Shopping in Paris

After nearly two weeks, I could finally take pictures of the things I bought in Paris.

I purchased the Brassaï book on impulse. I had previously seen -and loved- a few of his pictures at the Pompidou, and it only cost 10€ so, it had to be mine. As well as the The Beatles vinyl, even though I have most songs on CD.

The Ferragamo's were on my winter wishlist. The shoes were a bit stiff at first, but they worth the initial pain. I also bought some Princess Tam-Tam underwear and a striped t-shirt.

My eyes literally glittered when I saw this Charles Anastase dress hanging on a rack. I had spent the previous months to the trip coveting it at Browns. However, I waited a few days before I decided I was going to get it and when I came back it wasn't there (!).

I was ready to kick myself, when my friend advised me to ask the shop assistant. I breathed a sign of relief when she kindly told me they had put somewhere else.

Golden skans - The Klaxons

What's next?

It seems everyone is already thinking about what to wear next season, and so am I. My favourite trends for next fall/winter are:

1.- Grunge. Long plaid flannel shirts paired with ripped tights will be my signature outfit.

Preen

2.-Lace. Ever since I saw Sienna Miller wearing this lace dress, I've been lusting after one. Thanks to Miuccia for bringing it back.

23/08/05

3.-Men inspired clothing: long blazers, slouchy pants, crisp white shirts...

Daughters by Obedient Sons

4.-Military inspired jackets. Did they ever leave us?

Scanned by Diorette for TFS.

5.-Patterned/Ripped tights, or how to make a statement.

Rodarte

Pennyroyal Tea - Nirvana

Uterqüe

The Inditex* group, in its search for new markets, has just launched Uterqüe a new line focused in fashion accessories for women. They will also sell a selected range of garments and leather clothing.

The firsts shops -already opened in Madrid, Barcelona and La Coruña- as well as the products, are said to be very sophisticated.

Taking on account the current economic situation, it doesn't seem a clever movement. I am guessing everything was already prepared before the crisis took place.

* Inditex has eight sales formats: Zara, Oysho, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Bershka, Zara Home, Pull & Bear and Kiddy's Class.


Dance with me - Adam Green

Bad girl gone good?

Kate Moss is on the new cover of US Vogue. But this time she's playing a role that doesn't correspond her: the good girl.

The accompanying header reads: How the supermodel rose from bad girl to business tycoon. Really, Anna do you want to fool us? Why does Vogue want to clean-up her image now? I don't get it.

Besides, the main reason many people love Kate is precisely because she's not a good girl at all! She always does whatever she wants without having on account what the public opinion would think.

Golden touch - Razorlight


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You might have noticed I changed the header. It's provisional. I just got tired of the old one. But this time, I need your help because I am hopeless at Photoshop. Any idea, drawing, suggestion...would be more than welcomed. Please, send me an e-mail with your proposal at silkandlame@hotmail.com

Totokaelo

Generally, I enjoy having a look at online shops. But with Impulse is something else. I L-O-V-E every single designer they stock and the way the clothes are presented.

The thing is, they used to sell only through the phone, and I never liked the idea very much. So when I found out they had established an online shop called Totokaelo, I was more than happy.

It's not only a shop but also an online community allowing customers to have a more personal service. Their response is almost instantaneous. And the best is they still keep the same philosophy they had at Impulse: "choosing pieces that are timeless, versatile, and well crafted. "

What else can you ask for?

Work, work, work (pub, club, sleep) - The Rakes

Dommage!

I am really sorry for not updating these past two weeks, but I connected myself to the Internet thrice, and I only had the time to check my email.

Anyway, here I am to tell you everything about my trip to Paris. I, obviously, had the greatest time ever. My favourite part of the city was definitely Le Marais: the shops, the atmosphere, the arquitecture...I visited a few vintage shops there, being Mamz' Elle Swing one my favourites. All the clothes were in such good condition.

That same day, I also visited the Centre Pompidou and I liked it more than expected. They have such an amazing collection. I discovered Brassaï, and bought a book with some of his works. Apart from that I also bought a Charles Anastase dress, a pair of Vara Ferragamo shoes, a striped tee (so random, I know), Princesse tam-tam underwear, Le Petit Prince book, a vinyl from The Beatles and some CD's. I'll post pics as soon as my friend from Why Fashion? returns.

I went to the Avedon and Valentino exhibitions, and I loved them both. I strongly recommend them.

To sum up, I didn't find women extremely chic or anything, especially taking on account everyone has that damn Longchamp bag! I am not saying the French chic is a fakery, however I couldn't really see anything that caught my eye. I blame it on the hoards of tourists.

Non, je ne regrette rien - Edith Piaf

Soñar despierto

*Yesterday, Josep Font presented in Paris his latest collection. Once again, the Spanish designer, took distance from the mediocrity that floods the majority of international catwalks, showing his mastery and savoir-faire.

I can safely say, this is one of the few shows that have made me jump with joy from my chair and made me think about fashion as art.

Like puzzle pieces falling into place, Font conceived this 18Th century story -history itself- taking care of every single detail: from colours, to fabrics, embroideries, silhouettes or even the atmosphere.

More than dresses, these garments are works of art invested with life, capable of leaving behind feelings of astonishment.

* Click here to read this article in Spanish.


Volver - Estrella Morente

Leaving for Paris

On Sunday I'll be leaving for Paris and I will have two weeks to explore the city. Therefore I've made a list (it's an obsession of mine) of things I would like to purchase there, and on top of it, is getting something at Princesse Tam-Tam.

My love for this brand is well justified. To start with, it's made by women who know that not every kind of underwear fits every body. It's common -and very annoying too- to find a bra you like, whose style doesn't fit you. However, Princesse Tam-Tam makes a wide range of styles in the same fabrics, resulting in timeless classics.

Shopping recommendations are more than welcomed! (you can leave a comment or send me an e-mail)

Leaving for Paris - Rufus Wainwright

"You've got a head full of feathers/You got melted to butter"

o·ver·ex·po·sure
–noun
1.
excessive exposure, esp. of photographic film or a sensitized plate to light rays.
2.
the condition of having been seen, heard, or advertised so frequently or for so long that freshness or appeal is diminished.

If I had to define Sex and the City with just one word it would be overexposure. I guess I can call myself a fan of the series, but I am sick of all the paraphernalia around it. I watched the film, and it's not that good. It lacks irony and cynicism, and they eventually gave us a predictable end: Carrie and Mr. Big getting married. A pure cliché.

What I like least, is the way of commercializing the whole concept. There's already a book about the movie, and Patricia Field is selling in her web: bags, socks, dresses and belts ala Carrie at exorbitant prices.

"I love you but enough is enough. "

Faust Arp-Radiohead

Bodkin

Slowly the eco-clothing movement is gaining support in the fashion industry. However, many designers tackle the topic in a basic way and most of the times they don't even develop a whole collection.

The need to create chic and suistainable clothes led Samantha Pleet and Eviana Hartman to launch Bodkin.

The whole line has, for me, a delicious 90's vibe. Blacks and whites fill a feminine collection, while Pleet's savoir-faire in terms of tailoring stands out.

Side-Travis

One tag, seven songs.

Soir de fête tagged me to list 7 songs I am into right now. My choices are:

1. Jigsaw falling into place - Radiohead. I'm obsessed with In Rainbows. I still haven't stopped listening to it since its release.
2. Narc-Interpol.
3. What Katie did- The Libertines.
4. The National front disco - Morrissey. I like irony, I really do.
5. Subterranean Homesick Alien - Radiohead. OK, I know again Radiohead, but I can't help myself. They're so good.
6. Chatterton - Serge Gainsbourg. I suppose I like this song so much because I find Chatterton very fascinating.
7. Side - Travis. Because "the grass is always greener on the other side."
   

Girls with Allure: Karla

Karla is probably one of the most stylish 18-year-old you've ever seen. One can tell for the way she dresses she lives in California. In the present she is studying apparel manufacturing at FIDM, and spends the rest of her time with her other passion: music -she actually sings and composes her own songs-

Who's your favourite designer?

"My all-time favorite designer is Yves Saint Laurent. He had a brilliant way of having his women exude sexiness in such an androgynous clothes. I also really love Balenciaga, Martin Margiela, and Stella McCartney."

A fetish...

"Oh wow, I definitely have a major shoe fetish. I’d actually rather wear shoes than clothes."

What was your latest purchase? What are you planning to buy next?

"Hmm, my latest purchase were a pair of schoolboy trousers from Target. Planning to wear them with sky-scraping platforms, sheer tanks, and vintage tees. Next on the list of things to buy: white lingerie, an electric purple American Apparel skirt, and men’s skinny ties."

You'd never be caught in...

"True Religions and Juicy Couture tracksuits."

What is in your opinion the best piece of clothing ever invented?

"The black blazer."


A book, a film and a song...

"Favorite book of all time: Go Ask Alice. My favorite films are basically all the Audrey Hepburn classics. I’m a sucker for romantic movies too!"

What kind of things inspire you when getting dressed?

"Well it varies from day to day. Some days I’ll pick something in my closet like simple white tee or pair of high-waisted trousers and put my look together based on that particular piece. Other days I’ll just put on whatever is hanging on the back of my door. "

You can't live without...

"Blazers and strawberry lip balm."

What does style mean to you?

"Style is all about confidence. It’s not even about what you wear, it’s the way you wear it (oh wow, that sounded absolutely cheesy)."

L.A. woman - The Doors

Put on your mask

Keeping my skin healthy is as important for me as wearing nice clothes. I follow a daily beauty regime, but sometimes my combination skin gets rebellious and I need something extra.

Not so long ago, I tried a honey mask and it surprisingly works. It works as a peeling, removing dead cells, and letting your skin smooth and glowing.

You only need some honey and sugar. Apply it over your clean dry face in circular movements. Rinse it off and moisturize. Wait for the next morning to see the results.

Mrs. Robinson - Simon and Garfunkel

Paris, part deux

First, I am sorry to dissapoint you but I won't be posting many pics, simply because I don't have them.

During the afternoon we were introduced Aaron de Mey, the new make-up artistic director of the house. He just exudes creativity, and looking at his scrapbooks was such an experience. We could see where his inspiration comes from, and what is his working method.

I also liked the fact that he was very down to earth which I guess is not very common. For instance, he related some dreadful anecdotes: like this designer (he didn't give names) who made him change make-up of all the models five minutes before the show started (!).

Overall, it was such an amazing and fulfilling day.

Paris

I'm already back home and willing to tell you all about my short trip to Paris. Firstly, I must say I went there to attend a blogger event organised by Lancôme. It was really nice to meet other writers and share our thoughts about the blogosphere, fashion, beauty and all that jazz.

During the morning, we were presented the new fragance called Magnifique, created by the perfumer Olivier Cresp.

The scent features Nagarmotâ (a plant they discovered while doing some research in India), Rose and Saffron. The final result is a sweet perfume with wood touches, very feminine and sexy thanks also to the red container.

C'est Magnifique - Cole Porter (it's actually the song of the campaign, but it was covered by a band whose name I can't recall).

More posts coming soon!

Seditionaries

There is a wide variety of moments that change your life and define your personality. For me, one of those moments took place when I bought my first album: Live at San Francisco 1978 by the Sex Pistols. I still own it, and honestly, I hardly ever listen to it. But the influence that Punk had over me is still noticeable.

That's why when this morning I found Seditionaries I cried with joy. It's a collection of the works of Malcon McLaren and Vivienne Westwood during the 70's. I strongly recommend having a look at it. I particularly love the t-shirts they used to do during that time, in fact, I've been lusting after one of them during a long time.

God save the queen - Sex Pistols

All pics from Seditionaries

Scosha

My favourites jewels aren't necessarily valuable, but they all have a special meaning for me as I inherited most of them from my grandmother.

That's why I'm glad to discover new designers, like Scosha, who give a lot of importance to the story behind the jewels. For instance, the Caravan collection is a homage to the classical friendship bracelet and the experiences of travelling around the world.

Scosha proposes fresh and unique alternatives inspired in different cultures, mixing precious stones with materials such as leather or linen.

*All pics from Scosha

Can't buy me love - The Beatles

Jonesing for

...a Marc by Marc Jacobs Percy bag. I swear I need a small cross body bag for summer.

Percy's song - Bob Dylan

Le Chant Des Sirènes

"I will not let thee go save thou makest me a promise that whenever I call thee, thou wilt come and sing to me, for the fish delight to listen to the song of the Sea-folk, and so shall my nets be full." The Fisherman and his Soul, from a House of Pomegranates. Oscar Wilde.

Vogue-Paris dedicates its best issue in months to the allure of French women. In my favourite editorial, Carine Roitfeld, displays once again her savoir-faire and delight us with the contradiction between tradition and modernity.

She mixed labels like Comme des Garçons or Prada with typical headdresses from Alsace or Champagne. Pure eye candy.

Song: What Katie did next - Babyshambles

Fashions fade, Yves Saint Laurent is eternal

Requiem - Mozart