STYLE EDITOR
Wait.
That's not where I wanted that title to land. It seemed like a fairly innocent evolution in my head: Rag and Bone + Brooklyn = "Brag and Bone"
Speaking of evolving, its time we acknowledge the (smoky grey deconstructed) elephant in the room. Brooklyn is a Stylist's DREAM. For the next 2 weeks I will feature chitty chats with both upcoming and long in the tooth boutiques in the 'hood.
You believed her when she said she didn't want anything for Mother's Day? When she tossed in an "I don't know why people succumb to pressure from advertisers. It's so silly." What did she do when you said "Happy Mother's Day" and followed it with a sip of coffee? Your own coffee, to boot. Always the diplomatic one, Im sure she just smiled that radiant smile of hers.
First, we stop the bleeding: tell her its Happy Mother's Week, not day! Or some bullshit like that.
Get her a travel sized version of her favorite toiletry. Cute? Yes. Enough? No. Wrap it up with an airline ticket. Bon voyage!
She'll want to pack in style. Book me and surprise her with one of my newest services: Style: The Vacation Version.
Aww, look at me and Maria Cornejo. Standing together like we are equals. She's a woman. I'm a woman. She's a mother. I'm a mother. She's successfully captured the hearts and loyalty of working women throughout the world with her diaphanous designs that evoke strength and sultriness all at once. And I…well, I bring these women to her shops.
And say what they're thinking once they look in the mirror: "Damn girl, you look great!"
You asked. I answered (after several voicemails that went unheard, and a few "I don't know why I didnt see your text?" …I answered).
Starting today I am launching my official Splurge vs. Steal vs. Borrow From Your Sister's Closet.
Kicking it off are these two stunners: on the left we have Sandro weighing in at $245. Her competitor in the lightweight category is Loft, barely moving the needle at $49.
No worries.
Here are flats cute enough to show your judgmental crowd you are well aware of the swinging weather conditions (sorry, Earth!).
You aren't quite ready to paraffin your dogs, but happy to let your ankles go on deck and enjoy the warm breeze.
We are live, kids!
That means we can have sessions via Skype or FaceTime.
No looking for a bra that doesn't poke. No digging around for your Metrocard.
Just you + me + wifi.
Here's how it works: you take me on a "tour" of your closet. We treasure, toss or tailor just like the previous sessions. Next, I shop for you online and have things delivered straight to your home or office.
Easy. Sleazy. And in jammies.
New client? Sign up and get 10% off ANY service.
x
Id like to imagine a workplace where this is worn on a simple Tuesday.
Tell me what you dream of wearing of to work. Simmer down, ladies of finance…we know your answer would be "open-toe shoes and to NOT wear nylons."
#beyourownboss #tuesdayshild
GO GREEN. OR GO (to your massive carbon-footprint covered) HOME!
These designers make it okay for us to eat at Shake Shack.
My adorable friend Stephanie Hoberman runs the show at Melissa shoes. These eco-kicks are not the jelly shoes you wore listening to Like A Prayer, my little boy toy. Impressive collabs with Vivienne Westwood and Zaha Hadid might make this your new flip flop! Give them a try and remember the words of Wham! - guilty feet have no rhythm.
Stella McCartney always keeps it classy. Even if it ain't leatha'.
And she's a mother too, so...hooray for pockets!
Don't compare yourself to these superheroes and get all mopey. Just go out a recycle something today. Guilt be gone!
The day glamour was redefined. Füsun Naci was born.
Its my mama's birthday today. She's in Istanbul right now at a class reunion. Its late, maybe 8pm. By now she's swiped most of her classmates lips with a bold red. Turned their modest crewnecks into v-necks with a yank of a few buttons. Swept one gals hair up while insisting upon the release of the mane of another. Welcome to my destiny.
Gems Ive learned from my mother:
* velvet worn during the day creates ambiance and livens up a stagnant second grade.
* everyone can be distracted by an open shoulder. use it wisely.
* have the balls to wear a hat. the bigger. the better.
* smile on the phone. people can hear it.
I love you, Annecim!
She was probably worried sick when I didn't show up for her party. Note to self: have stern words with the postman for continually losing my mail.
"Vicky, darling...Im okay! These restraining orders take time to expunge."
.
THE COATS
Coats about which I've had vivid dreams...and got really angry when woken up.
THE COLORS
Bright and bold...But not as chubby as a crayon.
THE WHITES
Perfect for the playground with the kids!
THE LITTLE BLACK-ISH DRESS
She shocked us all by opting for a black shoe over her signature nude. You know what? Im still in.
THE DRESSES
Well, not much to say here. Except I would throw myself into traffic for any of these dresses.
(except maybe the heather grey. no one wants a heather grey-related injury. that's absurd)
THE PANTS
Ths is how VB does sweatpants and sneakers.
As a typical New Yorker, Im skeptical.
So when I walked into Kate Spade's new shop called Saturday I anticipated overstock from the namesake store and a big fat eye roll.
Loved it. All of it. The people. The ideas (design your own weekend bag!). And the clothing answers the question that plagues anyone without kids: what to wear to Brunch???
My oh-so-stylish friend Samantha Brown once commented that my palette revolves around greens, greys and blues. "What? Crazy talk…" I said, as I wrapped my scarf around my body in this endless winter. It was green. The trousers? Navy. The warm coat in the middle of April? You guessed it…grey. So, Im a creature of habit and loves me some solids. Until now.
Here are a few ways to inject florals into your wardrobe. Petal by minimal petal:
I see bare legs! I see spring colors! I see people smiling at their iPhones and playfully refreshing their Weather Apps…..SPRING HAS ARRIVED!
Before we shove it on stage with sandals and toe-rings(!), lets get a grip on Spring.
Handle it delicately. Begin with a shoe that doesn't use words like "shearling-lined", or "Made in Scotland". Something colorful. Next, try a lip stain. A sexy alternative that a bold red lip, without the commitment. Or the fasting.
Favorites: YSL Rebel Nudes Glossy Stain, Rimmell Stay Glossy
The ankle. An overlooked body part from which we choose to hang adornments. The neck has always been smug in first place. Earlobes, a close second. And what adds more drama to your toss of a martini in the face of a lovah than a bold cuff on your wrist?
Ankles? The spotlight belongs to you. Sure, you were living it up in the 80s with anklets (whoever took it a step further on chilly days by clasping your anklet ON TOP of your tights...I scold your style, but applaud your labor)... now its time to grow up.
An ankle cuff on a sandal adds a little flirt to your twirl. And a little danger to your date. ("Hello, necklace! Didnt think you'd see me up here, did you?")
Top three things that give me pleasure:
1) Crushing it at the Nail Salon with my "free" manicure (after an exhorbant ten within a month)
2) Hooks under the bar for my new Bag
3) Green Sandals
Check out my picks above. Stare in a way that makes them uncomfortable.
Left by Saint Laurent; Center by Burberry; Right by Aquazzura
Your Spring 2014 Trend Cheat Sheet
Wide Pants. And not a minute too soon! Especially in white. Because that day is just around the corner, when you're standing on the subway platform with sweat trickling down your neck wishing for ANYTHING other than the skinny jeans you are wearing. And a blast of A/C.
Florals. Why not? It's Spring.
Pastels. Take a peek at my last post - pastels allow you to take risks. Matched with floral, pastels become the Best Supporting Actor to a Metallic shoe or belt. And movie magic is made. Sweet needs her Tart; pair the pastels with distressed denim.
The Crop Top. Let's stop pretending it's not a Trend. So drop the scrumptious cupcake, wish Lisette in Merchandising well (was that her name? all you remember was devils food cake and cream cheese frosting) and leave the party in Conference Room 2 with your unshakable discipline.
The Midi Skirt will embolden you with its more conservative length. A welcomed companion to your Crop Top. And who says you can't pair it with a jacket?
Remember; pastels, sheers and florals are light and airy. If worn head-to-tootsies, you just may float away. Anchor the look with animal print or metallic accessories.
(Top left: BCBG Max Azria, Top right: Narciso Rodriguez, Bottom center: Alexander Lewis, Bottom right: trend overload, check back later)
Pastels bring to mind innocence. They let us get away with proverbial murder. Create a contrast by pairing your oh-so-sugary-sweet pastels with racy partners like a metallic or animal print shoe. An open back. Or a transparent top. Sunglasses will be clumsily donned as people gaze behind the safety of a polarized lens.
"For the inspiration behind my look Id like to thank my mother, Goldie Hawn, for her Oscar-worthy performance in the oft-overlooked drama "Overboard"
Soon enough, my girls, soon enough….
So start trolling those Groupons for pedicure deals.
(Its okay to love the built-in "anklet" in these sandals. Time saver, no?)
