Couture

Couture. Fashion at its utmost. At its finest. The epitome of quality, grace and craftsmanship. At least, that's what couture is supposed to be. And I suppose the embodiments of such traits can come in countless shapes and sizes, but still...jeans on the Chanel couture runway? Is it just me, or does that seem a little...well...less than luxe? Then again, as so many supporters point out, if people will pay hundreds of dollars for Balmain jeans, then why not thousands of dollars for couture? Regardless the excitement I felt Chanel lacked was made up for in spades by the craftsmanship of Givenchy and Dior and the energy of Jean Paul Gaultier. As for Armani? Well...let's just say I'll be interested to see if any of the pieces make it past the runway. The shiny, futuristic theme was beautiful, but a little too otherworldly to be very wearable. Here are a few of my pics from this season:

 Alexis Mabille

(Clean, simple, pure. Maybe a little too much so?)

Armani Prive

Jean Paul Gaultier

(I actually really like this jacket)

Chanel

Chanel

(Jeans or not, who couldn't love this finale?)

Dior

(Someday I will be glamorous enough to wear this)

Dior

(Way better than Belle's yellow Beauty and the Beast gown. WAY better.)

Elie Saab

(Reliable red carpet wear as per usual)

Elie Saab

Givenchy

(I've never been into samurai, but these are pretty amazing.)

Chanel, Champagne and Vanderbilts

Over break I actually got a chance to curl up and read for a change. Devoured three books in a few days and wish I could do it again. Here they are with Lindsey-reviews:

The Secret of Chanel No. 5

I never thought I would know this much about a perfume. Stunningly though, the detailed events of the life of the world's most iconic fragrance captivated me page by page. Tilar Mazzeo delves into Coco Chanel's personal history and weaves the events that led to the birth of Chanel No. 5, it's development, and it's impact on French society and then the world, together with the story of Chanel's own life of passion, desperation and perseverance. It is a fascinating study of an inanimate object that became a cultural icon, first through the name of its creator, then as a beacon of hope and freedom during war, and finally as a representative of culture, mystery and a sensual sophistication preserved by decades of elegance and glamor.

The Widow Cliquot

This is a detailed account of the accomplishments of an 18th century entrepreneur, a woman who successfully launched an international champagne empire in a world where women were valued more as objects of society than as astute, innovative business powerhouses. Mazzeo's investigation into the life and progress of this extraordinary character details as well the birth of sparkling wine, it's rise in the global market (much thanks to the Widow herself), and the changing tides of war that shook Europe again and again as France stumbled through a century of revolution. It is a rich tale, with subtle, satisfying notes, founded soundly on a reverent appreciation for the crafts of wine and business.

The Life of Gloria Vanderbilt

 

A parade of beautiful images and photographs provide structure for this delicious dive into the turbulant, effervescent life of one of the century's most glamorous American icons. Wendy Goodman's text is marked by an admiration of Ms. Vanderbilt's unwavering strength and vulnerability. Through tragedies, fairy tales, broken marriages and career rebirths, Vanderbilt's poise and unquenchable resilience inspire and enchant.

Vintage and Rodeo Drive

Went to LA yesterday to do a little shopping and discovered one of the most outrageously fantastic vintage boutiques known to man: The Way We Wore. Gorgeous stuff, often designer labels, and the second I start getting a paycheck that's above student wage I'm going back for one of those leather bags. And one of the oversized owl pendants. And that fantastic giant clutch. And the giant black tulle skirt by someone I don't remember. The list keeps going people... Not to mention the shop girls are all really sweet and stylish. Wish my hands hadn't been shaking so much when I took these pictures though. Too much Americano, too little actual food...

Purse corner.

Perfect oversize clutch.

Belt drawer I'd like to wade through.

Remember when Forever21 came out with those owl pendents everyone was in love with? Well I think these were probably the originals. Exquisite. Wish they weren't so blurry - the owls are actually surprisingly expressive.

After a very successful trip there (I did manage to purchase a pair of black leather gloves - so I can cut the fingers off of my old pair of black leather gloves...) I headed to Rodeo Drive because I've never actually spent much time there. Definitely worth paying way too much in parking (note to self, it's cheaper just a few blocks over on Beverly Blvd.). Here are some pieces that caught my eye:

 

Brunello Cucinelli. Saks Men. When I have a husband and we go to Barcelona I'm buying him this.

Chanel. Always a win.

Nicolas Kirkwood for Rodarte. LUST.

 

Ugliest shoes ever: 1. Crocs. 2. Uggs. 3. These. Except I would wear Uggs around the house.

 A certain friend of mine who will remain unnamed has something like these for men. They horrify me. No, we will not be matching next week.

I ended the day with a pair of Kill City jeans and a sheer top (it's perfect. I've been looking for this top for YEARS) from Planet Blue. Good day.

Meanwhile, my friend Nate had a better day. He just posted these pictures from New Years in Saipan. Not jealous at all...