The Royal Wedding: The World of the Perfect Glove

I recently met Genevieve James, Design Director at her company, Cornelia James which, is one of the last glove makers in the world.  Small wonder that her mother, who was designated as the glove maker to the Queen was the creator of the many beautiful gloves we have seen on both the Queen Mum, and, the rest of the Royal family. 

This latest announcement of the Royal Wedding has my friend who makes gloves, in England, no doubt, completely happy.  Her gloves are divine, gracing the hands of the likes of Madonna, and other celebrities and finally, created for the Queen herself.  I eagerly await the news of how her gloves will become an important part of the upcoming Royal Wedding.


But, all is not well in the world of gloves.  People have forgotten just how a glove should be made, in a fine fabric with the perfect fit. The  Cornelia James gloves have just the right cut, and, the variety of fabrics are divine.  I stood for quite a while at the booth during Fashion Week and tried many of them on.  I learned a great deal about the cut, fabric, and, styling of the perfect glove.  Let’s just say, that, they are the last sexy accessory a women can wear on the street. Madonna, gets it. Her black point d’esprit gloves showed up in a video and in W Magazine and were the height of Sexy. A women’s power, right there, in a glove. The velvets, the shiny satins, sheer nettings and ruffles, are just the things that make lingerie sexy. Its lingerie for  your hands. Very heady stuff.  There was a time when a women’s hat, and gloves showed her inner character off, her tastes, her elegance. This upcoming Royal wedding will not only be a showcase for fashion, but, also, a wonderful new revival of the glove.  Watch this space, and,  we'll share with you how this wonderful art form will transform the entire look of this Royal wedding in a really interesting way. 

Paris Accessories Trends: Return of the Ladylike Bag with new Designs for Spring 2011

New and fresh designs from Paula Cademartori, shows that the trends in spring bags are not about elegance and, ladylike, shapes
 but, cross-seasonal.  Although we love the idea of spring colors, its nice to know we can invest in a bag that will go all the way to the summer, its coloration a hint of what's to come.  Paula's designs are varied, and, we'll bring you more styles as well. The workmanship is just as well done as any top Couture bag, made in Italy of the finest leather, and hardware that is also like jewelry.  The designer herself is creative, artistic, and, completely free of any pre-conceived notions about designer bags. Quite frankly, we love that no one knows about these bags, we just can't wait to get one!

Grace Kelley Graces the Catwalks: Paris Brings back the Elegance

Dare we say we have predicted the demise of trash and flash, and, the return of the elegance? Quite frankly, the truth is, that we've been there, and done that. The quiet, elegant and subtle sexiness of Grace Kelley and is showing itself on the catwalk. I think that it took the Paris runways to remind us, that, well, girls are great, but the elegant women trumps them all.  I hope that "it" media girls are taking note.  Academy Awards red carpets, will be the true test of how this message has reached the mainstream. She who finds herself in too much flesh, will be, dare I say it, out of date?

She was unique. Dashing. Forward thinking. Empowering. That was, Chanel. With her birthday happening this month, its no wonder we wanted to take a moment to celebrate this extraordinary women. Her life, and, her art were integrated into one grand experience, and, women everywhere sa her spritis and admired her, and, her workers were terrified of her. She was exacting, demanding, precise. What did she do, that other houses of couture simply could not grasp? That a woman, could, if she dared, play both sides of the fence. She didn't have to rest as one image, she could, be explore the masucline side of femininity, and the feminine side of being tailored, or masculine. There was a dash of the theatrical, the circus, the horsewoman, and the elements of a Watteau painting, and, also, the love of the decorative arts that is the soul of Paris. Chanel is fashion. Fragrance, a lifestyle, a point of view. A Chanel women, is all things, to herself, first, then, she is everything that a women wants to be: daring, explorative, sensual, girlish, and, sophisticated. Legendary.

Dior Fall Collections: Paris Nights

The Delights of Dior are to be found in every collection, and, often American magazine writers mistake the delicious fantasies for real fashion.  No, the sensibility of French Couture is that Fashion, is an art, a delightful romp into a vision of a dreamer.  Theater. Opera. Movies. All great influences for the French Couture business. Just breathtaking, and designed to simply 'stop' our breath.

Once inside the shop, (the Christian Dior Boutique) on Avenue Montaigne (I was there during a fashion night party) you'll experience the more everyday things that proper French ladies come to depend on: Bags, shoes, coats, and skirts, blouses, and other well-crafted separates that a proper lady simply must have.  Fur vests, worn over delicious Italian cashmere and mixed with tweed skirts that fold over into wraps, or are sky-high short. These are lady like clothes that the teen audience won't buy. They are decidedly committed to the Dior shoes and bags. So, what's a girl to do?  Simply sit back, and enjoy the ride, as the runway is where the dreams are made, before they reach your store.  We suggest, that, you relax, have a glass of champagne, and, enjoy what the French are so good at: Fantasy, Imagination and Impossible Dreams that are made for the Royal Princess in all of us.

Fall Fashion Report 2: We're Lovin the Leather

OMG the fall collections were full of great leather pieces that are perfect for every closet and business wardrobe. We were happy to see that the prim ladies-who-lunch will be sent right over the edge with these dangerous, sexy, and classic pieces.  There were pants, skinny leggings, sheath dresses and skirts. For business travel you can easily pack these pieces, too, and, we suggest earth tones for the most fashion miles. There are shapes for every figure so don't be afraid, go ahead, take a walk....on the wild side.

We saw the best selection at Bergdorf Goodman, but, you'll find that many upscale and even mass market stores like Banana Republic will carry leathers in your price range.

Grey Days: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Grey and gloomy days will never be the same again with the Hot Spring Trend carried into Fall.  Beautiful. Sleek. Smokey. Neutral.  Smashing. Grey is smokey, delicious and mysterious. Also, practical and neutral when worn tone on tone, or, when paired with creme, taupe, smoke or navy, its a whole new Grey Day.


All styles above available at Bergdorf Goodman.com

FALL Paris Report Number One: Midnight Navy is the New Black, Again.

Fall 2010 Report makes Navy and Midnight the new take on Black, a welcome change from the usual suspects.  Here is what we love about Navy: its chic, it simple, you can wear almost anything with it, gold, silver, platinum, shiny or  matte, suede, its going to be very practical to take the elements right out of your closet and go. We Love That. Power lunch, dinner out, chic and simple. Navy. Midnight. Ink. Indigo. Done.

Bag Chic: The New Satchel

The Satchel has left the mail room.  This is the new shape for fall, and, like its mailbag counterpart, its easy to carry and very useful. But, then, there's that style factor. This bag will finally put all of our things into place. No more searching inside the dark amorphous shapes of the HOBO BAG, where all things get lost like the Bermuda Triangle.  This new shape will take the Fall handbag scene by storm, so, be prepared and put your slobby hobos in the back of the closet. The Chic, simple, ladylike satchel bag is here to stay.

Getting Glowing: The Guerlain Bronzer and the Perfect Toes

In Paris, a girl doesn't get much of a tan, so, she has to resort to the best in the biz. The Guerlain Bronzer, is the classic, and, can't be replaced in our humble opinion for the summer.

It now comes in about 8 shades, so, there is a tan for every complexion.  Personally, I love to take out this beautiful tortoise case, and, sweep away on my cheeks, neck and decollete, and secret tip: the tops of your shoulders! The Kabuki shaped brush is the best, and, Guerlain has provided one for you, but any soft brush will do!

Now, truthfully, girls, you don't need the sun, and, if you do it right, you can apply this over your favorite moisturizer, sunscreen, or foundation, and, achieve the "la Bronze Francaise" which is safe for your skin. Why age, when, you can bronze?

We think the only other thing you need, is some deep charcoal, black or navy eyeliner, that's it, and, don't forget the gloss, and, the Nouvelle Vague Toes, which are the rage of summer!

Stylist Privee

Fall 2010 Preview: Its a Wrap

We know that its hard to even think about Fall, at this stage in the game. Summer fun is in full swing, but, let's face it, the collections are out, and, we've got to plan ahead.  We'll be posting some of the trends coming up, so, you can take a break, from the sun, and think ahead!  These are perfect for business, sexy pieces you can mix around, and, even, dare we say it, wear out at night.

Trend: Wrapping, and, draping which she has achieved, and, few can match, at the top of her game. 

The wrapping is poetry in Donna's skilled hands, and is quietly sexy, a welcome change from the Clothes we are seeing now that are a bit on the well, dare we say it, "showy" side. These quietly elegant clothes are perfect for the power business women, and, anyone who wants investment dressing. These last almost a lifetime, and in fashion years, that's several seasons.

These collections are available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodmans, and selected retailers. We don't advertise for them, we just like to let you know where you might look!


Stylist Privee

Riviera Beauty: How the French Do it

There is a knack, to looking fantastic in the
summertime. Its about simplicity. Chic. Gorgeous skin, a hint of tan and sparkle. In short, its the way the French do it. Bobby Brown has captured this beautiful idea in her new Beach Club collection.  With simple set of products you can mix these into your routine and look anything but.

We also suggest a scarf, some shades, and, a cabana boy to assist you. But, that's just us.


www.sephora.com/bobbybrown

Vintage Americana: "What Goes Around, Comes Around" in Hollywood

There is no substitute for the real thing. Vintage Fashion, always a staple in Hollywood, takes an authentic turn in "What Goes Around, Comes Around" a Soho NYC boutique that has arrived on Hollywood.   This shop, it feels like a general store from a small town, say, Paris, Texas. Authentic cowboy boots line the shelves, leather pants, vests, and other western style staples are there, artfully arranged in corners of the shop in fashion scenarios.  Truth is, when you go the the Ralph Lauren boutiques, you're looking at his fabulous fakes. Not here. These boots, jackets, denims, and other western classics are totally authentic, and, star-worthy. With a few surprises like Vintage 80s club wear, 70's DVF, or India Imports and more this boutique is the "Best of" your high school or college memories. Prices are comparable to other higher-end vintage boutiques, after all, this isn't your mother's closet. This boutique is off Hollywood Blvd near Cahuenga Blvd. in an upscale re-fitted location sharing space with Urban Outfitters, a bookstore and a hamburger joint. Mind you, while you are sipping designer beers, wearing your authentic cowboy boots and sporting your original denims, you might think you're James Dean, just for a moment.

Cinderella comes out for Spring: Dreamy Dresses and Divine Shoes

Just an everyday gown and fabulous shoe for you to dream about this spring.  Of course, simple white linens, your favorite jeans or chic black or navy work as well, but who wouldn't want to enter a room  in diamonds from head to toe? The gown is made of exquisite layers of re-embroidered lace, with stones, crystals and sparkling beads that come together in something quite special.  Sitting in its place in the window, complete with chandelier to light its finery, it waits, silently, hoping for the right girl to arrive to bring it to life to the sounds of a faint violin, a grand staircase, and, a pumpkin coach that awaits.

Fall Preview Collections: Elements of Your Look that could Kill

Fall Preview Collections: More than Must Haves

A Fall Preview of short takes on what to expect for Trends in the Fall: These are the classy and sexy items that we think a girl just can't have enough of. As to your personal style, these pieces simply add to an already (we hope) closet full of the basics.  Think "Icing on the Cake" to your wardrobe.  Golden sparkle, animal prints leather, sexy classics that make you, shine forth.  Accessories paired with your "basic black" and shapely items make this Fall a new season, but very practical. Don't forget the fantastic shoes, matte tights (a girl's best friend with the shorter skirts) and a cashmere cardigan, vintage swing coat, or leather bomber to top it off. We see power meeting, creative session, little night music, and more.


Now, you're ready dressed as Barbarella, Super Mom, Power Princess, you name it, the Fall Season has empowered you to take it on!






The items shown here are available at Neimanmarcus.com

Its in the Bag: Now you can Shop with Stylist Privee!

Confessions of a Bohemian Shopper: We're online, and, its Easy!

From shoes to bags, the Spring Season has arrived and there's a great selection we picked just for you at Stylist Privee.  First, let's get to the bags and shoes.  Our "slideshow" is a live Shopping Gallery you can just choose something and get the details. We've already done the shopping for you, so, no more "scrolling" through endless choices that don't work. We're on it, and that means its easier for you!

We don't really like advertising here at Stylist Privee, but, we're not above passing on to you the best ideas we've seen online, so, now, you can shop with us!

Just click on our Shopping Gallery and get a closer look!

Go ahead, its fun,and we confess, we'll indulge in everything that catches our eye from Cheap and Fab, to Luxe.

Enjoy!

Stylist Privee 

Oh for the Love of Shoes: Spring 2010

Go towards the light. 

Yes, its spring and I am already beginning to express my Shoe Obsession by gazing at the delightful collections that are arriving now.  Let me simply say, that in the world of fashion, shoes, and bags, are what can make a girl's heart skip a beat. Let's face it: in this economy, a full wardrobe of clothes each season is simply not possible for most of us. What makes our khakis, and spring black staples in the closet really work, is a new pair of extraordinary shoes that simply say, Spring. My shoe obsession usually begins with the Maestro et Monsieur Laboutin who would rank as my favorite. As a "artist" for the foot, he manages to walk that fine line between trends and sheer classic shapes that make everyone's legs look amazing. The right height of the heel, the curvature on the foot, the correct platform height, and finally, his flights of fancy are like inspiring works of art.  He sets the pace for everyone else.  Many designer shoes, are simply reinforcing their brand positioning, which, means that the wearer, is just wearing a brand name, not, a shoe. These are sexy, neutral, slinky high-heeled choices that will work with black, white, neutrals, cremes, pinks, beige, Khaki, and give your foot a vacation I know it deserves.

She's Elegant, She does a Mean Waltz, she's Spring Dior Show 2010

At Christian Dior Spring Collections:  There she was, the country girl with an attitude. First, she enters in her riding outfit: elegant, poised, contained in her riding jacket, top hat and side wrapped skirts. Then, taking a page from Christian Dior Archives, Galliano created a hushed silence as his ball room creations entered the salon.  With Drama, and his characteristic flair, the gowns were like a poetry of extremes and delicious wraps of silk and satin that brought to mind Dior's historic New Look. Monsieur Galliano has presented a moment in time, a historical yet fresh take on the Classic Dior. Does it matter that he'll only make just a few of these gowns? No, not really, the sheer theatrical significance of the colors, shapes, and fabric just take us to a whole new place in Galliano's imagination.

Bad Girls Just want to Have Fun: Film Noire Girls Are Totally Fashion

She was all over the runways. Glorious. Deliberate, Mysterious and very, very bad. She's that Film Noire heroine that we are just beginning to appreciate.  Once the citizen of No-town USA, the back alleys of B-Movies, now, she's hit the fashion runways and gone uptown.  Galliano, and other Couture Houses have brought her back, first in the Fall Collections and now, for Spring. She's sporting beautifully coiffed waves, deep red lipstick, subtle yet sexy dresses, separates and suits with dangerous platforms.

How do you get your Noire Girl Glow on?  Just take a few cues from the bad girls themselves.

Bad Girl Noire Basics:

• Hair color: Brunette, Bad Blonde, or Red head
• A pale face, deep lipsttick and smokey eyes.
• Shoes that are mile high platforms
• Perfectly Red Manicured Toes
• A mysterious past, and a good story to tell about the future
• Slim and sexy suit or separates like pencil skirts, blouses and tops
• Film Noire Colors like: Deep Plum, soft grays, blacks, whites, taupes
• A Trench Coat and Envelope Bag

So, go ahead, get mysterious and perhaps, just a little bit bad!

Winds of Change - Eco Luxury in Couture Fashion with a Soul

Just when we thought that Eco fashion was about comfortable shoes and Tent Dresses, think again. The beautiful designs of Couture designer Linda Loudermilk, have changed this fashionista's point of view.  First of all, her background is in costume design, textiles and theater, things we relate to here at Stylist Privee so we know she has the soul,  spirit and a sense of Drama we really admire.  But, most importantly, she is committed to developing sustainable practices in her work, that encourages other designers to embrace the concept, that Luxury, can be eco-sensitive, and chic, as well. She is politically active in improving drinking water, a campaign that many companies can get behind, and her related licensed products are designed to raise money and awareness for these campaigns.

In reviewing her collections, there is outlets for her diverse audience.  Beautiful and Chic Red Carpet gowns, (her signature line) and denim collections for men and women as well as a new line of corporate sportswear for the eco-friendly company.

Her company is an example as to how a luxury laden industry can embrace the concept of Luxury, with a sense of responsibility, and community.


www.lindaloudermilk.com

LA Fashion Week: From Sublime to Street

From Sublime to Street Sexy hot young fashion designers are  getting their message out during La Fashion Week.  The fun and energy of LA Fashion Designers with their edgy confidence is well known.  Once the home of bathing suits and board shorts, the LA fashion scene is so much more now, expanding to leathers, funk, street and sportswear pieces that were at play on the runways this week. Stand outs were SKIN GRAFT, a collection of to DIE FOR leathers and military tailoring using real fabrics with an industrial flare. Jen AWAD is always an amusing mix of period tailoring, rocker chic, and throw-away materials that are a witty, fun and sexy.  Her Latina Roots influence the sexy cut and fit of the collection.  Skin Graft put a collection of Fall Weather pieces that were installed like gallery figures, menacing, chic, and dangerous to the normal viewer.  Their fans, are eager to jump into the latest leathers, hobnob in the most elegant edgy skirts or pants.  The Materials are classic, but the vision is anything, but.

Paris on the Streets: Fashion Week

Collections aside, the real fashion report is what the editors, and fashionable Parisians are wearing on the street. Always chic, always on point, the Paris fashion lifestyle is a mix of high and low, street wear and imported luxuries. These ladies of style really get the idea of style and comfort. We can't wait to see what's inside at the collections.

Oscar Fashion Report: 2010 Oscars Red Carpet Report

Winners and Losers on the Red Carpet: the Best and the Worst of the Super Bowl of Fashion.

As Always, there are hits and misses on the Red Carpet.  Our Ladies of the Red Carpet continue to surprise, astonish, and yes, even horrify! The men, in general were an amazing example of Girlfriend Shopping. They all looked delectable in their Sunday Best, and so we commend the men, for taking their great looks on the red carpet to the Extreme Sport levels.

Here is our list of Hits, and Misses, from the carpet.

And the nominees are:  Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Penelepe Cruz, Carey Mulligan, Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet,  Queen Latifah, Maggie Gillenhal, Rachel Adams, Sandra Bullock Demi Moore and many more! 

Winner:  Cameron Diaz, Queen Latifah, and Sandra Bullock.  (Many girls were runners up, too numerous to name.) 

And the losers are: Meryl Streep, Tina Fey, (aka Betty Rubble) Sarah Jessica Parker, Charlize Theron,  Sigourney Weaver, and more!

We know you'll agree that the red carpet escapades have outdone themselves this year, oh, and on a final note, the interpretive dance sequence was well, what can we say, they better go back to the drawing board on that one.

Congratulations to the Winners!