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· June 20, 2008 10:07 PM by

Jessica
· June 20, 2008 10:47 PM by

Dain
· May 23, 2008 8:44 AM by

Carol
· May 23, 2008 8:46 AM by

Carol
· May 23, 2008 9:37 AM by

Dain
· August 24, 2007 9:46 PM by

Colleen Shirazi
· August 24, 2007 9:58 PM by

Colleen Shirazi
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The Lipstick Page Forums Beauty & Fashion Blog

Posted by Dain, Friday, June 20, 2008 1:42 AM (Eastern)

Happy solstice, everyone! Summer has finally arrived in New England, and the heat is defeating (definitely not my favorite season), so this week, here is a festive look for sultry evenings.

A great sundress is not only a breezy alternative to confining separates, it is perfectly party-ready, too. Plus, all you need to add are great shoes. How wonderful of Thakoon ($1130) to rework the hippie classic of tie-dye into something so beautifully structured.

A pair of vertiginous, fanciful sandals is a summer staple, such as these bronze Balenciaga Sandals (£555), in a glamorous metallic that would last beyond the warm season. I especially love how the floral pattern, the way it swirls in the center, is more graphic than femme, and the texture of snakeskin (though this leather) is sneakily bad girl.

My latest acquisition? NARS Schiap ($24), a fuschia of such incomparable intensity it gives you a shock, in a good way.

The last thing you want to worry about when you're out on the town is your handbag, so make it something small that swings easily from your shoulder. This bag from Martin Margiela Ligne 6 ($224) is seriously awesome: unpretentiously styled in my favorite beige, with a clever little outside pocket that functions as a wallet.

How amazing are these amber earrings from Lucifer Vir Honestus ($1940)? So dramatic yet earthy, they hold their own without competing with the busy dress.

WATCH Something funny, I highly recommend Tampopo, centrally about a woman who wishes to open a ramen shop, but the entire film is a series of loosely interconnected vignettes that have one theme in common: food. If you rent one film from NetFlix, seriously... I've linked to the ramen master scene, but there are so many great ones.
LISTEN Cannonball Adderley is just the thing for your backyard barbecue. "Brother John", quite unusually, features the oboe.
READ I'm in the mood for poetry: Elizabeth Bishop's Complete Poems.

Labels: balenciaga, lucifer vir honestus, martin margiela, most wanted, nars, thakoon

2 comment(s)

June 20, 2008 10:07 PM, Jessica said...

Oh, those shoes make my heart beat fast!

June 20, 2008 10:47 PM, Dain said...

Me too. : )

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Posted by Dain, Friday, May 23, 2008 1:06 AM (Eastern)

In fashion, as with all art, there are two schools of aesthetics: the kind exemplified by Coco Chanel, who designed according to how women live, and the kind exemplified by Christian Dior, who designed according to how women dream. I'll admit to an inclination for the latter—edgier-than-thou, garçonne chic has never been my forte—but sometimes it's nice to shop downtown rather than uptown.

There's nothing tougher and edgier than a leather jacket, but Hope's Who Leather Jacket ($895) has all the bohemian cool of the errant adventuress, but seems the height of elegance in buttery soft ivory leather. Sleekly designed, and very much at home with a hip t-shirt and beat-up jeans, but also use it to top your summer prints and bring down the fuss-level a notch.

Why do actions stars inexplicably run around and kick ass in high heels? Wouldn't a real heroine prefer Doc Martens? Still, these Kathryn Amberleigh Wing Pumps ($115) are so much fun, vivid cobalt suede and silver outline of a flame make a tongue-in-cheek statement against grey denim.

Digital cameras may offer instant gratification, but the plastic quality of the images may not satisfy your inner photographer. Meet the Lomo Diana Camera ($50), the art student's most inexpensive camera, known for its dreamy, diffused images.

Sometimes, the best find is something you already own. NARS Rated R Duo ($32) is a bit of a shocker in the pan and on the wallet, but I guarantee that it's eerily wearable. Both colors are easily sheered down, especially over a soft beige, but they also make punchy liners over a creamy bronze pencil. One is an acidic lime that wears like weird gold, laced with pink and gold sparkles, the other is a cool, dreamy azure glinting with sky blue and silver sparkles.

The worlds of posh (price) and punk (studs) and femme (pink flowers) collide in Balenciaga's Hortensia Bag (£915): feast your eyes on this! Though I've developed an allergy to It-bags—and boy, is this ever an It-bag—from the overexposure, I wouldn't say no to this one.

WATCH Though I can watch many a violent film without issue, for some reason, Taxi Driver makes me cringe and shy away. There's a little bit of Travis Bickle inside all of us, therein lies the revulsion. How brilliant of this editor to set these scenes to Gary Jules' "Mad World".
LISTEN I often wish that Janis Joplin would return to us suffering mortals as an avenging angel and spear Paris Hilton through her empty little sluttissimo head. And then we could go bar-hopping together. I would very much enjoy it.
READ Cormac McCarthy's nightmarish but emotionally arid Blood Meridian. Warning for the weak o' stomach and faint o' heart, it gets pretty violent.

thelipstickpageforums.com

Labels: balenciaga, hope, kathryn amberleigh, lomo, most wanted, nars

3 comment(s)

May 23, 2008 8:44 AM, Carol said...

I was poking through the Sonia K display at Target last week and came across and e/s duo and thought to myself "Huh. That looks like something from Nars."
*Poof*
There is is.
Although the SK is quite the same. The colors are brighter,hotter, more of a tropical kind of feel. I still might just pick them up next time I'm there, just for the he** of it.

Placement tests went well yesterday. I am apparently able to read and write on a college level, but "College Math for Dummies" is definitely in my future. :-P

May 23, 2008 8:46 AM, Carol said...

*sigh*
Although the SK ISN'T quite the same.

May 23, 2008 9:37 AM, Dain said...

Hey! Glad to hear it. Hmm... my math skills have completely deteriorated, so it definitely depends on what you take. Let us know how things go.

Hm, L'Oreal HIP also seems to be closely following NARS. Some of the duos are dead-ringer copycats. But I'd agree that NARS is NARS. François Nars just has a brilliant eye for how colors work on the skin, and even after years of use, mine seem as fresh as ever.

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Posted by Dain, Friday, January 18, 2008 9:15 AM (Eastern)

Here are my votes for the best looks of Spring-Summer 2008. I've tried to stick to wearable (for me at least, but I realize this has a highly variable meaning). There has been a certain "anything goes" attitude in fashion lately, which sounds very well in theory, but it leads to quite a lot of bad fashion. Among the designers, there is a mania for excessive, showy tailoring that seems to beg affirmation as a couturier. It seems inevitable in retrospect, fashion is an industry at which theatrics come at the drop of a hat. These "creations" are sometimes absurd, sometimes sublime, and almost always difficult to wear. So among the wearers, "anything goes" translates into something called "layering"—black leggings, skinny jeans, couture tees, and the inevitable Louboutin. It is very hipster, very cas', very watered-down Kate Moss. Maybe anything goes, but there is just no fun to it. It may seem to you that I ought to champion democratic fashion, but hell, fashion isn't democratic. Style comes from an inner enjoyment, chic is inimitable, and anyone can and ought to be well-dressed, but fashion is always evolving away from the crowd.

Where will it evolve next? Judging by what's percolating in the spring collections, two major trends are raring to emerge. The first is a sort of ethereal (since it's spring) simplicity best exemplified by Raf Simmons at Jil Sander. The second is a collusion of prints to miss-and-match such as at Prada. There is very little sex, but quite a lot of fun, thank god.

Enough talk, onto the clothes.

Are hats silly? I love hats, they are so elegant, and it is hard to deny the graphic appeal of this one by Ralph Lauren, but I wonder if other people find it affected. All the hat-worship of the ages seems to have transferred to shoes and handbags. I think it's a pity.

I have a great weakness for pretty frocks, they easily outnumber t-shirts in my wardrobe. There are very many of these, but at this level of expense and hype, I expect something special and not merely pretty. The colors in this one by 6267 are magical, but those sleeves present some difficulties. But then when I imagined them without, it was to the great diminishment of the dress: just pretty, not special. It may not suit you as it does me, but it is definitely memorable.

An impeccably cut Jil Sander suit in a color so vibrant it feels quite alive. It is extremely simple, and the fit is absolutely perfect, so perfect that I quite forget the ominously skinny pants and rather think to myself, "Ah, would be chic with ballet flats."

A symphony of neutrals, marvelously well-judged proportions, and great jewelry from Lanvin. Alber Elbaz has a talent for making the remarkable look unremarkable, and therefore the height of chic; the result is something very, very French—simple elements put together in such a way that it is difficult to see how it is done, much less emulate.

Beachwear by Stella McCartney: transports you straight to summer, does it not? A little retro, and yet it doesn't strike one as costume-y. The white sunglasses are quite perfect, and all it needs is a funky tote.

This one from Prada might do (it is leather, not cloth). I quite admire the moody fairies at Prada, but worry that it might telegraph "fashion victim" (both label and season would be identifiable to anyone who follows the runways), and one wants such things to transcend time. But the effect is not quite so intense when restricted to a handbag, but still... there is the danger. I discovered a white one at Bag Snob I like even better.

This Christian Dior wrap dress has a quiet glamour that quite appeals to me, it is soft and clingy with old-fashioned shoulders, one that embraces the female body and worships it, never to upstage the woman who wears it.

Pastels, flowers, suits, and Balenciaga, oh my! An unusual direction for Nicholas Ghèsquiere to take, since his clothes are rarely possess even a hint of softness. The clothes are practically sculpture, and the fabric itself has been meticulously topstitched (it is difficult to get a sense of the detail in this long shot). It is a weird mixture of evening gown and suit, but there is nothing quite like it.

I felt one showstopper evening piece was due, and my favorite is this ethereal, molten-silver Nina Ricci. Look at how the fabric pools at her feet like mercury. Divine.

thelipstickpageforums.com

Labels: 6267, balenciaga, dior, fashion guide, jil sander, lanvin, nina ricci, prada, ralph lauren, SS08, stella mccartney

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Posted by Dain, Friday, August 24, 2007 6:52 PM (Eastern)

Here is work, here is play, both of which cost a bundle (especially play). Much of it can—and ought to be—integrated into everyday wear. There's no flippin' point in owning clothes that you don't wear, with some exceptions (I don't think that Rochas gown is quotidian material). I've split the clothes into categories for the sake of coherence, but if you're consistent about the style (clothing you love very much; I've tried to "make things work" on the premise that I "need" it, and I find the clothes tend to wear me, not the other way around), your wardrobe should be more or less fluid. One of the things that make the more important pieces blend seamlessly with each other is basics, which is a treasure hunt of a different kind. I don't want to pay $200 for a pair of jeans, or $80 for a t-shirt. Yet I want clothes that last, and aren't frumpy.

tees

Thank god for American Apparel, it is the perfect antidote to t-shirt bullshit (*cough* TheRowSplendidC&CCaliforniaJamesPerse *cough*). These are nice, reasonably priced (comparable to the GAP), and come in tons of colors. Plus, they favor normal-looking models, which is a sainted relief. This is all that a tee company ought to do, even if the owner likes to sleep with all his employees. Above: Unisex Sheer Jersey Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck ($18), 2x1 Rib Boy Beater Tank ($17), Sheer Jersey Long Sleeve T ($26).

pants

I don't mind buying cult jeans, but I bought mine long ago when a pair of Blue Cults were $125 and that was really startling because $60 was a much more normal price (though I found mine on resale for $50). Nowadays, $100 is the standard price, and the really nice ones are closer to $200. I'm glad I bought mine—the fit is fantastic, and they've lasted since I bought them (four years ago) without stretching its shape and only a little fading—but I don't relish the idea of paying $217 for J. Brand Joplin. I really like how this jean is styled (plus it's named after Janis, which is plain awesome), disarming in its simplicity. But, that is one really fucking expensive pair of jeans. Jeans are supposed to be... you know... utilitarian. Better are chinos in navy (I also have a pair in grey): they're just as durable as jeans, the dark blue is equally versatile, but they look much more polished. Anything you can do, I can do better (compare them, side by side). I usually buy J. Crew chinos, and the price point is decent ($59.50), considering I haven't needed to replace them yet. They're missing navy, so I've posted these rather refined cords ($89.50) instead. I think cords are charmingly 70s retro, and they only get better and softer with age, so while these are somewhat expensive, they'd be useful and last years.

buttondowns

I think this is one of those things that everyone should have in their wardrobe, a clean, crisp white buttondown. It's the solution to the I-don't-know-what-to-wear blues. There's one for every budget: J. Crew ($59.50), which I suspect is a Steven Alan ripoff, Thomas Pink ($180), the one I want (doesn't the broderie anglaise sweeten the severity of the "I am an impeccable white shirt" just perfectly?), and finally, Loro Piana ($760), which is actually silk, for the kind of people who vacation in Amalfi and Maldives.

sweaters

I think of sweaters and cardigans in entirely different categories altogether. Chunky sweaters are so bulky that I just treat them like a jacket—you know, outerwear. They can be knit so beautifully, but they're limited to a certain function; I have one, in winter white, that I wear rarely, though I wouldn't complain about having the Balenciaga. Lightweight sweaters take on the role of tees in my wardrobe (sort of like how I don't really wear jeans). Some are very plain, like a lilac crewneck I have, but the color and cut is so flattering on me that it's one of my favorites. Others have personality in spades, such as a psychedelic (for lack of a better word) green and white boatneck that is also one of my favorite shirts. Fun knits are harder to find than fun tees—but I dare say it saves me money. Still, they're sweaters. You put on one, find a pair of bottoms to match, that's the end of it.

Cardigans, however, are another animal altogether. They can be primary shirts, they can be layers. The cardigan-topping-a-skirt combo is a classic I turn to all the time. This fall, since Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen are well out of my budget, I might treat myself to A.P.C.'s dark turquoise cardigan ($229). It is a bit more expensive than I usually pay, and it looks deceptively bland, but I have much respect for A.P.C. They produce very few and very little, and they seem like plain basics at first glance, but somehow... the quality, the fit, all meticulously handled, it just looks real good on. It is probably the most quintessentially French label I know.

skirts?
I like wearing skirts, but, they are rather difficult to find, at least, nice ones. I'll let you know if I find a reliable source. Perhaps Tristan & America?

Am I missing something? Oh yes! Accessories!

accessories

Rolex, Cartier, how desperate are they? They are so obvious. Why should a watch be obvious? I'd rather have the Chaumet Dandy ($7350): it's clean of everything (hype, ornament) except expense. I like how it's slightly masculine; I like how no one would recognize it. It's just a tastefully quiet watch.

I like shoes as much as the next gal, but my shoes tend to be very basic, at least functionally. I may favor a skyscraper fuschia sandal with a crystal bow, but I'd need no other evening shoe. Since I'm planning on doing a separate article on accessories anyway, I'll just point these two out for now. Ok, these Chucks are appalling. That's why I like them so much. : ) They're sort of anti-style, the more ostentatious the better, the dirtier the better. Though, they're really fashionable now, which must be why they're $47 (err... shouldn't they be more like $15?). Antipodal to the putrid Chucks are the Repetto Flora (as far as I know, it's entirely unavailable in the U.S.), a rarefied distillation of chic. It's equal partner to the classic black pump, elegant and exquisitely handmade of the finest materials (unlike the Chucks, which are a regurgitation of rubber and canvas by some factory in... what China?). But, you know, they have sort of the same use, if not the same appeal. They're flats with terrible arch support, they're icons in the world of shoes, and they're perfect for casual wear. I'd also like to add a pair of Havaianas, but I think everybody knows them already.

Sidewalk crouches at her feet
Like a dog that begs for something sweet.
Do you hope to make her see you fool?
Do you hope to pluck this dusky jewel?.

Labels: alexander mcqueen, american apparel, anya hindmarch, APC, balenciaga, chaumet, converse, fashion notes, j brand, j crew, loro piana, repetto, thomas pink

2 comment(s)

August 24, 2007 9:46 PM, Colleen Shirazi said...

Hello! Hello! Sorry, now I have that song in my mind. :D

American Apparel is way underrated. I have a tank top by them, and it's been washed many times, and it looks exactly the same as it did when it was new. AA is what Banana Republic used to be, for basic clothes, only without the higher price tag.

August 24, 2007 9:58 PM, Colleen Shirazi said...

Hmmm...what people wear here are Vans, not as much Converse. I'm too much in love with my Dr. Martens to notice though. lol

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Posted by Dain, 11:25 AM (Eastern)

I suppose there are three levels of "going out". First, there are the kind of clothes you wear when you go to a bar or a club with your friends. Next, "dressy", for all but the most formal, weddings, funerals, cocktail parties, and dates. And finally, straight up formalwear, for black-tie events, which I suppose are rare in an average person's life. Anyway... a parade of beautiful things.

clubbing

Gotta look sexy, so "show some skin" (animal prints, leather, silk, and lace will add to the effect), though there's no need to go all out with the T&A (this article is about style, not sex appeal). Leave the complicated clothing at home, which guys don't "get" anyway. Anything skimpy, like this breezy lace inset camisole from Lyell ($115) (add a pretty bra to peek through). Anything body-conscious, like this pink wrap top from Anthropologie ($39.95). Anything sheer, like this sheer v-neck from Alexander McQueen ($1260). My favorite combination is a sheer blouse worn with a black bra and lace camisole underneath, plus jeans. I am not leggy, so I concentrate on tops. Perhaps a good third (if not half, about a dozen) of my shirts are flirty/lacey/sheer/print-happy blouses, so the examples above are only intended to be illustrative, though the Alexander McQueen is lovely (what the hell is with the price though?). I don't usually spend too much on these (less than $50 is fine), because they come and go with the vagaries of fashion, it's just not worth planning them in advance.

Since I already own a lot of tops, what I want instead is a dress made for dancing, like this spare, sexy sequin-studded slipdress. I would avoid bringing anything too nice to a bar, because accidents will happen, but I was thinking a pair of hoops would be so grand, and then I saw these Annette Ferdinandsen Silver Sea Fan Earrings ($275), similar look but much more interesting. Normally, I avoid coats when I go out (more to worry about), but if it's cold out, would not a sleek leather jacket ($650) look really sexy? What shoes would I wear? I wear heels all the time, but only when I'm sober and sure of going to someplace clean. Flats will do, ma'am.

cocktail

This is too easy. I mean, it's semantically obvious; if you want to be dressed up, the simplest thing is a dress. Dresses are beautiful, interesting, and so easy to wear. All you need are some heels, knockout jewelry, and a wee bag. Above, the most delectable of Alexander McQueen, but mine usually come from Anthropologie or Banana Republic. Since I'm petite and short-legged, I usually look for high-waisted dresses with a-line skirts of moderate (knee) length, like the froth-of-lace dress in the middle (if it were longer, that would be my wedding dress; the other two are "bias-cut", which is a good bet for curves, while angular, leggy people can wear those shapeless minidress sacks that one sees so much of these days). Like flirty shirts, there's no exact limit to the number of the pretty dresses I own (maybe 4-5?), because it's not really that frequent that I find one that I love, and I refuse to buy things unless I love them (an axiom of smart shopping).

For the dresses above, which are quite posh, a classic pump, strand of pearls ($390), and amethyst earrings ($7810) will do. For summery sundresses (I'm fond of colorful prints), I have a pair of green Banana Republic espadrilles, olive peep-toes with beige laces that wrap around the ankle), which are probably my favorite shoes, period. Neither is that difficult to walk around in, and the espadrilles, once broken in, are surprisingly comfortable. If and when they finish, I'll probably look to Castañer, the brand that is to espadrilles what Repetto is to ballet flats.

formal

Olivier Theyskens is the couterier of my dreams, though not everyone will feel that way. If you want a reason, just look at this magnificent gown (Rochas FW 2005), heavy textured silk with petals of florid kimono print appliqued o'er. What would you do with this dress? Stand around, look statuesque, sip some champagne. It's a freakin' ballgown, what else would you do? Don't get me wrong, you could definitely do "cocktail" to a formal event (no one would knock you down for wearing Alexander McQueen), but this gown is a notch above in formality.

Also from FW 2005 are these crystal-bow pumps from Balenciaga, which at the time demanded a heartstopping price of $2240. Still, I've never seen a pair of evening sandals quite so gorgeous. I would kill for these shoes, though they look like they would kill your feet. And what about a profusion of diamonds (rather like a tennis bracelet that shuns the straight and narrow) for your delicate wrist? These are from Harry Winston.

evening bag

Calvin Klein's silver lizard clutch ($470) will go with everything on this page. Minimal shape won't overwhelm jeans, the luxe skin isn't too humble for gowns, and then there is the laudable neutrality of silver.

Labels: alexander mcqueen, annette ferdinandsen, anthropologie, balenciaga, calvin klein, cathy waterman, fashion notes, harry winston, lyell, manolo blahnik, pearl paradise, rochas

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Posted by Dain, Sunday, August 19, 2007 12:50 AM (Eastern)

I mean, in my dreams, but whatever... I think five major pieces per season, for those who care about being fashionable, are enough to keep anyone directional, and, if chosen wisely, can be things of joy forever.

1. Anya Hindmarch Alessandra ($1125)

I don't like it bags; I favor simple constructions with quality materials and minimal hardware. But Anya Hindmarch is an exception—above and beyond the best bag designs on the market. I mean, look at this bag (actually introduced this spring), it is exquisite. I normally detest hardware, but it is done to an impeccable turn in the Alessandra, and the gorgeous shade of nude... [sighs] This is the kind of bag, no matter what you're wearing, that screams: "Worship me! I am chic!"

2. Blugirl Blumarine White Ombre Sequin Dress ($918)

I want a dress to go clubbing! Not a sophisticated cocktail frock, not a sweet sundress, not a glamorous formal-function gown, but a spare, sexy thing made for dancing. I usually find the offerings of Blumarine to be decidedly eurotrash, while sequins can be too much, but this dress avoids such pitfalls. The slipdress shape is as simple as can be, and the decision to make the sequins white (shifting to beige and bronze) is an inspired one: it's fresh, and quite precious, like nacreous shells scattered on the beach. All you need is a pair of silver dancing shoes and red lipstick.

3. Balenciaga Chunky Knit Sweater (£300)

When the weather turns frosty, what is more iconic than a chunky sweater to ward off the chill? This offering from Balenciaga couldn't be more tasteful: substantial yet slim on the figure, with a beautiful medley of knits, and possibly the most creative turtleneck you ever saw, one large central braid wrapping around the neck like a scarf. In nubbly navy; truly, there aren't enough navy clothes in this world, a most underappreciated neutral.

4. Viktor & Rolf Embroidered Floral Coat

I do love a pretty coat, but so many are clumsy and dull. This gorgeous creature has personality in spades, a fantasy garden of red, white, and black velvet roses rambling on a beige background (plus a mini fur collar). It's tailored like a jacket and wears like a dress. Absolutely OMFG stunning, especially if you're a floral ornamentation whore like me. ; )

5. Cathy Waterman Amethyst Earrings ($7810)

I don't even have pierced ears, but for the lovely violet sparkle of these earrings, I'd run straight to the nearest Claire's, like any 12 year-old. A precious heirloom bauble, to pass on into eternity, as when long ago, jewels were a lady's treasure. It's hard not to pine for the romance of very, very select, special, meaningful jewelry, the kind that has history and personality, unlike the "piling on" label-ridden method of modern day bling.

Labels: anya hindmarch, balenciaga, blugirl blumarine, cathy waterman, fashion notes, viktor and rolf

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Posted by Dain, Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:27 AM (Eastern)

I can't afford most of what I recommend. Nor do I, at heart, insist upon everyone's wearing of designer fashion. Designer fashion is not supposed to be proletarian, it's elite by nature. By "elite", I do not mean, as most people (i.e. American Vogue) do, merely "money"; beautiful things ought to belong to people who can appreciate beautiful things. A limited budget hones one's taste, sharpened (if you please) by hunger. You learn the value of an investment, and that is what designer fashion is in a purely economic sense, an investment.

This is why for classic clothing and accessories, you should never buy cheap. It simply isn't worth it. I don't mean that you won't find deals, because with perseverance, you can, rather that you should not shy away from an investment when it is something you will wear often and well. Let me give you an example.

Last year, I purchased a pair of classic black suede pumps, Carmila from Steve Madden. They were $80, which is standard for a pair of shoes these days. I was happy to pay for such a useful shoe. In fact, they were a steal. They drew many compliments, some even asked me if they were designer. Sexy and elegant and surprisingly comfortable, I wore them with everything and everywhere. But by the end of the year, they were done. Though they looked perfectly fine, the support started coming apart, and they were painful to wear. If I have to buy a new pair at $80 a pop every year (in fact, it was less than that, a school year), the expense is actually comparable to a $560 pair of well made shoes. I'll know better next time. Next time, I will buy these from Christian Louboutin (from sakfifthavenue.com), which has the same simplicity, black suede, and blunted pointy toe that I adored.

The next classic I wish to discuss is the blazer, or suit jacket, in a neutral color. It does not bother me if there is no matching bottom, and as I doubt I'll ever be in a conservative corporate environment except in visitation mode, one impeccably tailored blazer in grey is enough to get me by, and it doesn't get any better than Martin Margiela, which clocks in at $848 (on discount at yoox.com).

In time, I'd supplement it with another classic jacket, something softer like a Chanel bouclé, perhaps in a textured navy. As a summer alternative, a white or cream jacket in ultrafeminine silk, so that I can take it to evening.

A jacket does not stand alone; one needs tops and bottoms too. I rather like skirts from Banana Republic and pants from J. Crew and Express, but for a designer option, there are no better trousers than Balenciaga's (I'm not sure how much these cost, they're £170 on brownsfashion.com), which have attained something akin to legendary status.

As for shirts, there's nothing more classic than a white buttondown. It's the last word in chic, and it suits everyone and always looks appropriate. Thomas Pink makes the best shirts, and this one is particularly lovely with its subtle embroidery ($195). For warmth, cashmere is the supreme fiber, and nobody does cashmere better than Loro Piana. Here, a beautiful turtleneck, like a strawberry milkshake ($398 from yoox.com).

Maybe it's my New England upbringing, but I feel obligated to include cold-weather classics. This classic trench coat from Giorgio Armani is rendered a little more unique in creamy leather (a whopping $8250 from neimanmarcus.com, cloth varieties will be more palatably priced, of course) and a pair of impeccable* flat boots by Prada ($950 from saksfifthavenue.com), are the perfect thing for trudging through the snow in style and comfort. Very expensive, admittedly, but then, these are lifetime investments that will never fail you—what you are purchasing is not only something beautiful, but also peace of mind.

*I've used this word twice, but I wanted to use it describe every single item on this page. Really, that is the key to choosing a classic: impeccable tailoring. Impeccability is always tasteful, ageless, and appropriate—it defies trends, and indeed, that is exactly what a classic is, the opposite of a trend.

Labels: balenciaga, christian louboutin, classics, fashion guide, fashion notes, giorgio armani, loro piana, martin margiela, prada, thomas pink

2 comment(s)

July 13, 2007 1:33 PM, Colleen Shirazi said...

A couple of things come to mind...

One is the old saying: "I can't afford to buy cheap clothes."

The other--I've thought this for a long time--is that you have to factor the time and gas you spend shopping--into the cost of what you buy.

i.e. if you find a whole lot of something, that never goes out of style, at a good price--it's worth it to buy a lot of it. Just stash it in your closet and take it out and use it, as you need to.

The money you put up front into it, is worth it, because you won't need to shop for item x for years.

Now I wouldn't pay $560 for shoes. The logic is, if that's the level of shoe you want, it might be cheaper to plan a trip to Italy...or France, or New York City...and do all of your clothes and shoe shopping there. Go every few years, and just replace stuff like tee shirts here, more cheaply, as needed.

July 13, 2007 4:02 PM, Dain said...

The problem is that Louboutin is extremely popular these days. A few years ago, those shoes would have been closer to $350 or something, which is still expensive, but much more reasonable for a basic pair of shoes.

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Posted by Dain, Sunday, July 17, 2005 2:19 PM (Eastern)

Some fragrances take a while to get to know—e.g. Caron Parfum Sacré (I remained uncertain until I realized it was meant to be applied sparingly). Most others smell ok, pretty, nice, alright... but nothing extraordinary. And some—the rarest of them all—smell glorious from first sniff.

Everything about Cristobal is "right", from the beautiful bottle, the price, the name (the exquisite couterier, Cristobal Balenciaga), and, of course, the scent itself. I'm a little surprised, to be honest. Had you laid out a description of notes before me, I'd have said, "Absolutely not." I don't like transparent fruity-florals, à la Escada. But then, none of the fragrances I truly love, the ones that occupy a permanent position in my collection, were obvious choices. At the urging of one who also loves Givenchy Organza Indécence, I was more than willing to try it.

It was a surprising mélange of notes to my inexperienced nose, when I first tried it. It smells... wholeheartedly delicious. A mouthwatering confection, though it is more floral than gourmand. And totally unique.

It begins with a sort of lemon sugar note, all the tangy citrus of lemon, but no sour sharp bite. Then freesia lifts it from candyland, makes it ethereal, and something tropical enters in, a pineapple note. Then it moves into a peony heart, which is usually the classic floral for prettiness without mystery, and yet there's a very interesting interplay with notes of green figs and plums, honeyed o'er. As it dries down, there's orris and musk, with a little rose singing in the background, with vanilla, sandalwood, and amber following up. And it's important to say... this doesn't smell like a progression of notes appearing and then disappearing... the lower notes unfold just as in any other perfume, but the top notes remain and somehow accommodate the latecomers... it's just extremely well-balanced, albeit sweet and sugary and fruit-laced (if you're against such things...).

It's not dark, there's something lighthearted, verging on tropical, just enough to make it festive, but not enough to turn me off. It has more complexity than that, more sophistication, but relaxed. I think a lovely French woman, normally very proper and serious, on vacation in Italy. She normally wears YSL, but she's on vacation, so it's Derek Lam and a judicious dash of Chloé. Perhaps I say Italy because Dolce & Gabbana Sicily smells of lemons, so by olfactory association... though for my money, I'd suggest Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien if you're in the mood for lemons. Otherwise, Cristobal is more Tahiti than Naples. A wedding in Tahiti, no less.

Image courtesy http://perso.wanadoo.fr/imagesdeparfums/.

Labels: balenciaga, beauty notes

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Posted by Dain, Saturday, May 14, 2005 12:13 AM (Eastern)

They're not quite holy grails, but they are de rigueur, current obsessions.

L'Oréal Voluminous mascara: It's an industry mainstay for a reason. Unlike more liquid-y, silicone-y formulae (there is a Full Definition Voluminous out, if silicones are more your thing), your tube doesn't dry out before the month is out, and the intensity is easily manipulated, from just enough oomph for a little definition, to lush, thick, full lashes. Somehow, I suspect it's not intended for the mascara dunce, but wipe off excess product beforehand, and you ought to be fine. (Shu Uemura's famed lash curler is a must.)

YSL Touche Eclat: Such a frustrating product, because it is a bacteria magnet, not to mention really, really expensive ($36 for a concealer is ludicrous), but it's undeniably glamorous, and absolutely NOTHING works as well as it does. It blows all other concealers out of the water. I'm surprised there are knockoffs at all... how can other companies have such temerity? Not only does it erase fatigue with flawless ease and superior verisimilitude of naturally acquired sleep, it does it better than anything else. Ever. And it doesn't look like makeup!

Garnier Fructis Long & Strong system: Perhaps I'm not enamored with this line as I was a month before, and I'm really not a fan of fake-fruity scents, but I maintain what I've said before: "Why buy salon brands when you can have Garnier?" For the best hair ever (at least, if you've hair like me, dry, straight, and colored), all the cardinal points of the hair mantra: silky, shiny, soft, and smooth. 'Nuff said.

Balenciaga Cristobal EDP: When's the last time you fell in love at first sniff? For me, it was years ago, with Givenchy Organza Indécence. This, according to description (light-hearted and sparkling fruits and florals more dominant than my traditional vanilla-amber), ought to be something I dislike, at best mediocre. Not so. I don't merely think it's "a pretty scent" (as so many editors will advocate), I adore it, I think it's gorgeous top to bottom. From the beautiful bottle, to the way it melts into my skin, etc, etc.

Dr. Hauschka: See obstreperous article below. The old-fashioned simplicity of a cleanser, toner, moisturizer routine (Cleansing Milk, Facial Toner, Rose Day Cream), done with granola-crunching aplomb. Really, it's got the holistic approach down ("emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts, rather than analysis or separation into parts"). Maybe I'll get tired of it, but for now, I'm loving it.

Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow in Mauve Chic (780): I don't know what it is about Pati Dubroff, but every time she raves over a product I always want it (eg. Nuxe Rêve de Miel, By Terry Apricot Skin Enhancer, Shiseido Ruby Luster Lip Gloss). And now this. Actually, the desire for the soft mauves and purples of this quint came at about the right time. I've been getting bored of the intensely pure but watercolor sheer of the NARS shadows I've been sporting (Fresh and chic, to be sure, but how many different ways can you wear Rated R? No matter how you revise it, it's still an acid-tone lime and an electric blue.). Enter the sophisticated Dior Mauve Chic, just the thing for my fix for things ladylike.

Guerlain Terracotta Gloss & Shine in Terre des Sables: Darlings, you haven't experienced gloss until you've tried these by Guerlain. From shades that are truly complex, but highly flattering (they become one with your natural lip tone), to a high-gloss shimmery shine that makes lips pouty as can be, they are truly dynamite. Terre des Sables is a beautiful compilation of all the different ways to approach nude via shimmer: rose, peach, gold, pink, mauve, even teeny bit o' silver. Plus, it's pretty packaging, even if it is a little plain.

L'Oréal Tone Refiner, Brunette: Per'aps there isn't much to say about hair gloss (this is not a silicone serum, but a treatment that lasts about thirty days), but I'm addicted to the idea. It adds polish (both in the sense of sophistication and shine), and makes hair really smooth and glossy (less maintenance), and gives delicate hair protection. It's a simple, five-minute procedure, and it just gives you... a good feeling, a sort of grooming peace-of-mind.

Image courtesy www.sephora.com.

Labels: balenciaga, beauty notes, dior, dr. hauschka, garnier, guerlain, l'oreal, ysl

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