When you think of cities of style, three places will most
likely come to mind: New York, Paris and Milan.
And that makes sense – New York,
home of the fashion mecca, Bryant Park, espouses a well-tailored, elegant
simplicity featuring the basic black. Paris
style is defined by chic and timeless neutral pieces accented with a statement
accessory like a great bag or long, silk scarf. Milan fashion is about making a statement
with a plunging neckline, an amazing dress cut on the bias, and stunning
patterns.
Now think of Los
Angeles. What comes to mind?
In Melissa Magsaysay’s new book,
City of Style, Amber Valetta says it
best in her forward, “
Los Angeles
isn’t just about getting dressed. It’s about how you do it … personal style
really did start in
L.A.”
City of Style is
the first book to take a look at Los
Angeles geographically, and pinpoint the free-spirited
styles of this city. Since there are so many variations of style here, fashion
in the city of angels tends to be unpredictable and deliciously eclectic. There
is no formula; style here is about self expression, and Ms. Magsaysay’s book is
a perfect homage to the kaleidoscopic fashion sense borne from sunny skies,
proximity to the ocean, and icons of the Hollywood
scene.
The book is organized perfectly by fashion trend: Romantic
Bohemians, Glamour, Skaters and Surfers, Rockers, Chola-Style, Indie Eclectic,
and Casual Chic. Within each chapter, you’ll find background on each style,
Style Close-Ups which feature purveyors of the look, a guide for Where to Shop,
and a handy look-book which outlines How to Get the Look. Of course, my
favorite section is Skaters and Surfers where my favorite shop, Sportie LA is
featured as the place to find vintage, collectible and all around amazing
sneakers. Call me biased, but I’m all about the love.
City of Style is a
great guide for a fashion history lesson to help you proclaim your own L.A. fashion. As Ms.
Magsaysay writes in her introduction, “A rare confluence of elements contribute
to the LA lifestyle and to the kinds of looks that arise from living in a major
city with ideal weather, a glamorous designer retail scene, and a celebrity and
entertainment culture that doesn’t just exist here: it was born here.” Like a
fashion Thomas Guide, this is a must-own book to explore Los Angeles style and create your own look.
Now when you think of the city of style, you don't imagine the skyscrapers of New York, or the Champs-Elysees, or even the cobblestone streets of Milan. You think of the sun, the ocean breeze and the individualistic chic of Los Angeles.
