Rain Then Shine

In the late summer, right after Hurricane Irene, I was called by Bliss, the teen accessory line, to style their spring catalog. Though the storm didn't make a huge mess in NYC - upstate NY was another story. Our shoot (which was planned months in advance) was scheduled to take place on a horse farm in Warwick -about 2 hours north of the city. 

To accompany the bright, hot day in early September we had a bright and early call-time - 7am to be exact! Our departure from Manhattan had to be well beyond the wee hours to get to set on-time. Though the rain had stopped days prior to our shoot, the horse farm was drenched and fully saturated with mud. Nevertheless, we had a job to do. So decked in our Wellies, and covered in bug spray we proceeded to create a series of adorable images shot by Alexandra Grablewski for the 2012 spring catalog.

Working with teens has always been a favorite for me. It's kind of a free-styling situation. Layer and play to your hearts content until the outfit is complete. And don't forget to bump up the bling--  especially if it's an accessory brand that's being featured. 


My job - to get the supporting wardrobe and style the accessories to shine!

Working with the overall concept of bohemian fun I mixed in some denim and added some lace. Urban Outfitters, Free People and Top Shop were major players in the shopping department while a general mix and match attitude brought it all together.

Fun Ways To Get Your Layer On

Apparently, the crisp weather decided to arrive in one fall swoop - which may be here to stay. Fortunately I've got some tricks up my sleeve (literally) to add both warmth and style points to my ensemble. Playing with layers makes it fun and easy to stay on top of the seasons trends. With the big stories being bright color and textures to boot, my layers are working overtime this fall. No need to lighten up, just layer up.

According to The Man Repeller, the skirt over pants thing is happening. And I concur. Especially when it's a fitted mini with a pair of skinnies. In other words to avoid looking over-slouched, the skirt (or dress!) should be somewhat tailored and nipped in at the waist, and the pants need to be slim. Heels (I'm doing wedges this year!) are essential unless you're a 5'10 model in which case no rules apply to you anyway. To achieve success, score yourself some black super-tight, super-skinny pants, and layer away under a fitted skirt or dress.

If you haven't already, go get a leather jacket. It's a great investment piece that won't ever go out of style. I have one from a zillion years ago that still looks fresh! I love love love to layer this baby with a hoodie underneath. You may be thinking that hoodies are reserved for frat boys and sports jocks, but guess again....Several designers including Alexander Wang and Rag & Bone are endorsing this whole sporty chic vibe - it's coming on strong this fall, and especially next spring.

Clearly the days of no socks are numbered. I'm definitely a fan of layering underneath t-straps and wedge sandals, but it makes me really happy to see my socks peeking out from my boots. Nothing too bold or extreme - just a sweet, simple hello from below.

It's Not Too Late For Back To School

Okay, I know we are well past the "back to school" phase of the season, but I figured there's a bit of leeway considering the Indian summer that's been happening. Have we not been dwelling in the tank top and shorts portion from our closets? I know I have, and my kids most definitely have. Which is why I find it's still relevant to post the back to school fashion story I styled for Time Out New York Kids.

What a bunch of cuties these models were! Real kids (in other words, not real models) who really live in NYC. And total pros they were in front of the camera. We had six kids from kindergarten thru 5th grade. It was a story based on showcasing a style that's grade specific. What does that mean for me, the stylist? A boatload of clothes were necessary. Oh, did I mention we shot 3 looks for each kid? So that's 18 looks total not including the "options" that are oh so necessary on every photo shoot.

I work on kids shoots often these days, and I definitely have my go-tos for kids merch. Time Out also had their requirements. The clothes needed to be shoppable at the time the magazine was released. They also love to feature NYC boutiques. So between my list and the magazine's suggestions there were about 40 stores / showrooms / clothing companies called.

I'd have to say my favorite part of the shoot is getting in all the merch, and putting together outfits. So. Much. Fun. I get to play with neon shoelaces, moccasin boots and purple jumpers. Not to mention layering up the wazoo. I love me a little layer! And kids are the perfect place to get that going. Check out the full story here to see all the brands featured. Hurry up and get your shopping on - forecast is looking like fall!

The Uniform Faces Up

We all really need a go-to in the wardrobe department. Something to count on for sartorial satisfaction. Whether it's for work, play, or just the day to day, a uniform makes getting dressed a breeze. Quite simply - this outfit works!

At the sweet age of five, my son has tuned into his uniform needs. For him, it's the full-on soccer kit (for those unfamiliar with team talk, this refers to the pro soccer attire a.k.a shirt and short combo). He's got about 37 different countries represented but it's always the same old same old - polyester jersey with a number, name of country and team player, and usually punched with an ad logo (yes, my son runs around wearing Samsung across his chest!) Then there's the polyester shorts often with a double stripe down the side, and the knee high socks which thankfully can come in cotton though many still use that itchy sweat aborbant poly blend. Well if David Beckham can do it.....

Of course there are the jobs that require a uniform. As a waitress I made the non-fashion statement in black pants, white button down and wrap-around apron. Some careers are a bit more stylized with their uniforms. There was a time when I considered embarking on a career as a flight attendant just to wear the stewardess sets designed by Christian Lacroix, Pucci and Kate Spade! See for yourself in the upcoming Christina Ricci show Pan Am. But nothing tops the first class fashion from PSA in the seventies. Gotta love a red go-go boot and top hat to match!

Right now, my uniform is based on comfort (it has to survive my city girl pace!) with a teensy bit of trend thrown in for fun. Think slouchy top (anything by James Perce will do), skinny jeans (J Brand still does it for me) and boots. I top off the look with layers of necklaces (currently coveting everything by Pamela Love). It's a simple statement - effortlessly executed with maximum results. But most importantly - a super cute outfit!

Get It Right With Brights

Leave it to the fash-pack to take a 360 turn-around, and find their sweet spot in brights. While *neutrals* are definitely a buzz word this season, bold colors lit up the S/S 11 runways from hat to heel. As we trudge through the extended forecast of not-yet-warm-enough weather, our inner stylist is itching for a sunny reprieve. I know we're not yet bikini bound, but we can still call on the warmer temps with a pop of color. Here's how to start small then build up to full-on brightness.

A simple, but effective way to bring on the color is with make up. I'm loving the bold lips shown at Vena Cava. Try Revlon's Coralberry to top your pucker with a punch.

Turn up the volume with neon. A neutrally toned outfit pulls together in vibrant success when looped with one of these Balenciaga belts.

Hemlines have grown this season. While the lady-like look says it all for some, I'm so ready to sweep it to the floor. How about one of these Zara maxis seemingly pulled from the rainbow?

What You Need For Spring

Confession-- I'm always a bit confused when the current editorials are featuring clothes that I drooled over months earlier on the internet. When the Spring books of fashion's finest came out a few weeks ago I was (and still am!) pouring myself into the instant feeds and live streams of A/W11. Though we live in a now-based culture, it's imperative to find time to sort through the current trends, and decide which pieces are purchase-worthy, for our closets' sake! Since we're a mere two weeks from spring, it's time to make sense of those March editorials. Here's what's needed for now- it's spring time baby!

You read it here along with every other fashion source, the 70's are back. Wide-leg trousers, billowing blouses, and platform shoes. Think hip, but not hippie. Check out Charlie's Angels to see how it really went down.

Florals for spring, how groundbreaking - as Miranda Priestly stated with such snark in the Devil Wears Prada. Well like it or not, the buds have bloomed, and florals are definitely popping up. Chris Benz mixed his flowers with other patterns to keep it fresh for all.

No matter what you don this spring you must include color. Whether it's neon, blocking or one of the pantene faves (honeysuckle, beeswax, coral rose) bright color is an absolute must this spring. Versus staged their runway as a playground- guess it's time to literally follow the rainbow.

Time To Shape Up

I am a true believer that a little sunshine goes a long way. This week's sneak peak into spring is the perfect pick-up to the mid-winter hump, inspiring me to break out my flirty skirts, and shoot the breeze. Only issue -- my bare legs are still wearing February's dark days. Fortunately for me, photo shoots are the best place to indulge in secrets of all things fashion and beauty. Recently, on an editorial shoot I got to work with fitness model Regina who had some great tips on how to stay in shape. As I styled her for a story in the March issue of Prevention Magazine, she shared some great advice on how to maximize in fitness and health.

Eating well is crucial, but supplements can pick up the slack. Calcium and magnesium at night give the body time to absorb. A multi-vitamin also taken at night will recoup and regulate the body systems. Fish oil, vitamin E and vitamin C in the morning are the perfect wake up calls. This black and white tank by Hussein Chalayan for Puma propels the look forward, and adds interest to the American Apparel red shorts. The cute wrist band keeps her up to speed.Mixing up the routine keeps your workout fresh. Since our muscles have memories, the more you switch it up, the stronger you'll become. Instead of sticking to the basics, add a pop of color to your exercise ensemble. Here a pair of black shorts from Athleta, and Hard Tail tank are invigorated with a sneak peak of color from the bra top by Zara.An easy on-the-go workout is to jump rope. It gets the heart pumping and burns calories. Get your body moving in a simple white pant by Hard Tail and a black Zobha tank. For extra zest layer with a colored tank and matching sneakers.