Notes on :: Dressing

The weather is changing - well, swinging erratically between appropriately cool, Fall weather, and warm, sunny days, with a few random downpours in between.  All of which make dressing fun.  And interesting.  

So, when in doubt, stick to the neutrals. 

Well, not all of these at one time, obviously, but you get the point. 


xo

RH

It's Chic O'Clock

Oh Autumn, how I adore thee... the Fashion (Weeks); the pretty, embellished coats; the steaming, to-go cups of coffee on crisp mornings.    

So often, buried deep down somewhere in the merriment and warm layers, one's sense of style lays dormant, snoozing until Spring reawakens it.  But don't wait that long!  You can look amazing now - even with two sweaters, a coat, and hat + scarf.  It is all in the details.

1. Choose textured items - knobby coats, chunky knit sweaters, sequined dresses, or feather-trimmed skirts.  This is a tactile season - unlike the warmer months which result in people wearing as little as possible - and you should wear items that invite you to touch. 

 

2. Don't forget your color palette - now is the time to break out the deeper, darker, earthy tones.  The golden yellows, dramatic reds, crisp greens... Mix them together if you are feeling creative, or wear single, solid color schemes.  

And remember to toss out that old rule about "not wearing white after Labor day".  This year, give winter wonderland a run for its money.

3. Have fun with accessories - book clutches, clock purses, loooooong scarves, cute printed gloves, retro sunglasses (to protect from the cold winds, you know).  Whatever it is, have fun with it - in fact, now is the best time to bring out all your jewels and accessories, since your gorgeous figure is swathed in layers upon layers.  


4. Dressing "warmly" doesn't mean "dowdy" - invest in an amazing accent piece, a really great coat, a fur (faux or no, I don't judge), a long color-block maxi dress that can be worn with a blazer or cropped jacket.  

Tell me, what's in your closet these days?  Are you dressing up for the season, or just plain dressing for the weather?


xo

RH

Cute Halloween Ideas

I'm not really into the whole dressing-up-for-Halloween thing, and truthfully only a handful of stylish candy-lovers actually ever make it to my door... but these are such adorable looks that I just had to post this for all those harassed moms out there who haven't even thought about the "mini holiday" happening in about two weeks from now.

Here are some ideas:

The classic LBD, pearls, sunglasses, + the latest Vogue Magazine rounds out the perfect look.

Iris Apfel is known for her colorful, creative, crazy looks...why not let the kids have fun?

Bill's outfit has, for years, consisted of the khaki/tan slack, blue jacket, and camera.  So easy!

Go big or go home has never been so appropriate as when dressing up like ALT.


So, who's going to win this year's Halloween costume contest?  



xo,

RH

Random delights

Every so often I just like to bask in the simple pleasures of random delights, and today is one of those days.  Here are some little things I'm loving today:

Crusty, flaky, warm, fresh breads.  Of any size.

Pretty living rooms + wall galleries.  (and dogs).

Lovely, warm, ladylike clothes + a great pair of heels.

...and because I'm a classicist, Sean Connery.  The best Bond.

What, or who, is inspiring you today?

xo

RH

NYFW Review :: Victoria Beckham

As New York Fashion Week again commences, I find myself torn between excitement at previewing the Spring looks + wondering how I'm going to find time to sort through the deluge of photos, blogs, and comments all swirling around the internet like different types of strong perfume. 

Of course, the easiest place to go, to quickly and concisely sort through the full gamut of designers, is here.  Let's start with Victoria Beckham's show, shall we?  This petite powerhouse is most internationally known for her cute husband, 90's singing career, and adorable children, but in the fashion world she has also been steadily maintaining a name for herself for her eponymous clothing line.  (Well, and the fact that she can style pretty much any of her own designs so effortlessly.) 

For Spring 2014, she showed a delightfully fresh shape - less fitted, more structured + boxy - in a cool palette of blacks, greys, and whites, intermingled with some bright pops of color.

While the celebrities love her for her slim-fitting, v-neck, harness-strapped dresses, I particularly like the long sleeveless jackets she is continuing to experiment with.  Additionally the shorts, billowy tops, and ruffled pieces are all very pretty and nicely versatile.  See what I mean...

 

...and I love this icy blue-grey jacket!  

I would pair it with jeans or an LBD and everything in between.

Victoria Beckham usually offers some really nice staple pieces - classic but with a modern twist, and always in a color that goes with anything.  Plus it's always great to see her wearing her own designs and to pick up styling tips, right from the source.

What do you think?  Leave me notes below.


x,

RH

Watching :: Oscar's Fashion Show

“Dot calm” – Oscar de la Renta
Watch their spring 2014 show live on www.oscardelarenta.com Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30pm EST.


Can't wait!  I love September NYFW!

x

RH

Have a Colorful Day

I'm loving pictures with big bright pops of colors today...(well, any day really).  Bright colors make me so happy and energized.  

If I had a big old house with too many rooms to count, I would probably designate each room a different color.  However, since that isn't the case, I find that it is easiest to just decorate my simple, small living spaces in neutral colors, and then add one or two big pieces of art that "pop".  Then I may add a few complimentary color touches, such as a throw, carpet, giant vase of flowers, etc.  

via Our Labor of Love

Once upon a time, for a school project many years ago, I had to do a paper on the psychology of colors.  "Green symbolizes growth and blue is calming, red is energizing, yellow is happy and cheerful, ... and so on and so on..."  Yes, my paper was much longer and much more in-depth than that, but you get the general idea.  Colors have meanings.  And it is true that colors really can change or improve your mood.  

Do you find yourself wearing one or two, or three colors more often than the others?  Do you lean towards certain decorating schemes in your house, or apartment, or shoebox?  Do you have a favorite color?  What does it say about you, your moods, and your personality?

via ms seductive

Now, having worked in the Fashion Industry for years, I can definitively say I have seen people wear just about every color combination known to man.  Some really, truly crazy stuff.  And I'm pretty sure some people got dressed in the dark, half-asleep, and then tried to pass it off as avant-garde.  

via Carla Coulson

If you want to experiment with colors but don't want to look foolish in the process try the Rule of Three.  Three colors maximum.  (and I mean, max!)  Most of the really great color-blocking outfits seen on street style stars revolves around three colors -- perhaps different shades of one color may also be mixed in -- but it is generally going to be around three.  When pairing items together to wear, or when creating a window display or advertisement, odd numbers rule.  It is just much easier for the eye to process, believe it or not. 

I don't really recommend wearing a multi-colored, multi-patterned piece of clothing, then piling on two or more additionally different colors, and then adding some large, competing accessories.  You will look like you had a fight with your closet and nobody survived victorious.  

1. Start out small - one neutral color, then layer on a second solid color, and your third color / pattern should be accessories or shoes.  After you feel like you have mastered this, progress to the next step.
   
2. This time, start with your base layer - a pattern perhaps? - then add either one opposite layer over this, or a combination of shades in the same color which compliments the pattern. 
   
   For Example:: a navy blue Ikat dress could be paired with either a contrasting orange or red sweater + brown heels, OR with a complimentary turquoise sweater, and a cobalt scarf, + light purple heels. 
3. Moving on... start with your base layer - a bright color or pattern - then add either a second bright color over this (usually from the opposite side of the color wheel), or a second pattern that does not compete with the first pattern.  This is highly important. Then add your accessories, which should be one of your three main colors, or neutral.
   
   For Example:: a navy sheath dress + green sweater + a neon yellow skinny belt.  Then you can add matching yellow heels, or even a tan or nude heel here.  OR pair a blue/white striped tee + cuffed jeans + red floral scarf + yellow ballet flats.  (In this case, the yellow, red and blue are the three colors, and the hints of white are your neutral fourth accent).

A good rule of thumb for beginners is that if the colors can't be found in some type of complimentary pairing in nature, there's a chance it won't work.  Most importantly, have fun with it, and be confident.  The confidence and enjoyment you get out of this is key!

via Danske

via Our Labor of Love

via Tim Irving

x,

RH

Miranda Kerr :: Off-duty dressing | NET-A-PORTER.COM

Miranda Kerr gets cuter and cuter all the time!  I mean, this is someone who looks like she walked off a catwalk pretty much every day.  She has street style down to an art form, whether taking her cutie to the park, having a lunch date with her gorgeous husband, or running into a meeting or show.  

...And hey, if she's going to share tips, I'm going to watch.   :)

 








































In the latest segment of "The Body Beautiful with Miranda Kerr" videos, she discusses her off-duty looks, the importance of red lipstick + loafers, and shows us why we shouldn't take dressing too seriously.             
[Click here for a previous segment.]





x 

RH

*Images from Pinterest.

Getting Ready For :: NYFW, 2013

As we continue waiting for the BIG week... well, the big week for fashion lovers, here are some random news bits to tide you over ::

1) Oscar de la Renta has shortened his guest list this year.  
That's right, he's decided that given the spectacle NYFW is becoming (with street stylers, budding photographers, and never-ending bloggers), it's going to be best to return to his fashionable roots.  Meaning that he is inviting only the serious fashion-insiders who, you know, actually contribute to the industry (aka: the business) side of the fashion world.  

ODLR has set the guest list at 350 people, half of the audience from last year's show, stating "I feel [inviting a more targeted audience] is the most manageable way and the most civilized way,” he said. “Why have 20 million people with zero connection to the clothes?”

And of course, like he mentioned, anyone who cares can “see the show on the Internet 20 minutes later. It’s important for [certain industry professionals] to look at the clothes and see them. They shouldn’t have to go through 30,000 people, and 10,000 who are trying to take pictures of all of those people who are totally unrelated to the clothes.”  [article here]


2) Pinterest is in on the fashion frenzy.
Pinterest has decided (wisely) to join the fashionable bandwagon and compile all the major NYFW boards worth visiting together onto one landing site.  And yes, it is a great idea!  [check it out]


3) Casting calls are not pretty.
Well, it's true!  This is a contest for models, all vying for a shot at the catwalk...and they know it.  It's often a somber affair for the models - they don't necessarily chat happily with each other since they are all trying out for the same number of coveted spots.  And getting a job is based on several factors - your walk, your pose, your looks, your attitude, your personality, your style, etc. etc.  [read more]


4) NYFW is probably moving.  Again.
This isn't new news to anyone who's been paying attention, but hey, it's worth mentioning for those fashion stragglers who aren't in the "know".  Or don't listen to all the gossip.  

According to this site and this site, fashion week may be moving from their rather recent roost at the Lincoln Center, down to the Culture Shed at Hudson Yards, which should be fully operational by 2017.  Remember when it was held at Bryant Park?  Ahh, those were the days...  

Well, hopefully, this will be their last move, since we don't want anyone tottering about it those sky-high heels on uneven pavement, lost + confused, and missing their big photo opportunity.  The horror.


x


RH

Backstage :: Fashion Shows, part 3

By this point, we've covered the front of house + the back of house, and all the work that goes into preparing the venue for the show.  Now it's time to discuss getting the models ready and the lineup set.

Everyone needed to work in the back-of-house arrives an hour early, or more (if they aren’t jumping from one fashion show to the next) so that they have plenty of time to set up their tools, makeup kits, steaming equipment, dressing racks, and more.   

The models trickle in based on the timing of their bookings and their experience.  The more experienced, popular models may rush in with 20 or 30 minutes to spare, while the newer models who are not scheduled for as many shows may arrive an hour or 90 minutes early so that their hair/makeup is taken care and they then sit out of the way.  

Carolina Herrera "behind the scenes" Fall'13

While the models are getting their hair, nails and makeup taken care of, the steamers are steaming garments, the dressers are reviewing the complete looks for the models they are helping and making sure they have every item needed, and the jewelry and shoes team are counting their pieces and making sure everyone has the appropriate accessories.  

Stylists are going around with the designer making last-minute outfit tweaks, and the seamstresses are trailing behind to make sure everything is sewn, zipped, hemmed, and ready to be worn – up to the last moment.  A model may be sewn into a garment or something may be altered while the model is in the lineup waiting to go on the runway. 

The last 15 minutes before a fashion show are usually the craziest backstage…which coincides with the pandemonium in the front-of-house as everyone arrives to watch the show.  During these last 15 minutes, anyone not needed backstage is pushed out by security – photographers, celebrities stopping by, family (unless it’s a child), editors, etc.   Only the essential teams are there, ready to dress the model and handle any last-minute issues or touch-ups. 

As the lights are dimming and the music starts, the models are in their first-look lineup ready to start strutting the catwalk.  Immediately upon finishing their walk and returning backstage, models are running to their dresser (while sometimes trying to undress themselves) so they can get into their second look.  The time between looks for a model can be extremely short, and often the shoes are being strapped + the dresses zipped while she’s walking to the stage again.

Once every look has been shown, there's a brief 30-second pause or so, and then the final walk -- where all the models walk out one last time in order of appearance.  The designer takes their bow or walks the runway to loud applause…while backstage the models are again hurriedly changing to run to their next booking and dressers are quickly hanging, zipping, bagging and tagging, with the cleaning crew running around after everyone. 

Fifteen minutes later, everyone is out of back-of-house and the new crew is filing in for the next show.  

It is that chaotic, and that fast.   There is no time for mistakes or melt-downs.  And while I have occasionally worked with a model who spoke little to no English, or who didn't like her looks, hair or makeup, or even the ones who were having bad days, the show always "went on."  Because as soon as it was over, the entire creative and production process started up again for the next season.

Leave me questions or comments below.  I like hearing from you!  [I also featured this story as a guest blogger here]

x

RH

Backstage :: Fashion Shows, part 2

The back-of-house area at a fashion show is just as frantic and fast-paced as the front, although the timing backstage is different.  The back-of-house team includes:

• the designer and his specific team of helpers
• production, sound and lighting crews
• hair, nails and makeup crews
• dressers, stylists, seamstresses and garment steamers
• jewelry, shoes and accessories team(s)
• models (and anyone they may bring, such as children or a spouse)
• some photographers (until the models start changing for the show)
• the catering crew and perhaps a clean-up crew
• security teams

Depending on the size and importance of the show, the backstage teams will arrive one to several hours before the shows.  Often, for fashion shows at the same venue, the security and clean-up crews will be the same, and many models + hair/makeup crews will be running from show to show, based on their bookings.

Carolina Herrera "behind the scenes" Fall'13

Because of the amount of people running around, security is tight, and anyone admitted into the back-of-house area would need proof that they are supposed to be there, have a fashion show all-access pass, and a form of ID.  Once their name has been verified on a list each backstage member gets a credential, which should not be taken off for the duration of the time.  

While hair/nails/makeup teams are usually paid, dressers are usually not – these are the collegiate fashion students, the interns at a particular design house, or someone with connections in the industry who just enjoys the backstage all-access pass to the newest collections and all the excitement.  

Stella McCartney Show

  

Most fashion shows provide catering backstage for the small army of workers it takes to make the show successful, and everyone will snack on foods throughout the lengthy process.   

Yes, models DO eat.  Regardless of what an outsider looking in may think, the stress, running around, lengthy productions backstage and the high energy required throughout the day can be exhausting…especially without food.  Smart and successful models will munch throughout the day, keeping their metabolism running and their energy high.

Tune in tomorrow for the last part of this series...

x

RH

Backstage :: Fashion Shows, part 1

Fashion Week will be happening soon, and as such, I thought it an appropriate time for a little peek into the world of Fashion.  [So here is a recap similar to a guest post I did for a friend].

Have you ever wondered what happens at a fashion show -- those high-energy, fast-paced events full of noise, strange outfits, flashing cameras, and really high heels?  Well here’s an all access pass, from the front-of-house to the back-of-house.

•  Fashion House - design house that is putting on the fashion show.  Example: Chanel
• Front of house - public area for all guests + area where the show will happen.
• Back of house - the backstage area.
• Buyers - people buying the clothing to be sold in department stores, boutiques, etc.

The front-of-house is a crazy, frantic, loud place.  This is where the editors, photographers, street style stars, actresses, stylists, fashion bloggers, journalists and buyers all congregate in a constant ebb and flow of movement.  And these people are all pushing and scrambling to be seen, to find their seats (and hopefully snag a better seat), and to snap photos of each other before the show starts. *Obviously it is important to dress the part because of all the flashing cameras.

Hanneli in Paris, via Tommy Ton

Usually, the fashion house putting on the show will have their own public relations people, and perhaps even hire an additional PR team - plus non-paid interns - all running around trying to seat everyone, soothe tempers, and make sure everything is flowing smoothly and quickly.  

The PR teams will also have created the small look-books for the guests.  These books are beneficial to buyers and editors, who will mark their favorite looks or make notes while the show is in progress.  Some fashion shows will even provide small gift bags at each seat…but this is expensive and exclusive.

 

All the photographers + videographers are stationed at the end of the runway, providing them with the absolute best straight-on view of each look.  And yes, in case you were wondering, the fashion house will also hire their own photographers to take pictures of their guests and of each look during the show – which they will later use in look-books or for other press and PR-related materials.  

While everyone is filing in and finding their seats, camera crews are usually doing quick interviews of actresses who might wear this particular designer’s clothes, many famous fashion bloggers are taking photos of each others' creative outfits, and buyers and editors are running in at the last minute from other shows.

The process of seating everyone could take 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on several variables such as the popularity of any particular show, the amount of guests arriving (and if a particularly important guest is running late), how far away the venue may be from the rest of the shows (and if this is the case, PR teams usually try to plan ahead for travel time and rush hours which could delay editors or buyers coming from other shows), etc.

Some fashion houses are notorious for starting on time, and will shut the doors + start the show whether or not everyone is present, while others may wait a few extra minutes.  But one thing is certain, as soon as the lights dim and the music starts, there is a hush as everyone quiets and waits in anticipation for the show to begin!

Ulyana Sergeenko FW'13 Haute Couture show

Tune in tomorrow for to read more about the back-of-house process.

x

RH

The LBD

The Little Black Dress (LBD) is such a classic piece of clothing that, at this point, it really doesn't even need to be said.  This little piece of universal flattery, all wrapped up in one basic color, works on even the most uninspired female, in even the most complicated of dressing affairs.  

Liv Tyler

Of course, going back through history, wearing black was not always a socially-accepted method of dress.  Up until the early 1900's, wearing black was restricted to those in mourning.  And when you were in mourning, you were really in mourning - and the only color you were allowed to wear was black, for at least a full year.  After the required 12 months of black you could slowly progress through a medley of greys and then a few shades of purple, and then eventually, finally, reincorporate some color back into your life.  

Nina Ricci, Pre-Fall '12

It wasn't until Coco Chanel came along that society really started to see some drastic changes in clothing - such as wearing sports wear for non-sporting occasions, tanning, and wearing black dresses when one wasn't in mourning.  Additionally, two World Wars and the Great Depression - and the resulting shortage of materials, finances, and trained tailors and seamstresses needed to hand-create a person's wardrobe - further shifted the modern woman's wardrobe from the Daily Dictates of Old to the unique and personal blend of choices that it is today.

Today, some women (like Sarah Jessica Parker) even marry in black - a far cry from what would have been allowed just a mere 150 years ago.  Offered in a variety of materials and cuts, today's LBD is all about personal taste and provides the average working-mother-professional-entrepreneur-chef-housemaid-CEO-party girl with the perfect, stable choice for almost any occasion.

I probably own at least six black dresses myself - in different materials and styles.  How many do you have?


x

RH

Anna Karenina :: Jewels

Okay, I finally sat down to watch the newest adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, directed by Joe Wright and costumed by Jacqueline Durran, and I absolutely loved the costumes + jewelry.

Period pieces are so wonderful to watch for two reasons :: the history they convey, and because the costumes and jewelry are almost always a special treat.  Truly, I sometimes think I was born in the wrong century.  Instead of velour tracksuits, or jeans and tees for every little occasion, I would have loved to wear beautiful dresses and coats, hats with veils, and kidskin gloves.  It would probably be much too much in the hot summer months, but dressing in yesteryear was truly an art form.

Anna Karenina, like all good Russian stories, is not a happily-ever-after.  In fact, after basically throwing away a solid marriage, her loving son, her good name, and her social standing for a torrid affair (and illegitimate daughter that her husband thankfully claims as his), Anna finally ends the downward spiral by killing herself.  However, on the way down, Anna dresses as spectacularly as always -- and this of course, is the real reason I watched the movie to start with.

Apparently, having a good relationship with Karl Lagerfeld + Chanel comes in handy sometimes.  Like, when you need amazing jewels to accurately portray the real-life extravagance of the 1800's.  And Chanel definitely delivered, loaning $2 million worth of diamonds to the Anna Karenina set.  [And who doesn't want friends like that?]

Durran happily focused on using pearls + diamonds, which is certainly apparent throughout the film.

Additionally, check out the sumptuous furs, the feathered headdresses, and the delicately veiled hats.  Everything in the film is a testament to the sheer art of dressing.  One must remember, that historically, this was a time when most women did not have jobs, did not do the housework (they oversaw the servants doing the housework), and did not really have to exert themselves when it came to managing the children's lives (tutors and nannies assisted).  

So, as their lives revolved around their husband or their own social lives, women focused with a singular and spectacular intent, on their wardrobes.  Which certainly kept the milliners, seamstresses, tailors, cobblers, glove-makers, and jewelry-designers happily employed.  A woman did not go out in public without being properly gowned and coiffed.  

And as we can see in Anna Karenina, while this public display of materialistic devotion took hours to maintain, and required the assistance of dressers, the end result is a beautifully-presented lady, with amazing posture and ropes of pearls (which sadly wouldn't go with half the outfits we wear today).

What are your thoughts on the costumes of times gone by?  


x

RH

Creating :: 50 Classics

Take the time to slowly and carefully invest in the classics for your closet.  You want the best quality clothing and accessories you can afford, as the better the quality, the longer the shelf-life.  
 

 
So what are the classics?  No doubt everyone has a list of their own, but here is a good starter list if you don't have one.  Basic tweaks will be made based on your lifestyle, occupation, stage of life, etc.  

Remember to pick colors of clothing that work well with your skin tone, and clothing styles that compliment your body shape.  If you find yourself having difficulty picking clothing colors - revisit neutrals, which can be paired with anything, and then add in a few fun colors or crazy prints.

 

* My change to this list would be to swap out loafers for nude pumps.

Lastly, dressing classy, professionally, or prettily is topped off with a confident attitude.  It's difficult to be taken seriously when you are wearing a velour track suit and have your hair in a messy pony.  Take the time to style (or at least brush) your hair properly, and add some lipstick.  

What's in your closet?

x

RH