Good. Now try it in heels.

- Astrangerelegance

Covet List for Fall/Winter 2011

I'm moving this fall, and a move brings an opportunity of reinvention, and of cleaning out you closet. I had a lot of time this summer to scour some magazines for ideas of the trends of F/W 2011 that I could incorporate in my wardrobe, and I though I could share them with you.

I put the brands of the clothes in the Polyvore set in brackets, although unless you consider yourself incredibly wealthy, take them as a source of inspiration instead of a shopping list.

Also please note that not everything mentioned is included in the set.

- Wellies. Preferably ones that hit just above the ankle, although the shortest Hunters seem to come in is mid-calf. In a green colour, to be paired with:

- Wooly socks in shades of grey. (Roots or American Apparel)

- Colour-blocking Shift Dress. (DKNY, Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein, Giambattista Valli)

- Peter Pan collared blouse, preferably in white. (Top Shop, The Row)

- Light Taupe Nail Polish (Chanel, but you can find it at American Apparel or Essie)

- A light white dress to keep the feeling of summer alive even as you layer sweaters and tights. (TopShop)

- Under the Shoulder Bag (Pieces Dot Doctor's Bag) However, my dream bag would be the Celine Spazzolato Calfskin Long Frame Handbag in black. Heres a Picture.

- A monochromatic wooly sweater. Although knits with pictures on them are coming in too, so you could look into that. (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Etoile Isabel Marant)

- A pleated skirt. I would like one in light cream, something soft and delicate. (Alexander McQueen)

- Rings. Always. (Maison Martin Margiella)

- Transparent Plastic Raincoat. Yes, I live in the rain city, so I would like a good old-fashioned PVC raincoat. Prada has a great one, but I think I'll go for a cheaper alternative. (Burberry Prorsum)

- Penny Loafers. I have got to go to ALDO to pick up my new school shoes. (Marcus)

- Clog flatforms. I have seen them in a couple stores and then in a picture of Kirsten Dunst on the set of the Virgin Suicides. So cute. Although, the one in the set does not exactly imitate them, I like them as well. (See by Chloe)

- Coloured Jeans. I thought this trend ended two years ago, but it is back for Fall. Pick up a pair of red skinnies, like me. (Zara)

- Flatforms. Marie Claire UK called them the shoe of 2011, but I just find them interesting to look at. Got my pair at (ALDO)

- Aviator sunglasses I got as a birthday present. (RayBans)

- Orange lipgloss. (Nars, MAC, literally any makeup counter)

- Calf length skirt. Paired with high heels, definitely.

To find more inspiration on trends go to your magazine stand and flip through some magazines. It's fun. But remember being a slave to fashion trends is not, and with anything, bringing your own twist to things personalizes it so much more.

- Astrangerelegance

Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham is a smart designer. She gives the client what they want, which is to look classy and fabulous. Although her specialty is bridal, her ready-to-wear line shines just as bright. Indeed, bright enough to be featured in numerous recognized film and TV productions, as well as on the bodies of countless celebrities, and even royalty, like Kate Middleton.

A graduate of the Central Saint Martin's College of Art, Jenny's luxury design house is now world renowned.

jennypackham.com

(Jenny Packham Ready-to-wear S/S 2011 and F/W 2011)

- Astrangerelegance

Elie Saab

(Spring/Summer 2011)

The self-taught Lebanese wonder, is a new favourite of ours. His talent for dressmaking started to emerge at the age of nine as he would make them for his sisters and other women in the neighbourhood. At the age of 1982, he opened his own couture atelier in Beirut. It is incredibly impressive that at the young age of 18 he was able to direct numerous employees and navigate the tricky water of the fashion world. And, unsurprisingly, after showcasing his work to the public, he was an overnight success.

(Spring/Summer 2o11 and Fall/Winter 2011)

Honoured by an invite by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, his first official couture line showed in Paris in 2000. Since then, he has presented four collections a year, including a ready-to-wear line and opened a flagship store in Triangle D'Or, although he keeps his headquarters in Beirut.

(Spring/Summer 2o11 and Fall/Winter 2011)

I think this blurb from his website eliesaab.com says it the best: " The designer magnifies femininity working with fine materials, delicate embroidery with outstanding quality. He builds his fairytale creations using simple design, precious resources, whilst always maintaining a form of sophistication. Elie Saab dazzles with his intricate detail and strong sense of beauty. His specialty is the ultimate dress that highlights a women's silhouette."

(Mila Kunis at the Oscars in Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2011)

I love the silhouettes. I love the lace materials, I love the flowing gowns, I love the colour palettes, I love the draping, I love the innovation, and I love Elie Saab.

- Astangerelegance

Share the Wealth

We all have that friend that is super hooked up with all the good new music. Well I thought I would share some of her recommendations. This is the girl that first introduced me to the Strokes (first song ever listened to was Someday) and the Arctic Monkeys (Flourescent Adolescent) when we were 12. Such a sweetheart she send me playlists via email. Check out some of the shtuff she's currently listening to.
The genre is mostly indie/alternative rock and the mix is eclectic. (Her commentary is in brackets. This is also in brackets)

You'll find a way - Santigold (She's really interesting. Kind of electro hip hop, but still somehow alternative. If you like check out Say Aha or Shove it)

Brick by Brick - Arctic Monkeys (Hardcore of the new album. The entire thing is pretty awesome. Other favourites would be Library Pictures or The Hellcat Spangled Shalala)

All we Ask - Grizzly Bear (This is an awesome really chill band, super inspirational. Good to listen to when painting. Other good songs are Cheerleader, Two Weeks)

Mykonos - Fleet Foxes (Folky band. Also very calming. Gotta love their Harmonies. Favourite songs are Blue Ridge Mountains or Sim Sala Bim)

Disappearing Ink - Deer Hunter (I don't much about the band. I just really like this song)

Map of the Problematique - Muse (Muse is a really intense band consisting of super talented musicians. This song has a great bass on it and its fun to belt out when you're alone, room or shower)

Our Love is All we Have - Gentlemen Hall (Cheesy title but has a catchy, pop-y guitar line and synthesizers that remind me of the 80s. And a chorus that crowds would enjoy singing.)

Dimension - Wolfmother (Wolfmother is such a rad, hardcore, fun band. This song has a really retro guitar noise. Love Train or Woman.)

Thickfreakness - The Black Keys (The best blues rock band of today. Dan's voice makes me melt and Pat's a really good drummer. Listen to anything of their's because it's all good.)

Rave On - Julian Casablancas (A Buddy Holly cover and a good one too because it stays true to Buddy but at the same time is very Julian. Check out the rest of this guy's solo work or his band the Strokes.)

Bite Hard - Franz Ferdinand (A really fun song. Listen to Tell Her Tonight, Ulysses, Send him Away also.)

Wolf like Me - TV on the Radio (I just like this song. It makes me thing of running in forests with a flash light but not in a creepy I'm running away from a killer sort of way. You'll see.)

Always like this - Bombay Bicycle Club (Good band. They have super catchy songs. Another good one would be Evening/Morning)

Undercover Martyn - Two Door Cinema Club (Really awesome Irish musicians. I love how fast they can play on some of their other tracks. Check out Come Back Home, Something Good Can Work, or What You Know.)

Let's go Surfing - The Drums (Love this song, it's so much fun. And I want to go surfing. It reminds me of the 60s when guys wore khaki shorts and tucked in their polo shorts. He has a great voice too.)

- astrangerelegance

The Great Kate

Album: Blithe Desert