Weekend sign off

Summer is back with the azure cloudless skies and the sun pouring through the windows, filling every room with such a comforting feeling of eternal bliss that dissolves into the air… Suddenly the flowers and butterflies are out celebrating this beautiful day. Now, even more than ever, occasional signs of autumn, a bright red leaf here and some gold-dusted grass there look like beautiful guests that arrived to a glorious party way too soon…

I am feeling so relaxed today. The house is quiet, patio doors opened wide into our little garden, the half-melted dog is sleeping beside me and Chopin is playing in the background. It’s a day for tea and a slice of frangipane tart, music, a movie in the afternoon and then a long walk in the evening, when the world will be falling asleep and it will be just us, walking down a deserted street into the glowing sunset.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

 

Photo source: Vogue UK July 2005

Parisian point of view

Vogue Paris is having a make-over starting with a cover of September issue that will be available from 23 August. Although the concept isn’t new, the cover featuring three different models, certainly looks very special and so will be the content, strongly influenced by Paris and Parisiennes, with more fashion stories, bios and new columnists, Garance Dore included.

“Everyone fantasizes about Paris. It’s the concept of the “Parisienne.” The “Parisienne” is a girl who makes people dream worldwide, rightly or wrongly, a girl who represents a particular style, a taste, an allure.” – said Emmanuelle Alt about the changes.

The only thing that I found surprising was the choice of models… None of them is actually French, let alone Parisienne… I know they are icons, but personally I would cast Aymeline, Laetitia and Ines – three generations of Parisiennes. Oh, they would look stunning…

Maybe later… Who knows… All I am really thinking of now is how to get my hands on a copy, or three… And a red lipstick.

Photo source: Vogue Paris September 2012

Aymeline Valade: the Autumn star and my secret girl crush

When did I first notice this gorgeous Parisienne? I don’t really know… She just happened. Like a miracle. I loved her face - chiseled cheek bones, eyes, pout – a perfect harmony that makes a supermodel. I think she is stunning, just stunning, without any doubts or explanation.

This Autumn Aymeline Valade was photographed for several big Fall 2012 campaigns and made them look like a work of art. I have already framed one of the Armani shots, so precise, so chic, so very very classy.

If it was up to me, I would make her a face of everything, from perfumes to bags to sunglasses to clothes and jewellery because she adds a touch of timeless quality to every photo. I find her incredibly inspirational.

Photo source: Giorgio Armani Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Chanel Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Bottega Veneta Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Donna Karan Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Reed Krakoff Autumn 2012 campaign, McQ Fall/Winter 2012/13 campaign.

Stylish quote

“A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. We all need a splash of bad taste - it's hearty, it's healthy, it's physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I'm against."

Diana Vreeland

Photo source: Elle Mexico June 2012

Latest fashion news and finds

Early morning, cup of matcha that I’ve recently become addicted to and made a part of my morning, my little boy is napping before his walk and I have a few minutes for blogging and sharing some of the most exciting news and fashion finds.

At first I wanted to blog about each of them separately, but at the end decided to combine and serve as a fashion salad – better for both time and space management and using as a quick reference in the future.

Lets begin with a new fantastic and very precious documentary that is due to be released on DVD in September. “The Eye Has To Travel” is a story about one of the most influential women who created fashion of the 20th century, the one and only Diana Vreeland. The title of the movie is the same as the book that was published in 2011. I would love to get both of them – nothing can replace a beautiful book, but having a fashion documentary to go with it is a dream come true for any fashion lover. Make your calendars or pre-order your copy via amazon.

From September (oh, doesn’t it sound like a very special month?!) you will also be able to order a set of fashion books titled “Vogue On...” that cover four fashion designers including Chanel, Dior, Schiaparelli and McQueen. I feel I am going to be broke by October…

A new Valentino exhibition, “Master of Couture” will open at Somerset House in November 2012. For three months, from 29 November until 3 March, we will be given an opportunity to see over 130 dresses, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis' 1968 wedding dress, created by maestro during his 50-year career. If this seems like a long wait, I’d recommend watching one of my favourite documentaries, Valentino: The Last Emperor or browsing a beautiful book, Valentino, full of stunning creations.

Talking of fashion designers and their pets. Do you know that Karl’s gorgeous kitty, Choupette, has her own twitter? You can follow Choupette Lagerfeld via @ChoupettesDiary

And that’s all my news for today. Which one are you most excited about?

Photo source: Christian Dior Campaign Fall 1997

Summer time

Carefree, sun-melting, joy-bursting, skin-glowing summer. Turquoise sky without limit. Heat-trembling air filled with fragrant molecules of cypress, honey and flowers. Crystal drops of spring water, each – its own rainbow Universe.

Summer… Much anticipated. Never long lasting. Always full of memories.

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar June 1995

Weekend sign off

I forgot that I no longer blog on Saturdays… I think the rule was meant to be broken after all and pretty much as soon as because when there is a new story to share, it’s best just to go for it.

A few days ago, after he finished installing the lights in that epic bathroom of ours, a friend commented how bright the room was. “Oh, now I am going to see every single imperfection on my skin,” I replied without thinking. Next thing I knew was two pairs of eyes staring at me, studying my face like a map.

“But you don’t have imperfections, do you?” Mr asked, puzzled. “Of course, not, darling.” I smiled and made a book worth of excuses to disappear as quickly as possible.

Of course, I have imperfections, but this is something I’d rather keep to myself and certainly would not share with the male audience. Men are simple creatures – if you tell them that you are perfect they will think so, too. And if you choose to count your flaws out loud, don’t be surprised if they refer to them in the future.

Never forget that you are a true reflection of beauty and your imperfections are a part of it – just never refer to them as “imperfections” when your other half is around.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

 

Photo source: Elle China August 2012