The Basics: The Denim Shirt

Now that summer is around the corner, I can't stop thinking about denim. Denim dresses, denim overalls, denim shorts, black denim, white denim, faded denim, bleached denim etc, etc. 

A denim shirt is a classic American wardrobe staple and it works its way easily into any look. It can be paired with floral prints, leather, bright colour, suede and for a bold statement you can work denim on denim.

My personal favourite way to wear a denim shirt is paired with skinny white jeans and simple pumps. 

Here are the best denim shirts available now:

Diesel Sasly Shirt

Madewell Denim Top

J.Crew Dark Denim Shirt

Healthy Cinco De Mayo Meal

Today is Cinco De Mayo and while I do enjoy Mexican food, I usually find it to be too heavy. With high calorie margaritas figuring heavily into the day's festivities, I think it's best to balance with a super-healthy, vegan dish like this. On the side, a creamy avocado and cilantro dressing and spinach salad. For dessert, a refreshing mint, berry salad.

The vegan enchiladas are simple to make and so delicious no one will be disappointed (vegan or not), this is one of my all time favourite recipes.

The enchiladas are filled with sweet potatoes (cubed and boiled separately) and chopped spinach, peppers, beans, marinera sauce and onions.

Find the full recipe on Oh She Glows 

                                     

Enjoy!

Video Art: Natural Hair

I love having natural hair and the versatility it provides. This video is an homage to those various styles: from locs to afros, braids, blow-outs and twists. Enjoy and share!

See more at http://transitioningmovement.com/

The Basics: The Party Dress and The Pump

I was invited to a wedding reception at the Four Seasons, very last minute, Saturday night in London. I wore a sculptural Jil Sander dress, from Raf Simons collection which I love, and my simple Louboutin pumps. I accessorised with a silver cuff and black clutch from Nina Gonzalez. This look combines two lessons on The Basics in one. 

Refer back to this post to read about the importance of having a dress before the event. 

And this post on the shoes that go with everything. 

How do you all manage to get ready without thinking? Also, what's the shortest notice you've been able to get ready for a major event? Please share in the comments!

The Basics: Coachella Edition

The Basics: Denim Brights

One of the easiest ways to add spring cheer to your look is with brightly coloured denim. I love the entire Christopher Kane for J Brand collaboration. Great denim jackets and jeans in neon green, shocking pink and tangerine. 

Keep the rest of your look simple to avoid looking too fashion victim-- it's never good to wear multiple trends at once.

These photos are from SXSW in Austin so I add to pay tribute to Texas with the cowboy boots.

The Basics: The Rain Hat

I've just come back from SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, TX. First time at the festival and first time in Austin. Austin is a great city and it's also very weird. I saw great acts: Frankie Rose, Theophilus London and I even got to see Jay-Z! I also ate from lots and lots of food trucks, maybe one meal too many but it was all great fun.

The first few days of the festival were plagued with rain. Usually, torrential downpours  hinder major fashion statements but this doesn't have to be the case. Which brings me to my next must-have basic: a chic rain hat. 

This taupe Prada rain hat is both practical, light-weight, waterproof and easy to fold up, and stylish, in a neutral colour with a flattering brim. 

Also, check out the beautiful Shala Monroque in her crystal embellished Prada rain hat. 

Do you have an umbrella alternative? What do you wear for rainy days? 

The Basics: The Dress With Sleeves

Last month, I wrote about assessing your wardrobe and differentiating between needs and wants. Part of this assessment involves finding the gaps in your wardrobe: where are you lacking? What's missing from your ideal closet?

Last year, I realised I had very few really good pants; pants that fell correctly on the waist, were hemmed to the ideal length and could go from day to night. Now, I'm happy to say I have three pair of trousers I absolutely love.

Fast forward to this season, all of the Fall 2012 collections have been debuted in their various cities and I'm looking to buy on a strictly as-needed basis (even though there are some very tempting trends)!

So what am I lacking most? Dresses with long sleeves. It sounds bizarre, 'dresses with sleeves' aren't a perennial wardrobe staple but allow me to explain....

Most of us can relate to this dilemma:

We have found the perfect dress, shoe, bag and overcoat. We arrive, store our coat and then suddenly find ourselves  in this awkward middle ground: between our sleeveless party dress and our coat (now in coat check) we're bound to be a little chilly. Pashminas once warmed our cold shoulders, but since 2000 we've stored them away. A simple cropped cardigan can work but too often than not, the sweater covers the beauty of the dress. Many run to the smoking jacket or boyfriend blazer, but it's still not the same as showing off the dress. Time to cut out the middle-man and get straight to the point: the dress with sleeves! No need for sweaters, wraps, blazers or cropped knits because the function is already built in.

Here are the long sleeved dresses I've got my eye on for F/W 2012.

Video Art: Running

My latest video. Part II of my Video Art series. Enjoy!

Because I always feel like running
Not away, because there is no such place
Because, if there was I would have found it by now
Because it's easier to run,
Easier than staying and finding out you're the only one...who didn't run
Because running will be the way your life and mine will be described
As in "the long run"
Or as in having given someone a "run for his money"
Or as in "running out of time"
Because running makes me look like everyone else, though I hope there will ever be cause for that
Because I will be running in the other direction, not running for cover
Because if I knew where cover was, I would stay there and never have to run for it
Not running for my life, because I have to be running for something of more value to be running and not in fear
Because the thing I fear cannot be escaped, eluded, avoided, hidden from, protected from, gotten away from,
Not without showing the fear as I see it now
Because closer, clearer, no sir, nearer
Because of you and because of that nice
That you quietly, quickly be causing
And because you're going to see me run soon and because you're going to know why I'm running then
You'll know then
Because I'm not going to tell you now.

The Basics: The Party Dress

Dress: Giambattista Valli 

My Mom taught me that you always get the dress, before you know you need it. You buy in advance so that you're not running around a week before an event searching and inevitably settling on something you don't necessarily love. 

I found this dress in January at Saks in Los Angeles. Did I have anywhere to wear it to? No. But the colour was perfect, the shape was fun and I knew it was only a matter of time before I could debut this piece. Fast forward a month later and I've been invited to the Brit Awards, the UK equivalent of the Grammy's. 

Since it was a music industry event, I knew my fun two tone dress would be perfect. Before leaving I checked the iternerary for the night; at 3PM we took the Warner Music label boat to the O2 arena, where dinner was served, the show started at 7 finished by 10pm, and we returned on the boat only to be brought to the after party. That's a long night, roughly 8 hours, and if you remember from this post-- nothing beats comfort. With comfort in mind, I opted for these shoes and felt wonderfully at ease the entire night. 

Highlights: Seeing Adele, listening to Adele sing, meeting Ed Sheeran, Boy George sighting, Rihanna's performance, boat ride with Bruno Mars and being in the same room as....Adele. 

Have any of you bought a dress before you needed it? Only to find the perfect place to wear it months later. Please share! 

The Basics: The Little Red Dress

Dress: Donna Karan 

A vivid red will always get a second look, which makes the 'little red dress' essential for festive occasions, holiday parties and special dates. 

According to Edith, "Color in your wardrobe is more than something to please the eye and more than just a matter of personal preference. It is a kind of magic that can transform you from what you are to what you would like to be."

But there are a spectrum of reds, and much like choosing the right lipstick, you have to find the tone that will compliment you best. 

Between all of the possibilities: crimson, scarlet, coral, flame red, ruby red, raspberry etc., there is a flattering option for every, unique skin tone. 

Read More To See: Tips For Finding Your Perfect Red Dress

Future Star: Lena Gora

 

 Photography by me. November 2011, London. 

Three years ago we met in Paris, last summer I cast her for a movie in NY, and I photographed her this fall in London. Now, Lena has arrived in California and set her sights on a Hollywood takeover. 

She's undeniably talented and willing to go above and beyond to deliver a memorable performance. Moreover, she has true star quality. Lena is full of paradoxes--the fluctuation between her tough, 'bad girl' exterior and her genuine innocence and vulnerability makes her unforgettable. 

She's determined to be a star and believe me when I say: everything Lena wants, Lena gets.

Lena Gora Show Reel

Lena Gora Facebook

The Basics: Sunglasses

The only four styles of shades you will ever need: Round, Square, Aviator and something quirky and stand-out, in this case Cat-Eye.

Dolce &Gabbanna

Square-framed sunglasses are classic and compliment long faces.

Tom Ford

Small round-shaped sunglasses are best in neutral materials like tortoise shell. They're also ideal for people with smaller features because they aren't overpowering

Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban aviators accomplish the classic American sports look. These are the only pair of sunglasses I will purchase time and time again.

Alexander Wang

Everyone should have one pair of fun sunglasses: heart shaped, neon, mirrored lenses, snakeskin etc. This pair from Alexander Wang takes the 1950s Housewife 'Cat Eye' shades to the next level.

Read more to shop my favourites.

The Basics: Evening Wear

When an event calls for black tie, one’s mind quickly goes to hours of discomfort inflicted by high heels, tight undergarments, frills and trains. 

A few years ago I attended BET Honors, an event I will remember for the rest of my life. No, I don’t remember who preformed, who spoke or even who was honoured, what I do remember is hours of unbearable discomfort. I wore a beautiful dress that was composed of a short sheath, which fit close to the body, with an intricate lace overlay.  The reality however, was that the two parts of the dress crept up with every single move I made. I was paralyzed for the entire night.

Learn from my mistakes.

Today, I’m more interested in a modern approach to evening wear. This dress from The Row, accomplishes high style and maximum comfort. I don’t believe in elegance without comfort, you simply can’t have one without the other. I first wore this gown to the President’s Inaugural Ball in 2008, but it’s also been worn with a leather jacket and boots out to dinner.  It’s simple in the front with a flair of drama in the back and the drop waist makes it feel vintage. The crushed velvet means it’s easily transported and there’s no steaming necessary. The dress hits a 10/10 for wearability, style and timelessness.

The next time you’re invited to an event that calls for black tie, move towards comfort. You will enjoy sashaying across the room and traipsing across the dance floor, completely uninhibited and free.

Ease and simplicity for all!