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Beyond Fashion Week: A Guide to Parisian Style

March 11, 2013 by

from Trey Ratcliff at www.stuckincustoms.com

(photo source)

Paris Fashion Week may be over, but that doesn’t mean your love of Parisian style has to end. To help you get by until next year’s fashion week, check out the recently released book Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic, where co-authors Isabella Thomas and Frédérique Veysset describe the key elements of Paris style:

Practical and Realistic – Paris style doesn’t focus on short-lived trends, but rather timeless classics like a camel color trench coat or black pencil pants paired with ballet flats and a cardigan.

Expresses Your True Self – Paris style doesn’t hide who you are like a costume, but rather embraces your inner you – hmm….or maybe your inner French girl?

Leverages an Accessory – Whether it’s a gorgeous scarf inherited from your favorite aunt, a killer pair of black sunglasses, or an authentic Louis Vuitton bag you purchased after months of saving – one perfect accessory is worth a thousand words.

Keeps it Au Naturale – Perfect hair, perfect nails, perfect makeup…..looking too “done” is never a good thing.

Everything in Moderation – A Parisian has no need (or space) for a walk-in closet full of clothes. Her style may include a handful of signature pieces – such as a velvet jacket or black chiffon dress –  from her favorite brands, complemented with several fashion staples, ie. neutral t-shirts and cam is, and a great pair of jeans.

Ciao!

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Black-Tie Optional

June 7, 2012 by

(photo source)

Bonjour Everyone!

I am headed to beautiful Baltimore in just a few days where I will be attending a black-tie optional Gala (ooh la la!). I would love to report that the Gala event is in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, but alas, it is not. Nonetheless, it is a fancy fundraising affair, and you know what that means? Dress shopping! I honestly have not been shopping for formal attire in over a decade (think sorority formals followed by weddings). Because of this, everything I have in my closet that could be considered formal is either a) meant for a bridesmaid, or b) looks like it’s 10 years old!

Ironically, in doing some research for formal dresses, I came across a story about the Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and how the Victoria and Albert Museum is featuring an exhibit dedicated to ballgowns from 1950 to today. What I wouldn’t give to see that exhibit! This is actually very similar to a V&A exhibit I saw years ago on British fashion through the ages – what a fantastic exhibit that I was very fortunate to see during one of its very last weeks on display.

Despite my pure excitement over the new exhibit, I became acutely aware that I….

  1. Would never be able to afford anything remotely as glamorous as the dresses they showed;
  2. Only had 4 shopping days to find my own fancy, schmancy ballgown; and
  3. Spend waaay too much time dreaming about life in other countries and not enough time visiting them.

Well, regarding point #3, stayed tuned – this Bistro Chic girl is headed out the country very soon!

Back to dress shopping.

Ciao!

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Guide to a Travel Chic Wardrobe

October 17, 2011 by

(photo source)

In just two days, I’ll be headed to Hawaii for a two-week business trip/anniversary trip. When packing for a trip, it’s just as important to consider what you will wear on the plane as is it to decide what to wear on the ground.

Like any aspiring chic French woman, comfort is key, but style can’t be forgotten, even when traveling. My business trips are usually limited to 3-4 hour jaunts around the US;  however, an 8-9 hour flight to Hawaii takes special consideration in regard to what to wear in transit. Not only do I need to consider being confined to my seat for an extended period of time, but I also need to address the temperature difference, leaving 40-degree Chicago weather and landing in 85-degree heat.

To address all of these factors – comfort, style, temperature, and flight length – I believe that wearing layers is a must, provided your under layers are just as cute as your outer ones. Let’s take a look at how to pair functionality and practicality with a bit of style:

3 Go-To Travel Chic Outfits

  1. Preppy Chic – Khaki pants, short or long-sleeve white button-down, with a lightweight v-neck navy sweater or waist-length cardigan. Throw on a strand of long pearls just for fun!
  2. High Street Fashionista – Your favorite or most comfortable jeans, crisp white t-shirt, a velvet blazer (a la Jcrew), paired with a scarf or long necklace.
  3. Celebrity in Disguise – Long, wide leg black yoga pants (I prefer Lucy) paired with a short-sleeve solid t-shirt with a long-sleeve black t-shirt on top. Add oversized sunglasses and a chunky scarf for the dramatic effect.
What’s your go-to travel outfit?
Ciao!

 

 

 

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5 Eurochic Fashion Finds for Fall

September 12, 2011 by

(photo source)

For the last few months, I have anticipated each issue of the new monthly online magazine – Matchbook. I am enamored with the editors’ beautiful photos, remarkable fashion sense, quirky writing style, and plenty of Eurochic finds for my Franchophile/Europhile personality. September’s issue has a particularly large selection of eye-candy. Let’s take a look at a few of my Eurochic favorites for the Fall:

5 Eurochic Finds for Fall (courtesy of Matchbook Magazine)

  1. Argyle Socks (pg 16) – I can  honestly say that I have never owned a pair of argyle socks. Yet, just seeing these fun stockings (in 7 different colors no less) makes me want to buy a dozen pairs and a brand new pair of Wellies to go with them!
  2. Oversized Sunglasses (pg 19) – The House of Harlow sunglasses are divine! It may be the end of summer, but a girl can always use a new pair of glam shades.
  3. French Poodles (pg 21) – I rarely come across something at Anthropologie that I don’t like and I especially adore these cute French poodle bookends.
  4. Kate Spade City Lights Skirt (pg 22) – So Madmen-esque it’s nearly a crime and, now that  you mention it, so is the price! But a girl can dream, can’t she?
  5. Leopard Print Scarf (pg 70)- An animal print scarf surely completes a French chic wardrobe…purrrfect, ooh la la!

Ciao!

 

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British Styles at the Gap

August 22, 2011 by

 (Gap’s Portobello Road Collection)

This weekend, I headed to an outdoor mall for a little back-to-school shopping. No, I’m not personally headed back to school, however, this time of year always makes me want to buy new clothes.

I passed by several shop windows before seeing a truly lovely display in Gap’s window. This may not seem like an odd happening, until I mention that the store was Gap Kids. The display was showcasing their new Fall lines – three of which favor British styles – all named after famous streets or areas in London:

  • Portobello Road Collection – This collection pairs classic British style (think Oxford tweed, only pink) with the sassy elegance of Kate Middleton. High Street fashion at it’s best, even if you’re only 11 years old!
  • Brick Lane Collection – Funky style that mixes pinks and blacks with stripes, leopard print, and denim. A perfect mix of girly frills, edgy fun, and a bit of that I’m with the band attitude.
  • Covent Garden Collection – Highly feminine style with purple and pink influences. These outfits can make any girl feel like a real-life fancy Nancy and are quite appropriate for taking tea in the afternoon with grandma or the Queen.
Sadly, Gap does not offer these fantastic British styles for young women. Guess I’ll have to head across the pond for the real thing.
Ciao!
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