Holiday Wish List: Winter 2012 Editor's Beauty Pick...GHD Professional Flat Iron.

Santa brought me a gift early this year. Okay, actually it was the girls over at Bollare PR in New York. Either way someone checked their list, checked it twice and marked me off as nice. And what did they bring me? A ghd Gold Series Professional 1" Styler and ghd Paddle Brush.

Let's just say, styling my hair has just gotten a whole lot easier. Usually, it's the least of my favorite things to do...accessorizing, applying make up, swapping out a few different platforms or booties until I find just the right pair to complete my outfit? Fun. Washing and blow drying my hair? Not fun. But now with my secret weapon, getting evening-ready is a cinch. Depending on my mood, I can use this bad boy for a sleek and straight look or for a sultry wave. Lately, I have been all about volume and wave. Plus, this investment-worthy brush is made just right for detangling, smoothing and taming. Sounds like heaven.

So if you've been naughty this year and are stuck with some coal then maybe snag one of these for yourself. Otherwise, you know exactly what to put on top of your list!

Bisous ♥

Personal Style Interview: Lauren Brokaw and Lindsey Lerman of Stella and Bow

Pssst....guess what? I found the most amazing jewelry line and lucky for you, I'm not just keeping it to myself. I recently discovered Stella and Bow and I am already having a borderline obsession with its savvy mix of tones and textures. The ladies behind the designs know a thing or two since they both hail from celebrity families and are no stranger to the red carpet and front row. Surrounded and influenced by the heavy hitters in fashion and entertainment (Lauren's father is Norman Brokaw of the William Morris Agency and Lindsey's brother is actor Logan Lerman), it's no wonder these two have an innate eye when it comes to fashion. Born and raised in Beverly Hills, both have set the standard for trendsetters in Los Angeles. You might have seen Brokaw around town at A-List events covering style for the highly popular Daily Truffle and now the duo teamed to design a perfect assortment of confections just for you.

L.A.'s "It" girls ensure that your jewelry box is fitted with a muse-worthy mix of bijoux. With their exceptional eye for trends and matched affinity for a classic aesthetic, Brokaw and Lerman have perfected the intersection of uptown chic and downtown cool. These A-Listers are giving everyday girls a taste of luxury. The best part? The line is budget friendly.

Rich Skinny Pretty gets the exclusive on the line as the girls dish on their personal style and give the skinny on Stella and Bow. Their line delivers allure, charm and is the ultimate in versatility. You can spot them dashing from afternoon meetings to evening cocktails without every missing a step. Of course, with Brokaw adorning the Cassat earrings while Lerman layers the Bazille necklace. You can thank me later for the intro...

Editor's Tip: Wear their pieces with a loose topknot and red lip from the office to upcoming holiday fetes.

RSP: What is your position in the fashion industry? 
Lindsey and Lauren: Stella and Bow is an emerging jewelry company. We wanted to offer quality accessories that wouldn’t rust or tarnish but still be at an affordable price. You don’t have to sacrifice quality or style for affordability!

RSP: What kind of girl shops Stella & Bow?
Lindsey and Lauren: We don’t have a set demo. There is something for everyone.

RSP: What are your favorite pieces from the collection? 
Lindsey: I love the Bazille necklace! It goes with everything and I wear it all the time.

Lauren: I love the Cassatt earrings! They are super comfy and i haven’t taken them out in years! That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I rarely ever take them out!

RSP: What influences your line?
Lindsey and Lauren: A little bit of everything. It really depends on the season and what’s going on in our lives. There’s inspiration everywhere you look and we love being able to translate that into jewelry.

RSP: How do you personally style accessories? Minimal? Less is more or never too much? etc.
Lauren: It really depends on your mood, but I don’t think there is ever too much! But it’s still subtle.
Lindsey: I’m pretty moderate/a minimalist. My style is very classic, so I wear a lot of pieces but it never looks like it.

RSP: Describe Stella & Bow in three words: 
Lauren and Lindsay: Modern, quality, timeless.

RSP: What can we find in your closet right now?
Lauren: Motorcycle ankle booties. Vintage rock tees. Babydoll dresses. Leather bomber jackets.
Lindsey:  Tons of cozy sweaters and jeans.

RSP: Describe your personal style?
Lauren: Girly and dainty with rocker edge.
Lindsey: Classic and chic.

RSP: Favorite places to shop? 
Lauren and Lindsay: Urban Outfitters, Reformation, Forever21, Barneys, Brandy Melville, Zara and Topshop.

RSP: What is one personal styling tip you live by?
Lauren: High-low fashion.
Lindsey: Classic looks. More sophisticated and simple pieces. Classic and clean lines.

RSP: Brands for a night out in L.A.? Brands for a day at the office?
Lauren: Chaser tee, black leggings and ballet flats or Isabel Marant booties.  Lindsey:  Workout clothes in the day or jeans and a sweater. ---- Nights, jeans and a sweater still.
Lauren: For night, I opt for a Helmut Lang leather jacket and maybe a dress, depends on my mood.

RSP: What's in your evening clutch?
Lindsey: I wear cross body bags; phone, keys, wallet, Nars eye liner and Buxom lipsticks.
Lauren: Stila or Nars lipgloss, phone, card case, keys, $20 bill.
RSP: Drink of choice?
Lauren: Vodka soda with 3 limes
Lindsey:  Dark and Stormy.

Bisous ♥

Editor's Guide to Los Angeles: What to Wear to Chateau Marmont

Work and Play: Tea Party at Chateau Marmont

One of our editor's go-to places in Los Angeles is Chateau Marmont. You can find her in the garden sitting at her favorite table writing for RSP via her lap top and of course, green tea at hand. Sydne Summer of Stye United caught up with Gray on her way to Chateau and featured her head-to-toe ensemble. So, what does Sydne have to say about Gray's look?

"In California, just about every other woman walks down the street in a t-shirt and jean shorts. But it takes a certain type of woman to make the pairing look chic. Nacole Gray has that extra something special. Her trick? Adding classic, feminine pieces to casual staples."

What does one wear for afternoon tea at Chateau? Read on to find out...

Zoe Karssen tee, Joe's jean shorts, Zara blazer, Halston Heritage flats, vintage Chanel handbag, Dogeared necklace and Kate Spade layered bracelets.

Gray's style?
Classic and feminine with a hint of edge.

Want to know more about Nacole Gray? I-Ella has featured Whitney Port and Minnie Muse to name a few. Who else? Our founder and editor, of course! Here's a few excerpts from the interview...

RSP: Describe your personal style.
Nacole: The dichotomy of my style is almost a contradiction. I'm a born and raised Southern California girl; however, I have equally been inspired by Paris while studying abroad. Both influences have created my constant evolving style. My California-casual feminine style consists of flats, flowy dresses, ruffled blouses and A-line skirts. However, you will also find my closet juxtaposed with  more structured, darker and edgier items like blazers, leather jackets, high-waisted pencil skirts, skinny denim, black leggings, textured tights and 6-inch pumps -- the taller, the better in my book.

I'm really all about a clean aesthetic and I am drawn to neutrals, mostly black. I'm not huge on color; however, depending on my mood, you might just find me in something deviating from the norm. I'm not big on prints or patterns either. I really am into simplicity, I guess. However, I like to play with accessories; i.e. over-sized cocktail rings or layering bracelets are a usual staple in creating my signature look.

I-ELLA: If you were not a blogger, you would be _____.
Nacole: A career in astrophysics totally makes sense.

I-ELLA: Who or what inspires you on a daily basis?
Nacole: After living in Paris during college, I was influenced by the major style influentials. I look to Emmanuelle Alt and Clemence Poesy for style inspiration. It just doesn't get better for me than them. I love their mixture of femininity, sophistication and edge. They have mastered chic and classic yet they always add a subtle hint of sexiness which I love.

I-ELLA: If you could raid anyone's closet, past or present, whose would it be?
Nacole: Emmanuelle [Alt] -- I will be over in ten, OK? Thanks!

Or I could do some damage with just a few hours in Olivia Palermo's closet. Wouldn't mind snagging her Mulberry Alexa handbag.

I-ELLA: What's next?
Nacole: I of course have ambitions, but I don't ultimately know where life is going to take me next. NYC? Paris again? Or who I will be collaborating with … the stuff of my dreams would include the following: Zac Posen, Phillip Lim, Karl Lagerfield and Isabel Marant. Only if I knew; but isn't that the beauty of it all?

Bisous ♥

Exclusive Style Interview: Heidi Dillon of Style Network's Big Rich Texas and Founder of The Fashionistas

Heidi Dillon has been busy making a name for herself. Living in New York and working for Perry Ellis in the eighties was just the tip of the iceberg. Now as the founder of The Fashionistas (a non-profit organization) and as a partner at Morning Dew Pictures (producing top projects such as The Real Housewives of Miami) you definitely will agree that she has navigated a successful and diverse career. If that wasn't enough she is also a re-occurring cast member on Style's Big Rich Texas.

Besides sitting front row at New York Fashion Week, running her non profit and working on successful television projects in addition to starring on one, Dillon always makes time to apply her Chanel red lipstick. What else defines her style? A mix of Barney's, Alexander McQueen skull clutches and dark glamour might give you an idea...She's earned her coveted position and now we're giving you an exclusive on what this seasoned fashion powerhouse has to say about sitting at the top.

Oh, and, "Real Housewives," she has some personal style advice just for you...

RSP: What is your position in the fashion industry?
Heidi: Eight years ago I founded a Dallas based non-profit organization called The Fashionistas. We support the local fashion community by launching the careers of emerging designers, hosting a lecture series called Fashion Talk and giving scholarships to local fashion design students. Back in the day, that would be in the 80's, I lived in New York and worked for Perry Ellis.

RSP: Style influence? Runway? Celebrity? Icons in the industry? Muses? Models?
Heidi: My style icons are Rick Owen's decadent wife and muse Michele Lamy and Carine Roitfeld, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris. Celebrity "style" is a snooze-fest for me. It's all about being young and hot which only happens for about a minute. Then you have to figure out what the heck you are going to wear for the remainder of your life. Like the old saying goes: If you are no longer a work of art, wear one.

RSP: Describe your look in three words:
Heidi: Two words: Dark Glamor

RSP: What is your most prized fashion possession?
Heidi: I have an insanely beautiful black bugle beaded tuxedo jacket that was designed by Tom Ford when he was at YSL. He did an event in Dallas at Neiman Marcus a couple of years ago and I had him sign the lining.

RSP: What makes you tick?
Heidi: The "Real Housewives" look horrifies me. All that shine, glitter, bright color and pounds of fake hair. Bitches please, tone it down.

RSP: Favorite places to shop?
Heidi: I am a Barney's girl and I also do a lot of my shopping on line at The Corner, Luisa Via Roma and Antonioli.

RSP: Lip skincare line/remedy:
Heidi: This season you will find me at the gym, grocery store and car pool in my Chanel red lipstick.

RSP: Brands from head-to-toe?
Heidi: Haider Ackerman. Ann Demeulemeester. Rick Owens.

RSP: Evening clutch?
Heidi: I collect McQueen skull clutches.

RSP: Where can we find you in NYC? In LA?
Heidi: In addition to my role as founder of The Fashionistas, I am a partner/executive producer at Morning Dew Pictures, a Los Angeles based television production company.

I am in LA and NY on a regular basis pitching our projects to the various networks. My trips are usually 90% business/10% fun, but don't get me wrong, I love every second of it! I have been staying at the NY Standard quite a bit - the view from the corner suites knocks my socks off and I love being in such close proximity to the McQueen store.

In LA I have been staying at the Montage lately. It's a quick walk to Rodeo Drive and tons of great restaurants.

RSP: Drink of choice?
Heidi: Champagne!



                                                 Bisous ♥

Beauty Pick: NCLA and Saint Laurent Event in Los Angeles

When I received an invite to the NCLA and Saint Laurent event at What Goes Around Comes Around boutique in Los Angeles, I immediately rearranged my schedule to attend. Why was this a not-to-miss event? NCLA is my go-to for all of my nail necessities...from wraps to lacquers NCLA never disappoints. Plus with names like "Call Me for the After Party," and "LAX Jet Setter," how can you not love the collection of hues. What can I say, I am a sucker for the details.

Secondly, complimentary manicures in honor of Saint Laurent plus cupcakes? I want to meet the girl who didn't attend. Not to mention, this event was hosted by the girls of Bollare.

My favorite hue of the moment?

Rock Solid

My favorite wrap this week?

The Ray and The Ro

Bisous ♥