Style: Spring in a Box

Everyone knows I love a surprise just as much as the next gal.

Not a scary surprise like someone jumping at you from out of nowhere and gives you a mild heart attack – just a fun pleasant kind of surprise. So you can imagine how happy I was to receive a…………..

Mystery girly Gift Box to celebrate Spring from the people over at the Zoe Report. The Zoe Report (if you don’t already know) is an online style destination curated by none other than designer, celebrity stylist, editor and all-around business woman extraordinaire, Rachel Zoe.

Of course I’m going to share with you all the goodies inside the beautifully wrapped box that everything came in. Even the tissue paper (above) is stylish. So adorably cute!

First I should tell you that anyone can order (up to a limited amount as they sell out) the set (s) online although the Spring Box of Style (shown above) is now sold out. The boxes will cost anywhere from $100USD for a one-time only gift box or $350USD for an annual set for each season (that’s 4 boxes). What you get inside is worth more than what you would pay for everything retail. Everything is chic and useful and the retail value of the contents are revealed as prices and links to websites are provided. The box I received was valued at $344 USD (before taxes) not including a deluxe size sample of La Mer Skin Concentrate (I’ll review this later on the beauty post). You can also get additional discounts (anywhere from 15 to 30%) off further orders on most items for a limited time should you desire.

When I first heard about this I thought “what a fabulous, fun idea” and I knew that it would be geared to fashion forward “women in the know.” So now to share:

In Photo above:

I can cross this off my bucket list — I can now cross this one off my “bucket bag” list

“The Sidekick” Leather Bucket Bag designed and made in L.A. Gorgeous custom go-with-anything caramel leather with suede lining. The best thing is that it’s super light, just big enough to carry all essentials and I love that I can wear it cross-body (especially good for dog walking). Cross body is my latest obsession. I know I’ll get so much wear out of this simple bag all Spring/Summer long.

Jouer Crème Eyeshadow Crayon – sultry with a little shimmer, perfect for evening.

Delicate Pave and Stone Cuff gold plated bracelet by Jules Smith – chic enough to stand on its own or layer with other jewelry. In other words, simply perfect.

Chic pair of great sound headphones by LSTN Sound Co – Wembley Earbuds.

A hair saviour dry shampoo by Klorane – discovered by RZ in Paris during fashion week. The one she recommends as “the one.” Who am I to argue?

Something to blot that midday ~~all day~~ shine with – Hollywood oil blotting tissues for a photo-ready look.

And if that wasn’t enough, a deluxe size sample (luckily a little goes a very long way) of the very expensive but effective miracle broth known as La Mer Concentrate. Ooh la la

Obsessed already?

Summer Box of Style will be shipped out in June. To Order:

http://thezoereport.com/shop/ Don’t forget to tell them that girlwhowouldbeking recommended you. XO

STYLE

Style: Wearable Art

The Black Leather Jacket Revised

Left: Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. Middle: Joseph Alturzzara. Right: Dries Van Noten — Left: Givenchy by **Riccardo Tisci** (men’s). Middle: **Joseph Altuzarra**. Right: **Dries Van Noten**

Never has the classic black leather jacket looked so good in so many different interpretations – 23 to be exact.

Barneys has collaborated with some of today’s top designers and most noted artists to create their own versions of the quintessential black leather jacket. The jackets were being auctioned off by International auction house Christie’s with proceeds from the sales going to benefit two art institutions (*White Columns and **The Centre).

The project pays homage to an iconic 1986 event in the original downtown NYC store location entitled Decorated Denim—in which customized denim jackets designed by prominent designers and artists were auctioned off to benefit an AIDS organization.

laying on the idea of the iconic black leather jacket, artist Rob Pruitt emblazoned his interpretation, 91 Notables Wearing Biker Jackets, with hand-drawn likenesses of those know for sporting the style, ranging from Marlon Brando and James Dean to Drake and Bart Simpson. — **Artist Rob Pruitt** emblazoned his interpretation, *91 Notables Wearing Biker Jackets*, with hand-drawn likenesses of those know for sporting the style, ranging from Marlon Brando and James Dean to Drake and Bart Simpson.

For the occasion, Barneys partnered with *White Columns, New York’s oldest non-profit art space specializing in emerging artists, as well as with **The Center, New York City’s LGBT community center, for an art-meets-fashion collaboration.

Designers including Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant, along with artists like Helmut Lang, Marilyn Minter, and Rob Pruitt, have all put their own spin on the wardrobe staple, some for men and others for women, and each with phenomenal results. From the edgy to the refined, from wild to elegant, each of these jackets is a true expression of its creator’s vision.

The Los Angeles-based artist Sterling Ruby has been quoted as saying, “I like to think about art as being similar to poetry. It can’t be proven. It just exists, and there’s an aura about it.”

There is definitely an aura about the leather jacket. I love a slightly tough but sleek black leather jacket that shouts SEXY, CHIC, COOL, EDGY and always in style!

How about you?

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: Garbe Luxe

INTRODUCING

Garbe Luxe Fall 2016 — **Garbe Luxe** (Fall 2016 Campaign)

A STYLISH LINE of comfortable, functional athletic/lifestyle wear that I think you should know about if you don’t already since it’s been getting press in magazines such as Elle, Vogue, Redbook and Shape. I’ve basically been living in my Garbe Luxe basic, seam and moto leggings and not just for going to the gym. For evening you can find me in the Luca pant – a little too often.

Cambridge Jacket, Henley T, Heide Sweatpant — Cambridge Jacket, Henley T, Heidi **Sweatpant**

Garbe Luxe is not only well made, the clothing fits beautifully (which let’s be honest, is our main objective) and looks good in all the right places. I wear the short & long bra tops for yoga or running and in the summer I love the various tanks and t-shirts. No doubt that they’re current and fashionable because they’re designed by my unfussy stylish friend Natalia MacLeod who is originally from Montreal and now makes her home in Los Angeles where everything is made. As soon as I found out that she was creating an athletic wear line I wanted it – whatever she wears I want because I always admired her simple, elegant style. She’s also exotically beautiful.

ABOUT:

GARBE LUXE is a contemporary collection of sporty edge styles perfect to take you from your workout and into your day. The collection is all about helping your athletic wear gracefully make the transition to the world beyond the exercise studio (très L.A.). Whether heading to a morning meeting, dropping off the kids or joining friends for lunch, GARBE LUXE has you covered so you always feel polished, confident and comfortable.

Paired back minimalism, luxurious fabrics, and mix-and-match options create sophisticated options for your on-the-go life.

Some of my go-to’s:

To VIEW current styles and to Purchase:

http://garbeluxe.com/

Get your GARBE on!

Art & Culture

ART/Design – Applauding Art Deco Style

Ultimately it’s the image of decadence that appeals to me.

Timing is funny. If not for the simple fact that I would no longer be alive, I think living in the 20-30’s might have been a perfect time for me. I’ve been meaning to do a post on art deco style for months now. I’ve kept these photos on file for when the timing struck me right to do something on it. I find the era and the architecture very significant.

After all, the roaring twenties conjures up images of glamour, vast ocean liners and prohibition-era hedonism. That period in time is specifically what attracted me to hanging around South Beach, that they’ve managed to keep the flavour alive through design and the remodelling of buildings and the ambiance in general.

When I lived in Montreal I was part of a dance scene in a made for TV movie (written by Mordecai Richler and directed by Claude Jutra) which involved hiring a dance instructor to teach us the Jitterbug and Charleston while dressed up in full costume – it was a blast. That was my first experience going back in time.

Fast forward to today. I’m part of a committee which puts on a big fundraiser once a year with a theme. As it so happens the theme everyone decided on for this year’s gala is Art Deco. So I can’t wait to get dressed up in some kind of attire that will invoke a refined elegance. Should be lots of fun with some research involved.

Rockefeller Center, including its centerpiece tower (seen here shortly before its 1933 opening and now familiarly known as 30 Rock) was primarily designed by architect Raymond Hood — **Rockefeller Center,** including its centerpiece tower (opened in 1933 & now familiarly known as 30 Rock) was primarily designed by architect Raymond Hood

Until then I will share some images of things I find interesting from that time period.

I have a bathtub just like this. I always wanted an old fashioned tub.

One of my other expressions of Art Deco are these statues on a Juliet balcony. — One of my other expressions of Art Deco fascination are these statues on Juliet balcony overlooking living area.

Georges Fouquet’s 1923 jade, onyx and diamond dress ornament is in the collection of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Funny; polka dots never go out of style. Maybe my next dog will be a Dalmation.

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: COACH gets a reborn identity at 75!

At 75 years old COACH is looking better than ever!

COACH VINTAGE Circa-1971 Coach Mahogany Leather Fringed Duffle Shoulder Bag - $995 — **COACH VINTAGE**
Circa-1971 Mahogany Leather Fringed Duffle Shoulder Bag – $995 USD

That can be due to a recent much needed facelift. It happens as we become more tired looking over time. However the Coach bags that I own have remained in very good shape over the years with no signs of diminishing. Almost like new. Of course it helps that I look after my stuff with kid gloves but mostly it has to do with the overall craftmanship. I always thought Coach never got the credit it deserves. Similar to another brand that makes beautifully well-made leather bags, Furla.

Coach is more widely known than Furla though, and loved by many. Most of us are familiar with the Coach logo (although I’ve never loved their bags with the highly recognizable logo written all over them – I prefer the hidden logo) and the attractive leather handbags are readily found in almost every city. Even though they’re well made using high quality leather and come in many colours and price points they never quite reached the “tops” in the designer bag category. They were considered a “starter” bag which sounds kind of snobby but I think it’s because you can find them everywhere and they have so many outlets. Also younger women can more afford them and if that’s the case and they’re made so readily available to the masses they are not deemed so ‘exclusive’. But that may change now as the brand becomes more upscale. It will be interesting to see what happens. They never had a problem selling but now they may become more sought after and appeal to a different demographic – a more sophisticated crowd.

COACH VINTAGE Circa-1973 Coach British Tan Leather Rip & Repair Small Dinky Bag $695 — **COACH VINTAGE**
Circa-1973 British Tan Leather Rip & Repair Small Dinky Bag – $695 USD

Not all about the BAG

They make more than bags you know and they have Stuart Vevers. Entering his third year as creative director for the brand, Stuart Vevers has revamped an American Classic into a brand every girl wants to wear again. A major feat. He is in charge of all creative aspects of the Coach brand, including Women’s and Men’s product design, brand imagery, and store environments. Since his takeover we can expect to see mini skirts and mod square-toed boots with a hint of bohemia & rock n’ roll details (studs, metallic, floral prints and leather – lots of it). It helps that cool girl Dree Hemingway is a model for them.

The ultimate nod is that they’re re-introducing some popular styles from the past – available exclusively at the exclusive department store Barneys no less.

COACH VINTAGE Circa-1972 Coach Black Leather Fringed Stewardess Bag $1,195 USD — **COACH VINTAGE**
Circa-1972 Black Leather Fringed Stewardess Bag – $1,195 USD

On the occasion of celebrating 75 years in the leather biz, the brand is taking a look back by launching three customized iconic vintage bags. The Dinky, Stewardess and Duffle were selected for the “Coach Vintage Collection,” sourced from collections all over the world, but originally created in NYC in the 1970s and 80s. Over 18 months, the bags underwent authentication and restoration processes before each was given one of three hand-applied motifs—Fringe, an homage to the American West, Rip and Repair, a nod to the baseball mitts that inspired the original founders of Coach and Vintage Stripe, a reference to classic Ivy League style. “This feels like the perfect way to honor our 75th anniversary by bringing together our heritage with something new in one project, “Vevers explains, “It was lots of fun creating these one of a kind pieces for Barneys.”

The limited-edition collection retails for $595-$1,195 and will be available exclusively at Barneys New York locations on Madison Avenue and Beverly Hills, as well as barneys.com.

THE BOOT: BANDIT Chelsea by Coach

Traditional Americana goes downtown in a cropped cowboy boot (always loved the cropped cowboy – maybe I’m a cowgirl at heart) colorblocked in black and oxblood leathers with a saddle leather gore and exotic embossing on the heel. This statement limited edition is finished with a low heel for all-day ease. Niiiice!

What do you think? Like or no like?

Girl Who Would be King

Feel-good Friday: just saying

CELEBRATING Chic to Chic

Fabulous Fashionable French Females

some of my favourite looks

Inès de la Fressange

Marion Cotillard

Have a wonderful weekend!

STYLE

La Parisienne – Famous French Style

Oh I think you know where I’m going with this…PARIS fashion week kicked off yesterday so right now is a good time to brush up on that French je ne sais quoi in all its forms.

To honour Fashion Week here are some Frencheccentric trendsetters of yesteryear and today worth taking note of. Starting with:

Josephine Baker

Nightclub performer Josephine Baker might have been American by birth, but she came as close to being a proper Parisian as a foreigner could get, becoming a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur after World War II. (Charles de Gaulle himself bestowed the honor upon her.) Baker first arrived in Paris in 1925, gaining acclaim for her sultry dances at the Folies Bergère. Her costumes were as famous as her moves, too—her banana skirt ensembles inspired a Prada collection, while her sheer crystal dresses were a reference for Rihanna’s unforgettable see-through CFDA look. Today, you’ll find traces of Baker in some of Spring’s more soigné slip dresses.

Anouk Aimée

French actress Anouk Aimée is perhaps most famous for her Golden Globe winning role in Claude Lelouch’s 1966 A Man and a Woman, but her offscreen style was just as noteworthy as her career-making role. In her ’60s heyday, Aimée preferred sultry yet simple pieces like cropped sweaters, fitted dresses, and flats. She was never one for accessories, choosing to complement her looks with a flick of winged eyeliner and expertly arched brows.

Sylvie Vartan

Chanteuse Sylvie Vartan rolled with the right crowd in ’60s Paris, calling Yves Saint Laurent one of her closest collaborators. That relationship bore some of the decade’s best outfits, like the two pairs of crystal-studded jeans Vartan and her then-husband, Johnny Hallyday, wore to perform a duet. Off the stage, she favored minidresses with girlish collars, Mary Janes, and plush furs, helping to define France’s nascent yé-yé girl movement. (Think of yé-yé style as the French equivalent of mod.) A just-released book on her taste, Le Style Vartan, chronicles her outfits in immense detail—all the better for re-creating them today.

Sonia Rykiel

The name Sonia Rykiel might conjure up visions of thin, patterned knits, but the wardrobe of the designer herself is much more varied. As one of Paris’s Rive Gauche trendsetters of the ’70s, Rykiel built up a reputation of being the woman with the best—and biggest—coat in the room. Underneath the voluminous outerwear, you’d find a mix of gamine pieces like jumpsuits and mannish trousers, styled with some of her namesake knits. There was a Sonia Rykiel store for years in Vancouver on Burrard Street but sadly it didn’t make it and closed shop – it did not appeal to the Vancouver crowd.

Niki de Saint Phalle

Sculptor and artist Niki de Saint Phalle made some of the most vibrant works of the ’60s through ’80s, which have just been honored in an exhibition in Paris’s Grand Palais. When she wasn’t wearing a caftan that rivaled the colors and patterns of her artwork, De Saint Phalle preferred simple, neutral pieces that she jazzed up with bold accessories like berets, pendants, and armfuls of bracelets.

Vanessa Paradis

Today’s runways have made a habit of applying highbrow taste to thrift store finds—something Vanessa Paradis has been doing for decades. The singer has been sporting slip dresses with shaggy furs, bohemian maxi skirts with boyish blazers, and skinny jeans with blouson tops since the ’90s, and continues to hone her eclectic style to this day. No wonder her daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, has such good taste at only 16.

Aymeline Valade

Model-turned-actress Aymeline Valade’s Saint Laurent tuxedo at the Cannes Film Festival was the stuff of red carpet dreams. Valade’s off-duty style is just as memorable, making everything from a Lacoste polo shirt to a dainty Chloé dress look all her own.

These women are all fine examples of how to embody personal STYLE

Photos: Getty Images

Source: Vogue Runway

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

STYLE and INSPIRATION

Out with the old, IN with the old recreatedI often wonder how fashion designers get it together to keep coming up with new ideas for something original and inspiring for every season (including “resort wear” which is considered another season in fashiondom which makes five) and all those nerve wracking make-or-break shows. Something that will make people excited to want to go out and buy that new shirt right away. To be “that girl.” Because you know the easiest way to transform yourself is through clothes – if you dress for your mood (not necessarily the occasion). Sometimes you see something totally wild. You can admire it (on someone else) but never consider it for yourself and sometimes it’s like….I like it but it’s been done before…again and again (maybe they’ve just added some more buttons, zippers or pockets but otherwise it’s the same). In any event you must be very creative to keep plugging away at it and try to outdo your last performance. Just as much pressure as a musician has to come up with a new hit, but not wanting to be totally typecast…….as a

The New World Order - Vintage Alaia Shearling Bomber Jacket — **The New World Order – Vintage Alaia Shearling Bomber Jacket (website below)**

Designer, Musician, Artist (one who paints + draws), Actor, Photographer, Chef, Writer……(blogger?) and even Politicians (The best reality TV drama going is Trump vs Cruz vs Clinton vs Sanders). I’ve been watching the U.S. debates like any other interested Canadian.

By being typecast I mean restricted to one style (a recognizable signature style such as a Picasso painting), that are the kinds of things that people “expect” of you . But even with Picasso, the style may be recognizable but it’s not “always” the same. You know what I mean. Maybe you eat the same cereal all the time but one day you put blueberries over top and another day strawberries. There must be an element of surprise.

In the mad crazy world of invention, everything seems to be intermixed lately. Fashion and Art, Art and Food, Beauty and Culture. A designer visits an art gallery and gets ideas for his next collection. Actors are models, models are actors and regular people are starring in their own version-of-reality TV series. It’s interesting.

For myself in general, I draw inspiration from everywhere. People, the media (like everyone else, is a big contributor) through TV, magazines, newspapers, online with other peoples blogs, music, books, stores, movies (amazing ones this season), art, travel, restaurants, nature and on the street. I’m usually more inspired when I’m travelling and things look different and fresh and I’m living more in the moment (which we say we should do but mostly do not). It’s not only for trying to come up with new ideas for the blog so it doesn’t get stale (I hope) but also in day to day life, in areas like cooking and finding a new recipe for fish or maybe trying out a new running route to keep from getting bored.

As for restaurants, why do you think Cauliflower is having a moment of fame right now trying to outshine Kale in many restaurants? The chefs have come up with some pretty incredible ways of serving it. It’s still the same vegetable but now it tastes so much better. We never thought of baking it with chilli and lemon before? Hell; I was just taken out to a popular restaurant and they had a delicacy of chocolate covered crispy chicken skin on the menu. When I asked the waiter what happened (like did the chicken fall into the pot of melted chocolate by mistake) I can’t remember but I think it actually did. In any event, it was a mistake. But one most people like because it’s new (if you didn’t know that it was chicken, it could be walnuts). And if it wasn’t served cold, it would be more greasy. Yuck! Not like the intentional chocolate covered bacon many chefs are now serving. At a party someone brought orange chocolate covered bacon. Really?? I went off again…but really…

I’m wondering how important any of this is to any of you? I believe inspiration is a big deal. At least something else to keep us going, a curiosity towards finding a different way, idea, recipe, whatever…

Isn’t that what life is about?

Some Inspiration when it comes to STYLE:

Portraits by Willy Vanderperre — **YOKO ONO – Portrait by Willy Vanderperre**

An online magazine featuring interesting women:

http://thegentlewoman.co.uk/library

The passage of time has been miraculously beneficial for Yoko Ono. While previous generations held grudges and questioned her motives, in the 21st century Ono is cherished for her provocations and wisdom. As a musician and multimedia artist since before the term was coined, Ono holds the rare position of courting a global audience without ever having to compromise her work, which is often wilfully impenetrable.

At the age of 77, Ono continues to think of the long-term, with two forthcoming exhibitions and a recent album, as well as progressing her ongoing project around the world, asking the masses to imagine peace. It is a message from which she will never waver.

Text by Liz Hoggard, Styling by Olivier Rizzo

Shopping Online:

The New World Order NYC: http://thenewworldordernyc.com/

Vestiaire Collective Website:http://www.vestiairecollective.com/

Shop the closets of fashion lovers from Paris, Berlin, Milan, New York City, and more. Mix ‘n match high street, luxury vintage and new pieces with Vestiaire Collective.

**Vestiaire Collective – St. Laurent Leather Biker Jacket**

WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION?

DESTINATIONS, Girl Who Would be King

Travel: On the Road – The Glamping Life in Style

There is a certain style to GLAMPING and it means No Tent Required.

Photo: Mikael Jansson, Vogue (OF COURSE, **YOU MUST DRESS THE PART)**

Nothing wrong with those adventurous, real outdoorsy, down to earth types who lug around a backpack and set up their tent and make a fire to cook their food. It’s just not for me at this stage (and it never was). But I love the outdoors, breathing in fresh air and sleeping partially outside.

I forgot my gown for this trip but at least I brought my heels - taken 3 years ago. — I forgot my gown for this trip but at least I brought my heels!

The next step up from tent camping is owning a VW Eurovan Camper that comes equipped with a fridge, a 2 burner stovetop, a furnace, 2 fold down beds (you can call it a two-bedroom but it’s a bit of a stretch), storage space, surround sound for music and a pop top so you can actually stand up and move around a bit. And a shower…out the back (you have to open up the back so it’s better in warm temperatures and it’s not always the best idea to use it completely naked). Just ask me how I know this!

The best thing about a smaller camper is that you get to park it almost anywhere rather than having to stay in an RV park. Almost…because many places don’t let you camp overnight just anywhere but there are countless beautiful state parks which means you can drive into a spot either right on, or much closer to lakes, rivers and the ocean. It feels like camping…just much more comfortable. That, and wearing my cashmere pajamas. Having a dog or two wagging along is a big bonus. In fact, I wouldn’t want to do it without them.

The added advantage of a smaller camper is we’ve ended up in places and spaces that could not accommodate a large RV, like the middle of the Redwoods, Ca, the Badlands in S. Dakota and on top of Dead Horse Canyon, Utah (where Thelma & Louise drove off that same cliff, we decided to take the slow road down). It’s an adventure in itself.

glamping with Debbie & a flask helps! — **glamping** with Debbie… *a flask comes in handy!*

Having a luxury RV like a Country Coach or Prevost is a way of life for many people and I can relate to the charm of life on the road and stopping here and there for a length of time. But you should see some of these RV’s…I’m talking luxury homes away from homes. Million dollar+ homes on wheels that are nicer than many people’s condos. I have a few friends who live like that. They have a home base but drive their luxe coaches from place to place and set up anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The true beauty of travelling this way is that you get to see so much more than if you were to hop on a flight to go straight from A to B. You must also have the luxury of time.

Owning a vehicle/home like a large RV means that you must reside in RV parks that are setup for that size of home away from home. There are only a few RV parks that I’ve encountered (one is “Outdoor Resorts” in Las Vegas where our friends stayed – it was beautiful with a huge outdoor living space complete with tiki hut, living area and kitchen) that I can imagine myself staying in, except no VW’s allowed. Anyway, it’s whatever works for you. These people end up paying each night to park, more than some hotels charge.

So even though I love the roominess of some RV’s I’ve come across, what I really want is…. drumroll…..an AIRSTREAM. Only people who really know me will understand this. Yes, since the first time I saw one I’ve wanted one. There’s just something about the Airstream. It has a caché of its own.

Owning one for camping purposes is the equivalent to owning a Vespa for scooting purposes.

Allright allright allright… it’s the stylishness I confess. I’ve been eyeing them for a while now. One guy even caught me taking pictures of a vintage model in Palm Springs a perfect place for one wouldn’t you say?.. and there I was snapping away and it turned out to be his Vintage Airstream. Then we had a whole conversation on them becoming more mainstream now (aw, I hate when that happens), more pricey and more exclusive and definitely a collectible. He owns two but has homes elsewhere….blah, blah, blah…(airstream talk). His name was Matthew.

If you don’t believe me just refer to the paragraph below from a recent article in Vogue Magazine. I mean….it’s Vogue, so let’s talk about style.

The first Airstream was built in 1929, and almost 90 years later, the iconic aluminum trailer still has quite a following: Matthew McConaughey and Lenny Kravitz are proud owners, and many restaurants, shops, and hotels have invested in Airstreams as new forms of food trucks, showrooms, or guest room options. And let’s not forget the Airstream’s supporting role in Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift’s BFF road trip for Vogue back in February.

See? I told you so!

Mini “V” and Airstream in Los Olivos, Ca. Adorable, and let’s just say – more affordable!

driving away in my red pickup truck

Stay tuned for Part Two

STYLE

Style: what to wear UNDER what you wear

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again… “it’s what’s underneath that counts”

jesus fernandez lingerie from Buenos Aires

It’s the slipperiness of the silk, the sauciness of satin, and the delicate lingering of lace that can make lingerie so arousing.

Lingerie (including corsets, camisoles and a few garters) has been a passion of mine for a very long time. It still is, but to a lesser degree because I already own so many pieces. It takes a special man to appreciate your lingerie…because when it comes right down to it we women know that most ~~all~~ men don’t care how nice your lingerie is. They just want to see us naked.

JF lingerie - I LOVE this complete outfit — JF lingerie – I LOVE this complete outfit

On the other hand, as you begin to remove whatever you happen to be wearing overtop (remember it’s Valentines Day this Sunday) isn’t it much more seductive to be seen in a lacy, racy number than in granny underwear? I’m just saying…..I think he’ll take notice even if he never says anything. Men have it so much easier. A nice pair of boxer shorts that aren’t torn to shreds (eww) – perfect!

JF lingerie lace triangle bra & panties — JF lingerie lace triangle bra & silk/lace panties

But honestly I’ve always been attracted to beautiful lingerie whether it be retro romantic, sexy, plain pretty or terribly trashy (reserved for special occasions). Keep in mind that interpretations of what makes underwear sexy varies from woman to woman, and from man to man. The sexiest part is the way it makes you feel…kind of like a signature perfume. In fact, nothing except your perfume gets as close to your skin.

Having said that, I also really like some of the sporty combos I’ve been seeing (since it doesn’t make any sense to wear lace to the gym). It gives you an underlying (ha, ha) confidence just knowing you have it on. A little secret.

That’s why I added lingerie to my repertoire of things to sell in boutiques and online. I found a special brand in Buenos Aires when I walked by a store that was closed – the mannequin in the window was wearing a set I wanted. It was very simple but extremely lovely and feminine (with no wiring, padding or anything of the like and I had never seen anything quite like it in North America) so I went back the next day and bought it then asked to speak to the owner. We had a meeting and I ended up getting the exclusive rights for sales in Canada at the time. The line sold very well to repeat customers who understood the workmanship, guys who wanted something special for their ladies and an actress who starred opposite Tom Cruise (filming a few scenes in Vancouver) who came into the shop directly from the airport specifically looking for lingerie. She mentioned seeing the ad I had put in the Vancouver Sun (for the first time) on the flight over from Los Angeles. She took several pairs into the dressing room and left with five sets.

It was a good run even with the complicated European sizing difference, but I decided to end the lingerie business to concentrate on other areas.

I like this quote from a Passion for Lingerie – “You know it’s a bad day when you put your bra on back to front and it fits better”

La Perla – LaPerla.com

Here are a few ideas of lingerie sets I think are simply sublime – although they won’t replace your can’t-live-without seamless t-shirt bras and commandos. Still…….necessary!

Kiki de Montparnasse - sold at net-a-porter.com Bra: $225 Panties: $155 Garter: $150 — **Kiki de Montparnasse** – sold at: net-a-porter.co

L'Agent buy Agent Provocateur. Sold at net-a-porter.com Bra: $110 Panties: $50 Garter: $65 — **L’Agent by Agent Provocateur.** Sold at: net-a-porter.com

My Love of Lingerie Board on Pinterest at: https://www.pinterest.com/girlwhowould/love-of-lingerie/

Tag: STYLE

Style: Spring in a Box

Everyone knows I love a surprise just as much as the next gal.

Mystery girly Gift Box to celebrate Spring from the people over at the Zoe Report. The Zoe Report (if you don’t already know) is an online style destination curated by none other than designer, celebrity stylist, editor and all-around business woman extraordinaire, Rachel Zoe.

Style: Wearable Art

The Black Leather Jacket Revised

Style: Garbe Luxe

INTRODUCING

ART/Design – Applauding Art Deco Style

Style: COACH gets a reborn identity at 75!

Feel-good Friday: just saying

CELEBRATING Chic to Chic

Fabulous Fashionable French Females

La Parisienne – Famous French Style

Josephine Baker

Anouk Aimée

Sylvie Vartan

Sonia Rykiel

Niki de Saint Phalle

Vanessa Paradis

Aymeline Valade

STYLE and INSPIRATION

Travel: On the Road – The Glamping Life in Style

Style: what to wear UNDER what you wear