Ruffle Top in Navy and Bow Belt Skirt

Since early 2009 she’s been working out of a studio in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, but next month (anticipating mid-May) Lesley is opening a signature Squasht by Les design studio/ storefront in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood – 2556 W. Chicago Ave. She’ll be working on designs in the back, and showing you what’s new in the front.

For clothing, the concentration is on tops, dresses, skirts and tunics. Completely in tune with her environment, Lesley uses natural, vintage, and/or organic materials in her garments. The looks are an easy, effortless style.
The ruffled top is one of the strongest statements of the season. You can find it in the both a top and a dress. Here the navy and white version is paired with the bow belt skirt.

Organic Soy-Cotton Circle Dress

When it comes to accessories, Squasht by Les does headbands and some of my favorite hats ever. There are warm weather and cold weather hat options, but all are done with Lesley signature style.

The hat I most fell in love with is the Bella hat. The shape is unique and universally flattering – anyone can pull this one off. It’s made of a light-weight sweater knit material so it can be worn when it’s cool outside or when the temps rise a bit. The surged seams add a little structure without the hat becoming stiff. And the best part is that the hat is reversible.

(I bought a Bella hat the evening that I met Lesley and have been wearing it the past 2 overseas trips).

Bella Hat in Yellow & Purple

Amelia Cloche in Lilac Canvas

From the list of boutiques that are carrying the Squasht by Les collection, it’s obvious that I’m not the only fan.
Check the Squasht by Les website – www.squashtbyles.com – for details on the studio/storefront opening.

Scarf v. Necklace Orange & Gray Tones

But beyond those few guidelines of the current season, the rest is up to personal taste and lifestyle.

So what’s right for you? What does it say about you?

Can you never decide? Go with the scarf, you can take it off easily and then put it right back on – without a mirror. Messing around with a necklace in public just gets you stared at. No one notices the girl that quickly whips off the scarf.

Green and Pink: Scarf v. Necklace

Are you a minimalist, a jeans and tee kind of girl? Necklace would probably suit you better because they are usually more simple.

Do you love lots of prints and patterns? Scarf, its the easiest way to wear all the prints you love without looking overdone.

Do you want to blend in more? Necklace, since there is less bulk it won’t draw attention to you in a crowd.

Are your eyes your best feature? Necklace, it will draw the attention to your face instead of your outfit.

Do you have long hair that you like to wear down? Necklace, it’s difficult for long hair to lay properly over scarves.

Do you have fun spiky hair or wear your hair up? Scarf, opposite of above.

Blue Hues: Scarf v Necklace

And don’t avoid the scarf (even though you love them) because you are nervous about tying them correctly. Google “how to tie scarves” images and you will come up with lots of options.
]]> http://socialstylists.com/blog/2010/03/09/scarf-or-necklace/feed/ 0 http://socialstylists.com/blog/2010/03/02/lauren-nicole-accents/ http://socialstylists.com/blog/2010/03/02/lauren-nicole-accents/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:38:13 +0000 SocialStylists http://socialstylists.com/blog/?p=2461

Lauren Nicole Accents Headband with Spring's best Colors

My go-to for cold weather accessorizing has been fun tights. But when the weather gets warmer, I have to start thinking of another option.
And for this spring, I’m thinking vintage-inspired headbands, ala Lauren Nicole Accents.

Chicago native Lauren Kessler launched the Lauren Nicole Accents line to combine her love of vintage and couture. A fashion over-achiever, she’s currently attending Syracuse University and has already interned at Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta.

Feminine Colors w/ Jewels

The freedom to pair them with patterns is one of the things I personally love about headbands. Wear them with florals, tribal prints, graphic patterns, whatever. A lot of times with jewelry, it can be difficult to pair great pieces with bold patterns without clashing. Since headbands aren’t right up against the patterns, you have more leeway – and so can have more fun.

But probably the best part is that headbands are an inexpensive way to add your accents. They can change the look with one piece – economically. So you are free to grab a few to go with lots of fun summer looks.


Accessories separate the styled from the dressed. A well-accessorized inexpensive outfit looks better than expensive clothes worn without accents, any day.
You can find all the headbands and more at www.lnaccents.com
By the way, I’m putting down Lauren Kessler as a name to watch for in the fashion world. She’ll be seen next on WGN April 2nd discussing what’s new for spring.

Rachel Ray wearing TZEN Silver & Black Sapphire set - available soon

For a show taped to air next week, Rachel Ray is wearing a TZEN silver and black sapphire set that will be available on TZEN website soon.

In addition to the lovely Ray, a list of other celebrities that have recently gotten a Julie Liu creation includes:
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise (3 sets)
Natalie Portman
Gossip Girls (and trendsetters) Blake Lively and
Kelly Rutherford
Shea Vaughn (mother of Vince)
And of course, Oprah!

Julie’s inspiration began with Mia Pezzi, designing one-of-a-kind pieces with rare gemstones and precious metals. The gemstones that Julie chooses are custom cut to the specific design of the individual piece. She doesn’t mass order the gems and then create the looks, she works from the other direction. The result is that Julie’s jewelry are works of art and the Mia Pezzi collection remains one of a kind.

Mia Pezzi -Blue Topaz, Diamonds, and Prehnite

Mia Pezzi Flower Ring with Diamonds

As Mia Pezzi’s popularity soared, Julie decided to that every woman should feel special and launched her next line – TZEN. This is Julie’s everyday wearable and accessible to all collection – with silver and semi-precious gems – but still limited quantity. With TZEN Julie has fun and creates whimsical, playful jewelry that remains the highest quality and is not massed-produced. I like to think of TZEN as “accessible couture.”

TZEN Sapphire and Topaz Set

TZEN Orange Topaz with Brazilian Green Gold

With all the buzz building, I can’t wait to see who turns up in Julie’s designs next.
Pretty amazing for someone that opened her first store less than a year ago, but then Julie Liu is a pretty amazing gal.

You can find Julie Liu’s designs online or at these stores:

TZEN
2126 Northbrook Court
Northbrook, IL 60062
(312) 788-8346

Eclectica
1006 West Armitage St
Chicago, IL 60614
773.697.9929

Elements Chicago
741 Wells St
Chicago, IL 60611
312.642.6574

Dimitras Bridal
1011 Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312.787.0920

Christian Louboutin Slingback

This decade? – Decadent Accessories

I believe that when fashion minded people look back on this decade, it will be remembered for fabulous shoes and bags.

The red soles of Louboutins be this decade’s trademark like the Chanel suits for the 1920s. This was the decade when guys with no fashion knowledge said things like “you know, those red-soled shoes.” Each season Louboutin seemed to come up with something new for us to get excited about. He recreated Mary Janes and allowed us to wear glitter on our feet with a straight face. With respect to Manolo Blanik and Jimmy Choo, the past 10 years belong to Christian Louboutin.

Hermes Birkin Bag

So basically from 2000 through 2009, we overspent, overindulged, wore heels too high and toted bags too big. But it was great fun!

Of course things have changed over the past two years. Most people have adjusted their spending habits and have become more selective on luxury purchases. We are still buying, but buying less.
Predictions for the next decade?

Feather Headband at Andrea's Beau

Headbands are generally inexpensive. You can usually find them for under $50. So you can try out a new trend you may be hesitant about without spending a lot of money. The one that I’m thinking about right now is the feather-accent trend. The January Bazaar issue just arrived and Kate Hudson is on the cover looking adorable in a feather-accented dress. She looks cute, I would look like Big Bird. But I may try feathered accents in a headband. This way if the look isn’t for me, it’s not much money spent.

Laurel Jaquard Headband at Andrea's Beau

The best selection of adorned headbands that I have found online is at Andrea’s Beau. There is something there for every budget and every taste – from subtle to sassy. My favorite is the gold Laurel Jacquard Double Headband. Next time I’m feeling more adventurous, I’m going with the Feathered Headband.

Headbands are another accessory to give a pop to your outfit. So wear your headband and turn some heads for all the right reasons.

Here’s what stood out for me this past week in Paris as different from what I see daily in the US:

Catherine Malandrino at Shopbop

Black Patent Furla Bag with Tan Accents

So which of these trends will take hold in the US?
Will we start to accessorize outerwear with our own accessories or stick to the belt that came with the coat? Will we return to matching our hats, shoes, and gloves? Will we become more comfortable blending browns with blacks? Will Americans grab on to the leather trend? I have seen a few women in the US look fabulous in leather, but it still usually reserved for the very fashionable.
We are already onboard with riding boots and we are warming up to the messenger bag. As for the others, some trends translate and some don’t – they are like expressions that way. It’s up to us to determine.
But that’s what makes us unique, non?

I do a lot of international traveling for work. I also dedicate a lot of my free time to traveling for pleasure. I pride myself on always looking presentable and blending with the city. Since I often jump on flights at the last minute, I can’t check a suitcase (too risky that it may get lost). So over the years I’ve learned exactly what I need with me and what just takes up space, so here goes:

My rule is that if you will be gone 5 days or fewer, there is no reason that 1 roll aboard and 1 large tote shouldn’t be adequate.

MICHAEL - Michael Kors New Brookville Large Tote

Best jeans (you’ll use these for 2 days, 1 night)
Jacket
Blazer
Carry a large tote – This will be your day bag. Keep your makeup and jewelry in it during the flight.

In the suitcase:

Wrap Knit Sheath Dress - Banana Republic

1. Black dress – This should be good for 2 nights. Black can dress up or down. People over-pack because they pack for “what ifs.” Black covers them. If it’s casual and you wear black, you can dress it down with casual accessories. If it’s more formal and you wear black, you can dress it up with accessories. There is a reason black is called basic.
2. Black skirt – can pair this with sweater, t-shirt, or blouse depending on the situation. Wear once.
3. Jeans – 1 pair, your go-to pair that you always feel good in. Like the black dress, you can dress it up or down with accessories. These are good for 2 days.
4. Leggings and/or tights – 3 pairs. Here’s where you add colors to play off that black dress. They will change the dress so you don’t look like you are wearing the same thing twice.
5. Cashmere sweater – Bring the cashmere not the wool. Temperature forecasts are wrong and cashmere has you covered. Cashmere is warm when you need it, not too hot when you don’t. Also cashmere being thinner than wool takes up less suitcase space. You’ll wear twice.
6. 2 t-shirts – to wear under sweater, to wear alone or with blazer. You may leave those in your bag and never trot them out. But if for some reason your crazy aunt drags you to a bowling alley, you are ready.
7. 2 feminine shirts – these are for evening (wear with jeans or black skirt).
8. Scarf – If you are just wearing jeans and the t-shirt because weather is mild, use the scarf to give you a pop.
9. Evening bag – you might want to skip this, but don’t. It will dress up the jeans if you want to wear them at night.
10. Shoes – 2 pairs of shoes for trip, 1 you wear on airplane, one you pack.
a. Heels – pumps or fantastic boots, but have a great pair with you.

b. Comfortable shoes – duh.

11. Jewelry – lots of it. Jewelry will immediately change whatever you have on. If you have jeans, heels, and a sweater, you look plain. Throw on some jewels and you are ready for the surprise dinner date. I take as many necklaces as days I’ll be gone.

And if I have extra space (even a tiny bit), I’ll jam one more pair of shoes in there for good measure.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving. I’ll be in Paris at the Salon des Vignerons Indépendants. See you next week!

- Sometimes you have to check a bag at the last minute because the overhead bins are full. But if it’s checked at the airplane door, it is very unlikely that your bag won’t make it to your destination.

Jessica Simpson Knit Triangle Scarf

Shopbop Basic Knit Gloves

Maybe its because knits give off the feeling of luxury even in the bargain price range. Wool knits don’t have to be expensive to feel it. Of course, you can always amp it up with cashmere.

Maybe it’s because the past few years have been ridiculously cold, and the warm knits are a must. After all, isn’t it so much nicer to see someone in a warm knit dress and tall flat boots in the winter than someone with bare legs and 4-inch heels that we are supposed to believe is completely immune to the elements?

Maybe it’s a backlash to all the poorly made items we’ve seen crop up in the past few years. Something about a knit just says there was care put in to making it. Think of Althea Harper’s tweet

Yes! I knit all those pieces!!xxRT @Sbsterling When Althea says I spent a lot of time knitting does she mean she knit those pieces herself?

Maybe it’s the relaxed attitude knits give off. Its hard to be stuffy without so much structure.

Whatever it is, we are loving knits this year.

And if you are reading this and wondered, “What’s a snood???” Check Nicky’s Rag Tales for the dish.

Forme Millinery

After her hats caught my eye at Accessoiree, and entertained me for quite some time, Jenny (Couture Milliner) told me all about her inspiration and the process for creating her fantastic vintage hats and I was hooked.

Forme Millinery

Today Formé Millinery creates hats by steaming and blocking felt and straw over old wooden hat blocks as a true couture milliner. Jenny also adds vintage embellishments and materials to her hats as well as hand stitching to create a truly unique one of a kind masterpiece. From great broad brimmed hats and winter hats to the greatest cocktail hats, this accessory really puts a look…over the top.

Couture Milliner
773.719.7307
formefashion@usa.net