GUESTList: Corinne Phipps of Urban Darling

With a deep understanding of how looking good makes you feel good, Corinne Phipps founded Urban Darling in 2006. A fashion consulting firm, Urban Darling was created to improve the confidence of others through innovative wardrobe advice. An expert on fashion and personal style, Corinne Phipps has a developed sense of what looks flattering on people. Corinne Phipps has helped a broad range of people fine-tune their style and improve their confidence. Corinne Phipps’ unique Closet Audit service includes an extensive closet overhaul. Working closely with each client, Corinne Phipps goes through each and every article of clothing owned by the client to decide whether or not to keep it. After the clothes have been separated into “to keep” and “donation” piles, Corinne Phipps shows clients how to make new outfits, accessorize, and coordinate to make the most out of their closets’ contents.

In 2008 she was voted as one of Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Magazines “Top 40 Under 40” people to watch. Corinne Phipps has also been featured in a number of media outlets, including MyStyle.com, The View from the Bay, E! Online, and MSNBC.

Let’s Go: High-Low

Yes, she is a shining star, but long before First Lady Michelle Obama paired J. Crew gloves with Isabelle Toledo, we at Urban Darling have loved and lived the high/low. What is this exactly? Well, unless you can afford head-to-toe luxe brands, you probably do a little high/low mix in your everyday life. The base-line here is this: just mix your Target T-shirt under your finely fitted Michael Kors jacket. And what is so great about that you ask, other than you save a bit of cash? Simply this, it’s fun, creative and gives you a look that stays true to you. Let’s break it down.

 Save the Green

Well reccesionistas, not too many of us are looking to spend like its 1989 these days. So how do you cut a corner or two without losing your fashion crown (tiara if you prefer)? Just put your money where you will get the most bang for the buck. A brilliant pair of fresh Prada platforms or always chic Tod’s moc’s? Either will raise the level of those basic, dark wash jeans, especially the $40 ones you scored at Marshalls. How about the clean lines of a Ralph Lauren hacking jacket with the no name skinny pants you bought last fall? Pick your favorite piece and spotlight it, that’s the trick.  - Levi Jeans Cost: (on sale!) $39.98.

Find the Fun

Putting together an outfit is a way to be creative on a day to day basis. It’s more than covering up, it’s showing the world who you are in shorthand. A mix and match takes more time but more is satisfying than a one note look. In fact, I don’t think the fashion bibles have spent a single issue highlighting a top to toe look since the late 80’s when conspicuous consumption went belly up with the stock market.
For me, thefamous Vogue cover showing model Michaela in a Lacroix couture top and jeans was the turning point. It was beautiful, quirky and looked like she picked the outfit herself, even if she didn’t.So gals, mix your vintage with your discount with your designer. Look for a similarity in weight of material, or color family, or feeling. Other than that, mix it up!

Down to You

Mixing the high/low helps you stay away from the “I’m a Dolce ad” look you get when you put the dress with the shoes with the bag with the glasses from the same source. Not all trends will work for you and mixing designers, retailers and even seasons will help you stay focused on what looks great on you, not on what the D&G boys have out right this second. Take a piece you loved from last spring, say your cropped jeans. Now mix that up with a new floral top and add in your fave Manolos from 3 years ago. You will look cute, chic and most importantly, like you.
Isn’t that what fashion is for?  
-Editor tote from Jcrew Cost: $395.00

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