4.04.2010

Style Secrets: Debra Goldstein & Olivia Baniuszewicz

Dolls, it is no surprise that, when seeking the perfect BFF, we expect the contenders to embody two very important prerequisites – the willingness to provide us with boy advice in the wee hours of the night when we are on the verge of tearing our lustrous locks directly out of our heads, or simply plagued with the urge to scream at the top of our lungs or punch a pillow out of frustration; and the ability to help us choose entire ensembles that will flatter our forms, accentuate our amazing physical qualities, and keep us looking fabulous regardless of the situation at hand. It is these two very elements which serve as the backbone to blissful bonds in the gal pal department. And I have found two individuals who possess both traits, and then some, in the form of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz. Regardless of whether you’ve actually met them or not, Debra and Olivia are a twosome who will forever be your BFF’s. As the authors of the revolutionary book Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart, a pretty in pink dating guide that is incredibly indispensable if I do say so myself; Debra and Olivia are full of boy advice that they have no problem proffering at the drop of a hat. But their knowledge does not end with boys, and boys alone. While the techie side of dating is now a large part of their lives; both Debra and Olivia have extensive knowledge of the fashion world. Debra is the founder of Fern Estelle, a styling and personal shopping service, and Olivia is the former account executive for various fashion houses. Together, they have already provided us with the tools we need to break hearts; but now they’ve been so kind as to share a few of their secrets as well – of the style variety, that is! What is your number one style secret and why? DG: My number one style secret is no secret at all: Less is more. (Revolutionary, I know.) We've heard it a million times before because it's a trick that really works. When picking out an outfit, I start by choosing the one piece I want to highlight the most. Whether it's my favorite Miu Miu pumps, a colorful beaded necklace, or a cute new top; I make sure that the rest of my outfit blends, so that that one piece sticks out. The great thing about dressing this way is that you can make your wardrobe last a lot longer! When I get tired of wearing the same tops and dresses over and over, instead of running to the store to buy more, I just create a new look around a cool necklace or bag. Wearing a classic pair of jeans and a white t-shirt always works and never goes out of style. Add some fun costume jewelry you forgot about, or that cute hat you never wear, and you've got two new outfits that didn't cost a thing! What is your number one style secret and why? OB: My style secret is to mix mix mix! Check out things in your closet that are polar opposites, and that you would never think could go together, and explore the unknown. You may be surprised of how insanely awesome this mixed look could be. I sometimes will stare at my closet and play dress up with opposite looks. I geek out when I get a great mix and unveil a brand new outfit – but with the same stuff from my closet. I suppose the way I dress is the way I think. I don't dress all one designer because I don't think all one-way. My style, like my thoughts, is multi-dimensional. For example, I'll mix designer with H+M; old vintage earrings with a new dress; shiny patent leather shoes with matte skirt; bohemian sweater with classic pencil skirt; solid black dress with pop color shoes; complicated tangled chain necklaces with simple white mini dresses. So next time you feel like you have nothing to wear and need to go spend money on a new look, try mixing it up in your closet first. Today I think I’ll make like Debra and keep it low-key with a sparkly bib necklace paired with a slouchy KAIN Label Pocket Tee. Tomorrow, however, I’ll be heeding Olivia’s advice and mixing it up with DKNY’s pure DKNY Pleat Front Pants topped with Sauce’s playful Bear Tee. How will you be working Debra and Olivia’s style secrets into your wardrobe, kitty cats? Fashionably yours! Thanks to Micah Jesse and Debra Goldstein for the pictures. Don't forget to enter the Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway for your chance to win a Sterling Silver Trinity Ring with Pink Swarovski Crystals from Jewels of Denial.
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67 comments

Leah said...

I think I am more of Debra... I can reinvent old outfits by just changing my accessories or my bag. I haven't tried doing an Olivia yet, knowing my ever-so-boring and always safe self.

Happy Easter Erika! xoxo

Margaux said...

Those are all great tips. I especially try to follow the idea of mixing and also the idea of picking on thing you want to pop.

Sara said...

I have not heard of them, but I really like their advice! I love mixing patters that I would assume are polar opposites, It really is great :)

J. said...

I'm very into mixing different styles lately and she's right, you can come up with some great looks just by shopping your own closet! (But it doesn't hurt to shop your friend's closet either!)

Andhari said...

Great tips. Less is more will go a LONG way :)

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Never heard of them but they give some good advice!

M. said...

they are cute! love the blog

lovelove, M.
http://marissaexplains.blogspot.com

FASHION SNAG said...

Great interview and advice. Shopping in your closet is always better before shelling out more money. xo

www.FashionSnag.com

Anonymous said...

Lovely post:)

Unknown said...

I missed reading you darling! I have been away for so long. I loved the tips and would try them. Happy Easter!

Nikolett said...

Love these style secrets! I tend to go Debra's route, but I might pick up on Olivia's advice too!

Hope you've had a great weekend Erika :)

Tiffany Kadani said...

This makes me want to head into my closet and find the unexpected. Great advice on both ends.

B a la Moda said...

How interesting!! You are right! Those 2 kind of advices are alwyas requested.

xoxo
B* a la Moda

Rock Couture said...

Great tips.. These girls rock!! Thanks Erika...

Emily said...

I believe my mindset towards my closet resembles Olivia. Mixing is the way to go!

Francy said...

I nominated you for an award! It's at my blog :-)

ak said...

i love this..theres nothing better than your bff

xx

Elle said...

Ah thanks for posting this, some great tips :)

Lots of Love xxx

Audrey Allure said...

I saw them appear on the Tyra show once :)

Happy Easter!

Devea said...

Such good tips! I usually use the first tip, wear something that pops and go from there!

Josie said...

What fab best friends... I love my besties to death and have no idea what I'd do without them!
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

MizzJ said...

This is some great style advice! I usually go the D's tips, but I'm trying to become more like Olivia!

Anonymous said...

great post! i like to change it up a little, so one day i might go with olivia's advice, while the other i might go with debra's... they're both great advice!

Luana said...

Less is more — so true! I think that's my approach as well. I like classic pieces, not a big fan of print (though florals can be beautiful!). I usually go all out on my jewelry and accessories! I'd love to mix and match polar opposites, but I find it so hard and far away from mystle. I admire those who can, though!

Sharon Lei said...

Love the Q&A.. awesome tips. :) Happy Easter Erika!! hope you're having a great day.

xx Love & Aloha

I have a little giveaway going on... check it out if you get a chance. Ends tomorrow. HUGS!

Kathryn said...

These are great tips!

ellie said...

Mixing sounds great. Cool questions too. Love their answers.

Hope you found plenty of Chocolates! Happy Easter! We're cooking out here.

Stephanie said...

How neat. I love all the tips!
xoxo

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Mix mix mix- I like that tip! :)

Hope you had a great weekend, Erika!

Couture Carrie said...

Fabulous post, darling!
Love the Less is More ethos.

Happy Easter!

xoxox,
CC

jack bespoke said...

cute post

from,
milk.
(a new blog!)

Rick said...

well, with friends willing to do that for another friend, how could they not qualify as BFFs? :)

In terms of style secrets, I like to rock a monochromatic look every once in a while (esp, different shades of grey that complement as opposed to match exactly).

Happy Easter to you too, Erika! xo

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

LOVE the "BFFSEEKINGADVICE" (as I have decided to title this).

I also love these ladies' advice. Mixing is definitely the key to amazing and unique style!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
QUIRKYEXPLOSION.blogspot.com

Ariella said...

such a lovely little interview! I love hearing about other girls' style secrets as there are always new and fresh ideas that you can incorporate yourself!

Susu Paris Chic said...

Mixing opposites and less is more. Wow - thanks for making me think of these savvy staples via your post.

Also, it is rare to see someone glow so intensely in yellow.

Doll, Fashion kisses from Paris - from me to you!

The WOW Series said...

I like the idea of highlighting one element in the outfit... but am def going to muster up the courage to try to mix two "polar" opposites in my wardrobe :) Unfortunately I'm all the way across the country for a month, so my closet = 1.5 suitcases.

Elizabeth Marie said...

How fun, I want to be bffs with them! haha. I dress the way I think too. XOXO

bananas. said...

they are adorable!!! and i love the advice...mix, mix, mix! will do!

michelle_ said...

this is an awesome set of tips erika !

re: as much as i want to be a runway model, my height doesnt do me justice.. im only 5ft 5" (165cm) high.. BARELY enough to meet the runway requirements..haha

xoxo..
michelle || glisters and blisters

Sarah Whitney said...

Love these tips. It's nice to read advice about how to use what you have. I get discouraged when I read stuff saying I need this new item or that new thing... Love these #1 style tips posts you're doing :)

Brett Sutcliffe said...

Thank you for your sharing. I will try those tips. xxx

Anonymous said...

I love Olivias advice on mixing..really a great idea!!

awesome interview!

Robyn said...

Aww they're so cute! You have the most fun interviews; I just love reading them! They gave good advice too... I was reading on someone's blog today about how this girl likes to play "fashion show" on Saturdays to pick out her outfits for the week. While I can't commit that far in advance, I like the idea of carving out some time to explore your own closet... it will definitely curb the desire to shop, and give me more outfit options to boot!

Also, thanks for all your sweet comments, Erika! You always make my day a little brighter. :)

Robyn
ChiChiSaysRobyn.blogspot.com

Sherin said...

They seem like wonderful girls. I'd love to have them as my BFF's! They both gave great answers!

PinkBow said...

i haven't heard of them before. sounds like they give out some pretty good advice!

Denisa L said...

great tips!

Saurabh said...

amazing tips erica..they look quite a talented duo

Saurabh said...

love those tips erica..they look quite a talented duo

Grumpy old man said...

Interesting post, even if I am not able to really comment on my number one style secret...haha.. for obvious reasons, and my wife dresses simply in whatever she feel comfortable with, as long as it looks nice and presentable..and as long as she can wear heels with it.

Thanks for your kind words on my last post, and no, I didnt have any chocolate bunnies for Easter, I am fat enough...haha... but we had a fabulous Easter. I trust you can say the same.

Have a lovely week.
Colin.

GraceFace said...

excellent advice!

SabinePsynopsis said...

Such gorgeous, stylish ladies! Very much agree with 'less is more', but mixing unexpected items is a great tip, too.

hewnly said...

they both are amazing :>

Romany said...

I so agree with Debra. Less is definitely more. I admire people like Rihanna for going all out and wearing outrageous outfits just to hit the supermarket, but I think it's those that rock simpler outfits that look much more stylish.
I'm content with just a simple t-shirt, dark cardigan, skinny jeans, ballet flats and some subtle jewellery, personally.
Romany
xx

Anonymous said...

great tips, thanks for the post! =)

Anonymous said...

Totally agree with the fashion advice. All my "BFF's" are boys....nice to know i have a standby :P

st said...

nice interview , i like her fashion tips

Unknown said...

hi erika,

how are u
hey
nice post i like those secrets

bery nice,

take care

Christina Lee said...

Love it! Yep you got to hold on to your BFF's for dear life. They are darling and give great advice!

Jen said...

Less is more is something I live by! I tend to remove one piece of jewellery before leaving the house so I don't look overloaded with shiny stuff!

Fab interview!

Roxanne said...

Great advice that didn't require spending tons of money! xo

Maddy said...

Another great set of tips! I live by Debra's advice: less is more. I'm always drawn to style icons who maximize their chic factor by sticking to fabulous, well made basics! And maybe adding a fabulous accessory to the mix!

Cindy Whitehead said...

Loved reading about these girls - great tips, so fun and they are gorgeous! I'd take any advice they have to give. Great job on the interview Erika!

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

What a great duo!

Alicia Lund said...

oh i love Olivia's style secret to mix! it's fun to see what new outfits you can create just by mixing what you already have! :)

Sierra said...

She's beautiful and love her advice to start with a focal point on the outfit and add too it, just lovely!

J. said...

Great post, and great tips!

Style with Benefits said...

Oh fabulous post! I loved reading both their tips, but prob. identify more with Olivia's way of thinking in terms of mixing pieces.

Their book sounds like a fun and interesting read!

xo, becs

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