The Glamorous Eccentric

The Basics: Costume Jewellery

2012-02-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

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:

- Find pieces with character, something that makes a statement and could start a conversation. One of the best pair of clip-on earrings I’ve seen were bright yellow bananas.There’s little use for being conservative when buying costume jewellery.

- If you’re shopping at a vintage boutique, inquire seriously with the seller about the origin of the piece and check the clamps to insure it’s well made. If you’re shopping at a flea market, don’t be turned off if the silver isn’t pristine as it can always be cleaned.

- Large earrings look fabulous with short hair, but if you have long hair consider wearing it up so that you don’t distract from jewellery.

- Also try to keep the rest of your look simple and streamlined. Big costume jewellery with large shoulder pads, ruffled blouses or busy prints makes for a sartorial disaster.

- Edie Sedgwick lashes optional.

Good luck and happy shopping!

The Basics before The Basics: The Detox Juice

2012-01-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

Every other day I hear about a new juice detox that promises to help you shed 10 pounds in a week. As tempting as these sound, I urge you not to attempt surviving on cayenne pepper, maple syrup and lemon water for days at a time (trust me I've tried and after four days of sheer irritability, crankiness and fatigue I ordered an entire pizza and finished it myself).

The key to weight loss and great skin comes down to fundamental nutrition: packing as many fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet as possible. This approach helps to curb cravings and get your metabolism running at it's optimum pace.

It can be daunting trying to get your recommended dose of fruits and vegetables every single day but this recipe makes it easy.

Some notes before you make this at home:

- Wait for the green tea to cool before adding it to the blender, otherwise the hot water will cook the spinach.

- Cayenne pepper is a fantastic healing herb and it increases blood flow in the body. It gives the juice an extra kick, which I like, but feel free to omit the spice if it doesn’t suit your tastes.

- The juice is naturally sweet but you can add honey or agave nectar to give added sweetness.

This tea-based juice is delicious and you can finish each class knowing you’ve had 3 servings of fruit, 1 serving of vegtables and a cup of antioxidant rich green tea! I have this juice for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. This particular concoction also does wonders after a particularly rough night.

Enjoy!

Berlin City Guide

2012-01-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

Berlin is quickly becoming one of my favourite places. This past week was my second time visiting and once again, I was overwhelmed with the endless amount of creative energy and vibrancy throughout the city. Everyone seems to express themselves through some creative medium: whether it be music, art, or simply what they wear and how they cut their hair. The clubs go on all night and people dance straight through to the next morning, the shopping is unique and well-priced and the art scene ranges from contemporary and experimental to Baroque 17th century palaces. The architecture is far from beautiful, harsh even, but the amazing people make Berlin unforgettable.

Soho House Berlin

Charlottenburg Palace

Contemporary Art Museum-- Hamburger Banhof

Flamingo Club

If you haven't been, plan to go. If you're an expert, e-mail me some great places to put on my list for next time!

Video Art: Far Nearer

2012-01-25T17:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

I’d like to introduce you to part 1 of my Video Art series.

Music and dance make up a universal language that cuts across all generations and social boundaries.

I wanted to create a visual collage using found footage of dance, both spontaneous and choreographed in all of its forms: 70s disco, swing dance, animated movement, gazelles in nature, tribal dance and newer forms of krumping and jerking and put them in conversation with each other, hopefully creating something new and unique.

I hope you enjoy the video and thank you for watching.

Future Star: Abteen Bagheri

2012-01-25T13:58:00.000-08:00

(Photography by me. December 2011, Los Angeles)

Abteen is a filmmaker, and he's been at it for a decade. When he was in middle school, he would gather his friends, a camcorder and a loosely written script to tell stories using whatever resources he could find.

Often times the key to success is just to keep going. Now twenty-two, his technique and eye has developed but he still creates with the same enthusiasm.

He's determined to do things the right way and never cuts corners. I've watched him edit meticulously for hours, aiming for perfection each time. He's broken his ankle in pursuit of a great shot for a documentary in Chicago, shot 16 models in a single day for a fashion story, managed a 60 person crew for an on-campus music video, and chased down actors in green screen suits through a cactus garden.

But his effort isn't wasted; a three-day shoot in Harlem resulted in the brilliant hip-hop video Peso. He proved his talents yet again in his latest video for Milli Mars, which is equal parts dark and beautiful all while managing to provide a gripping narrative.

In May of 2011, with a 48 hour deadline, he brought together close friends, a script written on his iPhone, a camera, whatever set materials and costumes we could find and created Experiment 93473. Essentially, nothing about his process has changed since he was a kid: he still adapts to his environment and uses limited resources to create, except this time the product of his labour landed him in Cannes.

Keep creating with enthusiasm and determination and somehow, you will end up right where you're supposed to be.

The Basics: The Sweater

2012-01-23T18:22:00.000-08:00

It's winter time, it's cold, it's grey and it's hard to find enthusiasm in your wardrobe. The only cure-all seems to be a cozy knit sweater.

This dark red Celine sweater is easy to fall in love with: the texture, the colour and the extra long sleeves.

Adam Chunky Grey Knit

Alexander Wang Black and White Knit

Derek Lam Chunky Knit

The Basics: Swimwear

2012-01-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

A good cut-out swimsuit is hard to find. Most styles look tooVegas showgirl for my comfort, or have too many straps, belts, and other frivolous bands resulting in awkward tan lines.

Cut-outs around the abdomen are flattering because they give the illusion of a smaller waist. This Catherine Malindrino suit has the right amount of stretch because it's crotched and the self-tie halter top is easily adjusted.

How do you feel about cut-out swimsuits? Would you wear one, or opt for more conservative styles?

Here are some of my favourites available online:

Coral Cut-Out Suit Mara Hoffman

Balmain One Shoulder Cut Out

Asos Asymmetric Cut Out

Free People Cut Out Suit

The Basics: The Pump

2012-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

These are the only two shoes you need. One pair of super sexy, 5 inch black patent leather stilettos and one pair of wear-with-everything, nude, kitten heels.

Readers, I must warn you, the tall black shoes are to be worn with extreme caution. The Louboutin Pigalle pumps are best for events that don’t call for much movement: think seated dinner party instead of dancing all night. This is the ‘my driver’s waiting just outside’ fantasy shoe.

The nude pumps however, are incredibly comfortable and allow you to move with grace for hours, even through a full work day. Ideal for lunch dates or an evening at the theatre. Because they’re neutral, you can wear this shoe with every colour, pattern and print imaginable. I have yet to find one thing in my closet that doesn’t compliment this pair of pumps.

These two styles of shoe are a good investment. Beware of less expensive options, they're unlikely to last 5+ years. Hit up eBay for great discounts or large department store sales.

Pigalle Patent Leather Pump

Nude Piou Piou Louboutin Kitten Heel

Stella Mccartney Nude Sling Back Kitten Heel

The Basics, Before The Basics: Vitamins

2012-01-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

True life: I’m addicted to vitamins. I’ve been taking these supplements religiously for a little over a year now and there’s no turning back.

Some are for health, most are for vanity but they’re all essential.

1.Women’s ‘Ultra Mega Active’ Multivitamin

This multivitamin has all of the necessaries: Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron etc. but it also has an added metabolism boost from green tea leaf extracts and B-12 for energy. When I don’t take this multivitamin, I truly feel a difference.

2. Spirulina

I’ve just recently incorporated spirulina into my daily regimen; It’s a green little pill filled with blue-green microalgae. It’s nutrient dense and a natural source of protein and amino acids. Like 5 kale salads in one pill.

3. Cold-pressed Flax Seed Oil

Flax seed oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, a good fat that our bodies need to work at their best. I’ve also found ground flax seeds which are great to sprinkle over oatmeal or throw in a smoothie. Flax seed is an anti-inflammatory so it prevents bloating and water retention.

4. Biotin

The beauty supplement that needs no introduction. Biotin is the ultimate for hair, skin and nails.

5. Echinacea

This herb ensures your immune system is 100% and I hate being sick so as a preventative measure, I take Echinacea daily.

I usually buy my vitamins at Whole Foods or GNC but every time I'm in Paris, I raid their pharmacies for herbal supplements.

Also essential a weekly pill container!

Have I sold you yet? Are you ready to ride the vitamin train? Or are you already like me, addicted? What do you take? How often? And what can I add to my already insane daily regimen? Please share, don't hold back!

The Basics: The Coat

2012-01-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

Every weekend, I see too many girls walking to their next event, party, bar, restaurant, date, dance etc. absolutely freezing. While they may look great in their minidresses, you know they must be cold. Well there's a solution to this epidemic: an evening coat. The coat doesn't have to be incredibly formal but it should be dressier than a North Face fleece. The coat can also be worn for work or for errands during the day.

This Marni coat is great because it's a neutral; the material is almost burlap and it can be worn over everything. The round collar and hidden buttons make it feel like the 50s but the overall design is fairly classic.

Read more to see what you should look for in a coat and put an end to freezing on street corners!

1. Think about buying one size up, this will ensure you can layer the coat over what you're already wearing.

2. Make sure the colour is neutral enough to be worn with everything. Camel, grey or black are safe choices. Beware of trends on an item like this. You're smart to avoid studs, complicated belts and embellished shoulders.

3. Make sure the coat hits your leg at the right place. I prefer slightly above the knee.

Don't forget to bring money for coat check!

The Basics: The Striped Tee

2012-01-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

No one runs into Bergdorf Goodman and makes a beeline to the knitwear. No one puts a “basic black knit tee-shirt” on their ultimate wardrobe wish list. No one oohs and ahhs over knits because they’re simple, but this is precisely why we need them.

A high quality knit tee will be worn over and over again. They’re perfect on their own or under blazers. I especially love layering a cashmere tee over a white collared shirt.

This Michael Kors cashmere striped tee is beloved for three reasons: it’s incredibly soft, the cut is slim and close to the body and last but not least, it’s striped which makes me feel French or like Debbie Harry .

Read more to see my list of the best striped knit tees.

L'Agence Paddle Striped Tee

Yigal Azrouel Striped Knit Tee

The Row Striped Knit Tee

If you can, go to your local department store and ask which designer knitwear is on sale there is sure to be a plethora of options.

The Basics: The Maxi Skirt

2012-01-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Not just any maxi skirt, but the maxi skirt with movement. Every woman should have a long skirt that sways as she moves. It adds length no matter what your height, and encourages flamenco dancing.

This skirt, by Jean Paul Gaultier, is multi-tiered which provides that perfect swish and sway. Great for holiday, but also versatile; I like to pair long skirts with a cashmere turtleneck and boots for winter.

Try to find a maxi skirt in a bold colour or print, long navy or black skirts can be a little too somber. Below, I've provided links to some great skirts available online but your best bet is a vintage or thrift store. Look for long accordion pleated, chiffon or tiered skirts that move when you move.

Watermelon Pink Halston Pleated Maxi Skirt

Bluemarine Printed Maxi Skirt

Missoni Crotchet Knit Maxi Skirt

The Basics: Swimwear

2012-01-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

I love swimwear more than I love swimming, but I also understand swimsuit shopping is amongst the most dreaded tasks for women. Let’s try to take the pain out of the equation.

Invest in a classic one-piece swimsuit, that will never go out of style. The retro suit is instant glamour: within seconds of putting one on, you’re reaching for your red lipstick and largest shades. This one by Zimmerman comes with a halter strap, less than a frivolity, because you want your swimwear to stay firmly in place. When going for a simple suit, look for detail: the cut-outs in this piece save it from being boring. Also, make sure the bottom of the suit provides enough coverage. You should be able to run, swim and jump without any adjustments; even if realistically you won’t be doing anything more than sipping on a cool drink while skimming Vogue.

Make sure that you have proper sun protection. A large sun hat will save your skin from harsh UV rays.

Read more for the final checklist and classic swimwear options.

Before anything else, does the suit provide full coverage on the bottom and proper support on top for you to move with ease?
Is the design simple enough to be timeless? Will you want to wear this suit season after season?
Are your best assets enhanced? For an objective assessment of which suit looks best, I like to ask whoever I'm with or the salesperson to snap a camera phone picture of me in each suit. Looking back at the pictures, it should be clear which one is the perfect fit.

Here are some great classic suits in a range of figure flattering shapes. Some options have underwire for extra support if needed.

J. Crew Halter Suit

Karla Colletto Rope Detail Suit

Norma Kamali Ruched Halter Suit

Zimmerman Underwire One Piece

J. Crew Polka Dot Suit

Miu Miu Bow-Embellished Suit

The Glamorous Eccentric

2012-01-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new visitors and welcome back for those familiar! Here's what you can expect on The Glamorous Eccentric in 2012.

I. The building blocks of any successful wardrobe are the basics: the essentials that anchor successful looks for all occasions. An over emphasis on trends and pressure to look "of the moment" have caused too many to lose sight of the necessity of simple, well tailored garments. I will discuss everything from how to find the perfect evening trouser to how to assess your figure to find the most flattering silhouettes for your shape.

II. Before we get to the clothes, we have to work on our canvas. In the basics, before the basics, I will focus on beauty and grooming. Everyone is unified by a universal desire to be physically fit, with a clear complexion and healthy hair. Taking a holistic approach, I'll share effective face mask recipes, salads for glowing skin, simple toning exercises, reviews of beauty supplements and natural hair care.

III. Future Stars: my portraits of young people who are at the beginning of their creative journey. These are the faces that will undoubtedly have an impact on the pop culture landscape and beyond. A tribute to the thinkers, writers, film makers, singers, actors and designers, I admire most.

IV. Combining my passion for music and film, I'll share a monthly piece of video art.

I look forward to sharing, learning and creating with you all. Happy 2012.

All the best,

Brooke