Rebecca Luke Style

As I reflect on the past year, this eve of New Year’s eve, I can’t help but go back to my post exactly a year ago…with a few edits. I’m not really this lame. But I am really wanting to send this message home. Come on people! Let’s make this work for everyone. Happy New Year. RL

P.S. Don’t worry, good and fun posts planned for 2010.

Post from 12/30/09, titled: “My Outlook on Shopping in this Economy”

It took me ten trips this year, but I finally finished re-reading “CHANEL, A Woman of Her Own“. This book always inspires me, but in unique and different ways each time. This year as I read through, I couldn’t escape the pure fact that Chanel’s main focus was always good design. Her understanding of women’s bodies and good design has held up over the last century through wars, The Depression, great historical decades and difficult ones through today where The “Chanel Look” still works.

The fashion and garment industry are upon even harder times. Trust me, things haven’t been great this whole decade, but now as I see my friends close their storefronts and witness mark downs up to 70 percent, before Christmas ~ it makes an impact. On the other side, I know my clients and my friends are feeling the need to cut back on the shopping; concerned about the economy, this seems the logical thing to do. However, I know after styling for over 20 years and observing through my moms eyes as she studied clothing design, that people will always want and need to get dressed.

For those of you who are my clients, you know that I’ve always taught that less is more ~ mix and match your wardrobe. Buy less but spend more to get something that is higher quality on key pieces and in the long run, you are making more economical sense. I have also encouraged you to spend less when you can and never believe anyone has to be in “designer” duds from head to toe. Mixing is the key to this approach in wardrobing and what is paramount to making this a success? Good Design.

In Seattle you are going to have less options for shopping as we go into the new year and yes, we all want to spend less; but at whose expense? Certainly the tragedy at Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving showed us that perhaps our priorities are a bit off? A life was lost in order to get a good deal? My advice is to yes, buy local if you are going to buy, but also consider buying smart. Take the time to look at your local designers that can create a custom fit piece for the same price as 70% off a designer department store piece. Buy higher quality investment pieces such as jackets, coats and shoes. Stick to classic silhouettes for yourself. Refurbish, alter and repair good items from your closet. Purchase from smaller local boutiques who carry high quality and high design ~ Mario’s, Butch Blum, The Finerie (added in 09 to my list), Veritas (added in 09 to my list), Lola Pop and Polite Society (09 now out of biz) are my favorites right now ~ Does this all sound familiar? If you work with me, you know this is how I have approached wardrobing for over ten years and what I teach through Sustainable Style about how to dress sustainably as well as stylishly.

“I’m against fashion that doesn’t last” quoted Chanel. She was known to think that her staying power was due to her “integrity in fashion”, that “taste had to do with honesty, that the aesthetic of clothes should be nothing more than the outer reflection of an inner morality of sincere feelings. The real purpose of fashion was perhaps not to redefine the way we look so much as to tell us who we are.” These concepts not only work for you and your personal wardrobe, but for gift giving as well. Don’t just buy something “cheap” because you have to give something. Consider “designing” an experience, or buying something useful and higher in quality so it wont break within the first few minutes or take up room in the back of someone’s closet.

Heavy as this blog is, I felt it was important. I have been working on crafting this all month so I could articulate effectively how I feel about retail, clothing and the economy right now. I will have a more frivolous post tomorrow to help get you ready for New Years Eve…

R

Reference: Chanel, A Woman of Her Own by Axel Madsen, copyright 1990, Henry Holt Company, LLC

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It is mid holiday party season and it’s Tuesday…you have five parties this week, have to work and only will have half an hour to get all “sequined and shiny”…what about your party hair?!?

Over the last year, I have become a big fan of the “blow out”. Most of my NYC gals have been doing this for years. It is worth the 50 - 60 bucks and saves a lot of time. This fall when my Hair Diva Viv came to visit me during my tenure in NYC, we spent some time searching for the perfect blowout. We found a gem in Tribeca, Nicole Parkinson at Lance Lappin Salon.  I got a wonderful blowout in my favorite hood, Greenpoint, at The Parlour by Kristin Jones ~ fab stylist (Thanks again to my Hair Diva for that hookup). Not only did a get a great blowout, the salon itself is gorgeous and they have the coolest smocks made of vintage kimono fabrics. The espresso was key at 4 p.m. before a big evening. Near South Seaport, Pepper Pastor Salon has been recommended very highly by a very trusted resource…I will be heading there in February and will give you a personal report.

In Seattle, not only can you get a blow out, you can get a cool style at Killer Looks Salon located in Belltown. For an event last month, I got a fabulous wave style that had a nouveau vintage groove a la the 40s that I would never been able to accomplish on my own. If you want to hit somewhere other than downtown, check out the stylists at Baba Louise by Phinney Ridge/Ballard.

Another option? Hair Extensions. Yes, you too can have glamorous locks for the season and wow your co-workers and friends with a longer hair look. The best is to have extensions that are tied and with no glue or silicon involved. There is a great new gal in town at Killer Looks, Kandra, who really knows her stuff.

Please, do me a favor and stay away from a salon up do …not appropriate for the season or style these days. Fun, healthy, flowing and sexy hair is what we are going to be on the lookout for. RL

For more ideas on your holiday style contact les Egoistes.

Photo Credit | Killer Looks Salon

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Okay, I do have a cheesy title, but it sounded good while I was in Seoul, so I just went with it. Seoul is a super city. The second largest city in the world, it has all that us urban lovers dig and more. I never thought I would ever have the opportunity to get there, but surprise to me; I was able to get there this month.
Asked to speak on behalf of Sustainable Style Foundation by the Korean Fashion Association at the 2nd Annual Global Fashion Forum focusing on “Green Fashion”, I was thrilled to share SSF’s perspective on sustainable lifestyle choices and why “Sustainable Fashion” is such an important conversation in our industry right now. It was an incredible experience.

To start, we stayed at the W - Walkerhill that we found to be out of the way, but worth it. It sits on top of a hill with stellar views and is the only W in Asia. The pool and amenities are fabulous and the lobby, well, is supposedly a club destination for the hip in Seoul. It felt a bit weird, because it was our lobby, but after a couple of days, we got used to relaxing and checking out the scene before heading home.

But as you know, I have to talk about the shopping in Seoul. Over the past couple of years, certain Korean brands have been getting my attention; Eryn Brinie, Sol and a few others. Korean style is right on target and a bit ahead of the western curve.

My Favorite Trends |

Sequins | Sequin everything is still hot and I found it everywhere and on all types of garments in Korea. I especially love sequin leggings & jackets. You can find these items locally in the Sates in most stores. In Seattle, The Finerie has a great sequin jacket option. I love this simple line of the Naeem Kahn Sequin Dress.

Square shoulders or Shoulder details | I am seeing a lot of this in current mags, but not quite on the streets or in the stores. Stand by…It is Sean Young in Blade Runner…but updated and fun.

Rivets & Studs| while it may seem exclusively rock and roll, I noticed it in a lot of Korean styles. On bags, on shoulders, on hats. I like it. I took a close up of a traditional royal guard costume and found it there. Cool to see how history always plays in clothing. I also just saw this kind of detail in the Holiday looks from Barney’s on a Givenchy Bag. nice.

Parkas| I love Parkas with the fleece details. My traveling companion and fellow quirky fashionista, Brenda, found a terrific one in Korea. This is a must have. You can do it super casual or find a dressier one. This one is a great find by Antik Batik.

My Favorite Stores/Brands |

Eryn Brinie | Lucky that the States host the Eryn Brinie flagship store in Manhattan on W Broadway. I have been shopping there for the past year and a half since they opened. CUTE. I stopped off at the Eryn Brinie store located in one of Seoul’s major departments stores, Shinsegae.

Tankus| Oh my. I heart Tankus. Fresh, edgy and made well, this Korean brand is available a few places here and there. Oak in NYC carries some pieces and online. Don’t worry. I am working on sourcing more places in the states. Their store in Seoul is also located in Shinsegae.

Codes Combine | This store is located in the Myeong-dong area and fab. I loved it more for men, but the gals have good picks as well.

A-LAND | No real site for this store, but hi, was our absolute favorite. The store carries mostly Korean brands for men and women except perhaps Cheap Monday and APC, which I did see. On the top floor, the surprise was all the vintage…with Value Village price tags! Located in the hip young Myeong-dong area, as well as, the high end Apgujeong neighborhood. This is a must stop for lovers of trend and fashion. I didn’t read about it…I just saw cool people walking out of it and decided we had to stop.

Stori| Beautiful hand crafted accessories. Can’t seem to find a site, but will follow up as I keep looking.

Obzee | by Kang Jin Young of Y & Kei. He and his wife, Hanni, also have Hanni and Hanni. And she, has her own brand Hanni Y. All incredible. Talent obviously runs in this family.

Neighborhood breakdown according to RLS |
Thank god for traveling companions and for local hosts. I was a bit nervy for my speech and the trip was so last minute, I had little time to research. With my companion’s notes, our lovely local connection, Boram ~ who by the way, works for the parent company of two of my favorite brands ~  and the handy “Wallpaper Guide to Seoul”, we hit and found all the right hoods.

Myeong-dong | Hipster shopping above the ground and underground shops with price performing cute fashion.
Apgujeong | The high-end area that also boasts a Rodeo St that parallels Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive.
Hong-dae | University Area and a place to go out clubbing. By the way, stores are open till 2 a.m. and the clubs till 5…so you can get an outfit to go out in!
Seongbuk-dong | Gilsangsa Temple is here as well as some exclusive interiors stores and. We were able to visit a traditional costume place, Hyojae.
Samchoeng-dong | Cute shopping area. A lot of stores have been featured in Vogue.
Namdaemoon | Traditional Market, it has so much from clothing to food. We found a great accessories market with wholesale prices!
Garosugil | Pretty people also flock to this neighborhood. Stores have the feel of Nolita in New York. Great traditional Korean Food and a famous “Chicken & Beer” stop.
Dondaemun | All night market! Really? Really? Three buildings, multiple floors…all clothes and shoes. We didn’t know, we thought it was food and chatkes…good thing we had limited cash and cards that night…

I don’t feel I have to say it, it may be quite obvious, but this won’t be my last trip to Seoul. I love the people, I love the food, I love the style both in the street and in the stores and finally, I love that my hope for global sustainability in my industry took me there. RL

Photo Credits | From the Top

DJ at the Woo Bar - W Seoul | RLS

Naeem Khan | Naeem Khan

Givenchy | Givenchy

Traditional Korean Royal Guard  | RLS

Antik Batik | Revolve Clothing

RL at Eryn Brinie | RLS

Tankus | Tankus

Codes Combine Store | RLS

A-Land Store | RLS

Obzee Fall 09 | tFS

Namdaemoon | RLS

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It is no secret that I have favorite designers. It’s that special combo of great design, amazing fabrics, incredible cuts and cool personalities that allow certain designers and brands to top my list. Abi Ferrin is one of them. I have blogged about her before, so check that out here.

I am excited for Seattle this week because Abi will be here on Friday, November 6 for a special event and all weekend working with clients at The Finerie. I had a chance to check out her show in September and was super excited for her Spring 10 Collection.

First of all, if you have special event or formal event, one of Abi’s hand painted long dresses is a must have. I loved the grace of the fabric and the cut that will look lovely on most all silhouettes.

I also love this long simple elegant dress and could easily find myself going to this look again and again for special events throughout the warmer season.

The rompers are cute and another must have…order now so you’ll have it for your beach get away early this year and oh my goodness, I love Abi’s bathing suits. Completely inspired with the fringe. Fun. I would style it on the simple side.

A standard in any gals wardrobe should be Abi’s five way dress that can be worn, well multiple ways. I love it off the shoulder with a legging and over the knee boots for now and with a open toe platform bootie as the weather warms…eventually.

Check out how cool Abi is with this video and head on down to The Finerie in Seattle this weekend to meet her. A reminder for help with any of your wardrobe needs contact us at les Egoistes. See you on Friday. RL

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Here’s the deal boys. I wrote this article about plaid that is pretty Seattle - centric. I am sure all of it can be sent to you. However, check in with Tommy & Roy at Alter for Men, they have some great plaid alternations as does Opening Ceremony in Soho/Nolita. There, be prepared spend a pretty penny. Fabulous store. They have a ton of the new and improved Woolrich styles. RL

Call us if you want help sourcing or finding the right thing to hit the right trend.

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As I sat in the rotunda of Gotham Hall and watched the organizers of the IFashion Week prep for the show ~ I was early with my plus one so we just sat ~ I was iffy, yet eager with the promise of some fun because the bad girl of Project Runway Season Five, Teri Stevens, was showing seemed to be worth it. I was really curious on how the producers would curate international designers.

The show was long and I didn’t have line up to follow. Really? All of a sudden the energy changed and a 6′ 2″ obviously different model from the set we had been seeing for the previous 45 minutes emerged with amazing shoes (Agnes Florence, so fab) and fabric so yummy, it brought tears to my eyes.

Hernan Lander. He is going to be IT very soon.

From Dominican Republic, the designer studied at Parsons and has won multiple awards. He has worked under designers such as Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan.

I was instantly blown away and can’t wait to dress folks and myself in his pieces. After the show, I never do this, I had to meet the designer. I expected “bitchy-ness”, but I didn’t care. I was pleasantly surprised at the warm smile and hand shake and  a directness that offers a feeling that he cared and was genuinely happy to meet me. WOW…okay, I am a fan, so you will be hearing more about HL from me. RL

Contact info@lesegoistes.com for info on fresh new looks for you this Fall.

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I love designers. I love designers of all kinds and what I have always loved about my industry is the creativity it takes to come up with something cool that people will wear. Bluff NY is that team. The two designers that met at Parsons, along with a business partner came up with an idea to create shoe accessories. Inspired by the biz partner who was formally on Wall Street and had to wear boring pumps, the girls ,Jessica and Cara, started working on ways to make your  feet, shoes and boots look fabulous by simply changing the accessory.

This is not a new concept. Shoe clips were commonly used throughout history, but most recently in the 50’s and 60’s to take a simple pump from day into evening.  Brilliant, practical and dare I say “sustainable”?

I absolutely love the chains for fall over boots. I recommend wearing the pair on the same foot. This is the easy way to update your shoes ladies. And guys, I would recommend the chains for your boots too…although I haven’t mentioned that to the gals at Bluff NY yet. All the pieces are hand crafted, right in Brooklyn; and the chains are especially time consuming, but worth it.

The feathers, as well as the straps, are fab for a completely different look and I think it looks amazing over a pump, especially the super high ones. Guess what? We will have these available on the les Egoistes EGO shop as well in October. If you are interested before they go up on the site, email us at info@lesegoistes.com. I have a feeling they are going to go fast. RL

P.S. The designers Jess and Cara are super wonderful gals and we used their pieces in a shoot that should be out this winter. Stand by for those images later this season.

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A quick update while I catch my breath. Fashion Week is non-stop. Every season I tell myself I will really dig in be ONLY Fashion Week, but it is impossible. This time of year is also when everyone you know is also in NYC, so it is no sleep for any of us.
What I have found interesting is that there are more organized FW series of shows all over town. Besides the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, there are the Milk & Mac shows, Style360 shows, etc. You literally have to run all over town and try to get on even more lists. And “plus one”? …wow, where is my assistant when I need her?

I love fashion right now and for Spring 10 ladies, you are going to want to keep toning those legs as the mini dress, skirts and shorts are still strong for the season.

Unusual shapes and loose body draping silhouettes prevail with fabric textures that are too fab for words.

Spring Color is going to be lovely. The usual spring khaki is going to be lovely paired with coral and peach. Whites and metallic fabric still prevail. And muted herb tones are going to be important.

Shoes are still high and wildly expressive. It is easy to put on all your favorite items that probably don’t match and still look on trend this season.

Accessories are very important. Chunky and over the top (see previous blog). Never wear it all together. Pick your chunky area. Neck, ears, wrist or right hand ring…all the options are out there.

Stand by for posts later this week with my highlighted designer finds and men’s spring trends. RL

Photo Credits ~

Brian Reyes Sp 2010| Imaxtree

Ports 1961 Sp 2010 | Getty Images

Ports 1961 Sp 2010 | Getty Images

Casadel Sketch Sp 2010 | Courtesy Photo

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My first of four weeks in NYC was everything I wanted it to be. Not all party, but just enough. I was able to connect with almost all of my favorite people in the city, got a chance to create a creative and cozy vibe in my rented room and was able to even check out the Cloisters…something I have wanted to do my entire life. We biked there which was my brilliant gal pal CV’s idea. Something I recommend to do at least once. As we rode along the waterfront under the Westside Highway, we got to see a little slice of every neighborhood. From the lovely café’s on the Upper West’s water front, past Columbia University, to the hipster underground DJ scene on the beach in Harlem, and into the Bronx where the steaks were grilling and Latin music was blaring. Fab.

As far as work goes, this is something you gals are going to love and you guys have to pay attention to (for gift buying of course). I am super excited to coop with uber creative April Torress designer of the Isabella Grace Originals (IGO) accessories that are my new abfab fav.

April takes found objects and creates the most incredible and intriguing pieces I have seen in while. She says she’s “obsessed”. Each and every piece is one of her children and she will work them until they are just right. Yes, I know a lot of people do this, but April’s pieces stand apart. I used her work in a magazine editorial due to come out this winter and honestly, used only her accessories…they are right on for what is happening in fashion right now. I love that each one is made lovingly on her kitchen counter. Hi…can we all say “sustainable” together?

Here it is, the exciting part. Starting next week, you will be able to purchase a one of kind piece from IGO on the les Egoistes Ego Shop. We will be able to help you get the right pieces and work directly with April the designer. Yea!

Okay that is it for now. Stand by for increased reports this week as Fashion Week Starts on Thursday. Ready to check out Spring 10. RL

Want help picking out that perfect accessory and/or help with your wardrobe? Contact les Egoistes for your personal styling needs.

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“Mauve“ is a strange word, but a gorgeous color. When I hear the word, it brings back wonderful memories of fabric shopping with my mother. Similar words like “dusty rose”, “beige” and “taupe” during those trips, always seemed to leave a lot of room for imagination. That being said, “mauve” is one of my favorite “it” colors for Fall 09.

Falling in the world of purple, mauve often will have grey and sometimes brown undertones ~a perfect neutral. Paired with grey, it can be very chic. Not everyone can wear this color, but playing with the shade can help. I love Bottega Veneta’s campaign of mauve on mauve. Here you can see the beauty of doing tone on tone color, is playing with texture.

Wearing silver with mauve would be gorgeous. Try it with translucent chunky gemstones, such as opal. ~ It could be amazing. However you do it, it will be a fun new color to play with. RL

Want help finding your “it” colors for fall? Contact les Egoistes.

Photo credit: Bottega Veneta Fall 09, Steven Miesel Ad Campaign for Bottega Veneta Fall 09

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