Celebrity Style – Faux Fur

In the midst of all the 2009 trends for the season, we haven’t paid much attention to one item on my “it” list – faux fur. Adding a bit of faux fur to a look can instantly “glam” it up and make a casual tee and leggings feel luxurious.  Celebrities from coast to coast are enhancing their winter wardrobes with faux fur collars, vests, and scarves. Celeb stylist Rachel Zoe is often snapped strutting her stuff with a faux fur embellishment, whether it be a vest, wrap, or full-on full-length coat. In my eyes, Rachel is pretty much the faux fur fashion champion.

One fur item can go a long way. Faux fur in a neutral color such as beige, gray, or black can last season after season and can become a must-have item for your wardrobe each chilly weather time. Take a look at the numerous ways celebs are styling their faux fur, and browse the ShopStlyle widget to find your favorite fur item.

Ten Minutes with Mary Meyer of Mary Meyer Clothing

While TMI is never a good thing, sometimes getting graphic can be absolutely gorgeous. Case in point: the tribal-esque prints that are a hallmark of Mary Meyer Clothing. This visual artist-turned-clothing designer is a pro at crafting clothing that is comfy without being sloppy,  eye-catching without being over-the-top, and, above all, flexibly fashionable.  Take the signature “Biggie” tunic, which can be worn loose and shoulder-skimming over skinny jeans or cinched with a wide belt into a dress over tights or . . . well,  you get the picture. Read on to learn more about Mary Meyer’s belief that process is just as important as the final product.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Mary Meyer Clothing is. . .

Mary: Interesting prints with a good fit.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Mary: My ideal customer likes to look cool and comfortable and understands different ways of wearing things.

Oligoville: How’d you end up a designer?

Mary: I started making clothes for myself and people wanted to buy them.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Mary: I launched in spring ‘05. I started selling locally on consignment in California and then trade shows.

Oligoville: There’s something very painterly about the graphic quality of your clothing. How else does your training as a visual artist play out in your fashion work?

Mary: When I studied art, the focus of my work had a lot to do with process, not only what you’re making but how you’re making it. I feel that with clothing design what I bring to it is still this experimental process-oriented element. I like to see what happens if I mix fabrics and dye them together or bleach the heck out of something or stone wash jersey. The result is unusual combinations of things and something that is signature to my hand.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Mary: The beach, music, art, museums, my friends, taking a bath, food, and colors.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Mary: Like running a marathon.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Mary: A Hadyen Harnett party bag and a If You Nasty Vintage velvet and mesh dress.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Mary: A notebook, datebook, wallet, a bunch of flyers for Step Right Up (my after-school program).

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Mary: When I got into clothing design I was exciting because, unlike fine art, everyone buys clothes not just collector. It all seems very accessible and creative. As my business continued, I had to learn how to do thing like budget, manage debt, project trends. All of this has taught me about the business side of things, which I unexpectedly really enjoy.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Mary: Being able to do something creative for a living.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Mary: I expect outgrow my studio, hire my assistant full-time, donate 10 percent of my profits to my after-school program and start grant at CCAC- California College of Arts and Crafts.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Mary: Write a business plan. I didn’t.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Mary: Steel Phantoms and Light Asylum.

Oligoville: Any last words?

Mary: “Live free or die.” That’s New Hampshire’s state slogan as seen on their license plates.

FASHION BY THE RULES: New Year’s Eve

FASHION BY THE RULES: New Year’s Eve

This year has provided us with many fashion topics, but none as recurrent as the exposure of Michelle Obama’s arms. After a careful search online, I found that if you are planning on dressing up for New Year’s Eve, well you best be prepared to go sleeveless or short at the very least.

Having spent so many years in the retail/wholesale business, this proliferation of sleeveless, bare and short dresses is somewhat of a mystery to me. Even though many women, young and “older,” are members of a health club or follow some sort of exercise regimen, it appears that a dress with any type of sleeve is a rare find. So basically, whether or not you choose to “bare arms” will determine how difficult your search for the perfect dress might be.

I don’t want you to think that I am against sleeveless/strapless dresses but not everyone wants to “bare arms” and not everyone wants to worry about a cover up and not everyone has the self confidence to go bare in the middle of winter, but there is good news. The good news is that no matter your price range, there is a huge selection of short dresses to choose from. If by chance you are searching for a long dress to ring in the New Year, well then you have your work cut out for you.

This is the perfect opportunity to go overboard on your accessories as chandelier earrings, statement necklaces, pins, and even wraps/stoles are also in abundance everywhere and again at every conceivable price. Just try and remember, if you question yourself and say “Is it too much?”  YES, it is and remove something immediately. Try to decide where you want the focus to be and then proceed accordingly.

So, once again, I offer up the fruits of my labor with a selection of some of the best that online shopping has to offer, and at every price point. You will have to trust your own instincts for the accessories, but this should give you a running start for the dresses.
Many thanks to Edressme.com as well as shopstyle.com.

Wishing everyone a fashionable, healthy, and profitable New Year.

http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/

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