The Fashion Cycle

Bonjour,

As Coco Chanel once said " Fashion fades, only style remains the same. " 

Fashion is a never-ending cycle: what once was trendy comes back, and fashion fades as well. Personally, I wear whatever I want, no matter what a magazine says, but I do get inspired. I love looking at the latest trends and applying them to my daily life - but also the oldest trends. Today, I was inspired by the old French Vogue. While in Paris this summer, I had found postcards of the French Vogue from 1927, 1931 etc. Today I took the time to look them up on the internet and really examine them. It reminded me that a lot of the things that were once in fashion are coming back.  For example, as some of you may know, Marc Jacobs is one of my style icons. In his spring/summer 2008 runway show he had amazing hats! It was one of my all-time favorite runway shows. If you have a chance to google it, I would recommend it. It was a collaboration with artist Richard Prince. These hats have really made it through the "fashion cycle" - they were also popular around 1921, and over time weren't in fashion - but now they have made their comeback.  Today, this old fashion has made a real comeback: whether it's bell-bottoms, hats or anything. Don't underestimate the power of vintage or your clothes that might not be trendy. It is important to stay true to your style, so keep in mind: what goes around, comes around.

Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton 

vogue:usa 1927

french vogue:1927

french vogue:1927

xoxo.

Chantal

diy: that old t-shirt

Bonjour,

Do you ever blatantly stare at your closet, wondering what you are going to wear? At these times, we feel our closet has nothing! Well you, my friend, are in need of something special!  A simple makeover to a basic garment can do wonders. It can be complex or really simple. It can be easy or difficult, depending on what you choose to sew onto your piece of clothing. This is a lot quicker than sewing an entirely new garment, but still looks great and is your own!

How to do it:

Embellishing and adding your own twist:
1. Find your garment. I used a solid t-shirt, but jeans, a skirt, or pretty much any garment works
2. Choose your embellishments: beads, fabrics, patches, trim, ANYTHING
3. Pin your embellishments on (very important), folding them under as you go
4. Sew it on--- zig-zag the edges on, so the raw edges stay put!
5. Cut loose threads and wear proudly.

Painting:
1. Find your garment, then get out the paints (fabric paint works the best, but acrylic also works well) and brushes (make sure you put newspaper or a cloth beneath you)
2. Figure out your design: draw it on a separate piece of paper, so you are sure you like it
3. Start painting
4. Let it dry overnight
5. Wear it proudly.

Hemming:
1. Find your garment (it doesn't have to be a skirt; shirts, dresses etc. work well too)
2. Try it on and mark how short you want it
3. Cut garment to designated length
4. Fold them hem over twice, to get a nice clean hem and pin
5. Sew-straight stitch about an inch above the end
6. Cut loose threads and wear proudly

Adding:
1. Find your garment
2. Try it on and measure how much longer you want it
3. Cut the amount of fabric you need
4. Take your garment and the piece of fabric to add on, and pin the right sides together
5. Straight stitch the right sides together
6. Cut loose threads
7. Hem the other end of the fabric by double-folding it and pinning
8. Straight stitch it about an inch above the bottom
9. Cut loose threads and wear proudly.

notes and considerations:
***remember NOT to use your favorite clothing piece. Pick one that in your opinion could use a makeover***
*right sides: the right sides are what you look at (the opposite of "inside-out"), the side that you see when you wear your clothing.

 

I made these:

xoxo,
Chantal

the random outfit

Bonjour,

I decided to do something new, a "random outfit" blog piece. I have found all different garments and put them together. This is one of my favorite outfits - the only problem is that I don't own any of these clothes...too bad - a girl can dream; can't she?! So this is what my dreaming looks like. Hope you like it.

Credits: Viviane Westwood (blazer and skirt), Isabel Marant (wedge sneakers), Topshop (blouse), Justin Giunta (necklace)

Why I think it works / why I chose to put this together: the blazer is a classic, but Vivianne Westwood puts a twist on your classic blazer to make it more interesting. The color is also great because it isn't as formal as some black blazers can be, but it isn't a sweatshirt either. The navy works with everything. If you look closely, the top has beads on it, which adds texture to the outfit. I think the stripes vs. polka dots in the skirt and top make the outfit more funky and less expected. Having two prints can actually make an outfit a lot more interesting, this doesn't over-do it. I like how the top and the skirt are in similar colors, which creates a transition between the two patterns.  Your eye connects them.

Now, the necklace (drumroll....) This necklace is amazing. It adds necessary color to the outfit, and the three primary colors go great with the basics. It really pops and fits in well with the neckline of the blazer. The sneakers make the outfit more casual - they dress the outfit down. You can wear this outfit to school (you could do that before too - if you're me:), the sneakers add lots of funkiness to the outfit, but the wedge element makes it more sophisticated.

Please let me know what you think, or if you want, you could give me a garment (any piece) and take a picture, and then post it - then I could put it into an outfit.

xoxo,
Chantal

Baroque

The days of minimalism are over. In with baroque, embroidery and anything else artistic and intricate. This may not be the most wearable fashion, but it isn't only for the runway. Right now, right there on the runway, baroque and anything intricate is the big thing. So if you want to be on top of the trends, remember: don't be afraid to over-do it, eventually you will get the right balance.

This is from Dolce&Gabbana's 2012 fall show.WHY THIS WORKS:

on the left: The top has gorgeous frills and layers with sheer in-between them, and it has a high neck.The high neckline adds a lot to this outfit, it adds more craftsmanship. It is paired with a black pencil skirt, which balances the outfit perfectly....but that is because it isn't your average pencil skirt; it has EXTRAORDINARY embroidery on the sides. This is good because it doesn't make the shirt seem out of place, it makes the pieces work together as one. If you haven't noticed, the model is wearing sheer socks with embroidery - on the runway you can't wear normal socks?! Can you? Well, obviously Dolce&Gabbana did a good job of noticing every tiny detail, because I really love those socks. You may not notice them at first, but once you do, you can't take your eye off them! They add an amazing element to the outfit by adding to the styling (old fashioned becoming new-age) so perfectly. Besides the socks, the jewelry is my favorite part. The headband is another part where this trend comes in - it is intricately woven together, and the earrings also have a lot of detail. Right now, in case you haven't noticed(:D) DETAILS ARE IMPORTANT! whether it is just your jewelry or the beading on your shirt...you can easily become just as fashionable as these gals if you add the right details.

on the right: This is my favorite (as of right now)... The long, sheer black vail with the baroque detail on the end, the golden flower embroidery/artistry done on the dress and the "egyptian earrings" are ALL the necessary  details to make this the new FAB! Dolce&Gabbana has added to the max, but it works, and of course many other designers have also been trying to do it...maybe you can give them a "run for their money"?

A few tips from moi: First things first, you don't have to own a hand embroidered runway dress to be on top of this trend. Fabrics are key! Do you own anything with an interesting texture?velvet, corduroy, tulle, sheer, lace, baroque, vinyl etc....

Even if you are a cotton-lover you can make this work: take a look at your jewelry! Who says you can't wear 2 necklaces, or a scarf and a necklace with bracelets? Nobody, that's who...you are in charge of putting balance into it.

If all else fails, pick up a thread and needle and buy cheap buttons, beads, or other fabric, and sew it on to your shirt, pants, skirt, dress (well, any garment really). Good luck!

Before I forget: Is there any trend, idea or ANYTHING you want me to blog on? Let me know!

xoxo,

Chantal

one last image to enjoy-BAROQUE TO THE MAX OF GORGEOUS_NESS!

Edgy/tough Ballerina

Bonjour,

Contrasts are big in the fashion world. Opposites attract. Even very subtle contrasts make an outfit perfect, whether its a simple accessory (the styling of the outfit) or a hairstyle or a garment. It makes the outfit interesting, maybe unexpected but thats exactly what fashionistas like me live for..Unexpectedness.
The edgy ballerina or the tough ballerina (however you prefer to call it) is a contrast I love to play with....whether I am just wearing a soft pink tank with a black puffy full skirt and sneakers or go all out by zooming in on edgy or the delicacy of a ballerina.

The models dull black hair and bangs and her "hard checkered bun" contrast with the puffy feminine soft dress, giving it an unexpected twist on your classic ballerina.

I love this outfit! It is styled absolutely perfectly! Normally, most people wouldn't expect a black leather jacket (this one isn't any jacket - it takes the wrap style from the classic ballerina outfits and plays with it, and it adds a broad shoulder) over a gorgeous pink soft dress. The shoes are also perfect (I have been dreaming about shoes like this forever :) they are ballerina-esque but black, adding edge.

Another outfit which is completely and utterly fabulous!  It is styled to perfection...the white pasty hands add delicacy, providing a perfect contrast to the black fabric leather, which seems to have some vinyl or raincoat coating on it (the arm shape is the perfect edginess because the fabric doesn't move gracefully; it stays in its place, adding a twist on motion).  The feathers on the collar poke out, which also is edgy. This is a form of motion and fabric choice (stiff), but the soft subtle colors are perfect. The skirt is gorgeous! I love the play on the 3 different types of fabric: tulle, fleece or wool and a feathery fabric. It is pure genius.The nude color of the skirt is perfect. It isn't quite as feminine as a soft pink, but is very soft nice and subtle.  The shoes are of course great...and very similar to the ones above (photo cuts of the differing bottom).

How do I do this? That is completely up to you...you are the artist and it is fun to play. "You can never hit a home run if you are afraid to strike out", meaning take chances...who knows what will come out of them? A few tips: Light pink is great, but maybe you don't have any garments that are light pink. Don't worry: this look can still be achieved! Look for subtle and calm colors like: nude, tan, a grey pink (like the skirt above, sea foam blue). Most of us don't own leather jackets or studs, but edginess is very simple to achieve: broad shoulders, black, dark brown. It isn't all about the colors - edginess or a ballerina look is useless without a play on fabrics and textures! Sheer, stiff fabrics, flowy fabrics, wool, synthetic and many more can help achieve your look!

xoxo,

Chantal

Jane by design

Hi,
I just read that my favorite tv show, Jane by Design, might be cancelled! This would be a tragedy! (yes, it is a big deal...i love that show!). I am now blogging about it because it is the only hope to save it (blogging actually can help it). It would mean lots to me if you blogged about it, or mentioned something.
Oh, and check it out...warning: it can become addictive:) but I'm sure you'll love it!
Xoxo,
Chantal

Beauty Cook

Hi,

Ever feel in the mood for some pampering? I certainlly do, and the summer is the perfect time for pampering.....although have you ever read through the ingredients list on your creams or soaps? You may be surprised that there are a lot of unnecessary ingredients in them. Of course, I love the natural or more natural pampering products....but the better they are for your body, the more likely that they are more expensive. The solution is easier than you think: make your own! I have tons of yummy recipes you can use to be a beauty cook:

Strawberry Mask:

good for pimples,blackheads and spots

4 strawberries

1/2 teaspoon cream

a small bit of lemon juice (a spray)

*mix it together, then put in on your face, wait 15 min, and then wash it off*

Apple Mask:

heals redness

1 apple

2 tablespoons of sour cream

*peel the apple, and mix it with the sour cream, then put it on your face for an 1 hr. Then wash it off.*

Buttermilk Mask:

Wakes your face up and freshens it up

1 egg white

1tablespoon buttermilk

*mix the egg white with a whisk until it are stiff, and then mix the buttermilk underneath them. Put on your face and leave it there for 20 min. Wash it off.*

Hair Mask;

adds vitamins to your hair

1 ripe avacado

2 yolks

1 teaspoon of olive oil

* puree the avocado, and mix together with yolks and olive oil....put in hair for 15 minutes,

and then wash out with shampoo*

No split-ends trick:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon honey

1 egg

a towel

*beat the egg and honey with a mixer and slowly put the olive oil in.

Put it on the ends of your hair and wrap your hair in the towel. Wait 15 min and wash it out.*

Thanks to "mädchen made by you" for these recipes! they all are great for pampering.

a little trick of my own:

Highlights are super expensive and not the best for your hair. One cheap and healthy way to get them is by adding Lemon Juice to your hair and then going out in the sun.  Sun+lemon juice=super cute natural highlights.

Henna also works.

Yours as a beauty queen and beauty chef,

xoxo,

chantal

"Electro Artist"

Hey,
   Do you have something you are obsessed with? Maybe obsessed isn't the right word...but use a lot or like to use? A sketchbook is a useful thing...I bring mine everywhere! Although it is nice to have an alternative. Until recently, sketching on my ipod or computer had been a pain in the neck. My bamboo is of course amazing, but it's hard to sketch fashion on it (if you have any suggestions on how to use it better, any tricks, I'd love to hear them) but anyway, what I meant was drawing electronically was not my forte. Until now...I recently found an app called Art Studio that I just had to have. I had tried other art apps before, but they weren't the best. So I bought and downloaded it onto the iPad, and it is amazing. Drawing electronically, becoming an "electro artist" was finally easy. Maybe you are the next "electro artist" as I like to call it...who knows?
xoxo,
Chantal

Take a second look


My dear lovely little followers,

Do you ever flip through a magazine, admiring what's in it, but wondering how the heck other readers can afford it? I certainly can't afford a lot of it....but what is usually affordable is thrift or consignment shopping. I know, you may be thinking, "ewww", but it's not disgusting...and there are ways to thrift shop other than losing all your energy in the Salvation Army. For example, some of my favorite places to shop are the more "upscale" or funky consignment stores...in these you can find designer names for lower prices, or just stuff from your favorite store. In these stores, they are a little more picky about what they take...I don't mean ugly or label - what I mean is, you won't find stuff with a hole or a stain or something that's very raggedy. Of course, you don't always find something, but you may be surprised...give it a try.

My personal faves: Second Time Around (STA) - I like the ones in Wellesley and Needham, MA, Lemon Tree Goods (Natick, MA), Buffalo Exchange (NYC), Freep' Star ( Paris - rummaging is necessary), Coiffeur and Vintage Bar (also in Paris).

** these are some of the many I've been to, at least the ones where I can remember the names (I don't remember them all :)... Vintage shops are real charms too.....**
Know of any other great second hand stores? Or the best shopping locations? Love to hear about them!

Xoxo, Chantal

Yesterday, I found these micheal kors rain boots( in perfect condition ) at sta. Originally, they were 40 dollars but they were marked down for 20!

Backpack Attack

My dear lovely little followers,

I love the fall...beginning of school means new clothes, supplies and of course bags or backpacks! Over the years, I've experimented with many different types of backpacks, messenger bags and book bags. It is always hard to find the "perfect one"and becomes a big, long search....solution solved if you can sew.

my messenger bag ....perfect for school and class or whenever

 

my backpack....perfect for on-the-go, shopping and traveling

xoxo, Chantal

Hiya,

This summer I spent a couple of days in Paris - which is an amazing place for fashionistas like me!:) Clothing and accessories don't have to be designer, but when you run into something that you least expected..it can be a sweet surprise! While wandering around, I ran into Christian Louboutin's storefront! It almost looked like a game from a fair...it was super cool - but of course I couldn't afford to buy a pair of his shoes. I could afford to gawk though, which is also quite pleasing..and inspirational.

xoxo, chantal

Hi,

Welcome,

I am a girl who loves fashion to bits and pieces, sewing, art, dance, music and acting. I created this blog so I could have a place to display my designs, sketches, outfits, music and love for fashion. Thanks, and if you follow...lov ya!

xoxo

Chantal

christian louboutin fall 2012