Bag of the month: July is for Jérôme Dreyfuss

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Last month Roxy, a girl whom I hardly know but quietly adore, challenged me to continue with my first letter matching selection for the Bag of the Month feature until 2014. I was only happy to oblige. After all, “what’s the life without whimsy?” as Dr Sheldon Cooper would say.

In July I was tempted with this soft and huggable Alain hobo by Jerome Dreyfuss, a French designer extraordinaire and a husband to la créatrice de mode Isabel Marant (pardon my French, but I just love the sound of it so much!). Also while we are on the Dreyfuss-Marant subject, here are a few photos of their Parisian apartment, in case you feel like visiting.

Back to the bag, though. I think it was the distressed leather that made me fall in love with this sweetheart. I can just imagine squeezing it and touching that grainy surface with my fingertips. And the size of this sac is absolutely perfect, too. Irresistible!

The gorgeousness is available here (in tan), here (in black), here (in emerald) and here (in animal print).

 

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Week of fashion moments

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It’s amazing how many significant (and not so significant) events can happen in a short space of time – some were totally unexpected and others – much anticipated and important for they will certainly become a part of the history of fashion.

So here is a little fashion digest. From me to you.

* The image above is my favourite photo of the week that belongs to the Rochas Resort 2014 collection.

* Following his exclusive interview published in the July issue of Vanity Fair, John Galliano talks candidly to Charlie Rose discussing his childhood, most excited fashion moments, addictions, regrets, betrayal and friendships. A must see.

* H&M did it again. The new collaboration between the high street brand and Isabel Marant will be sold in shops and on-line on 14 November. Anticipate affordable prices, first ever Marant’s for men ready-to-wear and the longest queues in history.

* Emma Hill packs her Mulberry bags for good and will be leaving the brand after finishing the Spring/Summer 2014 collection due to be presented in September 2014. 

* Creative souls looking for royalty free music to use for all kinds of stylish projects, from fashion blogs and on-line boutiques to professionally presented videos and even fashion shows, will definitely find BeatSuite a useful place to visit.

* The new and most comprehensive biography of Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen: The Life and Legacy by Judith Watt, is due to be released on 27 August 2014. Pre-order your copy here.

* Another title many will be excited to get their hands on is Dior Impressions: The Inspiration and Influence of Impressionism at the House of Dior inspired by art and Dior creations and published to accompany the Impressions Dior exhibition presented at the Musée Christian Dior in Granville. The book features beautiful works by Monet, Renoir, Degas as well as stunning couture gowns.

* Sales always come to those who wait. Visit Bastyan Fashion, Browns, Forzieri, Jaeger, Jigsaw, Joseph, J.Crew, Kurt Geiger, Monnier Frères, My Wardrobe, Nine West, Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue and Whistles to find gorgeous fashion steals.

 

Photo source: Rochas Resort 2014 via wwd.com

And a little bit of Isabel Marant

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Although many would not ask directly, most girls, myself included, will be definitely wondering what others got for Christmas. We are women and the mind-burning curiosity gene is in our blood.

Weeks before Christmas I already knew exactly what I wanted. The list was short, but included everything (two items in total – I know I think big) I wished for. As soon as the I spotted “the ones”, they were promptly ordered and taken away from me by my husband who really does love to tease my curiosity gene, particularly around Christmases and birthdays. Even though I knew exactly what was in those boxes the waiting game was a torture.

It was made even more difficult to bear when I saw the Isabel Marant necklace.

That morning Monnier Freres sent me a discount code. Of course, I blogged about the offer straight away as it would be selfish and unfair to keep it just for myself. Then decided to spend a few minutes browsing the site – I had no intentions of buying anything - it was my curiosity, yet again.

A couple of clicks later I spotted my future companion. The pretty necklace. It was delicate, but the pyramid-shaped red stone and brass metal added an edgy touch. The little treasure, then on sale, was by Isabel Marant.

As soon as I saw it I knew it had to be mine. Not because of the designer - Marant fashion, after all, is quite bohemian – I am not, but the necklace spoke to me. I pictured myself wearing it with a simple white silk shirt, or a v-neck sweater, or a simple tee and… pressed the “buy” button.

The parcel arrived within 24 hours and was added to the other two boxes, unopened, mysterious, tempting…

The fun part was opening that particular box. It was like matryoshka or one of those scary stories kids tell each other: “in a dark dark forest there is a dark dark house – in the dark dark house there is a dark dark room – in the dark dark room there is a coffin… etc.”

In my case there was a smaller MF box inside the bigger box. Inside the MF box was a MF tissue paper. Inside the tissue paper there was a MF black satin bag. Inside the satin bag there was a small IM linen pouch. Inside the IM pouch was an even smaller plastic pouch. Inside it there was my pretty necklace.

And I absolutely love this little darling – it’s dainty and romantic and the stone looks really dark until it catches some light – then it comes to life with a deep burgundy red glow.

And so this was one of the Christmas gifts I received. And I promise to show the other two in due course.

Photo source: personal

Isabel Marant “Poppy” on a budget

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If you don’t recognise these shoes, you must have been living in a parallel Universe where neither fashionista nor Isabel Marant ever set their foot… And if any of those abovementioned name do make your heart skip a beat, then you would definitely want to continue reading.

The thing about Isabel Marant designs is that, whether you want it or not, they get under your skin and penetrate brain cells as soon as you see the looks on a runway. Isabel Marant is like a fashion equivalent to sweets(or whatever food delight you find most irresistible) – she knows how to give you the strongest craving for something you cannot have in large quantities, if at all…

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Although I would not exactly consider myself an Isabel Marant aficionado (Vanessa Bruno is more me in case you are interested), there are designs that even I remember vividly…

Take her “Poppy”, for example. They were everywhere. I loved the red version and my desire to have a pair of red pumps was likely caused by the memory. However, since I am pretty calm towards Isabel Marant I didn’t find it essential to rush out, credit card at the ready, to get the shoes.

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Imagine my delight when I found a much more affordable version of “Poppy” pumps – identical and in the most gorgeous (and perfect) shade of red.

So let me demonstrate…

This is a pair of “Poppies”…

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And this is a pair of “Eliza’s”…

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If you can’t spot the difference and absolutely love to have a pair, “Elisa” pumps can be yours for less than £40/$60. Impressed? So was I. And yes, I did place an order. Follow the link to buy them on-line.

Photo source: Isabel Marant campaign Fall 2010, style.com