….A few of my favourite things….

Forget the sashes, silver white winters… but keep the strudel.

As 2011 has now arrived, along with resolutions it is important to decide what parts of you and your life are going to come along for the ride.

So, when the dog bites, when the bee stings, and when I’m feeling sad, here are a few of my favourite things that are making the trip with me:

1) My Nikki

I love this purse which also served me well while travelling over the holidays. The leather is soft, supple, and smells amazing.

2) My Tiffany Ring

I put it on every day and besides the inevitable reminders to enjoy life (see previous posts) – the shine and simplicity always reminds me of who I am and adds a bit of class.

3) Jacqua’s (original) Buttercream Frosting lotions

Rich, thick, and smells divine. I was introduced to this product by a sorority sister; and when my parents took me to Los Angeles for my 21st birthday we drove through Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and I scoured both Fred Segal’s in search of them but they were sold out. Why? Because the warning on the label is true: “This product smells good enough to eat, but is not edible.”

4) L’Occitane Lavender & Verbena scents

I was introduced to these after a trip to the Beverly Hilton with my family. They immediately relax me and when I close my eyes I see the heavenly view over Whilshire Blvd. A relaxing hotel atmosphere in my dorm room. in 2011, what could be wrong with that?

5) Zara Winter Coat

After years of searching, I finally found the perfect winter coat which has been a stylish gift from heaven this winter. Unfortunately, the picture doesn’t do it justice.

What are you bringing with you to 2011?

Want it!

I ❤ Rebecca Minkoff (details of the affair to come later). In the meantime, drool with me over this new handbag – a current take on what I KNOW would have been a Betty Draper favourite: The Textured Croc Belle.

$350 USD – Definitely a stretch for my Teaching Assistant income but perhaps I could rationalize it. It really is a steal when you think of all the outfits you could pair it with: gloves and a LBD for your holiday party or jeans and a nice blazer, the list continues.

Check it out and I guarantee you will soon join me in the ranks as a “Minkette”!

Want it!

The other day it became too cold for my flats and I had to switch to my warm winter boots. As much as I love the grey suede, after receiving the latest GOOP newsletter, I am lusting after the following:

From the Celtic Sheepskin Company:

Side Tie Ribbon Boots £135

 

From Burberry Prorsum

Burberry Prorsum – $1,095

 

From the Jimmy Choo and UGG collaboration:

Mandah – $795

 

Think my teaching assistanship could help me fund these? Maybe if I were a grad student for the next 5 years…

Blog of the week/Lanvin & H&M Update

I hope that you all had a fabulous day!

Today, I would like to profile a blog that I enjoy, it is called “Paris Breakfasts“. Every day the author posts a collection of pictures (normally from Paris) that tell a little story or observation and that inspire her paintings (she is also a very skilled artist). I know that I am definitely saving up for one of her watercolours.

Today, she had a particularly interesting take on her adventures during the first day of the Lanvin H&M collection shopping.

Enjoy!

Get Blake Lively’s Chanel look!

Will be starting a new series on fashion icons and trendsetters and as a bit of a preview, thought I would share how to get one of the newest trendsetter’s look. Blake Lively has been all over the fashion magazines and I will admit that she knows how to put together an outfit (it’s only my lack of patience for her Gossip Girl character, Serena, that keeps me from being completely in love with her style).

While this is late, here is a way to get her couture look at your local shopping mall.

The original image:

This outfit paired a men’s chocolate brown sequin blazer from the Chanel Resort 2011 collection with a white men’s button down shirt, black shorts and Christian Louboutin Volnay 140 python sandals.

The one item that you might have difficulty copying is the blazer (obviously the python sandals are also an issue but you could easily find some nude pumps or even go with black stilettos), but this is no longer the case if you live near French Connection. For $298 (a complete bargain compared to the original Chanel but definitely an investment) you might want to check out the “Samantha Jacket“:

If Blake or alter-ego Serena Van Der Woodsen (who also pulled off this look as seen below) are your style icons then remember your credit card and head off to French Connection this Black Friday.

Enjoy!

Serena dons a gold version of the Chanel blazer

Lanvin for H&M

So as you know, I was not a fan of the Lanvin for H&M collection when some of the pictures were first released. However, last night was the runway show and there were some looks that I really enjoyed. Have added them below (photos courtesy of Fashionista):

The model and set-up of this outfit aren't my style but I love the blazer, the belt, and the white handkerchief

Love, love, LOVE - (except for the red bowtie). Feels very much like YSL in terms of a female "smoking"

overall a disaster but like the material and cut of the blazer

Love but would replace the bowtie with a nicely tied, colourful scarf

According to interviews, the designers at Lanvin spent much more time than initially agreed upon working on the design of this collection. As a result, it is being billed not as highly priced H&M but low priced Lanvin. The designs will definitely not make it to H&Ms near me but if past collaborations are any indication, they will eventually find their way onto eBay.

Will the collection be making it to your local H&M? Let us know if you make any purchases!

Royal Engagement: The Fashion

Well, let’s get down to the important bit 🙂 What was worn by William and Catherine (as we now have to call her!).

According to the Daily Mail, Catherine was wearing a dress by Brazilian designer “Issa” which can be found at Harrods or Harvey NIchols for £399 (thought I am guessing it’s now sold out). She has shown a preference for this designer in the past, but tradition dictates that she must now be a proper representative of her country and choose British designers (especially for her wedding dress). Who do you think are some great British designers that Catherine could choose?

Let’s not forget about William here. While I understood the purple tie, I definitely didn’t like it! Either way, he was wearing a suit created by Savile Row tailors Gleeves & Hawkes. His choice for the wedding is quite easy (as always is the case for men!) and he will be wearing his military uniform.

Lagerfeld on Economics & Fashion Marketing

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/11/karl-lagerfeld-on-fashions-economy-its-the-logo-stupid.html

His thoughts on the geographical changes are interesting. However what strikes me are his comments on the importance of logos especially since, in my opinion, the overall appeal of logos has decreased. Most fashion elite shun the wearing of big logos and it is the ease of copying the interlocking C’s that has led an overall lack of desirability and, (dare I say it) a cheapening of the Chanel (and previously the Louis Vuitton) brand. So many people are now buying cheap  knock-offs featuring the interlocking C’s that, though a fashionista might be able to tell the difference, most cannot so why spend your money on something everyone else has a variation of (thinking, in this case, of the Chanel earrings and necklaces, Cambon bag, and the 2.55 which every scam artist and designer have now copied)?

One overly copied Chanel, the Chanel Cambon bag

I feel, and I am open to debate, that while there is a segment that will buy just to show that they own a label (and therefore want to show off the logos), the overwhelming majority of couture/high fashion clients don’t necessarily care about the larger population knowing what they are wearing but that their contemporaries know. In these situations, I see them gravitating to clothes and purses that by their very design (and without a screaming logo) state wealth, class, and good taste; examples being Hermes, Celine, and Proenza Schouler. Those in the know know when they see them and respect the choice, everyone else just envies that individual’s style.

Anyways, an interesting perspective. Your thoughts?

The Classic Kelly - not a logo in sight, but those who matter will know what you are carrying

The Proenza Schouler's PS1- highly sought-after, everyone in fashion recognizes it, no logo (loving this grey suede version!)

Want It!

Was flipping through this month’s Elle UK  at the bookstore when I came across this Chanel watch and one thought went through my head (ok…two): “wow” and “I want it!” Which led me to think that maybe I should start a new shopping segment.

Either way, check it out:

The one I like is the white one on the bottom of the photograph. According to the ad in Elle, it wraps around the wrist about two or three times which makes it both upscale/elegant and casual at the same time (in the ad it is worn with a leather jacket, I also see it with a sleek floor length evening gown).

It is from Chanel’s Première watch collection. It is made of 18k white gold, diamonds and ceramic. And, most importantly, it renders me speechless.

I have not bothered looking up the price, as long as I don’t know, I can dream.

Enjoy!

Lipstick tips from InStyle

Check it out!

Lipstick Tips from InStyle

Do you have any personal tips?