LSPR Staff Style Tips: October

Did you miss us?  September was quite a busy month at LSPR and thus some of our favorite blogging activities fell by the wayside, but we're back!  And although pumpkin patches have sprouted across LA and Christmas decorations are beginning to crowd the aisles at our grocery stores, we're still battling warm weather here on the west coast.  Following are some of our tips for incorporating of-the-moment style into your wardrobe for October, despite the unusual weather conditions.

Jessica Quirk for LOFT bracelet

Rachel Leigh for LOFT bracelet

Look Good / Do Good - Camilla Belle and Ashley Benson in Jessica Quirk and Rachel Leigh for LOFT

To celebrate October's breast cancer awareness month, LOFT teamed up with jewelry designers Rachel Leigh and Roxanne Assoulin as well as fashion blogger Jessica Quirk of What I Wore to design limited-edition bracelets to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  The chic styles offer a perfect way to look good while doing good as $5 from the sale of each piece will be donated to the foundation to support key research projects in the fight against breast cancer.  The pieces are still currently available in LOFT stores nationwide and on LOFT.com.   Click the photos below to purchase on LOFT.com. 

 – Lauren Stillman

Thigh is the Limit – Kim Kardashian and Lea Michele

I'm so glad to see that thigh high boots are back again. I’ve seen them lately not only on seductive vixens like Kim Kardashian and Fergie but on trendsetting good girls like Lea Michele and Anne Hathaway.  Girls, don't be afraid to rock the Thigh Highs.  I know they have the bad girl, sexpot look to them but if Lea Michele is doing it than so can you.  I personally love wearing mine, they make me feel very glamorous.
- Emily Giovannini, LSPR Intern

Rock a Hi-Low Hemline – Maria Menounos in Gomez-Gracia

Sick of the same old maxi dresses? Follow Maria Menounos’ example of showing a little leg while keeping it classy with a hi-low dress. She stepped out in Gomez-Gracia’s “Gala Gown” at a Kentucky Derby party, complete with metallic sandals and jewelry.

 - Dana Jeong, LSPR Intern 

Pull on a Pullover – Caroline Sieber and Hailey Brooks

As the cold weather kicks in I find myself wearing my favorite wool, cashmere, and cotton pullovers to add comfort and easiness to my outfits. They are a wonderful basic that can be paired with everything from a fall dress, stockings, and boots or your favorite pairs of jeans and flats. Street style photographers this fashion week spotted girls wearing their pullovers in assorted shades including pink, navy, and grey, dressed up with heels and a skirt or for a more rocker chic look with a pair of skinny jeans and boots. Take a cue from Caroline Sieber and Hailey Brooks who were spotted wearing their sweaters to watch the newest trends go down the runway. Caroline paired her navy sweater with a red and white polar bear design with a mini skirt, small handbag, and heels for a chic look. Hailey wore her pink cashmere pullover over top a frilly dress and white oxford heels for a preppy ensemble. One can find every thing from a vintage, cashmere sweater to a knitted, designed pullover that can be paired with everything from basic jeans for an afternoon in the city or with leather pieces for a night out on the town. Re-wear your favorite pullovers from your closet or venture to your favorite flea market or even basic stores like H&M and Gap to find yourself the perfect pullover for this season.

 - Laura Maruszczak, LSPR Intern 

Star Style for August: Katie Holmes & Elizabeth Olsen

Two style stars this month?  That’s right!  Because in fashion as in life, you have the most fun when you break the rules.  So this month we honor two sartorial superstars – Katie Holmes, who has spent years in the spotlight with nary a fashion misstep and Elizabeth Olsen, a newbie to the red carpet scene following in the footsteps of her designer darling sisters Ashley and Mary-Kate. 

Katie Holmes
 

At a Dinner for Tiffany & Co in Calvin Klein

Katie Holmes surprises me with chic and elegant outfits like this white ensemble she wore for an event in August. Her white flowy Calvin Klein dress, Jennifer Meyer Necklace, and Lanvin shoes accentuate her beautiful skin and hair. By belting her dress and adding minimal accessories, Katie dons a perfect summer outfit that can be worn to any summer get together. White can be a very elegant color that is great for many different skin and hair colors. Be inspired by Katie and wear your favorite white summer dress with nude accessories for a fun date night or party.  

- Laura Maruszczak

At the Tonight Show in Madewell and Isabel Marant 
At the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Katie give us a glimpse of this fall's hottest trends: neutral knits and red leather. While the bright-colored Isabel Marant leather pant is a bold step towards experimental fashion, she stays true to her classic laidback style by throwing on a camel Madewell sweater and simple loafer-like Prada heels. 

- Dana Jeong

At a Photocall for Jack & Jill in Gomez-Gracia

As a Texan (always and forever!), my own style veers towards statement-making and dramatic.  What I love about Katie is her predilection for the opposite.  She magically manages to make simple silhouettes and colors look extraordinary.  Even with minimal jewelry and nude pumps, she absolutely glowed in this ¾ sleeve Gomez-Gracia dress this summer in Cancun.

- Lauren Stillman

Leaving New York in a Helicopter

I’m all about hats right now. They are really big and can really make an outfit. Let me just say I think Katie Holmes is totally rocking the fedora with the pattern shirt and neutral suede boots. This outfit is so cute and very trendy. Something I could definitely see myself wearing.

  - Emily Giovannini      

Elizabeth Olsen 

At the Sundance Film Festival

With two of the most influential fashion designers as sisters, Elizabeth has come out on her own as a talented actress and star in her own right. Elizabeth dresses chic and simple in outfits that are both comfortable and easy and accessorized well. Early on this year, Elizabeth looked chic in her layered ensemble attending the Sundance Film Festival. I adore Elizabeth's outfit, as this is the time of summer when I crave the colder weather along with cardigans, leather jackets, boots and scarves galore. In her black suede jacket, grey tee, leather pants, and boots Elizabeth knows exactly how to do effortless cool. To add an extra punch to her look Olsen adds a maroon beanie, patterned eternity scarf, a yellow leather satchel and multiple rings. When fall and winter come soon take a cue from Elizabeth's look by adding fun accessories and warm basics to your everyday outfit.

 - Laura Maruszczak 

At the HFPA Luncheon in T by Alexander Wang

As the third one in the family to inherit the fashionable genes, Elizabeth Olsen already seems to know all the insider’s tips to looking stylish in front of a camera. At the Hollywood Foreign Press Association luncheon, her oversized T by Alexander Wang shirt and coral mini are the perfect minimalist combo, but her ethnic knit necklace adds just the right amount of statement to turn the spotlight on her.

- Dana Jeong

 

At a Photocall in Cannes in Elizabeth & James

Elizabeth Olsen has great style so it doesn’t surprise me that I found so many outfits on her that I absolutely love, but this white raschel lace dress from her sisters Elizabeth and James lines is gorgeous and looks fantastic on her. I love lace, wear lots of lace, and because I am a student at FIDM have learned different styles of lace. Raschel lace is a perfect kind of lace for dresses, long skirts and blouses. I love this type of lace because it is perfect for a cute flirty girl outfit.
- Emily Giovannini

At the Cannes Premiere of Martha Marcy May Marlene in The Row

Once again, I’m left pondering how such a simple dress can look so extraordinary.  This dress proves what Ashley and Mary-Kate have said about their ultraluxe line The Row – they pay attention to the fit and quality and details (see Just Jared: http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/08/24/mary-kate-olsen-the-row-is-not-fast-fashion/ ).  From the daring slit to the blouson style beaded bodice, this dress is perfection on Elizabeth. 

 - Lauren Stillman 

 

LSPR Staff Style Tips: August

Although Fall is quickly approaching, the weather in Los Angeles will still be warm for the next few months. In order to ease the transition from hot to cold, we have assembled three key tips that will help you choose pieces that are guaranteed to keep you cool and comfortable for the upcoming months. 

Color Spectrum Contrast - Taryn Manning in Joy Cioci with a Kelly Locke Clutch

Years ago, I read a color combining tip that stuck with me.  It was suggested that if you were looking for a color that works well with another color, you should opt for the exact opposite on the color spectrum.  For this reason, I’ve always had a particular fondness for seemingly oddball color pairings such as magenta and lime green, red and aqua and orange and cerulean.  At her recent movie premiere, Taryn Manning showcases this color combining art to perfection with her choice of an electric blue dress paired with a contrasting Kelly Locke orange clutch.  I’m dying to try this look myself. 

-  Lauren Stillman

Change things up with Cherry – Beyonce on Harper’s Bazaar UK September Issue 
 This Fall cherry is all the rage. Beyonce demonstrates that in not one but two ways on the cover of Bazaar UK’s iconic September Issue. Rather than settling for a simple red, spice things up with a bluer-based shade, that is sexy and mischevious. Whether you go all out and wear a head to toe cherry look or you add accents of the hue in the form of a killer shoe or handbag, wear this bold color with confidence like the bootyliscious B does.

 -  Andrea Stern

Maxi-mize your Wardrobe- Dianna Agron and Tallulah Willis

August in Los Angeles can be one of the hottest months of summer. As I stare into my closet of clothes, I wait in anticipation to wear my favorite fall clothing including layers of t-shirts, scarves, cardigans, and jackets paired with my favorite vintage boots and jeans in the cool weather. Rather than wear my fall must haves in the burning heat, I dive into my closet and take inspiration from the stars who add color and print to their summer wardrobe and make the heat more bearable and fun. Lately I have been wearing in my maxi skirts including a floral cotton blend and a super comfortable grey blend that can be paired with every kind of top. I love the way Dianna Agron paired a simple ocean blue tee with a white, blue, and grey maxi skirt and white sandals for a day out in LA. To finish off the look she added fun shaped sunglasses and a Rebecca Minkoff purse. Dianna's look is simple and preppy and integrates blues and whites throughout while Demi Moore's youngest daughter, Tallulah Willis wore a printed maxi skirt with vintage jewelry, a v-neck grey tank, and rocker boots for a more vintage look. There are so many ways to wear and accessorize maxi skirts. With a simple tee they are perfect for the summer and can be transitioned into the fall with a pair of flats and a distressed leather jacket.       

-  Laura Maruszczak

Style Star for July: Carey Mulligan

Here at LSPR, we’re constantly searching for the next big celebrity fashionista.  Many times, a celebrity will burst onto the scene with a Blockbuster movie, but her fashion sense will leave us wishing for more box office bang.  Not the case with this month’s Style Star Carey Mulligan.  Her red carpet look always seems to be a study in contrasts – unexpected yet polished, sophisticated yet youthful, fashion-forward yet classic.  All we can say is that we hope to see more of this promising PYT.  

At the Cannes Film Festival in Roland Mouret/ At a Cartier Event in Prada

Each time Carey Mulligan makes an appearance at an event she gravitates towards tailored, sophisticated, and classic pieces. She always gets it right and shows how versatile navy dresses truly are. At the Cannes Film Festival she wore a frock by Roland Mouret and at a Cartier event in Palm Springs she rocked a crocheted dress by Prada. The color of the ensembles work well with her pale complexion, the fit is superb and the pleats make the dresses more visually appealing. Although these looks could be mistaken as simple, Carey makes sure to spice them up with belts that eventuate her waist and adds killer pumps to elongate her dainty legs.

- Andrea Stern, LSPR Intern

At Comic Con in Roksanda Ilincic/ At the Junior Spring Benefit in Valentino

Carey knows how to shine better than anyone. At Comic-Con, she rocked a silk color block cut out dress from Roksanda Ilincic’s Resort 2012 collection. Her adorable figure suits this dress perfectly, making her one of Comic-Con’s best dressed this year. 

Carey showed her classy, sophisticated side at the Junior Spring Benefit for the Lincoln Center Institute held at the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City. It seems as though she channeled her inner twiggy in this lace dress by Valentino. The added black clutch and nutmeg pumps gives just the right pop. Can I clean out her closet? Perfection.

- Jamee Riddle, LSPR Intern

At a Screening of Happythankyoumoreplease with a Chanel Bag/ Walking in NYC with a Celine Bag

Carey Mulligan attended a screening of Happythankyoumoreplease at NYC's Landmark Sunshine Cinema in March wearing an elegant black and navy ensemble. Carey's light blonde hair in a delicate messy ponytail and rosy pink lips helped to highlight her gorgeous skin and keep her face light and pretty with her darker outfit consisting of a navy silk blazer along with a simple black tee and cropped pants. Her black clutch and heels finish off the look. Carey's outfit is the perfect example for how one can pair navy and black in a stylish way. 

Carey walks the streets of New York City after her performance in the Off-Broadway play, Through A Glass Darkly in May. Carey looks chic and effortless in her afternoon mismatch outfit. Her black long sleeve lace top is paired with a red and blue floral maxi skirt. She accessorizes well for an afternoon on the town in brown sunglasses, an orange Celine bag (that every girl must be lusting over) and blue oxfords with no jewelry to keep it easy and not too trendy. Carey is a fashion setter who is not overly matchy, but rather wears staples like a great skirt and lace top in fun designs and colors. During any season it is most important to have fun when dressing and experiment and Carey does just that.

- Laura Maruszczak, LSPR Intern

At the Moet British Independent Film Awards in Prabal Gurung/ At the BAFTA/LA Britannia Awards in Preen

We don’t often see Carey in vibrant colors, so that makes it all the more impactful when she chooses something as showstopping as this Prabal Gurung poppy red number.  Her simple beauty look of smoky eye and slicked back hair doesn’t fight for attention with her gorgeous frock.  I also love that she chose a handbag with a bit of beading to add some interest.  A flawless red carpet look.

As a shoe addict, I absolutely love the fashion bravado she shows here, pairing cobalt suede YSL pumps with a classic cream and black ensemble by Preen.  If I had those shoes, I would wear them with everything – cuffed jeans, pencil skirts, party dresses, running shorts — I love them!  

- Lauren Stillman

LSPR Staff Style Tips: July

While pre-fall collections are hitting the shelves at our favorite stores, the dog days of summer are still upon us.  Following are a few of our favorite trends to keep you looking stylish, yet comfortable in summer’s scorching heat. 

Midnight midnights – Katie Holmes in Contrarian

Once reserved for boardroom basics and preppy classics, navy is my new favorite color for eveningwear.  I love the way Katie Holmes worked this Contrarian dress at a recent premiere – the sexy plunging v and backless cut of the dress is balanced with the traditional navy color.  Pure red carpet perfection!    

 - Lauren Stillman 

Rock a pair of denim overalls – Alexa Chung in Madewell

Alexa Chung is one of my favorite style icons. Her laid back and quirky style with a feminine edge is the perfect inspiration when getting dressed in the morning. Chung tends to pair menswear pieces such as a button ups and blazers with printed blouses and girly accessories such as jewelry and handbags. This summer Alexa has been implementing denim overalls as a staple into her wardrobe. She wore a light washed pair to the airport with a black floppy hat, a nautical striped tshirt, black cutout boots, and a lesportsac bag. For the Wireless Festival Chung she paired a blouse and overalls from her own first Madewell collection with a black leather jacket, Illesteva sunglasses, a Louis Vuitton bag, and wedged sandals. Take a cue from Alexa this summer by wearing overalls with your own touch. If you like more preppy laid back style you can try a lighter wash with simple printed blouses in summer colors or if your style has more of an edge try a dark gray, black, or acid wash with leather pieces and neon accessories. Denim is a year around staple, but mix it up this summer by implementing different shades and styles of denim overalls into your summer wardrobe.

 - Laura Maruszczak

Add a Gold Watch – Jennifer Aniston with a Rolex

Jennifer Aniston can keep anything classy. The most recent trend I have seen on her, as well as many other celebrities, is a gold watch. Who needs many bracelets or rings to accessorize an ensemble? Jen does it simple and sophisticated in a perfect rose gold watch. This seems more than just a phase. I’m rummaging through my grandma’s jewelry box tonight to find a vintage gold watch that will match all of my outfits for the coming seasons!

- Jamee Riddle

Say Yes to Yellow - -Emma Watson in Marchesa

From the cover of Vogue to the MTV Movie Awards to numerous press events for the final Harry Potter movie, it seems like it girl Emma Watson is everywhere! To be perfectly honest, that is fine by me because I can’t stop admiring and obsessing over her fabulous fashion choices. At an after party for the MTV Movie Awards, Watson was spotted wearing a stunning yellow Marchesa dress. Many ladies avoid wearing yellow because of its tendency to wash them out, however; Emma’s decision to go bold and wear a risky color proves that if you find a dress that fits well and complements your skin tone that everyone can and should say yes to yellow.  LSPR client Gomez-Gracia has also embraced the yellow trend with this gorgeous belted tunic dress.    

-  Andrea Stern

Style Star for June: Jennifer Lopez

Let's be clear. The following conversation actually happened:

Lacey: I can't think of anything to write for J.Lo's Style Star intro.

Lauren: Spencer, do you have ideas?

Spencer: Is she the new Liz Taylor?

*Silence*

Spencer: I mean...she's not. But it's interesting to say on a blog.

Lauren: She's the mistress of subtle reinvention...

Spencer: She's not afraid to be aggressive.

Dania Heller: Yeah, I'm using an aggressive outfit for my photo pick.

Lauren: I hear you.  How many celebrities can rock a turban?

Spencer: I love that J. Lo isn't afraid to bring back old trends.

Lauren: J. Lo---refreshingly aggressive recycled fashion from the Hollywood stars of yore. 

All: Laughs.

So, there you have it. Brought to you by the witty group at LSPR -- J.Lo, the celeb with a timeless style all her own and our style star for the month of June. 

At a taping of Watten-Das in Lanvin

Wardrobe malfunction or not, JLo rocked this Lanvin maxi dress with matching scarf combo.  We're kinda obsessed with all things maxi at The Hellers, and JLo shows that you can be super sexy while being totally covered (or not! :)  ).  And...does her scarf and dress have the word "Lanvin" printed all over?  AMAZING.  

- Dania Heller, The Hellers

At the American Idol Finalist Party with a clutch by Lauren Merkin

Jennifer is a true style chameleon.  She can go from softly sweet to sleekly sophisticated to sexy siren all in the matter of a week.  My favorite of her many style personas is playful and sassy – which she showcases here to perfection in a mixed prints look (see how I admired SJP's mixed prints look here) featuring a crop top, plaid jacket and chevron striped Lauren Merkin handbag. 

 - Lauren Stillman

At the NJR Studios (Paris) in Brose

Jennifer Lopez rocks a Brose dress as she arrives at NRJ studios in Paris, France. She brought the aura of Farrah Fawcett to the French ‘X-Factor.’ The beading on this dress gives the look a very vintage feel. J.Lo keeps the look fresh with oversized sunnies and lovely accessories. I adore this color on her, it brings out her highlights and olive complexion. Way to rock France Ms. Lopez!

- Jamee Riddle, LSPR Intern 

At an American Idol panel discussion in Chloe and Brian Atwood

In January for the an American Idol panel discussion in Pasadena, judge and star herself - Jennifer Lopez stepped out in a Chloe Whipstich trim leather dress in tan and a pair of amazing Brian Atwood leopard closed toed ankle boots. The public is used to seeing JLo in her signature look of vibrant prints and colors, but this outfit is perfectly put together with the simple and flattering leather dress complementing the trendy animal print shoes without overpowering them. She kept her accessories minimal with jewelry including a bangle, rings, and drop down earrings and a brown clutch all together making a wonderful outfit.

- Laura Maruszczak, LSPR Intern

At her hotel (Paris) in Rachel Zoe

J.Lo may think she's still "Jenny from the Block" but her fashion sense is everything but. Jennifer Lopez demonstrated effortlessly chic style, sporting this Tuxedo jacket dress in Paris earlier this week. It's perfectly tailored in every way, and even though it's short, she definitely has the legs to make it work. J.Lo showed she's up on the latest trends by adding a pair of cat-eyed sunglasses. No matter how to look at it, this outfit works in every way. 

 - Lacey Ehrlich, LSPR Intern

 

At the Samsung Hope for Children Gala (London) in Temperley London

Jennifer Lopez’s style has come quite a long way since the time when she “rocked” her green and blue printed barely there Versace dress with the plunging neckline to the 2000 Grammys.  She is now wearing pieces that are sophisticated, classic, and tailored and almost always land her on the best dressed list. An example of one of the many outfits she has been seen sporting recently is the stellar red satin Temperley London dress she wore to the Samsung Hope for Children Gala a few months ago. From the fit, to the color, to the shoes and accessories, everything about this look is simply perfection. Keep it up you stylin’ star!

- Andrea Stern, LSPR Intern

LSPR Staff Style Tips: June

June Gloom may be hovering under our typically sunny skies, but that won’t stop a true fashionista from strutting her stuff. This month, you’ll see us in a variety of styles. But even better, each trend can be worn anytime---whether we’re stuck in the gloom or soaking up the sun.

Embrace Thrift Store Finds – Zoe Kravitz

Take a cue from actress and style setter Zoe Kravitz by adding vintage pieces to newer, trendy clothing to make the perfect ensemble. The daughter of actress Lisa Bonet and musician Lenny Kravitz takes evident inspiration when dressing from her stylish parents and in doing so, puts together effortless hip outfits. On an outing in New York City this past month, Kravitz dressed in a gray slit maxi dress, brown clog sandals, round sunnies, and Native American and Indian jewelry and small satchel. This month try shopping an your local thrift and vintage stores for accessories from turquoise rings and bracelets to other distinct bags and jewelry. In Los Angeles go shopping at Wasteland, Crossroads and local flea markets including the Melrose Flea Market and the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. Even local Goodwills and other thrift stores can be the perfect place to hunt for new, but 'old' clothing and accessories to add the an individual flare to your summer look.

-       Laura Maruszczak

Work leather into your summer wardrobe – Olivia Palermo in Tibi  
Who said leather was only for cold weather? Fashionistas everywhere are gradually working leather into their summer wardrobe, and I’m not talking just biker jackets. Olivia Palermo rocked her black leather Tibi shorts with sophistication and ease at Cinema Society’s “There Be Dragons” screening. Her grey blouse and sparkly Club Monaco clutch added a layer of glam and chic - a refined style truly fitting for an Upper East Side princess.           

 - Dana Jeong

Become a Mix-Master – Sarah Jessica Parker in a LOFT sweater

I love the stylishly haphazard look of mixed prints.  Throw caution to the wind this summer and top off your fave floral dress with a polkadot cardigan or pair a leopard-print skirt with a floral top.  The best way to pull off this look is by keeping the silhouettes simple, sticking to a similar color family and making sure to off-set a small pattern with a larger one as SJP has shown here with a dress in a small floral pattern paired with a wide striped sweater from LOFT.

 - Lauren Stillman

Convey Simple Style with a Cropped Jacket -- Jessica Alba 

Even though warm weather is rolling in, it's not always hot enough to break out the tank tops. A quick fix? The cropped jacket. It's a perfect way to add simple style to any outfit. This trend is perfect for running errands during the day and then drinks with the girls at night. Dress it up for work by pairing the jacket with a chic dress, or dress it down with a pair of jeans and flats. Whatever the occasion, this look works best with subtle accessories. Keep your patterns simple so the focus stays on the jacket.

-       Lacey Ehrlich

Belt it at the Bodice – Alessandra Ambrosio

 Stars such as Alessandra Ambrosio know that the most appropriate, comfortable, and fashionable outfit to wear during the warmer months is a sundress. When wearing dresses that are looser, it’s important to make sure that they are still flattering your figure. Avoid making a fashion faux paus by adding a belt to your bodice. For a chic daytime look, sport a more casual one and to make your outfit suitable for the evening, opt for a dressier belt. You will be blown away by the impact a simple cinch at the waist will have when you wear your next sundress.

-       Andrea Stern