Who doesn't have a Icon Style?

STYLE PROFILE: EMMA WATSON - 

Sure, I may not have seen any of the Harry Potter movies, but what I do know is that I don’t need to be a fan of wizards to appreciate Emma Watson. Emma Watson has gone from child star to style star seemingly overnight. Seriously, this girls style is on point!

From red carpet to street style – her looks are killer across the board. She has definitely shed her Harry Potter image and replaced it with a look that is chic, sophisticated, classic while remaining modern, and at times a little androgynous. One thing that stands out to me is that her looks are young and fun while still being appropriate – nothing trashy for this stylish Brit.

Emma’s signature style typically consists of classically chic dresses, but she definitely isn’t afraid to mix things up.  Tailored pieces have been a recent staple for this young actress and she seems to be drawn to simple neutral color palette.

DECADES

MODA OPERANDI

NET-A-PORTER

BARNEYS

VINTAGE

Look for pieces by or inspired by Emma’s favorite designers; Valentino, Cbristian Dior, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Burberry, and Oscar de la Renta.

What do you think of Emma Watson’s style? If you have a favorite style icon like the ME please share with us.

Marta Marques

10 WAYS TO WEAR A TURTLENECK

I have a love/hate relationship with turtlenecks. Well it’s mostly been hate but lately I’ve been changing my tune.  I think the hate stems from a long history with those awful holiday turtlenecks. You know those cotton themed turtlenecks that you’d rock underneath a holiday sweater or sweatshirt? I wore a lot of those in elementary school. A lot.

Well those memories must be fading because I am kind of into the idea of wearing a turtleneck this fall. Call me crazy but I think the right turtleneck with the right styling can look pretty darn chic.

I’ve been trolling the web for the 10 best ways to wear a turtleneck this fall and here they are …

1. WITH DENIM

Look at this girl making her Canadian tuxedo look downright chic by adding a black turtleneck underneath. Just looking at her makes me want to burst in flames (a turtleneck, a jean jacket, and a pea-coat – impressive) but dang she looks good.

2. WITH SHORTS

This is one of my favorite Olivia P. outfits of all time. The chunky sweater offsets the short-shorts perfectly.

3. PAIRED WITH LEATHER

Because leather makes everything better.

4. OVER-SIZED AND SHADED

Some days you just need to wear a comfy, gigantic sweaters. Adding shades make you look vs lazy.

5. WITH A POP OF COLOR

A long coat in a vibrant color takes a white turtleneck was blah to bangin.

6. ADD SOME STUNNING EAR CANDY

Turtlenecks don’t leave a lot of room for jewelry like necklaces and bracelets but many of them are practically begging for some ear candy. The ear cuff looks amazing paired with this classic turtleneck.

7. OR JUST WEAR A DARN NECKLACE

Sure turtlenecks really don’t need necklaces but sometimes you just have to do it anyways.

8. COLOR BLOCK IT

Look at her go in her green and blue. Love how the neutral coat tones the look down a bit.

9. WITH A MOTO JACKET

I will absolutely be recreating this look this fall.

  10. OR JUST KEEP IT CLASSIC

Timeless and forever chic with a black pencil skirt and a classic handbag.

Jus

by LAUREN MESSIAH

Please be free to leave your comment!!!!

Marta Marques

HOW VANITY SIZING IS KILLING YOUR SELF ESTEEM

The topic of vanity sizes has been on my mind for quite some time.  Then I stumbled across this article in The Hollywood Reporter. It’s all about the origin of size zero clothing and the wild world of vanity sizing. It struck a nerve with me. Perhaps its because I work as a personal stylist for real women every day and size related meltdowns and confusion are a regular occurrence. Either a woman has too closely identified her size with her self worth OR she has no idea what size she wears! Here is a real life scenario …

Me: What size you do wear?

Note that I also measure all of my clients because sizes lie but a measuring tape does not.

Client: I wear a size 6

Me: Okay, lets take a look in your closet  …

What do I see? I see a closet full of J. Crew and Gap who are both notorious for vanity sizing. Well, this client is ready for an upgrade. She just got a promotion and her J. Crew and Gap wardrobe from 5 years ago don’t reflect who she is or the budget she is working with today. The problem is, the new clothes that I plan on putting her in aren’t sized as generously. So instead of a 6, we’re looking more at a size 8 or even a 10. Do you think my client is going to be excited about suddenly “gaining” weight? Who is ever about going up a size? Cue the meltdown. Well actually not on my watch. I teach my clients that the size in tag doesn’t mean a thing and if I know they won’t believe me, I hide the tag. The psychological mind-fuck involved in seeing a size 10 instead a size 6 isn’t going to happen during one of my styling sessions.

So why do brands do this to us? Look at how torturous it is! The reason they do it is because when you reverse the scenario the results are a lot more glorious. Fitting into a size 0 when you are really a size 4 gives you a rush (good for the customer) and that rush typically results in a purchase (good for the company).

To me this is nonsense and the madness needs to stop. Can we get some standardized sizing in the house? Clearly that isn’t going to happen anytime soon but you can do a few things to protect yourself from the punch in the gut you self-esteem experiences every time you go shopping.

GET TO KNOW YOUR BODY

A lot of people use the size of their clothing as a marker for weigh loss and weigh gain. Stop doing that. Standardized sizing doesn’t exist so suddenly fitting into a size 2 doesn’t necessarily mean you lost weight, nor wearing a size 6 mean you gained weight. Take your measurements and take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror (naked) – THAT should be your benchmark.

BECOME SIZE BLIND

This is easier said than done but start training yourself to become size-blind. Once you know how clothes are supposed to fit, then becoming size blind becomes a lot easier. If something fits and look incredible on you, the number on that tag won’t even matter.

CUT IT OUT

I know, I know EVERYBODY says this but, seriously, give it a try. Once you’ve purchased the garment and brought it home, cut the darn tag out. I guarantee after a week or so has passed you won’t ever remember the size.

LEARN YOUR BRANDS

Try on a variety of brands and get to know how they are cut (or hire a stylist who knows that info like the back of her hand). Knowledge is power, my friends. Once you know that H&M is totally full of shit when it comes to their sizes, then you won’t care if you wear a size 2 or a size 12.

Marta Marques

by LAUREN MESSIAH

HOW TO LAYER FOR FALL IN 6 EASY STEPS

originally posted on Glam.com

As a stylist, I get a lot of questions on the topic of layering. It can sometimes be really difficult to figure out what looks good and what doesn’t. There is also that age old conundrum, how do I look cool, stylish, as opposed to bulky and overdone? Then there are the women who are afraid to layer their clothes for the fear of looking bigger than they actually are. The layering universe can be a scary place, I get it.

Here’s the good news, a perfectly layered look will compliment your curves and create the illusion of a proportional silhouette. Rocking lots of layers also helps manage falls tricky temperatures (wake up and its 45 degrees, come lunch time its 70) because you can strip down or add to depending on the weather.

I’ve got a few tips that will help you layer like a champ come fall. Not into instructions? Then check out some layered looks that are inspiring me this fall.

STEP 1: START WITH THE BASICS

For the first layer, stick to the basics. I suggest a solid neutral, lightweight top that can go with anything! Keep it somewhat fitted to keep your shape looking slim.

STEP 2: ADD A SWEATER

You’ve nailed step 1, now just throw on your favorite knit sweater or soft cardigan. Make sure its a fine knit, we still want to keep the silhouette nice and tight.

STEP 3: ADD JACKET … AND BELT IT

Now toss on a jacket or a blazer and belt it.The belt is a key ingredient here. It locks in the layers and shows off your fabulous waist.

STEP 4: PANTS, PLEASE!

Pick your poison when it comes to your bottoms but make sure you they flatter your figure. My favorite for fall is a pair of great leather leggings. Why? Well they are warm and a perfect for step 5 …

STEP 5: BOOTS UP

Tall boots scream fall and act as a layer over your pants. Tall boots work best with skinny jeans or leather leggings.

STEP 6: ACCESSORIZE 

Step 6 is where you can really have some fun. Fall will add some depth and visual interest to your look without making you too hot. Try cute beanie or a fedora, an interested scarf, or layered jewelry to give your look that always necessary finishing touch.

Marta Marques

by LAUREN MESSIAH

10 WAYS TO WEAR METALLICS

Last week I bought a pair of gold metallic J Brand skinny jeans, true story. They were only $50 at Marshalls and they were the exact cut/style that I like from J Brand. Those two reasons served as reason enough to buy a pair of gold metallic pants.

Then I got home and was like, “oh snap, how I am going to wear these pants!”

Lucky for my pants, I’m a stylist and I have already come up with a ton of different ways to wear them. In fact, I’ve already worn them once. They were a great way to add some visual interest into my fall/ winter wardrobe.

So spice up your fall wardrobe with some metallics! They are a shockingly easy and chic way to add a little flavor to your wardrobe. They might sound a little intimidating, but it’s a lot easier than you think. Here are 10 stylish ways to wear metallics …

1. ON YOUR FEET

Tip toe into this trend by wearing a pair of metallic shoes on your feet.

2. SHINY OUTERWEAR

For the extra bold, wear a metallic  jacket or coat. I had a gold metallic trench in college, I miss that coat …

3. DRESS IT UP

Go big or go home with a metallic shift dress.

4. TONE IT DOWN WITH NEUTRALS

Take the bling down a notch or two with a neutral like camel or beige.

5. WHITE OUT

Because silver + white = oh so nice!

6. ADD BLACK

This is exactly what I did with my gold pants. Can’t go wrong with black.

7. WITH A TEE

A graphic tee gets an instant upgrade when paired with a metallic.

8. SNEAK IT IN

If you are really scared, then try wearing a metallic belt. Keep it simple, subtle, and a bit sneaky.

9. BEYONCE-IFY IT

Just do whatever Beyonce does … But seriously, I like how she made her metallic pants super casual. Go, Bey!

10. KNIT IT

A cozy sweater paired with a cold-as-ice metallic makes for the most perfect pairing.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marta Marques

by LAUREN MESSIAH

COLD-WEATHER COATS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

Let me start by saying this, I am totally jealous of the people get to wear coats this fall. It is still summer here in LA and I am not happy about it. At all. Okay I’m through complaining, now on to the advice!

When its cold outside the first priority is to keep warm but would it kill you to do it in style and flatter your figure while you’re at it? Tall order, I know, but it can be done. I compiled a few simple guidelines to help you shop for the most perfect fitting fall/winter coat ever.

NO CURVES

If you have a boyish or a figure with little to no curves, then faking it is your best option. Look for belted coats with a flared hemline and a slight shoulder pad. Need further inspiration, check out Alexa Chung’s coat game because it’s on point.

BIGGER ON THE TOP

For all the busty gals out there there is hope when it comes to finding coats. Balance out your bust with a tailored coat. Look for accents such as belts (or add your own), peplums, flared skirt-like hemlines, or a printed bottom half. These details will accent your waist and draw attention away from your bust.

BIGGER ON THE BOTTOM

Big booty girls in the house! If you’d like to downplay your bottom half then look for coats with fur on top, a dramatic collar, or a v-neck.  Avoid double breasted coats, and they aren’t your friend in this particular situation. Another option would be a coat with an asymmetrical button line.

PROPORTIONAL

Hourglass girls need to be careful with their coat choices if they’d like to flatter their figures. Anything too boxy or over-sized will look dowdy. You simply can’t go wrong with a trench coat.  Belted and single-breasted coats are a sure bet as well.

BIGGER  IN THE MIDDLE

If you are bigger in the middle, create a diversion with a stylish blanket coat (so in style this season too). If a blanket coat isn’t your style, then try a style that you do like but one with an all over pattern. The pattern will distract and conceal your problem area.

Happy coat shopping!

by LAUREN MESSIAH