By Lola_Style added on Thu, 07/29/2010 - 1:37pm
With summer festivals upon us the look of the season consists of denim, denim and more denim. Take some short shorts or a mini dresses mix in anything with fringe detail and you’ve got a HOT look to rock out with. Throw on some retro shades or a fab straw fedora and you are ready to go! Enjoy!
Love,
Lola
Some festivals to cool out with:
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Tue, 04/13/2010 - 9:11pm
Ornate pieces and snake motifs dominated this Spring’s runway shows. Elaborate yes, but the same jeweled piece that sets off a fitted black cocktail dress also looks just as fantastic next to a casual T-shirt and jeans.
The snake motif is a longtime favorite of mine (and of everyone from Liz Taylor to Angelina Jolie).
This costume jewelry trend has made its way to the rich and ultra rich. For its 150th anniversary, Swiss fine jewelry and watch brand Chopard introduced a glittery new animal-inspired collection. The reptile figured prominently in this collection as each piece is encrusted with diamonds and other precious gems.
So you could pick up this Le Vian Chocolate Diamond Snake necklace for $4,500 or grab one of the Michelle Roy Gold Fill Swarovski Snake necklace on Gomatta Girls for only $48 ……..makes you almost feel like you pulled off a Chopard heist!
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Mon, 04/12/2010 - 8:44pm
Long legs, mini dress, flats and a large tote: chic-yes……. a new look-no! In the early 60’s, British model and actress Jane Birkin perfected the look! And who is this long legged beauty?? Birkin emerged in the Swinging London scene of the 1960s, appearing as one of the models in the 1966 film Blowup. In 1968, Birkin met French icon Serge Gainsbourg, created music (one of the sexiest albums ever made called Histoire de Melody Nelson), married, and had daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Birkin was well known for her signature style, which has been emulated by thousands. Here she is pictured with Gainsbourg wearing a sheer mini, mary janes, a simple gold chain and her oversized basket bag. Ladies, only the very daring (and young) should try this look.
Again, she’s pictured with Gainsbourg wearing a similar ensemble but paired with a pea coat and tights. A more advisable look for us regular gals!
Her look was considered so chic that the Hermes Birkin Bag is named in honor. The Birkin bag that came to the market in 1986, is a design inspired by the encounter during a trip between the fifth president of Hermes, Jean Louis Dumas, and the French actress Jane Birkin. Rumor has it that while on the airplane, she complained to the president that it was hard to find a big tote bag which was exquisite in workmanship as well as practical. Therefore, the president had specially designed this handbag for her. The Birkin bag was developed on the basis of Kelly bag, but larger in size and without the cover;. Starlet’s love the bag, and along with heiresses, are the only ones who can afford it at a whopping $6500 last time I checked. Believe me, Sal ain’t getting his hands on any of these any time soon.
Fortunately, Jane Birkin’s original look was a simple oversized, and often straw, bag—which means you to can have her authentic look with one of the Bahay bags featured on GG. For the original Birkin look, I’d try the Honey, Malia or Kris. Chic, sophisticated and simple, the Jane Birkin look is definitely more Oh La La than Bada Bing!! Sorry Sal!
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Sun, 04/11/2010 - 2:46pm
I love the return of tights for many reasons, but the most compelling, at least to the pocket book, is that of economy. What do I mean? Well tights allow you to pack several seasons into a summer frock. Spring is still too nippy to go sleeveless or bare legged; the solution—pair a summer floral dress with a cute blazer and tights. A round toed pump or Mary Jane finish this look well. Feminine jewelry-- delicate chains, soft colored beads—and subtle make-up also add to this spring look. For a steal, try this look with the Calvin Klein Water Color Printed dress, Maggy London Color Block dress, Laundry by Shelli Segal dress or London Times dress.
Another economical Spring to Summer dress is the Maxi a’course. For the spring, pair with man’s blazer and cotton or washed linen scarf. Wear tights and boots underneath to stay warm. For summer, just throw on with thin strapped sandals or flip-flops. Word is, Sal scored a modest shipment of Maxi dresses by BCBG, Max Studio, and Nine West.
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Sat, 04/10/2010 - 8:22pm
I’m a bit ol’ fashioned so my idea of fantastic shopping revolves around the classically lux department stores-- Bergdorf, Neiman and Saks—Si Nonna, Penny’s is nice to……..But occasionally, when I want to feel a bit edgier, I see what’s going on at Barney’s. Probably old news to you, but you’d be surprised the number of people I run into who have no idea what Barney’s of New York is, let alone wandered into a store. I rarely allow myself to even step inside a Barney’s (they’re all over the place now, especially the Barney’s Co-ops) but I do subscribe to their emails/mailers and hit the semi-annual wharehouse sale either in NYC or LA. Recently, Barney’s creative director, Simon Doonan, started a blog-ish sort of email—it’s called Barney’s Babble. The babble tho seems to be visual, as the blog consists of stylish, expensive and in-trend pieces arranged in a cut-out poster display. The focus is thematic and generally subtle. The selected items are always wearable and rarely the uber chic pieces Barney’s is known for. Problem is, the prices aren’t accessible. 
This brings me the most recent Barney’s Babble featuring the latest summer trend, sandals adorned with a large flower—yup, we’re back to big bucks for Lanvin. Well I’m thinking, this trend is definitely cute and easy to dress up any simple tank dress or skinny jeans, but will I be wearin’ it next summer?? Probably not. My solution-- take a pair of those t-strap sandals you bought last summer and clip a flower on!! Fortunately, Sal dug up some cute little shoe clip-on, so stock up!! My faves are the Gia, Elena and Lola shoe clips.
Seems like I’m stuck on Lanvin (I swear I’ll switch) but you can get the same effect as these ballet flats without spendin’ the 600 bucks. I like the flowers and the jewel clip-ons, but you might be a bit more subtle than me.
So if you are ever in Beverly Hills or Manhattan, Barney’s sleek restaurant is always fun for a people-watching lunch. Still, nothing beats lunch at the Rotunda at the San Francisco Neiman Marcus. The spectacular restaurant sits underneath a stunning glass dome constructed of more than 2500 pieces of colored glass. The room curves around a central atrium four stories above the entrance. Be sure to request a cozy private booth or a window seat overlooking historic Union Square. At least twice a year I visit my best friend Muffy who lives in SF, we shop and lunch at the Rotunda, and watch the 75 year old grand dames from Pacific Heights dolled up in Channel, oversized coifs and full face of make-up. Muffy and I have been friends since the 9th grade and wonder if we will still get dolled up and lunch at 75. We clink our glasses of bubbly and slurp our Lobster Bisque (yes, this is what you must eat for Lunch at the Rotundra). Che Magnifico!
elow30 I have opted not to spend a ton on she accessories rather to search vintage stores or antique stores for matching clip-on earring sets. They do the job for as little as a dollar.
For the florals, you can go to your local craft store and attach beautiful silk flowers to an elastic or earring clip. Make sure to apply a circular felt patch over the back so you don't risk blister banishment! You can find these at your local fabric/craft stores.
You will spend less and you can put YOUR creativity to work:)
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Sat, 04/10/2010 - 8:04pm
Face it. You put on some pounds in the fall and winter, you starve it off in April and you’re looking good until next December. What’s the solution—two sets of jeans. My winter jeans range is sizes from 30-31 and my summer denim runs 28-29—that’s about a 1-2” waist/hip fluctuation. Another euphemism for the summer jean is “My skinny jeans”—yes everyone has them. So even if you haven’t shed those extra few pounds, get yourself a pair or two of jeans in a size down for inspiration.
Today’s Kassil sale on Gomatta Girls is just the place to do it!! Ya can’t find cheaper inspiration than that! The denim vest has made its return as well. This is a daring look, but could work as well with a think spaghetti strap tank underneath. Get the look with Kasil jeans and a Marcia Moran pendant—you supply hat and vest!
Here are a few other 80’s chic inspired denim looks. We have the Shu ankle bootie today on GG as well as both Kasil boot cut denim and skinny denim. Layer on a few pieces of Marcia Moran necklaces, cuffs and earring and you’re set. Again, you gotta find that adorable felt hat!!
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Fri, 04/09/2010 - 11:43pm
To continue one of yesterday’s blogs, costume jewelry is one of the easiest ways to spice up your look. Long chains, lots of them, covered the runway this spring. The look is feminine with an edge—a bit of toughness. And I like I said, here’s where you can save the bucks. Chains are chains are chains………so look over the Bijoux Wave Multi Textured Chain set, Knotted Chain set, and Multi Chain Drop set. At these prices you could stock up on a few of the bracelets and still save for a splurge on Stella McCartney shoes (yes, I’m currently obsessing over a pair as we speak) or a handbag this summer!
This spread pairs the mixed-metal multi chain strands with heavy cuffs and Navrette rings. I really love this look--it's sort of Gothic meets Channel! Navette style rings consist of any rings that are boat-shaped. This sort of style tends to elongate the finger and has a feminine edge. The style was popularized during the Victorian Era and revived during the 1920's and now repurposed by many edgier contemporary jewelry designers. Still, you can often find great pieces at flea markets and estate jewelers and sales.
Even darling Reese Witherspoon, the antithesis of any Italian girl I know, can work this look. She wears the silver-plated multiple long chains with a simple black dress, large cuff bracelet and black booties. The look is elegant and a no-brainer. Now I know I said you gotta spend on the shoes, but I must say, these Aldo heeled booties are pretty cute at $130. Another plus with the cut-out peep-toe bootie, you can wear year-round.
Again, I tend to buy very expensive shoes or dirt cheap flats for daily about town chores. I rarely do the in between; instead, I just save my pennies, or hold out for the big sales, or pine away for what I can’t have (and probably don’t need anyway).
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Thu, 04/08/2010 - 10:42pm
I am not sure if it’s an Italian thing or not, but I’m crazy for sequins—for that matter, anything shiny and glitzy. What I really like about the new trend is that it has reinvented sequins—not the same old cocktail dress for nights in Vegas. This new sequin craze is a bit more chic. Lots of casual pieces like tanks, jersey minis and blazers made over in sequins. Just one sequin piece per outfit, then dress the rest as normal.
So I’m not even just linking to the sequin blazer on Gomatta Girls today, I’m even posting the picture. Imagine this little steal paired with a tissue-T and skinny jeans or dress up with some loose silk pants and strappy heels.
Lastly, I LOVE this Celine sequin sweater paired with low-key khakis and heels. Definitely more Oh La La than Bada Bing!!
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Thu, 04/08/2010 - 10:21pm
One question I hear over and over again is ‘What's a good look at 30 (40, 50)?” while the 20 something’s ponder how to look more sophisticated?? This month Bazaar put together a 7 day wardrobe for four women ranging from 22-58 yrs old.
No matter the age, the uniform stayed the same—the always chic and sophisticated sure-fire ensemble: a smart dress, the statement necklace and cuff, fantastic heels and fabulous bag. I’ve always been of the opinion that it is hard to skimp on shoes and bags—so I spend a small fortune on Prada, YSl and Louboutin shoes and occasionally a bag (on sale a’course).
And where exactly is it I save?? On clothing and costume jewelry. I get smart and look for the classic cuts, a simple drape or a fun print. The bold necklace is a must! Start looking around at vintage shops, flea markets. J Crew is doing a good job re-inventing the vintage necklace as well as creating a few modern pieces. I’ve also come across large necklaces in ethnic shops or when traveling—large African wood beads, elaborate Indian multi-colored stone necklaces work well with any look. One of my favorite bold necklaces, many strings of tiny colored shells, cost about 4 bucks in Bogota, Colombia.
A’course all the ladies in this spread have one thing in common—a great set of gams. So the formula is simple, pick up a few sassy dresses (look over the Apart collection on Gomatta Girls for steals on classic cuts), pair it with a fab necklace and heels. Oh and don’t forget—20 leg lifts a day and take the stairs!
By Victoria DeLorenzi added on Wed, 04/07/2010 - 8:51pm
This month in Instyle magazine, Rachel Zoe showed off her magnificent jewelry collection. I am also an avid collector of vintage costume jewelry, but a’ course my collection is nothing compared to this. She boasts of over 1000 pieces—some gifts from Karl Largerfeld himself, others from her mother (apparently style runs in that famiglia), and many fantastic vintage finds. Zoe cites her jewelry inspiration from women who cultivated their looks around statement pieces: Liz Taylor, Bianca Jager, Jackie O and a’course Sophia Loren—una donna magnifica!
Like I said, I have a nice collection of statement pieces myself—most are large copper pieces from the 40’s thru 60’s. My favorite I found in one of the little antique shops in Lambertville—a quaint little town in New Jersey, on one of my weekend getaways from the city. My second favorite set is copper deco-- necklace, earrings and bracelet—bought those on the street in London. I’ll snap a picture of them soon. What I don’t have is anything long and elegant like this Vintage Lanvin piece Zoe styled on Keira Knightly –fantastic!! I found this blog devoted to Vintage Lanvin--what spectacular pieces!!
And did Sal pull in some Vintage Lanvin? Not exactly. But I’m thinking these Marcia Moran long pendants are channeling the same look. My favorites are the Half Moon Statement Necklace and the Druzy Stone necklace. On a 30” gold chain they’ll hang long, perfect for that deep summer v-neckline. The large woven cuff bracelets are working the statement look as well!
So could that be Zoe's style secret? Simple black dress, great hair, soft make-up and one (or a few) fantistic pieces of jewelry?
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elow30 The Birkin bag has been well traveled through the years by the fashion elite. Yet, I was happen to be the lucky couple to have had one passed down to me by my great aunt.
People may find the price of this bag to be nausiating but once you feel the texture of the lush leather and the smooth lining of this Hermes gem, you will get the Birkin bug!
Just reacently a popular singer, Lady GaGa to be specific, took a Sharpie to her Birkin causing millions of fashionista's around the world to gasp in horror. When speaking with a group of my friends about the situation, it was if she marred the Sistine Chapel! There were pro's and con's being thrown around the super chic tables at Le Cirque. One fashionista friend who is an accessory editor at a major magazine house made an extremely compelling case in Lady GaGa's favor. Her answer "She was probably given the bag by Herme's and if she wanted to defile, I mean be creative and add her stamp on the most recognized bag on the planet, so be it"! We all sat there in shock but soaked in the reasoning.
NOT! We were all in couture crazy mode at this point and the conversation went on....
elow
xoxo