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!

The Basics: According to Edith

In 1967, Random House, New York, published Edith Head’s “How to Dress For Success”, a book so packed with fashion wisdom  that it remains in print today. 

After reading and re-reading this book many times, Edith Head has become my fashion God Fairy, the voice in my head guiding me towards eternal style and wardrobe success. Because she dressed all of the iconic Hollywood stars of her generation, she became a master at selecting clothes to make an impression. 

Chapter 4, “How to Build a Successful Wardrobe”, should be photocopied and handed out on street corners as a service to women everywhere.

I’ll share a few gems with you below:

“ At the same time that most women claim they have ‘nothing to wear’, they repeatedly grouse and groan about closet space. They have dozens of things hanging around that they never wear, either because they don’t fit, are unbecoming or are inappropriate for the things they do and the places they go.”

“As women, we all have certain weaknesses and are inclined to go for certain types of clothes whether we need them or not. I know a woman who can’t resist pretty shoes, and her closet is full of them, but she has nothing to wear them with. One friend of mine, who has little need for dressy cocktail and evening clothes, is forever buying new ones. The result of this unfortunate indulgence is her startling appearance at the most casual gatherings all done up like a circus horse.”

...does any of this sound like you?

“Building a proper wardrobe is somewhat like building a home. Think of it like a home -- because your wardrobe is something you’re going to live in. It must not only be comfortable, but adequate for all of your needs.”

“Many faux-pas of fashion can be avoided if you curb your instinctive desire to buy things with your heart instead of your head. If you hunger for certain types of clothes, for which you have little use, put yourself on a diet.”

So first and foremost, assess your life and daily activities and then decide what you absolutely need. Avoid impulse buying, the pieces you want ‘just because’, and with all of the money you’ve saved you’ll be able to buy the worthwhile foundations of a successful wardrobe. 

The Basics: Costume Jewellery

Costume jewellery is the easiest way to add drama to a simple look. The clip-on earrings pictured here have been handed down to me from my Grandmother and Mother, but you can hunt for them at estate sales, vintage stores and flea markets and easily find unique pieces with big personality. 

Some of these earrings feel very disco, like the dangling  pair with red balls and gold chains while others remind me of Dynasty and Old Society. But not all costume jewellery has to be over the top: the wooden pair are bohemian and understated. 

Read more for helpful tips on how to find the best costume jewellery and how to style it: