2013 : a fashion resolution

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“Fashion fades, only style remains the same”

                                    Coco Chanel

With a new year comes thoughts of getting older (& wiser?), & with age comes an evolution of style. Many resolutions will be made when the clock strikes midnight, & one of those is, simply, to invest in classic & quality fashion pieces going forward. The older I get, the more I am willing to purchase fewer items that will last longer, & translate to many different looks. 

In this age of instant fashion-gratification, at the click of the button, it is so easy to be too influenced by the millions of images floating through the internets, too easy to confuse your taste & style by this abundance of inspiration. . . but finally, I have discovered my personal style -- & this is not to say I will never buy a 'fad' piece again, but it does mean I am a wiser fashionista coming into 2013 & with a few key fashion icons guiding me, I know this is a resolution I will certainly be keeping. . .

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Do What YOU Love

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ERDEM: A MISHMASH OF THOUGHTS, MUSINGS & DAYDREAMS

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*All images from Erdem

LANVIN

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I couldn't help but  giggle as I watched this charming video. . .

Print perfection | Penny Pickard by Steven Chee for Fashion Quarterly NZ

 

What a wonderfully glamorous editorial by Steven Chee for Fashion Quarterly NZ -- in a charming mix of prints & colours & a beautifully '60s silhouette -- these beguiling images certainly inspire a more thoughtful approach while dressing to do chores or daily errands . . .

 

Hoping your weekend is as glamorous as this --

Joey



*All images via Fashion Gone Rouge

No wardorbe is complete without. . .

a floor length evening jacket. . .  

* Image via here

No wardrobe is complete without. . .

a peplum. . . 

* Image via here  

Behind the scenes. . .

Intricate lace & soft embellishments, layers upon layers, a cloud of tulle- - gold jacquard, delicate embroidery, some last minute touch ups & then it's show time. . .  The Marchesa Fall/Winter 2012 show-- utterly breathtaking. . .

Bow

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Dreams are made of. . .

 Dreaming of fluttering eyelashes & layers of chiffon; of delicate beading & bejeweled skirts; of muted pastels & flowing trains; of cinched waists & feminine ponytails. . .

 

Since first laying eyes on Mr Elie Saab's Spring 2012 Couture Collection, can not stop thinking of every delicate, flowing, intricate piece in the collection. . . Have been a fan of Elie for as long as I can remember & every collection simply sweeps me off my feet-- the lace, the layers, the embellishment-- 'tis all far too dreamy for words. . . 

 

 

 I hope everything is wonderful where you are. . .

xx


*Images from here & here

As a lady would wear

* here

St. Valentine's Day: Naughty Weekend Away

* here

For St. Valentine's Day: Pretty in Pink

* here

Christmas Gifts: For Him

Christmas is almost here & today more gift ideas-- today, 'For Him'. . .  

1. Espresso machine-- for most, the only way to wake up each morning is with a strong, smooth coffee... A new coffee machine will make this job easier & the final product so much more delicious...

2. A jacket-- an often needed, but not often found item of clothing is a good jacket. Perfect for autumn days & cooler summer nights, a neutral & versatile fabric will find this piece being used again & again...

3. A day trip in a vintage car-- for many men, their boyhood dream of sitting behind the wheel of a beastly, powerful car still remains. Why not make a day of it & take a romantic trip up the coast? Another option for this gift is 'Hot Laps'-- they may not be driving the car, but will certainly be feeling the power as they sit in the passenger seat of a race car...

4. Cufflinks-- for the man who has everything, cufflinks may well be the answer...

5. A bicycle-- one of the most enjoyable & environmentally friendly modes of transport, a bicycle can be used for the daily commute to work or just for leisurely weekend rides...

6. Dress shirts-- a beautiful dress shirt is luxurious to the touch & if well cared for (* please see below for care instructions), will last season after season... Nautical hues are timeless as will as classic stripes...

7. Boat shoes-- timeless & the most comfortable of footwear... Nautical, sturdy, long lasting & ever-stylish, these shoes can be worn all year round & with shorts or slacks...

8. A newspaper subscription-- in the new age of computers & hand held devices, a newspaper is very seldom seen... Bring back this time honored tradition of reading the morning newspaper over a freshly brewed coffee before work...

9. Personalised calling cards-- another tradition that has faded away is the art of hand written notes. A set of personalised note cards with matching, lined envelopes will give your beau the opportunity to write short letters, thank you notes & the occasional love letter too...

* Dress Shirt Care Instructions

Ironing

• Begin to iron your dress shirt by beginning with the underside of the collar. Smooth away from the collar points towards the back of the neck. Continue by ironing the front of the collar.
• Next, iron the yoke area from the neck outwards, and then iron the pleats in the same direction of the fold.
• Iron the cuffs of your shirt inside out as well. Put the sleeves down flat and iron upwards toward the shoulders.
• Don’t forget to iron the other side of the shirt sleeve before moving on to the next sleeve.
• Iron the body of your shirt by starting at the top and moving downwards towards the hem.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dress Shirts

• Ironing your shirt: Check for stains before you begin to press your shirt. It must be clean, or you will set the stain into the fabric. To remove stains such as ink, you can purchase an over-the-counter ink stain remover or use a home remedy such as rubbing alcohol. Remove red wine stains by pouring white wine over the mark and laundering again.
• If you don’t have good quality steam iron, you should try to iron your shirt when the fabric is damp. You can press it far more easily to remove all wrinkles, and it’s less likely that you will damage your shirt in any way.
• Spray your cologne on your body instead of on your shirts. Wait for it to dry before dressing, as cologne can stain your shirt permanently over time.
• Check dress shirts occasionally for damage or needed repairs. Keep your eyes open for loose threads and buttons.

Storing

• Hang your dress shirt on a supportive hanger such as a wooden one or a thicker plastic one. If the hanger has firm shoulders, it will prevent unsightly bumps. Wire hangers are not recommended for your shirts.
• If you store your shirts from season to season, be sure to have them washed before packing them away. Store them in a plastic case to prevent insects and odors from reaching your dress shirts during storage.

Top sider shoes, $80
Men's Versini Blue Dress Shirt - Men's Wearhouse
Glen Plaid Scottish Tweed Hackett Jacket, £450
Capresso Impressa Z7 Machine, $2,999
Jack Spade | Jack Spade Stationery, $20
Lanvin Gunmetal and Onyx Cufflinks | MR PORTER, £145
Allant - Trek Bicycle
Vintage Cars
Newspaper - Good News Travels Fast, Bad News Travels Faster

Christmas Gifts: For Her

Now less then 2 weeks until Christmas & the shopping centers are full, the Christmas lights are sparkling & the smell of baking shortbread is in the air.... Christmas time can be the cause of much stress & many anxious nights-- wondering if your loved ones will love the gifts you give them as much as you have loved choosing them... If you still have not found the perfect Christmas gift, here is a list of perfect gifts 'For Her'...

1. Lingerie-- it sounds racy, but what girl doesn't love to wear pretty, lacy underthings? & with so many beautiful options out there, half the fun will be choosing them...

2. A scarf-- the ever versatile accessory-- hung loosely around the neck, tied in the hair, looped around handbag handles or tied snugly around the neck in winter-- the most used & long loved item in a girls closet...

3. A bag-- with so many beautiful, classic options gracing the runways & stores, a bag is now an investment piece. Don't buy into fads of trends-- choose a neutral colour & a classic structure & this present will last your loved one for many, many years to come...

4. A watch-- the classic time piece. When chosen wisely is also an investment in style. Man style is on trend, but so many out there with subtle, feminine twists-- rose gold, diamonds, & mother of pearl to name a few...

5. Shoes-- every girl adores her shoes-- & a pair of classic pumps will have your loved one squealing with delight on Christmas morning. Look for neutral colours & classic styles with subtle embelishments.

6. Flowers-- when all else fails- flowers. A bunch of perfect, luscious, baby pink peonies will fill your house with their subtle aroma & brighten any room for at least 2 weeks, with proper care. (*See below for flower care tips...)

7. Jewelry-- Tiffany's, Cartier, Harry Winston to name a few-- a piece of jewelry will be with your loved one for life. Choose a timeless style in the gold that she wears & this piece could very well become an heirloom...

8. Luxurious beauty products-- lip balms, body butters & body oils will be a daily, luxurious treat for your loved one. Beautifully scented & silken to the touch, these products will bring opulence to the every day....

*Flower Care:

-Select the vase you wish to use and make sure it is clean. If it isn't scrub it out in the sink with a little detergent, or even better, a little bleach in water. Now fill the vase with COLD water, and add a sachet of flower preservative.

-If you have a pre-made arrangement, take it out of the wrapping paper, and roll the rubber band or ties away from the stem ends. Strip any leaves off the stems that would be underwater. If you have purchased a bunch, or want to make your own arrangement, cut the rubber bands or ties, and strip every leaf from the lower half of each stem.  

-Cut 1-2 cm off each stem end, then place your flowers in water IMMEDIATELY. 

-Put your flowers in a cool position. Don't place the vase in direct sunlight, or near a heater or in a warm draught.  

-Make sure you top up the vase water with fresh water + preservative every day. Make a complete change of water every 3 days or so.

Charlotte Olympia high heel pumps, $840
Victoria Beckham leather tote handbag, $2,995
MICHAEL Michael Kors rose gold watch, $250
Yellow gold jewelry, $1,650
Hermes scarve, $385
Lip Balm by Christian Dior on Dior Beauty website
Perfect Peonies « The Buzz Blog || Diane James Home
Soutien-gorge STELLA MCCARTNEY soie - Be.com

Christmas Sparkles. . .

That time of the year when everything is so much sparklier-- especially the jewels. . .  Can not think of a more perfect way to finish of your Christmas outfit then with one of these delectable embellishments. . . 

 

Christmas Sparkles. . . by amour-love 

Christmas Gift Idea's

 

The time of the year when we must buy special gifts for our loved ones & as years go by, can be quite difficult to think of new gifts to give that show just how much you care. . . So have come up with some darling gifts suitable for all budgets & in will bring joy year after year. . .

1. A picnic hamper already filled with macarons & champagne; a picnic blanket & some delicious cheeses & sourdough bread & fruit; some insect repellant & some tickets to an outdoor theater show-- ready to use, with everything you will need for a beautiful night under the stars.

2. A subscription to glossy box-- each month a beautifully wrapped box of beauty products will arrive at their doorstep. . .  Truly the gift that keeps on giving.

3. A subscription to their favourite magazine-- another gift that gives month after month. Imagine their excitement when checking their letter box to find a lovely new glossy just waiting to be read!

4. A cashmere throw will be a staple for the rest of their life-- perfect for an aeroplane trip or as a shawl on a cool spring night-- purchase in a neutral colour to ensure it will match any outfit.

5. Personalised stationery-- with the art of letter writing slowly becoming obselete, why not give a beautiful set note cards & envelopes, with a beautiful pen to encourage an afternoon spent writing to faraway friends.

6. A delectable box of truffles will never be received without a smile-- bu why not bake your own batch of sweet little delights & gift them in a beautiful box & bound up with a festive bow. A home made gift is always appreciated.

7. A french coffee press will excite the senses as your loved one prepares each cup of coffee. While waiting for the coffee to steep, their house will be filled with the intoxicating scent of  freshly brewing coffee.

8. Delicate crystal Christmas ornaments will bring joy to your loved one year after year as they decorate their tree. Why not add a new ornament to their collection each year?

9. A beautiful tea cup & tin of tea-- each day as they brew a fresh cup of tea, you will not be far from their mind. . .

10. Receiving a beautiful plant is as lovely getting flowers-- especially given it will bring them joy for a long time after a bunch of flowers has died. . .

Christmas Gift Idea's by amour-love on polyvore.com