This past Friday I went to see the premier of The September Issue, a documentary about the making of Vogues biggest issue of the year. The film was extremely well done showing both the hard work and creativity that goes on behind the scenes as well as the sometimes clashing personalities. At one point in the movie Anna Wintour, the legendary Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, comments that the supermodels of the 80s and 90s trained a generation of young ladies who would one day be celebrities, and this is why the covers of all the magazines today feature celebrities and not models. Those young ladies wanted to be the Super Models that they idolized. Celebrities today cannot just be an actor or a singer. They have to be this complete package. It is all about branding ones self. Celebrities today have a clothing line, a fragrance, a cosmetics deal, book deals, etc.
This got me thinking about how other careers are taking the “complete package” concept to heart and crossing boundaries. Recently I read an article in WWD about how famous stylists have expanded their “brands” in order to take their careers to the next level. Stylist are not just dressing clients for the red carpet, but are consulting with various designers and retailers, doing commentary, and developing television shows. A perfect example is Rachel Zoe who has her own reality show The Rachel Zoe Project. She has a book Style from A to Zoe. And she is now coming out with her own accessories line.
I almost feel like the name “stylist” is the new pop phrase. Everyone wants to be a stylist now. We are hearing much more about the stylist behind hit TV shows like Patricia Fields for Sex and the City, and Janie Bryant for Mad Men. Then we see Rachel Zoe and Mary Alice Stephens doing their reality shows. It all seems so glamorous and fun and easy. Maybe the stylists of today are training a new generation of young women. That might be a good thing, too. I think everyone needs to be their own personal stylist. We need to edit our closets, and learn what looks best on us. And if we can learn some tips from these A-list stylist on how to mix old with new, add pop to our wardrobe, and how to stand out and create a unique look, then I say go for it!
It is now September. Vogue has plunked down another phone book size issue. September is always their biggest issue because this is the time of year that we typically start weeding out our closets looking for fresh new ideas and looks to take us into fall. So, I encourage you to start editing your closet. VSG is going to help you out with some great weekly tips on how to switch over your wardrobe, how to edit your look, and how to properly care and store your items.
Patent leather is such a great material. Designers have found numerous ways to use this multi functional material from elegant shoes to loud colorful purses, chic belts, and shiny handbags. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to care for these items because of their tendency to develop scuff marks. After researching several commercial cleaners, watching YouTube videos, and scouring the blogosphere, the overwhelming conclusion seems to be that there is one very important ingredient in all the commercial cleaners: mineral oil. So, no need to spend a fortune getting those unsightly marks off your favorite pair of shoes or handbag. There are several inexpensive materials that work just fine.
The 80s are back again, but this time in an unexpected way. In a previous trend report 
Katherine Jane Bryant (better known as Janie) is the genius costume designer behind the hit TV show Mad Men That has brought back everything from pencil skirts to twin sets.
Last week we wrote about tips on How to Keep Your Handbag Looking Like New. We got a lot of feedback. Thank you! Well, it came to our attention that there are these ingenious fashionable hooks that you can buy and keep in your purse. Then when you go out to restaurants, bars, etc. You can take out the hook and hang up your purse! This will prevent your bag from touching the ground and possibly becoming soiled. Brilliant!
