The Creatives: An Interview with Tess Kleinsmith

Tess Kleinsmith hails from Santa Cruz, CA but has made a happy home in Bucks County PA, helping to manage Shop Sixty Five - the go to shop for stylish gals in the know.  She has spent most of her working years in fashion, beginning with Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Zoe, before landing at Shop 65. When she is not helpign clients find the perfect pair of jeans of the just right silk shift, she spends her days with her boyfriend (an equally cool hydroponic horticultist) and her one eyed Persian white cat named LOO (that she loves more than life itself) I caught up with her in the shop a couple of month ago. 

Trend predictions for fall/winter season?

Pops of color, everyone is so used to black and gray in the fall, but now we are seeing magenta and orange and greens, colors that are usually saved for spring and summer.

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I have on on a daily basis! Everyday I see someone wearing something and I think I have those same two pieces, I can do that!

What is your favorite high brand? Low brand?

Oh, it's hard to choose. High brand's I'd have to say, Lanvin, Givenchy, MiuMiu shoes and Celine bags. They look so luxurious and the materials are the highest quality and often rare - python skin and lamb skin. I love their use of subtle fabrics, Italian wool and knits and because they are made in France and Italy

When I buy favorite low brands, I buy I try to buy smaller underground labels that always makes it more interesting.  When I mix high and low I'll put a $20 Target top with $200 jeans and  Lanvin ( a very big recent birthday present splurge).

What is your go-to uniform?

That's easy. I wear white v-neck tees from Victoria's Secret, with jeans or jeans shorts and high top chuck Taylor Converse.

Who are your style icons?

My grandmother, Miriam is my style icon because she was classic, she was amazing.  She had incredible style and she didn't even know it. When I think of her, I remember her wearing a coffee colored jumpsuit with navy Keds, a flipped up collar and a Chanel bag.


Your favorite Ilsa Loves Rick piece?

My Couplet ring.  I never it off.

The Creatives: An Interview with Linda La Rosa

I am always impressed by women who move through the world with an effortless cool-chic. Normally I'll spot someone south of 14th street in NY or somewhere along Nob Hill in San Fran. Occasionally, I spot them in Austin or LA. (and of course, practically everywhere in Europe). So imagine my surprise when I met the most stylish gal of all  just down the road at her shop in heart of Bucks County PA.  Linda La Rosa with her cadre of assistants (Tess, Ariel, and Fab whom I'll feature in later Creatives posts) has the best edited shop this side of the Big Apple. Since its inception Shop 65 emerged as the tastemaker boutique for the region, not only because you can find covetable labels and emerging designers, but because Linda is an excellent stylist to boot. In fact, she began her career in fashion as a stylist something that she keeps at the core of all her work whether choosing the next collection, taking a risk on an emerging designer, or helping you find just the perfect silk shift for running around on hot summer days.  I caught up with her a few weeks back.

What do you see trending right now?

I think that we will see 70's style trending in the next few seasons. I don't have anything to back that up, it's just my gut.  It's my fashion intuition.  In particular, I see people taking a piece of 70's influenced clothing or accessories incorporating it into something with more of a care free less structured attitude.

What are your favorite Hi and Low brands? How do you mix them up?

My favorite high brand is Gary Graham. I love that he takes inspiration from my roots of gothic Victorian, edgy, deconstructed elegance.  My favorite low brand is NSF. Nick Freidberg used to be the designer for my old favorite called EVER, casual luxury line developed for people who travel a lot, designed for comfort. Tragically,  they lost their funding.  I mix high and low by always wearing ripped up jeans shorts with a gorgeous silk top.

What is your go to uniform for a day at work?

In the summer you can find me in an easy silk dress, skinny jeans, striking boots. I love to wear t shirt and bespoke blazers, perfectly cut.

Who is your style icon?

Thats easy. Bridget Bardot. She is sexy without trying.

Favorite ILR piece?

The Wrap in Smoke. I wear it everyday.

The Creatives: An Interview with Katrina Whiting

I first met Katrina when she was an art student in high school.  Smart, ambitious, and wicked talented, she is just about to finish a stellar career at Maryland Institute College of Art and is already taking the design world by storm!

As an intern at the branding agency 160over90 and in her work with the Center for Design Practice at MICA she has worked for clients as various as BHLDN, University of California, and the New York Jets.  I caught up with her last winter, to ask her about trending in the design world. 

What are your predictions for design trends in the New Year?

The trends that I'm most familiar with have to do with Graphic Design. There's been a rise in design work moving "off-screen." Hand lettering and traditional printing methods (ie. letterpress, screen printing etc.) have seen a revival as well as retro-style. I think this will continue into the new year as designers continue to crave a non digital platform to create their work.

Participatory Design is another trend that I think will gain further traction in the new year. Websites like blurb.com and lulu.com offer production services (in this case books) allowing anyone the potential to be a designer. Adobe has just released their software into the cloud - making them more accessible than ever to anyone. As the tools of design and production become available to the public I think the role of traditional designers will change. I think designers will find themselves designing systems to activate people interested in design. For example, poster templates and web templates as seen on squarespace.com.

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

A couple weeks ago. I've been trying to collect timeless pieces of clothing that will go with anything, no matter what the trends are. I realized I'm only young once so perhaps I should wear more neon and silly things and stop aspiring to dress just like my mother. 

What is your favorite High brand, low brand? How do you mix high and low?

I love 3.1 Phillip Lim. I love the clean lines that he creates with his Asian influenced clothing. He's able to make smart clean designs that aren't boring. My favorite low brand is Madewell. I hope to mix one day -- when I'm taking in a salary rather than paying for college :)

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

Depends what my work day is. If I'm printmaking or going to the woodshop I have one pair of jeans that I wear + my super man tee. They're my smock jeans.

If I'm just designing I typically wear dark jeans, my huge circle scarf that I can double as a blanket, and a herringbone men's cardigan. I love clothes that are unisex. I get uncomfortable if I'm dressed too "feminine." I save jewelry and accessories to express my femininity.

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

The Couplet Ring is my favorite ILR piece. I love the tension between the delicateness and the power of its form. The Couplet's strong verticality is beautifully countered with the negative space and the hand forged texture.

Who are your style icons?

My icons are the many faces that make up the Sartorialist, Humans of NY, and other street style blogs. Recently, I find myself inspired by the "Beautiful Stranger" section of my friend Hanna Kim's blog. Beautiful Strangers are what Hanna calls the unique individuals she chances to encounter on the street. I admire individuals who can carry themselves with poise and still allow their quirkiness to shine through any day of the week. 

http://whereisyoursting.blogspot.com/search/label/Beautiful%20Stranger

The Creatives: An Interview with Andrea Zeuner

Not only does she design her own eponymous jewelry line, Andrea Zeuner is my go to bench artist when I have large orders to fill and need a second set of trained hands.  A graduate of Pratt in Jewelry and Metalsmithing.   She has also builds and designs for Betsy Johnson, Robert Lee Morris and Kenneth Cole.
And is currently working for a Brooklyn based company called In God We Trust with stores around NYC selling mens' and women's' clothing, jewelry and accessories all completely made locally in-house.  She spends free time in her studio with her cat, Edgar, for company.

What are your predictions for trends in the New Year?

Ive been seeing a lot of girls wearing super teensy thin gold bands,
one on each of the inside three fingers, I think they look pretty
killer. Also, "memory rings" are getting to be a pretty big thing. For
a while, bigger was better, bold pieces were the thing, but I sense a
shift towards daintier, tamed down adornments.

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

You get to see a lot of different people on the subway commute to and
from work, thats one of the great things about living/working in
Brooklyn. While traveling through hipster-nation, everybody's putting
on a fashion show. Its a nice 35 minutes of seeing some really great
fashionable looking people. I frequently have fashion epiphanies by
looking at the people around me, scoping out their newest trends, even
by the ones who chose to go out of the house wearing metallic
astronaut jumpsuits. Welcome to Brooklyn.

What is your favorite High brand, low brand? How do you mix high and low?

For clothes, my favorite high brand is by far Alexander McQueen. As
for low brands, my usual go-to stores are Urban Outfitters,
Anthropologie, Levi and Zara.
I hope to one day be able to afford to put some high brand items in my
wardrobe but for now, they'll just stay on my wish-list.
When it comes to jewelry, I usually wear my own creations, or I'll
wear one of the pieces that my grandmother had left to me. She had a
really great impact on the reason why I became so into jewelry and
fashion.

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

When working in a jewelry studio you have to be ready to gain a couple
of acid holes in your shirt, so I don't really wear anything too nice.
 In this winter cold, I'll be seen rocking my levi jeggings, an
oversized comfy sweater, my trusty vintage lace up granny boots, an
urban outfitters cable knit fringe ombre fade scarf and a cozy knit
beanie to top it all off.
As for jewels, I keep it simple with my Superhighway Studs, however
don't leave to go anywhere without my rings, I have at least four
rings on at all times, otherwise I feel naked!

A weekend out of the studio allows me to crack out the nicer pieces
but overall my style is still pretty relaxed. You'd catch me wearing a
fitted striped tank under a slightly oversized denim button down and
some dark skinny jeans, finished off with a vintage long necklace
pendant.

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

The Javlin Ring, I'm in love with rings that stretch over multiple
fingers. The Javlin ring is simple yet dramatic.

The Creatives: An Interview with Christina Tyler

Christina Tyler of Madewell was one of the best shop-keeps around for a brand that has easy cool written all over it! It is my go to source for tees and tops and I absolutely love that they have partnered with Sessun, See by Chloe, H by Hudson and hard to find Attic and Barn that makes the most gorgeous retro patterned silk blouses.  Quick with a smile and spot on fashion advise, I had come to trust her eye for fit and fabric, along with the way she championed the individual in every Madewell gal. Currently working in the Home Department of Urban Outfitters at their Philadelphia corporate offices, I caught up with her recently for a Creatives Post.

What are your predictions for trends in the New Year?

Camo is having a MAJOR resurgence this year, I can feel it already! Army green and canvas jackets have been everywhere, but I think we’re going to see a smattering of modern camo prints on everything from bags to jackets and denim, you name it!

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I can’t say I have them very often… I just get fashion-excited when fashion week hits and looks come down the runway that I never knew I needed! I mean, 3.1 Philip Lim’s tribute to punk rock 90s vibes? And Dries Van Noten’s light & airy grungey plaids? LOVE!

What is your favorite High brand, low brand? How do you mix high and low?

I’m obsessed with Richard Chai, Philip Lim, Band of Outsiders, and I’m loving the Rochas revival! I mostly shop at Madewell, J. Crew, Free People, and Urban Outfitters, and try to emulate the looks I love most on the runways with what I have. Work with whatcha got, ya know?

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

I’m lucky enough to work in an environment that has no dress code, so you can always find me in a pair of skinny jeans and biker boots and a few layers on top. Chambray, all the way! 

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

I love the drape circle & barre drape necklaces… I used to be really into statement jewelry, but I’ve recently discovered an appreciation for all things dainty, and these guys are the right mix of tough/industrial and delicate!

Who are your style icons?

Marina Munoz is the ultimate. She has an impossibly cool style and manages to look super feminine and sexy while living in menswear. Taylor Tomasi Hill is an obvious choice, but I love her bold color choices and silhouettes… and that she can rock some high tops with a tulle Comme des Garcons skirt! I also love Jenna Lyons, Caroline de Maigret, and Ada Kokosar.

The Creatives: An Interview with Jessica Thompson

I first met Jessica at By George on Lamar in Austin in the summer of 2011. It was a blistering 100 degree day and we had just wrapped primary photography for an Abbie Cornish film, The Girl.  My producer husband Paul, has a tradition of purchasing thank you gifts for the lead actors at the close of every show.  I of course, headed to By George (perhaps the best edited boutique in the domestic 48) where beautiful well heeled Jessica helped us find the perfect gifts.  We also spent some time talking jewelry, in particular, the line I was, at the time, still designing. Nine months later, when she had moved into buying for the shop, she picked up Ilsa Loves Rick, the first major retailer and taste maker on board.  I would love her for that alone. But love her too for her keen eye and styling genius. She is a fashion prophet. And now, in her new job at Demand Media in product launch development, she is turning up the heat for other emerging brands. She slowed down long enough for this interview. Lucky us.  Lucky new year.

What are your predictions for trends in the New Year?

There's been a strong counter-movement to the flowy, bohemian look that has been trending for the past few years. Lines like Céline, Mary Katrantzou, Saint Laurent, Haider Ackerman, and Dries Van Noten have really been setting the tone for structure and menswear-inspired silhouettes that still have a feminine edge (sheer fabrics, light and drapey silks, and plunging necklines in particular). Pattern-mixing, print, and the use of color add a playful edge to the more tailored trend. 

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

They come and go constantly! I'm hoping for one very soon... My last fashion epiphany was probably about 6 weeks ago. I started a new job at a tech company and was worried about losing my creative, fashion edge. I sort of decided to merge fashion with technology and became very inspired by graphic tees, heavy metal accessories, structured blazers and architectural shoes. I guess I've been trying to channel fashion-nerd, with a little superhero edge! 

What is your favorite High brand, low brand? How do you mix high and low?

My favorite High brand is Ann Demeulemeester. Her designs are romantic, subtly evocative, moody and mysterious. She somehow transcends "fashion" and simply creates beauty and movement. My favorite low brand is probably Madewell. I love their tees, tanks and silk button-downs. I almost always mix high and low - I usually splurge on stand-out, non-trendy pieces, like a great jacket, skirt, or wild shoes, and pair them back to low brands. If I'm going to really play with a trend, I'll almost always shop low brands, like Madewell, Zara, or H&M, and leave the big spending  for more timeless pieces. 

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

For work, I usually stick to trousers and tops. I love playing with volume - I'll either pair oversized harem pants with a tank and a fitted blazer, or  wear leather pants with oversized blouses and chunky wedges. On the weekends, I like to have fun. I love vintage and loud shoes and reserve them  for my time outside of the office - outdoor brunches, drinks with friends, weekend getaways. 

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

My favorite ILR pieces are the Broad and the Skinny rings. I have two of each and love stacking them all together, or mixing them in with other rings. I always have the Broad on my pointer finger - haven't taken it off since I bought it! 

Who are your style icons?

Stevie Nicks, Ann Demeulemeester, Elisa Nalin, Emmanuelle Alt, Patti Smith, Catherine Baba, my best friend... So many! 

The Creatives: An Interview with Maurene Cooper

I have known Maurene for years and years. She is a great fine art portrait photographer and curator whose artworks and vision for art are highly original (and covetable). Working as an artist and educator in Chicago, she is inclined to provoke collisions between high art and mass culture whenever an opportunity is presented. For the past several years Maurene's photographic works have explored issues of feminine identity, race, class and aggression with in the urban Midwest. She has held residencies at Oxbow, Saugatuck MI, and Harold Arts, Chesterhill OH. She is a 2012-13 BOLT resident at the Chicago Artist Collation and exhibits her work nationally and internationally.  Maurene is also the co- founder and co - director of the two year old Azimuth Projects, a nomadic curatorial project that seeks to unite young professionals and young artist in the city of Chicago. A style icon in her own right, here are some of her thoughts on fashion at the moment.

What do you see trending in fashion now?

High wasted everything, ankle boots, breastplate necklaces, and tights with shorts, large framed glasses and tying long hair in a knot on the very top of one’s head.  I should mention that I teach college, so most of what I see is on 20 years old art students. 

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

Last spring, I realized redheads can wear red and I fell in love with a red and an orange shade of Mac matt lipstick.

What is your favorite High brand? And your low brand?

I don’t really own high brands or if I do they tend to have been pick up at thrift stores unwittingly, I have a handsome coach bucket bag that I thrifted for $10. I just bough a sleek pair of ankle boots on eBay from Schuler & Sons for next to nothing, they go great with skinny slacks or skirts and tights. I love American Apparel as a staple, their leotards are a favorite: super flattering through the torso, they come in every color and can complement my massive, multiple season skirt collection.

How do you mix high and low?

Skinny black jeans from Urban Outfitters with my pastille snakeskin vintage Tony Lama boots, an oversized sweater and dollar stores earrings.

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work?

It really depends on what day of the week and what my job is that day. For adjunct teacher days its either, dark jeans, booties, a button down (various colors), vintage Ann Kline blazer and an animal print silk scarf or a demure 80’s elementary teacher school dress, big funky belt, simple cardigan, analogues color tights and black healed oxfords. My studio days tend to be for skinny jeans, swatters and large earrings.

The weekend?

There isn’t too much of a difference between what I wear on the weekdays to what I wear on the weekend except that I skip the blazer and button down.

What are you living in these days?

Outfits really depend on my mood and the temperature. I teach color theory and color photography so I tend to play with analogues color arrangements and use various splashes of complementary color when I come to accessories.

I like to mix flashy and reserved pieces together, I am fan of outlandish junk jewelry that can be bought in wig stores on Chicago West side. So currently, I favor skinny back jeans, basketball players wives’ earrings, a form fitting sweater or a sweeter cape, acrylic stiletto nails painted Chicago style, and red lipstick.   

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

The East West earring in pink gold.  They are clean and classic. I love the artisan hammered look and the design detail of that tiny bit of tension where the back of the hoop doesn’t quite meet the piece that goes through the ear… its like a well framed photograph with the prefect amount of space between a subject and the edge of the frame.

Who are your style icons?

Anyone woman who has big curly hair and refuses to flat iron it or shows a since her humor with her clothing, or plays with costumes or is flashy. Everything Melody Anderson’s character wears in Flash Gordon, The ladies from the Advanced Style blog, Lisa Bonet from her days A Different World, Susan Sarandon from Bull Durham and the Witches of Eastwick, middle aged Elizabeth Taylor, and young Joan Crawford.      

  

The Creatives: An Interview with Kassie Lefakinis

Whether she is planning the perfect getaway for her chic clients, jet setting about to far off and oh so exotic places, or hopping back and forth between New York and L.A., Kassie does it with effortless style and grace.  As Marketing Director of Valef yachts in Greece, she designs and delivers excursions to paradise for the well heeled. Lucky her, lucky them. And when I want to know what is trending abroad and about, I reach out to Kas.  There is no one else I know who better combines the best of European chic with effortless downtown luxe style.



What do you see trending in fashion now?

I think we are entering a period where you can be a bit wild and playful - I see retro styles (80's and 90's mainly), kick-backs to the 20's & 40's and long gone eras (Baroque!) and futuristic/modern styles/angles all mixed up. The feminine is back in a sexy bold way - sheer, peek-a-boo cuts, bit of lace, tassels, midriffs, bold colors, texture. I sort of feel whatever goes this season. Flair pants or skinny jeans, flats or heels, cropped tops or long ones. Still the atelier clothes and shoes look is in, fine tailoring and craftsmanship. Patterned fabrics; geometric print, tribal, ornate, etc.  Plain nails. Decadent jewelry.  Wrist cuffs.  Black & gold. Wild spandex pants. I think it’s about really merging what you want to wear and having fun with that.  I’m refreshed by this 'whatever goes' and playful mood.
When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

You can have a total style makeover by reimagining what you already have, adding that extra thought when getting ready, and just picking up a few fresh pieces for the new season.
When my mother came to visit me in Greece, bringing hoards of magazines in tow, I flipped through the pages realizing that not much separates the apparel on the pages with pieces in my closet.  How many eclectic pieces I have that have yet to be realized in a good combo….  I should mention that in no way is my closet full of designer wear, I keep a lot of the clothes I’ve acquired throughout the years and never buy too trendy (often purchasing something I’m drawn to if a good deal that I may not even wear til some point down the road).  I began deconstructing the looks on the mag pages to see what pieces I have similar and how I would think to wear them at first glance in my closet vs. what combinations have been assembled in the mag.  The difference to a good outfit and look is all in the combinations.  However hassle free I like to be in getting ready, a little bit of extra effort is needed to make something really ‘work’ and feel better.  

What is your favorite High brand? And your low brand? How do you mix high and low?

While in the US in September I noticed various pieces that I liked from the label Bar III at Macys, low brand.  Zara is an easy go-to, inexpensive and huge variety here in Greece.  Aqua and BCBG as medium brand has always been a favorite.  I was just introduced to All Saints- I’d call them med-high brand although the prices are very reasonable.  The clothes are very sexy, edgy, and a bit rocker/biker yet quite refined and classy. Stella McCartney is a high brand I respect; she does some sporty looking stuff for everyday wear that looks at once modern and vintage and feminine (insert Millie tweed and wool-crepe dress).  I always blend high and low brand.  I don’t generally follow brands and labels so most of what I wear and compile is a mix of everything.


What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

A bit tricky as the season just changed (it’s been summer til now).  I know however from now it’s definitely gonna involve my new short, nude color, Frye boots.
For the office the boots with a short knitted empire waist dress with a chartreuse and gunmetal grey geometric design or my black skinny jeans, snug shirt & silk scarf. I do not see clients at this period (summer over) so my office attire really is whatever goes.
For the weekends it’s been a loose pale pink blouse with butterfly sleeves and ruffled sides, pale flair jeans or my new long pleated black skirt, boots or Tory Burch snakeskin flats, hair in tight top knot, collarless zip-up moto jacket in beige or black, and one statement jewelry piece.  I’ll add more color and texture the deeper in to autumn we go!


What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

This season I’d say the couplet ring!  I love that it’s bold and yet subtle, elegant and a bit rough.  The hand-forged metal is fabulously textured and the 14k gold goes with anything.  It looks care-free and yet you know it took time to make!  I think I like it best worn on the middle finger.

Who are your style icons?

My Great Aunt Helenitsa who recently passed at the age of 92 was always the epitome of grace and elegance.  We used to visit her in summer in her house on the hill at the island of Spetses, the big windows all open to the lemon tree scented air and the motion of sea in her step as she opened the large front door.  She was an artist and intellect and looked every bit that. She would greet us in long silky gowns with bold prints and patterns, in black and white or in bold colors and I had the feeling she dressed just so everyday, visitors or not.  She always had the most unique hand crafted jewelry on, mainly incredible large twisting rings with big rocks which accented her artistic hands.  The weight of the jewelry didn’t stop her at 92.  She painted icons and saints on stones and her house was full of them in glass cases.  Her hair, light blond towards pearl, was always down and soft and styled, above her shoulders.  Gorgeous portraits on the wall, poets photos framed in silver and trays for limoncello and mastiha liquer at the door and in the salon helped set the perfect environment for her. When I think style, I think of her, sweeping over the marble, a sharp look in her eye and grace in her step, Anne Bancroft in Great Expectations without the insanity!
Also Gwen Stefani.

The Creatives: An Interview with Stephani Lewis

I have spent half of my adult life on and around  film sets and have come to know that the best ones feel like one big family. So by that definition, I guess you could call costume designer Stephani Lewis my younger (and cuter and red headed relative).  She started her career as a seamstress on the film No Country for Old Men and evolved into the role of assistant costume designer for the Oscar nominated Blue Valentine before taking the reigns as costume designer for this years break out film The Beasts of the Southern Wild. Stephani has had her hand in some of the most important and unusual films to come out of New York or LA in the past decade. I caught up with her earlier this summer at a rooftop party in New York. I hadn't seen her since we shot Sugar way back in 2008. She was her usual sparkling self, happy, engaged, and downright gorgeous donned in a perfect navy maxi that she probably stitched by hand. These days she splits her time between the two coasts, managing the increased demand for her talent and time at home with her guy.

What do you see trending in fashion now?

I love street fashion right now! People are incorporating their own unique and personal touches into their wardrobe.  I guess that makes creativity and and individuality trending! I find it so refreshing and exciting when I see the same piece worn by multiple people but in completely different ways. I feel like there was a time when it I see the same piece worn by multiple people but in completely different ways. I feel like there was a time when it was popular to be a cookie cutter version of  the latest fashion trend. Things are much more interesting now! I love the website streetpeeper.com, it's a photo journal of people all over the world  expressing themselves through fashion.

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I moved from Brooklyn to LA in October. I recently went back to NY for a 2 week visit. I forgot the importance of stylish but sensible shoes! It's not something I had to think about in LA, and the shoes I though we comfortable turned out to be more style friendly then walking friendly.  I had to have a complete shoe makeover!

What is your favorite High brand? And your low brand? How do you mix high and low? 

It's funny, my style changes so frequently. I feel like every time I start a new project my wardrobe starts to transform. I did a movie that took place in 1994,   I ended up with a closet full of thrifted crop tops and high waisted jeans. A few months after that project wrapped I went through my closet and thought, "what was I thinking! I can't wear this in public!" Right now I'm very into  GIRL by Band of Outsiders, and I always love what the Rodarte girls are doing. For low brands I'm either thrifting or shopping at Club Monaco. I just took a trip to San Diego, I found a few great vintage stores that were super cheap. Austin TX also has great cheap vintage. I think the trick is to mix and match appropriately for the occasion while still keeping your look personal, fresh and interesting. 

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

When shooting I'm usually getting up so early I just roll out of bed and throw on the closest pair of pants and a tank top.  But I always dress in layers no matter the season, with such early mornings and long days I have to in order to stay comfortable. Plus, I always spill coffee on myself at some point during the day so it's nice to have a back up piece to throw on! The weekends are when things get fun. Right now my go to is flowy dresses, both long and short, new and vintage with a pair of sandals or open toe heels. I have a old beat up denim jacket that I wear almost everyday not matter if I'm working or playing, I'm just in love with it!

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

I love the Snake Double bracelet and the Drape Oval necklace. The spacing between the lines and the asymmetry of the metal makes it beautiful and interesting. It wraps around the wrist perfectly. Also you  put on 1 bracelet instead of 3 but get the same effect! The reason I like the Drape Oval Pendant is because I'm drawn to contrast in color between the chain and the oval. I love mixing metals and stones when wearing jewelry. I think its more exciting than wearing all gold or all silver. When I was younger I thought there was some sort of rule, you either wear all gold or all silver, if you wear a pearl necklace you should wear your pearl earrings, etc.  Now I just think that's crazy!

Who are your style icons?

Peggy Moffit in the 60's! She was beautiful, but wild and daring and intriguing. I just love her!

The Creatives: An Interview with Tania Zarak

Tania Zarak hails form Mexico, but is every bit a stylish New Yorker.  Since beginning her film career at the storied Tribeca Films she has worked in the development and production of films such as Pan’s Labyrinth, The Departed, Backyard and an adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’ News of a Kidnapping. In 2007 she returned to Mexico as president of Argos Cine, the largest independent film studio in Latin America. Two years later she left the position and created Bonita Films based both in Mexico and New York focusing on projects of international character. I met Tania on the set of The Girl, Bonita’s first feature produced by my husband, Paul and was immediately taken by her warmth, curiosity and vision.  Up next, for this mover and shaker is the Uruguayan-Mexican film Tanta Agua, directed by Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge.  When Tania isn't plying the vanguard of film to transcend geographic and cultural boundaries, she is busy changing the world one project at a time by telling stories that amaze because, as she says "if something can be lived and loved, it can be filmed."

What do you see trending in fashion now?

Bright colors. Floral and astral prints. Textures. Jewelry. People are “detailing” themselves much more than they used to now so I think accessories are a bigger fashion staple. A stylish pair of flats, a nice handbag or even a solid set of rings are just as important as the rest of the clothes. One-of-a-kind pieces and simple things like braids twisted up into a bun or red lipstick are also, in my opinion, enough of a statement.

 

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I am loving the “female DJ” look of Solange Knowles. My assistant Memo also recently introduced me to the women of “Advanced Style” (http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com) and I’m obsessed -- so much to look forward to! Those ladies shine not because of what they are wearing, but because of the amazing people inside their clothes.

What is your favorite High brand? And your low brand? How do you mix high and low?

It¹s getting harder and harder to define what is high and what is low. I'm a big admirer of the Mulleavys from Rodarte and of how they translate crazy concepts like Japanese horror films into actual clothing. I¹m not that into labels although I do love my Miu Miu. But I love Black Milk and American Apparel leggings just as much. I keep things fun and eclectic precisely by mixing the highs and the lows. That’s life.

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend? What are you living in these days?

Well-groomed eyebrows are my most important go-to anything. Always. I can¹t seem to take off my Mother Denim cut off shorts. They are so nice fitting and comfortable for the summer. I wear them to the office, for an evening out or even just at home. They are versatile and nice to mix with a fun necklace or a Zara vest. I’m also wearing my K Jacques sandals almost every day. I discovered K Jacques in le Marais in Paris years ago and it¹s wonderful to see that they now sell all over the place.

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

The Eclipse and Full Moon rings. By far. They take me places.

Who are your style icons?

My grandmother was my idol. She recently passed away but she was the most polished person I know. She did it in a very easygoing, natural, feminine way though and that alone is elegance. I remember she wore the sweetest cologne to bed and from her I learned how to organize my (any) closet to its full potential. She influenced my entire style and approach to life. I inherited several of her pieces, which are great clothes in themselves and obviously have a very big sentimental value. But, another icon of mine would be Anna Karina in “Une femme est une femme” and I would love to see what’s inside Agnés Vardas’ closet one day. I think Sophia Coppola has great taste and I also find great inspiration in friends like Gabriela Artigas or my sisters.  

The Creatives: An Interview with Katherine Nolfi

Katherine Nolfi is one of a small group of film makers redefining what we expect from the independent film world.  Her debut feature film, UPSTATE (co-directed with Andrew Luis), premiered in competition at the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival where it was selected as  “Best of the Fest” by LA Weekly. She has written and directed several short films of note, including UNLIMITED (co-directed with Andrew Luis), which was an official selection of SXSW 2009, MOUTH BABIES (co-directed with Lisa Duva) an official selection of the 2011 Slamdance Film Festival and which won Best Short at the Seattle True Independent Film Festival.

Her current screenplay, THE WORLD OF MEN, was a finalist for the 2012 Nantucket Film Festival’s Tony Cox Screenwriting Award.  When she is not behind the camera, she works in various capacities within the film and television industry. Like the other smart and compelling women featured in The Creatives posts,  Katherine has a easy and effortless style wholly her own, part gamine, part downtown, and utterly covetable.

What do you see trending in fashion now?

High-waisted everything, head wraps, clogs.  Did I just describe the cover of a Vashti Bunyan album?

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

Recently I watched Andrzej Żuławski’s POSSESSION.  Isabelle Adjani spends the whole brilliant freak-out of a movie running around making love to invertebrate creatures and luxuriating in spilt milk on the floor of a subway station.  She wears a blue dress throughout and it gets pretty gnarly towards the end but she still looks glamourous.  I guess my initial epiphany was “Be Isabelle Adjani.”  Short of that miracle, I think the clothes slowly form to you so don’t stress about it so much.  Is that an anti-fashion epiphany?

What is your favorite High brand? And your low brand? How do you mix high and low?

There’s not a lot of High in my life, but I do occasionally throw a seriously crisp cream and white Theory blazer over my usual T-shirt and jeans.  Major fairy godmother results.    Add the perfect Yves Saint Laurent black flats scored from eBay and I rock a real Working Girl vibe on my way to the train in Queens.

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

You’d think after after twelve years of catholic school I’d never want to wear another uniform again.  Alas, every day I can be found in my school colors: white T-shirt, blue jeans, blue shoes and frankly sometimes my old penny loafers.  I do throw on a non-regulation pastel-marled cardigan for when I get the chills. 

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

I’m currently losing it over The Couplet Ring.  I love the modern design offset by the hand-forged details, both of which make The Couplet Ring feel really alive.  It’s like seeing Zeus’ fingerprints on a lighting bolt.  So dope.

Who are your style icons? 

As a broke young woman my grandmother drew black stripes down the back of her legs so it looked like she had nylons, she raised six kids, briefly ran a vintage store that provided the props for my childhood fantasies and fed the raccoons even though everyone said they were a nuisance.  Oh and she looked good doing it all.  She was one of those people who could pull off a jaunty hat, you know what I mean?

What are you living in these days?

The perfect white V-neck T-shirt that will disintegrate on my body, Raleigh Denim, blue suede oxfords (see above uniform).  Now that the mercury is rising, I’m mixing in a wide-stripped jersey pencil skirt and Sanita clogs for this Spring rain.

The Creatives: An Interview with Elisabeth Harris

Like so many of the styling gals who are featured in Creatives posts, Elisabeth and I go way back to before she studied documentary film at Vassar College and forged a stellar career in the documentary film industry. I knew her as a scrappy 15 year old, smart as a whip with pluck and ambition to spare who ended up shepherding docs on topics including Arafat & Sharon, 9/11, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Paul McCartney, which have aired on The Discovery Channel, NBC, ABC, and PBS. She has worked as a field producer on "48 Hours" at CBS News. Her award winning independent film "The Hermit Of Manana" has traveled to numerous film festivals.  She also produced the independent feature documentary “My Mother’s Garden” which toured major festivals and aired on MSNBC.  And she had the great privilege of working on CBS tributes to both Walter Cronkite and Ted Kennedy.  Elisabeth produced a two-hour CBS documentary special, and best selling DVD, called "Elvis By The Presleys" and most recently has been a director & producer for the PBS show “History Detectives.”  When she is not the doing the heavily lifting of film producing, she is a gal about town, every bit the urban style guru. 

What do you see trending in fashion now?

The skinny jean with knee high boots trend doesn't seem to be going away and I am fine with that.  But now that spring is here I've been seeing a lot of sandals and colored jeans, sometimes with the cuff rolled up, circa 1993.  The jury is out on the cuff rolling.    I've also been seeing a lot of really large, chunky colorful necklaces which look great.

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I just bought another pair of boots with heels that I was afraid to wear because I had a feeling they would be really painful by the end of the day but my feet felt great all day long and I felt like the shoe gods were smiling down on me.  Maybe comfort and style can live in harmony after all?

What is your favorite High brand? And your low brand? How do you mix high and low?

I have a black pinstriped jacket from Elie Tahari with red silk cuffs that I am in love with.  I dress it down with Lucky jeans and boots.

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

My best pair of jeans, boots, fitted jacket, and scarf.  And most importantly layers - because my offices are either freezing cold or steamy hot, depending on the day, so I have to always be prepared for both!  Also, as a freelancer, I see a broad range in wardrobe: I find that women in smaller, more independent production offices dress casually while in some of the more corporate offices I've worked in, women tend to go all out with heels and dresses.    The weekend - I like wear some crazier things I might not wear to work like silver polka dots or rainbow striped tights.

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

I love the leather wrap cuff.   It is right up my alley of grownup tom-boy style and the color choices are perfect!

Who are your style icons?

Gwen Stefani, Twiggy, Michelle Obama

What are you living in these days?

Yellow Anthropologie jeans  and some new short brown boots.

The Creatives: An Interview With Mariela Comitini

Before she was spending 24/7 with People Magazine's sexiest man alive (and the runner up) as a formidably talented assistant director on a recent film set, Mariela cut her teeth in the film biz like all good women worth a lick - by starting on the ground and working her way up with a combination of smarts and  savvy, pluck and grit. (Oh, and a smile that could melt even the most hard-hearted among us!) I still remember the film shoot where we met in the early 2003, Maria Full of Grace.  She was the Second Assistant Director, I was doing some still photography and it was love at first sight. Since that time, I have watched her craft a stellar career, find true love, direct a storied wedding of her own, and start a family - all the while remaining the most grounded, generous, and styling gal her side of the lens.

What do you see trending now in fashion?

I've been traveling a lot lately for work and love seeing people wearing a lot of  bold color; that and hot pants.  They are everywhere! 

What are your top 10 TIMELESS must have items for a best dressed closet?

A great coat. Not a warm puffy coat but a stylish fitted overcoat. It makes you feel and look 100 percent like a dame. 

Knee boots, they never go out of fashion or style and you can wear it with anything. A great colorful scarf. This is a big thing. This can pull any outfit together and you can dress it up or down.

Red shoes.  Any style but a great closet must have red shoes. I have ballet flats that I can't live without.

Red Cocktail dress. Everyone always says you need a good black cocktail dress but I think they have it all wrong. Red is daring and if you have a good red dress, you'll wear it anywhere. 

A Blue Cardigan. I guess it doesn't have to be blue, but there's something about the color that brings comfort and being comfortable is timeless.

Blue jeans. As much as I love dressing up, a good pair of jeans really does it for me.

Black fitted blazer. It compliments anything.

Cream turtleneck cashmere sweater. A must have!

Diamond earrings. I'm not much into too much bling but must say that a good pair of diamond earrings are classic.

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

Just recently. That comfort is effortless and effortless is sexy.

What is your favorite High brand?  And your low brand?  How do you mix high and low?

I tend to go high brand for special occasions (mostly evening dresses or special events) Some of my favorites dresses in my closet are Carmen Marc Valvo, BCBG MAx Azaria and Black Halo.  Low brand, since I'm on the road quite a bit,  I often find myself shopping at Target. They have some really great stuff and I wear whatever I buy at Target on set all day.

I think mixing is an art form and frankly I don't do it often as I would like to. I tend to mix by having a great pair of high  brand shoes (my fave Marc Jacobs) with casual chic wear (jeans from Jcrew)

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work?  The weekend?  

Uniform for work- jeans, sneakers, flannel button down shirts. Although I try to look presentable at the end of the day comfort and practicality are really what it's all about on set.

The weekend- This ranges so much but it's mostly comfy wear, and for me lately that is some kind of sun/summer dress with a long worn in cardigan and flip flops. It's the easiest thing to slip into.

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

I LOVE LOVE The Interlock ring. It's so beautifully crafted and the design is utterly romantic.  

I also love The Wrap in Terra Cotta. Such bad a**! Anyone woman who wears this can rule the world.

Who are your fashion icons?

I know this will sound so cliche but really I don't have any.  I love seeing what other women are wearing and try to sample from here and there.