Closets & Cocktails with everyday to runway

For this installment of Closets & Cocktails, A and I are thrilled to have Lauren from everyday to runway. We love her savvy style and adorable answers! We only hope her mom isn't reading this! (Or maybe is, depending on your point of view... imagine Closets & Cocktails facilitating Lauren getting her dream hand-me-down! That'd be pretty marvy... ) One thing I will say is that I'm with you, Lauren; I believe in the life-changing power of a good latte! So, without further adieu, a few insights into Lauren's fashion philosophies and closet confessions...

Lauren, from everyday to runway, in her closet with her favorite cocktail

(p.s. can we talk about her marvy blue nails?!)

What is your style motto? Keep it classic. Fresh, feminine, but balanced.

If you could change one thing about your closet, what would it be? I'd like it to be bigger! Adequate closet space is a rarity in the city , so I supplement space by storing seasonal items, and having a bureau, and an armoire too!

Who's style, past or present, do you most admire? Truly, I most admire my mom's style. She started working in retail in high school for money to buy her own sewing machine and fabric. She made all her own clothes, even a gorgeous emerald green prom dress. She has a classic, tailored style that mixes high, low and vintage... I have my eye on a few pieces of hers to permanently "borrow".

What is your most treasured possession in your closet?

Lust or Must? - YSL Mascara

Yves St. Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara (in multiple colors!) $30

My love of mascara is well documented all over this blog. I have probably written dozens of posts about how I can't live without the stuff! And now, here we are. Lust or Must with my favorite mascara of all time up for questioning. So here's the deal: recently my lifestyle circumstances have changed. And though these changes are by all accounts exhilarating, they are also somewhat economically challenged. As such, I am literally pleading with you, dear reader, to tell me what you would do in my situation: throw down for the one you love? Or accept your fate with a much lesser, more wallet-friendly version? I really am at a loss as to what is the most prudent, "right" choice...

I guess this is a bit of a Lust or Must showdown, if you will.

And the voting begins... now!

poll by twiigs.com

Love, P

Closets & Cocktails with Style Saveur

After reading her Closets & Cocktails interview, I knew right away that Neahle, editor in chief of Style + Saveur and I were stylin' soul mates; I too ripped out and saved (it's tucked into the frame of my chalkboard) the same Lauren Hutton quote! Not to mention the fact that I am a complete bag lady and "sucker for a sick bag" myself! After reading she'd scored two for one at Gucci, I realized we might not be stylin' soul mates as much as she might be my style goddess! Seriously, two for one Gucci? Add to that amazing score the beauty of Paris? Just reading about it practically gave me a stroke (and not the heat related kind)! So, without further adieu, a few insights into Neahle's fashion philosophies and closet confessions...

Style + Saveur editor-in-chief Neahle in her closer with (one of her) favorite cocktails

What is your style motto? There's a Lauren Hutton quote I read in a J. Crew catalogue "Fashion is what you're offered four times a year. Style is what YOU pick out of that fashion." I immediately ripped it out and saved it as a reminder that it's okay I'm not a big risk taker when it comes to fashion. At 32, I've learned not to follow "fashion" or worry about what everyone else is wearing. I stick to what I like and what looks good on my body. Doesn't mean I don't stay current. I immediately jumped on the color blocking bandwagon because it's so me, but I won't be the one in tribal print harem pants because it's just not my style.

If you could change one thing about your closet, what would it be? Like most of your other guests [bloggers] I would love more space! I'm very lucky to have a walk-in closet in New York, and that's what sold me on this apartment in the first place. However, I would love to be able to fit a dresser inside the closet and definitely include an open shelving system for my shoes. They're all hidden by long dresses and cast in shadows when they deserve to be on display!

Who's style, past or present, do you most admire? I generally admire style moments more so than one person's overall sense of style. Like Rihanna's white Max Azria suit at the Billboard Awards. That look had me at hello but I wouldn't say I'm usually inspired by her. If I had to choose then it would be a combination of Halle Berry and Tracee Ellis Ross. I love Halle's laid back everyday style and Tracee's classic with an edge wardrobe.

What is your most treasured possession in your closet? Oh this is a difficult question because there are so many items in my closet that I LOVE! There is one jacket that I would say is a treasured piece. It holds a special place in my heart because I purchased it on my first trip to Paris from a random French boutique. Every time I wear it someone stops me on the street to ask me where I got it from.

What is your greatest shopping regret? I remember being in my early 20's and buying random designer pieces from Century 21 (a discount store here in NYC) simply because it was by such-and-such a designer and it fit. I never wore the majority of them and years later

If I Were a Rich Girl... Wendy Brandes Ring

Wendy Brandes Clemens ring

How gorgey is this amazing ring? I discovered Wendy Brandes after posting Grit & Glamour's Closets & Cocktails feature last week. I went to her site and could not believe all the bee-utiful pieces! The Clemens ring (above) is one of the ultimate pieces, in my opinion, but there are also many more marvy baubles that won't tear quite as big a hole in your bank account. She may just be my new fave designer...

Love, P

Closets & Cocktails with Grit & Glamour

Grit & Glamour is one of our all-time favorite blogs! We are so stoked that Vahni, its creator has joined us for Closets & Cocktails. She is so smart and generous with her knowledge not to mention trés chic and super stylin'! I am so intrigued by her idea for a boudoir that all I can think about is popping over to hang out on the chaise and gossip! And what are the chances that Vahni and I would love the exact same cocktail??? So, without further adieu, a few insights into Vahni's fashion philosophies and closet confessions...

Vahni, creator of Grit & Glamour, in her closet with her favorite cocktail

What is your style motto? I think I have to quote Wendy Brandes for this, because her "Wear what you want" motto echoes mine. Life is too short to not wear what you want. I believe in taking risks.

If you could change one thing about your closet, what would it be? I'd supersize it! My wardrobe actually occupies two-and-a-half closets, plus a dresser. My fondest wish is to have a boudoir--convert an entire room into my dressing room. I'd put a chaise in it so I could recline and read fashion magazines in between staring at my wall of shoes. You know how guys have a man cave? Well, I need a boudoir where my things don't share space with any boy stuff. One day.

Who' s style, past or present, do you most admire? I love Victoria Beckham's style. Since she began designing herself, the woman can do no wrong. She always in sick heels, she sticks to clean lines and she's a master at mixing neutrals and basics. No one makes skinny jeans and a tank top look more glamorous.

What is your most treasured possession in your closet? Undoubtedly my black Mongolian lamb vest from Witchery in Australia. I live in it through fall and winter. It makes any outfit look more interesting, and it seriously goes with everything. Plus, it's perfect for warmth without bulk.

What is your greatest shopping regret?

Lust or Must? Banana Republic Turnlock Bag

Banana Republic Turnlock Bag, $39.99 (orig. $98)

P and I spotted this cute little cross body number at Banana Republic last month while on an afternoon shopping excursion. P was in town meeting the latest addition to my family and I was loving the girl time! I am currently obsessed with all things bright (see my latest dress obsession here) and this bag is no exception. The only reservation I have about taking the plunge is I wonder if the pink is too girly. I wouldn't want to carry it and look like I was having an identity crisis.

Thoughts?

Love, A

poll by twiigs.com

A's Picks...For the PERFECT Shift Dress

Cocktail Dresses by Topshop
Day Dresses by Topshop

I love me a good shift dress. Flattering, classic and oh so versatile. A shift dress will go from day to night, and can be paired with virtually any shoe - flats, platforms, sandals, etc. Over the past few months I have wished for this dress ten times over. Once for a dinner date, another for a baby shower, and another for a friend's surprise birthday party. I own nothing like it! The beautiful bright dresses pictured above are all from Topshop (click on each dress to be redirected to their site) and range in price from $100-$140. I am head over heels about the sleeves (which means these shifts are perfect year round) and the colors are gorgeous.

Closets & Cocktails with A Haute Mess

When A and I started this crazy nuts bananas project & website, we did a whole lot of research seeking out fashionistas who were taking the blogging world by storm. One of the first lovelies we found was Niki (a fellow Canadian girl!) from A Haute Mess (she was also one of the first sites we added to our blog roll - check it out to the right hand!) so we are are

especially stoked that Niki agreed to be one of the blogeristas featured in Closets & Cocktails! I am green with envy that she's had a conversation with Tim Gunn, but my jealousy is tempered by the amazing snaps she sent us!

Niki definitely wins the most (and best!) photos award! And if anyone can appreciate her adopted vernacular, it's me and A! We

always say b-t-dubs to each other as in btw (coined by our very dear friend J) It's pure lunacy, but I love it! So without further adieu, a few insights into Niki's fashion philosophies and closet confessions...

Niki - the beauty and the brains behind A Haute Mess - in her closet with her favorite cocktail

What is your style motto? Shamelessness. I've been quoted as saying, "I'll wear a drop crotch down to my knees and a mini skirt up to my crotch." I keep it classy.

If you could change one thing about your closet, what would it be? I wouldn't change my closet, I would change my relationship with my closet. I never keep it organized enough and all of its contents usually end up in a heap on my floor. Where has the love and respect in our relationship gone?

Who's style, past or present, doyou most admire? I love Emmanuelle Alt's style. She does glam-rock-chic to perfection. I actually saw her at the Diesel Black Gold show at New York Fashion Week in February.

Lust or Must? - Gorjana Gold Rope Bracelet

Gorjana Rope Bracelet $53 (down from $75) from Shopbop

Lately, I have been in the market for a new bracelet. Specifically, one that has a soft chain (as opposed to a bangle). These braceltes are not as easy to find as you might think, so when I came across this one on Shopbop, I knew it deserved further investigation. I love the gold and I love the chain, I just can't be sure if I'll get sick of the the interlinking rope circles. At first sight, I say there's no way I'll get tired of it! It is and will remain a classic, but then I begin to doubt...

What do you think?

Love, P

poll by twiigs.com

Lust or Must? French Connection Jumpsuit

French Connection Creme de la Crepe Jumpsuit, $98

The jumpsuit. It is one of those things that you either love or hate. I think they are darling (when worn by the right person with the right attitude) and this one by French Connection is fabulous. It is bra friendly, a flattering color, and the shape is so forgiving!

But what about longevity? Should I stick to separates, or is the jumpsuit here to stay?

Love, A

poll by twiigs.com