Jaqua Beauty Returns

Images: beautycounter.blogdrive.com

I was quite upset  a few months ago when I discovered Jaqua, a beauty company known for their decadent sweet flavored products had closed due to family issues among the sisters who had created the brand.  Luckily I recently learned that the company has opened its doors once again!  I am a huge fan of their butter cream frosting body butter, which truly smells like fresh baked cupcakes and frosting, and the scent lasts a while even while just wearing the body butter.  They have a multitude of dessert and drink  inspired flavors such as raspberry butter cream frosting and pink champagne.    

What I Would Wear To: Paris

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For the second installment of my new series What I Would Wear To, I created what I would ideally wear to the city I most covet to visit, Paris.  I would love to go during the Spring when the trees and flowers are in bloom and the weather is warm enough to wear this adorable Nina Ricci dress.  I especially like the light pink color of the dress and would pair it with these beige Jimmy Choo slingbacks, Majolie pink opal earrings, and of course an iconic french Chanel handbag. 

Marchesa Resort Collection 2012

Images: vogue.com

The Marchesa resort collection featured an array of candy colored dress ranging from floor length to cocktail length.  It was nice to see formal dresses in a rainbow of shades versus the usual black or red.  This collection was simpler than past ones by Marchesa, which I like.  Sometimes their dresses can be a little too over the top, although they are always beautiful.  

Rouge Coco Lipstick

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I really like this Chanel ad for their Rouge Coco lipstick.  I really like the subdued pretty color of the lipstick and the light feel to the ad, a nice change from many of Chanel's darker ads.  I have not tried this lipstick so I cannot attend to its quality, but it looks very pretty on the model Vanessa Paradis.  Have any of you worn it?

Decor Inspiration: White and Gold

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When it comes to home decor, like clothing and beauty, I find simplicity the best option.  I prefer neutrals such as white and gold with a light accent color such as the pale pink shown above.  I like the pretty yet simple mirrors, gold tables, and white curtains; and with a chandelier as an accent piece, you can't go wrong. 

Van Cleef & Arpels Clover Necklace

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I cannot help but be drawn to the iconic Van Cleef & Arpels clover design.  I prefer just a single clover on a simple chain versus the multiple clover designs.  I especially like the beautiful mother of pearl and rose gold combination, I think the colors compliment each other well.  I like simple, elegant jewelry such as this.  I think jewelry should be light and pretty; which this design is.

What I Would Wear To: Rome

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I have imagined many vacations to many destination, but one that has always been a favorite is Rome.  I would love to spend my days visiting museums and eating gelato and spend my nights staring at the beautiful Trevi Fountain.  The outfit above is one that I would want to wear in Rome.  Inspired by Roman Holiday, I would wear a soft short sleeved shirt dress to keep cool as well as stay covered up on visits such as the Vatican city, soft leather flats to walk around the city comfortably, a small light leather handbag, and a vintage inspired coin bracelet simply because I can't think of Rome without thinking about my grandmother's Italian coin necklaces.  The dress is by Jason Wu, the shoes by Reed Krakoff, the handbag is from the Coach Classic collection, and the bracelet is Kenneth Jay Lane, all are available currently on Net-A-Porter.  What would you wear?

Backstage: Valentino

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While Valentino's fall couture show was exactly the kind of collection I referenced in an earlier post as unwearable couture, I still found it beautiful.  I especially like the candid backstage shots of the collection where you can see many of the pretty beaded tulle dresses together.  I especially loved the hair and make-up. 

Film Review: Coco Avant Chanel

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Prior to seeing this film, Coco Avant Chanel, I was quite skeptical as to whether or not I would enjoy it.  I had previously watched a Lifetime movie about the life of Coco Chanel and it was terrible.  I was worried that this film would be equally dull, but I was completely wrong.  Audrey Tautou provides a wonderful performance as one of history's most famous fashion designers.  This film provided a fascinating look into the life  of Coco Chanel from childhood until the death of her boyfriend Boy Capel.  The plot was interesting and moved quickly, the cinematography was gorgeous, as was the clothing.  The film is in French so you must be okay with subtitles to watch this, I found reading the subtitles completely worth it.  I recommend this film to any fan of Chanel, you will learn about the creation of the beloved brand as well as her personal life.  An interesting fact, the French government reports that a bottle of Chanel No.5 is sold every thirty seconds.  This fashionable and historical film is a fun watch and will leave any woman grateful to Coco Chanel for replacing the boning and corsets of the time with comfortable yet elegant clothing.

Pretty Chignons

Images: style.com

While viewing Valentino's fall 2011 couture show, it was not the clothing that impressed me more, not to say it was not lovely, it was the hair that left a lasting impression on me.  I really like simple hair and make-up on models during shows as it does not distract from the clothes. The make-up was simple and pretty, I loved the light shimmering shades of gold and pink.  And while the hair shown today was not over the top it stole the spotlight anyways.  The intricately beautiful chignons were laced with gold and jeweled garland, perfect for any formal occasion such as your wedding day.    

Christian Dior Resort 2012 Collection

 Image: vogue.com

I have been excitedly awaiting the Christian Dior couture show and I am extremely disappointed.  I was hoping that Dior would present a fantastic collection without John Galliano, but that was not the case.  The collection was a disaster, a mixture of clown costumes and modern art thrown into a collection with no redeeming qualities.  However this morning I was thrilled to see the new resort collection.    It was elegant yet casual enough to wear this summer and the black and cream color combinations work all year round.  The first outfit shown above is a perfect nod to the new look which Galliano was always so good at.  I also found the handbags a great improvement from the last few years, I always found their version of quilting awkward.  Actually all of the accessories were lovely, the sunglasses, shoes, and especially the hats.   Overall I would say this collection was very redeeming for the Christian Dior design team. 

My First Taste Of Couture

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This Vogue spread, a few years old, was the first time I truly began to appreciate couture.  I had always assumed that all the clothes shown were impractical, and granted this bottom skirt and bra combinations is, the rest of the spread is not.  The spread was shot by Arthur Elgort, styled by the famous Grace Coddington, and features model Karlie Kloss.  You can see the rest of the spread here, while I do not care for the tennis player in some of the shots, the couture is so fantastic and the spread features clothing from Christian Lacroix's final collection.  

Book Review: The Golden Age Of Couture

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The Golden Age of Couture, Paris and London 1947-57 edited by Claire Wilcox is an intricate look into what is considered the golden age of couture.  The golden age of couture took place during 1947 to 1957, the ten years in which Christian Dior designed couture.  While the beautiful pictures of the elegant glamorous clothing of the time is enough reason to buy this book, the in depth history of the great couturiers of the time, such as Cristóbal Balenciaga, makes for an interesting read.  I highly recommend this book for anyone to read or as a perfect gift for anyone who loves fashion.

The History Of: The Birkin Bag

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While the Hermes Birkin bag has been a favorite of mine, and countless others, for years I had no idea of the history behind it.  I knew it was made for Jane Birkin, but did not really know who she was.  When I researched her I also found the story of how the famous Birkin bag was created.  Jane Birkin was an English born actress and singer who made many french films and music. She is infamous for the scandalous song, "Je t'aime...moi non plus."  In 1981 handbag history was made when she was seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, chief executive of Hermés, on a flight from Paris to London.  She had placed her straw bag in the overhead compartment, but the contents fell out and she had to scramble to replace the contents.  She began to explain to Dumas that it had been very difficult to find a leather weekend bag that she liked.  In 1984, he created the Birkin bag, in a black supple leather, for her!  The handbag was based off a 1892 design, and while Jane Birkin did not use the bag for long it has become an icon.

Elie Saab Fall 2011 Couture

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For me Elie Saab is always the most anticipated show of every season and this fall couture week was no exception.  While my favorite dresses were winter wonderland white ones, although the ice blue ones were stunning as well (pictures to come).  I could see the first making an appearance during award season and the second would be perfect for any holiday parties.  While I am not crazy about the cape on the third one, the dress was too beautiful to not show.  As for the last dress I love sleeves on a gown since you usually see strapless or a small strap.  Overall the entire show was stunning and elegant as usual.