Archive for December, 2007
I am an avid fan of Project Runway and Nina Garcia, ELLE Fashion Director. I was excited when I found out that some of my favorite fashion blogs managed to send in their interview questions and have her answer them! Nina shares some great advice. Here are some of my favorite Q&As:
Advice for Your Closet
What is one item should every woman own?
Without sounding cliche, I think the one item that every woman should own is a little black dress. A little black dress looks great on a variety of body types, is polished, slimming and versatile. It is a blank canvas that can take you from day to evening simply by changing out the accessories. Also, the little black dress is understated, provocative, simple, mysterious and endlessly chic.
Can you recommend guidelines for mixing and matching your wardrobe?When mixing and matching your wardrobe I tend to invest in classic pieces, like trench coat, handbag-Chanel 2.5, Hermes Birkin or Louis Vuitton Speedy, Little Black Dress and more decorative accessories. When it comes to trendier pieces, I go to places like Zara and H&M and also incorporate vintage finds like colorful dresses and bohemian-esque embellished belts. Shopping at different price points gives your wardrobe texture and personality. You do not need to be in head to toe designer to look great.
What are the rules for mixing prints? And colors? Can you mix different shades of white in an outfit — such as true-white pants with an ivory coat? Or do they all have to be the same shade of white? As I keep seeing folks mixing bright brown colors with black I have to ask, it is now acceptable to mix these colors?
The rules are there are no rules! Mixing prints can be an intimidating and potentially have disastrous results if not done in a subtle way. I recommend looking at the Dries Van Noten Spring ‘08 show where he paired various prints together with beautiful results. Mixing solid colors is less daunting and I think that mixing various shades of white is a very modern and chic silhouette. Brown and navy are classic colors that work well with black. Although I still find that women are hesitant to put the dark colors together, I think by combining navy or brown with black softens the look and makes it more modern.
Should your bag be in a seasonal color?
When it comes to handbags, I stay away from colors and opt for neutral tones that can go with any outfit, day or evening. Think black, camel, tobacco, even white leather bags. For evening is when I tend to be a little more experimental with my handbag. I always carry a clutch and love to have them in playful colors, exotic skin or embellished to add a little flair to your evening attire.
Advice on Trends
Your honest opinion about the skinny-jean trend.
I think that skinny jeans are a great style but do not necessarily work on everyone. Trends are a great way to be inspired but should never dictate one’s personal style. The key is to wear clothing that works for you and only you, once you abandon that philosophy then you end up in the category that no one wants to be: under fashion victim.
Advice on Packing for Travel
What pieces do you think are essential when traveling with very limited suitcase space for an extended period of time?
I think when traveling with limited space for an extended period of time you should keep to the basics-Trench coat or classic pea coat, button down shirt, cashmere cardigan, high heel and ballet flat, a pair of dark denim jeans and, of course, a little black dress. I would also include a couple of statement pieces-jewelry and other accessories-to personalize your look.
For more of Nina Garcia’s blog tour Q&A visit the sources below:
Also be sure to purchase her book, The Little Black Book of Style
