Marni

Arm Candy

Is anyone else so bored with their winter wardrobe? I bet you are. Spring fashion is still a few weeks away from hitting the stores, but as I reported last week, single sole shoes are in, blinding neon has dug its grave, yellow is king, and I don’t know about you, but my exhausted wardrobe is well, exhausted.

Resort wear, available now, has some stellar pieces in many of the collections, and just like Pre-Fall, its sometimes even that much better than the Spring collections. Today on “if the world wide web was my closet,” let’s salute to the end of winter blahs with a migration to pastel bags to brighten up the cold weather staples in your closet. Sure we can invest in beachy pullovers and single sole shoes now, but the oh so fickle weather might not cooperate with what we want to wear now. It might be fifty degrees today, but tomorrow and the rest of the week looks to be bitterly arctic. Give thanks to the schizophrenic weather person who writes that script.

Because twenty degrees doesn’t have to mean black, grey, and navy, pair these hot new bags shown below with denim and an oversized chunky sweater to kick-start your wardrobe and wear now. If white pumps can be worn year-round, anything can. FYI, all the links below lead you to websites to purchase the looks. You can also shop the post in the new format by clicking the small pics on the bottom! Isn’t that new format cool?

pastel bags

Collage by Carina Gupta

1. Proenza Schouler Small Lunchbag Clutch, $765.00

2. Loeffler Randall The Rider Bag, $495.00

3. Dior bag, Get the Marni  Two-tone leather tote here, £869.00

4. Rebecca Minkoff  Sienna Tote, $525.00

5. Jason Wu Daphne Crossbody bag, $1,595.00

6. Diane von Furstenberg Tonda raffia clutch, $325.00

Wear now, wear later, why wait?

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124 days ago • Accessories, Trends • Tags: , , , , ,

Mellow Yellow

January, typically a bleak grey month in the Northeast, is a time to get back to work, hit the gym, eat comforting foods, bundle up, and get much-needed Vitamin D. If I could get my daily dose of sun, I would head to Australia for a month, and drink that sunshine. Or head out west, where it may not be warm, but the sun is always shining, and skiing on fresh snow and the occasional dog pee just might count as a daily dose of D. Just kidding.

Not to be confused with neon highlighter yellow, which I am calling over and done, this burst of sunny yellow is meant to soothe and offer a sharp contrast to the grays, whites, and blacks infiltrating your wardrobe right now. I get it, wearing all black is easy, but I can really appreciate the color motivating this post: I like lemons, I like bananas, I like the sun.

Fashion should be about how you’re feeling at that particular moment and expressing yourself. If you’re feeling blah, this is the perfect antidote. Wearing what you’re really into has a positive psychological effect and #winning never goes out of style. A bit bold? I love the combo of black and yellow..”you know what it is black and yellow…” It’s bumble-bee fierce, a word that I wish would go away in 2013. BTW, most everything below is On Sale– get it while it’s hot!

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Karen Walker Soul Club wood sunnies, Marni Round-neck coat (on sale), Cacharel ankle boots (on sale), Charm & Chain yellow chalcedony French Wire earrings, DVF Citrine Gracie clutch bag, Tibi black leather collar macramé top (on sale), Oscar de la Renta wool-blend twill wide-leg pant, Chuck Taylor All-Star high tops.

Shop this look:

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141 days ago • Fashion • Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Boyish Charm

Fashion, a constantly moving target, regularly swings between celebrating sexless and childlike looks vs. voluptuous and womanly curves. Currently, vibing in the tomboy vein, I have been channeling basics in navy, black, and gray in their most simplistic form, pants and shorts in their unisex variety, and pin-straight hair, all working together to form the lithe androgynous look. It all started with the flappers of the 1920′s, continued with the Twiggy silhouette in the 60′s, and worked its way to the 90′s when Kate Moss stepped in and popularized heroin chic. I don’t know who I am more obsessed with Kate Moss or Alexa Chung but its a close tie. I don’t like the term “borrowing from the boys”, it’s so generic. We should scrap the terminology, wear what we love, and celebrate our equality. Check out Alexa in her messy do, black boots, blazer, and tweed jacket.

Fashion always loves the gamine girl.

I never really grew out of my elementary school tomboy phase, always wanting to play King of the Hill with the boys. I have a wide collection of boy-meets-girl finds–I own a variety of denim boyfriend jeans, shorts, boxy blazers, loafers, vests, chic as hell sneakers, and crisp white shirts. I have most recently going for the black tuxedo pant– the ultimate male classic uniform. Paired with these Golden Goose silver and bronze Super Stars? And more denim? Genius. The common theme in wearing menswear? Worshiping youth. Dressing like a boy even if you’re gams aren’t even close to Kate’s or Alexa’s. And who doesn’t want to add a bit of playfulness and innocence to your dress code?

Hat Attack corduroy cap, A.P. C  tee shirt, Of Two Minds vest, Comptoir des Cottonniers shorts, Marni boots, Jennifer Meyer stackable rings.

Will you try it on for size? Add a leather jacket and tights for the cooler temps. Do you think this look will make it through the door at Grandma’s house.?

On another note, I don’t think the GIF is dead quite yet. There’s still more to 2012.

Cheers!

All photos rocking Michael Crook

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187 days ago • Fashion, Style • Tags: , , , , ,

Dispelling the Myth: Wearing White after LD

With the official end of summer just around the corner, it’s like somebody just ripped that bikini right off my body. Do I have to pick up my body off the beach, send the kids back to school, get back to work? Yes. Pack up those summer whites? NO. Today on the Fashion Hunter, why I wholeheartedly disagree with this old wives tale to store the whites. Here’s the lowdown. Back in the early 20th Century it was a status symbol for those who were able to change their clothes by season, white during the summer and darker colors in the winter. It wasn’t proper etiquette to wear white after Labor Day, specifically any clothing below the waist. Obviously, recent fashion trends have dictated otherwise. Here’s the thing: Nix the faux-pas of wearing white after the first week in September.Wearing white, is not only on-trend, but you have carte-blanche to rock it all winter long. Just take a your cues from Celine’s Fall collection shot out of Paris, and Marc Jacob’s FW collection out of New York. Not just accepted but, fashion-forward.

It’s hard to let creatively run-wild when you are stricken by a dress-code dictated by others. There’s no reason why you can’t pair a simple white sheath with a pair of pants for a silhouette update that is desperately needed when those gams might catch the fall breeze. Enter the stylized clothing approach. Brought to you by the White Warrior doing an Olympic jump. Brooklyn bridge-side. Rules are meant to be broken.

No really, let’s get to the matter at hand. This post is about how to layer your summer whites to the tune of Fall’s more serious script.

Scene number one. The simple white A.L.C. dress. With a pair of Super sunnies and clear black sandals. You remember those? Let me jog your memory. Now are you Clear On?

Click right here for the fashion creds: A.L.C. dress, Oscar de la Renta Illusion sandals, Super Sunglasses

Scene number two. From white dress to the layers that matter, leather, faded denim, and speakers for your neck. Cue the one shoulder a bit lopsided in the air, pigeon-toed feet–it’s the ultimate awkward blogger stance. In matters of leather, this Helmut Lang asymmetrical motorcycle animal skin is the best thing my closet knows. A little bit of love and a lot of rock and roll as I make the jump into Fall.
Scene three: the detail shot. Black and white, studs, some shine, and speakers. Helmut Lang leather blazer, J. Crew fedora (current versions in felt, Marni necklace, Phillip Lim bag, Current/Elliott slouchy boyfriend jeans.
It’s about time someone determined white pieces can carry you into the colder months. Don’t let the upcoming Labor Day weekend bring you down. Don’t we wear what makes us happy and isn’t that what this is all about? Discuss.
Oh, BTW, do you like the brick wall in the background? That’s a secret spot under the Brooklyn Bridge.
All photos: Michael Crook.
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271 days ago • Fashion • Tags: , , , , , , ,

Love Letters

The emblematic monograms that have been spotted on sweaters, shirts, necks, ears, and other body parts are Fall’s playful nod to collegiate culture. When the initial in question, is splattered all over oneself, it invites the viewer to get to know you on a first-name basis. At first, when I first spotted these oversized Kenzo K’s, And Marni M’s, I thought why would anybody want to wear that? For sure they are begging to be worn by owners of the same initial. I am not a monogrammed kind of girl, but wearing an unintentional letter is pretty rad. The other day I bought a gold letter H necklace, suggesting that my name might be Helen, Honey, Hallie, or Hannah. FTR, my name is Stephanie, I am the Fashion Hunter, so I got the initial H for Hunter. It doesn’t make any sense, really, but it does make for a good conversation starter. Cheers to Jil! Go Marni! Kenzo! Kenzo!! Follow the Hunter! Moral of the story? Go BIG or go home. If ironically referencing a Jil Sander majuscule isn’t your style, there are alternatives. Peruse some of my options in the collage below. You never know when you have to cheer from the sidelines. Can’t decide on a letter? Pick from Stella McCartney’s schizoid print top ( bottom left) with over a dozen letter combinations or the multi-letter LOVE bracelet.

Love Letters
Aubin & Wills cotton-terry sweatshirt, KENZO wool-blend sweater, Stella McCartney Monogram LOVE bracelet, Blue Nile H pendant, TopShop S initial ring, Stella McCartney Monogram-embroidered top, Marni M Embroidered sweater.
These monograms, meant not only for sports teams, are bound to make an initial statement whether back at school or on fashion’s playing field. BTW, do I look like a Hallie? You decide.
Happy F for Friday!
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274 days ago • Accessories, Fashion, Style • Tags: , , , ,

The Gold Medal

On Day 12, we are more than halfway through the Olympic Games, but the excitement is not waning. With Thunder Thighs, (Those thighs, btw are trending right now) Gymnastics, Beach Volleyball, and Track and Field fever reaching an all-time high, the Wow Factor for me, and maybe for you too, is thriving. The games are a reason to indulge in one of Fall’s biggest trends, athletic-wear. Mesh, racing stripes, sporty ankle-length pants and, of course, scrunchies  Speedos, are coming in front and center. Below, you will see my sporty look creation that I might have worn to the Olympics had I made the leap to get to London. Not to jump ahead, but who will win the gold? Those gold platform boots by a long shot.

Opening Ceremony London sweatshirt, Marni striped track pants, Topshop jelly sunglasses, Proenza Schouler Large Chain Lipstick bag, Christian Louboutin Rock and Gold ankle boots.

 

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291 days ago • Fashion, Trends • Tags: , , , , , ,

Game On

And I mean that in the Olympic sense and the Olympic sport of shopping. BTW, that shopping is not considered a sport is just out-of-bounds. This week on a boiling hot 98 degree humid July day, I styled baked in my favorite sheer white high-low dress with a ripped pair of jeans and attempted to do an Olympic size jump just for you under the Brooklyn Bridge. I was feeling sporty, and if ever there is a time for just that it is now. (More on that piece coming to you next week) The premise of this story is to feature how to layer your summer frocks into fall and what great things you can do with a simple white dress and some denim. I have never been afraid to admit that having inherited a petite frame, not the long gams of Lara Stone, have caused more of a sartorial challenges in the wardrobe department. I, for one, do appreciate the prospect of hiding all unwanted flab on the top of my legs and accentuate the skinniest part which are my ankles. It is a game I play with myself everyday: Can I wear this? How does it make me look? It’s a daily trial of testing out key pieces in my closet and making my own magic. The photo below shows that you too can meet the challenge with killer accessories, and a little playfulness. And help from a little birdie. :)

Photo Michael Crook 

Clickety Click click click  A.L.C dress, Marni necklace on sale at (The OUTNET), Helmut Lang cropped leather jacket, ZARA jeans, Oscar de la Renta Oxford Illusion sandals.

This just in! If you are not going to attempt at anything Olympic-wise this time around, here are my recommendations. You can click my links above and shop from home. Come to my BIG DROP Event today from 4-6PM in East Hampton as I promise you cannot watch the live showing of the Olympic Opening ceremony until 9pm tonight on NBC. So won’t you join me for my own version of the sport? I’ll be styling, you’ll be shopping. Sounds like a plan to me. Now who’s in?  See you tonight! xoxo

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302 days ago • Style, Trends • Tags: , , , , , ,

Fashion Secret

Smack dab in the middle of summer, I am feeling jejune about the fabulousness of my closet including clothing and accessories. Mon Dieu! Since the sales on fine designer digs are clearly over (did you get anything at the Net-A-Porter sale?) and the fall clothing is starting to trickle in stores and on the world-wide web, there’s not much to buy, just yet. All I really want to do is trade it in my winning wardrobe for another stylist’s closet. And boy did I get lucky. LuCkY, LUCKY. This past Saturday I raided Alex White’s closet in Amagansett to the tune of Chloe, Gucci, Oscar, Lanvin, Chanel, Balenciaga, Marni, and Wang. It was a backstage pass into her 15 year stint at W magazine and a ticket to score a one-of-a-kind rare piece. Prices you ask? Phenomenal. Scroll down and check out some of my finds that I hunted down.

Marni top, Balenciaga suede mini bag. Get a similar one here.

Chanel dress

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313 days ago • Fashion, Style • Tags: , , , , , ,

How Fashion and Art Collide

For the first time ever, London’s Frieze Art Fair landed in New York’s backyard, Randall’s Island. And for the first time ever, Refinery 29 featured me in their Street Style section. A couple of firsts for me in one day is definitely worth celebrating. Thanks Refinery for the shout out! I attended the fair on a Monday which was–so I overheard–much less crowded than the congestion during the weekend. Think part exhibition, part social scene, part runway, all put together in a temporary pop-up village in the middle of an island I barely ever even heard of. The commissioned artworks at the fair were showcased in this massive pavilion which created a totally hip and cool vibe. Hip and cool like the Fat Radish serving up delicious food, the style set strutting their stuff, and the outdoor Bier Garden was carefully positioned right outside the exit just in time for happy hour. At first glance, I am dressed in, I will call this one, a one-piece-statement dress that rocks. Yeah, I can mix prints like any artist. The Olsen twins might have popularized this (fill in the blank) look first, but in this day and age of stylists et al, I say follow your own instincts and do what works. BTW, I got dressed in a total running time of 10 minutes. Paired with my Chloe wedges, a huge ass yellow clutch, oversized sunnies, and smelly unwashed hair, it sells magazines.

 

Marni maxi dress, Asos portfolio clutch, Chloe wedges, Hache belt, get a similar one here. Tom Ford sunnies, Vince leather bomber. Photo credits: Refinery 29

After my brief walk-through of the bespoke exhibition, I was quite impressed. Having attended the Pulse, Nada, and Art Basel fairs, Frieze has a while to go, but as a first timer, it was anything but shabby. Based on the compelling art that I saw, there were some standout pieces. Chalked full of thought-provoking images, see below for some of the highlights of the show. Although I took over 100 photos at the fair, it’s safe to say, some of my first impressions of the galleries were the ones that made the difference. For comparison’s sake, in the fashion world and in life as well, first impressions are everything. And I consider that a standout success. Click through to peek at the fun stuff after the jump. Art and fashion?

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376 days ago • Event, Fashion • Tags: , , , , , ,

French women get it right

If I could only wear one thing for Spring, I think it would have to be  a bandeau stripes. I am pretty obsessed with the Parisienne way of dressing, with their chic everyday style and the je ne sais quoi way about them. Now, not every French woman is the epitome of chic, but many are and they all seem to share the same formula for everyday dressing. The formula is casual and very modern, but not so trendy. While New York women dress with a simillar flair, there are some subtle, refined differences that have me rethinking what’s in my closet and how I want to put myself together everyday. An easy classic way of transitioning into summer, black, white, and stripy things have always been timeless staples in my wardrobe. With the right pop of color, neutrals like black and white stand out with just a hint of “look at me”. I have kind of overdosed on stripes in this post just to make a point, but somehow, it works. I am sitting impatiently at a French café waiting for my friend to arrive and join me for a cafe au lait. I could easily have been at the Louvre Terrace at Cafe´Marly, mais non c’est NYC. But its so much more fun to pretend its Paris.

Black usually predominates the French woman’s wardrobe and it is usually paired with navy, red, or army green. Throw on a scarf, sunglasses on your head, and a small purse, or a minaudière of sorts and voila– you too can be a la mode.  Here is a sample of a well-stacked closet.

And a cool simple, yet oh so chic new line from Cardigan.

Instead of heels, this look could have also featured stylish kicks like the Supergas  I just bought. French women of all ages can rock cool hip sneakers like the Isabel Marant dudes or Converse with skinny jeans just like their younger counterparts.  There are no pastels on Parisian bodies,  just on their colorful macarons. In the beauty department, I do wear grown-up makeup, just not a lot of it. I wear a SPF light foundation, a little bronzer, a kohl-rimmed eyeliner, bare lips, and mascara. A pretty simple and very french regimen. Its ageless. Like me getting silly in front of the Fire Station. (Must be all of those men in uniforms)

So what’s the take-a-way here? Ultimately, life is about having fun, enjoying the ride, and on those days, we all have them, being silly and youthful. It’s spring, the sun is out.  Go dance. Just don’t ever wear leggings and gym clothes around town. I beg you. Ever. You can never go wrong with a little Rag and Bone, a touch of leather, a few white tees, Isabel Marant, classic stripes, and a pile of accessories. Never. Its ageless. Its timeless. Bye for now!

Fashion credits: Rag and Bone Hart biker jacket, MIH top, French Connection track pants, Castoner heels, Marni clutch. All photos: Michael Crook

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403 days ago • Fashion, Trends • Tags: , , , , ,

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