Absolutely e n a m o r e d by everything about Jadyn’s look.
Evidence that pale, winter skin is beautiful – porcelain, innocent.
Contrasting black locks, tousled.
Shimmery highlight in the inner corners + black in the waterline + smokey black eyes.
Sheer coral cheeks for warmth + frosty nude pink mouth.
The perfect winter look.
♥
bisous, xx
{make up artist: mario dedivanovic}
Is it terrible that I’ve started yet another outlet for my ramblings and musings?
My new favorite thing of the moment is Tumblr – an adorable, compressed version of every other blogging platform I know. Something about the brevity of the site (something I MUST learn) is highly appealing to me. So I carpe-diemed and created my own tumblr to which I would be able to document random bits and bobbins that pop into my mind, that would otherwise be irrelevant here under la couturier.
http://smokeydiamonds.tumblr.com/
http://smokeydiamonds.tumblr.com/
http://smokeydiamonds.tumblr.com/
I’m not quite sure as to how it works with the following/commenting/reblogging and all that jazz, but if you’d like, follow me there!
And if you have a tumblr or any suggestions of ones you follow, leave it in the comments (:
♥
Hurrah for more blogging platforms!
bisous, xx
So I figured that since I haven’t been as loyal and on task with blogging I owed you lovely readers and explanation for my rather random appearances here and there. And especially the non-pareils (my new favorite non-English word, if you happened to be curious) who took the time to Twitter/e-mail me with love notes of their concern for my well-being – you darlings deserve a bit more than the ubiquitous “I was quite busy”-type answer.
Shall we start with the Halloween festivities? Let’s.
♥
First things first, however. I will address my [several] costumes, since you non-pareils have been so curious.
♥ Lady Marmalade, for a dear friend’s costume-themed birthday celebration. {What I Wore: black studded corset + black tailored shorts + fishnet + patent pumps + a single leather glove + tophat. On ze Face: smokey black & copper shadow + dark lipstick}
♥ Goth, for a Halloween parade in which the marching band & dance team participated in for the little kiddies of our town! {What I Wore: black fitted turtle neck (short sleeved) top + black tailored shorts + fishnet + patent pumps. On ze Face: black smudged liner & matte black shadow on upper & lower lash line + dark lipstick}
♥ Wrath, (from the Seven Deadly Sins before I get questionable looks), for the Homecoming Dance. {What I Wore: this amazing dress + pumps. On ze Face: Smokey black + cranberry red shadow + dark red lipstick + faux scars (liquid liner with red lipstick dabbed on top)}
♥ Dark-ballerina-gone-zombified, for my school’s Haunted House. Favorite ensemble, to say the least, for a sick performance of a mash-up of ballet to the “Overture” in Phantom of the Opera with MJ’s “Thriller”. {What I Wore: black leotard + metallic green & orange tutu + ballet pink tights + ballet slippers. On ze Face: smudged black liner + black shadow + dark lips.}
I’ve had my fair share of Halloween this year, to say the least.
♥
‘Lo and behold! ‘Tis your lucky day, darlings, for some pictorial goodies!
{Exhibit A: Purely for your entertainment purposes. Fear me!}
{Exhibit 1A: Taken by one of my favorite people, J., whilst on break between shows at the Haunted House. That would be yours truly, in the typical ballet attire, as a pre-zombified/Thriller-fied ballerina. Peanut Gallery: I. Love. That. Lipstick. Favorite red, without a doubt.}
{Exhibit B: I just had to Picnik it. Snapped by another one of my favorite people ever, S., after a night of dancing at the Halloween/costume-themed Homecoming dance. Why, you ask, would I ever post a photo of myself post-party and yucky from dancing the night away? It was just for you lovelies who asked what the American Apparel dress looked like on me; ’tis a large, for your reference – it runs small!}
I’ve spoilt you with one two many photos, haven’t I. I promise – I shall return to regular posting of inspiration, fashion insight/analysis etc. instead of boring you with personal snaps!
{image sources: google images (edited by me); personal photos – please do NOT distribute without permission!}
♥
bisous, xx
So I’m dancing around with the thought of you and I.
Could it possibly work, this ideal I have carried with me for quite some time now, but have naught the bravery to reveal it to anyone but my self? I ponder, I delve, I imagine, I think. Carefully waltzing and jeté-ing around the pits and potholes, in the hopes that my attempts at delaying the event would seem to be natural hesitation.
But alas I could jeté no longer – legs tired at the thought of more jumps and leaps – where one more mention de voléé would have sent me past the point of exhaustion. The once avoidable taunted, taking advantage of the spare moments of the day in which my mind would wander. I had not choice but to face the inevitable – and to e m b r a c e it. Risk or no risk, I could not turn my back on the thought.
Introducing my ultimate, go-to, freakum dress.
Say hello to my new favorite LBD, the rather well-known, cotton spandex double U-back body-con dress by none other than American Apparel. In black, of course. Thirty-eight dollars of well spent money on the ultimate dress. Leave it to American Apparel to create such a sophisticated yet sexy basic of versatility.
Undeniably sexy and body conscious, hugging every little curve. A plus for emphasizing the curvaceousness of an hourglass silhouette – but consider yourselves warned: this is not a dress to be worn when un petit food baby appears after a satisfying dinner has just been consumed.
♥
Oh it just got hot in here.
bisous, xx
P.S. Hurrah for new followers! Two hundred and fourteen so far on Bloglovin’!
So besides Christmas my next favorite holiday (or equally favorite, rather) is, without a doubt Halloween. Throughout the year we are constantly living under the pressure of what is defined as “normal” under social standards – little creativity is allowed (perhaps accepted would be a better word). For the conformists – in no way is this said/written with a negative connotation! – it is Halloween that allows them to break out of their shells. Even if it is just one night.
…’cause this is thriller, thriller night…
My three words of advice? Go. All. Out. Forget inhibitions, forget stares, forget normalcy. Halloween is about exploring the subconscious, embodying the unthinkable, pursuing the intangible, and impersonating another person/entity, mes chéries!
But of course many girls/young women interpret Halloween as the one chance to prance about in négligée under the full moon. Contrary to what Mean Girls suggests, Halloween is not about (excuse my complete bluntness) who is the skankiest of the skanks. There is quite the difference between sexy and tackily trashy, mind you – and let’s not abandon all class for that one night. I am by no means judging anyone who chooses to dress scantily on this holiday, simply stressing that there is a difference between good and bad attention from the opposite sex. Remember: respect yourself and your body, and others will do the same.
[And off I step from my soap box!]
Allow yourself to be swept away by creativity: preparing for Halloween is an art. Makeup, hair, accessories, attire are all open to interpretation and have an infinite number of possibilities that differ from the ubiquitous witch – be adventurous!
Some ideas, if you happen to be in need of inspiration:
♥ Comic-book Superheroes & Villains: Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Spiderman (or girl), Superwoman, Wonderwoman, Storm, Cheetah-woman, Batgirl, Invisible Woman, Elektra, etc. Resurrect your inner nerd, darlings!
♥ Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Lust, Wrath, Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, Greed. Gather a group of seven friends and interpret the sins as you wish!
♥ Greek Mythology: Muse, specific goddesses, or a prominent character.
♥ Model: Pick your [favorite] iconic supermodel and be her – Twiggy, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, etc.
♥ Classic Literature: Be inspired by the characters of classic literature (or your favorite book, whichever is more preferable). Pride & Prejudice would be absolutely lovely to interpret!
♥ TV/Movie Characters: Think Gossip Girl (Blair, Eleanor Waldorf, Serena Vanderwoodsen, Lily Vanderwoodsen, Little J, Isabelle, Georgina), 90210 (Naomi, Annie, Silver, Ade), House, The Vampire Diaries, Glee. And be them.
♥ Lolita: Gothic versus the angelic innocent.
♥ Miscellaneous:
dead/gothic ballerina ♥ vampire (potentially tacky and a tad cliché but imagine the makeup!) ♥ marie antoinette ♥ michael jackson (a tribute, of course) ♥ candy/cupcake themed ♥ dominatrix hello kitty ♥ geisha ♥ porcelain doll ♥ autumn ♥ kat von d ♥ phantom of the opera & characters ♥ carine roitfeld/anna wintour ♥ etc.
What are you being for Halloween?
♥
bisous, xx
{Valentino Fall/Winter RTW 2008}
Existence and progression is cyclical (or so theorists and philosophers have proclaimed within the past century or so). If life itself should be depicted as something tangible and two-dimensional for our brains to process, it would resemble a circle. Perfectly round, perfectly shaped, perfectly perfect as the inky black line never ceases in its cyclical path to the beat of the “Circle of Life”. Undeniably cliché but wholly suitable for the occasion, no? And since life encompasses (no pun intended) everything that exists on this Earth, we assume all else within the boundaries of life follow a similar, circular pattern. History repeats itself as we are born and dying; it would only make sense to speculate so.
As beings bound to the Earth and our humanity, we fall within the realm of what is defined as life. Our materialistic selves need to be clothed in the least for humility’s sake, and since clothing is a part of fashion, we then deduce that fashion is cyclical. The process, however far-fetched, is no logical fallacy. But where most analyzers of this world of fashion (if there is such profession) would declare fashion to be circular, I must beg to differ, as I always have been a bit deviant from the norm of beliefs.
Fashion is no circle. It is a figure eight of i n f i n i t y .
At one point in time – in the very beginnings of the development of fashion far before runways and catwalks and Fashion Week were invented – it showed no sign of being cyclical. It was headed down a one-way avenue of unbelievable innovation and creativity that sometimes was so unique it seemed to veer off of this particular path – forming a slight curve away from its starting point. Now if fashion were supposed to be a circle – it would have shown the beginning stages of overlapping or similar characteristics. But it had shown no sign of going backwards. Instead it strut forwards, hips a-sauntering and so caught up in all its avant-garde progression it continued off track of the predicted path.
Buckle up, mes chéries, for a long ride.
{ Alberta Ferretti Spring/Summer 2009 ad campaign}
The roaring twenties was duly noted as fashion’s beginning on a large-scale stage. Rest assured this comes not out of my own bias, as the 1920s were my favorite time period; it was during the twenties when corsets and other such mechanisms meant to bind and oppress women were shed and a new era of fashion and lifestyles began. The risqué and unabashed luxuriousness overturned completely what women (and men) and once known. Coco Chanel brought the LBD into existence, and Paris was enlightened as the future coeur of fashion.
Then came the forties. Practicality and conservatism reigned back those drop-waist fringed skirt and slinky jazz bars with the war; there were only one practical efficient means of providing a solution. Thus the tailored and lean silhouette was born to replace the decadent drapery and excessive opulence of the decades past – evidence that we are most creative when we have the least. Fast forward a few years, post the War Board’s strict regulations, and couturier Dior has invented the “New Look” – the A-line skirt, cropped jacket, and tiny nipped waist. A new take on femininity.
The sixties and seventies defied what was once fashion. The latest fashions were products of the anti-fashion, anti-material hippies and/or raving discos and platforms and “tackiness”. It was an utter change in course from the conservatism that, according to these fashion experts, left a tainted stain in fashion’s name. But it was this unreserved insanity that made it different. And different is what makes fashion p r o g r e s s .
But fashion begins to take a turn that begins to form the upper loop of the figure eight of infinity. Fashion has made a name for itself as the likes of Alaïa, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein. Enter the world of Parisian couture, however crude in comparison to the extravagant likes of Galliano’s Dior. An extravaganza of luxurious fabrics from afar, layered and draped and draped and layered without regulation. At the same time Japanese couturiers prevent fashion from a seemingly circular path; they brought with them a new chapter of innovation with origami-inspired knots and pleats and ubiquitous holes in sweaters to a rather surprised Paris.
The crossroads and the makings of the lower loop of the figure eight begin in the nineties. Simple, minimalist, nostalgic nineties – a decade defined by a relapse towards the less ostentatious fashions of years past, back to it’s starting point. But here is where they say fashion as at the start of its continuum: lap two, so to speak, of a rather circular track, for are we not back to seventies boho, and eighties Japanese-inspired slashed fabrics meets Grease biker chic? Surely if today’s designers re-marketed nearly precise copies of vintage fashions, calling it cyclical would be more than sufficiently descriptive. Despite its similarity, it is being re-styled with a touch of modernism that does separate fashions revisited from the past.
So it would only make sense that the nineties would resurrect into coming runways (if we should trace our fingers along the, literal and figurative, infinity insignia), leading us to the crossroads path once again. I do have faith in our ability to create, rather than simply restyle the past – I do. Already I see such little explosions of uninhibited creativity that will lead us upwards in progression in technology-infused clothing – a surefire sign that fashion shall abandon its recycling of styles years past to recreate a new path.
But until then, fashion is simply infinity – but not quite beyond.
♥
bisous, xx
what’s {IN}
♥ Being nominated by loads of people in my grade for the senior superlative of “Best Dressed” – however shallow, I cannot help but admit that I am quite flattered that I was stopped in the hallway by random people asking for my name to nominate!
♥ Football season! Amazing games, however cold, are entirely enjoyable to perform at! Gooooo team! Rah rah rah!
♥ My favorite (and signature) silhouettes include: {1} mini bottom (tailored black shorts, denim cutoffs, or high waisted bandage skirts) + blouse + black patent pumps, and {2} dark wash skinnies + bodycon top + heels of some wort. I have been wearing loads of black, greys, and creams with scare bits of color here and there as of late – and I am loving it.
♥ HALLOWEEN. I cannot and will not even bother attempting to conceal my childish excitement to dress and doll up! The proof lies in the ever cliché orange-and-black combination. It’s classic. (P.S.: Be on the look out for a Halloween post, darlings!)
♥ Listening to loads of rap/hip hop at the highest volume possible to create a faux-hydraulics effect as I drive.
♥ Experimenting with different makeup looks and discovering that I will forevermore love dark, smokey eyes with better-than-my-natural-lips gloss or lipstick.
♥ Deep, plummy wine-reds & burgandy glosses and lipsticks. I am embracing the inner vampish vixen.
♥ Covergirl’s LashBlast Mascara. Quite late on the bandwagon, I know, but alas I was able to get my pudgy little hands on a bottle of tacky fat orange-ness. Only second to my beloved Estee Lauder mascara (I forget the specifics). Simply g e n i u s . If you darlings are still hesitant, simply search youtube for [many] detailed reviews! I would be more than happy to add my own to the plethora of LastBlast raves if you’d like…
♥ Olive green smokey eyes. Somehow the shade works well with my eyes & skin tone and happens to be my school color. Again with the rah rah rah school spirit!
♥ EDIT: publishing this post at exactly 11:11. Make a wish, mes chéries!
what’s {OUT}
♥ And the stresses of senior year begin. A.k.a. college applications and all that nonsense that is determined to consume my entire being – social life AND academic life inclusive – until the last of deadlines.
♥ I shall be honest and admit that I do have my fears of not getting into a college of my choice that haunt in my in the form of rejection letters that plague my nightmares.
♥ Not being able to blog regularly both here and at my POP magazine blog. Blogging is still a love of mine, but when priorities call to be straightened, blogging tends to fall to the wayside. ** I apologize for any random hiatus-es or lack of responses to emails/comments – I do love you all so, so dearly, but I lack the time to dedicate myself to everything equally without sacrificing my own sanity. **
♥ Fashion Week. I’m not quite sure as to why I haven’t bothered updating myself on the latest RTW’s of the season, but as of late I have been reminiscing over previous collections. The current fad in obsessively following trends are only slightly irritating.
What are your {in’s} and {out’s} of September 2009?
♥
bisous, xx
Tagged by one of my favorite bloggers/illustrators of all time, La Flore et Le Faune with the “Over the Top Award“, who is, without a doubt, one of the most brilliant people I have yet encountered in this lovely blogosphere we all know and love dearly. But on with the tag: I must answer a few questions, and pass it on!
♥
Where’s your cell phone: bra (quite classy, I know)
Your hair: long
Your mother: proper
Your father: hilarious
Favorite Food: chocolat
Dream last night: partying in the american apparel u-back longsleeved dress in black
Favorite drink: coffee
What room are you: ze bedroom
Hobby: writing
Fear: nothing
Where were you last night: hmm…
Something that you aren’t: unhappy
Muffins: chocolate chip
Wish list item: Longchamp Légende (black or plum with gold trim)
Where did you grow up: jersey
What are you wearing: slip
Your pets: you!
Friends: life
Something your’e not wearing: sweats
Favorite store:
Favorite color: metrochic
Last time you laughed: reading la flore et la faune
Your best friend: love
Place you go to over and over: school
Person who emails you regularly: barneys
Favorite place to eat: starbucks
In turn I tag all of you – answer in the comments below or on your own blog!
♥
bisous, xx
Undoubtedly one of my favorite covers of all time.
Because black and white never looked so c l a s s i c ,
And a touch of pink adds a b i t of sweetness.
{Like a pinch of sugar.}
Amazing styling; classic winged eyes with a t w i s t + two bangles + a stunning black, asymmetrical piece never looked so good.
Or perhaps Heidi Klum makes anything fantastic.
♥
bisous, xx
{image source: t h e f a s h i o n s p o t }
maintenant…
dark, smokey eyes ♥ loads of black liner ♥ smudged make up ♥ tanned complexion (which I still have!) ♥ full, berry-mauve lips ♥ tousled waves ♥ a nearly all black wardrobe ♥ three quarter sleeved blouses/sweaters with mini tailored shorts & black heels ♥ lara stone ♥ nars shadows ♥ illamasqua
{image source: t h e f a s h i o n s p o t }
It is undeniable that Lara Stone is a cult-favorite. S e x y in that inexplicable, almost deviantly unexpected. Regardless of your inclination, she undoubtedly looks s t u n n i n g on iD ’s cover (November 2008). Yes, I think you’re sexy too.
Currently perusing the Illamasqua site & Sephora.com for Illamasqua goodness – drooling, lusting, and desperately wanting to try their lipsticks. Unbelievable concept (“makeup for your alter ego”), packaging, colors, and quality. (Bummed because Illamasqua isn’t sold at my local Sephora – I only trust my own swatches!) Or so I’ve been told.
Suggestions?
♥
bisous, xx
Dear La Couturier,
First let me start off by saying that I am head over heels, completely in love with your blog! However, you probably already know that. I have always adored your posts where someone will request something, and you will give them little tips. You give fabulous advice, by the way. So I thought that I would ask you for some advice myself. I just recently bought the Frye ‘Jane 14′ Tall Pull-On Boot at Nordstrom. I already had a pair of biker boots, so I thought that I would opt for something different. Now most days I dress very classy, but some days I love to go for the grunge-chic look. With that, I have made many outfits with my new boots that don’t look too “cowgirl”, which is what I was going for. So, that said, I was wondering if you could give me some tips or outfit ideas so I could have your perspective on how to wear my new boots. I understand that you are very busy and probably get hundred of these requests, so I understand if you can’t help me.
Thank you for taking your time to read all of this!
- laur @ neonmango
♥
{image source: 4 t h a n d b l e e k e r }
The cowboy boot has ventured into the shoe racks deemed trend-forward, creeping its way to a spot between much-adored and sought after biker boots. At what point the cowboy officially became popular once more lies in the gray area – but there is one thing that we do know without a doubt. They have made their comeback.
By no means does the aforementioned statement mean that this particular shoe is for everyone; depending on taste and personal style, your liking (or disliking) for the cowboy boot will differ. For most it is a love or hate situation; some adore the nostalgic reference to the southwestern culture of the United States; others look over it as (and I shall be rather blunt with this) tacky and irrelevant. I have neither extremities in feelings for this trend – I will, however, only admire it on others from afar.
But incorporating such a shoe is, by no means, easy. It so happens to be one of those pieces that either makes or breaks an outfit. An outfit “gone wrong” (again, this is all personal opinion) could result in an exact (borderline tacky) rendition of those historical ranchers. Yet when worn “right”, the effect is undoubtedly and undeniably chic.
The boots in question? The Frye “Jane 14″ Tall Pull-On Boots. The perfect blend of the classic boot with a touch of western.
how to wear cowboy boots:
♥
uptown & sophisticated
{ chickdowntown, net-a-porter, nordstrom }
♥ Balance. Perhaps you tire of me being repetitive in my constant usage of the word in dishing my style advice, but I cannot emphasize enough the importance of it not just in creating ensembles, but also in life. The key to a successful and seemingly timeless ensemble – regardless of what current trends are incorporated into the look – is indeed balance. The typical cowboy boot nearly screams “LOOK AT ME!” in its unmistakably southern drawl. So tone it down with something sophisticated. The Rachel Pally batwing top is quite ideal: part ethereal and wholly sophisticated.
♥ Dark skinny denim. The darker the wash, the dressier denim becomes. Tailored dark skinnies are the best choice of bottoms when wearing cowboy boots; they instantly add an element of sophistication.
♥ Opulent gold. Again, I bring up my point of balance. Cowboys often evoke a casual-ness; add a bit of formality and (again) sophistication by juxtaposing that boot with gold jewelry. The more decadent, the better. Think Rachel Zoe and her armful of gold bangles and cocktail rings. Mm.
♥
ethereal romanticism & a tad western.
{ chickdowntown, net-a-porter, forever 21, nordstrom }
♥ Seek inspiration from Chloé. Most picture Southerners clad in plaid shirts, ripped denim, and a straw denim at the mention of cowboy boots. Yet I (again, the odd one out) picture previous collections by Chloé – ad campaigns inclusive. Grassy fields with models in ethereal, billowing linen tops, the Paraty slung on their shoulders. Take heed from the creative director(s) at this design house – and add that cowboy boot.
♥ Think creams and neutrals for your color palette. It is simply the best way to balance (yet again) the ruddy red-brown of the [typical] cowboy boot. Variations of nudes, whites, and creams instantly soften the impact of the boot, adding a touch of feminism and dreaminess. Add light greys to add a bit of ground and solidity.
{ net-a-porter, nordstrom }
♥ Layers. Again, with inspiration taken from Chloé. I imagine layers of linen blouses and knits with cable knit scarves that reach the knees. And a knit beret in an olive-y cream. Ensemble revelation? Perhaps.
♥ High-waisted mini shorts. Paired with billowy tops, they add the perfect touch of sophistication and balance to knee high boots!
♥ Mix & match. In any other circumstance I would say “Match! Match! Match!” But this occasion calls for a bit of flexibility; I do admire the mismatched pairings of different shades of browns for that perfectly imperfect Chloé look.
{ net-a-porter, nordstrom }
♥
bisous, xx
P.S.: This is ridiculously delayed, but sometime last week I had gotten a blog award from Cindy of True North Style in which she said “she deserves this just for introducing me to lollipop26, but on top of that she has an amazing blog!” Thank you so much for the blog award! (: It is imperative that all you lovelies visit her, she is absolutely amazing. I adore her & her blog!
I’ve long had an infatuation with cupcakes: p e t i t e versions (and far more adorable and less in calories) of their cake counterparts. I must admit I do watch Martha Stewart religiously, following her cult-favorite “Cookie of the Day” & weekly cupcakes special. Mm.
Alas I perfected my recipe for the (in my humble opinion, of course) the most moist, double chocolate cupcakes. (With chocolate frosting of course). My secret? Adding a good amount of instant espresso into the batter. It’s no revelation of any sort, but I am allowed to bask in the euphoria of a domestic goddess after producing such delicious goodness.
So I’m a bit proud at the moment. (:
♥
P.S.: Do ignore the Easter paper liners, I was out of normal, non-seasonal ones (currently on the hunt for brown liners!)
P.P.S.: I failed to mention earlier how much I adore Meream & her craftiness; check out my personalized scrap-link via her blog; it is so me! Thank you thank you thank you, love!
bisous, xx
listening: i like to dance (hot chelle rae) 
