Designer Shapshots- Proenza Schouler

"Lady-like cool"- Vogue

While studying at Parsons School of Design, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the men behind the label, joined forces and collaborated on their senior thesis. That collaboration eventually became the first collection for the 2002 company. The fledgling label, named after the combination of their mother's maiden names, received attention instantaneously. The first collection was bought in its completeness by Barney's New York and in 2004 they were awarded the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award, as well as CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2007. Proenza Schouler are recognized for their use of color on hand-painted and hand-embroidered textiles often inspired by Native American artwork. They also have a distinctive meticulously tailored aesthetic, with seams always stitched to perfection. The company is making a rise with young celebrities, and you can find their bags and other clothing scattered in fashion magazines.

Posted by Gechi Robertson

Designer Snapshots - Captain Edward Molyneux

"Never falling prey to exaggeration, he continually maintained sight of the elegant."- Milbank Couture, The Great Designers

Captain Edward Molyneux - Born 9/5/1891, Died 3/23/1974

Being a true Renaissance man, Captain Edward Molyneux excelled in many aspects of his life. Being a war hero, an art aficionado, a sportsman, and dressmaker to the most distinguished of clientele (including the likes of Princess Marina of Greece, the Duchess of Windsor, and stage and film personalities Gertrude Lawrence and Lynn Fontane), he eventually opened his own couture house in Paris. He was always known for his conservative "pretty and sleek," yet never matronly silhouettes. His designs were truly classic, as many have surpassed any comings and goings of trends, and remain respectfully at the peak of beautiful design.

How do you get dressed?

Every day you have to do it - get dressed and put yourself out there. So how do you decide what to put on your body? I've been asking around and there are a number of ways to go about this.

Beth - She plans the night before, choosing very carefully exactly what she is going to put on in the morning according to what she has scheduled for herself the next day. Beth is not a morning person so trying to make an impact outfit would be too challenging for her in the a.m. Starting with the upper body, deciding which jacket or blouse will work, she then proceeds to figure out the skirt/slacks with shoes coming in last.

Chrissy - Picks one item out that she wants to wear that day and everything else becomes based around that one piece. She usually thinks about her choice while she takes a shower that way as soon as she's out she is ready to gather all the items. Jewelry is usually the last item chosen.

Gechi - Is rather like Chrissy; the night before she decides on the main items to be worn the next day and then makes layers in order to stay warm.

Christina - I find myself deciding a short while before I am to leave the house what I want to wear. I usually have a mantra running through my head saying, "Go, Go, Go." I find that this procedure does not always pan out too well. I often have to just say forget it and fall back on something easy and familiar. This is not to say that I look like I am half-baked, just not as adventurous as I might actually want to be. Many times I will decide that I want to project a particular image such as; rock and roll, casual sophistate, or euro-chic. When I take that route I definitely need more time to think it all out.

Patti - Always looks pulled together. She finds that putting items on the bed and carefully laying them out with their entirety is the way to go. She will change out different boots, purses, or necklaces until she has found the "perfect" ensemble. She will decide whether she will be on her feet all day or not, so shoes come first into her mind. Next, a jacket or top followed by slacks, then jewelry. The choice of a purse always is the last decision.

Kelly and Kendra - both are last minute dressers. Kelly thinks about the top first and Kendra thinks shoes first. Kelly plans out in the mind, thinking "does this go with that." Kendra is throwing on items at the last minute. Now Kendra often purchases items that are in the same color scheme and style therefore all her pieces mix and match and complement each other.

Everyone agrees that there are a few universal decisions that must be made -

* How long will I be standing or walking?

* What is the weather doing?

* Whom will I be meeting with?

We would love to hear from you if you have any input about your dressing style.

Fashionista around town

So.... I'm standing in line at the postoffice....minding my own botox....waiting to mail a Hermes bracelet to an on-line customer when I realize that there is, in the flesh, a stylish woman standing by me. Holy moly! What to do? Take a picture... Sheida, was carrying a fun Burberry bag with some great textures happening with her grey leggings and black tunic. Alas, my phone camera does not do her adorable boots justice as they were a lovely shade of purple suede. Thanks Sheida for being so pleasant and letting me snap a shot of you and your fabulousness.

Little leather gloves

Debbie just found these cute short leather black gloves at the shop. Styling!

Bally Tysons Galleria Opening Event

On September 29th a few of us New To You ladies were invited to the opening event for Bally Tysons Galleria. Hosted by Esquire Magazine and attended by the Swiss Ambassador, H. E. Manuel Sager and Mrs. Christine Sager. Ten percent of the proceeds from the night benefitted FAIR Fund, a DC based organization devoted to battling human trafficking of youth and raising awareness in the community.

It was a testosterone laden feast, a smattering of woman, but in all honesty it was the men in the 5,000 dollar suits that made it a happening event. There were handsome men dressed to the nines. One man was in a beautiful grey tweed suit, with chocolate leather pockets. There were men in bow ties, horned rimmed glasses and bright button up shirts... gorgeous gorgeousness all around! It was really nice seeing men who looked fantastic, because, God knows we love seeing them that way. There was only one man in khakis and a polo- Must not have gotten the memo about the cocktail attire, we did our best to put our blinders on. All in all a fabulous night!

Posted by Gechi Robertson

Channeling Mary-Kate Olsen

We took some time out to play a little dress-up here at New To You, when Christina's niece Madeline payed us a visit. We think she channeled Mary-Kate Olsen's signature street-style down to a T. With fur coats and oversized EVERYTHING, it was just too easy. No pictures please!