The Perfect Hippie Style Leather Handbags

For all my readers who login to my blog for my "hippie style" posts, here is another one.  I have located the most fabulous lines of  hippie style leather handbags: Anuschka and Magnifique.  They are beautiful works of wearable art.

Anuschka

Anuschka

Anuschka

Magnifique

Magnifique





Magnifique





Magnifique





Take note...these hand painted beauties are not for the budget minded.  They are definitely a "splurge" item, at least for me.  But they DO make a statement! 

The Grace Card Movie Trailer Released

Last year I work as the costume designer on a wonderful movie with Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr.  The movie is called The Grace Card.  It was to be released in Fall 2010.  However, because the movie was picked up by Sony Entertainment (hurray!) the  premiere has been postponed until February 25, 2011.  This week the theatrical trailer was released (in the U.S.).  It is also available for viewing at the website:   http://thegracecardmovie.com/

Please take the time to check it out!  It is a beautiful story of the power of forgiveness.  I felt blessed to be a part of the crew on such a worthwhile production.

This photo was taken during the filming of the library scene...which you can also watch on the website.  The set is a beautiful home library in the historic district of downtown Memphis.  That's me...the one with the hair!

This was our wardrobe trailer.  

Working on the movie was a wonderful experience and the crew had a great time working together.  But don't think it is a glamorous job.  It's a lot of work...pre-production meetings, shopping and fittings for a rather large cast, organizing all the clothes, loading the trailer, 10-14 hour days/nights...like a said, lots of work!  Thank goodness for my efficient wardrobe department supervisors, Barbara and Sharon.  And it's amazing to see how all the different departments work together to make it happen.
  
So, my U.S. readers, please go see it when it comes to your neighborhood next February.  And take kleenex...you'll need it.  I'm not sure if or when it will be released internationally.  You can sign up for updates on The Grace Card website.  Please leave me a comment about the trailer.  (Top photo by Dorothy McCuskey.)

Hippie Style Inspiration Photos

As a stylist, I spend a lot of time seeking out inspiration for the looks I create.  Fashion magazines, blogs, lookbooks, TV, movies, local street style...the world is filled with inspiration.  Of course the looks I create depend heavily on the assignment, but they always reflect a bit of my own personal style.  Here are a few of the inspiration photos for my upcoming hippie style shoot.  (UPDATE:  Check out my other four "Hippie Style" posts - Hippie Style Fashion Photos...Parts 1, 2, and 3 and More Hippie Style Inspiration Photos.)

If you have any great hippie style inspiration photos, please send them to me.  Most of the above photos came from Marie Claire and Vogue editorials. 

ALL NEW

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new look website. Different name to celebrate the range of accessories we are creating - so now called LHG DESIGNS but the website is still www.weddingandbaby.co.uk

The website is still work in progress as we are working on our 2011 collection which will be available through our stockists as well as via the website.

LHG DESIGNS is delighted to already have a range of combs stocked at Loves Philiosophy Bridal http://www.lovesphilosophybridal.co.uk/page8.htm

If you are a bridal store looking for a new range of accessories worn by celebrities then get in touch with weddingandbaby@yahoo.co.uk

Hippie Style - Photo Shoot in the Works

Recently I've been working on outfit ideas for an upcoming shoot.  When the photographer suggested an in-the-woods location, I pictured a hippie/boho theme.  I already had several great items in my stylist closet that I wanted to use.  Then on my regular visit to a local thrift store, I found the perfect faux fur and suede vest and a great 60's sweater vest.  Best of all, they were half price!  (Wardrobe budgets are slim these days and the more clothes to choose from, the better.)  Below are a few of the pieces I may use for the shoot.  We are planning on 4-5 different looks.  I still have a lot of shopping to do yet...then the fitting. Creating each outfit is what I enjoy most about my job.  In the next few days, I'll post some of my "inspiration" photos.

Vintage 60's Glamour

I love vintage party/formal dresses.  They are unique and have fabulous details that command attention.  This lovely formal dress from the 60's is simple in style yet fascinating.  I love the bright, oversized, floral print and interesting use of sequins.  The cream, orange, green, turquiose, and  brown colors are so indicative of that era and they truly flatter the model's coloring.  The single perfect accessory is a pair of vintage silver and gold button earrings.    Photos by Dominic Van Horn. (Note:  This dress is for sale in my etsy boutique.)

Wise Clothing Selections...What's Your Fit Challenge?

When I decided to write about clothes that don't flatter, I could have posted some tacky fashion faux pas of the rich and poor alike.  But we all know what "unflattering" looks like.  Instead, I have chosen to focus on the positive.  So, I am posting photos of some basic clothing styles that look good on most body types.

The Gored Skirt

Calvin Klein

The Empire Dress

Calvin Klein

The Straight Pant

Calvin Klein

Few of us look like runway models.  We all have different body types and different "fit challenges."  We may have a large chest, curvy hips, a petite frame, long legs, etc.  Those things don't make us imperfect; they make us NORMAL!  We don't need to be critical of our bodies, we just need to be WISER in our clothing selections.  Taking a photo of ourselves in a particular outfit can help us to view it more objectively. 

One reason for ill  fitting garments is because we are trying to wear styles or trends that are not suited to our body type.  We need to be wise and learn what looks good on us and how to adapt the trends.  For example, even though I am small (size 2-4) my "fit challenge" is finding pants and jeans that fit my small waist, curvy hips, and "bigger than normal" thighs.  I have learned that Misses sizes are more accommodating in those areas than Junior sizes.  I know that straight leg or slightly flared pants (not skinny) are more flattering on me.  And even though skinny jeans are the trend (and I have found a pair that fits me perfectly), I am smart enough to know that they are more flattering on me if  I wear them with a longer tunic or jacket.

Finding flattering clothing can be frustrating.  But we need to be patient and buy only what makes us look our best.  If we are smart about our clothing selections, no one will ever know we have a "fit challenge."

What's your "fit challenge?"        

Work Wardrobe

Is your work wardrobe boring?  It doesn't have to be.  This great work worthy outfit was created from two basic pieces:  a blouse and suit pants.  The black pinstriped straight leg pants were rolled to midcalf.  They were paired with a vintage silk oversized shawl collar blouse, a fabulous statement necklace, a gold link bracelet, and black patton clutch.  Multicolor flats complete the look.  (Flats are a great option for those who work on their feet all day!)

 

Being creative with your wardrobe in the workplace is a positive attribute that will get you noticed...as long as you keep a few of the following things in mind.

1.  Does your company have a dress policy?  If so, what is it?
2.  What type of business do you work in?  Is it corporate, communicative, or creative.  That makes a big difference in what is appropriate in your workplace.  Creative jobs allow for the greatest flexibility and corporate the least. 
3.  Where is your business located?  A small town or a big city...that also makes a difference.
4.  Note what the "stylish" female bosses are wearing, and take a clue from them.

And just because a store sell a garment in the "career" section, doesn't mean it is OK to wear it to work.  A few fashion no-no's for almost all jobs:  see through blouses, anything that looks like lingere, anything too tight, too short, or too low. 

Always remember that adding a third piece (jacket, vest, sweater) kicks the outfit up a notch.  So, start being creative with your work wardrobe and make getting dressed for work each day a great adventure.   Photos by Dominic Van Horn.

Ballet Inspired

This ballet inspired outfit is simple, yet elegant...perfect for many ocassions.
 

The gorgeous ivory handkerchief hem skirt with overlay and ruching detail is paired with a simple black scoop neck tee.   

The pewter corset belt is the perfect addition, drawing the two separates together to create the look of a flowing dress.

I have accessorized the outfit with a simple silver necklace and ring, cz studs, a black cloth belt worn as a tie, and black platform slingbacks.  Photos by Dominic Van Horn.