StyleWhipped

Weekender, Updated

Guys tend to be really good at putting together very formal (tuxedo, suit-and-tie) looks but also tend to be the most comfortable in very casual (jeans, t-shirts) looks. Where you seem to have the most trouble is in-between. "What do I wear to Sunday brunch?" or "What do I wear for a casual movie date?" tend to be questions that most men ask me when they hear I'm a stylist. And admittedly, guys don't have nearly as many options as women do, and you often want to leave the over-dressing to us (which we secretly love). With that said, I just stumbled across two pieces that I felt I needed to share. One came about from the seemingly 50 emails a day I get from J.Crew (get it together, J.Crew - we love you, we just don't need THAT many emails!). The other is from John Varvatos that I spied in Bloomingdale's while taking out-of-town friends shopping this week.

We all know how comfy a great sweatshirt can be. However, we all (should) know how unflattering, frat-guy-right-out-of-college they look. But J.Crew's Liquor Store collection has the best compromise around...a cashmere sweatshirt with a body-conscious, made-like-formal-wear cut in a universally-flattering heather grey. Pair it with a great pair of medium or dark-wash jeans, good shoes and a great sport coat, and you might as well be wearing a designer sweater. But you can also wear it with olive green cargo or flat-front pants, serious boots, and the aforementioned amazing resin-coated denim jacket from John Varvatos (please don't wear denim and denim...not cute). In a super dark blue with rocker styling and super-modern (but never too "out there") zippers on the front and back, throwing this jacket on over that J.Crew cashmere sweatshirt might just make you feel the coolest you've ever felt.

And who doesn't want to hang out with the cool guy?!

~ Alison 

Little Bit of Luxury

Everyone needs a little luxury in their lives. We need to feel pretty and womanly and fancy. In terms of fashion, there are a few things that really do that for me: anything gold, anything one-shouldered, and anything printed-flowy-kimono/caftan-influenced. These attributes can be in a dress or in a top...either one makes me equally happy. So when I was doing my daily browsing on Net-a-Porter (yes, daily...don't judge, please), I came across two tops that spell instant luxury to me. Seriously...I-N-S-T-A-N-T L-U-X-U-R-Y. They are both pretty major purchases ($400 and $695 respectively), but they are also templates that I'm giving you...creating the feeling of luxe isn't about price tags, it's about color and silouette and feeling...these are just examples of pieces that I know can be found at many, many different price levels.

Tory Burch brings us the first...gold lame, one-shouldered, an oversized flounce of ruffles...seriously luxurious. This can be paired with black dress pants, a winter white pencil skirt, even structured black jegging for a night out. Keep the jewelry to a minimum...oversized chandelier earrings and a great cocktail ring are really all you need (please no necklaces - they never look right with the asymmetry of the one shoulder).

The venerable (and one of my all-time favorites) Roberto Cavalli brings my next feels-like-I'm-swathed-in-the-good-life piece. I love a great print (this coral and white one works all year), am happiest with a cinched waist (this top has a self-belt), and simply swoon for a dramatic handkerchief sleeve (these are just perfection). And in such a diaphanous, airy fabric, you can layer a tiny camisole underneath to tone down the sheerness if you want. I'd wear this with medium blue flare jeans, serious platform heels, and a ton of layered, delicate gold jewelry. You could also dress it up with skinny black satin pants and feminine black patent or gold heels.

So whether you run out and buy these exact two tops or find them in affordable or slightly different versions, just remember to find what makes you feel luxurious. Because we really (really, really) all need a little luxury.

~ Alison

Sparkly, Sparklier, Sparkliest!

My favorite thing about the approaching colder weather (ok, the ONLY thing I actually like about the approaching cold weather...!) is that I get to wear my many leggings again. I love leggings. (See, totally not afraid to admit it!) Being super tiny, I was thrilled with the surge in popularity of leggings, jeggings...anything even more fitted than skinny jeans. But a girl can only wear so many black leggings, right? Wrong! I have cotton, lace, shiny spandex, pleather, paneled, patterned...and now I'm craving sequins. Lots and lots of sequins. But those all-over sequin leggings can really only be worn for a serious night out...and I know some of you out there just aren't into being pretty much a walking disco ball...

So I found three "levels" if you will of leggings/jeggings with sequin detailing for you to check out. They are all affordable, chic, modern, and super comfortable...

This first pair from Victoria's Secret is actually a jegging...it is denim, has jean styling (seaming, pockets, extra structure, etc). The sequin stripe down the side is just shiny enough to stand out and "fancy up" your look. But the jeggings themselves are in a dark denim wash, so without too many sequins and without being black, they come across as just a little bit more wearable/casual...

Going one step further is this pair, also from Victoria's Secret (clearly one of my secret go-to sites for afforable, sexy, on-trend pieces). These are a heavy legging that actually have some jean styling (a true waistband, for example), and with their vertical sequined stripes and black fabrication, they make you look suuuuper tall! These are really sparkly but still subtle enough for the average wearer...

But for those of you who are ready to truly be the focus of any room you walk into, these all-over sequin leggings from ABS are for you. They scream "Look at me!" and are not for the faint of fashion heart. I would personally wear all three pair I've chosen to feature here, but these are the ones I would probably only end up wearing a few times...when I knew I was going to have my picture taken...and when I needed a LOT of atttention...

Shine on.

~ Alison

Smile! ...An Interview with Photographer Andrew Werner

A few years ago, I had my picture taken at an event by a young, friendly photographer. It turned out to be one of my best "event" shots, and his name turned out to be Andrew Werner. Fast-forward to a number of collaborations and an invaluable friendship later, I wanted to share Andrew's talent and enthusiasm with you. So I sat down with Andrew (in a very strange midtown diner) and asked him some fun questions (I think you'll find his "Top 10 Ways to Take a Great Photo" super useful). Here's what he had to say...

Stylewhipped: Did you always know you wanted to be a photographer? Or was it a more "organic" process?

Andrew Werner: I actually went to school at the University of Buffalo for Musical Theater, but switched to Communications part-way through and ended up working for the school paper. I found myself taking photos for the paper in addition to writing, and ended up loving it. Then I started taking headshots for friends who were still in the Musical Theater program, along with events both at school and back in New York City after I graduated. And then I started getting compliments on my work and getting hired for more and more events, etc. I found myself loving both the creative and social aspects and just kept going!

SW: What are some of the challenges you face as a young entrepreneur?

AW: If I am photographing a celebrity, I have to hope that they remain popular...if no one wants their picture anymore, I don't have a paycheck! I've also had to figure out how to try being everywhere at once. I have to decide whether to go to a high-profile event that might provide amazing exposure or contacts, or take a job that isn't so glamorous but gives me a definite paycheck. It's also hard to say "no" to friends who don't realize that this isn't a hobby for me...it's a career. So I can't do your headshots for free even if I love you!

SW: What do you love most about your job?

AW: I consider myself so lucky to be doing what I love. I've heard so many stories of people taking an entire lifetime to find their passion, and I discovered it in my early '20's. With that said, I get to go to the coolest parties, work with the hottest celebrities, and meet the "it crowd." People have come to know who I am because of something positive, and I'm thrilled to be somewhat of a "social documentarian"...

SW: If you could photograph one celebrity -- living or dead! -- who would it be and why?

AW: Wow, I'm actually stumped by this one! But I think I'd have to say Marie Antoinette. Can you imagine the hair, the make-up, the jewelry...the attitude?! She'd be a photographer's creative dream!

SW: Ok, so if you could have YOUR photo taken by any other photographer, who would it be?

AW: Oh, I like this question! I'd actually want to be photographed by the man who invented the first version of a camera...Joseph Nicephone Niepce in 1826. I think that it would be amazing to see him witness what technology has developed since then!

SW: Being a stylist, everyone is always asking my advice about what to wear in photos, etc. Can you give my readers your top 10 tips for looking picture-perfect?!

AW: This makes my job easier, so of course I can! Here we go:

1. Know your body...look in a mirror and try out different angles that look good for YOU, not a model who is a professional at posing.

2. Know what styles look good on your body...consult a professional fashion stylist if you're not sure you have it figured out on your own.

3. Unless you are a bride on your wedding day, do not wear white!

4. While white is a no-no, bright colors (in moderation, of course!) look great in a photo. If you're not comfortable in brights, try strong neutrals and use color in accessories (shoes, jewelry, etc).

5. Make sure to blend your make-up!! There is nothing worse than a jawline and a neck that are distinctly divided by a visible line!

6. Glam it up! If you're going to be on a red carpet or are going to a special event, you should feel special! So this is your chance to get your make-up done by a pro, go for the fake eyelashes, etc.

7. Smile. And when you smile, keep it real and keep it white. Your smile and teeth can make or break a photo. My personal suggestion for getting that perfect smile in NYC is a visit with cosmetic dentist Dr. Debra Glassman.

8. Right before the shot is taken, put your shoulders down and your chin level to the floor. This will be the most flattering on just about everyone.

9. Most people really do have a "good side"! Figure out which is yours (ask a friend, look at old photos) and always position yourself accordingly.

10. Know who and what you're wearing...from your dress designer to your lipstick color to your wardrobe and hairstylists, always (always!) give credit where credit is due.

I want to thank Andrew so much for taking the time to talk with me and share his thoughts and worth-their-weight-in-gold tips! If you want to take a closer look at more of Andrew's work, visit his website at www.andrewwernerphotography.com. In addition, Andrew is currently shooting the fabulous world of New York Fashion Week, so if you want to keep up with the shows he's capturing, you can follow him on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Werner-Photography/211014941616.

~ Alison

King Me, Baby...

There are few things sexier than a guy who can wear jewelry and still look like a really masculine rockstar. But one thing that might give that a run for it's (sexy) money is a girl wearing men's jewelry. I am teeny-tiny and wear a huge men's watch everyday. And today, I was so ridiculously excited to discover King Baby Studio and all its edgy, rocker-y, tough-but-glamorous glory. Designed with a rock-&-roll mentality and a touch of biker-dude (or chick!), these are pieces not for the faint-of-heart. This is men's jewelry at its best...because it's super masculine when worn by a guy but also so cool on a girl...

King Baby Studio launched a women's line of jewelry in 2007 ("Queen Baby," which is also great), but I can't get past how fantastic each of the men's pieces are. And, um, how fabulous they would be on me, too...! One of the first bracelets that caught my eye was this one with its matte onyx beads and 18k gold vermeil logo band and tiny skull charm (complete with garnet eyes). On a guy, I'd wear it in multiples or alongside a wider leather bracelet or vintage chronograph watch. On a girl, I'd pair it with diamonds...either on skinny pave chains or the thinnest bangles. Both would be a stunning contrast to the toughness of the matte onyx.

So rock on...or glam on...you know, either one.

~ Alison

Coasting along to that "Best Guest" Award...

I have a thing about bringing a "hostess gift." Maybe it was my mother, who always brought something with her when visiting someone's home, or maybe it's just me, who likes to give gifts just as much as I like to get them! Either way, I like to bring something with me on a visit, especially if I'm spending the night. But the whole bottle-of-wine or bouquet-of-flowers can be tricky...what if your hosts are wine connosieurs? (or even worse, they don't drink!) Or what if their orchids are stars in the flower show each year? (or even worse, what if they're allergic?!) Then you run into what to buy...and more importantly, how much to spend. I like to be the one to pay for a nice dinner out during my stay, so I don't also want to spend a fortune on a hostess gift. Yikes, the drama of just going to visit a friend, right?!

Buying something for someone's home is almost as personal as buying them lingerie. You might know how someone dresses for work or a night on the town, but that never means you know how they've decided to decorate their personal space. However, once you find a good gift idea, you can easily work off those other clues to narrow down your choices for what you actually buy them. I found a fabulous set of laquered coasters at West Elm that look super expensive but clock in at a perfectly appropriate $14. They are sleek, modern, and come in five different colors (some are much more feminine and some are exactly what any bachelor pad might need). I actually bought a set in the rose gold metallic finish for my own apartment (West Elm calls it "metallic fig" but my currently-obsessed-with-anything-rose-gold eyes spotted them right away), but wouldn't hesitate to snag a set in the silver for a friend with a super-modern loft, a set of the black or grey lacquer for a single guy's bar, or the white for anyone's kitchen (or someone who doesn't give a lot of outside clues as to how they decorate!).

And if you feel the need to also still bring a bottle of wine, you can use the coasters when you drink it!

~ Alison

Dreams. Times 2.

I have a shoe THING. It is well-documented (here, there, pretty much everywhere I'm invited to give my opinion). I wear 5-inch heels everyday (honest, it's true.) and have zero interest in anything practical. So with this super drab, post-Labor-Day rain today, I needed a little visual pick-me-up in the form of online shoe browsing. And not only did I find one pair that I will dream about to share with you, but two. Two! Aren't you lucky...

I have an unbalanced amount of gold shoes in my closet. Pretty much if you give me a gold shoe with a platform and a 5-inch heel, I'm probably going to want it. The one pair I don't have is what I found today...those exact requirements but in a MaryJane. Which I think might even count as slightly practical, right? (no?! But it has a strap!). Of course they are from the always-swoon-inducing Miu Miu (where I find excellent inspriation for my sometimes-lacking funky side...), and will run you about $650. But they are delicious and I needed to spread the love, even it is only virtual...

And for the other pair to covet? Well, they are Valentino, naturally. And calf-hair. With a feather print. And a pyramid stud. (Excuse me for a minute while I take a moment to collect myself...) These are seriously amazing. They are also waaaaaay impractical (yay! Of course I love 'em even more now!) and super pricey (over $1,000). But they are whimsical in a toughie-girl kind of way, and would work with the most formal black evening gown or your skinniest, darkest jeans and a really revealing top.

Go. Dream. Twice...!

~ Alison

Cool, squared.

In less than two weeks, my baby sister is getting married. (Ok, ok, she's not such a baby, but she'll always be my "baby sister") Her fiance has a pretty strong aversion to anything floral, so instead of bouttonieres, they decided to do matching pocket squares for all of the groomsmen. I love this idea (and the idea of pocket squares in general), and it peaked my curiosity about whether any designers out there were doing anything really different with them these days.

I have written before about how since men have such limited accessory options compared to women, they need to take full advantage of those that do exist. We had a fantastic "guest writer" article appear here on Stylewhipped (by the always-dapper jazz singer Gregory Generet) about how important a pocket square can be to "finishing" a look, and how there are multiple ways to fold and wear them. My issue with pocket squares lies with what exactly is available. Most of the time, you will find solids, stripes, polka-dots and paisley. And not much else. So when I stumbled across this super unusual navy and black tree-print one from Paul Smith (of course), I had to share it...

Not only it is a ridiculously chic color combination (I have sung the praises of navy-and-black together for years. YEARS!), but the print is totally unexpected for something like a pocket square. Its abstract trees-and-branches illustrative design is simply beautiful and almost looks like a gothic photograph. It is also masculine, subtle, and just cool enough to make wearing a pocket square so very, very 2011. Try this against a medium grey sportcoat for fall to make the colors and print really stand out, or put it in the pocket of your favorite black blazer to keep the whole look dark and a little bit rocker-mysterious...

~ Alison