03 September 2010

Style for Hire is a new company, spear headed by style guru Stacy London (from TLC’s What Not to Wear), that is aiming to bring style to the masses. And I am happy to announce I am going to be part of the Style for Hire Network! Style for Hire’s services don’t launch until September 13, 2010 in Washington D.C., but you can log on to their web site here and sign up to be notified when the site goes live so you can explore all of the great services that Style for Hire has to offer.

Here is the Style for Hire ‘coming out’ article as printed in Women’s Wear Daily on Tuesday Aug 3.

18 August 2010

When I am working with clients, amid all the closet cast-offs, I often find items of clothing that are salvageable with a few alterations. When this occurs I refer them to trusted tailors who help them nip and tuck their garments into a modern updated version of its predecessor. I am always amazed at how easy it all seems and I wonder to myself why I don’t know how to do this myself.

I’ve been working in fashion for so long you’d think I’d know my way around a sewing machine. Au contraire my friend; but for the past few weeks I’ve been thinking about taking up the fine art of clothing design. At the very least I’d like to learn how to alter things I already own and rework something unusable into a completely new item. I have, on occasion, taken a pair of scissors to a top that was too long and cropped jeans that shrank in the wash, but this sloppy technique is a far cry from what any acceptable tailor would do to a garment. Thus, in my quest to build my (and my clients) perfect wardrobe, I would like to learn the basics of tailoring and sewing. Plus, there’s a great deal of satisfaction that comes with knowing you made something with your own two hands!

Now, I realize this is quite a hasty task to undertake considering I have no real experience other than my escapades with the kitchen shears; but after reading this article in The Washington Post’s Arts and Style section this weekend, I am confident that I can find qualified teachers to get me on my way to making some new garments.

There are a few ways to go about learning how to make your own clothing. Here are some local classes and tools to help you find your inner DIY-fashionista.

CLASSES:

G Street Fabrics: Not only do they offer a cornucopia of fabrics, trims, accessories, tools, and patterns, they also offer a ton of super-specific DIY classes ranging from  Tailoring Techniques to Patternmaking and Design. Click Here to get a peak at their Fall 2010 Class lineup.

Jo Ann Fabrics: Jo Ann’s is not your mom’s boring craft store anymore! They have great classes like Sewing 101, and item-focused classes where you can make your own jacket, pants or fleece hat for Winter. There is a charge for all classes, but if you sign up on Sept. 11th all basic classes are 50% off. Click Here to check if a store near you has classes available.

BOOKS:

 Sewing for Dummies, $13.59 at Barnes and Noble

 Make Your Own Clothes, $21.33 at Barnes and Noble

 Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothing and Home Accessories, $25.20 at Barnes and Noble

04 August 2010

Doubledutch Boutique was recently voted Best Women’s Boutique by Baltimore Magazine. This Friday, August 6th from 6-9pm, they will be having their First Friday Shopper’s Social. Stop by the Hampden neighborhood shop and enter to win a pair of tickets to Baltimore Magazine’s annual Best of Baltimore party. Check out the new inventory and enjoy food, drinks, music and 10% off the entire store!

Doubledutch Boutique is located at 3616 Falls Road in Baltimore. For more info visit doubledutchboutique.com or call 410-554-0055.

See you there!

04 August 2010

Things are going well for celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Her show, The Rachel Zoe Project returned for its third season last night on BRAVO (airs Tuesdays at 10pm). There was high drama, and high fashion, permeated with Rachel’s signature phrases such as “ba-na-nas” and “I die.” Aside from some staffing shake-ups at the Rachel Zoe camp, things seem to be on the up and up for la petite fashionista. Catch up on last nights episode here. Also, check out the super-cute pieces from Zoe’s line for QVC. Affordable luxury at its best!

Rachel Zoe for QVC(from left): Leather Drawstring Bucket Bag $139.50, Covered Blossom Watch $65, Faux Fur Scarf $29.00, Cage Stone Earrings $25.87

04 August 2010

There is something sincerely special about vintage clothing and accessories. When you find an exceptional piece, you get excited at having found such a ‘diamond in the rough.’ You know that no one else will have something quite like your piece and you find satisfaction in having found it first! However, vintage can sometimes be tricky to translate into your current wardrobe.

You certainly don’t want to look like you just stepped out of your grandmother’s closet. Use Granny’s style for inspiration, but don’t copy her entire look head-to-toe. Here are the top five rules for incorporating fabulous vintage finds into your modern wardrobe:

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize: Glasses, Scarves, Handbags, Clutches, Belts, Broaches, Jewelry and Shoes, “Oh my!” These stand-alone pieces will add a little extra zing to your little black dress or simple jeans and white tee. Look for good quality and one-of-a-kind details that will bring pizzazz to an outfit.

Invest in Coats and Jackets: Coats and Jackets are the number one investment pieces in a wardrobe. It’s the one category (other than jewelry) that can give you the longest lifecycle within your wardrobe. Look for classic furs, trenches and wool styles. One great coat can complete an outfit. Check for quality and if the fit isn’t quite right, then please move to the next point…

When in Doubt, Tailor: If you have to completely overhaul something then it’s probably not worth it, but a few minor alterations can make a huge difference and can bring a garment up to modern standards. For example, shorten the length on the hem of a skirt or dress, crop a pair of pants, or have the shoulder adjusted on a jacket or coat. Changing small details will streamline the look of your garment and make it more functional in your wardrobe.

Less is more: When it comes to vintage clothing, less is more. Find one or two pieces to wear and then mix them with functional classics in your wardrobe. If you go head-to-toe in vintage you run the risk of looking like you’re wearing a costume rather than paying homage to the era.

Be Confident: There is no better accessory than having confidence. Pick your look and wear it proud. People will gravitate towards you and think, “Wow she’s really got it together!” There is no better compliment.

30 July 2010

Who: You and all your girlfriends

What: Retropolitan is celebrating it’s 8th Birthday and Grand Reopening!

When: Saturday, July 31st 10am-10pm

Where: Retropolitan Fine Antiques and Vintage Boutique in Historic Ellicott City
8227 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Why: For all of these fabulous reasons…
- Receive 30% off your entire purchase
- Champagne Toast and Sweet Treats served (at 8pm)
- Door prizes throughout the day from other great Main Street businesses like Johnny’s Bistro, Salon Marielle, Envy Salon and Sweet Cascades
- Enjoy complementary style consultations from Guide Your Style (that’s me!) from 5-9pm
- Explore the fabulousness that vintage clothing and accessories can bring to your wardrobe

02 July 2010

It’s America’s weekend to celebrate and no-doubt patriots everywhere will be decked out in their favorite red-white-and-blue ensembles. But since you are so stylish there is no need to follow the masses this holiday weekend. Instead, why don't you cool things down a bit and sport this season’s hottest color combo: white-on-white. Don’t be afraid to wear it head-to-toe, but if you are, pick one staple (i.e white crops, white accessories) to cool your look down a few notches.

Style Hint:

Don’t you hate it when you are trying to find the perfect white pant for summer, but you can always see the pocket lining though the fabric? Me too! Here’s the quick fix: have a tailor (or yourself if you are savvy enough) cut out the pockets and sew the opening shut. Problem solved!

Also, as if I even need to tell you, you should never, never, NEVER wear colored undies under white bottoms (not even white undies) Why you ask? Because they show through (yes, even the white ones)! It is best to go with a flesh-toned thong or seamless panties. Check out Spanx ‘Undie-Tectable Panties’ or, for a more customized look, check out My Skins which offers bras and panties available in 20 skin shades!

Stay cool and have a happy 4th!

Credits

Top Row from Left: Lily-of-the-valley Blouse $128 at Anthropologie; Panama Hat $58 at J.Crew; Nail polish in Picket Fence $8 at Essie; Skinny White Jean Michael by Michael Kors $69.50 at Macy’s

Bottom Row from Left: Floral T-Strap Sandal $49.99 at Eddie Bauer; Cashmere Gauze Scarf $78 at Ann Taylor; Porcelain Chrysanthemum Earring $24 at Etsy

28 June 2010

In case you’ve been living under a rock, I’m here to tell you about Daily Candy (www.DailyCandy.com). They’ve been around for a while, but they have branched out in so many new directions, that I figure it’s worth re-introducing them to you. Daily Candy brings readers (daily) nuggets of wisdom on hot products, services and experiences within the vortex of fashion, beauty, gastronomy, home goods, travel, gifts, culture and more. In addition, they have also launched dedicated sites pertaining to  kids and weddings too.

You can receive email updates based on your metropolitan location i.e. D.C., NYC, Boston, L.A., London, Seattle, Dallas, Hot-Lanta, etc., so you can support local products and events and do some good in your community! What’s not to love?

As if that wasn’t convincing enough, they have just launched a sample-sale site called Swirl (www.Swirl.com) that brings you sweet brands and quirky products at a fraction of the cost. The bottom line: Daily Candy is awesome and you should subscribe ASAP (it’s free) and enhance your life on a daily basis.