Fall 2011 Trend Report: Wide Stride

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, AUGUST 11, 2011

Photos Courtesy Style.com (Frome Left to Right; Chloe, Vena Cava, Alice + Olivia)

 Opt for wide leg trousers if you want a classic, clean and subtle sexy look.  

Short Legs, Long Torso : High waist wide leg trousers.

Long Legs, Short Torso : Regular to low waist wide leg trousers.

Wide Leg Pants by Marni

Summer Trend Report: "LWD" Little White Dress

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, MAY 5, 2011

Swap that LBD with a LWD.  A little white dress is tres chic during the summer months.  Trend can be worn day or night, dressed up or down.  During the day opt for simple tank, shirt and tee dresses to achieve an airy relaxed look. At night turn it up a notch, slip into bandeau, skin tight, eyelet or an embellished little white dress.  Below are some little white dresses retailing from $15.00 to $50.00.

Black Dresses at Piperlime

Summer Color Report: Marigold

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, MAY 5, 2011

As summer approaches it's time to shine. One of this summer's most popular brights is Marigold.  Marigold symbolizes passion and creativity.  Go all out with a Marigold dress or keep it simple with Marigold accessories.  

Day Dresses by Topshop

Printed Skippies...

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, MAY 5, 2011

While awaiting on the beau's arrival (I was actually early o_O), I decided to kill time in Urban Outfitters.  You know one of those "I'm only going to browse store visits".  Of course I ended up making a purchase. I acquired these uber cute Ikat printed skippes for $20.00.  Below are a few of the prints available.

Athletic Shoes by Urban Outfitters

Hemlines Fly South for The Spring

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, APRIL 8, 2011

Birds aren't the only ones flying south, hemlines have been gradually headed in the same direction.  Although the maxi is being praised I'm a midi aficionado.  Midi's are skirts and dresses landing anywhere from below the knee to the calf. Marc Jacobs, Parabal Gurung, Armani, Rodarte, Tory Burch and many more designers were in a Midi state of mind for Spring/Summer 2011.  Your options include but are not limited to pencil, a-line, pleated, embellished and printed midi's. Day or night midi's rock.

Skirts by Topshop

Books I'm Reading

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, MARCH 20, 2011

 

  

I'm always reading a number of books simultaneously. The above books are currently in rotation.  The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, Inspiration; Lifeguard by James Patterson, Mystery; Connected by Nicholas A. Christakis, MD, PhD and James H. Fowler, PhD, Social Networks; last but not least Discourse on Inequality by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Social Philosophy. (Clockwise)

P.S.-Am I still the only one buying books???  I have no intentions on purchasing a nook.  I've always dreamed of having a huge library in my home.  

Brief

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, MARCH 6, 2011

Last month was an unexpectedly busy month.  The restlessness has trickled into March, a month I anticipated downtime.  Completed the freelance costume designer/mistress gig, short film "Don't Fool With Me" is still in production.  There are a few more projects up my sleeve which cannot be disclosed.  As they mature I'll provide a detailed update.

Above is an image of me captured by Photographer Jerry Chapusette last week Monday. Anxiously waiting to see the edits by Graphic Designer Sebastien Jean-Baptist.  I simply threw on all my favorite pieces, there wasn't much of a thought process behind the look.  I literally said I love this, this, this and this so I’m going to wear them all at once.

Top, earrings, ring and cross body bag all purchased in boutiques.  Blazer (worn inside out "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" style) and pants, Zara; Shoes, Isabel Toledo for Payless.

Textures & Patterns

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 22, 2010

Mixing textures and patterns have become one of my specialties.  On day three of New York Fall 2011 Fashion Week I wore a faux fur dress, plaid coat and sheer leopard patterned tights.  My ensemble received numerous compliments amongst fellow style-istas at Lincoln Center and Milk Studios.  A girl came up to me and said "can I get a picture of you? I thought I looked great until I saw your outfit." I was pretty flattered.  However, outside of the cool kids crowd I was given a few blank stares.  I quickly dusted that dirt off my shoulder.  The way I see it getting dressed is an art form; clothes are tools and your body a blank canvas.  Next time you get dressed aim to create a masterpiece.

"Don't FOOL With Me" Update

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 20, 2011

Uber-excited I began shooting my short film today. The shoot lasted from 10:00 AM to 7:00PM. Normally I would've spilled the beans on the plot but you'll have to wait for the official trailer.  I've already introduced Sheena in an earlier post.  Now meet Brunette Bombshell,  Alexandra Alexander.   I'm very thankful to be working with such a great team.  Above and below are some promotional images I shot today.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOP!

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 19, 2011

Now is the perfect time to shop for fall basics.  Yes, I am quite aware we are approaching spring in a few weeks.  

Spring merchandise begins trickling in during the winter months. By December retailers are in desperate need to get rid of all fall goods creating room for new shipments.  Meaning the $200.00 knit sweater you had your eye on is now $100.00.

My method of shopping is to buy trendy pieces in advance since they are likely to sell out.  In December I'm purchasing trendy pieces that weren't appealing beginning of the season but at a sale price become attractive.  When January comes around I'm in the stores weekly searching for basic items such as sweaters, cardigans, turtle necks, tights, coats, vests and boots.  I store the buys in my closet so next season I'm not worried about basics and I can focus on getting key items and investment pieces.

Did I mention it's president's day weekend, there will be additional discounts on sale items.  I'm working on a project and need to find a trendy fall boot.  I spotted these Jessica Simpson Alfie Boots which combines the platform, fur, lace-up boot and clog trends.  Originally retailing at $139.00, sale sticker read $67.00.  The sales girl rang me up, my total was only $40.00.  Now that was major bang for my buck.

Where Is Vangarde Girl Nelle?

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 15, 2011

My apologies for the lack of blogs the past few days between NYC Fall 2011 Fashion Week, designing costumes for an off broadway play and working on my short film "Don't Fool With Me" I'm totally DRAINED.  On top of it all I'm currently under the weather.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I also have a demanding nine to five.  Hoping to be back to my regular routine next week.  

Mom and Daughter Valentine's Day Gift Exchange

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 14, 2011

Mom surprised me on Friday night with an early Valentine's Day Gift.  The gift was  Chanel Chance.  She chose this perfume because chance in her native language means luck and she wishes me much luck in my pursuit of happiness.  The other day we were online looking at totes and she liked a Lauren by Ralph Lauren tote.  She couldn't decide which color to get, she was torn between the bright orange and brown.  I was browsing through Macy's 34th Street when I laid eyes on this Dooney & Burke Commemorative All-Weather Leather Bucket Bag. Talk about perfect, the bag has a combination of both colors.  We aren't the mushy type but we always get each other gifts and cards to show we care.

Used & Abused

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 2, 2011

Dear Winter,

I would like to retire my boots already.

Sincerely,

Angry Style-ista

Pretzel Knot

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 2, 2011

Can't seem to wear a long coat without accentuating my waist. Instead of buckling my belt I've been making what I call the "pretzel knot".  

Coat: Zara Basic

Belt: Calvin Klein

Nails

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 2, 2011

Experimenting with nail art has become a midnight hobby. 

Continue Reading>>

Fashion Week is Approaching

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 1, 2011

New York City Fall 2011 Fashion Week is right around the corner. Thought I'd share with you a screen shot of one of my invites.  This invite brought back so many memories, Vivienne Tam was the first fashion show I attended back in 2005.  I still have the off white velvet Vivienne Tam notebook which was given as a gift to the attendees.  Can't wait to see what the designer has in store for Fall 2011.

Never been used, not sure what I'm waiting on.

Dear Winter, I'm Over You

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 1, 2011

So over 2010/2011 winter in NYC, just not built for it.  I've purchased some winter goods here and there since the sales are quite unbelievable.  But my main focus is on prepping myself for spring/summer 2011.  Constantly envisioning looks for the warm months and randomly shopping in hopes of finding stand out pieces.  Above is a new necklace of mine.  This necklace is so me tribal, colorful, bright and bold.

I want This Hair!!!

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, FEBRUARY 1, 2011

I've decided my next hairstyle will be similar to the one above.  Maybe a tad bit shorter but definitely off black, long, thick with a blunt cut.  And of course the narcissist will post a picture of herself with the new do.

Meet The Star: Introducing Sheena Colette

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, JANUARY 30, 2011

Just a quick update on my progress with my short film "Don't Fool With Me".  Castings were held about two weeks ago in search of the main character Elizabeth.  Since the film only contains a small percentage of dialogue the goal was to find an actress able to evoke emotion without speech and nail the dialogue portion of the film.  There was a handful of good actresses making the decision process a bit difficult.  I narrowed my choices down by performance, ability to take direction and look.  After analyzing all the audition videos the director and I felt only one actress aced all three, Sheena Colette.  With virtually no direction Sheena was able to bring Elizabeth to life. Below is a clip from Sheena's audition video. Clip edited by yours truly.

Originally planned on releasing the film on Valentine's Day.  However due to increment weather in NYC the release date has been pushed back.  On a brighter note I now have more time to work on wardrobe.  If feels great watching my idea come to life.

Continue Reading>>

Spring Nails

BY VANGARDE GIRL NELLE, JANUARY 28, 2011

Stopped by Duane Reade on my way home from work to pick up a new dark purple bottle of polish.  Instead of purchasing one bottle I ended up coming home with nine bottles.  With all these snow storms I needed a touch of spring in my life.  Colors I chose starting from the left are Noelle's Perelles, Sweet Dreams...Carol, Bert's Blue, Kathy's Baby Blues, Sheri's Pistachio Creme, Stephanie's go Lime, Emmi and Olli Go Bananas and Mango Taffy. Pretty nice color palette if I do say so myself.  After all isn't it always better to be one step ahead instead of one step behind.