A Stylist's Style on Hello Style

No, this is not the title of a new Dr. Seuss book. We've gotten a lot of questions in the comments of VPL about Hank & I's wardrobe for the episodes. So I'm thrilled to announce a new feature on the blog where I'll break down our ensembles along with the episode each week. More style inspiration, places to find things, plus I'll always bring it back to you using these examples of what does {& doesn't} work on camera & in photographs for your own life.

Episode #1: Spring Trends 

For spring trends, I wanted to wear something, well, on trend. So my stylist Jonathan found me this peplum top & Ivy helped me embrace the Retro Vintage look with teased hair & winged eyeliner.

Pro: Peplum covers up any stomach bump when you sit.

Con: As you can see in the photo to the left, white can look washed out through a lens. Thankfully our lighting on set lets it pop, but be wary in real life photo shoots/filming moments.

{Top: H&M, Skirt: H&M, Shoes: Jessica Simpson}

FYI: On the top left I'm demonstrating getting down at da club. Obviously.

If you want more shopping inspiration, check out a post from RealBeauty.com on my style for this episode! 

Episode #2: Hollywood Freshmen

For Hollywood Fresman I wanted something bright & fun. You heard me talk in Episode #1 about my 2-Part Fashion Cocktail. It applies here with one loose & one tight, balancing out the blousy top with the slim pants that show my shape.

Pro: Love 3 bright colors! And the pants are so comfortable I kept em.

Con: The shirt colors are so similar they bleed together on camera & it's hard to tell there's a stripe. In the future I'll look for more contrasting shades.

{Top: Urban Outfitters, Bottom: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Blowfish, Necklaces: Brooklyn Flea Market}

FYI: The top right is my reaction to finding out that Drew Barrymore was allegedly on drugs by the age of 9. Cue sad face.

What about The Hankster? The first round of VPL we had a stylist, the fabulous Jonathan Hamilt, & in the whirlwind I have no earthly idea what my handsome co-host was wearing! So this first round of 6 will just be my style. Once we got to episode #7 I took over styling both Hank & myself, so never fear, menswear will be making an appearance in June over on {dapper & the duchess}!

with grace & gumption, Hilary 

Couple Style

On this week's episode of VPL we're talking couple style! Here's my 3 Do's for Couple Style that you won't find in the episode:

1. Do: Be your own person. Just because you're part of a duo doesn't mean you have to match. If he's rocker & you're country, so be it. {Confession: my college boyfriend & I would coordinate our outfits to church. Yes. That happened. Why would I lie about something that embarassing?}

2. Do: Coordinate when it comes to the level of fancy. The one time you do want to be sure to coordinate with your other half is when you're attending an event or party. If he's wearing a coat & tie, you don't want to be in a sundress & flip flops. At least you'll be over or under-dressed together.

3. Do: Let yourself be changed for the better. If one of you is the better dresser or feel style is more important, run with it. I've got one client who kinda hates style & it bugs her that her boyfriend wishes she dressed better. I say if your boyfriend thinks you're hot & that you'd be even hotter in a dress or a pair of heels, embrace it! Nothing wrong with encouraging romance, his pride by your side, & keeping that spark alive if he's more of a visual person that you are. And vice versa if you need to share this one with your gentleman caller ...

What are your thoughts on couple style? Have you ever dressed better because of him or helped your beau dress better? 

Also here's the bloopers where I clearly wish she'd just changed her name to Jennifer Affleck ...

with grace & gumption, Hilary

Springtime in Brooklyn

A year ago I started snapping pics for a style blog that didn't yet exist. Thus, photos from Easter 2011 debuted on {bow ties & bettys} in September. I can't help but photograph that Sunday -- there's so much color & joy in how everyone's dressed! So take some spring style inspiration, for both bettys & dappers, from my stylish friends here in Brooklyn. Accessories, color, bow ties, oh so much to notice ...

 Our kiddos in full-skirted dresses & mini blazers oh my. {They only pose with props. It's in their riders.}

In the midst of gloominess & rain that had us wondering how we were going to look springy in tights & boots, we got a glorious sunny day & thus a long afternoon of eating & drinking in homes & backyards & Prospect Park. Would could ask for anything more than mimosas & moose heads??

 

As for my Easter best? A thrifted JCrew dress, Loft necklace, thrifted belt & shoes from DSW. The whole ensemble for under $100. Joyous indeed! with grace & gumption, Hilary

P.S. It's Wednesday! That means a new episode of my show VPL goes up today at 1pm EST!  

One week from today it's #StyleMeMay!

I know, it rhymes, it's adorable. :) Just a quick note to let you know that after a wildly successful first run of the #StyleMe Photo Challenge with #StyleMeMarch, we're back with fresh new daily style inspriations for #StyleMeMay! Why am I sharing now? Read on!

{A few of my recent Instagrams of my own striped, polka dotted & furry hooded style as of late!}

1. Are you a blogger? If you're going to be blogging along with this juicy month of free content for your blog, send me a note to Hilary@DeanStreetSociety.com & you'll get the info early! This way you can debut the post on the last day of April along with me & make sure your readers don't miss out on the first day {plus prep your wardrobe for the week!}.

2. Are you a maker of things? I'm taking the challenge up a notch this round & we're adding in giveaways! If you have a little something you'd like to share, drop me a note at Hilary@DeanStreetSociety.com. Each giveaway sponsor will get to choose their own title to award {"Most Creative", "Biggest Risk"} & pick that week's winner. So you get a sponsored blog post along with the joy of giving a gift for some pretty lady's creativity!

3. Are you a #StyleMe alum? I'd love to hear what you'd like to see on this month's inspiration! Give me your suggestions for a prompt to "wear, try, be" in the comments below!

Can't wait to be inspired by y'all in the month of May! And if you're not on Twitter or Instagram yet {it just became available for smartphones other than iPhones!} now's the time to get a free account & start making friends during the #StyleMe photo challenge.

with grace & gumption, Hilary

It's Friday Fun-day!

I have a girlfriend who works in Corporate America USA. Very stuffy. Very traditional {the gig, not the gal}. She bought these floral skinnies that she's been daring to wear to work with a blazer. She hasn't done it, yet. But I think Friday would be the day to just so slightly push the envelope, eh? I say don't go lower {necklines} or shorter {hemlines} but if you're in a conservative office place, I endorse starting to spread your sartorial wings by thinking about wearing more color & pattern on Fridays!

And the continue our theme ... have you guys caught on that there are blooper reels after every one of our VPL episodes? Gah! Hank & I loooove them!

In the first one, the reason I'm laughing at the end is because "Parker" {isn't he dreamy??} had caught my bangs in his hand so he was massaging Hank's shoulder with my hair. And I couldn't move. #AwkwardSandwich

with grace & gumption, Hilary

P.S. What are Fridays like in your office or home? Or is it another day of the week that's your "fun day"? What do you wear?