Watch: Chanel’s Marilyn and No. 5 and hear Marilyn Monroe declare her love for the legendary perfume. We have to say, her ads were a lot better than Brad Pitt’s (not that we don’t still love him).

Check Out: The trailer for City of Bones. With Twilight coming to a close (tear), this might just be our new guilty pleasure.

Say: Good-bye to Kate Lanphear at ELLE. Lanphear leaves after six years as the style director. As for where she’s going… let the guessing games begin!

Rent: Your nail polish. Yes, we’re serious.

Tell us what you’re buzzing about this week or tweet us at @ruelala

Check Out: A sneak peek at our girl crush Vicky Beckham’s stunning photos with Karl Lagerfeld for French ELLE. And yes, that is the late, great Coco Chanel’s home.

Know: Sally Singer is gainfully employed once again, returning to her old stomping grounds, Vogue, as the creative director of digital.

Look: Away if you have a weak stomach – this post isn’t for you. InStyle reports that Martha Stewart paints her Louboutin soles black. We repeat: BLACK. Martha, you may be the queen of crafts, but this is just unacceptable.

Watch: An adorable Mila Kunis in this 1993 Lisa Frank commercial. The former Dior spokesmodel sure has come a long way (although we do love that hat).

Tell us what you’re buzzing about this week or tweet us at @ruelala

A Stylish Necessity
For those of us not fortunate enough to live in a climate that’s 75 degrees year-round, versatile outerwear is more than necessary – it’s a means of survival. Even in the dead of summer, one can be caught in a flash downpour at any time of day, and as a conscious dresser, I could never bring myself to rock a plastic poncho from the nearest Duane Reade. What other choice do I have but to indulge in a variety of lightweight trench coats in shades from stone to camel to midnight navy? I actually don’t even look at it as an indulgence since the trench coat is truly seasonless and has proven to be one of the most timeless options for outerwear.

Iconic Inspiration
When shopping for a new style, I tend to think of how I’ll wear the particular trench. There’s the cinched waist, fitted double-breasted style worn bare-legged (á la Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s), the stiff silhouette with popped-collar capabilities to wear like Jackie O., or the long, lean, and loose style to wear open with jeans and biker boots in the effortless style of Kate Moss.

Chic Renewal
I also like to give an old trench new life season after season. Thinking of the outerwear as a blank canvas, I would add a strip of lace to the back or sleeves of an olive trench to get the look of Jason Wu’s pre-fall collection, or punch some hardcore spikes on the lapel of a classic trench to channel Burberry’s modern styles. My advice to trench-lovers: Stock up on as many styles as you can! This is one piece of your wardrobe not to skimp on.

BY LAUREN DAVID PEDEN/THE FASHION INFORMER

On Wednesday night, the Roger Vivier boutique hosted a party for the book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange. I received a review copy a week earlier, and had been savoring it like a delicious box of chocolates, reading a chapter or two each night before bed, trying to make the experience last as long as possible (what can I say, I’m a sucker for an illustrated fashion guide, and this one is especially insightful, informative, and irreverent).

Ines, as you probably know, is a legendary French style icon/model, designer, muse to Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier, International Best-Dressed List Hall of Famer, brand identity consultant for Roger Vivier, and the newly-appointed face of L’Oreal, a gig she nabbed at the ripe young age of 53 (she turns 54 in August and has been modeling since the 80s).

So when I received an invite to the book signing with Ines and her co-author, French ELLE fashion scribe, Sophie Gachet, of course I said yes. American ELLE was co-hosting, and editor-in-chief Robbie Myers — whom I first met ten years ago when I began writing for that magazine — was also on hand to pay her regards.

Stacks of the little red books beckoned from the window, and more copies were on display throughout the shop, surrounded by silver Eiffel Towers, gorgeous bouquets of flowers and (my fave) sexy RV sandals and buckle-trimmed flats — Vivier’s signature shoe, which Ines has made one of her signatures as well.

Upstairs, Ines and Sophie signed copies of Parisian Chic while cute waiters plied partygoers with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and French/American jazz quartet Bon Musique entertained the crowd, which included fashion insiders Joe Zee, Kate Betts, Lynn Yaeger, Jamee Gregory, Fabiola Beracasa, Derek Blasberg, Mark Holgate, Amanda Ross, and Andrew Rosen.

I asked Ines how she hit upon the “Not-So-Basics/Magnificent Seven” wardrobe must-haves outlined in the book (aka, a blazer, trench coat, navy sweater, tank top, LBD, jeans, and leather jacket). “Opening my closet!” she said. “I’ve been working with Sophie and she’s blonde, she’s young — just the opposite of me — and we agreed about all of these things; that they can be solutions. These pieces work for everyone.”

So what makes a trench coat more Parisian than New York in style? “It’s the way you wear it,” Ines replied. “In the evening with a chiffon dress it can be really great. And maybe some women think for evening they need to put on heels and diamonds and a fur coat. It’s much chicer with a trench coat, non?”

Oui!

“I thought it was really chic,” Robbie Myers said of the book. “And it’s very her – it’s down-to-earth but also sophisticated. It is a very French thing; it’s a cliché but it’s true: they’re very relaxed about how women are — how they should be — in the world. That you should pay attention to your own needs and desires. And, of course, have a good skinny white jean and blue sweater.”

Done and done. Thanks, Ines!

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor. ]]> http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/05/04/elle-and-roger-vivier-celebrate-the-book-%e2%80%9cparisian-chic%e2%80%9d-by-ines-de-la-fressange/feed/ 0 http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/04/27/elle-jewelry-spotlight-noir/ http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/04/27/elle-jewelry-spotlight-noir/#comments Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:25:09 +0000 ruelalablog http://www.ruelala.com/blog/?p=3960 INTERVIEW WITH ELLE.COM EDITOR SYDNEY WASSERMAN ABOUT THE MUST-HAVE JEWELRY LINE

nOir jewelry is a favorite among our editors to use in high-impact editorial photo shoots – not to mention glamming up their daily uniforms. We checked in with ELLE.com Fashion and Shopping Editor Sydney Wasserman for the inside scoop on the must-have jewelry line that has her whole office (and ours!) buzzing.

Rue La La: A lot of the nOir pieces are very bold (we’re talking animal shapes and serious spikes) – can people incorporate such statement jewelry into their everyday style?
Sydney: With particularly large statement jewelry, it’s all about fit. A heavy necklace shouldn’t look heavy when you’re wearing it, and it shouldn’t protrude from your dress in an awkward or uncomfortable way. Pay attention to the cut of your clothes and the particular jewelry that you’re pairing it with. For example, if it’s a collar necklace, your shirt’s neckline should be cut high or much lower. And if it’s a stack of thick bracelets, you don’t want your sleeve hanging over them.

Rue La La: When wearing a really loud item, do you usually style the rest of your outfit really simply or do you go all out in an equally daring ensemble?
Sydney: I don’t think women need to wear plain clothes in order to pull off statement jewelry. But the jewelry should flow with the silhouette of the outfit, not create two separate statements.

Rue La La: When going big, do you reach for a ring, a necklace, or a stack of bangles?
Sydney: I prefer wearing a bold necklace because I’m usually at my computer all day and a big ring or bracelet can get in the way of typing. In the warmer months, I go for a bold bracelet with a sleeveless dress – it just feels right for the season.

Rue La La: If you had to pick one celebrity who embodies the no-holds-barred style of this jewelry line, who would be?
Sydney: Beyoncé.

Rue La La: Fashion has definitely taken a turn for the ladylike – would you say that jewelry styles have followed suit?
Sydney: Not necessarily. I think the way to make the ladylike trend feel modern and refreshing is to set it off against bold accessories. A bright statement necklace looks great with a buttoned-up cardigan and pencil skirt.

Rue La La: What jewelry trend are you most excited about for spring?
Sydney: Color. I love this spring’s palette, all very shockingly bright.

Rue La La: What are a few amazing pieces being offered in tomorrow’s Boutique that caught your eye?
Sydney: [waiting on name from features: NK204] – I love this necklace because it’s so wearable. It has the right amount of personality with the colored stone and bold size, but it’s not too overbearing on an outfit. I would wear it with a mini shift dress or just a T-shirt and cropped jacket. And [waiting on name from features: EP6042] – these make great everyday earrings. The shape is flattering to the neckline, especially when wearing your hair up.

Rue La La: We love the edgy, attention-stealing details of this line – what’s one signature detail you can’t live without?
Sydney: I have to say, wearing pavé stones always puts more bounce in my step!

Our ELLE: nOir Boutique opens April 28, 2011 at 11AM ET.

We’re so excited to offer Members an opportunity to attend the Mary J. Blige Honors Concert at NYC’s Hammerstein Ballroom. The incredible night is hosted by ELLE Editor-in-Chief Robbie Myers, Queen Latifah, and the artist herself. Of course, Mary J. Blige’s amazing charity is the main draw, but we have to admit, we’re looking forward to the music, celebs, and sure-to-be-stellar fashion scene as well. Here’s a quick recap of what we’re most excited to take in at the May 1st extravaganza.

The Charity
All proceeds will benefit Mary J. Blige’s FFAWN (Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc.), a charity that helps young women gain access to educational and professional opportunities.

The Music
The night’s festivities include incredible performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, and Anita Baker (we’ve already updated our playlists to get us even more excited for the big night!).

The Fashion
This will be an all-out fashion spread of what’s happening in the sartorial sphere right now, both on the stage and in the audience. We’re forecasting a sea of bright colors, sky-high slits, and plenty of bold lips.

The Energy
There’s sure to be an inspiring I-Am-Woman energy of the night. Mary J.’s wonderful charity. The co-hosts. The world-renowned performers. The who’s-who of the entertainment business coming together to support such a great cause.

Our Stars, Style & Music: Mary J. Blige Honors Concert Boutique opens Monday, April 24, 2011 at 11AM ET.

We put a lot of emphasis on the perfect pair of jeans, but it’s what goes on top that makes them an expression of personal style. The range of fashion-forward top options seems to be limitless – change your shirt and you’ve changed your entire look. We sat down with ELLE.com Fashion & Shopping Editor Sydney Wasserman for her expert advice on all things tops.

Rue La La: Okay, we need the inside scoop on flattering tricks! Are there different styles that work best on different body types?
Sydney: I believe women with curves should choose more form-fitting tops instead of trying to hide their shape in baggy styles. A shapeless shirt can make you look larger than you may be. A few more rules of thumb: a button-down top should never be too tight so that the buttons look like they’re about to pop off, and a T-shirt should hit right below the waistband.

Rue La La: We tend to lean towards dresses when going somewhere formal – but what types of tops work best for dressy occasions?
Sydney: The key is wearing fabrics that appear rich – if it’s a print, try well-draped chiffon. And a silk blouse is always right for a dressy occasion.

Rue La La: What trends are you loving right now?
Sydney: Unexpected color combinations and color blocking, which will be big for spring. Color is an easy way to update your wardrobe – right now, I’m into bright sunshine yellow, poppy orange, true red, and bold emerald green. I also love the 70’s refined bohemian look, like rich jewel tones and peasant skirts.

Rue La La: What’s your weekend uniform – fitted, cropped, or long and drapey?
Sydney: I live in striped tees and long-sleeve tops. They go with everything. I tend to wear more fitted tops because I find them more flattering than drapey ones which can drown a smaller figure.

Rue La La: We think of New Yorkers as being great at layering. Share your secrets!
Sydney: The trick to layering is to use shades in the same range, like shades of grey or shades of drab green. Combine varying textures – start with a cotton tee, add a chunky knit, a fur vest, a soft cashmere scarf, and top it all off with a wool coat. The rest is about comfort and warmth.

Rue La La: A plain white tee – take us through a day-to-night transformation.
Sydney: For day, I’d pair it with comfortable slacks, like grey wool cropped pants or navy pleated trousers – really stylish if they’re the right fit and more Lauren Hutton than office attire. For evening, I’d go with a more extreme skirt – something with shine, embellishments, or really strong pleats. The beauty of a white tee is that it allows you to experiment with the bottom half of your outfit.

Rue La La: What kind of embellishments do you look for on your favorite tees?
Sydney: I think tees with pockets are great because they’re classic, but not too boring. Tees with embellished necklines can be nice – something with a light lace design or rhinestone accents – but nothing too heavy or over-designed. To dress up a simple tee, top it with an embellished jacket or slim-cut tuxedo blazer. It’s an easy, everyday look that’s stylish enough to draw eyes, and you’ll never feel too over- or under-dressed when you combine high and low styles.

Rue La La: What’s the most universally flattering top or neckline?
Sydney: A crewneck. Whether it’s a sweater or a leather shirt, it just works. For formalwear, I think something that has straps that fall right over the collarbone is most flattering because it gives more shine to a woman’s shoulders.

We must admit, even though winter’s chill just officially set in, we’ve been daydreaming of jetting off to the tropics for a while now. We sat down with ELLE.com Editor Sydney Wasserman to fulfill our island craving with her take on all things Resort.

Rue La La: What trends from this season’s Resort collections are you most excited about?
Sydney: I love the idea of mixing different prints in one bold outfit. It takes a keen eye to be able to clash prints without looking like a clown, but when done right, it’s so chic. I also like the look of a high-waisted short suit - it gives off the air of a high-powered jetsetter. And I can’t forget this season’s color craze: neons.

Rue La La: How have Resort collections evolved over the past several years?
Sydney: Resort has certainly become a predominant season with its own story and look. I think Michael Kors summed it up best when he observed that while Spring and Fall set the trends, Resort is the wardrobe that will be in a woman’s closet.

Rue La La: What are the must-packs when you travel somewhere tropical?
Sydney: An oversized towel for beach lounging, a canvas utility bag to withstand sand, and a great pair of sunglasses.

Rue La La: Describe your perfect, over-the-top Resort ensemble.
Sydney: A floor-brushing, sheer blush draped dress (the maxi is here in a big way this season), a chic tote bag, graphic polka dotted heels (think playful, color-popping platforms), and, of course, a turban.

Rue La La: Walk us through what’s always in your beach bag.
Sydney: A good book, an iPod with plenty of battery life, delicious-smelling sunscreen, Havaianas flip-flops in case the ocean floor is rocky, a hand-painted parasol, a silk scarf for a creative head wrap or in case it gets chilly, and moist towelettes to freshen up after a day of sand and surf.

Rue La La: Resort wear is all about wanderlust – if you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Sydney: I’m dying to go to Argentina and Turkey. I’m not the most adventurous traveler, but those are the top two on my list at the moment.

Rue La La: You made your film styling debut on the set of Sex and the City 2. Give us the juicy details.
Sydney: I was brought on to get in touch with the VIP departments of different brands, so we could pull sample clothes for the actors. I also researched global accessories markets to introduce the extraordinary Pat Field to new designers around the world.

Rue La La: How did you get inspired?
Sydney: Pat and the co-costume designer Molly Rogers scored amazing finds from vintage shops in Miami – spectacular pieces from mid-century and the late 60s and early 70s. These made me really excited to get working. Plus, a movie with that many scenes and backdrops calls for a the-more-the-merrier attitude, so our warehouse was stuffed with racks and racks of different types of outfits.

Rue La La: The cast of Sex and the City 2 travels to Morocco in the movie – what did you have in mind while helping dress the foursome for this adventure?
Sydney: Color. Molly Rogers found these exquisitely decorated umbrellas – complete with pom poms and dangling coins – that set the tone. Morocco is such a richly colorful country, so we really got to indulge in all things vibrant. Also, kaftans, turbans, and vintage robes – who could ask for more?

Our ELLE Editor’s Selections: Resort Boutique opens Wednesday, December 22 at 11AM ET.

ELLE’S Sarah Schussheim considers the little black dress the most important go-to piece in a woman’s wardrobe. With holiday party season inching dangerously closer, we’re thrilled to get her insider advice on the style staple she calls “sexy, empowering, and terrifically versatile all at the same time.”

Rue La La: Do you have a signature style you always find yourself gravitating towards?
Sarah: My go-to silhouettes are a black longsleeve wrap dress and a structured shift dress.

Rue La La: How do you judge if a dress is a score?
Sarah: A good rule of thumb is versatility - the perfect LBD can transition from casual to elegant and back again with a few little tweaks.

Rue La La: What are your favorite outfit add-ons to enhance an LBD?
Sarah: When in doubt, go for a great blazer or leather jacket, and a pair of bright heels for a pop of color.

Rue La La: Killer shoes are obviously an important outfit component. What’s your go-to pair for an LBD?
Sarah: Sky-high heels!

Rue La La: What’s a good way to dress down an LBD?
Sarah: Try a broken-in denim vest and a wrist full of colorful, beachy bracelets.

Rue La La: Describe how you would transition your LBD from day to night.
Sarah: For 24-hour style, throw on a jean jacket for daytime and a fur stole for a night out.

Rue La La: The Little Black Dress is such a classic – what are elements that can make it more modern?
Sarah: For a twist on the LBD, look for details like piping, texture, and embellishments.

Our ELLE: The Little Black Dress Boutique opens Thursday, November 18 at 11AM ET.

For our 25th anniversary, we decided to create a special project that really celebrates what we’re all about here at ELLE - personal style. Our book, The ELLEments of Personal Style, highlights 25 women who really embody what it means to have personal style. These modern fashion icons shared secrets to their personal aesthetic, and gave us a glimpse into what it takes to stay true to their individual style (it’s easier than you think!). We give you an inside look at their homes, their closets, and their everyday (though that word hardly applies) lives.

Here are just a few of my favorite takeaways:

The Must Have
No matter how many things you own, you always reach for one particular item. And it’s usually that piece that really brings your personal style to life. For example, Angelica Houston can take out a white button-down shirt and style it so elegantly for the red carpet - but also wear it with a pair of trousers - and it will always look “her.”

Common threads
There were a few things each of these uber-style icons women had in common: Denim, the little black dress, a trench coat, and knowing what a good pair of shoes is all about. No matter if you’re from Texas or Manhattan, denim is an essential for every wardrobe. An LBD can evoke power. A trench is seasonless. And a killer pair of shoes can elevate an outfit in seconds.

It’s not always what you think
I have to admit, I was surprised along the way. One thing I noticed as I looked through the closets of these powerful women was the color and pattern combinations. Dark colors may be easy, but I was blown away by the bold, bright patterns these women weren’t afraid to embrace. And discovering some of their must-haves was surprising! Someone like Candace Bushnell, who created Carrie Bradshaw, you’d automatically expect to reach for a pair of shoes. But her choice? A handbag. Because she knows that every city girl should have the perfect carryall.

My advice to you is to start with that one piece that is undoubtedly you and build around it. Your personal style will fall into place, and you’ll radiate confidence.

Be sure to shop Joe Zee’s picks in our ELLE: The ELLEments of Personal Style Boutique, opening Thursday, October 14 at 11AM ET, and look for his book “The ELLEments of Personal Style: 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop, and Live,” coming out October 14.