Uncovering the Lace

Co Coat, Sandro Dress, Jimmy Choo Heels, Gucci Handbag, Christian Dior Tribal Earrings. 

  One fashion investment that I believe strongly in, is a good quality spring coat; if you happen to find on one sale, even better. In Los Angeles, a good spring coat will take you through chilly nights and cool winter days. In Canada and the Northeast, it will see you through the spring and well into the fall. I love this one for many reasons. Firstly, it is black so it will go with everything. There is no metal detail so you so you don’t have to worry about matching accessories to the hardware. This is a subject about which people have differing opinions, and so instead of delving into it right now, I will postpone the discussion to a future post. This coat is tapered at the waist, which is a feature that I, as someone of shorter stature, appreciates. This coat is well made and feels good. I know it is one of those “forever” items with which I will never part.

  This lace dress is by Sandro, one of my favorite designers.  The minute I put it on, I knew it would be a keeper. The lace detail is feminine, sexy and demure all at the same time. I wasn’t sure (and still am not), about the tie below the collar. I added the pearls to offset it and it seemed to soften the look immediately. The heels with their thin ankle strap do not cut off the leg.  One of my fashion pet peeves is an ankle strap that cuts off the leg. Unless you are a leggy five foot ten, it can be quite unflattering. This one, by Jimmy Choo, is not, because it is both thin and loose. Lace is provocative, but the way this designer has used it, is both simple and interesting.

Red Borders

Alexander McQueen Co-ord (Spring 2015), Jimmy Choo Pumps (available at Scoop NYC Brentwood), Lanvin Necklace, Christian Dior Earrings, Parker Ochs Clutch.

  When Alexander McQueen passed away suddenly and tragically in 2010, the fashion world lost an icon. His designs were bold, daring and easily identifiable. Whether flowy or structured, his clothes shouted themselves from the rooftops. I happened to own two of his pieces; one, a chartreuse chiffon tunic that I purchased in 2004, and the other, a black suit with gold zippers. Sadly, I sold the suit before Mr. McQueen’s untimely death, but the chartreuse tunic is a permanent member of my closet!

  In 2010, Sarah Burton took over as creative director of the fashion house, and I am in love with her designs. This co-ord, (short for "coordinate" in the fashion dictionary), is a perfect example of how she combines the boldness of McQueen with her own whimsy. I have worn this outfit to dinner, and a party, as well as lunch. I love the color red; it is one of my favorites, and the way that it borders both the top and the pants completes the fanciful effect. I have even separated the two pieces and worn the pants with a black sweater and the top over a pair of jeans. If you think outside the box, you will get a lot more wear out of an outfit and therefore more bang for your buck.

City Slicker

Worth New York Coat, Aqua Turtleneck, Rag and Bone Jeans, Jimmy Choo Over-the-Knee Boots, similar on sale here, Stephanie Kantis Necklaces, Gucci Belt, Valentino Handbag, Celine Shades.

 This shiny coat by Worth New York was designed as the centerpiece for this outfit. I knew that I wanted to wear jeans and my over the knee boots. I added a little bling in the form of the necklaces, Gucci belt and Valentino purse, to enhance the effect of the coat. I always front tuck a long sweater or shirt to show off the buckle of the belt I am wearing. It is a bit tricky because it has to look effortless and may take a bit of practice to get just the right amount of tuck without causing the fabric to pull in the back.

 The Los Angeles weather has taken a wintry turn and I, for one, am kicking up my fashion heels. It is a rare winter here in Southern California that we actually get to wear cold weather clothes, especially outerwear. On the day that we shot this outfit, the temperatures dipped and the winds turned blustery. I shoot several outfits on one shoot, so I was grateful to end the day with this outfit that kept me warm from head to toe. 

Cynthia Vincent, I've Always Been a Fan.

One of the amazing things that has come out of this blog, is the incredible people whom I have had the opportunity to interview. One such woman is the awesomely talented and lovely Cynthia Vincent.

I met Cynthia at an event at Bloomingdales to which I was invited by favorite Bloomie’s associate, Natasha Cecere, whom I highly recommend to you. I have been a huge fan of Cynthia Vincent for several years. I own many of her dresses, tops and shoes; the fact that these black strappy sandals are still a FabuLesley closet staple, attest to the fact her designs, are timeless, well made and comfortable!

Born and raised in Claremont, California, Cynthia  received her fashion education at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in NYC. 

In the late 1980’s she decided that she wanted to be a part of the London Fashion scene, and got a job working for London designer, Jane Ong. Living in the chic London neighborhood of Hampstead Heath, Cynthia ran Ong’s Bond Street store.

In the mid 90’s she relocated to Los Angeles and worked for the designer, Harriet Selwin.

After strong encouragement by John Eshaya, who owned and ran Fred Segal, she launched her first line, St. Vincent.

Because the merchandisers wanted to dictate how and what she should design, she left and formed her own company,  Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.  Twelfth Street is a street in Claremont, her home town.

I am certain that her travel and living experiences have both influenced and inspired many of her designs. I would describe her design look as Boho Chic. The amazing thing about her pieces, however, are that they suit everyone. There is a Cynthia Vincent dress or top for every age and body type. While shopping at Bloomies, I gravitated to this black fringe dress. Even though I do not think of myself as a rock and roll girl, I had to try it on. I will admit that this frock is a little on the short side for us older gals, but adding leggings or tights and boots is a good option. 

Cynthia Vincent Dress, Lanvin Necklace, Vintage YSL Gold Cuff, Chloe Ring (right hand), Spinelli Kilcollin ring (left hand), Jimmy Choo Boots, En Shalla Bag.

Cynthia Vincent Dress,  Gemma Redux Necklace, En Shalla Bag, Cynthia Vincent Heels (circa 2008).