Very young Natasha photographed for Elle Denmark in 2000. I loved the words Elle team used to describe the story: “Allure. Spirit. Elegance”. Such a perfect way to sum up everything French style is all about.
Photo source: Elle Denmark September 2000
I often wonder how a certain design turns into a must-have fashion item. While the whimsical reindeer sweaters only saw the light of day at Christmas, the growling Givenchy and, later, adorable Burberry motifs suddenly made us want to fall back into innocence and really embrace the trend. Perhaps it’s got something to do with the inner child or a stylish effort for not taking yourself too seriously…
I chose some of the sweetest ones today – their soft cuteness instantly puts a smile on your face and allows you to express love to a certain creature. Whatever reason you have for wearing one of those jumpers – embrace it: combine with a pencil skirt or smart trousers and structured coat or, just like Burberry did, peplum jacket for work, full skirt, lady-like bag, platform laced ankle boots and trench (again, very Burberry) for lunch or jeans and duffle coat for weekends and walks in a country. Just don’t leave them in a draw until Christmas day.
Click to buy: 1. Portland fox intarsia merino wool sweater by Aubin & Wills (£125) + similar one by Peter Jensen, 2. Owl intarsia cashmere sweater by Burberry Prorsum (£895), 3. Horse angora mix jumper by Warehouse (£45), 4. French hen sweater by J.Crew (£80), 5. Swan jumper by Miss Selfridge (£39), 6. Doe embellished jumper by Monsoon (£49), Sequined puppy sweater by Muveil (£382.12), 7. Badger jumper by Dorothy Perkins (£30), 8. Fox print jumper by Marsha at Joules (£69.95), 9. Ivory poodle jumper by Dorothy Perkins (£30), 10. Sequined puppy sweater by Muveil (£382.12), 11. Scottie dog angora-blend jumper by Wallis (£20), 12. Horse intarsia cashmere wool sweater by Jaeger (£120) + similar ones by Joie, C Wonder and Wildfox
Not every sweater made it to the post, but you can find them on-line. The list includes squirrels, zebras, baby leopards, mummy leopard, blue birds, peacocks, bunny, rabbit, giraffe, elephant, owls (1 and 2), cats (1 – 2 – 3 – 4 - 5) and more dogs (1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5) Did I miss anything?
Photo source: Elle France August 2012
Last weekend I discovered two things. Whistles, one of the best high street (if I dare to put it in this category at all) brands opened a new shop just a few minute drive from where I live, so no longer it will require a long journey to go and see all the beautiful things they have on their website.
Seeing the shop being prepared for opening made me want to check the newest additions on-line and this is when I saw the cashmere line made of cosy-shaped sweaters and jumpers that you would never want to take off.
In addition to that, Whistles published a cashmere care guide, which I found very useful and beautifully presented, so I took liberty to add it to the blog.
* Clean out the sink to ensure there are no other products that can damage your cashmere.
* Fill your sink or basin with cool water and add the recommended amount of fine-garment detergent to the basin.
* Briskly run your hand through the water to distribute the detergent and generate suds.
* Turn your garment inside out, submerge it and gently squeeze the suds through it.
* You can spot clean any dirty areas with a squirt of neat detergent and massage gently with fingertips. Rinse and repeat where necessary.
* Let it soak for 10 minutes.
* Drain the sink and rinse your sweater with cool water until the water rinses clear.
* Gently press water out of the sweater and place it lengthwise on a clean, dry bath towel.
* Roll up the towel, press with your palms to squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist.
* Remove the sweater from the towel and smooth it out so it is back to its original shape.
* Lay the sweater flat on a dry towel and let it air-dry, or use a drying rack if you have one. Button up cardigans, pull pockets straight and ensure that sleeves and hems are laid flat to avoid unsightly wrinkles.
Extra tips:
* Buy a detergent specifically intended for fine garments. The Laundress cashmere shampoo is a good choice, although baby shampoo works quite well.
* Pilling on cashmere is not a sign of poor quality or a fault. The pilling is a natural characteristic of the long fibers. Pills can be easily removed using a cashmere comb, electric depiller or a sweater stone. Cashmere should not be depilled very often as this will result in holes.
* For the storage fold your cashmere with tissue paper to absorb any moisture. Do not hang cashmere as it will de-shape your garment.
* As a precaution hang cedar balls, keep clothes clean and store garments in cotton bags. You can also use the Moss box from the Total Wardrobe Care. (Additional note from me: you can buy large plastic sealable freezer bags and use them for your cashmere sweaters)
Photo source: Io Donna Italy September 2012
“Nothing gives the luxury of pearls. Please keep that in mind.”
Diana Vreeland
Photo source: Vogue US February 1990
“There are clothes which keep rejuvenating themselves instead of getting worn out.”
Roberto Juarroz
Happy to report – being there, got a poster.
On a serious note, I have been really looking forward to the Little black jacket exhibition and as soon as it was opened jumped on a train to London.
It was truly special to see moody dim silent rooms filled with gorgeous images of fashion and music royalty dressed in Chanel, styled by Carine Roitfeld and photographed by Karl Lagerfeld who made one the early 20s century classic piece look modern and incredibly versatile. I snapped some of my favourites with an iphone – I wasn’t at all prepared to be allowed to photograph, so the proper camera was left behind, a mistake that I will never ever make again.
Luckily, the style of the photography somewhat compensated the quality of the iphone images, so here are a few to share.
If you are in London, do visit Saatchi gallery. The entry is free and you also get a poster to keep as a memory. The exhibition is open until 28th October.
Photo source: personal
… Laura of Anicajames blog. Congratulation! Please e-mail me your address, so I can arrange the scarf to be posted to you presto.
Thanks to everyone who entered – I always feel sorry that I cannot send a present to every single one of you. Please stay in touch for more giveaways in the future as this was definitely just one of many that are still to come.
And just in case you fancy a little treat from Reiss here and now, they just launched a secret sale, so you can find something beautiful for less.
Photo source: Vogue Italia 1992
This is just a half of the Friends for Life editorial shot by Craig McDean for the August issue of US Vogue in 2003. The story was dedicated to the timeless buys that you keep forever – each styled for madame and mademoiselle. Natalia was, of course, the mademoiselle (Amber Valetta was given the other part), in her Chanel tweed suit, pearls (faux and flirty), show stopping evening dress (Balenciaga chiffon in her case), fur, or holding a classic crocodile bag (leather Miu Miu rather than the real thing).
Photo source: Vogue US August 2003
P.S. Remember that you can still enter the giveaway – the winner will be announced tomorrow at 8am.
