Haute Couture Laws

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I have frequently wondered how certain brands such as Juicy Couture could call there mass produced clothing "couture".  And while apparently that is allowed, calling a collection Haute Couture is not.  There are very particular laws in France regarding this prestigious title, which is defined by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris.  The law states that only, "those companies mentioned on the list drawn up each year by a commission domiciled at the Ministry for Industry are entitled to avail themselves" of the label haute couture.  The criterias were established in 1945 and have since been updated in 1992.  The design houses must follow these rules: they must design made-to-order for private clients with one or more fittings, they must have an atelier in Paris that employs at least fifteen people full time.  Each season they must present a collection to the Paris press, comprising at least thirty five runs/exits with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear.  There are different categories one can belong to, official members, correspondent (foreign) members, guest members,  jewelry, and accessories. Design houses such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Valentino, and more are members.  Most couture shows end with a wedding dress like the Elie Saab one shown above.     

Square Heels

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I have recently been falling for square heeled pumps and have begun seeing them in stores and magazines at an increasing rate.  Not only do I really like the sixties inspiration, which I have seen in this Blake Lively fashion spread and this Emilio Pucci collection, but there is definitively an appeal to having a little more stability.  These Stuart Weitzman shoes are $395 and can be bought here.  

Book Review: Christian Dior's Little Dictionary Of Fashion

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While it is easy to find books about designers from the golden age of couture, it is not easy to find one written by one of the designers.  This fashion dictionary written by the great couturier Christian Dior and features his opinions on fashion in dictionary format from accents to zest.  There are multiple definitions per letter on anything you may want to know about fashion from ball gowns to trimmings to colors.  Some of the advice in this book is antiquated as most of us do not wear fur or veiled hats anymore, but I find those sections and interesting look into the past, and many of the advice remains relevant.  This book, which has a lovely cloth cover and beautiful photographs and illustrations, would make a lovely gift for any vintage fashion lover. 

What I Would Wear To: Monte Carlo

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For this installment of my series What Would I Wear To, I created an outfit for Monte Carlo.  This outfit is inspired by the luxurious local in Monaco and by who else, Grace Kelly.  I really love the neckline of this Lela Rose dress as I do not care for low cut clothing, and it reminded me of Princess Grace.  I also thought she would approve of the pearl jewelry and the Hermes head scarf for drives down the windy coast.  I love the Fendi shoes, mainly because if you look closely the raffia fabric of the shoes has a very similar texture to the dress!  This is what I would want to wear if I ever have the opportunity to visit Monte Carlo, what would you wear? 

Elie Saab Resort 2012

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While I always love Elie Saab's elegant and beautiful collections, they can at times be a bit similar to past seasons.  However for his recent resort collection that all changed.  Although there were some similar silhouettes in this collection, the feel was much simpler.  There was a lot less beading and shorter hemlines, a very wearable collection for those that do not have the need for a floor length crystal encrusted gown.

Tocca Perfumes

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Today I stumbled upon these pretty pastel Toca perfume bottles and was even more attracted to them once I smelt them.  The scents ranged from floral, fruity, and sweet and were not too over powering.  What started as a clothing brand, Tocca is now more known for its exquisite taste in scents, candles, perfumes, and more.  The best part about their beauty line is that if you love a fragrance you are likely to find a candle, soap, or lotion to match.

What I Would Wear To: Casablanca

 

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My last two destinations in my What I Would Wear To series were both major European cities, so I thought I would try a more exotic locale for my third.  When I saw this Anna Sui dress it reminded me of the lavish Casablanca Morroco, which I would accessorize with gold Jimmy Choo's and gold and jade jewels.  And while this outfit is not practical for sight seeing, it would be lovely for dinner out as long as one covered their shoulders.

Marie Antoinette's Perfume

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While many have envied the lifestyle of Marie Antoinette, her extravagant palaces and crown jewels are not exactly attainable for the every-woman.  But now you can have a piece of her beauty regimen, the house of Lubin is reviving a perfume originally worn by Marie Antoinette.  This perfume was created for Antoinette by the royal noose Jean-Louis Fargeon in mind of the gardens at the Petit Trianon.  The scent which consists of rose, jasmine, and bergamot is named Black Jade; like the deep jade colored vile Antoinette kept the perfume in while imprisoned in the Temple Tower of Paris.  What is the cost of smelling like France's most infamous Queen?  130 dollars and you can purchase the scent at aedes.com. 

Jaqua Beauty Returns

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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?