Jumpsuit Joy: Revisiting an Old Friend

Derek Lam Jacket, Sandro Jumpsuit, Worth New York Belt, Gianvito Rossi Sandals (also available at Savannah Santa Monica), Chanel Clutch. 

Derek Lam Jacket, Sandro Jumpsuit, Worth New York Belt, Gianvito Rossi Sandals (also available at Savannah Santa Monica), Chanel Clutch. 

  I love a good jumpsuit. It takes me back to the 80’s, when I owned many jumpsuits, as my photo albums will attest.  Lucky for me, thirty years later, the jumpsuit continues to trend for spring and summer. This one, by Sandro, is comfortable and chic with the silver details at the shoulder. I added the silver belt to give my waist some definition. On the day that we shot, there was a nip in the air and I was grateful to have this tried and true little jacket by Derek Lam. I must admit that when I bought it years ago, I was really on the fence about it. Happily, I have worn it time and time again with both dresses as well as jeans. Don't limit yourself by wearing only dressy with dressy; instead, pair dressy with casual and you will have much more fashion fun!

  I believe that the platform shoe, which originated in the 70’s, carried over to the early 80’s; therefore, to complete my ode to this decade, I chose these chic and comfortable navy suede platform sandals, by Gianvito Rossi. Now I really “Rock the Casbah!”*

 

*Rock The Casbah was a hit song in the early 80’s by the English band The Clash…..remember? If not, click here for a trip down memory lane.

Hot Pink On A Cold Day

Ralph Lauren Dress, Mantu Jacket, John Hardy Necklace, Michael Kors Belt, Gucci Handbag, Pomwum Charms (contact pomwum@gmail.com to order), Christian Dior Heels. 

Ralph Lauren Dress, Mantu Jacket, John Hardy Necklace, Michael Kors Belt, Gucci Handbag, Pomwum Charms (contact pomwum@gmail.com to order), Christian Dior Heels. 

  I love to wear bright colors, especially in winter, since they have the ability to elevate an otherwise dreary, or overcast day. I admit that this particular shade of pink is quite hot; however, over the years, I have learned that bright colors look better on me than do pastels, so I readily gravitate towards them. What I love about this dress is that it is a stretchy knit which means that if you over-indulge the night before, you needn’t worry about struggling with a tight zipper or button; and by adding a wide belt,  you are able to camouflage a myriad of figure flaws. This one, by Michael Kors, which I have owned for years, will never vacate my closet, for that very reason!

  My little Mantu jacket has become this winter’s staple since it is flared on the bottom and falls at just the right length to reveal the waistline.

  The little furry pom-poms are my Fab Find for this month. I saw them on a handbag on Instagram, and fell madly in love with them. I ordered them in a few colors and now add them to my handbags as I would any charm. Everyone asks me where I got them, and now I will share the information with you. The company is called Pomwum and you can order yours by contacting pomwum@gmail.com.

  Stay warm this winter by dressing in a hot shade!

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.

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. 

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Short and Sweet

Jonathan Simkhai Skirt, Scoop NYC Sweater, Ashneil Handbag, Vince Heels, Calypso Bracelets, also seen here, Ippolita Ring, Ray Ban Sunglasses, Savannah Belt, Robin Terman Hoop Earrings.

Jonathan Simkhai Skirt, Scoop NYC Sweater, Ashneil Handbag, Vince Heels, Calypso Bracelets, also seen here, Ippolita Ring, Ray Ban Sunglasses, Savannah Belt, Robin Terman Hoop Earrings.

When I look at this outfit, I can’t help but smile. To me it is a very happy outfit for a number of reasons. The pattern and cut of the skirt is beautiful and bouncy. It hits me at just the right point of my leg; admittedly, perhaps it is a little on the short side, but as you know I have already broken my own rule, several times now!

The busy pattern of the skirt demands simplicity on top, so I paired it with this soft cashmere sweater by Scoop NYC. It is a tad thin and therefore see through, so I decided to go for it and opted for a black bra.

I cannot say enough good things about these Vince heels, starting with the fact that they were purchased on sale at Bloomies this December. They are chic and comfortable, high enough to flatter the leg, but low enough to wear all day long. This design is a classic of theirs and it will be featured in their spring and summer collection.

My black handbag, by the company, Ashneil, is one of my favorites. It is both dressy and casual, classic and modern. You may recall that I have featured the Ashneil company in previous posts. They do not “knock off;” instead, they do their take on a classic. Ashneil’s bags and belts, of which I own several, are incredibly well made and well priced. Family owned and run out of North Carolina, they travel to several cities throughout the year and sell their merchandise through trunk shows. My mother and I discovered them a number of years ago, when they held a trunk show in Palm Desert. We have been loyal fans ever since, as has my sister in law and now a few of my friends. You can visit their website for more information.

I love it when an outfit is as easy to create as it is to wear. Sometimes you have to break your own rules, and enjoy the sweetness of doing so!

 

Faux the Fun Of It

Aqua Faux Fur Coat, similar here, Nina Ricci Cardigan, The Row Tank, René Lezard Trousers, Valentino Shoes, Tom Ford Clutch, Chanel Sunglasses, Christian Dior Tribal Earrings,  also seen here).

Aqua Faux Fur Coat, similar here, Nina Ricci Cardigan, The Row Tank, René Lezard Trousers, Valentino Shoes, Tom Ford Clutch, Chanel Sunglasses, Christian Dior Tribal Earrings,  also seen here).

 I know I will not win a lot of popularity contests with this statement, but I am someone who has grown accustomed to wearing fur. As a Canadian, I am very comfortable with fur. I grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, where the average temperature during a 3-4 month winter, does not climb much above 30 below zero, and often dips to 70 below when you factor in the wind chill. Last year, on December 31, Winnipeg’s temperature was colder than the surface temperature on Mars!

My friends and I were forced to play outside twice a day for a 15 minute recess, during which time my cheeks would harden as they froze, since I refused to wear a face mask. Most adults I knew, including men, wore fur to stay warm in the winter.

Here in Los Angeles, there is not much need for fur, but I still love this luxe look. That is why, when I spotted this pastel pink fluffy faux version by Aqua (for a mere $160.00), I grabbed it. The fact that it goes perfectly with these cute buff colored trousers by René Lezard and this beautiful beaded Nina Ricci cardigan with pops of pink in it, was kismet. The icing on the cake are these tried and true Valentino rock studded shoes in pink and black. I will never tire of them, with their comfortable heel and pop of pizzaz. This outfit is pure faux fun!

Skirting the Issue

MOKA Skirt, The Row Tank, Think Closet Belt, Mantu Jacket, Tom Ford Shoes, also seen here, Parker Ochs Clutch, Un Deux Trois Bracelet.

MOKA Skirt, The Row Tank, Think Closet Belt, Mantu Jacket, Tom Ford Shoes, also seen here, Parker Ochs Clutch, Un Deux Trois Bracelet.

This gorgeous skirt was purchased at a hair salon. Yes, you read that correctly.  Hair salons are now calling themselves spas, and these spas are now selling high fashion clothing and one of a kind accessories. These hybrid salons are the new trend as they allow for a one stop shop;  they provide makeovers in every sense of the word.

When I spotted this cowhide skirt at the Edward Carriere Salon in my hometown of Winnipeg, the owner informed me that it was made by a London designer. My mother was so taken with it, that she bought it as a gift for my birthday. Thank you Mom and Dad…I love it!

Worth Its Weight In Worth

This is a long post, but WORTH the read!

 

When my good friend, Sigal Byrnes, announced that she was selling clothes for the Worth New York line, I was quite surprised. Sigal is hip, sexy and fun, just the opposite of my image of the Worth New York woman. However, since Sigal does have fabulous taste and good fashion sense, I agreed to come by and have a look. It takes a big person to admit that she is wrong, and I am proud to say that I am that woman! The collection is hip, sexy, fun and oh so chic!

Needless to say, I bought a few fabulous pieces and seamlessly, (if you will pardon the pun), incorporated them into my outfits. I began receiving compliments both from people with whom I was well acquainted, in addition to complete strangers. I then wore the clothes in several style posts on the blog, and each time, the comments were positive.

Sigal invited me to her Summer 2014 show at which I purchased a few more great pieces, that I thought would serve me well on my summer travels, as they were basic with a touch of “wow,” and packable, which meant that they wouldn’t crease. The clothes, which are mid priced, (think Vince, Theory, Rebecca Taylor or Helmut Lang), are well designed and well made. They are classics with a flair, that will take you from season to season and mix well with just about everything in your closet, both high and low end. As the master of high low fashion mixing, Worth gets the FabuLesley seal of approval!

A couple of weeks ago, my FabuLesley blog post, “Short Sighted,” featured an outfit created with a pair of white shorts topped by a black cotton tunic, both by Worth,  sinched with a Barabara Bui black belt.  I was reluctant to post myself in a pair of shorts, given my age and previous opinion of wearing this precarious length.  Within 2 days of posting a photo of the outfit on Instagram and Facebook, I had picked up a plethora of new followers from Europe and Asia along with comments such as “you look chic”, and “so stylish” “love this look on you.”

 I was stunned and excited; I wanted to share my enthusiasm for this line with someone from the offices of Worth New York. Equally as enthused, Sigal set up meetings, first with Denise Barta, Director of Business Development, followed by Denise’s sister, Marci Valner, Regional Director for Worth West Coast. Their enthusiasm for my blog coupled with our shared passion for fashion, led them to suggest that I host a travel trunk show featuring the Worth New York Fall 2014 collection. When I asked what this would entail, they explained that I could invite women who were not familiar with Worth New York and have Sigal show and sell the line from my home. At first I was reluctant. Although I was quickly becoming a cartwheeling cheerleader for the line, I did not want to “bug” my friends.  However, as one friend put it,  “Lesley you’re the linchpin. ” My ebullient e-mail went out, and enthusiastic responses rolled in. I was overwhelmed. Sigal and I scheduled appointments and I assisted her in styling my friends and watching them transform before my very eyes. Four fun filled days of fashion with friends, both old and new, were the most exhausting yet creatively gratifying days I have had in a long time!  I was so energized by the experience, that I  cannot wait to do it again; it was totally WORTH it!!

Fox Fur StoleWhite DressCocktail Handbag; All by WORTH New York. Manolo Blahnik Heels. 

Photography by Robert Raphael

White Suit Can Jump

Every great once in a while, the fashion gods and the shopping stars are in perfect alignment and a true kismet moment is at play. This was the case a couple of months ago when I found myself barricaded in a dressing room with a whole bunch of clothes at the Bloomingdale’s sale...

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