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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 fairwaystyles.com

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.

http://www.cocchiastyles.com/

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 

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 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

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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

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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

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Its super busy and while I would love to blog every day to keep you posted…it is a bit challenging with all running around. A quick update on the shopping. I spent a couple of days mid-town and got some great basics done for clients. Yesterday, I shopped in Greenpoint and Williamsburg…really love it there. It is chill and I feel like I can find some unique pieces…I also feel like I am supporting a local biz and that feels good. Style notes? Gals, it is all about the loose shift dresses. if you are uncomfortable with that look, think twice. It is comfortable and can look terrific if you accessorize. Boys, continue to rock the blazer….more about that soon.

Last night I went to an Ernest Sewn fashion event (photo coming soon) that was in conjunction with the Cotton folks. The event was all for this cool campaign…check it out…recycling your jeans and creating a new product out of it…you know what I am thinking here of course…you got it…so “sustainable”. Here is the info ~ Cotton from Blue to Green” campaign and fashion show sponsored by Ernest Sewn and National Jean Company

More soon. RL

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  I am still on the road and loving my days here in Portland. Staying at the Ace, I don’t feel like I have to venture out, but I am meeting some wonderful people.  Last holiday season, a met a couple of lovely women at a holiday event for The Finerie in Seattle.  The were the designer, Naomi, and rep, Sandy, behind YedOmi Jewerly.  I instantly fell in love with the design of their pieces, bought one for me and special ordered a few for my clients. I met the gals for a couple of cocktails last night at a fun place on NW 23rd called 23Hoyt ~ great happy hour destination btw.  It was really fun the get the “story” behind the line of jewelry which is a delicate yet sexy and bold combination of metal and semi-precious gems. It turns out the Naomi loves to play with metal. She has an art background and started forging and sculpting back in art school days.  It developed from there.  She hand creates all aspects of her pieces and works through gem rep to get gems directly from the source country. Can we all say together, “sustainable”? I love that I zoned in on the pieces for their unique beauty and style and it turns out, it is sustainable too…Naomi now works on design with her husband and continues to be fascinated with “how far she can go with metal”. While it was hard for her to decide which piece out of her collection is her favorite, they are all like her children, she is zeroing in on her chandelier earrings this season. She is known in PDX for her custom wedding jewelry and basically the bees knees as far as I am concerned. If you are a client of mine, you will be seeing her work. RLP.S. Still trying to figure out how to get on-line photos with my MAC…sorry no image on this one, but as soon as I get a PC later this weekend, I will get one up. 

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Whenever I am doing a female client’s closet and we get to the drawer or box full of scarves, I always say, “keep them if you have the room”. Scarves can be an easy way to complete a look and I am constantly using them myself.  I love my mom’s old scarves, especially the the ones that went with the Indian outfits called “shalwar kameez”. It is customary to have a matching scarf for each outfit…maybe this is where my influence came from?Over the past two years we have seen the seventies blouse with tie trend come in and I personally love it. A new way to think about sporting this style without doing the blouse is to take a long scarf and tying it in a bow…I have been doing this look all week and have really loved it. Over a turtle-neck, t-shirt or under a jacket. RL

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If you are my friend, and even just an acquaintance, you know I have been obsessing about getting into a bikini since before the holidays…as promised, this posting should give you all my tips to a successful launch of yourself into the two brief little pieces of fabric.  I should note, that before this last trip of mine to Mexico, I hadn’t donned a bikini since ‘97…that is telling you something…

Step 1 ~ Get to the gym & Watch what you eat ~ Time for me to tell you of my secret weapon, Zum…my gym.  They are truly gifted there and I have been to every gym in Seattle. I finally found my home. Props go to Bobby, my trainer at Next Level who strengthened me to get to the point that my work outs made a difference.  Looking strong and toned was key for me feeling great in my bikini.  Another note…walk as much as you can, take the stairs and follow my friend Melody’s example who schedules walks for her meetings as much as she can…she and I have been doing this for a couple of years and I love it.  As far as diet, I am a garmento, not a nutritionist…but, I tend to stay away from cheese and anything in the white food groups…I do have my cheat days…

Step 2 ~ Skin Care - My favorite esthetician Kimberly (Premiere) told me ten years ago about something called “dry brushing”…I tend to do this every week. Along with your loofah, this sloughs off the dry skin and leaves your skin glowing and refreshed. I do this once a week before I hop in the shower and every time I bath, I apply baby oil all over my body and towel it off. This is daily for me and I have been doing it for years. While on vacation, before I put my bikini on…that I wore all day by the way…I would dry brush, then applied lotion and sunscreen…great for an even tan. Drink tons of water along with your wine and you will stay looking refreshed…

As I was prepping for the trip, I did succumb to Bliss Spa products…it was raining and I was feeling especially nervous.  I purchased three additional skin products to add to my routine, “Fat Girl Slim”…wish it had a better name, “Love Handler” and seaweed cellulite soap. These products are designed to attack any cellulite (Fat Girl Slim & soap) and tone your ab/belly area (Love Handler). As mentioned in the Winter Break blog, I am not sure if the products helped? But, it did help me feel confident…that is 95% of it, no?

Step 3 ~ Bikini Shopping ~ I had so much fun bikini shopping. One of our favorite places in Seattle (”our” meaning my fab and stylish gal pals in the city) is Tiniha’s Boutique in Fremont. As soon as we booked our tickets, I went in to get my incentive suit…you may drop a bit of change on a suit here, but it is worth it.  Everything is cute and they have the best cover ups and resort clothing that even if you are going to St. Barts instead of Mexico, you will feel fabulous. I picked up a Trina Turk bando top bikini in awesome colors, including my summer signature color, bright yellow. I then finished up my bikini outfits at JCrew.  They have affordable and super cute options. You can only purchase them on-line so make sure you allow for shipping. I love the bikini skirt…

Step 4 ~ Accessorize ~ I loved accessorizing my bikini looks as much I like it with my regular looks.  I had a specific cover up look for each bikini as well as earrings and bracelets…all of these can be removed to jump in the pool or ocean.  Remember, we were wearing our suits every where and all day long…I felt confident going to lunch, the beach or visiting a friend in their villa down the way.  Bigger earrings that look lovely with your hair pulled back and bangles…the way to go. I ended up wearing my Havaianas  almost the whole trip.  I brought heels, but where we were didn’t call for them…however if you are at a resort, a 2 - 3 inch wedge heel with wood, cork or rattan makes your legs look even longer in your suit.  Oh, and don’t forget your big sunglasses…

Step 5 ~ Relax ~ Once you arrive at your tropical destination and you feel the warmth in the air, you kind of don’t care…so, after all that prep, it is great to just know that you have done the work and you serve to relax…by the pool or ocean with a larger than life Margarita. Have fun and laugh a lot…RL

P.S. Photo is of a great bando style from Trina Turk. Hair and accessories are right on for trend right now.

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Well, you know I had to at least watch the Red Carpet arrivals for the fashion commentary this year.  I usually miss it for some reason and some how usually catch up by watching E Television.  This year, I watched the whole thing, including Barbara Walter’s Special after…yikes. I have to say, my favorite dresses for the evening was Marion Cotilliard, who won best actress for her role in Edit Piaf. Jean-Paul Gautier designed her dress, you probably know that already, and it fit her perfect. Her hair was perfect for a young woman at a formal event and her makeup was tres chic and had a bit of a Chanel groove.  I loved everything about her including her acceptance speech that was so real and geniune. I have always been a fan of Edit Piaf as well, so this was all good…

 As far as the men go, it is funny that leading male Oscar winner Daniel Day Lewis was my favorite male look. As a thin man, he, or his stylist, picked an abbreviate cut that was fitted.  The chocolate piping was elegant, yet funky and unique…my bff who is a hair stylist,V, mentioned his hair was curled…oh well, he too was fabulous, unique and articulate…thank you SAG for recognizing the truely gifted this year. I must say, the Euro’s rocked it. Ellen Mirrin was fabulous as was Tilda Swinton. Witty, unique and lovely.

As I sat in V’s chair geting my hair cut today, we were of course gossiping about the Oscars. She mentioned she had to watch the view while getting her nails done earlier in the day and they all were going on about no one really knowing the movies that were nominated this year and who had ever even heard of Edit Piaf?…(mouth open) Now, I can understand not watching a movie or two that may be up for an Oscar…but it is so funny how The View is supposed to be a cross section of women in America…I couldn’t disagree more.  I usually use this blog for positive fun things…however I am super fed up with what America has to watch and be subjected to anymore. The View is not my voice and I really am ready for something new out there that really represents women today…it’s not on TV.

My other favorite for the evening was Diablo Cody who wrote Juno. I was so thrilled when she one. It was so refreshing to see a creative, lovely and real person in Hollywood…oh, and the indy song writers too…maybe there is hope for us who dance to a different beat? This year’s Oscars gave me hope. RL

photo credit from Reuters.

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Yesterday I art directed and styled a shoot for Madina Vadache that was really amazing. Our team rocked; Erin on make up and hair and Thorsten Ott was the photographer. We were shooting bio shots for Madina and had a fun editorial story to follow. I am not going to relay too much about that because I want you all to be surprised when it comes out later this year.  But I will tell you that it felt like we were shooting in Europe, not Seattle. We shot it at Suite 410, one of my favorite sexy little bars in Seattle.  Greig hosted us and by the way, is not only a killer bartender, but also a musician and photographer himself.  Needless to say we had a terrific shoot with Madina’s killer Euro entourage on set and in the shots.  I love days like yesterday. RL

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