Weekend Flashback.

Weekend-Flashback-Instagram-Recap

How is it that it’s March again?  The first two months of this year have flown by, and this weekend followed course.  The boy and I have been on a huge push to get some things done around the house and it finally feels like things are coming together (remember this rug I mentioned – it arrived and is seriously perfect, don’t you love it when that happens?).  The home makeover is just in the nick of time since my best friend arrives next Friday from New York, and the weekend after that my parents get into town for a week long visit.  Los Angeles has started to feel like home and I can’t wait to show them our little corner of it.  

P.S. Be sure to check back this week to get your own insider look into The Steele Maiden home and one of the easiest and most successful DIY projects I’ve done so far!  

  

Foreign Affairs.

Paris Fashion Week Lanvin Fall 2013 Runway show recapWhat New York Fashion Week gives us in creative practicality – Paris Fashion Week gives us in no holds barred glamour.  The above Lanvin collection was a perfect example.  Incredible draping, precision cut tailoring, the most luxe of fabrics, and accessories to leave you with your jaw on the ground.  This is French Fashion with a capital F.  I for one can’t wait to see how the world is going to interpret those gleaming beatles, gilded bee brooches, and Mr. T style bling.  And get my hands on some satin t-strap pumps.  Happy Friday!    

Pied a Terre

Paris apartment housewares translated into fashion looks
In my wildest dreams, I have have a permanent residence in LA or New York and a second home away from home (or Pied a Terre) in Paris…
This lofty ceiling-ed space with its beautiful herringbone wood floors and built in bookshelves would certainly do.  Until that fantasy becomes a reality, I’ll be wearing my version.  It’s original wood floors have a distressed patina that would only get better with age.  Translation – this rich brown suede moto jacket.  In a home as storied as this, it’s important to bring in contrast with modern sleeker pieces, the Saarinen table and chairs were made for this space.  A chunky heeled sandal with killer curved white straps are the wearable version.  And finally, keep the background light and airy allowing the eye to take in visual details like crown molding and arches.  This lightweight white dress with antiqued rosettes quietly brings the whole look together.  Keep dreaming.

Paris apartment housewares translated into fashion looks

Paris apartment housewares translated into fashion looks



French Lessons.

French Style with simple lace dress, classic polka dot blazer and oxford flats
(1. Polka Dot Blazer – similar here and here; 2. Free People Lace Dress; 3. DV by Dolce Vita Oxfords; 4. Vintage Chain Strap Bag – similar)

French women understand the importance of good basics.  While I feel Americans often get caught up in flashing trends, I bet you’d be hard pressed to find a closet in Paris that doesn’t have a well tailored blazer, little lace dress, and sturdy oxford flats…   
And if your closet is full of perfect mix and match classics – there’s no excuse for ever looking disheveled (I’m quite sure that no self respecting Pariesienne would be caught dead running to the grocery store in sweatpants).  For a few local errands (including picking up these lovely tulips – an accessory unto themselves), I dressed the part.  

French Style with simple lace dress, classic polka dot blazer and oxford flats
French Style with simple lace dress, classic polka dot blazer and oxford flatsFrench Style with simple lace dress, classic polka dot blazer and oxford flats
(1. Polka Dot Blazer – similar here and here; 2. Free People Lace Dress; 3. DV by Dolce Vita Oxfords; 4. Vintage Chain Strap Bag – similar)

Je ne sais quoi.

Paris-Fashion-Week-Look-for-Less
Is there anyone cooler than French girls?  As Paris Fashion Week kicks off today, I venture to argue ‘non’…

I was lucky enough to spend a week in the City of Lights a few years back and thought I’d use this week to shed some light of my own on what makes this incredible city tick.  First up – it’s effortless style.  French women have a je ne sais quoi that the world over tries to replicate, and I think one of the most important lessons we can all learn is that it’s not about the price tag.  Pair a flea market find with Chanel – they dare you!  Alas, until you can afford that Chanel bag of your own, here’s a few inexpensive ways to find a bit of Parisian cool.    
Nest:  A love of great art seems practically in their blood – ease your way into the Louvre by purchasing prints of original artwork (at a fraction of the price).  This watercolor of Marion Cotillard is like a modern fashionista’s version of the Mona Lisa and would look so perfect in a thrift store frame.

Dressed: As iconic as the little black dress, the striped shift dress is a closet staple.  Wear it with flats, wedges, espadrilles or sneakers.  A blazer, cardigan, denim jacket or trench.  I could go on and on.  At less than $25.00 I shouldn’t have to.

The Rest: You know what Lou Dillon has that you don’t?  Well a lot actually, but effortless hair is certainly high on the list.  It’s that sipping espresso at a cafe with slightly smudged eyeliner and unwashed hair but still managing to be the most beautiful woman around type thing.  I swear by this dry shampoo (found at most drugstores) for prolonging time between washes.  Indispensable when channeling your inner it-girl.