Hark! It is September. Does this mean the leaves are starting to change and it’s going to get chilly? Where did Summer go? I still have white, strapless dresses that have tags still attached and sandals that don’t even have scuff marks on their bottoms. Well, thank goodness I live in Los Angeles, but for most of the world this means the changing of the closet! Unwrapping those cashmere sweaters, buying new wooden cedar hanger inserts, and starting to say good-bye to the romper trend. (For some of you that’s a “thank-god.” Though, owning a cute silk butterscotch Marc Jacobs one myself, I loved it!). So, to debut our Fall look I decided on the lovely Celine which is oh so French, and oh so divine, that you can’t help but look sophisticated in its luxurious fabrics and its “I didn’t try too hard” look. I know when the seasons start to change I wanna be cozy. I hate being unprepared for the weather outside and being itchy with bad wool or sweaty by being swamped by too much fabric. I like light layers that keep me warm. The Fall is great for layering lightly while experimenting with fabrics that will mesh with your lifestyle.
The outfit I’ve chosen is the one I would have liked my mom to have picked me up in school wearing and proudly beamed, “Yep, that’s her, that’s the queen of chic.” My mom tended to enjoy the art of schlep, which is fair enough, but I swore if I ever had kids, I’d always look fab when I was around them so they could be proud of me fashion-wise. Hey, I’ll never be Kate Moss, but I can be a fashion icon to someone, right? The Celine look is great because it’s comfy with sumptuous fabrics so you could work in the ensemble and then chill out with the kids after school or a friend after work and not need to change. The over-the-knee boot look is a Fall staple so girl, you are right on trend! The ruffled front of the blouse is also tres chic for the season (collars, ruffled fronts–all to be on your tick list). The over-sized sweater is cut fashionably so it doesn’t look like it’s eating you alive, just comfortably acting like a warm layer. The leggings are always perfect–hey–you know me—elastic waist=perfection. And finally, the bag is really adorable because it’s an unusual color with a bit of shearling and suede so you aren’t looking SO heavy and dark for winter yet. So, shall we “Fall” in love with this look?
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
This lovely wool-blend wrap coat is a perfect shade of grey. It's not too dark so it transitions well into Fall rather than a heavier charcoal which would be better for Winter. It has a kimono-style fit so sleeves will look lovely billowing out of it and you can even replace the tie it comes with using your own leather cinched waist belt to dress it up. Wool-Blend Knit Wrap Coat, $1,300, celine.com
This silk and cotton ruffle front blouse has a look of "sheer" comfort. It is light so you won't be sweating underneath your wool wrap coat, but it is not flimsy enough to cut right through to the skin. I love the color. I think the taupe is such a unique match with the gray and works so beautifully together. It's not a color combination you'd expect and yet it is seamless in its compatibility. This is again, all about comfort. This is not too form fitting, yet it is still flattering enough to show off your silhouette without constraining your body. The ruffled sleeves will look heavenly edging out from the coat. Cotton-Blend Ruffle Blouse, $760, celine.com
These have become the new staple of every woman's wardrobe. They ARE the new jean. This will be the perfect comfort piece with the elastic waist and the cotton-wool blend. The top-layers will hit the leggings perfectly so nothing will show that shouldn't, and these will be the ideal platform for your KILLER boots coming up next Everyone should own a pair of leggings. Their versatility and easiness is just A+ and you can dress them up or down. Cotton-Wool Blend Leggings, $495, celine.com
I need these. I want these. Some rich Duke reading my blog, donate these to me! The over-the-knee boot is THE look this coming season. EVERYONE will be showing these. There will be grubby, cheap imitations. DO NOT GO THERE. You don't want to be mistaken for a hooker in Hollywood. You need to keep it quality and classy. The leather has to have integrity. The fit has to be excellent. No droopiness. No bagginess. These have to show off those gams. Don't give up. You will find a pair. They are out there for a price you can afford. Just don't succumb to the cheap, call-girl look, okay? Wear over leggings with a short top like we are doing with this outfit and you'll look relaxed and chic. Wear dressed with a tunic. Wear over jeans! These are really gonna take over fashion. If only these were cheaper. Oh Celine!!!! But anyway, how gorgeous is this going to look with our Fall debut outfit? Leather Over-The-Knee Boots, $1,310, celine.com
To compliment the color of the silk-blend ruffle blouse I thought this bag was perfect! I love that color combo with the gray and the taupe and thought this was the icing on the cake. I love the suede and shearling and the understated Celine stamp on the front. I love the messenger style. Again, great for comfort factor. It's adjustable so you can make it handbag length easily. It's sumptuous in fabric, but slightly casual in fashion. This bag makes me want to curl up and sleep inside of it! Dimitiri Shearling Bag, $2,200, celine.com
And just in case it gets a bit colder than you expected, stick these cashmere lined leather gloves in your shearling bag. We don't want any rough hands this season! I like that these are slightly rugged with their seams---makes them seem a bit badass with the boots. All in all the outfit comes together and makes sure you are comfortable, cozy and well looked after. Leather Gloves, $590, celine.com
My sincerest apologies for last week’s debacle. I made a fashion faux pas. I let you down with my end of week clothing choice pairing a fabulous jacket, amazing shoes, a beautiful top, a lovely necklace and (though there is some debate about this one) a beautiful skirt together to make my self look like a 40 year old bridge player (See Last Week: Fashion Friday). I know many of you felt that the skirt was too old for me. I am very 50/50 on this. It is a Nicole Farhi skirt and in person it literally looks like a watercolor painting on pleated fabric. I used to be heavier than I am now. Many of my clothes are too big for me and therefore don’t flatter. I mentioned this in the post—–it hit me poorly in the leg and I had to wear something over the skirt to cover up the sagging waistline. In hindsight, I never should have even shown the skirt at all. I HAVE brought back a relic from last week to show you how frickin’ fab a piece of that outfit is when put together correctly. You’ll remember it when you see it. So again, do not lose faith from my blunder. Out of 52, I hope to only fail once or twice making the rest of the weeks a success. Hey, I haven’t done too badly so far, right?
So, to make up for the horrors of last week, I went all out for you Ethers. I went for the uber grand. Lush velvet trousers from Chloe, stunning beaded jacket from Reiss………it really is damned lovely. I will say, the Chloe’s are slightly too big (I told you, I have lost weight since their purchase) but this time they work in a cool, slouch kind of way. Excited?
So…you know how I wrote about the Russian Revolution taking over makeup (See Beauty Post: Beauty Trend: Say “Da” For Russia!)? Well, this week our girl has taken on that trend in fashion and is our Russian devushka. She’s wearing lush fabrics, sensuous colors and the neckline on the shirt reminds me of the Chanel ads of the models wearing high-neck, severe collars. She’s come West for a day of shopping. (Yeah, well, most of us would wear this to a cocktail event). Her chaffeur is taking her to all of the high-end shops to enhance her already luxe wardrobe and then she’s off to a very dimly lit restaurant to dine with ex-pats for a meal in a heavily decorated private room. She’s not too trendy. Her look is classy, but her pieces are individual. The materials are unique and you can tell are fine quality. Though she isn’t wearing something straight off the catwalk and looking ridiculously over the top, you can tell she knows her fashion, but she also knows the limits of class. Her English is perfect as is her French and she has a penchant for Jane Austen AND Catherine the Great (and maybe a soft spot for the silly Marie Antoinette). Let’s take a look at our revised Fashion Friday and say “pri-Vet” (Hello) to Madame X.
Ya Loo-Bloo Tibia Tor-Ja (I love you as well) Ethers! Enjoy! (Aren’t you proud of my Russian!?)
Kra-si-va-ya! (Beautiful!) The colors match perfectly. From the burgundy in the trousers and the top to the whites in the pattern in the shirt and the coat. Notice our old friends from last week poking out from the hemline of the trouser bottom? Yeah, they don't look too "babushka" like now, do they? And the bracelet with the purple hues and a vintage feel with the cameo. The details are so much prettier in person. If you could see it live, the colors and the effect---so much more dazzling. Trust me, this is MUTED compared to how luscious this outfit really is.
You know when you go into a store at the beginning of a season and see something and pray that if any are left when the sales start that there will be one in your size. And if there is one in your size, the mark-down price will still be cheap enough to afford? I visited Reiss every 3 days during the winter sales and watched this jacket. It vanished from store to store. I was devastated. And then on a fluke, I had come from a PR meeting and gloomily walked into a Reiss in Covent Garden. I went in and, SHOCK, I saw my glittering jacket. I knew it was about 100 quid too much and they wouldn't have my size. I first looked at the price tag. My hands started to shake. The fucking thing had been marked down to 49 pounds (from almost 300 pounds). Trembling, the first one was an x-small. I thought if I had to, I would cut out all bread, meat and only eat greens. But then, I fingered the tag of the one next to it and it was A SMALL!! I looked to see if it was missing sequins or a button. It was perfect. "That was just returned today," the sales girl said. "Bargain." I have worn this jacket on very few occasions. It is extremely delicate, slightly heavy, and beyond spectacular. It is one of my favorite finds. Our Russian girl probably would have paid full price and snagged it without the anxiety, but Ethers, let's come back to reality and step away from our Fashion Friday's story for a moment. This set of digits didn't have the cash flow our Faberge fashionista did....but man....when I wear it I feel like catwalk queen Natalia Vodianova. White Embellished Jacket, Originally About 300 sterling, Paid 49 sterling, Reiss, London
This is a really lovely cotton top that is elegant and has a pleasant paisley pattern that meshes perfectly with the flow of the outfit. It really is there to work as a color layer for the look but mainly I chose it for it's Edwardian-esque collar. I LOVE how high and ruffled the neck is (hard to see in the photo). I think if you have a long, lean, neckline this is such an elegant piece because it pokes out from the jacket and makes a statement that you don't need to make any longer with jewelery. Collars and ruffled fronts are very in right now so this is a great little addition to the wardrobe. Burgundy Blouse, $50, Banana Republic, Los Angeles
Many years ago, when this young Yankee landed in England, she visited a store called Selfridges and fell in love....but not with the prices. However, her first Christmas sales came. She was savvy. She waited until the last day. The place was desolate. What was left was pretty dire, and had 3-4 red lines through the markdown tickets. But out of the corner of her eye in the Chloe section, a section no girl in University had any business being in, she saw the most luscious pair of burgundy, velvet trousers. They were not in her size, but for the price, tailoring would do. I'll reveal the deal at the end... Our Russian look is all about the fabrics being rich and luxurious. I've always thought of velvet as epitomizing this. Even a touch of velvet in a hair ribbon, or on a bow of a shoe...it can add such elegance. I love how our girl has so many different fabrics. I love the casual cut of the trouser, but the statement the color and fabric make. This is a dress pant, but done young and hip. As for the price....Chloe Trousers, Originally 750 sterling, Paid 44 sterling (HA!), Selfridges, London
And YOU thought THESE were GRANNY shoes! Our Czarina doesn't think so! HMPH! They are perfect with the colors because the pink brings out the burgundy so well and just the tip of the shoe shows so you get just a splash of color. I like that they are classic and modern meshed into one. I adore these shoes--no matter what anyone says! And I think they are the perfect touch to this classy cool that she's working. Pink Flapper Style Shoes, Office Sale Shop, Originally 80 sterling Paid 40 sterling, London
This is just a brooch with a pendant attachment that I stuck onto a couple of skinny bangles. I liked the whole idea of a cameo--but this one is funked out in the right color tones. The cameo is something opulent and rich and something I could see a Russian mother passing down to her daughter. I just thought it would add to the classiness of the look and also the uniqueness. I like how it hangs down on the hand. It's obviously faux-jewelery, but let's pretend for our girl it's a vintage piece that's made of amethyst, gold, moonstone and amber. Can you fly with this one with me? Styled Bracelet, Unknown Price, London Market, London
So, I found this really groovy store on La Cienega in West Hollywood en route to my gym which is on Sunset. It’s the most amazing little place. Stationed between a car wash and a crummy parking lot, it’s the sleekest little boutique with a white awning. Written in the coolest black lettering simply states the name Opening Ceremony. I’d driven by a few times and wondered what this place was all about. Was it a club, a restaurant? The LAST thing I expected for it to be was the most unique clothing store I’d been to in Los Angeles thus far. Opening Ceremony carries everything from their own label (which is very Euro-vintage) and Topshop to Acne Jeans and bonkers labels you’ve never heard of. I was thrilled when I walked into their groovy labyrinth where their very attractive and well-dressed staff point you in all directions so you can get lost in this candy shop of clothing, shoes, accessories and more. I was thrilled to see a whole rack of Topshop, though it was mainly the Kate Moss collection. It was ridiculously expensive (Londoners, if you thought you paid through the roof for the scraggle-toothed waifs creations, try buying a tank-top for $100 where they even have the chutzaph to leave the UK tag on that says 25 quid. Um. No.) So, even though I couldn’t afford a single thing in this hot-house for hipsters, I thought if they had a website it would be great to share their wonderful world with you. So I was thrilled when I Googled the shop and found out they did indeed sell online. Their collection is SO much more limited on their website then what they have to offer in store, but you still get the groove factor from the cool graphics, off-beat models and unique clothing selections. If you’re looking for a brand that nobody else is really going to be sporting, or a label that is uber cool that you’d see the likes of Sienna Miller wearing, than you’ve hit the right spot. Opening Ceremony likes to show that they don’t carry the regular stuff that your local mall does–but truthfully you’ll have to pay. The stuff ain’t cheap, even on sale.
The “Wish List” look this week is all about travel and getting upgraded to First Class when you’re flying. Why shell out the big bucks on a plane seat when you could spend it on an outfit you’ll wear for ages! Even if you spend 24 grueling hours flying, the amount of money you spent on a First Class ticket could buy you a runway look that will make you the envy of all your friends and may even get you snapped by “The Satorialist.” I could have chosen a wack-a-doodle outfit from Opening Ceremony (and trust me, if you visit their shop or site, you can see nutty stuff. Chloe Sevigny has her own label there, just to give you some idea!) but I wanted to pick something that was unique, still wearable, and that would be comfy to fly in. And when you nonchalantly ask the narrow-eyed flight attendant about being upgraded, she’ll take one look at you and say to herself, “yep, this girl is used to high-flyin’ style.” The only thing that it’ll cost you is the price of an economy class seat and some killer clothes from this choice selection. So, get out your passport, dust off your luggage and get your doctor to prescribe you some sleeping pills because honey, you are about to see some duds that will get you an oversized leather seat, champagne and rid you of that screaming kid who keeps peering over his chair making crazy eyes at you (don’t you hate that!).
I love this jacket because it sort of has that fencing coat feel, but also an old-fashioned bodice look to it too. I adore the darting. The lines will hug your body and show off your figure in all of the right places. The arms are cut long so they will give the appearance of elongating your limbs. The front zip is handy, making the jacket easy to take on and off. This is perfect for when you fly (the temperatures in those planes are so unpredictable!). The material is also great. A mix of cotton and rayon, this lovely jacket won't wrinkle too badly so you'll leave the plane as crisp as you entered it. G. V. G. V. Arch Braid Zip-Up Jacket In Beige, Originally $1,025 now $513, openingceremony.com
You're going to be in the clouds anyway so why not represent the mood of the flight? The attendants will appreciate YOUR appreciation for their jobs (okay, maybe I'm taking this a bit too far) but it is a cute thought, no? I just loved how light and airy this top was. It looked like a watercolor painting and I loved how the fluffiness of the blouse mimicked the fluffiness of the clouds. It's actually hand printed in Japan, and I reckon just a lovely summertime top. It think it will layer nicely under the cotton jacket because the fabric is so thin (the jacket really needs to not have anything too bulky underneath as it is so snug, it fits like a top in its own right). Made of silk and cotton, you'll be breathing fresher air in this ethereal piece of cloth in the front of the cabin then in the back, that's for sure. Wakana Koike Fluffy Cloud Blouse, $300, openingceremony.com
Don't these just look comfortable? The loose tied waist? The wide legs? The linen and cotton blend? The chilled out Japanese-inspired cut? You know they'll just sit well on you, be a great fit and won't make you sweat bullets in the summer heat but protect you from the sun. I think the cloud blouse would look lovely tucked into the trousers showing off the tied waist and I like the idea of the natural looking jacket and pants matching together to make a really "green" look. And if you spill champagne on these compliments of First Class, I bet you it won't even show! United Bamboo Baggy Pants, Originally $405 now $122, openingceremony.com
I really like these because they tie the whole outfit together in a glamorous way without being too "bling" but show you have style and know your fashion. They are architecturally very interesting with the layering of the suede. The heel is almost like a bamboo reed, and they just look comfortable. They work with the whole organic look of the outfit. It's like you aren't trying too hard, but you're letting people know you've got style. That's what the flight attendant's will pick up about you. That you aren't pushy, but you know what you want and you get it. They'll see you "own it" and they'll wanna give it to you. High-heels=high-flying. Hussein Chalayan Flap Boot, Originally $849 now $249, openingceremony.com
If you want to "bag the deal" you can't be schleping around a beaten up purse that says "there is a hole in the lining of this baby that has about $3 worth of parking meter change in it that I can pull out if I turn it upside down." You need to look like you're carrying important things in an important case. This will hold all of your key documents and even a small laptop. It goes beautifully with the colors of your outfit and is crisp and clean for summer. Want Les Essentials De La Vie Bag, $625, openingceremony.com
Any hot-mama traveller sports major shades. Even if it's nighttime. Crazy. I know. That's why these babies are good, because the tint isn't too dark so you won't look totally nuts if you have a evening flight. These vintage inspired sunnies are wonderful with the whole bohemian-sleek look of your outfit and just add that finishing touch to make you look polished. If you've had a rough night, they won't be able to see it in your face (these are HUGE) and if it comes to a stare down for that upgrade, you're hiding behind lenses and they're not. Who do YOU think is gonna win? Linda Farrow Vintage For Charles Anastase Sunglasses ca1-c6, $275, openingceremony.com
Ok. I’m going to reveal my identity. I’m a Vanderbilt, errr, no a Rothschild (yeah, that’s it). So, being loaded and lazy, I was putting together my dream outfit (for when it gets a bit chilly) on Net-A-Porter. I mean, with no worries about the economy and being loaded beyond my wildest imagination, I chose clothes without even considering the prices. Pish-pash, the rich NEVER look at the sales ticket DAHLING!
Keeping that in mind, I selected a kick-ass outfit that would make me feel like a runway queen going to work (this outfit is probably more appropriate for jobs in a creative field–not so good for conservative work places) or cocktails on a Friday night. It’s a great go to work and then transition to meet friends outfit and the pieces can be broken up and stand on their own beautifully. But MY GOODNESS, united as one, I reckon they are a masterpiece.
Some of you will think what I’ve chosen is a bit dark and monotone. Why couldn’t I bring out a bit more color from the blouse? Truthfully, I think that the look is so sleek you can bring out the exotic hues with some groovy nail varnish, fab eyeshadow (I’m thinking a great pop of color from Mac Pigments) and a oversized cocktail ring. Net-A-Porter didn’t have a bauble that I felt worked well enough with this outfit and I wanted the whole look to be from their website. FYI: I have NO affiliation with Net-A-Porter. I just love their website and thought it would be fun to pick an outfit out from their comprehensive collection. Please vote on the look. It would be fun to get your feedback. Oh, and if anyone does feel charitable and would like to donate the look, do e-mail me
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
Yes Captain! This Balmain Tweed Military Cape (sold out, by the way) makes me drool. Perfect to cover the shoulders for a chill and getting you ready for battle for any meeting. $4,645, Net-A-Porter.com
This silk-blend blouse provides a great pop of color with a striking pattern and stunning ruffle detail. Perfect reveal under the Balmain cape and could take you from the meeting room to drinks with friends. Just undo a few more buttons. 490 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com
These Fendi leather slim-leg pants just scream bad-ass with class. Perfect to tuck into boots, or wear with killer heels. These black beauties are a great way to show off those gams but also a perfect canvas for blouses, like the Matthew Williamson above. 1,060 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com
Right, remember how I just mentioned the leather Fendi's are great for boots to be tucked into. These Givenchy covered heel boots are just the ticket. They are super-sleek, beyond fashion-forward and a good investment. I think these will hang on like a good pair of cowboy boots--an excellent buy. Damn, these are sexy. 1,020 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com
Okay. There are bags AND THEN THERE ARE BAGS! This may look, to some, just like a black, run-of-the-mill satchel. That it ain't! This Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Python Satchel is everything I dream of in a purse. It's huge, it's versatile, the material is to die for, it can get banged around and still look as good as the day you bought it, you can pass this on to your kid one day because it isn't an "it" bag. I could go on and on....but because it is too bloody expensive and I'll never be able to afford it, it'll just be putting a wound in my heart. Enjoy, for those of you lucky enough to be able to buy it. 2,750 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com
And for a finishing touch, how cool are these Fendi Cubetto Sunglasses? They mesh with the whole look--sorta 60's/70's fab with a modern twist. They match the Balmain perfectly and you'll just look like you're "working-it" when you put these babies on just as you're about to leave the house in this knock-out outfit. They're like the cherry on the sundae. Hey, they're also the most affordable item! 130 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com
Step out of the Ether and send me an E-mail. I would be glad to have your thoughts, feelings and ideas.
