the concept dresser

Pink glove Green sweater

2012-02-02T12:08:00.001+01:00

It's snowing, and what inspires me today is to match my pink gloves to my green sweater.
Colours are a way to make a point in winter. In summer everything is very bright, colours are not such a statement.

In the winter it's fun to show your colours: I'm here, blooming, enjoying. I have energy, the cold doesn't frighten me

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Sister Act

2012-01-26T12:18:00.000+01:00

A sister:
somebody whom you are compatible with.
Somebody that understands what you mean immediately.
Somebody that knows where you're going with a certain project or a story.
Somebody you can discuss your latest acquisition with (so, I bought this shirt/dress, in this fabric that can easily transit between seasons...) and inspire your wish-list.
Somebody you can talk to about yourself, without worrying you sound selfish (even if you are... sometimes).
Somebody who is a part of your history, and knows your history.
Blood relation is not a must, but love imperative

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Shhhhhhhhhhhh....

2012-01-26T11:48:00.000+01:00

Don't tell anyone... this is about revealing beauty secrets. Is that something we really want to reveal? Do I really want "millions" of you faithful readers, running to the store, to get my latest find in ~~Cos (they really have great jewellery, but that's for another post)~~ the sales? What about the perfume I use? My special shade of lipstick ~~from Mac~~... nah, actually I'm thinking I should have a favourite shade of lipstick from mac, I've been contemplating shades of taupe; mat or shiny? At the same time I might look into finding a mat nail polish. I think it exists, ~~possibly at YSL~~. Would love it in black .
For white I have my ~~tip-ex~~ solution. Should I reveal all that?
And how about my morning beauty ritual: I use a little facial oil mixed with my daily facial cream, to create a dewy glow.
As I am not that delusional, I know I don't have such big secrets, and in any case, I've ~~almost~~ spilled them all

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Being creative

2012-01-24T16:09:00.000+01:00

On the topic of " DIY": a key word is" revival", a key sentence "keeping an open mind", and a key approach "fearlessness".
There are no black and whites here, and you don't necessarily need to master special techniques.
Today for example, the lady in the yarn store , in response to my saying (almost apologetically) I'm finishing another simple scarf, said "keep it simple! we are going back to simple, don't complicate things".
Simple can be magnificent (I thought to myself).
So reviving an old /boring garment, by keeping an open mind, and being fearless of messing it up, keep it simple and you just might end up with something really fun

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Can you believe this thing?

2012-01-23T13:51:00.000+01:00

A 17th century chastity belt, just thought I'd share

DO-IT-YOURSELF

2012-01-18T15:09:00.002+01:00

Always an option with certain skills,
the first being: knowing what should, and what shouldn't be a DIY.
For example a beaded necklace- NO NO NO.
When walking into a bead store, you will very easily find your-self creating Christmas tree decorations.
You, and many other creatively challenged.
Anything knitted or embroidered- YES YES YES.
This is where, it's a good thing when it shows you've really made an effort ( sitting for days searching for helpful advice). It's an extra plus.
PS
Credit for knitted flowers go to my friend's mother.
My knitting skills (unfortunately) sum up to simple scarf knitting (so far),
but at least (I tell myself),
I know how to choose the colours

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Life is like this tree

2012-01-16T18:31:00.002+01:00

Maybe this is not the case for everyone.
But for me life is like this tree, and inside my head it looks something like that.
Not so fashionable ? Perhaps.
All these little branches which deal with every day stuff such as my house, my man, my kids (I don't mention them that often, this kind of information got nothing to do with nail colour, well maybe yes. My kids are begging to use my great Chanel nail polish. Does that count? Have I created little fashion monsters? Not that interesting?) It's a miracle I get around to finding inspiration.
Moving on...
The sales!!!
Sales are like this tree.
At first all you see are many little dry branches, so much stuff nobody really wants, not even at half price. Don't be fooled by fake deals. Sales are a complicated matter and should be taken seriously.
How to survive the sales, rule number one:
No impulse buying! This very often turns out to be a mistake.
Rule number two:
Be organised! Before the sales start going through your closet, what you wear, what you don't, and what you never will. Make room, give some stuff away, and store items with potential, for a future rethink.
Rule number three:
Make a list of what you need! Think of possible outfits and what could give them a twist. Try to imagine what might round up a few looks.
Rule number four:
Visit your favourite stores before the sales start! Remember, what goes on sale, has to be in the store for at least a month before hand. So if you fall in love with something that just came in, you might as well go for it right away.
Rule number five:
There is an urban legend, that if you ask (nicely) the store owner to sell you what you love, for the sales price, before the sales, they might agree! I've been told it's true, all you need is dare and ask.
Rule number six:
Be either the first or the last! To get the right size be the first. To be pleasantly surprised, be the last. Sometimes towards the end of sales season , treasures are to be found

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contemplating style

2012-01-13T12:38:00.002+01:00

THE BUSHY GOATEE

This is a tough one, as opposed to the trimmed down goatee which is all about high maintenance and looking intellectual. The bushy style is more rugged/earthy, I'm a countryman and keeping it real.
Verdict: although all naturelle (this is not a typo, it's French), unless you're a real raised and bred countryman herding goats, I would have to say no to this grooming style...
NEXT!

THUMBS UP FOR FASHION EFFORT

Fashion is all about fun, self expression and experimentations.
But should merits go for efforts alone?
We all commit fashion faux pas,but at least we dare to dare.
Verdict: Effort is the Yi-Jing, so an enthusiastic yes to that.

LAYERING

Layering is a quick and easy solution on the fashion high-road, but must be used with caution!
There are many grey areas, and as we all know, grey is a fashion don't.
Never go for the blah.
Opt for black or white. Make a statement! (getting off course here, sorry). So layers...
not too much,
not too little,
proportions are essential,
Difference in material is important.
Verdict: Although many precautions must be considered, I would still have to go with a good solid yes.

EARRING-ED MEN

Really, do I have to state the obvious? For some it comes naturally, and gracefully.
For others, it's just too much ~~effort.~~
Which is which? make your choice.
Verdict: Only for the lucky few

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Warning: Not for the hungry (nor for the weak at heart)!

2012-01-09T15:34:00.000+01:00

A key moment in life,
to be invited to a three star event,
where a recently decorated 3 star chef
invites his three star buddies, for a day of food tasting, graciously offered by his providers.
A chance for a gastronomic exchange, between the top of French cuisine titans,
and some "lucky to be invited" happy few (amongst them yours truly).
The flavours, the aromas, the colours, the originality... so heavenly, so spiritual and surprising!

Un moment clé dans la vie: être invité(e) à un événement 3 étoiles, où un chef 3 étoiles récemment décoré invite tous ses copains 3 étoiles, pendant une journée de dégustation de nourriture, gracieusement offerte par ses fournisseurs.
Une opportunité d'échanges gastronomiques, entre le top des titans de la cuisine française et quelques rares "chanceux d'être invités" triés sur le volet (dont votre dévouée !).
Les saveurs, les arômes, les couleurs, l'originalité ... ce fut absolument divin, spirituel et surprenant !

BREAD

FOIE GRAS

JAMBON

OYSTERS

GRILLED VEGETABLES

ESCARGOTS

MEAT

VEAL

CREAMED EGGS

CHEESE

CREME FRAICHE

TARTE

CHOCOLATE

What is useful

2012-01-04T11:39:00.001+01:00

There are certain elements in a garde-robe which are what I call useful items.
Not everything fits this category.
There are your basics, which are useful but that's just too easy.
There are the fashion items (i.e. animal prints, stripes, florals(ugh!),gold and silver fabrics), which can be useful for a season, maximum two if you're lucky, (these are my least favourite, as I get bored easily).
Also there is the two time category: something you wear once... maybe twice, and then... bye bye.
A total waste of time by the way, although these kind of mistakes may happen even to the most experienced. A moment of frail decision making, et voila!
But the real deal are the things that can round up a look, any look.
Interesting, the perfect size and cut. It's not fashion it's just good taste.
Introducing some of my choice useful items:

The white knit I designed for men, and enjoy myself. White is especially useful in winter.
The necklace I received for Xmas, unusual mix of ribbon and metal, makes every look just a little more special.
The under-wear outer-wear tunic, which I have in black(see above) and the same in reddish burgundy. always girlie.

Il y a de certains éléments dans une garde-robe qui sont ce que j'appelle des articles "utiles".
Tous ne rentrent pas dans cette catégorie.
Il y a vos "basiques", qui sont utiles, mais c'est trop facile.
Il y a les articles "mode" (c'est-à-dire des motifs d'animaux imprimés, des rayures, fleurs (berk!), des tissus or et argent), qui peuvent être utiles pour une saison, maximum deux si vous avez de la chance (ceux-ci sont mes moins favoris, car je m'en lasse facilement).

Il y a la catégorie "à deux coups" : vous le portez une fois ... peut-être deux, et ensuite ... bye bye!.
Une perte de temps totale, à ce propos, bien que cette sorte d'erreurs puisse arriver même au plus expérimenté.

Un moment d'égarement et voila!
Mais la vraie bonne affaire, c'est les choses qui peuvent sublimer un look, n'importe quel look.
Intéressant: la taille parfaite et la coupe. Ce n'est pas de la mode que c'est juste du bon goût.

Présentation de mon choix de quelques articles utiles :

Le tricot blanc que j'ai conçu pour des hommes et que je porte moi-même. Le blanc est particulièrement utile en hiver.
Le collier que j'ai reçu à Noël, mélange inhabituel de ruban et métal, qui rend chaque look encore plus spécial.

La tunique vêtement/sous-vêtement, que j'ai en noir (voir photo ci-dessus) et la même en bordeaux. ça fait bien fille-fille.

And last but not least: scarves. In these two photos knitted scarves of my design, for an extra umph!
This is something you can never have too much of (much like shoes),
When in short of a new look, the easiest, is to resort to a great scarf.
PS
There is no doubt in my mind , to resolve a skirt/dress with tights dire straights, don't hesitate to go to your summer sandal collection (given weather conditions), for a quick and easy solution.
PPS
Sorry for the seemingly self promoting of this post (you know, knit, scarves...). I design to match my useful garde-robe items philosophy

Et dernier point mais pas des moindres : les écharpes. Dans ces deux photos: écharpes de ma conception, pour un autre umph!!

C'est quelque chose que vous ne pouvez jamais avoir en trop (comme les chaussures),

Quand on est à court d'inspiration de look, le plus facile, est de recourir à une grande écharpe.

PS1
Il n'y a aucun doute dans mon esprit, pour résoudre un problème de jupe/robe avec une pénurie de collants, n'hésitez pas à aller puiser dans votre collection de sandales d'été (en fonction des conditions météo), pour une solution rapide et facile.

PS2
Désolé pour mon auto-promotion dans ce post (tricot, écharpe ...).

Je conçois mes designs pour correspondre à ma philosophie d'articles de "garde-robe utile"

Images from the french country-side

2012-01-02T13:23:00.000+01:00

January 2012, I'm back. HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!!!
As I sit here in front of the screen, wearing a yet to be photographed outfit of the day, I am contemplating the year that awaits me.
It's resolution time, and I'm trying not to get carried away, I'm keeping it real man! (Where is this stuff coming from I wonder).

So here goes:
1.Desperately seeking new flavours , go to the producer, forget about super-market produce in need of a personality.
I want the quality and uniqueness. I want to be gourmet challenged.
2.Get in touch with my hipster side (ergo,anti mass production, anti big brand names, just relax relax relax, and eat lots of healthy organic foods, that are good for me).
3.Paint my nails more often. It is a powerful fashion statement.
4.Focus on my hand knitting.
5. keeping resolution list down to human scale

Janvier 2012, je suis de retour. *
BONNE ANNÉE A TOUS !!!
Alors que je suis assise ici devant l'écran, portant la tenue du jour prête à être photographiée, j'imagine la nouvelle année qui m'attend.
C'est le temps des résolutions et j'essaie de ne pas me laisser emporter, je reste réaliste, man ! (où se cache le matériel dont je rêve?).

Alors, voilà comment ça se trame
1. Chercher désespérément de nouvelles saveurs, aller chez le producteur, oublier les produits de supermarché en quête d'une personnalité.
Je veux la qualité et la rareté. Je veux être une gastronome affuté.2. Me mettre en contact avec mon côté hipster (par conséquent, anti-fabrication en série, anti-grandes marques, juste relax relax relax, et manger des tas de produits bio sains, qui sont bons pour moi).

3. Peindre mes ongles plus souvent. C'est une puissante affirmation de mode.4. Me concentrer sur mon tricotage à la main.5. Ramener ma liste de résolutions à échelle humaine !.....

python days

2011-12-14T12:08:00.000+01:00

These are my Betsy Johnson python pants, which are fast reaching vintage status
(they are about 15 years old).
Or, in any case, faster then fashion is evolving,
hence I can still get some good use out of them

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The sort of People one might meet in the french country side

2011-12-12T12:28:00.000+01:00

The eccentric musician, past and present combined. What a fabulous feathered hat

Le musicien excentrique, passé et présent combinés. Quel fabuleux chapeau à plumes

The sheperd and his dog, for city people, it's the ultimate country encounter. (A fabulous imagined conversation: "Hi, what do you do for a living?" Answer: " I herd sheep")

Le berger et son chien, pour les citadins, c'est le top des rencontres champêtres. (Une conversation fabuleuse imaginée: «Salut, tu fais quoi dans la vie?" Réponse: "je suis berger »)

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"Outfit of the day", dah!

2011-12-08T11:25:00.001+01:00

Life's too short for boring outfits, and I realise , as I look at my "outfit of the day", that I didn't dare enough.
I wanted to mix a 50's silhouette with 70's rock, but I think the result is pretty...~~pretty~~ regular.
Will try to jazz things up a bit, for tomorrow

La vie est trop courte pour porter des tenues ennuyeuses, et je réalise que je regarde "ma tenue de la journée", que je n'osais pas assez porter jusqu'ici.
J'ai voulu mélanger une silhouette années 50 avec du rock des années 70, mais je pense que le résultat est assez ... assez quelconque.
Je vais essayer d'égayer tout ça pour demain.

Out-fit of the day

2011-12-05T11:21:00.001+01:00

Sorry for looking kinda stiff, obviously, I'm not a model. However I thought it would be fun to share my out-fit of the day, which I was particularly happy with, and quite self-congratulatory.
Although it did have some obvious defects,
I, (if I may say so myself), quiet cleverly , made it work.
Most things are faulty in one way or another, and it's not always possible or necessary to invest (and it can be a major investment) in perfection.
In this case the dress waist is slightly too high (can it be that my proportions are imperfect? ... nahhh!).
Anyway I think the scarf and the belt slightly hide the obvious.
The rest just fell into place

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Head to toe knitwear

2011-12-01T10:44:00.001+01:00

Here is my version of a full knit look.
I felt retro-ish in every way, wearing my grandmother's hand-knitted Argyll sweater, under an over-knit (hey, I think I've just invented that... over-coat...over-knit...get it? OK enough self-gloating).
That being said, I had to come to the conclusion, that although it's all about going back to the roots, before all synthetics and fleeces and such, comfort and practicality wise, there's no comparison.
All knit is heavy, itchy and the cold wind goes through the tiny holes.
So, for a full on winter day, I'll be forgetting all about fashion, and wearing my soft fleece and technical jacket

Voici ma version d'un total look maille.
Je me sentais rétro dans tous les sens du terme, portant mes pulls Argyll tricotés-main de ma grand-mère,
sous un sur-tricot (hé, je pense que je viens d'inventer ça ... sur-veste... sur-tricot ... ? OK assez d'auto-jubilation).
Cela dit, je dois en venir à la conclusion que, bien qu'il soit question de remonter aux racines, avant tous les produits synthétiques et les polaires et autres, question confort et praticité, il n'y a aucune comparaison !
Tous maille est lourd, "ça gratte" et le vent froid passe par les trous minuscules.
Donc, pour une pure et dure journée d'hiver, je vais oublier la mode, et porter ma douce et technique veste polaire...

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Show some skin

2011-11-30T10:58:00.001+01:00

I think with the huge shawl fashion this winter, it's very refreshing to show some skin!

Je pense qu'avec la mode grande châle cet hiver, il sera très rafraîchissant de montrer un peu de peau !

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Ouick, a "look"!

2011-11-29T11:45:00.001+01:00

Milano girls are just so inspiring, they always have that little thing going, a detail, a posture, the company they keep.

Les filles à Milan sont tellement inspirantes, elles ont toujours cette petite chose qui va bien, un détail, une posture, en bonne compagnie.

The right total look, all black. I'm really into that right now.

Le parfait look total, tout noir. Je suis vraiment fan, en ce moment.

The only way I would consider the leopard look: comfy leggings and bumper shoes.

La seule façon pour que j'envisage le look léopard: confortables leggins et chaussures pare-chocs.

And never underestimate, passing by the right background , at the right time

Enfin, à ne jamais sous-estimer : passer dans l'arrière plan qu'il faut, et au bon moment.

Black&White

2011-11-23T10:13:00.001+01:00

My new scarf

2011-11-22T11:37:00.001+01:00

From winter to winter, I've finally made it, my very own hand-knitted (by me) scarf.
I have climbed my Everest, and succeeded...my motivation level is very high.
I've already started on a brand new scarf, which hopefully be ready for ... Summer (must stay realistic), and I am seriously considering a poncho for 2013.
Promise to keep you posted

D'hiver en hiver, je l'ai enfin fait : ma propre écharpe tricotée à la main (par moi)
J'ai escaladé mon Everest, et j'ai réussi ... ma motivation était très forte.
J'ai déjà commencé une nouvelle écharpe qui, espérons-le, sera prête pour ... l' été (je dois rester réaliste),
et j'envisage sérieusement un poncho pour 2013.
Je vous tiendrai au courant, promis !

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Vintage vintage vintage... Italy 1920's

2011-11-15T11:33:00.001+01:00

I wanted to share these beautiful photos, Italy circa 1920's, the courtesy of my friend Federica.
Just look at these glorious people reaching out to us from another time, where they happily enjoyed the good life, hanging out with friends, going to the beach in heals and pearls.
Showing off legs and smiles, so beautiful so chic, so old fashionably in fashion (does that make sense?), that is vintage!

Je voulais partager ces belles photos, Circa, Italie - 1920, gracieusement prêtées par mon amie Federica.
Regardez ces personnes épanouies, tout droit venues d'une autre époque, où ils croquaient joyeusement la vie, sortir avec des amis, aller à la plage en talons et perles.
Exhibant les jambes et les sourires, si belles, si chics, tellement vieux jeux et en même temps à la mode (ce que cela a du sens?),
C'est CELA, le "vintage" !

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So chic

2011-11-14T11:53:00.001+01:00

Ethnic clothes are usually associated with hippy types, non- conformists or people who don't like to care about fashion.
But now that everybody is into "vintage" or plainly a total look Zara, I think there is room for a new kid on the block: ethnic, original, hand made traditional clothing...with a twist.
Obviously if you're not realy , let's say Mexican , it's difficult to walk around with a sombrero and a poncho.
However, for the free spirited, fear not the original. All you need is a cool attitude

Les vêtements ethniques sont généralement associés à des types hippies, non-conformistes ou bien aux gens qui n'aiment pas se soucier de la mode.
Mais maintenant que tout le monde est dans le "vintage" ou carrément "total look Zara", je pense qu'il y a de la place pour un nouveau venu : ethnique, original, vêtement traditionnel fabriqué à la main ... avec un twist.
Évidemment, si vous n'êtes pas vraiment, disons mexicaine, il est difficile de se promener avec un sombrero et un poncho.
Cependant, pour les esprits libres, ne craignez pas d'être originales. Tout ce dont vous avez besoin est une cool attitude.

Street art of Barcelona

2011-11-09T13:55:00.000+01:00

Have more to share from Paris, however a quick Barcelona pause, is always welcomed.
I's a city for fun, good food, shopping... and did I mention fun?
I love the amazing street art, and I'm not necessarily talking about weird human statues on the Ramblas.
I see graffiti in Paris but somehow, it seems more controlled, more kept in line, chic-ishly tamed.
In Barcelona, maybe because of the comfortable weather, maybe because of the sea, maybe because up till the 70's they were still under dictatorship, there is an explosion of self expression. No need to enter a museum (almost, there is some fine stuff confined within walls) the city is your art oyster.
Gaudy and graffiti hand in hand, for a delicious mix and match

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I met somebody really cool

2011-11-07T15:07:00.000+01:00

This is Doris, and she is the owner of chez Chiffons.
I thought her store was special and enjoyed our conversation of how the word "vintage" is inaccurately used. People mistake vintage with a used brand name, instead of what it actually is: something with a real design value, that can cross the barrier of time, and still work.

Doris has great taste and a real love and understanding of vintage.
Her store is pleasant because it's not over crowded with smelly old garments, and if you feel lost, you can count on friendly advice

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I stand to correct myself

2011-11-07T12:49:00.001+01:00

I actually did buy something in the vintage salon: 4 Euro, green studded earrings which are more retro-ish then anything else.
I thought they were funny, and reminded me of good times in the eighties.
By the way, I guess I shall have to consecrate a whole post on definitions:
-what is vintage,
-what is retro,
-what is just plain second hand/salvation army stuff,
-and all that's in between.
moving on...
Did I mention I'm in a green craze at the moment? All I want is green. I think it's the fastest way to retro-up your style.
And to match my earings, these two nail polish shades, which I think are absolutely fabulous
(anybody seen the AbFab comeback yet? dying to see it myself).
I saw them in Milan, thought about them in Paris, and ended up buying them in Barcelona...
How about that , for globe-trotting?

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