Style Maven Series: Angela McCluskey

Angela McCluskey is a Grammy nominated Scottish songstress who has a career as eclectic as her personal style. She first achieved professional recognition as a member of the LA based band Wild Colonials. She joined the French group Telepopmusik and released 2 albums and with the smash hit "Breathe" that earned a Grammy nomination. She has also released 2 solo albums, "The Things We Do" and her newest "You could start a fight in an empty house". Both amazing albums, purchase ASAP. You will be pleasantly surprised and fall in love. She has had an on-going side project called "The Waterbunnies" with Danny Keough. The album "You Might Need a Gun" is available @ Amazon & iTunes. She has also lent her amazing vocals to the UNICEF/Pampers track "Dream" as well as one of the BEST versions of "Amazing Grace" as heard on the A&E show Intervention.




In the beautiful video love letter to NYC Angela and her composer husband Paul Cantelon are followed through a breathtaking autumn day in Central Park. The video was shot by famed fashion photographer Bruce Weber in 2007 and it features an original recording of the song 'Autumn In New York' performed by Angela McCluskey.

WATCH WINE AND CUPCAKES: (Runs 12m 12s)




ANGELA & BRUCE WEBER



Besides her stunning and unconventional vocals Angela is a very Avant-Garde Style Maven who mixes Vintage with contemporay pieces and pairs whimsical with the conventional. She is also a very kind lady and a TRUE artist in all senses of the word.

I had the opportunity to ask Angela my STYLE MAVEN QUESTIONS:

LISAG: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?

ANGELA: No particular bent..but lean towards vintage mixed with new

LISAG: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

ANGELA: black leggings..they work with everything and give you a nice line..make old look new and new look interesting mixed with great shoes which are my obsession.

LISAG: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

ANGELA: love it..love old hats but dont wear so much but used to be crazy about them my thing is probably flowers in my hair which ive done for years.

LISAG: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?

ANGELA: I have valentino coat form the 70's and I love old sueade patchwork jackets and capes.

LISAG: What are you wearing this fall? Tell our readers the key elements for your Fall/Winter wardrobe.

ANGELA: leggins (lol) and vintage tops mixed with modern shoes mainly mark jacobs or chloe.


CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE











Tired of generic, top 40, over produced, cookie cutter artists, singers and MUSIC??? So am I. Give Angela McCluskey a listen. I promise you will not be disappointed. In fact post a comment to this BLOG and thank me later XO

A Great esCAPE

1960's Cape Coat Pattern Photo

((Click on photos for larger images))

Fall/Winter 2010 is upon us and it is my belief that everyone should try to step outside their fashion comfort zone and purchase (or re-use if you have it) at least one piece that may feel like a risk and be and/or become an investment piece for your fashion future. You could make a great esCAPE from your everyday conservative dressing and try a cape, caplet coat, cloak or some newly crafted version of a poncho for fall.

The origin of capes & cloaks can be traced back to the Romans & Scots who used a primitive version of this garment to protect them from the elements. They were also called Mantles. The shapes, length and definitions have also evolved over the years with several variations of virtually the same garment. The word Cloak comes from the Latin word “clocca” and unlike it’s cousin the cape, it is always full length (or mid calf) and usually has a hood. A Cape can be defined as a sleeveless outer garment fastened at the throat and worn hanging over the shoulders. It comes in various lengths but generally appears a cropped version of it’s cloaked cousin.


Several high-end fashion houses have shown capes for fall 2010 including Chloe, Celine, Derek Lam, Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Yves Saint Laurent. Check your vintage retailers and/or consignment shops for vintage versions of the cape/cloak. I have even seen re-designed knit poncho sweaters at Old Navy this season.

OLD NAVY




DEREK LAM



CHLOE



I live on the Central coast of California and have to say that the cape, cloak, or caplet coat is a great on trend choice here based solely on the weather and environment. Although it is “Fall/Winter” one does not require a full length winter wool jacket or what Coasters refer to as “going to the snow” attire. With a cape you get coverage front and back but your arms are bear to reveal the chic sleeves of the outfit you have on underneath or the cute cuff you are sporting.

If you do in fact live in the east where you will expect to see snow and plunging temperatures the cape is still a chic option for the pre-snow fall paired with a long sleeved top, turtleneck or fitted knit.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Mohair Cape - PHOTO: US VOGUE August 2010


How to plan your great esCAPE:

1)For a flattering silhouette wear a cape with skinny jeans/pants, pencil skirt, fitted dress or long fitted skirt. The contrast between the fitted look with the layered cape is beautiful not bulky.

2) Opt for a cape that reflects your individual personality and style sensibilities. Grab a military inspired cape, go boho with a fringed poncho or knit cape, or explore Vintage glam with a faux fur caplet coat for evening. Make your own style statement.

3) Choose a cut and color that is complimentary to your body type. Women of all shapes and sizes can embrace this trend. For example: choose a thin material in a camel, grey or black to create a slimming silhouette. Petite ladies can wear almost any cape with flair and the curvy girls should opt for something with structure (use a belt) with a shorter length.


4) JUST TRY IT! and above all have fun. Play dress up with a cape and dare to wear it to work or your next event.

Make your daily life your runway. Release your inner fashion super hero or SHE-ro and enjoy your great esCAPE.


SHOP EVOLUTION VINTAGE: www.evolution-vintage.com

Style Maven Series: Louise Roe

Louise Roe is a fashion journalist, the Host of the new CW makeover show "Plain Jane" as well as a television presenter (working with E!, BBC, Style Network and multiple other media outlets) AND a stylist. She is a Style Maven both personally and professionally.

Born in the UK Louise is now based out of Los Angeles. She graduated from Durham University with a degree in English Literature. Her first job in the fashion industry was with Elle magazine.

I have chosen Louise as a style maven as I applaud both her creative style and her diversity in fashion media (print, television, and internet). She lends an interesting perspective to the fashion world on both sides of the pond. Louise ALWAYS makes an accessory statement to me and a LOUD AND CLEAR fashion statement with the bold colors, unique shapes and prints. She always has a great bag or clutch, to-die-for shoes and a unique hat / hair band statement. Her styling combinations are endless, I can't wait to see what she will style next.

I had the fabulous opportunity to ask Louise our 5 Style Maven Questions:

LISAG: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude

about fashion?

LOUISE: I love a very 1970's look, relaxed, full of colour and

the odd flared trouser. I believe fashion should be experimental,

aspirational but attainable and above all else: fun.

LISAG: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

LOUISE: Shoes! That's the centrepiece for all of my outfits. A killer heel.

LISAG: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

LOUISE: I love mixing pieces into my wardrobe. because fit is so tricky with old clothes (women were very different proportions in the 50's and 60's) I guess most of my vintage pieces are clutches, cocktail rings and hats.

LISAG: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or

Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?

LOUISE: As above, and nope, I honestly couldn't care less what the label says. if I like it, I'll buy it.

LISAG: What are you wearing this fall? Tell our readers the key

elements for your Fall/Winter wardrobe.

LOUISE: lots of gold, layering, and definitely a pair of high-wasited trousers, Katherine Hepburn style. Tailoring is a huge part of Fall - a sexy, adrogynous look.

*CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE*

Visit Louise on-line

FOLLOW LOUISE ON TWITTER

EVOLUTION VINTAGE PICKS FOR LOUISE:

VINTAGE Whiting and Davis Gold Metal Mesh CLUTCH

VINTAGE red purse/clutch w gold front detail

VINTAGE Stuart Weitzman Pumps (Circa 1975)

SHOP EVOLUTION VINTAGE

Style Maven Series: Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling; Mother of 2, Actor, Author, Designer, Wedding Planner AND Style Maven. I am very excited to feature her as our first Style Maven. Tori gets a lot of flack in the press for her personal life and her weight. Which I need to call immediate Bull Shit on. Society has created a "beauty myth" that we all, from time to time, subscribe to. However, we as intelligent, beautiful women fail to remember in our insecure moments that it is a standard that has been collectively created and set up to be unattainable. We are being set up to fail by participating in a mass hallucination of the "perfect size", "body type" or "look" and we buy it every time. Tori is a sample size, what all designers covet however the media seems to think she is "too thin". You are BEAUTIFUL just the way you are Tori and no one will ever be the RIGHT size. Don't listen to the critics, they are just pissed their fat asses can't benefit from a sample sale! HA HA!

Tori and I have yet to meet in person however from what I have read and enjoyed on her hit Oxygen reality series "Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood" She seems like a really funny, kind, down to earth mother, wife and friend. Someone I would like to have a glass of wine with and chat about how fabulous vintage clothing is, exchange styling ideas and swap potty training tips for our toddlers. Her 3 books made me laugh and I felt an honest breath of fresh air from the sometimes smoggy stench of LA LA land. The silver spoon was the proverbial key that opened some doors but it is her dedication, hard work and mommy-wife-biz multi-tasking skills that has won my respect. Creative, strong, working women always inspire me.

Love her, be annoyed by her or hate her one thing you cannot deny is that TORI SPELLING HAS STYLE!!!

I really applaud Tori's eclectic and bold style sensibilities. I love BOLD jewel tone colors, patterns and accessories. She is very classic and chic while still keeping a current edge. I'm inspired by women who are bold enough to mix Vintage into their current wardrobes, which is what the premise of Evolution Vintage; the re-styling of fashion's past into your fashion's future. Tori, in my humble Pro-Fashional opinion knocks it out of the park. BRAVO TORI! Can we go shopping and styling sometime?


I had the opportunity to ask Tori our 5 Style Maven Questions:

LISAG: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic and attitude about fashion?

TORI: I feel that fashion is expression. I have an eclectic style. I love mixing styles. While I like being on trend I love pairing the newest looks with vintage pieces. Timeless accessories never go out of style

LISAG: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

TORI: Jeans are my essential. I have different fits and washes. I also love boots, belts, and scarves. I collect old and new ones and they are great go to's.


LISAG: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

TORI: I LOVE vintage clothes and accessories. There's nothing better than a great vintage score!

LISAG: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?

TORI: I love vintage chanel tweed jackets, YSL jewelry, Zandra Rhodes caftans and dresses, givenchy, and Lanvin. But I also love non designer vintage as well!

LISAG: What are you wearing this fall? Tell our readers the key elements for your Fall/Winter wardrobe.

TORI: Vintage pieces for fall include long sweater vests, navajo sweaters and dresses, chinese robes/bedroom jackets as coats/jackets, prairie dresses, sweater dresses, boho skirts, cowboy boot mules, and below the knee vintage flat boots.


Tori also has a line of Jewelry exclusively sold on http://www.hsn.com It represents Tori's personal style as a very eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage inspired pieces. She will be back on HSN in October with a whole new collection!!

TORI Says "My HSN pieces are currently online at HSN.com keyword Tori Spelling and I'll be on LIVE again October 14th!"

MY PICKS FROM THE COLLECTION:




Have a look down fashion memory lane at some of Tori's Looks: (CLICK ON EACH PICTURE FOR A LARGER/FULL SIZE VERSION)


JEANS








COATS/JACKETS



BOOTS



VINTAGE



MAXI DRESSES







RED CARPET/ EVENTS





ON & OFF THE RUNWAY




STORI TELLING



MOMMYWOOD



UNCHARTED TERRITORI




MY PICKS FROM EVOLUTION VINTAGE FOR TORI:

VINTAGE (HAND MADE) SHEATH DRESS - YELLOW/WHITE FLORAL PATTERN



VINTAGE KIMONO STYLE DRESS (100% SILK) W ROSE PATTERN (SOLD)



VINTAGE YELLO CAFTAN - STYLED W VINTAGE BELT AS STATEMENT NECKLACE




VINTAGE SAKS FIFTH AVE FAUX FUR JACKET


SHOP EVOLUTION VINTAGE

FOLLOW TORI ON TWITTER

Feline Fashion For Fall

There are several trends from the runways for the Fall/Winter season but one stands out to me as the ‘must wear’: The animal print. Just like everything in fashion this trend is cyclical. Every so often designers resurrect the animal print from the archives and make it new again to strut down the catwalks of Paris, New York, Milan, London and the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 is no exception. However I must offer some guidance for incorporating an animal print into your looks.

There is a fine line between looking feline fabulous and looking like a variation of fashion road kill.

There are many pieces and accessories available for this season at all price points. Check your local thrift, vintage or consignment shop. EVOLUTION VINTAGE http://www.evolution-vintage.com has some unique animal print items:



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$75



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$48



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$65



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$35



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
*NEW* $70

*

SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
Martinez Valero Black platform peep toe pump with animal print heel/platform
$40



SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
Nine West DeeLite Sandal ~ NW
$55


AND labels like Forever 21:


www.forever21.com
Leopard Ruffle Dress
$36.00




Baby Phat:


Belted Leopard Tube Dress
$69.00
www.babyphat.com


Victoria’s Secret:


Beach/Swim Tote
www.victoriassecret.com

All the above retailers carry reasonable priced items and a various array of sizes (PLUS SIZES).

If your budget allows you to visit higher end designers which include but are not limited to the following:

LAMB


Fall 2010 ready To Wear
Shop: www.nordstrom.com & www.shopstyle.com



Stella McCartney


Stretch Tulle Lisel Embroidery Trouser & Top
Trouser = $4,285.00
http://www.stellamccartney.com/



Lanvin





Dolce & Gabbana


SHOP: http://www.dolcegabbana.com/

There are many designers showing animal print pieces and accessories for the F/W season. When you have no budget you can ALWAYS look to your own closet and storage. You can re-style something that you already have into a fresh look for fall.

Some would argue that the animal print has been done so many times that is has lost its chic appeal. To me it is as fresh and exciting as the first time it pranced down the catwalks (pun intended). It is about how YOU style the printed pieces that make it fresh and new. If you have never incorporated an animal print piece into your central coast closet now is the time! To avoid a furry faux pas consider the following:

• ALWAYS wear FAUX furs. Wearing real fur or animal skins is “weak” not chic. There should be no victims of fashion and that includes defenseless animals. Same goes for animal skins or what the fashion industry terms "exotics" (snake, alligator, ect). EXOTIC?? how about MORONIC? Pass me the FAUX fabric!

• Stick to 1 print. Try to avoid mixing and matching animal prints (ex: leopards do not belong with zebras!)


• Pair animal print pieces with a solid color pallet. Pair solid colored garments with animal printed accents, choose one. For example Wearing jeans and a solid color tee (black/white) add an animal print trench coat OR a purse.

• If you are not ready to take the leap into leopard with a statement jacket, knee high boots or printed tops; only use animal printed items to accessorize. Try carrying an animal print clutch with your favorite LBD (little black dress) or add a scarf to your black power suit for work. Take tiny steps in your zebra print shoes toward making this trend your own.

Try something fresh and faux fur this season and step away from central coast conservative dressing to take a walk on the wild side (in Faux snake skin shoes of course!). No animal print is off limit, just use sparingly and avoid a fashion disaster.

*MEOW