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fashionably working or working in fashion?

Thursday, September 2, 2010

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I've always dreamed of keeping my office chic and stylish like this photo and had to laugh as I followed a thread on twitter yesterday about fashionable desktops...As you can see, my desktop is less than fashionable...

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But lots of fashion is getting made, so to me that's all that counts. Below is an inspiration board I had up last year. These days it's totally morphed into Fall 2011, but I can't show you that one just yet.

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I do paperwork, sketching, and play around with fabric and colors in this room. Sometimes I'll sew something, but that's very very rare as I have real sewers who are genius.

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A Gary Baseman mask & Murakami keep my scissors company


This is a glimpse of the room I dream in; things are a mess of trims, swatches, baubles and knicknacks...

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It probably seems eccentric, but I have 3 working spaces--a totally separate studio filled with garment racks and the new couture garments and delicate fabrics that I don't want to get damaged. Unlike this room, there are no distractions, so it's a good place to concentrate on the line by itself. I also have a roomy working space that's being rennovated and currently houses all the vintage pieces I've been collecting for the last 12 years, plus a gazillion samples and a giant cutting/worktable.

So how do you work? Neat as a pin, wild and messy, or someplace in between?

posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Thursday, September 02, 2010 Post a comment:2 Comments

rainbow flower perfumes for fall

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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Laura Stone via Jade "Purple" Brown


Candy colors have grabbed my attention this fall. I couldn't help myself, I fell in love with these flower compacts and filled them with my Natural Solid Perfumes...

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Want to indulge in creamy florals, elegant citrus, woody notes, or stay classic as a rose? If you're like me, you'll dive head first into the narcotic notes of Jasmine. Five luscious all-natural solid perfumes in a rainbow of colors...

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It's all brand spanking new over in the trustyourstyle Etsy store, just in time for the first day of fall!

xo Mary Jo

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Post a comment:15 Comments

don't have a thing to wear?

Monday, August 30, 2010

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So hard to believe it's almost fall! If you're like me, you're taking a good look at your wardrobe and thinking it's time to add in some new key pieces, yet feeling reluctant to put away the silky summery fabrics that feel so good to wear right now! Well this would be the time to pick up Nina Garcia's new Look Book. The winner of the Trust Your Style Nina Garcia's Look Book Giveaway as chosen fair and square by tje Random Number Generator is #8: Christina!! Christina wrote in her comment that she actually carries another one of Nina's books with her when she goes shopping, so I'm glad that the book is going to such a fan!



What pieces will you be buying this season? Lace, faux fur? Thigh highs? New heels? Do tell!

As usual, my head is in a complete other universe as I'm starting to show sneak peeks of my 2011 Fall line (not debuting offically until Febrary 2011) to stylists and buyers. I am really excited about the response I'm getting and can't wait until I can show you some of the fun things I've been working on!

Hope you are enjoying every last drop of summer! See you back here tomorrow for more summer into fall goodness!

photos: Sorry but in my web travels, I can't remember where I found these lovely pics--if you know where you've seen them, please drop me an email. Thanks!

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Monday, August 30, 2010 Post a comment:12 Comments

giveaway! nina garcia's "what to wear for every occasion look book"

Friday, August 27, 2010

Trust Your Style was thrilled when Marie Claire fashion director and Project Runway judge Nina Garcia dropped by recently to discuss fashion, style, satorial spying and more {Click here to read Nina's interview}. As thoughts turn to fall, I couldn't think of a better time to offer a lucky tys reader a copy of Nina's new book!

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Not only is this book a visual pleasure, filled with pages upon pages of Ruben Toledo illustrations, but it has all sorts of great style advice--everything from how to dress when asking for a raise to the eternal style questions such as what to wear to a black tie wedding. If you've ever pondered what to pack for a weekend in the Hamptons or wear to a bris, how to look great on casual Friday, or shine for parent-teacher meetings, then this book is for you! There's even something for wanderlust travelers--have you ever considered what you'd wear when visiting the Taj Mahal or on a walk in the gardens of Kyoto?

To enter the giveaway please leave a comment about why you'd like to read Nina Garcia's Look Book. You can win a second entry by following TrustYourStyle on twitter (sorry this is for new twitter followers only). The winner will be announced on Monday!

Good luck and have a happy end-of-summer weekend!

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Friday, August 27, 2010 Post a comment:23 Comments

brit pop

Thursday, August 26, 2010

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I spotted an early leak of these Todd Cole photos a few nights back and was immediately drawn in by the Murakami doodles and Britney Spears gracing the cover of Pop Magazine. Within seconds I found myself scanning the photos, looking closer the way a good closeup makes you search for answers...Too thin? Haggard? Not really. Signs of weariness? Hard to say. Wisdom? Sadness? Maybe.

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She's wearing a Rodarte wedding gown in the issue, reminding me that only a couple years ago I was teasing one of my pattern makers who made the bridal dress she wore to 7-11 during her krazee period...I also remember a few years back when I interviewed legendary makeup artist Peter Lamas, who has worked on everyone from Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to Tyra Banks. Of the many beauties Peter has worked his magic on, he raved that Britney was such a natural beauty with gorgeous skin, and was one of his favorites. I'm happy to see Britney looking fabulous again and love the fact that in the shift to internet magazines, glossies are still vying for attention.

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Thursday, August 26, 2010 Post a comment:8 Comments

sweet summer respite

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

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Today is one of those days that makes me remember why I love my day job. I'll be covering the Spa Gaucin at the St. Regis. Even though it's just a few minutes from my house, it'll be a nice break in an otherwise hot and hectic week. Afterward, I'll be meeting up with a friend for a wine tasting in the comfort of Spa Gaucin.

How is your week going? Hope it's a good one! Let's meet up again tomorrow!


photo by Mikael Jansson; Carey Mulligan for Interview Magazine

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Wednesday, August 25, 2010 Post a comment:13 Comments

hello i must be going

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

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Sorry for the brief disappearance--as you know, it's not like me to miss a Monday here at TrustYourStyle, but no sooner did the glory days of summer hit last week, then along came fall and holiday...and beyond. My idealistic purchase of a body board is pretty much just that. After a flurry of weekend guests, another dinner party, more time logged in at The Rooftop, a fun jaunt to LACMA with my friend Suzanne to cover the Muse till Midnight extravaganza this weekend--reality set in. My Holiday column for Affluent Magazine is closing, which means my head is filled with sparkling holiday luxuries being submitted for consideration and turning to thoughts of Valentine's Day round-ups. How crazy is that?! Not to mention the launch of my Fall '11 collection is going strong...

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Yesterday was spent jogging around downtown Los Angeles in the sweltering heat in full swing production on my new clothing and handbag line. Rumpled and wilted in my jeans and Elizabeth & James blouse, I contemplated heading home for a cool shower and a cold glass of chardonay as I hardly felt presentable to meet a room full of stylish people. However, I'm glad I stuck around to drop by the TwoPointOhLA fashion blogger meet up! It was definitely fun to meet some new bloggers! There was a lot of talk about the disintegration of LA Fashion Week that happened over the course of the last year and a half (during the time I took off from the scene). Now it's a morphing playing field, and I got the chance to chat with the Fashion Los Angeles founders last night and hear about their plans to revamp and revitalize Los Angeles fashion. As the art scene scene here continues to burgeon, (I'll be covering the grand opening of the Resnick Pavillion in just a few weeks) it makes sense that fashion in Los Angeles is close on the heels of all the excitement.

p.s. I had the pleasure of catching an exhibition by Sarah Moon (photos above) at 10 Corso Como a few years back--If you have the chance, check her out, she's always been one of my fashion photog favs.

Hope you're staying cool in this heat! I've got some fun things planned for this week, so hope to meet you back here soon!

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Post a comment:12 Comments

top fall picks

Friday, August 20, 2010

You didn't really think I was at the beach with no thought of fall fashions dancing in my head, did you? Sun, sea, and cute surfers are just the inspiration needed to pare down the top looks for the new season!

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Leopard is everywhere, but a little goes a long way. I'm loving a leopard clutch with basic black {photo via The Simply Luxurious Life}. My other top pick are these Azzedine Alaia lace front peep toe ankle boots. They're sold out of my size {yes, I've already checked} and I'm beside myself.

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I've been pining for this Burberry Prorsum shearling jacket since it hit the runway back in February. I'd pair it with this Marni cross body bag in camel leather, my favorite interpretation of fall's hottest color. The hit of gold hardware on the strap makes it kinda perfect.

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Loving this collaboration between Guiseppe Zanotti and jewelry designer Delfina Delletrez and the simplicity of this chic navy suede tote by Celine.

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Finally I think this black leather trench by the Row could round out just about anyone's wardrobe along with these killer Burberry Prosorum ankle boots.

Needing a litte more style direction? Check out TrustYourStyle's interview with Nina Garcia. The lovely Marie Claire fashion director and Project Runway judge dropped by last week to weigh in on fashion, style, and where she does her best satorial spying.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Next week is going to be packed with all sorts of fun events and happenings. Hope to see you back here soon!

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Friday, August 20, 2010 Post a comment:18 Comments

beach hopping

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

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All photos courtesy Massimo Vitali


What started out as a quick hour walk at the beach turned into a mini-August vacation. In fact, the walk never happened but a body board, coil leash, new bathingsuit {that doesn't fall off} later, I officially went on vacation and decided to hop around to all the different beaches in Laguna, each with it's own charm.

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I started out at the beach with the mildest waves, which I've been told is the best place to body board, but was restless to hit some of my other favorite spots, so I moved on to Table Rock, the beach on the other side of my parent's house. I love this beach because it's a small cove that's usually less crowded. In August you can swim through an arch in the big rock separating the two beaches. I found myself looking at that arch, remembering how 20 years ago I was too chicken, but my Dad would take my little brother and body board through that arch to the other beach, which seemed like a mysterious foreign land--I could see it so clearly, their heads bobbing in the sparkling blue water. Then coming back to the present moment, literally standing on the beach on the other side of that arch all grown up--it feels surreal in a way.

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The beach a few minutes from where I live now is Salt Creek, a true surfer beach with bigger waves and areas closed off to swimming. Of course, that's where I decided to take the first dip of the season. It wasn't until I saw a big wave about to crash down on me that I remembered I was wearing a pair of my favorite shades.

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That's right, I wiped out and slid in ever so ungracefully on my side and then stomach, but there was no way I was going to lose my Marc Jacob aviators to a wave...

Looks like another sunny day, so the vacation continues!

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Have you made it to the beach yet this summer? Hoping you are out there enjoying the end of summer!

p.s. I've been in love with Massimo Vitali's Italian beach photos for some time, and if you ever have a chance to see them in person, definitely check them out--the web does not do the colors justice.

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Post a comment:7 Comments

end of summer blues

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Less than two week until the end of August! Where did the summer go?!

Much of it I spent working on a new project {can't tell you for awhile, but I'm excited!}...I actually managed to get together with a few bloggers, including my fellow OC pal Jon Lo of Happy Mundane--we did some fun antique shopping in Old Towne Orange last weekend...lived in white shorts, striped top, jeweled flip flops during the day...drank a lot of fresh watermelon juice at The Stand...vanilla lattes from Zinc...and had a fun summer dinner party--classic grilled steaks & potatoes + vino a la Daniel Boulud {see the latest issue of Elle Decor}

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Yum! Sorry vegans, shut your eyes and skim over this quickly!


...now, just trying to make it to the beach as much as possible before the collective fall mentality sets in and steers everyone into a sleeker, more groomed and sophisticated direction...speaking of grooming, found the best place for a sea-breeze/ocean view mani/pedi ever here...meanwhile enjoying the simple pleasure of melons in season, quiet sunny mornings, time in the garden, Farmer's Market fresh organic produce & flowers, and body boarding for the first time since I was a kid...

What about you? How are you spending the end of summer?

photo by Miles Aldridge

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Post a comment:14 Comments

gallerina: when fashion meets art

Monday, August 16, 2010

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I caught every episode of Bravo's new series, "Work of Art", and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it was partly to see what host/judge China Chow would be wearing. China's on-air wardrobe included outfits by Chanel, Thakoon, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, Erin Fetherston, Oleg Cassini (vintage), Hussein Chalayan, Derek Lam, Chris Benz, Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. In other words, it was enough couture to make even the most jaded styler lover swoon!

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Stealing the show in a yellow ribbon Marc Jacobs dress


It wasn't until I spent a ridiculous amount of time this morning trying to track down a photo of the lavender feather dress that China wore in the last episode, that I came across a boatload of snarky commentary about the show. I guess it's to be expected when a medium as serious as art collides with a medium as frivolous as fashion. Like it or not, this fusion is part and parcel of where art and fashion are heading.

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China wears a solid metal gold flower headpiece and dress by Chanel


China kicked off the season in Chanel. Apparently Chanel offered to dress China for the season {can you imagine how fabulous such an offer would be?} but the producers felt that it might be too much black.

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I read the producers also asked China to wear her hair down more--bye bye chic up-do & chignon! Darn, I like those looks!

I also thougth it was pretty cool getting to see some of the world's art stars show up and talk about the contestant's work.

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China in Jill Sanders with guest judge Andres Serrano


Some of the looks worked better than others, but you have to hand it to China--she wasn't afraid to let her outfits compete for attention with the works of modern art.

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Doll-like in Erin Fetherston


Other looks include a chic camel cape in the woods, a sequin sparkler, and an embellished black lace stunner.

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Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fabulously stylish Salon94 gallery owner and Bravo "Work of Art" judge, Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn.

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Shown in her luxurious living room that doubles as Salon94's showroom


I was always interested in checking out what Jeanne was wearing each show because in contrast to the gallerina look, her eclectic aesthetic mirrors more what a stylish modern professional woman wears. I definitely enjoyed seing that style point of view represented as well.

I'd love to know what you think about the fashions on "Work of Art"!


P.S. It took me forever and a day to put these photos together in this context. If you're going to borrow, please make sure to credit and link to TrustYourStyle--thanks!

photos courtesy: Bravo, The Fashion Cult, the Fashion Spot, Barbara Nitke for Bravo.

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posted by Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle at Monday, August 16, 2010 Post a comment:16 Comments