LEGGINGS AS PANTS
In the Four Corners region, where New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona meet, stand the magnificent abandoned towns of the Southwest's ancient Anasazi civilization. Leslie T. Chang explores what might have happened more than seven hundred years ago to the Pueblo society that flourished at America's own Machu Picchu.
As an actress, mom to best-dressed tot Suri, and Mrs. Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes wears many hats. The latest one she's trying on for size? Fashion designer. With her stylist Jeanne Yang, she recently launched Holmes & Yang, a line of luxe "utilitarian classics that can be dressed up or down," Yang says. "We wanted pieces that could become part of a woman's uniform," she adds, citing the shirtdress as a prime example. "Switch the shoes or jewelry and you totally change the look." Unlike some celebrity lines, this one couldn't be closer to home for Holmes. The design studio is in her house, and her and Yang's children often do arts and crafts projects in there with their moms. "We want to make things that get handed down from generation to generation, like a Chanel jacket," Yang says. "Hopefully, when our kids get older, we can give the pieces to them." Looks like Suri's fetish for fashion won't be abating anytime soon.
The Veronica Beards know a thing or two about defining one's personal style—after all, it's important to have a signature look when you happen to share a name with your sister-in-law and BFF. The New York City–based design pair recently launched their namesake line with a single menswear-inspired piece called The Jacket. Why start with a topper? "It's the first item of clothing that you see when a woman walks into a room," Veronica Miele Beard explains. "A really classic foundational piece lets you wear your outfit instead of it wearing you," Veronica Swanson Beard adds. Each of the Veronicas' tailored, two-button blazers comes with hidden zip-and-snap attachments so you can add supercute dickies for chic layering—without bulk. (Veronica S. cozies up skinny jeans and Repetto flats with a chunky fisherman's cable dickie, while Veronica M. teams a nautical-striped knit one with Isabel Marant dresses and Balenciaga platforms.) Now that the return of streamlined American sportswear is the look of New York's fall collections (and of those just trotted down the spring 2011 runways), it's time to suit up!
What began as a cherished childhood pastime—frequenting her grandmother's jewelry store in Pennsylvania and scouring flea markets for vintage heirlooms—quickly flourished into a triumphant business for Long Island, New York, native Lisa Salzer. The Dartmouth art-history grad crafted her first Lulu Frost collection from her college digs senior year. She now counts Oscar winner Meryl Streep and her daughters Mamie and Grace Gummer as repeat customers. But for Salzer, it's all about the backstory. Lulu Frost takes its name from her beloved late grandmother Elizabeth Frost combined with Salzer's own winsome nickname, Lulu. "I try to not be overly influenced by trends," she says. "I just go back to what speaks to me." We're all ears.
When it comes to summertime weddings, the dress code is festive and fun–look for lots of florals, polka-dots, stripes, and other fabulous patterns that you haven't had a chance to sport this season. It's the perfect excuse to buy a new dress in a bright, bold color. Just don't go too bare; a wedding is not the time to debut your latest ultra-mini mini skirt or body-con dress. A good rule of thumb? If your grandmother wouldn't approve, opt for something else.
Plain dresses are canvases for colorful accessorizing. Don't be afraid to throw on multiple necklaces, a colorful belt, and patterned heels. It's all about breaking up the color of the dress. Grab a bold bag, some major jewelry and get to work.
Summer officially kicks off the time to go all out in bright colors, flirty skirts and festive frocks. Although the dainty, skin-baring options are perfect for daytime, grab a lightweight jacket to keep you warm during brisk summer nights. Opt for a neutral jacket that will coordinate with everything in your closet, or go wild with a quirky print--mixing bright patterns makes a serious style statement.
For a job interview in the fashion industry, the key to wowing your future boss is keeping your silhouettes simple while adorning your outfit with eye-popping accessories that advertise your stylish personality. Tradition is never off-trend and staple items are a must—a tucked-in silk blouse or tailored blazer makes a great first impression. The best part of staying on the conservative side? Classic clothing lasts a lifetime and is great for mixing and matching, even after you are hired!
Although this utilitarian work shirt has been a mainstay in the closets of cowboys for years, the denim buttondown is now reinvented for modern trends, providing the perfect juxtaposition to this season's floral dresses and frilly skirts. The versatile jean shirt is a timeless staple for your wardrobe—and can probably be found in your dad's closet!
