En mer de Chanel

Posted on January 29, 2012 by thatgirlwhoboughtthejimmychooboots

In continuing with the spirit of Karl Lagerfeld, he has outdone himself yet again with Chanel’s Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear collection. He created a magical underwater creation with huge shells, sea creatures and coral branches, turning the Grand Palais into another cosmos. Lagerfeld wanted to add a lightness to this collection, and used new and different fabrics to achieve the look he wanted; an iridescent pearl-like shimmer that let the light gleam through the garments. Other fabrics such as airy textured organzas, and open-weave tweeds were also used. The technicality behind the collection was demonstrated by the complexity of the pleating and draping techniques that made sea elements dance on the fabulous frocks.

The palette of sea-foam green, shell pink and the lightest aquamarine, helped create the house’s signature styles in a modern fashion. Chanel’s classic tweeds, drop waist dresses and mille-feuille pleats were still present, but all incorporated into the essence of the ocean. And by using strands of pearls as belts and accents in the model’s hair, Lagerfeld incorporated all elements of the sea into this spectacular show. As the final dresses made their mark on the runway, a giant oyster shell opened to reveal Florence Welch, who brought the show to its dazzling close.

I loved how Lagerfeld used the inspiration of the sea for this show. With the spring and summer months approaching I can’t wait to be by the ocean again. The color palette in the collection was exquisite, and gives way to a lady-like trend that the House of Chanel is known for. I would incorporate these colors into my spring wardrobe by pairing them with nude heels, and a sparkly headband to finish-off the ultra-feminine ensemble.

Karl Mania

Posted on January 27, 2012 by thatgirlwhoboughtthejimmychooboots

For weeks, fashion victims and extraordinaire’s have been waiting for the release of Karl Lagerfeld‘s new line. On Wednesday, the design legend exclusively released his collection, Karl, to net-a-porter.com. Five “look, but not for purchase” pop-up shops were constructed in Paris, New York, Sydney, Berlin and London for the unveiling his big debut. Lagerfeld chose a color palette of mostly white, black and grey metallic for his first collection that contained pieces such as sequined poplin collars, multiple biker jackets, tuxedo shirts and metallic pants.

I think taking every element of your outfit from one collection tends to make the look seem too matchy-matchy. So I thought I’d highlight some of the pieces I thought were a standout from the collection and the best way to incorporate them into your closet. These sequined legging-stlye pants are great for a night on the town. Pair them with a cream silk top, you’re favorite black pumps and some silver jewelry for a sleek and chic look. Another piece from the collection I was drawn to was the shockingly white ordina biker jacket. Keep the biker look going with a simple top, some textured black skinny pants, ankle booties, and a fun pair of oversized sunnies. Lastly, this ruched patterned dress has an elegant twist in both the front and back of the dress that cinches in at the waist, and gives the body that coveted hourglass effect. By pairing this dress with black tights, tall black boots, and a long pendant necklace, you’ll have a long-lasting day look.

Orange you glad I said ba-nan-as?

Posted on January 25, 2012 by thatgirlwhoboughtthejimmychooboots

You’ll have to forgive me for the Rachel Zoe-ism, but I thought it was somewhat appropriate. It may have something to do with my red-auburn hair, but I’m always drawn to the color orange. You can always count on me to point out the orange shoes, dress, blouse… anything I can wear really. I think it’s a great color to incorporate into any closet, especially during the spring and summer months ahead. By choosing the right piece to accentuate this awesome hue, it can really add the right pop of color to your look and give it a new modern feel. The Vionnet pants for instance would look great with a neutral color blouse and some stellar heels. If you don’t feel you’re ready to rock so much of the bold shade, try going for the Jimmy Choo wedges or even the Miu Miu hand bag to add a splash of color to your ensemble. Adding color is a great way to pump up any look!

For myself, I recently purchased this Halston Heritage dress that I’m dying to wear. The flowing pleats have a slit down the front and back, that creates a very flattering silhouette for the body. When I wear it, I’m thinking of pairing it with gold dangling earrings, my standout cocktail ring, and my favorite wedges… they’re the only heels I can walk in!

Rain, rain, go away!

Posted on January 23, 2012 by thatgirlwhoboughtthejimmychooboots

I’m really not a fan of rainy weather, but I doubt most people are. If you’re on the East Coast you’ll understand how cold and dreary it was today. If there’s going to be precipitation in the winter, it better be snow. Either way, I find rain boots to be annoying and a bit of a drag to the outfit. It may be because I don’t understand the concept of “dressing down”, but I feel like rain boots are always a damper, no matter how cute they are. So, I thought I would try to put together the perfect rainy day outfit, to keep you warm, dry and dapper.

I feel that there really is no other way to go but Burberry. They are known in the fashion world to be master of the trench-coat, and they provide a variety of options to suit everyone’s style and styling needs. The classic trench coat is the first essential rain-basic you’ll need in your closet. It has a way of making a statement even when it’s dotted with raindrops. Next you’ll need some type of all weather boot, and I do think that these Burberry rain boots are both functional, stylish, and don’t seem to come with all the clunkiness of a regular rain boot. Put on your favorite pair of leggings (J.crew’s pixie pant happens to be my fav) and a cozy sweater. I feel this outfit will help you be prepared for any stormy weather, while still looking fabulous. Now, you should be ready to walk out the door… just don’t forget that umbrella!

Tony Duquette for Coach

Posted on January 21, 2012 by thatgirlwhoboughtthejimmychooboots

As I was scouring the web one night, I discovered that Coach had gone into collaboration with Tony Duquette, the acclaimed American design icon, and created a new line featuring jewelry, clutches and other accessories. Tony Duquette graduated from the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, and through the patronage of Sir Charles and Lady Mendl, Duquette was able to catch his first big break, making him one of the leading designers in LA. Duquette was involved in everything from creating costumes, designing movie sets to decorating nightclubs, private homes and crafting jewelry. A man of many talents, Duquette presented his artistry at the Louvre Museum in Paris, as well as at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. In 1999, the honored visionary passed away from a heart attack.

Coach’s design team researched the design extraordinaire by touring Duquette’s house in LA, looking through his collection of photos and books, and reviewing hundreds of pieces from his personal collection. This collaborative collection consists of tantalizing gold sunbursts, decadent colored gems as well as accents of sparkling swarovski elements. Each hand-finished piece incorporates Duquette’s most iconic design elements, ranging from cut glass to genuine lapis.

The rich colors combined with the gold hardware create a historical yet modern take on the old Hollywood era, which I love. Combining the old with the new really creates a modern look that is always fashionable. The designs of the pieces are already so intricate, so let them stand-out on their own. I would love to pair the mermaid necklace with a crisp white button down and a fun mini skirt, maybe in one of the colors in the necklace, for an easy day look. For night, put on your favorite LBD to let the gems in the necklace really stand-out. Duquette was truly an inspirational design icon, and I for one cannot wait to hopefully add one of these pieces to my jewelry box.

For the full Biography of Tony Duquette, click here.

To view the entire collection by Coach and Duquette, click here.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 Collection

Posted on January 19, 2012 by thatgirlwhoboughtthejimmychooboots

And the spring fashions shows are officially underway! I came across Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2012 collection that was unveiled by Marc Jacobs, and completely fell in love with the light, springy feeling of the new fashionable frocks. The models began the show perched on a whimsical carousel of white horses. The ultra chic and feminine mood was exemplified by the spring colors of yellow, blue and pink. This collection featured fabulous short evening dresses, biker jackets as well as parasols and clear plastic purses adorned with the LV logo. Colored organza layers, ostrich-feather fronds and broderie anglaise for exaggerated collars were spotted through out the pieces, and added emphasis to the playfulness of the spring show. The whimsy daisy motif that runs through the collection was my favorite aspect of the collection. I cannot wait to incorporate some of these ideas into my closet for the upcoming spring months!

Jimmy Who?

Posted on January 18, 2012 by thatgirlwhoboughtthejimmychooboots

It occurred to me after writing my first post that many people may not know the whole story about the man behind the shoe or how he got his footing in the shoe business. Born Choo Yeang Keat, Jimmy Choo was born in to a family of shoe makers in Malaysia. After attending the Cordwainer Technical College in Hackney, England, Choo opened up shop in an old hospital building where he began producing his hand-crafted shoes.

His first break, and recognition into the fashion world, came in 1988 when Vogue featured his kindly-crafted creations in a record eight page spread. His career really leaped off when he joined forces with Tamara Mellon, British Vogue magazine’s accessories editor in 1996, to create Jimmy Choo Ltd. Since then, women have been coveting the superbly crafted shoes and will do anything to adorn their feet with a pair.

The Boots That Started It All

Posted on January 17, 2012 by thatgirlwhoboughtthejimmychooboots

These are the boots that started it all… the magnificently hand crafted Duncan over-the-knee boots. I must say, they are one of the most comfortable boots that I have ever worn. After wearing them for a couple of days, my foot slips in as if it was a hand sliding into a familiar glove. The suede that is as smooth and soft as butter is accentuated by the lovely and intricate leather stitching detail that runs throughout the edges of the boot. As if the stitching wasn’t enough, the zipper pull in the back of the boot is actually a suede tassel, that sways back and forth every time I strut these amazing boots! I love to pair them with my favorite skinny pants, flowy shirt and my fur vest. They even look great when I wear them with leggings and an oversized sweater… there is no outfit that wouldn’t benefit from these boots!

That Girl who bought the Jimmy Choo Boots

… and her journey to become the ultimate fashionista

Monthly Archives: January 2012