What to write about today…well, I feel as though I should talk about holiday gift giving or “what to wear to all those parties” you have coming up… or maybe about the apparel of the AMA’s? Actually, is there really anything to talk about there? Lady Gaga wore the unusual yet usual flesh colored thing, the Black Eyed Peas- a robot suit and well, don’t we all wish sometimes that we could pull off shades indoors like Jay Z?

Anyway, let’s talk about how to handle doing any kind of shopping for the next 5 weeks. Sure it’s cute having the lights and trees and Christmas music playing about, but the crowds, the backordered online pieces and the enormous line at Starbucks can contribute to some serious anxiety!

The other day I popped into a shoe shop. I wanted to see if they had anything new and I sort of tore up my black ankle boots so I needed a new pair. It was dark (outside, not in the store), crowded and I could have sworn I heard carolers (which is weird, right? seeing as it’s before Thanksgiving). Anyway, this, combo’d with the 15 year old sales associate telling me that I would ‘turn heads’ if I bought & wore those shoes, got me a little rattled. (I normally deal with the same girl when I go in there; she happened to be out that day.)

Have you ever been there? Intending for it to be a quick/good shopping experience and then all these other factors happen and make you just want to exit the store ASAP. (You then tell yourself you’ll come back tomorrow at an earlier time.)

Hmm, how to avoid this? Well, it’s like that old saying “you can’t control other people’s actions, only your own.” Strolling through shops is great and fun, but not if you have specific things to buy/people to buy for. My advice? Plan ahead of time. Write it down if you’re a list person. I.E. “need charcoal skinny jeans, knit booties for my niece, gift certificate to ____ for my sister.” This way you have a purpose. Once that’s done, you can wander around aimlessly and check out other places.

So, I basically just told you to make a list. (Mind blowing advice, I know! )

Happy Thanksgiving!
Lena

P.S. Are these posts getting too lengthy?

Hang out. Have a drink. Take a look at the J.Hilburn line. Repeat.

(Guys: You’ll be able to get measured and select your custom shirts that night!)

Ghost Bar address: 4421 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 (Top floor of The Whitney)

See you there!

Lena

This past Saturday Lucky Magazine held its annual Lucky Shops event. (I’m in NYC this week.)

It was a lot of fun and I walked away with some goodies. In addition to buying up merchandise, you could also get yourself primped for that night- (Garnier was doing hair and Maybelline, makeup).

I just want to mention something real quick about sample sales, or any kind of discounted shopping event; arrive later. Most people think you need to get there when the doors open (so you can have access to a better selection). While it depends on the event and if they are replenishing stock or set it all out at once, arriving late has its advantages. 1) It’s usually less crowded and 2) many times the boutiques will continue to drop their prices as the day progresses. (You should probably show up at the same time as your friend too… nothing will bum out either of you more than getting the same piece at different prices! )

Happy shopping!
Lena

Hi. I know I’ve missed a couple of “Friday guy posts”- my apologies.

On tap for today:
It’s getting cold out. You might need a new coat. One staple that never goes out of style is the peacoat.

Sure, it’s not the trendiest of options, but the great thing about basics, besides the fact that they’re timeless, is that you can work it and make it your own. What I mean is, you can add scarves, pop the collar and use layers to reflect your personality. Try out whatever color/pattern you’d like- just make sure it’s longer than the shirt you’re wearing.

One of my favorites for outerwear is Burberry. A lesser expensive, quality brand is Tommy Hilfiger. GQ did a write up about these this week: https://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/200911/winter-peacoats-navy-sailors-fleet-week#slide=1

(Title too risque? Read on- it makes sense.)

I just finished working on the set of Alleged.
The film takes place in 1925. What does that mean? Lots of fun time period clothes! My favorite, the garters and suspenders. The Extras on set really had to get used to the whole concept. The garters weren’t like anything you’d find in Victoria Secret’s. They were the real deal (actually from the costume vault). The nylons (I’m tempted to use the word “hose.” ) worn were loose and basically just sort of sagged (hence the need for garters).

Now, If you’d like to start wearing these under your clothes, there are some real advantages here. One is that you avoid the sometimes suffocating feeling tights give you- or if you’re like me, tights often are way too high (aka, ending just under my bra- super uncomfortable- especially after consuming… anything).

On the other hand, if you would rather have these be part of your visible appearance, be very subtle about it! (Otherwise, you’re basically stepping into hooker territory.) Instead of the total “lingerie as clothes look,” opt for wearing these with winter shorts or a dress- showing just a peek.

Lastly, suspenders: many male characters in the movie were outfitted in these, but I say, why not let the ladies in? Adding suspenders can be fun… and to keep yourself feeling more like a woman and less like a little boy (or old man), pair it with a feminine piece (something with less structure- ruffles for example).

Lena

P.S. Sorry for the lack of a “good example.” I hope at least the “what not to wear” version of Taylor Momsen is entertaining enough!

Remember when I wrote about really taking a look at a piece before you buy it (in terms of its longevity or compatibility with the rest of your wardrobe)? Well, here’s a little something to add to that.

Instead of splurging on a whole new fall/winter look, all you really need to do is incorporate a few little touches (accessories). “Style is 95% confidence and 30% accessories.”- Isaac Mizrahi.

For now, I’m talking about hats. Putting on a hat adds character to the ensemble. You don’t need to spend a lot, it keeps you warm and best of all, there is that sort of coolness that you feel when you have one on. I liken it to how Victoria Beckham must feel as she hides behinds her shades. (Yes, I am reading Posh’s mind. )

Here are a couple ideas. Rock out whichever style you’re feeling.

Lena

P.S. Shopbop has a great selection!

I was in Chicago last week (hello winter weather!) and I thought I’d write a little about footwear. Additionally, I’ve been asked by a reader to speak about boots so I don’t want to leave her hanging.

I think being in that city (and the cold) has really awakened me to the fact that I have to shop differently now that I no longer live in SoCal. When you look at shoes, you need to think “can these make it through rain & snow?”. There are some adorable and equally edgy open toe ankle boots out there… but that just doesn’t make sense if you’re going to be trekking through puddles and come February, slush- yuk!

Alongside the weather conditions, you also have to think if the shoe is flattering for you. Boots, like socks, come in a few lengths: ankle, calf, knee and over the knee. And in all these categories, you always want to make sure that the shoe doesn’t hit (end) at the widest part of your leg. Pay attention to where the shoe stops. The eye will travel towards that area. Extra props if you get a boot that fits loosely- one that doesn’t cling to your leg. (Hint: it’ll make your leg look thinner!)

Also, if you just really can’t help yourself and go for the open toe, do like my rainy city friends and put on some Wellies and stash the heels in your bag for later. (Side note: I always thought rain boots were so lame and either reminded me of my elementary school days- wet boots in a row outside the classroom- or the Galoshes my dad had over his shoes. I’m breaking down now though, especially with the cute fleece liners that are available.)

Lastly, remember to prep up your boots! This means weatherproofing with a spray protector. You can grab a can at virtually any shoe store or Target. (When in doubt, run to Target!) This is essential to do to your old favorites and new purchases.

Lena

Hello:
Sorry for not writing last Friday and Monday as promised. Detroit Fashion Week has been consuming much of my time.

What’s that? Yes, Detroit has a fashion week! It wrapped up on Saturday with its 12 designer runway show.

Having just moved to metro Detroit, this was my first experience with this show. The concept was cool: give budding designers a platform to showcase their work. (Think “Project Runway”- minus the reality show. ) There was a variety of collections which kept the night flowing with creativity and gave a little something for everyone.

I styled the Fall Collection for designer Luminita Murphy. To give you an idea of the feel of her show, picture a lady walking the streets of Pairs in say, 1952. (This would be easier if you could hear the French lyrics that were playing in the background.)

From what I’ve seen thus far, there is a real creative energy in the Detroit fashion scene. It’s almost like a “split”, but in a good way. You have your funky arts & crafts designers. (i.e. There is a very cool artist who makes necklaces, clutches etc- solely out of recycled t-shirts.) And then there are the women’s wear designers who are conjuring up swimwear lines and couture bridal collections that are being sold in shops across the country.

Anyway, I’ll write about the show in more detail once I get the runway shots.

Currently, I am on a flight back to L.A. (Why do I always take the red eye? I can never fall asleep!) So I’ll finish up now as the flight attendant is cruising down with the snack cart. (Hmm, what to get, pretzels or peanuts? Or a $5 “pack” of jerky and Oreos- eek! ick! What do you think the shelf life is for airplane food/snacks? Do you think they even check? ) I could go on and on about airlines in general so I’ll stop here!

I leave you with this article in CNN, which was written just before the kick off of DFW. I like the perspective they took: taking auto design talent/experience and transferring it into fashion. Sounds like clean lines to me…

https://money.cnn.com/2009/09/18/smallbusiness/detriot_fashion/index.htm?postversion=2009091811

(P.S. I don’t love that first runway shot.)

Did you know fall (call it autumn if you prefer) technically begins on September 22nd? I actually did look this up. Mostly because it doesn’t yet feel like fall and as much as I want to write about the new season’s apparel, it just doesn’t feel like the right time to talk about jackets, scarves etc. But, we can talk about shoes!

Please put away the flip flops now. (Unless of course you live in Hermosa Beach, CA- where Rainbows and Havaianas are a year round staple. ) Bring out the colder weather gear. There are all kinds of casual kicks to choose from, but today I want to talk about boots specifically. And when I say boots, I mean these:

Not these:

We’re talking about a non intensive shoe- not something you would wear trekking through the mountains. These will be your stand in for sneakers. Shoes need recovery, so rotate them and don’t have an “all purpose” shoe.

Obviously, the type of boot you choose will vary depending on where you live in the country. Where it gets cold (snows) you’ll need a tougher shoe as opposed to warmer weather areas where you can go with something lighter, such as a Chukka.

I normally don’t name drop (promote brands), but I’m going to do so now.

Red Wing and Frye have always produced quality boots at a good price (mid-level range). And there are several styles by Timberland & Caterpillar that I really like this year too. (Side note: If you’re thinking, ‘Tims, really? Caterpillar, like the industrial boot?’, you are not alone; I had the same mindset but that changed once I check a few pairs out.)

To complete this semi-mountain man look (kidding!) wear them with a plaid shirt- for a very fall ‘I didn’t try too hard’ look.

(Pics courtesy of Piperlime.com and Zappos.com.)

Hi All-
We are now on FB! So become a fan & join in on the fun!
(Can you have a lot of fun on Facebook? )

Since I wanted this cool can icon, our web guys have to re-route it to the blog.

So, please use this link for now:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/DRESS/148045807173

Thanks!
Lena