Idiosyncratic Style

There is no doubt that Gwen Stefani is more than just a girl. She has established herself as a real style maven, always dressing to the beat of her own drummer. Immediately upon arriving into the public eye, she started setting fashion trends with her Just a Girl video making the traditional Indian bindi a rage for girls all around the world. Nowadays, she continues to draw our attention with her rock steady sense of personal style but also as a designer for her own L.A.M.B. line.

She has an ingenious ability to cohesively mix different genres of clothing together creating looks that are remarkably fresh making her a stand out in a sea of mundane cookie cutter celebs. Playing with elements of mod, harajuku, menswear, bohemian, ska, hip hop, pin up, classics and haute couture, she always manages to pull off a medley of looks while still making it her own.

We could all learn a thing or two from the new platinum blonde fashion icon by experimenting with our wardrobe choices and mixing different genres together. You can easily create your own Gwen Stefani look by pairing a glam mini-dress with a sporty track jacket and adding a dash of classic houndstooth.

Photographer: Greg Tjepkema | Styling: Kristen O'Reilly | Hair & Make-Up: Molly Adey

“We got the style that’s wicked, I hope you can all keep up…” – Gwen Stefani

What is your favorite Gwen Stefani fashion moment?

Five things I am a little bit in love with right now…

1. Swell Vintage
Treasure hunting has never been so good. Designer Frankie Murray makes amazing jewelry refashioned entirely from vintage and antique parts she finds around England. The pocket watches refashioned into layered necklaces are absolute treasures and are sure to garner attention. View the Swell Vintage collection to find a one-of-a-kind piece to add to your treasure chest.

Image from Swell Vintage

2. Ongina
Gracing the small screen in RuPaul’s Drag Race, the contestant known as Ongina brought a little something new with a fresh approach to the usual drag queen style. She boldly passed on the over-teased wigs and the shimmering sequined gowns in favor of more couture ensembles that would be at home in a fashion editorial spread. She often left her bald head bare, adding to the gender-bending appeal of drag and leaving a perfect spot to showcase extraordinary little chapeaus that even Isabella Blow might have appreciated.

Image from Ongina's Fan Page on Facebook

3. Leather Shorts
Calling all fashion dare devils. Leather shorts are nothing short of amazing, despite the fact that they make no practical sense or rather because of that, their point is pure style. However, this trend is not rated E for everyone, even Gwyneth Paltrow had a little trouble getting it just right.

But because they leave a Grand Canyon sized room for error, this is a trend the masses will not be able to adopt, leaving it all to the brave style mavens to wear with pride, make them work and make everyone else jealous. If you want to ante up and get in this high stakes game, keep this advice in mind:

1. Pay extreme attention to the fit
2. Do not pair them with more leather
3. Cover up on top
4. Keep the whole look simple
5. Wear them with tights

Images compiled from Style.com

4. Nude Heels
If leather shorts are the high risk bet, then nude heels are the sure thing. If you do not already own a pair, make it a top priority on your shopping list. Not only are they a timeless wardrobe essential, but they also happen to be a big trend. Look for a classic shoe that is a close match to your skin tone. Wear them with literally anything in any color from jeans to dresses. Nude shoes make a naked illusion giving even a conservative outfit a subtle sexiness. They also add instant length to legs and who can’t appreciate that?

Nude Shoes available on Piperlime.com

5. The Fashion Void that is DC
So maybe the idea of a college student posting shots of her everyday clothing sounds like a snooze fest, but Brooke Kao’s The Fashion Void that is DC is anything but a sleeper. Brooke chronicles her daily wardrobe in her blog that illustrates her idiosyncratic sense of style. She opts for fashion forward looks that are born of research and injected with heavy doses of creativity. She makes bold combination choices and never ceases to offer her readers tons of inspiration. Whether you think the looks are hits or misses is a matter of personal taste, but they are always worth a quick peek.

Image from The Fashion Void that is DC

To quote Rachel Zoe, “I die!”

What are you in love with right now?

L’Enfant terrible, Gareth Pugh continues to offer up works of art via the runway. His collections have been referred to as wearable sculptures and are admired for their artistic value and technical merit. With such show-stopping garments it is no wonder that pop starlets like Beyonce have donned his designs for the stage.

Photo from strictlyfab.com

Pugh’s Spring 2009 RTW is no exception, this collection could easily find a home on a post-contemporary woman, walking aboard an elegantly constructed spacecraft in a futuristic world.

Gareth Pugh RTW Spring 09 Collection Photos from Style.com

With a ready to wear collection that is avant-garde, one wonders how wearable it really is and how an admiring fashionista is supposed to incorporate his artistic ideas in their real life wardrobe?

The Recycled Style Project has watered down Gareth Pugh’s collection with a simple DIY t-shirt re-construction that takes inspiration from the designer and captures the essence of his “light emerging from darkness” fashion thesis.

Photographer: Greg Tjepkema | Stylist: Kristen O'Reilly | Hair & M/U: Linsday Wilson

Supplies:

              Black T-shirt

              White T-shirt

              Fabric Scissors

              Needle & Thread or Sewing Machine

Instructions:

              Cut the front of the white t-shirt away from the back portion.

              Cut the back of the black t-shirt away from the front portion.

              Make sure to cut off the side seams.

              Lay the pieces together, good sides facing each other.

              Cut them to match, except at the neckline where the back is higher.

              Pin two pieces together along the sides and top.

              Be sure to leave the neck, sleeves and bottom open.

              Sew the pieces together along the pin lines.

              Sewing by machine is quicker and leaves a stronger stich

              (The project is small enough that you can hand sew if needed.)  

              Hem the edges or leave them raw, whichever you prefer.

              Flip the shirt right side out.

              Pair it with crisp black and white garments to stay on trend.

              Have fun styling your interpretation of Gareth Pugh’s collection.

Extra Credit Projects:

Details from his show Photo from Style.com

Get clever and sew in folds and pin tucks to the front of your shirt.  
Try this project with leggings for straight from the runway faux Pugh tights.
Experiment with dresses or collar shirts for more advanced DIY garments.

Links

Review and slideshow of Gareth Pugh’s RTW Spring 09 on Style.com

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2009RTW-PUGH

Behind the scenes Spring 09 RTW video on You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjr_DuMjioQ

Bird watchers have recently found themselves perched beside runways around the world. Most recently feathers flocked at Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Givenchy and Fendi (among many others). Celebrities have taken flight with this trend by showcasing fabulously feathered gowns on the red carpet. It’s your turn to spread your wings and dare to wear some feathers.

Photos from InStyle.com

Perhaps luxurious gowns don’t mesh well the daily grind of a non-celebrity, but that doesn’t have to leave you plucked out of the feather frenzy. The best way to shake your tail feather without breaking the bank is by accessorizing. Try some feather-accented jewelry, handbags and shoes.

Photographer: Greg Tjepkema | Stylist: Kristen O'Reilly | Hair & M/U: Lindsay Wilson

There are a number of feathered accessories available at a variety of prices, but the best way to tickle your fancy with a feather is to do it yourself. Buy a small packet of pretty feathers at your local craft store, glue or sew them to the back of a brooch and pin it to a long necklace (as seen on the model above). You can also re-read The Recycled Style Project: Leather Bangle, but try swapping leather/fabric with your favorite feathers. Also check out the DIY Elizabeth & James Feather Blazer at Fashionista and the DIY Louis Vuitton Feather Bracelet at Nitrolicious.

Feathers can interpret your idiosyncratic style, they can scream luxury, whisper vintage or state your organic nature. Let some feathers do the talking… I dare you!

More feather DIY projects and shopping deals at Idiosyncratic Style on Facebook

There is no ignoring the fact that there is a recession upon us and yes, money is a little tight for everyone, but that is no reason to let your style suffer. Let your financial limitations and darker mood inspire your wardrobe choices this spring.

Inspired by the glamourous side of doom & gloom and a will to shop even when it seems there isn’t a way, I found these six fantastic pieces online for a total budget of under 100$ US (not including tax or shipping, but nevertheless quite a deal).

These pieces can be mixed together for a chic rock’n’roll flapper ensemble or they can be added into your existing wardrobe to instantly update your favorite looks.

Where to find these deals and suggestions on how to wear them:
(clockwise from top left)

1. Striped Ruffle-Placket Shirt available for 15.00$ online at Old Navy
Tip: Tuck this shirt into dress pants or untucked and belted with jeans.

2. Onyx Holiday Party Chain available for 11.95$ online at American Eagle
Tip: This necklace can be worn with any party dress, but try it with a solid tee.

3. Sequin Flap Tunic available for 17.99$ online at Forever 21
Tip: Wear this flapper worthy dress with black tights or casually belted over pants.

4. Black Envelope Clutch available for 9.95$ online at American Eagle
Tip: Use this black clutch during the day and even with your most casual looks.

5. Chic Zipper Pumps available for 13.99$ online at Forever 21
Tip: These shoes were made for rockin’ and they’ll give an instant edge to any outfit. Unexpectedly pair them with your girliest dresses and ladylike ensembles.

6. Calvin Klein Wide Suede Belt available for 29.99$ online at Bluefly
Tip: Wrap this belt around shapeless bohemian tops and dresses to update them.