Beautiful dozen: camel coats

Made into an iconic style item by Achille Maramotti, the founder of  Max Mara, the camel coat remained at the top of the fashion pedestal for over 60 years along side the Birkin bag, Chanel jacket and Cartier watch as  a piece of understated luxury and sinful pleasure. Of course, making Max Mara a part of one’s life is a truly wonderful experience, but it doesn’t mean that other coats would look less stylish.

My first one came from Uniqlo when the brand collaborated with Jil Sander, and was a part of J+ collections she designed in 2011. The coat was made of a sturdy camel coloured wool and with its beautiful cut and classic shape looked a lot more expensive than its price tag, which, by the time I got to buy mine, was £65. 

Gorgeous and cosy as a bath robe, the belted knee length Max Mara entered my life last February after I decided that 2013 would be the year to finally make one of the dreams come true. I haven’t taken this beauty for a walk yet, but admittedly had quite a few moments of opening my wardrobe door and stroking the fabric.

Mid-length fitted coat by Laura Clementi (£139)

I feel that, should you only have one coat, the camel would make the most perfect choice, especially if you are looking for a softer alternative to black, but not a big fan of grey. The shade doesn’t just look beautiful against most skin tones, it also makes burgundy and blue look particularly striking.

Here’s my ultimate selection for all budgets. Which one is your favourite?

Where to buy: 1. Cashmere trench coat, Burberry Prorsum (£1995), 2. Tailored wool-mix coat, Ellos (£49), 3. Wool-blend trench coat, Uniqlo (£89), 4. Manuela coat, Max Mara (£1025), 5. Double-faced city coat, Jaeger (£399) – and some gorgeous SALE finds, 6. Lisa long cashmere coat, Joseph (£595) + Look for Less at Mango, 7. Divine Dorothy coat, FCUK & Bloomingdale’s (£175), 8. Ninetta coat, Max Mara Studio (£408), 9. Hendrick coat, All Saints (£298), 10. Board camel coat, Reiss (£350) – also check their SALE, 11. Classic camel coat, Maison Kitsune (£1503), 12. Madigan coat, Ted Baker (£299)

P.S. By the way, do you know that Max Mara is a blend of two names – Maramotti and Max, an impeccably dressed Count who lived in the area and apparently drank away his fortune. Just a bit of fashion trivia. 

Photo source: Elle Russia November 2009 (photography: Mario Sierra)

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Safari chic, the hottest summer trend

Open the doors of your wardrobe welcoming new day and new beginnings. Pull out your clothes coloured in every shade of powdery sand, knits in earthy tones, belted vests that add that special feel of casual elegance, crisp white shirts, a little bit of buttery soft tan leather or suede, a statement cuff bracelet, a pair of classic Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses or Ray Ban Wayfarers in tortoise shell, woven leather sandals or espadrilles and a light as air silk scarf or a panama hat for a touch of glamour. Start your own safari-inspired adventure wherever you are. The baby tiger is optional, but remember to grab your favourite mini cross body bag or a slouchy caramel satchel on your way out.

Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2013

Max Mara Spring/Summer 2013

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2013

Loewe Spring/Summer 2013

Trussardi Spring/Summer 2013

Rachel Zoe Spring/Summer 2013

Photo source: Vogue US March 2009,

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Anne Vyalitsyna in MM magazine 2002

Adding to my love for MaxMara, here is a story from the Fall/Winter 2002 issue of the MM magazine – a semi-annual glossy born in 1989 to show cast beautiful and timeless designs by the iconic brand as well as the latest news on fashion, beauty and art.

As I look at these photos of Anne Vyalitsyna by Sølve Sundsbø I feel as if my mind is being wrapped with a soft honey-flavoured cloud of warmth and palpable rays of sunshine – something I am desperately missing on a cold rainy day.

I also have a favour to ask of you today… If you have time and like my blog, could you nominate it in the Blogger Awards 2013 competition hosted by Company magazine, please?

All you need to do is follow the link, leave your email, enter my blog’s url http://infashionswetrust.blogspot.com and choose “Best fashion blog” category from the drop down menu. It would mean so much!

 

Photo source: MM magazine September 2002

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Autumn delights

In my books November was always a month of hibernation. It felt as if the world would slow down wrapped in a thick blanket of fogs. It was a month of rain, clouds and cold wind – none of which have never been appealing. And then one day, just an ordinary day, like many other ordinary days, I realised that there’s no point of getting depressed about the weather or lack of sunshine – November, just like any other months of the year, is the time to live and enjoy life as it comes.

All it takes is a few cosy layers that would keep you warm indoors and protect from the elements when the rain and wind seem unbearable, a huge scarf that makes you feel happy, a few scented candles that bring a feeling of warm comfort to your home, a cup of hot cocoa (or chocolate if you like) and a pile of good movies, books and magazines to bury your nose into when the world outside becomes dark and unwelcoming. And then you realise that November isn’t that bad after all and really is worth living, not existing through it.

Photo source: Elle US September 1999, ???, Pirelli Calendar 1995, Vogue Italia March 2000, Max Mara Fall 2004 campaign, Flikr, ???, Michael Aram Candles, Max Mara Weekend Fall 2012 campaign.

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Natalia Vodianova in Harper’s Bazaar 2003

And so today Natalia is back on the blog wearing Fendi, Jil Sander, Prada, Cavalli, Dolce&Gabbana, Etro, Armani, Ferre and MaxMara photographed by Glen Luchford for the December 2003 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar US December 2003

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