As fashion becomes more accessible to the masses, so do the techniques employed by celebrities and fashionistas with money to burn.
Look books, once only for designers and couture customers are becoming more and more ubiquitous. Since cataloging your entire wardrobe could be overwhelming and time-consuming, we talked to stylist Stacey Mayesh about how to start simple with a look book for your summer vacation.
Mayesh, recently featured in Vogue magazine, parlayed her experience in the fashion industry and as a fashion editor into a successful styling business for celebrities as well as lower profile fashion clients. Her advice?
“I like to come up with a general theme and concept around where [a client is] going and the visual culture of where they’re going, incorporating what their needs will be based on what they’re doing there. It’s more about creating mini capsule wardrobes where all the pieces work well and integrate well together.”
She says creating a vacation look book is a lot like creating a magazine fashion spread. Start with a theme like 10 easy pieces for a weekend in St. Barts, or think of a character or movie that embodies the look you aspire to.
“If you’re going to St Topez and you want to carry off the vibe of Brigitte Bardot, get things that inspire you and create your wardrobe with that inspiration in mind.”
Mayesh suggests picking three key, visually interesting pieces as a starting point. Her picks for a week in a sunny locale? White jeans, a sexy top, and wedge sandals.
To round out your packing list, here’s Mayesh’s additions: “One pair of flats, a few cute flowy tops, a couple easy summer dresses that pack down to nothing, a great daytime bag that can function as a beach bag, a really adorable bag for use in the evening, a fabulous, statement-making necklace and a couple of adorable little tiny bikinis.”
Once you’ve assembled all these items, you’re ready to start your lookbook.
“The best way is to lay it all out on the floor or hang it up if you have hooks. Sometimes I like laying it on the floor and then standing up on a step ladder [or on your bed!] and shoot down so you can see all the outfit layed out. Lay out every single one of your outfit combos and figure out how many possible outfits you have from the number of pieces,” Mayesh said. “And if you find you have a top that’s really great but it’s only working with one thing [leave it behind]. Work out all the variables, like math.Take all the pictures and then bring them with you, or even leave them on your camera, because you’ll have your camera with you.”
If you decide to use Mayesh’s advice for your vacation packing, we’d love to see some of your lookbook images! Send them to andrea@shinymedia.com and maybe you’ll see them on the site!
Product details:
Charles by Charles David shiny wedges, $105
Forever 21 brushed silk top, $22.80
J. Crew white denim bootcut jeans, $95
