FIRST DATE FASHION

Thankfully as a married woman I no longer have to gussy myself up for first dates but as a stylist and fashion aide to my single friends I am often curating different looks for their Tinder profile pics and more importantly their first dates! Here are some of my key points when dressing for dating;

-'Less is more' When it comes to showing skin, you want to play it cool and keep things a little mysterious and leave your date intrigued. I always suggest a loose silk shirt, unbuttoned accidentally a 'little too low' OR worn semi sheer as seen above on Miranda Kerr. It is essential that you wear a beautiful and color appropriate brassiere to give your potential Amour a hint on whats to come in the future! Equipment blouses are my personal favorite and Stella McCartney lingerie is truly exquisite.

-'Proportion is a priority'. If you are going for the looser fit blouse you have to balance your proportions and go for a form fitting skinny black pant or dark denim jean. Keep the pants rise hip hugging and for an added dash of 'I didn't try too hard' indulge in the 'half tuck'. Avoid the fashion forward high rise pant, it's tricky to pull off and  men just simply don't get it!

-'Forgo the flat'. Ladies this is not the time for you new Repetto loafer or Loeffler Randall flat boot, if you are going for the silk blouse/skinny jean combo then it is imperative that you sport a heel. Vertiginous Louboutin platforms do not get my vote, I suggest you go for a simple strappy sandal or a chic suede pump, (which can be found here).

-'Approach finishing touches with caution'.  A first date is not a testing ground for cutting edge make up trends and over sized statement jewelry, instead think 'no make up make up' (Nars 'Orgasm' blush never fails), delicate stacked rings and a small pendant necklace (my favorite subtle jewelry of all time is by Williamsburg based Catbird.).

With these tips I think you will be all set but if anyone needs additional guidance feel free to ask me any dating fashion ?'s in the ''Get Clareified' section on this site. Bon chance!

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SPORTING STYLE

For fall there is nothing better than mixing a little 'sportif' into your look. Take note from the Parisian brand A.P.C. who can always be relied upon for some tomboy style. I particularly love this outfit from their Fall look book; the collegiate baseball jacket pared with the full skirt and simple heel is so wearable and shows you the perfect way to mix some sporting style into your look but still retain your femininity! In fact I loved this look so much I couldn't resist and acquired this jacket myself, if you too can't live without this jacket it can be found here but hurry it is selling out FAST!

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THE MUST HAVE: TURTLENECK

After years of belonging in the fashion wilderness, the turtleneck is officially back in style. There are countless benefits to sporting the turtle! As a stylist I have worked with several older actresses who always gravitate to them for their ability to conceal and distract from a not so smooth jawline. Not only do they cover up a loose neck but they elongate it too! The comfort factor can also not be denied, there is nothing better on a cool fall evening than throwing on a gorgeous chunky knit turtleneck and reveling in its blanket like soothing! Also don't just trust on your turtle for casual eves, combine with a sleek leather or silk pencil, add a high pump and a great bag and you will reach the heights of fall fashion!

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MUST HAVE: PIAMITA

There is nothing I love more than lounge wear, to combine comfort and fashion is simply heavenly and one can achieve that with the NY based line Piamita. Launched in 2011 by a W magazine editor, Piamita's collection of versatile silk separates can be worn just as easily at an evening soiree with heels as they can at relaxing at home. Inspired by classic society icons Nan Kemper and Talitha Getty, Piamita's looser cuts and original prints make this line your go to for laissez faire fashion moments. Take a look here x

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MUST HAVE: STAN SMITH

Nike Air Max's watch out because there is a new (old) sneaker in town; the classic Adidas Stan Smith. Originally created in 1973 for tennis star Stan Smith, the Stan Smith shoe is a legend of the sneaker world, its simple clean lines, flash of color on the heel and ultimate comfort is making it the new go to sneaker for the fashion pack. Celine designer Phoebe Philo (see above) and longtime Adidas fan Marc Jacobs are spearheading their return, and with them leading the way the poor Air Max will have to take a back seat :)

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STYLE ICON: GIA COPPOLA

When your mother is famed stylist and socialite Jacqui Getty and your aunt is Marc Jacobs' number one muse Sofia Coppola, its no surprise that Gia Coppola has evolved into a noted style icon. Her LA roots mixed with her well traveled upbringing have had huge influence on her style; an interesting combo of SoCal's relaxed aesthetic and Europe's expensive simplicity. Think cotton button downs and paper thin tee's paired with Parisian chic simple black leather mini skirts and sharply tailored pants. Her look is classic yet fashion forward and always a surprise, I for one will be keeping a close fashion eye on Ms Coppola, I suggest you do the same.

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THE BOMBER JACKET

So having grown tired of the varsity jacket and blazer I looked for a new lightweight layer that I can throw over my striped shirts and white tee's. As luck would have it I happened upon the silk bomber jacket. Versatile and oh so easy to wear, the bomber can look just as chic with a pencil skirt and heel as it can with a white jean and Superga plimsoll. Wear oversized for a louche relaxed look. I am currently coveting this Equipment bomber, it can be found here www.saksfifthave.com.

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PROUD TO BE A TOMBOY

If you read this blog its safe to say that you know I am a true tomboy when it comes to my personal style. Since that fateful day when I turned seven years old and my mother handed over the responsibility of dressing myself, my closet has predominantly comprised of striped tee's, button downs and crew neck sweaters. So imagine my joy when I discovered the truly inspiring fashion book 'Tomboy Style'  by Lizzie Garret Mettler at the Clare Vivier store in Silver Lake. I devoured the pages filled with both photographic and written tributes to various tomboy style tribes be it 'The Adventurer' tomboy or 'The Girl Next Door'. All of my style favorites made it into the book; Diane Keaton, Lauren Hutton and Ali MacGraw to name but a few. What I truly loved about this book was not only is it an homage of some of the most fabulous style icons throughout history but it is also a celebration of women's spirit and aesthetic identity in society over the years. How much I admire those brazen young women who strutted into Brooks Brothers in the 1940's to buy their blue button down men's oxford shirts. I take my tomboy hat off to them for their rejection of  girdles and high waist skirts and their embracing of the far more practical loafer and pant; all trademarks of tomboy style. Not only did it give these women aesthetic experimentation but enabled them to live freer and with increased practicality. If anyone tells you that fashion trends don't have substance and depth send them this book, this proud tomboy says its a must read.

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STYLE ICON: CAROLYN BESSETTE KENNEDY

Before the current queens of minimalism and classic American style Sofia Coppola and Gwyneth Paltrow reigned there was a member of 'American's Royal Family' Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, that held the throne. When she began to date JFK Jr her white blond mane contrasted with a scarlet red lip and lithe figure gave her such a striking presence that the fashion world sat up and took notice. A fan of simple and classic dressing, Carolyn's love of slim cut ankle grazing pants and white buttons down's paid homage to Audrey Hepburn with but with her own contemporary New York twist. A lover of Calvin Klein and Narciso Rodriguez, on the streets of Manhattan you would likely find her wearing a camel cashmere winter coat over a black roll neck, dark cropped jeans and a black leather loafer. At night she would be seen in either head to toe white or black, no prints or colors in sight. Carolyn was not a fan of accessorizing, her only adornments were her wedding ring and a classic Cartier watch but with that hair, figure and scarlet red lip who needs jewelry? I find Carolyn's pictures to be a never ending source of style inspiration and a reminder to not be a slave to trends, her style looks just as current now as it did back in the 1990's. It goes to show that it is worth investing in classic well made pieces that stand the test of time. To see more photos of CBK take a look here.

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MUST HAVE: GEOMETRY BAGS

I am always on the hunt for a well made, versatile and simple leather bag that doesn't break the bank and I'm thrilled to say the search is over! A fashion industry friend recently introduced me to the new LA based, California made bag line Geometry. I was immediately drawn to the bags clean lines, impeccable quality and simplicity. In highly practical colors tan, white, navy and black, Geometry bags combine classic style with modern elements; think a ladylike handle purse in the contemporary combination of tan and white (see photo above) or a super practical solid black or tan cross body bag. These are the kind of bags you keep forever that only get better with age, and at accessible price points (the bags range from $190-$585) there is something for everyone. Start your collection of Geometry bags here:

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EMERGING STYLE ICON: GEORGIA JAGGER

Its no surprise that the offspring of the original glamazon Jerry Hall and rock god Mick Jagger is strikingly beautiful; and in the modelling scene Georgia Jagger is currently giving the Cara's and Kate's a run for their money! Her Brigitte Bardot-esque features and laissez faire attitude are currently advertising brands such Rimmel and Hudson to name but a few. There is no doubt in my mind that Georgia will be around for a long time to come!

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SINK OR SWIM?

Living in Los Angeles, its always the dreaded swimsuit season! I have to admit I'm a one piece kind of girl, and I am quite the anomaly here in the sunshine state. Having recently vacayed in Hawaii (where I gladly sported my blue and white striped onesie!) I admired many uber cool surfer girls in their rash guards, striding confidently along the beach. As I slathered on even more factor 50 onto my burning shoulders, I felt truly envious of the surfer girls in their hip, sun safe and colorful surf wear! So imagine by overwhelming joy when I was doing my daily browsing of the JCrew site when I happened upon an entire collection of rash guards! I was confronted with polka dots, Liberty floral's and stripes galore! Stylish, practical and no more burnt shoulders; could it get any better than that? :)  Get your hands on these pronto: www.jcrew.com

LOVE IT OR LOATHE IT?: The Jumpsuit

Stella McCartney has always been a cool girl, London style. Famously down to earth and the creator of such wearable clothes I have always aspired to own vast amounts of her collections. I always look to her own clothing choices, she has a real woman's body; an ample bust and she isn't supermodel tall. I have recently noticed her fondness for jumpsuits, a clothing item which has frankly always intrigued me, as a lover of dresses for their 'throw on and go' quality, jumpsuits have that same appeal. However there is a fear I will look more 'mechanic chic' than 'tomboy chic'!. I am yet to leap onto the jumpsuit bandwagon, and yet to decide if I love it or loathe it! I'll keep you posted xo

KITTY FEVER

The Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flat is THE must have flat for spring. Its kitschy kitty motif, silken satin and delicately feminine profile is adorning the feet of all of my favorites fashion plates- Alexa and Kate to name but a few. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and versions of these flats are popping up all over the high street but for the real deal head here http://www.charlotteolympia.com/kitty-flats-black.html xo

STYLE ICON: GRACE CODDINGTON

I have just completed Grace Coddington's autobiography titled 'Grace' and wow what a wonderfully satisfying read. Her life and work in fashion is so beautifully documented in the book and I couldn't recommend it more. For lovers of fashion and those who want an inside look into the world of Vogue magazine and its photographers/editors, an understanding of Anna Wintour's icy demeanor and of course an insight into Grace's personal life and creative process (which are fascinatingly tightly interwoven)  you must read this book ASAP!

MODEL OF THE MOMENT: SUKI WATERHOUSE

I know everyone is talking about Cara Delevigne right now as THE model of the moment (aka MOTM for those in the know) but I think that fellow Brit Suki Waterhouse is a face to watch. She has all of the requirements needed to reach It Girl/MOTM status; a movie star boyfriend, a London cool girl sensibility (she is seen at all of the right places in the capital) and her very own aesthetic of Mod 1960's meets Godard heroine. Bangs, winged eyeliner, a mini beehive and lots of knee high socks is grabbing all of the right kinds of attention in the British fashion community, its only a matter of time before the US sits up and takes notice! Watch this space....

MUST HAVE: KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses really are a lifesaver, on a day when you just need to run out of the door and don't have time to beautify, you can avoid scaring people with your eye bags by throwing on a pair of glamorous sunnies. In my book bigger is better; not only for their level of coverage but also to achieve the Jackie O meets Audrey look. My choice for loud and proud sunglasses are by the uber cool designer Karen Walker. Opt for a tortoiseshell pair for the ultimate sunglasses. To be found here http://www.karenwalker.com/

MUST HAVE: THE PEA COAT

It is currently sub zero temperatures in New York and even in my adopted city LA, there is a distinct chill in the air (we even had a hint of frost the other eve! don't hate me too much east coasters). Now more than ever there is a desperate need for a good, warm coat, and year after year I turn to my ever reliable classically chic friend, The Peacoat. Acquire a good quality wool peacoat in a neutral shade (think gray, navy, camel or black) and you will have a coat that will take you from day to night. It works fabulously well over a casual day look such as a cashmere sweater, black skinny jeans and chelsea boots and will be just as chic over a slick pantsuit and pumps at night. Make like one of my favorite style icons Kirsten Dunst and grab this peacoat by Club Monaco here www.shopbop.com.

FASHION CLASSICS: THE PANT SUIT

In regards to style, it simply doesn't get cooler than a woman in a pant suit. Now I am not referring to an everyday Banana Republic navy work suit, I am talking about Lauren Hutton in her cream suit, Diane Keaton in her slick yet oversize tailoring and of course the divine Bianca Jagger in her famed white suit (see above, swoon). To sport this tomboy chic look make sure to keep your suit tailored (if buying from a high street store take it to your local tailor to get the fit as sharp as possible) and sport with a heel, kitten or higher. I particularly love Zara's tailoring which is ridiculously affordable, or if you are wanting to splash out a little take a look at what Theory has to offer here: www.shopbop.com

STORE SPOTLIGHT: CLARE VIVIER

As a proud Eastsider in my adopted hometown of Los Angeles, I couldn't have been more delighted with the opening of the Silver Lake flagship store of the fantastic bag designer Clare Vivier. Clutches, totes and cross body bags at affordable prices and in rainbow colors galore decorate and illuminate the simple space. My particular favorites are her monogrammed clutches, I am a sucker for anything monogrammed! Check out her collection here http://www.clarevivier.com/