chic simplicity

Dries Van Noten: cavorting with women from my village

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:23:00 PDT

My collection of print skirts — not much of one, so I use the word "collection" loosely — reveals my (almost) unequivocal love for Dries Van Noten (and Marni) prints. The shimmering silks and brilliant palettes exude a refined air of self-assuredness; paired with monotone tops, the effect is a lesson in elegant sublimity. I wish they'd paid me for my plugs on twitter during the early summer months. I also use the term 'summer' very loosely. Some sorting out... Haven't I declared this string of...

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Burberry Prorsum (a short letter to my cousin)

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:45:00 PDT

Yesterday evening, my lovely cousin signed into facebook and told me — very simply — that she wasn't going to the Burberry show/after-party with this oh so handsome male model (totally drool-worthy, no joke!!). *Cue:green-eyed, suffocating gasp* I still can't decide if I'm teed off she refused a rendezvous with Mr. model,1 or the fact that this was Bur!berry! we're talking about!! Dear Cousin, W.h.y?!!!!! I've a reserved love-hate relationship for Burberry. It's complicated.2 Anyhow,...

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mr orwell.

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:13:00 PDT

Pleasantries. And more pleasantries. *snickers* I've been to London to see the Queen. Speaking of, I'll get straight to the point, the stingray Orwells from Mr Hare in London (now available at Oki-ni and Dover St. mkt. Le sigh. Dover St!). I've been dying to write about these shoes; but, as my (paternal) grandma would say, "procrastination is the theft of time, and..." I'm just getting to it. [A moment.] I'm at a loss for words, really, to describe — adequately — how I feel about these...

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chic simplicity life lesson #99: b is for bold-colored blazer

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:51:00 PDT

For reasons completely unidentified ― and really, inconsequential whatever they'd be ― I want a cherry red blazer. I've been admiring these two pieces for the past month or so. You might say there's nothing incredibly remarkable about either blazer, especially to warrant their RRPs. True. But doesn't the cherry brightness just make you cheery. I've resolved to keep an eye out for Rag & Bone's piece, pictured right, (Browns) (and Neiman's, Bergdorf's, and Barneys, in store) once it's sale...

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a little pep in your step (boys)!

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:46:00 PDT

As I contemplated what'd recently caught my eye in men's fashions ― but, never really taken root in my consciousness because, well, I'm not shopping for any men! ― I exhausted my brain recalling some of the most inspiring and innovative contemporary brands/names I'd heard floating around. An hour, two crosswords and a slice of quiche later... Nope, nothing. You see, for 'it' to have even the slightest bit of flair for the typical gentleman, (true, even when dressing women) one has got to...

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le smoking

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:30:00 PDT

I have this thing: a love for women ― no, no men this time, just women ― smoking in fashion eds. I know, I know... whatever. And you know, it's really a complex concept that measures, very carefully, the chicness factor and (usually) sex appeal of the entire spread. I don't feel like writing or I'd go into detail. Maybe sometime later, when I forget completely that I sat through Larry King interviewing Joan Rivers' face the other night. No, I still don't know what they were talking about. I...

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mlle roitfeld: cnn

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:50:00 PDT

Bonjour tout le monde. Oui, c'est Mlle Roitfeld! Je paresse ...pense à son éclat parisien. CNN Video: Carine Roitfeld La fin. xoxxxo Tu ceci appele une entrée ?!! Shame haha

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soft iridescence (and a djebellah i'm crazy for) from sophie theallet

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:09:00 PDT

It's the airiness of the overlaid, silk chiffons in her spring pieces; each layer, a single color ― primarily ― emerging softly, shimmering into a mellow iridescence. It's what struck me about Sophie Théallet's first showing at NY fashwk last September. Then, add a smattering of floral: subdued, and yet, eye-catching, eye-pleasing.Pics: Style.com, Top: Spring. Bottom: Fall. Just as I sat musing about the Native American influences in Théallet's fall collection (on her (seemingly) bohemian...

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prada transformer

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:43:00 PDT

I'll be b.a.c.k. Meanwhile, do click on the absolute spectacularity that is the Prada Transformation concept: a structure composed of (four) distinct shapes, which rotates according to one of four events it's expected to host at any given time. It's currently being built in Seoul; construction started in Feb. You must watch the video! I only found out about it yesterday. I'm completely amazed; but I do have a few questions. Most importantly, "Where will the internal bits i.e. furniture, design...

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adeline andre (i, personally, prefer seven arm-holes please)

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:53:00 PDT

Speaking of Parisian couture, I've had this a bit now... The subdued Adeline André, who hosts her enduringly effortless couture collections fondly dubbed Top-of-wear pieces thinks an aquamarine blue seven arm-holed knee-length dress is just fine for fall, and I agree. What makes this piece especially endearing is its layered skirt, which at first glance, is simple enough. But, on further inspection, one realizes it simply must've taken some measure of fastidious perfection to get it to fall...

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chic decadence

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:05:00 PDT

Carrying on ― as though I haven't got some 'splaining to do, except to say I think melancholy prods the frozen recesses of my soul, so a post for my records it is ― did you know I first titled my fashion memoirs CHIC DECADENCE? Yup, it's true, and you can totally see it, can't you?! I think the decadent part is really a combination of my burgeoning (just plain-old greedy) desire for truly luxurious fabrics that I can't even afford; my mother's impressions on me, growing up, unveiling a...

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seven photographs that changed fashion (rankin)

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:08:00 PST

I'm sure the folks at BBC4 are wonderful people, I just don't know why they refuse to keep their docu videos online for more than a week! So I went on youtube... Benevolent user Watoic ― however shall I repay you, doll?? ― has the entire documentary following acclaimed photographer, John Rankin Waddell bka Rankin, as he recreates his most inspiring and provocative images shot by fashion's most revered photographers. Truly captivating. Provocative kisses, swollen lips.

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sheer body (bebaroque)

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:57:00 PST

(My second younger sis and) I had to do a bit of cleaning this past weekend. (Daddy came into town. *happy grin*) In need of gobs of motivation, I switched to MTV Hits on TV, alternating between two or three other music channels. The music blaring, an approving glance ― at regular intervals ― at the crazed woman ― staring back at me ― shaking her seemingly detectable tush in and out of brilliant contortions, I was making progress: a clean square of space for every five minutes of...

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seemly avant-garde: YSL spring 2009 collection (the new power suit)

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:27:00 PST

mood: sombre. YSL 2009 refashions! the new power suit (a sharply tailored gray jumpsuit).*ow!* I want to kiss Stefano Pilati. Worthy of mention, eons ago, (2007), Mr. Pilati showed the now-seemingly ubiquitous harem/dhoti/*flo'-rider* pants1 (oooh go Flo Rider!! Actually, it might be 'Rida'!! But, whatevs. I'm unbecomingly proud of my pop culture knowledge.). Like I was saying, that's just how innovative Mr. Pilati is. So much I could write about these pieces... Refined, but restrained;...

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chic challenge: fair-trade, eco-friendly full skirt a la oscar de la renta

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:56:00 PST

So, I've come up with a challenge for myself; I want to find a gorgeous 'printed' full skirt (knee-length) like Oscar de la Renta makes, but it must be produced with fair-trade organic fabrics. I know, it's daunting! But I'll see what comes of it. As no one can tuck and gather like my darling adopted God-father1, Mr de la Renta; I know I'm setting myself up for disappointment already. But notice, I didn't say I just want this skirt instead of one of Mr de la Renta's... (I'll leave it at...

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labour of love

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:46:00 PST

Speaking of, for the most inexplicable of reasons I've become delightfully enamored of these Labour of Love jazz shoes. Paired with cigarette ankle-length trousers or short shorts, they'd be so chic!! This patent fuschia pair is wild!! But, they come in fourteen!! pretty colors. At Far Fetch. Bubblicious bubble-gum kisses.

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the romantic edge (givenchy sandals!)

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:49:00 PST

Single-handedly Riccardo Tisci (Givenchy) has ensured that the gladiator sandal or its continuously more refined and evolved clones will remain the impossibly chic accessory for the possibly next two seasons!! (...a lifetime in the fashion world!) Just imagine the delightfully treacherous cycle: pieces appear six months before on runways, editorial buzz, fast fashion replicas months avant la saison (none of which truly eco-conscious glamour gyrls will touch with a twelve foot pole; we know...

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flower power (valentino totes!! heart)

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:13:00 PST

You don't have to dig deep to find that I'm a gyrly gyrl whose heart blossoms into a million little petaled whorls. So why not wear my heart on my sleeves?? This is my bag of the year, hands down. I'll be rocking it like the glamour puss that I am once I can afford it! HA! I also love these pieces, very terribly. The ends of black bow bag fold inwards to form an irregular hexagon just like the 'Printemps' (French for spring) bag (to the left).All Valentino Available at your nearest Valentino...

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one loopy dress

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:40:00 PST

Is it terribly pathetic that every time I remember, I check the eLuxury website to see if an online sales rep. has become available to chat (with me). I need to ask about this gorg! dress of flattened helical piping overlain on French tulle (currently NOT on sale on the site)?? I would call, but I'm saving my voice to try out on the next Idol and per my voice coach's instructions. Ha!! Okay, it's just too early and if I don't have to speak to anyone, I'd rather not! Kiss.Kiss.

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sprouse it up

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:53:00 PST

What I love ― having learned ― about the artist, Stephen Sprouse (1953-2004), is the unreservedly glamorous aptitude that pervaded his 'rock and roll' fashion sensibilities; an intense mix of his ardent love of art and punk-rock. Heralded as the American Punk Glamour God, esp. of the eighties ― and I would say the only one since then ― Sprouse made beautifully tailored "punk" clothes; becoming famous for his natural flair at integrating uptown sophistication with a chic downtown edge. It wasn't...

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the heel factor

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:09:00 PST

It wasn't impulse shopping, not in the least. I knew when I got into London ― en route to cold-as-numbskulls New England, from holiday (I love this word) ― I'd need a pair of heels. (I'd checked my luggage all the way through. Pathetic excuse.) Besides, my stay wouldn't have been half as thrilling, myself, half as sexy, if I hadn't made the mad dash to Harrods that evening; barely giving myself a measly hour to find a worthy pair of pumps (and anything else that caught my eye). I must have...

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green is the new black (by tasmin blanchard) :: swishing parties

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:09:00 PST

I finally got to read my book Green is the new black : How to change the world with style by Tasmin Blanchard over Christmas break. I'd misplaced the book since September after returning from LFW, so I was quite thrilled to find it just before leaving for Christmas. Then, of course, it took me all of one day to read... But no matter, it was terribly enlightening. I advocate that if you ― like me ― have been slacking off in your fashionably eco-conscious lifestyle, then you really ought to read...

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great escapes (resort 09)

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:07:00 PST

A bit gloomy. Back in the cold of New England. While it could be construed as partly my fault,1 my suffering from rather irritable cold symptoms, that is; I'm awfully grumpy and wishing for terribly hot weather (the kind that permits only the merest of fabric patches to cover the bare necessities!!). To lift my mood ― somewhat, I settled under my blanket to review this season's resort wear. Granted, I don't vacation mid-January/February like the rest of you, my fab beau monde (ahem!!), the...

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engaging time: haute (joaillerie) horlogerie

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:47:00 PST

In my dreams: Chanel tweeds, smoked salmon blinis and secret pleasurable rendezvous everyday ― my joie de vivre. But, this is neither here nor there. Aptly, I'm taken with the passing of time; seemingly infinite and yet, a constant measurement of the beautifully intricate details in the lives we lead, so to speak. Perhaps, not as timely ― in, dare I say it, these economic times ― these jeweled pieces, now the objects of my desires set the mood for my year's fantastical journey and kiss-off of...

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the new black is 60 percent off (Richard Jaffe) :: Colette's new website advertises sale boldly

noreply@blogger.com (chic simplicity) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:45:00 PST

"It's still very clear from the results the most important thing is price," Richard Jaffe, retail analyst at Stifel Nicolaus, said. "The new fashion is frugal. The new black is 60 percent off." From the sexiest LBD you could ever imagine to your cabochon-encrusted clasp clutch (tongue twister, eh??); the hottest pieces in stores are on sale for at least half-off. (I think it'd be a tad inappropriate to say, "Yay recession!!") Even Colette's brand new webbie is celebrating its relaunch with a...

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chic simplicity - a fashion memoir: must-have: cazal sunglasses

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chic simplicity - a fashion memoir: the art of pretty dresses (vicente villarin)

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