Vassar College Archives: 1950s
April 13th, 2011 § 3 Comments
Elegancia {Massimo Dutti April 2011 Lookbook}
April 4th, 2011 § 4 Comments
Spanish label, Massimo Dutti, recently released their April 2011 lookbook and thereby struck a major chord with me. I adore the quiet elegance of this line — very “classic American style with European elan” — right up my alley (and practically at my front door). A menswear designer that relatively recently moved into the womenswear space, Massimo Dutti champions the kind of look that I love in their latest lookbook: menswear-flavored accents, classic lines, jackets galore, jolts of bright color, pretty flats, swingy skirts, stripes, polka dots…the list goes on. For a girl who enjoys looking like a polished tomboy, I found plenty to love.
Because Massimo Dutti is currently without a US boutique, it looks like I will have to wait until my next trip to London to see the clothes for myself. I’m a smidge wary, as they are owned by the same parent company that owns Zara — a shop I don’t usually have much luck in — but I’m reserving final judgment. From outward appearances Massimo Dutti looks like a label after my own heart. See the rest of the lookbook here.
2011 Cruise Collection
While we are on the subject, the menswear lookbook is rather handsome, as well. See it here. My newest menswear crush!
All images via Massimo Dutti
English Rose
March 15th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Diana, Princess of Wales by Mario Testino
Vanity Fair July 1997
With all the excitement over the upcoming wedding of Kate and Wills, I increasingly find my thoughts turning to Diana. Her style, grace and beauty remain unparalleled to this day. A true princess.
Images via Noir Facade.
28 Days of Classy and Fabulous Things: Day 24 – Get a Tailor
February 24th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
**QC’s 28 Days**
In February I will be bringing you daily tips
to cultivate more classiness and fabulousness in daily life!
Image via LIFE, taken in 1938 by John Phillips.
Day 24: Get a Tailor
Throughout your classy and fabulous life you will have the chance to wear many beautiful clothes, be they ready to wear, haute couture, or anything in between. Sometimes, you may find your clothes are a bit ill-fitting — this is because you are a complete original, cherie, and you require original garments! New clothes will need adjustments to fit perfectly, older garments will need letting out or taking in or modernizing. Think of your wardrobe as a blooming garden, in need of constant upkeep — your tailor is your gardener! Alas, yours truly is currently in need of a gardener to call her own — might you be a dear and share yours?
Earlier: Quite Continental’s 28 Days of Classy and Fabulous Things
28 Days of Classy and Fabulous Things: Day 14 – Be Your Own Valentine
February 14th, 2011 § 3 Comments
**QC’s 28 Days**
In February I will be bringing you daily tips
to cultivate more classiness and fabulousness in daily life!
Day 14: Be Your Own Valentine
Of course, the 14th of February is Valentine’s Day — and whether you find yourself in a relationship or not — today is a day to celebrate love. And I definitely don’t mean only romantic love! On Valentine’s Day, remember your mum, your friends, and yourself! My tip for today? Be your own valentine! Love yourself! Because, in the immortal words of RuPaul:
“If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you
going to love somebody else? Can I get an amen?”
Amen! And yes, I did just quote RuPaul.
(If she isn’t classy and fabulous, I don’t know who is.)
Most of us have the tendency to be exceptionally hard on ourselves. We are constantly telling ourselves we don’t have the right job, don’t have the right partner, don’t look right… Sound familiar? This Valentine’s Day, do yourself a solid and ease up. You’re amazing, my darling. You’re classy and fabulous. Seriously. No one else could be you! Embrace your strengths and weaknesses, recognize you are a work in progress, and value the fact that you are an original!
A great way to help you ease up and start showing yourself l’amour is by reading The Daily Love. Whether you sign up for the daily email or follow the twitter account, creator Mastin Kipp always has insight to share. I highly recommend it!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Earlier: Quite Continental’s 28 Days of Classy and Fabulous Things
Elegance: Valentino Haute Couture S/S 2011
January 28th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli presented an etheral and quietly luxurious collection for Valentino. Displaying an uncanny sense of weightlessness and timeless elegance, Valentino is assured to yet again be a major player on the red carpets and high society events this year. In a sea of muted colors, my favorite is probably the red dress…but you know I have such a thing for red, these days!
Some favorites from the show:
Images via Vogue Paris
Your Thoughts? Club Monaco Max Blazer
October 20th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
Even though camel is very hot this season, camel is a staple color that I group along with navy and gray as one of my favorite fashion workhorses. Lately I have been on the hunt for a camel jacket, blazer or coat that would be a classic addition to my wardrobe. I think I may have found it this Sunday afternoon while wandering around Soho.
The Club Monaco Max Blazer hits the high points on my wishlist. I had been considering a few coats, but what I really wanted was a jacket or blazer to get me through autumn. It’s a wool blend and is fully lined, which will give it a bit of extra warmth that hopefully extends the amount of time it can be worn. The pricetag doesn’t break the bank, either.
But I do have my doubts. While camel with be around long after the “trend” has died out, this is definitely a boyfriend blazer and this trend does swing in and out (you will recall it was previously favored by Lisa Turtle at Bayside High). While the coat has a generally classic lines – I like that it’s not double breasted or gussied up with “fun” details – it is over-sized, a bit boxy and has pretty strong shoulders.
Your thoughts?
On balance, I’m definitely leaning toward making the move and bringing this find home. Someone needs to make me a bigger coat closet!
