Stylist Boulder | Personal Shopper & Fashion Consulting Service

The Nontraditional Bride

liz — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:45:51 +0000

Although bridal styling is not among my main services, having recently spoken at a Denver wedding expo as well as designed the office for top wedding and event planner Calluna Events, I’ve got brides on the brain- specifically, how to buck convention and embrace all the style possibilities inherent in the matrimonial occasion. In short, here’s how to be a nontraditional bride.

THE DRESS

Style- The starting point for the entire affair, your wedding dress will be (most likely) the most expensive article of clothing you’ll ever buy. The ability to spend a few thousand dollars on a dress, with impunity, provides an amazing opportunity to buy a designer you’ve always loved but could never afford (or justify). Splurging on a gorgeous outfit that you’ll be able to wear again is my top recommendation for the rogue bride . Jolene Peterson of Calluna Events, in a champagne handmade gown from LA’s Les Habitudes, models this look to perfection.

Color- Whether your dress comes from a bridal store or the fashion runway, consider a different color. Cream, champagne, and blush are the closest cousins to ‘wedding white’, but you have an entire rainbow of options. Lilac, pale yellow, seafoam green, and metallics of gold and silver are all beautifully out of the box.

Silhouette- Short wedding dresses are becoming increasingly popular, and here in Colorado (where the majority of ceremonies are outdoors), avoiding hemline contact with grass, dirt and other environmental offerings is ideal. With options ranging from mid-calf to knee-length, mid-thigh to mini, any variation looks modern, fresh and totally stylish.

SHOES

Color- Traditional bridal footwear is being increasingly eclipsed by color. A pop of red, yellow, royal blue or hot pink under your dress is an irresistible touch.

Style- Depending on the location and venue of your ceremony, you might consider a more casual style. Flip flops, ballet flats and sneakers* all demonstrate a non-negotiable individuality.

ACCESSORIES

Hair- If a veil is not quite your thing, consider a vintage (or vintage-looking) barrette. As Great Gatsby fever sweeps the nation (and will surely infiltrate the wedding world), you’ll be seeing many more ornate headpieces evoking 1920s glamour.

Etc- Some final touches include painting your nails a bold color (OPI’s Big Apple Red, You Don’t Know Jacques, or Malaga Wine), wearing a retro-inspired red lipstick (Nars’ Jungle Red or Heat Wave), and sporting a vintage fur stole or short jacket (for a Fall/Winter wedding).

*Thank you to ACImagery for this photo.

Elements of Style II

liz — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:44:05 +0000

I graduated from Georgetown with a Sociology & Psychology degree, and thinking that I wanted to work for the FBI, wrote my thesis on women in law enforcement. Had I known the true path of my career, I would have begun tracking the psycho-social factors contributing to great style. Although I started my true studies a few years post-graduation (10, to be exact), the last 3 years have been enlightening; the true elements comprising great style are not quite what you’d expect. I presented my overall thesis here, citing creativity, budget, discipline and desire, but I neglected a very important factor that has become increasingly obvious to me over time.

Without a doubt, comfort in your own skin, your ability to not let perceived flaws or imperfections dictate what you wear and how you wear it, affects everything. Our home-grown list of grievances is long and detailed: skinny ankles, big calves, veiny legs, busted-up knees (mine), muscular legs, big hips, small butt (mine again), big butt, tummy (and again), small boobs, big boobs, broad shoulders, back fat, sigh… Myriad perceived ‘problems’ for women who are beautiful and fit (and lovely, accomplished, and the rest). For those who can silence the inner critic, a whole new world of style can be yours.

CLP

liz — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:43:55 +0000

Mother’s Day weekend is extra special for Boulder- it’s the annual Christy Lea Payne trunk show at Chelsea. If, by some miracle, you’re unfamiliar with Denver’s darling, she’s part of a small group of go-to designers for myself, clients, and friends, and she’s bringing her extensive collection to Chelsea today through the weekend. Please stop in tonight for the opening reception. I’ll be there after 5 to help any clients interested in her pieces or any of Chelsea’s lovely Spring merchandise!

Pick Up The Phone!

liz — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:33:30 +0000

As our world moves increasingly online where everything is available immediately , speaking to actual human beings (and having to ‘hold’ or be redirected to customer service in India) has become outdated. Until recently, I fully supported our modern model of see-click-buy, but here’s what happened-

While designing the office space of JP Egbert & Associates, I found a beautiful mid-century inspired dining table from westelm.com. Learning of its $200 delivery fee and hoping the Denver West Elm store stocked it (alleviating the need for delivery all together) I urged my client to pick up the phone. Not only did Denver have the table, they were offering it for 60% off (on account of a defective expandable function, something we didn’t need anyway). No delivery required, and my client saved $400.

These shopping miracles are certainly not guaranteed, and not all stores are in driving distance. But if you’re in the Front Range and shopping the big chains, the following all exist in brick & mortar: West Elm, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Room & Board, HW Home, Arhaus, Restoration Hardware, & Design Within Reach. If your order is delayed (often) or defective (sometimes) a person offers more accountability than a monitor.

Browse online and call locally; you never know when the Shopping Gods will be smiling!

Loeffler Randall Spring

liz — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:52:24 +0000

I recently caught up with the new merchandise for one of my all-time favorite shoe lines, Loeffler Randall. Hoping to select one or two pairs to showcase, I couldn’t make up my mind among such a diverse and fabulous collection. Instead, take a look at the entirety of their Spring line: florals, prints, metallics, kitten heels, cap toes, platforms, booties, gladiators, wedges & wovens.

Dude Bag

liz — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:27:57 +0000

While this bag from progressive Denver design team Winter Session is technically unisex, I am recommending it for the guys because the carrying-of-the-backpack thing has to stop.

What we knew in the 80s as the briefcase and in the 90s as a laptop case has evolved into a more casual and versatile combination of work and play. The Garrison Bag is available in 4 color and 2 different looks, but the cobalt blue is style.

Stylish Spring Coats

liz — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:54:41 +0000

Judging by the feedback I’m getting from clients, friends, random people on the street, no one owns a suitable Spring coat. This doesn’t surprise me in the least; a seasonal coat is one of those unexciting, functional items that no one desires, so it remains a missing piece.

I’m here to help. Zara has the most comprehensive selection of stylish jackets for this season (including the one pictured) for very attractive prices. If you’re looking for a trench, I recommend cropped, and for a coat with a little more oomph, try leather.

Giddy Up!

liz — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:25:37 +0000

There are few occasions where one can sport a big silly hat with impunity. Across the pond, creative headwear is part of British party culture; Americans really have only one day and that day is coming up.

Newly launched Boulder Lifestyle Magazine is hosting the Kentucky Derby party this year at Goldbranch Estates in Niwot, supporting TRU Care Hospice and featuring live music, mint julips, fabulous food and everything else you’d expect from a top-notch event. In addition, the two ladies with the most fanciful and fantastic hats will win a $500 Todd Reed gift certificate and a Closet Consultation by yours truly. Buy your tickets here! As I’ll be nominating the best hats in attendance, it’s only fair to provide a little guidance.

GO BIG- Certainly when you think of the Derby, you think of the dramatic- sweeping brims, oversized flowers, massive feathers, ribbons, sequins, fruit (well, maybe not fruit) & fun. The traditional Derby hat (pictured) is a no-holds-barred head-wrapping extravaganza and the quickest way to get noticed and nominated.

GO SMALL- If spending 4 hours in a huge hat isn’t your cup of tea, small and sculptural is another great option. I spent much of last year’s Derby negotiating my huge hat with a drunk crowd so this year I’ve opted for a more modest silhouette.

GO SILLY- Humor is always a hit, though going this route (most likely) requires some DIY touches from your local toy or crafts store. The internet is ripe with inspiration: from literal to political, a funny hat is hard to beat.

Elements of Style

liz — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:46:08 +0000

Over the last 3 years of working with 50+ clients, I’ve come to see and define the elements that comprise great style: creativity, budget, discipline & desire. Among these, only one separates a good wardrobe from a spectacular one, and it’s not what you’re expecting.

Disciplined buying/conscious styling is the most important factor for creating and sustaining great style. By that, I mean acquiring only the pieces you need for your wardrobe while simultaneously resisting the lure of impulse shopping. When your closet is lacking a cocktail dress, a ballet flat, a Big Girl Bag, any of the staple pieces you need, and instead you’re spending on items you already have*, you’re treading water. Additionally, the $40 here and $60 there (for another scarf or piece of jewelry) add up. If you do the honest math and calculate the total of impulse purchases over a month, that bag you deemed ‘too expensive’ will suddenly be attainable.

I recommend making a shoe box-piggy bank: every time you want to buy ‘this or that’, instead write a check to yourself for the amount and put it in the box. After a month, use that money to buy something you need. If you take on this project, I’ll find your item free of charge, a testament to my firm belief that this is the only way forward.

*This is always how impulse shopping works- you’re buying repeats, slight variations of what you already own.

Snow & Sandals

liz — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:54:33 +0000

It’s 25degrees in Boulder today after receiving a foot of snow yesterday, but we’re still looking forward! If you haven’t yet pondered your sandal situation for the upcoming season, allow me to make a recommendation.

Gladiators became trendy many years ago and, following in the path of ballet flats/ loafers/skinny jeans/leggings (there are too many to name), never went out of style. This gladiator by Stuart Weitzman (in the most ideal metallic for the season) will go with your maxi dress, denim cutoffs, boyfriend jeans, beachy frock and cocktail confection. So basically, it goes with everything!