Idiosyncratic Style

Judy Benjamin is a spoiled socialite who mistakenly joins the army when she’s duped by a sly recruiter. Not only is the film is still funny today (I recently watched it for the first time and laughed out loud), but the style of a woman who finds (and betters) herself is a timeless source of inspiration.

Channel a little of her “be more than you ever thought you could be” epiphany into your own journey by injecting your wardrobe with statements of confidence inspired by the misfit soldier herself, Private Benjamin.

Marc Jacobs S10 | Cynthia Steffe F10 | Balmain S10

Try carrying a luxury bag, getting a bold manicure, wearing a sexy slip, throwing on a military inspired jacket or even sporting a G.I. style beret.

Midnight Red - Chanel, Slip - Edith & Ella, Jacket - Gap, Beret - Surplus, Speedy - Louis Vuitton

The quest to find yourself is constantly evolving, so should your style.

Take the mystery out of deciding what to wear and seek inspiration from the sartorially underestimated Velma Dinkley of Scooby Doo Gang fame.

Not only is she the first to volunteer to go after the bad guy and most-often the brains of the operation, but she has been known to possess enough physical strength to carry both Shaggy and Scooby at the same time. She embodies the kind of characteristics one would find ideal in an animated role model and that includes a sensible, yet chic style sense.

Take a clue from Velma’s one-note look book and play around with the elements of her aesthetic. Mix bright orange with chestnut brown. Pair cozy cowl neck sweaters with girlish minis. Revisit your Mary Jane’s and compliment them with saturated tights. Wave your nerd flag proudly with geek chic eyeglasses and a practical notebook tucked into your purse.

(Clockwise) Sweater by Michael Kors | Skirt by J Crew | Tights by American Apparel | Shoes by Vivienne Westwood | Eyeglasses by Jenni Kayne | Notebook by Moleskine

Remember, Velma Dinkley is smart, brave and tough, so never be afraid to stand up, speak your mind, solve the mystery and save the day.

Speaking as someone who has been in a Saturday detention, I can tell you how disappointing it is to discover the experience is nothing like The Breakfast Club. I have watched and re-watched this movie so many times, that like many, I feel like these people were my friends. The members of the Breakfast Club were based on stereotypes, but throughout the film they prove to have depth, truth and go beyond the high school labels they were assigned. All of the characters were quite likeable in their own way, but my favorite has to be the resident bad ass, John Bender.

John Bender’s authority problem and plaid shirt was rebellious in the 80’s, popular in the 90’s grunge era and are still relevant today through modern adaptations. Scanning Lookbook.nu, a global fashion diary network, I found a number of contemporary looks that could have been inspired by the legendary John Bender.

Lookbook's (clockwise top left) Geraldine, Paloma, Constance, Philip & Tony

All you need to release that leftover teen angst are a few basic items. A classic denim jacket is a must-have, so if you don’t already have one, head to your nearest second hand shop and pick one up. The flannel shirt may have it’s roots as an anti-fashion statement, but it currently has mass-appeal.  Consider fingerless leather gloves when you need to add an edge to any look. Sunglasses help give off that “unaproachable and uninterested” vibe. Ass-kicking boots finish off an intimidating “don’t f*ck with me” attitude. Be sure to include a sensitive piece, something that reminds us all that the tough shell is only there to protect your kind heart, like John’s diamond stud earring that Claire gave him to wear and let us see past the bravado. 

Try to cleverly pair a couple of these items with your usual favorites, instead of loading them all into one look because although, we are honoring the wild child within, remember “each one of us is a brain… and an athlete… and a basket case… and a princess… and a criminal…”

The surfer girl is the epitome of cool and has been a source of style inspiration for decades. I mean who hasn’t dreamed of effortlessly taking on the ocean (or at least looking like you could if you wanted to)? So, it is no surprise that big design houses like Chanel, Anna Sui, Michael Kors,  Heatherette and D&G have all tried to tap into the inherently cool laid back surfer vibe by sending their own interpretation down the runway.

Surfer Chic (clockwise from top left) Anna Sui, Michael Kors, Heatherette and D&G

Although surfing is widely thought of as a sport, it is considered by many to be more of a culture or lifestyle, (think, surfing is not something you do, rather a surfer is something you are).  So to really do justice to your own inner wave- rider you’ll want to give the look a little thought.

Do a little homework and get in the mood by watching some great surf flicks. I recommend Blue Crush, yes, in essence it is really just another chick flick, but with the amazing scenery, pro-surf stunts, kick ass girl characters and plethora of beach-bum style, it will offer up loads of inspiration for creating your own little surfer girl style.

The most important part of the look will be getting the right attitude.  To really tap into authentic surfer style, it has to look accidental. Mix up bikini tops, swim bottoms and board shorts.  And not necessarily in that “conveniently coordinated non-matching way”, this is an opportunity to actually clash a little. So even though the florals on your bikini picks up on the piping detail of your shorts, this is simply not the time to be so adorable. The truth is a surfer honestly doesn’t care, she grabs the first pieces she finds on the floor in the rush out the door when she sees that the waves are breaking just so…

With your “without a second thought” swim gear in check, all you need is a couple accessories to complete the look. A lightweight knit toque is a must to keep those salt-soaked locks tamed as you drive away with the windows down. A true surfer will always be prepared to answer the call of mother ocean, so never be caught without your suit with a handy little bikini bag. Lastly, get yourself a little local cred with the original “locals” flip-flops, the cheap and popular footwear choice of, well, locals (Hawaii locals anyway).

So whether you’re hanging ten or just hanging out, channel the iconic little surfer girl by looking intrinsically cool this summer.

Nicole Richie is a contemporary style icon and although she has many looks, I think what she does best, is a modern bohemian look. Summer is upon us and it is the perfect time to borrow some of her casual cool style to help beat the heat.

Stylist: Kristen O'Reilly | Hair & M/U: Taylor Byers | Photo: Greg Tjepkema

Step 1: It all starts with the hair. Depending on your hair type, it could be as easy as wash and air-dry or you may need to put a little work into it. But keep it simple and don’t overwork it. Over-styled tresses will not be cohesive with the look.

Step 2: Pull out a pretty silk scarf (or a bandanna) and wrap it around your head just over the brow. If you find it isn’t working for you, depending on your face shape and hair cut, you may want to try wrapping the scarf around the top of your head just above the hairline (or bangs) to give it a different look, but one that will still work with the overall picture.

Step 3: An essential part of the look is the sunglasses. The “incognito” oversized shades really add a little glamour to the casual look, but use the type of specs that work with your face and your personal style. Experiment with different frames you (or your friends) already have to figure out which shapes will work best.

Step 4: Organic jewelry will enhance the boho vibe of this look. Opt for pieces made from wood, glass beads, woven hemp, sea shells or even feathers. Earrings will likely not even be seen, so focus on a necklace or bracelets. Remember to edit your choices before you end up looking like a gypsy.

Step 5: Keep the outfit simple and comfortable. Try a plain vintage slip, a cotton sun-dress, a worn in t-shirt or simple camisole with cut-offs. If it is breezy, add a lightweight cardigan or a worn-in denim jacket. Finish off the look with comfortable summer shoes, like flats, flip-flops or sandals and you are ready to go.

Also check out You Say… Nicole Richie and tell me your favorite.

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?