Styling Hillary

Styling Hillary by divadebbi 

I so wish, as a Stylist, that I had the opportunity to dress Hillary Clinton. It's not so far fetched...she lives in Chappaqua N.Y., which is about 15 miles from Richards of Greenwich, where I work as their Personal Shopper.

Mrs. Clinton has a tricky figure. Many women do. Few of us are perfect and even my loveliest of clients have specific figure flaws that recede, as we accentuate the positive...Tromp l'oeil.  Our french counterparts have it down to a science.

Above, is how I would have liked to have seen Mrs. Clinton dressed last night for the debate. The body dictates ALL, and hers would look best with a longer jacket, with a good shoulder, a lapel, a blouse with some softness and interesting details, a slim cut trouser and a good looking pump.


The Nina McLemore suits that Mrs. Clinton favors is not her best silhouette.  I looked on her website and found one that would be better far better for her.  Look how different the same style jacket looks, in a solid vs. a herringbone, sleeves turned up or down and with different underpinnings.  This jacket with a slim pant should be her uniform.

For evening it could be done in a beautiful velvet or silk brocade.

So, If you know anyone who knows anyone, do tell them Diva is available for consultation.  No need to mention I mentioned the "C" word..."Cankles"

We've heard enough derogatory phrases lately to last us for quite some time. The Man in the Red Sweater should win the Noble Peace Prize...He even facilitated a closing handshake. Amazing what showing a little kindness can do...

xox,
DD

Grey Gardens and Mom

Grey Gardens by divadebbi 

Sea New York off the shoulder dress, $465 / Grey shoes, $690 / Brunello Cucinelli leather handbag / Leather jewelry / Linda Farrow sunglasses, $410 / 



I wonder if you have missed my Polyvore creations?!  Polyvore, is an interesting place. Fashionistas, like moi, from all over the world, create our little slice of paradise in our personal fashion sets and post them on Polyvore, as well as our blogs, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts.

I have been a member for over 4 years and was fairly addicted to the process and the camaraderie for a long time.  At best, it always kept my eye very fresh, particularly since I would get to see what my European counterparts were swooning for...and let's face it, they just have a 6 month jump on U.S. trends.

I was pleased to be awoken from my Polyvore slumber, by my oft sited inspiration, Stacey Bewkes' incredible Lifestyle blog, Quintessence.

The photograph above, was taken at Grey Gardens in East Hampton.
The estate was infamously owned by Big Edie Beale, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis eccentric aunt, who lived in it with her daughter Little Edie for decades, despite dirt, decay and disrepair.  It was sold and lovingly restored by Sallie Quinn and the late Ben Bradlee. Stacey's friend Liz Lange, rented it last summer, allowing for a rare glimpse of Grey Gardens as it exists now.

Immediately after reading her post, I "clipped" this image and created a fashion set around it. Merci Stacey!

I have been a bit less prolific of late as I have had to deal with 3 family health crisis, one that ended with my mother Joan Lieberman's unanticipated passing, one month ago tomorrow.

I do intend to write a memorial post about the most special and important woman in my life. She was not a Diva, more Grand Dame. Beautiful, loving, determined, strong, a good listener, wry, a fabulous cook, gardener, painter and more.  I know the words will come...

Mom enjoyed my blog DivaDebbi immensely and we both were delighted that I finally found a medium in Polyvore, that allowed me to create a form of art that a brush, pencil or crayon always eluded.

So please bear with me a bit, as I try and get the sunshine back in my soul. What I wouldn't give to pick up the phone right now and say, "Hi Mommy"! Those of you who no longer can, know the void I am feeling... Those of you who can, do.

Missing and loving you Momma, more each day...

xox,
DD

DivaDebbi's Summer Must-Haves for Stacy Knows

DivaDebbi's Summer Must-Haves by divadebbi

One of the great joys of writing a blog is that it expands your world. Readers, bloggers and media contacts become friends.  New businesses owners reach out to meet you and there are often launches and events to attend in NYC.  (One of the reasons I started DivaDebbi, 2 years before my son left for college, was in anticipation of my empty nest. My behind had been welded to sports spectator benches for 13 years...what was I going to do with the extra time?)  Good call.

Stacy Geisinger , a "Girl's Girl" and ultimate people connector, started her fabulous "blogazine Stacy Knows , 8 years ago, at the same time I started writing DivaDebbi.  Just as I was the always sharing my beauty and fashion tips with my friends, Stacy is every one's go-to Girl for connecting them to whatever was new and happening in Westchester County and now the Hampton's. She heard, the refrain, "Stacy Knows", often enough among her social circle, to make it Blog title. Love that!

We have been on each other's radar for years and not surprisingly, have mutual friends.  Our worlds finally collided at Richards, where I am the Personal Shopper. Stacy was shopping with her best friend Camille, who turns out is an old friend of mine.  Hugs and kisses all around!

Stacy is a fan of my Polyvore fashion sets and asked if I would like to collaborate from time to time on our blogs. Whoop, whoop and yes! So by way of introduction, now you too know Stacy Knows, and if you live in our neck of the world, it's truly a daily must read.

Above is a fashion set I curated exclusively for Stacy Knows, which includes the biggest summer fashion trends.  You can find these looks at every price point, so being on trend, has never been easier. Summer fashion is always a bit disposable anyway...

Shades of Blue/Harlee's World

Shades of Blue/Harlee's World by divadebbi 

3 1 Phillip Lim navy blue top, $245 / Paul Smith navy jacket, $570 / MANGO cuff pants / George J. Love black ankle booties / Kevin Jewelers 14k charm / 3.1 Phillip Lim aviator glasses, $175 / Lauren Ralph Lauren wide leather belt / Dolce Gabbana lipstick / Mac cosmetics makeup / Marc Jacobs eyeliner / WallPops vinyl wallpaper


Have you seen Shades of Blue?  Shades of Blue is a new NYPD procedural on NBC, starring Jenny from the Block, well cast as Harlee Santos a single Mom, whose criminal ex-boyfriend is the father of her daughter, as is Ray Liotta, a dirty cop, who runs a dirty crew, that Harlee is part of.

It's surprisingly good.

What also works is Harlee's style, which I predict is going to be trend worthy, The clothes she wears are mostly very fluid, (with the exception of a fabulous body loving Victoria Beckham dress she wears on a date). There is a masculine bent to her pants and footwear, but pairing them with low cut tee's and tanks give them a sexy edge.  It's a welcome departure from the usual Theory suit and white button down shirt, depicted on every woman in law enforcement on T.V., from Carrie Mathison to Olivia Benson.

Toss in her tossed bob, red lips and well lined eyes and Harlee looks unlike anyone else. Literally, it's hard to take your eyes off of her.  I have read that J. Lo was influential, with her stylist, on creating Harlee's look, incorporating some of her own clothes with pieces sourced from Zara and Club Monaco. Nice work!

So if you haven't seen Shades of Blue, catch up with it On-Demand and as far as the trend thing goes, just remember where you heard it first...

xox,
DD

In Flight

In Flight by divadebbi featuring artificial silk flowers

Mary Katrantzou asymmetrical dress / Sophia Webster black leather boots, $900 / Judith Leiber clutch, $4,230 / Dominic Jones cross charm, $345 / AERIN lips makeup / OKA artificial silk flower, $5.91 / Butterfly home decor

Chasing the Blues Away

Chasing the Blues Away by divadebbi featuring branches home decor

Chloé long pink sweater, $1,260 / Balmain leather zipper skirt, $2,935 / Burberry suede leather boots, $715 / Vivienne westwood tote, $660 / Mullein Sparrow exfoliating facial mask / Pier 1 Imports branches home decor

Party time!

Party time! by divadebbi featuring perfume fragrances

Mary Katrantzou mini dress / Gianvito Rossi floral shoes / Prada handbag / Sylva & Cie drop earrings / Philosophy perfume fragrance

Untitled #1068

Untitled #1068 by divadebbi featuring Pier 1 Imports

Mary Katrantzou strapless dress / Giuseppe Zanotti high heel shoes, $760 / Elie Saab black purse / Kevyn Aucoin mascara / Black eye makeup / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Flight of Fancy

Flight of Fancy by divadebbi featuring floral decor

Marchesa pink cocktail dress / Nina Ricci coat / Jimmy Choo heeled sandals, $845 / Elie Saab chain strap purse / Mullein Sparrow face mask / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Out and About

Out and About by divadebbi featuring vintage jewelry

Christopher Kane black dress / Andrew Gn black coat / Gianvito Rossi ankle boots / Alexander McQueen leather handbag / Yves Saint Laurent vintage jewelry

Because I Can....

Because I Can.... by divadebbi featuring chain handbags

Dolce Gabbana short blue dress, $1,415 / Moschino laced up shoes, $810 / Charlotte Olympia chain handbag / Dominic Jones cross pendant necklace, $360 / BEHR Premium Plus Ultra 8 oz. #580A-3 Rain Song Interior/Exterior...

Lizzie's Night

Lizzie's Night by divadebbi featuring a herringbone wallpaper

Givenchy vintage black dress / Gianvito Rossi khaki shoes, $505 / Chanel special occasion clutch / Kimberly McDonald 18k white gold jewelry / Christian Louboutin lips lipstick, $93 / Marc Jacobs flower fragrance / 

I am an enormous fan of Elizabeth Moss, particularly her extraordinary work on Matt Weiner's Mad Men. 

Since its inception, I have been a rabid fan of the series. It is amazing that in 7 years, neither Jon Hamm, Elizabeth Moss, or Christina Hendricks have  never received an Emmy and even less probable that the spectacular John Slattery was never even nominated. 

Thank God our Breaking Bad days are behind us. For sure, it's Jon's night.  My fingers are crossed for Lizzie's too...

Polyvore ran a contest on how we would style our favorite Emmy pick.  I imagined Lizzie in this very "modern" vintage Givenchy gown, with classic Gianvito Rossi shoes and this limited edition Chanel Clutch. Who wouldn't want to discreetly or not slip out Christian Louboutin's gorgeous lipstick for a quick touch up?

I'm saving up my energy for my DivaDebbi Loves and Loathes blog. Even when I'm not quite in the mood, I find I can't resist, so do peek back and see if picked yours.

xox,
DD

P.S.  Well, I'm doubly disappointed! Elizabeth Moss did not win and I really disliked her prom-y Oscar de la Renta gown and platinum "Adele" bob. The off shade of blonde robs Elizabeth of all of her beauty. I much prefered the way I styled her...How about you???

Elizabeth Moss in Oscar de la Renta

A Sharp Eye; a feature on Polyvore and Moi!

A Polyvore tutorial from the Lifestyle website A Sharp Eye

A few weeks ago, my friend Nancy Ireland, co-creator of one of my must read websites A Sharp Eye emailed me for a bit of help with an article she was writing on Polyvore. Nancy knows I am a self described, "Polyvore addict". You have all seen my Polyvore fashion sets, because whenever I create one, I post it to my blog as well as Instagram.

Nancy's website, A Sharp Eye, is a fun. informative daily read that gives you the 411 on all things cutting edge on topics such as travel, entertaining, fashion, events and happenings, gifts, technology, health, family and philanthropy.

I love love love websites that synthesize the world for me. A Sharp Eye, like my other daily read Need 2 Know, a news summary. are essentially my Cliff Notes on life. If you feel inundated with information, here are two places that take the toil out of keeping pace and I am ever grateful.

Nancy is also a wonderful client of mine at Richards. As her Personal Shopper, I have joyfully, attended to her and her families wardrobing needs for the last 15+ years. I also hope, I return the favor of simplifying her life, by taking the toil out of shopping; pairing down the trends, keeping my eye open for things that she will love and building on past purchases with new items to freshen them up. (For your complimentary appointment, please call me at 203 622 0551).


Imagine how pleased I was that Nancy decided to personalize her informative Polyvore piece, by siting DivaDebbi  as an example of how the site resonates professionally and personally for its users. You can read the entire article here.

Once again, she takes this oft misunderstood website, gives a synopsis of it's backstory and explains to the lay person, how you to can bring the shopping world to your finger tips in just a few strokes.

Case in point;  when I was one of the keynote speakers for the Breast Cancer Alliance luncheon in 2012, peplums were having a moment. I got it in my head that in October, I wanted to wear a pink peplum dress. Good luck finding it...

But find it I did! I was able to use Polyvore's shopping site to find something in minutes, that I could have fruitlessly shopped for, for weeks.  5 minutes later, a pink peplum dress was ordered and on it's way to me from Matches in London.

DivaDebbi and friends
Breast Cancer Alliance Luncheon 2012

So here's to friends and all the tips we share to make every day of our fast paced lives, just a little bit easier.

Happy reading, happy shopping and my thanks, Nancy...

xox,
DD

Blogger DivaDebbi's Must-Haves for Fall

Blogger DivaDebbi's Must-Haves for Fall by divadebbi 

This is the time of year when my clients and friends want the short list of what the hottest trends for Fall.  Despite loving our summer fun, there is something intoxicating about Fall clothes to wit; I have tons of early bird clients at Richards, who couldn't care less that the mercury is hovering above 90. Bring on the suede, cashmere, fur, velvet, brocade and boots. Love you Girls, and I'm right there with you.

It dawned on me last night, that I could use Polyvore to create a set that would give you a visual tutorial on Fall's must-haves.  In addition, here's what else you will be seeing a lot of in both magazines and in stores.

Fall Ahead

Fall Ahead by divadebbi featuring Rochas

Gucci blouse, $1,090 / Rochas coat / Chloé mini skirt / Dolce&Gabbana leopard print shoes, $2,085 / Dolce Gabbana genuine leather handbag, $1,955

Just My Style...

Just My Style... by divadebbi featuring Pier 1 Imports

Marni white shirt / Victoria Beckham skirt, $1,250 / Gianvito Rossi suede shoes / Oasis black handbag, $31 / Pier 1 Imports floral decor / Pier 1 Imports flower arrangement / ETIVAL Blanc, $1.65

Quietly Chic

Quietly Chic by divadebbi featuring lips makeup

Lanvin mini dress, $1,180 / Gianvito Rossi ankle boots, $830 / Hermès crossbody bag / Dominic Jones cross necklace, $365 / AERIN lips makeup / Aki Kuroda - Red Flower, 2005 - Fine Art Print - globalgallery.com

Girl's Best Friend

Girl's Best Friend by divadebbi featuring Pier 1 Imports

Nina Ricci crochet top / J Crew mini skirt / Aquazzura pink shoes / Betsey Johnson tote bag / Korres lip treatment, $13 / Pier 1 Imports floral decor / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Luncheon with Mumsy

Luncheon with Mumsy by divadebbi featuring white home decor

Red valentino dress / Gianvito Rossi cutout pumps / Chanel clover necklace, $825 / Christian Dior shimmer eye shadow / Dolce Gabbana lip pencil / Nana de Bary eau de perfume / Pier 1 Imports white home decor / Mint Small Dot 12X12 Neapolitan Paper by Echo Park Paper Co.

Breezy

Breezy by divadebbi featuring a flower stem

Mary Katrantzou multicolor dress / Marni layered skirt / Chloé ankle strap sandals, $525 / Gucci top handle bag / Lancôme lipstick / Chanel eau de perfume, $195 / Pier 1 Imports flower stem