Mademoiselle Robot

Stockholm night and day

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:29:00 PST

It is only Tuesday and I feel like I've already spent a month here in Stockholm. I love the city, even when the cold bites my face and my feet are numbed by the snow. It is really beautiful and serene here and I am really enjoying the shows. We went to a very interesting seminar about Swedish Fashion this morning at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and it made me appreciate the shows even more. It essentially explained why Swedish fashion is so simple and clean - it all stems from the social-democrat ideal of a classless society where social differences shouldn't be visible through clothing. In a way, it is quite similar to the Parisian chic and possibly why I am so attracted to it. I am a little too tired to get into this further right now, so I will just stop here and leave you with some of our outfits and images from the evening of Day 1 and Day 2.

This is what I wore to the press dinner at Pontus last night: Vintage Valentino skirt suit, vintage Chanel camera bag c/o Wish Want Wear, KG Boots.

At the Moderna Museet where we saw the Filippa K show.

Going to the Dagmar party tonight: Warren is wearing - Topman jumper + trousers, Converse, H&M fake fur stole.

I am wearing - asos cardigan, river island tee, monki shirt, MCM bag, UO jeans, French Connection boots.

The mirror shot, this time as a team!

Before the Cheap Monday show

Yvan at the Cheap Monday show

At the Maria Nilsdotter presentation

Part of the day's outfit: monki jumper, autre ton blouse, dannijo necklace c/o Wish Want Wear and Rag & Bone red cords (not seen)

#MBSFW Day One Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:03:00 PST

Shows I attended today: Altewai.Saome, Stylein, Whyred, Carin Wester, Filippa K. Monsieur Robot also attended Ubi Sunt and Oscar Jacobson and he will tell you all about it soon! Here is a little visual round up of my favourite looks of the day.

Stylein

Whyred

Carin Wester

Filippa K

Settling down in Stockholm

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:48:00 PST

Very early this morning, Monsieur Robot and I flew to Stockholm where we were invited to cover Stockholm Fashion Week. It is my second season there and it is quickly becoming my favourite fashion week. As I am writing this, I am taking a writing break in between shows in my hotel room at Berns. I already have way too many photos from the shows to edit and I am not sure where to start with the actual coverage. The schedule is pretty action packed and we don't have much time to ourselves to sit down and work, so I thought I'd start by giving you a little taste of our home for the week - a good way for you to get an idea of the atmosphere etc. I will try to also share our outfits every day this week (well until Wednesday really as we are leaving on Thursday).

Proper show "reviews" will come in the next few weeks...

My travel/day 1 outfit - topshop coat + jumper, forever 21 jeans, KG boots, UO blouse and MCM bag.

Warren is wearing - Gloverall coat, Topman trousers, McQueen scarf, Vans and Prada bag.

My fashion week accessories pile - since it is so cold here, I mainly rely on accessories to look nice. Vintage Chanel camera bag c/o Wish Want Wear

Invitations are ready to hop in my bag

Obligatory hotel room mirror shot

Warren

Djurgarden - view before the Whyred show.

At the Whyred show

Beautiful Tove from Varg PR

A Valentine Card from Me To You

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:50:00 PST

Those of you who follow me on Facebook or Twitter already heard about this, but for the others, here is a little catch up session - back in December, I was asked by the peeps at Beyond Retro to design a Valentine's Card that will be sold in the stores for £3, with £1 given to the British Heart Foundation. Quite obviously I couldn't say no to this: I get to help a great organisation AND design a fun Valentine's Card.

Now I am not that into Valentine's Day, but I like the creepiness of the anonymous card so if I partake, I like to do it in pure stalker form, hence the weird rabbit urging you to "be mine".

I wasn't alone in this designing frenzy: Shini, Melanie & Bip also made some pretty snazzy cards.

The Nina Diary - Finding names

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:45:00 PST

Hi Darlings,

We are almost done with sampling the Fall/Winter12 collection! I have been pondering collection names and names for styles. Every season I give all of our styles their own special name; I try to see the personality of a piece and what movie, song or person it reminds me of or who it was inspired by. I have to be relaxed and inspired to name 25 babies in a row, so this time I did the naming from bed. As always, things are super last minute and seem to get more last minute every season. I like the whole surprise aspect of creating a new collection, the unveiling of the name, the clothes etc. One of my favorite things is coming up: the look book shoot! I have some of our locations down and now, in order to find the right girl to model the collection Cupid has to strike. We are shooting this lookbook in Switzerland this time, as I am still here. I am excited to share some backstage shots of the shoot with you next time! So this is when the collection really comes to life! Every time I shoot a look book and see the clothes on the model, I finally get what the collection is about and it's a very special moment. It's nonstop right now and it won't stop until May, so I am trying to pace myself by sleeping enough and eating well. Boring but that works!

Beautiful Dani who I shot the last two look books with in NY. A real muse.

Location scouting

Fun box! Illustrating for the look book as well as commissioned work.

Yes there is a Zoolander vest!

For look book inspiration - like makeup etc - I like to go through my vintage books. Love Barbara with her Oscar in 1969!

Follow Nina: Twitter - Blog - Website

MRLA - Cry Baby / Generic Surplus / Blouse

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:24:00 PST

I just bought the Cry Baby soundtrack for the third time since the movie came out in 1990. The first time was on cassette tape and the second one on a cd that I lost. It is one of my all time favorites. A cult movie that will live on forever. The soundtrack includes classic rock & roll, soul and bebop as well as orginal songs created for the film. The songs are not actually performed by protagonists Johnny Depp and Amy Locane, but by rockabilly legend James Intveld and Rachel Sweet. A must have!

Song list & details

Generic Surplus is a Los Angeles based brand offering timeless silhouettes, clean and refined lines. Their designs incorporate elements of street wear while keeping a classic style. Here are my favourites.

Last weekend I finally got to see Blouse perform. I wrote a little about them a few months back and I've been curious to see them live since. As I expected, they were as lovely as their music. Afterwards, the dance party continued with my fellow dj friend Michael Stock opening the floor with the usual post-punk, minimal and dark synth wave Part Time Punks is best known for.

Tuesday night, Generic Surplus and Steven Harrington threw the Sun Dunes party for the release of the new Harrington desert boot and new fanzine Generic Manifesto at El Chavo Restaurant in Silverlake where I ran into a few familiar faces. Here are some highlights.

Follow Maurice - twitter, tumblr

Monsieur Robot - Put a Donck On It

noreply@blogger.com (Monsieur Robot) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:21:00 PST

Ever since last season when I compared Walter Van Beirendonck's collection to Leigh Bowery I've become a little obsessed with the most outlandish of the Antwerp Six. I found myself revisiting that collection again and again to stare lovingly at the looks. Needless to say I was desperate to see what he had in store for Autumn 2012, and I wasn't disappointed... Bobble hats, bow-ties and gloves, standard Autumn/Winter stuff right? Well no, not in Beirendonck land.

Masks were worn by every model in the show, but these were no ordinary masks. Rendered in plastic the masks were pastel coloured or in a clinical flesh tone. Effectively they turned every outfit into a bafflingly avant-garde masterpiece. The show was entitled "Lust Never Sleeps" so there's a clear element of fetishism at play, as some of the more traditional black leather S&M masks testify, but Beirendonck has transcended the traditional notion of fetish. Chains, padlocks and sinister walking sticks (or are they weapons?) cut through the kaleidoscope of graphic crayoa bright colours to add a dimension of sexuality and danger to what might otherwise look twee and childish.

The juxtaposition of rubber fabrics and candy colours subverts and challenges the traditional perceptions of fetish wear. The colour palette (while of the scale of what most designers would consider using for one collection) is impressive enough on its own, for Beirendonck even that's not enough. Have you noticed the gloves? The rubber is offset with little tufts of fur in place of fingernails. Mixing the organic with the inorganic, the synthetic with the natural might add whimsy but it's ultimately (and thrillingly) unsettling.

Of course if we strip away the more outlandish details there are plenty of beautiful wearable stand alone items. Suits, jumpers, shirts and shoes that could be mixed and matched with everyday clothes. But then that takes the fun out of it. It's impossible to look at a collection like this and spot 'trends' like you can with most designers, but that's just because of Beirendonck's singularly unique aesthetic. That's one of the reason's why I know I'll be coming back to look at this collection again and again, until the next one that is.

Follow me @RobotMonsieur

The Week On Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:47:00 PST

The January Photo a day challenge is almost over, I may have to give myself a whole new challenge for February... Or maybe you could give me one? Seriously, that'd be fun. If you have an idea for a photo challenge I could take in February, let me know in the comments below (or by email if you are a shy little thing).

On instagram I am MelleRobot - original, n'est ce pas?

Day 18 - Something I bought

Day 19 - Sweet

Day 20 - Someone I love

Day 21 - Reflection

Day 22 - My shoes

Day 23 - Something old

Day 24 - Guilty pleasure

Day 25 - Something I made

Day 26 - Colours

A Rather Fishy Interlude

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:54:00 PST

How about finding colour inspiration at the aquarium for a change?

Photos taken at the Aquarium Tropical de Paris Porte Dorée.

293 Avenue Daumesnil

75012 Paris

Who's Next Paris - Day 4 #wsn12

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:30:00 PST

Before I start, I would like to give myself a big round of applause, for I resisted the accessories hall for two whole days!! And well... On the very last day I had to go and say my goodbyes to all the pretty bags so I went there. Oh yes, I did. Here you go, I take a bow and let you enjoy today's findings.

Paris House

website

Paris House is the brainchild of Sharon Paris, a conceptual artist from New Zealand. If like me you spend most of your life browsing the aisles of Liberty while waiting for meetings, you will have no doubt come across those super cute accessories emblazoned with funny phrases and drawings. When walking past the Paris House stand, I almost laughed out loud when reading "I love you like a fat boy likes cake" on a bag. To sum this up and to quote my 4 year old daughter "I love Paris House as much as ten kittens with poos on their heads" (apparently that means a lot).

Rebecca Minkoff

website

If you aren't familiar with Rebecca Minkoff, my guess is that you have been living in a cave for the past decade. That's alright though, I can help you. First, you should read my interview with Rebecca, then just feast your eyes on her new collection. In the photos below I mixed her classic ranges with some new designs.

Kate Sheridan

website

Kate Sheridan is a British designer who is most definitely making waves in the accessories world. Her signature graphic prints on oiled canvas adorn many of the new collection and I obviously love them, but the piece that truly got my attention this time was her mini leather bag in electric blue.

Who's Next Paris - Day 3 #wsn12

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:17:00 PST

Today, I am completing my imaginary outfits... I've seen clothes, I've seen bags... Let's have a look at shoes. Despite owning over 70 pairs, I am still on the look out for something new for next season. The selection shown at the Mess Around didn't disappoint. I give you: two discoveries and a favourite.

Deux Souliers

website

I don't know where to start here as I want every single pair produced by this Spanish label launched in 2010. It is probably a good thing I only found out about them now as I would be completely broke otherwise, and drowning in shoes. Deux Souliers make my favourite type of shoe: granny shoes with an attitude. The shoes are made with natural materials, with an emphasis on details and versatility (a lot of their designs have removable spats).

Minna Parikka

website

There is no need to introduce the wonderful world of Miss Parikka, not on this blog anyway! In case you haven't read it, have a look at my interview of Minna (from 2009). The lady is a super talent in the world of shoe design and she basically makes my shoe dreams come true. Here is a selection of images from her AW13 collection. I dare you not to fall in love with the bunny heels.

George's

website

As companies like Upper Street & co have shown, there is definitely a place on the market for custom made shoes. I like to call this affordable luxury. We can't all have shoes made entirely to measure and specifications, but we can certainly indulge in standardised customisation. George's is a family company offering their customers an extremely wide choice of colours, materials and shapes, all handmade in Majorca. Their price point is very reasonable too: a simple brogue will set you back €250 while boots go up to €300. Definitely worth saving for!

Who's Next Paris - Day 2 #wsn12

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:55:00 PST

After seeing so many amazing accessories yesterday, I was really tempted to go back into the Cube and the Premiere Classe Hall dedicated to bags & such to browse through more. No doubt I will go back to accessories, but today I fought the urge and tried to focus on clothes.

I discovered two brands I had never heard of (you might have though) and also had a little peep at an old favourite.

Zayan

website

Zayan was my first coup de foudre of the day. In a sea of more classic Winter hues, Zayan's pastel florals and silky goodness immediately caught my eye. The designer is only the cutest girl ever and very much a girl like you and me: she loves Alber Elbaz, wants to dress Alexa Chung or Hailee Steinfeld, owns too many shoes and finds inspiration when observing her 6 year old twins. My favourite pieces from the collection, without a doubt are the floral silk dresses and blouses with studs embellishments. I am still swooning just thinking about them and I may have to get my hands on one (or two, or five).

Sofie D'Hoore

website

Sofie D'Hoore is a Belgian designer with a penchant for minimalism and clean lines. The piece that attracted me to her stand was the brown and mustard spotted dress as it reminded me of something Orla Kiely could have designed. After further investigation, I came to the conclusion that Sofie's designs might well be a grown up version of Orla's. The use of bright yellow, pale pink and muted tones makes it an eye-catching collection.

Hoss Intropia

website

I don't need to introduce this wonderful Spanish brand... I was really going to try and avoid writing about well-known brands but I just can't ignore how the general loveliness of the AW Hoss Intropia range. The prints, fabrics and shapes made me wish Winter would last forever - and I am most definitely not a Winter girl. I must say though, what struck me the most in all of the clothes on offer (or almost) was how summery the inspiration was. The fabrics and colours just seemed lighter and more cheery than you'd expect. Here's to an endless Summer!

Who's Next Paris - Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:31:00 PST

... Aaaaaaaand we are back at the Parc des Expositions in Paris to celebrate next season's designs at Who's Next & Première Classe. If you are not sure what I am talking about, have a look at my posts from last season (day 1, day 2, day 3 & focus on accessories).

Today was the first day of the AW incarnation of this giant trade show and I was there traipsing the halls to bring you the best of the best... or maybe it is just my favourites - you will find out soon enough. Stick with me throughout my coverage of Who's Next and you may be in for a chance of winning a super cute bright pink Diana Mini courtesy of Lomography France. Enough about you, it is time to talk shop...

I wasn't sure where to start my quest for greatness so I simply started where I was given my press badge - in the accessories hall of "Première Classe". My trade show technique is to make a list of the designers I like but it also involves a lot of mooching around, looking for unknown (to me) exhibitors, waiting to fall in love with something new.

Jack Russell Malletier Paris

website

The central element between Jack Russell Malletier's concept is traditional trunk making. The brand's creations embody the glamour of travellers from past eras. From flight bags to trolleys and classic trunks, there is a bag to suit all needs. I especially love having the possibility of initialed luggage.

Dragon

Dragon's designer Craig Wright is an enigmatic man. But he isn't just that: he is a master craftsman and his family have been working with leather for three generations. His specialty is weaving and his skill is so sought after he got to work for the biggest fashion houses, from Hermès to Vuitton. The bags from his latest collection are beautiful pieces, made from the softest buttery leather. They are also totally timeless.

Mika Sarolea

website

I wonder if you can guess what first attracted me to Mika Sarolea's stand... Alright, alright, I'll tell you: the glitter totes sort of jumped at me. In the middle of the aisle, here they were, twinkling away, calling my name. I love a minimal bag, I love a tote and I love a playful twist on a minimal tote even more. Seems to me Mika Sarolea hit the nail right on the head with these super sleek totes in various textures and killer colour combinations (pink + orange = one of my absolute favourites).

MRLA - Andreas Dorau / Made By Lucy / Coco Morier

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:50:00 PST

I've been in love with Andreas Dorau since 1997, when my best friend and I first discovered an abandoned cd single for "Girls in Love" at a local record store in Tijuana. We didn't know what it was, we were just instantly attracted to its colorful cover. It turned out to be one of my biggest musical influences. An underrated yet very influential pop genius. Based in Hamburg, Germany, Andreas Dorau has been making music since the early 80's, scoring his first hit "Fred Vom Jupiter" in 1981 as a young teenager. The song has been covered by many artists since. This is the new single "Gehen (Baby, Baby)" from his new album "Todesmelodien" out now.

Monsieur Robot - Milan Menswear Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Monsieur Robot) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:47:00 PST

The menswear collections in Milan have been a mixed bag for me. Some of the labels I was really looking forward to have turned out a little flat, a little sombre. Kim Jones collection for Louis Vuitton seemed stripped of all the youth and vibrance that made it so exciting last season. In fact in some places it seemed more like parody than high end fashion - berets? really? As a great woman once said about the beret "Patty Hearst couldn't even pull one off and she had money, and a gun".

Louis Vuitton

Mugler was also a little on the sensible side, collarless jackets and a toned down aesthetic took over from the sexed up sci-fi style the label has shown recently. There was a focus on capes though which I'm all for, even if some of them verged into Dracula territory...

Mugler

Gucci, on the other hand, presented one of their best shows in years. Shearling biker jackets, crocodile skin brogues and a beautifully sumptuous autumnal palette made for a very wearable collection. Printed trousers (a huge trend this season), briefcases and a sexy sheen tied the whole collection together. I don't think I've lusted after Gucci clothes for years, it's nice to have them back.

Gucci

Another show that didn't let me down was Westwood. Vivienne never lets me down! Bright turquoise and yellow shoes, tartan accessories and totally bonkers frosted beard and moustache styling. The squiggle print was glimpsed on jean turn ups and classic styles were reworked in new fabrics. Oh! I almost forgot, there were leggings too. That woman will not rest until she sees me in leggings...

Vivienne Westwood

Last but not least is Versace. No rundown of Milan Fashion Week would be complete without a look at what the most Italian of all Italians has been up to. Apparently drunk on the high street success of the label's collection for H&M, Donatella's runway pieces seemed more gaudy and over the top than ever before and I'm glad they did. Would I wear it? No, probably not, but I love it nevertheless.

Versace

Follow Warren - twitter

Moonchild SS12

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:19:00 PST

Moonchild is a Parisian label created in 2010 by Pascale Koehl. Before launching Moonchild, Koehl was the head of collections for well known French denim brand April 77. The SS12 collection is inspired by native American emblems, the esoteric imagery of Jodorowski and the writings of Aldous Huxley.

The collection video "The Holy Mountain - Enter the inner doors of perception" - despite a few new age clichés usually found on tumblr - has a haunting atmosphere, due in great part to the soundtrack created by Jose & The Wastemen. This aside, I could see myself prancing around California in some of Moonchild's designs. Perhaps even horseback riding in Topanga Canyon? Who's with me? Come on grab your crystals and let's go!

Below are some exclusive images of the new collection.

Music by Jose & the Wastemen - Directed by Thibaut Piotrowski.

The week on instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:22:00 PST

It is already time to post the second week of the #JanPhotoaDay instagram challenge... You can follow me on there as MelleRobot and please leave your instagram name in the comments so I can ~~stalk~~ follow you.

Day 9 - Daily Routine

Day 10 - Childhood

Day 11 - Where I Sleep

Day 12 - Close-up

Day 13 - In my bag

Day 14 - Something I am reading

Day 15 - Happiness

Day 16 - Morning

Day 17 - Water

Afternoon Tea at the Wyndham Grand

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:54:00 PST

On Saturday, I was invited to have afternoon tea and a mooch around the Blue Harbour spa at the Wyndham Grand in Chelsea Harbour (an unknown part of London for me). Since it was my mum's birthday the week before, I brought her along for a girly afternoon. We sat down in the Chelsea Brasserie and enjoyed a pot of green tea, finger sandwiches, scones and cakes before making our way to the spa.

I was not familiar with Chelsea Harbour but now I know the only thing I needed to know about the place: Michael Caine lives there. It caused many forlorn glances from my mum, who has had a crush on him since forever. But that's enough babe talk for now - back to the hotel.

At the Wyndham Grand all 154 rooms are suites, which makes it the only 5 star hotel of its kind in London. Its Chelsea Harbour location makes it fairly near the King's Road for shopping and also not too far from the museums in South Kensington. If like me you can't really afford a staycation in a 5 star hotel, do try the afternoon tea. It is reasonably priced (£20 or £30 with champagne) and pretty tasty. As for the spa, booking a treatment allows you to use the facilities, including the pool, which is a real treat in the Big Smoke!

To celebrate the new VOYA treatments and products, Blue Harbour Spa is offering guests and members a special “VOYA Day” package. The package is available for £100 from Monday to Sunday between in February and includes a 60-minute VOYA body exfoliation, seaweed afternoon tea for two (a selection of sandwiches and pastries with seaweed ingredients as well as traditional scones and preserves) and one complimentary day pass for a friend. The day pass does not include treatments.

The Nina Diary - Anxiety is trending

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:25:00 PST

Hello beauties,

Lots of things have happened in the past two week such as *drumroll* I GOT AN iPHONE! Or in the words of my best friend "you finally entered the 21st century". It means I joined Instagram and I love it! I think my instagram handle is "toujourstoi-familyaffairs" if you want to join the party. More than ever I have been taking pictures of things that make me happy, things that inspire me and make me feel like I have a life! Sometimes between "stress of production" & "sampling new collection" it doesn't feel like that.

As I just told my friend James "Anxiety is Trending" those fashion season deadlines can't be moved, the trade shows starts when they start and fashion week won't wait for our samples etc. It's the same craziness every season, which somehow doesn't make me feel any better…

Here are some of my anti-anxiety medicines: croissants, tea, trees, friends and thrifting. I work really hard and I also drink tea really hard. I have to have these fun little glimpses in the midst of work madness.

Best way to start a day

Lunch at Bodega with our old neighbours. That was right before I ran (my only exercise) to pick up patterns from my mum and prototypes from our seamstress at a designated spot in the city, like a fashion drug dealer.

I then ran home, repacked and sorted the patterns and prototypes and ran to the post office to courier it for sampling. I forgot to put on shoes and left the house in my slippers, it was too late to turn back though. Can you believe that half a collection and all of my anxiety is in this cute Majorcan basket!?

I buy myself flowers...

... And I window shop fairytales.

I bought a brilliant pencil holder that lifts my spirit every time I see it

As a kid I was totally obsessed with all my story books and sometimes I still look at them. This is one called "Upside Down Medicine"

I watched too much "Million Dollar Decorator". I do a really good Martyn Lawrence Bullard impression and sometimes just want to buy endless amounts of furniture!

I was contemplating buying this hand painted doll closet to store my jewelry supplies in.

High Tea with Andrea and Vale at Cafe Schober…

Oh and look at those trees!!

And then I go home and work on ss12 and fw12 paper trails again..until 2am

Follow Nina: Twitter - Blog - Website

MRLA - Coco Morier / Tin Box Of Curious artifacts / the mess around

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:57:00 PST

Coco Morier is the latest incarnation from former Electrocute and multifaceted singer-song writter Nicole Morier - an underground music cult classic, which includes collaborations with Stereo Total, Sky Ferreira, Tom Jones, Britney Spears and Sponge Bob Square Pants to name a few. Her new EP "Coco Morier" brings a fresh new breath of electropop sensations and cuteness at its best. Her new single "My Satellite" is another addition to this year's soundtrack.

Tin Box Of Curious Artifacts is a traveling boutique based in Los Angeles. Carrying unique pieces for both men and women, one of a kind mid-century art and furniture as well as rare collectibles. It is the cutest traveling store, owned and managed by Daniel Robles and Chris Register. Find them and follow them in the city if you're looking for a unique and original garment or accessory for yourself, your home or workplace.

This week we all met up at The Mess Around, a local L.A. party that brings the best in 50s to 70s pop and soul music. My friend Jacinto was in town visiting from México City, so we all got together and danced the night away.

Here are some highlights...

Follow Maurice - twitter, tumblr.

Monsieur Robot - Kiss me, I'm Irish

noreply@blogger.com (Monsieur Robot) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:45:00 PST

While on the hunt for something to wear at Fashion Week (this, by the way, is a never-ending hunt) I keep coming across the word Donegal. Now, I am actually Irish, but I moved away because really I didn't much care for the place. I have actually been to Donegal and it's not exactly a bustling metropolis, nor is it somewhere you'd associate with fashion, in any way. Think 'Father Ted', without the jokes. Nevertheless Donegal appears to be inescapable in the world of fashion. After a little research I've discovered Donegal famously produces tweed, wool and other fabrics for everyone from Margaret Howell to Donna Karan. What do I know eh? I'm not looking for a blazer, even though I bought a Harris tweed one a while back, blazers remind me of being at school and those are some bad memories, so Donegal trousers are what I'm looking for. I'm going to put that last sentence in the list of 'things I never thought I'd hear myself say'...

Burberry Prorsum

These beautiful Donegal tweed trousers are by Burberry Prorsum, I'd be surprised if anyone in Donegal actually owns them, but you can own them - especially as they're currently on sale over at Mr. Porter. If they're still out of your budget then Topman have gone Donegal mad too...

From the cropped grey peg leg trousers to the skinny Donegal wool suit, it seems Ireland is a little more stylish than I thought. Whoops, that's another sentence to add to the list. New York, Milan, Paris, Donegal. You never know, it might happen...

Random selection

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:40:00 PST

Looking around the internet is a second nature and I invariably end up with a collection of folders filled with random selections of images. I generally use tumblr to tidy them away but some of them deserve to be shared here.

Backstage at Cacharel

Creature From the Black Lagoon

Dream bra

Birds

Arale

Jon Hamm

Donuts Wall-e

Turtle + Strawberry

Inspiration - Mulberry SS12

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:09:00 PST

Carrying on with my pastel obsession, this week I give to you Mulberry's Spring Summer 12 campaign, inspired by their creative director Emma Hill's trips to the English seaside. It is again shot by Tim Walker and featured models Frida Gustavsson and Lindsey Wixson.

I am a bit of a sucker for giant ice creams (I have one in my living room actually) and general candy box styled shoots, so this campaign definitely hit the nail on the head.

The week on instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:43:00 PST

I may have missed a couple of weeks on Instagram, but I am really excited about this one as it is the summary of the first week from the "January - One Photo A Day" challenge. I've never taken part before and always wanted to. Are you taking part? Are you on instagram? If you are, leave your instagram name in the comments so I can follow you - mine is MelleRobot.

Day 8 - Favourite thing

Day 7 - My sky

Day 6 - Something that makes me smile

Day 5 - What I am wearing

Day 4 - Letter box

Day 3 - Something I adore: this photo of my grandparents

Day 2 - Breakfast

Day 1 - Me

Working With basics

noreply@blogger.com (Laetitia Wajnapel) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:34:00 PST

More and more, my outfits revolve around good basics. At the moment, I wear mostly crew neck jumpers, some sort of button-up shirt and trousers. It has become my Winter uniform and has saved me from many fashion induced headaches while getting myself together in the morning. While I must admit it isn't the most exciting or adventurous sartorial choice, it suits my current lifestyle.

So when The Style Standard approached me to review some of their pieces, I jumped at the chance. The whole concept of the site is to offer a carefully curated selection of wardrobe basics. Essentially, they source what they think are the ultimate capsule wardrobe items and put them all together on a site. While I am not convinced there is such a thing as a Universal capsule wardrobe, I found a few items from my list of basics on the site. My picks: a cashmere crew neck jumper, a classic breton top and a blazer with leather lapels.

I will show you my other picks soon, but for now, here's how I styled the jumper - jazzing up basics.

I am wearing: Jack Brodie jumper c/o The Style Standard, Miss Selfridge blouse, Topshop trousers, vintage Ferragamo pumps, CW by Carin Wester coat, MCM bag.

Photos J.R.