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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

FASHION

Nothing to Wear? Not So Fast

Dana Ravitch

Fashion expert Dana Ravich pictured with her new book, I Have Nothing to Wear

Dana Ravich is the friend you want to have with you when you finally decide to clean out your closet. The seasoned stylist (she's styled hosts for E! Entertainment and numerous TV segments) and style expert has a bag (likely classic Chanel) full of tricks to whip your wardrobe into tip top shape. She spills it all in two books she wrote with friend Jill Martin (who you may know from her regular stints on the "Today" show): Fashion for Dummies, a how-to they co-wrote about how to dress your best for any occasion, and the just-released I Have Nothing to Wear, subtitled "A Painless 12-Step Program to Declutter Your Life So You Never Have to Say This Again!"  

These two style encyclopedias preach the importance of streamlining your wardrobe, provide foolproof formulas for putting together an unbeatable ensemble and help readers learn how to bring out their own personal style.

Ravich and Martin's guiding principle is this, says Ravich: "The real goal that Jill and I have in keeping our closets pared down is so that we will always look like a '10,' meaning everything we wear will always have us looking and feeling our most confident, sexiest, stylish selves. We had both experienced run-ins with exes, crushes, or exes' new girlfriends where we were in something that was not great, so we wanted to figure out a way that that would never happen again—to us or anyone reading our book. The only way to ensure that that wouldn't happen, was to make sure that those clothes could not even be allowed in the closet. Every time you get dressed is a chance to look and feel your best, so why choose or own anything less than that?"

Fresh from a book tour that had her dispensing wisdom from coast to coat, Ravich sat down with us.

The Inside Source: What is your fashion slogan?

Dana Ravich: I say it again and again in my book: Always be a 10. I aim to make an effort even if I’m just running outside to the grocery store.

 

The Inside Source: Do you have a fashion icon?

Dana Ravich: It would have to be my dad! He traveled extensively for work and always had a fantastic eye for clothing and design.

Dana Ravitch

Ravich with her parents at a book party in New York


The Inside Source:  As a celebrity stylist, you are always outfitting someone for the red carpet.  What is one thing you’ve learned styling all these famous folks?

Dana Ravich: Of course working with celebrities I am compelled to pull racks and racks of clothes, only to find it’s usually the first thing that caught my eye that works the best. I now try to trust my first instinct rather than test it.

 

The Inside Source: Is there any lesson in your new book that you live by?

Dana Ravich: Yes, streamline, streamline, streamline. Sometimes simpler is better. One day it hit me—I could keep obsessing over silly fashion details, trying to incorporate them into my outfits or I could simply live by tried and true rules that I knew worked for me.

 

The Inside Source: Such as?

Dana Ravich: One day I made a blanket statement and have lived by it ever since: no red, no silver, no belts.

Dana Ravitch

Jill Martin and Dana Ravich, authors of I Have Nothing to Wear, at a book signing
 

The Inside Source: What trend would you never be caught dead wearing?

Dana Ravich: Since Gwyneth Paltrow wore the midriff-baring evening gown on the red carpet at the recent Emmy awards, I foresee stomach-baring clothing making an appearance. That is definitely a trend I  personally will not be addressing.


The Inside Source: What do you think is the biggest faux pas women make trying to look good?

Dana Ravich: So many women get caught up in looking trendy and fashionable when instead they should work out what clothes are stylish yet more importantly look flattering on them.

 

The Inside Source: What is the one thing you will not leave your house without?

Dana Ravich: My iPod!

 

The Inside Source: Apart from a killer wardrobe, what are your essentials for living the good life?

Dana Ravich: Anusara yoga four times a week, beach once a month, raw food macaroons from NYC’s Pure Food & Wine and spending time with my little niece and nephew!

Ravich, who describes her style as "elegant bohemian," chose ten essentials for a flawless fall fashion season.

  • New Seven 7 For All Mankind Jeans Bootcut

    New Seven 7 For All Mankind Jeans Bootcut

    (buy it now price, $109.99)

    “They are my everyday go to basic and will take me from day to night. The bootleg cut is universally flattering on every body type which is why it is a must have,” she advises.

  • Chanel Jumbo Classic Caviar With Gold Strap

    Chanel Jumbo Classic Caviar With Gold Strap

    (buy it now price, $3,499)

    “This is one thing I will hunt down on eBay. An everyday black bag is essential. I like one that's a bit larger because I want to be able to fit in everything I might need. This one will never ever go out of style, making it worth every penny.”

  • Hermes Enamel Leopard Bracelet Bangle

    Hermes Enamel Leopard Bracelet Bangle

    (buy it now price, $450)

    “I love stacking gold bangles with my beaded bracelets—funky and classic at the same time! This Hermes number takes it up a notch."

  • Adidas by Stella McCartney Studio Puffer Jacket

    Adidas by Stella McCartney Studio Puffer Jacket

    (buy it now price, $45.99)

    “I can’t stand sleeping bag puffer jackets—you know, the ones women wear that go down to the ankles? Personally, I would rather be cold and reveal a bit of my figure! Too much puffer is a fashion disaster.”

  • New Chanel Black Leather Motorcycle Boots

    New Chanel Black Leather Motorcycle Boots

    (buy it now price, $875)

    "These boots remind me of Cindy/Christy/Naomi and Linda—very '80s super-model.These are the perfect staple for everyday life. I love the low heel."

  • Navy Leather Bottega Veneta Wallet

    Navy Leather Bottega Veneta Wallet

    (buy it now price, $450)

    "The Bottega Veneta basketweave is forever in style and this blue is a nice surprise every time I look in my bag!”

  • Anya Hindmarch Gold Metallic Leather Clutch Handbag

    Anya Hindmarch Gold Metallic Leather Clutch Handbag

    (starting bid, $179)

    "A little clutch like this is my go-to. The metallic works with everything. Sometimes, though, I like to elevate my day look and carry it while wearing white jeans, a pretty top and ballet flats.”

  • Christian Dior Gold Shoes

    Christian Dior Gold Shoes

    (starting bid, $89.88)

    “Metallic sandals are a must-have basic that can be worn with anything from jeans to a fancy party dress.Again, I love the gold and these are always in style. You can never go wrong with a pair of sexy strappy heels!”

  • BCBG Max Azria Brown Silk Chiffon Sequin Front Halter Long Evening Dress

    BCBG Max Azria Brown Silk Chiffon Sequin Front Halter Long Evening Dress

    (starting bid, $29)

    "This dress has a cool '70s vibe. The halter neck is totally me and the color is great—dark but not black. It can be dressed up for a fancy evening event or worn with flip flops during the day.”

  • White Off Shoulder Cut Out Top

    White Off Shoulder Cut Out Top

    (buy it now price, $16.99)

    “White is my number one favorite color for both my wardrobe and home. It’s so clean and reminds me of my life in Miami!”



 


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