Your Stylist: Slithering snake prints for chic, creepy Halloween

Exotic animal prints and skins are obviously a huge trend for fall. They’ve been so ubiquitous that I wouldn't be surprised if Post-it started making cheetah-print sticky notes or Starbucks starts to offer limited-edition cup sleeves done in a fierce leopard print. 

Since it's Halloween, I am partial to the creepier and slimier side of this exotic trend -- snake print. We saw the wonderfully colorful '60s-style snake-skin boots on the Prada fall-winter 2011 runway, and the print (and sometimes, skin) is showing up everywhere and on everything.

Here are some items done in snake print that are a little less obvious than the usual python-printed boot or bag. There’s even a snake-venom-inspired beauty product that induces slight facial paralysis, similar to the effects of a snake bite. Yikes!

The animal-print jeans from Current Elliott have been hot all season, but these boa-print cropped skinny jeans done in a paprika-colored denim ($198 at neimanmarcus.com) are particularly fetching.

For a casual pop of the popular reptile print, this T-shirt from Sass & Bide ($190 at net-a-porter.com) is an easy way to spice up the usual jeans and tee combo. For something sportier, Keds has done its classic canvas oxfords in a graphic black-and-white snake motif ($40 at keds.com).

Snake print can go dressy quite easily, adding an edgy elegance to just about anything. The platform, peep-toe “Bodacious” shoe from Charles David ($250 at Charles David Los Angeles) is done in this cool, alternating snake-printed and black leather, with a T-strap that gives it a sleek '70s disco feel. 

Kara by Kara Ross’ python and amethyst ring ($220 at maxandchloe.com) also has that '70s vibe. This would look chic with a bow-neck blouse tucked into a pencil skirt.

Don’t forget your gadgets. They need cute accessories too. A snake-print leather iPad case from Michael Michael Kors ($130 at net-a-porter.com) makes a statement while still protecting your techie toys. 

And Rodial’s Glamoxy Snake Mask ($83 at beautybar.com) doesn’t technically have any snake in it or on it, but it does contain a neuropeptide called syn-ake that is said to have a similar effect to the bite of a Temple viper snake. In this case, that means a slight freezing of the face and a potential alternative to Botox.

The mask also goes on in a thick black goop, and then peels off once it’s dried.

Wearing the mask while handing out candy, could be an easy (and effective, both for beauty and scare factor) way to creep out the kiddies who come to your door tonight.

Happy Halloween!

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos: Top: Prada snake-skin boots from FW11/Gianni Pucci, gorunway.com, left: Sass & Bide snake-print T-shirt/Sass & Bide, right: Current Elliott boa-print cropped jeans in paprika/Current Elliott, left: Keds snake-print canvas sneakers/Keds, below left: Charles David Bodacious shoe/Charles David, right: Kara by Kara Ross python and amethyst ring/Kara Ross, below right: Michael Michael Kors iPad case/Michael Kors, left: Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask/Rodial

Iman adds Platinum Collection to growing list of brands

When it comes to supermodels, the big ones tend to be remembered for specific attributes. Cindy Crawford for her beauty mark, Linda Evangelista for her chameleon-like qualities, and Giselle Bundchen for that body. But with Iman, who came to the U.S. from her home country of Somalia in 1975 to model, it's hard to pinpoint just one thing. It's not only her otherworldly physical attributes, long neck and statuesque figure, but her enterprising foray into beauty, home and fashion (she's just launched the Platinum Collection -– a line of outerwear and accessories exclusive to HSN). And then there's her charity work with organizations including the Children's Defense Fund, Action Against Hunger, Raise Hope for Congo and Save the Children, for which she serves as an ambassador.

The 56-year-old stopped modeling in 1989 after 16 years in front of cameras, on runways and as a muse for designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Halston. Post-modeling, she turned her beauty know-how into big business with her Iman Cosmetics line in 1994. She began blending her own foundation while on photo shoots because there were no shades that suited her skin, thus giving her the idea to create a line of cosmetics for women of color.

"Three days after I arrived in the U.S. in 1975 to model, my first job was for American Vogue," Iman said recently over breakfast at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in town to be honored with a Rodeo Drive Walk of Style award. "I had never worn makeup or high heels. I did not know what foundation was. The makeup artist asked me, ‘Did you bring your own foundation?’ He had nothing for me."

Iman recalled the makeup artist mixing several colors together for her. She began doing the same, taking various shades of foundation she found in stores to make something that matched her skin tone. "For the 16 years that I modeled, I always carried my own blend. I was never unprepared. I mixed my own until I stopped modeling."

Her cosmetics line boasts a full range of products, but she said her foundations are still the "hero" product because of the array of shades available. But she stressed that the line is not designed for a specific ethnic group so much as it is for individual women.

"When you go into a shoe store, there are no sections," she said. “Why should there be sections for different ethnicities when it comes to makeup?"

Her successful beauty business paved the way for a collection of clothing called Global Chic, a line of under-$100 women's separates and accessories, which is sold exclusively on HSN. This fall, she's added a higher-end line of clothing, outerwear and bags, the Platinum Collection.

"My clothes are chic; they're classics reinvented," Iman said.  "I leave the trends to H&M and Zara because they do it so well."

The Platinum Collection is priced slightly higher than her Global Chic line -- for example, around $200 for wool coats and faux fur pieces and luggage items under $400. She has put an emphasis on practicality and versatility. For example, a wool coat that costs under $200 comes with several interchangeable faux fur collars that gives the wearer six ways to wear the piece. There are traditional silhouettes and wardrobe basics such as riding boots, trench coats, shearling vests and black leather skirts. Bags are done in punchier colors, such as green and red.

“When it comes to my clothes, I like color, but not in-your-face color,” she said. "I like to provide color as you need it. For instance, a red bag can lift everything up and is easier to wear than all red."

Though her fashion business has taken off, she said it's certainly not something she envisioned doing while modeling for some of the biggest names in the industry. She was adamant about not referring to herself as a "designer," but rather as someone who interprets trends and creates and curates a lifestyle line.

But her firsthand experience working directly with designers certainly has honed a keen, sophisticated sense of style.

"When I would walk in [to a fitting or photo shoot], the designer would ask me, 'How would you wear this, how would you put this together?'" she said about her modeling days. "You were a muse."

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos: Top, left and bottom: Iman modeling looks from her Platinum Collection of clothing and accessories. Top right: A ponyhair and leather carryall from the Platinum Collection. Credit: Iman Platinum Collection

 

Your Stylist: An easy 1940s style hair how-to

There was a definite 1940s film noir moment for fall, especially seen in Miu Miu’s ladylike glam collection. Even the hair had subtle winged back victory rolls -- a hairstyle that rings of the decade all on its own. 

It’s a cute twist on the half-up half-down thing and can add a polished and ultra-feminine touch to  a simple dress or wipe the grunge out of a maxi skirt and sweater combo.

“I'm a big fan of modernizing a vintage inspiration!” says celebrity hair stylist Gregory Russell, who coifs the hair of Chloe Moretz, Judy Greer and Elle Macpherson.

In order to keep the style from looking too antiquated or costumey, Russell emphasized the importance of giving the hair a modern texture.”I love how undone the Miu Miu look is. It can be worn daytime or for the evening”

Russell breaks down the look into simple steps:

- Start with rough-dried or air-dried hair. Add dry shampoo throughout the hair for a modern-dry texture.

- Then section out the top half of the hair in front of your ears. Decide where you want your part to be (it looks great a little askew, not too clean and perfect) and divide into two sections.

- Add a matte wax to each section and use your hands to create a disheveled roll of hair on each side. Feel free to create the rolls several times until you are happy with the shape and proportion.  

- Pin with bobby pins and set with Elnett Hairspray.

Easy enough. Remember, anything too poufy and perfect will look literal, which is great, if that’s the look you’re going for.

This hairstyle is a good one for the holidays, particularly with a jeweled brooch or snazzy hair clip tucked behind one of the rolls near the side of the head.

--Melissa Magsaysay

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Your Stylist: Faking fashion's collar craze

Photos: Top: a look from Miu Miu fall/winter 2011/Monica Feudi; right: The '40s-style hair at Miu Miu fall/winter 2011/Miu Miu

Your Stylist: Faking fashion's collar craze

There's a collar craze happening in fashion. The trend is focused especially on collars of the prim and polished variety (think rounded Peter Pan-style or simple and pointed) that are buttoned up all the way to the top.

It's more of a styling thing really, not necessarily a trend that calls for buying new pieces. It's really about the clean, buttoned-up line of a crisp shirt and sharp collar. 

Celebrities such as Carey Mulligan and Alexa Chung are layering collared shirts under their crew neck sweaters and pairing the sweet combo with knee-length skirts or cropped trousers. It's part menswear-inspired, part schoolgirl chic, and the look popped up on fall 2011 runways as well as for spring 2012.

For fall 2011, DKNY showed bright white Peter Pan collars peeking out from under stark black shirts, adding a dash of girliness to otherwise dark and sexy frocks. French label Sandro has also incorporated collars into its fall 2011 collection, adding leopard-print collar details to mod-inspired black shift dresses, which gives basic pieces a playful detail. Several looks with starched, white collars were also sent down the runway at the Celine spring 2012 collection. The French house's clean and effortless aesthetic is so influential on high-end and street fashion that collars are bound to still be everywhere come spring.

It's easy enough to start styling your existing button-down shirts in this more buttoned-up manner, or you can literally just wear the collar. I came across a company that makes just collars. As dorky as that might sound (I'm instantly reminded of the red turtleneck dickies my sixth-grade choir teacher wore under her jingle-bell-and-sequin festooned Christmas sweaters, partly for the look, partly to keep her vocal cords warm), these collars create the trendy silhouette without adding unwanted bulk under a fitted sweater.

The company, CeCe Toppings, makes fun little collars in classic, Peter Pan and even ruffle-neck styles. The printed versions, like leopard and a preppy plaid, are especially cute because they add the quirky and trendy little touch to an outfit and a pop of color and texture.

Plus, each of the collars is under $40, which is generally less expensive than a new button-down shirt. You can throw one of these under a crew neck or V-neck sweater (though not too low-cut, that obviously defeats the purpose and would expose the secret behind your jazzed-up neckline) and you've got instant trend without the bulk, investment or extra shirt layer, which in an L.A fall can sometimes be too hot. A classic, conservative collar can also transform a simple black dress or V-neck sweater into an appropriate job interview outfit.

Regardless of the trend, I love the idea of something polished and preppy as we continue into fall. Pair a buttoned-up collared shirt (or just the collar) with a classic crew neck sweater in a neutral color such as camel or heather gray with something sexy like leather-coated jeans or jeans or trousers in a fun, vibrant color such as red or fuchsia, for an easy mix of tough and sweet. 

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Upper left photo: A look from Sandro's fall 2011 collection. Credit: Sandro

Upper right photo: A look from DKNY fall 2011, Credit: Yannis Valmos / gorunway.com

Middle photo: A leopard-print collar from CeCe Toppings. Credit: CeCe Toppings

Lower photo: A plaid Peter Pan collar from CeCe Toppings. Credit: CeCe Toppings

 

Your Stylist: Capes and ponchos are fall’s fabulous outerwear

The word "poncho" can conjure up visions of the Old West or of a garbage bag with a circle cut through the top –- a common solution for rainy day recess or unexpected showers during a marathon. 

But for fall, ponchos of the posher variety glided down designer runways looking sleek, elegant and ladylike.    

The poncho and its cousin the cape coat are trickling into stores now. They offer a stylish alternative to the typical fall coat, providing just the right amount of warmth for a 63-degree autumn day in L.A.

The terms cape and poncho may seem interchangeable, but they are two different kinds of outwear. According to the Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion, a cape is sleeveless, cut as a circle or half circle and has slits for the arms. A poncho is shaped like a square or small oblong with a hole in the center to put your head through.

Both have a dramatic, swooping silhouette that makes the wearer look something like a chic superhero. And both could be thrown over something as simple as pajamas and still look great.     

For something more sophisticated, you could go with the '70s-inspired, camel-colored cape as seen on the Lanvin runway or something straight-up preppy, such as a plaid duffle cape with toggle buttons from Fidelity Sportswear.

A solid piece will be more versatile.  Punch it up by layering a long-sleeved striped or printed shirt  underneath.

A patterned cape or poncho, on the other hand, is a statement piece and everything else it is worn with should be solid or subdued.

For a petite frame, be careful it isn't too bulky, and watch the length. If the garment is too long, you’ll look like a little igloo with feet.

The great thing about a poncho or cape is that it can be dressed up or down and it’s a nice departure from the usual outerwear.

 And seriously, on one my lazier days, I threw my blue and black plaid cape over sweatpants and a black fitted sweater and shoved on some flat brown leather motorcycle boots and no one knew the difference…at least that’s what I told myself.

--Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos: Top left: A look from Lanvin FW2011 - Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com, top right: A look from Zero Maria Cornejo FW2011 - Monica Feudi / Feudiguaineri.com

Left: DKNY two-tone wool cape, $495, at www.netaporter/netaporter

Right: Stella McCartney wool and cashmere blend cape, $1,395, at www.netaporter.com/netaporter

Middle left: Fidelity Sportswear plaid duffle cape, $268, at www.stevenalan.com/Steven Alan

Middle right: H&M coat, $199, at H&M stores/H&M

 

Fall TV season offers some real-world fashion potential

 
If you like the swinging '60s style of "Mad Men," get ready for a fall TV season that promises an array of stylishly clad characters. For nostalgia, start with the stews of "Pan Am," move on to the "Playboy Club" and then check out the new "Charlie's Angels." Or ponder the well-dressed guy versus the slob in "How to Be a Gentlemen." Or the Trustafarian and her buddy in "2 Broke Girls."

Booth Moore takes a spin through some of the small screen's new fall offerings and details the challenges and real-world fashion potential of the new shows.

And speaking of Pan Am, stylistas of a certain age might remember the look of uniforms and accessories carried by the folks who worked at the now-defunct Pan American World Airways. Adam Tschorn takes a look at the company that's now licensing some of the fare associated with folks who flew the friendly skies. (So don't be surprised if you see a few sexy stewardesses at Halloween.)

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From left, Amber Heard, Naturi Naughton and Leah Renee in "The Playboy Club." Photo by Matt Dinerstein/NBC

Your Stylist: Bold prints are big with celebs like Alexa Chung

Is bigger always better? Well, judging by what we saw on a lot of runways for this fall as well as what’s robing the lithe figures of celebs like Alexa Chung and Fergie, big, bold prints on dresses are clearly covetable this  season.

Chung wore a black and white bow print dress from Stella McCartney with a pair of glittery silver smoking slippers from Jimmy Choo while celebrating Fashion’s Night Out in New York last week.  She managed to look her quirky but elegant self despite the long length of the dress and lack of height some heels would have given her. Chung happens to be of model height and proportions, so sticking with a flat shoe didn’t detract from the look, partly because the shape of the shoe was really simple. If you’re doing a boldly printed long dress, wear shoes that are simple, with clean lines. Extra bows, bells, whistles and straps will turn the whole look into an optical illusion of discombobulated details.

Fergie, who is several inches shorter than Chung, opted for Dolce and Gabbana’s star print mini dress for this year’s Teen Choice awards. The style worked on her toned frame, and the print didn’t have the chance to look over the top since there was hardly any fabric to begin with. As with any tight, short dress, don’t be tempted to add to the sassiness by throwing on a pair of knee-high zip-up boots. A solid colored ankle bootie will flatter the leg and better fit the edgy tone of a dress and print this daring.

Besides Stella McCartney and Dolce and Gabbana, plenty of other designers are going bold for fall. Jil Sander, Alberta Ferretti and Giambattista Valli are a few of the high-end designers doing strong patterns and prints on head-to-toe looks such as pants and a blouse as well as on long skirts and dresses.

Bold prints like these stand on their own and don't need any complicated hairstyles or accessories. But think about the style and cut of the dress as well as the print when putting together your whole look. Does it have an early '60s tone or is it more flowy boho? Something prim and reminiscent of the early '60s might call for upswept hair and a great cocktail ring. The boho frock would be best with a couple of bangles and a low, messy ponytail. Either look is going to make quite a statement that people can't help but remember.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos - Top left, Alexa Chung during Fashion's Night Out in New York; credit InStyle. Top right, Fergie at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards; credit Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Middle left, Jil Sander; credit Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Middle right, Dolce and Gabbana; credit Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Bottom left, Alberta Ferretti; credit Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Bottom right, Giambatista Valli; credit Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

L.A. Retailers share their favorite fall merchandise

Temperatures may be soaring, but fall fashion is in full swing. Whether you’ve done any shopping yet or plan to rock your flip flops a few weeks longer, some of L.A's most influential retailers have stocked their stores with the coats, boots and denim you’ll want to be wearing sooner than later.

Des Kohan of Des Kohan 

"I love all the texture and color happening for fall and I especially like mixing the two," says Kohan, whose mid-Wilshire store is best known for avant garde items as well as some exclusive merchandise from designers like Annie Costello Brown and Azzedine Alaia.

Pieces that Kohan is especially excited about: 

• Preen's colorful, geometric print blouse
• Hussein Chalayan cashmere mix pants in bordeaux that Kohan calls "the perfect fluid pant"
• Azzedine Alaia boots and booties, for which Des Kohan says it has a waiting list. "Alaia changed the shape of the heel, making it more modern and chunky thus easier to walk in," Kohan says.
• Annie Costello Brown and Des Kohan capsule collection of colorful belts, cuffs, necklaces and bracelets.  
• Jewelry from Nancy Newberg, a new L.A.-based designer. "She is going to debut her collection at Des Kohan," Kohan says, describing Newberg’s Art Deco inspired diamond and oxidized silver earrings as especially covetable this season. "They’re like a flower yet architectural and modern, and I love that they are a statement piece that can be dressed down with a T-shirt or worn with an evening gown." 

Darren Gold of Alpha

Alpha stocks on-trend menswear and quirky accessories that add a stylish edge to any guy, but without the intimidation factor of a high-end store. Owner Darren 
Gold is coveting staples like plaid button-downs and canvas travel bags, plus seasonal items such as rubber duck boots that work as a stylish, heavier alternative to Crocs.

• Native’s Rubber Duck Boots
• Hasso’s canvas bags 
• Descendant of Thieves button-down shirts
• Shades of Grey’s vegan  leather jacket
• Ivy Prepster’s knit ties
• Madison Collective's  Fireman Pant

Melissa Richardson Akkaway of Beckley

Beckley is a go-to spot for ultra-feminine, contemporary pieces and Richardson Akkaway’s top picks are the kind of thing that seem to make perfect sense for an effortless L.A wardrobe, including:

• Enza Costa’s long-sleeve raglan T-shirt in a gorgeous Lilac

• Vena Cava’s Riot Girl dress

• Rebecca Minkoff’s leopard print Siri jumpsuit
• Camilla Skovgaard’s Saw ankle bootie 
• Roseanna’s checked navy poncho
• Hanii Y’s black leather vest with a lamb fur collar
• Thakoon peplum charcoal gray and red checked jacket

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos, from top: Camilla Skovgaard's saw ankle bootie; a look from the Preen FW2011 runway; jewelry from Nancy Newberg; Native duck boot; a look from the Thakoon FW2011 runway. Credits: Camilla Skovgaard; Alessandro Garofalo / GoRunway.com; Nancy Newberg; Native; Alessandro Garofolo / GoRunway.com

Your Stylist: How to wear a mod dress past the age of 16

Between shows like “Pan Am,” “The Playboy Club” and “Mad Men,” the '60s are clearly in full swing, both in pop culture as well as on the fashion runways. Sixties dresses generally call for short and kicky,  and one of the ways we're seeing the trend most is with mod-style or short-shift dresses. The silhouette is back in a big way this fall and the adorable style doesn't have to be just for teenagers.
Sure a 16-year-old Hailee Steinfeld sported a blush-colored Miu Miu mod dress at a recent event in L.A looking perfectly age-appropriate. But if you’ve got some years on her or just want something a little more grown-up, then simply ditch the Peter Pan collar and pastel tone and opt for something in a darker color, paired with opaque tights and chic ladylike accessories.

First rule of wearing this style is: Don’t go too short. No one should be flashed with a shot of your upper thigh, I don’t care whether your legs are big, small, skinny or twiggy. If you want to wear a shorter length, wear some opaque black tights. Tights are the best way to keep the '60s vibe going while also slimming the legs. Adding a little black ankle boot (Belle by Sigerson Morrison, left) that doesn’t come up too far past the ankle bone keeps the line of the legs looking even longer and leaner and also feels appropriately mod.   


If you’re doing the dress sans tights, then stick to a length that hits just above the knee. The color–blocked version from White House / Black Market (above, middle) is a nice combo of mod and sophisticated. It’s a more fitted and longer than your typical mod dress, but the color blocking feels perfectly '60s, plus the scoop neck and extended short sleeve is really elegant and elongates the neck and arms.

This swingy black-and-blue color-blocked dress from Asos (above, right) can also look sophisticated if worn with black tights or even a pair of thin cropped leggings. Leopard-print ballet flats (Kate Spade leopard print flats, directly above) would be a fun way to mix up prints here, plus add an Audrey Hepburn-esque element to the ensemble.

Ladylike accessories are key in making a mod dress look more grownup. Besides a sweet ballet flat, a classic pump with a subtly rounded toe will add even more charm to the dress. This multicolored tweed pump from J. Crew  (left) is great for bringing some texture to a solid or color-blocked dress, so there’s a tactile quality to your outfit.

Throw in a simple and classic handbag (like this one from Cole Haan, below right) that reads more high-end than hippie and the look should be complete. Since mod dresses are typically simple in shape and detail, too much jewelry or complicated outerwear and accessories will just mess up the clean lines and chic appeal of the style.

If wearing a mod dress for evening, try something in a solid metallic, as seen on the runway at Calvin Klein Collection (top, right). Strappy evening sandals with a platform or anything with a fun platform would work best for shoes. Throw your hair into an easy updo (nothing too literal '60s bouffant, please) and wear a pair of bold and bedazzled earrings.

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-- Melissa Magsaysay

Top left photo: Actress Hailee Steinfeld attends Miu Miu presents Lucrecia Martel's "Muta" on July 19 in Beverly Hills. Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Top right: A look from the Calvin Klein Collection, fall-winter 2011. Credit: Marcus Tondo for gorunway.com

Middle: Mod dresses from left, Whistles Betty A line '60s shift dress, $320.16 at www.asos.com; White House / Black Market color block dress, $158 at www.whitehouseblackmarket.com; Asos color-block shift dress, $73.18 at www.asos.com.

Below left: Belle by Sigerson Morrison black ankle boot, $295 at www.endless.com.

Right: Kate Spade Eryn calf hair flat, $225 at www.nordstrom.com.

Left: J Crew Mona tweed pumps, $248 at www.jcrew.com.

Bottom right: Cole Haan Chrystie Street mini satchel, $269.95 at www.colehaan.com.

Celeb favorite Simone Camille bags launches Skins for fall

The slouchy and super-vibrant patchwork fabric hobo bags from Simone Camille are best known for being a favorite carry-all of Nicole Richie and Miley Cyrus, who pair the boho-chic statement bags with their casual, rock-infused ensembles.     

The line’s designer, celebrity stylist Simone Harouche (who coincidentally styles Richie and Cyrus along with Christina Aguilera and Ashley Tisdale), started her line of fabric bags in 2009 and the colorful textile designs have been a hit with celebs and anyone who could afford the $2,000-plus price tag. The bags have since spawned a slew of far less expensive versions from other labels, but Harouche has moved on, debuting her first collection of leather bags that interestingly are more affordable than her all-fabric creations.

The Simone Camille Skins collection is coming out for fall and while leather is heavily incorporated into each style, the same über-boho vibe of her signature fabric bags remains. Harouche has incorporated whipstiching and turquoise-beaded tassels on some bags that have a decidedly Southwestern feel. And her long, fringe-covered suede bag has silver coin details that give the thing a ton of texture and anyone carrying it an unmistakably free-spirited look.

The Simone Camille Skins collection ranges from $689 for the Saddle Bag to $975 for the large Carpet Bag. Visit www.simonecamille.com for retailers.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos: Styles from Simone Camille's new Skins collection, which incorporates leather into the collection of vintage Indian patchwork fabric bags. Credit: Simone Camille