The Style Lab

Fashion Rules!

2011-03-24T13:20:00.001-07:00

I couldn't agree more, and I got a chance to help make that happen at Neiman Marcus and San Diego Maagzine's Second Annual Fashion Rules event. I styled a Spring trend segment featuring all white looks for the show. Looks like spring has sprung my fellow fashionistas!

Zandra Rhodes at Mingei

2011-01-24T15:19:00.000-08:00

Balboa Park’s Mingei International Museum was even more colorful than usual on Friday night with The Princess of Punk herself, the great Zandra Rhodes. The event was a celebration of Rhodes’ fifty plus years in the fashion industry, and the who’s who of San Diego came out in droves to support their local legend.
Partnering with Bloomingdales and Mengei, Rhodes put on a killer runway show featuring couture pieces from her archives. Only a visionary like Rhodes could away with dousing the audience in rose petals while edged out Geishas sashayed down the runway in silk frocks, adorned with feathers, sequins and sashes that look just as fabulous and on-trend in 2011 as they did in 1977.
Best known for creating one -of-a-kind pieces with her to die for textiles, Rhodes has dressed everyone from Cher and Jackie Kennedy to Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Moss. Once considered “too outrageous” for the fashion industry, her brand now includes designer clothing, textiles, eyewear, bed linen, shoes, furniture and china.
You have until April 3, 2011 to get your fashionable fanny to the Mingei to see Zandra Rhodes – A Lifelong Love Affair with Textiles .

Transforming Your Closet

2011-01-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

There's no time like the new year to reinvent your look, and the easiest, most cost efficient way is with a closet audit. Whether you hire a professional or just have a girlfriend over (fueled by some wine of course!), it's time to take stock of what's hanging in your closet. Most stylists tell you to throw something away if you haven't worn it in a year. Short of an acid wash jacket with shoulder pads, I tell my clients not to toss something out just because you've had it for a few years. Instead, try to pair it with three different pieces in your closet to wear it in a new way. For more tips like these, check out my feature in the January issue of San Diego Magazine...

My segment on NBC San Diego

2010-12-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

Here's some tips on easy holiday dressing from my NBC segment this morning....

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/video.

Bloomingdale's Love Where You Live

2010-10-30T18:06:00.001-07:00

I had the great honor of styling two fashion shows for Bloomingdale's Love Where You Live Event. The event benefited 5 very deserving local charities. Here's some images from the show I styled for After School All Starts with Shaun Phillips and Stephen Cooper of the San Diego Chargers.

Fashion in The Valley

2010-09-12T18:41:00.001-07:00

Fall fashion is looking fierce, and thanks to a fabulous show at Fashion Valley, I can't wait for the temperatures to drop! Riviera Magazine and Fashion Valley teamed up to give San Diegans a taste of autumn's killer trends. Tory Burch opened the show with coats to die for! The Blue Darcy coat had me longing for a cold front to swoop in- and camel color Aaron coat was none too shabby either!
Custo Barcelona did a gorgeous job paring kooky prints together with unique dress and jacket combos. Kate Spade stayed true to the classics, and with the lady-like trend being so delicious this season, every look shown was on trend.
M Mission didn't disappoint with their yummy knits. The long, subtly sheer dress that closed their section made me want to go to an office- any office- holiday party stat!
Neimans closed the show with a Chanel tuxedo to do for. It's easy to forget sometimes how chic a simple tux can be on a woman- stunning!!
Here's to a fashionable fall!

Lanvin and H & M- a match made in heaven!!!

2010-09-06T17:22:00.001-07:00

Best news I have heard so far this month- Lanvin will design a holiday collection for H & M! Now you don't have to spend thousands to rock Alber Elbaz's modernly elegant frocks. In honor of such exciting news, I thought I would count down my 5 most favorite Lanvin looks- enjoy!

Exquisite Weddings...

2010-08-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a few selects from the new Fall/Winter Exquisite Weddings shoot I styled... so pretty if I do say so myself!!!

Presenting the Bloomingdale's Glammy Awards

2010-08-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of presenting the Bloomingdale's Glammy Awards last night at Fashion Valley and I had a ball! In addition to talking about my experience dressing stars for the red carpet I learned all kinds of beauty tips from top lines including Nars, Yves Saint Laurent and Clarins. Check out Bloomies for some great tips on how to get your skin close-up ready.

Pacific San Diego Magazine

2010-05-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the May swimsuit issue of Pacific San Diego Magazine I styled....

La Jolla Fashion Film Festival

2010-04-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

San Diego's jewel was chosen as the location for the first ever fashion short film festival. Curated by San Diego Model Management's CEO, Fred Sweet, the event featured exclusive screenings and debuts, industry-led panels, fashion shows, and of course, plenty of VIP parties.
For the full story, visit Justluxe.com

Photo credits: Kyle Ong

Exquisite Weddings Shoot

2010-03-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent shoot I did for the Spring issue of Exquisite Weddings. A recent bride myself, this shoot helped my post wedding blues:-)

Arctic Chic at Chanel

2010-03-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Never has a glacier been so hot as the 265-ton one Karl Lagerfeld had imported from Sweden to the Grand Palais for Tuesday’s Chanel Ready to Wear Fall 2010 show. Models splashed down the runway in winter wear as only Chanel could fashion. Fur was everywhere ( relax PETA, it was the MOST convincing faux fur I have ever seen) and it looked fabulous. Woven into rich tweeds, it modernized their signature suit, as a trim on dresses and pants, it was a divine detail, and as hot pants, well it was just fur-ocious ( sorry-I couldn't resist)!

As with every runway show, several looks were over the were over the top ( only a wookie should wear those boots), but there were actually some pretty wearable pieces. I am crazy for the graphic print white dress, and the fur worn as a dress... perfection. This is one cold front I won't mind weathering.

Photos Credits: style.com

Oscar hits and misses

2010-03-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Many in the fashion industry refer to the Oscars as the "World Series" of red carpets. Every eye is fixed on Hollywood's biggest stars as they sashay into the Kodak Theater. Having dressed clients for several awards shows, I know first-hand the painstaking detail that goes into the dress, jewelry, shoe and bag selection. You're not simply just dressing someone for a night, you're creating the look that will be splashed across every gossip and fashion magazine and website. So without any further ado, here's the homeruns, grandslams and, of course, the strike-outs....
Dainty decolletage:
Bare necks were everywhere this year! Gone were the statement necklaces we saw take over the fall and winter runways. Everyone from Jennifer Lopez in Armani to Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta to Carrie Mulligan in Prada rocked a strapless dress with bare necks.

Singing the Blues:
The hottest hue of the season is blue. Cobalt, pastel, indigo... as long as it's blue in tone, it's in! Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Von Noten, and Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab looked lovely in graphic prints while the usually flash Mariah Carey finally toned it down in navy Valentino.

Feminine Frills:
Rouching, tiers and layers reined supreme on starletes this year. Zoe Saldana's cascading Givenchy skirt was perfection, I wanted to get lost in Demi Moore's honey colored Versace and Vera Farmiga was a vision in Marchesa.

Best and worst dressed:
Every year, one or two ladies top everyone's lists and a few fall straight to the bottom. My picks for best dressed this year were Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel and the afore mentioned Demi Moore. Worst dressed has to go to Charlize Theron in Dior and Diane Kruger in Chanel- yikes!

Photo Credits: Yahoo

San Diego Magazine Spring Fashion ... by yours truly!

2010-02-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

Here's some highlights from the San Diego Magazine spring fashion shoot I styled. It's the March issue on newsstands now.

To see the whole spread, click here sandiegomagazine.com.

2010-02-25T17:54:00.000-08:00

Here's some pics from a shoot I did. Guess which one is with my janky camera?!

Back with some press...

2010-02-24T20:23:00.001-08:00

I took some time off to get married and honeymoon ( oh, those Italian outlets are the best!!! Scored three bags at McQueen, which so sadly, will be among the last that that genius ever made:-(
I was featured in the special January issue of People Magazine, check it out!

What I did today....

2009-10-07T09:59:00.001-07:00

A shoot for an orthopedic brace company...

Seventeen, again

2009-09-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Oh to be 17 again! I was a guest judge over the weekend for a Macy's and Seventeen Magazine model search. We had to judge what real life girl had the best style based on what they were wearing and a brief questionnaire ( ie, who's your style icon, fave celeb couple). The girls were all so dang cute and covered every possible style, from goth to glam. Here's a few shots from the event

When your gay uncle's couch attacks!

2009-09-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Now, usually gay fellas are right on point with fashion, but every now and then, disaster strikes! Dear Carson Kressley, me thinks those queer eyes you're flashing may be aimed at yourself, as this outfit is all wrong. While I do applaud his flare for bold colors and a boho pattern ( both big trends for fall), this is just all too much. Broken up into separates, this could be a fab look. I would love the jacket with jeans or fitted black skinny leg dress pants; or the pants with a black fitted jacket and black dress shirt. Perhaps instead of spending his time teaching America How To Look Good Naked, he should be teaching himself how to look good in a suit!

Photo Credits- US Weekly

Like a style virgin....

2009-09-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know Madge is always sooo fashion forward, but she looks like a cross between an old Italian mama and an 80's streetwalker here. I am glad she covered up those man arms and I liker her hat and shoes, but think the long lace skirt just looks out of place. I could have lived with the skirt if it was a lot shorter, just covering her briefs. Or, even better, she's Madonna and she's got the gams to lose the lace entirely.

Wintour Wonderland

2009-09-10T23:28:00.001-07:00

If you have any interest in fashion at all, Run, don't walk to see The September Issue. What a fabulous film!!! Anna Wintour is larger than life. While she is a tyrant that can make or break a designer ( YSL head designer Stefano Pilati looked like he was about to vomit from nerves while showing her his fall collection; Thakoon tells of hands shaking so badly he could almost not hold up a garment in his first meeting with fashion's first lady), you sort of feel sorry for her. Behind that perfectly coifed bob, she seems almost robotic, void of any real human emotion...
The real star of this film to me is the incredibly talented and lovely Grace Coddington. She has a fierce eye for style, even if she does at times struggle with the ever evolving fashion world in which politics sometimes takes precedence. I wanted to be her best friend immediately in the scene where she is putting on a model's shoe at a shoot and admits she thinks she is the only fashion editor that actually does these "menial" acts instead of an assistant. What a genius she is. Looks like I have a new girl crush:-)

Before and after....

2009-09-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

Wanted to show you all the behind the scenes on a photo shoot and what it looks like when it's published.....

What I did today....

2009-08-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, once again I am a little behind in posting this. Here's a shoot I did for Pacific San Diego Magazine's September issue...

What I did today...

2009-08-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

okay, technically last week, but I have been busy, so give me a break!! This was a shoot for San Diego Magazine, 25 great dates under 25 dollars. I actually got some fabulous ideas, but you'll have to buy the magazine to find out what they are! Here's a few shots...

So long to Solange's style....

2009-07-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

So this is what it looks like when things in Rainbow Land are slow and Rainbow Brite is forced to turn tricks... What in the world was Solange Knowles thinking with this terrible tracksuit? I know, I know, she wants to be her own person and not just Beyonce's little sister, but that is not excuse to ransack the trash cans at House of Dereon for scraps and call it an outfit. I get the whole "stand out when performing" idea, but there is nothing salvageable here. I am just going to defer to Rhianna here to show her how it's done...

An Oldie But Goodie...

2009-06-29T10:13:00.001-07:00

Here's a gem from my archives... an old appearance on E! News ( and, sadly, also the first time I ever sort of believed everyone who said I look like Nia Vardalos)

Lil Kim is a Big Mess

2009-06-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Yikes... where to begin?? Okay, well we all know Lil' Kim is not one for subtlety, but sweet mary, this look is just criminal! That shirt looks like a dress that was sloppily hacked into what Lil Kim calls a top. There is waaaaay to much cleavage going on as well. Oddly enough, I like the pants. I would pair them with a fitted t-shirt and a shrunken blazer, as illustrated by the always-on-point Kate Mess .
The only place those shoes belong is sliding down a pole, so those too have to go. A fab pair of heels would take her look from house arrest to house of style.

Photo credits: Google, USWeekly

What I did today...

2009-06-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

An Israeli kids clothing catalog shoot. I think my biological clock stopped ticking for a good two years after two VERY long days of shooting. Also did a shoot with a cute little Roxy model.....

What I did today...

2009-06-16T21:38:00.001-07:00

Bridesmaid shoot for Exquisite Weddings Magazine today, check it out......

Scarlett Letter

2009-06-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Scarlett Johansson should have a big "H" across her chest for hot mess of an outfit. I never have understood why pretty people try to make themselves look horrific. Ms. Johansson is arguably one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood with one of the most envied bodies, but you would never know from this ill proportioned ensemble. The waist on her shorts is way too high, and cuts her torso in an awful place, and the tucked in shirt is not helping her any. It just makes her look squatty. She needs to untuck her shirt to elongate her torso.
The legs are way too full, they should fit a bit closer to her thighs ( not too tight or you risk looking like Daisy Duke). A closer fit will make her look more chic, and less country. The big dark sandals also cut her leg in a weird place and are much too heavy for this look. I am a huge fan of nude colored sandals as they keep the visual line of your leg going and give the illusion of length.

Disney Disaster...

2009-06-08T19:23:00.001-07:00

Oh sweet, sweet Selena... que pasa with this horrific look? She looks like one of the fly girls going to an interview for a 9 to 5 job. The shirt and blouse are just way too much pouff to be worn together and there is a Brats doll somewhere going muy loca that someone took her boots. Okay, so let's take the blouse on its own, which could actually be pretty cute if paired with a high waisted pencil skirt. The streamlined silhouette of the pencil skirt will balance out the billowy shape of the top, showing off her cute little teeny bopper body. Same deal with the skirt, pair it with a close fitting t shirt or tank top a la Kristen Bell in a fab Jenny Kayne number. She can just forget about that shoe and sock number all together and opt for a classic black heel. I am currently kooky for YSL's platform pumps. They make your legs look a mile long and like you were just poured into them. Heed my words Miss Gomez and you will cast a spell on us all.

Photo Credits: Life & Style, Google.

What I did today...

2009-06-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

Did another great shoot yesterday at a "rocket ship graveyard". I had an incredible team and I think the pictures speak for themselves... Think future meets fashion.

Her Cups Runneth Over....

2009-06-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

We get it Kim, we get it, you're a knockout with giant knockers, but there is something to be said for the "less is more adage". Less boob and less fabric on the bottom could have saved this " I am in my pj's and I don't give a damn what you think look". Now, pantsuits and the whole PJ look ( thanks to Dolce e& Gabbana's Spring 09 collection) are hot trends for spring but the lack of proper proportions kill this Stella McCartney jumper. I am all for a little cleavage now and then, but this is just way too much; it makes her look more Hooters than high-end. I would add a bit more fabric to the cups or sew in a lace edge to add coverage and keep the sexiness. The pants are just way too big, her tiny little body ( and believe me, I saw her at YSL in Beverly Hills and this gal is teeny-tiny) is swimming in all that fabric. She needs to take the legs in about 5 inches on each side to streamline the silhouette.
Just a quick appointment with a good tailor will have Miss Kardashian keeping up with the latest trends.

What I did today...

2009-05-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start a new entry on my blog to fill my readers in on the latest and greatest with me ( after all, I can't just rip apart poor, unsuspecting celebs and their wretechd outfit choices all day, can I?). As my schedule is ever changing and I am always doing something different, I thought this could be a cool feature. So, without any further adieu, here's what I did today
Photo Shoot for the City of Santa Monica... A relatively easy and quick shoot to promote the sexiness of the city of Santa Monica. Since I have yet to master putting captions in the right place, the first image is one option for the campaign. The second, is a behind the scenes look ( the one thing I do agree with Hilary Clinton on is that it DOES take a village:-) The final shot is the second option. Enjoy!

Lady Gag!

2009-05-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

Can anyone keep a poker face when looking at this wretched mess of an outfit? The bra and undies look way out of place and the boots just look like a pair of 80's roller rink skates are eating her legs and not doing her thighs any favors either. Okay, okay, let's be fair and let this gal keep one piece... the jacket actually is pretty fab, but would look better with some clothing on the bottom. I am kooky for jackets/blazers/sports coats ( call it what you will, but it's an essential item for spring and summer) worn with ripped up jeans and heels. The distressed jeans add an edge to the more conservative jacket and balance out the whole look. I am currently obsessed with William Rast's Belle Flare Traveller jeans. They make your legs look a million miles long and they run fairly big, so you will most likely have to buy a size or two smaller than you usually wear, which is just a nice little ego boost. ( yes, I know sizes vary by brand, but let me enjoy the only pair of size 26 jeans I will ever own in my life!) Now, you can really wear anything under the jacket; a tight t-shirt, tank top, silk camisole, white blouse; it's all good. Alright now, Miss GaGa, I see you your jacket and raise you these few tips:-)

Photo Credit: Star Magazine, Revolveclothing.com

One Trend, Two Ways....

2009-03-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

I think it's safe to say we're all feeling the strain of the current economy in some way or another, but my darlings, this is no excuse to dress like we lost our sense of style along with our fortunes. We have all heard about shopping in our own closets ( if you haven't, that happens to be one of my specialties, so contact me ASAP!) There's a whole new world of fashion in your closet as you're reading this, just waiting to be rediscovered), but I also think there are a few pieces we all need this Spring to keep us looking like a million bucks. I recently was a featured guest speaker at Bloomingdales in Fashion Valley where I taught ladies how to get two or more looks out of one trend. I thought I share a few gems this week....

The Boyfriend Jean...
While I do feel like Katie Holmes just woke up one morning on put on Tom's jeans and now we're all running around looking a mess, there are some perks to this style. There are many of us who get a little lazy in the winter months and pack on some lbs., so this is a good look to camouflage that. Also, the loose fit makes them pretty comfy to run around in. Since the jeans are boxy and masculine, it is imperative to keep the top fitted and feminine or else you're going to look a butchy bum. For daytime, I like to pair the jeans with a camisole and a bright shrunken cardigan and beautiful flats. When the sun goes down, I like to top off the jeans with a sexy silk top and a giant heel or platform. Just remember ladies, keep it balanced and look like the foxy lady you are.

Photo credit: Google

Some gems from my archives

2009-03-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided with the recent Awards Season wrapping up, the fashion police of Hollywood have already issued enough warrants for the style assaults committed by tinseltown's finest, so I am switching gears on this blog for a minute. I recently met with my creative team and found some oldies but goodies from my book that I wanted to share with you all here. This is truly what I love most about my job, complete artistic freedom... enjoy!

A Shot at Style....

2009-01-24T17:16:00.000-08:00

If I were Tila Tequila's stylist, I would had to have taken about 40 shots of tequila to think this was ever a good idea for an outfit. This little tart needs to sex it down and cover it up.... I have always been a fan of the less is more approach. Clearly a concept that is lost on this little bi-sexual beauty. Okay, the corset can stay, but I would add a fitted black jacket over it, as illustrated here by the lovely Eve, in a hot little tailored number by DSquared2. Since we know Miss Tequila likes to go both ways, I would give her the option of pairing that combo with a pair of either dark skinny jeans, for a chic look, or some ripped up jeans for a dirty rocker look. I would top both looks off with a pair of platform heels in either black or leopard. Now, that's a look worth drinking to.

Photos: People Style Watch, InStyle

First Lady of Fashion....

2009-01-20T21:08:00.000-08:00

I'm baaaack.... Yes I have been hibernating for the past few months, but I was so inspired by the impeccable style of Mrs. Obama, that the Biggest Loser will have to wait tonight. I feel compelled to give this woman the props she deserves. I know I am not the only one to compare Michelle Obama, but I would like to think I was among the first. Let's break it down, shall we???
The Swearing In Ceremony dress was so chic and representative of Mrs. Obama's personal style. The cut was a classic one but the fabrication and color made it so modern. Lace is such a huge trend for fall/winter and the citrus hue is so dead on for Spring. The J. Crew gloves mixed in with the Isabel Toledo dress is the perfect look of couture meets everyday. A look we can all relate to ( Forever 21 dress and YSL Muse bag anyone?!)

Okay, now for the dreamy Jason Wu Inaugural Ball gown... here again she nails a big trend, yet makes it her own. We all know the one shoulder look is hot and winter white is well... white hot ( I couldn't resist). This reminds me of another fashion icon at an Inaugural Ball....

Okay, now for the whole story, check me out on thehuffingtonpost.com.... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bonnie-fuller/its-official-michelle-o-i_b_159511.html

photos: Google

Two halves do make a whole.... hot mess

2008-11-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

If I were Katie Price's stylist, I would sit down and have a long talk about the basic rules of math... While the sum of the parts is always greater than the whole, that is no excuse to walk around like a tramped out version of Batman's Two- Face.
Where, O where to start.... okay, I think this whole look needs to be scrapped; there is nothing worth saving on either half of this wretched ensemble. Now Katie is a pretty girl, but she does love her some tranny make-up. If she wants to paint all that nonsense on her face, then she needs to keep the hair VERY simple. A straight and clean look, or loose natural waves would be best. As for the dress, I know some girls love pink and I imagine Katie is one of them, but when wearing such a stand-out color, you need to be sure the silhouette is simple and classy. Dolce & Gabbana makes gorgeous and sexy dresses and they don't shy away from color. Like this fab look on Teri Hatcher at David Letterman. There are so many color variations on this classic dress; it is almost in Dolce & Gabbana's collections every year. Let the dress be the stand-out item and keep the shoes neutral. My favorite look is a great nude color shoe. They go with everything and make your legs look longer as your skin color will just blend into the shoe. Now just add these three simple tips up for one hot look.
Photo credits; Life & Style, Google

And you are ???????

2008-09-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

If I were Phoebe Price's stylist I would first ask myself why, as I am not sure exactly what she is famous for, aside from consistently appearing on the Worst Dressed List. But, I digress. This whole outfit just screams " My First Ever Girls Weekend in Vegas". Those shoes during the day are just criminal. The dress would be great with a flat shoe, take your pick; flat fringed boot, gladiator sandal, slipper. I LOVE Minnetonka's lace up fringed boots for fall.

I am not nuts for the headband, but I know a lot of pretty young things in La La Land are loving them, so I suppose it can stay. However, I would opt for a more subtle band, this Stevie Nicks explosion is just too much. Just a few changes and you could be on your way to a real career Ms. Price.

Photo Credits: Life & Style, www.hansanet.com

Affordable Sex

2008-09-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Now usually when I think of the Home Shopping Network, I think of bedazzled sweat suits with matching visors ( vom), but now I will have a reason to tune in at 1:35 am and do some damage... Patricia Field, the genius costumer for Sex and the City, has designed an affordable line (Prices range from $35 to $200) inspired by SATC launching on Home Shopping Network. " Wherever I go people stop and talk to me, ' I'm a Carrie' or 'I'm a Miranda'. What could I say to people that would apply to everybody?"
The answer, hopefully, will be revealed September 23 when the collection launches.

Photo Credit: Fishbowl NY

Put This Cougar Back in Her Cage...

2008-09-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

If I were her stylist, I would put this cougar back in her cage while I went shopping for some pieces to fix this hot mess of an outfit. It's all just too much; and it ain't pretty kitty.

Now, the pieces are salvageable, but worn separately. The cardigan needs to be buttoned up on the bottom. I would pair it with chic white jeans, Joe's Jeans' Honey cut in white are to die for ( and perfect for us gals with a tush); or tailored white pants with a wide cuff. I love the look of colored heels with leopard; red, yellow, green purple; it's all good.

If you want to go with the skirt, pair it with a solid color cardigan ( again, experiment with color here too!); or a white deep v-neck t-shirt with a fitted cardigan over. I LOVE Banana Republic's cardigans, fab and affordable.

When it come to animal print, less is more. Break up the print with solid colors like this chic lady below ( and I am not just saying that because I styled this outfit) and you'll be the cat's meow.

Photo credits; US Weekly,InStyle, Nordstrom.com

If I Were Her Stylist....

2008-09-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

Okay fellow fashionistas, I have decided to add a weekly gem for you all where I will dissect one poor starlet's tragic ensemble and then give her some helpful fashion advice. Feel free to gawk, sigh, and then add some tips of your own...

Oh poor, poor Jaslene Gonazlez ( One of Tyra's little baby birds from America's Next Top Model).... If I were her stylist I would wave her tiny body up and down at the starting line of a NASCAR Race, the only place I think this wretched outfit would have any value. But here at The Style Lab, we are problem SOLVERS, so.... First of all, lose the gift wrap ribbon shrug. The black and white checker pattern is way too distracting. The dress should be a solid jewel tone ( Mustard, Kelly Green, Deep Plum) , which would look gorgeous against her dark skin. Add one chunky cocktail ring and suddenly you've gone from the race track to the red carpet.

Gorgeous jewel tone dress on Julieanne Moore

My favorite cocktail rings by Angelique de Paris

Photo Credit: Life & Style Magazine; InStyle

First Date... What to Wear?!

2008-09-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

While talking to my dear friend about what to wear on a first date (which is a nice way of saying we were trying to figure out how just much boob and/or leg she should show), I came up with the idea of having a basic T: A ratio. That is, how much cleavage (T) and leg (A) a gal can sport at once. I think the T is directly inverse to the A. Which, again, is a nice way of saying if you're giving it all away up top, cover up the gams a bit. Conversely, if you are wearing 2-inch inseam shorts (and go on with your bad self if you are), wear a long sleeve or loose fitting top. Some women do this so effortlessly (a la my dream girl Kate Moss), while others (Heidi Montag of my most hated duo on the planet "Speidi". If that name doesn't ring a bell, you are officially my idol) are running around town with barley contained nipples and almost visible underwear.
So I thought I would break down some of my favorite first date looks using my carefully crafted T:A ratio rule..... enjoy

Shorts with a loose fitting blouse:
I love the look of nicely tailored shorts (I say keep the inseam from 3-5 inches) which really highlight a great pair of legs and a blousy top. This is a great look year round, well at least here in Southern California. In the summer or spring, pair white or dark denim (darker denim is a bit dressier for evening) shorts with a floral long sleeve, semi sheer blouse. For the impending fall and winter, I love wool shorts with a tie front blouse and opaque black tights with black heels or ankle booties (the black tights and black shoes will create a long and lean line, or legs that go on for days as I like to call the look). Top it all off with a fitted, almost shrunken blazer and you are good to go.

Loads of cleavage with pants:
Now, I am one of cleavage’s biggest fans (and dare I say when in Europe, a fan of a slightly visible nipple as well), but there's a classy way to advertise the goods. In the summer or spring, I love a deep plunging neck silk camisole (but, take note gals, the insanely deep necklines are good only for gals with a B or smaller cup, think Kate Hudson. Anything bigger looks vulgar) with either higwaisted jeans or dark skinny jeans. This fall and winter I love the look of silk V-neck camisoles in deep plums and smoky grays with dark skinny jeans and a bright, stacked high heel (probably in yellow or red). Wear a fitted cashmere cardigan to complete the look.

Now, ladies, I can't help your dates with their looks, but here's a basic rule of thumb I tell my single friends; if he is wearing Mandals (male leather sandals), carrying a Murse (man purse) or wearing capri pants, calmly pick up your gorgeous oversized clutch and... run like hell.

Ladies, please dress your age!

2008-08-23T14:05:00.001-07:00

Since I was just featured in InStyle's Fall Makeover Issue as a specialist on how to dress when you're fifty, I thought I like to share my pearls of wisdom for dressing at every age. It seems like this should be a no-brainer for us gals, but we've ALL seen them; the 20 year-old hiding behind a college sweatshirt and Levis from junior high, or (god bless her) that 50 year-old mom rocking the too tight bedazzled jeans, the bedazzled tee, the bedazzled trucker hat, the bedazzled... well, you get it. As a wardrobe stylist, I have seen it all throughout the years and have honed a few tips for women of every generation. Enjoy:

20's
Guess, what? You're not in college anymore, so please, please burn those flannel PJ pants and University sweatshirt. Conversely, you're not a teenager anymore ( ahhh, the good ol' days), so please keep your midriff and bum crack covered at all times. Your twenties are a perfect time to explore every style (classic, Goth, modern, feminine etc); and you lucky bitches still have the bod to pull off most looks. Experiment with color, fabric and style to find a look that is truly your own. I recommend playing with a few trends but mixing in some classic staples as well. For example, this fall, the boho look is making a strong comeback. Wear a boho print mini dress with black tights and peep-toe ankle booties, and top it off with a fitted cardigan. It's a perfect balance of trendy meets classy.

30's
By now, every woman should have her own signature style and know what she can and cannot wear. Perhaps you have learned that not everyone is meant to stuff themselves into skin tight jeans like a little sausage about to burst out of its casing. Highlight your best assets in a classy way. Love your gams? Wear a structured mini skirt with a blouse and leather jacket. Have fab cleavage? Show it off in a top with a plunging neckline, and wear fabulous high waisted jeans (Try Rich & Skinny's, they're amazing, you'll instantly look 5 pounds slimmer). It's all about proportion and rocking those assets you feel most comfortable with.

40's
40 is the new 30 in my book. You just keep getting better with age, as should your style. Wear tailored pieces such as pencil skirts in lace (one of fall's favorite fabrics) and a crisp white blouse. Mixing patterns in a subtle way is one of my favorite trends for ladies in their 40's. Keep the 2 (or 3 for the hard core fashionistas) patterns in the same color family to keep the look more chic than clown-ish. Accessory wise, I think a lot of ladies date themselves by wearing just studs and a dainty necklace. You have many, many good years left my dears, so please stop accessorizing like your grandma. A chunky men's watch looks gorgeous on a lady's delicate wrist. Layer a few delicate necklaces, or bracelets; wear one giant and fab cocktail ring. Have fun with it!

50's
No mid-life crisis here ladies; please don't raid your daughter's closet in attempt to look younger; you're not fooling anyone. There is good news is though, you don't have to dress like a nun. One mistake I see a lot of women making is hiding themselves under baggy layers to look smaller. This technique actaully has the opposite effect; it makes a body look bigger and dumpier. Keep your lines clean and fuss free. Try a wrap dress. it's one of the most universally flattering looks a woman can wear. It nips you in at all the right places. Pencil skirts are a great look as well. Just pay attention to the hemline; keep it in one inch above or below the knee. Anything shorter looks a bit street-walker and anything longer visually cuts your leg in an unflattering place.

Okay ladies, I think I have given you some gems to work with here. Now, go try some of these looks and watch your style evolve.