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Origami Folds:
This versatile style can be placed anywhere on an outfit, but work especially well around the neckline. From this amazingly executed Tomas Maier designed Bottega Veneta dress to the simple cocktail dresses by Theory this season, the clavicle is definitely in full view. That’s fantastic, as some say this is the sexiest part of a woman’s body! Origami folds can also be seen on skirts. But beware – it’s a fine line between looking architectural and not showing your figure. However, if the folds start below the stomach area (where most of us after children have a paunch) and fold to one side, they can have a slimming effect. The folds can also be found on bags – for a prime example check out Valentino’s “Rose bag”. |
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Sequins:
Sequins can be done in a vulgar way or an extremely elegant way. Marni has a flat sequined in a tasteful taupe to act as a "bandana" that would add just that right amount of individuality to a plain t shirt/jeans combo. Also by Marni, a little sequined shrug over a casual outfit not only glams up the outfit but also ups the coolness factor. And Ferragamo (yes, Ferragamo - they have a new designer - Cristina Ortiz, who is really funking up the label and succeeding!) has an incredible horizontal striped sequined dress in a muted teal/brown/silver - the look is really going back to their original roots as a forerunner of avant guard design. |
Tuxedo Jackets:
These are BIG this season. They come with a tail or without - and the tail is great for taller women, while a fitted shorter look works well for those of us who aren’t 5’8’’. Since the jackets are very structured, you really can go with a fitted look (for a more rocker-chic feel) like the one by Andrew Gn or go with a flowy blouse underneath like the one by Chloe to soften it up. You can also wear it all dark (blue or black) in a buttoned up Victorian Goth way. The key is to do a skinny pant, especially a dark one. If you’re going with a shorter pant, be sure to pair it with funky heels. Try finishing the look with smoky eye makeup for added drama, but be sure to keep your lipstick soft and neutral. |
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Black Jewelry:
The black jewelry phenomenon is here to stay! It's got the sparkle, but in an understated rather than "glam Rock" way, perhaps because black jewelry looks vintage even if it isn't. I believe the trend is going to individualized pieces for accessories. The gorgeous one of a kind "dove" necklace is from Blue Tree on Madison Avenue. Phoebe Cates, the owner of Blue Tree scavenges all over the world for unique pieces created by artisans. They have a whole collection of black jewelry and other one of a kind pieces by Lulu Frost. The new collection by Philip Crangi for Vera Wang has the perfect nonchalant look as seen here. At Burberry, I'm seeing the blackened metal - titanium like - steel made into necklaces and belts, mixed in with leathers. The variety of ways you can wear black pins is endless so start collecting!
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Broadtail:
I know it's too early to start thinking about fur, but this is definitely the look of the season. Broadtail has that very upscale feel without the matronly factor. It's definitely a funkier fur and the best part of it is that it doesn't make you look fatter since it doesn't have any bulk, unlike other furs. At Jeffrey's, I saw the most unbelievable short sleeved, cropped jacket by Marni made out of this material. You could wear a pair of tight jeans, high boots, a white wife beater T and you just put that on, and you're so Rockin!!! But on the other hand, you can totally wear it as a cover up to a strapless gown. Almost every designer is working with this material and making it more "fashionable". I think the next trend is to see this material on bags. Unlike the mink bags I've seen in the past, broadtail is less expensive and the wave of the fur adds more of a texture that would lend itself to being morphed in a variety of ways. I've actually seen it on the cuff of a boot, usually in a contrasting color - it looks just so rich without looking like you're trying too hard. |
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| About Jean
Growing up in Virginia, Jean developed an early passion for fashion and design while reading through the pages of Vogue. She was profoundly influenced by her aunt in Korea, who had countless vintage dresses and accessories which Jean later inherited. After graduating from Columbia, a career on Wall Street and raising her three school age children, Jean decided to pursue a career as a stylist to capitalize on her lifelong passion for fashion.
Jean enjoys helping her clients establish a core collection that can carry them from year to year. She doesn't believe in revamping an entire wardrobe with each passing trend. She loves searching for that perfect timeless piece -- the one that is captivating and unique that a client will reach for time and time again.
Jean gets much satisfaction in finding the perfect accessory to make any outfit pop. She finds things at flea markets, vintage fairs and during her travels overseas.
She has styled a wide array of women with varied backgrounds. Her clients include: Doctors, philanthropists, socialites, teachers, interior designers, sommeliers and Wall Street professionals. She works with each client's unique taste and personality to purchase clothes for them that will make them feel like the best version of themselves.
Jean lives in New York City with her husband and three children. She currently has clients in New York City, East Hampton, North Carolina, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Florida, Wyoming and Tokyo. |
Past Tips:
June 2009
May 2009
March 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008 Part 2
November 2008 Part 1
October 2008 Part 2
October 2008 Part 1
September 2008 Part 2
September 2008 Part 1
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