Fashion Failure: No Such Thing

Do you fear trying out new fashion? Many women and men do. From my experience in working with various individuals, I have learned that the biggest factor that seems to inhibit their creativity is the fear of failure. I can understand the feeling. No one wants to fail at anything!

But when it comes down to it, fashion should be fun! By playing with your wardrobe and styling various outfits to your liking, the idea that you might fail in coming up with great ensembles starts to diminish. It's all about your mindset and how you hope to express your personality through dress.

'Cause really, what's the worst thing that could happen if you wear what you assume to be the wrong thing on a certain occasion? Well, you learn for the next time. Sure, you may become the talk of the town or make it to the back of a magazine as a "fashion don't." In all honesty, however, fashion is all about trial and error and figuring out what works best for you.

Trust your gut, follow your own rules, and dress for your shape and size. The idea of "failure" shouldn't exist in your vocabulary.


Read my recent article on Lady Gaga! Now THAT is one woman who sees no boundaries.


Photo Credit: http://www.poshbot.com

My Current Obsession: Sgt. Pepper Style

I love masculine-inspired fashion for women. And right now, I'm loving the Sgt. Pepper-esque, trendy jackets as found at such spots like Forever 21 and H&M. I typically sport blazers and cardigans (whether at work or during a chilly day), so it's great to have another third-piece alternative.

You can wear yours with jeans, black slacks, over a dress, or with a skirt (depending on the color, print, and fabric, of course). Pictured above, I am wearing mine over a gold and black dress. (That's my older sister. I love her!)

This is a great piece to play with if you're all about fun fashion!


Photo Credit: http://www.forever21.com

Rachel Lisa: THE 'Angel City Makeup' Artist

I know fashion. But makeup on the other hand is not really my forte. I typically wear eye shadow, mascara, foundation, blush, and lip gloss (or a red lipstick when I'm feeling sassy). OK, these are pretty typical. But as for dramatic, I am a bit lost.

So when it comes to the fabulous Los Angeles-based makeup artist Rachel Lisa, I give her praise. Her company, Angel City Makeup, offers all women and men the chance to get glammed up for that special night out, a photoshoot, and events galore. And I so appreciate the fact that I know of an amazing talent to turn to for my own makeover needs. With a new beauty agency up her sleeve, Ministry of Beauty, I can't wait to see what she and her team will accomplish.

Smokey Robinson, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Dave Grohl are just a few of the celebs she has worked with. Pretty impressive, right? I most definitely think so. Her portfolio and testimonials attest to her professionalism and spark.

My interview with Rachel Lisa on ClosetMouse.com will give you a good sense of her talent. She also offers fashion/editorial and bridal makeup services.

I feel privileged to be a colleague of such a star!


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Rachel Lisa

You Are Who Your Team Is

When I was a kid up to when I was in college, I rarely enjoyed teaming up with others for a project. The only time my adrenalin did start to pump, was when I was appointed (or self-appointed myself) to leader. I never claimed to know it all, and I never disliked socializing when working on school work with others. But in order to make sure that the team was on the same page, I felt that I HAD to be head. I also wanted to ensure that passion was part of the formula. As leader, I felt in control of the group and the direction we would take a certain project. I thought that I could ensure that everyone would have the same passion if I were in charge.

NOW, I love working with teams! Through various experiences, I not only learned how much others actually can bring to the table if you trust them; I realized that I most definitely can not do everything myself. We all need assistance and additional brainpower, so I have come to actually enjoy pairing up with someone or sitting in groups as we all work toward the same goal. Now, as compared to being a kid or being in college, the individuals I surround myself with ARE passionate about what they do because it is their career. Boy, did this take me time to grasp.

Gwen Stefani is one of my favorite Hollywood ladies. During her "Tragic Kingdom" rocker days with band No Doubt she styled her own outfits. Sometimes they were talked about as horrid, other times they seemed passable for a girl in a band. As No Doubt's music evolved, so did Gwen's style. And one of the most impressionable people she credits is her stylist Andrea Lieberman. She even worked with Gwen on her L.A.M.B. line. As someone who appears very independent, creative, and self-sufficient, as well as someone who grew up sewing her own clothes, Ms. Orange County Girl surprised me when it came to hiring a stylist in the early 2000s. But even Gwen had to take a step back and acknowledge that she could use some help.

So my advice to you is take someone's hand when you need it, engage in conversations with coworkers over a project, and speak your mind during group meetings. What I've learned thus far: you can unleash your talent and maintain your individual voice while at the same time, listening to others and appreciating their talent.


Photo Credit: http://www.forums.thefashionspot.com

CONTEST: Win a FREE 2-Hour Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Consulting Experience!

Don't know where to start shopping for that perfect Valentine's Day dress? Wish you knew how to find fashion for your body shape and size? Do you need some new work attire, but are on a strict budget?


That is why I'm here -- to make your shopping experience more enjoyable and worth your time. So I am giving away a FREE 2-hour personal shopping and wardrobe consulting experience! All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment explaining why you need my help, and I will choose two winners (male or female) based on who I determined needs my assistance the most.

Contest will run through Feb. 28th. All contestants must be in the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles area.

Your FREE 2-hour service would include:

- Going through your closet and styling what you already have
- Shopping with you at your local retail outlets after determining exactly what you need (following the styling session)
- A lookbook of your outfits (which will be delivered to you a week later)


Value of this giveaway: $150


Good luck!


Photo Credit: http://www.butterfliesic.com

African Wax Prints and Bright Organic Silks by Kristinit

Kristina Lenss, the Los Angeles-based designer of the ultra-chic line 'Kristinit,' recently spoke about her new collection of African Wax Prints and Bright Organic Silks: "This collection is about complementing the beauty of women with the beauty of sustainability — without sacrificing style."

As a lover of her line (with a Kristinit blouse of my own!), I am proud to show off her new pieces. Whether you have a wedding coming up, plan to enjoy a Valentine's Day evening celebration, or simply want to add in some sleek fashion to your wardrobe; Kristinit offers versatile style that may very well be what you need.

Here is some additional background "wow" information about Kristina:

Sold Nation Wide at boutiques like Fred Segal and Petro Zilia, Kristinit has been named "One to Watch" by Lucky Magazine and has been featured in Teen Vogue, OK Magazine, Style.com, Nylon, Agenda Mag and Apparel News. Celebrity clients include Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Zoe Deshanel, Bobbie Thomas, Finola Hughes, and Julia Anderson. A key tenet of Kristinit’s mission has always been to design with more than just style in mind: The line uses innovative organic fabrics, local manufacturing, and fair trade practices. Kristinit continues to donate a percentage of each sale to One Percent for the Planet and the Pachamama Alliance. Visit www.kristinit.com to learn more about Kristinit.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the Kristinit line. I will be happy to forward them directly to Kristina.

Oh and FYI: Treat yourself to more fashion trends by checking out exclusive NY Fashion Week coverage at ELLE.com!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kristina Lenss

What Lady Gaga Is Teaching Us

I am amazed with pop singer Lady Gaga's growth to stardom, while equally speechless and inspired by her fashion sense.

This is one new celebrity who doesn't fit a mold, doesn't want to, and beautifully sings her way to a new level of talent. And many others are noticing what I can't help but notice as well -- she really does have style. Lady Gaga was voted as best dressed on the "Fashion Police" by Jay Manuel. Yes, really! He, just like me, recognizes that stepping out of the box and making a statement is what fashion is all about -- especially at an award show like the Grammys. Of course, her theatrical wardrobe pieces are definitely not ready-to-wear garments of any sort for our everyday lives... But doesn't she make you want to have fun with your wardrobe? As serious as fashion is, it is so not serious, if you catch my drift. There is definitely a time and place to let loose and be CREATIVE.

Because what's the worst thing that will happen if you wear something out of the ordinary? Nothing! It just means that you don't ever have to wear that outfit again. Trial and error is a good thing, 'cause it helps you learn what works for you and what doesn't. But if you never try, you will never know. That saying rings true for nearly everything in life, but when it comes to fashion and experimenting with styles, this couldn't be more right on.

So if Lady Gaga is teaching us all anything, it's to be yourself and forget about fitting a mold. There are numerous other musicians that have come before her who inspired and were/are iconic for pushing the envelope in fashion (my fave: Cyndi Lauper). But even among these trendsetters, I see Lady Gaga nearly overtowering those before her -- glam platforms an all.



Photo Credits: http://www.gossipgirlinsider.com (white bodysuit), http://www.redcarpetbandit.com (black spandex), http://www.usmagazine.com (Grammys outfit at very top)