Stylish twins help dress Bergen fashionistas
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012
BY ERINN CONNOR
STAFF WRITER

They work quickly and almost completely in sync, flipping through a rack of clothes while gauging their client’s reaction. A jacket made entirely of sequins is out; a black one-shoulder dress is a must-try-on.

The stylists are dressed identically from head to toe, in taupe leather jackets, black shirts, jeans and knee-high black stiletto boots — you can tell them apart only if you look closely at their different jewelry. Twin sisters Mindy and Paula Shapiro, otherwise known as The Style Duo, come as a package, using their years of fashion knowledge to dress North Jersey fashionistas.

“We’ve always had a passion for fashion, ever since we were little girls dressing Barbie dolls all day,” says Mindy, of Woodcliff Lake. “As we got older, shopping and fashion for us was fun while some of our friends found it stressful, so it seemed like a natural thing to do.”

The Shapiros are at Helen Milic’s Lyndhurst home, with some date-night outfit suggestions for the holiday season. The two have known Milic for a while now, having helped style her baby bump while she appeared on an episode of the Bravo show “Pregnant in Heels” last year. Now that her baby is 9 months old, Milic wants help dressing her post-baby body.

“They’ll put everything together for you, from the outfit to the jewelry to the shoes, and that’s great,” Milic says. “That’s exactly what I need right now.”

The Shapiro sisters are shopping almost every day, sometimes with clients and sometimes just on their own to see what’s trending. They do a lot of shopping in Bergen County, at boutiques like GITO in Englewood as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus inParamus, where they were personal shoppers for two years until they launched The Style Duo in 2011 (online at thestyleduo.com).

Being twins is what helped get them through the door of the fashion world. After graduating from Tufts University, the two did a fair amount of acting and modeling in California in the 1990s. A lot of industry and celebrity connections were forged on the West Coast, which helped them transition away from acting into fashion. They moved back East after a few years, then were hired as personal shoppers at Neiman Marcus, where they worked in tandem.

“With both of us there, people felt like they were getting more for their money and we could get the job done faster,” says Paula, of New City, N.Y. “We felt like it was a gimmick at first, but it really worked.”

Their background in Hollywood stuck with them, and after a few years they left Neiman’s to form The Style Duo and do more television segments (for the “Today” show and PIX 11 Morning News, among others) in addition to working with their clients.

They know Milic’s taste well enough that they can bring over a rack of clothes and sort through them with her.
“So what would I do with this?” Milic asks, holding up a sheer sequined tank top. Paula and Mindy immediately jump in with suggestions, interrupting each other and giving rapid-fire advice.
“You could do like a jean or a legging or — ” Paula starts.
“A leather legging, leather is really hot right now,” Mindy adds, holding a pair up against the tank top.
“It would have to be something simple, because you don’t want too much with leather. Do you have a black blazer?” Paula asks.
“It’s funny you say that, I just bought one the other day,” Milic says, pointing toward her closet.
“And if it feels a little too open, you can just put a plain black tank top on underneath the sequined one,” Mindy says.

And in less than five minutes, an outfit is formed. But the sisters are all about options. They go through the rack again and pull out a jacket covered entirely in sequins.

“It’s a little too Michael Jackson-y for me,” Milic says with a laugh. The sisters don’t try and persuade her.
“If someone puts something on and they go ‘Eh,’ it’s over,” Mindy says. “You can’t convince someone of a look.”

Next Milic tries on the black, one-shoulder Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress she liked. Paula gives her a pair of Miu Miu booties with a glitter heel to pair with it, which Milic says are “really comfortable for being 17 inches tall.” Milic checks the results in her bedroom mirror, and likes how flattering the ruching on the dress is to her figure.

“You can’t go wrong with a black dress like this,” Milic says. “But what about something with color?”

The hangers squeal against the rack and the suggestions start flying again as the Shapiros work in sync to pull together another look.

Bergen Mama: For the Savvy Suburban Mom

Zippers, buttons and pants are soo last season. Leggings are the hottest way to stretch your cold weather wardrobe. From cool leather and vegan versions to designer and won’t-break-the-bank styles, it’s time to slip into chic (and comfort). We enlisted identical twins, stylists and fellow mamas Mindy and Paula Shapiro, also known as “The Style Duo” to show us how to rock the leather trend this season.

Snag JBrand’s coated jegging at Hartly’s in Westwood, worn by Mindy in Conifer Green and by Paula in Charcoal, also shown in Black and Burgundy. ($215 at Harly’s, 104 Westwood Avenue, Westwood, 201-664-3111)

Splurge on the real thing at Gito in Bod Christensen leather leggings in black ($770 at Gito, 16 S. Dean Street, Englewood, 201-541-7330)

Or grab these budget-friendly Sanctuary Leather Look Grease Ponti Leggings in black from Lord and Taylor ($98 at Lord and Taylor, Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus)

For color, we love the AG Adriano Goldschmied Faux Leather Leggings in Blackberry (on right, $198, available at Saks at The Shops at Riverside) and the “soft as butta” Citizens of Humanity Camel Brown Leatherette Skinnys (on left, $228 from That Look, 443 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Woodcliff Lake, (201) 307-5700)

So breathe easy this season, we’ve got you covered.

With the busy traveling season about to hit, fashionistas everywhere are busy scoping out the new trends in resort wear and buying fun holiday ensembles for their winter get-a-ways. But besides figuring out what great clothes to pack, we have many clients asking us to help with stylish ensembles to keep them looking and feeling fresh after many hours of traveling. We look to our favorite celebrities who are used to lives on the go to get some fabulous Duo ideas and some definite Don’ts!

1. Platform heels – Being that we are not tall girls, we are always wearing shoes with very high heels. We love the platform versions because they look great and are comfy too.
2. Leather jackets-We love to wear leather and let our wild child come out and play a little.
3. Boyfriend jeans- The more worn out and “holier” the better. This is another stylish but comfy way to still look hot!
4. Sequin dresses- It’s so nice to throw on something glitzy and dazzling for a special occasion and know that you will stand out and shine.
5. Cut out shoulder tops- We are major fans of this style because it looks sexy without being too revealing. You can even wear a regular bra so no messing around with annoying strapless bras! These are great for Saturday nights out on the town!
6. Faux fur vests- We find ourselves wearing these all the time because they are a steal but look like a splurge. A no guilt fab find!
7. Coated denim- These pants look like leather but are much less expensive and not as confining. Wear these and you will be thankful they are not real leather!
8. Oxblood red – The color of the season and one that we love is this dark burgundy red. Wear it on your accessories for a hint of color or even wear an awesome sheath dress in this hue and you will definitely be thankful for all the great compliments!
9. Wrap dresses- This style dress has long been a favorite of ours here at The Style Duo. Diane Von Furstenburg versions are always right on trend in bold patterns or solid bright colors. Pair this with high boots and you can go from work to an office party and look appropriately fashionable.
10. Double sided fashion tape- As stylists,we need to be able to fix a fashion mistake in a jiffy. This double sided sticky tape does the trick by hiding bra straps or keeping too low cut tops in place. Every fashionista should have this on hand!

We at The Style Duo are often asked, “What colors would look best on me?” We also often hear clients say “I wouldn’t be caught dead in that color!” Now most of you might remember the original color analysis system, “Color Me Beautiful” that was originated in the 1980′s. The system created a color scheme for people to use when shopping and dressing based on their skin tones and hair and eye color. But a little while after many color analysts began to realize that certain people were not being well represented with just 4 seasons and they created a 12-16 season program! And suddenly everything got very confusing!!

We here at The Style Duo want to simplify it all for you by saying there are no rules anymore! Below is a good guideline to START with but DONT be afraid to experiment. The point is there are NO absolute rules when it comes to color anymore as long as you feel confident and beautiful. As the saying goes, “Elegance is good taste, plus a dash of daring.” So read our “50 Shades of Color” below and then go ahead and break your own style rules…..

SPRING -Your coloring is bright and sunny. Choose bright shades like turquoise, teal and coral.

SUMMER -Summer is the serenity palette. You look fabulous in pastel shades. Try rosy hues, lavendar and pale yellow.

AUTUMN – Your natural coloring is earthy, golden and natural. You look fabulous in fiery colors like the autumn or the fall foliage.

WINTER – Your coloring is crisp and Winters have rich hair and eye color. Jewel tones, black, white and red look amazing. Try a bold red lip for instant wow!

BREAKING THE RULES: For example there is no reason a blonde and summery girl can’t wear jewel tones even though it is not on her “chart”. But it may be best to keep it simple like an accessory or colored skinny jean. However, even a jewel-toned dress can work on a beachy blonde with sleek simple hair and toned-down bronzer (like Gwyneth).

Or an autum girl can try a springy coral but choose a coral that is slightly darker; resembling light fall leaves and add a little spray tan! (like JLO)

****Come see us at The West Nyack Library on March 6th when we present “Our 50 Shades of Color” seminar.

There have been so many controversies and many political debates over who is the best choice for President this year. And while we normally keep our own political views to ourselves, we felt we could talk openly about the women behind the men, Michelle and Ann, and their fashion choices without causing any arguments from our readers. This is because both women have clearly already won the style race for the 2012 Election.

Both ladies are classy and polished in their wardrobe choices. However, they are not afraid to embrace the color trend of the moment and wow a crowd. For example, at the Republican National Convention Ann Romney looked absolutely stunning in a red Oscar De La Renta dress with a jeweled belt.
And at the Democratic National Convention Michele had everyone talking about her gorgeous pink/grey toile custom Tracy Reese frock.

Ann and Michelle have both donned bright yellow sheaths, bold blue dresses and matching pink ensembles.

Each of them knows how to pull off a polished conservative ensemble as well as a relaxed casual look and still look appropriate and fabulous. They each have an unbelievable sense of style and know how to rock their best assets. Of course, Michelle, famous for her toned biceps, is not afraid to wear sleeveless sheath dresses.

Ann, famous for her sunny blonde looks, knows how that can complement and brighten her fashion choices.

Best of all, both ladies, no matter what they are wearing, know that a confident smile is the best accessory of all.

On a separate note: We hope all our friends and followers are safe and getting back to normalcy after this horrible hurricane. We wanted to remind everyone that NOTHING is more STYLISH than giving back to your community. Call your nearest American Red Cross or check your local papers and websites for drop off locations for food, clothing and other important items. Many people are in need right now and a little help goes a long way!
THANKS, THE STYLE DUO

The clothes we wear to the office has changed considerably in the last decade. Most men are not wearing suits on a regular basis to work and women are not in suits and stocks anymore either! And we here at The Style Duo think that it is great not to be required to wear a “uniform” to your place of business. We believe expressing yourself through style is just as important at work as it is everywhere else. BUT… there are still some trends and styles that you should tread cautiously with when deciding what to wear to the workplace.

For example, before wearing fur or even faux fur to the workplace, you must think about whether or not it it appropriate for the environment you are in.
Just like other styles, think before you wear. For example, if you are a third grade schoolteacher, you are not going to show up to the classroom in leather hot shorts and tights. However, if you are a booker at a cutting edge modeling agency that outfit might be really cool! Different looks are appropriate in different environments. Same with fur. Since fur can sometimes give off a sexy, glamourous vibe, you should put away your statement fur and faux fur pieces for date night and parties. But some designers are making short trimmed vests and using fur on collars and cuffs. You will feel more comfortable in these subtle versions of the trend from 9-5.

If you are in sales or will be on your feet most of the day. make sure you wear comfortable shoes. There are no two people who embrace the high heeled trend more than us! BUT, that being said, even we wore lower heels and alot of wedges when we were working as personal shoppers at Neiman Marcus and had to be on our feet all day. So if you are on your feet for a good portion of the day invest in alot of cute wedges and jeweled flats so you stay stylish AND comfortable.

A trend that is really big this season is cut out shoulders. We have embraced that trend and you will see the two of us wearing this style alot this season. It’s fun and flirty and if you are in the fashion, music, or entertainment business go right ahead! But if you are heading up a meeting in the boardroom, leave your cut outs at home and instead don peplums, colored blazers and lace trimmed cardigans for an on-trend but appropriate look.

Leather is everywhere and we are seeing some fabulous polished, conservative ways to wear it to work. But be careful not to show too much skin and instead keep it loose and sophisticated. Too tight and you are sending the wrong message! And leopard is popping up on clothing this season. But keep it to an accessory or just a small detail for day.

Here are some Duo and Don’ts for trends in the workplace. We’ve come a long way!

With our sandals, halters, and bikinis put away and Fall in full gear, we have many of our clients asking us how they can dress sexy while staying weather appropriate. Of course, most people think dressing sexy requires showing lots of skin. But we all know that showing lots of skin and cooler temperatures don’t mix very well. We here at The Style Duo have some good ideas and fashion tips to help you look unbelievably hot without feeling unbelievably cold!

A great way to embrace sexy styles for Fall is to look for clothes with longer sleeves with cutouts in unusual places to show glimpses of skin. We absolutely love the very trendy cold shoulder tops that many designers are showing this season. Popping up as long sleeve tees, sweaters, and even button down shirts, we have already become major fans of this sexy silhouette. Also many designers are showing long sleeve tops with cutouts on the back or on the waist. Cut outs are even being shown on different styles of dresses. Paired with the right tights and edgy boots, this can be a great option for a Saturday night out on the town.

Another way to stay “hot” not cold is to wear certain fabrics and patterns to add sex appeal. By incorporating leopard prints, metallic sheens, leather and fur into your Fall wardrobe, you will surely be a fabulous fall fashionista.

With Halloween just around the corner, many of us are throwing or getting invited to costume bashes. Now we all love a good old dress up party, where we can be a little wild and silly but sometimes costumes can be costly to buy or rent. And seriously ladies, aren’t we getting a little tired of showing up as the sexy pirate, slutty police woman or trampy referee?? With a little creativity and a stop in your own closet, you too can save money and be “Chic or Treat” this year!

THE STYLE DUO believes that you can find money-saving costumes in your very own closet. You can finally re-invent those dresses you never thought you’d wear again!! Here are some fabulous (and some stylishly spooky) options:

1. Remember those bridesmaid dresses you saved collecting dust in the back of your closet? Why not add a sash and a crown and go as Miss America??

2. Or wear a gown you already own (and probably never have a chance to wear), throw on some big dark shades and grab a gold trophy from your kids room and voila, you are a starlet at the Emmys!!

3. If you want to go a little spookier, wear a gown (preferably red) and cover your face and neck with red halloween makeup. You are now Carrie from the 1970′s horror film!

4. And what a great time to re-wear your wedding dress. Have your hubby wear his tuxedo and you are a bride and groom.

5. Or wear the wedding dress but cover yourself with spooky makeup, tease and spray your hair and you are the Bride of Frankenstein!

6. Wear a strapless gown with a sexy sweetheart neckline (preferably red) and add a long cigarette holder, fake long lashes and old hollywood curls and you are Jessica Rabbit!

7. If you own a white halter dress, you can be Marilyn Monroe in minutes. Just add a fake beauty mark, tight curls and alot of red lipstick.

Here at THE STYLE DUO, we always love to look fabulously fashionable but also try to maximize what we have in our own wardrobes. And Halloween is no exception!