SECRETS OF STYLIST JESSICA PASTER

Sharing some of the secrets from my current read...

What is your best styling secret?

Undergarments, such as things to make your boobies look good, things to make your tummy flatter, and things to make your waist smaller. For instance, I can take three inches away from someone's waist.

What kind of impact do you think styling has on regular women?

Talking about the First Lady, sales went up for the Gap and for J. Crew when she wore their sweaters. She took a designer, Jason Wu, and made him a household name. You put a certain purse on a certain woman, say Nicole Kidman, and everybody who aspires to be her or loves her will go out and buy this purse. So fashion on a celebrity makes a huge impact.

-- bits of the Q & A with Stylist Jessica Paster, page 18-19, "Secrets of Stylists," SCMorrison

Jessica's best known to the public for the time she spent as Jessica Simpson's stylist as well as Christina Applegate, Hilary Duff, and Britney Spears, but she has also paved the way for the styling business in L.A. She's also well known for styling fashion icon Cate Blanchett and most recently, Dakota Fanning

Above:

Michelle Obama meeting with Nancy Reagan,

June 2009,

wearing a Gap shirt and cardigan

(from Instyle.com)

Above:

A blue marbled-print dress from Gap

worn as a tunic top.

(from MarieClare.uk)

Above:

An unexpected choice --

the Inauguration Ball dress

by Jason Wu

(Getty Images)

SPOTTED!

Spotted: The Longchamp Le Pliage to a formal event.

Do or Don't?

Definitely a Don't for me!

It's too casual to go with your gown or cocktail dress, honey. For formal events, it's best to go with an evening bag, a minaudiere or a clutch. The Le Pliage is meant for more casual occasions like traveling and shopping. *wink*

WHAT TO WEAR NOW - DAYS 6,7,8

Happy 2011! Believe that every day is worthy of your dresses, your red lipstick, your blow dried hair. Have a fabulous year (and new decade) ahead!

Hectic holidays = late blog entries. Here's an overdue update on another personal challenge: I've successfully tried 8 of the 11 In Style Holiday suggestions.

In Style Look # 2: Go For Pastels!

"Toss all the old rules of what colors to wear when—

pretty pastels provide a much-needed pick-me-up in fall and winter.

For evening, look for beaded styles that offer a bit of coverage at the neckline,

like Eva Mendes' Christian Dior lavender dress.

Another alternative is an iridescent fabric similar to Kate Bosworth's

shimmery Calvin Klein with 3/4 sleeves."

PRETTY IN PINK?

Above:

Powder pink cardigan, Zara.

Beige tank top, F21.

Pearl strands, Greenhills.

(I don't like my smoky eyes interpretation hence the pink bar, hehe.)

In Style Look #7: Switch to Lace Stockings

"Shake up your stockings drawer by adding some sexy lace tights—

a stylish update of opaque black.

Show off shapely calves like Paz Vega by wearing them with a below-the-knee dress.

Feeling a little more risqué? Taylor Swift brings the focus up to her thighs

with lace stockings, a flouncy mini skirt and tall boots."

BLACK LACE

Above:

Black shift dress, Celine

Black lace stockings, Marks & Spencer

In Style Look # 10: Try a Sequin Jacket

"Sequin jackets aren’t just for showgirls anymore—or nighttime for that matter.

For a causal look, try one over a silk shirt and dark jeans like Elle Macpherson.

For a cocktail party, steal SJP's style and wear a longer version over a minidress."

POLKA DOTS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Above:

Studded jacket, cheap find

Black tank top, F21

Gold Loops, PRP

(I don't own a sequin jacket. And I have no plans of buying one.

So here's my version of the look. It's sparkly enough, hehe.)

WHAT TO WEAR NOW - DAY 5

Five of In Style's eleven fab suggestions, done!

In Style's Look # 8: Sport an Oversize Cuff

"Wonder Woman’s not the only one who knows

the power of a bold cuff bracelet—

it makes a strong statement and can be the only jewelry your outfit requires.

Diane Kruger accents a sexy one-shoulder dress with a bejeweled cuff

while Kate Winslet pairs a simple gold-tone version with her body-con dress."

My only cuff, from Forever 21.

I don't think it's over sized nor bold enough

so dinaan ko na lang sa arte, hahaha!

WHAT TO WEAR NOW - DAY 4

My current fashion inspiration: In Style's "What to Wear Now." I'm trying their eleven fab suggestions, in random order, within the month. 4 of 11, check!

In Style's Look #4: Slip on Pointy-Toe Heels

"While boots are always a smart choice with pants,

pointy-toe heels are a fresh option right now.

Bonus: They make legs look longer and skinnier, no matter what you’re wearing.

Charlize Theron dresses up her jeans with a pair of black heels

and Michelle Monaghan adds a pop of color with a pair of red ones."

My faux snake-skin pointy-toe heels

from INC International Concepts.

Faceless (bad hair day).

Black turtle neck, Zara

Black cardigan, Zara

Skinny Jeans, Lee

Heels, INC

WHAT TO WEAR NOW - DAY 3

3rd Look of Eleven, done!

Yes, I've found me another fashion challenge. Read about it here.

In Style's Look #1: Look for a Slouchy Trouser

"While we'll always love our skinnies,

slouchy trousers are a fresh option when it comes to pants this season.

Look for a pleated, wool pair like Charlize Theron's for the office.

A white pair worn with a sequined top a la Kristen Bell

are a chic option for holiday parties.

Keep the hem short or tuck them in to show off a fun pair of kicks."

At the Office.

Black tee, H&M

White shirt, Zara

Black cardigan, Zara

Black pants, Bench

T-strap Spectators, Charles & Keith

Note to self: Do not agree to "shooting up" shots, makes me look wider.

WHAT TO WEAR NOW - DAY 2

To make dressing up in the morning more fun, I've found me another fashion challenge. I'm trying In Style's eleven fab suggestions for the season. I'm on Day 2 with Look #10 (yes, I'm doing it in random order).

In Style's Look # 10: Try a Full Skirt

"The must-have skirt silhouette of the season is short and full.

Whether you opt for a super short mini like Clemence Poesy's

or a just-above-the-knee version like Rashida Jones',

a fitted, tucked-in top keeps the look trim and in proportion."

Second of Eleven, check.

Lunch Break

Black shirt, Zara (it was better untucked.)

Black skirt, Forever21

Black wedge pumps, Charles & Keith

Black bag, Fino

Necklace with locket, MNG

WHAT TO WEAR NOW - DAY 1

My current fashion inspiration: In Style's "What to Wear Now". I'm trying their eleven fab suggestions, in random order, within the month (I can't commit to eleven straight days just yet, but I'll try). Hopefully, no shopping for new items will be involved in this personal challenge, hehe. =)

In Style's Look #3: Belt a Sweater

"Just because a sweater is warm doesn't mean it has to look bulky—

create curves in all the right places by cinching it with a belt.

Can't find one that fits?

Tuck in the end of a braided one like Claudia Schiffer

or tie a skinny leather belt over a cardi like Rosario Dawson."

My take on belting a sweater.

First of In Style's eleven suggestions, done.

At work.

Oatmeal sweater, Forever21

Chocolate brown slacks, Esprit

Chocolate brown t-strap wedge, Etienne Aignet

Brown skinny belt, SM Department Store

Brown leather bag, Fino

Gold & brown dangling earrings, gift from Tita M

Pink nails, Nail Spa

BEST-DRESSED TRAVELER

Jennifer Aniston was voted Best-Dressed Traveler by In Style

I wonder if she travels with a stylist and hair & make-up artist every time?
Or was she just born fab? =)

Now, for some travel tips from the pros, here are the celebrity travel must-haves according to the site:

1) Neutral trench - Got one.

2) Worn-in jeans - Check! But I really don't enjoy wearing denim when flying. Cotton's my preferred material.

3) Maxidress - Check! But I'm afraid I'll be sweeping all of the airport's dirt with a long dress.

4) Leather jacket - Still saving up for one.

5) Colorful scarf - Check!

6) Striped top - Check!

7) Bright flats - Check! Red.

8) Oversize tote - Check!


Even if I wear these to our next flight, I won't look anywhere near those stars, hehe. But since I'm living by Nina's rule -- Be your own muse! -- I'll continue to try passing through every airport with flying (fashion) colors. *wink*

CARRIE'S BEST LOOKS EVER

In Style came up with Carrie's Top Ten Looks.
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?! Tough Ten.

Among their choices, my vote goes to...

...the famous tutu! It's iconic. So Carrie.

Confession: I've actually tried to copy the look. Gasp! Found a black tutu skirt and a black spaghetti tank. If it was quirky and fabulous on Carrie. It was horrible and horrible on me! I looked like a sad, fat, old ballerina! LOL I know, I know -- just because it looks good on someone doesn't mean it'll look good on you.

Like most women, I, too, had a "flower phase"...

But my flowers were never as big as Carrie's. I'm not as bold. Charlotte's my Style Twin (according to the quiz), remember?


Oh, the "Goodbye Big Louboutins"...


Since I can't afford the same pair, I settled for a "Look for Less" version (thanks, VNC)...


I'm actually proud of my "inspired-by" finds!

Carrie's Photos: In Style.com

WHICH SATC CHARACTER IS YOUR STYLE TWIN?

Took the quiz on In Style.Com


According to the quiz, my style is classic and pretty like...



Charlotte York-Goldenblatt

"Demure and feminine, your style twin is Charlotte York-Goldenblatt, the consummate Park Avenue princess. Your closet is full of florals (check!), ruffles (check!), delicate heels (not anymore, hehe) and a rainbow of preppy polo shirts (check!). You favor country club separates on the weekend (not really) and elegance for evening (sometimes). Never one to reveal too much, your idea of sexy is a bare shoulder and a hint of toe cleavage (true!)."


My supposed signature pieces, still according to In Style:

1) Pretty Floral Dress
Maybe just dresses. I don't have much florals. But I'm attracted to girly details like rosettes (see What I Wore entries).

2) Lady Handbag
I'm a "big bag" lady. Baggage, much? Haha!

3) Peeptoe Pumps
I've been in a ballet flats phase for years now. But yeah, I guess those are very Charlotte too?

4) Double Strand of Pearls
Sometimes.


I'm no Charlotte but yeah, maybe, among the SATC ladies, my style's closest to hers.

So, who's your twin?