SJP+LBD = FAB

The news recently broke about the new SJP LBD (Sarah Jessica Parker Little Black Dress) collection coming to Bloomingdales and your  LBB/MBB/BBB - Little, Medium, or Big Brown Bag this spring.

One dress was released early to kick off the collection that will consist of  a collection of re-imagined timeless Little Black Dresses. 

Fittingly the first offering is called "Title", a new take on the iconic white tu tu and pink tank combo her famous character of Carrie Bradshaw wore in the opening title sequence of Sex and The City for its 6 season run.

We were first introduced to "Carrie" in this white vintage tutu that stylist Patricia Field procured at a thrift store in New York and it really set the style tone for this character. It re-appeared when Carrie was cleaning out her closet in the first SATC film as she celebrates the parts of her past she will 'keep'. And far right the real deal SJP in the new Title dress that could also be your for $395 and if you are a size 0-12. BUY IT HERE

Jersey Top with layered tulle.

When I first realized I would have to sit this dance out, because I am not a size 0-12 I became reflective. I also read a few articles along with the comments about women over a size 12 sad, hurt, and angry that they were not thought of or included in this collection. I thought about the business of fashion, design, sales, target markets, etc. 

I have to say that I will be cheering on the sidelines for the success of this collection and all others who do not cater to women of all sizes. I have realized that not all designers choose to design from an inclusive perspective and not all buyers are interested in selling to certain clientele. I also realized that there are some that do, so anyone over a size 12 can shop there. 

The little black dress has been a style staple since the 1926's when CoCo Chanel introduced the world to her version in VOGUE.  The color black an dresses have a history before Mademoiselle Chanel but she has been credited for bringing it to the style masses. Since then in has morphed into so many versions, fabrications, shapes and sizes. There IS something out there for everyone, don't worry ladies.

I am excited to see SJP's collection evolve and all of the offerings to come. I suspect this dress will make it onto the Bloomingdale's racks soon. I love the simplicity of the design,  full skirt and pockets!! The styling possibilities are truly endless with LBD's!

Will you shop the collection? 

Fear not ladies if you cannot access this collection you can always buy the amazing shoes via SJP Collection! There is truly something for everyone there. I am waiting on some resort sparkle to make my next purchase(s)! 

The Schiaparelli Spirit

1932

I love things that are different, prints that are inspired and push the boundaries of "taste".  The Italian artist tuned designer Elsa Schiaparelli was a woman that I admire in fashion. Her work is thought provoking, out of the box and was on another level for her time, of any time really.  Her creative peak hit in the 1930's where she turned her version of surrealism into style and tangible clothing and accessories. I adore that all of her work can be considered 'statement pieces'. CoCo CHANEL said Elsa was, “the Italian artist who makes clothes.”  It has been alleged that they were fashion rivals, but they were confirmed polar opposites by way of personal taste, design aesthetic and style. 

Schiaparelli also collaborated with a the famous Artist Salvatore Dali during her career.

 Shoe Hat (modelled by Dali's wife Gala)

Tear Dress 1938

She was a very inspired designer but her business would not last. She closed her doors  December 13, 1954. I will feature her full biography in another post but the point of the 'Schiaparelli Spirit'  blog is based on a dress that I recently acquired for my eBoutique Evolution Vintage.

A white polyester, hand made gown that was also hand embellished with a peacock print in red, c. 1970's. The beading and sequin are perfection as well. I was left wondering who was the woman who did this labor intensive, inspired work on this dress? where did she wear it?

It reminded me in an abstract way of Schiaparelli's famous "Lobster Dress", another collaboration with Dali in 1937.

The daring woman who rocked this Lobster gown was Wallis Simpson (photographed by Cecil Beaton). This image was taken shortly before she married Edward VIII in Chateau de Cande. Her marriage to the royal was such a matter of controversy at the time.  Her future spouse abdicated his throne in 1936 saying it was so he could "marry the woman I love". He received title of the Duke of Windsor in lieu of KING of England.

Will it take a controversial women like Wallis to wear this amazingly unique gown? Or someone with the Schiaparelli spirit?

Is that woman YOU?

Dress Details:

Era: 1970's

Fabric: Polyester (Stretch)

Size:  Bust: 34" (with stretch 2"+)

Waist (empire): 30"

Hip: 43"+

Length: 53"

*Hand constructed and hand beaded. 3 white beads hanging from the peacock's chin. Metal back zipper. There is enough hem fabric to make this gown longer and there is extra "strap" to adjust them to a longer length. All beading is intact. The garment is not lined.

Price:  $300

Style is Sizeless

1940's - CoCo Chanel

I am always asked if I have Vintage pieces in my eBoutique that are not a size SMALL. The answer is YES!! but the fact is my inventory mostly consists of smaller sizes with a wide range of different measurements. Bodies are like thumb prints, no two are really identical.

In days gone by women's body shapes were a lot different and it was a reflection of society. We were not a fast food nation back then and many women had different technical skills. They were capable of sewing their own garments and it was cheaper to buy fabric and construct your own garment than it was to head to  a boutique to purchase one. High volume, low quality garments were not available and neither were large shopping outlet stores or strip malls.

Image: Horst P Horst

Many of the earlier Vintage pieces are hand made and tailored to a specific women's measurements. It makes it difficult then to marry each garment with a  new owner. 

Modern women find the concept of a seamstress or tailor very foreign and are used to the convenience of "ball park shopping". By ball park shopping I mean grabbing the size they think they are (Ex: Medium) from an over stuffed rack of discount clothes made in a foreign country and guessing that it will fit. Hence, making a 'ball park' estimation as opposed to having something tailored.

 Undergarments are really the foundation of any look and are important to the overall shape a garment takes on the body. This is another concept largely lost on the average modern women.

Back to my original point. regardless of your size/shape there is ALWAYS something available for you that is authentically VINTAGE. I choose garments for my eBoutique that can be re-styled CURRENT regardless of size.  Find out why you will never read me use the word PLUS SIZE ~  Click Here

I did a little experiment in my showroom by just randomly pulling looks for my statuesque friend Jensine to try on and photographed it with my iPhone. She is tall (6'1"), busty and fabulous (sans makeup too - naturally GORG)!

Style Tip: When applicable --> BELT IT. Accentuating your natural waist is important to the overall silhouette. It is also a good way to update a look too. 

Shop BELTS

 Vintage Dotted Dress and Belt Available Soon at Evolution Vintage

 Vintage 80's Leopard Print Dress w Peplum $68 

Vintage Black Pleated Caftan w Rhinestone Collar (SOLD)

 Vintage Black and Red Floral Dress (SOLD)

Vintage Red & Black Animal Print Dress (SOLD)

 Vintage Black and White Striped Dress  $38

Vintage Graphic Black & White Kimono (Available Soon)

Vintage Autumn Floral Print Dress with Pockets $60

Vintage 80's Emerald Rouched Dress (Available Soon)

Jensine is proof that you don't have to be a size zero to have Vintage work for you, look chic, current and sexy. Remember great style is sizeless!

Will you step outside the confines of the contemporary strip mall and try something Vintage and unique from my eBoutique?

Candles for CoCo

On this day in 1883 in Saumur France, Gabrielle "Coco" Bonheur Chanel was born. A woman born into relative obscurity and has become one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century and one of THE most iconic and influential in fashion. Born to an unmarried laundry lass and street vendor she had a life of humble beginnings. She spun great tales of her past and upbringing as one could only guess because she was embarrassed of it. She was once quoted as saying, "My life didn't please me, so I created my life".

She had a job as a seamstress early in her life but her start in fashion was as a milliner (hat maker). She worked from an apartment as a distraction/hobby that quickly evolved into a full blown business. In 1910 she began to sell her hats from an established boutique at 21 rue Cambon, Paris (The CHANEL flagship boutique is currently at 31 rue Cambon).  

To CoCo We Give Thanks For ...

1) LBD - Little Black Dress. The most iconic of the CHANEL garments. The fist LBD is reportedly constructed from  thin silk, crèpe de chine and had long sleeves. It is the most versatile, fashionable, functional and elegant garment EVERY women regardless of shape, size, budget or age MUST have hanging in her closet in one form or another. The LBD is figure friendly and fabulous. A classic, undisputed wardrobe staple.

2) Costume Jewelry - She made what was then "undesirable" to the wealthy French, chic, timeless and fabulous. She said: " "It's disgusting to walk around with millions around the neck because one happens to be rich. I only like fake jewelry … because it's provocative."Vaughan, Hal (2011). Sleeping with the enemy: Coco Chanel's secret war. New York: Knopf

I LOVE costume jewelry. I have always found it to be much more creative and unique than it's high priced, precious counterpart. Piling on the faux-pearls is still VERY chic!

The bracelets worn in the above image are one of CoCo's favourite pieces: A white enameled cuff featuring the Maltese Cross in 'faux jewels'

3) The CHANEL Suit. One of the most iconic looks in fashion. It has stood the test of time and thanks to Karl Lagerfeld we can all enjoy the suit in its updated version, that's if you have $4,000+ to spend on a suit. The original version was inexpensive and for a lady's comfort and function to travel. It was created from a jersey knit fabric especially created for Coco.

4) Men's Wear Inspired Looks - CoCo embraced pants as sportswear in the 1920's. A bold feminist move in the early days before it was socially acceptable for women to wear pants. 

5) The CHANEL Handbag - THIS is the bag to aspire to ladies. The quilted Chanel bag with the chain strap and interlaced CC logo is the most coveted and classic bag in Fashion in my humble PROFashional opinion. Some would argue the Birkin is because of it's waiting list and price but I'm partial to Chanel. The classic 2.55 (named after the month and year of design - Feb 1955) - black and hand quilted. Often imitated and never duplicated. Karl Lagerfeld revived and reissued it in the 80's and it has come a long way with different shapes, colors and fabrications but it has NEVER lost it's value or reputation. It boast a a heft price tag too; approx $4,000+ new. It is an investment piece that does not really loose it's value. Completely justifiable: Dear Santa ...

She was a trailblazer in fashion and lived a very interesting life. A feminist and a style visionary. There would have been 130 candles for CoCo today but sadly she left us in 1971 at the age of 87. Her legacy lives on and continues to thrive as the house of CHANEL is one of the most coveted brands on the planet! Although strange to pay tribute to someones birthday who has long since ended her earthly journey, attention had to be paid today to celebrate the life of such an amazing lady and a true inspiration to me and fashionistas everywhere.

Cheers to you COCO!