Marissa Collections Blog

The Golden Rule(r)

jayhartington — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:35:07 +0000

Here we are at the conclusion of our “Body Blog,” and we hope that it has been of some service to you. We, of course, want to thank all of our brave volunteers and our fabulous stylists for their help, input, and encouragment! So without further ado: the ruler. This body type is easier to style than expected and is slightly harder to distinguish from the wedge body type. The key to understanding it is that there will be little change from bust, to waist, to hips in the way of measurments. Again, as with any of our lovely body-types, it is completely about the shapes you create and where you draw attention, as well as dressing for your particular height and coloring. Our ravishing “ruler” is Suzanne; owner of SKS photo studio and woman on-the-go! Please note that we have only done “do” outfits in this posting because why end on a downer, right?

Suzanne’s “Do” Outfits

For the first outfit our expert stylist Julie wanted to showcase one of our favorite designers, Brunello Cucinelli, in two ways. Both are quite beautiful, and really are fantastic on Suzanne. Here’s why: The first outfit is great for a brisk fall day. The tone on tone grey of the outfit works will with Suzanne’s complexion and brings a lot of attention to her upper half while giving light to her face. Keeping Suzanne looking slim as she is are Brunello Cucinelli suede leggings with a light and airy Brunello Cucinelli cowlneck silk top. This adds dimension without adding bulk. Last we pair the outfit with Schumacher open toe booties, an Yves Saint Laurent handbag in just the right shape and a gorgeous Brunello Cucinelli leather jacket with fur collar. The look is casual chic but comfortable for a busy woman. The look transitions nicely into evening just by removing the jacket and adding a handbag with a touch of glamour; in this instance it’s a Valentino tote bag with sequin rose detail.

Suzanne’s Outfit part “do”

We realized while putting together this post that we haven’t given you any ideas for a fun and flirty evening look. While it’s all about being on the move during the day, women still want to look their very best in the evening as well. Here we’ve decided to put Suzanne in a Marchesa cocktail dress reminiscent of what this former ballet dancer would have worn in recital. The skirt is full and floaty, made of feathers, and adds a bit of fullness to her hips; it also hits her in a really nice place showcasing her lean legs. Also pay attention to how the asymmetrical lace detailing draws your eye across the body, lessening the line of her shoulders and keeping them in proportion to the bottom half of her dress. We’ve carried the lace detailing into the small Valentino clutch purse and her black lace covered Valentino high heels.

Celebrity Style… It’s Genetic

jayhartington — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:14:07 +0000

Jessica Biel in People Magazine wearing Genetic Denim.

Do your own Genetic testing at Marissa Collections and MarissaCollections.com!!!

On the Lam… and Loving it

jayhartington — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:22:48 +0000

“I am interested in what it means to live a contemporary life, [and] I always consider what will work for women at this moment, and to me, this moment is about luxury without formality. Even at their most feminine, my clothes are not precious or staid.”

Derek Lam, a native of San Francisco, began his fashion career in 1990 after graduating from Parsons School of Design. Lam spent 12 years at the highest levels of American fashion as a designer for Michael Kors before starting his own label. His vision for his label is to create clothes that are both luxurious and wearable, with a feminine but unfussy beauty about them. His touch is especially sophisticated: modern but never cold, fantastical but always rational and has received abundant recognition within the fashion industry including: the CFDA Perry Ellis-Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Womenswear in 2005, the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund Prize in 2005, and Accessory Designer of the Year at the 2007 CFDA Awards. His work was exhibited at the Kennedy Center’s “The New China Chic” exhibition in 2006, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum’s exhibit of significant New York fashion, and the Museum at FIT ‘s “Gothic: Dark Glamour” exhibition in 2008.

Lanvin and the Elbaz Effect

jayhartington — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:58:20 +0000

The oldest surviving design house in France, Lanvin, was born of the same humble beginnings as other noted couturiers including Chanel and Schiaparelli. Originally a milliner, Jeanne Lanvin started her base of operations at 22 Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore; where the house still resides. The house of Lanvin saw it’s heyday in the 1920’s and has successfully produced everything from its original hats to perfumes, as well as a men’s collection and jewelry. To this day Lanvin remains as exclusive as it did in the early 20^th century and while it may have been quite obscure as of late, Artistic Director Alber Elbaz is enjoying a revitalization of the brand. Elbaz’s eye for new classics is right in line with Lanvin’s early easy-chic dresses, and one can tell that he cares for the brand like a mother would care for a child. It is quite apropos then that the Lanvin logo in use today is a portrait by Paul Iribe of Jeanne and her daugther Marguerite; the original inspiration for this storied fashion house.

The Wedges Have It… Working Mom Style

jayhartington — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:04:05 +0000

This week we introduce to you the third slice of our continuing body blog: “the wedge.” Opposite of the spoon body type, the wedge can be likened to an upside down triangle. There is little or no difference between the waist and hips while the shoulders and/ or bust are wider. Feminizing this shape is key since the wedge is often considered a more masculine body type.

Meet our fabulous wedge, Julie. A family member of one of our employees, Julie is a busy mother of three grown children and eleven year old twins. A devotee of comfortable and classic dressing we thought we’d take it up a notch with our resident style guru Derice putting Julie in edgy classics by Valentino and Michael Kors.

Julie’s “Do” Outfits

Keep the shapes simple, but make a statement with details like ruching, gathering, or interesting style lines. In the case of the red Valentino dress, the neckline is flattering for Julie, the gathering hides tummy issues, and the skirt floating away from the body balances out her broader shoulders. The flower detail is also a lovely feminine touch. Add in Miu Miu leopard print heels and a gorgeous Boaz Kashi ruby ring as well as Kara Ross earrings to hit every fall style note. Julies second outfit is beautiful as well and shows one how to piece separates together on a wedge. The idea is to create the shape you want. Her body hugging cashmere Michael Kors sweater shows off her feminine curves and the silhouette of the Michael Kors leather skirt is great for “giving” Julie hips. The interesting style line cutting across the body draws the eye horizontally giving Julie fullness to her hips she normally doesn’t have. Manolo Blahnik sling back kitten heels in a nude color continue the long line of her leg, and Michael Kors jacket and bracelet watch round out this fabulous and flattering fall look.

Julie’s “Don’t” Outfit

In this instance we wanted to show you exactly how shoes make an outfit, especially on a tall person with a wedge body type. When putting this outfit together we knew that the lines had to be kept lean but still shape Julie’s body in a flattering way. The way to kill this look is by making her appear smaller than she actually is. Almost 6 ft. in heels, Julie looks absolutely too short if you put her in these black boots. The color is too dark, and it cuts her off at the knees literally.

Adieu to Europe… Hello America

jayhartington — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:11:23 +0000

I have finally returned from my trip abroad, and I feel refreshed and ready for fall to begin. It may still be too warm for talk of sweaters and scarves, but the glamour of autumn sends me shivers of anticipation. As I go from city to city and season to season the innovation I observe in the world of fashion and beyond only serves to inspire me more. A fervent shutter-bug and devotee of people watching, I was delighted recently watching fashionistas in mini-skirts and large wedges as well as tourists donning cross-body bags on the terrace of Hotel Costes in Paris. However, the most inspiring moment came at the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective at the Petit Palais. I remembered a quote of his that speaks to what I seek to accomplish with my store. He says, ” Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” In this instance that woman is you who keep me doing what I love.

Leather and Lace
The wardrobe is a physical representation of the many roles we play as women. What better way to showcase the multiple layers of our closets than combining good-girl lace detailing with bad-girl leather. This Schumacher lace cardigan is refined enough for polite teas, but why not mix it up with a 3.1 Phillip Lim butter soft leather skirt with quilted pockets and sky-high Yves Saint Laurent suede platform pumps.

Pearls of Wisdom
Sophisticated classics are key this fall. Silhouettes are ultra feminine so why not pair them with the ultimate girly accesory: pearls. Die-hard bijoux jewelry fans will adore Lanvin’s new take on decadence; oversized pearls in oxidized mounts, enrobed in crystals, and dripping with tassels and velvet. Those of you looking for heirloom pieces needn’t glance any further than Lucifer vir Honestus, from whom we brought back several pieces from Italy. The freshwater pearl drop earrings are stunningly iridescent and uniquely amorphous, bringing to mind flowers drooping in the heat of an Indian Summer. Slip either of these pieces into your fashion accessory vocabulary and your wardrobe will be all the wiser.

Feel the Glow
The transition from summer to autumn doesn’t have to be hard on your make up routine. Putting your best face forward is as key to your wardrobe as your most treasured outfits and accessories. Unleash your “naked beauty” in full force with these simple glowy make-up tips from our resident beauty expert Monica Cabada. Keep it clean and minimal by nixing your foundation. Start with Smashbox’s Photo-Finish foundation primer to ensure smooth application. Continue with a tinted moisturizer and follow up with a concealer, bronzer, and a glossy lip from Smashbox’s “Naked Beauty” Lip Gloss Collection.

Insider’s Guide to Paris

Where to Stay…

L’Hotel is one of Paris’ best-loved hotels, and has become famous around the globe for it’s discreet and glamorous charm.

What to Drink…

The Piscine Cocktail is the perfect summer drink to beat the unbearable heat. Simply pour your favorite champagne (French of course) over ice.

What to Read…

Finding the most amazing spaces to spend your time anywhere is always a priority when traveling. If you are anything “comme moi,” you will definitely snatch up Taschen’s Paris. It is the authority on recommendations for where and what to see and be seen in the City of Lights.

Dishing Petite Style

jayhartington — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:21:39 +0000

Today we bring you another chapter of the continuing “body blog”. For this edition we are covering one of the more challenging body types: the spoon. In this instance, no matter the height, the bust is comparatively smaller than the hip area with about a 9” difference between waist and hips and little difference between bust and waist. Many women hear the word “spoon” describing their body type and are challenged by the selection of clothing available. With the help of interesting textures, shapes, and style lines the spoon can be a very beautiful thing. Our fearless volunteer this week is Viviana; a Marissa Collections Assistant and sassy spoon beauty.

For Viviana’s looks we enlisted the help of one of our stylists; Ilse. With all of her expertise she pulled together both a “do” and a “don’t” outfit to showcase the best and worst of dressing the spoon.

Viviana’s “Do”

Neutrals are your friend- greys, or browns do wonders in eliminating focus on larger hips and a smaller bust. Also going monochromatic is a fantastic fall trend. Here Viviana wears Givenchy grey flannel shorts that have enough structure to minimize the hip and hit her in just the right spot to lengthen her legs. (Viv is quite short) Her lace top is designed by Nina Ricci and is perfect for maximizing Viviana’s bust. The texture of the lace lends interest to her torso, and the draping across the neckline draws the eye along the bust line seemingly increasing it and balancing out her hips. Keep the shoes minimal, Viviana has on the Dries Van Noten black suede split wedge. We’d also like to highlight a fall trend that Viv is seriously rocking: a large textured cuff bracelet by Yves Saint Laurent.

Viviana’s “Don’t”

While Viv always looks adorable, we do want to highlight what one should avoid if they are the spoon. By no means should any spoon be wearing things that are too snug and especially in such a bold statement as red. This jersey dress is too long for Viviana and would need to be hemmed; a simple fix. But wearing it as is will just not do. Her hips look wider than they actually are because of the fit and her legs look very short, especially in flats. The only redeeming quality of this dress is that the neckline is great for a smaller bust. The knot detail adds interest and the seaming under the bust line is fantastic for creating the illusion of proportion between bust and hips.

Body Doubles… Figure Flattering Dressing

jayhartington — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:13:38 +0000

Dressing for body types is something very elusive to such a large population of women. At Marissa Collections we are more than happy to accommodate any and every body type and our stylists will coordinate outfits accordingly. There are as many female body types as there are silhouettes in our boutique with so many variations on a theme. In this particular update we would like to take the time to focus on the four main body types: the hour-glass, the cone, the ruler, and the spoon. Follow us weekly as we introduce a new body type and chat about why a particular outfit works and why another does not.

This week we present to you: Antonia and Heather our resident Hourglass Fashionistas.

Antonia is a stylist here at Marissa Collections and offered to style herself for this blog. Being an hour-glass you must pick items that accent your waist line while highlighting curves without pushing them to the point of no return.

Here Antonia has chosen for herself a great Rag & Bone dress and cardigan combo. The grey dress is great fall neutral and creates interest with the horizontal lines, adding the cardigan in a deep green and leaving it open detracts from the bust and hip but creates a line that lengthens Antonia. Her sky-high Miu Miu heels certainly do the trick as well. Paired with a great neutral bag by Celine, and a stunning Alberta Ferreti necklace, speaks to the casual confidence we have come to expect from Antonia.

In this instance you should be able to pick out exactly what is wrong with Antonia’s outfit. From top to bottom this dress is not the right pick for the hour-glass body. The straps are too thin, which actually broadens a shoulder. Opt for a thicker strap and a sleeker silhouette. Speaking of which this tiered column dress only adds bulk and gives Antonia a stumpy appearance compounded by her flat shoes.

Heather is the behind the scenes magic for our website, bringing you all our in-store glamour to MarissaCollections.com. Also an hour-glass body-type we asked our stylists to take her out of her retro-glamour element and throw her into something that works for her body, but isn’t a full skirt and fitted waist.

We started out with a sleek pair of Nicole Miller leggings with great seaming down the front of the leg. The line created by that seam serves to lengthen her body. On top Heather wears a gorgeous silk Schumacher top with an asymmetrical hem and neckline. We cover any areas of concern, but still show a little leg and lengthen her body further with the cut of the neck. The long billowy sleeve ending in a peg still gives shape but enough coverage.

While the outfit looks great on it’s own paired with these Philosophy knee boots, (very in for fall) it still can be softened or pumped up. Add a long feminine cardigan from Allude for a delicate look, or glam it up with a fur vest like this Derek Lam piece. Sunglasses and a great bag also prove that accessories make the outfit.

A Message From Marissa… The Delights of Travel

jayhartington — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:43:59 +0000

Hello my stylish friends!

If the collections in New York were any indication of things to come, I am doubly excited for what awaits me in Paris and Milan. There are comebacks galore by established houses like Valentino, and creative collections by up and coming designers such as Alexander Wang and Risto Bimbiloski; who just may become your go-to guys for chic and unique. As I begin packing once again, I realize I must leave behind the nonchalance of the summer Florida wardrobe, for the pulled together formality of French and Italian cities. Dressing up is a way of life no matter the season in Europe’s fashion capitols, and while I cannot wait to get back to my summer uniform of easy linen shirts and breezy sundresses, I love the change in wardrobe travel brings.

Oscar’s Garden of Delight

Flowers are a passion of mine and one of many interests I share with Oscar de la Renta who, this season, has translated these lush images into chic and easy dresses and sportswear. I adore the look of gorgeous French bouquets spilling out of a canvas tote, or beautiful peonies and cabbage roses blooming abundantly in a garden. This seasons Oscar collection translates these images into floral print frocks with flirty hemlines, interpretations of petals cascading down a rose colored cardigan, and exquisite necklaces bursting with bejeweled blossoms of every species. Digging into Oscar’s feminine garden philosophy should be as easy as slipping into one of his petal soft leather pumps, and will keep you smiling all summer long.

Bold and Beautiful

Nicholas Varney has taken chalk white to a bold new level. Cachelon
(white onyx) and 18k gold in oversize links say ultra modern and casually sophisticated. I am taking this statement piece with me on my current trip so that I have the perfect accessory to wear all day and into the night. Pairing it with Irene Neuwirth’s one of a kind aquamarine tear drop earrings, trimmed in pave diamonds, would light the face of any travel weary soul.

Style Staples

Remember that Lanvin trench I told you about last month? It will prove a classic over lightweight Genetic denim. The trench becomes travel ready when paired with an open toe Schumacher bootie. Complete the look with a Celine tote in color block camel and black. Totes have made a strong resurgence on the runway, with a more modern, refined shape. This one is sure to be a classic for years to come.

Michael Kors: A Lifetime of Achievement

Congratulations to Michael Kors for being honored with the Lifetime Acheivement award by the CFDA and for having his Hollywood fragrance, that we love at Marissa Collections, nominated for Perfume of the Year by the Fragrance Foundation FIFI Awards!

It’s a Wrap…

jayhartington — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:28:57 +0000

At Marissa Collections we know that you, as a fabulously stylish individual, are always looking for interesting and creative ways to wear your beloved pieces. On this particular occasion we want to take the time to talk about one of our favorite accessories: scarves. The reason we enjoy this fashion staple so much is because it is quite versatile. There are endless possibilities when it comes to how you tie, loop, or drape your scarf; each with a very different effect. Because it can be the most amazing DIY accessory, whether made into a simple square knot around the handle of your purse, worn as a headband, or tied together as your actual purse a scarf will always add that “je ne sais quoi” to your outfit. The new up and coming designer, Loquita Scarves, has pinpointed this trend so effortlessly. Their launch collection, entitled “Anger and Penance,” boasts prints that range from antique guns to bluebirds of happiness and freedom. The scarves are stylishly dark in theme yet light and durable for wear; and as you can see look great worn bandanna style or thrown loosely about the neck. We recommend you scoop one up and use it as the perfect sarong for lounging on the pool deck. The cabana-boy won’t know what hit him.

Just an Idea: Tying a Scarf into a Purse

Use a 32 inch square scarf or 45 inch square tablecloth

1. Lay the scarf facedown. Pull one of the corners through one hand to create a tail about one-third the length of the side; tie a knot.

2. Repeat the same tail-knotting on the scarf’s other three corners.

3. For handles, tie the upper two tails together in a square knot (right over left, left over right); repeat with the lower two tails.

Courtesy of Blueprint Magazine