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You really want to see this Dries Van Noten Paris Exhibition

First look at this Dries Van Noten Paris celebratory exhibition had me cheering for the designer’s novel approach to mixing bold prints, vivid colors, ethnic references and plays with textiles in ways that are fiercely modern. Let's see what Richard saw. –S.H. I went to see the newly launched Dries Van Noten exhibition last Thursday with a friend visiting from out of town who is into fashion (and who comes once a year to Paris to buy her clothes), so I thought she would enjoy taking in the inspirations too. The fashion exhibitions at Musée des Arts Decoratifs are studiously presented in a specially designated space. The atmosphere is almost like going to the theater: it’s pitch black except for

I've been interviewed a bunch lately and keep getting asked more personal questions about myself and my backstory (we all have one). So, I got to thinking that it was time to share a few more quirky things & pull the curtain back a little further beyond my usual stylist advice right here on FocusOnStyle in its 15th anniversary year online. Consider this my confidential version of Trivial Pursuit brimming with incidentals that you may not have known (in case you were curious), like a favorite photo, at the top, from one of my many trips to Italy years ago. You may already glean a boatload if you follow FocusOnStyle. Certainly, you have a fairly good hint that I'm

I'll Have What She's Having: Look to French Chic Street Style and learn to mix the best of fall's layers with something ready for spring... Every season Paris Fashion Week street style always ignites what we want to wear now, even more than the runways most often, as we love the mix of high & low, old & new. Now that the tides are about to change and warm weather is (rejoice!) on it's way, this show goer who Richard snapped outside of the Nina Ricci show during Paris Fashion Week, provides visual inspiration on how to mix it up when it comes to winter gear and a seasonal dress. When it comes to transitional weather dressing, the trick that makes her look work and

I'll Have What She's Having: French Chic Street Style styling to add vivid color to your transitional look... While we try to keep our eyes peered on the what's coming down the runway during fashion week, Paris Fashion Week street style snaps always have us yearning to try a new look peppered with instant French Chic. And after a bleary winter season where our sartorial choices were limited to piling on whatever was the warmest (no matter the look), the show goer above in her oversized red coat and unexpected strappy sandals leave us suggesting going for bold when layering as the weather get's warmer. We've gone over how to wear prints, how to go neutral -why not bold? So let's once-over

This week's 15th Anniversary of FocusOnStyle online, looks back at the First Lady's timeless and classic chic as an example of modern power dressing. -S.H. Michelle Obama Style: Today's power dressing muse. Everyday style for clean, corporate chic. Everyday style for clean, corporate chic Dear Sharon:As a corporate executive in a slightly conservative firm, I am always afraid to take fashion risks, yet I still want to look stylish. I usually dress in suits that are starting to bore me. I want to expand my business dress options but not appear as if I am more interested in my clothing than my client's portfolio. I am aware that it is a tough nut to crack, but I am ready to expand

Sharon Haver with her style icon Audrey Hepburn. Photo: Patrick McMullan

For this week's look back in celebration of the 15th Anniversary Year of FocusOnStyle online, I want to rewind a bit further to this very special post about how I met my style icon, Audrey Hepburn. What a lovely moment and privilege... S.H. My evening with humanitarian and style icon Audrey Hepburn... Having someone to inspire your work is so important to manifest your own personal abundance. Finally, I found my misplaced 35 mm slide of Ms Hepburn and myself and had to share it with you. I don't know about you but I think almost every woman (and man) of a certain age has been mesmerized by the allure of Audrey Hepburn. yeGrowing up with first runs and reruns of Audrey Hepburn

Cate Blanchett chic in menswear inspired garb while recently out and about had us crushing on her relaxed take on masculine elegance. Would you don a similar look? I'll Have what She's Having: Menswear style totally stolen from the boys. Here's what we think of her attempt at menswear made chic and why you should give it a go! >>You'll Have What She's Having: Casual Chic Done Right! To many, this could very well be a very challenging look to pull off without looking like you have just about given up. But, leave it to Cate Blanchett to work a minimal yet relaxed winter ready gray wool suit with a ladylike bag and oh-so-cute cut-out Robert Clergerie loafers. And that's where it all comes together;

One of my first stops when I get off the plane out West is to cruise by town to replenish my sheepskin insoles.... why I do it, I don't know, because they are perpetually out of stock. Alas, I finally got around to stocking up on them online. They arrived just in time for another round of the New York polar vortex. On a freezing day like today, your tootsies will thank me for having them on hand. Get them: Sheepskin insoles from Overland Sheepskin insoles from Overland

It's still cold out and when its Freezing wear a trapper hat! Do like a woodsman and follow Madonna's stylish lead and try a classic trapper hat for full coverage that's both glam and practical... We've been wanting to talk about the transition from Elmer Fud to chic when it comes to wearing a trapper hat. When we saw this snap that Bally sent over of Madonna wearing one, we decided it's time to take the trend live. Baby it's Cold Out! Gather these essentials to keep you warm and cozy... Why it works? For starters, its a great way to make a stylish statement even in the coldest of climates while a larger version can also make you appear

It's been a heady week around here. The Golden Globes started "awards season" and the men's fall 14 fashion collections had their runway week in Milan, and the start of fashion show season... I don't know about you, but I've been battling an annoying flu that had the audacity not to schedule itself when I had the time to lollygag at home. The nerve! Hacking and schvitizng from fever makes the idea of red carpets & runways pretty far off from my real world here with the sniffles. So why care about the runway? Why bother with the red carpet? Because without inspiration we become dull. Without aspiration we become stagnant. Everyone needs a little zing to get their blood

Happy New Year 2014 video message from Sharon Haver

Happy New Year Wishes… 2014 and new resolutions have begun as today heralds the start of a new year ahead and a new you… Never say never. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY as a total city girl I never thought that one day I would have a foothold in the Cowboy State! Yes, the teen who once went hiking in platform snakeskin stilettos (cousins, do you remember?) spends a chunk of the year out west. How lucky is my son to have the best of both worlds being a New Yorker who also has the Grand Teton a few minutes from his vacation place? I call my winter time out west my White Space, where I chill (literally) and regroup

Ahh, the tree is down and we headed off to our ski place out west but it deserves one last look. I couldn't help but add to my husband's whimsical ornament collection when we got married. A few of my holiday favorites from our New York tree. Full of poodles and pretty ladies and kooky creatures… and a menorah or two… oh, my! Have a happy merry to all who partake in the season of joy. Holiday Style Guide: We curated our favorite timeless & best Holiday Style Tips for you to access all in one place! All the holiday style posts from here.

No airline ticket required! We've got the snaps of the Hermes Paris holiday windows to inspire your most deluxe of desires... Sorbet shades of the house's iconic patterns, panels of rich color and cacti a plenty, what gives? Our Parisian connection, Richard's visit to get a glimpse of what Hermes had in-store during the competitive holiday window frenzy season had him guessing what the season's theme was -have a clue? We're guessing Richard maybe be on to something as the series suggests the best of both worlds when it comes to destination holidays; flora & fauna vs. the heat of the tropics. >>MORE: Holiday Style , Paris Holiday Windows and Hermes Usually the Hermes windows don’t hold anything back when it comes to their luxurious Christmas windows with

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You really want to see this Dries Van Noten Paris Exhibition

In case you asked… XYZ things you didn’t know about me

Le Mix: Try transitional weather dressing with French Chic Street Style inspiration

Le Coat: Channel French Chic Street Style with a red topper

Michelle Obama Style: Today’s power dressing muse…

What happened when I met my style icon Audrey Hepburn

Crushing on Cate Blanchett chic in menswear

Warm your cold feet with these sheepskin insoles

It’s freezing! Wear a trapper hat, they’re chic (now)

Need some style motivation? Make your personal pavement your red carpet!

A video message from me to you…

Some of my favorite…

Wishlist luxury by way of Hermes Paris holiday windows

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