Amy Winehouse - Inspirational Style

Style inspiration can come from a vast variety of people and places. Two weeks ago I was flattered to be asked to assist with a project and was photographed by Kathy Martin, local stylist, as one of her stylish peers. I chose to wear a dress that I love from Kirribilla along with my favorite Berardi boyfriend blazer. That morning at a very important strategic meeting regarding Fall 2011 (aka nails at The Sugar House) Elizabeth Todd, owner of The Shoe Hive, asked me who made the dress I was wearing. This prompted a conversation about the dress.




I told Elizabeth about how I saw the dress on Amy Winehouse in a press piece from the dress line Kirribilla. Upon inquiring about this adorable strapless floral, I found it was from a prior season and thus none were available. The Kirribilla ladies were kind enough to offer to make one from the last yardage of fabric - need I say more?



Elizabeth and I both wondered where had Amy Winehouse been? Days later I heard the sad news of her untimely death.

Working as a stylist and buyer at Hysteria, I have been lucky to establish a career in one of my passions. I often explore the psychology behind our choices of what to wear and how to wear it. When I'm putting a look together, I look to people who make the unlikely choices work. Amy Winehouse in the very girly line Kirribilla was so intriguing to me ~ like Kate Moss in a pair of wellies and shorts or Sharon Stone in a Gap turtleneck at The Academy Awards. Perhaps secretly I would love to be able to rock it out on stage like the talented Amy Winehouse, but there was something about her and her look that I wanted to encompass with that dress. I applaud fearlessness and individuality and will remember Amy Winehouse every time I rock my Hilo dress.

Celebrate Summer!!!

Did we even have a Spring? Not really sure as all of the sudden it feels like summer but either way I am looking forward to this weekend and all the soiree's that are on my calendar. Whether it be poolside, at a barbeque, or an adult cocktail party, I will be sure to put my best fashion foot forward!
A great bathing suit is key to starting off the season and a cover up could be your best friend this summer. If you choose the right cover up, it can take you from the pool to the barbeque with the blink of an eye. I personally like to keep mine washable (3 kids in tow doesn't really warrant a sassy silk frock) but if you are attending an adults only party, you can get a little more fancy with the fabric. There are some great options for either occasion that you can then use as little summer dresses or over white denim for a later evening affair. Add some great jewelry, even a belt, and you have a whole new look.
Attending an affair that might warrant a summer dress? This is the perfect time to really make your summer statement. I love this Allison Parris dress. It can be super casual and chic with gold flats or espadrilles...add some great bangles or earrings and you are done. Even a little brown belt around the waist of the dress will dress it down even more. Dress it up with a cute pair of heels for a more formal occassion. Nude heels or a fun color would look great with the green.
Want my personal style tip...I love a simple and classic bathing suit with gold bangles (any bangles really that can get wet) and cute flip flops. Arrive in a great cover up that you throw on to run to the club or snack stand or when it gets a little chilly and you are sure to be the most stylish one there.

Its All About the Bag

I truly believe that a bag can make or break an outfit. You could be wearing jeans and a t-shirt and a great bag and look totally stylish and pulled together but the wrong bag with the same outfit could say something all together different. This weekend, Hysteria will host a trunkshow with New York handbag designer Michelle Vale. I can't sing the praises loud enough for Michelle Vale's handbag collection. Her collection is simple and chic and totally sophisticated. They are super stylish without being overt and I love a bag that doesn't have a huge logo on it that screams how much you paid for it. There is something to be said for owning your style without everyone having to know what you paid for "said" style. The best part is that most of the bags are convertible from shoulder, to cross body to clutch and the hardware on the bags is interchangable from gold to silver. I carry the uber chic shopping tote as does Alicia and can't seem to swith it out...ever! Believe me I have tried to change it up but my tote goes with EVERYTHING. It is super transitional and multifunctional. With three kids in tow at all times, it is the quentissential carry all without looking like I am carrying a diaper bag around. Her totes are favorites of celeberities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz and Kate Beckinsale and have also been used multiple times on Gossip Girl.
If you haven't yet heard of Michelle Vale, you should definitely take notice. She is a hardworking mother of two who loves fashion but totally understands juggling between motherhood and looking great. She is currently working on her Spring 2012 collection, a very exciting collaboration with a highly coveted jean brand, and an amazing documentary about designers that are committed to making their products in Manhattan which will be released this Fall.
Michelle will be joining us on Thursday evening for a Sip and Shop and discussion about style and transition, and will also be at the store to show her collection on Friday and Saturday. If you are interested in coming to the private shopping night, please call the store to reserve your spot. See ya there!

Don't Miss This!!!

Jules Reid is coming to Hysteria for an exclusive trunkshow that is not to be missed. Jules is a native Virginian, in fact one of my favorite pieces is called the Virginian. As a child, Jules and her family were relocated to India and since then she has spent a lifetime inspired by the exotic patterns and high voltage colors found in her mother’s saris and the painted elephants of Jaipur. Other sources of inspiration include her style icons, Emilio Pucci and David Hicks, each with its own courageous use of graphic patterns and color. These amazing textiles personify the collection and are a true testament to the artist in Jules Reid. The prints are clean and fresh…silhouettes are simple but modern and chic. A great addition to any wardrobe! The dresses are great on their own and really don’t need much, if any, adornment. I would wear them with a flat sandal or a wedge. What a great piece to throw on if you are hosting a summer dinner party or even attending one. I could see the dresses at the Gold Cup or Derby. They are all so versatile that you could really utilize them for multiple events…of course not with the same people : ). This is her first season at Hysteria and in order to introduce the collection, Jules will be joining the staff on Thursday evening from 6-9pm. The pieces really speak for themselves and can be paired with simple wardrobe basics. A must for the Spring and Summer!

I have a new fashion crush thanks to Hysteria and his name is Alexander Berardi. I was first introduced to the collection by Alicia who found him on one of her buying trips and was instantly in love with his collection. When she showed me what she had found, I too was on board and was so excited that a trunkshow was forthcoming. So tomorrow night Hysteria is kicking off a weekend long trunk show with this amazing designer . I had the pleasure of meeting Alex last night at the DC Sample sale...if you missed it you must be on the lookout for the next one. I already thought the collection was amazing before I met him, but after spending a few hours with him I was officially in looove. I think Alicia and I are in competition to be his biggest fan! You must, must, must come by and check out his Spring collection. The pieces are super chic and modern but what I love the most is the ease of the collection. You really don’t have to cinch up, buckle up, and squeeze into any of his pieces. They are, as I love to say, enough on their own. How much easier can it be to put one piece on and be done. He has done the thinking for you…all you need to do is put it in your closet and wear it…easy enough? All of these looks can be worn with flats, a big bonus for a great look during the day and all are timeless and not overtly trendy. These are pieces you will have and wear forever. I could go on and on and on about his collection as I often do when I find someone new and amazing. Seriously, he is one to watch and I would suggest scooping up a few pieces before everyone else does! Be a trend setter instead of a follower...with these pieces it isn't difficult. All of your friends will be asking you what you are wearing. So much more fun to say you are wearing a new great designer instead of something that everyone can get their hands on at any store in the area. Can you tell I am excited! Above are my faves. See below for the trunk show schedule. See ya there! xo - Susan



Thursday: Trunkshow VIP preview 7pm...Cocktails and goodies
Friday: Trunkshow during business hours 11am-6pm
Saturday: Breakfast preview 10am...Alex will be at Hysteria until 1 PM. Mimosas and breakfast treats
Sunday: Trunkshow during business hours 12pm-5pm

How to Make a Dress Work Overtime

So many times we buy a dress with one event in mind but unless it is a lime green bridesmaid dress, you can actually wear a dress many different ways for a lot of different occasions. A belt or a jacket can really change the look of a dress. The key is to pick simple, classic shapes that fit you well and the dress can then be transformed with simple accessories and wardrobe staples like a blazer, a jean jacket, or a cardigan. Check out the video below of our stylist, Susan, showing Sarah, a member of our sales staff, how she can transform her favorite dress for Spring.



We have also included some of the other great dresses you will find at Hysteria as well as images of Susan and Tess trying on their favorites in several different ways. Note that the dresses they are wearing do not come with a belt, but by adding one she has changed the look of the dress. This is an easy update that any of us can do. In the video, Sarah's dress does come with a belt but by removing it and adding a different belt, it also changed the look and feel of the outfit. There are endless possibilities. Have fun!
P.S. All of the shoes are right next store at the Shoe Hive. One stop shopping, gotta love it!