Yin & Yang: Taking a Look at Fashion's Newest Label

Jeanne Yang and Katie Holmes of Holmes & Yang

I have the pleasure to know and to work with Jeanne Yang for quite some time (who is one of the most genuine and nicest of L.A. stylists) and I'm beyond thrilled to see her coming into her own with the latest collection of Holmes & Yang, her collaboration with Katie Holmes that began in 2009. I must say, Katie is one smart style cookie to team up with the likes of (her long time personal stylist) Jeanne, who has a sharp and well-honed eye for simple and stylish pieces to pair together to create sleek, effortless looks for today's "It" girl. 

Holmes & Yang Spring 2013

Holmes & Yang 2013

I am also a firm believer in the notion that it is much harder to look "together" in a casual sense than it is to "dress up", which is a credo for the design duo. Really, it is a fine line to do such a thing as "stylish casual" but if its done correctly, it has amazing results. The key to this is wearing well crafted pieces that are simple in boldness and heavy in the subtle, refined details. Holmes & Yang was born out of this idea and has created the right pieces to bring it forward, I believe. By sourcing top-of-the line fabrics and using the best craftspeople to make their collection right here in Los Angeles and New York, Holmes & Yang are bringing forward into the closets of us stylish denizens of the world the keys to easy dressing, stylishly, one great piece at a time.

-fggofstyle
(all photos via www.wwd.com)



RELATED LINKS

Holmes & Yang

"All The Rage" | Los Angeles Times

"Holmes & Yang RTW Spring/Summer 2013"| WWD

Friday, oh Black Friday (Saks)

Are you really ready for the fashion madness..??

Happy shopping this Black Friday!!

-fggofstyle

The Fur Flies

Beginning as a trend in accessories during the Spring collections (and spearheaded by the irreverent Miucca Prada), fur has come full circle and full blown as an actual fact in fashion this Fall. For the past month I have been attending fall collection previews and the overwhelming trend is fur. This season, I have seen the gamut of fur: from good, expensive choices by Fendi to the horribly cheap looking faux by Rachel Zoe to the many grades in between. Every designer at every price point has some sort of fur to offer, real (mostly) or faux. I don't know why this trend has gone as big as it has but its seriously here to stay, at least for this season. My own personal feeling about it is strongly mixed. I can see how wearing a great mink fur chubby or rabbit vest can add posh and polish and season-centric fabulousness to your ensemble, but the ethics of the fur industry seem to creep up in my consciousness. Yet when I think about the choice of faux fur out there to alleviate this conundrum, I still just can't contemplate going through with choosing fur to top off my Fall look.
So what's a conscious fashionista to do? With fur going big this Fall, it really does mean that you have more choice. Look for quality, investigate how the fur is cultivated (cruelty-free is key), if vintage/recycled fur is the way you want to go, or if diving into the trend this season at all is for you. Explore your options, really.

model wearing an Oscar de la Renta fox fur vest

model wearing a Stella McCartney faux fur/3D knit  wool /cashmere vest

This came to me twice. While at the Oscar de la Renta Fur preview, out walked a model in the most fantastic looking fox fur I have ever seen, in a sumptuous color and hand that made me want to jump into the trend right then, ethical conundrum and all. In counter balance the following week while at the Stella McCartney Fall preview, where, not to miss out on the trend yet still offer a sustainable, responsible choice to her customers, presents a wonderfully woolly, raw, and chubby "fur" sweater as an alternative to this whole trend but is perfectly spot-on. It's furry and warm and cozy and says "fall" better than fur, in my opinion. And right there in that moment, the fur flies...for me.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Fur Real: The New Trend in Cruelty-Free Furs (marieclaire.com)

Another Night Out: FNO Returns

Another year, another night for fun and frolic on the one night a year that the fashion and retail industry lets loose and has fun: Fashion's Night Out, is just a few days away and is ready to launch worldwide. This year promises to be bigger and better than last and is sure to be fun (and lots of  hard work for the countless many who are planning and participating and putting the festivities on). Despite the impending reality of a failing global economy and a lagging depth of creativity found in this season's sartorial offerings, the big event is still going off to get you out and to spend. With the harsh realities of the "real world" (ie the non-fashion world lol) looming in the background, the main point of the whole event is to just simply have fun. The fantastic main website, FNO , incorporates many new features (like Android and iPhone apps) and lists of all the events taking place in your local area. Pick and choose what you want to do and let loose and enjoy. For more tips on how to do it right, click here for my personal guide on Fashion's Night Out. As for myself, I'll be doing my professional fashion thing as one of many stylists live-blogging on Stylelist and giving hands-on styling and fashion consultations to event attendees at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. I'm looking forward to it and hope to see you out at Fashion's Night Out this Thursday. Happy Shopping!!

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Why I Hate Fashion's Night Out (thegloss.com)
• Where To Go On FNO (style.com)

Missoni for Target Collection 2011

A look from Missoni for Target Capsule Collection 2011

Eagerly anticipated by many (including yours truly), the upcoming and largest designer collection exclusively for Target featuring knitwear luxury brand Missoni, is beyond fantastic. Creating a complete collection for men, women, children, home, and lifestyle, Missoni for Target is sure to be an extreme success and definitely collector worthy. The complete lookbook has just been released and can be viewed here. Get a pen and pad ready so you can make note of what you'll be purchasing on September 13. My list is done and I'll see you...at Target!

Related articles

• A Sneak Peek at Missoni for Target! (news.instyle.com)
• Sneak Peek: Missoni Home For Target (casasugar.com)

Oh, Shiela!: Aussie Label P.A.M

P.A.M.'s Sade pant and shirt in Snow wash.
These are my current favorite Summer pant!
(photo:www.perksandmini.com)

P.A.M.'s painted sweater tunic, another recent buy
(photo: www.perksandmini.com)

I'm in current obsessivo and under the gun of a style crush with Australian label P.A.M. The Sydney label brings perfection to casual and edgy items for men and women, along with lifestyle products like rare vinyl and books to bring its fantastic laid-back cool to you. I fell in serious love with their Sade pant, and have both the black stripe and bleach-splash chambray (with top to match) versions: the spot-on perfect weight/texture and uber cool drop crotch style found everywhere right now but done in a forward, of-the-moment way. Believe me, I can't get enough! Their unusual and cheeky web portal is kooky, funny, and cool to me and I urge you to peruse their shop site and see what I'm talking about. Wishing I were in Sydney so I can hit up their upcoming sale and to check out their shop, which carries other favorite brands like Bernhard Wilhelm and Wood Wood! Since I can't away to Sydney right now, I'll continue to shop their brand at my local favorite, Creatures of Comfort, and stay in the throws of my style crush with P.A.M.!

-fggofstyle

I Thought I Lost You, Louboutin!

Christian Louboutin boutique in West Hollywood/LA

As I drove down Burton Way in Beverly Hills the other day, I looked to my left and gasped when I saw the Christian Louboutin boutique shut and empty! Could that be why the women at the Saks Fifth Avenue Ladies Shoe Salon were lined up in droves in utter anticipation to get themselves a pair of Louboutins because the shop is no more last week (no, its because they're 50% off!!)? With a little investigation and a quick telephone call, I found out that they have moved to a much needed new and larger space to showcase the designer shoes. Last Fall (that just goes to show you where my shoe priorities have been).  The new boutique, at 650 N Robertson Blvd, between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Blvd, ups the fashion quotient of the boulevard, which has been getting a much needed economic boost in recent times in the more traffic-heavy parts of it. With Philip Lim, John Varvatos, and Maxfield very very nearby, your one-stop neighborhood shopping destination gets finished completely, from head to red-soled toe.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Christian Louboutin Fall 2011 Lookbook (femmesdallure.com)
• Christian Louboutin appears in LA store (ABC7.com)
  
  

BLK DNM | A Johan Lindeberg Project

Never one to shun or shy away from amazing contemporary basics, I am always on the look out for brands that keep it simple, clean, and directional to help me keep mine and my clients' wardrobe sleek and streamlined. Johan Lindeberg, aka J Lindeberg, has launched, with perfect perfection in my opinion, a new venture and one of the best contemporary basics line around nowadays. With great offerings for men and women, and keeping everything in a sleek and simple vein, Lindeberg's BLK DNM label has something for absolutely everyone: tailored pieces, denim, knits, sweaters...all the items are made of the highest quality and with distinct details and finishing. There is also a great "newspaper" called "gazette" that is worth getting a copy of as it is a genius bit of marketing and an artistic rendering of the label. With a pop-up store in NYC's SoHo district, BLK DNM keeps it even more cool. And to make sure the cool transcends, they do have a website and e-commerce so you too can get a piece-- BLK DNM | A Johan Lindeberg Project.

Sometimes its too easy to look good and cool at the same time and with BLK DNM, you're killin' it kindly.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Extra! Extra! Lindeberg Has Landed! (tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com)

Versace for H&M

As a long time collector and avid fan of Versace, the news of the luxury brands soon to launch collaboration with mega-retailer H&M is one of elation and surprise. With the rise of luxury brands doing high-street fashion becoming ever more prevalent, this move by Versace says, in a clear way to me even more than the great Lanvin x H&M collection last Fall, that no one in any luxury realm cannot ignore the lure and buzz of doing fashion-for-the-masses. With Donatella pulling from the vast Versace archives for inspiration/looks for this collection, its sure to be an interesting and hopefully well-round storytelling retail venture. I'm sure to get a few pieces to add to my personal Versace collection, which dates back to the early 80s. It will be an interesting addition to my archives and I can't wait to see what the H&M Collection says about the direction and future of the Versace brand, and to see how it will instill lust for its luxury brand to the masses.

-fggofstyle

(video via YouTube/fashionista.com)

Click here for more information:

Versace for H&M To Hit Stores this Fall, Plus a Peak at the Collection – Fashionista: Fashion Industry News, Designers, Runway Shows, Style Advice

Oceana Event 2011

I'm proud to be a part of this event, as host of it at the Elie Tahari boutique at Saks Beverly Hills, for it is in celebration and support of Oceana's wonderful efforts in ocean protection and conservation. Come learn more about Oceana and to enjoy La Mer treatments! And since you'll be at Saks, what better time to shop: Designer Sale is in full effect!!

-fggofstyle

Ramblin' Rosy

As a personal stylist and retail expert, I get called upon to assist with some serious shopping for a wide range of clients. I have had the most distinct pleasure of making the acquaintance of a fashion savvy and in-the-know client known as Rosy, who was in town on her "Rosy Reports" assignment for the well known and renown website "Love always, Bear". She was shopping with her Mom and celebrity stylist Sydne Summer. Rosy is one fantastically stylish "gal". Thanks so much and the pleasure was all mine!

-fggofstyle

Dior Diorama

All the speculation of the fashion industry as to who will officially replace John Galliano at Dior continues to grow on and on. And since my own sources had it on strong word that Riccardo Tisci is definitely replacing Galliano (and now is not), the wheel just keeps on...rolling. 

I found this great slideshow which puts into our minds who may or may not be in the running for the top spot at Dior, all in a fun and decidedly stars-in-your-eyes way, through the horoscopes. 

 I would have liked to have seen Tisci come in and inject Dior with his sensibility but I love how he has changed Givenchy and made it contemporary and fresh for me. I feel that he could do the same for Dior and move the brand into new territory, like Galliano did for it in his way (remember the "Reggae Collection"?).

Who do you think should be the new designer at Dior? (leave a comment with your suggestion--no matter how on the pulse or off the cuff it is, it would be interesting to see who you think should fill the position.) 

In the meanwhile, we will have to wait and see who is really taking over the venerable house when it is announced officially by Mr. Arnault and the top brass at Dior, but now, we can enjoy the turn of the wheel.

-fggofstyle

Tisci Moves In

Dior's new designer, Riccardo Tisci
(photo via www.refinery29.com)

It has been confirmed that Givenchy's designer, Ricardo Tisci, has been promoted to Dior to replace John Galliano.
It will be very interesting to see how Tisci moves Dior forward, as he has very large shoes to fill, and to see how he evolves the label in new and different directions, like he does for Givenchy.

Congratulations Mr. Tisci!!

-fggofstyle

Battalion: Los Angeles

a look from Battalion's S/S 2011 Collection
(image via www.thebattalion.us)

There are very few cases of a brand presenting a well thought out and conceptualized collection and being able to say that its materials, fabrics, and presentation are sourced through sustainable means and helping its local economy by bringing jobs to it, all consciously and stylishly, like Los Angeles based designer Battalion.

Founded by designer Linda Wong, her label Battalion hits the mark perfectly of being a "purveyor of green luxury" through its modern, clean aesthetic and by its thoughtful approach in its concept and production. Using sustainably sourced natural materials like bamboo and organic cotton. These materials lend themselves to designs that are fresh takes on modern luxury staples and unique, one-of-a kind pieces. The collections speak so well to my own modern contemporary personal style and its message of eco-consciousness flows perfectly with my own approach to modern living. The combination of the two couldn't be more potent, and, more winning. Battalion is marching on the front lines in the fashion battle of eco-luxury, and successfully turning the tide of the industry, one collection at a time.

-fggofstyle

Gaga Relief

Lady Gaga's "Pray for Japan" bracelet
(image via MTV.com)

The recent natural disaster that caused devastation to Japan is getting superstar attention. Lady Gaga has ceated a special bracelet, in support of relief efforts. She urges her "little monsters" to "Pray for Japan" and donate to other charitable causes with the purchase of the bracelet. Visit Lady Gaga's official site here to support the efforts and purchase your bracelet.
Look, Feel, and Do good.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Lady Gaga Designs Japanese Tsunami Relief Wristband (mtv.com)

Manifesto Destiny

On Saturday, YSL distributed their limited edition Spring 2011 "Manifesto", a comprehensive look at the Spring Collection, photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinood Matadin, throughout various "secret" locations around Los Angeles. This is the first time the venerable design house has presented the manifesto in LA. I had been on the search for the locations for weeks (as soon as I heard the news that LA would be getting the Manifesto) with no prevailing information given to me (go figure), so I simply made a kind request to the PR powers-that-be to be a dear and deliver it to me, "I'll be at a particular place at a particular time", in a half-mocking tone but with wholehearted aplomb. To my great and sheer surprise, a young woman from YSL came to me with the Manifesto and tote in hand to hand deliver one to me, at the particular place I was at at the particular time I suggested, with kind regards, and said a special gift will be delivered to me in the following week, part of the Manifesto package. Then I saw them descend upon the location like YSL clad angels: the Manifesto street team. I watched in awe as they handed out the coveted tote and Manifestos to very unsuspecting and overly jubilant passerby. It was great to not only be gifted with this but to be a witness to a fashion moment, a first of many for LA (I hope). Receiving a copy of this season's Manifesto is such a great surprise. Surprise is actually putting it mildly. I'm beyond the beyond overjoyed. I'm in complete awe in how asking for something kindly and sincerely actually works when you least expect it. Believe me when I say that someone at YSL is getting a lovely floral arrangement and a Dayna Decker candle gift set this week, hand delivered by me. In fair kind, right?
And in the spirit of the good and fair kind, I am giving away a copy of the YSL Manifesto to one lucky winner in a contest to begin on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Please visit then for more information and to enter. Good luck!!


-fggofstyle

On The Retail Road

The William B + Friends Mobile Shop in Los Angeles

I have just discovered a very unique and smart new way to shop here in the wide world of Los Angeles retail, and it couldn't be more ingenious: the William B + Friends Mobile Truck. With the recent proliferation of gourmet food trucks all over town, it was just a matter of time that someone would apply the same concept to another commercial venue. And fashion retail is the obvious choice. The William B + Friends Mobile Shop brings all the things you'd love about a brick and mortar retail store (visual merchandising, clothing, accessories, home goods, great service) right to you (or at a rotating pop-up location). And, whats even better, you get great prices on a variety of brands all the time (up to 75% off: true sample sale prices!)!! Make sure you click the link above and follow them to find out when the sale is going to be near you!

-fggofstyle

Indivisuality

I saw someone wearing the very same trench coat that I was this morning and it got me thinking about the saturation of great sartorial ideas in the market, and how it finally and actually trickles down to the masses. I began thinking of how this very different person could be wearing the exact same trench as mine, the one I wear with love to death. I began thinking of how, just the other day, I spied another person, very different in many ways, wearing an entire outift almost indentical to mine (different choices but same stylistic layout) and how *that* sartorial situation could have come to pass. I began questioning just how individual is my visual presentation, fashionably speaking. How does another person with a different life be attracted to similar fashion choices and keep their personal expression intact?
I think that fashion as an entire presentation is really a jovial carnival of choices. We get to ride on the ferris wheel of fashion and pick and choose when we want to get on or off, and to which heights we want to go. We also get to choose how we want to take these choices and present them to the world.  The whole carnival gets its joy from the revelry of its hall of mirrors, because at its center, fashion is visual, and it thrives on this point and grows and transforms from it. So what if another person makes the same choice as you do; its the freedom of it all that suggests it, begs for it, actually needs it to survive. It is a living, breathing entity of indivisuality, with many bodies, many minds, many expressions, many looks, and many styles.

I celebrate not only mine but your indivisuality; let it shine up the world and make you smile when you see another in the same thing as you. After all, its a reflection of you and your greatly smart fashion choices.

-fggofstyle

I'm A Comforted Creature

a look at the new CoC NYC boutique
(photo courtesy CoC)

In the grand scheme that is Los Angeles retail, there is a place amongst it that aims to be all about ease, simplicity, and comfort. One of my favorite boutiques here, Creatures of Comfort, is that place. The well edited and appointed boutique on Melrose is my go-to source for many of my favorite contemporary lines, like Alexander Wang, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Christian Wijnants, and United Bamboo (to name a few) as well as the best place to get a pair of Repetto's (their selection is fantastic and varied beyond the usual suspects). They recently opened a NYC boutique, which means their inventory has grown and now serves a bi-coastal contemporary/androgynous aesthetic. I've recently scored a few Alexander Wang items, my birthday outfit (a wonderful silk jumpsuit by Complex Geometries), a pair of navy and white United Bamboo ankle boots, and my fall season go-to jacket, an Acne silk/linen blazer (oversized a la Carrie Bradshaw in SATC 2), and some great pieces for a client's recent photo editorial. The shop girls are smart and very helpful and non-intrusive. They tell
me that the clientele is easy and comfortable and come in just to hang (all signs of a great store IMO). They have an online store as well but a visit to the store is a must. I tell you, I just adore this place!


Creatures of Comfort NYC 205 Mulberry St. New York, NY 10012


Creatures of Comfort LA 7971 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Critical Shopper | Creatures of Comfort: Clothes Fit for Woman or Beast (nytimes.com)

Fashion's Night..In

We recently celebrated the second version of Fashion's Night Out, and tonight, as launched by Vogue UK, is "Fashion's Night In", an ingenious "cousin" of the global shopping event. What better way to celebrate future shopping trends then via e-commerce? There will be tons of sales and special offers being extended by various retailers for shopping in on the web this evening. Although mainly concentrated in the UK, the event is truly global because its happening on the internet. So join in on the fun and shop in tonight.

-fggofstyle