Style Advice

Lucia Tait and Amanda Sheppard-Coup de Coeur

12) Do you have any shopping tips or advice?

L: Without giving our professional secrets away (!), I would advise that this is the perfect time to stop buying so much ‘stuff’ and start buying classics and investment pieces, with a few indulgences thrown in. If you are craving something trendy, try shopping at Target or choosing a new fabulous piece of jewelry. If you have a few formal events coming up, buy one quality design from a designer who does formal really well (think Oscar de la Renta or Peter Som), not a bunch of trendy ‘party dresses’ you probably won’t like in a year or so.

A: Absolutely, quality over quantity!! Make your look unique with accessories that personalize your style and always tailor pieces to fit - as we mentioned.  And last, if you favor a certain designer or trend, vintage or resale might be the way to acquire one-of-a-kind or unique pieces that will stand out in your wardrobe.

www.coupdecoeurny.com

Graey

photo: courtesy Graey.com

First up: Graey. www.graeyny.com (the cool tshirt in the picture above)

I received an email from the designer and what struck me is her philosophy:  " In light of the current economic environment, I wanted to make my vision accessible at a palatable price point.  Therefore, wholesale price points for the pieces will be between $128 and $170."  

This price point is great for things you won't find locally, and is a great resource for all of my Sophisticates, Whimsicals and Creatives. Have an email into the designer to find out how the line runs.  Will update this post when I get info.

Style for 2009

photo: courtesy of Bluefly.com

As designers go forward with 2009 collections, they will make it a point to be more deliberate in their collections.  As Denise Bongiorno of Cinzia Rocca states, "Every piece has a purpose, every coat has a reason."

-WWD 1/06/2009

For you, my dear clients as we go into 2009, there will be less choice.  Designers are paring collections down, stores are closing up shop, and so it will be more important than ever for you to identify the retailers that work for you.  

Cinzia Rocca is a line of coats and suits manufactured in Italy that is available in higher end stores, like Neiman, Saks and Bergdorf.  The coats are sumptuous to the touch and embody excellent construction.  Their collection for Spring is to die for and falls in line with the Sophisticate's sleek, minimalist look; although the Natural would do well with some of the more casual pieces.  The coats run true to size if you order over the internet, and have an average price point of $600.00.

Want some pieces at great prices? Click here.

Got Curves? Ellen Tracy's got pants

Ellen Tracy pants are great for a woman with curves!

This line produces great everyday work pants, and because of their great construction and fabric, can easily be mixed back to designer pieces in your wardrobe.

The pants drape and hang well, make any woman appear two inches taller to the eye, and your curves appear non existent.

They run one size large, so be sure to take your normal size as well as one size smaller when entering the dressing room.

Comes in plus sizes 14-24, and, can be purchased at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Ebay.

Daisy Fellowes

Discipline, a key style ingredient...

In the 1950's Daisy Fellowes and fashion designer Antonio Castillo traveled to her house in the South of France, on the overnight train from Paris.  Long before sunrise, Castillo was awakened by commotion coming from Daisy's cabin.  When she emerged from her cabin, shortly before their arrival, she was perfectly dressed and in full makeup. Castillo asked her: "Is there a gentleman waiting for you at the station, Daisy?"  "Only my driver," she replied.  "Then why are you so dressed up?"  "Why not just a pair of sunglasses?" "I did it for myself," Daisy explained, "It's a question of discipline, you see."

Who is Daisy Fellowes?

The Shopping Addiction

A client calls and asks if I can meet her for coffee at one of my favorite places, Dilworth Coffee House. "Sure!" I excitedly yelp, because for as much as she is a client, she has grown into a great friend. I walk into the coffee shop and happily greet Robert, the best Dilworth employee. His compliments and demure flirting always make me smile. I see the client sitting at a table by the window, wave and head right over to give her a big hug.

"How are you?" I ask and then my check up question, "How is your closet doing?" What she utters next knocks me to my knees...

"You are like a doctor" she says. "I had a shopping addiction." "The lessons you taught me cured it, and I confessed all of the hidden credit card debt to my husband last week." "He asked me why I'd done that, when I knew we couldn't afford it, and I had no answer." "Thank you so much for all you have done in my life."

I am no psychologist, but found an article that helps if you suffer, too.
http://money.cnn.com/2003/10/31/pf/shopaholics/

The world's best mascara

Every year, InStyle magazine publishes their Best Beauty products issue and every year, I try them ALL. This year my favorite buy was Chanel's Inimitable Mascara. I have used it for six months now, wanted to be sure it was all that they said it was, and I LOVE IT! It tames my hard to control lashes and you can tell when you need to purchase more. (It dries up) Chanel makeup counter, Belk.

The Laundress

Received an email today about white shirts being ruined at the cleaners. I suggessted hand washing and ironing, as I have been told that drycleaning has bad chemicals that break down the fibers in the fabric. Suggested using the Laundress. I received a sample in my goody bag for fashion week and have been hooked ever since!