Archive for the 'Style Stakeout' Category
Crazy for Carrie
Author: admin
I have a confession to make… I recently went to a Carrie Underwood concert and loved every second of it. Carrie Underwood is a good ol’ country girl with adorable style, so it’s about time I gave her some Style Stakeout love. Underwood has also transformed herself from an unknown cute, but kind of plain, girl on American Idol to a Hollywood glamazon in what seems like no time at all, which I also admire. And her hair and makeup are always flawless.
Underwood likes her clothing understated and elegant but always with a bit of age-appropriate feminine frill. Avant garde and overly trendy outfits are not generally in her repertoire, which I applaud, because she knows what suits her. She also favors solid colored fabrics in jewel tones or white with interesting details to keep them from being ho-hum. Although dramatic evening gowns are gorgeous on her (evening is where she usually plays it more adventurous), I like her when she’s sporting low-key outfits with some sleekness. Dark skinny jeans, cute hoodies, elegant tops with flats or heels and small hoop earrings are all usual suspects in her wardrobe.
Now, on to the beauty, my favorite part. Underwood loves to sport loose, sexy waves, side ponytails or half up and half down looks and the length is always long. Not one to play it straight with her hair, she goes for volume, most likely working mousse into her fine hair, blow drying and popping some hot rollers in. The curls are then brushed out and styled, making it a truly easy style to replicate at home. On days off from the stage, she wears her very wash and wear, in a ponytail or down.
Her makeup generally puts an emphasis on softness, echoing Underwood’s delicate featured and fair complexion. She loves pink lips, a big trend for fall, blush, flawless skin, and dark eyeliner/mascara. She also mostly sticks to neutral shades in terms of color, making her makeup look pretty consistent and embodying my own “easy wear” philosophy.
read comments (0)The Women of of Mad Men
Author: admin
Much has been made of Mad Men star Christina Hendricks’ voluptuous figure and with good reason. Hendricks is earthy, beautiful and sophisticated, of course, but can we talk about her clothes on the show? After all, the wardrobe is sort of an additional character on it. Her character Joan, a confident career woman, knows the power of the phrase, “less is more”, especially when it comes to dressing her curvy shape. Fitted shift dresses, never cleavage bearing, and short, but not scandalous, hemlines in bold colors are de rigeur for Joan, which is perfectly in line with the style of the ’60s. The clothes were all about suggestion rather than out and out sex appeal. Joan’s hair is shiny, sassy, fiery red and always perfectly coiffed in some type of updo, while her makeup is truly a matte masterpiece, heavy on the liner and lipstick.
To get Joan’s sexy working woman vibe, I suggest heading to classic and vintage-inspired shops (or just going to a vintage shop). J. Crew has sweater sets, shells, retro heels and cute dresses galore. Fit is important when doing this kind of a look. Make sure everything fits like a glove or get it altered. In terms of makeup and hair, always go for a true hairdo and a face full of makeup. MAC has great bold, retro colors usually.
If you’re more of a subdued, quirky type, the character Peggy’s sweet and girly frocks will have you salivating. Head to Marc Jacobs for vintage-inspired ensembles that are geek-chic and modest. Natural makeup and some fringe will make you office ready. More into the Grace Kelly, icy and elegant thing? January Jones’ heartbreakingly beautiful character’s wardrobe is perfection. Solid or relatively low key separates and dresses fit the bill for this look. You might want to check out Banana Republic for restrained yet chic sex appeal. Mod nude lips and black liner with mascara complete the look… Just don’t forget the haughty attitude to go along with your Mad Men makeover.
Totally M.I.A.
Author: admin
I was going to do a Culture Clash post on Sri Lankan singer M.I.A’s newish album… That idea was aborted when I started doing some reading about what the forever feisty lady in question has been up to. It seems there was a controversial New York Times Magazine article that portrayed her as hypocritical, naive and airheaded. After perusing said article, I decided to make this M.I.A. post about her completely singular style instead.
After all, there is a lot to be said about the eclectic pop star’s wardrobe. Much like her music, it is an amalgam of traditional, punk, English, ethnic and pop influences that is always thought provoking and attention grabbing. M.I.A. stomps around in Sri Lankan garb, studs, and hipster ware and yet it always looks effortless and not studied at all. There is an ineffable cool about her and a certain sophisticated playfulness at hand beneath the bright, clashing colors and patterns. Her makeup usually looks flawless, whether she’s rocking avant garde looks or a classic face. Likewise, her hair always looks up to date, hip and comepletely appropriate. She has gone from long, dark waves to short and highlighted, straightened and back again all within a blink of an eye. Yet, it always feels right. Like her predecessor Madonna, M.I.A. is genius at mining the zeitgeist and combining the best of it in a fabulously post-modern way. Who can argue her style (or street cred) after starring in an amazing Marc Jacobs campaign by Juergen Teller or sporting an outrageous sheer, stretchy mini dress while pregnant to a music awards show?
We’re Crazy for Kravitz
Author: admin
It would be easy to dismiss Zoe Kravitz as another pretty young thing, a beautiful budding starlet with a burgeoning career. After all, she has famous parents (Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet) whom she can thank for her striking looks, overflowing closet and abundant press coverage. There is an older actor boyfriend who has dated Kirsten Dunst (Ben Foster). There is, however, also the fact that she is an amazing dresser and fashionista with a capitol F and has charisma in excess, as well as an innately stylish eye. She cloaks her slim bod in loose, bohemian clothing and doesn’t go the usual Hollywood route when it comes to style, marching to her own beat in quirky but seductive looks. Kravitz is young, at only 22 years old, but has already amassed a loyal fashion following and magazine spreads galore, scoring one in Vogue even.
It seems Kravitz has inherited her parents’ famous free spirited style, an amalgam of ’60s/70s rocker chic, ’80s funk and old school glamour with an experimental approach to hair and beauty. Kravitz usually sports folky printed dresses and flats/boots or dark skinny jeans with lots of layers for a style that’s perfection in the not trying too hard department. She also cleans up nicely, having a penchant for dressing up in oh so feminine frocks that highlight her petite, gamine frame paired with elegant and fashion forward heels.
Her beauty look stays pretty consistent. Kravitz goes for a light smoky eye, glossy black mascara, bronzer/blush, tinted moisturizer, which only serves to even out here lovely olive skin tone and a neutral lip gloss. She has the requisite hipster haircut of longish bangs and long wavy locks but likes to play around the length, opting for updos, more texture, shorter cuts and pin straight looks occasionally.
Get the look with earth toned makeup that plays up your own coloring and slightly undone, sensual hairstyles that play up your texture as well. Hair accessories are a hit with Kravitz and are an easy enough style addition. As far as clothes, vintage shopping and hunting down one of a kind and girly pieces are key, as are flats for day and great heels for night. Throw in some of that unique freewheeling Kravitz attitude and a pinch of playfulness and you’re halfway there.
Bend it Like Beckham
Author: admin
It seems crazy to be citing male fashion icons without bringing up David Beckham. A virtuoso at both soccer and style, Beckham knows how to kill it in casual hoodies and wild sneakers or all dressed up, in daring and slim cut suits. His look is modern yet goes well with his classically handsome appearance. It’s been said that the term metrosexual was originally coined for David Beckham and it comes as no surprise. Beckham comfortably sports designer jeans and trendy duds while also indulging in expensive haircuts and manicures or pedicures. Here is a heterosexual guy who is clearly at home with his masculinity, yet still keeps his sporty side intact as seen in the collection he helped inspire/design for Adidas (the red sneakers above are from his line).
I applaud Beckham for his boldness and instinctive edge with style. Simply take a glimpse of the picture below illustrating just some of his, at the time, fashion forward hair styles that sparked global trends, to know what I’m talking about. Although fashionable wife Victoria Beckham may have influenced his posh taste, Beckham has clearly cultivated a style that is all his own, on the field and off.
Dashing Deschanel
Author: admin
Zooey Deschanel is just one of those quirky fashion girls everyone seems to love (though some think her twee cuteness is overkill, I disagree). Basically, I like the interesting roles she plays and her band, She and HIm, with M. Ward is a-mazing. Oh, and the movie Elf is hilarious.
Regardless, I also like her style because she is unique without being ironic (as she says in her own words in the Nylon magazine picture below, taken by Terry Richardson). She references the past with her vintage ensembles and despite her secondhand garb, never looks sloppy and is always groomed properly (note the perfect makeup and hair). She doesn’t embrace trends but looks current anyway. She wears, gasp, color frequently and doesn’t look like a fashion victim in revealing, bland or boring styles like many other starlets. In short, she is fashionably adorable and has rightfully earned her place as this week’s style star!
Above all, to steal some of Zooey’s sartorial charm, don’t be afraid to be unique though try to err on the side of not trying too hard. Taking a trip to your local Goodwill (only choose things that are in perfect condition or are fixable) or a good vintage store doesn’t hurt either. In the collage above, I used all Marc Jacobs clothing because somehow, I think M.J. and Deschanel would be a good fit. She usually sports cute ballet flats or classic heels for dressier outings. I recommend trying the French dance brand Repetto for flats, as seen in the collage, because they are good quality, comfy and come in a rainbow of colors. She is also always in a dress or skirt, so make room for pretty spring frocks in your closet. Generally, Zooey sticks to fifties and sixties style clothing and silhouettes that flatter her petite frame, though occasionally, she’ll sport a great 1920s look with sequins. Lately, for appearances with She and Him, she wears halter top maxi dresses which somehow proves that she is at home in every decade of clothing.
Deschanel’s makeup and hair is mostly natural with a vintage flair. She wears her pale pallor with pride and plays it up with pink blush on the apples of the cheeks. Her sometimes winged and retro black liquid eyeliner is equally fabulous. The overall beauty look is soft, glam and feminine, with an emphasis on pastels. Zooey’s hair is a shiny dark brownish black that contrasts with her blue eyes nicely. Make sure to choose natural hair color that suits your own coloring. The cut is just as crucial to nailing that Zooey style….It’s all about bangs, either blunt or longish and pushed to the side, and long, wavy length for the rest of the hair. For dressy occasions, upswept hair is the norm for Zooey. Throw a vintage hair pin or clip in there and you’re good to go.
# 1 Gleek
Author: admin
One of my favorite shows, Glee, is chock full of great music and colorful characters but one personality stands alone for her sass and style. I’m talking, of course, about Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), the adorable and lovelorn prepster whose interesting style choices seem to fit her smart, sometimes cloying but ultimately lovable, personality.
She favors short schoolgirl skirts that seem to go against her geeky nature, plaid or solid, coupled with saucy knee socks and bright cardigans. Berry also has a soft spot for anything with bows, cap sleeves, and flats of every type, especially loafers (Berry’s look appears to be an interesting mix of 5 year-old and grandma). A pin striped button down shirt and minimal jewelry are ideal for Rachel’s neat, perfectionist tendencies. Nab her style with classic Tod’s loafers and a simple button down from Abercrombie, as shown here.
Rachel Berry’s beauty routine is likewise streamlined and natural, a nice fit for her (mostly) good girl persona. Hair should be worn down and flat ironed (if not naturally straight) and color should be left rich, natural and glossy. Try a hair glaze at your salon for a hint of color and a lot of shine. The character’s makeup routine seems to consist of a foundation layered with a bronzer on top and black mascara with neutral eyeshadow. A cream lipstick in pale pink adds the finishing touch to Rachel’s nerdy, overachieving allure.
Politically Correct Clothes
Author: admin
This week’s Style Stakeout is centered on a somewhat controversial fashion icon (note the black and red Narciso Rodriguez, the white, one-shoulder Jason Wu gown, or even the pale gold matching frock and long coat by innovative Isabel Toledo and the uproar all three caused). You may have guessed I’m talking about First Lady Michelle Obama, whose varied choices and insistence on wearing lesser-known, mostly American designers is not only politically and fashion wise but also a smart choice for our struggling economy. After sporting an affordable, black and white, floral empire-waist dress from chain store White House/Black Market last year, the dress sold out online within hours.
Michelle Obama's head-to-toe J. Crew enemble.
Likewise, Obama loves herself and her children some classic J. Crew, often dressing them in their kids’ line, Crewcuts. As a result, J. Crew’s stock and popularity has soared and Michelle Obama has been crowned an influential fashion force for everyday women and has been credited for helping stimulate the American fashion economy.
Sasha and Malia Obama sporting Crew Cuts by J. Crew outfits.
Though she has been compared most frequently to Jackie Kennedy style-wise, she is clearly cut from different cloth, no pun intended. Where Jackie O. was untouchable and ethereal, Michelle is relatable in her style (not to mention that Jackie frequented the most expensive European ateliers while Michelle sticks to big name chain stores like H&M and lesser known, ethnically diverse American designers). She is also a departure from previous First Ladies in other ways and this is reflected in her clothing. After all, Michelle is an accomplished executive in her own right as well as a busy mother to two young girls and she dresses accordingly. Gone are the stuffy suits and boring accessories of First Ladies past and in their place we have easy dresses, flats galore, and up to date accessories. She is also a noticeably more casual First Lady, even sporting a controversial pair of shorts at one point. I am a fan of Michelle Obama’s style in short because she is fashion-forward yet elegant, down to earth, a champion of young, up and coming designers, and wildly accessible for the legions of American women who worship her style.
Mrs. O relies on conservative staples such as dressed up cardigans (often argyle, embroidered, or jeweled), sleeveless sheaths that flatter her tall, athletic physique, lots of A-line and empire silhouettes, and neutrals punched up with flashes of bright color (she is especially partial to reds, purples, and yellow), which are universally flattering and easy to wear style solutions. I suggest seeking out these options at places like the aforementioned J. Crew, H&M, and Banana Republic and splurging on items from a diverse pool of American-based designers like Thakoon, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Isabel Toldeo, Ikram Goldman, Tracey Feith, and Diane Von Furstenberg. Flats (Obama prefers pointy toe ones) are also a great option and cute, inexpensive ones can be found almost anywhere. Although a lot has been written about the lovely First Lady’s clothing style, very little is said about her choice of accessories yet, in my opinion, this where she shines. Michelle prefers to add flair and personality to her outfits with small touches and doesn’t flinch at sporting colorful, vintage-inspired floral pins and jewelry while calling attention to her great figure with a big ol’ belt looped high on the waist. She also ups the quirk factor with large double strands of pearls, perhaps in homage (or a sendup of) to traditional First Lady style.
Her beauty routine seems to be fairly streamlined and manageable as well. Michelle’s hair is cut into a chic and stylish bob that suits her angular facial features. It is most likely her natural hair, which I applaud, and is probably relaxed and blown out whenever she washes it. Her makeup is similarly low-key and consists of mostly neutral tones, with a base of cream based foundation set with powder and soft cream to powder blush in a neutral shade layered on top. For lips, she sticks with hydrating, soft lipsticks or glosses and goes for mineral-based, lightly smokey eyeshadow. The eyes are fininshed off with black liner applied close to the lash line on the upper lid. Curled lashes and black mascara complete the look. With her easygoing beauty routine, not to mention her stellar sartorial style, Michelle Obama is truly a fashionable First Lady for the masses.
Flawless, dewy skin is Michelle Obama's signature beauty look.
Down With Depp
Author: admin
I just caught wind of some exciting entertainment news that has partially inspired the choice for my latest Style Stakeout inductee. Jonah Hill (no, it’s not him), of Superbad fame, is producing and penning a movie version of the late ’80s TV show “21 Jump Street”. For all you youngsters or for those who were living under a rock at the time the show aired, “21 Jump Street” was a television drama revolving around a bunch of young-looking police officers who go undercover at high schools to catch troubled and at risk kids. Not only did this gem of a show feature the insanely good looking trio of Holly Robinson Peete, Richard Grieco, and Johnny Depp, it showcased some awesomely cool late ’80s/early ’90s fashion!
In particular, it introduced us to the style star that is Johnny Depp and the beginning of his always interesting style choices. When we first caught sight of Depp on “21 Jump Street”, underneath the glossy brown locks and sharp cheekbones, beats the heart of a true fashion original. Since the onset of his acting career, Depp has been drawn to a sort of rock and roll aesthetic (note his trademark penchant for denim and leather even during his “21 Jump Street” days). Baggy, holey, blue jeans? Check. Colorful vintage suits? Yes, please. Funky chapeau? Yup. Tons of leather and silver jewelry? You bet. He has even copped to looking to the very cool Keith Richards as a style inspiration as he gets older. Does it get any better than that?
Johnny Depp’s grooming routine is minimal and unfortunately does rely somewhat on the strength of his attractive appearance to pull it off. But it is also accessible and requires confidence most of all to sell it as a cool look. Men, to get Depp’s look, grow your hair out but keep it manageable and no longer than chin-length (his flowing locks match his bohemian lifestyle and views but also seem to camoflouge that eternal baby face). His looks can only be achieved through a certain amount of bedhead so keep your hair in it’s natural state and avoid styling products except for a bit of finger-combed gel or pomade. Depp is also a fan of facial hair; beards, goatees, etc. and seems to have avoided being clean-shaven since his Jump Street Days, possibly as a way to distance himself from his teen idol past.
As far as clothes go, it’s best to shop for a mix of biker basics (ripped jeans, plain white tees, dark leather jackets, bandannas, etc.) as well as a healthy dose of vintage to round things out (kitschy tees, hats, wingtip shoes, and bold suits). While you may not have access to the best and most fabulous used clothing and designer sources, it should be easy to scout out these basics and quirky touches. When dressing up, keep in mind that Depp almost always sports a looser cut, boxy suit reminiscent of the ’20s. Again, the most important thing is to wear whatever catches your eye with a devil may care attitude.
This is a man who also clearly loves his accessories. Again, shop vintage and thrift stores for those hip hats (beanies, cowboy hats, straw, and vintage ones) and rock and roll style jewelers for tough looking leather and heavy silver jewelry or beads. Pile it all on and go. And don’t forget the oversized spectacles and sunglasses! Imperfection and individuality are key here.
The key to carrying off his outlandish wardrobe is having confidence and true independent spirit, which he has in spades. One only needs to look at his body of work (with roles as varied as Edward Scissorhands and Don Juan) to see that Depp truly marches to the beat of his own drum. This extends to not only his professional but personal life as well (he lives quietly in the French countryside with his model/singer wife and their children). Fashion should be fun but it also should be reflective of a person’s lifestyle and personality and Depp gets this. His rebellious clothing and accessory choices are evidence of a life filled with creativity and bold choices and I am a fan.
Simply stunning
Author: admin
One of my favorite starlets to watch on the red carpet is Zoe Saldana, who I think is just as famous for having great style as she is for playing Neytiri in Avatar. She always picks killer red-carpet dresses and shoes with confidence, eschewing trendy looks in favor of what flatters her beautiful skin tone and figure, making her this week’s style star. Saldana’s beauty look is never overdone thanks to her glowing, fresh makeup and simple hair, looks that are both easy to replicate at home. Her glossy black locks are usually left down with either a few waves or styled neat and straight. Want to emulate the look? Bust out your flat iron to run through your strands or dry hair with a diffuser for a wavy effect and finish it off by running a medium barrel curling iron through top layer of hair. Straight or wavy, make sure the complete look is always shiny and neat by finishing off the look with a polisher or shine spray (my pick is L’Oreal Professional Texture Expert Shine Perfection anti-frizz shineserum, click here to buy).
When putting her hair back, Saldana goes for classic chignons that aren’t too stiff, like at the 2010 Oscars. Now, I have to admit, I didn’t love her dress choice for the Oscars but I did love that she took a risk with it. Even more, I really loved her hair and makeup – look at how her skin is glowing, her eyes are smoky and sultry and her hair is perfect! If you agree and want to do a similar updo, I suggest leaving these special occasion looks to your stylist as they can be difficult to pull off. Saldana’s makeup, however, is always age appropriate and accessible, applied with a light touch. There is an emphasis on flawless bare skin, nude lips and a smoky eye (click here to see how I create the perfect smoky eye).
Saldana at this year's Oscars
Saldana pairs her beauty looks with elegant frocks punched up with a bit of dramatic detailing, though the overall look is always sophisticated. Calvin Klein and Marchesa are favorite designers and seem to suit her petite, dancer’s frame. Feminine flounces like ruffles flatter her slim bod without swallowing her. Check out her lovely, burgundy Louis Vuitton gown from this year’s Golden Globes for reference. Little black dresses, the epitome of chicness, are common choices for Saldana on the red carpet as well. Usually, her stunning dresses are complemented with booties or an out of this world pair of heels. In her own time, she is often photographed in neutral colored skinny jeans, blazers, and scarves, a classic, easy look to pull off. Check out some more of Zoe Saldana fashions hits below!
