While visiting the battlefields of Gettysburg, I was inspired to wear my grey shearling trench coat. The grey wool surplus cap and vintage sunglasses continued this military vibe. For a shot of color, I chose to go deep into wine accessories. A little historical on this Presidents weekend, yet current with color blocking!!
I have a philosophy about building a wardrobe. Create a strong foundation of classic pieces that fit and flatter your figure and you can wear year after year. Then invest in novelty pieces, those special items that speak to your heart and express your personal style. Lastly, play with trends by sprinkling them into your core collection to make you feel current. All the items I am wearing in this blog post fit my approach.
Classic black sheath dress and black peep toe sling backs - a staple I always have in my closet. Elbow length black leather gloves - elegant and quite handy in cold weather months. Vintage YSL satin belt with black jet buttons - novelty and forever being used in new ways. Giambattista Valli - leopard coat is a very special novelty piece that I will be reinventing in many ways for seasons to come. Herve Van Der Straeten - these 2 bold gold cuffs are truly modern, yet the hammered finish has a Byzantine timeless feel. Cat eye sunglasses - a fun retro trend.
How I decided to style this???? I guess I was dreaming about Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" as my inspiration!!
These past few weeks I've been running around working on many exciting projects. This Talbots shearling coat has turned into one of my go to items. Comfortable, warm and so easy to wear. To create a long lean look, I chose to use one color as my base. Here a simple brown turtle neck worn with a pair of J.Crew brown cords. Riding boots by JP Todds. Ridiculously comfortable and necessary when I am on my feet all day. I added a little whimsy with red suede gloves, my grandfathers monocle on a gold chain and this fabulously practical animal print tote is also from Talbots.
Historically, shearling used to be very heavy and cumbersome to wear. Now they are light as a feather and still keep you warm. Sometimes we just need to feel stylish and cozy during these dreary winter months.
As promised in a prior post, here is another outfit I pulled together with my favorite Burberry sleeveless jacket. The Diane Von Furstenberg wool pinstripe cuffed trousers have a strong mens wear feel, yet the cropped length gives them a chic feminine look. I played with this "dandy" theme with another one of my favorites, a pair of peep toe platform perforated booties. The gray chalk stripe in the pants was the perfect color to use for the light weight wool turtleneck by J.Crew I wore under the jacket. I do like how the gray tones blend with the gunmetal buttons of the jacket.
For my accessories, I chose a structured handbag in a luxurious skin because it works so well with the strong lines and shapes of the outfit. Lastly, two chunky Stephen Dweck multi-stone bracelets finish the look. Again, taking into consideration the scale and balance of all the elements, the wrist adornments just felt right.
Suggestions:
Choose a favorite piece in your wardrobe and take the time to be creative and style it in three new ways.
Think about balance and proportion and a color palette that all relates. It's fun and resourceful to shop your closet and think of items in new and fresh ways.
To see how I wore this Burberry jacket last year, I invite you to visit my archives (Burberry).
A few weeks ago, I was asked to be featured for a Street Style Profile for the
launch of a website/ipad app called Elizabeth Street. This is an exciting new
destination for stylish moms to learn what is current in some of the most
fashionable cities around the world.
I am wearing a Givenchy olive/black and brown color block wool peplum jacket with a fitted brown skirt. I love the tightly structured jacket paired with the sleek fitted pencil skirt. The abrupt transition from the jacket's flared peplum gives this combo a well balanced feel. To complete this look, I chose a pair of Brian Atwood open toe black multi strap back zip platform sandals. I think it was important to continue the edgy and linear feel. Each item is a statement in itself so I decided not to wear any accessories except my gold wedding band and a vintage gold and black twisted ring. I styled my hair off my face, again keeping the look clean, sleek and modern.
Givenchy suit and Brian Atwood shoes available at Neiman Marcus, Paramus
I invite you to click the link below to see my Street Style Profile and learn more about Elizabeth Street.
http://elizabethstreet.com/streetstyleview/114
Fashion inspirations can come from many places... here I am at the pool circa 1966.
Now I know why I have always been fond of nautical looks! I am loving orange and red as a fresh color combination and thinking about how bright bathing caps with outrageous appliques could be totally retro and chic poolside!
Experiment and have fun with old and new fashions in 2012!!!
Best wishes for a very happy, healthy and stylish New Year.
Leave it to Azzedine Alaïa to tastefully reinterpret a leopard pattern in a chic grey palette. Known as the "King of Cling", Azzedine Alaïa skillfully understands the female body and creates a sexy yet classic silhouette. This photo is part of a photo shoot for a project that I was asked to be involved with.
My husband David, who shoots all my blogs, captured some great moments from the day! A peak of the behind the scenes with the photographer and editor making sure the lighting and subject was just right. More details and photo's to follow soon.
Info:
Peep toe platform pumps, leather gloves and lizard handbag all in shades of wine
look great with grey and beautifully finish the lady like ensemble.
Azzedine Alaïa sheath dress and matching crop jacket available at Neiman Marcus, Paramus.
Visit the link below to learn more about Azzedine Alaïa and his incredible exhibition
at the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands.
http://www.groningermuseum.nl/en/exhibition/azzedine-alaï-21st-century
I have had this brown coat with a matching sleeveless dress for years.
It has been a great "go to" outfit for many occasions. Too often we buy
an outfit and always wear it the same way. So I decided to wear it in
a new way.
Seen here as the "outfit", I decided to use purple as an accent color.
I chose a python bag for its great texture and a pair of Pucci pumps
with a fun harlequin pattern. Adding a little sparkle to a pearl choker
I twisted in a lavender rhinestone necklace.
When I spotted this metallic woven skirt I was excited about all
the style possibilities. I decided to use the brown trench as a way
to frame my story and pull the gold textures from the skirt and
work a Chanel theme. Using a simple brown turtleneck as my
background, I loaded up on vintage gold chains, small pearls and a big
medallion. I chose to balance the weight of this look with wine velvet
platform peep toe pumps.
Tips:
Take a look at "outfits" and think of new ways to wear the pieces.
Use colors and textures to help guild you to create a look.
Be deliberate in what you want your statement to be and have impact.
When I spotted this Burberry sleeveless double breasted jacket, I immediately knew it would be a slam dunk investment in my wardrobe. I chose to wear fitted flared jeans and a striped turtleneck, and I added lots of chunky gold bracelets to balance the look and give it a nautical twist. I assure you this jacket will be styled in many different ways in future blogs.
There are few patterns that spread cheer quite like a tartan plaid, the classic fabric distinguished by intersecting, multicolored stripes. Steeped in history, Tartan plaids date back to the 16th century Scotland, specifically the Highlands area. I was so excited when I spotted these Black Watch pants on sale the other day. I have been looking for a fun pair of trousers to add to my wardrobe. I took them to the tailor and had them cropped for a more modern look and decided to add a wide cuff to continue a "gentleman" vibe.
I had fun pairing these items together and playing with the various textures and proportions.
Wine velvet platform peep toe pumps by Aldo, J.Crew wool tartan pants, Talbots black mock turtleneck, Zara military style coat with brass buttons and emerald green alligator top handle handbag by Lana Marks.
Tip: Old can be new. It is in the "how" you put it together that can make something fresh and current.
Last week, I had the unique opportunity to spend time with Ken Downing, Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus. We had a delightful visit over iced coffee the day before his Fall 2011 Fall Trend Presentation at Neiman Marcus, Paramus. It was wonderful to share our passion for fashion and how we want to inspire women to be their best and most stylish self.
Ken is not only a dynamic and talented fashion force, he is also a warm, witty and insightful gentleman. Needless to say, I am completely enlightened by the man, his vision and all the fashion!
Please visit the link below to see coverage of the beyond fabulous Fall 2011 Fashion Show.
Last week I had the incredible pleasure to present a Personal Style Seminar to 45 women. In the spirit of Breast Cancer awareness month a portion of the proceeds were donated to The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was a wonderful day filled with inspiration and information.
Gift bags for each guest included generous donations from GlamGlow at Neiman Marcus, beautiful silk scarves from Adrianne Vittadini and fabulous eye cream from Ageless Beauty Spa.
Here I am with the stunning Princess Keisha Omilana as I am explaining the importance of knowing what fit and flatters your figure.
Using the beautiful fashions from Neiman Marcus, I showed the guests how to build a collection that reflects your Personal style.
I invite you to see more of the press coverage of this event at the link below.
Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa opened his Paris atelier in the 1970's. Known for his second-skin dresses, he became the "King of Cling" in the 1980's. Currently his passion for intricately designed pieces with high tech laser-cut applications make his work ultra chic and modern.
I was attracted to this outfit for several reasons. First, I felt it was a fresh departure from his form fitted silhouettes. It is fun and flirty (the skirt reminded me of my days of figure skating), and it is true lady like, ensemble dressing. Totally, my style DNA. Ok, It feels very Audrey too!!!
I decided to wear these deep wine peep toe platform pumps by Jimmy Choo. They are surprisingly very comfortable and go with everything. They are my new neutral! Keeping my accessories to a minimum, the outfit on its own is a statement and I didn't want to undermine its pure brilliance. Therfore I chose one special oversized gold and stone cocktail ring by Alexis Bittar. It reminded me of a rare jeweled button.
Alexis Bittar ring, Jimmy Choo shoes and Azzedine Alaïa skirt and crop jacket are all available at Neiman Marcus Paramus.
This Fall I am loving mustard (the color that is) however, it isn't the best color next to my skin. Therefore, I decided to purchase this sharp shade in a pair of pants. I went to the tailor and had them cropped so I could have more flexibility with shoes. Flats, pumps, booties... you know this transition weather can be challenging.
Paired with Cranberry and Navy, this zesty tone feels fresh and current for this season.
Last week I had the honor and joy to take part in 2 In-store events.
Neiman Marcus "The Curent Event". Yes, that is my outfit on the mannequin from last weeks blog! I chose to add this gorgeous teal leather bucket bag from Givenchy to go with the outfit. The color is a great neutral!
Talbots asked Dierdre Ward (Social Editor from 201 Magazine) and I to host a fabulous evening of shopping. We both wore sleeveless black turtlenecks and decided it would be fun to wear skirts from Talbots' most recent collection. On Dierdre, a flirty tiered dove grey silk skirt paired with suede slate grey kitten heels. I chose to wear one of my favorite shapes (actually seen above in denim), a full pleated jacquard print in copper and black with a pair of outrageous suede caged peep toe platform pumps.
I invite you to visit the link below to see the press coverage of this wonderful evening.
http://www.bergen.com/?tags=Catherine_Glaser
I was delighted when Neiman Marcus asked me to be a part of "The Current Event" and choose my favorite picks of the season and an outfit that reflected my style.
I was immediately drawn to this fabulous Philip Lim cropped cognac colored leather jacket. The rich color and shape is totally my style. It felt timeless, yet extremely "current". Most importantly, I love how versatile the jacket is! The animal print pencil skirt echo's my love of classics with a twist. Lastly, a denim shirt pulled together the textures and gave both outfits a modern vibe.
For a more casual look, I chose flared jeans and a very cool "pony" belt that a dear friend bought for me this summer while on holiday in Spain. (I do love to wear animal prints in many ways).
I invite you to join me at "The Current Event" this week, September 22-24th at Neiman Marcus, Paramus to see my favorite picks of the season.
Philip Lim leather jacket, Elizabeth and James skirt, Stephen Dweck faceted smoky quartz and bronze rib chain pendent necklace and an amber cabochon ring, all available at Neiman Marcus, Paramus.
Classic Styles in bold colors and strong patterns command balance. I paired this fabulous Roberto Cavalli cheetah pattern jacket with a pair of slim black crop pants. The black peep toe pumps added the right amount of height and proportion and a nice "lady like" feel to the outfit. Continuing with this feminine vibe, I chose a stunning crimson leather front flap top handle handbag.
I decided to be adventurous and wear this major statement necklace
by Badgley Mischka. The gold setting and amber faceted stones blended
beautifully with the jacket and it felt edgy and glamorous at the same
time. Most important, it filled in a space that I like to refer to as an
"accessory zone".
Red. A long time favorite of mine, especially when paired with animal prints.
And, most notably, the color of the season!!!
Tip:
Every outfit has specific "accessory" zones. Necklines, sleeve lengths...
areas that call out for that something special. The trick is to be selective and
have impact. You don't need a lot, in fact, sometimes, less is really more. Just
the right piece in the right place can make all the difference in pulling an outfit
together and giving it your touch of style.
Carmel colored Prada sunglasses, Christian Louboutin shoes, Roberto Cavalli jacket,
Badgley Mischka Couture necklace and Fendi handbag are all available at
Neiman Marcus, Paramus.
Accessories are the best way to change up a look. Using this classic silhouette – a simple black column dress, I was inspired to explore the ancient cultures of Greece. I treasue this vintage hammered brass bib necklace and decided to pair it with a handmade brass cuff. Both pieces have just the right ethnic feel and gave this dress a fresh new look.
Check out my previous blogs - "Fete" and "Tribal in Reverse" to see how I styled these items in different ways.
There are times when certain images bring you back to a special place.
When I found this Prada skirt I felt an immediate connection, yet I couldn't
figure out what it was at the time. I love the colors, the slim silhouette
and the chic yet traditional style. But there was something else that
felt familiar...
The face of the skirt brought me back to the wonderful
gargoyles that adorned the Tudor Gothic architecture of
my high school. When I realized what I had stumbled
upon, I decided to play off the motif of the gargoyle with a
twist of whimsy. I chose a crisp white Zara blouse, vibrant
blue cashmere cardigan and these fabulous Mui Mui shoes
with a floppy satin bow. I love how each of these elements
are playful yet classic.
Here is one of over 100 gargoyles from the Emma Willard School.
These Prada sunglasses have a wonderful swirl that
related well with the scroll work in the gargoyle design.
Prada skirt and sunglasses, Badgley Mishska Couture
emerald cut aquamarine earrings, Balenciaga cashmere
cardigan and Mui Mui shoes all available at
Neiman Marcus, Paramus, NJ.