Legend of Zelda

"So many young people are so afraid of becoming old. I would like them to know that from someone who is ninety-four years young, it is fun to be old." - Zelda Kaplan

Born in 1916 Zelda Kaplan is more stylish than you or I. She is also a perfect example of age being just a number and the ferocity of curiosity.

"For the past fifty years, Zelda has collected cloth from remote African villages, turning them into her own designs. However, what is truly astonishing about Zelda is the noble cause that has given her the zeal to dedicate herself to living in mud huts in these isolated areas, without electricity, for months at a time. Her mission was to gently educate indigenous people, by living among them, as to the damaging affects of the 1000-year old tradition of clitorial surgery that is routinely administered to the young women of the indigenous tribes." - Style Like U

Read more about Zelda on Style Like U: http://www.stylelikeu.com/closets/zelda-kaplan-2/

Une Very Stylish Fille

Ladies Lotto's resident street style blogger Susie G of CLICK/CLASH has been caught on the opposite side of the lens. Our very stylish fille was selected as one of The Twenty Most Stylish People From Day Eight of Fashion Week by Nymag.com.

Check out the wild 80%20 Nory platform creepers in giraffe. Very stylish indeed!

Find out what Susie G's been up to while guest blogging for 80%20.

What is style?

What is style? With the latest fashion trends these days, we never seem to really know what is the latest look or just an over the top look. Looking at artists like Lady gaga who is the cross of Madonna and Grace Jones, or Nicki Minaj who seems to have multiple personality complex, we are looking around to figure out what is what. Let’s break it down for a second.

Style - “A distinctive manner of expression” is the definition found in Webster’s dictionary. In lamest terms, self expression. Dress for each occasion, dress for the day, and dress for the moment. Fashion has always been a large role in a women’s lifestyle. How she looks, and what she wears says everything without words. So when we look at the latest trends, what words are we portraying? Crazy? Over the top? Dramatic? If that’s the look that you are going for, then great, well done. However for the rest of us? Embrace the style that we have.

If you hate wearing shoes and feel like sneakers are the best thing ever created, then rock them to your hearts content. For the ladies in heels, the more power to you in those 5 inches. Style is whatever you decide to make it. Knowing who you are, what you love and at the end of the day how it makes you feel. So please ladies stop trying to look like the next person and just own your look, no matter what it is.

Date Night

As the layers have come off from all the cuddling sessions, couples are sadly splitting and the singles begin to mingle. Instead of dating the same usual guys you always date, time to try out something new and exciting. New York City is filled with a nice wide range of men, you have the Rocker, the Boy Next Door, the thrill seeker, and the Wall street guy just to name a few.

The rocker boy is someone you will find hanging out with the boys, if you’re lucky he will sometimes even be a biker boy. Where could you go wrong with that one? You would usually think leather, lace and spikes, where here is a classy, sexy touch for such a date.

Veda Canvas Back Leather Vest for $385 @intermixonline.com
Monrow Doubleknit Racer Back Dress for $119 @interminxonline.com
Grace Leather Stud Slingback Pumps @intermixonline.com
Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal drop earrings for $74 @theoutnet.com
Janna Conner Designs bracelet for $190 @jannaconner.com

The thrill seeker is usually a guy who is willing to try anything once and will have you on the seat of your edge. He is willing to show you a different side of the city that you have never seen before. But hey you’re always willing to try something new. This outfit is set for you to try anything once, just make sure you hold on tight to that strapless bra if he’s trying to take you on that bunji jumping trip he’s talked so much about.

Blaque Label the Tricia Top in Pink for $73 @karmaloop.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs Denim Blue Cotton Elastane Jeans for $280 @farfetch.com
Betsy Johnson Athena Natural Leopard for $150 @heels.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs Gold Link Bracelet Watch for $250 @johnlewis.com
Pam’s Crystal Ball Stud Earrings for $27 @fantasyjewelrybox.vom

The boy next door has always been the guy you’ve wanted to date. Whether the football player, baseball player, skateboarder or just the misunderstood kid. He’s been the one you’ve always looked at from afar. So on this date you still would like to capture a bit of your young woman innocence. Some things should change but only with time. Show him you are still the same girl but a more grown woman look.

Chan Luu Semiprecious Long Strand Necklace for $195 @nordstrom.com
Calypso His v-neck t for $49 @calypso-celle.com
Paradise Pleat Shorts for $60 @topshop.com
Duras One Button Vest for $79 @maruione.jp
Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Gladiator Shoes for $695 @25park.com


The Wall Street guy is usually always seen in his suit and tie, so show him you can match his style. Something that is a little sexy but still a laid back comfortable look. A woman he can take home to mom and also could stop by the office for a little lunch date. Give him a little of that Carrie Bradshaw that he loves to see.

Alternative Apparel the Stevie Wrap for $40 @karmaloop.com
Draped jersey jumpsuit for $200 @karenmillen.com
Multi Strand and Stud Belt for $80 @topshop.com
Michael Antonio Telepop for $45 @piperlime.gap.com
Chanel Necklace @fatag.net
Aurelie Bidermann Earrings @style.com

Get The Look

As the summer comes along we want to strip down to the bear minimums. And as I am a bit of the tropical girl myself, I don't blame you. Just make sure if you do, make sure you fashionable while you're at it.Here are a few looks, for the casual Fridays at work, going out with the girls or just a nice little Sunday brunch which should always include some mimosas.Here are some outfits put together with an affordable budget but still look like you belong in soho/madison ave.

Casual Friday

Casual Friday by Mixtape Girl featuring Steve Madden shoes

Cami - $20 at yesstyle.com

Griffin CrestFleece Blazer - $90 at rugby.com

Steve Madden Trikki - $130 at piperlime.gap.com

Crafted Boyfriend Ripped Jean - $38 at republic.co.uk

Joyrich The Blossom Chain Belt - $32 at karmaloop.com (you can even just use a large double chain necklace as a belt)

Pink Studio Lupe - $95 at piperlime.gap.com

Saucy Saturday

Saucy Saturday by Mixtape Girl featuring TopShop dresses

Leopard Olivia Dress by Motel - $50 at topshop.com

Jessica McClintock Sparkles V-Flap Clutch - $35 atendless.com

BCBG Dante Heel - $100 at heels.com

Kenneth Jay Lane Crystaldrop earrings - $74 at outnet.com

Chanel Two-toned Multi-Strand Pearl Bracelet - $25 atbagborroworsteal.com

Summer Sunday

Summer Sunday by Mixtape Girl featuring Steve Madden shoes

Woven Fedora White - $28 at yesstyle.com

Navajo Feather and Turquoise earrings - $15 atwarehouse.co.uk

Fire Pink Floral Ruffled Tube Romper - $18 at amazon.com

AE's Turquoise Crochet Bracelet - $13 at ae.com

Steve Madden Sahara Sandal - $50 atswell.com

A Brief History of Hair, Down There

Angel of the Morning: Juice Newton

Just touch my cheek before you leave me...

Style, Naturally: A Night with Summer Rayne Oakes

Photo by Andrea Bakacs

Sometimes you have to get inside the system to make it work to your advantage. Instead of lunging for the jugular of companies not utilizing ecologically sound practices, Summer Rayne Oakes decided she’d find a way to show them the light – without being the stereotypically overzealous eco-warrior. Actually, her face scrunches up a bit when you say the word “eco.” The entrepreneur, television host and model has found a way to reach everyday individuals with the message of sustainability.

Ladies Lotto New York members, guests and one interloper crammed into Brooklyn’s Hooligan Studios to hear Summer Rayne speak about translating her strong beliefs into the perfect synthesis of career and lifestyle. A Cornell graduate, she was trained in entomology and environmental science. She's the combination of brains and beauty everyone idealizes. She's also pretty ballsy; having turned down modeling gigs that were not in line with her life's mission -- to make land, people and businesses as sustainable as possible. Naturally this did not sit well with the blue chip agencies for which she was recruited.

Summer's recent projects include Style, Naturally, a style guide focused on sustainability (Psst, LLNY member, Kate McGregor's shop Kaight is featured*) and the Zoe & Zac line for Payless; the low cost shoe retailer's first foray into sustainability. Zoe & Zac has been well received by fashionistas and soccer moms alike -- so well that it's been selling out. Of course, other companies are interested in following in Payless' footsteps and are actively seeking out Summer to work on similar projects.

Photos by Vanessa Bahmani & Andrea Bakacs

Having been born middle class but forced to become independent at the age of 14, Summer stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with people who wholly believe in you; they're the ones who'll be there when you're in a tough situation. The lady of the night gave props to Ladies Lotto for creating a supportive network of women with entrepreneurial spirits. She stressed the importance of networking and finding a mentor. In Summer's case the mentor and mentee relationship can make for strange bedfellows. One of her greatest advocates is a man who before meeting Summer had little to no interest in going "green"; however, he's put her in touch with like-minded organizations.

In keeping with the spirit of the night, all guests left with Zoe & Zac goody bags with makeup from Jane Iredale, one of a kind rings from Susan Dommelsmith's re-purposed jewelry line Dirty Librarian Chains and information about sustainable coffee and spaces for launching green businesses. Lucky ladies imbibbed 44 North cocktails prepared by Elena Vazintaris and delicious nibbles from Sarah Pace's Rabbit Mafia catering.