralled by June since I found out what a stylist was when I was a college student at NYU. June is a styling powerhouse, having worked with everyone from Jay-Z, Will Smith, Missy Elliot, and Zoe Zaldana, on editorial shoots, music vids and red carpet appearances alike. (Familiar with Missy Elliot’s badass superhero look in “The Rain?” All June.)

Yet, what I admire most about June isn’t her astoundingly prolific portfolio; it’s the fearlessness with which she lives her life and approaches styling.

I could wax lyrical about June FOREVA,’ but as this is a blog (not a novella) I’ll cut myself off now.

Just not before bidding adieu with some drool-worthy photos of June’s closet, courtesy of The Coveteur.

Enjoy! x

PS – Wanna learn more about June? Click here.

In a quest to answer any styling conundrums for all you soon-to-be-brides, I give you this illuminating how-to vid. (Because clearly how to dress on your wedding night takes precedence over how to dress on your wedding day.)

Candids taken by my sister Maddie. On the street somewhere in Notting Hill.

Pretty apt representation of my facial expressions when in London. As seen above, I facilitate between two reactions: a stunned variation on, “Whaat?!” (mainly reserved for buildings, gorgeous men, and London price tags), and a more bah humbug version of, “Hmm. Ookaay” (on display when semantically corrected by a Brit). Per exemple, “bandaids” don’t exist in the UK. But “plasters” are alive and well.

*Denim: J Brand. Jacket and Bag: Celine. Belt: Elliot Rhodes. Shirt: Theysken’s Theory. Scarf and Gloves: Barneys New York. Sneaks: Isabel Marant*

Any red carpet moment involving a piece of Temperley clothing is synonymous with incandescent, shut-the-front-door beauty. In layman’s terms? If you wear Temperley, you’re gonna be on “best dressed” lists.

I’ve been obsessed with the Temperley brand since I was a teen. I’m not sure how many Temperley dresses I own, but it’s over ten. Much to the chagrin of my parents, as my first Temperley dresses were purchased on their Amexes! (My Dad is unfailingly amused at how I’ve managed to turn my obsession into my career.) But their gifts have paid off in more ways than one. Many of the Temperley dresses I own are now part of my styling studio and, as such, dress options for clients. Even on jobs where I’ve pulled lots of clothes, I will frequently end up using a Temperley dress from my own collection. Their pieces are expensive, yes, but they’re also handmade. You can’t fake that acute attention to detail!

In my humble opinion, their lack of trendiness (and subsequent timeless appeal) ensure a Temperley dress is a worthy investment. If I were to purchase a current Temperley gown, there’s no question it would look as current on a client today versus ten years from now.

ANYWAY. Being thus obsessed, I obviously couldn’t NOT manage to swing by the Temperley flagship store in Notting Hill. Designer Alice Temperley incidentally lives next door to the shop with her husband and son; and her design studio is right upstairs. It’s a literal fashion compound.

I was so honored to get a first-hand sneak peak of the spring collection (favorite dresses above), as well as a brief gander at their bridal boutique. I was never one of those girls who dreamt about her wedding day, but that may have altered slightly after seeing their gobsmacking gowns. I want to be a Temperley bride, goddamn it!

*Kate Moss by Corrine Day* 

*Dame Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol*

*Elizabeth I by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger*

*The Rolling Stones by Gered Mankowitz*

London Fashion Week may not kick off ’til tomorrow, but my brain already feels in need of a fashion reprieeeeeve.

What the whaat?

OK. If my blog hasn’t already insinuated such, I love clothes. Still, every now and then girlfriend needs some perspective to prevent combustion. (Albeit for just a few hours.) Perspective to remind self of beauty outside of clothes (aka wearable art) – like just art.

Hence a spontaneous evening trip to London’s National Portrait Gallery (who knew it was open ’til 9 pm?)

I’d been years earlier with my Mum for a retrospective on Kate Moss by Mario Testino; which not only knocked my socks off, it burned them. It was that good. So I figured I’d give it another whirl.

WELL. Cut to me walking in and being simultaneously greeted with a blaast of Abba music and champagne offerings. Near the bar was a DJ with a handle bar moustache and paisley shirt (a good two sizes too tight) who looked like Terry Richardson’s doppelganger.

In my fatigue-fueled delirium, I thought I had entered a club. A conversation with a nearby docent confirmed I hadn’t. In London, drinks and a dj are standard fanfare for museums on a Thursday night. (Aand people wonder why I love it here.)

Highlights of my museum voyage included viewing a video installation of David Beckham. Sleeping. Thaat was it. I’ll admit I stared at the screen for a good five minutes in a near comatose state before moving on. And felt like a creepy stalker  every second along the way. NEXT!

Pictures are not allowed in The National Portrait Gallery (I know because I tried and got yelled at. Woops.) However. There are no laws against buying postcards and photographing pictures of the pictures you like. So I did that instead.

How sick is the Kate Moss series? I actually own a print at home already. Which reminds me, it needs to be framed! So it can be moved to its rightful resting place: above my bed.