Men's Summertime Business Casual

A client and I shopped for her husband the other day.  In two hours, we created a complete Summertime business casual wardrobe for him.  A few crisp button-front shirts (no ties required) plus 3 polos, 4 pairs of pants and 3 different shoe choices created a full range of options appropriate for everyday in the office to meetings to cocktails--even date night!

Rather than having 2 (or more) pairs of identical khaki colored chinos, choose 1 pair of flat-front chinos and 1 pair of 5-pocket cotton pants both in a similar khaki color.  AG makes a pair of each and I've found that men who are uncomfortable in 'skinny' jeans, love the feel of the AG straight leg chinos and jeans.

We used colors that mix and match easily with each other:  blues and browns, tans and reds--and all shades of each.  This makes the outfit possibilities exponential.  The Lacoste polos are from the Live! line which have a slimmer cut through the shoulders but a classic fit through the torso.

Click here for links to all of the above.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.  To schedule a consult, contact maria@mariaturkel.com.

How to Make Comfy Tops and Pants Look Polished

Late Spring is such a busy time for most women:  you are keeping track of schedules, running to meetings, attending events and all while continuing to organize the household each day.  You want to look great but need to feel comfortable at the same time.  Start with a simple T-shirt and pants (jeans, leggings) and make sure that both of these have great stretch in them.  Then add a few well-chosen pieces as you head out the door.  Remove these same items when you walk in the house and you'll feel free to get everything done at home without wishing you'd changed your clothes first.

This happy yellow color reflects the beautiful blossoms outside:

 The clean lines of this outfit allow all of the colors to pop, yet work together:

Navy and white is one of my favorite Spring color combinations; here it's paired with a neutral-toned jean rather than khaki pants:

How to Wear All-White

The key to a successful white-on-white outfit is mixing together tones of white, eggshell and creme. Make sure at least one piece has some texture and then layer on jewelry and accessories 

in white, gold and/or nude.

Click here for links to all of the above plus many more options.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.  To schedule a consult, contact maria@mariaturkel.com.

Spring Scarves

The sun is shining, but the air can still be cool on these Spring days.  Rather than adding a bulky scarf, choose a thin silk fabric.  Here are a few ways to wear them:

1) Short-n-sweet: Wrap around neck and tie in either the front or the back

2) Long-n-loose:Wrap once and slip one end of the scarf through the loop at the front of your neck.

  

3) Mix patterns: Keep the scarf and top in same color tone and size of the patterns in a similar scale.

4) Add some color:  Wrap and tie in a flat knot.  Push it to the side or let the knot take center stage inside of a collar.

5) Neutral for evening: Scarf and top in sheer fabrics of the same tone.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.  To schedule a consult, contact maria@mariaturkel.com.

Spring 2015 White Dress Trend

Call it Broderie Anglaise or Bruxelles Lace or Guipure...each of these refers to white cotton lace.  Here are 4 different dress suggestions at varying price points.  Each achieves the same effect.  

Wear with a flat gladiator sandal and simple jewelry.

Top row, from left to right:

Roberto Cavalli cotton mini-dress at net-a-porter, $2.910

REDValentino cotton mini-dress at net-a-porter, $650

Bruxelles Lace dress at Anthropologie, $295

Guipure stars dress at Zara, $99.90

Designer inspiration on bottom row, from left to right:

Louis Vuitton Spring 2015 Runway

Chloe Spring 2015 Runway

Valentino Spring 2015 Runway

Click to see larger images.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.  To schedule a consult, contact maria@mariaturkel.com.

3 Ways to Wear a White Blouse

1) A client of mine had been wearing this blouse tucked in to a black skirt with black shoes.  Good looking and safe.  Here I accessorized the same outfit with a crystal/gold necklace worn under the collar and pearl earrings and neutral shoes.  I also suggested a few updates on shoes and bracelets. A crystal bead necklace is a great addition to any wardrobe as the clear crystal picks up any color underneath.

2)  My second option for her was to wear the same blouse, untucked, with a neutral skirt that she's had in her closet, too.  Because she always wore this blouse with the black skirt and black shoes, she never thought to lighten up the whole look with all neutral tones.  The jewelry is simple, but essential, here.  One other small detail:  she never wore the sleeves rolled up.  It gives an entirely different feeling to a crisp white blouse to wear it this way.

3) The third, and more casual, option for her above.  Wear the blouse untucked with wide legged, cuffed trousers.  Again, the turned up sleeves of the blouse work so well with the new proportion of the trousers (we customized a pair that was hanging in her closet--notice the pins in the close-up photo).  I suggested bolder jewelry here (a large gold cuff and double drop earrings).  The extra-large scarf adds interest and color in an unexpected volume.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.  To schedule a consult, contact maria@mariaturkel.com.

Spring 2015 Denim Trend

Here are 3 different ways to wear denim this Spring.

See below each photo for links to specific items.

 If your style is Preppy:

1) Vineyard Vines denim dress. Banana Republic X&O earring. Tory Burch sandals.

2) Vineyard Vines polo and shorts. Tory Burch ballerina. Superga acid wash sneakers. 

Tory Burch espadrille.

3) Banana Republic pearl earring.  Victoria Beckham denim/twill dress.  Repetto ballerina.

If your style is Minimalist:

1) Banana Republic cone earring. Donna Karan New York denim dress.

2) Louis Vuitton, Spring 2015 Runway photo

3) Banana Republic gold drop earring. 3.1 Phillip Lim top.  Dark wash denim MiH jeans.  Christian Louboutin denim pump.

If your style is Boho:

1) Banana Republic hoop earring. Frame white T-shirt and light wash jeans.  Pierre Hardy platforms.

2) Tommy Hilfiger, Spring 2015 Runway photo

3) Silk peasant top. Banana Republic drop earrings.  Embellished jeans.  Metallic platforms.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.  To schedule a consult, contact maria@mariaturkel.com.

Spring 2015 Fashion Trend--More 1970s Chic

Spring 2015 Trend--1970s Bohemians

Call it California Boho: Laurel Canyon circa 1968.  Patterns, denim, embroidery and color--mix it all together to get one of this Spring's most popular looks.

#1) Photographer Robert Mapplethorpe's hand-made necklaces and a close up of an Etro Spring 2015 Runway look.

#2) A blue patchwork Etro dress (available in-store at Bergdorf Goodman) and an vintage photo from the Summer of Love.

#3) Carly Simon in all her glory and a runway shot from Roberto Cavalli Spring 2015.

#4)  Embroidered and embellished jeans in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's costume collection and a Spring 2015 outfit by Dries van Noten.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.  To schedule a consult, contact maria@mariaturkel.com.

How to Update a 10 year old Suit

After stepping out of a corporate career for a few years, a woman will sometimes step back in, but in a different capacity.  The corporate suit might no longer work everyday, but for the few occasions when you need one, why buy another?
Here is how to update that old suit hanging in your closet:

#1) Wear it over a refined knit top rather than the expected button-front blouse.

#2) Add modern jewelry such as the inverted silver arrow pendant above plus simple, 

geometric ear studs.

#3) Tailor the boot-cut pants to a straight (but not skinny) leg.

#4) Update with an investment-worthy black pump:  the heel is not too high, not too thick, not too thin and it has a chic and sexy silhouette plus great texture.

#5) Finish with a smooth leather bucket bag--avoid hardware so that it coordinates with both gold and silver toned jewelry.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.  To schedule a consult, contact maria@mariaturkel.com.

Movie Fans/Oscar Parties: What to Wear?

Getting ready to watch the Academy Awards tonight?  Here are two ways to be stylish and still comfortable whether it's a party for many or party-of-one.

#1)  Take a cue from Sharon Stone at the 1996 Oscars and wear a black turtleneck.  Add a long full skirt and some great chandeliers.

#2) For the serious viewer (i.e., I watch alone--don't distract me!), choose a simple piped pajama à la Audrey Hepburn.  Don't forget the bling!

2013 Runway looks from Cushnie et Ochs, Chado Ralph Rucci and Ralph Lauren 

Alice + Olivia full floral skirt

Konstantino blue topaz chandelier earrings

Olatz Schnabel unisex silk pajamas

Cosabella jersery pajamas

Kate Spade chandeliers

Ladies, Far and Near/The L.B.P.S. (Little Black Pencil Skirt): How to Wear It?

A black pencil skirt is certainly a staple for most women.  But, when paired with solid black tights and plain black pumps, it becomes--in a word--predictable.  Here are some suggestions for keeping that 

leg-lengthening, figure-flattering black-from-waist-to-toe look without giving up any style points.

#1)  Choose a textured or patterned tight.  Rather than a solid opaque black on your legs, go for something sheer with a small pattern such as the cross-hatches (# 7 above left) or the tiny repeated heart print above right (image with the ankle strap shoes).  If you really want opaque coverage, opt for a ribbed tight in either black or deep charcoal grey (#3 above).

#2) With the patterned tights, wear an all-black shoe with some texture or dimension to it.  For example, a patent leather black pump adds much more interest than the same shoe in flat black leather.  Suede and stamped leather do the trick as well.  A really great choice would be a shoe that combines two different fabrics (either of the suede pumps above).

#3)  Pull any look together by adding a touch of black into the rest of your outfit.  Above are some earring examples, but this same concept can be used with bracelets or in the print of your top or blouse.  

These three tips can be applied to any outfit, no matter your personal style or budgetary price point.

Like what you see above?  Click on the live links below to find each piece.

1.  Onyx stud earrings.  2. Vince Camuto pencil skirt.  3.  J.Crew ribbed tights.  4.  Michael, Michael Kors pencil skirt.  5.  Kate Spade butterfly earrings.  6.  Marcasite rose stud earrings.  7.  Sheer pattern pantyhose.  8.  Cole Haan pump.  9.  HUE Merino wool tights.  10.  Via Spiga patent leather pumps.  11.  Earth suede wedge-heel pump.  12.  Trotters textured pump.   Unnumbered:  tiny heart tights and blue/black pencil skirt.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

Boho Beauty/Going to a Cocktail Party: What to Wear?

Brocatto peplum top, Lafayette 148 suede trousers, Topshop swing coat,  Zara two-tone leather clutch, Fendi multi-textured sandal, Chevron heart bracelet, Heather Hawkins clear quartz stud earrings, Perpetua mixed-metals bib necklace.

Like what you see?  Click on the live links above for each piece.

Boho style is typically relaxed and unrestrained.  How to translate that vibe into a look polished enough for upscale cocktails?  Use a soft color palette and layer textures to create this refined Bohemian lady.  The brocade of the peplum blouse resting on top of the suede trousers acts as a the perfect base for strong accessories in muted tones:  blush, gold, and cream shoes and jewelry.  The pop of raspberry on the clutch and loose, fuzzy overcoat complete the look.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

Traditional Man/Works in a Casual Office: What to Wear?

Wallin & Bros. herringbone sport coat,  Banana Republic windowpane shirt and knit silk tie, Uniform Wares wrist watch, Mezlan dress boot, Peter Millar twill pants, Highway nylon backpack, Bottega Veneta belt,  Paul Smith tie clip.

Like what you see?  Click on the live links above for each piece.

When the office demands a suit, there's no confusion about what is appropriate.  In the casual office setting, it can be hard to get the look just right.  Sometimes, the outfit is too casual (jeans);  sometimes it seems formal and stuffy (heavy wool sport coat ).  The pieces above offer a great solution.  The traditional herringbone sport coat gets an update in fit.  Notice that the jacket ends at the high hip and has a fitted (but not tight) shape.  The windowpane dress shirt and twill pants create a nice line because of the similar tones.  Adding a knit tie and dress boot is a bit fashion forward without risking too much.  Accessories finish the look:  a simple yet elegant watch, tie bar (go for it!) and beautiful scored leather belt.  The lines in the belt reflect the lines of the windowpane plaid.  And finally, choose an unexpected bag:  a nylon backpack rather than the traditional leather briefcase.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

Preppy Lady/Back-to-School Coffees, Meetings and Lunches: What to Wear?

Vineyard Vines top, J.McLaughlin skirt, Kate Spade flats, Longchamp bag, Tory Burch + Fossil + Kate Spade bracelets and Kate Spade stud earrings.

Like what you see?  Click on the live links above for each piece.

The kids are back in school and that means busy days ahead for moms.  Whether she works inside or outside of the home, Mom is going to need a few easy, everyday outfits that look polished and pulled-together for all of the back-to-school Open Houses, Class Coffees and long-overdue lunches with friends.  Here is a great template for early September days:  khaki skirt + striped T-shirt and fun accessories.  Notice the great fit on the skirt due to the cotton stretch fabric and good length.  The shirt is more relaxed in terms of fit; imagine the sleeves pushed up to show off the cool bracelet combination.  Finish the look with an interesting pair of flats and an everyday, yet elegant, handbag.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

A Young, Modern Mamma/Attending High Holiday Services: What to Wear?

Tory Burch leather jacket and dress, Jimmy Choo ankle boots, Alexander Wang handbag, CC Skye horn necklace, Alexis Bittar hinged cuff, Eddie Borgo crystal stud earrings

The High Holidays are early this year and so the weather will be warm.  Choose a sleeveless dress in a conservative plaid and then accent it with bohemian touches to create an updated, young feel.  The basket-weave stitching, black horn necklace and organic texture of the bracelet and bag are unexpected partners, but work well together.  The reason:  the sheen on the jacket, boot, bag and jewelry all complement each other and the black accessories tie in with the waistband on the dress.

Happy New Year!

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a costume supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories and full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

Preppy Girls/Going Back to School: What to Wear?

Hi Everyone!  Today I'm starting my blog entitled "Who/What:Wear?"  My own little play on words which reflects the way in which I see each of my clients.  Who are they?  What are they doing in life--for everyday, for special occasions, for work?  And, of course, what should they wear?  A young mom who stays at home with her pre-school aged children needs a completely different type of wardrobe than her counterpart who has kids in high school and works or volunteers outside the home.  And both women require a different approach when one sees herself as essentially 'preppy' while the other defines her style as 'artistic and eclectic.'  

Above is a photo for the Preppy/Sporty Girls who are heading back to class this week or next.  What makes a polo shirt, jean jacket and denim mini stand out and look special?  It's all in the details:  keeping the color scheme red, white, and blue--but tweaking those colors to include navy and orange;  adding colorful patterning (bracelets, shoes) and interesting design elements (denim tipped polo shirt, polka dots on skirt, the fabric flower pinned onto the jacket).  Finally, the fit is of utmost importance especially in Preppy styles which can tend toward a boxy, more masculine cut.  Choose jackets and shirts with contoured side seams, skirts and jeans with lots of stretch.

Happy Back to School!