in Fashion we Trust

Hermes Spring/Summer 2006 Ready-to-Wear collection and campaign were, by far, my absolute favourite ones in the entire history of Hermes.

The looks designed by Jean Paul Gaultier are FLAWLESS and, luckily for us, can be recreated with a few items any girl should have in her wardrobe anyway – a white shirt (and a shirt dress), a pencil skirt, classic trousers, a cardi, a plisse dress, tan leather accessories (with a splash of signature orange here and there), a fedora and a pair of ankle-wrap sandals or espadrilles. Perfect summer styling for the lovers of classic and sophisticated fashion.

Photo source: wwd.com

I  have just realised that first letter of the brand name of my Bag of the Month so far matched the first letter of the month it was featured in. April was for the Angel Jackson sweetheart and this Marni tote stole the spot in May.

Why, after my long-winded speed on discovering new and unknown, I went for Marni?

I love the brand and its quirky and playful attitude to fashion. I feel this is how everything great is made – the process seems effortless and the result doesn’t need numerous magazine editorials to be appreciated.

This tote, crafted from soft calfskin leather, is a great example of what I call an investment buy. It’s simple, but not boring. It’s eye-catching and memorable, but, unlike some well-known brand bags, isn’t epidemically carried by every “fashionista” and celebrity, so it neither hurts my eye nor causes allergic reaction.

I love this tote.

It’s sophisticated and timeless.

And currently on sale.

Which makes it absolutely, 100%, totally and utterly perfect.

“Sexiness and confidence come from feeling relaxed in your clothes. It’s not about wearing a piece of architecture.”

Hannah MacGibbon

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar US May 2010

Finally, finally, after the Quality Street foils, flats and latex, I’ve got back the Burberry Prorsum I’ve always loved and felt proud of. The Resort 2014 collection made my heart break into a happy waltzing dance. If Christopher Bailey was a friend, I’d kiss and hug him and told him how fantastic he was.

The cool pastels, lace and soft knits, gift wrapped evening gowns (no girl could resist those bows), fold-over clutches, totes, sculpted ankle boots and delicate sandals, handfuls of jewels and absolutely stunning coats were simply unforgettable. Modern elegance is how I’d describe it.

Photo source: fashionising.com

Photo source: Jalouse April 2009

Last night I did something I only ever do in winter. I sat in front of my pc with a cup of English tea and bought a pair of fluffy sheepskin slippers and a wool cardigan because I finally learned that one cannot have too many cardigans or slippers when living in England because the true happiness is all about keeping ones feet and shoulders warm. I even considered placing an order for some personalised candles - the choice of warming scents of honey and oriental spices sounded quite appealing on a cold night. It really felt as if the spring has forgotten us.

This morning the slippers arrived. And so did the bright blue sky and sunshine. The country side suddenly looked inviting. We packed our little pupster in a car and went for a little drive here and a little walk there to make the most out of this beautiful day.

Maybe summer is really on its way? Though, being British, there’s no way I am cancelling my order for a cardi.

Photo source: Vogue Paris October 2002

Let the title play a sweet trick with your mind. Feel free to jump between the lines. Today we are not going to talk about a trend that seems to never go out of fashion, the Balenciaga hats circa 2006, Givenchy feline hybrids from 2011, Ralph Lauren jackets or Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2012 campaign. We won’t even discuss the comfort of Dubarry boots favoured among those country, horse and hound loving folks who have to get out there whatever the weather.

A bit of trivia about those boots before I continue. Since the company is based in Ireland, I thought that the brand name would be of an Irish origin, too. After all, it sounds Irish. Surprisingly, “Dubarry” came from Madame du Barry, a famous French courtesan – a decision made to differentiate the company from other Irish brands and make it sound more European. Not sure if the European strategy worked, but the blend if history and fashion did indeed make me smile.

But enough about that – I realise some of you might be nodding off by now…

The whole idea for this post was inspired by my ode to poodles. I adore creature-focused posts very much and always wanted to continue the series, but somehow it took me a while.

I chose horses. They are my unicorns – beautiful, mysterious, graceful and absolutely fascinating. I was obsessed with them as a child, but never really got a chance to meet a horse “in person” and touch it until I moved countries.

English country side and horses are inseparable. You see these stunning animals wandering in the fog covered fields, protected from the chill and rain by cosy turnout rugs, and then, as soon as the first rays of sunshine laser-cut the clouds – happily galloping through the woods leaving a haze of powdery dust behind, like a memory of a miracle that you just happened to witness.

Photo source: Vogue Germany February 2011, Amica August 2012, Vogue Paris November 2005, Vogue Paris May 2013, Grazia Italia 2011, Vogue UK June 2004, Vogue US October 2004, Vogue US September 2003, Chanel campaign F/W 2009, Vogue US September 2005, Elle Russia July 2011, W May 2002, Harper’s Bazaar US August 2010, Qvest 2010, C Magazine Spring 2012 via FGR, Vogue US May 1994, Vogue US April 2010, Grazia Italia September 2011 via FGR, Marie Claire Germany 2002, Harper’s Bazaar UK August 2012, Vogue Italia March 2008, Allure US August 1999, Vogue Japan May 2013

I made a few discoveries this week. A not-so-good one was the fact that somebody not only really like my idea of poodle inspired fashion editorials, they decided to take all of the photos I’ve collected over the years and retouched to make them look their best and then created a post of their own without any reference to the source (i.e., Fashioned by Love). Such a discovery made me sick. This isn’t the first time it happened to me and while I don’t mind people using the photos I think it’s unfair when they just flush down all the hard work that goes into the original post and give you a zero credit. So that was quite a highlight of my day.

A much better news came in a form of a photo that resurfaced while I was clearing up my disk storage. It wasn’t just the picture that made me smile, but the message that was carefully placed in a corner of it. Patisserie Cador, it read.

Apparently, the charming tea salon decorated in the style of Louis XVI was situated on the corner of rue de Louvre and 2, rue Amiral de Coligny. Some say it was closed for renovations and turned into a snack shop. If you are in Paris and have time to visit and check, please do share an update. I would really love and appreciate that.

Photo source: Vogue US March 1999, Vogue US January 1995, InStyle US November 1999

“Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes

to interpret reality.”

Karl Lagerfeld

Photo source: Grazia Russia December 2009

Long dresses are definitely my current obsession. Though it’s been over ten years now since I wore one, I still remember the two I had back then – simple shape, floral pattern, pull-on-and-go attitude… The summers were hot and the maxi dresses were my uniform. I practically lived in them.

Fast forward through a decade free from ground sweeping lengths, and the switch inside my head goes off again, stimulated by both the need for a comfortable 24/7 frock and the memory of that Michael Kors broderie anglaise perfection.

It turns out that finding the one isn’t as easy as it seems, so I put together a list of dresses to suit different shapes and budgets, in case you have been on a quest, too.

The only style rule (or gentle reminder) when choosing your perfect maxi dress is making sure that, should you need/want to wear high heel shoes or wedges, you do pick the right length for the dress – having your shoes and ankles showing is never chic…

Shopping list: 1. Embellished necklace printed dress (£56), 2. Marala embroidered cotton dress (£158 Was £395), 3. Banana & Melon dress (£315), 4. Glennis printed wrap dress (£242 Was £485), 5. Attic & Barn floral print dress (£204), 6. Cool change bamboo print bandeau dress (£185), 7. Chacharel printed dress (£964), 8. Sweetheart Hilow maxi dress (£179)

Shopping list: 9. Hateley linen maxi dress, Weekend by MaxMara (£152) (similar, but more budget friendly Goddiva bandeau maxi dress, £45), 10. Ilonie striped maxi dress, Paul & Joe (£650), 11. Scarf print handkerchief dress, Michael by Michael Kors (£305), 12. Printed maxi dress, Thakoon Addition (£168 Was £558), 13. Emilio Pucci strapless printed gown (£835 Was £1855), 14. Long floral print dress, JS Collection (£76 Was £190), 15. Strapless printed gown (£79.99), 16. Colour-block silk halter-neck dress, Haute Hippie (£179 Was £540)

Shopping list: 17. Genie printed stretch-jersey maxi dress, Tart (£99 Was £220), 18. Printed jersey maxi dress, T-Bags (£85 Was £180), 19. Tabia long dress, Theory (£335), 20. Tie-dye silk maxi dress, Raquel Allegra (£490), 21. Double layer maxi dress, Whistles (£135), 22. Rio embroidered maxi dress (£180), 23. Strapless striped maxi dress, Tsumori Chisato (£388), 24. Aruba split maxi dress, Heidi Klein (£320), 25. Greek maxi dress, Hoss Intropia (£258)

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar US April 2011