Idiosyncratic Style

Are celebrities sharing closets with animated stars? 

Lady Gaga looks like she borrowed Judy Jetson's dress

Katy Perry takes wardrobe tips from pin-up girl Katy Keene

Lindsay Lohan looks like Bedrock teen, Pebbles Flinstone

What cartoon character would you like to borrow clothes from?

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.

Stylist: Kristen O'Reilly | M/U: Lindsay Wilson

Rompers and boyfriend jeans are both top trends right now so why not combine the two and throw on a classic pair of denim overalls. Just like boyfriend jeans, the casual legs could be cuffed and rolled up to show some ankle and showcase a great pair of shoes or maybe worn loose with flip flops.

OVERALL INSPIRATION

Chanel S08 | Luella S04 | The Sartorialist

Chanel S08 showed off a version of the denim onsesie styled with pearls that captured the essence of their brand. Luella S04 managed to remain true to the comfortable and casual nature of the original overalls without sacrificing even an ounce of style. The Sartorialist captured a woman offering a fresh approach to styling an overalls ensemble by pairing them with unexpected pieces, like a colorful printed blouse and loafer inspired heels.

Recently, Marie Claire published a fashion editorial that highlighted overalls as a feminist statement featuring the masculine-inspired style of factory girls past and present.

Free People have an amazing pair of cozy oversized overalls for $595.00, Dickies classic women’s overalls are on sale for $29.99 and thrift stores everywhere are offering perfectly worn in overalls and incredibly low prices if you are game for the hunt.

Check out IdStyle on Facebook for some links to DIY recycled overalls projects.

Rock ‘n’ roll chic strutted confidently on the Cynthia Steffe RTW runway show at NY Fashion Week Fall ‘09. The unexpected pairing of tough with sweet exuded the kind of urban glamour fit for a first lady of rock. The sophisticated ladylike silhouettes have an attitude that seem to say “this lady will not hesitate to kick your *ss if necessary”. The variety in texture and proportion is a look meant only for the bold ones that embrace their idiosyncratic style and demand attention.

I love the duality of the collection and encourage you to confidently find your individual expressions of sweet and tough for fall. There are still a few months left, but starting to look early will help you find deals in thrift and vintage stores on unique pieces that give off a Steffe girl vibe. There is also an abundance of inspiration for altering your existing pieces and you can definitely look forward to a Cynthia Steffe inspired Recycled Style Project in the near future.

The Shopping List

Soft Metallic Knits
Ruched & Ruffled Leather
Girlie Leather Pieces
Gold & Bronze Hardware
Sheer Black Fabrics
Varying Proportions
Zippered Gloves
Faux Minks
Peacock Feather Prints
Oversized Metallic Sweaters
Industrial Exposed Zippers
Hammered Charmeuse
Distressed Satin

For an overview of the entire collection go to wwd.com

What you look like, whether you agree with it or not, will make up a large portion of a first impression. Before someone gets to know you, personally or professionally, before they even hear you speak, they see you. In those first few seconds, your appearance is taken in and unconscious assumptions have been made. The good news is that you can take control and choose what your appearance will tell others about you.

STEP ONE: DEFINE YOUR STYLE

Try using a personal style “power word”. To find your “power word” you can try these exercises:

1. When you enter a room, what word would you like people to think of?
2. Think of public figures whose style you like and ask yourself what word do you come up with when you look at them?

Try to limit yourself to one or two words that sum up your ideal style. Once you have come up with your “power word” it becomes the theme or starting point for every outfit you will ever put on. Every time you get dressed, ask yourself if what you are wearing relays your “power word”. If the image in the mirror doesn’t evoke your “power word” you need to adjust the outfit so it will.

STEP TWO: UNDERSTAND YOUR BODY

Next you will need to get a clear picture of your body shape, complexion and what works for you.

Try on different outfits from your closet and take digital pictures of yourself. Look at the pictures and be objective about what you see. If you are having trouble being objective ask a close friend who can be honest with you to help you. Notice what types of garments, fabric and colors look good on you and which ones do not. Also take a look in the mirror, what are your favorite body parts? Choose a feature that you like the best and work to make your wardrobe choices enhance this part of yourself.

STEP THREE: INSPIRATION

Pay attention to fashion. Look at public figures/ magazines/ websites/ runway shows/ various media and collect pictures of clothing that appeals to you personally, not necessarily what everyone else is wearing right now. Compile the images into a notebook and identify what it is you like about each one. After a while you should start to see strong trends in what you gravitate toward. Do the images have fabric in common? Do they have clean tailored looks? Are they made up of wild prints? Identifying what you like will help you gain control over crafting the impressions your appearance will give.

STEP FOUR: DO THE MATH

Compile your findings from steps one through three and find the common threads. Take into consideration your “power word” is, what looks good on you and your style ideals. Try to find common traits among all categories. Identifying those trends will help you focus your wardrobe choices (while getting dressed and/or shopping) on things that you truly like, that look good on you and that ensure your own identifiable signature style.