Category Archives: The Stylist

NYFW Reflections From The Refined Woman

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NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

Somehow it felt fitting that our first visit to New York Fashion Week for The Refined Woman would occur during a snowstorm. It was a flurry of runway shows, shaking hands and swapping cards, hailing cabs and photographing everything we laid our eyes on. It was all at once overwhelming and wonderful.

Overwhelming because from the outside it seems to be all about what brand you are wearing and who you know in the industry. The fashion world revolves around what can be seen from the exterior. It can be intimidating to enter that world when you feel that you don’t measure up. Yet, the reality is that though some might make Fashion Week about those things, it’s not everything that it is.

There are some truly wonderful aspects to New York Fashion Week, and those are the parts we want to focus on—parts that are beautiful and fun and make us excited to be artists, stylists, and photographers.

The creativity that each designer puts into each runway show—down to the music, the lights, the feeling that each collection gives you—is an exhilarating thing to behold. At the end of each day as we scrolled through our images from each show, it was the creativity of each designer that filled us with the motivation to do it all again the next day (even when that meant staying up late to post those images and waking up early to make it to the next show).

What we found though is that if you are kind, and if you work hard, amazing things can happen. There is no industry this doesn’t apply to—even fashion, as intimidating as it can seem.

We met people who took the time to stop and connect amidst the chaos inside the tents at Lincoln Center. Those are the moments that made Fashion Week for us. The moments that we could connect with others about what excites us. It made us want to go back next year and find someone new and assure them that there is more to fashion than meets the eye.

Now that we’ve told you all about it, here are some of our favorite photos from NYFW…

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

NYFW Reflections from The Refined Woman | Darling Magazine

Style File: Spring Dresses

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Style File: Spring Dresses | Darling Magazine

Top row: Madewell Bistro Dress in Ridgestripe // Gap Jaquard Shift Dress // Madewell Sleeveless Silk Shirtdress

Bottom row: Gap Printed Three Quarter Sleeve Dress // Madewell Silhouette Dress // St. James for J.Crew Three Quarter Sleeve Tee & J.Crew Collection No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Tossed Carnations

Note: we know that last combo isn’t technically a dress—but we think mixing stripes and florals for spring is an absolute must, so we thought we’d inspire you to do the same with a shirt & skirt combo.

How To Dress For A Wedding

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How To Dress For A Wedding | Darling Magazine

The year of 2012 was the year that friends at work made fun of me. I started to dread people asking me what I was doing for the weekend. Nearly my entire year was already planned. “You know what I’m doing this weekend,” I replied. They would gasp. “No!! Not another one! You’re lying.” I wasn’t lying. I was in fact, going to another wedding.

Even though it took up my entire year, I loved every minute. I adore the excitement, the commitment, the glamour, the outfit planning. In the past few years, I’ve been to about twenty-two weddings (not including my own). I say “about” because I might have missed a couple. Plus, there are seven weddings I didn’t count because it’s been more than a few years for those, and that would just be cheating.

With nearly twenty-nine weddings under my belt, and maybe one outfit repeated, I’d like to think I’m somewhat of an expert when it comes to learning how to dress for such an occasion.

The easiest way to start is by reading the invitation. The invitation is the window to the entire theme of the event. Where is the wedding being held? Is it casual by the beach? It is formal at a golf club? Is it cocktails at a museum? Or is it lighthearted in a barn? Get the feel for the couple getting married (after all, you know them well enough to be attending) and then you can begin the fun process of putting together an outfit.

As discussed in our previous post about how to dress for a bridal shower, the same rule applies about wearing white to a wedding. It’s a very short and simple answer of: please do not, ever. Unless the bride and groom have announced they are having an all-white party (it’s been done before—don’t we all remember Kim Kardashian’s black and white wedding?), wearing any shade of white will get you a few awkward looks from guests who are familiar with traditional wedding etiquette.

Once the location is determined, let us move forward in planning an appropriate debonair ensemble. Consider the following as possible suggestions…

For The Casual Wedding: Least Dressy
Dresses that are free-flowing silhouettes, brighter colors and perhaps with belted details can all be worn with ease to an outdoor or non-traditional wedding. Soft, breathable fabrics are great for these types.

For The Cocktail Attire Wedding: Dressy
More form fitting dresses in darker colors, possibly with some embellishment are always welcome in a dressier setting. If form fitting isn’t your style, try an A-line dress in a nice fabric or something with some swing, but gathered at the waist to give definition.

For The Formal Wedding: Very Dressy
Formal weddings don’t come around that often, but when they do, wearing a floor length dress is the way to go. Stay classy by keeping the dress simple and staying away from too many skin-baring-cut-outs or sequins.

Image via Atlantic Pacific

How To Dress For A Bridal Shower

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How To Dress For A Bridal Shower | Darling Magazine

Although it’s not quite the “season” for all things wedding right now, we know very well how quickly time flies. Before you know it, flowers will be rising up from the snow, save-the-dates will cover your refrigerator, and bridal shower invitations will be filling up your calendar. Not only do you get to chat with friends, eat delicious finger foods and celebrate the bride, but you also get to enjoy wearing something shower appropriate. Not sure what that means? Let us guide you to the perfect party outfit.

The difference between bridal showers and weddings is that a shower is much more casual. For this occasion, it is perfectly acceptable to wear something other than a dress. Let us first go into the most important question that first enters the mind, “Can I wear white?”

The answer is very simple. NO. Save all your whites, creams and ivorys for another day (mostly if it’s a dress), for those shades are pretty much reserved for the bride at all her events. However, for a bridal shower, if the white has an all-over print, like floral or conversational, or if it’s just a basic cream top with a printed bottom, consider yourself safe. Khaki’s and camel colors are also well received.

Since we’re talking about color and shades, what about black? Black is always a good choice for events; however, bridal showers are meant to be light and happy. If the party isn’t at night, we suggest sticking to brighter shades that represent the experience. If you don’t feel comfortable in colors, try something close to black, like navy. Now, for some outfit suggestions…

The obvious, dresses:
Because this is a lighter affair, dresses are a

good choice. They are easily accessible, simple to outfit and come in lots of styles, silhouettes and fabrics.

Skirts
There are several lengths of skirts to choose from: above the knee, below the knee, tea length and maxi’s. Just ensure you’re picking a modest length for the party, nothing too tight or short. Or, you could try a twin set with a matching skirt and top.

Pants
Pants are more and more becoming a big trend. Pants aren’t just made of denim anymore—there are lots of options to be dressy with a pant. Metallic, printed, silk, jacquard…the list goes on.

Shorts
Just like a pant, there are lots to choose from nowadays with the idea that shorts can be dressy. Please no denim cut-offs—these should be for the beach, and music festivals.

If you’re adventurous, a jumper:
A jumper is basically a dress, with legs. They are extraordinarily comfortable and surprisingly very chic when paired with the right accessories.

The easiest way to put together an outfit for a bridal shower, is to remember who your there for. Keep in mind the bride’s style; if you’re invited to her shower, chances are you know her pretty well. Use the location of the party to determine the look you’re going for and always make sure to honor the gal you’re clinking glasses to.

Image via Girl With Curves

The Stylist Embodied: Marina Dobreva

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The Stylist Embodied: Marina Dobreva | Darling Magazine

This is part of an ongoing series called Embodied, which features women who we feel embody some element of the persona they’re featured in. As a former J.Crew personal stylist and shopper, and now owner of her own styling company, Marina Dobreva is a true Stylist indeed. Read on to learn more about Marina’s takeaways from working at J.Crew, personal style, and must-have wardrobe basics.

Hi Marina! Could you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?

First and foremost, I am very excited to contribute to Darling and be a part of this wonderful community! I am a NYC-based personal stylist and wardrobe consultant who helps women look and feel their best every day. I worked with J.Crew for four years as a stylist/personal shopper while also styling commercial and editorial photo shoots. Last winter, I decided to merge my experiences from those two worlds and deliver regular women my knowledge, passion and devotion to image by starting my own company, CloseteurNYC, Inc. I spent the past six months traveling the world, largely gathering inspiration, and now I’m back in NYC building my new company.

We are big fans of J.Crew here at Darling! How has your past experience with the company influence your present ventures?

J.Crew raised me in this industry in many ways, and I am very thankful for my time there and everything I learned. I define myself by it even today, and I think my style and views on wardrobing still largely reflect that image. J.Crew taught me how to look at color and not be afraid of mixing it in unexpected ways. I learned how to put an article of clothing on a woman, completely manipulate it to suit her shape and make it hang in all the right ways—from rolling

a sleeve, to belting, to cuffing, to synching. I learned to take chances with unexpected combinations of colors, materials, patterns, layers and ensembles. All of those things I now apply to every brand my clients wear and that knowledge translates over beautifully.

How would you describe your personal style?

Depends on the day, funny enough! I have fun with mixing different styles and I try to never look like a cookie-cutter copy of a particular genre. I usually start with a conservative base, consisting of more traditional, timeless pieces rather than trend-influenced items. I then accessorize with more theme-based, of-the-moment pieces that are an afterthought to the outfit. On a very typical Marina day, I usually look Chanel-conservative with an edgy piece of jewelry like an Alexander McQueen ring. My shoe is often a high heel like a Manolo Blahnik pump to give the look a sexy and elevated, yet still classy feel.

What are your must-have wardrobe basics, and what items would you recommend our readers have in their closets?

Borderline obvious: nude heel. It’s my ultimate go-to when I can’t pick a shoe to go with an outfit. It goes with everything; it elongates your leg and grounds the look. I can’t live without my men’s saddle brown belt. Every outfit looks more complete with a belt, and somehow I have found that my brown belt can complete many looks from my cozy jean and sweater days, to my summer looks of tee tucked into a silk skirt, to even the occasional LBD that looks blah without an accessory. A great pair of dark skinny denim is also essential, and well-fitting dark denim compliments any body type. The chambray shirt is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe—you can wear it tucked into a pencil skirt to mix the feminine with a bit of masculine or wear it open as a cardigan over almost anything. And just a couple more: a white silk button up can go a million directions, a long gray cardigan as a go-to third piece, and of course, a well tailored pencil skirt that can carry from day to night.

What’s the biggest style lesson you’ve learned since you started your career?

Mixing pieces. Every great outfit I have seen or put together in my career and my life, really, has bits and pieces from different places. A super feminine outfit needs a boy piece to ground it, like an oxford shoe or military-inspired bag. Every preppy-based look needs a touch of rock-n-roll or bohemian to make it less stuffy. For my power women—every gray suit needs a fun accessory such as a bright color skinny belt or some fun jewelry to lighten it up. A homogenous look never turns heads nor makes you feel like you are ahead of the times.