fashion fosters its wonder kids (and so does a certain first lady, in this case). want proof? try the jason wu capsule collection for tse. collaborating with a label known for luxe cashmere might not be what you’d expect from the fairytale dressmaker, but these pieces are definitely a dream come true.
tse’s classic cashmere sweater is a staple year round, so wu doesn’t mess much with that (other than creating two-tone pieces that are washed and felted to feel like you’ve had them for years). the color combos go bright, like persimmon, or more subdued, like sun-bleached khaki and seafoam. and wu has certainly left his mark, making these sweaters soft and cerebral all at once. easy pieces like felt blazers in long, boxy boyfriend cuts and separates like skirts and pants will find a cozy home next to your spring and fall faves. fun mink pompon hats and nubby scarves keep the collection from being too serious, but for some drama try the fox fur coat and georgette goddess-inspired dress. these aren’t par for the course for the luxe basics label, but when a dreamer like wu takes charge, there’s bound to be some fantasy mixed in. and while there are only 13 looks, each one is layered and lush, so picking apart this capsule collection is about finding the pieces that suit your fancy.
it’s sure to wu. the jason wu for tse capsule collection. 120 wooster street. between prince and spring. 212.925.2520. www.tsecashmere.com (via julib.com)
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
I loved the look of tights with shorts since I’ve seen it last year in J.Crew’s fall catalogue’s. I think it’s super chic and amazing. Tights are obviously essential for fall and it’s a great way to mix in pieces from summer if you’re not quite ready to head into your heavy fall/winter pieces. After all there’s still Indian Summer to think about.
I think it looks best when you wear tights, not nylons, and stick with tailored shorts in anything but denim. J.Crew carries amazing silk shorts along with cute cotton with patterns and my favorite are a tuxedo wool.
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
From top left clockwise: Cole Hann, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, Michael Michael Kors
So now that you have your key pieces for fall you need accessories. Let’s start with fall’s it bag: the drawstring bag. It’s cute and casual. You have easy access in an out of your purse (there’s a reason why I never zip my purses), but you still get all of the same privacy by pulling the cords close in one simply step. It looks great with boho, biker, rocker, country casual, classic, feminine, and is appropriate for almost, if not all, occasions. Leather is usually the best and only way to go. Since the bag normally doesn’t have any structure it’s best if it has a strong, flat bottom for some support.
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
From left to right: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, S.W.O.R.D., Velvet, J.Crew
Here are your basic essentials for the Fall 2010 season. A denim shirt is a must. Look to Ralph Lauren. He did a whole fall collection of denim looks. Denim on denim is hot right now, but that doesn’t mean go all denim. Always remember moderation is key. The pencil or matchstick pant. It’s super cute and looks amazing with brogues. As always when the weather gets colder you need a jacket. I’m obsessed with leather jackets right now. Leather is showing up on a lot of pieces this fall on coats, shoes, bags, etc. I love asymmetrical zippers right now. The day dress is something that is work appropriate. On a warmer day it can be worn with strappy shoes or flats and on a colder day it looks great with tights and heels. It can also transform into a great night look with the right accessories.
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
Matt & Nat
The words vegan and fashion needn’t form an oxymoron. For proof that style exists beyond dumpy patchwork pants and Phish tees, look no further than Matt & Nat founder Inder Bedi’s newer, cheaper diffusion line, Matt by Matt & Nat. A selection of the fall 2010 purses just dropped at Alter in Greenpoint, and the buttery-soft, faux-leather handbags couldn’t be chicer. Expandable bottoms and magnetic-tab closures make them ideal for everyday wear and tear, while shiny hardware, gratuitous zippers, and delicate pleating fancies ‘em up enough for evening use. If Mother Earth owned an “It” bag, we’re pretty sure it looks something like this. (via the cut)
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
I read this book and I fell in love. The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia. There are a few things I did not agree with but overall very inspiring. This book makes you look into your own closet to make sure you have all of the essentials. I will share tidbits of the book here and there, but I highly suggest getting your own copy (especially for all the extras and great illustrations done by Ruben Toledo).
This week’s tidbit: Cowboy boots
Though I am from a middle class, Mid-West upbringing I still own a pair of cowboy boots. I do not recommend them for formal events (unless it’s themed) anytime casual is perfectly acceptable. With jeans and a t-shirt or sundress and jean jacket (my favorite).
Fact: Cowboy boots were invented when an ingenious cowboy brought his cavalry boot to a shoemaker and asked him to make the toe pointed so that he could get his foot in and out of the stirrups easier.
The Texans swear by Tony Lama or Lucchese both in El Paso.
These are worth the investment so spend a little money. After a little wear they will fit right in and feel comfortable.
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
Continuing on with my week of diy beauty treatments. Today is mani/pedi day. After all it is summer and you want your hands and feet to look gorgeous in those sandals.
1. EXFOLIATE. Wash your feet and hands with an antibacterial soap. Rub heels and balls of feet with a microdermabrasion pad to remove dead skin.
2. SOAK. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Add a generous scoop of mineral salts and soak for 5 minutes.
3. TREAT. Slather on foot cream and hand cream that contains lactic acid which simultaneously exfoliates and hydrates. Also using vitamin E oil around the cuticles and nails helps keep them healthy. (via InStyle)
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
To continue my diy posts today is about taming the unruliness of hair frizz.
1. CLEANSE. Saturate hair with a mixture of equal parts witch hazel and mouthwash, massaging it onto the scalp with your fingertips. “This works as a natural astringent and antiseptic to get rid of flakes and promote healthier hair growth.”
2. CONDITION. Combine one avocado with 2 tablespoons olive oil, water, and whipped heavy cream. Comb from roots to ends and cover with a shower cap.
3. RINSE. After 20 minutes rinse using tepid water and wash with a gentle sulfate free shampoo. (via InStyle)
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
I’m on a DIY kick right now so I’m going with it. Today I’m focusing on facials. I’ve done some all-natural, at-home treatments before that smell horrible, but do the trick. I did find one the uses great smelling ingredients.
1. PREP. Mist skin with a solution of 1 tablespoon lemon juice diluted with a cup of water.
2. EXFOLIATE. Slather on a mask of 1/2 cup mashed papaya, 1 teaspoon yogurt, and 1 teaspoon honey. “The papaya and yogurt remove dead skin cells, while the honey helps draw in water and plump up skin.”
3. TREAT. Target dark areas with a spot fader made of equal parts strawberries and baking soda blended into a paste.
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
Bristols 6
A new way to D.I.Y. your denim. The difference between a pair of jeans and your favorite pair of jeans can be pretty small—down to about an inch, in fact. The perfectly faded pair that hangs just an inch too long over your flats? The ultra-dark skinnies an inch too skinny in the waist? Meet their savior: Bristols 6′s new kit, with all you need to customize your denim in one handy package: hem tape for length, an extra button—that slides in as easily as an earring—to save the waist, a seam ripper and pumice stone for distress-less distressing, and more. Studs, stencils, and paint are included, too, for the craftiest out there. The back-of-the-closet scavenging expedition begins now. (via style.com)
Always Be Fabulous,
Elle de Couture
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