Rachel Bilson used to heat up our television screens as Summer Roberts on the "The O.C." But this summer, she's offering us her advice on how to keep cool -- sartorially speaking, of course.
We recently sat down with Bilson on her trip to Toronto -- to promote Magnum Mini Ice Cream bars -- and nabbed some of her fashion and style tips.
Being a mini herself (she's only 5'2") she told us how she mastered the art of looking taller and what her favourite things about Canada are.
What’s the number one style tip you’ve learned?
My favourite thing, because I’m only 5’2”, is nude shoes -- they really elongate legs. If you wear anything short and you have a nude heel it makes you look taller and your legs look longer.
What’s your must-have item for summer?
You know how [designers] are doing the plastic heel thing? They kind of work like nude heels [by elongating legs]. So I like those shoes -- [Phillip Lim] is a fav. I also like this season's pyjama wear -- you get to be cozy and who doesn’t want to be cozy? Especially in the summer.
Who do you look to for style inspiration?
I love watching old movies -- seeing the style over the ages and [the different] eras. I really like 50s-length skirts and the Audrey Hepburn era.
Do you have a style icon?
I have a few. Diana Vreeland who was the the editor of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. She was so unique for her time -- I have books of her that I look to for inspiration. Same with Coco Chanel -- she was way ahead of her time.
What’s your must-have beauty product?
Dr. Pepper Lipsmackers. It’s the best lip colour and it really moisturizes. It really does. I’ve been using it since junior high and I swear by it.
How did the "The O.C." affect your own personal style?
Summer’s style was definitely different from mine. It was very Orange County, beach -- you know, a lot of bathing suits and things like that. I think my style is a little bit different, but [the show] definitely [gave me access] to the fashion world.
What’s the highlight of your fashion career?
Working with Karl Lagerfeld and getting to spend time with him. I’m such a huge fan of his and Chanel.
If you weren’t an actress right now, what would you be doing?
I always wanted to be a teacher, so I’d probably be a preschool teacher.
What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re in Canada?
Go to Tim Horton’s.
What do you order?
I love the sour cream glaze donut, I love the chocolate chip muffin, I love the coffe and the tea and the yogurt and berries -- pretty much the whole menu.
What do you love about being young and alive in 2012?
Thanks for saying I’m young! It’s just fun to be alive and living life and doing what I love to do. I’m very grateful for that.
Take a lot at Rachel Bilson's style evolution:
