LIPSTICK LEGACY
Real impact of ‘Jungle’ is reflected
in Brooke Shields’ trend-setting attire
for the office
The Chicago Sun Times
March 20, 2008
BY PAIGE WISER
Tonight is the last episode of “Lipstick Jungle’s” miniseasonon NBC. The writers strike may have cut the plotting short, but the show’s fashion influence may be felt for some time.Businesswomen who found Ally McBeal’s wardrobe too brief, and “Sex and the City’s”Samantha Jones’ too scary,were relieved to find Brooke Shields at least approximating a professional look. As movie executive Wendy Healy, Shields balances work, kids, marriage and enviably coordinated accessories. These clothes could even make it in the Midwest — almost. “It’s a little unrealistic,”says Julie Watson, a former Banana Republic senior director who returned to Chicago to start her own styling service. After dressing the hosts of “In the Loop With iVillage,” she knows that television has its own rules.
“It’s a little more overtly sexy than a lot of women are comfortable with,” she says. Shields’ “Lipstick Jungle” look is about statement coats, dramatic jewelry and transparent fabrics. “She’s relatable, it’s age appropriate,” says Watson. “The message is that you can dress feminine and still be taken seriously.”To prove the point, Watson styled three of her clients in outfits inspired by Shields’ character. The most important part of Shields’ appearance is her essence, says Watson: “confidence and happiness.”
‘LIPSTICK’ Dressing for success, a la Shields’character
Stylist Julie Watson decked out three of her clients in outfits inspired by Brooke Shields’ character in “Lipstick Jungle.”Here’s how she did it.
JULIE SCHOLVIN, 39, SALES EXECUTIVE
Watson calls Scholvin’s style “classic sophisticated with an edge.” She dressed her in a python print silk dress from J. Crew ($168), suede peep-toe heels (J.Crew, $198), a gold bangle (J. Crew, $40) and a double strand giraffe necklace (J. Crew, $150), which Watson kept for herself after the shoot. She topped it off with Banana Republic’s orange “Lady Coat” ($168), which Scholvin bought on the spot.
AMY LYNN KRUSS ETTEN, 35, DIRECTOR OF THE NONPROFIT THE NEW TEACHER PROJECT
Just a hair under 5-foot-10, Etten could wear anything, but Watson says she goes for clothes that are “timeless but timely.” Watson found most of Etten’s ensemble at Nordstrom: a Biba sheer blouse ($295), white wide-leg cotton sateen pants by Fabrizio Gianni ($188), orange patent pumps by Enzo Angiolini ($99.95), a white patent hobo bag by Kenneth Cole ($368) and a gold stack ring by S3 ($75). Watson made sure the top wasn’t too much by layering it with a $30 camisole from Banana Republic.
HEATHER PFLANZ, 37, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Watson got Pflanz to start wearing skirts, and experiment with colors and patterns. “She knows about fit,” Pflanz says of Watson, who made sure her wardrobe flattered her petite frame. Watson dressed Pflanz in a high-waisted gray pencil skirt ($129) and silk tie-neck shirt ($99), both from Club Monaco. She makes the look pop with big-ticket items (Gucci spectator pumps from Neiman Marcus, $585) and smaller splurges (orange cocktail ring, $38, gold andwhite hoop earrings, $22, both from Banana Republic). The Milly canary-yellow coat, which is at Neiman Marcus, is an investment at $625,says Watson, but worth it.
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