Bouffant was never made for buffoons

Today I bring you leopard bouffant and feathers, snapped straight from the défilé at Chanel couture not too long ago.

Thanks to Mr. Newton's impeccable photography skills, our subject truly comes to exemplify excess, yet in an undeniably beautiful way. A vision in a bouffant dress, she definitely makes us "normal" dressers look like buffoons. I mean seriously, not many can pull off the extra fun and outrageous look. And if you're extra curious about the origins of leopard print on dress, you can just give it a clicky and revert to an older post.

Revisiting the Turban {Take Two}

Turban: a London find, but you can find similar ones here and here

Back in November, I gave you a brief little history lesson on the Turban, coupled with a few inspirational pictures and shots taken on my trip to London. Well, here are some shots of me (tweeted here too if you remember, or not), sporting my own glamorous head piece. Call me bohemian, gypsy aficionado or Loulou lover, I blame my turban obsession on Winter. Seriously though, what other statement piece can keep your ears and head warm on a night out in the cold?

And if you wear a lot of black like me, you surely won't go unnoticed with a pop of color. Even better, pair that with a little rouge on your lips and you'll be sure to stand out from the crowd. So what's your take on the turban eh? How would you wear it out?

Ride your rad red pants with a hint of leopard

jacket: H&M, pants: GAP, oxfords: Boutique 9, bag: Kelsi Dagger (find an inspired version here), necklace: Vera Wang

All chic experts know that the trick to a glamorous outfit isn't to show off more skin, but to spice it up with vivid colors and prints. And that's exactly what our beloved Melody did. Her gold oxfords are an intentional yet subtle reminder of her fabulous leopard satchel, and the red corduroys are definitely a crowd-pleaser in streets reigned by dark and neutral hues.

Evocative of Nantucket summers and preppy lifestyle, red pants have long been a hallmark of New England style. Yet when paired with a hint of leopard je ne sais quoi, they truly become rocker appropriate. And boy are they the trend these days, spotted on style icons such as Alexa Chung and Nicky Hilton--with a leopard satchel too. Damn Melody, you've got it all right!

Nicky Hilton

So what will it be--are you planning on wearing red pants this season, and if so how will you style them: preppy or rocker style, with a hint of leopard?

A casual chic look...from runway models to fashion lovers

cardigan: et vous, t-shirt: Zara, legging pants: Joseph, ballet flats: Giuseppe Zanotti

Recognize those sparkling toe-cap ballet flats? Little did you know there was a sequel to Monday's post! It's not that I got cold feet about posting the rest of my outfit, no. I just thought I'd show those jewels off a little before I show you how they can be comfortably styled, on iconic models and fashion lovers alike. 

Now here's how I exactly sported them. Dressed down for a casual Sunday look, my Zanottis certainly made the best friends I'd ever want to take out on a date at the MoMA: quietly walking through the exhibitions and happily scintillating each time I look at them. Pairing them with a light and semi-sparkling grey top guaranteed for them to get even more noticed, amid the explosion of navy in my outfit. 

And there it is: the smile that follows with comfortable feet and chic. Conveniently enough, the above pictures well represent the evolution of style that trickles from model and fashion icons to style dissectors. If you don't believe me then see it for yourself below...

Kate Moss

If Kate Moss endorses the fabulously chic look, then you should too!

The toe-cap ballerina flat, an invention turned into fashion staple

Exactly 55 years ago, Coco Chanel launched her famous two-tone showstopper pump: a sleek beige chassis with an trendy black toe-cap, inspired, like most of the designer's innovations, from men's sportswear. Now, a half-century later, the toe-cap has turned into one of Chanel's trademarks, featuring almost on every pair of shoes designed. The ballerina toe-cap flat is quite possibly the most popular piece out of them and reappears each season, as a classic or reinterpreted with added edge. Indeed, it is so dearly coveted that other fashion brands have borrowed the toe-cap ballerina concept and restyled it in their own way. This Fall/Winter season has surely welcomed Giuseppe Zanotti's reinterpretation of the staple, embellished with crystals and a T-bar strap. 

crystal embellished ballet flats: Giuseppe Zanotti

Now to you glamorous city girls out there, what could be more comfortable and stylish than a sleek pair of Chanels or Zanottis (like mine), equally laid back with well worn jeans and vintage tees, happy to attend midnight suppers, then get up early the next morning for a long trek to the office? I mean seriously, it is difficult to imagine any other single shoe that so seamlessly takes the place of both sneakers and evening sandals, while managing to look effortless and fabulous.

Ode to those warmer days with the cult of the trench

Happy New Year lovelies. While I recover from my jetlag and the culture shock that is the NYC freezing cold, I thought I'd share my last pictures in Paris and look back at those warmer days that inspire the cult of the trench. 

Have you ever wondered how and why the trench coat was introduced and became such a style icon? Well, I may have a few answers to your burning questions. The trench coat was developed as an alternative to the heavy serge greatcoats worn by British and French soldiers in the First World War. 

The debate surrounding the invention of the trench coat concerns both Burberry and Aquascutum, as both claim to have invented the garment. While Aquascutum claims to have created it in the 1850s for officers in the Crimean war, Thomas Burberry submitted a design for an army officer's raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office in 1901, using gabardine as the base of his popular trench coats. Credited with creating this unique wool material in the 1870s Burberry guaranteed that the gabardine repelled water, was durable, virtually cease-proof and resistant to the elements, while remaining porous and well-ventilated enough to be comfortable and cool for the wearer. Regardless of who the true inventor was, both Burberry and Aquascutum manufactured trench coats for military use in WWI and WWII, as these garments were ideal for harsh weather conditions. 

The Burberry trench coat on WW1 soldiers

Demand for the trench coat eventually rose among civilians, as it was ideal for both businessmen and women alike. In her book The Classic Ten: The True Story of the Little Black Dress and Nine Other Fashion Favorites, author Nancy MacDonell Smith looks at cultural examples to explain the magnetism of this trend. “You’re never at risk of looking trite in a trench coat. It’s a garment that means business,” she says. She goes on to say that it is that precise nature of the trench that makes it so compelling. “You may look all buttoned-up when you’re wearing one, but underneath you could be any number of things.”

trench coat: W118 By Walter Baker

A wardrobe classic, the trench has always kept its structural integrity despite being reinterpreted each season. It is truly a timeless piece and its multi-seasonal fabrics and colors make it appropriate for all occasions. Explore the cult of the trench even further with the Art of the Trench by Burberry and check out my version of this iconic piece if you're in a rocker chic frenzy like me!

Enjoyed my recollections above? Until they come back to us, prepare for those warmer days with your own trench! 

Make it a Furry New Year

Sorel Wild Wooly Wedges via Street Peeper

As the inevitable Winter winds make their way towards us and we are only getting closer to 2012, it is time to set our New Year resolutions. Why not start with a promise to take care of ourselves and stay warm this season with some Sorel Wild Wooly Wedges? Funny how apres-ski gear can become street-wear necessity. Whether you are vacationing up in the mountains or casually walking the city streets, you'll rock these little babies all the same. A casual wink at Chanel's FW 2010 edition, this sporty version is sure to be your new best friend on those extra cold days. And for probably about the sixth of the price, why wouldn't you indulge--and really, do yourself a warm and practical favor?

From left to right: Sorel vs. Chanel FW 2010

Alright, have I convinced you yet? Don't you want to make it a Furry New Year? Just clicky clicky!

Alerte Rouge: give into the arm candy

My visual appetite has definitely been satisfied to say the least, since Tommy Ton's Jak & Jil comeback. If you ever questioned the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words", you may very quickly settle your doubts with this one. The pop of rouge captured in this shot was definitely intentional--not only to create an aesthetically pleasing scenario, but also to reaffirm an already existing trend that is slowly but surely taking over the streets of major fashion cities. This trend--or craze should I say--is nothing more but that of a little red bag playfully hanging on every fashion insider's shoulder, or as shown above, held like a delicate treasure for those more emotionally involved with their wares. 

Ladylike, tomboy material or school girl friendly, the little red bag is easily suited to your personality. Celine's Box bag will be your arm candy at your favorite luncheons and soirees, while Chanel's Boy edition will affirm your ability to be ultra funky yet chic. Lastly, Chloe's small Marcie leather satchel will bring out the mischievous little girl in you and only give you more attention with its cute curves. 

from left to right, the little red bag: by Celine, Chanel & Chloe

Although the choice is quite tough, I'm sure you have a favorite already. So tell me, which one are you leaning towards? 

Studding and spiking: a fiercely dangerous affair

Runways and streets have been welcoming studs and spikes for more than two years, with a pinch of extra fun each season. Rest assured dear readers, we won't be turning into punks and causing anarchy anytime soon. Designers have embraced this new ‘dangerous’ trend attaching spikes and studs to just about anything worthy of a fashion statement. Indeed, this Punk trademark is now decorating the sleeves, collars, pockets, feet, waists, heads and carrying items of all style aficionados.  

images via JAK & JIL

Despite today's studs and spikes craze, the trend originally started out in the 1970s. Punks began customizing their wardrobe as a sign of rebellion so they would not conform to a typical stereotype, opting for shredding and ripping garments among other methods. Looking back at the Punk era, Vivienne Westwood was one of many who were heavy influences due to their controversial connotations. In the 1980s it became increasingly common for street punks to incorporate studs and studded spikes to their looks. This is said to be because they wanted to look untouchable. Not only did they include studs as part of their clothing, but they also added them to wrist bands, dog collars and any other accessory they could get their hands on.

Punks wearing customized studded leather jackets

And now, my own collage of studded marvels for your viewing (and shopping) pleasure:

lace-ups: Christian Louboutin, wrap around bracelets: MOJO, leather jacket (on sale!): Lot78, shirt: Reverse, Parsa bracelet: LeiVanKash

If you like what you see, do a little clicky clicky. Come on don't be shy, you know you have a little fierce in thee!

Boticca's personal gift guides will make you love Xmas shopping!

Scrambling for last minute gifts and still looking for them to be as unique and special as possible? Rest assured dear readers, Boticca's haven of unique jewelry and accessories will come to your rescue. It surely has come to mine with beautifully eclectic trinkets (or, let's just face it...my wardrobe's, simply because I own them and did not gift them). The site's beautifully curated personal gift guides have touched all three sides to my personality: the French girl about town and her love of all things fashion with a LeiVanKash rose gold skull bracelet, to an NYC based globetrotter with a Toosis gold and amethyst ring, and a Persian classic queen (after all, Roxanna was of noble descent and also a wife of Alexander the Great! Yeah!) with an Eddera Greek leaf headband. 

Greek leaf headband: Eddera

Worn with a cocktail dress or with a casual comfy sweater as shown above, this head jewel adds a festive feel to any outfit. Rich in multicultural influences, this Greco-Roman laurel wreath lookalike will serve as the talisman of good fortune and lend a Cleopatra look to its wearer. Any girl lucky to receive this showstopper piece will look as ravishing as a goddess. Seriously, can you think of a better symbolic gift to buy for your friend or loved one at the dawn of the new year?

rose gold skull bracelet: LeiVanKash, one of a kind raw amethyst ring with a flower: Toosis

If she's big into vintage looking rings and semi-precious stones, she will never want to get this amethyst ring off her finger. The feminine frailty evoked by the gold flower beautifully balances out the raw edginess of the stone it adorns. Moreover, the hand crafted nature of this piece makes it truly unique, redefining the meaning of antique and causing Lalaounis' industrially designed Byzantine and Hellenistic collections to be at a closer proximity with modernity (who knew?). With that said, such an original ring will compliment both the classic and contemporary look, so her style should not make you second doubt whether you chose the right present! And if she is adventurous and has an urban rocker side to her personality, a skull bracelet will only make her smile mischievously. With the rising trend of rose gold in jewelry, you'll be sure to set her at the forefront of fashion with this statement piece!

How perfect would these gifts look under her Christmas tree? Judging by the look on my face, I implore you to indulge: for her that is-- and given the extensive list of gift guides featured, maybe for you too?!

The Kooples...reinvented.

Ever pondered over the meaning of the proverb "birds of a feather flock together"?  I hereby give you a fine example that will hopefully help you understand: the highly fabulous and dissectable styles of Shear and Jens. Both matching in colors and stylish nonchalance, our pair successfully displays a neo-dandy hipster elegance made for urban living, from wool blazers to fur coats, studded boots to jewels, aviator sunglasses to fedora hats, and a state of mind hungry for the timeless youth, experienced only during the wee hours of the nightlife. 



On Shear - coat: vintage, shirt: American Apparel, denim shorts: Levis, boots: Steve Madden

Smiling through her aviator shades, Shear awaits her partner in crime. Just look at her: effortless from head to toe. Don't you underestimate mixing the denim, biker chic and animal print trends - she looks glorious.

On Jens - blazer: vintage, shirt: Tommy Hilfiger, jeans: Cheap Monday


Alas, Jens has arrived annnnd...it's a tie (or a red neck scarf really)! Our subjects' versatile style definitely turned heads. I will leave it up to you to decide whether it was more intriguing by day or night...but regardless of the hour, their choice of outfits and demeanor certainly gives a new meaning to the essence of The Kooples.

 

A last and closer look at their trinkets and we have a paradoxal moment: their carefree gaze at the day's passersby is contradicted by carefully handpicked jewelry and accessories to match their clothing. Aren't they just special? They know they are...and they should!

Who put the Rad in Plaid?

Plaid: it’s what unites all true hipsters and fashionistas these days. Oh, and it also includes Scots. So who put the Rad in Plaid? See how it all (rebelliously) began...

Tartan, known as plaid in North America,  is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors.Tartan was originally a sort of uniform for distinguishing the many clans in the Highlands and islands of Scotland and can be traced as far back as the middle of the 5th Century to Ireland, where the Scots originated. Although it was then introduced in the form of kilts and not trendy button-downs, plaid symbolized the rebellion against the English so much so that authorities banned it after the Scottish rebellion of 1746.

Plaid was further associated with rebellion in the 20th century and particularly around the women's liberation movement, who reclaimed the plaid shirt in the1960's as a statement against its association with men in the physical labor force. It was also embraced in the grunge scene in the 1990s. Just like skinny jeans in 1980s punk culture, grunge produced a style that challenged what was considered uncool and revamped the plaid shirt all over again while rebelling against the establishment, just like their predecessors.

Today the revival of plaid in fashion is particularly owed to the late Alexander McQueen. For McQueen, tartan—the visual signifier of clanship throughout Scottish history—was a reference to his own Scottish heritage as well as to Scotland's turbulent political history.

Alexander McQueen ensemble, Widows of Culloden collection, AW 2006-2007. Dress of wool tartan, top of nude silk net appliquéd with black lace; underskirt of cream silk tulle. Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  

New York street style, rocking the plaid. Left: red plaid APC poncho coat. Right: plaid pants. Images via Streetpeeper. 

So, have you rebelled yet? It's okay, you're allowed just this one time...in the name of fashion!