Rules Of Style – Inès de la Fressange

The first model to ever sign an exclusive contract with Chanel, still breath-takingly beautiful at the age of 53 and about to release her own book full of style secrets, Inès de la Fressange has more than earned her the label as a style icon. Living in Paris may have that effect solely on its own, but with her svelte 5’11” boyish frame and gorgeous smile, it is clear she knows her body and is confident about how to shine in each piece of clothing she wears as well as the homes she lives in, and as the French may say, 'She ignores fashion, she does her own thing.'  (Read more about her thoughts on style in the Huffington Post article.)

To view all of the photos of her interiors, click here thanks to The Selby and to read more about her current success shared in the Wall Street Journal click here.

(As seen in Domino’s March 2009 issue, Inès de la Fressange’s Paris home.)

Fantastic Flats

A beautiful pair of flats are the perfect alternative to heels when you still wish to remain feminine and stylish, but would rather stay closer to the ground.  There are so many wonderful styles, colors and designs to choose from.  While I’m a fan of Tory Burch’s Reva flats, J.Crew has some excellent designs, Vera Wang as well and at a much lower price point.  So rest assured, that even if you’d rather not wear the stiletto, a fabulous pair of ballet flats awaits to be worn by you.

A Jacket

Instead of a cardigan or a cumbersome coat, opt for a blazer or short jacket to add layers, but still exude class and appeal. Not only does it add a bit more structure and professionalism, but the variety of choices available are endless. Inès demonstrates in most of her photographs the numerous ways a jacket can be used in your wardrobe.

A Statement Bag

Inès’ customized leather Roger Vivier Cut Up handbag

As the brand ambassador for the Roger Vivier shoe company, and due this fact, it is understandable why she would have a signature bag with her name on it.  After all, she was the first supermodel to be known simply by her first name – Inès, but she shares a style secret to keep in mind.  Have a signature style accessory.  Similar to that of Carrie Bradshaw’s silk flower broach, a signature accessory doesn’t have to be worn each time you leave your house, but it should be something that you can own and something that doesn’t own you.  In my opinion, the small the better because it is something that you aren’t brazenly putting out there, but instead, subtly displaying. Something to think about.

A Simple Black Tote

Choosing a tote that can go just about anywhere during the day is a way to eliminate a bit of decision making in the morning.  Choosing a black generously sized, but not too oversized tote, is a safe bet that you will remain looking fantastic and ready for whatever the day may bring.

Keep It Simple

The French woman says so much without all of the unnecessary frosting that sometimes magnetically adorns other cultural style icons. What the French women realize is that less is more, buy quality and stick with what works. In other words let your personality, natural good looks and genuine smile do the talking, and let the clothing shine a spotlight on the amazing woman that you are.

Be Timeless

Inès de la Fressange on Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2011’s runway.

In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld and la Fressange.

Lagerfeld and la Fressange at Chanel’s 2011 spring/summer runway finale.

If your interest was piqued, and you’d like to read Inès de la Fressange’s very own insights on her timeless style, stop on by Amazon and pick up your copy of The Parisian Guide To Chic: Style Secrets From Inès de la Fressange which will be released April 11, 2011. I can’t wait for mine to arrive.


Other Rules of Style shared by Style Icons:

*Lauren Hutton

*Kate Moss

*Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer

*Kate Beckinsale

*Cameron Diaz

Images: (1) Source (2) The Selby (4) Source (5) Source (6) Source (7) Source (8) Pure People (9) Source (10) Pure Trend (11) Source (12) Source (13) Source (14)  Source (15) Source (16) Source (17) Source (18) Martirio’s Way (19) Source (21) Source

All Things Jenna Lyons

Jenna Lyons’ name has been the catch phrase of the day as of late, and while I’ve been a fan of J.Crew for quite some time, I have never been more of a cheerleader for the company since their creativity and style has been taken up more than just a few notches with the imagination of Executive Fashion Director Jenna Lyons.

I can still easily recall ordering my casual attire in college from J.Crew (mind you, this was ten years ago), and now, fast-forward to present day, my closet is dripping with the revamped fashions - many of their feminine silk camisoles, extra long favorite merino cardigans, dresses, and belts.  Needless to say, I am thrilled with the direction of J.Crew and am even more impressed with Jenna Lyons each time I learn something else about her. 

Full disclosure:  the simple fact that a woman who gracefully and fashionably at 6’0” wears heels day in and day out and looks as stunning as she does, had me from the first few pages of Domino.  After all, I too am a bit on the tall side (5’10”, some argue 5’11”), so it is with admiration and adoration that I write this post. 

I have tried to bundle photos of Jenna’s effortless style, along with her beautiful home and magazine covers that she has appeared upon.  A tremendous thank you to Habitually Chic’s post back in August who included images from Domino and Livingetc magazines as well as photos from Levinson David Architects . Click here for a direct link to Heather Clawson’s post on Habitually Chic.  She does a fantastic job of detailing the interior design choices regarding furniture, paint and photography angles. Also, I’ve included a handful of other posts that include interviews and even more photos.  

Photographed for the Huffington Post by Brandon Perlman. Click here to read more.

At her home in Brooklyn– a conversion of an entire extra bedroom to a closet – I could waste many hours dreaming and creating my own fashion show in a room such as this.

Early in her career.

On Oprah recently (April 21, 2010), Jenna shared a few of the fashion rules she lives by that everyone could benefit from following.

• Make a statement with jewelry.
• Balance feminine pieces with tomboy accents, like a military blazer.
• Wear opposites. If you're wearing something tailored, sprinkle in some sequins.
• Mix textures—pair tweed with silk, for example.

"I'm in heels 90 percent of the time- I wear them with sweatpants. Being tall is fun, and there's something nice about not only being tall but then making yourself appear even taller."  from post on J.Crew Aficionada

This particular setting is what grabbed my attention above all else in her home – so serene, the abundance of light and calming colors with the use of white and cream.

An overwhelming amount of images, but inspiring to know that by continuing to following one’s passions and loves, dreams can become reality.

If you would like to learn a bit more about Jenna Lyons,  below are a few articles I have collected:

*Article from Fashionista in May 2008
*J.Crew Aholics post “Read up on Jenna Lyons from J.Crew”
*Flashback: Jenna Lyons in 2006 via JCBelleMarie
*Yesterday, Jenna appeared on Oprah and generously allowed cameras to film A Day in the Life of Jenna Lyons. Have a look.


I fell in love with Jenna’s choice of top for both her video on Oprah as well as her appearance on the show, and I couldn’t have been happier when I found it was only $36 - Vintage Bateau Top - J.Crew. (shown above)

She also paired this top with a fantastic pair of gold sequin pants.  Sounds insane, but if you had seen it (click on the video link above to see for yourself), you would have been impressed.  The combination worked perfectly on her lanky frame. Thanks to a heads up from a reader, I learned that the gold sequin pants are only available in the NYC J.Crew bridal boutique and not online – so if you’re interested, pack up and head to the Big Apple!

To my favorite day of the week – Thursday – may it be as lovely for you as it has been for me.  Enjoy your day!

Images: (1) L.A. Story (5) - J.CrewAholics (6) - Guest of a Guest (7) – Source (8) - The Iconic Blog (9) – Source (23) Domino