This video was film during the photo shoot a couple of months ago.  Enjoy!

{Ju.Lee} Film from Van Hsieh/Ocean Blue Creative on Vimeo.

Special thanks to Van Hsieh of Ocean Blue Creative for putting together this wonderful video for me!

Ju.Lee Lifestyle Fashion shoot – Behind the Scene from Van Hsieh/Ocean Blue Creative on Vimeo.

For the past couple of seasons, there is a new focus of what I called “feminine rock chic” – a combination of flirty styles mixed with a tough rock and roll attitude.  It’s no longer the girl next door – it’s the strong beautiful woman who is independent and not afraid to express herself.  This exemplifies the current economic situation that every woman faces.

Trends are exciting but sometimes we need to evaluate how we can update our styles each season.  I’m a risk taker when it comes to fashion but that doesn’t mean I will wear every single new trends out in the market.  I do, on the hand, praise Rihanna and Beyonce for their brave fashion moves.  It’s important to know who you are and stay true to yourself.  I’m a girly girl at heart so I like to wear clothing that is more feminine, but I do like some of the new updated trends for this fall season.

If you’re not an expert when it comes to fashion but do enjoy updating your wardrobe, it can be very irritating to decide whether the new trends are right for you.  Here, I’m highlighting some of the top fall 2010 trends.  Read on and find out whether they are right for you.

Leather

Aviator-Inspired Leather Jacket

Best for:   boyish, pear, tall, curvy

Not for:    petites, busty

The Verdict:  This jacket is perfect for those who have athletic or straight frames because it creates a nice waist line.  If you are a pear shape (hip is wider than the bust), the voluminous lapels balance off your lower half.  And for those who are tall (5′8″ +), the shorter length of the jacket breaks up your long torso.  As a curvy (hourglass figure) girl, you are lucky that you can wear almost all styles.  On the other hand, you should avoid exaggerated style lines like large lapel if you are petite because it will only overwhelm your small frame.  The same is true if you’re busty (chest is wider than your hip) because the large lapels can intensify the magnitude of your bust.

Burberry Prorsum

Double-Breasted Leather Jacket

Best for:    boyish, curvy, tall, petite

Not for:     busty

The Verdict:  This waist-length jacket creates an horizontal line at the waist so it is perfect for those who have a boyish body as well as those who are petite.  If you’re tall, the shorter jacket length breaks up your long torso.  On the other hand, if you’re busty, you should avoid wearing this style buttoned up because it’ll only make your bust larger.  But, you can still wear it if you leave the jacket unbuttoned for a cooler look.

Akris

Thigh Slit Skirt

Best for:  petites, boyish, curvy

Not for:  pear

The Verdict:  The thigh slit skirt is a very sexy feminine cut so it requires a strong dose of confident to work it.  It works very well for all heights but particularly well for petites because it shows  more leg.  As a result, you will look slender and taller.  Because of its sexy and feminine feel, it is perfect for a boyish (straight frame with no prominent waist line) body shape .  As a petite girl with a boyish body, this style is one of my favorite trends.  There is a fine line between sexy and trampy so be sure to get a modest slit length!  You don’t want to draw unwanted attention.  This style is not suitable for pear shapes because the slit will only make your hips appear wider.

Versace

Military

Best for:  broad shoulders, small bust, boyish, pear

Not for:  busty

The Verdict:  The military trends has been going strong for many years now because we’re inspired by our oversea troops.  Because of its prominent details and strong, structured silhouette, it flatters many different body types.  It is particularly flattering to those with broad shoulders, small bust, and a boyish or pear figure.  Contrary to what you might think, the raised or puff sleeve caps camouflage your wide shoulders and balance your hips if you’re a pear shape.  The gold buttons and details like this jacket add interest to your chest so they make your bust appears larger.  Because of this reason, it is not recommended to those who are busty.

Balmain

Full Below the Knee Skirt

Best for:  tall, pear, curvy, busty

Not for:  petite

The Verdict:  In general, a full skirt is a classic silhouette and works for all body shapes.  It has a 50’s feel and will make you feel very lady-like.  But if you’re petite like me, you should avoid wearing skirts below the knees because it will make you look shorter.  Instead, you should wear full skirts that hit at the knees or slightly below.

Louis Vuitton

Oversize Sweater

Best for:  tall, pear

Not for:  petite

The Verdict:  The oversize sweater is by far the most comfortable trend this season and is now updated with interesting detail like chains as shown below.  It is like snuggling with a nice cozy blanket but more fashionable!  This style works very well with those who are tall and have a pear shape body.  The size creates drama while keeping you relaxed.  Although I don’t recommend this style for a petite person, you can still wear it but make sure it’s not overly exaggerated or chunky.  The size can overwhelm your small frame.  The best way to style it for a petite girl is to either wear a short skirt or dress or pair it with skinny jeans with high heels in similar color shades to elongate your legs.

Diane Von Furstenburg

What is your favorite trend and would you know how to work it for your body type?

Photo Credits:  Style.com

I had loads of fun res-styling the models to create this fantasy photo shoot.  The look was very ethereal and whimsical.

It was a beautiful day and the vineyard was gorgeous!  To make it fun, we gave the models some bubbles to play with!  Sarah was wearing the “San Francisco” dress in color American Beauty and Seema was wearing the “Honolulu” dress in color Buttermilk.  We loved Seema’s wild hairstyle and makeup, thanks to our talented makeup artist Tiffany Chiang!

How can you re-wear a bridesmaid dress for your next cocktail party?  It’s all about re-styling.  Add some cute jewelries and put on a trendy jacket.  Poof!  You’re transformed.  Here, Sarah was wearing the “Miami” dress in color Buttermilk.

The models were re-styled for the Cocktail Party scene.  Seema looked fierce in the short version of the “Chicago” dress in color American Beauty with a belted faux fur vest.  Sarah was wearing the “Miami” dress in color Buttermilk with a statement pink stripe rhinestone belt and a black lace jacket.

Before we wrapped up the shoot, Van Hsieh of Ocean Blue Video filmed a lifestyle segment for us.  Here, Seema was wearing the “Los Angeles” dress in color Desert Blue.

Many thanks to the following professionals.  Without them, we wouldn’t have a successful photo shoot!

Karl Ko, photographer

Chyna Darner, photographer

Tiffany Chiang, makeup & hair

Monica Kau, flowers

Van Hsieh, Ocean Blue Video

Sophie Lai, coordinator

Albert Hwang, my assistant

Seema Rampal, model

Sarah Abney, model

Kenny Rampal, model

Special thanks to Clos LaChance Winery for accommodating us!

Until next time,

Judy

Photos courtesy of Karl Ko Photography

]]> http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/07/14/ju-lee-photo-shoot/feed/ 0 http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/06/28/whats-now-menswear-inspired-shoes/ http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/06/28/whats-now-menswear-inspired-shoes/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:30:44 +0000 judylee http://www.loveleestyle.com/?p=522 What’s hot right now in footwear?  Menswear style shoes.  This trend started last year and continues to grow momentum.  As I was browsing through many retailers’ online shoe catalogs, I thought I accidentally went to the men’s category.  The styles ranged from loafers, biker boots to lace up oxfords with different price points.

These shoes are the new punk/rock style.  For the gals who don’t embrace the ultra feminine look, this might be a good alternative for you.  You can still wear your flirty day dress but when you wear it with lace up oxfords, for example, you are toughening up the overall girly look.

I’m a girly girl so I am not a big fan of menswear inspired shoes.  I prefer classic heels, sexy sandals, and feminine details like ruffles although I do like the fact that many menswear inspired shoes are comfortable.  Plus, it’s a not style that I can easily pull off like some people.  It takes a certain attitude to rock them.

What is your take on this trend?  Thumbs up or thumbs down?

Left:  Chelsea Crew Cut Out Oxford, UrbanOutfitter.com, $58

Right:  Miu Miu Studded Lace-Up Oxford, SaksFifthAvenue.com, $750

Left:  Bass Cassel Loafer, UrbanOutfitters.com, $98

Right:  Prada Suede Logo Drivers, SaksFifthAvenue.com, $430

Left:  Sartore Distressed Ankle Boots, Barneys.com, $765

Right:  Dolce Vita Rosalie Buckled Leather Ankle Boots, SaksFifthAvenue.com, $250

]]> http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/06/28/whats-now-menswear-inspired-shoes/feed/ 0 http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/06/23/smell-the-roses/ http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/06/23/smell-the-roses/#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2010 03:49:35 +0000 judylee http://www.loveleestyle.com/?p=507 The roses are in full bloom at the Rose Garden in San Jose!  It is definitely one of my favorite places to go to for a quick break after a long working day.

I notice that I don’t take as many pictures as I used to.  Maybe it’s because I’m always so focus on my work and forget about the little things that make me happy.   But I think it’s time for me to recapture precious little moments that I often overlook everyday.

Instead of my usual walk at the park, I took my camera with me this time.  I’m not a professional photographer and don’t own a fancy high tech camera either.  So, bear with me on my amateur photos.  Here I am sharing with you some of the lovely roses that I saw at the Rose Garden.  No matter how busy you are, remember to always cherish every moment of your lives, my friends!  Check out the Rose Garden in San Jose and take some time to smell the roses…  Cheers!

Coordinated by Amy Tam of Amy’s Wedding & Events, the photo shoot at Pacific Oaks Vineyard Estate in Aptos, CA on May 12, 2010 was one of those fun collaborations with other local vendors.  The view was gorgeous.  The team was professional yet with a great sense of humor.  We worked hard but didn’t take ourselves too seriously.  We all had a wonderful time putting the shoot together.

See them yourselves.  I picked out the best pictures to share with you.  Enjoy!

“Purity” eco-friendly wedding dress by Iridescence Bridal Couture

Model: Marissa Ng

“Purity” eco-friendly dress by Iridescence Bridal Couture

Model: Marissa Ng

“Purity” eco-friendly dress by Iridescence Bridal Couture

Model: Marissa Ng

Left: “Purity” eco-friendly wedding dress; Model: Marissa Ng

Right: “Blossom” silk short wedding dress; Model: Ashley Miller

“Blossom” silk short wedding dress

Model: Ashley Miller

“Blossom” silk short wedding dress

Model: Ashley Miller

Me and the girls

The dynamic ladies team!

The Professional Team

Photographer:  Ricky Wong, W Photography

Gowns:   Judy Lee, Iridescence Bridal Couture, Inc.

Makeup and Hair:  Tiffany Chiang, Design Her Image

Venue:  Pacific Oaks Vineyard Estate

Floral:  Seascape Flowers

Videographer:  Wing Hon, Wing Hon Films

Stationary:  Marizette Paperie

Rental:  Classic Party Rentals

Chair Sashes Rental:  Blanca Samano, Touch of Elegant

Set Design & Coordinator:  Amy Tam, Amy’s Wedding & Events

]]> http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/06/17/photo-shoot-at-pacific-oaks-vineyard-estate/feed/ 0 http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/05/20/erin-andrews-provocative-outfit-in-dwts/ http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/05/20/erin-andrews-provocative-outfit-in-dwts/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 23:40:30 +0000 judylee http://www.loveleestyle.com/?p=467

As a big fan of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), I couldn’t possibly miss episode 9 the semi final on Monday, May 17, 2010.  This was one of the most exciting episodes of the entire competition where they select the final three couples for the season finale next week.  We all know that Pussycat Dolls Nicole Scherzinger and 2010 Winter Olympic Figure Skating Champion Evan Lysacek would make it to the final (how could they not?!)  So the competition really came down to either Erin Andrews with Maks Chmerkovskiy or Chad Ochocinco with Cheryl Burke.

Week Nine – The Final 4 of DWTS

Erin Andrews and Maks Chmerkovskiy performing the Paso Doble.

Paso Doble has always been my favorite dance to watch so when it was Erin and Maks’ turn to show off their unique version of the Paso Doble, I couldn’t wait to see what they would bring to the dance floor.  Not only was their routine skillfully crafted with passion and strength, Erin’s costume totally caught my eyes and stole the show for me.

At first glance her outfit was quite ordinary – gold sleeveless drapery top with micro short shorts.  But as the dance went on, Maks fiercely pulled off her top and it became a cape-like skirt that resembled the matador’s cape.  It was truly refreshing to see the Costume Designer’s ingenious interpretation of Erin’s wardrobe for the dance.  It was unexpected and it worked to create the drama.

As a designer myself, I find it especially creative to design clothes that are multi-functional which is why for my upcoming bridesmaid collection ju.Lee, you will see how the dress styles are very versatile for the modern day women.

If you have not seen this episode, watch it at ABC.com and see the action.  I was very excited to find out that Erin and Maks will be in the final next week to compete for the trophy!

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a wedding planner?   I was definitely curious so that is why I went out to lunch with some of my favorite wedding planners in the San Francisco Bay Area and ask them these questions.  I have worked with them on a special event this year and they are probably one of the most professional and organized people I know!  During our lunch, they told me some interesting stories and insights and oh, I guess I don’t mind sharing them with you too.

Photo courtesy of Ron Shoshoni

Photo courtesy of Frabuleuse

Arlene Marcos, Ah…New Beginnings  www.ahnewbeginnings.com

Eileen Chiu, Enchanting Events   www.enchantingevents.biz

Why do you want to become a wedding planner?

Arlene: “I love weddings and I want to be able to give this gift to the couples to be their guests at their wedding days.”

Eileen: “I want to help people at the wedding day by executing their wedding of their dreams.”

What was the most interesting event that you have coordinated?

Arlene: “For one of my weddings, the groom actually called the bride a bridezilla.  The bride was disorganized and forgot to bring all the items for the wedding.  She was late and didn’t get to her own wedding until 10 minutes before the ceremony.  When the bride got to the venue, I had to use my own CD for the ceremony because the bride fired the first DJ and did not communicate to the new DJ the specific songs that she wanted for her wedding.  Besides having a DJ, she also hired a singer for the wedding but the singer only sang one out of the two songs that she requested because the sound system didn’t work at the venue so people couldn’t hear the singer.  So instead of asking the singer to sing the other song, she had no choice but to ask the harpist to play a different song since no one could hear the singer.  She blamed me for the problem because she had to pay an unforeseen expense for the harpist to play the second song.  In the future, I want to stress the importance of communication with all vendors and finalize things one month prior to the wedding.”

Eileen:  “One of my couples hired me to be their wedding planner but three months after we talked, they broke up so the wedding was called off.  Fast forward six months later, the bride got back with me and wanted to get marry in three months.  But instead of marrying the same person, she actually found a different man and was ready to get married!  We ended up using a couple of the same vendors because of short notice.  This was my first cancellation but I was happy that she was able to find another groom this fast.”

What do you like most about being a wedding planner?

Arlene:  “To help the bride and groom to be the guest of the wedding.  It’s a joy.”

Eileen: “It is very rewarding to see that the couple is very happy and not stressed about their wedding.  I want to be part of the most important day of their lives.”

What is the most challenging part of being a wedding planner?

Arlene:  “Working with vendors that the clients hired because not all vendors are professional.”

Eileen: “Communication – both with the couple and with the vendors.  Some couple will change their minds often and I have to make sure that everyone is on the same page.”

What kind of preparation is needed before the day of any event?

Arlene:

-     Meet with the bride and groom at least 2 months prior.

-     Gather all of the information from the couple.

-     Collect vendor information and contact them.

-     1 month before the wedding, I send out the timeline to everyone.  It’s a work in progress timeline and I send out a finalized version a week before the wedding.

-     Call all the vendors and volunteers the week of the wedding to follow up on the timeline.

Eileen:

-     Meet with the bride and groom 4 – 6 weeks before the wedding.

-     Work on the timeline.

-     Constantly revise the timeline draft.

-     Email the final timeline the week of the wedding.

Do you have any tips for those who are looking to hire a planner for their next event?

Arlene:  “Couples can do all the wedding planning, but it’s important to have a planner for the day of the wedding.  That way, they can really enjoy, have fun, and not be stressed out.”

Eileen:  “Couples should be educated on what planners do.  Don’t expect a good planner to show up the day of any event.  They should work with the planner a couple months ahead.  Be more proactive in this process and communicate more often.  Don’t worry that the planner will take over your vision of the wedding.”

Beyonce Knowles (left) and Salma Hayek (right) are the classic examples of having the perfect hourglass figures.

So, if you don’t have the right assets, does it mean you cannot achieve the ultimate female body form?  Absolutely not.  You just need to know a few tricks to balance your body and you will look fabulous and sexy in any outfit that you wear.  You do not need to be a size 2 to look smoking hot.  It all comes down to how you wear your clothes and the confidence that comes with it.

Flatter Your Body Shape is a series discussing ways to enhance your body type.  Each post will talk about one specific body shape and how you can flatter your figures by using some simple tricks.

The pear shape is the most popular body type in America – smaller bust in comparison to your hip.  In order to balance out your lower half, you need to increase your bust.  This doesn’t mean you have to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon to make it happen.  There are ways to enhance your bust without making physical changes to your body.

Kelly Clarkson (left) and Alicia Keys (right) are embracing their pear shape bodies.

Yesterday I had a fitting with a model for an upcoming photo shoot.  She has a smaller chest but a fuller hip – the classic pear shape.  When I told her that it will look better if we enhance her bust by stuffing, she gave me a funny look and thought I was crazy especially the part where I said that we can use paper towels to do the trick.  But once we tried it, she was surprised how natural it looked by simply using paper towels!

You can purchase gel inserts at the stores like Target or Nordstrom but you can always use paper towels or cotton clothes.  Just mold them into the right shapes so they will sit right on the sides inside your bras so they will push your breasts towards the center.  Don’t put them directly in the front of your breasts or directly underneath.  They should sit on the sides.  The shape should resemble a large curved flower petal and not like a tennis ball.  The thickness of the shape depends on how much you need to enhance.  Ideally, you can get to a C cup and still look natural.  Try it next time in front of the mirror while wearing your favorite outfit until the final result looks right.

Left:  Beautiful You Breast Enhancers at Target $12.99

Right:  Push Up Gel Pads at Nordstrom $38

Another option is to wear clothes that have more details at the chest and neckline area.  Ruffles, bows, flowers, and beadings create interests and the illusion that your bust is larger.  So do deep scoop, V-neck, and halter necklines.  Empire top is also a very figure flattering silhouette.  If you cover up too much of your chest, it will only make it more noticeable that your bust is small.  A little cleavage goes a long way.

Try these tops.  Left:  DVF Ruffle Top, ShopBop.com; right:  Free People Empire V Top, ShopBop.com, $88

Because your hip is wider than your bust, one common mistake that women make is to wear tightly fitted bottoms.  Avoid skirts, shorts, pants, and jeans that are clingy and tight.  They will only exaggerate the broadness of your hip.  Your best friends should be straight leg and boot cut pants and jeans as well as full and A-line skirts.  You may wear skinny jeans and pencil skirts if you can wear tops or add gel inserts that will enhance your bust so you’re drawing everyone’s eyes towards the top and deemphasize your bottom.

Left: Beaded scoop neckline along with a flowy full skirt is the best combination for your pear shape - 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2010.

Right:  Pencil skirt works if you are wearing a fuller top.  In this case, America Ferrera is doing everything right by wearing a dress with full circle sleeves so they draw your eyes upward and offset her bottom half.  The V-neckline and empire waist elongate her body and makes her bust look fuller and more feminine.  She looks absolutely stunning!

Color is another very important factor when it comes to flattering your pear figure.  Darker shades do make your body look more slimming but if you wear one dark shade, like black, head to toe, it actually makes you look dull.  Instead, you should try wearing a lighter color top and a darker color bottom to create the best combination.  So, if you are wearing a LBD (little black dress,) you can wear a light blue jacket or cardigan to contrast.  The black skirt will slim your bottom half while the light blue jacket or cardigan diverges your audience’s eyes to the top especially if you pair your outfit with a fun statement necklace.  Sneaky, isn’t it?

Pair a little black dress with a light color jacket so your audience’s eyes will go upward while the darker color skirt slims your hip.

To further create an hourglass figure, add a 1.5” – 2” belt at the waist whenever possible.  Your belt will create a nice horizontal line and make your waist look smaller. The best way to do this is to create a color contrast.  So, if you are wearing a light color top, try pairing that with a darker shade belt and vice versa.  Not only are belts useful to flatter your figure, they are a low budget way to spice up your wardrobe.  Belts are no longer just functional like they used to be, but they are accessories like your jewelries now.  You can get multiple styles and colors to match your outfits.  You can belt your tunics, button down shirts, dresses, and even jackets and sweaters!

Use a 1.5″ or 2″ belt contrasting belt to create the perfect hourglass figure – Crinkle shirtdress, Banana Republic.