Tag Archives: celine

trend to try: oversized outerwear

Chloé, via Style.com / Proenza Schouler, via Style.com / Céline, via Style.com

Erin ~ Winter is not my season. As soon as that cold weather blows in, you can barely see me under the layers of sweaters, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. So a trend that is both stylish and warm? Sign me up. The oversized trend from Fall 2012’s runways can look architectural and very “model off-duty”, while allowing you to layer a few extra sweaters underneath to combat the cold.

Of course, the runway looks are incredibly theatrical and larger than life. So how do you wear this trend without looking like you just bought the wrong size or are impersonating the Michelin Man?

Read on →

splurge vs steal: celine luggage tote

Once when I was but a wee fashion blogger, I bought a knockoff. A fake of Marc Jacobs’ once huge hit, the Stam bag. I was so excited, and was sure no one would know. And I was right – it was a great fake. The only problem was that I knew. And I never really got over it. I carried that bag exactly twice, and it rotted in my closet ever after. I was even too ashamed to take it to Goodwill, so it went in the garbage when we finally parted ways.

All this to say that, as a rule, I’m not a big fan of fakes. I’d much prefer to save up and just buy the real thing already, because there’s something about it that an Asian sweatshop just can’t replicate.

That said, I’ve been craving a Celine Luggage tote since I first spied them a few years ago. That ladylike styling, the functional shape, even the handle placement…this beautiful girl gets me every time. But in this case, it’s never really been about the “Celine”-ness of it…it’s really about loving the bag’s shape and style.

So, imagine my ethical conundrum when I opened J.Crew’s spring catalog to see this:

Not exact – nothing can really compete with that stunning Celine – but I think we can safely call it “startlingly similar”, no? All but the price. The Celine (if you’re lucky enough to find one, as they’re almost always sold out) clocks in anywhere from $1500 for a mini to $2900 for the large size; the Tillary from J.Crew a much milder $328.

Since I was never wedded to the brand-ness of it…and in fact, would even have been less likely to buy because it’s so highly branded (much as I love it, the Celine just doesn’t fit my daily lifestyle, so the splurge would be wasted on me), I was feeling okay about downgrading here. Now that I see them side by side, though…maybe it’s not quite as cut and dry as I’d hoped.

So, what would you do…splurge or steal? And, perhaps more importantly, camel or blue?

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my fall must-haves, vol. 1

about this time every year, my brain transitions seasons…always a little earlier than the weather does (i blame my mountain of fashion mags, which have been tempting me with fall collections since june). i suddenly find myself craving all things fall, even though the thermometer clearly reads summer. so, i’ve been a bit at a loss: do i drag you all into my fast-moving fashion calendar, or let you enjoy these last days of summer, dreaming of flip flops and floaty dresses?

for today, at least, i’m taking a step forward and showing off the pieces that have made the top of my must-have list for fall. i fully expect additions to this list, but i know beyond a shadow of a doubt i’ll spend the next few months searching for the perfect version of each of these.

first up, it’s all about this outfit for me. the slouchy heather grey v-neck, the camel skirt, and even that perfect waist-cinching corset belt. as always, michael kors is classic perfection, and this look is the one i’m most excited about reliving for fall 2010. (particularly since i think at least half of us already have the components in our closets!)

michael kors fall 2010 runway look 6, image from style.com

second on my list is the perfect pair of leopard flats. true, leopard accessories are just about every “must have” list this fall, but i’d just like to say i’ve been on the hunt for these for months now. to say i’ve searched high and low so far wouldn’t even come close. it’s been agonizing. i’ll share all the gory details later, but for now, just bask in the utter versatility and edgy chic of these little numbers.

image by garance dore

next up is the perfect (and i mean perfect) camel hair coat. my mom bought a max mara last year, and i nearly died from the sheer wonderfulness. this year, there will be even more styles to choose from, what with camel being the color of the season. this is definitely going to be a splurge, but one that will last a lifetime. cost per wear, my friends.

max mara fall 2009, look 1 (currently in my mother’s closet), image from style.com

finally, i’m so, so thrilled that classic, beautiful, wide leg trousers are back. i can’t wait to dive into a pair in gorgeous charcoal wool, and maybe a second pair in that luscious camel i keep coming back to. it’s not always the easiest look to pull off, especially if you’re shaped like anything other than a twig. but we’ll come back to that, i promise.

celine resort 2011, look 14, image from style.com

and for now, that’s it. these are the pieces i know will make my closet work hard for me over the next six months. i have a feeling a belt or two may creep onto that list, and of course, the inevitable addition to my scarf collection. but overall, this little handful of pieces is all i’m coveting for cooler weather. the beauty of this year’s fall trends is that a few key pieces really can update so many things you already have in your closet. i can hardly wait to show you how i’ll be doing it.

what’s on your wishlist for fall (so far)?

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