Hey there. Here are some pics of the black and white film short I worked on last week written and directed by Travis Senger. I did the costumes, hair and makeup. Gorgeous photos by Kyle Johnson.
Aug
27
I normally don’t go to these trade events in the industry. I stick to the shows since I’m not a buyer. It has been years since I went to MAGIC and it has evolved. They are adding shows and the buyers can check things out according to the demographic/style, etc. As I mentioned a couple days ago, I was here representing SSF and facilitating fabulous strategy salons. It was a complete success in my opinion and we met some amazing folks; designers and manufacturers. [photo of gals from SUST and editor from PLENTY Mag]
In ECollection, for the rock and roll gal in me, I was intrigued by Loka. They were a standout in the ECollection section not just because the girls were super cute and sweet, but they have a distinct non-eco look. It’s very refreshing. I can’t wait to start wearing some of their pieces.[photo of Loka Designer and the booth]
Pool was super fun and hip. I saw a ton of brands I know and love, as well as, new ones. Funny, but I found a eco-brand there too that I happen to be wearing today ~ Velvet Leaf. The designers are adorable and really committed to sustainability. Top it off, their brand is super cute. I am a fan and will be writing more about them in the future. [photo of Velvet Leaf designers with Sp09 collection in the background]
That’s it for now…got to take a disco nap to rev up for the last night in Vegas. I will give you a run down of new places besides Hard Rock to check out. RL
Aug
25
Whew…the month was incredible for me, my friends, my colleagues…It started off with the final preparation and execution of my husband’s 40th birthday which was 8.8.08. I came out of retirement from doing major multi-media events to do this and it was quite a party. Amazing food, friends, dancing live bands, burlesque…we had it all and my guy loved it. We haven’t had a chance to upload all the photos, but my fellow blogger, photographer and friend did. Here is the link to his blog to check out party pics…http://kipbeelmanphotography.
I went right in after that into costume designing for a fab film short written and directed by Travis Senger and produce by LT Production Group called CC2010. This film is a sexy little homage to Seattle. I got to do fun period looks (1969 - 1994) which was a fun time. It was exciting to be involved although the night shooting always gets to me by day 3. Stay tuned for news on this project. The great news is that I am also starting a new project (right now) as Costume Designer again for a feature film called The Whole Truth by Colleen Patrick. It is a comedy and should be super fun. Already deep in the creative process for this one.
I am catching up on my blogging while in Vegas where SSF will be hosting Strategy Salons at the ECollection in MAGIC. MAGIC is a fashion trade event that can best be described as a bit more “sporty spice” than Fashion Week. However, everyone shows here. Not only will I be facilitating these Strategy Salons with my co-founder Sean Schmidt, I of course will be checking out Spring 09 in a more casual environment than the tents at Bryant Park…where I will be in a week in a half. So that catches me up for the past 24 days. Stand by for more about Spring 09, Vegas and New York Style. RL
Photo Credit | Kip Beelman
Jul
31
I love the harem, or as us Americans call it, the “hammer” pant. It’s a fun and fabulous look, but I am already getting the cocked eyebrows and wide eye looks from friends and clients who I suggest that THIS is it for fall and into next spring. The style is sold out on favorite Brooklyn store Noisette’s on line site and has been spotted on the streets of Paris since last year. I shot with Lizzie Parker and her Spring 09 and very “Sustainably Stylish” version is going to be hot. I think it is going to be terrific with “sky scraper” heels as well as ballet slippers and, not to mention, boots. I’m going for it.
There are going to be many ways you can wear this look and I think it is going to be a fav for sure. Please note gals, that there is a right and a wrong way to wear these pants and the general rule will be to stay fitted and cropped on the top. Also, a good fit on the high hip will be important. Belting will be key and hopefully you will love it. Most everyone else is going against this look for the States, but I say go forth. RLPhoto Credit Top: Luis Vuitton Fall 08Photo Credit Middle: Lizzie Parker Spring 09
Jul
15
Golf wear for both men and women is hard to make look hip. I recently tried to think outside the box for a client…I bombed a bit, mostly because she looked great, but the comfort and function wasn’t there. I have been wanting to get this whole golf thing dialed in for a while and this was my motivation. Thanks to my client for her patience…here is what I have found out.
Golf is a huge industry, but it really is still hard to make it cool looking. For men, we have more options than women. My brother is a golf connoisseur and looks quite chic in his golf apparel. I could do cocktails with him while he sporting his looks from on the green. His tactic is to wear all black, with a splash of white. Always a good look. Here is what my bro recommends:
For pure fashion, J Lindberg; for “playability”, Tiger Woods Platinum from Nike and for fun looks, Puma.
Additional fav’s for me are:
Hugo Boss Green Label. Their upcoming season includes retro 70’s golf looks that I think will be hot for men. More fitted and a mix of textures and patterns. Check out this article from the Hugo Boss emag. http://www.hugoboss.com/eMAG/en/4389.html
An online source called
For gals, it is still limited and mostly to online stores. Bummer
Locally in Seattle, you can find some cute items at Nordstrom by Lacoste and Calvin Klein in the Point of View departments. Cutter and Buck, a Seattle based design company, has a couple of great tops that take away the frump factor and boxy looks that most golf tops have.
I found another surprise in my research with another Seattle based design company called MIC Sport. It was hard to tell where we could purchase and check out the full line, but maybe someone out there can help us out?
For something a little more fun, you can check out a line designed by twins who love golf called, Death to Argyle – “Riot Girl“ for the greens.
For more options, there is an article from 07 in Forbes that could be helpful: http://www.forbes.com/2007/06/08/golf-clothing-fashion-forbeslife-cx_ls_0611golfwear.html
My favorite for the golf course that really reads style as well as function is Stella McCartney for Adidas. Now, this can seem a bit avante garde for the course, but we have to start some were. Unfortunately, you may have to buy this in Europe or outside of the States, the coolest styles are not available here, but we at LE are working on this. Stay tuned.
Golf shoes are key and so many designers have a good golf shoe option. However, comfort and fit are key as well as design as you know. I do like the way Prada looks for men…gals, still search for my favorite golf shoe for you. Send your comments my way.
Good News first -there are stylish options out there. The bad news is that you can’t necessarily buy it last minute or locally unless you talk your pro-shop buyer into some of these lines. If you are a client of mine, I am working to get more options for us. If you are a reader, hopefully this will help. Comments and leads will be awesome in this category. RL
photo credit: Stella McCartney for Adidas
Jun
9
The 96 degree weather did not stop us yesterday from going to the Max Mara sample sale. It is sample sale time in NYC and if you are tenacious with the research on your favorite designers, you can hit their sample sales. I was invited to the friends and family sample sale which is the only way I could have done it. No lines, no crazed women grabbing at whatever ~ trust me, I have been there and simply turned around and walked out ~ As many of you know, even though I style for a living, I don’t enjoy the shopping part all the time. This scenario yesterday was quite civilized. As my bff L and I discussed the day, I realized that I couldn’t shop remotely for clients at these sales, I will have to take them with me. That being said, I am entertaining the thought of organizing trips to shop the sample sales. Let me know what you think. I found a fabulous couple of pieces at bargain prices yesterday. RLphoto credit: jennifergibney.com
Jun
9
Hi there. I know I have been really bad about updating…however, I have been slammed. I will post a few blogs all at once to catch up. Stand by. First, want to share a bit of my summer music experiences so far. When, not working, we are trying to catch more shows and we kicked of the season by checking out Air Traffic (who opened for Elbow)~ a great young brit band that reminds me of how I felt when I heard Coldplay the first time. Amazing lead singer and fabulous lyrics. They don’t really have a site that I could find, but I have linked you to their facebook page.Last week we went to another check out another brit band, you will see a theme as I talk about music, called the Foals; so fun. Checked this show out in Seattle and of course, the crowd doesn’t dance, but we found a pocket of fun people who danced their @#$ with us. It was the bands last show on their first tour and things like the drum set falling over and the encore set ending with the amps being pushed off stage made it for me. Super fun band.So I also went to see a “folk rock” performer by the name of Jerry Joseph. His current album sounds a bit Nashville inspired, but I have been told he is a bit more rock than that. It was fun to check him out. I usually don’t go for that kind of groove, but he was awesome. Danced there too…sense a theme? I am glad I did check him out because it was great to compare him to Hayden who I saw on Friday in Brooklyn. Pretty cool. I could add this genre to music I don’t mind…umm…dance there too.Going back to music I know and dig. I am super excited to check out a show being sponsored by Nylon Mag with bands, She Wants Revenge, The Virgins, Be Your Own Pet, Swite…I will try to tell you about it. In the meantime, I am in NYC for two more nights and there is guaranteed to be at least one more music story….stand by.Style notes from the music scene ~ for the fellas…Keep going to the gym, your trend is still fitted. Gals, the looser looks are in, but staying in shape is key for these looks too.photo credit: The Foals from their site
May
18
I have been searching for about a year for the right gladiator sandal. I have been doing all versions for my clients, mostly the flat look that is terrific with short shorts and dresses. For me, personally, I have a hard fit in that style. I also, garmento that I am, didn’t want to pay $500 for them. Yesterday I scored not only for myself, but a couple of clients a cute glad sandal at a great price ($38). Where, you ask? Good ol’ Urban Outfitters. I personally love this style because it doesn’t have the thong…Super sold out in Seattle, but perhaps if you run out today, you may be lucky. RL
May
7
I was out to dinner with a friend a couple weeks ago and she looked me right in the eye and very seriously asked me, “What is your official position on the white jean trend?”…
I have been a fan of white denim for several years. It is a perfect answer to springing up your wardrobe while keeping your look casual yet chic. Yes, the myth persists that white is not slimming, however I believe as with all clothing, when you have the right cut and the fit is great, white can look fabulous regardless.
I have been doing a great skinny white jean for clients from Uniqlo both for men and women that has a perfect stretch to it. (Yes boys, white denim is important for you too) I also love a wide leg white denim and almost every line has a version. Pine IV is a great fit if you can find them. Remember to think of your white jeans like your blue denim…a neutral and have fun with it.
The best thing about white jeans is that you can wear them most of the year and just change your shoes and tops for the season that is most appropriate…the same does not apply to white shoes. I am still old school about that. I don’t want to see white on your feet till after Memorial Day. RL
May
5
What a week it was. Busy with spring shopping and events. Killer Looks Salon celebrated their Tenth Anniversary on Thursday and it was a “killer” event. The wine was fab and crowd was gorgeous. Friday, Sustainable Style Foundation had their Cocktails for a Cause event hosted by La Rousse and that was great. It featured the Brazilian vegan shoe line, Melissa and local non-profit, Eco Encore. After that I jetted off with one of my bff’s to Product Runway, a fashion production by the Interior Design Coalition of Washington. I was so proud to be from Seattle. This show is the way all shows should be. Interior Design teams used interior products and created couture fashion looks and presented them on the runway. As a garmento, I was truly impressed. The designs and their inspirations were amazing. The judges were internationally known and the whole night felt like we were in NYC. The crowd was dressed and looking fabulous. A side note, I have produced a fair amount of parties for interior designers and architects and I have to say, they are one of my favorite crowds. They get it. From respecting how a room should look, to respecting that the rest of the production. Bravo to my design brothers and sisters. Those of you that know me, must know the night did not end there…we all rallied and went to give a big send off to Noel, who is moving to Vegas. Noel is the designer of the beaded rings that you always see me and my posse wearing…I’ll do a separate blog about it so you can find her…good luck to Noel who will continue to rock the visual display world for Nordstrom in Vegas. We ended the night at 13 coins…you locals know what that means. RL
photo: Product Runway Finale’