October 24, 2015

Paris Street Style: Fall is For Fur

Paris street fashion this October was dominated by two trends, moto jackets and fur. The two trends married at times, with a fur scarf wrapped on top of a moto jacket - this was probably my favorite look. But, as the Fall weather became more crisp with the threat of Winter around the corner, the moto jackets were shed and the streets were filled in uniform-like-fashion with fur. Even the Parisian men participated in the fur street fashion, wearing fur on the collars of their parkas. I have never been so upset with myself for failing to bring my vintage fur jacket (thank you, grandma) on a trip - as I don't get many (meaning, none) chances to wear a fur jacket in the San Francisco climate. Here is a round-up of this Fall season's best of Paris street style fur (or faux fur, as you like).

If I saw this shaggy jacket on the clothing rack, I would think "muppet". But, I must admit that it looks 70s stylish paired with denim and aviator glasses.

I love this 1930s vintage stole look perfected by Olivia Palermo. Finally, the vintage fur stoles tucked in closets for decades can be paraded on the streets!

The combo of a soft fur scarf with a sleek moto jacket, just may be my favorite trend of the moment.

Fur pairs equally well with glamorous silver heals and chunky silver jewelry.

A cape is one of my all time favorite accessories, and it was just perfected with this fur hood.

Here are two very elegant choices, but I might prefer the "simplicity" of Olivia Palermo's wrap over the Alexander Wang inspired layers.

An emerald green shaggy fur coat that could, again, easily fall victim to a muppet, but this looks amazing on Karmen Pedaru (of course, she has an advantage as a model).

This looks is the coup d'etat of the current Paris street fashion moment: black ripped skinny jeans, moto boots, Panama hat, and fur, et voila you are a Parisian!

Looking to bring a little Paris street sensibility to your closet? Here's a roundup of my favorite fur accessories of the season that will add a Paris punch to any outfit.

September 19, 2015

Fall-ing for Boots!

by Brandi Brown in Style Bar

Chloe lace-up knee-highsPhoto by Mark Leibowitz — Chloe lace-up knee-highs
Photo by Mark Leibowitz

Two things excite me about Fall, Halloween (hello, with all of the fun decor options and costume fetes!) and BOOTS! I can't think of anything more chic, transitional and, above all, comfortable. Boots are the cornerstone shoe of the chicest of closets. A sleek riding boot pulled over denim or leggings can elevate the everyday outfit to a haute look, and a heeled ankle boot can pull together any autumn look. While the combat boot and manly oxford styles littered the Fall 2015 runways, fear not, this season also offers wearable stilleto booties, fur wedges and feminine riding boots. Here is my lineup of this season's most stylish boot offerings.

How versatile is the boot? Just ask Kate Hudson, pairing Jimmy Choo's Dayno boot with a pink and lavender chiffon gown. Tres Chic! Run to your nearest Barneys, Jimmy Choo and/or Louboutin for the above styles.

August 16, 2015

Confessions of a Wedding Boudoir Photo Shoot

by Brandi Brown in Style Bar

Boudoir photography is a sexy way to document the ritual of getting ready for the wedding day, and no doubt a popular wedding gift for the hubby. Boudoir need not be triple rated (unless that's the model's cup of tea). Rather, classic pin-up PG-13ish suggestive images tend to be more sexy (at least in my opinion) and a fun boudoir shoot for the bride. Since my goal was to freeze frame the feeling of our vintage style wedding, I choose a vintage boudoir shoot on the morning of our wedding.

Allow plenty of time the morning of the wedding to have a little fun in front of the camera - I recommend 1-2 hours. I must admit that looking sultry was more difficult than I could ever imagine - the "come hither" look is not natural for me and my foolish attempts resulted in laughter every time. Make sure to have bubbles on hand to loosen things up. And let the photographer coach you into the poses and pouts. Lesson learned - practice those poutty lips in advance of the shoot and research poses that will feel "natural to you". I wish I would have known about The Boudoir Cafe because there are some inspiring poses on that site.

Photo credit: Cherie Steinberg of The Boudoir

Wear lingerie that you feel comfortable in. A corset, high heels, and your wedding ring are a classic combo. Don't be afraid to mix it up with your bouquet, veil, garter belt and (time allowing) a costume change. My boudoir attire gave a nod to our wedding's vintage Hollywood glamour theme and included black vintage hot pants paired with my bridal bustier, along with rhinestone embellished Manolo Blahnik kitten heels.

If you are having a challenging time getting your sexy on (as I did), ask the photographer to take a few abstract or silhouette images. The bonus of this approach is that the end results may be frame worthy for your hallway.

After the conclusion of the wedding affair, present your newly minted hubby with the boudoir photos - one last surprise from the big day that will cause all the emotions of the day to come flooding back. The photos will provide the hubby with a sexy window into the bride's behind the scenes and the bride's final moments before taking the plunge. A perfect way to memorialize the moment and share it with your hubby, don't you think?

Photo credit: Long Island Boudoir Photography

Style Notes

You've already hired a professional photographer for your money, so save money by conducting your shoot on the morning of your wedding as opposed to a different day.
Review boudoir poses and pouts for inspiration - check out The Boudoir Cafe.
Wear costume jewelry for bling that stands out in pictures.
Don't forget to incorporate your favorite stilettos.
Be playful with your veil.

Last words...As a curvy woman with short stocky legs, a boudoir shoot was a bit intimidating for me. It was also however, empowering to explore and embrace my femininity. If I were to do it all over again (and, hey, maybe I will), I would opt for a Vanity Fair inspired shoot and I would definitely practice my poutty lips in the mirror! (p.s., my husband would die of embarrassment if he knew about this post.)

Wedding day boudoir photos by Javon Longieliere