a taste of glamour to keep the spirits up

This gallery contains 6 photos.

fashion inspired by autumn in paris

Too soon to think Autumn,  even though it is actually almost around the corner. But in the fashion world, Autumn attire is long planned and introduced. So for that, here is my favorite ensemble, inspired by the beautiful colors of fall time in Paris.

Autumn in Paris by rawsilkandsaffron featuring a black pencil skirt

Splendid top
net-a-porter.com

Miss Selfridge leather biker jacket
missselfridge.com

Moschino Cheap Chic black pencil skirt
$265 - coggles.com

Yves Saint Laurent leather sandals
barneys.com

Emilio Pucci clutch handbag
stylebop.com

fashion tres chic

I cannot get enough of the color red in fashion, so I am always looking for ways to incorporate the hue in an ensemble.

fashion tres chic by rawsilkandsaffron featuring a red shawl

James Perse ruched top
net-a-porter.com

Giles knee length pencil skirt
avenue32.com

Loriblu red platform pumps
forzieri.com

House of Harlow 1960 black bangle
$155 - the-dressingroom.com

Lanvin tahitian pearl earrings
$270 - net-a-porter.com

Juicy Couture sparkle jewelry
$230 - psyche.co.uk

Givenchy red shawl
forwardforward.com

Carven acetate sunglasses
net-a-porter.com

Yves Saint Laurent lip stick
yslbeautyus.com

Patriotic Ensemble

I am not one to dress symbolically, but on occasion will throw in accessories which are a subtle reminder of a national celebration. Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate the holiday.

Patriotic Ensemble by rawsilkandsaffron featuring gold bangles

Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress
matchesfashion.com

Pierre Hardy red sandals
shirise.com

Chloé satchel bag
forwardforward.com

Dsquared leather bangle
dsquared2.com

Gold bangle
$38 - debenhams.com

Juliet & Company pearl stud earrings
shopbop.com

Polka dot scarve
gojane.com

Ray-Ban ray ban shades
shopbop.com

Comfy fashion

Comfy fashion by rawsilkandsaffron featuring jersey shirts

J Brand jersey shirt
trilogystores.co.uk

Mango crochet pants
€45 - placedestendances.com

ALAIN QUILICI wooden heel shoes
€421 - lindestore.com

Modalu brown shoulder bag
€297 - pret-a-beaute.com

royal wedding day – across the world

Happy Royal Wedding Day to all my British friends and loyal U.K. blog followers!!!  Enjoy the day off. We can only hope to have such a day here in the states.

In light of the event and knowing not so many people will turn to their favorite blogs today, I have decided to pay homage to my favorite exhibition of royalty at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Pulp Fashion by Isabelle de Borchgrave, running through 5th of June 2011.

“Pulp Fashion draws on several themes and presents quintessential examples in the history of costume—from Renaissance finery of the Medici family and gowns worn by Elizabeth I and Marie-Antoinette to the creations of the grand couturiers Frederick Worth, Paul Poiret, Christian Dior, and Coco Chanel. Special attention is given to the creations and studio of Mariano Fortuny, the eccentric early-20th-century artist who is both a major source of inspiration to de Borchgrave and a kindred spirit.” (Legion of Honor site)

It is a must see in my opinion and a good idea for those taking the day off today in light of the Royal Wedding. Happy weekend everyone!!!

inspirational woman over 40 – Ines de la Fressange

A woman who I have admired for a long time now, is of course a French fashion icon, Ines de la Fressange. I am not going to detail her bio on this blog entry, but will happily give you a link here  so that you can use it to get some background about her.

The interesting thing is that, she became well known around the fashion world as a result of her connection to Chanel throughout most of her 20s. Anyway, she had written a book a while back titled, Parisian Chic, which I have picked up and read from cover to cover, just so I can truly understand Parisian women, their style, even more so than I already do, in order to satisfy my obsession with the French lifestyle, culture, and fashion.

Of course the book validates the fact my core makeup and way of thinking and living  is French and I am very happy about that. The transition to living in France someday soon will be very easy for me.

So, check out the video here for a brief narrative of her book. Meanwhile here is the link if you are interested in buying or uploading her book.

sandals and flats for summer 2011

The search has begun for Summer shoes and I must say there are a few I am considering to add to my collection, even though all I really need is a pair of flats and maybe some pumps for the summer.

But of course, although I knew what I wanted, (The Salvadore Ferragamo Fademy Pumps and the Jimmy ChooWhirl Flats) I tried on the ones below just for the fun of it and fell in love with all of them. They are now on my wish list. Let me know what you think?

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trendy blazers or jackets for casual wear

I love casual days at work or the chance where I can actually go out on  a Friday night wearing a pair of jeans. However, finding the right jacket to wear with the jeans when opting for a more casual look is often times difficult for the woman over 40.

The idea is not to wear something too dressy and yet not too casual or sporty. Also, often times the jackets suggested are too youthful as well and the best or only choices for the over 40 crowd are  waste length leather jackets.

So for this particular struggle, I have searched high and low and have come up with a few affordable jackets to consider for pairing with a nice pair of jeans. Let me know what you think?

The blazers or jackets below can be found here

oh la la – i want i want

Don’t you ever just walk down the street, especially in the business or financial sector of a metropolitan city or even the French Riviera and say to yourself, I want that, where did she get that?  If you aren’t one of those women, than just turn the page, otherwise take a look at my most recent wants. Oh how I wish money grew on trees – but since it doesn’t I can only dream right?

I want that look

I want that red bag and the camera too

I want that skirt and even the shoes - why not?

I want that watch and the costume jewelry please

I want that bag

I want to dress like that

Oh la la - I want I want

I want a side of George Clooney please - What!