Style Profile: Interview with Grasie Mercedes of Style Me Grasie

Take a departure from your typical day-to-day looks and take a cue from style expert, Grasie Mercedes of Style Me Grasie. She gives RSP readers a few pointers when it comes to cultivating signature style. Plus, this NYE, dress up your after-hours routine with her key pointers and upgrade your 2013 everyday looks in a heartbeat.

Grasie shows you how to accessorize your way to chic...

RSP: What is your role in the fashion industry? 

Grasie: In the fashion world, I mainly have 3 roles:  1. Stylist - I work with clients to find their style and reinvent their wardrobe while specializing in "shopping" their closets and personal shopping sessions. 2. Fashion Expert/Host - on-camera fashion expert & host work with The Style Network and LookTV (the YouTube fashion & beauty channel from the producers of Project Runway) 3. Style Blogger - I'm the founder and sole author of Style Me Grasie, my personal fashion and lifestyle blog. YAY! 

RSP: Describe your personal style in three words: 

Grasie: Vintage, Fun, Lazy Chic (ok, that's 4...sorry :) 

RSP: What's your favorite item in your closet right now?

Grasie: A multi-colored, tweed, ultra cozy, Heidi Merrick jacket that I'm throwing over everything, now that it's finally chilly in LA. 

RSP: If you could swap closets with anyone, who would it be? 

Grasie: Alexa Chung...hands down! 

RSP: Favorite places to shop? 

Grasie: Right now...Zara, vintage boutiques, Topshop, H&M and Goodwill (I still score amazing finds at the Goodwill when I have the time to look)

RSP: What is one personal styling tip you live by? 

Grasie: Wear what you feel GREAT in! No matter how amazing your outfit is, if you're uncomfortable in it or it's "not you," that will show and you won't pull it off. On the flip side, if you're confident and feel good in your clothes, you can pull off anything!

RSP: Where can we find you out in L.A.? 

Grasie: More importantly, what are you wearing when you are there? I'm not a big partier, but I do attend a lot of fashion events, which are really fun. They can be anywhere in LA and I always bump into fellow blogger buds, which I love. As far as what I'm wearing, it really depends on the day. Sometimes I'm in a pants mood, sometimes I have to wear a dress. It always changes. 

RSP: What are you drinking? Grasie: Tequila and pineapple juice with a lime. People always make fun of it and then they try it and I get them hooked. It's a make-shift margarita that's a lot easier to make and tastes just as good. I'm a bit of a margarita snob (I make a great one!) so there's only 1 place in LA (El Carmen) that I'll order one from...other wise tequila & pineapple it is! 

RSP: Shoe of the moment? 

Grasie: Anything with a metal cap toe. I have a pair of boots from Lulus.com and a pair of pumps from Shoxie.com both with silver cap toes...love! 

RSP: Handbag of the moment? 

Grasie: My carry all (literally) black & white handbag from Shoemint. It goes with everything, holds everything and I'm constantly getting compliments on it. 

RSP: What's in your evening clutch? 

Grasie: MAC Cosmetics lipstick in Ruby Woo, my wallet, blog business cards, my keys, cellphone, loose powder and blush. 

RSP: Now that we know about your personal style, can you please give RSP's readers a few pointers?

RSP: What look do you recommend for a first date? 

Grasie: Depends on the girl and the date but...If you're doing dinner and a movie, wear something like jeans, with a pretty blouse and cute bootie boots. This way you look appropriate for dinner but still relatively comfy for a 2 hour movie. 

RSP: What defines a perfect NYE look? 

Grasie: Sparkle!!! It's the best time of year to bust out the metallics. Gold, silver, bronze...go for it and have fun with your look. 

Photos courtesy of StyleMeGrasie.com

RSP: What is your favorite trend of the season and what's the easiest way to incorporate it into everyday style? 

Grasie: Again, metallics is definitely a fave for me this season. The easiest way to incorporate it into your everyday style is with accessories. Necklaces, rings, earrings and shoes are a great way to add metallics. And don't be afraid to mix them...gold and silver are GREAT together. Forget the old rules...rules were made to be broken (especially in fashion :)

Alan Friedman Jewelry: Barbie Rocks Holiday Shopping Soirée in Beverly Hills

I stopped by the invite-only Barbie Pinktastic Party at Alan Friedman Jewelry in Beverly Hills to celebrate the official Barbie Rocks collection. World-renowned jewelry designers, Layna and Alan Friedman developed the collection in 2006 as the result of a close partnership between Mattel.

The event hosted by Layna and celebrity stylist, Anya Sarre, showcased the 18kt white, yellow, rose gold and sterling silver pieces. 5% of every sale worldwide is donated to Keep A Child Alive. Guests were dolled up by the Ferro cosmetics team and nibbled on an array of sweets. The afternoon was filled with diamonds, mini cupcakes, a pink carpet and came complete with a jewel-embellished Wish and a Whisk cake.

Learn more about Layna and Alan's Barbie Rocks and shop the collection!

Bisous ♥

Style Profile: Interview with Jacey Duprie of Damsel in Dior

Of course, RSP made time for yet another exclusive interview over the holiday weekend. This week we feature Jacey Duprie of Damsel in Dior. You might recognize her girly-meets-edgy style from her acclaimed blog, or perhaps you have read her fashion tips on Rachel Zoe or via Refinery29. This glamour girl defines Los Angeles style with a signature look that always delivers a hit of on-trend texture and color.

Now leave it to us to deliver tips from the damsel herself! She dishes on what a girl should wear on a first date, reveals what's in her bag and gives the skinny on the perfect ingredients for an irresistible NYE look.

RSP: What is your role in the fashion industry? (Feel free to mention your site, previous experience, client roster, collaborations, TV appearances,etc.)
Jacey: My role in the fashion industry is a self-made one. To me, any person who has an appreciation for fashion plays the most vital role of all in this industry, because they keep it alive. The fashion industry remains vibrant due to its consumers. My personal appreciation, love affair and overall obsession with the fashion lead me to make a role for myself within the industry, which is why I created my own blog, Damsel in Dior.  I like to think of my blog as an additional instrument for consumers and retailers, aspiring to connect them to each other in a more personal way.

I do not only blog for myself, but have contributed to various sites and been featured in editorials such as Nordstroms, StyleMePretty, Who What Wear {coming soon!}, a Levi's Ad Campaign, Rachel Zoe's Blog, Ladie's Home Journal, Refinery29 & Wall Street Journal.




RSP: Describe your personal style in three words:
Jacey: Girlie With Edge.

RSP: Shoe of the moment?
Jacey: Valentino Noir Patent Leather Rockstud

RSP: Handbag of the moment?
Jacey: Anything and Everything Céline  

RSP: What's your favorite item in your closet right now?
Jacey: My amazing Joie Leather Jacket  that the husband got me for Christmas.

RSP: If you could swap closets with anyone, who would it be?
Jacey: Olivia Palermo.

RSP: Right there with ya.

RSP: Favorite places to shop? 
Jacey: Barney's, J.Crew, Zara, Kelly Wearstler, NetAPorter

RSP: What is one personal styling tip you live by?
Jacey: If something doesn't feel right: It Isn't.
Also,
You can never be overdressed, or overeducated - Oscar Wilde.

RSP: Where can we find you out in L.A.? More importantly, what are you wearing when you are there?
You can stalk me at Soho House, Dominick's, Comme Ça, Izakaya & Laurel Hardware.
I'm usually wearing something easy like black leather pants with a slouchy knit or jeans and a blazer.

RSP: What are you drinking?
Jacey: Soho House: Spicy Margarita. Dominicks: Moscow Mule. Comme Ça: Penicillin. Y.U.M.

RSP: What's in your evening clutch? (Please include your favorite lip stick or gloss!)

Jacey: My biz-nass cards, black eye liner & smudge brush, Catalina Su lipgloss and my cell. Oh, and a small sample sized perfume of Jo Malone Orange Blossom.
Day Bag:

RSP: Now that we know about your personal style, can you please give RSP's readers a few pointers?

RSP: What look do you recommend for a first date?
Jacey: Simple & Sexy. This isn't a time to dress for your girls. Give the guy a little skin to make his imagination run. I would go with skinny jeans and heels {always} with a low v-neck tee or blouse and a blazer/leather jacket draped over your shoulders. P.S. Always make him open doors and set your standards high {where they should be!}.



                 RSP: What defines a "perfect" NYE look?

Jacey: My NYE look has to be f-u-n and inspire me to want to dance like no one is watching and drink like there's no tomorrow. When I'm ringing in a New Year that outfit has to set the standard for the entire next year to come. So it better be smokin' hot, sparkly and something truly special!

RSP: What is your favorite trend of the season and what's the easiest way to incorporate it into everyday style?
Jacey: I'm honestly not huge into "trends" at the moment. I'm more into grabbing a sparkly statement piece that can make any outfit POP like it's hot or a cool faux fur collar which will transform any tired blazer.

Bisous ♥

Home for the Holidays: Ice Cream Pedicure at Leu Leu Beauty Bar

I headed home for the holidays, back to my small beach-town roots in Cardiff by the Sea. Haven't heard of it? Vogue shot a spread and cover with Blake Lively in this very town...if it's on Wintour's radar, it should be on yours too. First stop? I stopped by North County's newest addition, Leu Leu Beauty Bar in Leucadia. This eco-friendly salon offers both nail and hair services, talk about a power duo.

With a selection of delicious options such as their Ice Cream Pedicure, Vanilla Foot Scrub and Marshmallow Foot Mask, it's difficult to make an executive decision.

I opted for a shellac pedicure. Usually, I stick with a simple black coat however I was in an extra playful mood (I'm guessing due to the holidays). After perusing an array of designs for inspiration, I decided on a delicate bow detail.

While soaking, I had a chance to chat with Leu Leu Beauty Bar owner, Chai. Not only does she pay attention to details but her aesthetic is right on point. I got the skinny on her picks for nail trends and even got her recommendation for New Years Eve party nails...

RSP: What are the biggest nail trends for the season?
Chai: Marbleizing, misty, matte or glitter. It's all about the tones and textures.

RSP: Can you recommend a New Year's Eve nail design to my readers?
Chai: Glitter with flecks

RSP: Your go-to color?
Chai: Purple

RSP: What's your tip for keeping nails in good shape?
Chai: Don't forget to oil our cuticles!

RSP: What kind of girl goes to Leu Leu?
Chai: A girl who appreciates details and loves pretty moments. Of course, someone who needs some pampering and a girl who seeks an intimate setting. The overall vibe is influenced by France and my goal is to create a memorable experience for my clients.

RSP: What should clients know about Leu Leu?
Chai: We have a holiday special right now: Spend $40 on a gift card and get $10 for yourself!

Bisous ♥

Style Profile: Hensi Morris of Lipstick Sister

All you need is lipstick...

It only took a month of living in L.A. to hear about the invite-only group, Lipstick Sister. I was immediately intrigued after I was invited to attend a dinner with the ladies at Chateau Marmont. Who are they? An exclusive mix of power players in Los Angeles...all women, all entrepreneurs. I am usually turned off by this sort of thing, I just am. However, this specific group appealed to me. All ambitious and talented women who actually support one another and their endeavors...I am into that.

Meet the woman who defines the essence of a Lipstick Sister...president and founder, Hensi Morris. She exudes confidence, elegance and grace. She ensures that us girls stick together and I applaud her efforts. In this city, you feel jealousy and envy at every turn. However, with Hensi, you feel supported, uplifted and encouraged. This might sound borderline cheesy, however it is true. She has successfully cultivated a group of women with admirable qualities and characteristics.

Now let's talk Hensi's style. Her feminine allure teamed with playful accents ensure that you can't help but notice her. She effortlessly commands attention from one event to the next with front row-worthy looks.  Now find out what she pairs with her Prada dresses and Louis Vuitton...

RSP: How does your personal style play into your career as CEO of Lipstick Sister?
Hensi: With Lipstick Sister we are big on promoting Femininity, a Lipstick Sister is confident, sweet, funny, a sexy version of the girl next door! So my style is very much like that, girly and classy.

RSP: Style influence?
Hensi: My idol is Grace Kelly, I really just love how she carried herself with so much elegance and poise and always looked perfect, for me Victoria Beckham is my modern version of her, because she always looks impeccable and she is very classy and tailored! I was so thrilled when she started her own clothing line.  Chanel is by far my favorite runway look, again I always go back to the classics. Not that I don't think I call pull off the super sexy and funky it's just not who I am LOL

RSP: Describe your look in three words:
Hensi: Classy, Sexy, Feminine

RSP: What is your most prized fashion possession?
Hensi: My Loui V's my grandmother and mother have worn Louis Vuitton since I can remember, I bought my first tear drop bag when I was 23 in NY and I remember my friends asking me why I was wearing an old lady hand bag! haha That tells you how old I must be LOL

RSP: Favorite places to shop?
Hensi: Robertson Blvd and Rodeo Drive

RSP: Lip balm flavor?  

Hensi: Strawberry! Yuuuuuuuum

RSP: Brands from head-to-toe?
Hensi: I am only really a brand girl when it comes to hand bags and accessories, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Tom Ford. Everything else I don't care as long as it looks good and I feel great wearing it!
 
RSP: What's in your evening clutch?
Hensi: Lips gloss, is A MUST!! I love glossy lips! My cell phone, Michael Kors travel size perfume and ID and Credit Card.
 
RSP: Where can we find you in LA?
Hensi: I frequent the same places all the time, Cecconi's, AGO, Culina, E. Baldi. Notice they are all restaurants? I love food!

RSP: Drink of choice?
Hensi: Grey Goose dirty martini, sorry my mouth just watered!! hahaha

Bisous ♥

 

Get Hensi's look with this chic white dress on Nastygal!

              

Raven + Lily: Fair Trade Holiday Shopping Guide with Nacole Gray of Rich Skinny Pretty

I am one of the bloggers selected for the Raven + Lily charitable holiday gift guide! The socially and environmentally responsible line uses 100% of their profits from sales to achieve their social cause. The pieces empower through design by employing marginalized women with fair trade and sustainable income.

Take a look at my top picks and enjoy a special 20% OFF code for my readers:
RALRICHSKINNYPRETTY
Feel good about shopping with Raven + Lily!
https://www.ravenandlily.com/

Bisous ♥ 

Exclusive Interview with NCLA Founder, Elin Dannerstedt: Nail Trend Tips and New Years Eve Nail Art

Enjoy a little California on your fingertips...

We sat down with our go-to nail trend expert and founder of (celebrity favorite) NCLA. Elin Dannerstedt gives us the skinny on what it's like to see trends in the lens of the California girl and dishes on the wear-now look for New Years Eve. Plus, book your appointment for a NCLA mani at Kitson on Robertson...I will see you there on NYE!

RSP: Tell us what kind of girl shops NCLA. 
Elin: NCLA appeals to so many different women — the fashion trend-setters, the glamourous girls who love glitter, and girls who dare to be different.

RSP: NCLA is all about the California girl...which places inspire your line (and clever names) most?
Elin: Every place in LA in so different — from the beach to Hollywood — and these different areas and hot spots inspire us.  We also get ideas for new lacquers and wraps as we travel around the world, seeing trends in the lens of the California girl and creating something very "LA".

RSP: Where can we find you for a drink in L.A. and which nail lacquer will you be wearing?
Elin: Bottega Louie for a drink after work (which rarely happens!) and you'll find me wearing Moullhand Man Eater, an opulent dark purple that I love.

RSP: Where can we find NCLA?
Elin: We're so excited that NCLA is now spanning the country!  You can find us at our 'Nails A La Carte' Pop Up Manicure Bar at the flagship KiTSON store on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles from now through the end of December.

To book an appointment, email nailbar@shopncla.com or call 323.989.9917.  We'll be open on New Year's Eve for exclusive, custom New Year's Eve nail designs!

RSP: What is the biggest nail trend for winter?
Elin: Glitter! The holiday season is all about that special shine and sparkle, so we came up with really fun limited edition nail sets called "The Ritz" and "The Glitz" to showcase the trend!

RSP: Describe your personal style and how if influences your collection Elin: I like to wear neutrals and classic pieces so that my nails always pop.  That's where you'll see me wearing colors and vibrant patterns — on my nails!  And, with our new collaboration with GLAMOUR Magazine, I'm now wearing the hottest designers on my nails, all for a good cause.  And you can too! Check out our exclusive NCLA x GLAMOUR nail wraps featuring the signature prints found in the Resort 2013 collections of 10 Crosby Derek Lam, Bibhu Mohapatra, L'Wren Scott, and Peter Som.

Each wrap kit is $16, contains enough wraps for 3-4 manis, plus an NCLA nail file.  Five dollars of every kit sold goes to Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that helps young women pursue careers in technology and engineering.  You can find them exclusively at Barney's Co-op and on www.shopncla.com.

RSP: What's your personal tip (color, nail design) for NYE?
Elin: We always think about what outfit we're wearing on New Year's Eve, but you can't forget about your best accessory—your nails!  Nails can be great in a dark shade topped with a large flake glitter like NCLA Hollywood Hills Hot Number lacquer to create a NYE confetti effect on your nails. It's the perfect pairing with your champagne toast!

If you're in the LA area, stop by our Nails A La Carte Pop Up Manicure Bar at the Kitson Flagship store, 115 Robertson Blvd.  Come in on New Year's Eve, we're open and doing custom NYE manicures all day! Visit www.shopncla.com to book an appointment.

RSP: See you at Kitson for a mani!

Bisous ♥

Remember Kelly?

Remember Kelly? She's been wondering where you've been.

If it's been awhile, it's time to get reacquainted...

RSP: Which fashion designers or runway trends influence your overall look?
Kell: It’s hard to put my finger on just one, I’m scandalous when it comes to fashion I suppose. Chloe always seems to know what’s up…the same thing that’s been up for the last 60 years! Everything Chloe touches sings vintage, eclectic, antiquity. I also think music often shapes fashion, and I love music, so I’m sure you can decipher my feelings on fashion.

RSP: What is your most prized fashion possession?
Kell: My Kelly green Dolce & Gabanna Pea coat. Fo Sho!

RSP: In your opinion what is the biggest fashion faux pas???
Kell: Ummmmmm, caring too much I do declare! Matchy matchy is over-rated, as is regularly laundering your clothing. I like character...I like it when clothes look used. Rainbow sandals make me want to vomit. I don’t much care for stiletto heels either. Femininity is a bit out done as well. I like a more androgynous look.

RSP: Favorite color?
Kell: Green. Kelly Green. Yep.

RSP: Favorite place to shop?
Kell: Amvets and Top Shop.

RSP: Must have make-up?
Kell: Bella Donna loose powder. One word: AMAZING. Oh yeah, and cheap black eyeliner from CVS or Target.

RSP: How would you describe your look?
Kell: I’m all over the place. Edgy, vintage, eclectic, androgynous. That pretty much sums in up.

RSP: What do you do in your spare time?
Kell: Read, write, draw, run, socialize. Oh, and fantasize about my imaginary rock band.

RSP: What are a few of your vices?
Kell: Diet soda, pop tarts, and cigarettes.

RSP: Favorite things…in general?
Kell: My cat (Chloe), rain, jap-anime, artichokes, MUSIC, the GAA, making out.

RSP: What are you drinking?
Kell: Whiskey diet. Word.

RSP: Fashion faves?
Kell: Edie Sedgwick, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, and Sid Vicious.

RSP: Finish this sentence: “I Wish…"
Kell: I lived in Ireland and was in an awesome band. And that my cat could come with.

Bisous ♥

The girls are ready for the weekend...

What are the girls listening to this Friday? A little Future Islands is getting them in the mood for the weekend...
        

Bisous ♥

Holiday Inspiration: Ashley Gets in the Spirit this Season

RSP girl, Ashley, knows exactly what she wants this year. She's been perusing Lockerz for inspiration and has lined up a few key items and beauty trends for the season.

If Ashley's picks doesn't get you in the holiday spirit, we don't know what will...

Bisous ♥

Exclusive Interview with Celebrity Stylist: Anya Sarre Gives Personal Styling Tips for Winter 2012

Guess who scored an interview with one of Hollywood's most influential celebrity stylists? You only get one guess so make it count...

RSP chatted with nationally recognized stylist to the A-List, Anya Sarre and got the skinny on Sarre's personal style. We even nabbed a few styling tips for our readers. Thank me later!

Named “Best Television Fashion Stylist” for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Sarre is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. She has been regularly featured in print magazines and on television—Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and the STYLE network to name a few. She shares her words of wisdom when it comes to fashion and dishes on her favorite key pieces for the season. Ladies, take notes!

 RSP: What is your role in the fashion industry?
Anya: I am a stylist at ShoeDazzle and work alongside other celebrity stylists like Kim Kardashian.

RSP: Fashion advice?
Anya: Confidence is a major factor in whether one looks stylish. Anyone can cultivate confidence. Clothes do not make the woman; clothes should be chosen to accentuate what is already there. A woman is confident when she knows that she is wearing her clothes and not the other way around. This effortless sense of self is a major factor in one's personal style. Trying too hard only detracts from beauty and charisma.

RSP: Key item for winter?
Anya: Pair a belt with a dress. The belt should not be used to actually hold the dress on or give it a shape that it does not already have. To pull off this look, the dress should look good and fit well on its own. The belt is only meant to accentuate a slender waist and provide an unexpected pop of color.

RSP: Color blocking is still a major trend. What is an easy way to incorporate this trend into your everyday style?
Anya: A skinny yellow belt can be worn over a blue or red dress for a modernized color-blocking effect.

RSP: Every girl loves her ever-growing selection of shoes. What is you styling tip for this closet favorite?
Anya: Use Shoes to add color to your look. An all-black outfit goes from forgettable to edgy when the shoes are a bold color like bright green or purple. The shoes may match a belt or another colored accessory.

RSP: Bold is fun but what about neutrals? How should a girl wear her nude pair of pumps?
Anya: Shoes that match the color of one's legs are perfect for events that demand understated dress. Outfits that are pale pink, white or cream-colored are complemented well by subtle footwear.

RSP: Which piece is making the biggest come back this season?
Anya: Blazers are back in a big way. A basic black blazer is a classic style staple. It adds a hint of androgyny to jeans and takes work and party ensembles down a few notches. Note: A black blazer has a muting effect.

RSP: How do you personally wear this staple piece?
Anya: Bright tops or dresses that are too intense on their own become tasteful swatches of color when worn under blazers. A blazer is structured enough to allow for looseness in other areas. T-shirts and casual shoes are balanced out by the professionalism of a blazer.

RSP: What is your personal favorite item from your closet at the moment?
Anya: This pleated skirt with a femme bow detail.

RSP: How do you define personal style?
Anya: Being willing to take risks with clothing combinations is a sign of confidence. Fashion is a creative outlet that allows women to turn their bodies into canvases for self-expression.

Bisous ♥