It’s Saturday night, the last day of June (which seemed so eerily fleeting), and hubby and I wanted to celebrate… nothing in particular. We see each other so infrequently on the weekdays that weekends provide us with a great opportunity to catch up and just ease into chillax mode. As it happens, we had tickets to see John Lithgow perform on Broadway in “The Columnist.” I highly recommend it, and not just because I think that John Lithgow is an unusually fantastic actor. The play itself also happens to be exceptionally well-written (courtesy of the Pulitzer-winning playright David Auburn), and based on the life and politics of a true character (the late journalist Joseph Alsop). Plus, it’s only playing through July 8th, so consider yourself warned!
I must admit that there was a part of me that dreaded leaving the cozy confines of our air-conditioned apartment, which is exactly why I opted for a crisp sleeveless (well sort of sleeveless anyhow) blouse and my trusted denim skirt – the fashion equivalent of a summer pro-forma uniform. Of course, the studded blouse did inspire me to breakout some additional fun accessories, just to make things a bit more pronounced & striking! Happy weekend everyone!!!
I ran into this fresh & stylish beauty on the corner of Houston and Mott the other day, and I must say – florals never looked so powerfully chic!!! I just adore the way she accessorizes, and how she breathes new life into her ensemble by conceptualizing it with the power of her own imagination and aesthetics-based instincts. Her citrus vintage bag feels just right for summer… while her expertly paired boots and scarf serve to transform the entire look from dainty/girly to urban and edgy.
Of course, I later deemed it apropos that she’s an editor coming from years of working in the fashion industry. It just goes to show… great style and elegance is no accidental matter!
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of interviewing the Emmy Award-winning celebrity stylist David Zyla, who I was introduced to at a recent fashion event. Besides being incredibly personable and charming, David also provided me with some fantastic insights and advice about the styling industry. An expert on color typing, David is the author of “Color Your Style: How to Wear Your True Colors,” with a masterful knowledge on how to identify the colors that best suit you. Think of it as a multi-dimensional and modern take on the more traditional “Color Me Beautiful.” I found David’s book to be incredibly resourceful and useful in the art of identifying the various hues that work for you… based on a myriad of factors, from you skin tone to your eye color, down to your personality type! It may sound deceptively simple, but the reality is, finding what works for you color-wise marks the first step in the journey of discovering your most fashionable self. On a side-note, I was absolutely thrilled to hear David’s observation that shades of camel & tan would look fabulous on me (redeeming my beige obsession once and for all!!!) and that my jewelry should always remain firmly in the interesting/exotic zone and “never look department store” (amen to that! I live to accessorize). Below is an excerpt from my delightful afternoon spent with the fabulous and talented Mr. Zyla!
In your book, you discuss the variances & meanings of color, can you walk me through your current color palette?
This is my romantic color (meant to be warm and energizing – perfect for an intimate interview!!), in other words, my version of red, which is tangerine. However, if I am doing a television interview or something on camera, then I would prefer to wear my dramatic color (my version of blue), which is a lapis... it makes me feel vibrant. If I’m working with a private client, then I would opt to wear either my tranquil color (jade) or my energy color (moss green) – that is when I want to be there for them, but I don't want to dominate (hence no usage of my dramatic color). Your energy color is meant to make you look and feel friendly and approachable!
* Note: Your energy color can be derived from the deepest part of your iris, whereas your tranquil color is found in the lightest part.
Personal Take on Colors:
My idea is – if we can discern the right colors from our eyes, hair, and skin that bring us out and push us forward, it makes for a much happier place to live. I believe that your personal colors are a map of your personality, the more you become aware of those traits, the more you are noticed, look present, and look like yourself. Everybody should be able to open up their closets each day and smile… and dress with intention!
On Fashion & Style
Style is not a commodity, and it is not dictated by price point. It never has been. Fashion isn’t all from one store or derived only from recognizable brands. To truly create all of the aspects of a person, you need to diversify. At the end of the day, it’s not about wearing designer labels from head to toe, it’s about you… you are the main attraction, and color, fabric, neckline, draping, & styles are all but raw materials to showcase you as the focal point.
There is a definitive difference between covering your body and dressing yourself. Dressing yourself means that you are getting dressed with the intention of being present and at your best. Whereas covering your body is more or less a case of: “I’m going to work today and they don’t allow me to come in naked.” There are a lot of people who simply resort to the latter, and I don’t believe that it’s even a conscious decision.
Styling Skills
Often times, the minute you are given the tools, with an understanding of what works and what doesn't… then it all makes sense!! Sometimes all you need is a formula and an understanding of why certain things look good. That said, it saddens me when I see so many stylists out there who have “great taste,” but no formula.
What you wear vs. who you are?
My background is in costume design (David attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts). Basically, whenever I view a character, I immediately associate with that individual’s age, background, and photo. I then devise what colors, cuts, necklines, fabrics, textures, etc really suit that particular person. I’ll have a direction on what his/her appropriate costume will be. In a sense, I feel like we are all wearing costumes...
In many ways, we could all look around at a given restaurant we are in, or a subway car, and likely make an educated guess on where people work, what their relationship status is, their socio-economic background, etc. We can’t help it – we live in such a visual society!
Taking Risks in Style
I believe that many people often err on the side of being safe, and what is “expected,” or rather, what they think is expected. However, it could also work in counter-intuitive ways. For instance, if your mother always bought your clothes from a young age, and you then attended private school & had to wear only uniforms. Well, I’d like to think that in their heydays, such individuals would want to take a bit more risk and be a bit more flamboyant in dressing, simply because they “missed out” on that earlier in life.
The Politics of Dressing
If you work in an office, and your boss dresses more traditionally, and does not wear designer apparel, or shoes that cost more than a certain amount of money… then somehow an imbalance ensues. There is an idea in Corporate America that it is almost disrespectful to somehow outshine your boss. I’ve heard this from many of my clients, particularly my male clients. It’s interesting to me how some of my clients would only wear white dress shirts, because they don’t want to appear flashy before their immediate supervisors. This is unfortunate, because at the end of the day, if you appear vibrant, full of energy, rested, and attractive – that would actually take you farther than any mode of conformism would take you. People often confuse the concept of being appropriate for work vs. showing up vibrant. They are two separate ideas and the latter does not imply the former!
The Golden Rule of Thumb on Colors
Always pay attention to the colors that suit you. This should always trump what colors are trendy or en vogue. Much like how most people are not going to embrace every trend every season, you should stick to who you are. What you wear is always meant to be showcasing you – through the color, shape, and choice of fabric.
Color Forecasting
In November, we are going to start a series called “Color Forecasting,” which actually had its roots in the 1920’s. That is to say, there are people right now, (June 2012) who are forecasting, based on economics, what happened in Fashion the last season, taking into account other factors such as current art and upcoming movies, and they determine how we would look at colors differently a year from now. From this, these experts forecast a color palette, derived from the taste of the “general consensus” if you will, that is used by designers of every discipline (from home décor fabrics to children’s fashion). It is an amazing skill and science, and it helps to explains why you observe overlapping colors from, say, a J. Crew catalogue to a home-décor storefront… it all stems from the power of color forecasting.
I’m not a color forecaster myself – what I do is work with people on their personal colors. It’s all about honoring the colors of your eyes and skin, and the shape of your face to dictate what looks best on you – which is a more consistent concept. However, I do often comment and critique, as I recently did for “Traditional Home” magazine’s May issue, on the meaning of the Spring colors that are in this year, and what they translate to. So in essence, I’m providing the color context.
Personal passion
I’ve been a member of the National Arts Club for six years, and a member of the Fashion Committee for two. Last winter I was asked to take on the role of chair. The mission of the Arts Club is to foster art as well as education. We launched “Fashion Speaks Fridays” in January with the co-designers of HBO’s series “Boardwalk Empire,” which started the season with a bang. We followed that up with a feature on the very talented designer from “Gossip Girl.” So far, the reception has been great!! I’d like to think of the Fashion Speaks series as an “early evening cocktail party.”
On the Art of Interviewing
It’s different when you’re on the other side. Quite honestly, I always approach my interviews (for the Fashion Committee) with a rather selfish angle (he laughs), by thinking, “what are the topics and discussions that interests me the most?” And of course, you have to research the people you speak to, and their work. More recently, we had the speaker Tilar Mazzeo come in, author of the book The Secret of Chanel No. 5, and she is a fabulous speaker, truly inspiring... I learned a lot from her.
I have some upcoming speaking engagements in the fall in Pittsburg, Cincinnati, and Palm Beach, and the first agenda on my to-do list is to find out what museum shows are in each city! Even when I’m constrained by time, I will still try to make the effort to get lost in a museum for an hour and get inspired. To me, it is absolutely fascinating to see other people working in different mediums as artists.
Favorite Film:The Red Shoes (A 1940’s film about a Ballerina – think retro "Black Swan!") It’s a story about a ballerina who makes the choice between love and dancing, with tragic consequences.
Favorite Artist: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (the energy on the canvases is troubled but also represents a decadent media – totally reflective of the era!)
Other favorites: Ingres (portrait of a woman in a blue dress is one my favorites, stunning!!); I also love Bronzino (1500’s) and Georges Seurat.
Favorite Cities: London and Montreal. I split my time between LA and New York, and I've really come to appreciate the unique and defined flavors of different cities.
Favorite Restaurants: Little Owl, Daniel, Blue Hill Stone Barns, Bistro Chat Noir on 66th and Madison is wonderful, Duane Park is fantastic for food and live Jazz, also love Swifty's on the Upper East side.
Favorite designers/boutiques: Paul Stewart for men’s fashion, crazy about Etro. UNIQLO is a great retail experience. Whereas H&M is more collection-based, UNIQLO is far more “exciting-item-of-the-moment”-based, making it a very stimulating retail environment!!
My favorite jewelry place is in Brooklyn, called Gabriela de la Vega in Brooklyn – love the one-of-a-kind accessories of Stewart/Stand’s (such as their stainless steel aluminum wallets, very innovative… and gives the impression that perhaps James Bond had designed the line).
Other favorites: Yigal Azrouel’s designs – with its lines of beautiful and sexy jersey dresses. Jay Godfrey (a friend of mine, who just opened up a store in the garment district). Miguel Antoinne – gorgeous menswear, slim and modern. Mel Gambert for fabulous custom-made shirts for men. Duchess Clothier, based in Portland, Oregon, does fantastic custom-made vintage suits.
Self-Described Style: Colorful, feminine, Rock n’ Roll, Hippie Siren
I was introduced to this lovely lady of Rio yesterday (it’s official, I have Rio on my mind!!!) via an acquaintance – and on account of one of those maddening cases of extreme coincidences in life, we soon discovered that we were both enrolled in the same styling class at FIT!! What are the odds, really… in a city occupied by millions.
I love the fun & personalized flair she brings to the table… a look that is decidedly Latin, fueled by an appealing blend of heat energy and Rock n’Roll. She is definitely not shy about expressing herself through the lens of sumptuous colors, patterns, and light, and I applaud her swagger and bravado that proudly showcases all of the abovementioned components. It is no surprise that this Brazilian beauty turns heads with her air of confident sensuality!
I am a firm subscriber of the belief that how you see the world often depends on how you look… and let’s just say, I am positively intrigued by young Alexandra’s colorful and vibrant fun-loving side!
I had brunch this weekend with a good friend of mine, who always looks fabulous and at ease in her understated but elegant wardrobe choices. Her classic, white cotton/paisley top, with its mandarin collar, serves to create a sexy silhouette. Together, with those adorable black lace shorts (so on-trend right now btw), she radiates an instant aura of genuine freshness and femininity... so suitablly fitting of her personality!!
Also dig her flirty updates with those edgy, fun accessories (you can never go wrong by pairing gold with white), which serve to enhance this overall easy breezy look of summer! What's not to like?
Mondays are always rough, as you’re forced to schlep your way out of bed and into the office with a big resounding “meh.” What makes it even more difficult is bad weather (or bad hangovers, or worse yet a combination of both). At any rate, I try to cheer the day up a bit with a bright shade of elegant Azure blue… echoing my wishful thinking for a cloudless sky! I’m quite fond of the cut of this dress (so much so that I also own one in red). I dig its lady-like length (which helps me feel instantly grown-up and office-ready), and the fun folded flares up top (both flattering and fun, and helps to tuck away the flaws). The grey suit jacket (part of an actual suit, but these days I opt for savvy coordination over too much matchy-matchy) helps to pull it all together, making the entire look corporate-chic and professional. Last but not least, I add a touch of gold on-the-run to perk my spirits up & lend a much-needed lift. Happy Monday everyone!!!
I was en route for an emergency meni-pedi this afternoon when I spotted this fabulous look right outside of the Three Monkeys in Nolita (last featured here). Turns out she works there! I love the lovely combo of technicolored stripes and orange & tan color-block wedges (super appropriate for Summer!!!). Plus, her ode-to-hipster frames and carefully selected accessories lend character to her overall look. The sophisticated black linen top helps to pull the entire outfit together, taking it from cutsey to edgy-chic.
This look is quite artsy and distinctive, which is precisely why I was drawn to it. It’s deceptively simple, and yet… not everybody can pull it off. The choice to pair the all white ensemble with strictly black accessories (including that adorable bow in her hair) was quite genius, as it lends a sort of goth-chic touch with feminine delight, and only serves to enhance her striking taste and aesthetics.
I also love the fact that her Alexander Wang dress is lightweight (appropriate for summer) but not sheer, and the sleek way she styled her hair (complements the dress!). This look achieves that essence of quiet flair by staying strictly monochromatic & edgy… I give this outfit an A+!
I attended an event last night at the New York Arts Club, where hip hop mogul and creative entrepreneur Damon Dash received an award. Growing up, I knew of Damon Dash as the man behind Roc-A-Fella records, and famously linked to the singer Aaliyah (whose music and style I adore!!!). In more recent years, he paired up with then wife Rachel Roy, and created the ready-to-wear “Rachel Roy” line. So I suppose, the closest I’ve ever come to Mr. Dash was via music and Macy’s (I’m actually quite a fan of Rachel Roy’s clothing, which is surprisingly versatile and easy to wear!).
So it was super delightful and refreshing to meet the man in person, and to see how down-to-earth and low-key he was. I even had a chance to meet his daughter Ava, and we shared a mutual chuckle at the similarity of our names (awww). I didn’t go into detail about how I actually gave myself the moniker at the age of nine (approx. three years younger than Ava is now!).
A few years ago, Damon Dash also launched a multi-media brand called DD 172, based in Tribeca, with a recording studio, art gallery, and vintage clothing store (score!). According to WSJ, the brand just announced its entry to Asia via the old favored gateway HK. I’m most curious, however, about the vintage store, Local 172 Trading Post (172 Duane Street). Definitely on my check-list of to-do’s.
Dash & daughter Ava
Video made by Dash & Co for the event, featuring his work on DD172 & Rachel Roy
I took this picture some time ago, when the weather was a bit cooler than this (I’m beginning to miss it!). On the outskirts, this is an extraordinarily simple look, but that is precisely what makes it so special!!!
I love that it conveys a sort of street grunge impact (perhaps it’s the ubiquitous usage of denim, or those lovely, funky boots from Korea)… whilst simultaneously maintaining a sense of gentility (maybe it’s the softness of her expression that helps to balance it all out? I can’t quite say). In any case, her choice of the color black communicates such serenity and calm, creating an effect that is immediately attractive and approachable. This is the kind of look you want to put on when you are around the company of good friends and lovers, where you can truly let your hair down and just be… effortless, centered, and self-assured.
Based in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Rock Shic is an excerpt taken from my personal lookbook of real people around the world. It is a combination of aesthetics, fashion, lifestyle, and travel. I also offer personalized Lookbook Consulting and Styling upon request. Please contact me at rockshic (at) gmail (dot) com. Services include: Wardrobe Analysis, Closet Organization, and Personal Shopping.
