A Private Luxury: An Intimate talk with Lingerie Designer Stacey King

A Private Luxury

Lingerie designer Stacey Walker King is no stranger to the private luxury of sexy undergarments. As CEO of iCovet, a Los Angeles-based personal shopping business, this Duke graduate knows a thing or two about finding the perfect pieces for a woman to feel gorgeous. Amid her evolution as a designer of intimate apparel, King is aware that if it came down to it, most women would feel more comfortable forking over their last dollar for fabulous jeans instead of a beautiful black slip dress. Still, a little something special to lounge in or slip on and off may be the next best addition to your wardrobe. Whether lingerie has become your recipe for success behind closed doors or is worn for thyself to feel oh-so-wonderful, King’s line LaVande SWK(pronounced lah-VAHND) offers numerous vintage-inspired numbers that are designed to accentuate the female figure. In delivering the goods, King gives insight into where she’s coming from.

EVOLUTION AS A FASHION DESIGNER

I have always loved lingerie–I really have. And I find that with a lot of the clients that I personal shop for, this is the last area that they spend their money on. Shoes, no problem. Handbags, no problem. Lingerie is always an afterthought. At one point in my career, I had to travel to Paris a lot, and I just loved the way European women view lingerie. They can give little thought to the entire outfit, but their undergarments are always wonderful. They know that they are worth it. It’s almost a sacred thing: “These items are the closest to my skin, so I should take the most care in choosing them.” The way lingerie is marketed in this country is exactly the opposite. It’s more about getting items for a spouse or significant other, rather than wearing pieces that celebrate you.

LA FASHION WEEK DESIGNERS

I saw Kevan Hall, whose mastery of luxurious fabrics was a joy to watch. I was mesmerized by his collection. I did see the Agent Provocateur show and I loved the spectacle of their show; I am a fan of their line, as well. Louis Verdad and David Meister also put on great shows as well.

DRESSING FOR THYSELF

Even though these pieces are mainly hidden from view, I think we are all aware of the transformation that happens when you are dressed really well. This is the same thing that happens for me when I’m wearing wonderful undergarments. It doesn’t matter to me that other people don’t know. I know! And it’s a great little confidence boost to know that I look good in ways that other people aren’t even aware of. I look good inside and out. It’s my little secret.

INFLUENCES ON MY OWN STYLE

I pull influences from a lot of different areas. I’d have to say that my mother gave me a lot of confidence to be my own person. My grandmother taught me a lot about grace, which I still think is the most important thing a woman can ever hope to wrap herself in. From a celebrity standpoint, I’d have to say Diana Ross a la “Mahogany.”

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ICOVET AND LAVANDE SWK

These are definitely complementary businesses. The great thing about iCovet is that I’m able not only to introduce new items and styles to my clients, but most importantly, there’s an opportunity there to educate. I can show a woman how a little slip of silk will make a huge difference in the way she walks, and the way she carries and thinks about herself all day long.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE THUS FAR

The hardest part has been getting the fit right. The work in getting these items not only to look beautiful but also to fit perfectly has been immensely challenging. The best undergarments are the ones that disappear, not only visually, but that feel invisible as well. The other challenge for me is to stop designing! I’m constantly getting inspired by something and trying to add it to the line. At some point, you have to stop yourself and save it for the next collection. Really, really tough!

* Designs from the LaVande SWK collection are available atwww.lavande-swk.com.

Talking Chic – A Change of Season – A Change of View

Talking Chic

A Change of Season – A Change of View

When does fashion fade from our wardrobe? Should it ever? Are there points in our lives when being stylish is supposed to take a backseat to the big picture? Lately, I can’t help but wonder if my attraction to designer handbags, ornate clutches, and vintage denim will always be an intricate part of my personality….if my bulletin board will always be posted with Nordstrom’s latest eyewear must-have’s…or if my nightlife pleasure will always be about who’s wearing what and who definitely shouldn’t be wearing what.

Whereas “fashion” may be considered a learned concept – a sort of aspiration one can succeed or struggle in, I’m convinced that “style” exists deep in a person’s soul. And when one expresses his or her style through colorful cloth, textured fabrics, and decorative accessories, this sort of big-bang collision creates a beautiful statement about who a person is.

But what happens when old age kicks in and peep-hole pumps are replaced with Easy Spirits, and one’s 2-seater BMW is overridden with Sunday morning white-van pick-ups? When seasons change and aging has gone full force, it seems like the luxurious feeling of fashion will turn into practicality. Simple, boring, and nothing worth discussing.

However, the lingering questions that have drilled themselves into my brain since visiting my grandfather in an Illinois nursing home about two months ago are this: When does the importance of expressing one’s style fade? When an elderly person’s behavior rewinds to the child-like innocence of years passed, where does one’s creativity hide?

Amidst watching a 99-year-old woman barely able to hold her head up while sitting in a wheelchair but sporting long purple acrylic nails, and witnessing my granddad’s shaky hands browse through my portfolio, yet still wearing the cherished bling on his pinky finger I ever-so-fondly know him to flaunt – it hit me!

Just because a person is not adamant in proving his or herself through fashion at 80 years old like he or she may have at 20, doesn’t mean that the respect and admiration for looking good doesn’t exist. I’m learning that while style may stay with us as we age, the excessive materialism and all the stuff that accrues in our closets over the years really do become, well, “stuff.”

And (gasp!) more important things will at some point in our lives take precedent over those favorite jeans and fabulous handbags. Matters like health, happiness, and unfortunately, sadness will hold reign.

But with sorrow there’s joy, and I know that new happiness will develop with being able to pass down my own favorites one day, such as the jewelry – the tiny artifacts – that a grandmother must save for her granddaughters. As the clouds cried those days in Chicago and my thoughts cleared during our runs from hotel room to nursing home and back to hotel room, the few trips to my grandparents’ house in Park Forest gave me more of a positive outlook in growing older. As I peered at my grandmother excitedly watching my sister and I open our envelopes with gold-chained memories inside (whether her thoughts were really on that very moment or the fact that something special lifted her spirits in the midst of waiting for my grandfather to return home), her chunky turquoise necklace on top of a beautiful cream sweater gave me a rush of excitement!

I bet it’s been forever since my grandma browsed through a fashion magazine, but when style runs deep, it runs true. And I can’t wait for my own granddaughters to be patient, sit beside me, and adore their cool G-ma.

Written by Elana Pruitt

Single and Sassy

Talking Chic

Single and Sassy

This past Valentine’s Day I did something I, a single 20-something-year-old, had never done before––I went to a bar. Yes, it was in the middle of the week, and sure, getting up for work at eight is typicallythe plan, but I had just bought the cutest bronze-color shrug and I was ready to hit the dance floor. After borrowing my roommate’s vintage-style Union jeans, her black chandelier danglies to work with my black Trina Turk lace camisole––what can I say? It was on! I was feelin’ hot and figuring why stay home and get down about being date-less, when I can strut my stuff and enjoy my freedom. Needless to say, my friend (who was semi-single at the time) was in tune with my energy and felt the same way.

And it was definitely a night to remember.

Whether it was the Pussycat Dolls or Sean Paul pulling us to the dance floor, or running into other girlfriends who were also standing up for singlehood…the night was mine and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. But then the ridiculous questions started. Wannabe pick-up lines like, “You’re too cute not to have a boyfriend!” or “What are you doing out this way—you don’t look like a typical I.E. girl,” as he peered at my outfit that I had so delicately put together. And during this insulting-slash-desperate attempt to get my phone number… it hit me: Why is it assumed that a fashionable, attractive, and young professional (dare I say so myself) has to be “taken?” It brought me back to the whole idea of “being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely” type of affirmation I’ve read before in self-help books. I also realized that while some girlfriends dress sassy for their boyfriends, or wives keep their husbands’ favorites in mind when getting dressed, many people automatically assume that being single and looking fabulous is well, a waste, as if the idea of dressing for oneself doesn’t exist.

What I took away from that night is that it most definitely does count. Attracting a mate and looking hot in doing so is a wonderful feeling, and having someone to regularly deliver compliments and give kudos to your style is also an indescribable feeling. But loving yourself, especially on Cupid’s day, is also something to be cherished, because this adoration for thyself, my friends, can automatically manifest itself into looking good all the time. “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” really does make sense to me these days. It has been almost a year that I’ve been without a serious beau. But I’m thinking a revised version of “Don’t hate me because I’m single, beautiful, and wearing hot jeans for no one BUT myself” is due.

Here’s the thing: I believe true style does not mean walking out the door in hopes of getting a catcall when getting into your car, nor about purchasing come-hither-me pieces (like for the cute guy in the office who just happens to stroll by your desk every morning). To me, a sense of fashion is more than that. It means dreaming in color, pretending you’re ransacking your mama’s closet when you were a kid and coming out with creative ensembles. And most importantly, enjoying fashion means owning a wardrobe that includes only those pieces that make you smile every time you imagine slipping them on.

Now I’m not saying that I don’t want cutie over there to ignore me as I walk by, but should he not check me out, well, all I can say is, “I’m single, I’m sassy, and see ya later!” ‘cause I have hot shoes on…na-na-na-na-na!

Written by Elana Pruitt

Feelin’ Pretty in Louis Verdad

Our bodies are our temples, or so we’ve heard. And with springtime rapidly approaching, pushing aside fox fur collars and velvet blazers of fall and winter, the sense and sensibility of Louis Verdad fashion means remembering what it’s like to sit upright, with your legs crossed.

Couture designers, season after season, are proving that looking sexy and feeling feminine can succeed without desperately coveting cleavage and bare midriffs. And Verdad’s Spring 2006 collection takes that up about 10 notches––vamped up vintage, Sunday bests, yet tailored, crisp, and rich-bitch-vacationing-in-the-Hamptons all in one. His highly anticipated runway show during L.A. Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios was a teaser of sorts. A grass-bordered catwalk with oversized flowers insinuating the arrival of spring, front-seater excitement, and the show’s opening antics as unique as Verdad’s vision kept my virgin eyes frantically wanting more, more, more.

It was just another day for gorgeous, skirt-suited Ms. Master, only being held back by her doggie’s sexy nanny pushing the puppy’s pink stroller ever so slowly. With this opening act worth remembering, the rest of the show you not only couldn’t forget, but why would you want to? Feelin’ pretty in Verdad fashion seems like a cinch. Belted up to here, snug right there, and topped with a wide-brimmed hat or satin gloves, he knows that women love to make statements of style. Especially when the weather warms and skin begins to bare, the female silhouette is one worth adorning.

It was a black, cashmere two-piece that aroused a Hollywood stir. Madonna wore his design for the MTV Music Awards show a few years back when she shared “the kiss” with Britney. Hardly a best-kept secret, many would say that Verdad’s rise to fame took off from that very moment. Notably, the American-born Mexican designer has dressed starlets like Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, and Cate Blanchett. And with Paris Hilton, Garcelle Beavouis, Lucy Liu, Gina Gershon, Aisha Tyler, and a soiree of Tinsel Town sitting up close and personal during his show, it’s simple—this designer’s got somethin’.

But let’s do it different than all the rest, he declares through bib tops, A-cut polka dot dresses, ruffled “my mom made me wear this” tiered skirts, secretary pencil skirts and blouses, sophisticated culottes, and belted jackets galore. His blushing pinks and lavenders, polka dot combos, striped-and-floral pattern mixing, and sharp shades of gold and silver contribute to his sassy and eclectic spring collection.

Written by Elana Pruitt

The Power of Denim: A Love/Hate Relationship

. . . . So I’ve been struggling with this column for some time now because here’s my thinking: the jean craze ain’t goin’ nowhere. And for those wanting in with at least one pair of rocking bottoms to actually sport in public, sitting tall at a Smashbox fashion show, or to wear during fun Fridays at work, please—let’s hold hands, unite as one, and say together: “Jeans are not our enemies.”

The power of denim has not only become a popular trend among the fashion-conscious, but a ridiculously expensive OBSESSION that makes many of us put extra hours in just to afford something fabulous. So in trying to tackle an article about hunting for “the perfect jean,” my focus has become scrambled because not only is there no such thing, but in the past five years or so, since its explosion on American culture, finding the best pair of jeans for your body type is nearly impossible. Wait, I take that back; it’s possible. Just don’t expect to walk into a boutique and expect to be whisked away by your size hanging freely on the rack, hemmed to your height, and when doing squats in the fitting room, you’re able to bend over with nothing hanging out (good luck with that one). So in honor of my editor’s own frustration with the limited selection available for women who have sexy hips, a little bit of junk in the trunk, and who don’t aspire to a size 2, I’m going to attempt to offer ways toward simplifying the hunt for a flattering jean—and hopefully keep you from slashing your wrists in the process!

I know, new styles pop up everywhere, and yes, it can be overwhelming to narrow choices down. We have studded, distressed, high-waisted, low-waisted, barely-there low-waisted, patchwork, pocketed, no-pocketed, cargo, cropped, skinny, flared, bell bottomed, boot cut…. Need I continue? And believe me, I understand. Sometimes you feel as though you should go shopping with handcuffs on because you want to steal every gorgeous pair that feels like a personal tribute to your personality: “Oh my god, they shouldn’t have!” But also believe me when I say this: looks can be deceiving. If you don’t evaluate your expectations, reasoning, and needs before you hit up Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Just Cavalli, Lucky Jeans, or anywhere you head for favorites, don’t be surprised if you feel like jetting the minute you walk into the fitting room with 20 pairs in tow. And speaking from experience as a former salesgirl, a current shopper, and a shopaholic’s sister, filling up your room with too many to count will do no good because all you’ll feel is frustration, panic, and exhaustion from hanging all the jeans back up (unless of course you’re one of those people who let poor salesgirls drop to their knees to clean up your mess). Sometimes what’s worse than not being able to find a pair that fits is, yes, finding too many that do. But that’s a whole other topic we won’t get into at this time.

So as you decide that this weekend is the weekend to make some headway, or some progress, in learning which designers create styles best for your body, don’t expect to find what you’re looking for the minute you get started because whether you’d love to find the right guy (just thought I’d throw that one in) or an awesome-fitting pair of jeans, perfection doesn’t exist, although, perfect for you most definitely is out there. Just don’t expect an overnight score.

Here are my top tips that have helped make my search for great jeans a (ahem) fun experience:

1) Give a girl a compliment… if you see someone wearing a pair you like. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask her where she scored them. But try doing it in a way that’s not so obvious. Ex: “Those are totally hot! Oh my gosh I just saw those at Planetfunk….” Whether you did or not is definitely not the point; what she’ll probably do is brag to you where they REALLY are from. Then voila! That’s one store you can already jot down as a possibility.

2) Invest in magazine subscriptions…Lucky Magazine is a given. I mean with all those cute “maybe,” “no,” and “yes” sticker, they practically hold your hand along the way. Some of my other favorites include Interview, Nylon, Vibe, and Flaunt. You’ll find tons of diverse-sized, ethnic models wearing hot designs, with listings of prices and brands close by, and possibly even 1-800 numbers that give you a scoot in the right direction.

3) Accept your body…be honest with yourself when it comes to your real size. No one said you have to tell anyone, but when it comes to a jean’s availability, the fabric that is designed for you, and the best cut to show off your curves without making you look “fat,” you must know your measurements. And remember for someone who is bottom-heavy or has recently had children, think stretch, stretch, stretch. A little give will do wonders and make you feel oh-so-comfy!

4) Make salesgirls your best friend… yes they can be annoying at times and all up in your business when you’re not ready to be helped––but they can also bring tears to your eyes being so damn good. A salesgirl can call other stores for your size, hunt in the back of stockrooms, ask another customer if she’s done trying on the size because she has another customer who is eager to try them on as well, personally deliver your package to your home, show you exactly which ones are “butt lifters,” which ones may go on sale soon, and even bring you blouses that will snazzy up those jeans even more. Even amidst your frustration, being friendly goes a long way. Letting her see your dynamic personality will definitely prompt her to keep you in mind when something arrives in your size and style.

And to keep you from giving up, remember: each brand seems to size differently, it’s not a personal attack against your self worth, and no, the gods do not have it in for you! What if you never find a pair that works out for you? Well, then you sport that hot black dress or long skirt you know you look good in! Forget about what is supposed to fit your body, and feel proud of what really does.
Besides, rumor has it they’re on the way out anyway… ssshhhhh.

Written by Elana Pruitt

Make a Loved One’s Closet Turn Chic With the Help of a Personal Shopper!

So what could be worse than having an empty closet with nothing to wear? Having a closet full of fun fashion that you have no ideahow to wear!

Long before my February 2007 launch ofGood Girl Gone Shopping, an affordable personal shopping and wardrobe consultant business, I had noticed how fearful most people are when it comes to trying out new styles, fun trends, and basically, stepping out of the norm. Here are some of the reasons why men and women turn to a professional for assistance:

They can’t get the help they need from a salesperson

They are not aware of which specific cuts and fabrics are right for their body shape and size

They do not know how to stretch their small budgets to still purchase lavish styles

They are unsure of how to stylize what they already own

They want to feel more attractive

They do not have time to shop for themselves (productively) due to a busy schedule

And no time seems fuller of anxiety and apprehension than now, the holiday season. After all, there are family gatherings, employee luncheons, company dinners, and social parties that offer festive times for most of us. But during these events, gift giving is a key focus and typically, a key frustration.

Just what do you give someone?

Maybe you have a friend, coworker, or loved one who adores hot-off-the-runway styles but admits to being clueless on how to put anything together. Sound like someone you know? If you are tired of buying gift cards to his or her favorite stores, especially because you never see that person actually wear the new items, a gift certificate that allows him or her some time to work with a personal shopper for free is a new gift-giving route you may want to explore. Because really, it’s a win-win situation for both of you: You get rewarded for giving the creative gift of the season, while that person can finally find items that will complement his or her wardrobe…while gaining a boost in self-confidence in the process!

And if you are the person needing personal shopping and wardrobe consulting assistance, well, treating yourself to a Christmas or Chanukah gift might be just what you need to alleviate your own stress of the season.

If you would like to contact Elana Pruitt to discuss the many services of Good Girl Gone Shopping, and gather information about holiday gift certificates, please contact her atelana@talkingchic.com or (909) 997-3216. She is based in Upland, Calif., just over an hour east of Los Angeles.

Where in the World Would You Go for Inspiration?

I have never been out of the country. Unfortunately, my fear of flying (well, fear of going down is more like it) has hindered my exploration of the world. About five years ago, I could have traveled with a friend, and a group of other Jewish adults, to the motherland – Israel. For the most part, it was a free ticket because it involved committed studies and group activities. Now, I kick myself. My hairdresser, whose homeland is Jamaica, always reminds me that I am welcome to go with her whenever I want to – she goes at least once a season, and says that she can just see my sitting by the clear, blue water writing in my journal. And that I CAN imagine.

So with 2009 here and incredible opportunities that have been finding me, I must overcome all of my “what ifs” so that I can fully enjoy the twists and turns of life – and be ready for anything and everything.

Having attended several LA Fashion Week shows through Agenda, I can only imagine the beauty and excitement of Milan Fashion Week. I also envision how it would feel to stroll and skip on the streets of Paris, and then maybe make a trip from there to Brazil so that I can bask in the sexiness of babes and beaches.

While I understand that international travel has its own challenges, frustrations, and even dangers, the inspiration from visiting another country would do wonders on my soul; interesting trips and experiences would only inspire me as a writer, a business owner, and as a person who wants to know what it feels like to be a foreigner. I firmly believe that men and women who seek success can only do so by expanding their horizons and creating new friendships and industry relationships at every chance they get.

And what better way to do so than in a new place where you can open your eyes to new styles, new languages, new mannerisms, new senses of humor, a new fashion of politics, and new (tasty!) dishes.

Think I have a thirst to travel? You can bet your Manolos on that.

If you have a great international traveling trip that you would love to share with Elana, please contact her at elana@talkingchic.com. She may even quote you in her next column!

Elana Pruitt

My Favorite Secret Shopping Spots Exposed

If I had the means to shop at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Kitson, and Bloomingdale’s for nearly all of my purchases, I’m not going to lie—I probably would. There are such amazing designer collections sold at these stores that I would be honored to wear some of their pieces. But these places are above my means.

I am a fashion writer who enjoys the finer things in life all for a fabulous deal! So where do I go for my shopping needs? My secret shopping spot that allows me to stretch my dollar and buy my classic as well as trendy winter coats for mere change is . . . the Goodwill! Please note that this store is not hidden from the public; it just takes someone with an open mind and a level head to be able to walk into the Goodwill and have some fun shopping.

The last time my boyfriend and I decided to stop by and check out what’s new, I purchased two Forever 21 jackets: a cotton black blazer and a mauve and cream tweed coat for $10 total. There was a 2 for $10 special, and I was all over it! I was amazed with the brands I could find just sitting there waiting for a home. These two jackets are now two of my faves. I even wore the black blazer on television when I appeared as a fashion consultant for the morning show, “Southern California Living”; and I wore my tweed jacket to work the other day, which was ultra-comfy and ultra-editor chic.

And it was that very day that Steve and I shopped at the Goodwill that I realized how underground this retail outlet is. I witnessed two grown women aggressively arguing over a blouse that cost less than five bucks. One woman had her kids in the car waiting, and the other had her daughter standing right next to her. Not only did it seem funny seeing two grown-ups do the whole “But it was mine!” and “No, I saw it first!” I just couldn’t shake the thought that they were probably fighting over a $2 shirt. That seemed, at the time, childish and uncalled for.

NOW, looking back to a month ago, I realize that these women weren’t crazy. Not at all. They were bargain shoppers who both know a great deal when they see it. And how dare someone else get their paws on what they see as theirs! I get it now. That $2 item may have only been, yes, just two bucks, but the quality may have been out of this world. I understand. I’m right with ya, ladies.

By Elana Pruitt

My Winter Wardrobe

When I was a child, I couldn’t wait until it was Chanukah. The taste of latkes and relaxing by the fireplace are memories I shall never forget.

As for gifts, my parents usually had at least some sort of clothing wrapped up for me. This was in addition to new journals, fun Hello Kitty pencils, and new multi-colored strings for my friendship bracelets. I loved the thought of ringing in the winter season with something new to wear. I never expected a new wardrobe for Chanukah – and I wouldn’t have received that anyway! (My mother is a firm believer in “it’s the little things that count.”) Still, I couldn’t help but squeal in the delight that I would be able to add to my wardrobe.

One of my favorite gifts was a pink puffy button-up coat with a turquoise attached scarf! It was so perfect. Valuing that jacket so much, I decided to take the scarf out and save it. I still have it after 20 years.

Sometimes, I would get new slippers, a new robe, sweaters, or comfy turtlenecks. I never realized how smart my mother was until I was an adult. She would buy us what we truly needed ? practical gifts. However, she would make it fun. I really needed that jacket, as the hail poured down from our Southern California sky. Slippers, but in a royal blue, pull-up boot style, were to keep my feet toasty throughout the winter nights.

As an adult, I now like to treat myself to my own Chanukah gifts. And I do so following my mother’s standards – take what you need and put your own twist to it. So what do I need this winter? Well, my shopping list entails a top three must-have check-off: short, black leather bomber jacket; a man’s navy blue blazer jacket (which I may just snatch from my boyfriend’s closet to save money); and a faux fur cream jacket. I have plenty of boots ? the over-the-knee boot is too dominatrix for me. I also already own various plaid pieces, a print which will continue to be a hot style for winter. So my list is minimal and practical, these three items that will add classic, couture-inspired style to my wardrobe.

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas! May your wardrobe be filled with pieces that are practical and exciting.