Gimmie list #5

Photo:  Scarletstiletto100

Love, love, love, luuuuuuv this dress by Zuhair Murad!  Blake Lively rocks it at the LA premier of Savages this summer.

Say yes to the (designer) dress

Photos: Alexander McQueen, Donna Karan, Vivienne Westwood from The Outnet

From time to time I'm asked to style a wedding.  I always say yes because it's such a treat to help make that day special for the bride and groom.  Part of the fun is shopping with the bride for her dream dress.  Many would love to have a designer dress but it's just not in the budget.  Ladies fret no more!!  Now you too can have a Carrie Bradshaw moment in your very own Vivienne Westwood or Donna Karan.  (Think her Vogue photo shoot, not her wedding day....err...maybe I should use another reference?!)

Check out The Outnet for deeply discounted designer dresses.

The new carrie necklace

Photo: Tmag NYTimes

Swooon!  Again doing research for my latest project, I came across this little gem of a necklace by fine jewelry line Mannin.  I'm in love with this pendent plus there are all sorts of other options...rings, bracelets, cuff links to stamp your initials in.  This is such a great addition to your already rockin' neck party (Thank you ManRepeller for use of the term.)  It's also a GREAT gift for your bridesmaids.  Now...who needs another bridesmaid??

Hello yellow

Photo: Fluxus

I'm researching los angeles based designers for my latest project and found this little number by Fluxus.  I love the asymmetrical hem and the yellow makes me smile!!

Check out more of their collection online or at their retail store in Larchmont Village, 202 North Larchmont Los Angeles, CA 90004.

Two loves

I had this great post idea: tips on networking!!  Well because I love it...meeting new fascinating people...being out and about...but then I remembered, MOST do not love networking as much as I do.  But let's face it, lovlies, it is es-sen-tial to building a business/brand particularly in the fashion industry.  So...I thought I would combine my little talk on networking with another love: SHOES!!  Who doesn't love looking at shoe porn??  Further convoluting this post I thought I would highlight shoes from the most fabulous designer Yotam Solomon who I was just introduced to by my super amazing friend Miss Charlotte Wood.  Miss Char just started working with Mr. Solomon.

Anyways...back to the subject at hand...networking.  What I just described is, in fact, a great story about networking...I know Charlotte who knows Yotam and I was introduced to his work through Charlotte.  I might use his clothes in one of my future shoots or just purchase a few things for myself.  He might need a stylist and Charlotte might recommend me.  Who knows? But now I have an in.  I wouldn't be some random, strange person calling...well not too random or strange.  Ha!  Time for some shoes...

The statement...it's not what you know, it's who you know could never be truer.  Of course, once you get a little help getting your fabulous foot in the door then it is all about what you know.  But first, getting said foot in the door...

• Always ask.  You might meet someone you would love to work with but are afraid to talk to them.  DON'T BE AFRAID.  Just do it.  Ask for their contact info and say hey, can I call you/email you sometime and ask you a few questions about how you got started?  Trust me they remember the people who helped them out at the beginning of their career and want to return the favor.
• Get your name and resume/portfolio in front of as many people as possible.  Do the work and find people in your industry and email them.  Say you would love to assist them in future projects.  You might email 20 and only hear back from two...so what!  Do it anyway...who knows where those two new contacts will lead you.
• Energy in = Energy out.  The universe works in mysterious ways.  You might send out 20 emails one day and nothing happens from those emails but the next day you get a random call for a job.  Always be putting energy into your business.  Do something everyday that grows it and moves it forward.
•  Be your best person ALWAYS!!  Whether that is at your side job, or being an unpaid PA on a micro-budget indie.  You never know who is watching.  Your reputation will proceed you...make sure it's a good one.  Photo shoots or film sets are a team of people working together and ANY of those people could be the one hiring you or referring you to your next job.

And now...a final pair of shoes...

Happy networking!!!  

And remember...you can do anything if you have the right pair of shoes!

Oh and one more pair of shoes...on Yotam's website there is the MOST amazing pair of shoes in his Fall - Winter 2010 Native American collection called the Pandora Wedge.  I couldn't find a pic so click now and see the deliciousness for yourself.  CLICKITY

xoxo

Be still my heart

Photo: Shopbop.com

For the love of all things orange...I want this skirt!!!  Gimmie gimmie gimmie!!!  Praise to Mr. Jacobs for this fabulous velvet number.  Watch out world...this girl is going to be covered in orange from head to toe this season!

The Classics: Valentino

Photo:  Julia Saner for Valentino, by David Sims

A sneak peek at Valentino's S/S 2011 ad campaign.  Absolutely lovely!

Flats or heels for Spring...maybe Garance was right?? 

Chanel was a leo

Photos: COCO - Chanel News

Coco Chanel's apartment in Paris was filled with detail and symbolism.  Wheat, a symbol of prosperity, could be found in every room.  She loved Chinese screens and used them in fabulously fun, creative ways.  Chanel was born under the sign of Leo and had sculptures of lions scattered throughout her apartment. 

I've always said that clothes are an expression of who we are.  They are an opportunity to express on the outside who and what we are on the inside.  The same can be said for our living spaces.  While clothes can be changed daily (and advisably so!) or even several times a day ...our living spaces might be more of an expression of our inner core...the ideas and beliefs we hold most dear...furniture and paint being changed less often...or at least with a bit more effort.  

What does your space say about you?