Modesty on the Runway: Valentino Couture 2012

When Marie Antoinette ruled France she had a little farm house on the grounds of Versailles where she would pretend and dress up like a peasant women.This seasons Valentino collection was inspired by Marie and also the eighteenth century's age of enlightenment.  Valentino's designing duo Pier Paolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri really wanted to show case the value of couture.  If you were to look up close at some of the dresses, they have up to five layers of lace and organza.  With the light fabrics and pastel colors, this collection was very pure and simple.  It was a breath of fresh air and so very pretty!  You can really see the inspirations woven into each look.  XOXO, Allie

Luella Bartley and English Style

Here are some excerpts of an interview with Luella Bartley and what she has to say about her fashion brand she used to have.  She was one of my favorites before she lost her brand to the recession, but she still has some cool thoughts about style. 


In the book you talk about Miss England as both a style icon and muse. Who is she?
She loves clothes but has problems with herself. She is an individual but she's also modest. I suppose it comes from me being like that.


Your label has always tended to be championed by young hipsters such as Alexa Chung. Why do you think that is?
English women are more concerned with looking cool and interesting than sexy or alluring. Alexa dresses in a very stylish way that is not about being sexy. I like to think she dresses for herself. That's quite English. Men don't come into it in a way.


You make it sound like we are a nation of feminists.
I suppose we are. English women are feminists without thinking about it. We spend more time trying to make statements than looking nice. But no, not all English girls are like that. There are still the Cheryl Coles.

Sadly, Luella lost her brand to the recession but, here are some of my favorite looks from some of her past collections.

XOXO, Allie

Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2012

Elie Saab, always so pretty and enchanted.  Every season the models always look like princesses as they walk down the runway.  I love collections that have a little bit of magic & enchantment in them.  XOXO, Allie

Ninna Ricci Pre-Fall 2012

Nina Ricci is another one of my favorites.  Their collections are always pretty and feminine, which is what I like most.  XOXO, Allie