Zelda Kaplan’s funeral service was held at Riverside Memorial Chapel on Sunday, February 19th, 2012. I asked Abigail Shagwell Pope to cover the event. As an artist not a journalist she didn’t know who anyone was, she didn’t get anyone’s name, but thank god this girl spotted a few cool fashions and reported, “great Zelda posture quote: “shoulders back and point the nipples to the sky” and the other gem of a quote: “young people never look elegant”

Abigail’s take on the service ” It was so nice to see all sorts of people there together, young and old, of all different shades of the rainbow, come to pay their respects to Zelda, one of New York’s sassiest, sharp-witted New York eccentrics from that old New York generation which is now disappearing forever. What will we do when the entire youth-obsessed country is running around in sweatpants? Thank you, Zelda for carrying the flare torch- it lights my way and I feel like dancing.”

Photographs by Abigail Pope.

For those of us without Carrie Bradshaw’s closets full of never-ending designer goodies, it’s up to us to wear, wash, and re-wear our clothes without getting sick of them. Short of finding a Mr. Big or a career in whatever Mr. Big does (what exactly does he do?), the best way to jazz up your wardrobe is to ditch the conventional attitude. As Confucius wisely said — a scarf isn’t always a scarf! Here are six ways to reinterpret your wardrobe with an innovative spin.

Hike up Your Skirt
OK, not like that. Hike up a long skirt to the chest, and voilà, you have a nifty tube dress. If you feel like you’re drowning in your new gown, try adding a belt at your natural waist.

Scarf it Down
Take advantage of a pashmina’s versatility. Stylist Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt said there are literally hundreds of ways to tie scarves. “I like to wear my scarves as belts, but they can be a top, skirt, head wrap, headband, and more.”

No More Plain White Tees
Vanessa likes pairing her classic, solid-colored tops with huge or long necklaces, and the more the merrier! That boring tee just became embellished. Booyah!

Mix and Match
Who says that dress has to be a dress? For example, by wearing a flowy skirt on top of short dress, suddenly, you’re wearing a two-piece outfit: dress as a top, flowy skirt as bottom, and sexy you underneath! It’s perfect for cooler temps!

Think Backwards
Redefine what the “front” of your outfit is. “Take your cropped, slim-fitting cardigan, button it up completely, turn it around, and wear it as a top,” advised personal fashion consultant Vanessa Valiente

It’s not everyday that you go to a fashion show and a style icon dies. For that reason, yesterday’s Joanna Mastroianni fashion show will go down in history. As a stylist I’ve been a fan of her work for years. She’s a bit under the radar for the general public but is known in the industry. Her fall 2012 presentation was attended by seasoned style icons Zelda Kaplan, Iris Apfel, Carol Alt, Cindy Adams, and Rosmary Ponzo.

Sitting directly across from Zelda, I saw her lean on her neighbor and appear to have passed out around stunning metallic look #5, and then she was quickly carried away. I wondered if she fainted, or if she had a heart attack. It all happened so quickly – even with a camera in hand, I thought it inappropriate to snap away (although while shooting the looks I later saw in editing that I caught her leaning on her seat mate). I tweeted about it but heard crickets; this was not a tweeting crowd. I later found out that she passed away at the hospital. Zelda was known for her zany personal style featuring African hats, for her zest for nightlife, and for not letting age get in her way.

Zelda slumped in her seat

Aids rush to help Zelda

The collection was a collaborated journey between Iris Apfel and Joanna- luxurious as usual with old world glamour in the forefront. Beading and details must be witnessed in person-pics only tell half the story.

My favorite dress from this collection

I was very touched to see Joanna dedicate and give tribute to her muse, Iris Apfel, at the conclusion of her show. So often the stylist or muse is in the background, but Joanna is generous and open about her collaborations. It seemed fitting for Joanna to be cherishing style icons like Iris Apfel and Zelda.

Final bow Joanna Mastroianni with her muse Iris Apfel

Dying front row decked in a red ensemble with a matching African-style hat is kinda a great way to go. I think they’re going to have to pry me away from fashion too. I’m a lifer, like these women who are slow and steady, understated, but quietly making progress. Mastroianni show is not really about celebrities; it’s about the clothing. It’s truly in her blood.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, February 9-16th, New York City

I just made Sergio Guandaramma’s fashion presentation by the skin of my teeth. And how glad I was to have made it!

The presentation was held on the second floor of the Andaz Hotel, a very chic space, and the 10 looks were gorgeous. The 18k gold jewelry was by Madstone.

All 10 models and Sergio the designer of Celestino

Gorgeous Cape from the fall 2012 collection

Sergio Guaddarrama of Celestino Couture

Sergio & his friends

Sergio also showed his collection this season at Polyvore/Covergirl show at LA. Venue with DANA-MAXX POMERANTZ OF DANA-MAXX, VENGSARKAR BUDHU OF GAVASKAR, and LAUREN BAGLIORE OF LAUREN BAGLIORE. The show has fashion bloggers walking as models.

In honor of Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought I would share with you some tips on dressing to attract a man. We all want to look beautiful and sexy but there is a fine line between sexy and slutty. I have lost count of the many times I have met someone because of something I was wearing. Last week while at Bar Boulud a gentleman spoke to me because of my orange dress. He complimented me and noted the color matched the napkins. It was a great quirky moment and it made me realize that men really do respond to women in colored dresses more so than the little black dress. To me a black dress is for hiding and what’s the point in hiding?

1. Identify one great feature to play up and work it. A sweatheart neckline or V-neck is a great start. This silk blouse by Tracy Reese is great for black haired ravens.

2. Try a flirty wrap-ish dress in a flattering color. In this economy, you should choose a dress that you can wear again in the future, such as this Adrianna Papell tiered chiffon option from Lord & Taylor. Other great styles include: an animal print wrap dress from Laundry by Shelli Segal, an asymmetrical jersey sheath dress from Alex & Ava, and a coral number with lace overlay by Trina Turk.

3. Try some sexy earrings to play up your eye color. For example if you have bright blue/green eyes and a round face try these multi-stone drop earrings by Oscar de la Renta. Or if you have brown eyes and square-ish face, these earrings from Etsy are a great accent.

4. Ruching details are flattering and hide bumps well. This Maggy London dress is a perfect example.

5. Pick one area to flaunt, not two. For example, if you choose to show off your chest with a low-cut neckline don’t wear a mini skirt. If you want to show off your legs with mini skirt go more safe on top. It’s all about balance.

“Does this dress make me look fat?” It’s an age-old question and the answer may very well be a resounding, “Yes!” There are indeed ways to work around your figure flaws. Whether you need to lose, or even find, a few extra pounds, personal fashion stylist, Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt shared some tips and ideas to make the most of your frame, and help you feel sexy at any weight, height and size.

For a hot Valentine’s night or just hitting the town, Greenawalt says to “play up your best assets. For example, a woman with a bit more weight most likely has great breasts so play those up with a sexy sweetheart neckline dress. If you’re underweight, you might have a great behind or a trim waistline. Try, perhaps, a waist hugging dress which has ruching in the breast area to create the illusion of a fuller chest. Whatever you got, make sure to show it off.”

Queen Latifah, for instance, sizzles on the red carpet, using every bit of what mother nature gave her. “Latifah always looks amazing, and Oprah too,” says Greenawalt. “They both know how to play up their breasts and play down shape imperfections. They know the value of a corset dress.”

While horizontal stripes really do add weight, the idea of black being the best camouflage is a myth. “Black is not the only slimming color,” says Greenawalt. “Any deep color that flatters your skin tone, like deep aubergine, chocolate, dark green, or navy, work. For some women, black is a good choice, but it also ages many women, depending upon their skin tone. It simply is not the magic color for all.”

As for the most common figure flaw, “Most women are pear shaped,” Greenawalt says. “They have extra weight in the hip region. That can easily be balanced with necklines which widen at the shoulder line, go off the shoulder or have wider collars.”

The one truly dependable flaw fixer remains the wrap dress. Greenawalt laughs and says, “Wrap dresses are pretty much magic for all. There’s a reason Diane Von Furstenberg is so successful!”

I just finished reading this book, “Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life” by Sophie Uliano and I’m a big fan!

Most of my books I pass on to friends, but this one has so many great food recipes, face recipes, and eco-friendly designer resources that I MUST hang on to it. I especially enjoyed a chapter about soulful shopping. I practice many of Uliano’s principles, but one can always become more environmentally conscious – I’m now considering planting kale on my terrace and getting some indoor plants. I highly suggest reading this book – Uliano’s tips are invaluable as well as stylish. The book is available for purchase at Amazon.

While we’re on the topic of going green, check out Green Beauty Team. Founded by eco-friendly make up artist Kristen Arnett, it is a wealth of organic beauty tips.

I was interviewed by Giuliana Rancic’s website, FabFitFun, on my favorite faux fur pieces. Keep reading to check out my selections!

There are a few things a girl should never fake including (but not limited to) diamonds, marriages, and a certain bedroom activity. However, when it comes to fur, we say bring on the faux! If you’re feeling the chill this winter, warm up your wardrobe with our favorite faux fur pieces. No paint removal (or guilt) required!

To keep up with the fantastic furry trend we chatted with the amazing New-York based fashion stylist/style expert Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt to get her tips to pick fabulous faux fur! Check out our latest slideshow that will keep you warm and stylish all winter!

I previously shared my tips for keeping warm this winter in this post, but I wanted to focus in on the importance of the most amazing scarf/neckwarmer.

I have found that what you wear around your neck is key. If you’re prone to getting chilly a gauzy cotton linen scarf isn’t going to cut it. Instead, go for cashmere, wool (although not so cuddly), fleece, and faux or real fur.

One of my favorite hand knit pieces is by Dahlia Soleil, whom I discovered at Artists and Fleas. She also sells on Etsy here. Her current shop sells mostly hats but I think she does custom too.

I’ve also mentioned my secret source custom knitter, who will knit something to your specifications.

My Mom knits the most amazing pieces, but you have to be related to her to get one. Her latest creation is a cocoa brown short scarf tailored to my fur coat.

Another favorite is a rabbit fur scarf by Joolay, which Lord & Taylor stocks every year in a few colors. It’s a steal at around $75-$90, depending on whether or not you hit a sale. Saks and other stores charge WAY more for a real fur scarf. The issue of fur vs faux is challenging because faux is toxic so not green in terms of chemicals. But real fur isn’t really PC.

If you’re a green girl try this eco-friendly down scarf by Nau, quilted from 100% recycled polyester.

If you love fleece you will love this ‘snood’ as I lovingly call mine. I no longer see it in my favorite color brown but there are a few colors to choose from.

Stay stylish and bundle up!

20s Girls

Girls in their 20s are young, fabulous and on the move, making it a great time for experimentation and fashion-forward looks. Vazquez says the main fashion concern for this group is balancing fashion risks with creating a work wardrobe. “Chances are that you are on a budget too, so outfits that pull double-duty will be your BFFs,” says Vazquez. She recommends wearing the fun, patterned dresses you love for weekends to the office with a cardigan or blazer — just be careful of skirt length. And sorry girls, but Vazquez says it’s time to ditch oversized sweaters, torn jeans and furry boots. However, you can replace them with classics like cardigans and pencil skirts in unique colors and patterns.

30s Women

Greenawalt believes your 30s is a time to get more serious about your style, and to hone and refine your image. She also advises to wear clothes that fit well and make you feel confident. “I know personally in my 30s, I started to weed out miniskirts, but that was also because I didn’t find them flattering to my legs. They no longer felt right,” says Greenawalt. Vazquez believes your 30s is a time to keep your fashion edge in an age-appropriate way. “Now is the time to put aside the micro-minis and go with skirts that are a bit closer to the knee, especially for work. I also recommend avoiding crop tops, graphic tees or super-youthful prints. It’s OK to grow up,” says Vazquez. Both experts agree it’s important to incorporate quality, investment pieces — like a nice handbag or versatile dress.

40s+ Ladies

Wearing clothes that fit naturally into your lifestyle becomes increasingly important once you’ve hit your 40s. Greenawalt recommends investing in quality fabrics, cuts and classic clothes that flatter your figure, while steering clear of juvenile prints and tight or revealing clothing. You can still be fashion-forward by pairing simple patterns and monochromatic dresses with the right shoe and statement jewelry. “You can get away with bigger pieces of jewelry because you exude the confidence it takes to pull these pieces off, so rock them,” says Vazquez. Still have a hard time deciding what to ditch? Take Vazquez’s simple tip — get rid of clothes that came from your daughter’s favorite trendy store.

By Melissa Matthews