Mélangelook

Louis Vuitton Journeys

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:50:00 +0000

Diego Maradona, Pelé, Zinedine Zidane

photo: Vanity Fair

Sitting in hospital, holding my son's hand as he recovers from complications following what was supposed to have been a simple medical procedure, we pass our time watching the World Cup. Thank goodness for traditions!

(If only we had recognized incompetence earlier on, Daniel would now be kicking along, in full regalia, rolling his eyes as I pine over Michael Ballack and Zinedine Zidane..... oh why can't they be at every Wold Cup?)

Anyway, here's to small pleasures: a great shot of greatness. The bags look good too!

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City Fix

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:22:00 +0000

Two nights ago I decided that I needed a city-fix and so the following morning, armed with my camera, the March issue of Vogue and a bottle of water (in my oversized Pashmy bag) I boarded the ferry for San Francisco.
Hiking several blocks from the Ferry Building to Post Street, I entered heavenly Saks Fifth Avenue and duly walked down the stairs to Designer Shoes! I quickly spotted Tommy Ton's picks and beamed like a child in a candy store!

The not-so-good-news: I had been coveting these Rag & Bone Sahara Open-Toe Wedges and tried them on and wanted so badly for them to be magical on my feet, but sadly, they will grace someone else's smaller than size 39's.

But the good news is: I found two winners!

These Stuart Weitzman Expel's with elastic straps for custom fit, are the perfect platform sandals. The shoes have a lightly padded footbed and the perfect 3¼" heels, made of nubuck leather, will most definitely provide mileage!

The other pair is a dainty faux-reptile Elie Tahari strappy sandals on 1½" wedge heels. They are very airy and ultra-comfortable, I will hike the length of the National Mall in D.C. in these!

That took all of two hours, and then up to Contemporary Boutique on the fifth floor to get a feel for what might be daily sassy. James Perse, Equipment (from Intermix Clothing) and Milly never disappoint and an exposé of the best jeans: True Religion, JBrand, Current/Elliott to name a few, will be good fodder for future posts. Before giving in to my, by this time, rapidly disintegrating self-restraint, I beelined towards Emporio Rulli at Union Square for a shot of the best espresso in all of California. Caffeine provided a spring to my hike back to the Ferry Building and after standing for what seemed like an eternity at Miette for some of those sexy macaroons, I picked-up Stieg Larsson's "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" from the Book Passage. (I have to read the book before the film comes out, don't I?)

It was a good day and after handing my ticket to the conductor, I bravely went up to the top-deck and searched for a quiet corner to take in the scenic ferry route back home. I felt very grown-up!

Fashion Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:45:00 +0000

Apparently, there was a time when Anna Wintour banned her staffers from mentioning the word "blog" within Vogue. Fast forward to the magazine's March 2010 issue, and the Index feature on page 514 (Logged On) profiles nine fashion bloggers, who, together, probably have more spread-power than any single fashion bible nowadays. They each have niche specialties and some have garnered front-row seats at the recent fashion shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris (imagine Ms. Wintour's chagrin over sharing the row with these "I-Generation" fashonistas!)

Photo source: Vogue

back row, from left: Michelle Phan: Michelle Phan.com

Todd Selby: the selby.com; fashionologie.com; TheSartorialist.blogspot.com

Tommy Ton: JAK & JIL.com

Yvan Rodic: Yvan Rodiic.blogspot.com

front row, from left: Bryanboy: Bryanboy.com

Hanneli Mustaparta: HANNELI/com

Garance Doré: garance dore.fr/en/

Catherine Kallon: RedCarpetFashionAwards.com

Mary Tomer: Mrs-O.org

I have been following garance doré and The Sartorialist, but will now be logging on to the rest! Check them out, and...Happy Reading!

Henry Beguelin

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:32:00 +0000

I think it was in July 2000 when the shops in Vienna were having their annual summer sales that a dark mocha hobo handbag in the window of one of my favourite shops called Kowalsky, caught my eye. From the outside looking in, it was not difficult to perceive the high quality and craftsmanship of the item -- it was earthy, understated and most definitely handcrafted. Of course I went in to inquire and was told that it was a HENRY BEGUELIN, a name that I had never heard of but would, from that day on list as my handbag designer of choice!

I fell in love with it instantly but did not purchase (believe it or not!) As a result, I found myself taking very hesitant steps towards home-- as is usually the case when I am feeling terribly torn apart. I was at Kowalsky's door the minute they opened at 10:30 the following morning, only to be told that they had shipped all their sale items back to the warehouse as "yesterday was our last day of sale." Imagine how contrite I felt, not to mention how my desire for that bag had then just greatly intensified! Short of begging, I persuaded the store assistant to try and locate it for me. A week passed until I heard back from her and yes, she had found the bag, it had been set aside and was ready for pick-up. It was fate, I was meant to carry a Beguelin and I have loved this possession now for ten years running!

Forward to 2010, I had been meaning to blog about this fabulous label and was going to post this last week until I discovered that not too far away from me, on Sacramento Street in San Francisco, is a Henry Beguelin shop! I remembered that neighborhood and have actually been to a very nice restaurant there (thanks to Serena) called Spruce. So guess what today's activity was?

I had to move to California to finally walk into a Henry Beguelin shop and as I have always anticipated, the store is as beautiful as all the items in it! The helpful sales associate was very knowledgeable and it is through the courtesy of the store manager that I am able to post these photos.

The Masai M

The Africa scaglie

I COVET these mules

and these sandals

and would love to steal these looks.....

photo source: HENRY BEGUELIN

Begun on the island of Elba and now based in Milan, HENRY BEGUELIN's methods are to me the fashion equivalent of the slow food approach. The character of the leathers is revealed through natural processes without the forcible action of chemicals, thus, re-cultivating age-old practices-- "low-tech" as they call it. Also resulting from this manner are the warmth and authenticity of the colors. The ornaments on each bag, shoe, jewelry, belt and clothing are stitched by hand-- no wonder they are so exceptional.

Look for the naïf as I've discovered it is called (not "the little man" as I used to say!) This is their emblem.

So, other than the fact that I am still terrified about driving on those steep hills of San Francisco, this area might just be a frequent destination.

I covet......

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:35:00 +0000

Lately I've been wondering..... do my readers think that I own all the clothes, bags, shoes and accessories that I've been posting on my blog? Cara says "we all think that you are a Duchess stepping out in full regalia all day everyday" and on this, I trust her judgment implicitly because she reads, she writes -- she is published and if no one else does, she goes through my texts with a fine tooth comb (she is my very own E.B. White, lucky me!)

Well I'd have loved to have been a Duchess (and boy, would I know how to live it up!) but hahah: I am not; and although I've never owned a "housedress" in my life and am very finicky about hair, nails and the correct accessories; my usual points of destination are Safeway, the Post office, the library, Daniel's high school, the soccer field and yoga. I usually leave the house in my t-shirt, frayed jeans, fleece vest, Uggs or clogs and sometimes, unavoidably, my Reebok yoga trousers. (I wish to emphasize however, that I NEVER wear sneakers other than when I am jogging!)

Back to the Duchess part, I COVET everything that I've posted on this blog and other than the improvised looks resulting from "shopping in my closet," well, I am left with want - and wouldn't you know it, that's why I blog!

(Pheeew, needed to get that out of the way....)

Speaking of want, my latest obsession is everything Peter O. Mahler. I visited one of my favourite shops yesterday (appropriately called DIVA) and there, staring at me were THE Blouse, THE Dress and THE skirt from this amazing German designer. He stresses simplicity through succinct lines utilizing down-to-earth fabrics in fearless colors. Other adjectives that come to mind are: precise, clean and no-nonsense! (Remember Jil Sander before she went Prada?)

I wonder, how many home-cooked schnitzels will it take until my loving husband agrees that I am worth the $325.00 purple Peter O. Mahler tunic at DIVA that I think has been definitely designed for me?

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Louis Vuitton journeys

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:56:00 +0000

Leafing through my April issue of Vanity Fair last night, I was captivated by this photo of Annie Leibovitz and Mikhail Baryshnikov for LOUIS VUITTON Journeys. How brilliant to feature two amazing artists! I believe that if there is anyone who can wear a Neverfull GM tote, it is Ms. Leibovitz - have a look at the contents of the bag! Actually, she is bigger than that, and for her to have graced Louis Vuitton on one of her very rare self-portraiture....

And I cannot stop admiring Baryshnikov's stature - like that of a Roman god - the power and balance of his feet - evidence of the beauty he has bestowed to the world through dance all these years!

photo credit: Vanity Fair

Watch them and listen, it is inspiring.......

Start with the shoes and work your way up.... (II)

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:53:00 +0000

Furthermore, ankle straps have never looked decent on bare legs. I know I hesitated forever until I stepped into a pair! I soared high and felt very balanced (or is it from yoga?) My advice? Go ahead and pick the shoes and then decide whether to do a flare, pencil, straight, above-knee or knee-length skirt. Do hold off on below-knee for now!

melange this look

and this

and watch these:

Jil Sander crisscross wedge at Saks Fifth Avenue

Giuseppe Zanotti

Elie Tahari Alana Peep Toe

Giuseppe Zanotti

Elie Tahari Camie sandal

L.A.M.B. Zane

Marc by Marc Jacobs High-posted Slingback

Moschino

photo credits: Zappos couture
all shoes (except Jil Sander) are available online at Zappos Couture

Start with the shoes and work your way up.... (I)

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:38:00 +0000

I declare that it has never been so easy to put your best "feet" forward! In case you haven't noticed, the current selection in footwear is sumptuous and the most coveted shoes are indeed wearable art!

Having said that, I maintain that skinny jeans are here to stay and how very kind that they have versatile wear - being absolutely complementary to every style of shoes this season. Well, Teri did once say "start with the shoes and work your way up!"

Here's the skinny.......

I tried on 10 pairs of jeans at Macy's on Monday and left empty-handed because none compared to what I already had on - my Current/Elliot legging jeans. I came home and spent a good hour dress-rehearsing and am happy to declare that this is how I'd do it.....

Booties over jeans

Bettye Muller RIDER at Zappos couture

Be & D Memphis Boot at Zappos couture

Steven by Steve Madden Milleyy at Piperlime

Soar high on these

Givenchy at Zappos couture

my favourite.....
Michael Kors at Zappos couture

Diane Von Furstenberg Aegean at Zappos couture

and finally the classic thong sandals
Michael Kors at Zappos couture

At long last, good riddance to kitten heels!!!!

I'll be back soon to show these shoes with dresses and skirts....

Men in Suits....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:55:00 +0000

One of the things I miss most about living in a big city is Men in suits! (It is no joke that I've watched Men in Black about 12 times and can just about mimic Will Smith when he finally puts on THE SUIT and says to Tommy Lee Jones, who I also happen to think is one of the greatest, by the way, "y'know what the difference is between you an' me? I MAKE THIS LOOK GOOD!")

The windows along the Graben and Kohlmarkt always certainly induced happy cells in my system but I was very often distracted by another kind of eyecandy - that of a tailored Boss on a dapper dude with clean nails and a good haircut, plus, what an added bonus if he happens to be so perfect as to be rocking a pair of Pollinis!

Then Veronika once said that the test of a man's true sense of chic is looking good on the weekend as well as during the week - he looks good in that suit but will he look nifty in his Levi's on Saturday? Or, trend be followed, can he manage the Etro shirt over a pair of Seven's? (no tucking-in please!)

I didn't think I was going to blog about my tomorrow's main event but being that I will most likely, for the first time in Oscars history, be focusing on suits rather than what designer Penelope Cruz has favoured, I wanted to post this eyecandy because although I am far removed from that level of chic, I am confident that these men look great seven days a week!

Actually, all Colin needs to say is "hello" in his native English and I am a goner...

what else.... what else?

why oh why don't they ever play the Nespresso commercial here in the U.S.?

I've loved Jeff Bridges since "Against All Odds" and have seen "The Fabulous Baker Boys" about 10x.... oh, the Makin' Whoope scene......

Is there anyone better than Morgan Freeman out there?????

and to think that Christoph Waltz is Vienesse, and I have to discover this after I had already left that precious city of my life?

May the best man win!

It's a melange!

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:09:00 +0000

All this bloggin' is makin' me very impatient for spring! Last night I went to bed thinking about a shop in Vienna that I used to frequent because they carried CLOSED - a favourite spring/summer line of clothing. They now have an online shop and even offer free shipping --- within Europe. Hmm, is travel across the Atlantic called for.........
Here are my virtual picks and I would've worn them today if I could've....

J'adore this washed red denims and you betcha I would've dared....

would've stepped into Fiorentini + Baker

Serena said that this handbag makes her think of Ali McGraw in Love Story, so now I WANT it even more!

Ippolita Fettucine-hoop earrings

Wright & Teague is to me what Tiffany’s was to Holly Golightly. I’ve not breakfasted in front of their Mayfair window yet but I am planning to do so the next time I am in London! This sentiment charm bracelet says all wonderful things: Vita, Love Divine, Amor, Faith, Vade in Pace, Amor Vincit Om and Walk on the Wild Side

Poetry in jewelry? You've no idea how that gets me! This is Jeanine Payer's Coralie bracelet.

"I do not wish to expiate, but to live. My life is not an apology but a life. It is for itself and not for a spectacle... My life should be unique, it should be an alms, a battle, a conquest, a medicine...."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

So kitsch and so me!

This emsemble:
CLOSED Dori Kari embroidered tunic
CLOSED cotton scarf
CLOSED United-straight white denim
CLOSED United-straight red denim
Fiorentini + Baker Tizz thong sandals, Barneys New York
Mulberry Phoebe handbag
Ippolita Fettucine-hoops
Wright & Teague sentiment charm bracelet
Jeanine Payer Coralie bracelet

********
Then Cinderella wakes up and rushes to her closet and realizes that she needn't travel too far. She has these pieces et voila!

washed blue embroidered linen tunic from Flats Napa Valley (a must-visit store in town!)

Tolani scarf

white Paper Denim & Cloth distressed jeans

durable, reliable, always chic, crochet and leather Miu Miu (i've had this forever and i still love it bag!) and last year's BCBG gladiator sandals

Unode50 and Chan Luu accessories

and so Europe can wait, the weather is here!!!!

Teri.....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:37:00 +0000

Since this picture says a thousand words, alright maybe eight hundred, I shall stop right here.....

Ms. Galvez-Cleary in Verona

Layer and peel....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 05:56:00 +0000

If I would have had to shop for my outfit for today, these would have been my choices and yes, they would have provided instant gratification! My current fancy is to layer as smartly as possible - the scarf over the vest, over the jacket, over the long-sleeve shirt, over the tank top and then peel from the outermost layer (like an onion!) as long as the weather keeps switching from wet and cold to dry and warm and vice versa.

Items in this set:
Grapefruit Massachusetts Long Sleeve Top by American Vintage, 44 GBP
H&M Shop Online
Moto skinny jeans, $240
MONCLER SS10/4832150 780 NYLON/FEATHERS GILET, 230 GBP
Distressed Ankle Boot - Dark Brown, $765

I have a weakness for t-shirts by American Vintage, Majestic Paris as well as Michael Stars, Velvet and J.Crew. They are perfect for layering, they withstand a normal wash cycle and do not shrink or lose their shape. We now wear them tee-over-tee: long-sleeve over short-sleeve over tank-top, snug or loose, long (hurrah!) and layer-visible. Similarly, Target's Tissue T-Shirts are a good value at $9.99 and are perfect for everyday wear.

Items in this set:
L'Agence Loose-fit jersey tank top, $130
Grey Mississippi Cashmere Mix Boyfriend T by American Vintage, 50 GBP
Acne - Tank top YouHeShe.com, 50 EUR
White Jacksonville Short Sleeve Top by American Vintage, 43 GBP
Fuchsia Massachusetts Tee, American Vintage, size: S, 44 GBP

And I think that CURRENT/ELLIOTT's legging jeans are the best complement to the layering story. I like the look of ankle boots over them, or depending on the weather, ballerinas or thong sandals, although clearly, strappy heels are deliciously conspicuous and highly tempting!

But the only shopping I did today was in my closet and this is what I have been able to put-together...

It worked too!

I am surrounded by beauty....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:34:00 +0000

Mustard blossoms are abloom in the Napa valley and the fields are blanketed in golden yellow... we are seeing more glimpses of spring and I am loving the gorgeous landscape of my new home.

A frequent destination, Castello di Amorosa, lucky me!

And because I am often there, you would think that I have by now become used to this breathtaking sight. But no, my heart skips a beat a soon as I ascend the hill and the castle gently comes into view.

A tour of the castle is so worthwhile not only because nothing has been spared in building this authentic edifice, it is also the mark of one man's extraordinary endeavor to turn dream into reality. The tour culminates in the tasting room and after savoring the castle's exquisite libation and my palate is gratified (make sure you taste the IL BARONE and secure your vintage!) my eyes wander onto the royal gift items that surround me and they start feasting on the following......

These Maria Stashak venetian glass and Swarovski® beads bracelets are a reproduction of Edwardian and Victorian jewelry.

$80.00 - $189.00

A chunky gold-plated La Vie Parisienne (by Catherine Popesco) necklace with charm pendants.

$120.00

A Moyna evening (princess?) bag.

$92.00

Pashmina and silk scarf

$85.00

French Berets! They never go out of style!

$13.00 and $15.75

satin wine bags

$13.95

Am I in Florence? paper and stationery corner

and even when just for the moment, I feel like a princess.........

These boots were made for walking

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:21:00 +0000

Finally my current lifestyle allows me to go from boots to flip flops and only on rare occasions must I step into pumps or strappy heels. I shall never be averse to the latter, in fact I love Christian and Jimmy but I see this as a fortuitous break, having had to wear "ouchies" regularly in the past after accepting early on in life that agony was non-negotiable when it came to looking good.

Although I now drive much more than I ever have in the past, I like walking as much as I like public transportation so I had been in constant search for footcandy that provided mileage. I found them in my Sartore boots, my number one footwear of choice!

A second generation company, Sartore was born in the south of France in 1959 but manufacturing was moved to Italy in 1997 when daughters Françoise and Catherine Sartore took over design and management. There is no better leather out there, quality is foremost and the designs are western meets cavalier with equestrian details so distinctive - they can only ever be achieved by hand. The caps and vamps do not tire and they keep their spiffy shape through wear. The heels are algorithmically engineered but trust me, there is nothing "sensible" about these shoes!

photo credits: Sartore

Sartore has corner boutiques at Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette in Paris. In the U.S. they are available at Barneys New York. They can also be ordered online at YOOX.COM and occasionally there are good listings on eBay ®.

Saggy jeans....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:55:00 +0000

Let's face it, were it not for my teenage son, I wouldn't be listening to JayZ on my way to yoga and pretending to be Alicia Keys in my car belting out the lyrics "these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you..."

And there is reason to ponder the question as to whether fashion trends start on the runway or on the streets. Parents have gone as far as campaigning publicly against the way teenagers wear their jeans - slung very low on the hipbone and fastened with a shoestring! Where exactly this trend came from is still being debated but I'd like to think that teenagers have a right to wear their style the way we wore our bell-bottoms, midribs and neon-colored lycra leggings in the 70's (oh, and I forgot the big hair!)

My teenager has gone from saggy tight to saggy baggy jeans and although he does not require my blessings, he still needs a chauffeur to drive him to Zumiez. These travels have been educational for me and I see now where street precedes runway. Where does "functional" come from? "Tough as nails chic?" "Retro?" "Put-together? ""Deconstructed?" The point is, style is individualistic - you need to make it work for you and then be able to pull it off! And where better to test that than live en la calle? So the next time I see those saggy jeans, I will think skatepark or library? And yes, right now, I'm listening to Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert!

on the street in Rome

Hoodie, Beanie and pre-California jeans

photo credit:Teen Vogue

New Era baseball cap, earphone in one ear

teenager jeans, Uggs

pre-IPad backpack?

Evolution

photo credit: bhs.co.uk

Sonia Rykiel pour H&M, oooh lala....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:41:00 +0000

It wasn't so long ago when I not only eliminated bright colours from my wardrobe but also did away with prints and patterns. And although the walls in my flat were painted Provençal lavender, Schönbrunn yellow, ivy green and sky blue, my closet looked like the pallette of a Long Island house of beige, white and heather grey. Black suits and jackets occupied an entire separate rack - they were functional and served their purpose. When necessary, the shawl looped around loosely provided the splash of color and print, the jewelry signified the mood of the day, the bag and shoes were arm and foot candy respectively.

Towards the end of summer last year, I was actually looking at an extravagantly colourful dress at a small shop in town appropriately called "Napaloha," where, sensing my hesitation, the helpful shop associate said "you shouldn't be averse to wearing bright colours because by doing so, you also brighten the day of those who see you!" I thought that that was a good line and even though I did not succumb then, I think that now, as we say in German "es ist soweit......!"

Colours are big this season, stripes abound, flower prints are present and bows are all over. And very momentous, there is Sonia Rykiel pour H&M!

photo credits: H&M

The story goes that since Casa Rykiel has been constantly plagued with the dilemna of the Swedish retailer's copying their wares, they decided to get it over with and approached H&M for a fruitful collaboration. Nathalie Rykiel was quoted as saying "if you can't beat them, join them!"

Due at select stores on February 20th. Don't know about you but I am there!

My Dress state-of-mind

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:47:00 +0000

My current dress state-of-mind finds me debating between Issa and Milly. If my husband were to ask me to pack "vite vite" une robe for a quick getaway I would most likely cheat and take both!

Issa is the creation of the Brazil-born Daniella Helayel. Based in London, she brought out the label in 2001 and those lucky enough to have been able to garner her early collections fell in love with them instantly. Classic Issa is the yet elevated to a higher plane iconic wrap-dress sans VPL's. The silk jersey creates a silhouette so becoming, it emboldens you towards dangerously flirtatious. You put the dress on and instantly feel like Charlotte in "The Woman in Red." For year-round wear, I am looking at these classic-styles...

Solid grey silk dress

Buy it at mytheresa.com

Photos: mytheresa.com

Silk Jersey Dresses

Buy at joseph M

Photos: joseph M

Kate Middleton wearing Issa

photo credits: News | Mail Online

When I grow up I want to do like Michelle Smith did! She created Milly through ardent pursuit of her design in life, keeping with the geniuses in fashion and achieving day into night, functional, prominent and striking dresses. Wear Milly and the only thing you"ll need to touch-up for cocktails after a day in the boardroom is your mascara.
left: Ruffle-sleeve Dress

right: Chain-link Dress

Buy at Net-A-Porter

left: Belted matte Jersey dress

Buy it at Nordstrom

right: Black Candy Cocktail Dress

Buy it at mytheresa.com

I love this black ruffle coat (left) which I believe was from her 2008 A/W collection.
And the hunter green soft wool ruffle-collar coat (right) was from her 2009 collection. I hope she brings it back next fall.

Bon weekend!

Dipped......

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:47:00 +0000

in love

Christian Dior

Miu Miu

Whiting and Davis

Stuart Weitzman

Issa

Chanel rouge creme lipstick No. 95

Roger Vivier

Ferrari Macbook Pro

a 12-year old in love...

Zoé Bonbon

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Footcozy or Footcandy?

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:18:00 +0000

Both!

This is Footcozy......

Car Shoe

Tod's

and this is Footcandy.....

Christian Louboutin

Lady Claude

Mazteka suede and patent

Miss Chief

Peeptoes

Jean-Michel Cazabat Shigatu

Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Cluster T-Strap

L'autre chose rhinestones

L'autre chose

Jean-Michel Cazabat

they are symbiotic, like the bumble bee and the flower, one cannot be without the other......

Leather jacket....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:45:00 +0000

Every year, I search for the perfect leather jacket and I always find it! (if you look you will find...) Acquiring it is a different matter. The previous seasons have been prolific, with innovations from the genius Rick Owens, Ventcouvert and Nigel Preston, among others. This season, leather jackets are retro and deconstructed but also free-style, anything goes!

My leather jacket story....

Ventcouvert biker

I came across the Ventcouvert label in autumn 2006 when Neumann in Vienna started selling their shearling coats. Averaging at over €1,200 a piece, I went looking at other sources like eBay and consignment shops, but to no avail. It so happened that I was due for a meeting in Paris and having discovered that the company's showroom was located in Beaumarchais, I decided that it was worth a visit even though I knew that they only sold directly to retailers. I showed up on a day when the place was abuzz for a showing to Galeries Lafayette and they were just not about to cater to a mere end-consumer when their current collection was not even on the floors of the Grand Magazins yet. No matter, the end-result was that persistence and charm scored me this luscious jacket which I have worn proudly, year-round since 2006.

Here are a few others that are perfect....

Theory, Airy Jadira

why it works: the wide collar, the drawstring waist, the skin-fitting sleeves

Serena had it on when we lunched last week and she turned heads!

Vince leather cowl neck

why it works: the draped lapel, the off-center hidden zip closure, the color

Rick Owens gathered tie leather jacket
why it works: it is unlined, the vintage treatment, the asymetric collar, the ribbed jersey cotton inner sleeve, the self-tie side-closure

Rick Owens blister leather biker

why it works: the distressed leather, the tight sleeves, pair it with anything ultra-girly and the result is tough as nails chic!

Rick Owens padded vintage tie leather jacket

why it works: the envelope collar, the drape, the narrow shoulders, the color, the very feminine take

vintage Mikai

why it works: the narrow shoulders, the colarless style, the perfectly-tailored body

Santacrose motorcycle

if this jacket ever finds its way to my closet, I believe I shall stop looking for a while!

The most important accessory.....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:49:00 +0000

Love these totes, some au courant, some from seasons past and most to keep forever.....

Falorni Le Borse woven totes

Tods Pashmy

Chanel Biarritz

Prada

Gucci Sukey

Christian Louboutin JJR

Michael Kors python

Kooba Blake

Henry Beguelin Africa-Kuba

Henry Beguelin Star

Mulberry Roxanne

Mulberry Phoebe

Fay

and I am coveting a Prada nylon zip satchel (at Prada on Rodeo Drive)

it took a very long time to decide which color, but I've made up my mind, I covet an orange Hermes Birkin....

I look forward to every change of season....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:43:00 +0000

And I cannot name a favourite time because each one presents diverse opportunities in dressing-up! I go through my closet as soon as the weather signals transition, in order to organize my wardrobe for efficient pickings and pairings for the season. I neatly store away the "old" and take out the "new." You will be amazed at how fun it is to "rediscover" previous finds! As my girlfriend Teri says "I went shopping in my closet!"

Here are my staples for spring and summer, items picked out carefully throughout many years, cherished and worn lovingly, because true-love never dies.....

bejeweled thong sandals

Miu Miu, Barneys New York Outlet

turquoise necklace

N E W O N E, Vienna

fun earrings

TOUS Barcelona

very soft and slouchy, will love it forever...

Falorni Le Borse tote, Pitti, Vienna

faux reptile high heels

MAXSTUDIO Outlet store

stilleto step-ins

Jil Sander,Vienna

necklace/belt

Marni, Lolo's Consignment, Saint Helena

faux tortoiseshell bangles

yummy accessories, Vienna

"I'm all set for this season" ballerinas

Tory Burch and ATTILIO GIUSTI LEOMBRUNI (don't you just love his name?)

jelly thongs

BCBGirls

coral necklace

pearl-studded thongs

Beverly Feldman

and this one is work-in-progress

a Gucci belt (I wish I have!)

It was a gorgeous day today.....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:40:00 +0000

I dared the weather gods and put these on......

French sailor boatneck top, Barneys New York Outlet $109.00

boyfriend jeans, True Religion (last season's)

ETRO scarf

Anyone out there who hasn't owned a pair of Keds? Keds and Loomstate worked together in creating a green footprint, made of 100% certified organic cotton uppers & lining, nickel-free eyelets and 100% recycled insole board. Transition into these from your Uggs! Barneys New York Outlet $35.00

Loomstate by Keds

and Girlfriend is right, boyfriend jeans need heels, or for my part, these Tod's platform wedges.

and this would have completed the ensemble.....Christian Louboutin black patent tote bag, saw it at Neiman Marcus yesterday. I believe it is still there enclosed in the glass case....

If you look.... you will find.....

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:54:00 +0000

Findings, in Saint Helena is a shop true to its name. Run by a lovely lady named Maura Wilson, it is a place where you will find even when not really looking! Recently, I left the shop with a find - a phenomenal piece of jewelry from a company called Unode50 (pronounced "uno de cinquenta," meaning one of 50.) Ingeniously, the company produces only 50 of each style, hence, your piece is one of only 50 around the world! Based in Madrid, Unode50 was founded by Concha Diaz del Rio, who, along with her fellow designers, creates eye-catching accessories using mixed metals, resin and leather. I follow all kinds of accessories and trinkets ardently, especially antique or "antiqued" and anything truly original (have you ever been to Le marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris?) I beg for a story of every piece that catches my fancy.

The story: Charm bracelets date back to ancient times when they were worn for superstitious rather than fashion purposes. They were talismans to please the gods, ward off evil spirits and help in gaining entry into the afterlife. Further on, charms signified status and family origin. Legend has it that Queen Victoria was responsible for turning charm bracelets into fashionable and stylish items, setting a new trend that has lingered on almost two centuries later and shall stay on for a while more......

This voluptuous bracelet is made of mixed metals and has seven symetrically attached charms: key, turtle, elephant, mammoth tusk, clove, heart, gold bar. The clasp is a stroke of genius: a miniature corkscrew tranformed into a secure lock! Could you possibly want anything more?

www.Unode50.com

www.findingsnapavalley.com

Bikram Yoga + Bouchon Bakery + True Religion Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (Mélange) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:10:00 +0000

One of the things (among very many) that I knew I was going to miss when I left Vienna was my morning run three times a week along the Prater in the second district. Those 45-minute runs provided me with many a therapeutic moments plus a rich perspective into the diverse flora and fauna of Bohemia (and I am counting in the colourful Viennese from the 3rd, 5th, 12th, 20th and 22nd districts in here!) And then my chum Martina introduced me to Bikram yoga - which I resisted for about 2 months. I am not the meditating kind, nor can I keep still for more than 12 seconds. But Austrian weather tends towards cold and rain, if not snow (which I love, regardless of....) and I needed to find some form of indoor sport and having had enough of gyms, I decided to see for myself what all the rage about Bikram Yoga was about. I attended my first class in April 2008 and have not looked back since.

So how does one stay fit and trim in gourmet wine country when this rainy season does not allow for any outdoor activities?

It has been gratifying to have met the feisty and vivacious Sylvana Carrarra who runs a serious but always lively Bikram Yoga studio in Napa.

http://www.bikramyoganapa.com

And because I am lucky to be living in Thomas Keller's, Michael Chiarello's and Cindy Pawlcyn's territory, how can I resist real and honest food especially when they are presented impeccably? One of my favourite places in Napa Valley is Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. So far, it has been the only place where I can get real and honest schwarzbrot and warm pain au chocolat - which always brings me back to Provence 1998!

http://bouchonbakery.com

Is there anyone out there who might not agree with the following equation:

90-minutes Bikram Yoga plus Bouchon Bakery is still equals to sliding-in with ease into your True Religion jeans!