Fashion Duo :: Choco-licious

 

Joseph Sweater + Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent

Fashion Duet :: Mikli & Tibi

I had an eye test yesterday and was recommended to wear prescription glasses more often, especially when working on the computer. I own a pair of Philippe Stark for Mikli frames, and I love them to pieces but not as much as my first Alain Mikli pair. Both of them were/are red, in acetate and bold. I am now thinking of getting a new pair. I would like to say, this time I will go for a lighter model, but I always end up  lusting over statement frames. Not only. My interest is always drawn back to the Mikli brand. A long standing love affair. I fully convene with their philosophy that spectacles are to see and be seen, and Alain Mikli frames are works of art: handmade and sturdy, they can look retro or futuristic; bold in look and light in feel {thanks to a clever balancing system}; and always, always larger than life.

They are so glam that can be easily paired up with the most flattering dresses. I LOVE Tibi Spring collection and would very happily wear these floaty dresses with my bold Alain Miklis.

Spring Eco-Trends :: H&M Organic Garden Collection

It's organic, it's ethical, it's affordable, it's colourful, t's hippie, it's adorable. The new H&M Garden Collection is in store from March... And I already LOVE it!

Spring Trends :: Orange, Magenta and Apple Green Palette

While I was killing some time before having my first proper manicure (I have got to tell you all about it!), I popped into Ted Baker, as they sometimes have in store (literally and metaphorically) tasteful surprises. I adored the orange, magenta and apple green palette. How lovely would it be to pair this ruffle dress with a pair of feathered Loboutins? I find the model's side bun very cute indeed. I think this will become my signature hairstyle for this long awaited Spring.

Ted Baker ruffle printed dress; Louboutin Feathered Peep-toes; Apple Green Clutch/Purse

Inspired by VOGUE :: Total Lilac

 

February issue of VOGUE UK shouts Spring from every pore {involuntary synaesthesia}. The cover colour, lilac, is, by antonomasia, associated with Spring blossoming: it flowers in May and symbolises LOVE.

This Melissa peep-toes designed by Vivian Westwood are embellished by a giant green ball which makes these sling back whimsical and fun. They would be perfectly teamed with this cute Camilla Norrback Shirt Dress. It has got puffy sleeves {a detail I personally adore} and is adorned by a discreet bow.

Camilla is a young Swedish designer who produces garments with ecological or environment-certified natural materials, from cultivation, to processing and colouring. 

Melissa shoes are made in Brazil in socially and environmentally responsible factory from recycled material and are completely vegan. 

Both available at Fashion Conscience 

Nude & Black

First row: Shakuhachi and Costume Dept 
Second row: Whistles

Available at www.asos.com

Feeling Embroidered

Country Folk Board

Colour Palette: violet, red, fuchsia, blue

Today, a sunny October afternoon, I feel in the mood for a country folk board. This look leaves the stylist a great deal of freedom in mix and matching different styles, patterns and fabrics, and the end look is unique and bohemian. But it is also very easy to step a smidge too far and enter into the realm of grotesque. So *less is more* is the first rule. I paired  this beautiful tunic dress from Plumo with French laced tights. On my feet I would wear a pair of old-fashioned brogues (yes, I am obsessed with masculine shoes) or stay cosy with slipper socks.

Eating in is the New Going Out

Salad Club, Marmite Lover and Hidden Kitchen are more than food blogs. Once a month they become underground restaurants, bric-a-brac bistros, or  simply house dinners open to the public. 

This is an embryonic trend currently detected in metropolis like London, Paris and New York, and attracting *H.E.I.D.I.* types (i.e. Highly Educated Independent Degree-carrying Individuals) in search of more authentic and intimate experiences, disinterested relationships and promiscuous dining adventures with a whiff of singularity and unexpected. This acronym, far from pigeonholing online generation into a stiff category, is a broad neologism indicating thirty-something educated and well-travelled people with a good job but not career climbers, design-conscious but not fashion victims and, above all, with loads of friends. 

{Photo from Domino Magazine}

In the same way homely B&Bs are often preferred to soulless hotels, pirate restaurants may be favoured to conventional eating out. I am not sure about the ultimate success of this new social entertainment. Too early to be said. But I would not be surprised to see it developing. After all, it does share the same objective of blogs and social networks:  to connect, gather and share... which I fully embrace, at least in principle.

flowers, prints, fruits

Flowers are arguably the most beautiful natural wonder. In Garden Wisley you can admire a great exotic variety. As fishes, tropical flowers are the most spectacular but also a simple daisy (or margherita) can lift your senses. I read an article about this place in the Italian Marie Claire and noted it down in my moleskine note-book. Two weeks ago I discovered not only that it is very close to Steve's parents' home, but also that Steve's mum holds a membership with them. Taking a walk through that garden was utterly therapeutic.

Orchids are in danger and need loads of care, but they are undeniably fascinating species: their contrasting colours and funny shapes mimic insects or, in the words of Georgia O' Keefe, symbolise female sensuality. An aesthetic pleasure mixed to a sense of intimidation can be experienced in front of the orchids I saw in the glass house:


After a black and grey period, bright colours and daring prints are repopulating London boutiques.

Julie delpy in two days in paris sports a dress that both seduced and inspired me: a black kimono style tunic with an abstract Kandinskyan print in the primary colours of red, blue and yellow is belted up by a red cord matching the dress' hems. Her pale complexion, scruffy hair, 60s-style oversized glasses, looong gold plated earrings and sexy Goldberg on her side complete a look relaxed yet sophisticated and funkysh.

A trilby will turn any look dandy-style, even more if the trilby is asymmetrical as this. Posh Spice knows how to wear it. You can get one for as little as £12 from Asos.

Hoss Intropia is a Spanish brand whose retro collection, precious fabrics and tailored outfits are irresistible. Here two popular samples:

"Hoss Intropia reminds me of the wardrobe of a contemporary woman, who travels and collects eclectic pieces from all corners of the globe, and puts them together in an individual way."
Michael Roberts, Vanity Fair's fashion director

A cheaper yet chic alternative is this silk 70s-style tunic with sequin-trimmed dress from M&S. The print on the dress can resemble a stylistic flower or, with a bit of fantasy, even a tiger!!

Let's conclude this *tracking shot* of flowers and prints with a lovely kimono-style camisole by Paul and Joe's sister:

A pair of black patent leather court shoes with double sole and medium heel will suit any of the above-mentioned outfits.

***

Eau de toilette** is out, eau de cologne*** is in.

** Eau de toilette - a perfumed liquid lighter than cologne.
*** Eau de cologne - a perfumed liquid made of essential oils and alcohol.

Acqua di Parma with its fresh and lemony scent is the cologne par excellence, and Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir follows closely in the ranking of *classic perfumes*. The latter combines the sweet fruity notes of raspberry, plum, pink pepper and pomegranate with patchouli, frankincense and spicy woods.

Last, but not least, some fruity delicacies from the latest collection of Carolina Bucci. Although these theme is not my *cuppa* as I find it quite pubertal, it fits our post so perfectly that it could not pass unmentioned. If you are in broody mood, check out also her new *bambini* collection based on traditional baby jewellery that in Italy is usually offered at baptisms or similar functions.