The Who and the What

Even with the thousands of blogs out there you managed to somehow find us... sounds like fate. Now that we've got your attention let us introduce you to The Style Collective, a place where you will hopefully find great inspiration.

We're just like you - obsessed with all things stylish and fabulous. If it's something we'd like to wear, eat, visit or live in we're going to post about it. We promise to deliver plenty of eye candy, and with three very different corners of the globe represented (Bali, Southern California and New York City) we are sure to find some divine treasures. Check back often and along the way let us know what you think.
Meet your three newest friends....
 
Sybil Steele
Location: Bali

Snapshot: A mother, fashion stylist and aspiring photographer. With a background in Interior Design, her travels have led her to dreamy and far away places. She currently resides in Bali, Indonesia where she spends 8 months a year on what she calls, a very creative and resourceful little island. Although thousands of miles away from easy access to amazing clothing and all the offerings of design from the US and Europe, she pulls inspiration from designers living in Australia and working in Bali. Continuous travel also keeps her perspective fresh on life and design.

Design Perspective: I believe that design, in fashion or interiors should have a well-edited base of neutrals or clean lines. Add elements of color and surprise or an injection of something wild and over the top. If you trust your eye and purchase items you absolutely love, your own style will soon be evident and all your own.

Latest Project: Impromptu photo shoot with model Mai Miyama
On any given Saturday you can see me tear the house apart and rearrange furniture to make sure the setting is going to work for the needs of light, space and styling. Mai is a model from California currently designing her own clothing line in Bali. We decided to have fun and take some photos for our portfolios and the story got picked up for a fashion editorial by our local lifestyle magazine The Yak.

You really have to get creative in Bali. I went to our luxury fabric house and bought some Chanel tweed off the roll and had it make into a blanket. Ripped leggings and little blazers bought on shopping jaunts in Sydney. Balmain shoes courtesy of a friend. Delicious One Teaspoon sequined bustier tops reminiscent of a modern Madonna era gave just the perfect touch of bling. Topped off by some Anna and Boy swimsuits, my new current favorite. Available at Barneys.

Leslie Martin
Location: New York City


Snapshot: A gal who has no problem admitting she is OCD when it comes to design. By trade, a graphic and interior designer, Leslie could survive in the jungle with a few copies of Elle Decor and her laptop. A huge lover of travel, she has lived in San Francisco, Tokyo, Southern California and currently resides in the West Village of Manhattan where she likes to spend her evenings walking the neighborhood admiring the warmly lit interiors of her neighbors' homes (sounds like peeping but since a chandelier doesn't mind being gawked at it doesn't really count as such).

Design Perspective: Floating somewhere between the über feminine and a hunting lodge lies my design aesthetic. I think juxtaposition is what makes any design interesting and unexpected. Pair a delicate crystal lamp with a rock-n'-roll leather shade, wear a tuxedo jacket with ripped denim, drink your milk out of a champagne flute - why not! Don't be such a rule follower, design is supposed to be fun!

Latest Project: An interior re-design of a West Village townhouse
A bachelor from Texas requests a manly, chic, comfortable homestead, can it be done - and on a budget? We'll find out together. Check out the inspiration board below then check back in a few weeks to see the before and after shots.

This inspiration board has a mix of materials you'd find in nature: stone, cowhide, driftwood - with modern textures: metal, lucite, lacquer. I am trying to achieve a balance for my client who is a true urban cowboy. Hailing from Texas, he wanted something true to his roots and masculine yet trendy enough to fit in with his hip West Village neighborhood. Borrowing from my fellow stylist, Sybil's, interior we are using a dark gray paint (Stonecutter by Benjamin Moore) as a backdrop for the rich reds and earth tones. A dark paint is perfect for displaying crisp, modern art like these black and white photos. I'll be posting the final project here so check back and see if we achieved our vision!

Laura Weber
Location: Southern California


Snapshot: A self-proclaimed glamour junkie, Laura has combined her love of all things stylish with a passion for entertaining to create a fresh and modern take on event planning and design. After years of debating whether to leave her buttoned-up career in technology sales, the birth of her daughter finally propelled her to pursue more creative endeavors. Travel, art, design, and fashion are an integrated part of Laura’s approach to creating memorable and aesthetically beautiful gatherings and celebrations. Laura currently resides in San Diego, California and finds inspiration in the unique style and tranquility of coastal living.

Design Perspective: Whether talking about personal fashion or interior design, clean lines, a monochromatic color palette, and luxurious but edited accessories encompasses my aesthetic. I’m a big believer in mixing high and low…with one caveat; you can never go wrong investing in beautiful shoes and bags or a gorgeous piece of furniture. A classic Chanel bag will carry you through decades of handbag trends and that beautiful piece of furniture you’ve been coveting has the power to change the entire mood of a room. Go with your gut and don’t be afraid to invest in statement pieces that will stand the test of time.

Latest Project: Modern Tea Party
Calling on my memories of afternoon tea at Browns Hotel in London, we’re wrapping a more modern aesthetic around a very proper English tradition for a November baby shower celebration. Fifty women will be gathering at a private home in Palm Springs, CA to fete the new mom-to-be and feast on scones, tea sandwiches, French cakes, sugared fruits, champagne and gourmet teas. Think Marie Antoinette meets Madeline Weinrib with a palette of pinks (it’s a girl!) accented by crisp whites and oranges reflected in lush flower arrangements, signature cocktails, and a custom dessert table. More pictures to come following the event!