elementary style

Holmesian style — layered looks, 3-pc suits, tweeds, top hats, and gentlemanly details — has been trending up ever since FA09 launched amid a few stills from the upcoming movie (about which I am SO very excited). As long as Sherlock Holmes holds up its end of the bargain and is as awesome as the trailers make it seem, I think we are going to be seeing a lot more of this trickling down to the masses.

I speak from experience when I say that the tweed double-breasted trenchcoat, herringbone vests, and slim, cuffed tweed trousers were not big sellers this fall (on the other hand, the speckled cashmere shawl collar cardigans and the tweed deconstructed blazers were). I have seen the face of FA10 and it looks like a lot more deconstructed suiting, luxurious textures, and deep, rich earth tones. I see fashionable and wannabes alike transitioning from the little boy playing dress-up of Justin Timberlake-inspired shirt-vest-and-tie combos with skinny jeans to taking risks with mix-and-match separates, sophisticated accessories, and tailored wool trousers worn casually. Buy: suspenders; find: your grandfather’s pocket watch; store: colorblocked anything.

team gary

I tend to stay away from the reality mess even though I permanently know the latest on shows like The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Rock of Love Bus thanks to Michael K. But now I have joined the masses and am totally addicted to Styl’d, the new MTV reality series that has aspiring stylists vying for a position at MMA.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that I personally know contestant Gary through my good friend and former roommate who just moved to LA and now lives with Gary (they were friends long before). Watch the show and follow along with me! Even my boyfriend, who thinks Gossip Girl is satanic, is addicted to Styl’d and can’t wait to watch every week. Check out the first three episodes on www.mtv.com.

For those of you who have already watched, here are my impressions so far. I am glad we finally got to see Jen Rade’s human side on episode 3. I was beginning to worry she was a one-dimensional styling robot who couldn’t stand it when junior stylists exhibit talent equal to hers. She’s a hardcore bitch with a sense of humor and I am kind of starting to love her.

Tara is two-faced and needs a reality check. All she does is try to create drama, but she is not quite clever enough to prevent aforementioned drama from backfiring and getting her in trouble. And she needs to really up her own outfit game. Red lipstick does not make you edgy.

Janna. Janna Janna Janna. She offers nothing and is way out of her league. I want to sympathize because she is so pathetic but her backstabbing nature makes it so tough. That and she clearly has no idea what she is doing. Her first victim, Brett, has fully redeemed himself in my eyes through his talent. I don’t care about his past indiscretions since they make the show that much more fun to watch and now he is kicking ass. Feeling happy about his success and glad he smashed Janna’s car.

Now for Gary. Even if I didn’t know Gary I would find him truly amazing and one to watch. His SETIQUETTE (yesss) is fine by me; he is having fun and maybe he’s a little ADD but the models and celebs obviously adore him. It’s part of his charm. His personal style is by far the most sophisticated and when he was dressing Tyler Hilton and his band on the last episode I was feeling for him. I know he has to do all these different challenges for the sake of the show but his style is way too forward for these guys — they were just not cool enough to get it. AND Gar-bear was subjected to the most ridiculous and obvious flirting between Cody and Julie and he just did what he had to do. Points for him.

Would love to know who else is watching and what your thoughts are!

la femme invisible

This week’s Femme Invisible is inspired by all the sequins I have been seeing around me. Lots of sequin dresses. I am hesitant to wear sequins head-to-toe (for now) so when I spotted these cute baggy shorts at Calypso I knew they would make the perfect anchor for my alternative party outfit. Everyone is told to play it safe with sequins – you know the rules: pair sequins with neutrals, don’t distract the eye, etc etc. But I love the added excitement of the Henry Holland for Pretty Polly alphabet tights and Nina Peter gloves. If you’re going to have fun with it then actually have fun. The dramatic necklace is the Short Bib Necklace from Tuleste. Draped Crop Vest from Topshop and Burberry Prorsum boots just because.

ruffles rules

Last night at the GQ party I spotted two hotties in adorable ruffle dresses. They were the epitome of ruffles done right: keep the tailoring simple and glam up the look with accessories and fabulous shoes. I adore the classic black-and-white dainty cupcake look just as much as the edgier grey tiered dress with boyfriend blazer (bonus points for smart patent clutch, long chain necklaces, and ankle-strap platforms). But, ruffles can so easily flounce over the line from Chanel chic to tricked-out lampshade.

1. All-over ruffles, no. Keep ruffles structural and sexy like the Ella Moss Lia dress. 2. Ruffled items in solid colors or minimal patterns are most sophisticated. If you fancy a pattern, try a modern stripe like this Yellow Is Gold drop-waisted dress. 3. Try a tuxedo style in an unexpected black and blue for the holidays. 4. Ruffles add volume, so know your body type and concentrate on one area. Ruffles on the shoulders and breasts are sexiest on smaller chests to even out the overall silhouette. I love the simple lines of this Silence & Noise dress. The contrapositive applies. If you are bottom heavy, do not venture into this territory. 5. Ruffles are fun. Accessorize accordingly. Try pairing this tiered Gap dress with either a cool belt or a bunch of long necklaces (Not both. Especially when they are both chain-themed. I love chains and tend to abuse the bondage look.).

PS the best part is that all pieces are under $100!

boudoir ready

Makiko Sugawa‘s drawings got me wishing she would go ahead and realize her design potential already. After all, fashionistas everywhere are going to need remarkable undies to wear with looks like this this and this. Fortunately there are some gorgeous pieces out there that have me salivating.

Right now, I am most attracted to lingerie that is architectural with clean lines. Think Lady Gaga hotpants, or Madonna’s cone-boobs: edgier pieces with mesh and strategically-placed stays. However, since most women out there do not want to be wearing the equivalent of scaffolding, the structure is tempered with lace or diaphanous silks.

clockwise, from top: Damaris Ophelia bra, a sheer bra that makes up for what it lacks in support in pure sexiness, $160; La Perla satin and tulle paneled corset, $325; Rosy Sublime demi-bra with nude satin cups and black mesh is perfect for under a t-shirt, $69; Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Mystique thong, $30; Kiki de Montparnasse cashmere thigh-highs with contrasting back seam, $195; The Lake and Stars Truce silk romper with suspender straps and mini-pocket, $252; Damaris Bourbons high-waisted knickers with corset detail, $164; multiple stays contrasted with delicate lace make this La Perla Indomitable bra a favorite, $280. All sketches from the Chantal Thomass Ah!Follante collection.

la femme invisible

Now for a little segment I like to call La Femme Invisible. Every week I will pick out a truly kickass outfit courtesy of one of my fashionable friends and display it for all to admire. This week, La Femme Invisible is courtesy of MM, who ripped it up in Elizabeth and James’ Blade Runner blazer, a Hunter Dixon blouse (not pictured due to the incomprehensible lack of a decent picture of this item), the Theory Rosel pant, and Christian Louboutin’s Pigalle heels in blue leopard patent leather.

fashion emergency

So I’m blogging from the cab on my way up to bloomie’s. Mobile blogging is a new sport for me so stay with me. My partner in crime aka Madame M had a serious emergency this AM on the acela down to Capitol hill. Last minute big meeting and she’s stuck wearing a pink Thomas Pink oxford, matching cashmere jumper, and always-reliable black Theory pants. What? Anyway, while any other day this would be standard DC fare, MM knows how the game is played and this outfit is not appropriate for wowing the big boys. Cut to a frantic joint effort to locate the nearest acceptable retailer. CUSP, Neiman Marcus’ baby sister, was quickly deemed the best option and a fun challenge. Never one to settle for anything less than the best, MM came out a winner as usual. Outfit to follow.