STYLE-O-PHILE: Ashley Harris

Where fashion is determined by designers, editors and industry - style is what someone makes of it all...

Style - O - Phile highlights individuals who's style is unique and inspirational. This edition is dedicated to a well-heeled LA transplant recently settled into the bustling New York scene: Ashley Harris.

Name: Ashley Harris
Home Grown In: a mish-mash of Chicago, Napa Valley, Hawaii and southern CA
Currently Living it Up in: Manhattan, NY
Whistles While She Works As: Part time model, part time PR, all the time fabulous...

NATTY: How would you describe your personal style?

ASHLEY HARRIS: A cool and classic chameleon...or something of the sort.

N: Who/what is your fashion inspiration?

AH: I am very much inspired by the people and life existing around me as well as all things classic that tend to stand the test of time.

Though, I am often intrigued with all the fashion trends, major publications, and a few designers ranging from YSL to Tom Ford, and even a little Wang...my more every day realistic favorite is that California casual James Perse. Being causal,comfortable and confident tends to be what I aim to exude every time I step out the door.

N: Do you have a rule of thumb when shopping and/or getting dressed?

AH: While shopping I almost always feel as though it should be more about the experience and in stumbling upon wonderful pieces versus a pressured look or style. Some of the best pieces I have in my closet (still in my closet) are those that were unexpected versatile finds.

While getting dressed I almost always know what look I am going for, that is the first look I've been inspired to try on... mind you I do have to try on at least 45 others before going back to that initial first.

Its just the way it is. Unexplainable, like socks that go missing in the dryer.

N: What is your favorite look for spring?

AH: All things natural and bohemian, yet tailored and posh.

Channeling a bit of DVF on the boho note....but a crisp and comfy basic button down or light weight neutral blouse tucked into a killer pair of fitted, even high wasted khaki shorts/pants paired with a great wedge or espadrille topped with an over sized floppy bohemian hat....pure bliss.

N: Any fashion tips/secrets for my readers?

AH: As for tips... a bit cliche, but when you find something you adore, buy it in every color. As for style... fitted pieces are always best. find things that fit you well, that you don't have to adjust every 5 minutes, and that are

veristal with other pieces in your wardrobe.

N: Are there any specific pieces that you are you currently coveting?

AH: I am a bit enthralled with sky high over the knee boots, red lipstick and fur. Done in pure confidence and in effort to help bring back a little bit of decadence during this recession. Mind you, It is winter in New York city and who doesn't love a little Helmut Newton inspiration here and there

N: Do you have a look or a piece in your wardrobe that you find yourself wearing again and again?

AH: Black high waisted skinny jeans, with a bit of a tattered whole in the knee (this happened naturally while tumbling over cobble stone in those "sky high over the need boots") and James Perse fitted racer-back cotton tank top.... the perfect blank canvas for a any and every pair of heels, coat and accessory imaginable.

N: What items to do think are worth investing in, and what would you rather get on the cheap?

AH: I am a firm believer in quality over quantity.

Though I am a bargain shopping fanatic, I tend to focus solely on designer classic pieces. Anything that is able to stand the test of time (as noted before) through trends, fads, and hell through my mothers and grandmothers closet is well worth any investment.

If it something I think will make a great statement for the moment I don't splurge...I go rather cheap, but accentuate it with all those classic timeless pieces I have invested in thus far.

N: Anything else you want to add?

AH: My style is me. It changes consistently (thus my chameleon side note) due to my environment, mood, and inspiration. I will always hold true to things that are flattering and in a nutshell, though I love to be "cool", I am quite "classic" in every sense of the word.

-Natty

NATTY NEWS: The Little Gold Man & His Ladies

The film industry's biggest night of the year - the 2010 Academy Awards aired last night, wrapping up the season of red carpet fashion and as many awards for best and worst dressed as for industry related accolades.  The Oscars are traditionally the most conservative of all of the ceremonies in terms of fashion, though they're also a perfect showcase for classic beauty and old Hollywood glamour.  Here are my picks for the night's fashion favorites:

MAGGIE GYLLENHALL in Dries Van Noten

Props to Maggie for choosing DVN, and stepping out of the box with both print and bold color - in an effortlessly elegant design

AMANDA SEYFRIED in ARMANI PRIVE

Traditional yet fashion forward in this structured gown, thanks to a fierce crystal cuff bracelet and stunning earrings

CAREY MULLIGAN in PRADA

Fresh and modern, this dress was brilliant - and so were the show stopping earrings

CAMERON DIAZ in OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Every Acadamy Awards needs a little old Hollywood glamour

JENNIFER LOPEZ in ARMANI PRIVE

Floaty and feminine - JLo was less bootylicious than usual in a figure flattering gown and soft simple hair/makeup

SARAH JESSICA PARKER in CHANEL

A little gold statue in and of herself...SJP was dazzling in soft yellow

NICOLE RICHIE in REEM ACRA

Unique and stunning - Nicole Richie was hands down my overall favorite of the night...

MILEY CYRUS in JENNY PACKHAM

Don't love the girl, and hate the perpetual hunchback...but I did love the dress (though the detailed beading doesn't really register on camera)

KRISTEN STEWART in MONIQUE LHUILLIER
Same disclaimer as for Miley...(what's with the posture problems?) but I must give her kudos for this gorgeous goth chic gown

RACHEL MCADAMS in ELIE SAAB HAUTE COUTURE

A vision of watercolor romance...a perfect choice for Rachel's fair complexion and feminine features

-Natty

CURRENTLY COVETING: Lanvin S/S 2010

Dear Alber Elbaz - 
How is it that you always know what a girl wants, before we even know ourselves?  Please tell me - do you have some sort of C.S.P (Chic Sensory Perception) that allows you to sense our needs and desires, before we are even aware of them?  I have come to the conclusion that this must be the case after years of viewing season after season of divine inspiration in your collections for Lanvin.  
This Spring/Summer 2010 was no different...especially when it came to the SHOES!  Sweet silhouettes of modern Mary-Janes, mixed ankle straps in leather and chains - decorating feet in a way that felt fresh and forward.  And every incarnation of this unique concept was perfection:  From patent leather to snakeskin, ankle jewelry to t-straps...each pair is more delicious than the last.
So merci Monsieur Elbaz, for once again anticipating our fashion needs - and bringing girls everywhere a modern alternative to the classic pump.  Our feet and wardrobes thank you, from the bottom of our soles.  
xx
Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Final Favorites

Well, New York's Fall Fashion Week has come and gone once more.  But just like the holidays, when the celebrations end - we're left with gifts and memories to last us ... at least until September.  But picking only one look per day does not do justice to the plethora of divine creations we saw this week - so here, a final look at many of the other highlights from this season's catwalk cornucopia.

-NATTY

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour VII

DAY VII
February 17, 2010

"Although less in-tents than Bryant Par, Lincoln Center will be a wonderful home for the inspiring and clothes minded" 

- Kenneth Cole

Day 7 of Fashion Week brought us plenty of color, with a bold combination of orange and blue at Tory Burch.  Candy colored tights shouted from under school girl skirts, topped off with cheeky berets at Milly.  Marchesa delivered a dose of gorgeous glamour with elaborate draping and perfectly tailored gowns in shades of white, red, cerulean, red and everything in between.  Michael Kors made me want to buy the entire runway, which was filled with louche chunky knits in camels and grays: a welcome return to the lux classics he does best after a strange attempt at the avant-guard in his spring collection.
My pick for today's Look du Jour comes from another of my favorite collections of the day: 3.1 Philip Lim.  Lim rarely disappoints, and this season was no different.  Streamlined shapes met graphic prints and rich fabrics with just the right embellishments peppered throughout.  His jackets and outerwear were to die for, and sure to be on everyone's must have list come fall.  I chose the look below which showcases one of the most recent trends of the season - patterned pants.  These are a fresh and modern take on a classic silhouette and 70's vibe, done in giant checks muted colors.

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour IIX

DAY IIX
February 18, 2010

"Bryant Park was a fashion feast, and opportunity for the established and emerging talent to be seen by the world.  We were thrilled to have a seat at the table.  And we look forward to continuing the excitement at Lincoln Center."

          -Leslie Stevens & James LaForce, LaForce + Stevens

On the last day of this fashion-filled week, even the most exhausted editors, stylists and buyers could find reason to get excited in these final shows.  Ralph Lauren surprised us with a more downtown take on evening wear: worn with elbow-length, fingerless lace gloves in his romantic collection of gypsy boho florals and velvets.  Minimalistic simplicity met dramatic shapes and unique tailoring at Calvin Klein, while Reem Acra played with metallics, jewel tones and oversized prints like polka-dots and stripes.  L'Wren Scott's sexy yet ladylike collection dropped jaws with thigh-high laced up boots and J.Mendel was furry and fabulous.  For my final Look du Jour, I've chosen this look from Tommy Hilfiger's collection of American classic separates.  The reason?  Four words:  Thigh.  High.  Duck Boots.  Footwear that's fashionable AND practical for New York's snowy season?  Done and done...where can I pre-order?

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour VI

Day VI
February 16, 2010

"What happened in Bryant Park was magic"

          -Judy Licht, Lifestyle Correspondent

This week of wonder is winding down to a close, with just a couple more days to go.  On Day 6 of New York Fashion Week 2010, we got a double dose of subtle luxury with straightforward and minimalist designs from both Max Azria and The Row.  Elie Tahari premiered a wardrobe for the urban sophisticate, filled with black, white and neutral tones done in elegant-yet-fresh fashions.  Narciso Rodriguez played with color blocking and draping, while Rodarte just piled on the floral prints in a layered fleshy-toned palette.  Sophie Theallet's much anticipated collection since winning the CFDA award painted a boho picture of prairie prints and a gypsy vibe.
My pick for Look du Jour comes (surprisingly) from the Upper East Side's favorite furrier - Dennis Basso.  I just love the way this full length fox fur coat manages to look hip 30-something girl-about-town, rather than dusty and dated, 70-something rich-lady - thanks to the pairing of skinny black pants and bitchin' knee high boots (did I just say bitchin'?)  And even MORE of a shocker, is that I had to include a 2nd Look du Jour from Dennis Basso - this uber chic dress.  I figured if it was from the same collection, I didn't count...

-Natty