Real Life Style

Spotlight on Spring 2012: Shorts

2012-03-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

One of the freshest trends for Spring 2012 is "the short", as we in fashion like to call shorts. Makes them sound more glamourous than something you wore when you were a kid, doesn't it? Not only have I highlighted some of the best options of the season for you, but I'm also here to tell you how to wear them! Dress them up, dress them down or find someplace in between: the three top and shoe options shown here will give you endless ways to make "the short" your own.

Markus Lupfer lace and poplin shorts $515

Dolce & Gabbana lace and crepe shorts $925

True Religion Jayde boyfriend shorts $150

J. Crew scalloped shorts $118

H&M denim shorts $20

Burberry Brit cotton canvas shorts $260

Red Valentino lace shorts $367

Karl sabine sequined shorts $270

YSL cotton canvas shorts $750

Milly denim shorts $215

Alice by Temperley leather shorts $611

Citizens of Humanity floral shorts $170

The Wardrobe shorts $110

Halston Heritage sequin shorts $470

Pair your shorts with any of these three tops to take your look from casual to dressy and all places in between.

J. Crew faded chambray shirt $78

J. Crew Talitha blouse $110

Equipment black blouse $365

Notice the nude hue in all three of these shoe options? The nuder the shoe, the longer your legs look. And that, my dear readers, is the whole point of wearing "the short."

J. Crew Kira sandals $118

J. Crew Sydney patent sandals $228

J. Crew Savina studded sandals $265

A Rebuttal from a Southern Girl

2012-03-09T12:04:00.002-05:00

Stirring up fashion controversy is fun! The fashion topics which usually result in heated discussions are pleats in men's pants and whether or not you can wear black and navy together. I think we have found a new one! For those of you who did not yet read yesterday's blog post about what I perceive to be an inability to dress appropriately for the seasons in DC, click here or scroll down before you read the reaction of a true southern girl below. Maybe next week I'll talk about black and navy!

Jack Rogers Sandals

Just had this conversation at lunch today. Clearly you did not think about what my response would be as a Southerner before reaching your conclusion. OF COURSE wearing summer white is not okay in March in the South. Where in the country is the no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day rule most strictly adhered to? Where do sororities and the junior league still school the majority of college girls and young women on the importance of such rules? That would be in the South. Never in my hometown would someone ask the question I was asked today: "Why do we even have that rule about not wearing white in winter? Were there a bunch of old ladies sitting around with nothing better to do who wanted to be in control?" I mean really. My response was that I could only think of impolite responses and thus I really could not answer her. (Because anyone with any sense of style or propriety would not be caught dead wearing summer clothes in the winter! Because it just looks completely wrong and tasteless! Because you do not live in Miami! Because the fashion gods know better than you!)

The only concession I will make is that in the Deep South we do tend to use Easter as the marker for the day you can begin to wear white for the season instead of Memorial Day (traditionally that's the date by which you buy your white- ie, summer -church shoes for the year, to be worn with your new pastel Easter dress), and sometimes Easter can come in March. But rarely does it come on March 1st, and it certainly doesn't this year. Easter 2012 is April 8th. And in any event, no, DC is NOT the South. If it were we would not be having this discussion. The memorial Day rule clearly applies in this town. Thanks for letting me rant! I feel much better now. :)
-Anna from Mississippi

Do you have Seasonal Confusion Disorder (SCD)?

2012-03-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

What is Seasonal Confusion Disorder you ask? Allow me to explain... Growing up in Chicago and then living my adult life in New York City, two cities with very clear weather seasons, I never thought much about not wearing summer clothes in November or February. Then I started spending time in Washington, DC...Now I know that it can be 60 degrees here in February, or 70 degrees in March, as it is today. This is no excuse for what I saw a girl wearing on March 1st, light cotton white pants and gold Jack Rogers sandals. We may not all subscribe to the "No White Before Memorial Day" rule anymore, but seriously, Jack Rogers sandals? This is what you wear in Palm Beach in the winter, not DC on the first day of March.

Which brings me to the question I have been asking since I arrived in DC, why does this city have so much more SCD than others? I have a theory. DC is a city of "visitors," people who come from other places. A lot of those other places are south and west of here where seasons are not as defined as they are up north and in the midwest. If you've grown up in California, you might only own summer shoes, work pumps and a pair of Uggs. When the weekend rolls around and it is warm out, you grab the summer shoes like you are still in Orange County. Conversely, you could be from a city with a colder climate, think winter in DC is a joke (Snowmaggedon not included), and so you pull out your linen pants when it is 65 degrees in February. This is where we find out if my husband reads my blog. Yes, Michael, I am throwing you under the bus here!

Another theory is that I'm wrong, this IS the south and one CAN wear Jack Rogers sandals on March 1st.

Thoughts, dear reader?

I'm here to offer a compromise. Chic, transitional outfits that are perfectly appropriate year round, which is the type of wardrobe I design for my DC clients. Add a scarf or a jacket when it is a little cooler and you're good to go.

Transitional Outfit 1

Transitional Outfit 2

Transitional Outfit 3

Transitional Outfit 4

Transitional Outfit 5

Transitional Outfit 6

Why You Should Care What Gwyneth Wore

2012-03-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

Why should you care what Gwyneth Paltrow (and all the other hollywood stars and starlets) wore to the Oscars? Because the Oscars are a sneak peek at Spring's big trends on and off the red carpet. Let's review!

White was the big story of the Oscars. If you are getting married this year, you have a lot of inspiration to choose from! White has been seen the last few years on the red carpet and as a trend for everyday, but never in such a modern, in-your-face way. Who didn't gasp when they caught a glimpse of Gwyneth Paltrow in her severely modern Tom Ford look? Most of us have a hard time buying white dresses for formal occasions because you can't wear them to a wedding. I say, buy a cute day dress for dressy but not formal occasions.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

The kaleidoscope of sequins in the audience at the Oscars was quite a sight to see. What does this mean for you? Sequins are everywhere this season, including for day. Want something affordable? H&M has some great sequin tees for $34.99. I particularly love the navy!

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

Ellie Kemper in Armani Prive

Between the white and sequin trends lies the light, bright, shimmery look. A great way to connect with your inner goddess and find a dress you CAN wear to a wedding! You know what is always in style? The dress that is most flattering for YOUR body type. This is why Octavia Spencer's dress was such a hit. She may not have Gwyneth Paltrow's stick thin body type, but she couldn't have looked better. No wonder Tadashi Shoji is the go to guy for curvaceous stars.

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Gold was another big story at the Oscars and will continue for Spring. How about a gold sequin tank and white jeans for a summer party look? Jessica Chastain would look good in a paper bag so I don't feel the need to address her stunning look from Alexander McQueen, but kudos to Meryl Streep in Lanvin. She managed to find an age appropriate look that is completely relevant to the season. Then again, when is Lanvin not relevant?

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

Meryl Streep in Lanvin

Color has been a big story for a few years now and shows no signs of abating. That means you should stop being afraid and buy some! Hot tropical colors like Emma Stone's Giambattista Valli dress are particularly on trend this season. And didn't you love how Viola Davis was the only one in green that night? Interesting because the color made such a show at the Golden Globes this year. Check out my blog on Emerald.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli

Viola Davis in Vera Wang

What Would Your Uniform Be?

2012-02-23T10:40:00.001-05:00

One of the benefits of using a personal stylist is the amount of time you save getting dressed each and every day, not just for special occasions or date night. I tell my clients that they'll be able to get dressed in two minutes or less once they have gone through the entire styling process with me. My clients and I are able to acheive this fashion freedom by narrowing down the outfit choices to only include complete looks that work for them. Doing so simplifies the process and provides the client confidence as they select what they'll wear for the day.

Now imagine how long it would take to get dressed if you only had one choice. Thirty seconds or less, perhaps? There are individuals who have decided that they won't waste time or energy on deciding what to wear every day, instead they just wear the same thing every day. Most of these individuals are some of the most creative in our society: fashion designers.

What might surprise you is what these designers adopt for their daily attire. For instance, Giorgio Armani makes incredible suiting but sticks to tee shirts. Of course, if you are a high end shopper, you know that Armani also makes incredible tee shirts if you are willing to spend $500 per.

Giorgio Armani

Other designers' regular garb epitomizes their style a bit more. Alexander Wang sports all black. Tom Ford rocks crisp, white button-downs and sharp but luxurious sport coats.

Alexander Wang

Tom Ford

Things get a bit more confounding when you learn that Marc Jacobs' uniform consists of a kilt, a button down shirt and a blazer. I won't even try to describe the ingredients that make up Karl Lagerfeld's uniform. I'll just show you the picture.

Marc Jacobs

Karl Lagerfeld

Of course one of the people most famous for his uniform was an architect of our lives, not our wardrobes.

Steve Jobs

So, my question to you: what would your uniform be? Post comments, please!

Style Icon: Erin Burnett

2012-02-16T09:17:00.001-05:00

Erin Burnett is not your normal news anchor. She first came to my attention when she was featured in Vanity Fair with that other hot anchor woman, Maria Bartiromo, in 2008. Ms. Burnett's recent move from CNBC to CNN has once again put her in the spotlight. Anchors are known for their love of color. Few, however, are as bold as Ms. Burnett (below in a color-blocked, shift dress and nude patent Christian Louboutin pumps, OutFront premier, September 2011).

At the launch party of her show, OutFront

Ms. Burnett's CNN bio refers to her reporting style as being "casual and confident." Her fashion style, which favors fresh looking knits and sexy button down blouses over the usual anchor blazer, could be summed up the same way. I love this look and interview she gave to Forbes about her career and new role at CNN.

Featured in Forbes, promoting OutFront

CNN Bio picture

As featured in Vanity Fair

On Meet the Press

Guest hosting The Today Show

Valentine's Day Treats

2012-02-09T10:31:00.001-05:00

Does your sweetheart need a hint for Valentine's Day? Slip him a few ideas. Petite Flowerbomb perfume lasts a lot longer than a fresh bouquet and how about some Brut Rosé to go along with your chocolates? Keep thinking pink with a springy pink flat from Gucci or a rose gold chandelier earring. Scroll to the bottom if you still need ideas for a seductive, not too obvious look for after dinner.

Rebecca Minkoff spend/save wallet, Rebecca Minkoff, $250

Gucci ballet flat, Saks, $395

Laurent Gandini rose gold drop earrings, Net-a-Porter, $1,680

Solange Azagury-Partridge love necklace, Net-a-Porter, $2,800

Prada tote bag, Saks, $1,730

Champagne and exotic truffles, Vosges Chocolate, $103

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb perfume, Sephora, $50

La Perla ingenue babydoll, La Perla, $327

Gucci suede and metallic leather sandal, Saks, $850

Lip Service

2012-02-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

Lips, lips, lips...Lips are ubiquitous this spring. For those of you who remember the original Prada lip print, you'll be happy to know you can now satisfy your lip print craving at a much lower price point! Why not try a Marc by Marc Jacobs watch or iPhone case for $125 and $21 respectively? And if you are still regretting not buying that Prada lip print the first time around, I heard a rumor that they've reissued it.

Solange Azagury-Partridge ring, Net-a-Porter $1,500

Prada lip shoulder bag, Bergdorf Goodman $1,670

Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, Net-a-Porter $365

Marc by Marc Jacobs lip print watch, Net-a-Poter $125

Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone case, Net-a-Porter $21

Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop case, Net-a-Porter $40

Emerald Emerald Everywhere

2012-01-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

Did anyone else notice the explosion of emerald at the 2012 Golden Globes last week? I am especially obsessed with Julianne Moore's earrings from Fred Leighton and Laura Dern's dress by Andrew Gn. Check out the celeb looks here but be sure to scroll down to the end to find looks you can shop right now.

Julianne Moore in emerald and diamond earrings by Fred Leighton

Debra Messing in emerald and amethyst earrings by Lorraine Schwartz

Emily Deschanel in 18k white gold earrings with emeralds and diamonds

Evan Rachel Wood in a Gucci sequined halter gown

Zooey Deschanel in a silk Prada dress with black and emerald green glass pearls

Laura Dern in an Andrew Gn sequin gown

Venessa Arizaga emerald 18k gold-plated crystal bracelet, Net-a-Porter $330

Miu Miu plexiglass and crystal clip earrings, Net-a-Porter $395

The Addison Story lace stripe dress, Saks $206

Badgley Mischka emerald satin dress, Saks $320

Moyna beaded clutch, Nordstrom $105

Chamak by Prita Kakkar bangles, Nordstrom $68

A Sneak Peek at the Next Target Designer Line!

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

After the Missoni debacle, I wasn't sure I would ever want to shop a Target designer line again. But....the Jason Wu line looks like it is not only worth making the trek out to Target, but is incredible motivation to get back to my pre-baby weight! Here's a sneak preview of some of my favorite looks from the collection. See you at Target on February 5th!

A Dose of African Inspiration

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing inspires me more for the new fashion season than adding a fresh print or a new color to my wardrobe. This week I want to share with you my favorite prints for Spring 2012, African-inspired tribal prints. Add one of these to classic pieces you already own and POW! Instant Outfit.

Ahhh….Motherhoood

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Max William Inlander
7 lbs. 8 oz. - 21 inches

I’ve always said that the primary function of my job as a Personal Stylist isn’t to dress women, but rather to make women feel good about themselves by empowering them through their wardrobes. Feeling put together everyday allows them to achieve much more in their personal and professional lives than they ever thought possible. Most of these women are moms and working with me is the first major step they’ve taken to prioritize themselves since having children. Part of my job is to cheer them on in this endeavor, constantly reminding them that the more they take care of themselves, the more energy they have to give their families.

After years of hearing stories from my clients about not having time to shower for days when their children were small and every excuse in the book about not taking/having the time to make themselves feel put together every day, I always wondered if I would be able to practice what I was preaching when my time came, or if I would also fall into the “Mommy” trap of wearing a stained tee shirt and not so flattering yoga pants every day.

My first step in making sure this did not happen was to shop for attractive nursing pajamas before my due date. If I was going to spend 3 weeks in my pajamas, they would at least be chic black or flattering colors! And being me, I didn’t limit myself to just the maternity department, searching out cuts that I knew would serve the same purpose but would be in better quality fabrics. I then took care to pack my hospital bag with a going home outfit that while comfortable and practical, would also make me feel ready to face the world. Ignoring the stories I had read in multiple places about how silly it was to think one was going to wear makeup after having a baby, I did pack and put on makeup to leave the hospital!

How many of you saw the episode of the Rachel Zoe show when she comes home from the hospital in full professional hair and makeup, as well as a fabulous outfit, complete with a hat out of Love Story? I am not suggesting one go that far, but I can tell you that clean hair with a little product in it, some concealer, blush, and mascara, can go a long way in making a girl feel ready to face the world after not sleeping for 3 days!

So am I practicing what I preach now that I’m in the situation? Yes. I take a shower every day, no matter what, before I put on one of my coordinated nursing outfits. I also take 30 seconds to put on concealer, blush and mascara every morning. Does this “routine” take 15 minutes that could be used for something else, like answering the 300 emails in my inbox right now? Of course, but like I always say, life is about prioritizing, and my priority is to be there for myself so that I can be there for Max William.

Thank you to all of my friends and clients for the good wishes this past week and everything you have taught me about motherhood over the last 13 years that I have been working as a Personal Stylist. And in answer to a bunch of you, I did not send out my blog myself the day I went into labor! You can thank my dedicated intern, Michelle Clemente, for publishing the blog I had written earlier that week.

I’m sure you will all understand that I may or may not be showing up every week on Facebook, Twitter and Blogspot over the next 3 months of my maternity leave. Maybe I should turn things over to you, dear reader? Please post your fabulous finds, fashion tips and tricks on my Facebook page and let me know if you have a great idea for a guest blog post.

Designer Kids Lines to Break the Bank

2011-12-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

There have always been "designer" kids lines, but lately it seems as if there has been a resurgence among the highest end of the market. I first noticed it this fall while standing in front of a rack of Dior kids at Barneys on Madison Avenue. Every mother of a little girl who entered the section made a beeline straight for a dove gray cashmere coat that cost more than I've ever spent on my own winter coat.

I knew it was a solidified trend when Lanvin staged a three city tour pop up shop to promote its new line, Lanvin Petite. The cities included Paris, Monaco, and New York. The most popular item was a relatively modestly priced shrug for $645.

Not to be outdone, Versace has opened its first boutique in Milan for Young Versace, the company's kids' line. Located next to the Versace Home boutique, on the ground floor of the company's headquarters, the one-story, 538-square-foot lilac and white store has its own merry-go-round.

Want to feel good about buying your child a pair of colored ballet flats for $300? Launching in March, Roger Vivier - Jeune Fille will donate proceeds from the line to a range of children's charities, such as Save the Children in Italy and New Yorkers for Children in the U.S.

Is your little girl the coolest on the block? She'll prove it in Marni's new children's collection for girls ages 2 to 12. The collection will be available exclusively at the new Marni U.S. Edition store ( a slightly younger, less expensive line for adults) at 1 Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District in New York.

And for those of us who can't break the bank for our children's wardrobes, Camilla Morton has started a delightful series of fashion fairy tales.

6 Ways to Wear a Scarf

2011-12-22T10:34:00.000-05:00

One of the questions I get asked the most is how to wear a scarf. Women seem to know that scarves are in style but are often not sure they are wearing them correctly. I tend to find them folded in client’s closets, with the tags still on them. These same clients are amazed when I show them how easy they are to wear!

SO WHY SHOULD YOU LEARN HOW TO WEAR A SCARF?

1. Create an Instant Outfit-Women are constantly telling me they want to look and feel, “put-together”. Adding a colorful, patterned scarf can turn even your most basic pieces into a pulled together “outfit” that will get you noticed.

2. Scarves are an easy, inexpensive wardrobe update- Want to try one of the new bright colors or patterns this season, but don’t want to invest much? Tiptoe into the trend with a scarf!

3. Scarves are one size fits all- Pregnant, losing or gaining weight, and not looking to invest much in your wardrobe? A scarf will give you an instant wardrobe update while continuing to fit no matter your dress size. Scarves are also GREAT coverage for a post-baby or holiday party belly!

6 Ways to Wear a Scarf

1. Over a Cardigan

2. Over a Coat

3. Over a Little Black Dress

4. Tone Down your Holiday Party Outfit for Day

5. Over a Day Dress

6. Over a Neutral Work Blouse

How do you wear a scarf? Leave comments and let me know!

My Holiday Wish List

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about the holidays is the multitude of Gift Lists in magazines and on websites. I love finding new gift ideas for myself and others. It seems as if these lists have reached record levels over the last few years. This year I decided to create my own Holiday Wish List using my favorite new website, www.havetohave.com. If you have an account, you can click on the image to see my list and links on the website. If you don't have an account, you can start one, or see the links below. I look forward to hearing what's on your list this year!

1. Michael Aram Fig Leaf Candle- Two of my obsessions in one, Michael Aram and figs!

2. Archie Grand Fashionistas I Met and Like Blank Notebook- This was actually given to me as a gift last year by last week's style icon, RosaLovesDC, and I want more!

3. M Missoni Small Doll Knitted Keyfob-Seriously, how cute is this?

4. Lanvin Printed iPad Case-For the iPad I wish I had.

5. Sephora NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette- All my face colors in one compact!

6. Cause Effect Merino Nimbus Bracelet-Kind of sophisticated Rainbow Brite, no?

7. Max and Chloe Sandy Hyun Green Earrings- These look so much more expensive than they are!

8. Case Mate Keep Calm and Shop on iPhone 4 4S Case- For when I finally ditch Blackberry.

9. Judith Leiber Handbags Giftables- A Macaron without calories, in my favorite color!

10. Kate Spade Designer Stationary Kate Spade Prize Ball Journal- For the Big Secrets and Bright Ideas we all wish we had.

11. Sephora Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio- Have you tried these yet? Love love love!

12. Jimmy Choo Biker The Perfect Weekend Boot- There is probably something innately wrong with a $1000 biker boot, but I'll get over it.

13. Lori McLean Mini Lava Stud Earrings- Super cool earrings to rock alone or to match my most fabulous necklace by Valerie Hector.

14. Bleeding Heart Pendant- I am also obsessed with Solange Azagury-Partridge, but thus far my love for her designs has been cost-prohibitive.

15. Sephora Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System- I keep hearing this is the miracle of miracles for aging skin.

16. Apple iPad 2- See number 4.

My Favorite Style Icon: Rosa

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Some of you might have seen my mentions of "my most fashionable friend in DC" and her blog Rosa...Loves on my Facebook page. The blog, about my two favorite topics, fashion and food, is one of only a few that I read religiously.

Rosa describes herself on her blog as, "A fashion lover and food enthusiast who enjoys exploring the city along with her sassy Chihuahua Lola." Love it! Rosa has been a precious resource and good friend to me as I've been learning the fashion ropes in DC over the last few years. She is also an arbiter of the best cupcakes and brunch in town. As I said before, she is a precious resource!

Rosa tests out her iPad's remote control on Valentine's Day

Lola, the most fashionable Chihuahua in town

Lani: What is your first style memory?
Rosa: I was a teenager back in the 80's and I was just discovering fashion as a way to express myself. I remember I was so proud of myself after putting together what I thought was an amazing outfit for a school party: green pencil skirt, neon yellow oversized shirt and a very wide white patent leather belt. All my classmates were so shocked to see me wear this particular outfit since we wore a school uniform every day and I was a bit shy back then.

Lani: It sounds like a fabulous outfit and very right now! Who is your style icon?
Rosa: My grandmother. She was a very stylish lady who always wore flattering clothes and impeccable hair and make up. I honestly think I inherited her love for clothes and shoes. My grandmother was also incredibly supportive and a great teacher when I started making my own clothes back in high school. We used to spend hours designing and sewing clothes.

Lani: What is the best piece you ever bought?
Rosa: A black Theory shirtdress. I've had that dress for years and it never goes out of style.

Lani: You know how I appreciate a classic Theory piece! What is the best deal you ever got?
Rosa: During the most recent District Sample sale, I spotted a pair of Oscar de la Renta snakeskin kitten heels in my size and 80% off. Sold! These shoes have become my favorite shoes, they are the perfect neutral shoe and so comfortable.

Lani: Oh I’m so jealous! Where do you buy most of your clothes?
Rosa: Hello, my name is Rosa and I am addicted to J.Crew. But seriously, ever since I discovered J.Crew while attending graduate school, the brand has become a staple in my closet. I shop at Madewell, Shopbop, Cusp, and local boutiques in DC such as Urban Chic, Sassanova, Ginger, Mint Condition and Treat.

Lani: How would you describe your style?
Rosa: I would say that my style is casual, feminine with a touch of masculinity, and comfortable. Yes, I wear lots of sequins, faux fur and statement jewelry, but I always keep it simple and sorry to say this again, comfortable.

Lani: What piece do you wear the most?
Rosa: There are two pieces that I think I wear the most. One is a purple/black Ella Moss dress that I can wear almost all year long and a long rhinestone J.Crew necklace.

Lani: Tell us about your closet.

Rosa: I am a bit of a freak when it comes to organization and my closet is no exception. I keep all my skirts, shirts, dresses and pants separate and these are then organized by color. I also have a section in my closet dedicated to work clothes. I am a scientist who works in a lab 80% of the time, thus my daily uniform consists of jeans, t-shirts and sweaters. Most of my shoes are kept in an over the door shoe rack and all the out-of-season and fancy shoes go inside clear boxes. I have a small walk-in closet but it's pretty dark, so every few weeks, I go over my clothes and take pieces out of my closet and place them in a clothing rack that I keep in my bedroom. This rack helps me remember the items I have and allows me to get inspired when planning outfits (all non work related outfits). I also keep the shoes that I am wearing the most at the bottom of my clothing rack which certainly makes the process of creating the perfect outfit much easier. I love accessorizing and I must confess that I have a lot of jewelry and accessories. Organizing these pieces was a challenge, but after reading an article in the Glitter Guide, I decided to keep all my accessories in clear acrylic boxes and it was the best idea ever.

Lani: What a wonderful system! And I LOVE your pink hangers!

Lani Finally Buys the Closet She Deserves

2011-11-29T09:00:00.002-05:00

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, sans elastic waist pants!

I'm big on everyone, especially service providers as myself, practicing what they preach. This is why my closet is organized by category and color and never has more than one season's worth of clothing in it at one time. Maintaining multiple closets in multiple cities the last few years has created a challenging environment for my usually seamless organization, as has the new maternity wardrobe I've recently acquired.

My first thought upon seeing the "mini" walk-in closet in the master bedroom of our new DC apartment was, "I'm finally getting the closet I deserve." After years of making do with small places in NY, I couldn't believe my luck. But as it filled up over the last two years, the poor design has slowly been revealed.The two long double hung shelves all along the back wall, which seemed to provide so much hanging space, were cut by a third if you actually hung anything on the left and right sides of the closet. And much of the hanging space was made impractical by the constant interruption of the rods by brackets and such. Since nothing slid easily on the hanging rods, keeping my clothes in the right order was a lot of work because every time I moved one hanger, I had to move 5 others by hand. I was turning into one of my clients before they called me, feeling overwhelmed by all my stuff when I opened the closet door every morning and only wearing the accessible parts of my wardrobe. Completely unacceptable!

THE OLD CLOSET

Old Back Wall & Left Side View

Old Back & Right Side View

Old Right Side View

Making the decision to close my NY apartment came with the realization that the double wardrobe I had enjoyed for so long was now going to have to fit into my one impractical closet. Something had to change and it could not involve buying the one bedroom next door to expand my closet! This is when I decided to take my own advice and invest in an Elfa Closet System from the Container Store. The 25% off sale also helped my decision process along! As I tell my clients, the best thing about Elfa is that it is flexible. Once you have the basic components, you can add and take away hanging rods and shelves as your needs change. This also contributes to the resale value of your home as the new owner can do the same thing. See here how I made a client’s existing Elfa System Closet functional for her with the purchase of one hanging rod.

THE NEW CLOSET- LEFT TO RIGHT AND DETAIL

Now I open my closet and feel joy and peace. Elfa’d or not, two wardrobes were not going to fit into one closet and I was forced to do some necessary editing. Take it from me, this is much easier when your entire wardrobe is in one city. I’ve also re-learned from working with a smaller maternity wardrobe something else I tell my clients, which is that sometimes it seems as if you have more clothes when you actually have less, because you wear a bigger percentage of them. With a place for everything and everything in its place (and in one city!), I know exactly how many pairs of black flats I have, which keeps me from buying new ones I don’t need. Of course, there is a chance that my feet could grow a half size from pregnancy and I’ll need to buy a whole new shoe wardrobe anyway...

5 Ways to Wear a Fur Scarf

2011-11-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my birthday blog! Yep, I'm 35 today. Does that mean I'm officially in my late 30's or does that not start until 36? Would love your thoughts!

Today I'm going to highlight one of my favorite trends this season, The Fur (Faux or Real) Scarf. I love a fur scarf because it ups the style quotient of an outfit INSTANTLY; because each piece you wear it with looks brand new; and because you'll get as many compliments as I do when I wear mine!

Now before you think, "I can't afford this trend," let me tell you that the one I own cost $19.50 at H&M. There is no excuse not to look fabulous!

1. Over a Cardigan

2. Over a Coat

3. Over a Blazer

Try color too!

4. Over a Dress, Day or Evening!

5. Over a Sweater and Maxi Skirt

Bonus Look!

Now, go use your fur scarf to stretch your wardrobe exponentially!

My Favorite Fall Looks 2011

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here are some of my favorite ideas for Fall 2011. Those of you who attended my trend seminar last week will recognize some of these looks!

Mixing Brights

A Touch of Animal Print

Sequins on Everything

Forties Tea Dresses with Black Tights and Fabulous Shoes

What are some of your favorite ideas for Fall 2011?

Beauty Culture in LA

2011-11-03T09:00:00.002-04:00

While most of my time in Los Angeles was spent working, I did fit in a few cultural excursions. The Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City is part of a breathtakingly modern complex and the surrounding buildings are part of the experience. Established by Wallis Annenberg, the museum is the first cultural destination in Los Angeles dedicated solely to photography.

According to the website, the current exhibit, BEAUTY CULTURE, "provides a seminal examination of photography's role in capturing and defining notions of modern female beauty and how these images profoundly influence our lives in both celebratory and disturbing ways.

Featuring works from over 100 world-renowned beauty, fashion and fine art photographers, BEAUTY CULTURE encourages a social discussion about the allure and mystique of the pursuit of female beauty, as well as its cult-like glorification and the multi-billion dollar industries that surround it.

BEAUTY CULTURE presents diverse viewpoints on beauty as it has evolved through the 20th and 21st centuries. These viewpoints are at times challenging, daring, and controversial."

It was interesting to see how our beauty ideals change through the decades. Contrast Cheryl Tieg's iconic poster image from 1978 with the image of Lakshmi Menon, the first Indian model to really catch on with the Western fashion press.

The show also examines unhealthy beauty obsessions, such as the world of child beauty pageants and extreme plastic surgery.

And how funny is this photograph? Read all the way through. I promise it is worth it for a good laugh at the "realities" of picture making.

The show runs from May 21st to Nov 27th, 2011 at the Annenberg Space for Photography, Century Park 2000 Avenue of the Stars #10 Los Angeles, CA 90067. Admission is free!

A Day in LA is Not Complete Without a Fonut

2011-10-27T09:00:00.009-04:00

I was lucky enough to spend a day in LA trolling cool vintage and home stores with fellow stylist Laurie Brucker of LaurieBstyle, in between our weekends spent in the Style for Hire Style Closet at Westfield Mall in Topanga Canyon. First stop of the day, Fonuts!

Unable to choose, Laurie and I indulged in the Strawberry Buttermilk, Maple Bacon and Cinnamon Sugar flavors. See below the damage the two of us were able to inflict on three large Fonuts. These baked (not fried!) yeast donuts were a highlight of my trip.

After fortifying ourselves with Fonuts, we decided to go shopping. First stop, Reformation, a "vintage" store unlike any other. Who wouldn't swoon over interesting, well-designed, reworked into practically new, vintage clothes? And like all stores I love when I travel, turns out there is one in NYC too!

Satine struck me as a very LA store. At first glance it is boho chic/oh so cool. At second glance you realize it is a studied nonchalance and the least expensive designer they carry is Isabel Marant. It was lovely to browse through though!

The only good thing about losing your sunglasses while traveling is that you get to buy new ones! Polkadots and Moonbeams has both a vintage and modern outpost on 3rd Street in LA. The vintage store was the more interesting of the two to me. The sign outside, "The Real Deal Vintage Costumes" reminded me that this was a way better option for Halloween attire than one of those huge costume shops that seem to sprout like weeds this time of year. Do you like my new sunglasses?!

One last, exhilarating discovery was the shop OK store. The store is not big yet you could spend hours looking at all of the unique gifts, jewelry, house wares and art books featured. I picked up a chic, eco-friendly baby gift while I was there and will certainly be trolling their website for more!

Inaugural Post: My Favorite Style Icons Series

2011-10-20T09:00:00.004-04:00

I'm so excited to bring you the inaugural post of my new interview series: My Favorite Style Icons. This week we start by speaking with Leah Hoffmann, a writer whose avant-garde style I've been admiring for more than a few years now.

Lani: What is your first style memory?

Leah: When I was in the seventh or possibly the eighth grade, I was desperate to have one of those Levi's "Button Your Fly" t-shirts. My mother took one look and deemed it irretrievably vulgar. Then I asked about the second shirt in the series: "Sit On It." Needless to say, I didn't get either of them.

Lani: I have to say, that is not the answer I was expecting!

Leah: If you want to go back even further, we could talk about the puffy-sleeved, pink-and-white striped blouse and skirt combo I adored at the age of 5, or fast forward to high school, when I was wearing my 6'6'' dad's khaki pants and trying to pull off a chain wallet...Then again, maybe that's best left alone. I was something of a late bloomer.

Lani: Who is your style icon?

Leah: My mother. It took me years to see past the bulky silhouettes and shoulder pads of the eighties to the classic tweed, leather, and wool - not to mention the suede skirts that she packed up in the seventies - but I'm now so appreciative that I've made off with several of her pieces and adapted them to my own needs.

Lani: What is the best piece you ever bought?

Leah: When I was dirt poor in grad school, I spent $100 on a long, white, diaphanous Alberta Ferretti dress that I found in a consignment store. In my fantasy life, it was the sort of thing I might wear to a summer garden party. In my real life, it hung, neglected, at the back of my closet until I dyed it blue and wore it to a friend's wedding.

Lani: What is the best deal you ever got?

Leah: Years ago, I got a pair of black wool trousers at a Helmut Lang sample sale for $25. I no longer have time to hunt for that kind of bargain, though I still have and wear the trousers.

Lani: Where do you buy most of your clothes?

Leah: I'm a cheapskate and I don't like crowds, so I do a lot of shopping online: yoox, eBay. I used to go to sample sales, but I'm choosier now with my time and only go to ones that I know that I like.

Lani: Some of us would just say you are a smart, savvy shopper! How would you describe your style?

Leah: Evolving? I admire the work of avant-garde designers like Oliver Theyskens and Veronique Branquinho, but I try to keep things simple. I stick to clean lines, muted colors, and subtle accents. I've only just learned about belts. Give me another 30 years and I might actually learn to accessorize!

Lani: And I always thought your judicious use of accessories was deliberate! What piece do you wear the most?

Leah: I do most of my work from home, and my go-to outfit is a black top and jeans. When I need to look presentable, I wear a beige cashmere dress that I got a couple years ago at a Lutz and Patmos sample sale. I pair it with ankle boots and a leather belt my mother bought me; it's a comfortable, idiot-proof ensemble.

Lutz & Patmos cashmere dress, Barneys New York

Lani: Tell us about your closet set-up.

Leah: Right now, I've got one of those Metro garment rack set-ups stashed in a little half-room next to the bedroom. We live in and old, unrenovated Brooklyn townhouse, and there aren't really any closets, but the rack seems to work pretty well. I've also started using wall hooks to hang my bags and jewelry - out of sight, out of mind, when it comes to me and accessories.

Lani: I love how you've used all my tricks! See the hangers and shoe boxes. With a wardrobe this organized and edited, I bet you wear most of it. What percentage would you say you wear?

Leah: I go through phases, like anyone, but I actually quite enjoy the biannual process of editing out the stuff I don't wear, so with a few sentimental exceptions (and high heels, which I'm generally too tall for) I'd say I wear almost everything.

Lani: Oh, I love that! Thank you so much for giving us insight into your style development. You truly are a style icon!

Leah in Helmut Lang & Lani in Alberta Ferretti at an Alberta Ferretti Fashion Show
Copyright Fame Game, Photography Company

Who's Your Style Icon?

2011-10-13T09:00:00.004-04:00

When most people think of Style Icons, they think of the usual suspects, such as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Onassis. I tend to think of women I know who are confident in their style and work with--not against--their natural body types.

Isn't that what we are all striving for, to master a consistently flattering, uniquely recognizable style?

Most women tend to name the same style icons over and over. We don't do this because we want to copy the icon's taste exactly. Rather, we admire the icon's ability to master her personal style at a young age and evolve this style through the decades while remaining age appropriate.

A recent feature in Vogue on Lucette Lagnado, a successful writer and Egyptian-Jewish immigrant who made her way to Brooklyn in the 60's, inspired this post. Lagnado relied on her style icon, Emma Peel from the TV show The Avengers, as a guide through her awkward, insulated first years in America. Lagnado admired Peel's mod dresses and her courage as a secret agent fighting in a black leather catsuit. For Lucette, the clothes were a conduit to courage.

Working off of the inspiration Peel gave Lagnado, rls is proud to announce a reoccurring feature on this blog: My Favorite Style Icons.

Next week we'll start with someone whose style I've admired for a long time. Ok, she modeled for a few minutes in college but has since forged a career based not on her looks or awesome taste in clothes. A writer, her style tends toward the avant-garde, which is what I like to call the intellectual woman's style type.

Do you remember who your first style icon was? Mine was JEM from JEM and the Holograms. Then I went through a Rainbow Brite phase, which was a precursor to the Punky Brewster period experienced by a lot of girls in 1985. Of course I never dared wear as much color as my favorite TV characters, but I admired my style icons' ability to color their own world happy through their wardrobes.

Who is your style icon? Send your emails here, and your icon may just become an rls blog feature!

Are You A Chic Commuter?

2011-10-06T09:00:00.009-04:00

How do you keep your feet looking good while commuting to work in bad weather?

I owe this post to my fashionable sister-in-law, Amy, who inquired about stylish shoes that can endure the elements. I jumped at the opportunity to address this issue, as un-stylish, bad weather gear really gets my goat!

All women need at least two "bad weather" shoes in their arsenal: a stylish rain boot and a stylish snow boot. Easier said than found, you say? Lucky for you, I've done the legwork so all you have to do is click and buy. Happy shopping!

Don't you hate wearing your rain boots to work and then getting stuck wearing them home while the sun is shining? DKNY has come out with a brilliant solution to the quandary. These packable rain boots fold into their own nylon pouch! This is also a great solution for travel. Hurry though, the adorable raspberry color are selling out everywhere!

The classic rain boot, which has been quite in style the last few years, is the Hunter. I like to amp up the style quotient with the glossy version. Burgundy, anyone? The problem with some brighter colors is that they can seriously limit the colors in the rest of your outfit, and you might be embarrassed to walk into a meeting wearing them.

If color is too much for your workplace or personal style, do what I do and just wear a classic black riding-boot style rain boot. I love this one from Cole Haan!

Rain boots can have color, and snow boots should be black. Those of you who have seen my green Orla Kiely snow boots with tea cups on them are probably laughing right now, but we're talking about the work commute, not the weekend. I have a pair that looks like these for more formal occasions. Have you heard of La Canadienne? They have an incredible section of stylish waterproof boots on Zappos.

Aquatalia is another favorite brand for weatherproof shoes you can wear to work and beyond. These may not be commuter appropriate, but how sexy will you be in the next snowstorm wearing these?

What do you wear to commute? Post your pictures of stylish commuting shoes!

Do you have a good idea or burning fashion question that you'd like me to turn into a post? Let me know!

Have you discovered the New Neutral yet?

2011-09-29T09:00:00.007-04:00

Which color matches black, brown and grey and is a whole lot more exciting than camel?

If you guessed burgundy, you'd be right!

Create a new look by adding a burgundy belt to a basic shift dress or add burgundy tights to spice up your all-black look. Hate changing your everyday bag from brown to black and back again? Stick with burgundy and you won't have to change your bag all season! The same concept works with your coat. Give your grey, black, or brown basics a new and exciting take with my favorite new boots of the season, in burgundy of course!

How Any Woman Can Look Put-Together in 2 Minutes or Less Using Lani's 1-2-3 Formula

2011-09-22T09:00:00.005-04:00

What is the 1-2-3 formula? It is my own proprietary method of instruction on how to achieve that sometimes elusive goal...looking put-together every day! Try it and let me know how it goes!

#1 Start with your base, i.e. a skirt or jean that makes you feel sexy. Not just ok, but sexy! Ideally your base has some structure to hold all the important parts in. Yes, this means NO YOGA PANTS!

Victoria Beckham Clean Mid-Rise Bootcut Jeans

#2 Add a pop! This could be in the form of color, texture, shine, or print. Whatever you choose, it should be something that gives you a thrill every time you put it on!

Chloe Scalloped Ballet Flats

Diane Von Furstenberg Animal Print Cashmere Scarf

#3 Finish with a 3rd element that adds style and polish such as a jacket or scarf. This is a great trick for you Moms out there as both hide lollipop and chocolate stains on your tee shirt. Accessories like a large necklace or sunglasses also work and are good options in warmer weather.

Helmut Lang Peak-Shouldered Wool-Blend Blazer

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pocketed Leather Tote

The Best of Fall Boots (According to Lani)

2011-09-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

Everyone seems to be looking for the perfect black boot for fall. But my perfect boot isn't your perfect boot. And let's be honest, there is always another boot you are going to want! With that in mind, here is a selection of some of the best boots of the season.

A shiny new pair of black boots somehow makes last year's fall clothes feel new and fresh. Wear them with jeans, a dress and tights, ponte knit leggings and a hand knit sweater, or a cozy maxi skirt. My picks are based on bang for your buck and comfort. I believe you shouldn't have to spend $800 to get a pair of boots you LOVE.

Air Violet by Cole Haan. A sexy high-heeled knee-high boot with Nike Air cushioning!

Looking for an everyday riding boot to wear with your skinny jeans? The Richmond by Corso Como is it!

Go short and punk this season with the Layla boot by Giles Deacon for Nine West.

The 50/50 by Stuart Weitzman is still the sexiest, most comfortable over the knee boot ever made.

For the second season in a row, the Miller from J. Crew is my favorite casual motorcycle boot.

Loving the wedge bootie with a rolled up jean! Try the Paxton from Land’s End Canvas.

Style Dispatch from San Francisco

2011-09-08T09:00:00.009-04:00

Sometimes it takes traveling cross country to discover something that has been in one’s own backyard all along. Take the Glory Chen and All Saints stores for example. I stumbled upon their West Coast flagships while checking out Maiden Lane, one of San Francisco’s most exclusive shopping streets. I had seen cool pieces from All Saints before at Bloomingdales in NYC, and I knew they had opened a store in New York’s Soho a while ago, but still hadn’t gotten around to checking it out. I had also heard rumor of a store opening in Georgetown this past July. Glory Chen, which I’m embarrassed to admit, I had never heard of until this last week, also has a store in Soho.

Why should you care? Because there is no American equivalent to the rugged British cool of All Saints. Fans include Justin Timberlake and Rihanna. A show-stopping, very Dries Van Noten-esque sequin dress for under $500, a perforated suede tunic, and jewelry like I’ve never seen this side of the pond, were all items campaigning to walk out in my shopping bag. These days everyone is hopping on the iPad bandwagon. At All Saints this isn’t just a gimmick, but a way of offering the customer access to the online shop at multiple points throughout the store. You can’t make a mistake at All Saints. These are pieces that are destined to become some of the greatest hits of your wardrobe.

Glory Chen is quite simply one of the coolest shoe stores I have happened upon… EVER. I get that the higher priced Glory Chen line should be interesting at $400 a pair, but the less expensive line, named after designer Joy Chen, has a point of view just as unique. At under $200 a pair, the Joy Chen line is a phenomenal value. These are stunning, comfortable shoes that you probably won’t see on anyone, much less everyone else. I haven’t been this excited about a shoe store since the opening of the now defunct Te Casan in Soho. Tell me what YOU think!

Do You Control Your Closet or Does Your Closet Control You?

2011-09-01T09:00:00.010-04:00

An Elfa Closet solution from Container Store

Has your dream closet been within reach all along? Could there be a $10 solution to what seems like a million dollar problem? You are not as limited by your space as you think you are.

It is amazing to me how many people give up on their wardrobe due to perceived limits in their physical space. What is it that Oprah says? "It was all in your control the whole time." Exactly!

I recently conducted a Closet Makeover for a woman with a typical NYC closet: tall and narrow, without enough hanging space. Being forced to fold most of her clothing (never a good idea!) meant that she had to sift through piles every morning when trying to get dressed for work. A woman with two children under the age of 5 is never going to have neat, folded piles on open shelves. This is why I avoid them at all costs except for easily identifiable items such as bulky sweaters or jeans.

Most New Yorkers without enough closet space think they’ll have to invest an extra million in a new apartment before they can enjoy a closet that works for them. Au contraire! The solution to this closet conundrum? The previous owner of the apartment had actually installed an Elfa system from the Container Store (25% off until Sept 4^th!) in my client's bedroom closet. Our solution was removing some shelves, adjusting the placement of others, and installing a new hanging bar in the closet. 10 minutes and $10 later, et voilà! My client 's dream closet had been within her reach all along.

The client did commit to some major wardrobe editing. Who doesn’t need to edit after two children and a career and country change? The results were a functional closet filled only with clothes that fit and flattered her, a targeted shopping list to complete her wardrobe, and an understanding of how to dress her “new” body type. Most importantly, she found her dream closet!