Sophisticated socialite. Designer muse. Mother of three. Noteworthy collector of haute couture. Model. Modern heiress of an aristocrat Irish Protestant family. Journalist. Stylist extraordinaire. Philanthropist. On-and-off-again girlfriend of a married French philosopher. Undisputed style icon. Daphne Suzannah Diana Joan Guinness was born into a life of luxury. Now, at age 41 (or is it 42? “I don’t really care,” said Guinness), the tiny, trendsetting fashionista known for her love of towering stilettos and showstopping accessories is at the top of her game with the recent launch of her eponymous perfume, Daphne, and a quickly expanding troop of style admirers who, in total, may outnumber the amount of black garments in her multiple closets.

Keep reading to learn more about Daphne Guinness’ engaging ensembles and innovative style…

Daphne Guinness was born in 1967 to brewery heir Jonathan Guinness and French model Suzanne Lisney. She spent her childhood living in both England and Ireland, with plenty of vacations to Spain. As a youth, her natural blonde hair lightened to its current shade of white as she bathed in the ample sunshine of a small Catalan fishing village. While on summer holiday, Guinness was graced with the casual company of Salvador Dali, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray, among many other revolutionary artists who frequented that same seaside village.

Guinness’ exposure to innovative artists of the 1970s is partially responsible for her inclination toward the avant-garde, and her undeniably chic taste. When asked how she developed such a distinct personal style, Guinness replied, “I grew up in an artists’ colony near Barcelona with Salvador Dali and the Surrealists, so my dress sense is very colored by my youth. Everybody knew that Dali was the most crazy – you’d go to his house and he would have lobsters in his pool.” Dali, and other boundary-breaking artists who mingled with Guinness during her formative years taught her that being “crazy” was, well, pretty cool, especially in terms of individual appearance. She learned that unabashed self-expression was pertinent to her individual happiness, which she cultivated by developing a truly original style aesthetic.

Growing up, Guinness lived a gilded life as a member of the aforementioned aristocratic Irish dynasty. She briefly studied art at Slade, developed an affliction for classical music, and tinkered with the idea of becoming an opera singer. However, these aspirations soon faded when, at a mere 19 years-old, Guinness married Spyros Niarchos, an heir of the shipping magnate Stavros. Niarchos and Guinness traveled the world a thousand times over, while Guinness managed to birth and raise three children. Their glamorous, villa-frequenting, jet-setting lifestyle was enviable to many, but her immense wealth and the constant, watchful eye of stifling bodyguards made Guinness feel isolated, alone, and somewhat unhappy. In 1999, the enigmatic couple separated, and Guinness suddenly had to “start over.” She regained contact with family and friends, focused on being an attentive mother, and began to establish herself more eminently as a fashion connoisseur, a prominent member at every launch party, always in the front row of haute couture runway shows, rubbing elbows with the fashion elite and receiving invitations to international, awe-inspiring parties. Guinness said, “I found, at that time, that fashion became an extension of self.”

During her marriage to Niarchos, Guinness began collecting haute couture clothing, a hobby she is now most notably known for. Her affinity for exquisite, handmade, breathtaking clothing reflects Guinness’ penchant for the arts, and more specifically, her sentimental admiration for those who create gorgeous garments which invoke feelings of serenity and visions of grandeur.

Guinness said, “Why I love couture is the people that do it…because they are absolute masters. It’s just a dying craft…When you see the whole back story and you know the people, and when you put on a jacket and find a pin in your sleeve, that’s so great because you think that day of who made it.”

As a muse to designers like Valentino and Gareth Pugh (pictured below), it’s obvious that Guinness’ respect for the work of visionary tailors is fully reciprocated. Her style cannot, and will not be defined – it exists as an equivocal element replete with appealing intrigue. When asked to define herself, Guinness replied, “I can’t be objective. I’m just never sure about it….I love to create beautiful things and I like to be around people who are trying to do things that are authentic.”

When asked how she gets dressed in the morning, Guinness elaborated, “By a wing and prayer. If you look very carefully, mainly it’s the same thing and I re-accessorize it. Or I have the same jacket made again and again. Or I’ll have a sparkly coat or I’ll just have a new pair of shoes. It’s pretty easy, actually.

Easy to look at, sure, but certainly not easy to replicate. Her usual errand-running ensemble? A fitted black dress by L’Wren Scott, several black scarves, asymmetrical cat-eyed sunglasses, and of course, 7″ red platform Mary-Jane heels. Her formula for flawless style is enviable, to say the least, but it’s also inspiring. Although many don’t possess, or even come close to owning, Guinness’ incomparable collection of clothes, hordes of superlative accessories, and varied array of extravagant shoes, we all possess a unique individuality capable of propagating remarkable style.

“Celebrities almost never look good unless they are out at something or other, while real fashion animals always look a little interesting, even if they are only going to Starbucks. Individuality will always exist,” she asserts. “It’s more that it has become very underground and doesn’t infiltrate the mainstream as much as it should, so you have to search it out, which is getting more difficult, but also more rewarding.”

This past September, Guinness released a signature scent with Comme des Garcons. However, unlike many other celebrity perfume lines, Guinness’ scent is an idiosyncratic fragrance which resulted from two-and-a-half years of mingling her favorite aromas to find that one perfect aromatic essence.

The fragrance is aptly named Daphne. It possesses a principal note of tuberose, a night-blooming perennial flower native to Mexico. When asked for her impression of the perfume, Guinness replied that the tuberose reminds her of her mother, who passed away in 2005, and the flower market in Spain she visited every summer.

“We always used to have these huge vats of them (tuberose), and they would just fill the house with scent all summer long. It reminds me of my childhood. I would collect them and put them all on greaseproof paper with a kind of gel, and then you leave it for a few days. Then you’d scrape off the gel and have a sort of essence…they’re not beautiful in the peony sense of the word, but the smell is unlike anything else. I love it.”

When asked how important fragrance is to her style, Guinness replied, “Huge. Huge. It’s a ritual…I just go to my cupboard and I sort of look at all my different oils and think, “OK, right, today this is the baseline and I’m going to build it up to there.”

And that’s also how she “builds up” her style. A little of this, a little of that – an Alexander McQueen dress here, a pair of “unwalkable,” gravity-defying Nina Ricci heels there, a flair of fabulousness with a dichotomous hair style, a sense of seriousness with a solemn, armour-inspired arm of jewelry. Daphne Guinness is the epitome of a successful, fashionable socialite, someone who is acutely aware of their personal preferences, executed exceptionally well via impeccable ensembles and a certain je ne sai quoi.

By ModCloth Writer: Annie Morrison

Iris Apfel wears many hats. Quite literally, as an undisputed fashion icon known for a perfectly panache presentation, Apfel’s closet undoubtedly features feathered fascinators, bejeweled berets, and chic cloche hats. Figuratively, her impressive curriculum vitae includes Vogue Prix de Paris girl, textile firm owner, and eponymous subject of a nationally renowned exhibit, to name a few. At 88 years old, the fabulous fashion diva is still doing what she does best: demonstrating her immaculate taste by radically assembling opulent outfits of dissimilar influences.

Keep reading to learn more about one woman’s iconic closet!

American original Iris Barrel Apfel is a vivacious style icon, known for a truly innovative approach to fashion. Many would describe Apfel as a chic contrast – her personal style is both high- and low-end, which cultivates an air of carefree elegance, fueled by her love of splendid, well-made clothing with a bit of flair. Apfel is widely known as an influential pioneer in the world of fashion, without much concern for current trends and styles. However, despite her lack of regard for modern style, Apfel’s lavishly layered wardrobe combinations of prints, textures, colors, patterns, and silhouettes has rendered her as cutting-edge and modern as they come.

“I think dressing up or down should be a creative experience. Exciting. Fun. Whenever possible, it’s really great to start with a marvelously cut designer piece and build on it,” said Apfel.

Apfel’s wardrobe is replete with animal prints, precious jewelry, vibrant jumpsuits, couture gowns constructed of the finest fabrics, and of course, plenty of oversized circular eyeglasses.

“For me the key to personal style lies in accessories… I have amassed an enormous “collection” of bags, belts, bangles and beads without which I would be lost. One can change the entire look of an outfit by substituting one accessory for another. I love objects from different worlds, different eras, combined my way. Never uptight, achieving – hopefully – a kind of throwaway chic.”

As she so eloquently desired, Apfel’s style could be the definition of throwaway chic. Her knack for combining seemingly disparate items into a sophisticated ensemble is unmatched by any other icon in the world of fashion. In the early 1950s, Apfel and her husband, Carl, founded Old World Weavers, an international textile manufacturing company which specialized in weaving exact reproductions of antique-period fabrics.

Apfel said, “We spent almost three months every year traveling the world to find offbeat classic-period textile designs and to locate specific mills with specialized techniques to properly replicate them.”

Her adventures in and eclectic finds from worldly workshops, bazaars, thrift stores, haute couture houses, runway shows, and flea markets have provided her with a diverse collection of ensemble embellishments. Her traveling shopper aesthetic also serves as an inspiration for ambitious, thrift-store-frequenting, vintage-loving traveling fashionistas everywhere!

How many fashion personalities can say that their personal collection of accumulated jewelry, clothing, and accessories is worthy of a solo exposition? The exhibit dedicated to Apfel’s exquisitely eccentric style showed at the Met, the Norton Museum in Palm Beach, and the Nassau County Museum of Art, among many others. Entitled “Iris Apfel: Rare Bird of Style,” the exhibition showcases over 80 of Apfel’s most dramatic ensembles, including a haute couture Lanvin gown, a meticulous Norman Norell evening coat, and several peacock brooches which Apfel commissioned in the early 1960s from vintage glass jewelry masters, and frequent Chanel collaborators, Maison Gripoix. Needless to say, the exhibit is absolutely stunning and, as a result, downright awe-inspiring. Although it is impossible to truly capture the creative, seemingly unstoppable spirit of such a dynamic tastemaker, “Rare Bird of Fashion” does its best to epitomize the somewhat intangible magnetism which has made Apfel a style superstar. Her iconic style is evidenced in the ensembles which seamlessly juxtapose the high and low – haute couture with costume jewelry, designer gowns with flea market finds, crafty accessories with zebra-print everything. Get inspired – check out Apfel’s style, characterized by a mix of fantasy, pulchritudinous prints, color, color, color, pattern, whimsy, and humor. “Iris Apfel: Rare Bird of Fashion” can be seen at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts through February 7, 2010.

By ModCloth Writer: Annie Morrison

“My style icon is anyone who makes a bloody effort,” said the absolutely fabulous, always intriguing, eccentric British beauty Isabella Blow. Blow, who is credited with discovering designer extraordinaire Alexander McQueen, British model Sophie Dahl, and milliner Philip Treacy, among many others, is an undisputed style icon. Her love of bright red lipstick, a tightly cinched waist, and of course, her internationally known penchant for over-the-top headgear, has inspired many, been admired by thousands, and has even created some serious style biters. Her frequent dress code? Classic couture with a zany twist – a pair of sophisticated Manolos, a form-fitting, fine fabric gown, haphazardly applied cardinal red lipstick, bright aqua eyeshadow, and an extraordinary hat.

Keep reading to learn more about Isabella Blow’s unrelenting fashion choices and her style legacy…

Isabella Blow (b. 1958, d. 2007) was born and raised in London. She worked odd jobs until she moved to New York City in 1979 to pursue an Ancient Chinese Art degree at Columbia University. After studying at Columbia for a year, Blow left school to work for French milliner Guy Laroche. This was her earliest venture into the enchanting world of stupendous hats, which she would be known for in the years to come. Eventually, Blow moved back to NYC and became acquainted with the coolest people of that era – Andy Warhol, Anna Wintour, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. It is rumored that Warhol, as a former shoe illustrator, approached Blow because she was wearing a pair of mismatched Manolos, which he found to be downright darling. He became smitten with her savvy style, and he wasn’t the only one. Soon Blow became Wintour’s assistant at Vogue. She took the respected magazine by storm with her love of “costume” outfits, and her ability to dress for nearly every occasion, as long as it was fabulous. “I loved coming to the office,” Wintour said, “because I never knew what to expect. One day she’d be a maharaja, the next day a punk, and then she’d turn up as a corporate secretary in a proper little suit and gloves.”

In 1986, Blow moved back across the pond to work for Tatler magazine, British Vogue, and London’s The Sunday Times Style Magazine. She fell in love, married in 1989, and hired unknown milliner Philip Treacy to design her wedding headdress. Blow instantly fell in love with Treacy’s exquisite craft, and the two formed a fast friendship. Blow encouraged Treacy to live under her roof and do nothing but design hats, which he eagerly accepted. From that point on, Blow was never seen without marvelous millinery. Some of my personal favorite Treacy hats worn by Blow include “The Ship,” a ridiculously realistic replica of an 18th century French ship with full rigging made from miniature buttons, and “Gilbert and George,” a fluorescent hairpiece made of hot pink and lime green lacquered ostrich feathers. In the summer of 2006, Cranbrook Art Museum presented an exhibition of the aesthetic relationship between Treacy and Blow, titled “When Philip Met Isabella – Philip Treacy’s Hats for Isabella Blow.” What I would give to go back in time and visit that exhibit, which was undoubtedly a deeply moving, almost voyeuristic view into Blow’s private hat collection. Try cultivating your own extravagant, Blow-inspired ensemble with the To No A-Veil Headband, A Berry Sprig Deal Headband, or the Fashion Fractal Hat.

In addition to being an international style icon, Blow was a fashion editor and brand consultant. However, her most legendary unofficial “role” was discovering and fostering fashion talent. She was incredibly perceptive and intuitive, and possessed an eerily accurate sense of fashion trends to come. Her flawless intuition resulted in some of today’s hottest fashion players, namely Alexander McQueen. Blow first spotted a virtually unknown Lee McQueen at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design senior show. She relentlessly pursued this man who she knew to possess a revolutionary talent, eventually buying his entire graduation collection for £5,000, which she paid for in installments of £100. She also encouraged McQueen to change his named to Alexander, after Alexander the Great. Blow’s knack for recognizing truly exception talent was reflected in her style. Granted, she wore daring, flashy clothes, but they were always tasteful, refined, and oozing with high culture. Her natural sense of style showcased an adoration for extreme beauty, detail, interesting silhouettes, and fun proportions, especially in regards to headgear. However, her extreme clothing and accessory choices were often used to distract others from herself, a sad but true physical manifestation of her incredibly low self-esteem and disabling depression. “I don’t use a hat as a prop,” Blow once said. “I use it as a part of me. If I am feeling really low, I go and see Philip, cover my face, and feel fantastic. Although, if I’m on a real low, it requires going to the doctor for a prescription.”

Even at her funeral, Blow donned one of the best hats in the room. Her coffin was surmounted by Philip Treacy’s final creation for his extravagant muse – a black sailing ship bonnet, which peaked over the crowd of mourning fashion icons at her highly attended funeral service. Actor Rupert Everett eulogized Blow while fighting back tears, “You were a one-off, a genius friend, your own creation in a world of copycats and I will miss you for the rest of my life.”

Following her death in 2007, Blow’s most notable discovery, Alexander McQueen, was inspired to create his spring/summer 2008 collection as an homage to Blow’s eccentric style. The collection was based on an avian theme, and many looks were reminiscent of some of Blow’s most infamous ensembles. McQueen’s models strutted down the catwalk in showstopping party dresses with plunging necklines, and as expected, feathered, avant-garde hats were commonplace. McQueen’s runway show, dedicated to and inspired by Blow, is a telling example of how one woman’s confident style sent ripples throughout the world of fashion.

Some of today’s biggest stars continue to be inspired by Blow’s captivating chicness. Regardless of your opinion on Lady Gaga’s music and general demeanor, her fashion choices are typically regarded as being very exciting, daring, and revolutionary. That being said, the next time you hear someone raving about how progressive Gaga’s style is, please voice a little credit to the late Isabella Blow. Some of Gaga’s most edgy ensembles are direct, dare I say it?, ripoffs of Blow’s boundary-breaking style, as seen in the photos below.

Isabella Blow commanded respect and attention with her mere presence, a feat only a true style icon can successfully pull off. Her flamboyant style left a heavy footprint on the sandy beaches of fashion, so often left undisturbed by those who are afraid to express their true style fantasies. I give her infinite credit for having such a fine-tuned vision of personal style, and I’m constantly inspired by her ability to maintain such an uncompromising appearance.

I can honestly say I’ve been a big fan of Alexa Chung’s style since I was a teenager. I was sixteen years old and working in a small consignment shop in my hometown. Stacks upon stacks of fashion magazines cluttered the jewelry case counter tops, and the owner of the store insisted I keep current with today’s trends by flipping through a Neiman Marcus catalog, or last month’s Vogue. At the time, I had very little interest in these periodicals. I was totally brainwashed to think the only thing cool and savvy enough for me, as a TEEN, was Teen Vogue, ELLE Girl, or CosmoGIRL! And so, Carol (the aforementioned store owner) graciously agreed to subscribe to these cutting edge, super cool mini-mags. I was thrilled to spend each Saturday reading CosmoGIRL’s make-up tips and ELLE Girl’s short critiques of runway fashion. The glossy pages of these publications were overflowing with beautiful, young models who had the coolest style I’d ever seen. It was then that I first noticed Alexa Chung, a youthful brunette British model who seemed like she had it all – brains, beauty, and charm!

Keep reading to find out more about Alexa’s current career and fabulous style.

Alexa Chung was born and raised in Privett, Hampshire, a small village in southeastern England. She was accepted into both King’s College London and Chelsea College of Art and Design. However, before pursuing an academic degree, Alexa was discovered at 16 to be a model. She began working for Storm Model Management, a London-based modeling agency, and instantly obtained popularity both in the UK and in the States. Under Storm, Alexa began modeling for publications such as Elle Girl and CosmoGIRL!. She also became a familiar face for Urban Outfitters, matching their indie girl aesthetic almost perfectly. When she was 20 years old, Alexa decided to quit modeling. Fortunately, her break from posing for the camera didn’t stop her “It Girl” reputation. Today, Alexa is known for being a fashion model, party DJ, and a contributing editor at British Vogue. She’s also the name and face behind MTV’s It’s On with Alexa Chung, a live variety program based on music performances, celebrity appearances, and interviews.

Alexa has always had a career directly related to fashion, which explains her effortlessly cool, chic style. Before her show on MTV, Alexa was the dapper host of Vanity Lair, a British reality TV program. From Vanity Lair, she went on to become a roving reporter on Channel 4’s “Gok Fashion Fix,” where she interviewed major fashion designers and critiqued current fashion trends. Her charming, quirky personality and classic beauty made her a household name, a source of fashion inspiration, and a respectable reporter. I admire her most for her ability to mix couture statement pieces with simple, vintage-inspired style, as seen in the above photo. Who else would think to pair a quintessential LV Monogram Speedy with a black sweetheart dress and an adorable Heidi braid hairstyle? Flawless!

Take a look through any of today’s hottest fashion magazines, from Nylon to Paper, and you’ll see pages upon pages of Alexa Chung-inspired fashion. And it doesn’t stop there – Alexa’s eclectic style transcends the pages of magazines and directly effects the wardrobe choices of young, hip girls everywhere. Alexa has brought a few key style trends into the spotlight, and I certainly hope they are here to stay!

First and foremost, Alexa’s not afraid to try daring fashion choices. She’s rocking a chambray shirt and a novelty straw hat in the above photo, which is nothing short of awesome. I’m definitely going to try and recreate that fun, carefree look with The Blaine Hair Clip!

Next, Alexa never seems to be without a statement necklace! Her choice of jewelry ranges from the chunky and crafty to the sleek and sophisticated. Try adding the Key Wee Fruit Necklace, the Cardinal Points Necklace, or the Wood You Cry For Me Necklace to any ensemble for a simple and effective way to ramp up the chic factor.

Thirdly, Alexa seems to be a proud proponent of all things nautical. She’s an obvious fan of stripes and admiral jackets, so for a similarly mod style, try wearing the Twice as Stripe Top, the Nautical by Nature Dress, or  the Spelterini Dress with the Eloise Coat, the Secret Agent Coat, or the Take the Reigns Jacket!

Fourthly, Alexa is known for rocking a vogue triforce: a vintage-inspired dress with tights and a buzzworthy bag. Try combining any of the following items for an equally dashing get-up: Town and Country Dress in City Estate, The Mimosa Dress in Paris, the Cabaret Voltaire Dress, the Arabian Tights, the Dots and Daisies Tights in Brown, the Ultraviolet Tights, The Uffizi Handbag, the Cape Town Bag, or the Estate Sale Kisslock!

Lastly, Alexa is no stranger to the always edgy, always dashing menswear trend. Below is a photo of Alexa wearing ModCloth’s own Glass Ceiling Blazer, by indie designer Aryn K! I love how she’s styled that modern jacket with a fancy sequined skirt and basic black flats. I cannot stress enough how much I admire Alexa’s gumption when it comes to pairing clothing items that many fashionistas wouldn’t think to combine. Try mixing your blazer with the Bow-sic Black Flats and the Sequin-tially Essential Skirt for a similar show stopping style!

Alexa Chung is an undisputed style icon because of her incredible versatility. She looks as stunning in a pair of jeans as she does in a red carpet gown. Alexa’s knack for pairing vintage with modern is impeccable. There are so many aspects of her style to admire – from her fabulous taste in accessories to her daring approach to silhouettes, her outfits never cease to be inspiring. Keep an eye on Alexa Chung for a preview of tomorrow’s hottest fashion trends!

]]> http://blog.modcloth.com/2009-10-20-alexa-chung/feed 3 http://blog.modcloth.com/2009-08-12-marlene-dietrich?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=marlene-dietrich http://blog.modcloth.com/2009-08-12-marlene-dietrich#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:05:59 +0000 Hannah http://blog.modcloth.com/?p=3645 Jean Harlow, Mae West, Bette Davis – Old Hollywood is just overflowing in glamorous women with their sleek gowns, their manicured hair, their impeccable taste. Although their elegant looks all send my heart aflutter, there is only one star who mastered the ability to make any outfit – be it a tuxedo, a suit, or a skirt and shirt – the epitome of sultry style. Without further ado, I introduce to you a glimpse into the style of Marlene Dietrich.

Dietrich (b.1901, d.1992) was a German born actress and performer who took her day and age by storm, not only through film, but also through fashion. At a time when women seldom stepped out of a skirt, Marlene embraced menswear fashion head on, defying societal norms. She wore what she liked, without a care to critique. I can’t help but admire her gutsy approach to fashion and her steadfast devotion to her own unique taste, which is exemplified in the following Dietrich quote: “I dress for myself. Not for the image, not for the public, not for the fashion, not for men.”

Read on to find out more about Marlene’s willful and wonderful style.

This image and the one at top are quintessential examples of Marlene’s menswear-inspired style.  To say “menswear-inspired” is, in fact, nearly inaccurate. Marlene took genuine menswear items – tuxedos, top hats, ties and pants (at the time, a men’s garment) – and tailored them to her feminine form. With her high-waisted trousers, dinner jackets, bow ties, and the like, Dietrich cultivated a uniquely sexy and powerful look. Today’s recent resurgence in menswear-influenced fashion, as mirrored in items such as the Walk the Line Top and the High Powered Pants, tips its theoretical hat in acknowlegement to Marlene’s trendsetting style.

Though Marlene is most noted for her sensual take on masculine dress, she also was an expert at constructing fabulously feminine looks. Here, Marlene plays up her curvy silhouette with a figure-hugging suit. The frilly bib at her bust gives a softer, more girlish touch to the svelte, sleek shape of her suit, while high heels and stockings hail directly from women’s fashion. Only the wide-brimmed hat, with its fedora-like shape, hearkens to men’s fashion, adding just the perfect twist to an otherwise standard women’s outfit.

Here Marlene calls upon textures and materials to capture an, as always, alluring look. With sheer organza-like fabric and a sea of muted sequins, this formal look is hands-down glamorous. Tousled hair and a large fan add elements of unique charm to this evening ensemble.

Never afraid to be daring, Dietrich also wore her share of show-stopping pieces, such as this coat. Thanks to its full train, nipped waist, and elegant 30s style cut, this is the ultimate garment to flatter Marlene’s feminine form. What I love most about this coat, however, is its unabashed use of volume. The high, decadent collar, over-sized bell sleeves, and wide, circular hem give this garment a sculptural quality worthy of an art museum. Volume such as this is an oft under-appreciated way to add flair to your style.  Architectural fashion, like seen in the Pump Up The Volume Dress and The Strata Dress, is something Dietrich knew how to use to her advantage.

Can you think of anyone whose fashion choices are evocative of Dietrich’s consummate style? Do you like the current menswear trend?

There are many reasons why I am totally in love with Jenny Lewis. She is beautiful, talented, stylish, alluring; all these things combine dexterously to make her whole persona effortlessly captivating.  Most famous for being a singer-songwriter from LA, Jenny has done every other showbiz thing in between, and she’s seemingly done it all with an ease to be envied. Her vintage, retro-inspired style is enticing and enthralling. It boasts a modesty that doesn’t scream superstar, but rather the kind of look that we as ModCloth followers are striving for everyday.

Continue reading to learn what makes Jenny Lewis a style icon.

First and foremost, I adore Jenny’s music, and she’s perhaps most famous for her indie band, Rilo Kiley. Jenny Lewis has always been a trendsetter, and the picture above shows the cheeky retro style that is her trademark. The quirky band image finds its foundations in her fashion, and her dazzling stripy dress in this image is combined with statement-making knee-high socks, creating an absolutely gorgeous, boisterous ensemble. Rilo Kiley’s music is pretty and elegant, and launched me into many an internal philosophical debate when I heard the lyrics at the tender age of 15. For example in the song “More Adventurous” she sings, “I read with every broken heart you should become more adventurous.” Incidentally, I first heard this song around the time I first got my heart broken, which resulted in my getting my ears pierced six more times. I’m not so sure this can be counted as adventurous, but still, those lyrics definitely made me realize a few things about how life works. The album More Adventurous spoke to me, and although it was the third record for the band, it was probably where they achieved most recognition.

It isn’t just with Rilo Kiley that Jenny Lewis has made her musical mark, and it is her charming and calming voice that makes her such a sought after artist. Among many other notable awesome indie and alternative bands, she has contributed vocals to music by The Postal Service and Bright Eyes. In 2006, Jenny Lewis released her solo debut album, Rabbit Fur Coat, recorded with The Watson Twins. The picture above shows the artists together, and her move from cute music to a somber, more serious style is reflected in her sophisticated dress while still maintaining the indie alternative style that reflects her personality so aptly. The album was bought for me as a present, and it took me to a calm place where it was okay to be bitter, cynical, and reflective, though in a completely different way to the brooding that Alanis Morrissette’s music took me to. It is an eclectic mix of folk, country, alternative and soul, and it has a chimerical way that relaxes and soothes its audience. It is in this album that Jenny told us, “You are what you love and not what loves you back.” I love her, and if that means we share any of the same attributes, then I am very happy about that indeed.

Jenny Lewis was a child star, featuring in commericals, TV shows, and films. Yet her past hasn’t dictated her future, and the two facets of her being are completely separate. In fact, I had no idea she even had such a showbiz history when I set out to write this post, and because of my research, watching “Troop Beverly Hills” is now at the top of my must-see movie list! The picture above can be described simply as retro – she may not have been the style icon we know and adore today, but she certainly was a cutie!

I love to see one of my favorite stars appreciating another of my favorites stars. It’s like a calm and harmonious cycle that should not be broken. In this pic above, Jenny Lewis is donning an everyday casual look while advertising her new album Acid Tongue. Her handsome hat and gorgeous high-waisted jeans make for a folksy and nonchalant style, and teamed with a printed Bob Dylan T-shirt, she gets a flawless and adorable look!

In this image, Jenny looks so sweet and shows us how to wear that floral summer print dress perfectly. Looking happy and comfortable is the key, and with that smile the sun will be shining on. It is this kind of look that makes Jenny Lewis such an engaging being, confirming her status as the ultimate girl next door style icon. It may seem a bit anticlimactic, but it’s what she does best!

What do you think of Jenny’s style? Which celebrities inspire you?!

I have to admit that I have had a crush on Polly Jean Harvey for about the last decade or so. It’s not just because she’s ferociously adorable (in much the same way a cuddly koala will turn violent when disturbed), but also because she possesses an amazing musical talent and flair for fashion.  For my money, PJ Harvey is one of the most consistently relevant musicians around. Certainly not obscure, but not quite household, Harvey, throughout her 20-year career, has managed to toe the very fine line between uncompromised artistic expression and pop culture acceptance to cultivate a cult status level of popularity. And she’s so done so in many sensational styles.
Read on to learn more about PJ Harvey’s style progression.

PJ Harvey was born nearly forty years ago in the English county of Dorset, which boasts a coastline marked by many notable geological landforms. The area’s natural beauty and chalk hills would later inspire her somber and haunting album, White Chalk.; but perhaps in an act of disassociation from her small town upbringing, in her early twenties, PJ Harvey formed a band in London that began playing raucousy–and often raunchy–blues-based rock and roll.

So, then, began PJ Harvey’s music career and exploration into style. During the early years, PJ kept things simple–little to no makeup, hair pulled back, mostly all black clothing, and combat boots. After a quick, one-two punch of albums that featured bare bones instrumentation–usually just crunchy, distorted guitar, bass, drums and vocals–that matched this bare bones style aesthetic, PJ began experimenting with synthesized instruments in her music, which coincided with an exploration into extravagant wardrobe choices. As her music now added ‘unnatural’ elements, so her persona took on a surreal quality. At this point, she vamped up a more exaggeratedly feminine look by wearing dramatic makeup, letting her hair down, wearing long gowns, and performing in a melodramatic style suggestive of cabaret or vaudeville.

PJ changed again, and for most of the last decade, starting with her album Songs from the City, Songs from the Sea, began adopting a more cosmopolitan style of dress. This trend started with her wearing power suits and straightening her naturally curly hair into a sleek razor cut hairstyle then ended several years ago with her cutting her hair into a short wispy bob and wearing more new wave, hipster-chic articles of clothing that appeared derivative of Yeah Yeah Yeah’s frontwoman, Karen O.

PJ Harvey’s style then took another drastic turn as her recent creative output has taken her full circle back to her humble beginnings in rural Dorset County. Inspired sartorially and lyrically by the historical characteristics of the area’s villages, PJ, for performing songs from her White Chalk album, donned either black or white, long, puff-sleeve Victorian dresses and wore her hair curly and loosely piled on top of her head.

PJ Harvey’s many adoring fans will tell you that she is a style icon because she is never afraid to change and explore new avenues of fashion. We all look forward to hearing new music from her and seeing in which direction her wardrobe takes her. This is love, love, love that I’m feeling.

We typically don’t like to feature such high profile stars as Gwyneth Paltrow, but there is something significant to note about this style maven. First of all, a little background to understand why Gwynnie is significant would be helpful. Being that she is 37 years old, a mother of two, married to Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin, and daughter of actress Blythe Danner and director Bruce Paltrow, she’s basically a hot mama who’s a pretty big deal in Hollywood.

Now, I am not here to go on about her accomplishments or to comment on her acting skills; I really don’t even care that she won an Academy Award, or that maybe, quite possibly, she’s a snob. What’s most significant to me is the stunning transformation this lady has taken on within the past year after having her two children.

Click below to view the rest of the post and to see her awesome transformation from Hippie Child to Sexy Vixen…

To really see who she’s become, one must see where she’s come from. Gwyneth has typically always had a very carefree, basic style. From her long, flowing blonde hair to her amazing suede gladiator sandals, she has always been able to pull off looking beautiful and natural.

I can only wish that I had the capability of throwing on an old t-shirt, letting my hair dry straight, and still look like I have the shine of a hippie who just took a month’s retreat lying in the hills of the Himalayas. Unfortunately, geekiness exudes from me–from my Helvetica t-shirt, to the over-sized prescription glasses I’m wearing. I will always wake up at 7 a.m. and flat iron my frizzy hair until it shines, and I will never give up my mascara wand for the life of me.

Because of this, I am intrigued by the glamorous transformation Gwyneth has taken, beginning around last April:

Can you say legs, legs, legs, LEGS?! I mean really, how old is she? It may seem as if I am being critical here. No! I’m proud of her! I can only hope that when I am her age and have foregone the troubles of childbearing, that I can wear mile-high heels, black mini skirts and a huge smile on my face. I say, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!”

The silhouette of these black dresses are stunning. The shoes are intense and dramatic. And I am pretty sure that my favorite feature of all has always been her hair. In fact, I can promise you that as soon as I can find my pair of hair scissors, I will have a long, blunt, angled cut.

Speaking of transformations, I believe it is worthy for me to note the continual transformation she takes on on the big screen…

It is obvious (and a bold thing) that the characters Gwyneth plays do not always have to exude the same type of glamor and flawlessness that she shows at awards and events. She often seems to sacrifice traditional beauty for the intrigue of interesting characters. Even in these strange characters, her style often emulates a strange beauty from years ago.

And just once more, because I am still in shock…did I mention all the SHOES?

Overall, I am always impressed (and slightly annoyed) by a beautiful person who is capable of becoming even more stunning. But I hope that Gwyenth just keeps on bringing it, because I will surely be watching! Oh, and because I am interested in more than just the style of clothing, check out her beautifully designed house in the Hamptons here, and her lifestyle blog/newsletter website here. Thanks!

By Marne Orenich

Every girl has that one celebrity she looks to for fashion inspiration. She pores over magazines and websites, squealing excitedly at the glimpse of her style muse in a new pair of heels or handbag, forwarding links to her friends to check out how amazing her idol looks even just out at the grocery store. For me, there are two, and their names are Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. I admit they’ve made questionable choices that have made them unpopular in some circles, but it’s undeniable that their style is contagious.

Keep reading to learn more about the petite Olsen girls’ big style!

Even when MK and Ashley are just grabbing a coffee, I am in awe of their style. As a recovering tomboy, I marvel that with no effort, they can create outfits that are comfortable and cute, while still being fiercely feminine. They are the queens of the “over-sized-shirt-with-leggings-paired-with-tall-heels-and-obscenely-large-bag look,” which I cannot deny my love for. Blazers with long cardigans underneath, soft chunky sweaters with a cropped leather jacket, and the shoes, oh the SHOES! If there’s one thing those ladies have taught me, it’s that you can just throw on a pair of teetering high heels and have any old t-shirt and jeans ensemble turn girly.

Though the twins always look glamorous when out at an event, they are never over-done. Never too many accessories, or too many pieces mixed together. They keep it simple and elegant, with just enough eyeliner and perfectly messy hair. They look more like runway models than the pint-sized poppets they are (which is quite inspiring to a 5′3″ girl like me).

Not only can these girls dress, but Mary-Kate continues to act (see: Weeds and The Wackness) and the pair have graced us with their own line, The Row, which is produced almost solely in the U.S. Ashley said that it comes down to “simple, clean lines and beautiful fabrics.” Sounds like the perfect line from a pair of perfect Style Icons!

About the Author

Marne is the image specialist here at ModCloth. When she’s not retouching all the lovely photos on our website, she’s carrying on about the Pens and clothes that she’s obsessed with on her own blog. She loves sandwiches and reading about serial killers. She hopes to one day afford a Bottega Veneta handbag and meet Jarkko Ruutu so they can get married and have a thousand babies.

Style icons are often known for the way they can work a catwalk or rock a couture frock, but what impresses me most is when they can look stunning in jeans and a tee shirt or mini skirt. Basically, I love seeing celebs in stylish casual wear, because that’s the look I can most easily emulate (and afford!). For that reason, as well as her smoky film noir glances and classic beauty, Scarlett Johansson tops my Style Icon list!

She might look fantastic in the ornate bodices and ruffled skirts of The Other Boleyn Girl and Girl with the Pearl Earring, but she’s also got an amazing knack for making the most casual outfits look chic and sophisticated. (Isn’t that brown striped top gorgeous?) Layering different colors and textures is one way Scarlett adds drama to her outfits, as well as pairing jeans with bold heels and (gasp!) combining patterns. Here, Scarlett matches a houndstooth jacket with a rainbow tank top to stunning effect!

Scarlett applies her flare for the casual even when she’s strutting the red carpet.  In this Stella McCartney (one of her favorite designers, and mine too!) tunic dress, black tights and shiny black flats, Scarlett proves you can be comfortable and sexy.

This isn’t to say that Scarlett can’t be totally glamorous. She most certainly can, no doubt about it.  But she lets her confident personality shine through the formality, choosing vivid colors, plunging necklines, and interesting cuts, not to mention that dangerously crimson lipstick!

Maybe it’s because we’ve watched her grow from Ghost World awkwardness to Lost in Translation isolation to a self-assured Woody Allen darling. Maybe it’s because she’s so cool that she’s released an album of Tom Waits covers. Maybe it’s because she has a chihuahua named Maggie. Or, maybe it’s because she brings a sense of fun and youthful vibrance to everything she wears. Whatever the reason, I’m in love with Scarlett’s fashion choices, and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store!