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Opera Length Gloves:
Something that goes well with the embellished jackets that have shorter sleeves are opera length gloves. Whether in satin, leather or in a print, they really pump up the glam factor. These gloves go so well with the coats with shorter sleeves, which are definitely back in style – think Mad Men! Imagine a little LBD with a shocking fuchsia opera length glove! The look is very “Dior”, but your whole new outfit costs less than $50! No one will remember that your dress is several seasons old. And you’d feel pretty smug knowing that while everyone else spent on an entire outfit! Just remember, when you go this route, your shoes have to be memorable. Don’t be timid by wearing the typical black pump…At least wear a contrasting color (from the gloves) or if black, make sure there are lots of details and straps to elevate your outfit to another level. Everyone thinks that a simple pump is the most flattering for your leg, but I disagree totally! When the heel is chunkier, it makes your whole body look smaller, since the shoes “ground” you. When the heel is too skinny, your legs will just look thicker in comparison. My favorite gloves this season are by Diane Von Furstenberg. Check out her design and color in LEATHER! No less! Surprisingly, patterns and prints are much more useful than solid colors, of course utilized judiciously! The opera length gloves added to your existing wardrobe are definitely the recessionista thing to do this party season. |
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Jeweled Clutches:
What do you need to finish off a party dress this season? The easiest thing is a simple jeweled clutch. Judith Leiber has one that is fabulous and truly gorgeous, so does Valentino and Prada, but the one I’m most impressed with is the one by Banana Republic. I particularly like the one that has the blackened metal with a grey satin background, mainly because you cannot tell it only costs $75! This is a really good rule of thumb when you’re not buying high end. If the metal is shiny, try to go for the blackened look, instead of plain silver or gold tone, and if the metal is burnished, the whole look is more ethnic and exotic. You can also scrounge around the vintage stores and sites, and the flea markets to find a one of a kind jeweled bag. One of my clients bought the most unbelievable beaded bag at the Pier Antique Show in New York City. The price was right and between her and me, the bag has gone to six events so far… Totally worth it! |
¾ Length Sleeves:
Want to make something new out of what you already own? Go through all of your blazers and think which one is a bit staid and boring. Push the sleeves up and imagine how it would look fresher by showing a little arm and wrist. I totally believe that a little change like that can make a more conservative piece into a modern, less serious one. You’ll be surprised to find that a blazer you never imagined could be funky and downtown, could be transformed quite easily just by shortening the sleeves and possibly adding a pin on the lapel, a simple white T, a skinny belt, etc. In this day of “shopping in your closet”, we all need to be inventive. Love the fit of a long sleeved dress? Why not chop off those sleeves and wear that dress in a multitude of ways. As a simple shift, with lots of jewelry or a pretty silk scarf or a belt, or add a jewel toned cardigan and you’ve got a whole other look. Take that cardigan off, for an easy work to evening outfit. One of my clients has a princess cut coat by Moschino she got in Paris a few years ago. I convinced her to cut the sleeves down to a ¾ length, and she is wearing this coat as a long blazer over a lace skirt to evening functions. Since the coat is not long and you can see the skirt, it just looks like a topper, instead of a coat. The key reason this look can be achieved is because of the sleeve length. A bonus to this wrist revealing is that you can wear a stunning bracelet and actually see the bracelet while holding that glass of champagne. |
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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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