Category Archives: Fashion

SPRING SUMMER 2012 FASHION WEEK RECAP | PERFECTISM’S TOP 12

by admin Posted on 15 Nov ’11

Spring Summer 2012 Fashion Month brought a lot of mixed feelings along with Bright and clinic whites, bold summery prints, brilliantly fabulous footwear, and the modern take of the twenties . On one hand It was by far one of the best Spring Summer Fashion Months I have seen, I have already admitted that I am more of a Fall Winter person. On the other hand, I was disappointed by a few of my all time favorite designers.

Amongst the most promising designers were Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Balmain, Alexander Mcqueen, and Chanel.

Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld bringing  a dazzling collection, what I thought was one of Chanel’s best lines in the past few years. It was exquisite to see Lagerfeld’s underwater inspiration translated into traditional Chanel.

chanel ss2012

Dolce & Gabbana’s breathtaking collection was an ultimately Italian indulgence for the eyes. Dominico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s inspiration was 50′s Picturesque summertime in a small town in southern Italy.  The model’s strutted the runway to Sophia Loren’s “Mambo Italiano” in Oversized vegetable prints eggplants, zucchinis, chillies, Garlic and what have you but Domenico and Stefano, inevitably, didn’t forget to incorporate laces, corsets, and crystals.

Last season was when I really fell in love with Moschino, Rossella Jardini had me head over heels for everything in their collection from the hats, to the eye glasses, and the clothes. This season wasn’t much different: Jardini went back to Moschino roots when the founder of Moschino created the feminine “Bull Chic” matador outfit. The result was beautifully embroidered and beaded jackets, Tiny bells stiched into the fabric, Suede fringe dresses, and LBDs. Moschino with a twist.

Balmainiac me couldn’t resist this jaw dropping collection from Balmain. I thought it was downhill after Christophe Decarnin decided to leave, but Balmain’s resort collection changed my mind, as did this one. Definitely one of the highlights of fashion week, 25 year old Olivier Rousteing kept what Decarnin and Alt made famous but cut the trashy rockstar look out of the equation. The result? Still skin tight, short hems and heavy embroideries, though surprisingly no holes, or safety pins holding them together.

By now, I think we have all established a solid thought that Sarah Burton like her predecessor Alexander McQueen is,  in words of one syllable, a Genius. I don’t know if it was her 3 G’s concept ” Grès for the pleating and draping, Gaudí for the architecture, and Gaia for the sense of all-encompassing oceanic life that infused the clothes” that made me fall in love with her all over again, or the obsessively detailed, maniacally accurate clothing. Either way she is definitely one of my favorite designers ever to exist.

Normally I would completely disregard the scenery of a fashion  show, but inevitably, with Louis Vuitton Spring Summer it would be a crime to do such a preposterous thing.  The incredible Louis Vuitton carousel at Louvre’s Cour Carrée was far-fetched even for Marc Jacobs (Okay, maybe not) the blinding white horses carried model’s draped in this brilliant collection and the giant Carousel  was the cat walk featuring cotton candy colored Broderie anglaise dresses, tweed skirtsuits embellished in ombre feathers, big lace collars, white oversized buttons, and dresses and skirts covered in 3 dimensional paillette flowers and crystals. Always keeping me on my toes, Marc.

Posted in Diane De L'Orpaz, Fashion, Fashion Shows, Fashion Week, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

by admin Posted on 15 Sep ’11

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of posts! Perfectism has been having some backend issues and its almost impossible to post.

However even if its going to take me HOURS to post a paragraph and a half I want to share with you something I am ecstatic about! Let me indulge you in my latest purchase, two, actually. A few days ago I purchased the only loafers I have ever loved in my entire life. Those of you who know me, or have been reading Perfectism for a while, know that I have always hated flats. Hate with a passion. Ever since I have had Chloé, wearing heels 24/7 is right next to impossible, I believe it wasn’t too long ago that Kourtney Kardashian also presented this ‘revelation’ “Heels are a Mommy No, No.” Lets be honest chasing a 22 month old in flats is not so easy, in 140 Louboutins its a whole different story.

To be quite honest, let me state the obvious here, I’m not skinny, especially since having a baby girl…wearing flats has made me feel like an Oompa Loompa. I’m quite tall for a female so I have tried to convince myself for almost 2 years that it’s okay to wear flats. I haven’t succeeded yet.

Since Chloé, I have been trying to find a pair of flats I would actually wear. I saw these loafers when I was back in Italy for Luisa Via Roma’s Firenze4ever and fell in love but ignored it because I wouldn’t wear them. I haven’t stopped thinking of them since. I had a gift certificate from Luisa Via Roma and decided that it was time for flats, so that when I did decide to wear flats, not only look like an Oompa Loompa, but a Hobo Oompa Loompa wearing the only flats I have owned since…well, let’s not get into that. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you my [now] one and only FLATS *heaven sounds*

They are PERFECT! They go with almost anything! Haven’t worn them yet, but I will try and do an outfit post SOON! …and I will show the other pair soon as well.

Thank you Luisa Via Roma for shipping SO FAST!

Posted in Diane De L'Orpaz, Fashion, Firenze4ever, Luisa Via Roma, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

TOP 12 HAUTE COUTURE LOOKS

by admin Posted on 15 Jul ’11

Giambatista Valli

Givenchy

Elie Saab, Valentino

Christian Dior, Anne Valerie Hash

Armani Privé, Giambatista Valli

Giambatista Valli, Iris Van Herpen (which I would probably wear with a nude flowy chiffon dress underneath, but I think this piece is amazing)

Every Couture line is a tribute to fashion. The finest exquisitely crafted pieces of superlative quality; fine embroidery, beautiful fabrics, and exquisite masterpieces adorn tall slender models gracefully coming down the runway.

This Haute Couture week was opened by Christian Dior Couture with a astounding show, which proved Galliano not to have caused damage to Dior’s spectacular design team which displayed a fun lighthearted line which was a rampage of color: Alice meets the Mad hatter. However the big elephant in the room was indeed Galliano’s absence to pull the show together.

Giambatista Valli’s first take on couture was indeed a spectacular one, and obviously one of my favorites.

Even though Iris Van Herpen is a “youngster” in the fashion world her Couture line was by far the one of the most creative lines I have ever seen, I cannot wait to see more of her work!

But on the top of my list: Givenchy. Can Ricardo Tisci do no wrong?! Characteristically, he created a masterpiece of a line that took my breath away. The sheer, embroidered, gilded fabrics…I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of work put into every dress. Every couture week I can’t wait to see Givenchy and pray that one day I will own even half a couture piece in my wardrobe.

Posted in Designer Collections, Fashion, Fashion Shows, Fashion Week | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

HAUTE INPIRATION

by admin Posted on 13 Jul ’11

There is nothing more satisfying than fashion week, and definitely not more than Haute Couture week: The streets become runways of the latest trends, from the high fashion luxury brands; Prada, Balenciaga, Balmain, Chanel, Mcqueen and heards of feet in red soles: Christian Louboutin.

The strees are flooded with inpiration; trust me, there is nothing more beautiful.

Photographs: Tommy Ton

Posted in Designer Collections, Fashion, Fashion Shows, Fashion Week, street style | 2 Comments

TODAY’S INSPIRATION

by admin Posted on 9 Jul ’11

I don’t know what it is: Between the pastels, nudes, and the giant rolled up sleeves Topshop coat that made me completely fall head over heels in love for this ultra chic look.  Columbine Smille looks fabulous in this comfortable ‘I-just-happen-to-throw-these-things-on-and-i-look-freaking-fabulous; look combining an Acne dress, Long Black Topshop Coat, Prada Clutch, and Aldo Heels.

Photo Credit: Phil Oh

Posted in Fashion, Le Look De Jour | Tagged , | 1 Comment

WHO IS COLLABORATING WITH H&M NEXT?

by admin Posted on 21 Jun ’11

H&M Versace

Want to know a secret? If you’ve been following my blog you know that last year I was obsessively blogging about H&M’s brilliant collaboration with Lanvin. Wonder who is going to be next?

VERSACE.

Once declined working with H&M in the past, Italian fashion house Versace will be collaborating with H&M later this year. Donatella Versace will design a line to be sold in H&M stores all over the world this coming November 17th.

Donatella worked hard to position Versace as a luxury brand; she claimed creating a line for H&M would create a hindrance of that, and cause confusion towards the brand.

“I respect everyone who does it,” she said. “But the reason I didn’t do it is because I work very hard to put the Versace line in the luxury section. I think to put the Versace line in H&M would confuse the brand.”

“The line is Versace.” Donatella says. H&M hinted that there will be extensive use of leather, silk, print, and color. There will be 40 pieces: 20 for Women, and 20 for Men. The line will include Jewelry and accessories. Women’s will include leather jackets, day dresses, evening dresses, boots, shoes and bags. The collection is also rumored to include bed sheets and pillows.

Let the panic-stricken anticipation begin , fashionistas!

Do you think Donatella will be able to work her magic like Alber?

Posted in Designer Collections, Fashion | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

BIRTHDAY WISHLIST

by admin Posted on 18 Jun ’11

So my birthday is coming up in 3 months, and well my wish list usually needs to be out there for certain people (*clears throat* Father…calm down, I might be kidding).  I just think it’s a fun thing to do. I am turning 22 this year and I am beyond excited for the future, even though a few auspicious but necessary events have happened; I am so happy and so ready to start a fresh, new, and exciting beginning.
Realistically I don’t want much. However the things I do want cost more than an average person’s wardrobe.  So I never actually expect them… A girl can dream, right? Some years, I get myself a present if I really want something. After seeing the coming f/w lines, this year is definitely one of those.  Dolce & Gabbana was definitely my favorite this year, I cannot get enough!
Renewed subscription to Vogue
Prada Fur Stole S/S 2011

D-squared Ice Skates F/W 2011/12

Dolce & Gabbana Dress F/W 2011/12

Dolce & Gabbana Pants  F/W 2011/12


2ME Skull Earphones

Posted in Fashion | 1 Comment

DIY RIPPED DISTRESSED BALMAIN STYLE T-SHIRT

by admin Posted on 26 Apr ’11

Even though I’m not a t-shirt kind of girl I do have a favorite Tee. Two actually. My favorite Tee is my Lavin x H&M, and then a plain white basic one. I love when they are loose so I get them in Large. Recently I was going to the neighbor’s house to talk to her daughter, so I threw on my favorite Basic white tee and leather pants, my black heel booties and was just about to run out the door. My mother was here and goes “Stop. Your T shirt is ripped.” So I went to change. I was so angry about my shirt, even though it’s just a plain white shirt and I can get an almost identical one anywhere (notice how I said almost).

I had some weird attachment to this shirt. Maybe because It was pointlessly expensive, or maybe because it feels like you’re swimming in cotton ball clouds when you wear it..Now with holes in it already, it would make the perfect opportunity for a Balmain Style DIY  Ripped T shirt.

I’ve wanted one of those Distressed slash destroyed Balmain shirts the second I saw them come down the runway. I love distressed tee shirts, or anything Balmain as a matter of fact. Unfortunately, when I very happily went to the store to purchase one of these weirdly gorgeous creations I couldn’t quite fit a $1,600 something ripped t shirt into my budget. So today (again very happily) got a pair of scissors, safety pins, anything that look like it could destroy and stabbed, cut out, and ripped holes into my very favorite shirt .

What you need

  • T-shirt (The thinner the cotton, the better; Notice how you can see my finger through the material) which you are willing to rip and destroy
  • Anything that looks like it could destroy your T-shirt. Scissors, knives, beer bottle cap.
  • Sandpaper
  • Stainless Steel Safety Pins

Instructions

  • Make sure to try on the shirt and visually mark where your breasts are so you don’t go Mean Girls on us with two holes for your breasts.  I mostly destroyed around the neckline, shoulders and the bottom of the Tee.
  • Sand parts of the shirt to wear-down the material, making it appear more see-through (especially at the shoulders)
  • After you think you are satisfied with it, try it on because there might be places that look “neglected”.
  • I happened to have a box full of safety pins, and decided it was the perfect time to use them
  • I chose to put them on the bigger holes I had made, and on the shoulder seam.

What do you think of my DIY ripped T shirt? I think I’m in love! I I think I might add safety pins all the way around the shoulder seam… This would look killer with leather pants and a power shoulder blazer with a pair of heels. Next outfit post? Maybe…

Posted in DIY, Fashion | 2 Comments

A FASHION BLOGGER’S SUITCASE

by admin Posted on 16 Apr ’11

I have received a special request due to my last post [about me living out of a suitcase for a very long time].  I have been requested to post about how and what I pack for when I travel. Personally, I always travel with two suitcases: A large suitcase, and a small suitcase no matter where or how long I go for. Unless I’m going to fashion week, or a fashion event, I try not to take my very expensive things.

First of all, and most importantly make a list before you start packing!!!

2 Suitcases: A large one for clothing and a second carry on with necessities other than clothing (I know you’re supposed to pack you carry on light, but I don’t. I put all the heavy things inside my carry on like shoes, otherwise I’m faced with overweight equivalent to the price of my flight)

Shoes: I take a very small amount of pairs. Right now I have 5 Pairs of shoes: Aldo Leopard Print Booties, Luxury Rebel Lily Embellished Black Booties, Christian Louboutin Black Peep toes, Top Shop Nude Ballerina Flats (I don’t wear flats, but I always carry them around just incase I need to, though I’m thinking I should start Before I screw up my back?)  and Nine West Thigh High Boots (Not pictures, they are being repaired L). I recommend Nudes, Black, and an animal print which rarely ever do not match something.

I usually take my “favorite pieces of the moment”. Which right now is a sheer white button up boyfriend shirt from H&M, Lanvin x H&M fur coat, Leather Pants, Luxury Rebel Lilly embellished boots, Power shoulder tuxedo blazer, and my green Balenciaga bag.

If I don’t know when the next time I will be able to replenish my suitcase: I take what I call “safe” pieces mostly, which means safe colors, black, grey, white, camels, and only little splashes of color like red, electric blue, orange etc.

I make sure to take a lot of blazers, jackets and shirts opposed to bottoms which are not as noticeable when “recycled”.  I love blazers and jackets because they are usually the main focus of my outfits especially if they are power shoulder, fur, embellished etc.

I usually take a bunch of Shorts.

Leather pants, and black pants are a MUST.

I take dressy-ish shirts when I need to go from morning to evening without being able to change, which happens often. Oops, I forgot to take a picture of them.

I usually take jumpsuits, and maxi dresses because they are the prettiest things you can just “throw on” and look amazing. I love my jumpsuit from H&M, it’s also a great piece which I can go from day to night without changing.

Think about what you will be doing and what is appropriate. Even if I don’t intend on going to fancy-dress events I take at least 3 evening outfits which I usually stick to dresses. Whatever might come up: Dinners, evening meetings, random invitations to events that were unexpected. I always make sure to be ready. Right now I have with me 2 Lanvin x H&M dresses and a Mango Dress (will be shown in outfit posts soon!)

I make sure to have a pouch with Leggings, tights, stockings and what have you incase it’s cold.

Bags: I won’t show you all my bags because I will show them to you eventually, they deserve a post of their own. I can tell you one thing, this baby is getting some serious frequent flyer miles. I take it everywhere. Its so comfortable, and because I take safe colors when I travel it breaks the ‘tension’. I love this bag. Essentially, I try not to take more than 3 bags, 1 of them being a clutch.

If you’re traveling and your bags/shoes don’t come with these, purchase some, travel will kill your things, eventually.

Scarves: I have to have at least 2 in my suitcase

Toiletries: These are my must haves. I have to have at least 2 perfumes they change all the time, right now it’s Chanel Chance and Narciso Rodriguez for Her. Lancome Skin Recharge, Victoria’s secret Berry Kiss Body Lotion, Victoria’s Secret Pretty Pink Body Spray for Gym, Neutrogena Cleanser, In the back is Michel Mercier Marroccan Oil for Hair [works miracles for my hair]

I know this looks/sounds like a lot. I promise it fits in a suitcase and a carry on. I will try to make a video soon of how to pack efficiently.

xoxo

Posted in Diane De L'Orpaz, Fashion, Travel | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

FASHION INSPIRATION | FASHION ILLUSTRATION

by admin Posted on 7 Apr ’11

One of my favorite things and essentially what got me so hooked into fashion is that you have to have or develop several talents within the subject to study and/or work in the field. Sketching and drawing being one of them. I love, love, love fashion illustration, I cannot get enough. I have a million giant coffee table books full of them, and it’s also one of my favorite classes in uni.

My favorite fashion illustrators are Sandra Suy and Nawel. The reason they are my favorites is not only because they are beyond talented; it’s because with every piece I am mesmerized all over again. Nawel uses oil paint which takes it up to a completely different level I can’t get enough of her work.  She recently collaborated with Vogue Nippon if any of you have seen it. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.  I have a few other faves such as Kelly smith, and Myltan aka Hanna Müller. Here are my fav pieces from each:

Nawel

Sandra Suy

Myltan


Posted in Fashion, Fashion Illustration | Leave a comment