The collar necklace isn't really something new and it's something that I've been admiring from afar for a while now. It's sleek, elegant, and adds a futuristic edge to any outfit. I tend to gravitate towards a simple wardrobe void of many patterns or embellishments, and the collar necklace is the perfect thing to add interest without being too loud. Stores in my city didn't seem to buy into the trend, as I couldn't find them anywhere! My luck finally came when visiting a flea market one day where I picked up these two beauties.
For the past few seasons I've been enamored by studs or spikes of any kind. You could have covered anything in studs and I would have probably been coveting it. I've gotten over it a bit now, and I no longer want to cover everything I own in them. But that isn't to say I don't admire them, I just prefer them in smaller doses now, like in this bracelet from Charlotte Russe.
If I were to be only allowed one style of shoe for the rest of my life, that shoe would be a black ballet flat. They are without a doubt a staple in my wardrobe. Most days of the week you can see me in them, and I have about five pairs of worn out, well-loved black flats in the back of my closet proving my commitment to them. They are really the least demanding shoe in the world. They have no laces to tie, no heel to trip over, and they work with 98% percent of the clothes in your closet. I picked these up yesterday at Target. They represent everything I look for in a ballet flat. For me, ballet flats should be plain, without bows or flowers or any other silly frill. That is not to say these don't have details to admire; they are just quieter, like the snake skin finish or the way the edges dip in slightly on either side. To me, simple never looks cheap.
Almost every non-clothing product I've bought lately has been affiliated in some way with roses. It's something that went unnoticed until one day, when I found myself sipping rose tea while wearing Smith's minted rose lip balm, and having just applied Thayer's rose toner. I suppose you could say it's an accidental obsession, but nonetheless I can't get enough! That can especially be said of the rose lip balm that I've been applying religiously as of late. It is far more effective at combating dryness than the typical chap stick, and I like the subtle shine it gives the lips.
What are some things you can't get enough of lately?
Silvya and I have been spoiled with some unseasonably warm weather as of late, which is making us yearn even more for the return of breezy spring days. Unfortunately for now we must settle for a few days of bliss before the chill sets back in. To counteract our winter blues, we've decided to look ahead wardrobe wise and start planning for spring. For us, to have a good look it's essential to start off with a good foundation for your clothes to go on. This means kicking off our spring planning with our desired make up and skincare routines for the upcoming season. For some it may seem silly to plan something like this out, but with all of the recent articles about the 'french' way of dressing in a carefully planned wardrobe of luxurious staples it only makes sense to do the same for everything else that goes on your body. If you assemble your wardrobe carefully you will never look at your closet thinking you have nothing to wear, and if you approach your beauty routine with the same critical eye, you will never leave the house not feeling your best. Pictured above is a summary of my winter beauty purchases from Chanel including two varnishes in Peridot and Black Pearl, Stylo Yeux waterproof eyeliner in Ebene, and Rouge Allure Velvet in L'Exubérante.
From top left: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrara, Derek Lam
Bottom Left: Christian Dior Haute Couture, Dolce & Gabbana, Giles
A look at the Spring 2012 collections provides much inspiration for those looking for a rejuvenation of their beauty routine. Silvya and I combed through the collections to find the top six looks we felt embodied the feeling of summer best. It was very refreshing to see that for the most part the looks created at the Spring collections were not elaborate transformations but rather simple enhancements that allowed the model's natural beauty to show through. The smokey eye or bold lip has been admired and coveted for a long while, and while the idea of a mostly bare face can unnerve many, I find the look modern and elegant. Some may look at the shots above and say that it is an unrealistic representation, that going au naturale can never look so polished. Au contraire! The secret lies in carefully chosen and applied products that create maximum impact without giving away you've put effort into your face. This is the look both Silvya and I plan to sport this upcoming spring and summer and I have already started penning my product wish list to help achieve this look.
The latest menswear Paris & Milan fashion week saw the arrival of dozens of new faces. Of those up and coming models there were some amazing stand outs. Here are our favorites. I'm sure we will see more work from these guys in the future!
Arthur Gosse stands out as one of the most exciting new faces, having opened the anticipated Prada menswear collection. Arthur also opened Kris van Assche, Dior Homme, Miharayasuhiro and closed Lanvin. He also walked for Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and John Galliano among many other shows. Arthur is with Major Paris and VNY in NY.
Simon Sabbah started his first season opening Qasimi, 3.1 Phillip Lim and as well as opening and closing Pringle of Scotland. Simon also walked for Louis Vuitton, John Galliano, Lanvin, Raf Simons and more. Simone is with New Madison Paris.
Takeshi Uematsu is one of the best newcomers this season. Takeshi, with his handsome facial structure, is bringing him to the forefront of the new models. Takeshi walked for John Galliano, Lanvin, Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton and Paul Smith. Hopefully Takeshi will continue to break into the the international scene.
Max Rendell has had a modest start in London. This latest season Max walked for Jil Sander, Yves Saint Laurent, Kris Van Assche, Raf Simons, Miharayasuhiro, Dior Homme, Lanvin, and Acne. Max is signed with Ford Paris and Elite London.
Alexander Ferrario being his ascent as a Jil Sander exclusive. Alexander walked for Raf Simons, John Galliano. 31. Phillip Lim and Ami. He is signed to New Madison Paris.
Stefano Pilati's latest collection conveys a powerful yet youthful man. Pilati's precise craftsmanship is shown in the perfectly tailored coats and blazers and his limited color palette evokes a sense of power and darkness. The collection also displays a subtle hard edge with the leather, buckles, straps and depictions of razor blades, however this is offset by the touches of fur. Pilati has created one of the best collections of this season, his use of leather is just enough to provide an edge but not too much to overwhelm the collection.
Louis Vuitton
Inspired by the two cities Paris and Tokyo, Kim Jones sophomore collection for Louis Vuitton is exquisite and luxuriant. Jones mixes a variety of fabrics and colors to create a collection with international appeal. Jones attention to detail is superb. The collection also has amazing outerwear and accessories.
Hermes
In latest Hermes collection creative director Veronique Nichanian presents a modern collection in a dark color palette. The collection continues the trends of luxe suits and trenches, with touches of leather, fur and velvet among the sleek fabrics. As the collection progresses Nichanian introduces a coveted smokey print.
Dior Homme
Kris Van Assche's collection for Dior Homme is a relaxed militaristic take on sportswear. The collection starts with tailored, structured suits and develops into relaxed trousers and silhouettes. The collection features strong lines and coats cut to maximize movement. The color palette is a subdued combination of dark military greens, beige, blacks and whites.
Ann Demeulemeester
Ann Demeulemeester's stand out this season is her color palette, using electric blue and bright red to color the black and white palette. The colors were shown in a cool printed gradient. The collection featured edgy pieces mixed with long, tunics, paired with beautiful boots, some featuring the color gradient. Tailored coats and semi fitted trousers completed the looks.
Yesterday, Silvya and I, along with a few friends of ours, set off to conquer a place known as Oak Mountain. The state park is filled with breath-taking foliage, winding streams, and dizzyingly tall rock formations that I have always yearned to conquer. I admit that I can't remember the last time I properly exercised and proof of that came when I woke up today to thigh's like jello (I think Silvya fared much better than me :p). It was certainly worth it though, and I hope we are able to go again sometime soon! For next time I will be sure to wear proper shoes, my poor boots are definitely meant for fashion only, not rock climbing. I took my camera along the whole journey and tried to capture the surroundings the best I could. One thing that had a great impression on me, was how many different textures and unexpected colors can be found in nature. From the blue-green tie dye fungus growing on rocks, the paper-thin layers of bark, to the solemn way many leaves hung in submission to winter's icy touch, the woods turned out incredibly inspiring. It was great to see the land in its natural condition, without shopping malls and grocery stores destroying its peace. Signs of human traffic could be found though in the form of tree carvings confessing love, and a sign by a waterfall asking some lucky someone to prom.
It's that time of year again where hundreds of male models descend on Milan and Paris for the menswear fashion week. For the Milan Fall/Winter 2012/13 Menswear we picked our favorite collections. This season featured many suits and over sized coats in a variety of fabrics such as velvet and leather. Gloves and overnight bags dominated the accessories.
Prada
The F/W 12.13 Prada runway show was staged in a grad theatrical venue where actors walked among models. Miuccia's clothes were a simple, sophisticated take on the powerful military man and diplomats of the early century. Double breasted suits, tailored topcoats and pocket ornaments recalled an English formality.
2011 was a good year for music. In 2011 I went to some amazing and unforgettable concerts, as well as two of my favorite, anticipated albums were released. Typically I attend a lot of concerts, big and small, but in 2011 I did not go to as many as usual. One of the best had to be The Chariot with My Children My Bride. Having already seen The Chariot a handful of times before I knew exactly what to expect and of course they did not disappoint. The Chariot's live shows are always noisy and relentless. The crowds are passionate and aggressive. Their shows are ones that I will not soon forget. The Chariot knows how to put on a good show, with their constant movement and live stunts.
2011 also brought about the release of The Horror's third album Skying. For many the record is a natural development in their sound. The band toned down the experimentation of Primary Colours. Skying is the first time the Horrors have produced their own music, creating sounds of 80s new wave and 90s shoegaze. They have released a beautiful record that clearly displays their influences and love of music. After their debut release the Horrors have drastically changed their sound, for me it is an evolution but others see it as losing their roots. I believe the band is developing their confidence with each release and firmly establishing themselves as a band that continues to develop and take bold steps forward.
S.C.U. M released their debut album Again Into Eyes in 2011. I was very excited for this release because I've been a fan of S.C.U.M since their inception and for me this has been a long time coming. Again Into Eyes is angular and melancholic and everything I love about S.C.U.M. The band's sound has clearly progressed since their inception. I look forward to see what the future brings for this group of British youths.
And...even though this post is about my highlights in 2011, there was a downside. ROMANCE, a British band that I have followed since I can remember, called it quits. They will continue to be one of our favorites.
Photo credit: Brian Hall Photography, amazon, nme
A few months ago, Jean Daniel Lorieux did a shoot entitled, "Remake Couture" for L'Officiel's October 2011 issue. It was certainly a beautiful spread featuring Tanya Dziahileva, but when I recently discovered the 'making of' video I fell even more in love. I think seeing Tanya in motion did even more justice to the lovely couture garments showcased. The styling is perfect in this, and after watching I have the sudden impulse to run out and buy berry hued lipstick and coif my hair à laGrace Kelly. See more caps and the video after the cut!
The recent Pre-Fall 2012 collections have been either stunning or completely disappointing. One of the collections we always look forward to is Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld , while sometimes has his hits and misses, always promises a collection with impeccable details and masterly crafted clothes. The video below shows a glimpse into the work that goes into this collection.The Pre-Fall 2012 collection themed "Paris-Bombay", had us really excited because of the Indian influence it promised. The collection has quickly become one of our favorite Chanel collections. The Grand Palais was converted into a jaw dropping set of opulence with chandeliers and beautiful table settings. The gorgeous and extravagant jewelry presented was a French chic spin on traditional Indian jewelry. The majority of the jewels are based on Traditional Indian Bridal jewelry.We chose to focus more on the edgier pieces. These pieces can easily be incorporated into your daily wardrobe.
The silver studs and chains of the two Fiona Paxton necklaces and the gold bead of the cuff, are reminiscent of some of the headpieces worn by the models. While the earrings and matching necklace from All Saints convey the inspiration of France and India with its ivory beads and heavy embellishments.
If the eyes are truly the window to your soul, then Chanel's creative director of makeup, Peter Philips envisions his windows draped in a lush blanket of black kohl. With the rest of the face clean and natural, the eyes are the real show stopper of this collection. In true Indian fashion, Philips creates dramatic almond shaped lids using various Chanel shadows and liners. A warm peach blush and a complimentary shade of Rouge Coco Shine on the lips polishes off the look. Of course it wouldn't be a true overview of Chanel beauty without mention of the newest shade of nail varnish, this time in a shade equivalent to liquid gold that is sure become coveted. Below is a break down of exactly what Philips used (a * indicates it will reach Chanel counters in the months of April-June 2012):
1. The skin is preppedwith HYDRA BEAUTY SERUM hydration protection radiance *
2. Applied to the face:PERFECTION LUMIERE Long Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 10
ECLAT LUMIERE Highlighting Face Pen
CORRECTEUR PERFECTION Long Lasting Concealer Exclusive Creation POUDRE COMPACTE in Route des Indes de Chanel *
3. Applied to the cheeks:JOUES CONTRASTE Powder Blush in Brume d’Or *
4. On the eyes:Exclusive Creation ILLUSION D’OMBRE Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Nirvana *
STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Long Lasting Eyeliner in Ebène LE CRAYON KHOL Intense Eye Pencil in Black CRAYON SOURCILS Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil INIMITABLE WATERPROOF Mascara in Black RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL Precision Eyelash Curler
5. On the lips:ROUGE COCO SHINE Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in Empreinte *
6. Finishing Touch:Exclusive Creation LE VERNIS Nail Colour in Diwali *
