Hump Day Pick Me Up

Designing Haute Couture is a dream space where wearabilty is cast aside and replaced with magical concepts partnered with unabashed creativity. 10lbs of fabric why not? Hand beaded design that takes 400hrs no problem. $1000/yd fabric of course.

 The designer is without restraint and the designs are a reflection of their inner most artistic desires realized.  Most of us don’t lead lives fabulous enough to offer up an occasion where donning  one of these looks would be appropriate but that’s what dreaming is for.  Let’s take a little trip down fantasy lane.  Hope these decadent designs help shoo away your hump day blues.

Christian Dior

 

Christian Dior

 

Elie Saab

 

 

Elie Saab

 

Giambattista Valli

 

Giambattista Valli

 

Atelier Versace

 

Dany Atrache

 

Alex Mabille

 

 

Here is video from one of my favorite Haute Couture Designers Stephane Rolland. Last year at his show he designed a 110lb dress! Talk about going for "IT".!

 

Happy Wednesday!!



 

Its all in the Details

Have you ever looked at a woman who seems to have it all together? Yes we've all noticed her when she has entered our space.  Nary a hair out of place, flawless makeup, nails impeccably manicured with her clothes perfectly tailored.

Some how we manage to pull off  silently aspiring to be just like her while evilly praying for a just a drop of her beverage to miss her lips and land squarely on the middle of her lovely assemble. Which we do only to slightly even the playing field, of course.

How does find the time to CARE we ask ourselves.

The true testament to a style maven is all in the details. So lets accessorize our life.

There are quiet a few tech items out there that work to make our lives easier. Thanks to some great designers we can now make these items fashionable too.

For your iPad

Weston Agate iPad Cover

 

Marc for Marc Jacobs

Moschino (too cute)

 

Brahmin

 

 

Kate Spade

 For your iPhone

 

CaseMate TriColor

 

 

Weston Marble iPhone Cover

 

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs

 

Moschino Call Me!

How cute are these? I love them. I also love the option of allowing everyday things make a style statement for you. Even if you aren't looking your best your design eye will still shine.

Between a Teen and a Twinset

Your Little Sister's Duds



Your Mom's Twinset

 

I recently had a discussion with one of my good friends where she was venting her frustration after visiting her local shopping mall. She complained that there seemed to be an overwhelming concentration of looks geared toward two types of women. The two choices available were the teeny bopper or the Grandma look, and we are not talking granny chic a la Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Fall 2012.

 

So what is one to do when you are trying to avoid the skin tight flimsy looks of the junior department, but are not quite ready to don a stale cardigan twin set?

 

I am here for you ladies. I have been doing a little research of my own hunting for designers creating fashion forward yet age appropriate collections. I have decided to feature a new designer each month that embodies the Haute Trenta Woman in their work.

First up Designer Rachel Roy

 

Why she’s Haute: The former stylist turned Designer is the head of two collections

The first is her two collections is the Designer RR Collection and then she offers the more affordable Rachel Rachel Roy Collection . The designer describes her design aesthetic in an interview with the Huffington Post.

 

"I focus my designer collection on the idea of classic with a twist' so that women can keep the garments in their closets for years and still look unique and fresh every time they wear a piece."  

 

Drape Neck Dress

Cascade Dress

 

  

 

 

 

Petal Cape

 

 

Mandarin Pant

 

 

 

Rachel’s take on the classics with a twist is precisely why she is designing for the Haute Trenta lady. By using unexpected color combos and prints she allows for one to make a quiet statement that expresses personality without intimidating anyone in the process. Her looks also act as a great foundation to add your more trendy fun pieces when a fun street style look is in order. Luckily those fun trendy pieces can be found in her Rachel Rachel Roy Collection. Rachel describes the line for the Huffington Post.

 

“For my secondary line, I made sure everything was sold at an affordable price so that my customers also have the option of shopping in the moment without making a big investment.”

 

 

 Here is a look at a few of my current faves from the Rachel Rachel Roy Collection

 

Cardi Dress

 

Basket Weave Trench

 

Marilyn Trench

 

 

 

Rachel does a great job updating classic pieces by using current trends. Her wrap dress/trench dress has a military influence, she turns the dreaded cardigan into a fun high low dress, and updates the trench with a fun colorful leopard print inspired basket weave design. All of these items work towards keeping you current and would look great with lots of things you may already own. I will be sure to keep an eye out for more fabulous Rachel designs to share with you guys. For now stop by her website http://www.rachelroy.com/ and have a look around. She has a great archive of runway looks that is a great resource for styling tips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.A.L.E. The Four Letter Word

 

 

As we enter into our 30s we must shout a resounding Arrivederci to the habits of shopping past. These are habits we’ve been cultivating since we’ve began shopping on our own during our teen years. We remember how the fruits of our labor at our 1^st afterschool job went directly into the cashiers hand at our favorite fast fashion hub. It was during these early years that we took on the mantra “More is More is More is More”. I get it ladies I promise I do.

 Let’s fast forward a few years and usher in the responsibility of mortgages, car notes, student loan repayments, insurance, wedding debt, price of children etc…. None of the items were checked off the fun list but are all a part of the responsible lives our mothers raised us to lead.  That being said you may feel even more obliged to cling to the sales rack at your oldie but goodie budget retailer. I mean when you’re not shopping for work friendly duds you want to have some fun right? WRONG!

 

 

ATTENTION ATTENTION ALL HAUTE TRENTA SHOPPERS! BACK AWAY FROM THE BUGGY!

Now that I have your attention let me expound upon my point. Now is the time to exercise a little restraint. DELAYED GRATIFICATION, We are now on the hunt for Quality over Quantity.

Delayed Gratification?( You may think I clearly don’t have a good grasp on the purpose of retail therapy)

Stay with me ladies.  Don’t let the low price on that price tag entice you into purchasing yet another poly-blend something or another to add to the 12 others YOU DON’T WEAR!!! (sorry to shout,  well kind of)

The time has come to build the bones or foundation of a chic adult wardrobe that you will proudly wear for years to come. This may mean forgoing that feel good sale find in exchange for top quality wardrobe essentials that will add to your wardrobe collection and look great paired with multiple things you currently own. It may take a little time to locate these items.  We are looking for the best quality items your budget can afford in the following categories.  Handbag, Coat, Blazer, All purpose pump, Dark denim jeans, Little Black Dress, white button up blouse, black skirt, classic trousers, statement necklace. We will go into further details on each of these items in future posts.

I have however created a list of great retailers to begin browsing/shopping for your new Haute finds.

www.gilt.com

 

Why they are Haute:  they provide flash sales on top designer finds at up to 60% off retail prices. There is something for every haute trentas budget.

www.theoutnet.com

alexander wang

 

Why they are Haute:  The little sister to the ubber fabulous net-a-porter.com offers up just as great designers pieces but at a fraction of the price. You can shop here and save up to 70% off retail

TheRealReal.com



prada skirt


 Why they are Haute: This luxury online consignment store has a constant flow of authentic designer goods that no one would ever guess were pre owned. We are talking Gucci, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton for a fraction of the price one might find in a traditional brick and mortar luxury retailer.

I am not so clueless as to expect you to quit your long time diet of fast fashion cold turkey. No on the contrary, I would like to suggest an alternative.

Seeing as how we are lovers of fashion and shopping and; we must stay current and fashion forward I have also put together a list of retailers perfect for sprinkling an inexpensive trendy find into your wardrobe.

www.Zara.com

 

Why they are Haute:  This European retailer is a go to for straight from the runway trends. You will often see top designer influences in their garments. Their price points make you feel at ease if next year your aren’t so crazy about the sequin shorts you bought as you once were.

 

www.Asos.com

studded velvet wedge!

Why they are Haute: They have a great assortment of trendy finds and an awesome runway viewing feature that allows you to see the garment in motion before you click buy. They even have an marketplace of small boutique owners offering up even more unique affordable finds.

 

www.hm.com

 

Why they are Haute: They have hundreds of locations world wide and have best convergence of quality and price. You wont be able to shop online in the US but if there is one in your city it definitely a great place to go for basic knits and layering pieces as well as trendy finds.

 

 

Happy 2013



New Years Eve is infamously one of the most socially acceptable drinking occasions. Often times communal drinking is chased by hangovers. (pun intended). You know that pesky reaction your body has to your night of self induced dehydrating activities. No fears my dears. Entering stage left the fabulous combination of breakfast meets lunch. That’s right Brunch. What's a more appropriate meal? You dare not rise from your bed any earlier than 10a.m. anyway.  The meal itself is packed with energy restoring carbs, and for those of us still in a celebratory state mimosas abound. Whether you’re brave enough to face the world at one of your city’s quaintest restaurants or chicest bistro, Or if you are returning the favor to the host of the NYE party by cooking up a few tasty treats at your place. Brunch is the perfect way to kick off your New Year.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  



 

 

 

 Well that’s all well and good you may say but what to wear? I'm sure you do want to roll out of bed and go, but don’t want that to be obvious to those you encounter while you are out. No worries. Here are a few pointers to keep you looking chic with minimum effort.

 Dresses are a great way to look pulled together.  The selection of "the perfect" garment and the major component  of your look is complete.

You can go casual. Wearing a dress made of  jersey or a soft knit type of material will give you the same level of comfort and ease offered by a t-shirt/ sweat shirt  but provide the effortless chic look your going for.

Try one of these options



faux leather sleeve

asos quilted jersey

 

maxi woven jersey





If your going for a more formal look try something that is easy to wear but that has some structure and a print. The print will add visual interest without much work on your part while the structured material keeps your form hidden underneath.

printed zara

pair w/ boyfriend cardigan and neutral loafers

issa cape back dress





The dress should offer you a great foundation to add your own personal touches with choices of shoes, opaque hosiery, outerwear and jewelery all of which can be found in your current closet. 

Happy New Year all! I can't wait to share 2013 with you all as we work towards our dreams.

Images: 2013, crepepruse, tomatotulip, eggskillet, champgpunch  frenchtoast, shrimpandgrits, coffeendonut, fruit, lobstegg, mimosa,