Stylish with Substance

Amy Winehouse: A Look Back in Style

Ella M — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:16:00 EDT

Amy Winehouse was a talented spirit troubled by addiction, an affliction some fashionistas can understand (those troubled by serious shopping addictions, like I am). She was also a free-spirited style star, a woman as 50s bouffant meets 60s go-go as she was a modern paparazzi-magnet. She will be missed, and so will her potential beyond her disease.

Here we look at some photos that represent her key looks in beauty and fashion. Enjoy with respect for her individualism and never forget the music above all else.

Start Gallery >

xx, Ella

Credits: View gallery of style & credit links after the jump!

Chelsea Clinton Wedding Gown -OR- How to Easily Sketch that Complicated Fashion Design

Ella M — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:18:57 EDT

I didn't want to post the same ubiquitous entry on Chelsea Clinton's wedding gown. Sure, I couldn't miss this. Not because the bride is American royalty, nor for the name sake of Vera Wang, but I couldn't miss posting this because that gown is so fabulous! I would accept those "sloppy" seconds of the (I hear) custom design from Wang. Or a new version, sans the bejeweled waist, which isn't my thing, with perhaps the addition of a little ruching on the bodice (and perhaps a sweetheart neckline?). Now this is going to cost me $0 as well, right? Le sigh!

Anyway, my own little spin can come thankfully from Catwalk Queen and their splitscreen of the bride and the sketch:

I'm thinking of the fear novice designers may have when we envision something gloriously fabulous and intricate, yet we don't know how to sketch it. Unless it is the human form which troubles your hand, one can get a tip from Vera Wang. Impossibly complicated die-cut tiered dress ... from some fun-to-draw swooshes!

IMHO though, a bride/model of 11.5' in height is not a requirement.

Congratulations to Chelsea's groom, Marc Mezvinsky. Best wishes to the beautiful bride!

(Top photo from Us Magazine)

Inspirations: #081809 ; Unique "Buckles", "Tassels" & Pockets, too!

Ella M — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:55:13 EDT

Bags both by Sharif. Shop Sharif bags at HSN.

ScrapPost of Designed Inspiration: Elegant Platforms!

Ella M — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 11:00:45 EST

I've been daydreaming about making shoes someday, and I don't just mean dreaming of designing them in the big time, although I am doing that, yes.

My feet are picky and I think I can upcycle and such shoes into more comfortable wears for my feet. And thus the brainstorming has been practiced.

This does lead right to dreams of going big one day with high styles and big budgety means of making anything possible. And this platform here on these lovely rose peep-toes truly inspires, well, the perfect platformed pump. (And perfection takes a team.)

Height can be desired in shoes, but I, among many, don't want my arch too strained with my heel up on 3 inches above my toes. But platforms bring the two worlds together to a less unhappy medium (ahh shoes, rarely comfortable).

The other thing is that platforms can look unladylike and bulky, but these inset soles are just what the professor ordered!!

And maybe, just maybe, I can even make or alter-into a pair like these all on my own. After first trying it simpler.

It is possible to make one's own shoes, practically anything is these days, thanks Dr. Google!

P.S. The roses on the toeses are just lovely, too. A cherry on top of a great overall shoe.

Shoes - Salvador Sapino - ASOS 170 euros.

Didn't DIY: Men's Knit Tie from J. Crew

Ella M — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:54:43 EST

Tipped thin-stripe skinny knit tie

$49.50 at J.Crew

Expertly hand-finished Italian silk knit. 2" at widest point. Contrast color at tie tip and neck piece: red on classic navy, dark purple on black. Made in Italy.

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A knit tie, eh? One would think this is something to be made by one's self or bought from www.etsy.com, but J. Crew really has the only truly-tie-like and more detailed finished items for sale. Hmm. So ... spend on retail, mass-produced, make it one's self (barely a pattern needed!) ... or buy one from a handmade artisan, no matter the look?

In this week of new designs - what's your opinion?