SPOTLIGHT: CHLOÉ

It seems only appropriate to follow-up the previous post with my favorite French designer, Chloé. I can remember flipping the pages of Vogue and Bazaar as a budding fashionista and tearing out the Chloé ads as inspiration. I particularly recall using this ad [below] to inspire my high school graduation dress (a breezy azul frock).

In scanning the runway images for S/S 11, I was most captivated by the Summer 2011 line of romantic, ethereal looks in fluid fabrics and my own style staple, neutrals. I am completely obsessed with the monochromatic looks in beiges, camels and taupes and I especially love the pleated maxi skirts, fluid trousers, and ballet-inspired nude leotards.

a. mused…

Other trends to covet: cropped leather tops, white-hot ensembles, and scooped-out backs. In a season bursting with color, the line of black & white, nudes and camels is a fresh alternative. I'm guilty of stocking up on camel this past F/W and I easily transitioned to a wardrobe that I am continuously filling with neutral separates. 

I love the contrast of nude & red as a way to incorporate color for spring. Rouge accessories in the form of handbags and ballet flats, as well as the très chic mid-height sandals [below] are without a doubt going to be my spring & summer essentials. 

If you (like me) opt for pieces that are bit more purse-friendly, here are some great alternatives:

Parisian Chic

Though our personal styles can be extremely different at times, my co-muse Isabelle & I always agree on one design aesthetic that anchors most of our looks: Parisian Chic. Whether it's the "I just threw this on" attitude or the simplicity of classic pieces that always look fresh, we're drawn to it for its suggestion of bon vivant. Yes, we do believe that Parisian style evokes passion and is inspired by good living. Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange, is a personal style guide by the French fashion icon who makes dressing and living chic look, well, effortless. Surprising that Miss Isabelle & myself unknowingly picked up our copies on the same day? 

a.mused…

Inès lays out the key pieces to Parisian style, "The Magnificent Seven", that include a man's blazer, the trench, and the perfect jeans, among other closet essentials. She also offers her expertise on home design and entertaining with flair; we're inspired to decorate according to Inès, and we're secretly hopeful that she would approve of a recent attempt at entertaining with coq au vin and an excellent bottle of Bordeaux, "chez nous". Either way, it's a coffee table must for those inspired by fashion, beauty and la joie de vivre.

Spring Beauty Trends

Les Bises en Rose
IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT SPRING POUT

Edith Piaf sang of a life in rosy hues, and so did the S/S 11 runways. Vibrant pops of pink showed up everywhere from tailored trousers to garçon-inspired blazers, but candy-colored lips were ubiquitous. Immediately captivated, I embarked on an intensive search for the perfect hue.

a.mused…

I didn't have to look further than my very own bestie's coveted lipstick collection, stumbling across  her tube of NARS matte lipstick in Schiap  (which I learned she had been hoarding since high school!) of which I am simply obsessed.

I picked up a tube of my own at Sephora yesterday, unashamedly bursting with excitement to paint my lips in peony perfection. I recommend pairing the trend with minimal makeup--a little bronzer and a swipe of mascara—and a loose chignon à la Jil Sander. This is by far my favorite beauty trend of the season, and I will be sure  to a.muse with my pretty-in-pink-pout.