White House Black Market Gets the ELLEments of Style

The White House Black Market store in Santa Monica place put on a really “good do” last night ( as the Brits say) at their new store in Santa Monica Place.  ELLE Magazine’s Joe Zee and actress Tracee Ellis Ross were on hand to help promote ELLE’s new book, The Ellements of Personal Style.  Ms. Ross is one of the style setters featured in the book.  She says in the book, ” I’ve been dressing authentically for me–not for anybody else– for years. So it’s not about what’s going to be “in” but what’s working on me.” And that really is the difference between personal style, and just following fashion.   I received a free copy of the book at the event, and can’t wait to savor all the pictures, and the copy too 🙂 It’s really a snapshot of Twentieth century fashion.  I can’t wait to devour it, every image, every bon mot and celebrity style spread.

The book takes the reader on a fashion tour of trends, vintage vogue, and the styles of celebrities and fashion icons. One of my favorite photo collages in the book shows off the juxtaposition of Billie Holiday wearing a white gardenia vs Annie Lennox in her short cropped red hair.  The book is a great read, with plenty of other wonderful pictures…but I must confess the highlight of the night for me was…shopping! White House Black Market has an amazing collection of holiday party dresses and casual separates that you will definitely want to check out.  I loved the clothing so much, I arrived in a vintage outfit,  and left wearing some new pieces from White House Black Market.  Here’s a visual tour of some of the fashions I liked at the store. There are plenty of ruffles, bright colored blouses and dresses in pink and red, plus the usual classic black and white.

Beyond the clothes, and even gowns worthy of the finest holiday ball or party, White House Black Market has fabuless costume jewelry. Elle’s Joe Zee spoke about how accessories can renew and dress up any outfit.  That is definitely true.  There are plenty of good choices at White House Black Market to help you get your bling on.  I left the store wearing the below pictured bejeweled top. This top actually has Camellia (think Coco) flowers with rhinestones sewn around the neckline. You can wear your jewelry on your top, no more looking through the jewelry box for the right piece to match with your outfit.