LA Story Pow!

I went to sleep away camp as a camper and then a dance teacher for 2 months every Summer from age 9-18. It just so happens my favorite counselor, from when I was 15, who I haven’t seen or spoken to since I was 15, lives in my neighborhood and reached-out on Facebook. He designed and actually helped build his exquisite back yard oasis that is the backdrop for my photos. I could not think of a better place to shoot this beautiful punchy long halter dress, Dress Day. I love the single giant abstract flower splashed onto the navy ground of this sophisticated A-line body style dress. It’s bold fresh and defiantly eye-catching.

Styling a dress, like this, is so easy because it’s all about the dress. I brought in my vintage red satin handbag, vintage, that picks up the red brush strokes in the center of the flower. I could have easily gone with a gold bag but that’d be way too predictable and would just blend in. As far as halters go, a deep v-neck is the most flattering on women with medium to large busts. The deep v makes taping, nueboo tape, a breeze. Rather than a bow, I’ve knotted the ties to wear long to emphasize the very low back. I find it looks more elegant and tasteful while also giving the body the illusion of length. Did I mention the pockets? Probably the best feature of all! My high gold strappy, Delanie, sandals, Sam Edelman, and minimal gold jewelry, a vintage watch, Omega, and Trinity bracelet, Cartier, play off the yellow flower and bring in a subtle reflective quality that keeps the eye focused on the dress.

LA Story: Burrito Cravings & Vintage Finds

I grew up in Studio City in the San Fernando Valley. I spent my adult life, from my 20’s on, between Beverly Hills and New York until I came back to the valley and landed in Sherman Oaks. As a Costume Designer/Stylist, I know the stores, the shows, the costume houses and the pop-ups. I also know my city and what’s happening in it…or so I thought. If you grew up where I did, you ate at Henry’s Tacos. No matter how old you get, that particular flavor is burned into your tastebuds and when the craving hits, like it did me, you’ve got to race over to the taco stand and get your fix. This divey gem happens to be on the cool trendy Tujunga Ave, filled with restaurants outdoor cafes and some cool shops. After scarfing down my burrito, like an animal leaning on a wall in the alley, I thought I should walk it off only to find, Studio City Pop Up.

This pretty outdoor space includes a handful of vendors selling current and vintage clothing with a variety of antiques in a large space in the back. They’re open Thurs-Sun and have been there for years…WHAT? How did I not know? I definitely worked off my burrito, (ok I had 2 but they’re small), going through my amazing new find. I walked away with some great items including this fabulous skirt, vintage. Its neutral colour palette, subtle embellished flowers, and swingy silhouette is a perfect year-round item depending on how I style it. Today, I’ve gone with a white blouse, H&M and pair of olive-green strappy sandals, Schutz, that pull colour from the skirt. I wanted to zero in on an old world/contemporary vibe, so I brought in as my contemporary pieces a leather/pearl necklace that ties my blouse and skirt together and a pair of large rose gold thin wire hoop earrings. My old-world vintage pieces include a vintage rose gold watch and bracelet both with diamonds and rubies. To complete and elevate my look, I went with a very classic style vintage leather handbag, Ackery London.

style-tip: get a burrito and explore your City, you may be pleasantly surprised

*please treat your wardrobe well. many people worked very hard to get it to you