Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, a set on Flickr.

MARILYN MONROE PHOTO COLLECTION

POPPING HOT COLOURS OF THE SEASON

POPPING HOT SEASON COLOURS 2012 
Colour accessories make me smile and bring a spring into my step. The fashionable colours in handbags are bright hot fuchsia pinks through to iridescent greens, burnt shades of orange as well as pastel pinks and mauves. Red is still fashionable but there are some fabulous red patent numbers on my top 10 list. There are definitely handbags which are reminiscent of some of the famous designs from previous decades. Many of these will take you from desk to dinner and all you'll need to add is some bling to your jewellery. If you want the same colour pop in an evening clutch, there are some great choices available. Colour abounds in your choice of shoe colours in every style for every occasion. I have chosen a selection of different fashionable designers who are featuring gorgeous options this season.

I think that it is always a good start to flick through current magazines and look at all price ranges to decide what style you like and what colours will POP your wardrobe. The HERMES KELLY BAG is available in Orange but does not feature on their website. There are many designers who have bags available in this shape. It is a classical very tidy shape and it will always be in style. I've selected an orange clutch as a daytime option or the DIANE VON FURSTENBERG TONDA CLUTCH. If you like a more subtle look a burnt orange handbag will still add colour but a little less POP. 

The shoe designers are all showcasing their colour pumps and heels. Christian Louboutin has continued to put out an amazing creative line. If you want to choose an Orange high heel shoe DIANE VON FURSTENBERG also has a great orange style. There are endless shoe designers with orange shoes in their collection but I think that the patent orange look is the best. SAKS has a flat rate of postage to Australia and NORDSTROM's shoe sale online started yesterday. They have great iPhone app Choices are endless.

HOT PINK will always be a favourite with many girls and again there are many shades of pink. I am going for the Hot pink in the KATE SPADE Ettie Cross Body Design. If you are going to a meeting what about the KATE SPADE iPad cover( matching iPhone cover available). If you like a larger bag the MICHAEL KORS ostrich is also HOT. 

Green is hitting the 2012 NYFW Runway and this KATE SPADE New York Lattice Colourblock Satin Point Toe Pump is striking. If you prefer another shade, the Tiffany blue/green Aqua Brian Atwood - Debra Patent Leather Slingback Platform Pumps are a platform option.
Pastels are an option if you are not into bold brights. This Balenciaga Work Glycine handbag is a gorgeous mauve colour and it will be noticed. If you want a pastel pink clutch, the Red Valentino range includes this bow clutch for lunch with the girls and this Ted Baker iPad cover for meetings.

Red will always feature in a fashion collection and I have chosen a Brahim 'Louise' Croc Embossed Satchel and the Kate Spade New York 'Barclay Street - Dama' Patent Leather Tote for when you need that extra space.
What are your favourites?
Enjoy GJB!

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Accessorise and Extend Your Wardrobe

One Outfit...... Multiple Classic Looks.
My last blog was about My Style Mantra and stepping out with confidence and putting your best foot forward. Two of the fashion icons that I admire in regard to Sophisticated Classical Style are Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. Camrose and Kross have recreated Jacqueline Kennedy's Jewellery with the exact replica design. They are amazing vintage pieces. The items arrive in a blue velvet hard case boxes with a Manufacturer's certificate and the providence of each piece and the quality is excellent. The prices with our dollar are amazing. This is the warranty details. You can purchase these from Camrose and Kross directly or from TVSN. Warranty: All Jacqueline Kennedy pieces come with a Manufacturer's certificate. It is certified that the accompanying fashion accessory contains the mark of, and whose elite design is solely and exclusively manufactured by Camrose & Kross is a rendering of the fashion accessories worn by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy First Lady of The United States of America 1961 - 1963. If you are into Jewellery, you have to check out these GORGEOUS pieces. I love pearls and a bit of Bling for evening and brooches are the latest fashionable piece to change up your outfit. I thought that I'd start with the idea of the many faces of a black dress and the jacket, shoes and handbags and then look at how the jewellery changes it up and down. 

I've selected my dress from Saks's website winter sale with upto 70% off at the moment and they have a flat shipping rate to Australia. There are many options available but I've chosen something which is classical and I can wear to multiple different occasions. Haven't got time to go home after work and change? You need a Desk to Dinner Wardrobe.    
                           

Lafayette 148 New York

Lafayette Pleat-Detail Grazia Dress

• Fold over collar
• Sleeveless
• Side zipper
• Fully lined
• About 41" from shoulder to hem
• 55% viscose/45% acetate
• Dry clean
• Imported of Italian fabric

Was AUD $465.41 Now AUD $278.44  0433249068294 

Lafayette 148 New York

Leather Cap Sleeve Stretch Wool Dress

A substantial virgin wool design of elite double cloth finished with leather cap sleeves.

Leather cap sleeves

Front and back Princess seams

Slash pockets

Concealed back zipper

Back vent at hem

Fully lined

About 24" from natural waist

98% virgin wool/2% elastane

Dry clean by leather specialist

Imported of Italian fabric 

Was AUD $594.69 Now AUD $237.67  0433244597355 

What are my options to wear this in as many different ways as possible? Still going for the Classical Style.

1. I can add a short jacket in black. Long sleeved or a 3/4 sleeve may be more versatile
2. Pop it with a short colour jacket 
3. Wear it with a full length trench for more of a work look
4. Wear it with a stylish well cut coat in black or cream for a classical look. 
5. I can add the black Mary Jane shoe for work 
6. Match it with black patent high heel or again pop it with colour or glitter for evening
7. Take it down a notch and tone it down with a patent black or coloured flat ballet pump
8. Bring in the neutral tones in a flat, a kitten heel or a high heel depending on the occasion
9. Bring in the Red shoe again in a flat, a kitten heel or a high heel depending on the occasion
10. The GREEN colour of the season addition is also a possibility
11. Add the classical no fuss handbag, tote, iPad case, or an evening coloured or glitter clutch depending on the occasion
12. Change the hairstyle to an up style for a more formal occasion
13. Add a hair decoration. Maybe a hairband for Lunch
14. Black opaques or skin coloured stockings
15. French Nail Polish or a Colour
16. An appropriate perfume for evening Chanel No 5

Jackie Kennedy style – Fashion trends she had set 

• Sleeveless A-line dresses; 
• A good French suit to the middle of the knee with three-quarter sleeves on the jacket. The quality of the material is very important. 
• Dresses of Valentino and Givenchy; 
• White jeans. She liked the combination of beltless white jeans with a black turtleneck, never tucked in, but pulled down over the hips; 
• Hermes scarves; 
• Dark sunglasses. Once she was no longer a political wife, Jackie almost did not take the dark glasses off. She admitted that sunglasses gave her the opportunity to watch people. 
• Pearl necklaces; 
• Jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels.

Now for the Jacqueline Kennedy jewellery to extend this outfit even further.

Like all girls, Jacqueline Kennedy had many formal and informal functions to attend and planning ahead was essential. I think that this is one of the secrets of looking your best. 

Office Look - Classical, no fuss, Gold necklace, gold bracelet, gold earrings, gold or pearl ring.

•  Jackie's Signature Link Design Necklace ($149) is a richly-textured piece that is the very definition of glamour!
•  Comprised of 36 distinct scalloped elements plated in 24ct gold, interlaced with 39 brilliant stations of 4 Swarovski Crystals each, this necklace was a centrepiece when worn by Jackie and helped define her style
•  The necklace is secured through parrot clasp with extension
•  Necklace measures approx 42cm in length with 8cm extension
•  Necklace width is approx 17mm 

Consider the neckline when choosing the necklace.

 BANGLES ARE A MUST THIS SEASON

Jackies Signature Link Bracelet ($99.50) has the same luxuriously complex personality as the necklace and was one of Jackie's most often worn pieces
•  It has 16 distinct 24ct gold plated scalloped elements and carries 72 Swarovski crystals in between
•  The bracelet is secured through box and tongue clasp
•  Bracelet measures approx 19.5cm and is approx 15mm in width 

 There are 47 bracelets to choose from in the collection.

If you like the layer look wear them in any combination.

• Jackie had a lovely series of bangles ($99.50) she acquired over the years. Here, is a rendering of four of Jackie's favourite designs in one set
• While each bangle can stand alone, Jackie usually wore them stacked together
• Each bangle is 24ct gold plated. The set includes one highly polished bangle with 8 Swarovski crystals, a filigree bangle, a rope design bangle and a bangle with a wrapped design
•  The width of the bangles is approx 4mm to 6mm
• The approximate length of the bangles is 19.5cm 

You could achieve this look with 9k, 14k or 18k  Gold jewellery and achieve the same look depending on your budget. The idea is to invest in various options and build several stories around each dress in your wardrobe so the budget is a factor as all as the total look. If you are playing down the dress, then bring the focus to the accessories. A simple gold chain will not be enough to bring the focus to the jewellery, but you could layer several different length chains as the focal point or Pop the look with the earrings as a statement.  If you choose 2 of the above options, the perhaps a plain gold stud for the day or smaller pearl earrings ($44.50). Amazing price for a piece of history. This was a lovely set of earrings that Jackie wore with her hair up or down, these were among her favourites, especially during the early years of JFKs presidency. These earrings are clip-on and feature rhodium plating with simulated Mabe pearls and are accented with stunning Swarovski crystals. 

Approximate dimensions: Diameter 23mm 

You could wear a single strand pearl necklace without going over the top. Matching bracelet is also available.

This Classic Simulated Single Pearl Strand Necklace ($79.50) features knotted silken cords and ivory cream-coloured Czech glass, hand-painted pearls

  

•  The necklace is secured through box clasp
•  The necklace is approx 53cm
•  The width is approx 8mm
•  Click the More Images link underneath the image to see Jackie wearing this piece!

The art deco clasp boasts beautiful Swarovski crystals and speaks of the elegance of times past.
Camrose & Kross With unmatched quality, Jackie's Triple Strand Pearl Bracelet is a timeless complement for any occasion. The 81 ivory-cream colored European faux pearls, are 6mm in diameter. The platinum-plated art deco clasp has 14 perfect Swarovski® Austrian crystals. Length is 8 inches.($69.95)

If you want to step it up with a pearl earring to give you that evening look then tone down the necklace and the bracelet to something more delicate. These earrings will be show stoppers. 
One of Jackies most famous earrings, the Simulated Pearl Floral Earrings ($99.50) are a testament to her classic taste! Jackie wore these earrings everywhere, and to such interesting affairs
•  She wore to a party in her honour in 1967, thrown by the Italian Ambassador to the United States. The ambassador presented Jackie with her own limited edition copy of the Popes Oratio Dominica
•  Jackie treasured the earrings her whole life and even loaned them to her daughter Caroline, who wore them during her own wedding. Jackie later gave the earrings as an heirloom gift to her daughter Caroline
•  Just like the originals, this rendering is plated in 24ct gold and has the same two sets of removable, hand-painted, faux pearl drops in white and black
•  The studs feature Swarovski crystals
•  The dual floral leaf design features gorgeous Cubic Zirconia
•  The earrings are accented with stunning Swarovski crystals
•  Earrings are secured using a post and disc fitting
•  The earrings measure approx 35mm in height and 20mm in width 
Wear the 3 strand Pearl necklace to a special Lunch or dinner or a cocktail party. Love this piece! Want the Classical Look. The 3 Strand Pearl Necklace is gorgeous.

The finest reproduction of the legendary faux-pearl necklace. Hand knotted silken cords carry 158 ivory cream-colored Czechoslovakian glass hand-painted pearls . The platinum-plated art deco clasp, with 14 Swarovski® Austrian crystals, speaks of the elegance of times past. All Camrose & Kross jewelry is presented in a beautiful steel case covered in soft velour and satin. Inner length is 17 inches, outer length is 20 inches. Also available in a larger 20 inch, inner strand and 23 inch outer strand.
SKU# PR-01from Camrose and Kross ($119.95)

Going for a jacket to wear on a colder morning like today in Sydney? Pick up the black jacket with a pin or often referred to as brooches. If you want to complement the pearl earrings, this is a classical 2 piece pearl set. You could wear them separately or as a set on the top left corner of a dress or on a black velvet choker.

A classic example of Jackie's elegant and refined taste, this brooch was one of Jackie's staples during the White House years. In fact, here she is wearing the pin set during a meeting of the Fine Arts Committee of her famous White House restoration. Jackie marshaled an army of connoisseurs, historians and consultants to perfect her restoration. Here she directs a meeting of the art committee, discussing acquisitions and restorations of oil paintings for the new White House. The Brooch Set boasts cabochon faux-pearls and gold plating($69.95).

I like all things butterflies and I choose various accessories to bring in this element of who I am. Maybe you have a particular liking for a particular design. There are currently 26 pin designs.

The Green Element in earrings for evening. ($64.95)
Jackie found the romance of emeralds irresistible. After wearing the necklace and the matching earrings to the inaugural gala, she had a matching bracelet made (all available on this website). Camrose & Kross presents emerald-colored Swarovski crystals prong-set in a delicately patterned chain of pure sterling silver plated in 24k gold. The earrings are simply stunning and go from formal to informal with a removable pendant! They also feature four unique marquise cut CZs. 1 1/4 inch high with pendant. 
The Good news is that you'll have these accessories forever. You can always substitute the black dress for another black dress and these will still work to change up the outfit for a Classical sophisticated Style for any occasion. Start with the the LBD and match it back.
Enjoy GJB!
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