I took being a shopaholic to a whole new level yesterday at the Barneys Warehouse Sale. How so? By waking up at the crack of dawn in hopes of being the first in line at the sale. Each season I get to the sale on the first day, right when the doors open. However, this season I woke up early to wait in line to get in. Why on earth would I wait in line for sale? Because I wanted first grab at the selection of shoes and handbags - that’s why.
You see at the Barneys Warehouse Sale there are some incredible deals on bags and shoes but they go fast!!! Women wait in line to get first grab at these goods. This year was no different. I got to the sale an hour and half early, which clearly wasn’t early enough because there were a gang of women in front of me. Once doors opened all hell broke loose.
Here is what I witnessed at the sale:
- A full on fight over a handbag. Yep! Some shopper snatched a bag out of another shoppers hands. There was grabbing, cursing, running … it was ridiculous!
- A packed mobbed grabbing at the shoes. You know those end of the world movies, where everyone is raiding the grocery store for the last can of beans? It was like that but with designer shoes.
Okay all mayhem aside … I totally scored at the sale! My wallet did not score but my wardrobe did. I only got two items but their amazement power is equal to 20 items.
1.) Alaia Leopard Hiking Boots. I have wanted these since FOREVER. They are so comfortable and totally rad. In fact, I waded through the end of the world shoe mob those these babies.
2.) Ann Demuelemeester leather jacket. I was actually mad that I tried this on. Why? Because it was so damn perfect and beautiful. Buying a sick leather jacket was not on my shopping list. But, nooo … this one just had to be all perfect
So yeah, that was my day 1 experience of the Barneys Warehouse Sale in LA. I’ll probably go back for another visit to see whats left when the markdowns begin. I’ll keep ya’ll posted …
Years and years ago I got into knitting. My grandma taught me and I became obsessed. I bought every single sized knitting needle on eBay, I bought a ton of yarn, and I even knitted a couple of scarves. The something happened and I stopped knitting.
I guess the turn of events isn’t totally baffling. I just chocked it up to one of my many lost hobbies. For example, I once went on a jewelry making tangent, which also resulting in me purchasing every supply known to man only to make a necklace or two.
Unlike the jewelry making stint, my knitting bug came back. I’ve been totally into it lately! I got some great yarn in LA at Knit Culture Studio and made a great looking snood, a fabulous ribbed scarf, and a beanie. While I was in London I snatched up some chunky yarn at Liberty and am dreaming up a project as I type.
Most recently I was in New York City and added finding yarn to my to-do list. To my surprise I found out that NYC had a Wool and the Gang store!! I’ve been obsessed with Wool and the Gang ever since I saw them on Net-a-Porter. I wanted to order one of their knitting kits but I wasn’t ready to take the plunge. I had some many questions that I wanted to have answered before I started obsessively ordering knitting kits. Well my questions were answered when I stopped into their SOHO store.
… Are the instructions in the kits easy to follow?
… Yes, couldn’t be easier!! They walk you through step by step and even have a little knitting refresher course on the back of the instructions.
… But how is the yarn?
… Awesome! I find it so difficult to find really chunky yarn at any of the yarn shops I frequent. Sure they have “chunky” but my idea of chunky and their is obviously different. Wool and the Gang makes truly chunky knits in really cool colors.
… Is the kit worth the money?
… YES!!! OMG you get plenty of great quality yarn, needles, yarn sewing needles, cute patches, a pattern, and detailed instructions. So worth the money.
Another awesome bonus — The projects knit up super-quick so you get that awesome project to garment satisfaction. I just got my Trophy Headband kit a few days ago and I’ve already made 2 headbands and I’m this close to finishing my third. If you are a fan of knitting or want to get into it check out their site, which PS has amazing how to videos!
Me, a teacher? No way!! Actually, yes way. I already teach alongside Luke Storey at School of Style, the world’s first school specifically for wardrobe stylists, but now I have my very own class. On February 25th I am debuting Personal Styling 101 at School of Style.
Personal Styling 101 teaches students how to get into the business of Personal Styling. We aren’t playing dress up in this class nor are we learning how to style people. I am getting all business on ya during this class so you can live the beautiful life of a personal stylist.
Check out the class description to see what it’s all about. I am keeping the headcount to a minimum for this very first class, so if you want in - you’d better sign up today. As of right now I am only offering this experience in LA … but it all goes well, I might take this show on the road to NYC. Stay tuned.
I rarely get excited over designer collaborations. I would rather get the actual designer pieces for less at an outlet or a bargain store like Loehmanns over standing in line for a poorly made version of designer clothing. Designer collaborations often look cute in their ad campaigns but in person they are so-so at best. Those are just my opinions, there is nothing wrong with a little H&M meets designer action but I personally don’t get very excited about them. So when I do get excited over one, its kind of a big deal.
Enter Marni for H&M. I love me some Marni!! The pieces are fun, quirky, and sophisticated. I have quite a few Marni pieces in my current wardrobe and I suspect as I get older - I will have a ton more. I don’t know, for some reason I can just picture myself being an older, quirky, Marni-lady … right?!
Anyways. I have clearly spouted off on a small tangent. Point is, I am excited about this H&M collection. The collections designs are based off of past Marni awesomeness. The designs are strong and the accessories are definitely something I would stand in line for. Speaking of lines, I hope there aren’t any. I want the collection be successful because I love and support Marni but man I can’t stand a packed line at H&M.
Let’s start by me stating that I love leather pants! Love them. I would wear them during the summer months too, if I could - actually I probably have … Leather pants are sexy, stylish, and are actually quite versatile. It’s time to remove all of your old ideas about only biker babes wearing leather pants. Today leather pants can worked into virtually any wardrobe. They can be made to be sophisticated, sexy, edgy, and with the right accessories they could even be preppy - hey, why not? Point is, if you don’t have a pair of leather pants in your wardrobe - get some!
There are a few different options when it comes to leather pants. Which option is for you?
1.) The Leather Legging. When leggings made their return to the fashion scene, the reviews were mixed. Is everyone going to look like lazy bums who just walk around all day in their workout clothes? Are women going to look like they belong in a Vegas casino rather than roaming the streets of their respective cities? Valid concerns but in the end comfort prevailed and leggings are now here to stay. This forced designers to make leggings look fashionable and remain comfortable. Enter leather leggings. Hello, awesome!! Leather leggings can look edgy in black or just ridiculously stylish in a color like forest green or cream.
Vince metallic leggings, Burberry Brit black leggings, Helmut Lang grey leggings
2.) The Leather Jean. The classic, the stylish- the leather jean. Wear them just like you would jeans but with much stronger results. These will often have a more relaxed fit than the leather legging, which is suitable for a more classic look. Leather jeans are also great because you can tuck in your top into the pants and you can work a belt into your ensemble. Leather leggings are better paired with tunics and over-sized tops, where a leather jean looks wonderful with a tucked in blouse.
3.) The Leather Bell Bottom/ Leather Flare. I recently added a pair of leather bell bottoms into my wardrobe (image on the right) and I am so glad I did. Its a great way to add a retro flare too your look. I feel all rock n roll/ boho-chic when I wear mine. I definitely recommend channeling your inner 70s rocker when you throw on a pair- try adding a scarf and bangles to your look to totally nail it.
Zadig and Voltaire leather flares and Elizabeth & James leather bell bottoms
4.) Cropped leather pants. Add a little retro flare with a pair of cropped leather pants. Think I Love Lucy with an edge. To me, the cropped cut also adds a nice feminine touch. Plus, its a great way to show off a killer shoe!
3.1 Phillip Lim cropped pants and Joseph cropped leather pants
Sure it’s the end of January and My Style Picks probably should have been up earlier this month, but they weren’t … So what are ya gonna do (hehe)? Well, they are here now and they are fabulous. Check ‘em out …
1.) BalmainBull’s head buckle two-tone leather belt ($1,020)
2.) Assouline BooksChanel Luxe by François Baudot and François Aveline set of three hardcover books ($750)
The majority of my clients are fabulous Hollywood executives. In Hollywood the dress code definitely isn’t stuffy, so in the workplace exuding power, style, and confidence doesn’t need to involve a full-on suit. That’s where I come in. I like to get a little creative with the wardrobe because, hey - it is Hollywood, after all.
In order to look fashionable and appropriate in the office, you need to keep a couple of things in mind …
1.) Keep ‘em covered, please. I’m talking about your boobs, you butt, your legs, and all of those fascinating lady parts that can give people the wrong impression. You can still be sexy and stylish while keeping covered up. No one said anything about dressing in head-to-toe fabric, okay! Use this opportunity to play with layers and to try out some of the longer hemlines that are very on-trend right now.
2.) Wear one “work-worthy” piece. You don’t have to wear a suit to be taken seriously these days but I believe that working in one “worky” piece is never a bad idea. Throw on a blazer, a pencil skirt, or a nice pair of trousers. The pieces are powerful and can change the look of many pieces in your wardrobe. Hello … dark wash jeans and a blazer = work-worthy. How about a great little dress and a blazer? Or a pencil skirt with your favorite tee and a cardigan. See what I’m saying?
3.) Add some fun with color and prints. For some reason people think that work clothes only come in brown, gray, and black/ pinstripes, solids, and checks. So not true! Add some color and prints for crying out loud! How amazing would a little star print blouse look under an updated suit or with a pencil skirt and a cardigan? Oh and please don’t under estimate the power of an animal print. These small changes will make big changes to your work clothing.
With all of those goodies in mind, lets take a look at a few outfits I created that are suitable for a creative work place.
Layer a button down shirt underneath a striped sweater. Mix prints with these fab jacquard pants from J Crew. I chose to take it there by also layering a fun Marni necklace to add some dimension and drama. Of course, the drama is completely optional.
I love a cape, yes I do. Go classic with a cape, turtleneck, and a great pair of Miu Miu trousers. Add some fun with a leopard print belt, red shoes, and a gold pendant.
Who said you can’t wear leather in the office? This green leather pencil skirt is totally appropriate for the office because of the cut and the color. Make it classic yet on-trend with polka dots! I went double dotty with a top and tights. Crazy, I know.
Also check out these guides for some more guidance on the topic …
Lauren Messiah is a Los Angeles based Personal Stylist who is trained and certified through Stacy London’s – from TLC’s What Not to Wear- Style For Hire agency. Lauren also runs School Of Style, the world’s first school for wardrobe stylists, with founder Luke Storey.
Another awesome bonus — The projects knit up super-quick so you get that awesome project to garment satisfaction. I just got my Trophy Headband kit a few days ago and I’ve already made 2 headbands and I’m this close to finishing my third. If you are a fan of knitting or want to get into it check out their site, which PS has amazing 
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