SheBreathes™ | Fashion + Culture

The Dream Maker | Vionnet

I'm not into resort or cruise collections because honestly I find most of them to be a bit much, or perhaps an over-extension of the designers prior or next collection. But who am I to deny a designer their right to flood the market with collections? This is more of a personal stance than a creative one. All that aside I'm completely smitten with the cruise 2010 collection from Vionnet, the fashion house of master couturier Madeleine Vionnet. The house is being reintroduced with Rodolfo Paglialunga as the creative director and what a timely feat, considering there is an exhibition in Paris now honouring the designer. She knew how to dress the female body, which is an art not a technique. The pieces below match the draping and ruche that Vionnet was known for, so kudos to Mr. Paglialunga for capturing the essence of Vionnet. I'm excited and can't wait to see more! I leave you with you a quote from Madeleine Vionnet, “designers make dresses, artists make dreams”.

Fotos WWD.

Beijinhos.

Made in Spain | Malababa

I'm a huge fan of Spanish designer Ana Carrasco's accessory label Malababa, especially her clutches and leather headbands. Ms. Carrasco does good job of mixing classic shapes with trendy ones. Her bags are soft to the touch which is a major point with me, because I don't like bags that look or feel stiff. During my last visit to Spain my friend Pia had several of Malababa bags strewn about her room, and I was tempted to take a few of them, but I'm happy to say I didn't. But it did prompt me to look back in my closet to rediscover a brand I've never shared on here. The pieces below are from the 08 collection, which I think captures the brands vision well.The Spring 09 collection is online so, I encourage you to visit here, here, and here to see more from them.

Fotos Malababa | Photographers Dilover + Manolo Yllera.

Collection Love | AESA

I'm always drawn to agate it's a mysterious element that's always tempted me. So it's no surprise that I'm loving these agate pieces from jewelry label AESA. I like all the pieces below but I'm torn between the Geo + Saita {first and second necklaces}, both are from their 2009 collection. I had the opportunity to see these on a woman at a recent event and couldn't resist getting the name out of her. The piece she had on looked amazing against her skin and for some reason she seemed happier than anyone else in the room. I won't give AESA full credit for that but happiness is infectious and so is lovely jewelry.

Fotos AESA.

Plenty of the pieces above can be found at Barneys but be sure to visit and explore AESA because they have loads of goodies.

Beijos.

Beauty | Summer Skincare Protection

A few weeks ago we discussed summer haircare protection, and I felt it only natural to address skincare protection in this post. Now, I must let you all know that I love the summer, sun, and the beaches just as much as everyone else, but sun protection is important all year round! Here are my top picks for protecting your skin:

Lavera's Anti-Aging Facial Sunscreen and Moisturizer SPF 20 is 100% mineral based, formulated with organic ingredients and is free of parabens. It protects against both UVA & UVB rays and because it's a moisturizer it can easily be worn under makeup.

For those of you with sensitive skin, I recommend Dermalogica's Super Sensitive FaceBlock SPF 30. It's mineral based, provides a broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB rays) of protection, and is ideal for easily irritated skin.

The Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++ by Shiseido is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It also provides a broad-spectrum of protection. It's full of antioxidants and claims to leave no residue or stickiness.

Please keep in mind that sunscreens are available in various weights, formulas, and may react differently on various skin types. I encourage you to be patient when searching for a sunscreen that works for your skin type and remember, everyone should wear sunscreen regardless of your complexion!

Revisiting | Tina Kalivas

As many of you know from my past feature I'm a huge fan of Australian-based designer Tina Kalivas. Seeing her home on The Selby prompted a revisit {because I wasn't going to post anything today, a bit sad like so many}. Below are looks from her Zarafshan collection, which is inspired by Afghanistan women who live outside of Sydney, who also helped create the collection. I love it! I also love the colourful embroidery against muted tones. Visit to explore the entire collection.

More pieces I love. I have my Aussie-based cousin Milly on the hunt for the pieces below.

Fotos Tina Kalivas.

Beijinhos.

PS:

Like many I too am sadden by the passing of Michael Jackson + Farah Fawcett, may they both RIP. I hope all who are just as sadden find a way to celebrate their legacy and what they meant to you. Remember to be safe + breathe easy, and have a beautiful weekend.

Clam Magazine | Issue # 19 + Me

I did an interview with Clam Magazine not to long ago and today I was told the issue is out and the best part is yours truly is on page 3! And yes there is a foto, hehe. Mystery solved {smile}. And since I've discussed my love affair with Clam on here a few times it's truly an honour to be included in their magazine. They also did an awesome tribute to Brasilian artist Emanuel Araújo, and they asked me what he meant to me, so yeah pick it up, and read hehe! If you're in NYC check the racks of Universal News and if you happen to scan it, please send me a copy, as I haven't received my copy yet. Below is some e-cards {click to enlarge} of where you can get the magazine in the USA and London. For other cities like Paris, Belgium, Italy, South Africa, etc click here to see all the e-cards on where to buy. Of course I'll update soon as I get it + scan.

USA:

London:
Beijos.

Silent Companions | Patricia von Musulin

I love these wooden pieces from jewelry designer Patricia von Muslin. The sparkly details are the cherry topper. Visit to explore more of her work.

Fotos Patricia von Musulin.

Beijos.

Cover Me | Nonoo Lyons

I've been patiently waiting to see the collection of coats + jackets from Nonoo Lyons, ever since my interview with Deborah Lyons of Méchante of London. If you remember this is a collaboration with her friend Misha Nonoo {revealed here}. I'm loving the cut of the pieces below and with materials like tweed, wool, and cashmere these ladies are after my heart. Visit + explore the entire F/W 09 collection. 

Fotos Nonoo Lyons .

Beijinhos.

In Your Closet | Nicola Finetti

There is something refreshing about seeing a designer present their collection as if it were already in your closet. Australian-based designer Nicola Finetti's A/W 09 collection is presented this way and I'm smitten. It's easier to digest this collection and imagine myself in several pieces. It's like a virtual dressing room sans the mirrors. There is a quiet quality to this presentation, with each piece whispering "take me home". Visit, explore, and imagine.

Fotos Nicola Finetti.

Beijos.

The Graduate | Anna Unger

I'm diggin' a few pieces from LCF graduate Anna Unger's Wild Angel collection. Despite the name of this collection the pieces below are delicate and ultra chic. The fit and muted tones against pretty splashes of colour is rather delicious. I can't help but be enamored with the model, she's not over posing {something I wish would end}, she's simply wearing these pieces. And while I wasn't enamored with the entire collection, these are the stand-outs and will keep me revisiting. Visit and explore her inspiration, be sure to checkout the detail fotos.

Fotos Anna Unger.

Beijinhos.

A Twist On Vintage Jewelry

Along with vintage fashion I've always adored vintage jewelry. I've been gradually building my collection and have become more intrigued since discovering reworked vintage jewelry. In tune with the popular green phenomenon, designers are working overtime to stay aware and create sustainability through their work. With the heightened demand for exclusivity in fashion increasing every second, this just may be the route to go.

One of my recent finds (thanks to Ms. Shoo) is Sid Vintage by designer Natalie Bennett. She fuses dead stock vintage chains with gaudy baubles to create complete lines of statement pieces, like earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Then there is House of Lavande which has an exquisite offering of couture vintage jewels that will leave you breathless. You'll find amazing craftsmanship like those of famed jewelers like Kenneth Jay Lane, YSL, and Trifari. 

 

And it was Reverie that motivated to do this post after viewing a few pieces online — which were totally captivating. The designer Alison Woodward has mastered the ability to use vintage materials to create a modern look throughout her collections.

Fotos Shopbop | House of Lavande | Reverie.

Aveda Winner + Happy Weekend!

We have a winner of the Summer Haircare Protection/Aveda Giveaway, and it's Mei-Li-T, congrats!! Please check your inbox and get back to me within 48 hours! You can see all who were entered here. If you didn't leave your last initial in your original comment/or didn't leave on at all you weren't entered, sorry. Thank you to all who entered and stay tune as more giveaways will be coming your way, and don't forget to sign-up for the newsletter, because July is right around the corner!

Foto Au fil de, visit and explore her gorgeous stream + her shoppe!

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! I'm packed and off to another journey, but the blog will be updated throughout next week. I will be updating some things around here too, so check back for that. Thank you for always reading and below is a just quick list of goodies for you to indulge in.

Goodies:

Be sure to peruse the sales vault for goodies. Be sure to visit Love + Dreams, which has plenty of home goodies. I shared Casa Restaurant, which no one who loves Brasilian food and lives in NYC, should miss!

Street Etiquette is a new daily read as well as Heights of Fashion, you'll love both, so click + explore!

There is so much swirling about the Design Piracy Prohibition Act, that I've decided since I've openly declared my support of the bill, that next week in the Studio Series, I will share my thoughts, on my own space. But for now, read this + this, and then visit one of my favourite blogs Counterfeit Chic, and do some research on the bill and be sure to download it too.

If you need to play catchup, don't forget to peruse the topics this week. Then visit our resident beauty expert Kitiya at Mischo Beauty, because she's always sharing new beauty items/tips, and usually has ongoing giveaways! A new vintage feature will be up shortly, by our resident vintage expert Ebony, so check back for that soon!

And a very Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, my papa included {I miss him so much}!

Have a beautiful and fun weekend — remember to breathe.