Goodbye 2009... Hello 2010!

I've been on a bit of a hiatus these last 2 months... Not from lack of inspiration, but basically figuring myself out, rearranging my priorities and reinventing my life.

I think it's a good thing to re-evaluate and de-clutter your life every few years. Figure out what works and clear out what no longer works for you. At the beginning of 2009 I had no idea what a major "clean up" year it would be. Lots of changes and lessons learnt, some more challenging than others, but in hindsight all good. :)  I am very blessed.

So what of 2010?

In general, I look forward to starting a fresh, as with every new year. With regards to this blog, my resolution is to get more serious about it. Post more often, of course and really give it a more defined character and show you guys a lot more. 

My favourite posts in 2009 were:

More Dash Than Cash

All The Beautiful Women

Marilyn Monroe in Cavalli

I'd like to do more posts like these in 2010 and more DIY posts as well. Plus I'm also keeping the "I like her shoes" and "Seriously?" posts 'cause they are just fun. I'm excited for 2010, I hope you guys are too! So, I wish you safe and merry New Year's celebrations and...

A Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and very, very Blessed 2010!!

Mamma mia!

Don't you love Madonna as the new face of Dolce & Gabbana?!

I love the sensuality of the images. Sure, washing dishes is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think "sensual". Then again, getting elbow deep in warm sudsy water while wearing a skin tight leopard print dress might do it for some... who knows...?  ;-)

For me though, the sensuality of these images isn't in the act of washing dishes (obviously), nor is it in the sexiness of the dress. No, for me, it is her femininity; so strong and mature.

I love her voluptuousness in this photo, the fullness of her face and bust-line.

(photos courtesy of: myfashionlife.com)

I am not going to join other bloggers with their snarky statements of the obvious, because of course, not for a single moment do I think that Madonna slaves over a hot stove for her family or even does the dishes. But in a sense, I see this campaign as a celebration of the women who do.

Sexy is of course more than the leopard print dress they're advertising, but the dress does stand for something. It stands for being all woman in all aspects of your life. Being a strong woman, without loosing your femininity. Taking care of yourself so that you can better take care of your family, especially in the little things like feeding and clothing them. That is sexy!

Also, this campaign is such a departure from the campaigns we are used to seeing of unreal/surreal images that are in total disconnect to anything most women experience in their daily lives.

Am I going too deep here? Am I seeing things that aren't there? Am I just glad to see Madonna in something other than leotard-onesy-bodysuit thingy's she been showing us for the past 2 years...? Who knows...

Shala la la la...

I saw this pic of Shala Monroque on The Sartorialist a while back...

I loved the classic cut and hem line of the dress...

Then came this one.

(images from The Sartorialist)

I loved the simple clean lines of the dress/coat (not sure which it is) paired with the killer heels. But most of all  the warmth of that smile!

We've been seeing a lot of Shala this year. I hope it's not a one off, cause I'll be looking out for her in the future.

I like her shoes... redux...

Back in July I  showed you these fabulous lovelies:

 

 

(photo courtesy of styleandthecity.com)

I still don't know who this fabulous woman with her fabulous bag is, but the SHOES are by Givenchy.

Givenchy's Spring 2009 Couture line to be exact.  Yep, you read that right. It's Couture, not RTW, so it's not widely available in shops. We will just  have to keep dreaming... sigh...

Oh to be Carine Roitfeld...

I wish I could look this fab on a daily basis...



... and that's all I'm going to say.

I like her shoes....

The girl? Unknown. The shoes? Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2010 leopard print wedges. They really are some thing special aren't they?

(photo: Jak&Jil Blog)

P.S. these won't be available for the general public till March 2010. Lucky girl right?

Inspiration Autumn/Winter 09: Embroidered Shoulders...

There is no doubt about it, shoulders are back. Balmain of course being the most prominent example and lot's of other designers doing strong shoulders for AW 2009 as well.

I however, am going to pass on the shoulder pads, because to be honest I have the same problem with shoulder pads as I do with leggings: I wore them the last time they were in fashion and I now I'm strangely embarrassed to see their return. It's like when that obnoxious aunt or uncle calls you by your childhood nickname in front of your friends. Well, maybe less humiliating, but embarrassing all the same. I just want to leave it in the past and move on.

Move on to embroidered shoulders. As far as strong shoulders go, I really think this is the way forward for me.

I loved this Alberta Ferretti dress when I saw it in British Harper's Bazaar. (August 2009)



but then I saw it on the runway...



and I thought: "Blehh..." What an awful fit. What's the point, if it looks better off than on? (don't answer that)

BUT! I've found an alternative! That is, assuming that I would have somehow fallen on my head and consider buying an ill fitting 1.500EUR dress.

This dress was 20EUR!


Considering the price, I know I will have to secure the beading on the shoulders just to be sure I don't loose them. Oh well... I love it all the same. I intend to wear it over jet black jeans with black suede over the knee boots... or velours pants with black sued heels... or with leather pants and black ballet flats... or... with black opaque tights, a white button up shirt and silver flats... or... you name it.