The Swelle Life

You Are One Hot Couch Potato

You're a homebody, and getting kitted up in heels and silky dresses for a night of clubbing isn't your thing. So is it fair that you should be deprived of the indulgence of wearing beautiful things? Well, no. It isn't! But it doesn't have to be that way. A night in, lying on the couch watching reality TV and cheesy movies wrapped up in your favourite flannel blanket, with Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey never more than an inch away from your face is great, one of life's simple pleasures. And for years that was pretty much what my at-home nights consisted of.

There's something comforting about your old sweatpants and oversize T shirts, until you have a well overdue lucid moment and look down one day, only to notice there's a history of all your lazy nights on the couch, in stain form. (Oh look, NY Super Fudge Chunk, they don't even make that flavour any more.) And the bum in your pants bears no resemblance to the shape of what it's supposed to be covering. The shame sets in. If there was a fire in your apartment building, you'd sooner stick around and take your chances rather than be seen at 4 am on the lawn in your dirty sloth uniform with no discernible ass.

So keep the routine, there's no reason to abandon a good thing - but get rid of those disgraceful old rags and invest in some luxe loungewear. It's time. Get ideas from these Home Comforts. Do it properly, with pride. Be comfy and cozy, and look fabulous. Just be sure to wear a bib.

Dress 'Wish List' Overload at French Connection

French Connection is known for their selection of fabulous dresses - for every day wear and making an impression (great for first dates!...I'm guessing). And for that they're first choice on many a girl's shopping list. When I go out in Newcastle I invariably see a few fun-seekers wearing their instantly recognisable beaded-front shift dresses. (Which is good as it means the girls are prettying up the place, and they've got their bits covered - at least on the top, anyway. This is not a common sight on a night out in Newcastle. Trust me.)

Despite what appeared to be an enduring aversion to anything tartan/plaid/checked, thanks to my catholic high school years where I was forced to wear a scratchy wool kilt of grey and burgundy (still can't stand that particular mix), I seem to be coming around if my attraction to French Connection's Chickity Dress is any indication. Definitely a piece that fits into the 'I will wear dresses every day' plan. I think I'm going through a re-setting phase - I've even been wearing black, a sight not seen in my wardrobe for about 6 years. I guess we all need a palette cleansing from time to time to keep things fresh, don't we?

So, if you're a 'dress girl' (or a guy who likes to look at dresses, or a guy who likes to look at dresses and imagine a girl in them - sorry, most of these are sans model or filled with a headless mannequin), then come and indulge with me in some 'Oooh, I WANT that' or 'Not for me but my sister would love it' kind of fun:

Felted Dress                                              Ziggy Dress

 

Tudor Dress                                              Francoise Dress

    

Chickity Dress                                                   Tallulah Dress

Abacus Dress                                                        Lilly Dress

And that fab one-shouldered number on the model above? That's the yummy Berry Dress

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Beret is Here!

That adorable black beret with the side bow that went down the runway for the Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2008 collection is now available to buy, and me wantee. It's angora blend and that sweet bow is satin. This one will go quickly, it's a classic, versatile piece to complete your fall/winter outfits (= good investment) and at $78 or £60, the easiest way to start your collection. Want it? Buy Marc by Marc Jacobs at NET-A-PORTER- just click on 'accessories' on the left menu and you'll see the beret (as well as some other irresistible goodies). 

Update: I had to get it. I love it, it's so soft. There are so many ways to wear it, as you can see below. And the lovely people at Net-a-porter sent it in one of their chic gift boxes. Love them!

Here are more looks from the Fall New York show featuring the beret, which should help change your mind about the chilly weather that is fast approaching:

(She's trying to hypnotise you into buying it)

Photos: Style.com

Do You Match Your Chiselled Cheekbones to Your Jacket?

I noticed something interesting in the September British Vogue (had to rush to get this post in, the October issue arrived this morning - yes, there is Saturday postal service on Saturdays). One of their editorial spreads was all about using the latest in-demand models to present autumn's sharply cut and geometric designs. So what's different about that? The models in this spread weren't just clothes horses but were named, and their features matched to the clothes they were wearing. Above: "A jewelled collar illuminates Ukrainian-born Natalia Chabanenko's flawless skin, and adds nobility to Fendi's sharp-shouldered Persian-shearling dress".

And so on:

"Corners and curves: Anna Jagodzinska's chiselled cheekbones and Rick Owens's sculpted leather jacket create an alien beauty"

"Anna Jagodzinka plays up Givenchy's couture workmanship with a twist of gobstopper pearls". Okay, this look had nothing really to do with her, I'm sure she didn't choose the pearls. This dress stands on its own; the wearer does it justice by providing a blank slate. I'm drooling my face off over this incredible, anachronistic piece:

Autumn Greys Don't Have to Be So...Grey

The September issue of British Vogue ran an editorial spread that really got the inspiration going. Initially, it was the wonderful and visually confusing combination of vivid colours, little floating childhood toys, ghostly shadows and a clean and bold 60s high fashion style that had me alight with excitement. Upon closer inspection, there's a lot of grey happening, and the clothes are very fashion forward.

So what's going on here? Autumn's offerings are very much about 'architectural' style and 'severe' clean lines, the latter of which is illustrated here and why it bears some resemblance to the better aesthetic of the 60s (in my humble opinion. I'm not very boho. I like the put-togetherness of clean lines). Grey is always a popular choice in designers' palettes for the cooler months, and it just looks so good in the heavier fabrics like tweed and fine wools that you want to reach out and give it a feel.

But it doesn't have to be all safe and homey. Take this laser-cut wool shift dress like this one from Miu Miu (above), add shoes, belts, hats, whatever, in vibrant hues and you've really got yourself an outfit that transcends the season's same ol', same ol'. I adore the hats here. And the makeup is incredible (not for real-life, obviously. I would just look like an insomniac raccoon.)

Noa Noa Autumn 2008: Vive la Revolution!

This is my post-birthday post and I was thinking about my favourite things, and of course Noa Noa came to mind. Their Autumn 2008 collection is here and it's true to the Noa Noa style: layers of soft fabrics in both loose and fitted looks with eye-catching details that are rare for a brand that is so accessible, price-wise.

French revolution chic is the theme and we have options to go more masculine or feminine, depending on our inclinations. Or, try a bit of both - the pieces are made for mixing to create fabulously unique outfits.

What is so refreshing about Noa Noa is that any age can wear the clothes and they will always look pretty and classic while allowing your personality to shine through. This is a good thing as a woman celebrates more and more birthdays and begins to wonder if she'll have to give up what she loves so as not to look like mutton dressed as lamb. Well, never mind! No need to worry about that here!

Looks from the Autumn 2008 catalogue (all images copyright and courtesy of Noa Noa):

Faves from the Noa Noa Lookbook (love the gloves with the pushed up sleeves, and notice what the fabulous tights do for the looks):

 

   
 
All images copyright and courtesy of Noa Noa

We Want More, Nanette Lepore

This is for Tammy who really, really likes Nanette Lepore (you'd have to be goth not to). Always true to her feminine and flirty style, Nanette Lepore updates the look every season so it's always fresh and exciting, yet remains classic = good investment. Above, my faves of the Nanette Lepore items still left in the NET-A-PORTER Sale (these are hugely reduced so there's your justification). The Fall 2008 collection is coming in slowly and these are my favourite picks of the coats so far (she showed some amazing pieces so this is more of a teaser):

Forget the 'It' Bag, Find Yourself a 'Me' Bag

 

Despite all the bags I have (several, but not a freakish amount, and they still all get used), there was one key style I was missing. I needed a practical bag that looked good, something that fit my bulky camera, wallet, make-up bag (must always have concealer and lip gloss), notebook (yes, the paper kind) and possibly my little ASUS Eee PC. Without looking ridiculous or weighing me down. And it had to go with everything.

While in Toronto I kept my eye out but didn't think I could justify buying yet another bag. And seeing as I'm doing clutches for fall that wasn't going to cut it. As luck would have it, a very generous family member suggested I buy a bag as a birthday gift and my heart nearly exploded with glee. Out of curiosity, I strolled into Holt Renfew, past the odd, cheerful fellow at the doors, looking to browse the end-of-season sale. I go off on a rant now about what I saw on the sale table so if you want to read it click here.

I just happened to find one the one bag, from MARC by MARC JACOBS, (I'm so loving this line this year) that ticked all the boxes and was a (relatively) good price. At least it wasn't $2500 on sale and damaged in horrific ways (see rant). Anyway, turns out my Groovee doctor's bag (did my mother name this one?) is awesome, it fits everything with lots of space to spare and is constructed to look good while hauling a load (comes with a detachable thick strap if you're really weighed down). Mine is black (they only had black but it works) and it comes in purple as seen above, plus a putty shade. My one 'must' for spending large amounts of cash on fashion is that I use or wear the item for years to justify the cost, and usually I do. I think we'll be friends for a long time.

You can find the bag and other pieces from the new Fall 2008 collection at Net-a-Porter.com by clicking Marc by Marc Jacobs. And while I'm on about the brand, isn't this a wonderfully fresh take on the ruffle front top with its zip and asymmetry (loooove it):

Terminal 5 Great for Bag Browsing and (not so much) Bag Losing - Pt. 2

 
Okay, so continuing on through my luxury browsing odyssey at Heathrow's new Terminal 5 on Friday... I came upon the Valentino bags at Harrods and my heart began racing at the beautiful rosette detailing on the models from the A/W 2008 collection - particularly the one above - finished in a stunning and rich ombre effect. I watched as each woman who came upon it couldn't resist gently running her hand over the gorgeous texture. This just may be the most felt-up bag of the season.

And more roses done in yummy chocolate brown leather (odd shape on the second one, I'm seeing a lot of that this season - they must be for carrying baguettes home from the patisserie):

 

That was the shopping highlight of the third floor, and now down to the main floor. Ooh - what do we have here? Prada! Let's take a peek:

 

Hmm...I'm picking up on a theme here with the shoes and bags. The one sparse rack of clothing contained an exceptional beauty of a jacket - a black leather so buttery you could take a knife to it and spread it on toast. Playing out the accessories theme is its ruffles, done subtley in a flirty tuxedo shirt-style, making this jacket an absolute must-have, if you've got the $1300 to hand over:

And on to the bags that I would absolutely love to own as my out-with-the-girls take along - they would go with just about everything, especially the silver, though isn't the ombre just incredible? Love the irridescent finish on the leather:

I think a bit of the lustre is lost in the photo, but trust me that in person, these are just stunning. Wish list for me. You?

Heathrow's Terminal 5 Great for Bag Browsing and Bag Losing - Pt. 1

Okay, to be fair, after arriving in the UK on Friday, we got all four suitcases plus the car seat and stroller back. But we were highly doubtful of such a successful outcome. If you're outside the UK, you may have heard about Terminal 5 in the news. It's the new baby of Heathrow Airport in London, British Airways' "state of the art" terminal, boasting luxury shopping at Harrods, Prada and Dior and dining in Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food restaurant. That's the up-side.

The downside was the major system glitches fiasco that resulted in over 23,000 bags being "misconnected" (the term preferred by BA officials) upon its first two months of operation. This provided the closest thing to a reason for a violent tantrum by Naomi Campbell (a more convincing excuse than misplaced jeans), which resulted in the assault of two police officers after she was told that one of her two Louis Vuitton bags had not made it onto the plane (she demanded it be located - in classic Naomi style - and was virtually dragged screaming from the cabin).

So, with all of this in mind, we curiously entered the notorious Terminal 5, a huge step up from the ammenities-poor Gate 5 where we previously had to wait in total boredom. First up, Harrods. While walking by I spied some very interesting MARC by Marc Jacobs tops, proving that he's still the prince of smart and feminine clothes and that ruffles and texture are strong for A/W 2008:

Just over, there was a rack of Issa dresses that were absolutely To Die For. Issa is known for uniquely elegant and wearable silk print jersey dresses (DvF fans will love Issa), and for A/W 2008 the brand's founder/designer Daniella Helayel has brought us lush prints in rich shades in kimono and tunic styles that are so gorgeous you could be tempted to spend the rent if left on your own.

The print style dominating the collection reminds me of - and is almost certainly directly or indirectly inspired by - Katsushika Hokusai's famous painting Red Fuji. I got all excited and once home I wanted to see more, and found online what is, for me, one of those rare dresses that at first glance has you believing that to own it would change everything in your life for the better. Now that's good design (and very dangerous territory for us on a budget):

You can shop these gorgeous styles at Net-a-Porter.com, click Issa.

Stay tuned for Part 2 - lush rose-embellished bags from Valentino and the most incredible black leather jacket with a fine-ruffled front from Prada. You've been kind to read this far and I'm jetlagged so am going to bed. Nighty night and sweet dreams of pretty dresses. 

Leanimal Untamed on Project Runway

   

(Sorry, Leanne - sometimes headlines are a bit of a challenge.)

Leanne Marshall is one of my favourite designers and I'm thrilled to have found out that she's on Project Runway 5! Actually, she's my #1 favourite of the accessible designers, meaning those who make amazing clothes that we can afford without starving or selling off the family jewels (I'm speaking literally, not figurately, but you can earn your money however you like). For her Leanimal line she mainly designs dresses and coats (do we really need anything else?) that upon first glance have you mentally calculating your savings and clearing space in your wardrobe, thanks to her unique brand of structural and femine detail. 'Cute' doesn't cut it; Leanne's expert ways with tucks and pleats and an instinctive non-traditional approach to mixing fabrics and textures result in a truly original garment. Which is why those who know her covet her extraordinary and beautiful designs.

However, time may be ticking on the bargain prices now that she's been chosen to be one of the 16 (now 13, well done!)talented designers to battle it out before the delightfully snotty Michael Kors, the intensely alert Heidi Klum (those eyes scream 'caffeine!'), and that woman Nina Garcia. And how much do you love 'make it work' Tim Gunn? ProjectRunway.com is auctioning the dress Leanne made in episode 3 (see right) and as of today it's leading the bids of the others by miles. This dress looks so 'Leanimal' yet I haven't seen it before. I really look forward to what brilliant pieces will come from her in future episodes.

I am lucky enough to say that Leanne is designing a custom dress for me once the show is finished and I can't wait to show it here. And she still designs and makes every piece herself. How insanely busy must she be? What a woman. And, she has one dress left in her Etsy shop, a truly special, one-of-a-kind piece that is so artfully crafted that it was displayed in the Contemporary Museum of Craft in Portland. Oregan, where she is currently based.

Project Runway 5 is running on Bravo in the US but I have no idea when Canada is getting it and who is running it (no info on Bravo.ca or google. Hmph!) You can see the first two episodes on YouTube right now, hopefully #3 will be posted soon.

Here are some gorgeous pieces from Leanne's Spring 08 and upcoming Fall collections:

 

 

See Me, Touch Me, Love Me

If you are drawn to surfaces that compel you to run your hands all over them to the point of momentarily forgetting where you are and what you were doing - you're in luck. There is some serious A/W 2008 eye-candy begging to be felt-up.

On my last day at the cottage, I sat down in front of the large bedroom windows overlooking the lake, and began flipping through the current issue of British Vogue. Some complain about all the ads but I love them, I'm beginning to think they're the best part of some of the fashion rags out there. A few pages in I see that Gucci is doing fur as a key element of their Hysteria Collection (aptly named, considering?)...okay, not really into that.

But wait - what's this? Ooh! Wow! Bottega Veneta has done the most incredible coats of fabric loops upon fabric loops that look like they were produced in the most fabulous craft class (above). I haven't yet had a peek at their Fall 2008 RTW so I took the opportunity to see what other goodies were on offer (see how the ads come in handy?). I was delighted to find that Tomas Maier's collection is full of delicious texture (see the dress below - it's like a well-manicured garden of charcoal grey petals), though most of it is quite understated in comparison.

Turning the page I come across Dolce & Gabbana's latest, who I have to admit I'm really loving as of late. With Spring's to-die-for, handpainted, floral dresses and their expertise in smartly layering knits - accessorising them with caps, scarves and boots in a way that takes the look eons beyond the typical approach to cool weather dressing - I'd have to say they make it to the top of my Fall 2008 wish list. Here, the texture is an illusion, with fabrics appearing to  be painted with visible brushstrokes that resemble fur (far less 'hysteria' inducing than Gucci's real thing):

 

Oh wait, I think this is fur here: transparent and gauzy is paired with a lush, curly-textured...fur?:

 

The examples certainly don't end here, but for this post, the final look is a tribute to Linda Evangelista, who is making somewhat of a comeback (she never really went away but she's 'hot' again) as the face for Germaine de Capuccini, L'Oreal Paris and most excitingly, the current Prada ad campaigns (rumour has it Sasha Pivovarova's contract was cancelled). Prada is responsible for bringing back lace in a BIG way this year and naturally it stars in the ad campaign along with our favourite Canadian supermodel (can I mention again that she went to my high school??):

Prada ads from levangelista.net

Other photos from Style.com

Paris Fashion Week featuring Lanvin's Stunning Take on Black

I meant to post these Fall 2008 highlights from Paris Fashion Week when I returned from Paris last month and was buzzing with inspiration, but considering it's barely spring I think we've still got time to take a look?

Lots and lots of gorgeous, covetable clothes, but I agree with British Vogue's Alexandra Shulman that black figures too prominently, which is especially typical of the Fall collections (thank you for lending credibility my long-held belief that it's just too safe!). I think if you're going to do black, make it beautiful, and no one can do it like Alber Elbaz who has used opulent embellishments, silky strips of ribbon and feminine silhouettes to create his to-die-for dresses.

So here's runway, backstage and front-row footage from Lanvin Fall 2008, Paris Fashion Week. (Why, oh why did Style.com have to open with commentary and self-promotion by Jessica Alba, a complete fashion non-entity? Just close your eyes and cover your ears for a few seconds and you'll be fine...)

 

A Shoe Boot I Can Love

The shoe boot, or the 'shoot' as Marc Jacobs likes to call it is the current hot style of footwear and it doesn't seem to be trotting off anywhere soon. I haven't exactly been excited by this hybrid, it just wasn't screaming 'wear me!!'...until I saw this ruffled version from Bruno Frisoni, previewed at Paris Fashion Week for Autumn/08.

It's got everything - the peep-toe platform, stiletto heel, deep midnight blue shade and the wonderfully girlie ruffle-trimmed ribbon that envelops almost the entire upper, finished in a bow-tie. Love that all-out use of the ribbon where 'cute detail' transforms into a super-sexy force-to-be-reckoned-with show piece. More, please!!