While doing press this last week for Sherlock Holmes with the lovely Rachel McAdams, I wanted to create different looks that were holiday inspired. These looks can be re-created for day or night holiday festivities, and perfect to toast the season and ring in the new year.

The first look I did with Rachel was for her appearance on Conan O’Brien. Rachel looked gorgeous in a bright red holiday lip and lightly frosted silver eyes. This look can be worn with a cozy sweater, tuxedo jacket, or glitzy party dress. This look is right on trend with everything going on this season and is sure to be a hit at whatever events you have coming in the next few weeks. (more…)

I am always interested in finding jewelry pieces that are unique as well as easily wearable. I have put together a collection of modern pieces that are highlighted by their simplicity of design whether minimalist or more intricately adorned. While no one would argue that these pieces are not unique I think that I might receive some comments about their wearability, but trust me, their uncommon yet precisely thought out design, proportions, and styles are not limited to a special outfit and look quite spectacular with just about anything and on anyone. Another plus, modernist jewelry, although it is not seen on everyone, is quite easily found around the internet as well in flea markets and your local vintage stores. Better yet, many of these designs were done in silver, brass, copper, wood, stones, and found materials so many of their prices will be far less in comparison to those of your local upscale trendy jewelry store.

Here are some online sites and suggestions:

In the online bidding/buying world (just type in either vintage modernist in the jewelry section or vintage modern ring, bracelet, necklace, etc. on the entire site) *Ebay *Etsy

*I also like to just google search the above search words and then see what online boutiques pop up, sometimes a random furniture store or clothing store will have the most amazing piece.

Online stores:

• 1stdibs.com
• surfingcowboys.com
• 20thobsession.com

If you’re going to invest in a new designer bag this season, we know what you want: classic, lasting, a good value, and nothing that screams. Studs are cool, lacing is hot, and a bright color is fun and stands out – but none of these trends will be around next year, let alone next season. We really really like the new YSL hobo called The Roady – we even like the name. (more…)

arielle de pinto – totally digging her work of amazing crochet jewelry and body wear…
www.arielledepinto.com xx simone

Two of Robertson Boulevard’s coolest and most original stores, Madison and Diavolina, are moving into a brand new location on West Third Street, right around the corner. The newly decorated building houses both boutiques under one roof – interesting! – and a parking lot round back for convenience. They are now open to the public, and there will in fact be a great launch party coming soon – we’ll keep you posted her at Fashion Rules.

Madison carries denim lines Current Elliot and J. Brand, plus hot ready to wear lines Elizabeth & James, Elise Overland, Golden Goose, Les Chiffoniers and the VERY hot new label ALC, by Hollywood’s biggest stylist, Andrea Lieberman. The shoe selection includes YSL and Givenchy – some of the best – and Madison also carries Jesse Kamm clothes and Ossie Clarke. Coming soon are pieces from Topshop, Markus Lupfer and Giles – that’s fairly fabulous.

Diavolina will house the finest shoes from around the world including Chloe, John Galliano, Pierre Hardy (pictured here – some of our faves) and Charlotte Olympia. Ready-To-Wear collections at Diavolina include Vogue CFDA Fashion Award winner Alexander Wang, as well as Phillip Lim, Kova and T, Ksubi jeans and Issa amongst many others. Alexander Wang handbags and Eugenia Kim Hats also feature amongst the very stylish selection of accessories – and Wang bags for spring are soft and cushy and lovely – while we are huge fans of Eugenia Kim hats.

Will West Third St at Robertson – near restaurants Bread Bar, Orso and others – be the new hot locale for retail? It will be interesting to watch it heat up.

The New York Times Styles Section on Thursday March 12th basically reiterated what we all already know: the spring clothes aren’t really moving until the sales start. (NewYorkTimes.com – go to fashion and style, “Are the Spring Clothes Irrelevant?”) However, if you’re chomping at the bit to spring it up a little bit in this nice L.A. weather – we know we are – then we suggest it’s time to at least spring or a new lipcolor.

Most L.A. ladies have been doing the neutral/tawny/pinkish/beige lip for quite a while. We’ve seen that red is the hot color for fall – but red lips go with pale skin. For spring, when skin gets tawnier and a touch tan, the best lipcolor is a more coral-orangey-bronze shade – just a touch more color than we’ve seen in the fall. Saks on Wilshire has Dior Addict Lipcolor in their window – and the formulation is rather irrestible. It has more pigment and color, and it has a nice smooth texture that does not clump up – and a nice amount of shine, without looking like you could skate on your lips. It’s $26 at Saks (Saks.com) or Sephora  (http://www.sephora.com/). The colors we love are Coral Lace (439) and Galant Bronze (719). They are both in the coppery/tawny family, but don’t look too bright or orangey – and worn with grey, tan or black, they really make the face look brighter and prettier, and bring out your haircolor. They even look good mixed together.  And the tubes are a little skinnier than the regular Dior lipsticks – and skinny is always good.