the perfect ten: all (& the only) things you need this spring

You’d think that with a blog entitled A Bit Coquettish its author would be the biggest tease.

Hardly the case.

Spring – you know that pretty young thing? – has got me beat; she’s elusive, she’s coy, she’s smart. She’s well-seasoned in the game of playing it hot and cold and has mastered the art of playful banter. Just as you think you’ve finally won her over, she turns the other way. A warm smile turned cold shoulder in as little as a day.

But time is a funny thing. With just enough persistence she’s yours – nudge her in right direction (a little sunshine paired with a flash of skin with a new crop top) and she’ll find her way eventually. You want to impress with an entirely new wardrobe dedicated to her specifically, only it’s unnecessary. Work with what you have, adding just a few new (or resurrected) things, and she’ll be just as delighted.

Before you pen your shopping lists into your Filofaxes, edit your wardrobe. Play the role of the stylist and editor and play it well: purge your closet of the things that have become irrelevant to who you’ve become, that no longer fit, that no longer inspire you. Think minimalist – you’re set free by what you don’t own. Let it go, seek release. Less is more. Worldly things are what subconsciously hold us back. Save your money, not your old clothes. Donate them. Repurpose them. Make room for change in both the physical and metaphysical. (Your space is a reflection of you.) Be creative and realistic all at once.

Only when you’ve accomplished the first step can you move on to the next step.

Hold your breath ladies, this is the fun part. But don’t get carried away! Newness breeds excitement, but only for so long. The adrenaline rush is only temporary. Remember that, and remember which and what things haven’t failed to inspire you well past the honeymoon years. I have a leather paneled sheath dress I could wear forever and always and never tire of it; a teal dress that just oozes good memories and the making of more, a crocodile-embossed Michael Kors bag (gifted to me by my brother!) that never fails to make an outfit… I could go on. Things that don’t bore you – read: that aren’t impulsively purchased for the sake a trend - do exist. Always keep that in mind when shopping.

That said, here are the Perfect 10 Spring Essentials. The Perfect 10 for me, at least; they may not be for you. But here’s to hoping that this list will be a starting point for wherever you want to take your spring 2012 wardrobe…

1. The perfect mani + pedi. I love a classic red creme and nude – two shades which never fail no matter the occasion or mood du jour. These are the most perfectly of their kind I’ve come across thus far. Zoya “LC” is a saturated coral-red with pinker undertones. Very retro and kittenish. Zoya “Minka” is a classic, pearly beige-nude with yellow undertones. It’s milky, demure, and is a staple pedicure color. I’m aware that I’ve tried to get away with listing two items as the first of the perfect 10; in my mind they’re inseparable.

 2. The cropped black skinny pant. One that just grazes the ankle a la Audrey Hepburn, or, a full-length skinny pant cuffed to that length. It’s incredibly flattering – more so than a full-length – when paired with both heels (a classic pump!) or ballerina flats. It’s timeless, it’s versatile, it’s practical, it’s beautiful. I live in a stretch version (like a jegging but far more substantial and professional) by Calvin Klein Jeans; they’re brilliant.

3. The cropped light-wash jean. Some say denim is for the lazy as it requires no thought. But it’s less thoughtless than it is effortless – a distinct difference, and not simply through nuances in synonyms. The proof is in the words of the great and wise: Yves Saint Laurent was quoted to have said “I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”

I love a black pant or dark-wash skinny jean more than the average girl, but I can never turn down a cropped, light blue denim pant. There’s something so very Lolita and Sophia Loren and Guess about it, especially when paired with a white shirt tied at the waist. Worn with Converse or a high wedge for day, and later with a pump for the evening, there’s simply something innocuous yet so very suggestive about a hint of the ankle…

4. Floaty, sheer blouse(s). In whites and creams, or pastel candy colors, or demured brights. Vest tops, three-quarters. Traditional or Mao collars. Tucked in, or tied at the waist for the beach. Take your pick. Gorgeous over a pretty balconette bra paired with a cropped pant (see above) and a pair of pumps – my personal springtime uniform – for day, and tuck it into a bandage skirt for a night out. Simple, classic, feminine. Fin.

5. Beach babe bikini(s). I know it’s not yet summer – here’s to wishful thinking. Aside from imported chocolates and caffeine rushes, few things make me happier than a drawerful of swimsuits begging to be debuted at the beach or poolside. I keep it simple: VS beach babe or beach brights, depending on my mood du jour. It’s either black or jewel tones, or anything tan-enhancing (loving all things orange and coral at the moment!).

6. Colorful scarf. To grace the neck, to wrap around your head, to keep neatly tied on your bag for occasions that call for a bit of spontaneous sprucing up. I dream of Missoni and Cavalli, but anything that catches the eye and makes your heart flutter will do. Think of it as you would a piece of statement jewelry; it can elevate and change a look instantly. The difference one scarf makes in an outfit is incredible, and the possibilities of its use are near infinite. Be creative with it.

7. The classic trench. No explanation is really needed. It’s practical, it’s feminine, it’s stylish. And it looks fantastic over whatever it is you decide to wear, be it a simple tee and jeans, corporate professional blouse and pant, daytime sheath dress, or cocktail mini. I’d give anything to feel like Audrey Hepburn, even if it were as fleeting as the few minutes of donning a trenchcoat for my walk from Point A to Point B. Le sigh.

8. Bright day-to-night dress. Celebrate spring and embrace the power of positive dressing. Invite color in and be bold with prints! If it’s out of your comfort zone, stick to one at a time: color first, then prints (or vice versa). Test the waters in a familiar silhouette, i.e., a fitted sheath dress. Again with the versatility – I’m a practical one – for optimum wear and practicality, because we’re busy women with busy lives. Perfect alone for a casual outing, with a denim jacket thrown over for a little bit of coverage or warmth (what have you), but equally appropriate for the workplace with a (preferably black) blazer and (black pump). It transitions easily for a nighttime event. Slip into ankle booties or a platform heel and throw a leather jacket over; silver drop earrings are optional (but they’d look fantastic).

9. Nude pump. Black pumps are reserved for the fall and winter seasons, until replaced by a patent nude pump come the warmer months. The difference it makes in an ensemble is more than noticeable, lightening and brightening even the darkest of color palettes worn up top. Plus, a little elongation of the leg never hurt the soul; it’s but a matter of finding the right nude complementary to your skin tone. I’m a firm believer in the closed, almond toe heel with a bit of toe cleavage.

10. Neutral leather satchel with exotic embossing. The best is saved for last – the handbag. Amongst things I believe in (like toe cleavage; see above) is the importance of the handbag to both the woman and her outfit; the handbag inadvertently tells a stranger the story of who its owner is.

Like a nude shoe, a nude bag can change the mood of an outfit completely. The look becomes considerably lighter in every sense – airy, sweet, open. Neutral leathers always look so lush and sophisticated; take it to the next level with a leather that has been embossed with an exotic print. Python? Crocodile? So, so hot. The above is a python Chloe Paraty, a veteran lust-list item by bag whores like yours truly, but brands like Michael Kors, Zara, and Il Bisonte carry gorgeous renditions of the spring leather satchel as well. It’s all about the hunt – patience, my dears, is a virtue.

.   .   .

x

{images via google, net-a-porter, topshop, zara}

defining style, part iii: tips & tricks on how to define your style (& curb those impulse buys!)

{+} Refine & think minimalist. If you could only pick 10 things from your closet to wear for the rest of your life (disregarding aging/weight loss or gain, we’re being hypothetical here), what would they be? Now, narrow it down to five things. What are those? (If you can’t narrow it down, think: what are the 10 pieces you wear the most?)

These then become your wardrobe staples – stick to this foundation and donate whatever else you don’t wear as often (or no longer fit). And the five articles of clothing you picked of the ten? Buy multiples or variations of each, for these are the pieces you know you will always love, gravitate towards, and undoubtedly re-wear. It’s easy to see how materialistic and excessive we girls are – we have that closet full of clothes, yet still manage to have “nothing to wear.” I’m thoroughly convinced it’s an American phenomenon. Think minimalist. European. French, more specifically. You would think that with Carine Roitfeld’s previous position as Editor-in-Chief of Paris Vogue, she’d have a closet bursting at its hinges. But it’s quite the contrary:

{+} Invest in classics. Now reference the list of basics the professionals say you should own (e.g.: Nina Garcia’s The Little Black Book of Style and The One Hundred, the latter which is beyond excessive – 100 is much to many for any wardrobe, in my opinion). Note what you don’t have, and invest in the key items. Classics are timeless, so spending more for the best quality is entirely worth it. Quantity over quality, ladies!

I’m not, however, telling you to invest in every one of those must-haves, however must-have they are. Take the black cigarette pant or trench coat. They’re undoubtedly classic, but may not necessarily fit your aesthetic. The slim pant is chic, but if you’re pear-shaped, skip it and opt for a flared trouser – it’s far more flattering. Trenches are also amongst the ultimate “One Hundred,” but I’d never wear one: it’s either a leather jacket or a structured winter jacket for me.

{+} Keep an inspiration journal. Keep a folder, binder, or notebook of things you like. Need. Whatever inspires you. Tear out clippings from magazines and catalogues, organizing it as such. When you’re in a bit of a style rut, flip through and feel re-sinpired. It’s the perfect way to hone in on your style and aesthetic.

{+} Make a checklist. Keep a running list of things you need to complete your wardrobe, and be as specific as possible. You want an almond-toe, black leather pump with a ½” platform and 4-inch heel. Put it in a pocket-sized journal and throw it in your handbag. Do sketch specific pieces, too – you’ll better remember what it was exactly you were on a mission for and prevent you from straying from that direction (all the while improving artistic skills, of course). Checklists will, again, help you focus on and develop your style and curb impulse buys.

| On my list: silver + rose gold David Smallcombe bangles; black leather ballerinas; the aforementioned heel; black srappy platform heels which I can dance in (!); great black everyday bag in leather.

See? I don’t need much. You don’t need much.

. . .

bises! x

P.S.: Parts I & II, for your perusal.

defining style, part ii

In Part I of my “Defining Style” series, I mentioned briefly that I believed style to be an innate factor – an instinct, if you will – versus fashion (I defined “fashionable” as an acquired ability to follow the latest trends). Yes, aesthetic is purely personal, but whether you possess it or not is as blunt as it gets: Elisa Sednaoui, model and goddaughter of Christian Louboutin (!), says it rather well: “Style is like talent. Either you have it or you don’t.” Simple as that – it’s black and white. Yes, or no. True, or false.

Style is consistency. It is a combination of knowing your body, your self. It is an understanding of every curve (or perhaps lack of), accepting each flaw for its uniqueness, and knowing how to dress accordingly. Most importantly, however, style is knowing who you are, and precisely how you wish to convey individuality to the public eye. Style is the image of character; it is a reflection of taste. With style there are no gaps in your wardrobe, just effortless fluidity which carries you from day to night. Nothing is contrived – but it is always dynamic.

Personal style evolves organically with cultural movement, all the while preserving the integrity and foundation of who you are. It is akin to being a part of the conversation: your input, your take, your perspective on what Karl Lagerfeld calls “the nonstop dialogue” of fashion’s progression.

That, my dolls, is style.

| So now the question that begs to be answered: Do you have style?

Gravitation towards similar pieces, colors, cuts, silhouettes is a simple indication of it. I hate spending more than an hour in one store – I know exactly what I like when I see it, and if the price tag is reasonable, I grab it. More than often I leave the fitting room with whatever I’ve pulled off the racks; I’ve become accustomed to my body and taste (and yes, mom, you deserve some credit for that).

It’s taken years, though. And it’s continuously developing and refining (I’m well shy of twenty!). But what I know thus far is this: I have a predisposition towards certain things: batwing or balloon sleeves, dance-wear inspired tops, fitted dresses, jewel tones or black – but it’s not to say I haven’t made impulse purchases on outrageous things. At the time I justified them as a means of self-exploration and an attempt at being adventurous. But the truth is, the novelty of the piece in question wears off all too soon. It was fun at the moment, and the first [few] times of wear. A good time. (Like my relationships with boys, for better or for worse…). It feels liberating the first time, and then the short-lived honeymoon will have ended. The piece in question then disappears into the depths of my closet, resurrected only when I throw it into the “Donate” pile. It doesn’t feel me, and it feels out of place in my wardrobe. I can’t commit to something so uncharacteristic. I feel uncomfortable.

Thus, the point of defining individual style is to hone in on your self – both personality and physicality – and taste. Once you know who you are and what you want, you refine. Cut down on those impulse purchases and resist succumbing to fashion trends.

| Why the focus on style, you ask?

For one, I’m not a particularly fashionable person. I’m more of the type whom people categorize under stylish. If you’ve read my little bio page, you know I’m a fashion enthusiast, but don’t condone how it makes people go all ga-ga and throw away money just to get the next pair of studded hotshorts. I believe in staying true to yourself: and how you dress is a reflection of that. That’s what people see. And that’s what people, unfortunately, judge you upon. We live in a world where first appearances outweigh all (do read Blink by Malcolm Gladwell), and no one should be disregarded simply because he/she didn’t dress “right.” Or well. Whatever.

.   .   .

bises! x

P.S.: Look out for the how-to, tips, and tricks on exactly how to define your style. Coming, tout de suite!

defining style, part i

{ Preface | I’ve received numerous emails, especially recently, of girls, women, and boys alike asking for advice on how to find, and define, their own style. What is style, they ask. How are you so sure of your own? How long did it take you before you knew what you liked, and what you wanted to show the world? Does everyone have “an eye for style?” The likes. This first appeared on my original blog, La Couturier, but I’ve republished it to answer new emails. }

. . .

Among Coco Chanel’s numerous quotes, many of which were frivolous comments upon costume jewelry or on the importance of perfume to a woman’s future (for reference, the exact quote would be: “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future” – exaggerated, of course, but surely holds some truth because we all know the key to attracting and alluring  men is to appeal to their olfactory sense), one was uttered with wisdom.

“Fashion fades, and only style remains.” 

And that, mes chéries, is quite true.

The ever-adorable Miroslava Duma

The words “fashion” and “style” have been used interchangeably almost ubiquitously. But in doing so one is mistaken; the words are hardly synonymous. Their connotations are similar in our everyday language, without a doubt, but their denotations differ quite extensively. The former speaks of change. Fashion inevitably changes as trends fall to the wayside, and a “new black” emerges along with the next “it” handbag every season. (My conscious implores me to mention that there is, and will never be, such a thing as a “new black.” Never. Ever.) Fashion cycles in the path of the infinitive figure eight. Case in point: the last year or so was dark, Baroque, heavy with depression. Grunge-rock made studs, lumber-jack plaids, and Doc Martens all the rage. Enter spring of 2010: the softer, romantic side of fashion has resurfaced, with ethereal peaches and beautifully draped dresses. Et cetera.

Style, however, remains the same. But “same” does not mean it is stagnant or flat – style is ever evolving (quite different from changing, mind you), dynamic and dimensional. Style constantly undergoes evolution. It develops and gains through experience. There is depth to each facet, a depth that extends beyond what is seen. That depth is the story behind each personal choice – perhaps this icon or that stranger influenced you, however minute, or a certain piece was a family heirloom. Style is not what is taken off the racks because it so happened to be the trend of the season.

Style is an aesthetic emotion. It is what appeals to you – ethos, pathos, logos – the whole lot. There may or may not be a known reason for the attraction. Regardless, that something about it pulls you in. The question is, however, whether or not it is innate. Is it learned, conditioned from what you have always seen? Or is it just there, inexplicably there?

It’s largely debatable, like one of those which-came-first-the-chicken-or-the-egg arguments or like the many psychological perspectives of behavior: psychodynamic, behavioristic, humanistic, biopsychological, cognitive, the likes. I do believe that your personal aesthetics, or eye for style, is intrinsic. The reason for that phase of trying and shedding new things is merely part of that path of self-discovery. For some style comes quite easily. For others, it requires a bit more of trial-and-error to see what feels right before they find that consistent look. It then evolves, developing as it adapts to your growth as an individual.

. . .

bises! x

P.S. | I realize I am being particular – or fussy, what have you – with words; I’m well aware. Regardless, I find it fascinating how such similar words can mean so many things! I’m such a nerd. There, I beat you to it.

P.P.S. | Part II next, tout de suite.

{image via}