Stylish quote

“Don’t wear what you question, wear what you think is right for you.”

Karl Lagerfeld

 

Photo source: BCBG campaign Spring/Summer 2006

No make-up make-up inspiration

Taking inspiration from the Valentino Spring/Summer 2013 collection that gave us dreamy dresses and a very natural, simple and clean make-up look that makes you look like the real you, only more groomed.

According to Pat McGrath, a cream blush is used to create softly flushed cheeks (think RMS beauty Lip2Cheek as the most brilliant and natural multitasking little hero), followed by brown shadow on the lids and under the lower lash line and finished with a few layers of brown mascara and powder.

Yes, powder is definitely back to give us the fresh and matte rather then dewy finish. If you are dreading a thought of a cakey face, think translucent invisible powders: HD Perfecting Powder by Chantecaille, Hyaluronic Hydra Powder by Terry, Un-powder powder by RMS Beauty, Zodiac powder by Estee Lauder (which also makes a wonderful and very thoughtful gift!), Sensai loose powder by Kanebo. For those looking for pigmented products, Tom Ford finishing powder or Luminous silk powder by Giorgio Armani will work beautifully.

Photo source: fashionising.com

Natalia Vodianova in A Grand Affair

Do you know that A Grand Affair, inspired by the end XIX century Russia, Chekhov’s “Cherry Orchard” and Olivier Theyskens’ collection for Rochas, was supposed to feature several models and sixteen outfits? What we ended up seeing is a second take – a version that had to be done after Anna Wintour found the first story too static and formal.

Natalia Vodianova styled by Grace Coddington and photograped by Steven Klein at his country house on Long Island, brought the much-needed energy and charm to the shoot while “mixing elements of reality with artifice to create a tension of contradiction” as Klein later explained in his interview for In Vogue book.

Photo source: Vogue US September 2005

Ralph Lauren in Downton Abbey

There aren’t many TV series or fashion collections that touch your very soul straight away and once they do, it’s difficult to get enough of the beauty, grandeur and magic they bring to our lives. Imagine how special it felt to find out that Ralph Lauren recently held a private show at the Highclere castle that inspired the Downton Abbey series and was used for the movie. I can only imagine how wonderful it felt to see beautiful models in Ralph Lauren gowns walking down the stairs blending timeless classics with the air saturated with molecules of history and some incredible stories.

Photo source: photos by Chris Allerton via Ralph Lauren Facebook page

Mid-season sale and special offer just for you

I’ve received an email from Monnier Frères HQs asking me to share some exciting news with you. Not only they are running a mid-season sale offering most beautiful accessories by crème de la crème of fashion.

Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Sonia Rykiel, Dolce&Gabbana, Isabel Marant, Alexis Mabille, Azarro, DvF, 3.1 Phillip Lim, See by Chloe, Valentino, Jil Sander and Vanessa Bruno just to name a few are waiting to be loved, cherished and proudly worn.

You can find a trendy burgundy Sonia Rykiel messenger, Valentino tote or Nina Ricci city bag, fix your craving for neon brights with MySuelly, Michael Kors and DvF or acquire a timeless treasure created for you by Escada, Jil Sander or Marc Jacobs.

If bags aren’t your thing, I suggest Etro and Kenzo scarves, Isabel Marant jewellery and Missoni gloves.

Although everything has already been reduced down by up to 60%, Fashioned by Love readers can claim extra 10% off by entering FBYLOV10MNF at the checkout.

If you were secretly admiring one of the bags, scarves, glasses or gorgeous jewellery, but couldn’t quite afford them, this is your perfect moment to treat yourself.

Visit the website to shop and remember about your unique discount code – FBYLOV10MNF

Here is my personal selection, which is a visual proof that, although I adore scarves, sunglasses and sparkling trinkets, I am still very much a bag lady at heart.

Photo source: Vogue Paris November 2012

Stylish quote

“Elegance is a physical quality. If a woman doesn’t have it naked, she’ll never have it clothed.”

Karl Lagerfeld

 

Photo source: Muse #19 2009

Tom Ford documentary

In 2010, six years after Gucci and YSL, Tom Ford revealed his first collection modelled by a glamorous cast of “many of the world’s most inspirational women” to 100 special attendees. This documentary is a peak into designer’s mind and a very interesting behind-the-scenes story – it will be your 40 minutes of fashion bliss, I promise.

 

Photo source: Vogue US December 2010, plus accompanying article