My New Blog

Hello Everyone,
If you've noticed that I havent posted on here in awhile it is because my stylish best friend and I have started a new blog. Its a really great one and I think you'll all enjoy the posts.
Check it out at

http://www.lovelettersfashion.blogspot.com/

thanks

Sneaker Pimps SF 2009

sneakers by Booji

at http://www.boojihouse.com/

StyleStater: Vanessa Traina

Vanessa Traina

When SF naysayers want to try and say that San Francisco doesnt have the fashion sensibility that Los Angeles or New York natives may have, I like to simply remind them of one current style icon, Vanessa Traina. This SF native is the daughter of queen of romance novels, Danielle Steele. Ms. Steele towed Vanessa and her older sister Victoria to fashion shows all over the world from a very tender age. the girls grew up with a keen eye for a fashion but a flair for easy style like many in Northern California hold. Vanessa's style tends to lean toward edgy, new, young designers such as Balmain and Alexander Wang and looks that have an ease yet a toughness about them. She is the epitome of cool girl chic. Not only a pretty face, Vanessa has studied fashion and is now pursuing a career in fashion styling and modeling. Thank you Miss Traina for being one of the tastemakers of today and from growing up in our great city.

Lately on my favorite blogs...

1. Garance Dore: how great are these tights?

2. Boy by Band of Outsiders finally they have Marissa Tomei pictures up!

VHCLE Launch Sacramento 2009

This past July, the VHCLE magazine crew and I threw a Launch party in Sacramento. Though it was our first, and really a test run for things to come, we were pleased with the outcome. Great music, awesome local vendors, and some amazing talent coming down the runway. I was in charge of making sure the fashion show went smoothly...and I think it did ;) Needless to say, it was a great opportunity for anyone who was there to get involved with some of the fashion talent emerging out of the Bay Area. I say, keep your eyes out for Velvet Leaf and Van de Neer. Velvet Leaf is a female duo that makes some of the most BEAUTIFUL clothes out of organic and recycled materials. If you saw these items you would surely realize that recycled and organic no longer comes with the stigma it used to. Check out there stuff at www.velvetleafclothing.com and try and keep yourself from ordering EVERY SINGLE ITEM!! I have my eye out for this great little black long sleeved pullover with hood and white ruffle detail at the collar. As for Van de Neer, designer Nicole is working her way up there. Her show was by far the most fun for me. Maybe because my long lasting obsession with Alice in Wonderland and the fact that her clothes conjure up whimiscal, pastel colored leiderhosen and fairytale children. She sent her models down the runway with a projection behind them of images from Disney's Alice in Wonderland. It was all very fun and Im happy to have been apart of it.


thanks to the classic penguin for this picture of me and M. backstage

I LOVE POLYVORE.COM

Find me on Polyvore

stylestaters: Paul Newman

PAUL NEWMAN

Recently, my guy has been re-evaluating his style. He turned 26 this year, moved from the beach to the city, and realized that what passed in sunny San Diego doesn't always work in windy San Fran. I have always loved the way he dressed, but fully supported an upgrade. As we were shopping around I couldn't help but notice how fantastic he would look dressed a little less Spiccoli and a little more Paul Newman. Always looking cool, clean cut, and yet just rugged enough, Paul Newman is my dream man style. His staples included V-neck sweaters, fitted chino's and trousers hitting just at the ankle, Chuck Taylor's or oxfords, and tight, white tees. My guy didn't need to make too many adjustments as he was well on his way to achieving this look.

Paul Newman was always an active man and needed comfort to be key. Never a fan of over sized, he is a vision in tailored clothing, showing of his athletic yet slim physique. He was either on a sailboat, racing a car,horseback ridding or shopping with the love of his life, longtime wife Joanne Woodward.He was a very handsome and talented man and he will be missed. But guys, take note, this is how a man should dress!

left, my beau looking cool right,Paul still stylish in old age

BALMAIN!!!

I am currently lusting after a Balmain jacket. The design house has done exaggerated shoulders right. With a slimmer, more feminine silhouette and a great little swoop, its more Disney Villian then 80's power suit...and I absolutely need one!

stylestaters: Kirsten Dunst

KIRSTEN DUNST

Recently, in an attempt to not look back at my 20's and sigh at the fact that I never had fun with my style, I dyed my hair very, very blonde. Though many have given their oppinion without my asking, saying they liked it better before or they like me better now, the best thing I have heard from several people is my recent comparability to the ever so stylish, indie-scene queen, Ms. Kirsten Dunst. And to that I say first, "Really?" ,and then, "THANK YOU!!".

Kirsten on left, me on right,

what do you think?

Kirsten Dunst has been one of the young actresses whose personal style I have both admired and related to over the years. Her tried and true staples consist of black Ray Ban Wayfarers, Chuck Taylor's, and white v-neck tees. On her downtime she is always photographed looking like she just rolled out of a great concert at a small venue, and her red carpet look speaks of effortless, timeless glamour and just the right touch of artistic flair. Hair always perfectly undone whether she's traipsing around in chucks and jeans or sauntering down the red carpet in Chanel and Lanvin. Kirsten is a girl that all of us other girls can relate to. She seems to not splurge on every trend but rather wear the classics. She is that cool girl that you want to hang out with, sip an iced coffee and peruse the record store. This must be why Boy by Band of Outsiders made her their spring spokesmodel for all of those to die for, menswear inspired clothes. And also why Sofia Coppola counts her as her leading lady. And possibly her coolness could have contributed to the honor of getting to portray DEBBIE HARRY in the Blondie movie. I am so so jealous...

stylestaters: Earth Mama's

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!

It's Earth Day once again and this time I am paying homage to those fantastic and almost mythical earth mama's. These are the women that inspire us to kick off our shoes, trade our cashmere for cotton and kaftan's, and let our hair lose. Today I challenge you all to wear organic fibers, feel the earth under your feet, and give the eyeliner a rest. Be natural, be free, and be happy. Earth Mama's are a huge inspiration for our fashion today. Thank you Stella McCartney for using earth and animal friendly materials in your designs since the beginning. The fashion world is changing, even our top couture designers know that our resources are dwindling and recycling is important. All of the major design houses are trying to come up with new ways to work with new and natural fibers. The world and the land we live on and live off has been a huge influence on the designs this season. Look at Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs fall 09 shows. African inspired prints and fabrics, raffia, feathers. There are a slew of interesting new designers and labels popping up. The French duo who started the fantastic, organic cotton, severely stylish label LEAF. One of my absolute favorites and an item on my lust-list for this summer is a dress from Jeff Garner's line PROPHETIK. His fabrics have been painted by rehabilitated elephants belonging to the designer. They are absolutely beautiful dresses with an absolutely beautiful story behind them. Now is the time to shop local, to get resourceful, and to look to this beautiful earth for inspiration in all that you do!!

"I just want to go around and influence people in various things."

-Loulou de la Faliase, 1973

stylestaters on the street

These guys have the effortless, yet put together, casualness to a T

A great trench and some classic footwear done right with a pop of color...and i love the cuff on his jeans!

grant st., Chinatown, SF March 2009

this just in....

SARAH SILVERMAN MODELS BOY by BAND OF OUTSIDERS!!!! check it out, its fantastic.

words of wisdom from a style guru

"Remember this: no one is looking at your imperfections because they are all to busy worrying about thier own"

"You can't listen to other people if you want your own style."

ISACC MIZZRAHI

a Love Letter to Lou

LOU DOILLON

INSPIRING! So magnificently stylish I was moved to name my cashmere grey kitty after her. Lou Doillon is one of the most interesting women to grace fashion in a while. She Parisian royalty, being the daughter of Jane Birkin and the half sister to equally awe inspiring Charlotte Gainsbourgh. She is the epitome of cool. Actress, designer, musician and all around creative bohemian. The bangs, the overbite, those cat eyes and the long and lanky frame make every outfit and look utterly, breathtakingly, COOL! Lou has been known to sport style with an undone, roughed up, less then perfect demeanor that makes the term effortless come to life. Known to dawn everything from top hats to tutu's and dressing down a frothy frock with a tough motorcycle jacket, she is inspiring legions of followers all over the world.

You can grab a piece of her style by buying her line for LEE COOPER denim company. She whipped out high waisted short shorts and wide leg trousers with piping. Her goal this season was to give girls who like to dress up ,but feel that its impossible in day to day denim life, a prescription for their high-low look dilemma. And of course, she nailed it.

Take a tip from Lou and don't let your look get too perfect...mussed up is where its at.

Making a city size "walk-in" work

Recently, the love of my life and I moved to my favorite city in America...San Francisco!! Naturally, I would be with a person who is interested in style and ,when given the chance and the funds, shopping. This can be a daunting task when trying to shove my extensive ,and ever growing, wardrobe plus his wonderful coats and STACKS of t-shirts into what was considered a walk in closet in the 1920's. Though it is much bigger then most and definitely roomy enough to walk and even lay down in, there was a lack of rack and shelving space.
But never fear!!! This is where my excellent organizational skills and crafty folding tricks come into hand. I know this is a problem that many people face when deciding to move in with the loved one...so let me impart my wisdom.

First step: EDIT
This should happen every season actually. This is the time to toss anything that fits poorly, is falling apart and couldn't be salvaged, and is just not your style. Everyone should get a grasp on their personal style. I love tear sheets. Look through magazines. What sparks your interest? What makes you swoon the minute you see it and keeps you day dreaming of what you would look like dressed like that? Who and what inspires you? It can be anything! I learned from an article on Izzac Mizzrahi that he tells women to create a scrapbook of inspiration and to use this when shopping and getting dressed. Once you know who you are, and stop just following trends, editing will be much easier and should happen less and less. There will always be items that are keepsakes, and for this I say store in a garment bag and lay flat on a top shelf. After you edit don't just throw it away...our landfills are ridiculous now a days. Instead, donate what you can or invite your girlfriends over to go through your discards.

Second: SHELVING
If you must, like I had to, install shelving. Home Depot is great for this, you can just install brackets and lay as many shelves as you need. Its all about vertical storage, go as high as you can. The collectibles and special pieces that don't get worn should go on the top and then seasonal clothes (preferably in a trunk or garment bag so they stay in condition), then shoes that aren't worn as often. As you get closer to eye level start folding jeans, cotton dresses and skirts, tees and sweaters. As much as you can get on the shelves in a shop-able way, the better. I like to hang my nice dresses and blouses (as I currently have one small rack) and keep my seasonal/favorite shoes on the floor under the rack. Boots/booties, mary-jane heels, flats, moccasins and TOMS. All of these will come in handy this autumn/winter and need to be accessible.

Third: ACCESSORIZE
What to do with all those fabulous accessories (so important this season in personalizing your look)? I made use of my nooks and cranny's and open wall space. Cute curtain holders, vintage doorknobs, anything you can attach to the wall to hang scarves, necklaces, and purses on is key. Again, more shelving could always be installed. As for undergarments, I have little cotton lined baskets that I store on shelves to house my precious linens ;)

Finally: GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR SPACE
As long as you keep it organized (organization is key) and as long as you gave your guy a proper amount of space in the closet (this can be tough but use your noggin or write me and we can figure it out) the rest is for you to play with. Your closet should help you have a relaxing and easy dressing experience. I had extra wall space in the closet and a TINY bathroom so I took a couple feet of the wall and made a vanity space. I cant take credit for this ingenious idea (its IKEA) but I do love it so much. Its an affordable way to add a bit of glamour to every morning. By a LACK shelf from IKEA and install it in your closet, at about lap height. Above this you can add mirror and below a little stool and voile! Instant glamour. Space to do your hair and make up and let your guy take the bathroom. You can also add an inspiration board to your closet to help you get inspired every morning.

The key of this experiment is to make life just a bit more orderly and easy. Dressing shouldn't be a daunting task, once you understand your style and clean up the closet, the rest should be fun!
Fashion is FUN!!! start saying that ;)

stylestaters: Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman

In celebration of Earth Day I have decided to showcase a woman with not only a classic style but a classic conscience. Natalie Portman has been a vegan since age nine, is a Harvard graduate, and has continued to chose thoughtful roles both onscreen and off. Miss Portman's most recent works have included working with FINCA , a non profit org. that gives small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, and developing a beautiful line of vegan footwear with Te Cesan. She has taken two things I greatly respect, intelligence and style, and blended them effortlessly.

Natalie's style has always consisted of basics, classic body conscience cuts, and beautiful jewel tones and simple black and white. She is our generations Audrey Hepburn, in her style and her humanitarian work. For this we dedicate this earth day on stylestate to Natalie Portman.

stylestaters: Chloe Sevigny

Chloe Sevigny

before there were the Olsen twins, there was Chloe Sevigny

While your little niece (and who are we kidding, you too!) idolizes MK and Ashley for their hodge- podge style and mismatched designer and grunge wear, you aspire to dress for the more mature, but equally inspired crowd, and thus you look to Chloe Sevigny.

Long before the Olsen twins were running around being mini fashion icons, Chloe Sevigny was consistently on the worst of the worst dressed lists, being picked on for her courageous efforts in mixing and matching and having a F-you attitude about it. Chloe knew fashion was fun and still does. Though in her early days of experimenting some outfits went awry, it was the fact that she wore them with that knowing smirk that made them always look cool and effortless. As she has grown she has come to coin a certain look and stuck with it. Still a founder of what has been coined as "indie style" she continually wears androgynous outfits, signature Ray Bans, and combos that most people wouldn't dare to try but wish they would have. Chloe is a fashion renegade. And with no stylist in toe to help her stay on top of whats hot, shes a gal who thinks for herself...and that is forever refreshing.

A constant supporter and friend to many of today's young fashion designers, Miss Sevigny has branched out on her own and brought her signature look to Opening Ceremony. There you will find staples of her wardrobe. Baby doll dress, ciggie pants, and Little House on the Prairie floral prints, thrown together with that punk rock attitude we have come to covet in Chloe.

"i think i AM on the radar for style-setters. And then it trickles down from what they do."

stylestatements: Dita Von Teese

"It's important to be confident with your own style."

-Dita Von Teese, Us magazine

stylestaters: Debbie Harry

DEBBIE HARRY

For our first issue of stylestaters (the part of the blog where I take time to showcase one of the many influential men or women exuding personal style) I have chosen new wave/punk goddess Debbie Harry. Not only is she the original bottle blond, but she is one of the first females to lead an all male band, and do it in kick ass style. One of our eras most prominent fashionistas, Gwen Stefani has even cited Debbie Harry as her biggest influences.

Debbie Harry was born to a modest, church going family with little money. Shopping trips usually became disagreements between mother and daughter. Where Debbie wanted to wear items dripping in sexuality or crazy cuts and frills, mother guided her toward more sophisticated and streamlined looks. Upon graduating high school, Harry left for New York. She made ends meet working as a waitress at Max's Kansas City. The influence of New York in the sixties and Harry's devil may care attitude contributed widely to her iconic style. Once forming the group Blondie, during the birth of the music video era, her style became instantly recognizable and forever emulated.

Debbie Harry simply followed her own spirit and wore what she felt comfortable in. She has been quoted as saying

" I like to look and feel good in what I'm wearing, but I dont like to super-fuss...im not high maintenance." (http://www.lifeandhealth.co.uk/)