Trending: Vinyl

Vinyl will outlast more than CD’svinyl

Another latest fashion trend is wearing vinyl.  I have to give some thought to this look as I’m not totally sold on it although it can be sexy depending on how you wear it and what you wear it with.  A little can add a seductive touch of ‘Belle de Jour’ to your Fall/Winter look. It can appear sophisticated or….otherwise.  

Spotted at shows like Loewe, Dior, Isabel Marant and Lanvin.

From left to right: Nina RicciLanvin et Isabel Marant  (My preference is for Nina Ricci but basically I like what the model is wearing underneath the coat.  The Lanvin trench looks a little goth but the model pulls it off because she’s tall & elegant and the model wearing Isabel Marant can wear anything I mean check out the pants because she has a confident edge and she’s cool).

Fashion is Fun.  It’s what you make of it.  If you own it, you can pull off just about anything.

That’s my fashion advice for the week!

*Seen also at Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Courrèges, Anthony Vaccarello…

Source: French Vogue

 

Hermès at Work – What Lies Behind

Whether it be scarves, handbags, watches, saddles, porcelain or clothing  the world of Hermès is made up of style, art, history and luxury at its finest.

The Trademark Orange Thread
My favourite colour – The Trademark Orange Thread
The Saddle
The SADDLE that brings out the equestrian side in all of us
The Saddle Maker
The Saddler, a designer in his own right

The quest for excellence best describes any Hermès objet désirable…and they come in many fabrications or manières, as the French call it. The incomparable workmanship  requires skillful hands with intelligent minds.  It takes time, material, tools, talent and attention to the tiniest detail to produce anything from this famous French house.

The silk roller meticulously adds the finishing touches with silk thread to every scarf.
The silk roller meticulously adds the finishing touches with silk thread to every scarf
A Silk Print
A Silk Print for a scarf

It comes with a price of course, but anything worthwhile does.

I’ve always been curious about the unrivaled craftmanship behind the name, so it was totally amazing to rendez-vous with some of the experts who help produce the famous scarves, handbags, watches, saddles, gloves and porcelain.

The pop-up traveling exhibition was in Vancouver at the Jack Poole Plaza by the Olympic Cauldron with the beautiful mountain backdrop for only five days, September 21-25th.  Whoever was lucky enough to step inside got a little glimpse into a unique world with live on site demonstrations by authentic craftspeople all of whom are of French descent with cute French accents.

Porcelain from Start to Finish
Steps for Porcelain Plates on their way to completion
The Porcelain Painter. They are decorated near Limoges in France.
The Porcelain Painter. They are decorated near Limoges in France.
The Watchmaker keeps time ticking with hundreds of miniscule components.
The Watchmaker keeps time ticking with hundreds of miniscule components.

?

I have a new found appreciation for my Hermès silk scarves since I know the steps towards completion are time consuming and numerous.  I have yet to come across a silk scarf so lovely.  Or a handbag, or a multitude of other things come to think of it. 

The Glover
The Glover transforms a Skin into a Second Skin
Finished Silk Scarf
Finished Silk Scarf
The Kelly Bag
The Graceful Kelly Bag

The finished product in all its perfection

Photos: d. king

 Have you seen it?

**And, if that wasn’t enough I got a smile from both Will & Kate and a wave from Kate (a royal bonus) from the car they were in (their window was completely rolled down) when their motorcade passed by on the way to visit Vancouver Coastguard.  I was out walking my dog in the direction of the Coastguard at the exact time they passed by.  I was not with the tons of people waiting by the sign that said “viewing area”.  My dog was sitting down where the cars were passing by wearing his bright red bandana.  I was all in leather.  I think we attracted their attention (I like to think of it that way).  A couple was standing beside us and they couldn’t believe it.  A little bit of magic for our Sunday. So I bought a lottery ticket right after.  If  you don’t see any more posts I’ll be in the Bahamas!  I heard it’s better there.

Style: STIRR it UP

What goes around comes around…

 Totême
Totême

Were you lucky enough to remember wearing STIRRUP PANTS in the 80’s?  I do.  I wore mine a lot, usually with a long cardigan over top.

No, this is not me. It's SJP and you know if she's wearing them they're definitely in style.
No, this is not me (as if). It’s SJP and you know if she’s wearing them they’re most definitely in style. 

The Mellau Tights from Totême (New York) look pretty sophisticated.  Wear them with heels and an oversized shirt or pair them with flats and your favorite knit.  I might be ready to embrace this trend once more, especially when I see these women wearing them.  I was so over the stirrup, but what’s nice is that stirrup pants or tights never ride up.  At the same time I think this trend is catching on slowly and I’m not so sure how long it will last.  Still… 

Pretty in Pink Rihanna caused quite a stir on Good  Morning America.

Rihanna arrives to promote her animated movie 'Home' on 'Good Morning America' in Times Square, Manhattan. Photo: Jose Perez
Rihanna arrives to promote her animated movie ‘Home’ on ‘Good Morning America’ in Times Square, Manhattan.  Photo: Jose Perez

Of course she can get away with wearing anything.

For the rest of us:stirrup3

www.toteme-nyc.com

Are YOU ready to join this trend?

Style: bootie call

BREAKING OUT THE BOOTS

Stuart Weitzman ($728)  photo: Lauren Crew
Stuart Weitzman ($728)  photo: Lauren Crew

Oh what a change from flip-flops and open-toed strappy sandals one day to boots the next. A shock to the system after the last three months. Gotta take it sloooow starting with little ankle boots and work my way up (waaay up) from there.

Some women cannot wait to step into some stacked-heel boots (mostly because the pedicure bills were skyrocketing) but not me.  I just had my first and last pedicure of the season yesterday believe it or not.  I went the whole summer doing it on my own and actually ignoring my feet for the most part deciding to concentrate on other things (not related to body parts) but after a nice relaxing foot massage and glossy red toe polish I feel a heel of a lot better.  I’m ready to step it up now. And boots are a big part of my Fall wardrobe and something to look forward to for what’s springing up quickly season.

Not sure you can pull boots off quite yet? Try sporting a pair with your favourite sundress to make the transition on a somewhat sunny day.

Here are some easy to wear styles to consider from Talbots in a reasonable price range:
breakingouttheboots1

From top: Talbots Wren Ankle Boots ($219), Talbots Tish Pebbled Leather & Stretch Riding Boots($269), Talbots Tish Grommet-Strap Riding Boots ($279), Talbots Tish V-Gore Ankle Boots ($189)

Are you looking forward to Fall?

 

 

Style: girls in cocktail dresses

FEMININE ALLURE

Chanel cocktail dress, Vogue May 1926
Chanel cocktail dress, Vogue May 1926

While researching womens elegant evening wear from the 1920’s I came across these glam photos and wanted to share them.  I love this era which embodied elegance, decadence and fabulousness.

Marlene Dietrich, 1932
Marlene Dietrich
Silent film actress Thalia Barbarova, c. 1920s.
Silent film actress Thalia Barbarova
I don't know but I love the look
I don’t know who this is but I love the look
Three Model 1926. Photograph by Edward Steichen for Vogue. From left to right: Alden Gay wearing a black and white chiffon dress by Madame Frances and a wide-brimmed hat; Marion Morehouse, wearing a light-colored chiffon dress by Jay-Thorpe, with a wide-brimmed hat; Miss Collier, holding a parasol, and wearing a printed chiffon and lace dress with a Tuscan straw hat.
Three Models 1926. Photograph by Edward Steichen for Vogue. From left to right: Alden Gay wearing a black and white chiffon dress by Madame Frances and a wide-brimmed hat; Marion Morehouse, wearing a light-colored chiffon dress by Jay-Thorpe, with a wide-brimmed hat; Miss Collier, holding a parasol, and wearing a printed chiffon and lace dress with a Tuscan straw hat.
Myrna Loy, c. 1920s. (with pearls down the back)
Myrna Loy

Because let’s face it…one can never have too many cocktails cocktail dresses.

See you back here very soon!

Style: SHARP Men

Other than GQ magazine, where do men go to get ideas about

S T Y L E

sharp5
sharp6And how to look more, uh, Sharp?

They can try SHARP  which is a Canadian Toronto based magazine published eight times a year. Six regular issues and two “SHARP: The Book for Men” special editions targeting premium and luxury consumers.
Touted as the essential reference for the modern man.  Basically the issues feature the absolute best in not only fashion but travel, drinks, timepieces and automotive.  Man Made!

sharp4Apparently the launch party for the S/S 2016  book in Toronto was fabulous. There aren’t many fashionable events dedicated solely to men, so when one comes around it’s a big deal.

What better way to celebrate men at their best than with a party featuring a Breitling Fighter Jet Simulator, interactive Harley-Davidson display, and rare scotch tasting by Balvenie? They also had live cigar rolling and custom shoe painting. Automotive sponsor Jaguar was also on-hand with their latest models: the F-PACE SUV, the XF luxury sedan, and the XE sport sedan.  sharp1sharp2

And where was I?? Elsewhere… but I will try to make the next one. I mean…hello world?

To order a free trial issue:

http://contempomedia.ca/sharp/offers/handbook/?kcod=NW16DGADsharp3

LOOK BETTER FEEL BETTER KNOW MORE
about what SOME MEN like

Style: Summer in a Box

Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it – Diane Von Furstenberg

Can you find it in a box?

 Sometimes you can find it in a BOX!  But it’s what you do with what’s inside that counts.boxofsylesummer

Wow…I just received my second seasonal box of style from the people over at *the Zoe Report.  They’ve curated a carefully selected arsenal of fashion and beauty products, with amazing summer staples every style girl loves. All neatly wrapped and packaged in a nice box. Talk about chic in the heat!

*For those who are not already familiar, The Zoe Report is an online style destination curated by stylist to the stars and fashion designer Rachel Zoe. The website gives tips on how to be glamorous every day with fashion, beauty & lifestyle articles from the best in the biz.

A peek inside:boxofstyle3

A delicate lariat necklace is a jewelry box staple. The versatile piece can play nice with everything from a plunging neckline to a high-collar blouse—making it an accessory that works for the office, cocktail hour and beyond.

Michael Stars Caftan - to channel your inner Liz Taylor
Michael Stars Caftan – to channel your inner Liz Taylor

lariat1

This eye-catching lariat necklace with delicate pave Swarovski crystals and adjustable open crescent ring will look incredibly chic worn together or alone.

Luv AJ Pavé Tusk Lariat & Open Crescent Ring Exclusive Set.lariat

Michael Stars Pastel Gardens Caftan. Every sun-loving girl needs a colourful caftan (cover up) in her summer wardrobe. To be simply layered over a sleek swimsuit for poolside lunch or dressed up for dinner by wearing it over a slip dress, cinched with a belt and adding earrings – a complete summer look.

YHF Los Angeles Cashton Brown Sunglasses

Flattering Sunglasses
Flattering Sunglasses

Sunglasses that are as versatile as they are timeless This style was tested by every member of Team Zoe to ensure it flatters every face shape.

Beach in a Bottle – Quai haircare wave spray.boxofstyle2

The only thing more alluring than textured beach waves is the knowledge that your textured beach wave spray isn’t ravaging your hair. This formula boasts rice protein instead of salt to provide the fresh-from-the-surf texture you’re craving, minus the crunchiness.  I blogged about it recently.  See link below.

The Dream Turban – DreamDry (great syling tool towel)

Hair Turban to keep frizz at bay
Hair Turban to keep frizz at bay –yay
 Treat your tresses with care by using this super absorbent turban (instead of a coarse towel) to speed the drying process without frizz. Thanks to a button-fastening you can easily go about your routine without it slipping out of place and the lightweight fabric won’t take up precious space in your carry on.
THE HEALTHY GLOW

Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Brightening Moisturizer

Juice Beauty SPF 15
Juice Beauty SPF 15
 Multi-tasking products are wonderful.  This organic brightening moisturizer with SPF 15  will help reverse existing skin damage and infuse your skin with hydration and protection so light you can wear it under your makeup.
summerboxIt’s like getting styled by Rachel Zoe all year long. Order your summer Box of Style now.
Each seasonal box promises to include $300 favorite fashion, beauty and lifestyle items hand-curated by Rachel and The Zoe Report Team. The necklace/ring combo alone is retail value $190 usd. And remember to tell them I sent you.  If you want to be really surprised just ignore the spoiler alerts leading up to mailout.

Because unfortunately your personality isn’t the first thing people see.

Style: freshly pressed

We’re always looking for ways to get rid of wrinkles. How about keeping your clothes, specifically linen looking neat and nicely pressed.linen3  I have a love/hate relationship with linen. Linen is the unofficial fabric of summer.  A perfect blend of sophisticated, natural and cool. Allegedly, it gets softer with each wash. But anyone who wears it knows how easy it is for creases to form which is the only downside to wearing linen.  It’s part and parcel of the material but too many creases can look sloppy.

linen4linen1I don’t know about you but I hate ironing.  I own an ironing board and an iron but can’t remember the last time I used them.  My wrinkle prone clothes are left to dry while they’re still damp or I steam iron with clothing on the hanger.  Much easier.

Except for men’s dress shirts and men’s dress pants and men’s dress jackets oh; men I don’t see the need for ironing. It might be relaxing but there’s simply no joy to it.

And it’s summer – who wants to iron?

Since linen is the fabric most likely to wilt and get all wrinkly within hours of putting it on:

Here’s how to bring it back to life in ten minutes (or less).

What you need: Access to a dryer, plus an ice cube

What you do: Toss your linen pants (or shirt or jacket) with the ice cube in the dryer on low. In ten minutes, all the wrinkles will be gone.

Why this works: As the ice melts, it lets off steam and creates its own de-wrinkling system in the process.

Whoa, your pants look freshly pressed. Hello, summer genius.wrinkle1

 Have any other material tricks up your linen sleeves?

Style: are you ready?

Every now and again we have to do a wardrobe check. 

Bette Davis & her eyes wearing a classic leopard-print something or other.
Bette Davis & her eyes wearing classic leopard-print.

It’s not easy to let go of some clothing. I’ve been going through my things and keeping on hand “only” those items which look good, fit properly (= well made), which is mostly comfortable, classic clothing mixed with some trendy pieces. Which leaves me with only two remaining outfits in my closet...but I believe if you have some key attire you can dress it up with great accessories like belts, scarves and all kinds of jewelery.  Of course, shoes and bags are important too, but like houses first you build a foundation.

Stripes are always "on trend" and tend to bring out your "inner French-girl"
Stripes are always “on trend” and tend to bring out your “inner French-girl

Certain things make it so much simpler to get ready when you’re in a hurry to get out the door. No more “what on earth am I going to wear” if you have a few go-to (= basic) pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease.  So here are some wardrobe staples to make it easier.  You probably already have most of them in your closet.

Not saying you should have only these staples in your wardrobe, but if you have them, you’re pretty much ready for anything. And I like to be ready for anything!

Starting with:

THE PERFECT WHITE T
THE PERFECT WHITE T SHIRT(s)

Just like dating men & vice versa, there is loads to choose from but you have to weed through a ton before you come across a good one. Having said that, V-neck or crew, slim fit or oversized, finding the right white tee can be tricky, but it’s totally worth the hunt. This staple is casual and comfortable without looking sloppy, and is perfect for pairing with everything from your favorite jeans to under a business suit.  Buy in multiples.

A NAVY BLAZER
A NAVY BLAZER

If you think blazers are limited to the boardroom, think again. This structured topper is actually pretty versatile, as seen above. Black might read a touch more corporate, but in navy, a tailored blazer (worn with everything from dress pants to boyfriend jeans) says you mean business but also have a keen sense of style.

WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT

How cool does this girl look? A slightly loose fitting button-down is relaxed, comfortable and super chic, in a crispy, borrowed-from-the-boys way.

CLASSIC TRENCH
CLASSIC TRENCH for Elements meets Elegance.

A timeless addition to any outfit, the classic trench never goes out of style. It also works for pretty much anyone, regardless of personal style. Think: an elegant Audrey Hepburn strolling along the Seine.  The one in photo is a Burberry but there are many other styles with many price points.

TAILORED BLACK PANTS
TAILORED BLACK PANTS

Various black pants will take you from work to the weekend, depending on how you style them. The difference between these and any other pair of pants is tailoring: You want them to be fitted but not overly tight.

clothes14

SILK CAMISOLE for LAYERING
SILK CAMISOLE for LAYERING

Whether peeking out from beneath a blazer or worn on its own, a silky camisole can read sweet (tucked into that A-line midi skirt) or sexy (tucked into a curve-hugging pencil skirt), depending on your mood.

DENIM JACKET
DENIM JACKET

Another all-season piece, a jean jacket adds an element of cool to any outfit. Draped over your shoulders with a breezy summer dress, it’s both relaxed and utilitarian.

WHITE PANTS (optional)
WHITE PANTS (optional) but super chic
JEANS that fit well in all the right places
JEANS that fit well in all the right places
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
LITTLE BLACK DRESS (es)

Ever gotten a last-minute dinner or drinks invitation and had no time to choose your outfit? That’s where the LBD comes in. A total workhorse, this should be a dress you’re comfortable in and can wear a bunch of different ways for a bunch of different occasions. On its own it’s fairly plain and simple, so you can also get a lot of wear out of it without anyone noticing.

Which brings me to some other options like a Tuxedo Jacket, Dressy Dress (for those special occasions) and different length size skirts.  And something edgy like:

Maybe a little SHOW STOPPER like Gene Tierney is wearing
Maybe a little faux SHOW STOPPER like Gene Tierney is wearing

Anything else?

 

 

 

Style: from land to sand

Get inspired by these bathing beauties from past to present.

Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly

It’s ALL about the Head Scarf

Rachel McAdams in one of my favourite films "The Notebook"
Rachel McAdams in one of my favourite films “The Notebook”
Who can forget Darryl Hannah in "Splash"
Who can forget Darryl Hannah in “Splash”
Liz Taylor "A Place in the Sun"
Liz Taylor “A Place in the Sun”
Rihanna getting swallowed up on the cover of "Harpers Bazaar"
Rihanna loves to take chances: on the cover of “Harper’s Bazaar”

That’s pretty much it for today

Do you have a favourite Style Icon?  I mean other than me!