Style Musings

Growing up, my mother had the two complete volumes of The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm. I remember reading them on my own as I got older and thinking that not all the tales included were for children. Actually, not necessarily in those words - more of the feeling of when I finally got to pick a book out of the young adult section because I was ready to tackle 'adult subject matter' like cliques and dating. Kids.

Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir by Camilla Morton is definitely a fairy tale for adults, entwining the tale of Sleeping Beauty with that of Christian Lacroix's real life, and supplemented with amazing (but sightly dark) illustrations by Lacroix* himself. In this tale, sleeping Beauty awakes not from a kiss, but by a wardrobe change. Shrug. Next in the four book series is Manolo Blahnik and the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker (Nov 2011), followed by the stories of Diane von Furstenberg and John Galliano -- all illustrated by the designers. Can't wait.

from thestylemusings.com

*It's Lacroix, Sweetie Darling, Lacroix

photo cred: amazon

from style-musings.com

design(mode): louis vuitton

2011-01-04T19:02:00.000-05:00

Art deco is my favorite design style; you can dangle almost anything that is art deco-ish in front of me - furniture, jewelry, clothes, art - and I'm in. Sprinkle in some some flappers and philosophers and well, I'm sold.

Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 11

from thestylemusings.com

photo cred: courtesy of louis vuitton

from style-musings.com

design(mode): basso & brooke

2010-05-25T17:20:00.000-04:00

Basso & Brooke Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear

from thestylemusings.com

photo cred: style.com

ciné(screen): party girl

2010-05-07T17:37:00.001-04:00

Cyd Charisse as Vicki Gaye in Party Girl

Party Girl is a 1958 film noir directed by Nicholas Ray, starring Robert Taylor and Cyd Charisse. Last week I watched this movie and caught a glimpse of the red dress above - immediately thought about Hilary Swank's Guy Laroche dress she wore to the 2005 Oscars. I loved that dress so much. In fact, I wanted to base my wedding dress on it, but that's another story.

Hilary Swank at the 77th Academy Awards [Guy Laroche]

Victoria Beckham at the Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party 2009 [Victoria Beckham]

Diane Kruger at the Met Costume Institute Gala 2010 [Calvin Klein]

Marion Cotillard at the Met Costume Institute Gala 2010 [Christian Dior]

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Chopard Celebrates 150 Years of Excellence Gala [Antonio Berardi]

Paz Vega at the 4th International Rome Film Festival [Gucci]

Kate Hudson at 2010 SAG Awards [Emilio Pucci]

Ciara at the Met Costume Institute Gala 2009 [Emilio Pucci]

from thestylemusings.com

biblio(file): deluxe - how luxury lost its luster

2010-05-05T11:09:00.001-04:00

When Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster first came out in 2007, I remember reading book reviews that placed reviewers in the extremes of love and hate. It was interesting to read some of the unflattering reports that seem to call for its placement on a list of banned books waiting to be thrown into a bonfire. On the other side, proponents conjectured that those who were against Deluxe, were part of a shadowy conspiracy trying to keep hidden the explosive secrets of the luxury goods & services industry. Great marketing, huh? I made a mental note to buy and read it as soon as possible.

Three years later, I finally got around to reading it. I have to admit that I am definitely with the 'loved it' crowd but failed to see the controversy. Maybe that is what waiting three years gets me. Deluxe doesn't necessarily explain how luxury lost its luster since it is still a shiny and thriving industry; instead it explains the histories of many iconic items, the back room business dealing & feuds and how luxury brands have spread and transformed into many different cultures and regions. Deluxe opens the the doors to a world that for most most people is still mysterious and somewhat unwelcoming. But I would argue that one of the criteria of being a true luxury brand is that it can stand up to a thorough examination and the customer still wants (and craves) it. Right?

Perhaps learning that the new perfume to hit the market was probably created five years ago in a nondescript laboratory and was just waiting for a buyer to brand it, may tarnish the image a little. But then again, there are other fragrances that were truly inspired and born from a designer's trip to some exotic locale. What I loved most about Deluxe were the detailed accounts from the insiders -- good and bad -- and I felt that I become a more educated consumer. Overall, it is still the kind of book that you can make reference to in conversation and someone else will definitely make a mental note to read it too...hopefully in less than three years.

from thestylemusings.com

photo cred: amazon.com

love(notes): gianmarco lorenzi

2010-04-30T15:22:00.000-04:00

Discoball

from thestylemusings.com

style(hunt): oxfords gone brogue

2010-04-27T15:30:00.001-04:00

caw photoshopped creations

Last year I remember driving - when I do my best thinking - the oxford trend had hit but I didn't really see any that were really different. I imagined and wanted multi-color, highly adorned or something a little more inventive than adding a heel. I guess my frustration came from the many years of private school where I was only allowed to wear oxfords and mary janes; therefore, I kind of have a love hate/relationship with them.

So, voilà -

Olivia Morris

Aldo Shoes

Cutout Oxford by Opening Ceremony

Melissa Joy Flocado

Christian Louboutin Fred Flat Glitter

Melissa Joy + Alexandre Herchcovitch

Marc Jacobs

Christian Louboutin

Sam Edelman

Church's

from thestylemusings.com

design(mode): balmain

2010-03-15T15:13:00.000-04:00

Balmain Spring 2010 RTW

from thestylemusings.com

mag(rac): numero

2010-03-13T16:39:00.001-05:00

Numero #111 March 2010

Photographer: Karl Lagerfeld

Models: Elisa Sednaoui & Baptiste Giabiconi

from thestylemusings.com

style(hunt): briefcase

2010-03-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

Chanel Perspex Briefcase

When I was a child, my dad would let me play with his old leather briefcase. It was auburn brown with gold hardware and I would carry it around the house like I had important business. It was the era of power dressing. An Alex P. Keaton in the making. In all actuality, it was only filled with my drawings, markers and whatever baubles I treasured at that time. I was allowed to play with it because my dad had upgraded to a sleek, black crocodile case with silver hinges and lock. Maybe this childhood experience is why I've always wanted a briefcase. I remember thinking that I wanted a chrome one as a college graduation gift in anticipation of my first job. That was when I still used sitcoms as a gauge for my future. I really thought high school would be like Save By the Bell. So disappointing.

One doesn't really see people with briefcases anymore. Messenger, tote and computer bags, yes. Briefcases, no. I am talking about the old-fashioned, hardside *knock, knock, knock* attaché case. I had a professor who carried one. It was this worn, clunky thing at least a couple of decades old. He would walk into the classroom, put it on the front table, and pull out his notes. He would then proceed to lecture for an hour and a half straight with no slides or visual aids. The class was totally devoid of any type of technology since we were not even allowed to take notes on our computers, just pen and paper. It was as if he was letting you know upfront with his briefcase, his teaching style.

I still want a briefcase but really have no reason for one. My computer bag is still more functional. The biggest advantage is that it is hands free. Plus, do I want people to assume that I am carrying around a poker set or at best guess a gun? They are really only seen for ransom drops and other sketchy cash payoff. But I think I am just using TV as a reference again. Regardless, this reasoning didn't stop me from looking around to see what the modern age has to offer.

Tumi Tennyson Attache, $1,995

Asprey Bond Attache, £2,500

Vanguard Business Series Modern 84 Attache, $117.95

Rimowa Topas Aluminum Silver Attache Case, $945

Zero Halliburton 4" aluminum attaché, $550

Totally Bamboo Bamboo Attache Case, $218.95

Louis Vuitton Président, $4,200

from thestylemusings.com

ciné(screen): savile row

2010-03-09T22:15:00.000-05:00

The bespoke spell. That is the underlying theme of this three part documentary. Savile Row chronicles the present day state of the famed Mayfair street,

Its craftsmen and women are aging — the average tailor on the Row is 55 — and international merchandisers are entering the marketplace. Documentarian Ian Denyer explores Savile Row’s illustrious tradition and how it is adjusting to the challenges of the 21st century.

During the three episodes, viewers see tailors' reactions as retailer Abercrombie & Fitch opens an outlet on the Row, the tailors' efforts to promote the Row tradition to customers abroad and fledgling apprentice tailors compete for the profession’s top award. As I watched, it was easy to be sentimental about an era, in some cases even more so than some of the tailors. For example, we accompany one digging around in a basement, going through the records of every single customer that has ever walked through its doors - figuratively. He is looking for the records of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie de Montijo, which have been misplaced; recorded either under 'M' for Montijo or 'E' for Empress - even though 'E' doesn't make sense, since there "has been so many of them." The correct book is finally found in an dusty old cupboard with a radiator, chair and other retired equipment blocking the sticky doors.

I guess it is hard to get worked up about every single famous client when there have been so many, but there is something about having those records in a boiler room and not in some climate-controlled display cabinet. I am still waiting for someone to put on white gloves before flipping through the pages. The Row has such a rich tradition of tailoring that hasn't changed that much since the 1800s. However, as a 'brand' Savile Row has failed to keep up with the times and there is its catch-22. The introductory question:

"Can the tailors get brand savvy without selling their souls?"

from thestylemusings.com

photo cred: sundance channel

front(lines): prada

2010-03-07T16:34:00.000-05:00

"First Spring" by Yang Fudong

Prada S/S 2010 Menswear Campaign

from courtneyalbertweiss.com

Credits:

Model/Actor: Jacob Coupe

Model/Actor: Adrien Sahores

Actor: Geng Le

Actor: Ji Lili

Actor: Zhao Lei

Actor: Gao Xiu Li

Director: Yang Fudong

from thestylemusings.com

design(mode): vionnet

2010-03-05T14:11:00.000-05:00

Vionnet Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear

from thestylemusings.com

photo cred: style.com

front(lines): valentino

2010-03-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

The print campaign reminds me of the Louis Vuitton campaign with Madonna. Though, these were shot by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, not Steven Meisel. I know I am not the only one who sees the similarities? Regardless, I still love the composition.

from thestylemusings.com

style(hunt): pin-up swimsuits

2010-03-01T16:50:00.000-05:00

diana von furstenberg // michael kors

Last week I was IMing with one of my friends and we were swapping links of potential swimsuits. Of all the years that I have gone swimsuit shopping, I've never had a clear plan before walking into the store. I've had the mentality of as long as it looked good on me (or sometimes just settling with mildly looking good) I didn't care the style. As much as I love to shop, swimsuit shopping has always been a chore or a last minute errand.

While cyber shopping with her, I noticed that there were three dominent styles of the season the standard cut-out sexy or barely existent, the ruffle/fringe, and surprisingly retro bombshell. Okay, maybe I could get a little bit more excited. I saw them on the runway last year, but not so much in stores. I've decided that I wanted to do something a little different this season. A 1940/1950-ish suit with a modern twist. Eh? However, I also noticed that that many sites didn't provide a view of suit from the back. Seriously? I realize that finding a swimsuit is more of something to be done in person, but give a girl a little hint.

But back to the excitement -- I like the idea of a modern day pin-up girl. My friend says that to really pull off the look I need to be tatted up. I am going to have to disagree on that point, but I'll consider a temporary tattoo.

Leda Halter & Ruffle Brief

Becca® Butterfly one-shoulder bandeau top & Skirted scoop bottom

Carmen Marc Valvo retro one-piece

Esther Williams Vintage Swimsuit 50's Style

The Bettie - Retro Halter Swimsuit

Classic Bikini Swimsuit

The Betty Swimsuit

Retro Sailor Swimsuit

Halter Eight Suit

Bill Top & Bottom

from thestylemusings.com

runway photo cred: ivan lattuada/sgp; marcio madeira via style.com

intrigue(motif): être l'inspiration

2010-02-27T19:04:00.000-05:00

Eartha Kitt

from thestylemusings.com

love(notes): suzan fellman

2010-02-25T19:07:00.000-05:00

Bespoke Chanel Silk Scarf Chandelier by Suzan Fellman

I really love this Chanel scarf chandelier by Suzan Fellman but again if someone tried to take my scarf for this project....hmmm. The chandelier is "draped with genuine pearls and gold-plated vintage beads and chain." Each shade is made from an authentic vintage Chanel silk scarf and is attached to a gold-plated ceiling plate.

There are also Chanel and YSL chairs, upholstered "with specially selected, vintage scarf squares with waterjet-cut Lucite legs." Each chair is designed around the three vintage designer scarves that comprise it, so no two are ever alike.

Bespoke Silk Scarf Chairs by Suzan Fellman

from thestylemusings.com

photo cred: suzan fellman & vivre

mag(rac): dazed & confused

2010-02-23T19:27:00.000-05:00

Dazed & Confused, April 2009

Model: Lakshmi Menon

Photography: Josh Olins

Styling: Nicola Formichetti

from thestylemusings.com