How to choose the perfect winter coat?!

Burberry 

A winter coat is always one of the the biggest purchase of the year and now is the time to start looking for your coat before the weather turns too chilly - and the best ones sell out!

First, spend some time deciding your budget and what you are looking for: which coat will suit your bank account, body shape, lifestyle and PERSONAL STYLE?!

Larger figures will look best in leaner straight cuts and should avoid double-breasted coats or those made of thick material such as sheepskin or 'puffa' padded nylon. If like me, you like wearing your coat open, don’t forget to try it out open as well!  

Belted coats look best on slim and petite figures - opt for one with a wider belt which will flatter a thicker waist.

Anyone under 5' 4" ( around 1.65 cm) should search for coats in "petite" sizes to take advantage of their flattering smaller proportions. Long coats will swamp your frame so stick to on-the-knee lengths and I suggest that you wear long boots in the same colour as your coat underneath. This will lengthen your silhouette!

Don't be afraid to emphasise your "modelestic" stature if you are very tall. An ankle-length coats can look particularly dramatic, but be sure the sleeves are long enough to avoid looking as if you have out grown your coat. Not stylish at all!

Also, think about WHAT you will be wearing underneath your coat and WHEN you will wear it: travelling to work, for evenings out, or at the weekend?

When choosing colour, remember that despite the trend for bold colours and patterns around this autumn,  you should stick to classic colours such as black, navy, brown and cream that won't date. Remember, a new coat is an investment!

Having said that, if you can afford it, it's often worth investing in two coats. One darker and one lighter coloured. You could use the darker for day-to-day activities and keep the lighter-coloured coat for special occasions and evenings out as nothing can beat the glamour of a winter white belted coat...

And finally,

Take care of your INVESTMENT and it will last you years! Trust me on this one, I have been keeping some of my coats for ages! Dry clean your coat often (if you can afford it) and be sure to hang it on a WOODEN hanger rather than a hook on the back of the door. The silhouette of your coat relies on the shoulders and once they go the coat will look shapeless and worn and that, we don't want!

Voili voilou !

Are flat shoes sexy?

Yesterday, I read an article on the FootwearNews magazine confirming the results of this year "sexy shoes" contest. Christian Louboutin red stubbed patent leather pumps won the first place. This contest was created by FootwearNews magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue, New York. Looking at the top four shoes, I noticed that all of them were high heels! 

Christian Louboutin

Flat shoes are normally associated with comfort or elegance. But, are flats  shoes sexy?

Most women and men believe that wearing a pair of high heels brings on the sexy. Some women are so used to wearing high heels that they don't feel comfortable without an extra height. Some, simply don't like the look of flats on themselves while others, just don't feel sexy without a higher heel.

Well, I don't know about you, but I am a flats lover. In fact, I wear flats most of the time! I personally believe that wearing flat shoes can make you look sexy, chic and stylish in no time!

Stuart Weitzman 

Charotte Olympia "bisous" shoes

The truth is if you've got it, you've got it. In this case, size do not matter! High heel, low heel or somewhere in between.

And if you do not think you are sexy, wearing heels will not change anything. Just like your personal style, feeling sexy comes out of confidence and attitude. You've got to feel it, own it and reveal it!

So, are flats shoes sexy? I say, sure thing! but it depends on the person who wears them. And If you don't feel sexy wearing flats, then keep rocking those heels !

Zou bisou bisou.

Attitude: Chloe.'s Fashion Revolution.

How modern women should live? With Attitude, lots of it!

Chloé. Attitudes is the very first exhibition dedicated to Chloé, a celebration of the Maison’s 60-year contribution to fashion culture. This spectacular exhibition offers a playful interpretation of the Chloé spirit that spans seven decades. Located in Paris' Palais de Tokyo, the exhibition features the top 70 designs from the brand's nine key designers, among them: Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Phoebe Philo. 

And for those of you who think they know everything about La maison Chloe, this exhibit will prove you wrong! It paints a picture of Chloé in a rather playful and unexpected way. Iconic looks are presented alongside lesser-known yet equally influential designs. Many of these were rediscovered during the creation of the new archive developed since Waight Keller’s arrival. Most importantly, these are on display to the public for the very first time!

Never-before-published drawings dating from 1958–85 and iconic fashion photography by image-makers including Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, Jeanloup Sieff, David Bailey and Deborah Turbeville suggest multiple interpretations of the classic Chloé woman.

One may think that the Chloe's woman is very Bohemian in spirit, in reality, it’s much, much more than that.She has a free-spirit. She is carefree and almost provocative at times. She is driven by the 60's attitude and believes that everything is possible. In my opinion, everyone should believe in endless possibilities and opportunities. Don't you agree?

The Chloe woman typifies the independent spirit of the modern woman.

Voili voilou! 

 Exhibition: Cristóbal Balenciaga, Collectionneur de Modes.

I chose to talk to you about this exhibition because it is a remarkable reminder of what style should be: You have to own who you are before you can own your personal style!

The Musee (Museum) Gallieria in Paris, pays tribute to the work of Basque fashion designer and founder of the Balenciaga's House, Cristóbal Balenciaga with a beautiful and creative exhibition. 

The Musee and La Maison (House) Balenciaga wanted to mark the 40th anniversary of the designer's death, by bringing together a selection of creations (between 1937 and 1968) and pieces from Balenciaga's personal archives in a retrospective which spans almost three centuries of inspiration. 

This personal archive includes a range of items from the 19th century such as dresses, collars, corsets, shawls, mantles, capes, as well as fashion plates, books and journals. 

Set alongside Balenciaga’s design work, the reinterpretation of fashion history for design inspiration is made evident. Balengicaga's work is a constant celebration of the past. The shapes, colors and beading techniques are remarkably similar, creating links through time and history. 

His work, his idea of elegance and personal Style allowed this amazing designer to enter some of the most exquisite wardrobes: Queens of Spain and Belgium, Princess Grace of Monaco and The Duchess of Windsor.

Today, his work remains a source of inspiration for great designers such as Oscar de la Renta , André Courrèges , Emanuel Ungaro  and Hubert de Givenchy.

This exhibition give us an exceptional insight into Balenciaga's artistry. Cristóbal Balenciaga owned every aspect of his personality and this knowledge makes him fully aware of his Style and signature; isn't that what Style is all about?! 

Balenciaga is a man in love with the past and a man in love with details. Although there is a minimal text to present the creations, none is needed for the objects speak for themselves ...

Tempted?!, hurry, the exhibition ends on October, 7th  ! 


For more information on the opening times visit: 

http://www.paris.fr/loisirs/musee-galliera/exposition/crist-bal-balenciaga-collectionneur-de-modes/rub_6129_stand_112604_port_13749

Zou bisou bisou 

Paris is always a good idea ...

Hi Guys!

Ce je ne sais Quoi is in Paris for the week. I have been attending a few exhibitions and events and I will tell you all about it very soon. Yes, there is always something to do in Paris!

Zou bisou bisou

It 's time for Africa !

You've seen them crowding the racks at stores and draping the bodies of some of the most well-dressed ladies around. Tribal and African prints were one of the hottest trends this summer and should see them again next year! I decided to get right into the source by attending the second edition of the Africa Fashion week. This event is perfect for those you adopt an ethnic style and enjoy playing with different types of  prints.

London welcomed the second edition of Africa Fashion week London (AFWL), a two-day event with the most talented African designers.

This event was created by Ronke Ademiluyi, who kindly reserved two seats, front row, for my dear husband and I. While chatting with the lovely Ronke, I realised that this humble woman is genuinely determined to celebrate African artistry and African talents.

Before I tell you a lot more about Africa Fashion week, let’s go back to where it all started, in 2003, in the Vibrant City of Cape Town. The Cape Town Fashion week was created by Dr. Precious Moloi, who is now the CEO of Africa Fashion International. Dr. Moloi grew up in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg.

Dr. Precious Moloi, CEO) Africa Fashion International

Driven by the love she has for the African continent and realising that the African designers did not have a platform to showcase their artistry, she decided to create the Cape Town Fashion week which has now become an internationally celebrated Show.

Today, through The Africa Fashion international, she works to help African designers build strong businesses in South Africa and beyond its borders in order to generate economic growth in Africa and support the development of the continent. Dr Moloi’s work to support African designers is a true source of inspiration for emerging organizers all over Africa including Ronke Ademiluyi.

AFWL took place at Spitalfields Market Hall and for you must know, the venue was not big enough to contain the crowd dying to see the show! The AFWL featured more than 50 designers including  award winning designer, Adebayo Jones, House of Farah and MMD Designs, Africanicism, Afrofanatic and Rouch by Ronke; more than 100 models and a quite impressive press coverage considering that it was only the second edition of the show.




The colors, the prints, the movement if the clothes were simply enchanting and met my expectations as these elements have always been part of African Fashion. However, I was agreeably surprised by the choice of the fabrics, and the shapes of some designs which leads me to believe that our dearest designers pay a lot more attention to detail than they have in the past.

Also, some designs were very interesting as the designer found a way to gracefully incorporate African traditional prints into lovely contemporary designs.

Has African fashion finally found a way to impose its "Ce je sais Quoi" in one of most exciting fashion Capitals.... ?! 

 

My only regret was around the venue which was not big enough to welcome the 10 000 people who attended the two- day event. The crowd made it sometimes difficult to appreciate the shows and the pieces of clothing displayed in the hall. On the other hand, this crazy attendance proves the show is getting very popular as well as the interest for African Fashion...The industry is rising, and we love it!

 

 I had so much fun attending this event. There was a great atmosphere and there is nothing more exciting than being part of something that holds such a potential !

I cannot wait to see what Ronke and her team has planned for us next year.

Africa Fashion week, a show full of promises!

Zou bisou bisou

 

Style is about the way you live ...

Style is about what is happening. What do you read, where do you go, what do you talk about, what do you like, dislike, what music do do you like? Style defines and enhances itself over time and maturity.

In my Lifestyle Category, let's "gossip" a bit, shall we  ... :) 

Mad Men