Friday, March 23, 2012

Simply Stylist: A Fashionista's Dream Day

Whoever says fashion is not the perfect Saturday afternoon activity has not attended a Simply Stylist event. Positioned in the W Hotel-Hollywood, this March 3rd event was chic and sweet all the way through. Though I (sadly) missed the luncheon at Delphine, I was able to slip in to make the seminar and panelist fashion discussion...



Stylish, smiling girls in candy-colored dresses greeted me at the top of the windy red carpet stairs to the Great Ballroom and ushered me inside. Founder of SS, Sarah Pollack, introduced the some 200 attendees to the (absolutely darling!) Catt Sadler from the E! Network and our guest panelists for the day.
Refinery 29's Brenna Egan started us out with a message of perspective and kindness. She spoke freely of her path through the editorial world, including her wretched nerves before an 8-hour Vogue job interview and her loyal penchant for writing notes during any part of life that renders inspiration.

L-R: Catt Sadler, Brenna Egan, Jamie Krell
Jamie Krell was a new name for me, but one I've now reserved for the memory bank. Jamie is essentially a 'one stop fashion shop'. Having appeared on nearly every network as a fashion and style expert, her enthusiasm was contagious, though she had to leave mid-session to get off to NYC. Ohhhh, the fashion life.

The Naven twins (best known for their ridiculously cute cut-out dress designs) shed light on their rather opposite career directions that still managed to lead them to a partnership design house.

L-R: Jeanne Yang, Shea Marie
I was excited to hear Jeanne Yang speak about her journey to the top. Her strong sensibility immediately caught my attention. Having thrown herself into an industry she knew nothing about, her first big job was a gallery shoot for a little movie called 'The Matrix.' Following this with 120 hours/week for 3 years strong styling music, fashion and film professionals, she was soon recognized as an industry leader herself.

Shea Marie described her love for fashion and expression through her whimsical site, Cheyenne Meets Chanel.  Having grown from ground floor to her now 20,000 unique visitors daily in under two years, it seems this was the career destination for her from the get-go. Most recently partnering with such brands as GAP and Levi's, she's making up her own rules and taking us along every step of the way.

Duepunti Diamonds reps (Elizabeth Neff on left)

Shopping was next! Joined by Duepunti Diamonds and their silicone stackable diamond rings (all for under $100 a pop!), they're imported straight from Italy and available in nearly every personality color with just enough bling for your buck. Fuchsia, please!


Gomer Sunglasses featured vintage-style aviator frames and charms-on-a-chain to give the illusion of extra long earrings. The Kaskade Feather design was my fav by far. Several festival-ready vintage resellers, RentTheRunway.com and of course, the Naven line joined the assortment of specially discounted designer pop-up shops.

War Paint designer, Melissa Diner
giving me a first-hand look

Oh! Speaking of music festivals, the best new accessory? War paint! Designed by the founder of Silverlake's much-loved Mohawk General Store Venice Beach's much-loved General Store, this brights-friendly new option will be available at Free People soon. Love.

Model & USC student, Tara Blanchard
showing off her fab hair accessory
Walking away with a new war paint wrist tattoo, newfound inspiration, a few new friends and a slight Stella buzz, it's a happy Saturday evening. Thank you, Simply Stylist!





-Melissa Doll

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