HELEN BERKUN photographer + stylist

I'm doing a lot of TUMBLING

2011-12-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

Hi kids...

I know many of you have wondered were my blogs have gone...well, I've moved to TUMBLR. Please feel free to follow me there. I haven't completely given up on this blog either, I'll be still writing longer reviews here from time to time. However for a quick fix of fashion please visit me HERE

xxx
~H~

OPENING OF SCOOP NYC IN GOLD COAST

2011-06-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a private party for the grand opening of one of my favorite stores, SCOOP NYC. This is the second location for SCOOP NYC here in Chicago, this one in the heart of the GOLD COAST at 1009 N. Rush St.

The store is modern and gorgeous not to mention all the fantastic merchandise and exclusives by designers created especially for SCOOP NYC. The upstairs is filled with men gear and the downstairs houses a collection of beautiful pieces for the ladies. I was obsessed with all the MISSONI accessories and the CAMILLA SKOVGAARD shoes.

The party itself went off without a hitch and I have to say that the crowd had some of the BEST looking and BEST dressed people Chicago has to offer. I was quickly transformed to the tents of NY FASHION WEEK with an array of beautifully clad ladies and gents…it was eye candy galore!!!

Thank you for the photos Jack Edinger, BEE CLOSER and FACTIO took at the event!

Robbie Martin and some gorgeous ladies

Ryan M. Beshel of AGENCY GALATEA and friend

The adorable Corri McFadden of E-DROP-OFF and I

The incredible Mario Tricoci on right

Chic crowd - swanky store

Yana Nirshberg of DEALAVUE and I

Stunning GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI J'ADORE cage sandals

Love this FENDI clutch

MISSONI for HAVAIANAS

Giacomo Ferrucci and Maggie Moran

Hands down best dressed sisters!

The STYLE TRIBE GIRLS

For more photos please CLICK HERE!!!!

ROYAL NEWS!!!

2011-04-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

First let me begin this beautiful day by saying CONGRATS to the newlyweds!!!

Kate looked incredible in Sara Burton's creation for Alexander McQueen!!! I knew she was going to be the contemporary fashionista and chose Burton's stunning creation :) What a gorgeous affair!

On another beautifuly royal note!!! My photography for LOCK & LOADED and artist Eli Mancha has been nominated for 2 categories as stylist of the year and contemporary design in the NAHA competition. For those in this industry you know how MAJOR this is!!! Stay tuned for more details coming to you from VEGAS this July!!!!

www.HELENBERKUN.com

2011-04-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

The long awaited HELENBERKUN.com is live and ready!!! Go there and tell me what you think :)

HELENBERKUN

xxx
~H~

Minimalism for Spring

2011-01-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Fall/winter brings a hodge-podge style to Chicagoans in an honest attempt to stay warm yet creative during these freezing, drab months. Layering textures and mixing prints can get complicated and overdone, which is why I’m pleased with both the men’s and women’s Spring RTW lines. Minimalism and monochromatic palettes allow for chic, understated looks that exude confidence and leave the fuss of winter a distant memory. Rick Owens, the king of romantic minimalism, has created another knockout line for the slightly gothic, artistic male. He named his Spring RTW, “monastic couture” where his clothes speak for themselves.

Rick Owens

Givenchy ‘s menswear for spring was another favorite of the fashion crowd. Riccardo Tisci’s suiting combined with sportswear had a monochromatic palette and gave simplicity a run for its money against over-thought, over-styled lines.

Givenchy

For the ladies, my man Karl’s Chanel show was, so to speak, all over the map, yet his minimalist looks were some of my favorites.

Chanel

3.1 Phillip Lim premiered a simple elegance with his famous women’s sportswear and palette neutral looks. His looks can be transformed from office beauty by day, to sleek socialite, sipping cocktails by night. A thought I’d like to leave with in these upcoming spring months: LESS IS MORE.

3.1 Phillip Lim

It's time to start GULPING with GULPON

2011-01-14T16:04:00.001-08:00

Hi kids, start following my friends on GULPON BLOG!

You can also GULPON TWEET!

Or you can just GULPON!!!

HAPPY 2011 ALL!!!

xxx
~H~

MY INTERVIEW WITH SHE BOUTIQUE

2010-12-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

Check out my interview with one of my favorite boutiques in the North Shore.

CLICK HERE TO READ

A LITTLE SEXY HOLIDAY CHEER

2010-12-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Just a little something I stumbled upon...I'm so loving these images, the lighting, the styling and the sexiness!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS...

FOR MORE PHOTOS PLEASE VISIT ID Sarrieri

Dior Luxury Phone

2010-11-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

Some of us may be watching our wallets and holding out on buying some of the hot items of the season, but the uber rich are laughing in the face of this recession. For those of you with black Amex cards looking to splurge on something fashionable, Christian Dior has it all. From clothing to accessories, this French design house has been supplying the rich and famous with must-have items for years. Now, Dior has teamed up with Sony to create a cell phone tailored for women.

The luxury Dior phone boasts a $5,000+ price tag, but for good reason. The phone is emblazoned with precious jewels and a special type of stainless steel used in luxury watch making. You can choose between four extremely high-end options including: gold & sapphire, mother of pearl, diamonds, and sapphire crystal. The diamond phone comes in assorted colors of “glorious red”, “pure white”, and “glorious black”. Even if I was on the market for a new phone, I don’t know if I’d ever trust myself with this beauty. Still, I can admire a cell phone that is covered in Dior’s signature patterns and of course, diamonds.

Lanvin for H&M

2010-11-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

I’m currently counting down the days until the Lanvin collection for H&M is released. I will be one of those crazed shoppers waiting outside of H&M Michigan Avenue on November 23^rd, in running shoes, ready to sprint inside and buy up the entire collection. Lanvin has always been a favorite French design house of mine, and now the maison’s artistic director, Alber Elbaz, has made his coveted designs accessible to a much larger audience. Lucas Ossandrijver, Lanvin’s menswear designer has created equally incredible looks for our men, as well.

The full collection won’t be released until tomorrow, but H&M’s website is broadcasting a video showcasing many of the looks. The story line, vision, and artistic French tradition are apparent throughout the video, and by the looks of the garments, Mr. Elbaz didn’t skimp on much. The collection is riddled with show-stopping dresses, separates, shoes, necklaces, and menswear to match. Alber Elbaz made sure to stay true to the long-time luxury of the design house by focusing on tailoring, form, cut and detail. Still, Lanvin for H&M is playful enough for a Chicago party girl, and elegant enough for a more mature woman attending a benefit. Truly, you can’t go wrong with any of the looks. See you bright and early Tuesday, November 23^rd !

Fashion Focus Chicago: Review

2010-11-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

My assistant Annie and I attended Fashion Focus Chicago, along with the other fashion obsessed men and women of our city. “The Art of Fashion 2010” was presented bystylechicago.com on Friday, October 22. The runway shows took place at Millennium Park, underneath a giant white tent reminiscent of NYC’s famous Bryant Park.

The shows featured local designer’s spring 2011 collections. The lovely Lara Miller opened the evening’s festivities with her eco-friendly line. The line was presented in her usual knitted neutrals, which were sophisticated yet fun, much like the designer’s own personality. This season, Lara kept it fresh by combining new textures, colors, and patterns. Her dresses moved beautifully down the runway and it was easy to see that the models, as well as the audience, fell quickly in love with each of the garments. Lara Miller’s collections have been a long time favorite of mine, so I wasn’t surprised that her looks dazzled once again. Sadly, not all of the designers rocked it.

One of the featured designers of the night, Paul Sisti, had a cringe-worthy collection. If you can believe it, he presented ill-fitting goldsequined and denim looks. Even though denim has made a comeback as of late, I wouldn’t recommend this dark wash or the obnoxious yellow stitching for anyone. The overall collection read cheap and dated. Unfortunately, not every designer can hit it on the mark, but I was thrilled to fall in love with one of the new emerging designers of Chicago.

Lydia Wawrzyniak was the darling of the evening. My jaw dropped with her first look. A palette of blue and white feathers emerged from behind the curtains and I knew that a special and inspiring show was in store. Her designs were modern yet glamorous, fun yet fanciful. Lydia’s materials were ambitious and the execution of her vision wowed the crowd. She created showstoppers with silk, tulle, taffeta, and feather combinations. The young designer’s craftsmanship and fit were unparalleled, and her looks were her own. After the curtains closed, my assistant and I were dying to find out where we could get our hands on these incredible gowns.

~ FASHION WEEK CHICAGO ~

2010-10-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Fashion week is here and in full swing!!! I love October, if not only for the boots, the layering, my son's Birthday and of course FASHION WEEK.

I had the privilege of attending a few shows already and will write up my extensive review within a few days. In the mean time...jot this date down.

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

FashionChicago® 2010:
Exclusive Designer Shopping at Millennium Park (30+ Top Designers)

For more info please visit: www.stylechicago.com

Also check out the photos from the FASHION FOCUS CHICAGO INCUBATOR show held on Tuesday, October 19, 2010

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

***Ta Ta for now and see you at the shows ;)

Sheridan Road Magazine: The September Issue

2010-09-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

In all fashion-forward magazines, September is the biggest issue of the year. Fall/winter collections are launched, trends are introduced, and fashion vixens everywhere trade in their summer dresses and strappy sandals for luxe layered looks. As fashion editor of Sheridan Road Magazine, it is one of my roles to inspire the women of the North Shore to dress to the nines while staying current in the season’s latest fashions. This year, Sheridan Road’s: The September Issue, may have been our most successful fashion spread to date.

We had runway looks from Dior, Dolce & Gabana, Oscar De La Renta, Chanel, and Michael Kors, just to name a few! The issue was trend focused and featured the best of the fall/winter collections that graced the runways. While the North Shore may not be Manhattan, all of these designers are available in our privileged region of the Mid-West. Styling incredible models and spending the day obsessing over runway samples felt more like a day in paradise than a day in the office.

Feminine Chic

Camel Coat

Boudoir-Inspired

Fur

Over-The-Knee

Texture and Volume

Stacked Cocktail Rings

The Cape

Rich Hues

Red Rant

2010-09-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

I’ve built my mini empire on the color red. From MISSRED INC to my own personal style, this statement color is a big part of my life. Whether I’m wearing a pair of killer red heels out on the town or attending an event in a sleek red mini, this hue is my fail-safe. Wearing blood red, crimson, or even a muted, paler shade makes women look powerful and sexy. And lets not forget that Christian Louboutin has become the most sought after shoe designer thanks to his famous red soles.

I’m thrilled that red is a staple hue for designers’ Fall/Winter 2010 collections. To name drop a bit, red was all over the runways at Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Sonia Rykiel, Ann Demeulemeester, and Alexander Wang. Don’t you just love when you feel like designers create collections especially for you?

Lanvin

Ann Demeulemeester

Givenchy

Alexander Wang

Shoes: A Woman's Only Weakness

2010-07-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Shoes are the one accessory women can never have enough of. And yes, sky high heels, wedges, sandals, and booties are among my biggest weaknesses. Designers really stepped it up this spring/summer season in their RTW lines. Bold colors, sexy cut-outs, and innovative shapes really caught my eye...

Ann Taylor Revamp

2010-06-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Fashion is always there to surprise you. From the runways to the shelves, designers are constantly looking to revamp their look and present the unexpected in an effort to stay fresh.

I recently went to an event held by my incredible D. Graham Kostic, the very young and successful style editor of CS Magazine. He threw a fabulous party in the city at Sunda for Ann Taylor. Now I know what you’re thinking, Ann Taylor hasn’t had much buzz in well, a while. But I was very happily surprised with the modern and chic mannequins displayed. I loved the cropped jacket with tailored shorts. Very wearable and chic. The dresses and blouse/pant combos screamed St. Tropez and the watercolor animal prints looked more DVF than the old Ann Taylor. The blinging silver and gold bracelets, earrings and necklaces were a party favorite and would work with any outfit.

I was lucky enough to meet the mastermind behind the labels new vibe. Head designer Laura Pellegrini was dressed in a sneak peak of the fall and winter collection and she looked absolutely stunning. She was adorable, enthusiastic, and the kind of woman that should be running this long-time staple in the industry.

My assistant Annie and I ate sushi, sipped vino, and left with an incredible gift bag that included my favorite of the new bracelets! I can always trust Graham to throw a great party.

Me + Ann Pelligrini

I'M BACK!

2010-06-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

To my family, friends, and fashionistas:

I’m back from my blogging vacation and am here to stay. Sorry that it’s been so long since my last post (Christmas time… yikes!) but it’s not easy being a fashion maven and a full-time Mommy. Still, I’m lucky to live such a busy and beautiful life.

I really missed writing about the latest and greatest in the industry, which is why many new posts await. Check back in for my new favorite fashion cause, my thoughts on Sex and the City 2, and my upcoming projects. I’m hoping for a hot summer so I can rock all of the seasons trends: think short shorts, flirty dresses, super femme and bohemian tops, flak jackets, fitted cargos, and a whole lot of glitz and glam. And maybe a few new bikinis to maximize my sun-kissed glow!

SATC 2 FASHION FAUX PAS

2010-06-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

While I have to admit that the Sex and the City stylist, Patricia Field, has done an amazing job with Carrie and the other ladies throughout the years, I was rather disappointed with the choices in the latest movie. SJP, who almost always steals the show with her funky, girly looks, didn’t quite shine. I thought her hair looked horrible, her hats and crown were way too much, and her wardrobe wasn’t up to par. Usually I’m inspired by their fashions, but most of the looks seemed played out. Almost all of Carrie’s dresses were from the Halston Heritage collection… boring! I shot those dresses months ago. And Samantha’s make-up was terrible. How is it that Charlotte and Miranda were best dressed?

Maybe it’s a harsh critique, but I hold up the women of SATC to the highest echelon. In the end, I still love the girls despite these recent disappointments.

ROCKING OUT FOR A CAUSE

2010-06-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

While I do love couture and my favorite high-end labels, there’s something about festival clothing and rocker garb that always has me coming back for more. Maybe I was a rock star in another life, prancing around on stage in free flowing tunics, gold sequined jackets, and freaky fringe embellishments.

Thankfully H&M’s new collection, “Fashion Against AIDS”, has sated my music-loving appetite and fashion sense. From tribal-techno prints, to acid washed denim, to leather galore, you can walk into any party or music scene comfortable and cool in the store's newest looks. The icing on the cake is definitely the charity that comes along with looking fierce. H&M is donating 25% of sales to HIV/AIDS awareness programs. Not a bad deal. Why wouldn't I give back to a good cause and look hot doing it? Fashion can be so very blissful… xo

Photos courtesy of H&M

DEAR SANTA!

2009-12-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year...indeed! What's not wonderful about presents and gorgeousness!? We get to dress up, attend some fabulous parties, smooch the ones we love, and give some fantastic goodies to the ones that matter most.

We spend days shopping and looking for the perfect something for the ones we love. All while wishing for something remarkable and chic for ourselves. I miss the innocence and the belief in Santa Claus. This year, I'd like to address the jolly old man in a letter, if only to think that for just one second, fashion dreams do come true!

Dear Santa,

I've been a very good girl this year. I've donated plenty of clothes to the poor and ones that need it most. I've photographed, styled, searched the globe for the "it" fashion item, played editor, creative director, fashion director and blogger. I've been a great mom, a rockin girlfriend, a loyal friend, an awesome sister and an honest daughter.

Santa, here's my little FASHION wish list. I'll be checking my mailbox daily, and of course...you know how to reach me!

Viktor & Rolf Crystal Mesh Platform Sandal

Fendi Rose Tinted Platform Mesh Tie Sandals

Herve Leger Denim Bandage Skirt and Jacket

One Year Subscription to V Magazine (my fashion bible) Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag

Nintendo DS Style Savvy

Thank you,

Helen Berkun

FLUXCORE INTERVIEW

2009-12-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Ron Sager from Fluxcore recently did an interview with me. I feel so truly humbled that anyone would care what I have to say about fashion and photography. Thank you Ron for your great questions, I really enjoyed this interview.

SEEING RED INTERVIEW ON FLUXCORE

Evening Stars

2009-12-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

There's something magical about HOLIDAY FASHION, maybe it's the glitz, the glamour, the fur, the feathers, the gold, the sparkle...the love

Check out this video from a Sheridan Road Magazine fashion editorial shoot I styled and photographed. We shot at the incredible Schweppe Estate, this was an absolutely gorgeous shoot!!!

Decades of Decadence

2009-12-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

This season was all about fashion from the past. We saw fringe from the 20's, beautiful silhouettes of the 40's and 50's, the wild furs, suede's and headbands of the 60's, bright sheen's and jump suits of the 70's, the rocker leathers and boyfriend jackets of the 80's and the harem pants and neon's of the 90's.

I recently photographed and styled Monique Kraft for the cover and fashion editorial of Forest & Bluff magazine. Check out this great video of our shoot...

MY SPOTLIGHT ON GLOSSED & FOUND

2009-11-04T19:00:00.001-08:00

Yay!!! Glossed & Found did a spotlight on me and it's finally up...so go go go...check it!!!

GLOSSED & FOUND ----> HELEN BERKUN

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts

2009-10-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson rocked it, Sgt. Pepper rocked it and I certainly have had my share of rocking military wear. Actually, I went back to Russia a few years back and brought my uncle's original Russian Military coat. With a little tailoring, and a lot of communist propaganda pins I'm totally obsessed with the military look again and again and again!!!

WORLD FASHION CHICAGO

2009-10-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to see the WORLD FASHION CHICAGO show. The show was beautiful and the opening by far was my favorite part. A video of girls around the world saying, "Hello Sister" in many different languages. For some reason that entire segment brought me to tears and got me all choked up. Possibly because to the right of me was my "sister" and when we both heard "Privet Sistra" or "Hello Sister" in Russian we looked at each other with eyes full of tears. Strong start, agreed!!! The fact that Oprah herself had something to do with it, also a big plus.

After the video segment three models clad in Chicago Olympic dresses and carrying globes came out, also a nice touch since we were in the running...

However, after that I was quite disappointed, not in the production of the show, not the models, but the garments. I couldn't believe that for a Millennium Park event, with the breath taking location, incredible cocktail hour, and the crème de la crème of Chicago's fashion insiders the clothes seemed like a first year design school project.

I'm sorry, I'm not here to bash and I certainly won't name names, however I know a ton of incredible designers and I couldn't believe that their creation's weren't on the runway. For the majority the garments seemed un-finished, too short or out of tune with trends entirely. I saw imperfect hemlines, crooked seams, and a little too much of certain model's you know what, because the garment was a tunic and not quite a dress!!!

C'mon WORLD CHICAGO, I know you can do better next year! I'm here, reaching out my hands, arms and stilletos, ready to help.

Now, now...let's not get all angry and hostile. It wasn't all bad. Some designers knocked it out of the ball park with their incredible creations. One of which, the dress below by Melissa Serpico. Overall my favorite collections were from Paris and Milan of course. I wish I had more photos of the designers from Paris and ones from Milan...

Melissa's incredible dress, if only you saw it down a runway like I did...SO SO GOOD!

Oh Stella You're Stellar!!!

2009-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today I received an email from one of the most fashionable girls I know, my friend Lavinia from NYC that works at D&G...I've always wanted to say it just like that ;)

A message from Lavi read the following...

"Instead of a new years eve dress - how cute is this all in one?"

I couldn't agree more Lavs, this is adorable. I'm loving the entire collection Stella McCartney did for spring 2010!

ONLINE SHOPPING

2009-10-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

So many of us busy felines simply don’t have the time or the energy to shop. So here it is ladies, a break down of the BEST online shopping…EVER!!! Tested by not only yours truly but some of my closest friends as well.

A few weeks ago I sent out an email to some of the savviest shoppers I know about their best shopping experiences online. The result, an excellent break down of where to go, what to buy and the best deals online.

-shopbop.com has a great variety of trendy clothing & they show multiple views, which always helps. They always have new items and its a great website to brows and get ideas on what to wear. They have a tab called LOOKBOOKS shot by my friend “Chris Comello” its fantastic! It’s like a fashion spread using only items from SHOPBOP, marvelous when you’re not sure how to pair things up.

-guilt.com - love love love guilt! I have gotten all kinds of stuff from there; shoes, gowns, lotions, necklaces and candles! Everything always comes so nicely wrapped, very timely, and their customer service is great! They provide you with exclusive hard-to-find designers to mainstream, all in one sweet packaged website. The site is unique since it brings a new designer sale each day with great deals. GILT is basically an exclusive sample sale online, where shopaholics have ten minutes to get their favorite designer duds in their carts and score their winning pieces, before another fashionista gets her perfectly manicured fingers on her mouse and snags the item from you!!! You have to be invited to be a part of GILT group; it’s like a private club for shoppers if you will. No worries ladies, and gents by the way, as GILT also scores some pretty awesome pieces for men. Feel free to email me at Helen.Berkun@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to send you my own private little invite

-endless.com a really wonderful site for shoes with an excellent selection, reasonable prices, and I love that they have free shipping & returns for 365 days!! Interested in something a bit more upscale? Click on their designer tab. The best thing about the site is that you can chose by color, size, type of shoes, heel height, and specific designer.

-asos.com – there I did it. I’m sharing one of my favorite websites of all time with you. ASOS is a UK based website that carries trendy items at knock out prices. The quality is excellent, the clothes are adorable, there is no tax and the shipping is super cheap. Sounds like shopping heaven doesn’t it? Well it is!!! I won’t say any more, so off you go…

LANA UNLIMITED CAMPAIGN!!!

2009-09-28T08:04:00.001-07:00

Everyone has a little something they lust for, LANA JEWELRY is definitely something I'm lusting for this month. We shot LANA's campaign a few months back and had to be hush hush about the beautiful collection, that is until now!!!

I went "gaga" over all the pieces and hope you'll feel the same way. Doesn't it make you feel fabulous, just looking at the campaign? The entire day had a very sexy STUDIO 54 feeling, we were jamming to Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Blondie, and Prince. The fan was blowing LANA's beautiful big hair that the fabulous Joyce Taft made full and sexy. The incredible Rachael Perrin did LANA's make-up and all I could keep on thinking was "HELLO GORGEOUS!" Our team was superb, we had an incredible time and I think every photo was worth the wait!

To view more of LANA's incredible creations please visit www.lanajewelry.com or your local Neimans.

A little BACK STAGE PASS

Lana and I checking out the goods....

The dream team...literally, every girl wishes she had this team working on her!!!

WORKING WITH A LEGEND!

2009-09-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a year since I began to work with the legendary Victor Skrebneski. I've been a fan of Victor's for many years and it's been an honor, privilege and a major learning experience to work with this incredible man. Thank you Victor for your guidance, patience and beautiful work.

Our recent editorial together for TCW September 2009 issue....

Photographed by Victor Skrebneski
Styled by Helen Berkun

ELLO LOVAH!

2009-09-27T13:01:00.001-07:00

SWEET DREAMS

2009-09-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

Dear God,

Please make me into a mermaid so this can be my bed heaven....

xoxoxo
~H~

CHICAGO IT GIRLS!

2009-08-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite designers are not only from the runways of PARIS, MILAN and NY, but they happen to be my Chicago sisters as well!

Bell by Alicia Bell is fantastic! I’ve been working with Alicia for over six years now and I love every single piece she’s ever created. Not only are her shirts to die for, wearable and affordable but now Alicia also added a LITTLE BELL line to her collection. The line is for little girls and is so lovely makes me want to get knocked up and have a little girl prancing around in LITTLE BELL signature sleeves. (www.aliciabell.com)

Lara Miller, my eco friendly designer and friend whose collection we shot a few months back has created a new one of a kind print for her fall 2009 collection. I love Lara’s pieces, I have so many and no matter how many times I wear them they always look like a brand new piece. Lara’s collection is known for it’s “wear it your way” approach. Literally, you can wear each piece from three to six different ways at least by flipping and tying the garment differently around your body. (www.laramiller.net)

REDDOLL by Tatyana Merenyuk is a couture like collection that is only made per clients request. I met Tatyana while styling an editorial for Eliza Magazine. Not only is she from Ukraine just like me…but I fell in love with her collection at her little studio apartment in Ukrainian Village. I literally was playing with dresses like a kid in a candy shop. Tatyana makes everything to fit the client, give her a call and she makes it happen. Incredible! I hope to be wearing one of her dresses really soon. (www.reddollbytm.com)

KAUFMANFRANCO FW09

2009-07-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorites looks from the fall/winter collection.

FALL TREND REPORT

2009-07-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

During spring time all I dream about is HOT SUMMER style and when the summer is about to wrap up in August I can't wait to begin the layering again. I love fall fashion so much; boots, scarves, jackets, the layering, the leathers, the crinkling of leaves under a pair of grey over the knee Rodarte boots. Yep, that's my key piece this season, over the knee boots, preferably the ones from the Rodarte Fall 2009 RTW collection...a girl can dream right :)
The Fall/Winter runways for 2009/2010 showed a season of strong silhouettes, sophistication and lots of glam rock. With the current financial murkiness, designers echoed the spirit of bygone troubled eras. The key, was homage to the 40's and 80's, think shoulder pads, dramatic silhouettes, studded everything, leathers, and androgyny. What would happen if Elsa Schiaparelli, Ziggy Stardust and Tilda Swinton all met up for dinner at Sunda one eve? I know, it would be an evening of FEMININE EMPOWERMENT!

Riccardo Tisci Will You Marry Me?

2009-07-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

JC/DC...fashion will always be art, and art will always be fashion

2009-07-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

MY LOVE FOR ANNA

2009-07-02T08:30:00.001-07:00

I'm often asked who's style do I love. Who do I think dresses and epitomizes what I find stylish. To me, that person is Anna Dello Russo. She has impeccable style and her eye for accessorizing is so dead on. I present to you Anna...

SWEET DREAMS

2009-04-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

I don't shoot a lot of black and white, but I often dream in black and white. No one does it better than Ellen Von Unwerth. I got a chance to meet this devine German in a little gallery in SoHo. Here's just a taste of the latex, smoke, guns, sex and fashion.

SWEET DREAMS ;)

I've been a slacker...

2009-04-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

So yes...I've been a slacker and haven't posted in what seems to be a day but turned out to be a bit over a month.

To fill you in on what I've been up to. Well, I've been moving studios, shooting, styling, and being a mom. I also managed to slip in a mini vacay and went to the land of RASTA aka JAMAICA. I love tropical vacations, the sky is the bluest of blue, the sand is a golden white and the water is a gorgeous mix of turquoise and navy. All this mixed up with exotic magentas, corals, yellows and greens...a perfectly shaken cocktail of color for summer.

Anyone who knows me, will tell you that I am a color fanatic, and also a lover of VITAMIN D aka SUNSHINE! Whether it's a Grecian gown, something sporty or geometric, make it in color. I promise it's bound to make your mood pop! So, come on over summer, we're ready for ya!

THE FASHION SPOT

2009-03-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite websites out there is THE FASHION SPOT! It really is like a private club for fashion lovers. Not only do you have to be a member to get in, which makes you feel so fashion worthy, but it's filled with resources on what's hot, who's hot, and how to find a hot job in the fashion industry.

Want to become a member but don't know how? Contact the FASHION SPOT team and cross your fingers if you're worthy....oh c'mon you know you are!!!

FASHIONISTA... RECESSIONISTA... WHATEVERNISTA...

2009-03-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

There are entire blogs, advertisements, editorials, that I myself shot and styled the past few months, dedicated to this exact topic. It doesn't matter what you want to call it, every girl wants to save a buck these days and still look damn good doing it.

I agree, I have always been a savvy shopper, yet I have a major obsession with shoes. Really really expensive ones. I have to tell you, I'm the shoe snob that refuses to put anything on her feet that doesn't have a hefty price tag on it. That is, until now!!!

Fabulous designers are coming up with amazing new lines that are very price conscious, yet still deliver on their quality, comfort and most importantly style. As the economy is going down the price for a good shoe is going way up! I drooled over a pair of Balenciagas this winter that had a price tag of $2200.00, that's an entire mortgage, four+ car payments, a trip to Europe for two and so much more.

That is why I introduce to you Christian Siriano. Many of you will remember him as an adorable fashion virtuoso on Project Runway. Well, Christian has teamed up with Payless Shoes to bring you his brand spanking new collections, coming to us September of 2009.

Check out these devilishly delicious boots and pumps. I find them so hot and sexy that I can't wait to get my butt over to Payless and buy out every pair ;) I mean with the price being in the $25 - $45 range, I think we all deserve a few pairs. These babies are FIERCE!

THE NEW LOOK HIGH FASHION FOR LESS

2009-03-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

With the economy in a slump, many of us are really watching our spending these days.

Girls, we can still look great on a budget...I promise! Check out this spread I styled for the March issue of TCW Magazine with the very talented Victor Skrebneski skrebneskiphotographs.com

All of the items are from ZARA, H&M and FOREVER21. These clothes are sure to deliver a major BANG for your tiny BUCK! Don't forget about accessorizing, and did you get a good look at those killer heels???

DRESSING ON A BUDGET
PHOTOGRAPHED BY Victor Skrebneski
STYLED BY Helen Berkun for FORD ARTISTS
STYLIST ASSISTANT: Felicia Kovas
HAIR & MAKE-UP BY Suzy Lee from FORD

I'm a fan...

2009-03-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

...of Alexander McQueen that is. McQ hit it's racks at TARGET this week and the collection is a yummy array of futuristic patterns, rockin tees, studded denim and mod suits. Although according to Second City Style, McQueen has not been a fan of Target, yet wanted to spread his brand to the mass markets. Having fashionistas in Midwest strut the streets in McQ attire is definitely making me a happy girl.

HELLO WORLD!!!

2009-03-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hello world, and welcome to my BLOG! I'm a first time blogger, long time admirer :)