Never Too Young
Design inspiration can come at any age. Just 9, Monique Frazier of Washington, D.C., recently launched a 13-piece jewelry line in silver and 14-karat gold ($30-$1,500). After all, she’s loved wearing jewelry since she was “a little kid.” Her friendship bracelet is on its way to heroine Hillary Rodham Clinton. Says Frazier: “It shows the good things in life, like people loving each other and it shows friendship across the world.” For now, she designs the line on the weekends and after school, but she eventually plans a career in botany. Between now and then you can catch her at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza on Nov. 28.
Life After the Holidays
It does exist, but not always for our clothes. Wardrobe consultant Deborah Keillor has learned that “women still want to wear opulent fabrics but not look like they’re going to have dinner with the President.” So she and her partner, Hillary Jacobs, put together a collection that is more than great holiday pieces. It all depends on how it’s combined and accessorized, she says. Their at-home shopping company, Jacobs Keillor, based in Newport Beach, services all of the state. Key items she suggests: chenille palazzo pants, brocade vests, white cotton blouses (preferably trimmed with Battenburg lace) and anything velvet.
Give Him the Boot
The narrowing silhouette in menswear requires footwear that’s clean and slim in shape, says Edward Cortese, fashion merchandising manager for GQ Magazine. “If you’re going to buy a pair of new shoes for fall, it has to be a classic boot. The way to go for business and casual is brown,” he adds. “It goes great with navy, charcoal, black and brown clothes.” Salvatore Ferragamo’s timeless demi-boot ($385) kicks in among the season’s best, says Cortese.
Living Dolls
No one boasts a wardrobe like Barbie. What young lady doesn’t dream of playing in glamorous gear with names like Wedding Fantasy, Secret Hearts and Hollywood Hair? These three costumes are available in girl’s Sizes 4 to 10 in a special trunk ($98), exclusively through FAO Schwarz. FAO reopened 12,000 square feet in South Coast Plaza this week, including the chain’s largest Barbie Boutique. A store within the toy store, it’s a paradise for collectors of the blonde superdoll.
