Name: Heidi
Posts by Heidi:
alluring ARISTOCRAT
May 2nd, 2011
PHOTOGRAPHED BY RACHEL THURSTON / MODELED BY ELY WITH FORD /
MAKEUP BY STEPHANIE WITH NEXT ARTISTS / HAIR BY ALEXIS WITH NEXT ARTISTS
Fashionably speaking, you’re a dead ringer for a blue-
blooded aristocrat. At thirteen you knew that Brit label
Burberry was established in 1856 and that Burberry meant
a kind of lightweight, belted raincoat. Not surprisingly, you
have a penchant for outerwear; your jacket collection rivals
that of your shoes. Despite your misgivings about luxury
knitwear designer Pringle of Scotland having gone a bit
modern lately, you’re a fan, if only for the name.
Consistently you court the natural fibers: wool,
linen, silk, and Egyptian cotton. In your wilder
moments, you’ve considered having some smallish
argyle diamonds tattooed, I mean, embossed on
your personal stationery. Your mantra is, “Don’t
leave home without it,” “it” being a twinset (sporty
two-piece cardigan) and, incidentally, you lobbied
for croquet to become a legitimate Olympic event.
Having sized up your signature style, the foundation of
your look, the underpinning thread that stays with you
season after season, let’s see if your accessory wardrobe
follows suit. With regard to jewelry, I’d expect to find
a select, intimate assortment of precious metal and
precious or semi-precious gem necklaces, bracelets,
and earrings. Your do-or-die piece may be a medium-
weight silver or platinum chain anchored with a metal
pendant or charm. On the whole, the collection would
comprise tasteful, non-flashy, enduring articles, such
as Tiffany- and David Yurman–inspired designs. A
fine timepiece would be essential. If I don’t find pearls
of any kind, I’d suggest introducing at least one strand,
perhaps the style that ties in back with a ribbon, to
give the piece a contemporary touch. The balance of
the accessory wardrobe should house subdued colored
and patterned scarves and hats made of natural fibers,
while gloves, belts, handbags, and footwear would be
leather and, again, quietly fashionable.
Compose an accessory wardrobe, or perfect an
existing one, by taking cues from your wardrobe.
In most cases, accessories punctuate your clothing,
so take note of the silhouette, structural detail (the
less structural detail, the more freedom you have in
accessorizing), fabric, and personality of the garments;
accessories should exude the same vibe. A few pieces
in the wardrobe can be used to periodically alter the
statement. Back to Burberry: recalling ads of past
seasons will bring to mind traditional designs made
edgy and attitude-ridden due to punk overtones; lower
and upper class clash in action. Some black fingerless
gloves that lace to the wrists and a navy satin sleep
mask worn as a headband would shake things up.
Collect the quantity of accoutrements that tickle your
fancy, and remember: one need not adorn each lobe and
limb each time she dresses. Case in point: my concert
attire last weekend. The sum of my embellishments
consisted of multiple layers of long, deep-hued, semi-
precious stone necklaces, which my husband aptly
described as “gothic-hippie meets Mr. T.” No rings,
earrings, or bracelets—just a bold statement around
my neck. Do you delight in belts and scarves? Capital!
Not a fan of hats and glasses? So be it! A single pair of
earrings may get you through 90 percent of your looks,
while nothing short of an army of pins will pull off
your “decorated soldier” ensemble. A minimalist’s best
accessory may be no accessory at all or may consist of
a calculated, solitary bangle on the wrist.
Take care that your accessories are flattering. For
instance, is your neck long and elegant? Then stack it
with chokers, collars, or scarves. If your neck is less
stately, choose apparel with V-necklines and adorn
with lengthier, more fluid necklaces and earrings to
elongate your look. Generally, accessories should be in
scale with your body type; delicate pieces may become
lost on some frames, and chunky pieces may overpower
others. When dressing, pick a focal point in the outfit
and accessorize it, leaving all other fineries to play
supporting roles.
Finally, if an accessory trend suits your wardrobe,
figure, and fancy, strap it on! Accessorize deliberately
and with finesse!
The Power of Accessorizing
May 2nd, 2011
Despite my eternal fondness for accessories, my understanding of their transformative power didn’t occur until the late 90s. Glued to the tube, I watched a Chanel fall fashion show. The classic, uncomplicated iconic suit strutted down the runway with an unexpected attitude…supreme irreverence! Models with punked-out hair, jewelry and stockings jarred my perception of Chanel for good and forever. She’d never captured my attention, much less my heart. But in an instant I was transfixed, adrenalized and a doting devotee.
The love affair continues with the current Chanel fall collection. The most profound introduction…I call it the ‘black and white cookie’ leg wear. Is it possible that this color block look has never been done? Then there are the multi-jewel encrusted brooch-would-be- hair ornaments. Can’t wear too many of those! And finally, the eyeliner. A tidy round dot gently nestled into the lower lash liner. Simultaneously sweet and stunning!
Accessorizing is the fastest and potentially least expensive way to update your look with trends-of-the-moment (Chanel doesn’t fit the conservative budget, but the ‘elite to the streets’ trickle down movement that fashion often treads should produce similar looks from more affordable designers). So, stop dawdling and find something that makes your look pop. It’s time to get down…and get pretty!
The Ultimate Accessory: Perfume
April 29th, 2011
Sitting on the gym floor of seventh-grade physical education was when it happened. Gretchen asked Lori, my gym partner, “What are you wearing?” “Poison,” she replied. “It’s the best!” exclaimed Gretchen. “Poison,” I thought. “What are these girls into?” As it turns out, Poison was new on the fragrance scene, thanks to Christian Dior, and I was as crazy for it as anybody! Who could resist this mysterious juice enveloped within its peculiar, dark, plum-colored bottle?
My senses were awakened to the world of fragrance. Subsequent potions I pined for were: oriental Bijan with its distinctive orange color and ring-shaped flacon; floral-filled Eternity with freesia, mimosa and magnolia; and exotic, amber-infused Lou Lou in its iconic opaque blue bottle.
In the beginning, I wore perfume to be dressed in a beautiful scent. In time, fragrance grew to be my ultimate accessory, because it conveys more about my personality than any other accessory can. Generally, I favor strong, rich fragrances, which aptly express my deliberate and passionate approach to life.
Years ago I was introduced to the concept of the fragrance wardrobe, which fleshed out my fragrance-wearing into what it is today. Did my taste for heavy fragrance fit every occasion? No. So I began collecting fragrances and learned what to wear when. I donned Colors by Benetton to work, Tiffany on the weekends, and Joop for nights on the town.
I also began layering fragrance in order to get the most mileage out of it. I start in the bath with shower gel. After drying off, I smooth on the body cream from tête to toe. Finally, I crown the collection with a single spray of perfume. Layering rounds out the scent of a fragrance and enhances its staying power on the skin.
Fragrance evokes powerful memories. Hugo Boss reminds me of ’94, when I met my husband. Bleu D’Issey conjures up our first days as Angelenos. Jade by Banana Republic recalls the year of my daughter Jade’s birth.
Recently I discovered a new way to weave fragrance into my world. My husband and I have begun the practice of purchasing a new CD at the start of a vacation and christening it as the soundtrack of the trip. I was at Sephora picking up travel-sized products for an upcoming jaunt when inspiration hit. Why not record experiences through fragrance as well as through music? I excitedly snatched up a purse spray of Hanae Mori’s latest, Magical Moon. I went on to engrave within it the days of catching up with old friends in Detroit.
Headband Haven
July 9th, 2009It’s official, I am obsessed with putting accessories on my head. It started with hats, I love vintage ones. They really can transform an outfit from nice to wow. Maybe it’s the humidity, but this season I have changed my hats in for headbands. There are so many fabulous ones out in the market and¬Jennifer Behr is the creme of the crop. The rope headwrap is nautical glam to a t and her dressy pieces can dress up anything you have in your closet. Do they look familiar? Gossip Girls, the t.v. show is a big fan.
Layer Upon Layer
July 7th, 2009Make a statement without saying a word.
You can shop J.Crew Jewelry in-store or online.
Black magic
September 4th, 2008
We just ran across a new little jewelry company called ShopJustBecause.com. The jewelry is handcrafted by Caroline Bertani. She¬makes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and anklets using crystals, pearls and gemstones from all across the world.
This timeless necklace and earring combo is stunning and a great classic for any girl’s accessory wardrobe. It is made with Swarovski pearls and crystal cube.
Necklace $80, Earrings $28
Buy Here
If your style is a little less traditional, pick up the shimmery black mother-of-pearl triple strand bead necklace for $90.
Buy Here
Fabulous Frum
August 26th, 2008Looking to get prepped for fall?
Baby Cake Hat $26
Sweet Pie Shirt $52
Angel Food Skirt $88
One of our favorite websites, funkyfrum.com, has these great items. Top it all off with their Third Anniversary Necklace for $50.