Idiosyncratic Style

“You’d be amazed by the colors that go together. Take pink and gold. You might not think to wear pink socks with gold stretch pants, and then add a gold turtleneck under a pink sweater. But that’s what I did yesterday, and then I added blue jewelry. It was great! I looked like a human sunset. The outfit made me very happy.”

Claudia Kishi
#71 Claudia and the Perfect Boy

Claudia Kishi is the Vice President of the Babysitter’s Club, the black sheep of her conservative family, a dedicated artist and is most well known for her idiosyncratic style. Claudia experiments with fashion and never plays it safe. She uses her artistic tendencies when getting dressed by approaching it the same way she would a blank canvas, as an amazing opportunity to create a wonderful work of art.

Duro Olowu Spring 2010

5 Ways to Channel Claudia’s Artistic Aesthetic

Artistic Inspiration - Begin with artwork that inspires you for the basis for your outfit
Technicolor Palette - Use eye-catching colors in exciting combinations
Tactile Layers - Experiment with tiers of various textures like silk, velvet or lace
Decoration - Create depth with interesting accessories or statement pieces
One of a Kind - Artistic DIYs are the best way to create individualized personal style

Brooke - Fashion Void that is DC | Rachel - Lookbook.nu | Diana - Hot Chocolate & Mint

Kishi devotees read What Claudia Wore - a blog dedicated to her fashion choices.

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