by Rachel Zoe is a firm favourite. With its main focus on high octane Glamour and seeing as how I love a bit of leopard print and shaggy faux fur - it suits me perfectly for when I want to dress up, even if only whilst doing the weekly shop at Tesco!
One style guide I am waiting for with hotter than hot anticipation, is entitled Parisian Chic written by Ines De La Fressange the French Runway Style Icon.
The pictures that I have seen, focus on chic ways to wear everyday basics, something that seems to come far easier to the French than it does the English. We all think we know the items a capsule collection should consist of, but often flounder when it comes to accessorising the clothes to achieve the ultimate laid back style which comes so easy to Parisian Ladies.
The Parisian Chic Style Guide features pictures shot in a street style manner with similar items worn by both Ines, now in her early fifties, and her sixteen year old daughter Nine. I can't think of a better way to show that classic pieces can form the basis of your wardrobe, no matter what your age.
Ways to work your Trench. As good with flats as with heels.
A classic white shirt/mini skirt combo and the LBD.
Camel coloured trousers in any style make a great addition to jeans or black trousers.
A leather jacket in black or tan will go with everything.
A cashmere v neck in a neutral colour whether worn alone or used for layering looks great with white jeans.
Back to the Breton. Smarten up any casual t-shirt whether basic plain or striped with a blazer and statement necklace.
Whilst typing up this post and thinking about the wardrobe staples posts I am doing each week, I decided to set myself and my readers if anybody is up for it, an Ines De La Fressange Challenge! I have seen other Bloggers taking part in capsule wardrobe challenges where they mix and match 10 items of clothing to get a weeks worth of looks but this challenge is going to be different, I am going to challenge you to go and see if you have any items in your wardrobe which in any way resemble the items being worn by Ines and her daughter. You can then email me your pics at fablooking@aol.com and I can post them up, I won't use your name if you don't want me to and you can just lay them out or picture yourself in them, whatever you want, and you might find you have more wardrobe hero's than you originally thought!
So to start off the challenge I have been and had a rummage and here are the looks I have created based both on the images.
Look One - The Trench.
Look Two - The LBD and Sunglasses.
Look Three - The casual camel coloured trousers.
I couldn't resist putting my leopard print scarf with this look and I would like a chunkier cardigan.
Look Four - The Cashmere V-neck.
Look Five - The Leather Jacket.
In this picture I have swapped my black v-neck for a grey cashmere fine knit round neck top.
Look Six - The Blazer.
I was so chuffed that I actually have all of the looks featured in one way or another and am keeping the outfits all together on hangers ready to wear in springtime, that way I won't have to worry about what to wear each morning, when the weather warms up, just grab a hanger and go!
Are you up for the Challenge?
Pre - order your Style guide here: Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange
This is brilliant and totally where I am at right now. I'll send some photos during the week.
ReplyDeleteI still have items missing though - notably the trench (still struggle with not thinking of my Mum when I look at them!) LBD (tried some, just not found the right one yet), white shirt (have a silk one, but that's not really every day wear), stone trousers (saw some on the net-a-porter sale yesterday and didn't buy - perhaps I should, seeing as you told me to and all that ;) ), leather jacket (again, seen THE jacket on Isabella Oliver and rather hoping it will be reduced further in the sale), cashmere V-neck (not sure what colour to buy yet), bretton shirt (seen three or four, still deciding whether to go for High Street price or whether this is going to be around for a long time and is worth investing in).
Hmmm, so actually I have the short black skirt and a neutral blazer LOL!. Looks like I have a way to go...
I love your ideas ... You have great style xxx
ReplyDeleteFantastic post Mrs Fab! Loved it! Not up to your challenge today as have sadly been ill this week, but you have certainly got me thinking x
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs Fab-you are very well organised on the style basics front, my favourite look here is the navy cashmere v neck and white jeans-these are the only jeans still missing from my wardrobe and I will be definitely getting a pair for the summer! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book, love things like that! I have probably variations of all those things except the Breton top (sorry I hate them) but I do have a Breton-esq cardigan that could stand in. Problem is they are mostly packed away for S/S but I will see what I can find to photo x
ReplyDeleteInes would look good in a sackcloth! I like your challenge and look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with
ReplyDeleteoooh lots of inspiration xxxxx
ReplyDeleteI love all those looks you've put together. Ines always looks amazing. I have the Rachel Zoe book but haven't looked at it yet. I like her style too.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing how much you charge for the eyelashes! Thanks so much for your offer. By the time I get a cab to the station and then the train to Kent I'd probably spend the same, but your prices are much better than in town!
Have a great week xx
Oh fantastic tips and ideas for organising myself - even better! Right, I'll get to it then....
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this book, looks like a great way to help achieve the classic look. Will have to consider taking part in the challenge! xx
ReplyDeleteI have never been one for a style guide, but I could make an exception here. xx
ReplyDeletePS: She's in her early fifties??!!
ooh.. great idea. i have been thinking of doing that forever. that will save me lots of time in getting ready for work in the morning :)
ReplyDeletejust came across your blog now and lovin' it! :) following you, of course!