Isadora Duncan

The first decades of the twentieth century form my favourite era concerning fashion. So, as you can imagine, this season, I am very happy with those designers who were inspired by Paul Poiret to create their collections.

But we can move onwards, and look for a different source of inspiration from that period, don't you think? In motion, from the King of fashion, to the Queen of modern dance: Isadora Duncan.

Most of the outfits shown here, are inspired by the always present ancient Greece: the headbands, the draped gowns...everything reminds of that time.

Isadora not only influences us today, but also used to influence all those artists who surrounded her. She certainly was a woman ahead of her time.

Elizabeth & James

The Olsen twins have just launched a new clothing line called "Elizabeth and James". I usually look at celebrity collection with distrust, but this time the sisters have conquered me (well not exactly, I would make some pieces disappear).

This is supposed to be their "affordable" line, in contrast with "The Row". But, to be honest, I can't see the difference. I like it, but with a price range between 150$/800$ - and as much as I love the plaid shirt- I'd rather expend my money in real designer clothing, don't you think?

The Kate Moss influence is too obvious.


Song: Everyday is like Sunday - Morrissey

Sunday, gloomy, sunday.

, Saul Leiter.

Song: Gloomy Sunday- Billie Holiday.

Tweed

Not casually, one of my favourite garments in my wardrobe, is a vintage "Harris" tweed blazer made of heavy grey wool. It fits me perfectly, and I feel so elegant and comfortable wearing it. At this point, I should say I love tweed to death. And that is for many reasons: its resistance and durability, the Irish-and Scottish- origin, etc...

You might think tweed is too formal (blame Coco Chanel for that), but it all depends in the way you wear it. It looks cool with a mini-skirt or casual trousers and a big scarf, to keep you warm during the winter.

By the way, did I ever mention I am a fan of British humour? Well...I am! Among my favourites, I include Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie (well-known for his role as doctor House). This is a part of "Jeeves and Wooster", which adapted the stories of the great P.G. Wodehouse. I chose this clip, because of the hilarious argument about the "Harris" tweed suit.

Spot the differences

I can't stand copycats. I am tired of entering Zara and being surrounded by an army of racks filled with copies. I pity those designers who worked for the high street companies, because they are forced to reproduce looks straight from the runway. I can't even understand why they hire designers.

When I read something like: "The democratization of fashion", I can't help, but laugh. What exactly do they mean with democratization? Do I need to feel grateful -with irony- to the good Gods of fashion, that allow us, the poor and mediocre common people, to buy copies of the real things? I don't give a mer(de)* for that lack of creativity.

And now Victoria Secret gets into the act.


Balenciaga


Victoria Secret

Seriously, does Victoria Secret expect to increase their sales with this?

*Forgive the bad language.


Song: Common People - Pulp

Hats II

This is the second time I talk about hats (see the first here). But I have a good excuse; Norma Kamali stocks a wide collection of awesome vintage hats. Surprinsingly, I never wear hats. I am not confident enough to use them.

How do you feel towards hats?


Song: The Smiths - Ask

The rise of American Apparel

If you ask me what is the next big thing in the fashion industry, my answer would be ethical clothing. And that is the case of American Apparel. I don't know a single person who doesn't like their products: from hipsters to celebrities. They are doing it damn right. Affordable prices for great quality basics in a wide range of colours and shapes.

In a time when most high street store companies are reducing costs violating human rights, one have to feel grateful finding a company that doesn't do it. And they behave respectfully with the environment too.

I am in love with the new one pocket tank. A limited edition available in different types of fabric that seems great for layering.

They should improve the on-line shop though, because the shipping costs are too expensive.

Song: I predict a riot - Kaiser Chiefs

Feeling Mediterranean

Let me confess you something: I've always despise my origins. It might sound silly, but it's the truth. I used to be happy only when abroad. I always felt I didn't fit here -I am an anglophile to the nth degree-. But when I started writing this blog, and since most of the readers (OK, I am just guessing) are not Spanish, I am identifying more and more with the place I come from. Whether I want or not, my personality is highly influenced by the idiosyncrasy of the society that surrounds me. Therefore my style.

After this digression, I am forced to say everything started when I watched "The talented Mr.Ripley". In the film, it is insinuated that the Mediterranean way of life is better than the Anglo-Saxon one. And that's why I started debating with myself and my principles. Anyway, I recommend the film, the costumes are great.

"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination". Oscar Wilde

Song: Tu vuo' fa L'Americano ( I couldn't find a better version)

Gorbachov for Vuitton

He knows how to end a Cold War, and he also knows how to put an end to his career.

Vuitton claims all profits will go to Gorbachov's foundation: Green Cross International. The shameful truth; Louis Vuitton attempts to conquer the Russian and Chinese markets, and Gorbachov is just perfect.

Do we really need to see this frivolous image of the man who one day changed the course of history?

Song: Won't get fooled again - The Who

"Una piedra en el camino, me enseñó que mi destino era rodar y rodar"

The past six of July, Frida Kahlo would have been 100 years old. I still remember the huge impression her work caused in me the first time I saw it. I was very young, but I couldn't get out of my mind those raw pictures. You may or may not like her paintings aesthetically, but the symbolism is undeniably priceless.

She lived a short, but intense life. Frida was born in 1907 in Coyoacán, México, although she would claimed she was born in 1910, the year the Mexican revolution started. At age six, she caught Polio, causing her a deformity on one of her legs.

Things got worst, when she had a bus accident. Her spinal column broke and her reproductive organs were damaged. She suffered terrible pains during the rest of her life, as well as sterility. While she was in bed, recovering from the severe injuries, she started painting.

"La columna rota"

She despised her German origin, and that's why the European Frida is about to bleed to death.

" Las dos Fridas"

My first thought was to talk only about Kahlo and her work. Later, it occurred to me that I could link this post with traditional Mexican fashion. I introduced you my Mexican dress.

"I hope the exit is joyful - and I hope never to return."Frida Kahlo

Song: La bamba - Rancid

The importance of a well groomed eyebrow

Well groomed eyebrows can transform a face. They are the frame of our eyes, consequently, they have the power to change the look. Thanks in part to Carine Roitfeld, thick eyebrows are IN. The rule: keep the brow shape as natural as possible.

If you've never groomed your brows before, I recommend you to go to a professional threader. But if you don't have the time, or you would like to know how a well groomed eyebrow should look like, I'll give you some tips.

First of all, you have to remove the hair in the space between the eyebrows and under the arch. Then, if your eyebrow hair is too long you have to cut it. But be careful! Brush the hair upwards and cut the end.

Finally you have to do the shape. It's easy if you have a pencil, slanted tweezers and you follow the next steps.

Hold the pencil and place it at the corner of your nose. The point where the pencil meets the hair is where the eyebrow should start. After that, angle the pencil up across the iris and you have the arch. To find the end, angle the pencil a little bit more lining it up with the centre of your lower lip and the corner of your eye.

Tip: tweeze your eyebrows after a hot shower.

Song: Hairdresser on fire - Morrissey

Granny-ish fever

Lately, you might have noticed I've been spending a lot of time trying to spot new trends (cool hunter syndrome, anyone?). Most of my predictions won't be fulfilled, but I don't care.

Lace-up shoes, platform* sandals and peep-toe heels are everywhere. However, for some reason, mischievous designers like Consuelo Castiglione or Ghesquière, decided to unite the three of them in just a pair of shoes. See the results.

Fendi

Marni

My favourites

Derek Lam

The trendsetter, aka Chloë Sevigny, wore them before anybody else. In this shot, probably my favourite of her, she looks classy and edgy at the same time (that doesn't make sense, does it?).

*I am obsessed with platforms.

Song: 2+2=5 - Radiohead

Heimstone

Doing what I do best, which is surfing the net, I found Heimstone. A new french brand to add to my list of favourites. I like everything, from the colours to the babydoll silhouettes. The collection is composed by dresses, a few cardigans and some accessories. Nothing more, nothing less. Nothing left to say.

I

LOVE
the

haircut.

Song: Golden Touch - Razorlight

Brooches

A few days ago browsing the Balenciaga site, and to my surprise, the only thing I found in the jewellery section were brooches. My mind understands brooches are back. Although, did they ever leave? Or fashion cycles are moving faster than expected? Just two or three years ago, Vogue was proclaiming brooches were a must, to deny it six months later.

Is Ghesquière playing a trick on us? I don't know, but they are lovely.

Song: Personality Crisis - NEw YorK DoLls

Charlotte and Gerard Darel

Vanity Fair let out the Best Dressed list this week, and gladly, Charlotte Gainsbourg is on top. She just seemed predestined for it: daughter of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, muse of Nicolas Ghesquière... She definitely has ALLURE.

Talking about Charlotte Gainsbourg, I should mention she is the face of the French Label, Gerard Darel. To be honest, I've never been a fan of their clothes, but I like some of their fall/winter collection pieces.

Puffy sleeves done right.

I am told this bag is a hit in France. Since I need a new bag for college, I'm thinking of buying this one.

Song: Tel que tu es - Charlotte Gainsbourg