Idiosyncratic 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.

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.

Coco Chanel’s influence over 20th century fashion is undeniable. Her personal style is legendary and is a timeless source of inspiration. Although her look is distinctly feminine, her rebellious fashion designs played an important role in feminism with women’s liberation and the style of the flappers. Chanel was an independant woman who was well ahead of her time.

The easiest and quickest way to channel Chanel is to just add pearls, lot’s of pearls, keep everything else simple and remember to exude confidence.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel

Costume Designer, Patricia Field has been inspiring us for years through the ladies from Sex and The City, on television and more recently on the big screen. The most obvious source for extraordinary fashion inspiration comes from SATC’s Carrie Bradshaw, who could be a poster girl for idiosyncratic style.

Borrow a page from Carrie’s book by making unexpected pairings in your wardrobe choices. Try pairing a ladylike dress with a studded rocker belt, just like she favored throughout the movie. Personalize the look by trying your favorite flirty dresses with different kinds of heavy metal belts (try grommets instead of studs) and be sure to anchor the look with black opaque tights or a heavier shoe.