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Wardrobe Builder: Brownie Points

Q the Stylist — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:30:08 +0000

This is the first time Wardrobe Builder has been a COLOR. But color is the basis of how I build a wardrobe and this Fall’s merchandise offered much inspiration in this rich chocolate. Plus, I think fashion overplays its hand with black quite a bit. It is the default color and often the only option.

However in color theory, brown is actually flattering to all, not black. So if you find yourself looking to expand your wardrobe with neutral items that will enhance your face and stand the test of time – consider adding some brown hues – natural tans, cocoa, latte, cinnamon, rose brown, to dark chocolates are wonderful additions that will easily pair with black, blues, creams, and whites.

WOMEN
(clockwise from top left)
Hobbs London Limited Collection Bromley Check Trench Coat ($795) | Bloomingdale’s 14K Yellow-Gold Huggie Earrings ($1,200) | Polo Ralph Lauren Relaxed Mulberry Silk Shirt ($348) | Staud Cantilever Merino-Wool Skirt ($325) | Neous Phoenix Leather Shoulder Bag ($935) | Loeffler Randall Deidre Over-The-Knee Leather Boot ($750)

MEN
(clockwise from top left)
J.Crew Cashmere Herringbone Jacquard Crewneck Sweater ($168) | Polo Ralph Lauren Suede Shirt Jacket ($698) | Bergdorf Goodman Men’s Pebbled Leather Belt ($150) | Hereu Alda Chelsea Boot ($540) | Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes 40mm Watch ($229) | Peter Millar Superior Soft Corduroy Five-Pocket Pant ($170)

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Spotlight: Il Bisonte

Q the Stylist — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 19:25:07 +0000

European Goods Without the Jetlag

Have you missed small European goods and towns? The food? The culture? Me too! Though travel restrictions to Europe have eased, navigating the constant changes is tricky, so if you prefer to stay safe and shop local you can still get your fix of sumptuous Italian goodies. One of my favorite stores in the West Village is a small Florentine company that specializes in vacchetta leather goods. They’re timeless, classic, and effortlessly elegant since the leather gets richer, softer, and more supple with wear.

Il Bisonte was founded in 1970 by Wanny Di Filippo, a dreamer with an eclectic style and an out-of-the-box approach to business and life. He started his own brand when a company rejected his initial ideas due to his overt forward-thinking nature. He’s truly an inspiration, embodying the idea of choosing the life you want and building it freely. The brand’s name translates to “the bison” in Italian. The bison logo is emblazoned on its products and it’s been Wanny Di Fillippo’s favorite animal since the 1960s because, as he affectionately describes, “bison represent both peace and strength.”

Sustainability and exclusivity are at the heart of the brand. All the leather used in making Il Bisonte accessories and bags comes from animals raised for food and would otherwise be disposed. Il Bisonte truly stands behind their products; everything is carefully made to last a lifetime. There’s even a lifetime maintenance and repair service in the boutique.

With something for everyone and often more than one – it’s an experience worth indulging in and cheaper (and less hassle) than a trip to Italy!

Here are four products that caught my eye:
/ 1 / Giglio – this lightweight, scratch resistant, and elegant leather bag can be carried in hand or worn on the shoulder by adjusting the sliding brass gold chain. Super chic for a day-to-night transition. $450
/ 2 / Consuelo – this bag can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder with its adjustable shoulder strap and brass studs to adjust the length. $750
/ 3 / Bi-Fold Wallet in Cowhide Double Leather – The man in your life likely needs a new wallet and this one features a clean, minimal design. $190
/ 4 / Santo Spirito – A classic unisex travel bag in vintage cowhide leather with handles and adjustable shoulder strap. $1,335

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Spotlight

Q the Stylist — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 02:25:17 +0000

Backpacks for Goldilocks: The 2019 Awards

Recently, a client called seeking approval on an incredibly expensive backpack she purchased, explaining she got carried away while at a work trip to Las Vegas. Sadly, I did not approve. Small fortune aside, the shape was all wrong for her style and the material, though high quality, didn’t look rich. It had to go back… for store credit only (gasp)! However, she was more upset that she had been looking for a backpack for a while and she felt this was the only one that came close. She wanted one that was professional enough to carry into C-suite level meetings, but with enough room to hold a laptop, notepad, wallet, phone and charger, small makeup case, and occasionally a change of shoes or a bottle of water… no small request. The good looking backpacks were too small and the big ones didn’t look professional. The one she found in Vegas fit all those items and was a high end, so why didn’t it work? Because it made her look like a teenage mutant ninja turtle when she put it on.
Around the same time, another client sent me this frank text, “Backpacks. Are they cute or trash?”

Great question. The truth is, I am really into function. I always have been and living in NYC reinforces this every day. However, this rules out most backpacks on the market because they are too small to hold a wallet, a water bottle, and a pair of shoes at the same time. And if a backpack is that small, just get a purse. Your belongings will be easier to access and you won’t be vulnerable to someone walking close behind you and unzipping your backpack looking for your wallet. This happened to me on a trip to Rome, I’m clearly over it.

The other truth is, I’m equally into form. So this rules out a lot of backpacks that don’t move the needle for me on the style scale. Hence, now that 95% of the backpacks on the market have been ruled out due to form or function- here are the 2019 Goldilocks Backpack Awards, because they aren’t all trash.

Best In Show: The all around winner for form and function is Italic’s Barlett Pebbled Leather Backpack which comes in just black or navy and a choice of silver or gold hardware. They thought of everything with this bag. It’s roomy yet tidy, unfussy while thoughtful, and the leather has a beautiful hand. Tie a colorful scarf around the top handle and everyone will think you’re Amal Clooney. Bonus! They plant a tree with every purchase. $195

Minimalist Award: The Graf Lantz Convertible Bedford Backpack is made from stain-resistant, lightweight felt in beautiful neutral colors and where most convertible bags look wrong when not worn as a backpack – this bag looks awesome as a tote or crossbody. $345

Mary Poppins Award: Lo & Sons Rowledge is so large that it could likely hold everything you need to be practically perfect in every way and it will still keep you organized with all of its sleeves and compartments. It fits over a suitcase handle and offers a choice of hardware and interior colors to keep you looking fresh wherever the wind takes you. $225

Designer Collab Award: J.W. Anderson’s Reversible 2-Way Bag for Uniqlo is so darn cute and functional and only $20… I wish I needed it.

Fashion Award: State’s Kane Backpack comes in a variety of colors but the silver mock-croc is a total standout. $120

The Look for Less Award: Italic’s motto is Luxury without Labels, this Faux-Leather Backpack from Coofit on Amazon is that bag, for even less. This economical option looks much more expensive than it is and is surprisingly spacious. $24

Goldilocks is now the very happy owner of both the Italic Barlett and the Graf Lantz Bedford, proving that you don’t have to pay a fortune for style.

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Wardrobe Builder: Always Have Something To Wear

Q the Stylist — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 21:34:09 +0000

At first glance, you may think these are not at ALL for you. But I argue, these are for everyone. This perfectly cut black waxed jean in a straight, slightly cropped leg shows off a great ankle boot is less aggressive than a leather pant, but more cool than a trouser. Works well with a flat or pump too. Enjoy!

AG Jeans | Isabelle Coated Straight Jeans in Leatherette Black | $255

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New York Fashion Week – Spring’13 Runway Report

Q the Stylist — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:54:26 +0000

The promise of warmer weather isn’t the only thing that Spring has to offer. New York Fashion Week is only half over, but below are some of the trends we’re seeing on the runway and you’ll be wearing come next year.

Photo Prints

Photo prints collaged together, and often embellished, are a new FUN trend for Spring. These prints lend a cheerfulness to garments that feels just right on Spring’s lightweight fabrics. If this look interests you, but you’re shy, the easiest way to wear this will be in dress form or a tee. Pair it with a fitted jacket and a metallic shoe and you’ll look right on point.

Michael Kors – Spring’13

Proenza Schouler – Spring’13

Leather

Leather has become a wide-spread wardrobe staple and now we are seeing it not just on jackets, skirts, and pants but on blouses and dresses. Even if you are not into leather, Spring’s interpretations might get you to change your mind because of the pieces are so easy to wear and blend with any style. Leather and silk are sharing the same garment at BCBG Max Azria and at Alexander Wang leather is the paired with a cut-out knit.

BCBG Max Azria – Spring’13

Alexander Wang – Spring’13

Shorts

Shorts were a frequent sight on the runways this week and can a be a versatile piece in your Spring wardrobe. After a few seasons of short over-sexed shorts, designers are taking the hem down and this new length can go with you from day to night. This Spring’s short is more demure and classy. Both Tommy Hilfiger and Rachel Zoe showed short suits which is a young, relaxed way to look pulled together. We also saw shorts paired with a caplet for a softer, more feminine look. Adding a soft yellow, aqua blue or even a bright red, as we see on the Holmes and Yang look, will bring a little more fun to your ensemble .

Rachel Zoe – Spring’13

Holmes and Yang – Spring’13

Strong Lines

Strong lines are featured in almost every Spring Collection. The new silhouettes focus on elongating and emphasizing your assets, without showing too much skin. If you want to be sexy and elegant, the pencil silhouette is just the piece and goes well with a silk shirt or soft tee. If you’re looking for something a little more unexpected – just go with a structured shirt that shows off some skin like the look below from Calvin Klein. Hello shoulder!

Calvin Klein Collection – Spring’13

Osklen – Spring’13

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