Male Maven of STYLE: Dean McDermott

I thought it only fitting since Tori Spelling was my FIRST Style Maven feature that her husband Dean; the other half of their dynamic duo be featured as my first Male Maven of Style.

For those of you don't know Dean he is a Canadian born actor of both film and television but he is most famous for being a reality TV star. A co-star with his wife in "Tori & Dean: INN LOVE" and the co-star of the hit Oxygen reality series "Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood". Season 6 of T&D HSH airs in late summer or early fall. They are currently taping.






He is also the co-star of the NEW creative reality program "Tori & Dean: STORI Book Weddings", where he and Tori design weddings for lucky couples ~ It premiers April 6th on Oxygen (check your local listings). He told me about an upcoming episode when they designed a Marie Antoinette themed wedding. He wanted fans to know, "We did a lot with vintage clothing for the Mary Antoinette themed wedding episode – models walking with authentic clothes from the period, not costume reproductions."



Dean and Tori have recently launched a new business venture in Los Angeles called :InvenTORI. It is a lifestyle store filled with antiques, collectibles, children and pet items. If you are in the LA area go check it out at 13826 Ventura Blvd N Sherman Oaks. Apparently they ship all over the US as well - call 818-981-1007
Visit the stores NEW website: www.InvenTORI.com


In the works is an "All things Dean" website. Users can log on to get parenting tips and advice, recipes, information about motorcycles and MORE. Essentially all of Dean's favorite things in one virtual space. No URL or launch date has been released so STAY Tuned. I think it will be a unique spin for a mens site. It's not just up to moms to care for children, cook, get pedicures or shop! Hip Dad's are on board too! and it's about time!

When he is not bringing his reality to our Tv's, opening stores or launching web sites he is a devoted father of 3 children (Jack, Liam & Stella),


A doting husband to Tori, she is the ROCK to his ROLL. I think their Love story is FABULOUS. Rarely does one find their "other self" - they remind me of my husband and I actually. Under the strangest circumstances, not so perfect timing and by really love and sheer will to be together they have build such a beautiful relationship and family. PLUS they seem like a hell of a good time and great friends! The 4 of us should get together for dinner some time ;)What I love the most about them is their honesty and lack of pretension. We all saw on last season of T&D that their relationship, just like everyone, has its up's and downs. Tori referred to it in her latest book (Uncharted TerriTORI) as an "Ebb and Flow". It is this real quality that I identify with. I love how they live their life publicly and do what THEY want in spite of the ever present glare of the spotlight and generic societal pressure.




He is also a motorcycle enthusiast and racer. He mentioned to me that "I’m also into riding obviously but Vintage and Vintage replica mototcycles like the
Tramp Scrambler; A throwback to Steve Mcqueen – Ducati biposo a vintage racer Vintage café racers – that movement is really making a comeback – 60/70 motorcyles taking them and making them into cool works of art."







AND a man with a giant heart to support charitable causes for animals, various children's charities and the NOH8 campaign and their quest for equality.




With this full plate he still has time to be a Male Maven of Style and show the guys how it's done with his relaxed, RockNRoll chic style aesthetic.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak to Dean by phone and ask him my Style Maven questions:

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

DEAN: A little edgy, RockNroll, a bit of modern thrown in. I created a new term "VINROMOR" – Vintage RocknRoll Modern. Fashion has become a lot more fun since meeting T (Tori). I love shopping. It is a great thing about our relationship. T has helped me bring out my true style. I was preppy before I met her and she has helped tap into the real me and my real style.


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

DEAN: The key components of my closet are a Black suit, nice white shirt and tie, dress shoes, great beat up pair of boots, cool jeans, a couple vintage t-shirts and jackets. I like jackets with a military influence to it. I really like to Mix and match. I also love a wallet on a chain, when I’m riding my bike it makes me feel like a rock star (Laughs).

I also wear a lot of Cardigans now. They can be dressed up or down. Ascots are also making a comeback; I am tired of the tie. An Ascot worn with a really nice white shit with open collar is very bratpack-ish . If it is a suit and tie event ROCK an ascot.

I also Love Vintage jackets. T got me a vintage jacket that had been upcycled/recycled from 3 Vintage jackets and made into one. It is my favorite piece.


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

DEAN: I LOVE vintage clothing. I can’t seem to find my size often times as I am 6’ 3 and a big guy. I don’t know if it is sizing from the era’s or if all the larger ones have been picked over. I love the set of Italian leather overnight bags I got at a Vintage shop in New York. I do Love vintage accessories too; cufflinks, ties, and sunglasses. I bought Vintage plaid short sleeved shirts, about 10 of them for $19/ea that I rock with jeans and boots. I recently got a pair of Vintage cowboy boots and I love Vintage leather jackets.

LISA: What are you wearing this Spring/Summer? Tell our readers the key elements for your S/S 2011 wardrobe.

DEAN: I live in shorts. Board shorts (Volcom) and cargo shorts. I’m trying to keep my colors solid for Spring/Summer. I am Staying away from patterns, I feel I have grown out of them a bit. Vintage looking t-shirts (He LOVES his EVOLUTION VINTAGE T-shirts: He has both BLACK & WHITE). Flip Flops w painted toes. Classic colors – charger orange, Chevy nova blue, gunmetal, camo. I used to wear a lot of black but I’m exploring colors now.

LISA: If you had one piece of STYLE advice for Women what would it be?

DEAN: Whatever the outfit (corporate, conservative, or edgy) ALWAYS try and find something that will accentuate your best feature. That is really sexy. I love when T wears something lower cut; she has amazing cleavage obviously but she has a beautiful neck and chest. Highlight your best assets ladies it is hot and sexy.

LISA: If you had one piece of STYLE advice for MEN what would it be?

DEAN: Take Chance. Change it up a bit. Like my toe nails I am off of black and have moved into a lot of colors. Also substitute an ascot for a traditional tie. It is a very retro look as I said before with an open collar and an ascot. They are making a come back!





LISA: Men seem to need a little extra help when it comes to their wardrobe. What would be your recommendation for 3 stylish staples for their closets?

DEAN:1) Black suit
2) Jeans
3) Boots


LISA: Tell me about your tattoos. They are such a big part of your style and VIBE! Any advice for people considering getting one?

DEAN: They are ALL personal. The big coy fish is Tori, the Tiger is me and baby coy fish represent the kids. They are all black and white but I want to get the coy fish coloured to represent the masculine and feminine. Advice: If u r going to get a tatt – make sure it is something personal, you will have it the rest of your life. The Tweety bird’s and Yosemite Sam you are going to regret.



A Look at Dean's STYLE: CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE















Evolution Vintage T-shirt in White ~ Get the look @ http://www.evolution-vintage.com/ (Women's T-shirts are also available)

Thanks Dean for a great chat! May you inspire your male counterparts all over the world to evolve and find their true style.

Follow Dean on Twitter: www.twitter.com/deanracer

They Nailed it!

I don't know about you but I am always looking for a new (or "old" in the case of unique Vintage) exciting item to enhance my look; a new accessory, bag, shoe, hat or nail polish shade.

I have found the ultimate nail accessory:

Nail Polish Strips / Stick on Wraps

You have seen the amazing manicures on some celebs recently. It is called the "Dry Manicure" and is reported to last up to 10 days. The big one in "Hollywood" seems to be the Minx Manicure where they use heat to activate the adhesive property and you can drop by the salon for the application (unless you are in full time constraint mode like me and have to DIY). Get more info here: www.minxnails.com








They looked so fabulous I was compelled to find the DIY alternative at my local drug store. Sally Hansen has a product called "Salon Effects" That I picked up for $6.99

I opted for the "Misbehaved" style - it looks like a fishnet stocking over a metallic base.

I also had to grab an animal print. I was not struck on the Sally Hensen offering so I want for another brand called "Broadway Nails - Nail Dress" in metallic leopard print. $5.49 (28 Nail wraps in 14 sizes) - I have terribly short nails and I think this could be the puuuuurfect answer to making them fabulous.

I just got a Jaguar head statement necklace from Patricia Field (www.patriciafield.com) and had to take my metallic MEOW nails for a spin.

Did I mention I am 7mo preg? Style/Fashion NEVER has to take Maternity leave!

The application process is super easy and NOT time consuming:

*PEEL
*APPLY
*FILE

They remove easily with nail polish remover (I peeled mine off). They did not last 10days for me. I think that they should have a multi-tasking mamma disclaimer to say: if you make them last up to 5 days with all the typing, dishes, bathing your children, cleaning and working then you've NAILED IT - ROCK STAR STATUS. Mine started to chip within a few days.

You could also ROCK the chipped nail look a-la Helena Christensen in the 1990's video for Chris Isaac's "Wicked Game" ~ CLASSIC! There is still something a little punk rock about the "not so manicured" nail ... with the right rings/accessories of course.

Get out there and get your favorite design on your nails! A fabulous expression for under $7.00. Leave a comment and let me know how you NAILED IT!

Style Maven Series: Carrie Ann Inaba

Carrie Ann Inaba was a born entertainer and has continued to be a creative multi-tasking maven. You may know her from her seat at the judges table on the hit ABC show "Dancing with the Stars" where her bubbly personality and fabulous fashion shine.



Recently you also may have seen her as the new host of the GSN Game Show "1 VS 100" bringing a little Style to the Game Show Network.

Her newest project and role is as Executive Producer of a NEW pilot for ABC titled "Grace". "Grace" is a scripted one hour drama that centers around a family owned dance studio.

But she is not just a judge and show host. She is also an amazing dancer and choreographer and even has flexed her creative muscle as an actor. Her big show biz break came as a "Fly Girl" on the Fox show in Living Color along side JLO in the early 1990's. She followed that up with joining Madonnas "Girlie Show" world tour!


*Carrie Ann Bottom Right*

Some of the HOTTEST choreography I have ever seen ~ Her epic pole entrance at the beginning of the show was over the top. Did I mention the Girlie Show Tour was to promote Madonna's 5th album EROTICA?


She had a great run in the 1990's-Early 2000 in several movies in Dancing roles.
She even had a cameo in Austin Powers "Gold Member" as FOOK YU - HA HA!

Carrie Ann LEFT

Carrie Ann is a lot more than a gifted dancer, creative entity and amazing personality. She has a GIANT heart to match. She is a devout animal LOVER and a champion for animal rights. She has even partnered with PETA (along with her cat shadow) to raise awareness about the importance of Spay & Neutering your pets.



Carrie Ann is also a WARRIOR ~ Spending years battling the pain of Spinal stenosis and arthritis she never let it stop her. She underwent surgery in 2009 to help alleviate her pain and by all accounts it was a success. She appears busier and happier than ever!

Beside all her other creative ventures one of her greatest loves is FASHION. I had the honor of dressing Carrie Ann for the season finale of Dancing with the Stars last season in a Vintage Tadashi velvet gown.







Carrie Ann does have a stylist to bring her options for the show (KIT ROCKS and has a GREAT eye) but Carrie Ann chooses what she will be wearing on each episode. I was very happy when her love of statement accessories met my fabulous Elephant ring, worn on DWTS episode in Nov 2010



Her charismatic personality is directly projected through her fashion; it is fun, funky and fabulous. I had an opportunity to ask Carrie Ann my Style Maven Questions:

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


CA: In my personal life, I like to be comfortable yet fashionable. I love clothes that drape and convey as sense of movement. For appearances I like to kick things up a notch with a pieces that are simple yet elegant and then I will throw in some statement jewelry for that wow factor.

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

CA: I love my leggings and wrap sweaters. Being a dancer, I am accustomed to being in clothing that is snug, yet allows movement which is where the leggings come in, but then I throw on a great cozy wrap sweater and I am good to go. James Perse and Splendid make the softest most comfortable leggings out there.

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

CA: At first, I was afraid of vintage. I wore a vintage gown to the emmy's one year and a piece of the strap actually disintegrated. It was an awkward moment to say the least. However, over time, I have found that when you choose a vintage piece, you must feel a real connection to it. There is more of an emotional connection to the actual piece of clothing that has to be there for it to work. Vintage pieces have so much more personality and it takes time to find the right match.

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

CA: Vintage jewelry...bracelets and rings are my favorite. I am really drawn to the big, bold pieces that seem to tell a story. I don't really lean toward only designer vintage. I think if the piece has style and great craftsmanship, it doesn't matter who designed it.

LISA: What are you wearing this spring/Summer? Tell our readers the key elements for your S/S 2011 wardrobe.

CA: I love flowing dresses in jersey or silk. DVF makes some gorgeous dresses that are timeless yet edgy. They can be dressed up or down which is really important for me. Rachel Pally makes the most amazingly comfortable dresses to. I can't get enough of them! I also love All Saints. Their clothing is super edgy without being obvious. You always have to have a great shoe-you can never have enough shoes! I LOVE PLATFORMS!!! and I love those wedges!!! The higher the better!


LISA: If you had one piece of STYLE advice for women what would it be?

CA: Don't be afraid to experiment with style. When you find what works for you, get multiples of it in different colors. Invest in key pieces like a great jacket or bag or even a great piece of jewelry that you can wear with anything. You should feel good in what you are wearing no matter what it is so dress to impress...yourself!




(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)













Dancing with the Stars NEW season 12 Starts on ABC Monday March 21! and you can also catch Carrie Ann and the MOB on "1 VS 100" on the Game Show Network (Check your local listings).

Evolution Vintage's Picks for Carrie Ann:

White 1960's cocktail dress with fully beaded bodice

Vintage Aurora Borealis Crystal bracelet

Vintage 3 strand statement necklace with FAUXOPAL crown

SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com