Thursday, September 30, 2010

SHOW SOME SKIN(s), DEER...

This past weekend my boyfriend played a gig at a housewarming party for our friends Katie and McKay. Walking into the 4th of July-themed party, I immediately died over McKay's eye-catching pants (he clearly went the more woodstock-chic Americana route). Although you would probably never catch him wearing them outside the comfort of his own backyard (which he totally should!), I knew there must be an amazing story behind the pants. McKay informed me that his father had in fact shot the deer and made the pants himself in the sixties (Katie later told me that they had a matching lace up tunic that actually has the bullseye on it, which I didn't get a chance to see:(. These pants would be an amazing DIY project if you actually shoot deer, and aren't afraid of lyme's disease. 


I really like the way he paired the rugged statement pants with a really chic gentlemanly croc belt (how 70's Gucci and very current Ralph)! For men willing to try this look, but would like to add a shirt, I would suggest pairing it with:

-Blue Oxford Ralph Lauren shirt


-Vintage Gucci bit loafer



Even Elin Kling digs the trend!

Acne suede skinnies. Photo: Elin Kling


xLiz

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

ELIN KLING

I'm going to start a weekly section on Blonde Doctrinaire called "Kling of the Week" featuring my top Elin Kling outfit of the week. Elin is a seriously amazing Swedish blogger, who is not only gorgeous but has a serious eye for styling. Her "no fuss" approach to dressing keeps her always looking tres chic, but also approachable. With her blonde wavy surfer girl tresses and tailored rock n' roll chic, her penchant for mixing of high and low pieces give her timeless and admirable style. Get Kling-spirated!

xLiz 

Elin Kling is Jcrew shirt, H&M bomber jacket, Acne T, Cheap Monday jeans, Celene shoes, Chloé bag. Photo:Elin Kling

Sweatshirt and T both Acne,  Whyred pants, Givenchy heels, Chloé bag photo:Elin Kling

H&M dress, Blank Jacket, Balenciaga heels Photo:Elin Kling
Photo:Elin Kling


Rag & Bone hat, Acne T, Cheap Monday jeans, Converse, JCrew Flannel. photo: Elin Kling

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

LIZARD

Photo: Liz Kaye (The Blonde Doctrinaire). Dress: Marc Jacobs. Skirt as throw: Betsey Johnson. Dog: Sebastian the Chihuahua

My best friend, Lizard, (ok, don't get upset guys, I have a few) is a fashion chameleon. Banker by day (I always make fun of her because she has to wear a suit to work) her after hours style is the complete opposite. Our taste is fairly similar: basic staples paired with stand out pieces, which is why we are pretty darn good at shopping for each other. Plus, with her classic looks and model physique, it's a safe bet that anything will look great on her. I often receive phone calls, one from as far as a trip to Texas, "Marni dress on sale, your size, want?" Clearly, my fashion PiC (Partner in Crime). This said, she always gives me the best presents: evil eye pendant (in her fav things below), Giles & Bro multi chain bracelet and most recently, an Andy Warhol finger puppet. She is also my patient, go-to model for my fashion shoot experiments.

Elizabeth invites us into her apartment and closet to take a peak...

Elizabeth's closet (s)
1. How do you describe your personal style?
     
Clean Rock & Roll/Clean Grunge.


 2. Who are your favourite designers?

 Prada, Marc Jacobs, YSL, Jil Sander, Chloé, and (drumroll) Alexander Wang. Phillip Lim and Rag & Bone also consistently have great pieces.


 3. Stores you love?

I appreciate stores with thoughtful buyers: Kirna Zabete, Barneys, (before it closed in NYC) Linda Dresner. Online, I really like Aloha Rag.

  
4. Whose style influences you?

I don't have a person that specifically influences my style, however, certain music, people, eras, and ways of life influence my style mood in one way or another, I think that comes out in my sartorial choices. To free associate: Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Hunter Thompson (gonzo lifestyle), New Order, The Clash, Madonna, Iggy Pop (not so much for his style, as he practicallywears nothing) but his aura, David Bowie, and Jean-Luc Godard movies (particularly great masculine style).


5. Favourite items in your closet?

 1. Evil eye necklace charm from bazaar in Istanbul. I have a sentimental attachment to it because I gave you one (as we are both obsessed with evil eye jewelry) and because we both wear it all the time. It has become a friendship necklace.
Evil eye necklace from Istanbul
  2. One of my favourite pieces from my closet is my black and white (my go-to combination) Chloé landscape dress from Fall '07. It has a cool Asian vibe.

Chloé fall '07 landscape dress (photo: first view)
3. Currently, Alexander Wang vinyl quilted shorts, a shredded linen knit shell sweater (hello, Alex Wang sample sale!) and his leather Lara combat boots from last fall. Obviously, I am obsessed with Alexander Wang. If I had a therapist they would probably say that I needed to look closely at why I so desperately want to emulate a M.O.D (Blonde Doctrinaire note: For those of you who are simply clueless, M.O.D=Model off duty).

Left: Lara boots. Right: Quilted nylon shorts, both Alexander Wang

4. I also love my Givenchy studded flats because they are tough, yet cheekily feminine. Sebastian, my chihuahua loves them too!


Sebastian. Shoes: Givenchy. Photo: Liz Kaye


6. What will you be wearing this fall/fall uniform?

I'm looking forward to wearing my Burberry plaid wooly skirts from several years ago and my Dolce & Gabbana flannel pants and vest again. I'm also excited to break in my new Balenciaga leather motorcycle jacket that I got at a sick price after the market crashed. The jacket may very well have been the only redeeming thing about the state of the economy. I will also be wearing my Siwy pleather "wet-look" pants, and my new RM by Roland Mouret leggings!

RM by Roland Mouret leggings

7. Wish list for fall?

1. Proenza Schouler PS 1 bag in black. Been wanting one for a while, totally classic.

2. I also really like what Chloé has done with their bags this fall. Very retro shape which reminds me of my grandmother's old Gucci and Charles Jourdan purses.



8. Cannot live without...

My Chanel ballet flats and nail polish collection. It's safe to say i'm addicted.






9. Makeup regimen?

-A drop of La Mer foundation
-YSL Anti-Cernes concealer in #1
-An eyeliner in an unusual colour or Le Metier de Beauté eyeliner pen in black. Do no get sucked into buying that horrific Chanel eyeliner pen which can quickly take you from sassy-chic harlot to full on hooker if applied incorrectly. (Blonde Doctrinaire note: I USE the Chanel eyeliner pen and love my thick cat-eyes, if that's hooker, find me a pimp!)
-Chanel Precision Brow Definer in Blonde Claire
-I usually end up using a mascara sample as I have so many and they stay fresh (Liz and I would like to take a moment to thank Barney's for always sending cute makeup bags with mascara and other goodies!). I particularly like YSL Faux Cils. My mother used it and got me, and subsequently my friend Julia, hooked on it about ten years ago. The scent reminds me of getting ready to go out and the evening's possibilities. 
-A small amount of YSL bronzer in #1.




10. Perfume? Why, yes please...

I have always loved YSL Opium, and this past year i've been wearing Bond No.9 Silver Factory, but right now, and probably for a long while, Liaisons Dangereuses (typical me) by Kilian. Their perfumes are AMAZING and are really high quality: you only need a little spritz as they linger on the skin, even after you shower.


11. Fashion Motto?

I don't really have a motto, per se, but one of my favourite people of all time in fashion was YSL. He had a subtly sassy tongue. A great quote from him, which I can relate to on a daily basis in nyc: "It pains me physically to see a woman victimized, rendered pathetic, by fashion."

xLiz       


Monday, September 27, 2010

Get the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 look:


1. Rebecca & Drew- Navy gold button blazer (photo: stylecaster). I always love a Ralph Lauren little boy's blazer too. The key to the look is the juxtaposition between the navy jacket and the black tights and boots.

2. Report Signature OTK boots- Ok, yes, they are not python, but your wallet won't force you to be buried in them.

3. Wolford-Black tights. Please make sure these are opaque ladies, there is nothing less attractive than sheer black pantyhose (that is unless you are planning to wear athletic socks and trainers a la "Working Girl".

4. Equipment-signature blouse in hard feelings. The colour is spot on to the Burberry blouse, minus the gold buttons. And for god-sake, remember to button it to the top...it will still look sexy, you aren't wearing pants!

5. Won Hundred-double breasted army green coat. Significantly lighter than the gorgeous fur bottom wool Burb coat, but has a Burberry colour and shape.

Friday, September 24, 2010

HOLY CHIC

BURBERRY PRORSUM FALL 2010

Photos: Style.com

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 was my absolute favourite collection last season. It was sad looking at all the beautiful layering in February when it was starting to get to warm to think about fall clothing. But re-looking at the collection as fall approaches, I am dying for all the luxurious yet utilitarian, British military infused pieces. Above are some of my fav looks. The over-the-knee boots top off an effortlessly chic and tailored look, adding a little rock n' roll to the aesthetic...and in Python? It's cray cray amazing! Perfect suiting and layering, double breasted fitted jackets, riding pants and simple cut blouses, all inspirational!

The most spectacular look, although simple, was a black strong shouldered cardi with gold buttons layered over a long grey silk blouse, paired with black tights and python otk boots. The dramatic collar added a style with an Edwardian twist.


Photo:Style.com

xLiz






Wednesday, September 22, 2010

MAMA NEEDS A NEW PAIR OF SHOES!

Ok, I seriously wish there were spacebags for shoes! I have a closet full of them and I disrupt the stack and cause an avalanche every time I try to select a pair (honestly, it's like Jenga). Anyway, here are my top picks for fall...I'm limiting myself to two pairs a season.

Acne grey suede cut out wedge boot, Giuseppe Zanotti leopard platform wedge, Camilla Skovgaard tassel heel suede ankle bootie, Report Signature leather over the knee boot, Acne buckle wedge platform, Camilla Skovgaard leather wedge boot (they make them in a dark green that is even better!)
Paule Ka green cut out wedges, Dolce & Gabbana surrealist wedge, Dolce & Gabbana gold ruffle wedge, Acne box boots
.

xLiz

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

STINE GOYA CABLE BRAIDED SWEATER

I adore Scandinavian brands but they are so hard to find in the states! I had to have my Acne Atacoma's shipped to me from Sweden...they were even held hostage by my UPS guy, Keith, until I gave him money for additional tax for customs. It was a royal pain. On the bright site, Danish label, Stine Goya has hit the states in a major way. Well, maybe not major yet, but their pieces are so amazing, I can't imagine they won't be the new big import. Once again, I felt my purse getting lighter when I saw this Stine Goya cable knit braided sweater. It's perfect! Neutral, unique, effortless style, minimal accessorizing necessary. Totally me!


The styling options here are ENDLESS. It's a great sweater to jazz up, or to throw on with a simple pair of leggings.


Stine Goya Braided Cable knit sweater, Topshop creme leopard skinnies, patent chanel ballet flats 





Stine Goya braided cable knit sweater, Aldo over the knee suede boots, American Apparel leggins, Hermes collier de chien bracelet


xLiz

 

I HEART THUY!

So, I got sick from all the fashion week craziness. Feeling down and worn out, I arrived at the office this morning to a gift from my client Thuy! Nothing like a prezzie to cheer up the sickest of fashionistas. The amazing silk chain tote bag in Thuy's bug print is part of her new line of accessories (check them out at www.thuynewyork.com).

Thuy Chain bug tote bag


Aside from the chain bug tote, I love Thuy's little chain bags (they can also be worn as clutches) in bright vibrant colours. Priced at less than $200 dollars, they add the perfect splash of colour to any outfit. Mary Kate Steinmiller of Teen Vogue rocked the bug bag tote out and about during fashion week.

photo: Scott Schuman

 

Thursday, September 16, 2010

VICTOR/VICTORIA...and a shot of espresso

 
  

 Coffee and boots? Two of my favourite things and Joshua Bingaman's as well!

Joshua Bingaman has started a coffee company, opened a shop, and his other love? Making boots of course! HELM Handmade was established by Joshua fueled by his lifelong passion for men's shoes and boots. The best part is HELM boots are unisex. HELM products are designed in Austin, handmade in Istanbul, with leather from Holland and Australia, and soles from Italy and France. Talk about an international collaboration. Careful craftsmanship and old world boot making techniques set HELM apart in the boot market, creating footwear that you can enjoy for years, and only get better with age.

**Note: Joshua is also a musician, perhaps a cover of Blur's Coffee and TV could be re-invented as Coffee and Men's boots

Joshua Bingaman
 This fall i'm feeling a rugged and relaxed look: cozy, stylish, functional, lots of layering. With Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth, Miss Moss and Rachel Bilson rocking worn in men's boots, they are definitely on my list of fall must haves.

My favourite boots from the collection are the Jarmon ($445). The Jarmon boot (Joshua's mother's maiden name) is quite sexy on a man, but would surely find a nice home on my feet! Inspired by vintage Vasque hiking boots, the simple military design is finished with additional canvas that lends itself to a traditional safari boot. Water-resistant, vintage hardware, and you can add red laces (sold on HELM's website) to add a final feminine touch.

Now... time to style them:

HELM Handmade Jarmon Boot

THEN ADD:
-Equipment worn in western top under Topshop cable knit grandpa cardi
-Pendleton reclaimed silver bramble cuff
-Genetic denim Shane cigarette jeans
-Pendleton buckle bag

...and if you want to add some Davy Crockett to this situation...

Thuy foxtail

Visit HELM Handmade at www.helmhandmade.com
 

Monday, September 13, 2010

EMILIE GHILAGA



I am so excited to share with you a recent interview I had with dear friend and designer, Emilie Ghilaga. I have known Emilie for almost 15 years and have had the pleasure of watching her style evolve (it was always fabulous and ever-emulated by classmates and friends. Emilie has always been a tastemaker and an ever evolving personality. Emilie hit Jaipur last year to work at the famed Gem Palace and explore the many gifts of India. While there, Emilie met a tailor named Rajneesh, who upon meeting her read her palm immediately saw the loving open-hearted spirit (we all see) in his new friend. Emilie designed four dresses for herself and Rajneesh got to work. These easy to wear staples, which carried her through her journey in India became the talk of all her friends upon her return, and thus With Love, Emilie Ghilaga was born in Emilie's spirit of sharing her gift for design and style with all of her friends.

Emilie shares some of her style secrets:

-How would you describe your personal style?


My style is very eclectic and based on my mood. One day I will be a sari wearing moon goddess, or a fur-wearing upper east side yeti, some days I prefer Woody Allen-style late 70's Ralph Lauren woman, and other days an urban love warrior bounding through the streets of New York on my way to yoga.

What brings it all together is the simple yet profound mathematics of a silhouette, the way clothes hang, how low or high depending on a person's body. What elongates, or shadows, and what enlightens.


-How has it evolved? How does this help you as a designer?

In high school, I was enamored with high fashion. I knew every collection, every model, every season. I would costume myself at any chance I could. However, I eventually grew out of it and started to shed my detailed and attentive attitude towards the fashion industry. Instead, I read books whose characters inspired me, and moved to different places in the world: France, Kosovo, Jackson Hole and ultimately India. In these places I would take on personas of style. I would assimilate and yet also be myself.

In this way, it has stabilized me as a designer who has a specific look and yet simultaneously keeps ideas fluid and aligned with the fates of fashion.


 -Favourite designers?

Adolfo, Tom Ford (Gucci era), Luella Bartley, but it's hard because I do not have specific favoured designers, I have favourite pieces. Certain collections with a dress, or pair of pants that are like the elements of fashion; archetypal and divine.


-Favourite items in your closet?

Prada dress from Spring 2001
22k gold snake ring from Gem Palace
Black leggings
Pucci ski pants
Black leather motorcycle jacket from 1969 that I bought on Ebay
Hand-made polo boots from Dinsen in New Delhi
Silk royal blue Sari from Udaipur
Coyote hat from Montreal
The Perfect Girlfriend dress from my collection, in Provence print
My Daytripper dress (also from my collection) in white


-What items in your closet are a fall go-to for you?

Two suits I had made in India, one tweed and one navy wool
My polo boots
Black Nike sneakers paired with a puffy jacket and leggings
One of my many cloaks I have acquired on impulse


-Wish list for fall?

Timberland boots
Combat boots (still have not found the perfect pair!)

I am actually in the mood for a much more athletic fall, perhaps a Patagonia men's puff jacket.

However, if I splurged I would purchase:

Balmain purple fur coat
Anything from Oscar De La Renta this year. In my opinion he nailed fall, and the spectrum of bold women who would wear the collection. It reminds me of Cruella Deville on acid.
Amazing goddess warrior dress from Cavalli
And some Chanel Mammoth outfits


-Makeup/Beauty product you can't live without?

I don't really wear makeup, except the occasional liquid eyeliner. So any face stray, Evian, Caudalie, Forrest Essentials.


-Perfume?  

I usually switch it up each season to become a new woman. Currently, it is Gucci by Gucci, however I really like Leafs of Gold by La Prairie, Bulgari Jasmin, and Dolce & Gabbana Men.


-Fav bag?

YSL Muse Bag
Leather LL Bean backpack
An old Chanel clutch of my mom's. I have had it for years, and it never gets old


-What is your fashion motto?

"Simple Bliss"
 or
"Fashions Back in Fashion" (that isn't really my personal one, it's something I made up and thought was funny)


-Lastly, which With love, Emilie Ghilaga piece does every girl need and why?

The Perfect Girlfriend dress, which was the whole reason the collection exists. It comes in some many colours and makes every girl look like a bright fresh flower. Everyone who wears it tells me of the undeniable, positively lovely attention she has received from just about everyone that looks at her walking down the street.

ps. the above is totally true, I own two of them!


Le FIN   ...well almost, on to the pictures!




Pucci ski pants




Polo boots



Lookin' sexy in her vintage motorcycle jacket

Dress: Prada
 
Fur hat!!!
 


Fav purse


With Love, Emilie Ghilaga PERFECT GIRLFRIEND dress

Balmain purple fur
Chanel Mammoth
With love, Emilie Ghilaga DAYTRIPPER dress


visit her website and buy a dress! @ www.emilieghilaga.com

Friday, September 3, 2010

PANDAS AREN'T THE ONLY ONES THAT LIKE BAMBOO

One of the many things I like about fashion are the perks!

Messengers just brought our Fall 2010 pieces from United Bamboo.


Black mohair sweaterdress (i'm going to wear this puppy too much for the moths to get at it!)





Grey oversized blazer (my leather pants needed a new best friend)
 

CATHERINE WRIGHT

Although I love PR, I do have daydreams about being a stylist. Beyond the garment bag lugging (which isn't so glamourous), you are submerged in a world of the fashion and beautiful people. You get to touch Chanel (and not while your standing in the store drooling and being given the "don't touch if you aren't buying" face by the salespeople). You get ultimate freedom with the creative process. What people misunderstand is that is not a job of picking out what matches, it is about understanding a theme of a photoshoot, a client's personal style, doing research, sourcing clothing and accessories and putting it all together.

One of my favourite ladies, stylist Catherine Wright, took the time to let me pick her brain about fashion, and beyond. Catherine is a stylist extraordinaire who fled from law school after one semester to move back to LA and enroll at FIDM. She was then lucky enough to score an internship with Cher Coulter (stylist to Kate Bosworth, Sienna Miller (DYING!), Robin Wright Penn, among others). Next, Catherine found herself filling in for stylists at E! News, which remains one of her current projects. She has worked with Giuliana Rancic,  Jason Kennedy, Ashlan Gorse, Kristina Guerrero, Michael Yo, the whole team, as well as Pussycat Doll, Ashley Roberts for the E! Spring Break Special.

Read Below to hear Catherine dish on her style, fall wish list and what makes her CRAY CRAY -OBSESSED... 


-Who are your favourite designers:

It's hard to name a favourite designer because I love so many...I've always loved Marc Jacobs, both his designs for Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs--In fact, my obsession with him while I was in college is probably why I work in fashion now. I also love Balmain, DSquared, Balenciaga, and who doesn't love Dior? BUT, from a more practical standpoint, I love Alexander Wang and the casualness of his clothes. Also, I think Topshop is amazing because it brings a little London edge to the US (wish we had one in LA)! I also love Joie, Ever, and ALL SAINTS (it makes me cray-cray-OBSESSED). For shoes, I buy and wear a lot of Steve Madden, but I think Brian Atwood, YSL and Sergio Rossi are killing it right now.


Catherine high on Balenciaga



-Whose style do you admire?


I love girls with laid-back style who bring it on the red carpet as well. Kate Bosworth, Kate Hudson, Rachel Bilson, Alexa Chung...love it!


-Describe your personal style?


I have gotten really relaxed with my style in the past few years. I'd like to say i'm causual chic, but everyone says that. My uniform right now is basically cut-offs (either Siwy or J Brand, a tank top, lace bra and cardigan). I love anything oversized. Living in LA it is always about layering and because I'm on my feet running around with heavy garment bags all day, I have to wear comfortable shoes. But if I'm going out tonight,you will not catch me dead in flats (unless I am at the beach...and I'm sure that statement will come back to haunt me).



Catherine with stylist/designer Kit Scarbo wearing her Diesel leather jacket, plaid shirt and Beryl aviators (her spring staple)


-Favourite items from your closet?

I love my grey Future Classics cut out cardigan-I wear it with everything, my levi's denim vest that was once a jacket--I bought it for $5 for a grunge inspired shoot I was working on and couldn't part with it, my black Steve Madden combat boots, my fuchsia YSL suede heels, my black Siwy Camilla shorts (I'm wearing them right now), my gold boyfriend watch, all of the white Hanes men's t-shirts I have, Joie grey oversized sweater, black skinny jeans I got for free because they didn't fit my roomate :), I could probably go on for days...



Catherine in her levis denim vest on set with Brazilian model, Ludi Delfino

 -Wish list for fall? 

Fall wish list...hmmm, right now I'd just love some more jewelry! I just got a lot of lace pieces for layering which I think is great for Fall. I'd also love some more cardigans and tops from All Saints...I feel like I'm talking to Santa Clause. What I would really love for fall is a long skirt, is that weird? (side comment from the Blonde Doctrinaire: no, Catherine, it is not weird, it's amazing...rock it with the denim vest!) Gillian Zinser just rocked an amazing look at the Louis Vuitton party and now it is at the top of my Must-Have list.


-Makeup you can't live without?

There is no makeup I can't live without. I'm pretty low maintenance (and clueless) when it comes to that.


-Perfume? Coco Chanel said, "A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future".

I do love perfume! My favourites are Marc Jacobs Daisy, DG Light Blue and Ralph Lauren Blue.


-Fashion motto?

I don't know if I really have a fashion motto, but my all time favourite quote is from Anna Wintour in the September Issue: "Just because you like to put on a beautiful Caroline Herrera dress or a pair of J Brand jeans instead of something basic from K-Mart doesn't mean you're a dumb person."-Anna Wintour

 Thanks Catherine!
xLiz


Catherine (who styled) snaps a shot of Giuliana Rancic for E! News




Cat on set at a recent shoot


 







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