STYLING: [gentry | fall 2011 | images]

Last month we did a post about the amazing GENTRY Fall/Holiday 2011 photo shoot that we styled along with the second half of NUNN + CHOI, Ed Choi. Since we Just finished laying out the look book, we wanted share some of our favorite images that were taken by Everette Perry.

Photographer: Everette Perry & his assistants
Fashion Stylist: Jen Nunn-Iwai & Ed Choi (NUNN+CHOI)
Groomer: Jonathan Colombini
Models: Warren Baker, Alex Ulvsgard & Jonathan Isaiah

Stay tuned for the GENTRY Spring/Summer images coming soon.

xx
j

FASHION: [versace | for | h&m]

Hi my lovelies!

So today I found out who the next designer collaboration for H&M will be... Versace! They've designed iconic pieces from iconic moments past & present. About 40 Women's pieces and 20 Men's pieces plus accessories to be in stores November 17, 2011 and shortly followed by a pre-spring collection that will be available online from January 19, 2012.



Here are some speak peek images for the upcoming collection...





I'm in love with the studded dresses and the mid high peep-toe booties. I can't wait to see what else the collection will bring. My personal style doesn't really go with what Versace is all about but from what I see so far from these photos, I can definitely make some of them work.

STYLING TIP: Never buy something just going based off the designer/brand name!
Just because something is made by a designer/brand doesn't always make it fashionable and fabulous for everyone and anyone. You should always spend you money on pieces that fit you will, and fit into your style. Always look for quality, fit, style and longevity. Spending money on "trendy" pieces isn't very smart (unless you're rich), spending it on the classic quality pieces that will last a while is always smart. Also, just like buying based off the designer brand names... fallowing every trend isn't a must. If you want to fallow a trend, be sure to pick and choose and make it fit into your own style otherwise you'll come out looking like you're trying way too hard.

{source: vogue.co.uk, hm.com}

Until next time...
xx
j

STYLING: [gentry | photo shoot | f11 & SS12]

Hi Lovelies,

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I know I sure did. This past Saturday, GENTRY asked me to co-style their Fall 2011 and Spring/Summer 2012 photo shoot with the amazing Ed Choi up at the Stahl House in the Hollywood Hills (photographed on the right). I was extremely excited and honored that they had asked me to help style they're shoot. On top of never really focusing on just men's styling before, I was also excited to be able to work with all of GENTRY's amazing men's accessories (neck pins, tie pins, tie bars, pocket squares, bow ties (new) and neck ties).

It's definitely a lot easier to style a shoot when you believe in the product, as well as the brand's vision. What I love about GENTRY is their effortless, classic with a modern take on men's accessories and of course their attention to details. I think that more men should start investing in their accessories. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that I see more men out their wearing tie bars but how about adding a little more character to the accessories?! Like GENTRY's Fitzgerlad collection. This is probably by far my favorite collection from GENTRY. I'm in love with the Carraway set and the clock tie pin is my all time favorite.

ATTENTION ALL MEN: please start wearing tie pins, I love them more than tie bars (but I love tie bars too). It's a nice suttle touch of character to an outfit and I LOVE that! All you need is just a little detail to finish a look. As shown in the photo on the left on the handsome Warren Baker, the face of GENTRY. Which is actually a sneak peek pic at one of the looks from the shoot for GENTRY's Fall 2011 campaign.

Ok enough about my love for GENTRY and men's accessories... Now back to the photo shoot. We started off the day shooting GENTRY's Spring/Summer 2012 collections. Since Spring/Summer is more vibrant and colorful, it was only natural to start off the day with the SS collection. Which I personally had the most fun with styling wise (I think Ed did as well). In the Spring collection we also wanted to show people that men's accessories didn't have to be tied down to suits and evening wear. As you'll be able to see a little peek at in the behind the scenes photos below. (click image to enlarge photo)

Models for GENTRY's Spring/Summer 2012 is Warren Baker, Brian Thomas Gove and Austin Stowell. Photographed by Carl Lindstorm

After we wrapped the SS shoot at the Stahl House around 3pm, it was time for the Fall 2011 shoot. Unfortunately, I was wrapped up in the shoot that I completely forgot to take some behind the scenes photos for the Fall collection but I'm sure the one with Warren in the top left is good enough for you guys. However, here is a photo of all of us at the end of the day.
Crew photo from GENTRY's Fall 2011 photo shoot at the Stahl House.

Co-founders: Ms. Imamura & Mr. Sato
Photographer: Everette Perry & his assistants
Fashion Stylist: Jen Nunn-Iwai & Ed Choi
Groomer: Jonathan Colombini
Models: Warren Baker, Alex Ulvsgard & Jonathan Isaiah

All-in-all it was an amazing day with amazing people and an amazing view! Loved every moment of it. Had a blast and I can't wait for the next one. Thank you... Annie & Greg for having me be a part of this photo shoot and Ed for being my partner in crime on this shoot. NUNN + CHOI styling, next stop... the world! :)

Also, I want to thank everyone else that made this shoot happen. Great Team! Can't wait to see all the photos.

Until next time,
xoxo
j

LOVE: [3.1 phillip lim | calder | pumps]

love!

these 3.1. Phillp Lim 'Calder' t-strap pumps are just lovely. a perfect mix of retro with a modern twist.

$850 at Nordstrom.com

GOOD THINGS: [diy | flower | pin]

Today's Good Thing is this DIY fabric flower pin. I still thing a flower pin is a cute accent to certain outfits. A few years ago, i was actually going to buy one from Nordstroms that looks almost exactly like this one. Good thing i didn't because now I can make it myself with Made By Lex's How-To. love!!

xoxo
j

LOVE: [esty | mauve rose | scraf]

LOVE this tie-die scarf with leather embellished loop at scoutandcatalogue's Esty page. This Lovely is called 'THE LASSO mauve and rose'. The only down fall is the price tag. $118 for a cotton tie-die scarf is a little steep for my wallet.

LOVE: [esty | vintage | scraf hat]

LOVE this vintage scarf hat. enough said!

Head over to Buffalump's Esty page to purchase this lovely item for only $40.

WISH LIST: [lanvin | canvas reptile print | peep toe wedge]

If you fallow NBD on facebook, this is an oldie but i love it so much i had to make it official and post it as a wish list item.

Who doesn't love a statement shoe?! I'm not normally a animal print fan but i definitely love how Lanvin has added it into this wedge. And for you animal lovers out there, you don't have to worry because it print canvas and not actual snake skin. Gotta love that right?!

These lovelies will set you back $1120.00

{source: barneys new york}

INSPIRATION: [esty | necktie | belt]

obviously this isn't a piece someone could wear everyday. But i love the concept of this belt and it could be an amazing accessory for a photo shoot... amazing!

{source: esty - Storied}

LOVE: [esty | baby | headband]

Esty is definitely a great place to find talented creators/designers. Today's LOVE goes to Esty designers Little Town Boutique. I'm also in LOVE with these newborn photos.

How adorably cute are these little felt flower headbands for newborns?! They even make them for adults.

WISH LIST: [ long | feather | earring]

I want these long feather earrings.... absolutely love! They're amazing and fun. You can wear one or both. You can wear them as earrings and/or pin them in your hair.

This would also be amazing to use in a photo shoot. I might have to definitely get this lovelies. Not bad for $16.

Go check them out, they come in all different colors.

{source: Esty- DaintyDamselfli}

LOOK FOR LESS: [stuart weitzman | alex | espadrille]

Hello Lovelies!

This weeks LFL goes to Stuart Weitzman's 'Alex' espadrille sandals.

The replica is Steve Madden's 'Fantasik'. This is a replica i can actually get behind.

Like i said last week, I'm all for cheaper replicas when it comes to shoes as long as they don't look super cheap. Steve Madden did a nice job with keeping to the little details in the shoe.

xoxo
j

WISH LIST: [besty johnson | derbby | bootie]

Maybe this is some of my old tomboy ways talking, but i've always had a thing for menswear inspired clothing and accessories.

So when i saw the Besty Johnson 'Derbby' bootie, i feel in love. I also love the light beige color of the leather.

And for only $99.95, I'd say that's a good deal of these lovelies.

{source: Nordstom}

LOOK FOR LESS: [christian loubutin | studded bow | heel]

This week's 'Look for less' goes to these fierce Christian Louboutin 'Clou Noeud' slingbacks for $1195. N.Y.L.A. has created a cheaper version called 'Genevieve' for less then 10% for the regular price of the Louboutin's at $104.95.

Obviously the N.Y.L.A versions aren't as fierce with the lack of detail but for the price difference I'd say its not bad.

I personally don't mind buying replica shoes if they still look like they're made well and/or very close to the original and unfortunately i don't think these N.Y.L.A. version's one of them. I think the Christian Louboutin 'Clou Noeud' shoe is so memorable that you can't slack on the detail if you're going to replicate them.

xoxo
j

ACCESSORIES: [mens | tie pins]

I know that most of my post are typically geared towards the ladies but today's post is for the men.

It's always sexy when a guy looks like he knows how to dress. Notice how I said "looks like". It doesn't matter how you end up in the outfit, it could be a girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, friend and/or stylist that dressed you, as long as you look put together that's all that matters and in the end its all about the accessories (Tip #2).

I styled a photo shoot this past weekend for my good friends at Krista Mason Photography and i didn't realize until then how much I love men's tie-pins (I used Gentry's Carraway tie-pin from their Fitzgerald collection - Gentry Carraway jewelry collection photoed on the left, click to enlarge). Don't get me wrong, I still love me a good tie-bar on a guy but the simplicity of a tie-pin... i die for!

Most guys might hear accessories and/or jewelry and run when it comes to adding them to their outfit and if you are one of those guys you should seriously reconsider your stereotype of it. Just like it does for the ladies, Accessories give an outfit that finishing touch.

For example, check out the image below taken from Gentry's F/W 2010 lookbook.
It gives a little hint of style and character that some might not even notice right away and I love that!

If you haven't already gone over to Gentry to check out their amazing pieces you should do so now. Their love for the details makes me love them even more. Right now Gentry only sells their tie-pins via their box sets but that shouldn't stop you from getting the whole set because all of their pieces will give you that polished finished look that all men need. You know that saying "dress to impress!"?! live by it!

Until next time.
xoxo
Best,
j

JEWELRY: [cartier | love collection]

Since the 1970's Lovers all over the world have been giving the Cartier Love Bracelet to their hearts desire. It's locked in place on the arm of the receiver by the giver to symbolize an everlasting commitment/love.

Not only is it Cartier but with what this bracelet symbolizes... what women wouldn't want their loved one (or husand.. hint hint ha) to give them one of these?! The only set back is the nice hefty price tag... $3950 which going up every year. It is Cartier after all.

{source: Cartier.com}

ACCESSORIES: [knuckle clutch | alexander mcqueen]

{source: alexandermcqueen.com}

need i say anything besides post pics of these knuckle clutches by the late great Alexander McQueen?!

I'm currently assisting a stylist and we pulled the studded one just the other day. oh how i want thee. such genius! both edgy and functional. It can also be used as a weapon if anyone were to try and rob you. heehee.

anyone want to become my BFF and buy it for me. this is art in the form of a handbag i tell ya!! don't you agree?

xoxo
j

ACCESSORIES: [booties | balmain]

These lace up booties from Balmain by Giuseppe Zanotti are killer and are definitely on my wish list. I'm already running thru my head of how many different outfits i could pair theses lovelies with. I love how they're sexy but yet casual. Which gives a nice edginess to whatever look its paired with.

I've always loved and wanted a pair of lace up booties, but most of them seemed a little too trendy and less timeless. I personally think that Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain has came up with a perfect match for me and my taste in which i think is timeless. Now if only i could convince my hubs that i "need" them. haha

Balmain by Giuseppe Zanotti: cuff lace up booties $1495
{source: shopbop.com}

ACCESSORIES: [handbags | kate spade]

Kate Spade use to be the "it" bag designer back in the late '90s but i haven't paid much attention to the brand since than, until now that is. I was on a plane looking through one of the fashion magazines (can't remember which one) when i came across a photo of a purse that looked almost identical to a purse by Lanvin. I was presently surprised it was only $595 (in which i automatically knew it wasn't a Lanvin) and made by Kate Spade. so cute, right?!


{source: katespade.com}

POLL: [which color hunter rain boots?]

everyone knows that living in New York City during Nov-Feb is the coldest (snow & rain) time of the year. with that being said i NEED to buy rain boots. i've always wanted Hunter rain boots, but living in LA never really needed them and after actually trying them one... OMG so comfy! i might just wear them all the time. ha!

so my question to all of you is...

what color Hunter rain boot should i get??

High Gloss: Black, Grey, Violet, or Pea Green??

should i go classic with black or grey, or should i go funky and get violet or pea green??

let me know your thoughts. thanks!!

xoxo

**UPDATE**

I ended up finding the Grey & Violet in my size here in NYC. As much as i loved the color Violet (which really looks Fuchsia) it was just a little too bright on my feet for my personal liking... so i stuck with the grey. Surprisingly i haven't had to use them yet, all the rain seems to be on the west cost. >_<