Fashion Inspiration on Heather Hearts

Today I want to point you in the direction of my other blog, Heather Hearts, for a bit of 1960's television fashion inspiration courtesy of the Dick Van Dyck Show! 

Have a look....

Easy Being Green

Skirt | Blouse | Boots

A 1940's Valentine

So a bit late in my recap, but better late than never right?  The boy and I had a lovely Valentine's Day at home last week, but in an effort to make it unique, we celebrated the night with a 1940's theme...

We got dressed up in 40's garb, listened to jazz records from the era, and ate re-heated chicken pot pie.  The boy gave me a $5 bouquet of tulips and he remarked at how they were expensive (as this was the 1940's after all.)

We stayed away from our many computer screens, iphones and television shows for the night and just enjoyed some quiet time together.  It was perfect.  

We did also exchange gifts, though they weren't really in the theme of the night - I have the boy some new threads and he gave me a fancy-shmancy electric toothbrush.  Not that romantic, but certainly needed.

I really do like any excuse to tell the boy how much I love him; and as cheesy as it is, Valentine's Day remains one of my favorite holidays!  

Hearts on my Sleeve...Or Sweater Vest, Whatever

I'm a total sucker for Valentine's Day and all things hearts and flowers.  And if I have an excuse to wear a heart-printed sweater vest....Well, I take it.  

 

Vest: Forever 21 | Jeans: Anthropologie | Shoes: Chuck Taylors | Jacket: Old Navy | Bag: Jigsaw London |  Shades: Urban Outfitters

The boy and I are planning on staying in on Valentine's Day and avoiding the crowds, though we may go out and see the new Die Hard movie...Very romantic, huh?  Do you have any plans for V-day? 

Style for Hire Interview: Laurie Brucker

Just before the holidays I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing stylist Laurie Brucker.  Laurie is a Los Angeles based stylist who works as part of the Style For Hire team, transforming the closets of regular women and providing styling tips unique to each client.   

Laurie has killer taste and amazing style (just take a look at her inspiration boards below.)  Read on to get to know this talented lady a bit better and check out Style for Hire if you want to take advantage of their expert styling services.

How did you get started working with Style for Hire?  Tell me a bit about your background as a stylist?

I've been a huge fan of Stacy London for years and years, so when I heard she was hosting a workshop for stylists back in 2011 I absolutely had to go.  I had been styling privately in Los Angeles for two years prior to that and for 7 years even before that I was living in New York City working as a fashion designer.  But to be 2 years into starting a new business I knew learning from the master would make me a better stylist. And let me tell you, it was such an incredibly invigorating experience.  Stacy couldn't be more captivating as she speaks so passionately about helping real women find their style and their confidence again.  It's everything that I was so passionate about and for the first time I realized, I wasn't alone.  After taking her workshop, I was so fortunate to be hand picked by Stacy to join her Style for Hire styling team.  Think of us as your personal styling army for the real woman and Stacy is our style commander.    

What to you are the most important elements to consider when it comes to shaping one’s personal style?  Is there a science behind styling?

When shaping style, I look at my clients "story". We all have a story. It's the story of our style and it's our story that leads us into our style slumps, insecurities, poor shopping habits, and at so many times the feeling of just giving up.  From there I believe in education, (and this is where the science comes into play!)  Teaching my clients about their unique body type and how to work with it is the first step to empowering them again. When we know how to work with our bodies, to create balance, to flatter our best areas, and disguise and distract away from our least favorite areas we begin to see our selves in a whole new light.  This way style doesn't come from being "in fashion", style comes from within; style is confidence.  

How do trends influence your styling?

I love a good trend and being on top of the trends from the runways can always enhance my styling.  But the key is about how to translate those trends for the real woman.  Not every trend works for every body type, or every life situation.  When working with clients we talk about timeless style while infusing trends here and there in a way that is right for them, their bodies and their lifestyle. For example, ankle strap shoes may have been the one of the hot trends for Fall 2012, but I would never recommend this trend to a petite woman or a women with a wider ankle as it would make their legs appear shorter and wider.  Definitely a styling no no!  My goal is to make my clients look taller and slimmer! Now bold or printed blazers?  That is a trend I can get behind for everyone. Give me good waist definition any day!

Being a stylist in Los Angeles, how do you think the city landscape effects your fashion preferences? 

I love Los Angeles. I grew up here so there is definitely a beach, breezy, laid back and effortless approach to style that always infiltrates my own personal styling aesthetic. But when it's comes to my clients, I will only use that whimsy if it is right for their overall style.  Typically the "LA uniform" isn't appropriate for most corporate or office settings.  But it doesn't mean we can have fun with colors, prints and textures to add a touch of Southern California whimsy to a structured business suit.  It's all about how you put it together and of course how the client feels in the look.   But I will say the bonus of Los Angeles is you definitely can wear heels during the day for longer as with having to drive everywhere, we spend a lot of time sitting!  

 Who are your fashion icons?

Gwen Stefani is always and forever on the top of my list.  She marches to her own style drum. She can rock any look from glamorous gowns to dropped crotch pants and still look fabulous.  No matter where she is, she always appear put together, effortlessly (in heels!) and confident.  Plus she has the best accessory around: Gavin Rossdale!

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is confidence.  I really can change up my style inspiration everyday like a fashion chameleon.  From classic and simple to creative and bold I love to try it all.  I also love to look at how I feel that day.  When I feel structured and chic, or when I feel laid back and bohemian.  I learn from my own fashion adventures how certain styles make me feel and from that I can better educate my clients on what they should be wearing based on how they want to feel in their life.  If they want to feel empowered, strong and assertive, I have the formula for that. If they want to feel romantic, sweet, and flirtatious, I also have a styling formula for that. I try it all so I can use that knowledge to help more women feel confident in every situation of their own lives.  And yes I get to feel confident in mine as well!

If you were going to give just one piece of fashion advice what would it be? 

Fit matters. And that is the bottom line.  Fit is truly the key to effortless style.  If your clothes don't fit you it tells the story to the world that you don't have an understanding of your own body, a pride in what you have to work with and especially when clothes are oversized, the appearance of giving up.  So when you have the proper fit clothing, which as a general rule you should have your clothes fit along the curves and lines of your body.  Tailored edges, defined waistlines and slim but structured fit you can instantly look 5-10 pounds slimmer!  If the world only knew! 

To book a Style for Hire stylist in your area, please visit www.styleforhire.com or Tweet us: @styleforhire

Fox Fanatic

I think it was about 3 years ago when I announced that I wanted to start collecting foxes.  And my friends and family all responded with major enthusiasm.  But the only problem was that foxes were in short supply.  There didn't seem to be many options which made for an interesting challenge.

But lately, foxes have been everywhere.  I mean everywhere!  And I couldn't be more pleased!  But in a way, the popularity of the little woodland critter have made things a bit more difficult for me.  For instance, when I saw that Old Navy was carrying an adorable (and affordable) fox sweater I knew I just had to have it.  But it sold out everywhere long before I had a chance to snag one for myself!

Lucky for me, my super fabulous and fashion savvy Aunt Christy nabbed one and gave it to me as birthday gift!  I adore my new fox sweater and already have gotten so many compliments on it!  She also got me a gorgeous fox necklace and super fabulous fox cocktail ring too...Basically I am the foxiest lady on the block!  

Thanks Aunt Christy! 

Too Much Tulle to Pass Up!

I have worn plenty of tutus in my day.  I even own a few, but yet I still couldn't resist splurging on this gorgeous full tulle skirt from Anthropologie.  It fits like a tutu, but is fully lined and actually, not quite as tulle-y as a real one, making it perfectly acceptable to wear to parties and fancy events out.   

It's a bit tricky finding a top to pair with it however.  I tried a bunch of different options, but resorted to a basic spaghetti strap top because that just felt right to me (closest thing to a leo.)  In any case, it's a fancy piece that is probably the single most impractical clothing purchase I've made in my life. But what can I say?  Sometimes a girl just needs a tutu.  

I'm pretty sure they no longer carry this skirt online, but here are a few other tulle skirts Anthropologie has to offer.

The beeping just won't stop!

As I type this, there is an apartment, somewhere near ours, that has an alarm going off...And it has been beeping for (kid you not) FIVE HOURS!  What does one do in this situation?  Call the police?  Start shouting in the alley way?  I don't know, but oh my goodness do I hope the residents of the beeping apartment come home soon, cause I'd like to go to bed at some point and beeping will not all that to happen.  

Anyway, I suppose I should take advantage of the fact that I am wide awake and enjoy this past time that is blogging.  With December a mere minute away, holiday parties are practically on our doorstep.  And of course, for all the upcoming festivities, you'll need something to wear.  Here are a few of my festive favorites....

1. 1940's Hair Snood / 2. Mid heel shoes / 3. PepperMint dress / 4. Corey Lynn Calter Might and Main Squeeze Dress / 5. It's a Wonderful Life Dress /  6. Green Shoulder bag

Fashion Friday: A Fall Wish List

Happy Friday All!  I am so looking forward to a relaxing weekend!  The boy and I both need some R&R and plan on getting plenty of it this weekend.  We've had quite a few weeks of running around and I for one am really looking forward to taking it easy.

But before I subside into a weekend of laziness, I simply had to share a little Fall Fashion Wish List with you.  Here's a few items I am currently lusting over...

One, Two, Three, Four, Five

               

Fashion Friday | Swing Time

I love this new dress from Jigsaw London mainly because it is a perfect 1940's style wrap dress, and who doesn't like 1940's style?  I put it on and immediately I want ramble off some witty Barbara Stanwyck - style banter, swing dance to a Benny Goodman song and put my hair in victory rolls!

I love a pretty vintage dress....Especially when it's new!  

Outfit details --  Dress | Shoes

Fashion Friday | White Houses

As much as I'm itching to break out all my autumnal clothes, it has been insanely hot lately and definitely still feels like we're still in the height of summer.  So even though it's after labor day, I've been wearing white.  So sue me.

Like my messy room? Just keeping it real.

Dress: American Eagle Outfitters circa 2008 | Shrug: Target | Bow: Handmade by me! 

Late Night Fashion Friday!

Fashion has been on my mind lately, after my first trip to New York, the IFB Convention and Fashion's Night Out - It's seems like I've been recently inundated all kinds of fashion excitement!  And I must admit, I've been keeping an eye on the start of NYFW and all the styles happening in the streets.  

But I think, the most exciting fashion event I attended this week, was that of Fashion's Night Out at L'Ecole Des Femmes in honor of Bisous Magazine.   I had no idea this west Hollywood gem existed, but I feel like I've basically stumbled on my dream closet and sincerely plan on going back (and spending plenty of time playing dress up!) 

Designed by Laura Sfez, the collection is French inspired with a dash of school-girl charm and a pinch of pin-up debauchery.  Read all about the collection and if you're in LA, be sure to stop by the boutique! 

An Apple a Day...

...does something, I'm sure.  This is one of those dresses that I had seen online for ages before finally purchasing.  It's pretty darn cute.  And it's one of those dresses that, if I were an elementary school teacher, I would totally sport on the first day back to school.  I love the colors, the print and the peter-pan collar.  It's definitely become a favorite in my regular dress rotation!  

This weekend my plan is to catch up on some work, do a bit of organizing and redecorating.  What are you up to this weekend?  Happy Friday!