Cafe Lookbook

Cafe Lookbook

06 -18 -2011

Lady in Red

A Chic Minimalist enjoys a cafe latte with friends at her  favorite cafe this past Saturday.   A classic Chanel lipstick red skirt paired with a black body, and a vintage Dior scarf exudes effortless casual charm. A perfect ensemble for a relaxing Saturday afternoon.   Mixing a pop of primary colour with  wardrobe workhorses including, classic black pumps, silk scarves, and a black body, updates these chic essentials.  Perhaps this may inspire you to experiment with your wardrobe with an unexpected pairing.  Try pairing your wardrobe staples with primary colours to create a fashion forward ensemble. Mix a red, yellow, or blue hued skirt, heels, or handbag with wardrobe workhorses in order to take these essential piece to the next level.

A Chic Ensemble

Top - Basic black body

Skirt - Lipstick red vintage Chanel

Scarf - Vintage Dior

Pumps - Ralph Lauren black classic pumps

Jewelery - Signature white pearl stud earnings paired with vintage emerald ring.

~a la prochaine~

A Chic Fashion Fantasy

A secret English country garden provides the perfect escape for A Chic Minimalist this summer. May it tantalize your fashion senses and inspire a minimalist approach to style for this season.

Personal style is of course a reflection of an individual's lifestyle and tastes. In this sense, please ladies and gentleman consider that the clothing we chose to wear daily is both an active choice and an extension of our identity within the public sphere.

Summer is fleeting, but an effortless chic style is eternal.

~a la prochaine~

Cafe Lookbook

A Chic Minimalist

Cafe Lookbook

11-05-21

Chic Colour Blocking 

A Chic Minimalist is enjoying a cafe latte in her favourite cafe once again over this holiday weekend.

A strong but classic combination of baby blue and lilac is on trend this season as A Chic Minimalist always adjusts trends to suit her personal style.  Instead of using bright bold colours to achieve the colour blocking look that is very popular this season, perhaps try playing with contrasting muted pastel tones for a more classic approach.  Finish the ensemble with classic and elegant jewelery in a tone that compliments the light contrasting colour palette and ties all the pieces together.  Personally, a chic prefence is always a pair of coloured pearls and earings from the collection inherited from my grandmother.  May I suggest mixing light pink with cream and mauve for a fresh take on this key look for the Sring-Summer 2011 season.  

Fashion is after all about playing and breaking rules!


A Chic Ensemble

Skirt – Light blue vintage Alaia skirt
Sweater – Lilac off the shoulder cotton Ca va de coi that is from last season

Pearls - Antique pearl earinings and necklace inherited from my grandmother
.  Ring – Vintage Emerald and Diamond ring a gift from a dear one.
Handbag - Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Triana
Sunglasses - Classic black Gucci shades

A Chic Minimalist typically does not wear makeup day to day and always has a classic French manicure!

~a la prochaine~

Enjoy the Sunshine

Introducing the Cafe Lookbook Series

Welcome to A Chic Minimalist's Cafe Lookbook Series, for our first introduction lets examine classic but simple power dressing for the everday over a cafe latte...

A Chic Minimalist

Cafe Lookbook

11-05-10

Classic Power Dressing

A Chic Minimalist once again is enjoying a cafe latte in her favourite cafe for a moments rest.  A combination of classic Chanel and black exudes effortless chic on a sunny springtime afternoon.  The colour of royalty, that is purple, is on point or as a "fashionista" may say (literally cringing here) in Vogue for this Spring-Summer season.  A classic black round-toe pump and black “Jackie O” style shades are the perfect companion to this rather timeless ensemble....

A Chic Ensemble

Skirt – Purple Vintage Chanel

Sweater – Black cotton Femme de Carriere Sandra Angelezzi that is ages and ages old well perhaps six years.  A Chic tip ladies is to invest in your knitwear staples as they will last season after season if cared for properly.

Ring – Vintage Emerald and Diamond ring a gift from a dear one.

A Chic Minimalist typically does not wear makeup day to day and always has a classic French manicure!

~a la prochaine~

p..s What is your favourite cafe treat?

Style Anecdote ~ Guide to Repelling Annoying "Cat-callers"

A Chic Minimalist apparently has nice legs as its been draw to my attention as of late by numerous rather obnoxious "cat-callers."  Though  as the warm weather approaches it is a harsh reality that overly flattering cat callers are an annoyance for the majority of women.  Legs and arms are out on full display for the first time in months, which in turn sends many a cat-callers' hormones rushing.

Last week the most obnoxious of "cat-calls" occurred. A Chic Minimalist was quickly walking down the main street to pick up her repaired shoes, when out of no where a certain "cat-caller" aptly exclaimed "nice legs!" Then the obnoxious man felt compelled to say, "what no response,"  since my attnetion was not on him but on the task at hand, a vital shoe repair mission. A Chic Minimalist aptly responded ,while pulling down her black Gucci shades that, "a lady never responds to "cat-calls" thank you have a nice day!"

Moral of the story ladies, "cat calls "are just a part of being a woman, but its all in how you respond to those obnoxious and unnecessary calls, simply ignore and move on.  If they proceed just respond with a little firm, but nice, "a lady never responds," hopefully this will kindly send send them packing...

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ French Manicure...Simple, Classic and Ungarish!

A Chic Minimalist prefers a french manicure as the warm weather approaches and finds a collection of nail polish to be rather ridiculous for various reasons.  First, nail polish has an expiry date just as makeup, therefore collecting bottle after bottle seems both a monetary and storage space waste.  Second, bright colours, of fuscia, teal, yellow, think of all those bright hues in style for this spring-summer season. These shades  look rather cheap on the finger nails as opposed to a lovely bright skirt, sweater, purse or pants.  Better to incorporate the colour blocking trend into your wardrobe by mixing a bright coloured handbag or shoe with a neutral outfit.  Please ladies leave the bright nail polish for Halloween, little girls, and show girls of all varieties...

A classic french manicure elevates any effortless chic ensemble according to A Chic Minimalist!

Please do be conscious there are a great deal of ridiculous and garish trends out this spring-summer season, tread lightly and evaluate each as it fits into both your personal style and lifestyle.

~ a la prochaine~



Congratulations to the Lovely Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine of Wales was a lovely and personal regal affair, perhaps not fit for a fairytale but for a real life couple who truly love each other.  It is refreshing to see a young royal couple so poised and in love, as well Catherine looked gorgeous in her classic dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.  The royal occasion was reminiscent of Grace Kelly marriage in the 1950s to Prince Rainer of Monaco as it was both timeless and modern at the same time Wills and Kate's marriage.

~a la prochaine~

A Chic Lesson ~ Floral Leggings Best Left for Little Girls to Enjoy!

A Chic Minimalist strongly advises leaving the rather tacky Spring-Summer 2011 trend of floral print leggings alone.  A group of early twenty somethings were strutting down the streets in floral leggings and loose tees the other day to my surprise.  Its best ladies and aspiring "fashionistas" (cringing mildly at this word here), if that is your style, to let little girls enjoy this trend.  A Chic Minimalist does not intend to offend but to prevent a fashion crime in the making, simple black cigarette pants or black leggings are stylish for women, but not of the floral variety

~ a la procahine~

Style Anecdote ~Fashion Era's

A Chic Minimalist thought you might enjoy this rather cute and playful fashion video from Net-a-Porter.com.  It may leave you considering what is your favourite fashion era?  In this short clip the best fashion decades are revealed.....Enjoy!

A Chic Minimalist adores Eighteenth Century France, The Art Nouveau Period of the 1920s, 1950s lady-like chic, sleek sophistication of the 1960s channeling Jackie O, and Audrey Hepburn's style, and early 1990s sexy minimalism referencing designs by Thierry Mugler, Alaia, and Versace.

~ a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion ~ Avene Hydrance Spf 25 Hydrating Cream

A Chic Minimalist Returns with a bang albeit of the skin care variety!

Salut fashion lovelies, terribly sorry for my absence, A Chic Minimalist was ill for a few weeks.

Thus with the spring weather upon us A Chic Minimalist is sharing a quick skin care tip that will help prevent sun damage as summer approaches.  Investing in a skin care regime is critical to preventing early fine lines and wrinkles, the proof is in the picture as my age is tweny-six...

As a model, was taught in my teens to protect my skin from sun exposure, thus preventing free-radical damage.  Investing sunscreen is critical my skin is quite sensitive thus using a lighter formula is perfect in preventing early sun damage and more importantly any irritation or zits from a heavy formula.  Strongly recommend, Clarins or a more affordable option is Avene Hydrance Optimale with an SPF 25.  

A Chic Minimalist summer skin care essentials include, Avene SPF 25 moisturizer, Clarins sunscreen and of course an effortlessly chic wide brimmed straw hat, and ridiculously large Jackie O style shades, to prevent the early signs of aging.

~a la prochaine~

Runway Moment - A Model Life

A Chic Minimalist thought you might enjoy a peek into my model life!

 A Chic Minimalist recommends investing in lingerie basics, a classic black and nude set, as it is indeed the foundation of an effortlessly chic ensemble.

~a la prochaine~

J'adore Ca ~ The Shoe Guide

A Chic Minimalist is indecisive with her choice of shoes this season, perhaps a nice and nude pump or a hot block 70s inspired platform will add that certain "je ne sais quoi" to an ffortless chic skirt suit or mini dress ensemble.  

Enjoy Net-a-Porter's rather sweet approach to illustrating the must haves shoes for Spring-Summer 2011.  Perhaps the chic minimalist inside you is covetting a nice and nude valentino pump or there is something adventureous craving a wild one. 

Stye warning - this clip is simply irresistible, and it may illicit a smile...

~a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion ~ Classic White Dress Shirt

Every aspiring chic minimalist should invest in a crisp, clean, and classic white dress shirt.   A chic minimalist has invested in a few classic dress shirt, one is an elegant style with lace insert while the others are impeccably tailored to exude a classic and professional look.   If there is one simple piece of clothing that can take you miles it is the classic white dress shirts as it can be worn season after season without ever tiring. 

A chic minimalist advises that you buy the best possible option your budget affords as your investment with many seasons of wear will be worth its weight in gold. 

Here a few luxe options that are worth investment, there are also a few winter clearance sales still around especially at boutiques which are worth a look!

Impeccably Tailored Effortless Chic Slim-Fit White Shirt

Pair the slim-fitted classic white shirt with its impeccable tailoring with black cigarette pants and ballet flats for casual days or with a black pencil skirt, stilettos and pearls for the office.

 Joseph Nima Stretch-Cotton Shirt

Ralph Lauren Black Label Rachel Slim-Fit Cotton Blend Shirt

Elegant and Luxurious White Blouse

This investment piece is at its best in luxurious fabrics of chiffon, silk charmuse and silk-crepes. Look for a piece with ruffles or bows as this feminine touch exudes effortless ladylike chic.

Pair this investment piece with a pleated mini skirt in black, camel, or cream and black wedges for casual lunch dates or with a red, navy, white, or black fitted skirt suit, black pumps, and  pearl stud earnings for the boardroom.

Moschino Ruffled Stretch-Cotton Shirt

D&G Ruffled Silk-Crepe Blouse

ALICE by Temperley Nadine Ruffled Chiffon Blouse

~a la prochaine~



Closet Envy ~ Anna Dello Russo

A Chic Minimalist adores Anna Dello Russo's fashion archive.  It is quite obvious that a tour of Anna Dello Russo emphasizes her extreme love of  fashion, but perhaps A Chic Minimalist is a close second with her growing collection of designer french vintage. 

Can you imagine the many hours of amusement that are contained within Anna's closet, but of course its A Chic Minimalist's fashion dream to play dress up in her wardrobe....

Enjoy a  tour of  Anna's apartment wardrobe, her style is indeed unforgettable!

~a la prochaine~

Runway Moment ~ Unity Strictly Clothing

A Chic Minimalist on the Runway

~a la prochaine~

J'adore ca ~ The Bag Guide

J'adore J'adore J'adore ~ The Bag Guide

A Chic Minimalist enjoys a chic companion perhaps you may find this short but sweet promotional video from Net-a-Porter just as tantalizing.

Coveting the Kelly bags in pops of colour including electric blue and pink as well as the bejeweled kiss lock box clutch.   Take a peek at the bag guide may it make you fantasize or day dream of your ideal chic companion.

~a la prochaine~



A Chic Minimalist Out of Office Recovering

A Chic Minimalist will be out of the office for a few days and strongly advises to check with your allergist before enjoying some sushi.

Have a lovely few days...stay chic! 

As a teaser enjoy this photo of some future style lessons coming on the horizon...

 ~a la prochaine~

Backstage Moment ~ Unity Strictly Clothing

A Chic Minimalist shares a backstage moment from my recent runway return. All the designers involved in the charity fashion show were amazing especially Unity Strictly Clothing.

Enjoy can you spot the chic minimalist?

~ a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion ~ Luxe Stud Earrings

A Chic Minimalist prefers an elegant pearl or diamond stud earring for everyday.  Strongly advise steering clear of the rather large, noisy, overly adorned and dangly variety of earrings for sale at forever 21 and such.  Not only will your ears turn green but it tends to cheapen classic ensembles. 

Investing in a classic pair of pearl studs, in pink, black, or cream, as well as a timeless pair of diamond stud earrings are an accessory essential taking a chic minimalist from the office to a Saturday dinner date with a cute french man perhaps.

Perhaps someone special in your life may treat you to SCOSHA's 10-karat gold, diamond and turquoise-embellished earrings, or the ultimate classic pair of Chanel studs, if not fantasizing is just as fun though!  A chic Minimalist enjoys earrings that exude delicate fusion of intricate craftsmanship and exotic sensibility. Wear them with a crisp white shirt, a bold statement skirt in a classic shade of red or blue, your favourite black stilettos to showcase their small but striking style.

SCOSHA's 10-karat gold, diamond and turquoise-embellished earrings

CHANEL Classic Black Vintage Earrings

CHANEL Pink Gripoix and Faux Pearl Camelia Earrings

~a la prochaine~

 

A Chic Minimalist Returns to Her Runway Roots

A Chic Minimalist returned to her runway roots after a five year break over the weekend in a charity fashion show.  The experience was exhilarating. Strutting down the runway is always a rush, full of excitement and energy at that exact moment when the spotlight is yours, while striking a pose at the end. 

All the models, sponsors, and fashion show coordinators were amazing as the event raised 3,000 towards the Canadian Cancer Society.

Thought you might enjoy a peek at a few of my runway look....

A Chic Minimalist Strikes a Pose

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ Louis Vuitton Shop Tour Courtesy of Gigi

The weather outside may be frightful but A Chic Minimalist is enjoying a preview of Louis Vuitton's Spring-Summer 2011 accessories collection  courtesy of Gigi on YouTube.

Take a peak yourself may it bring cheer on this rather dreary snowy day, hope spring comes soon n'est pas?

~ a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion ~ Elie Tahari Luxurious Suede Kitten Heels

A Chic Minimalist essential is a pair of rich dark-brown kitten heels in either patent, matte leather or suede for day.  Elie Tahari's dark-brown suede kitten heels exude grown-up glamour.  Step into the new season by teaming them with a chic mini skirt and luxurious tights in March and a crisp white shirt dress as the warm weather approaches in April.  

~ a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion ~ Classic Black Patent Pumps

A Chic Minimalist loves the classics, especially those that exude effortless pParisian chic.  Investing in a classic shoe wardrobe takes a chic minimalist from work to play.  A luxurious pair of classic black patent pumps are an absolute essential, acting as the starting point of any shoe repertoire.

The timeless elegance that these sky high Christian Louboutin black patent pumps exude combined with a touch of sex appeal  take A Chic minimalist throughout her daily amusements and into the night effortlessly.  Pair Christian Louboutin's Pigalle 120 patent pumps with a chic pencil skirt for day and a sleek LBD for night.

J'adore J'adore J'adore

Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 Patent Pumps

~ a la prochaine~

Taste Maker - Albert Elbaz for Lanvin Autumn-Winter 2011

A Chic Minimalist finds Albert Elbaz's latest collection for Lanvin awe inspiring. Enjoy a closer look at the impeccable tailoring and colour palette that embodies Elbaz' fashion forward vision for Autumn-Winter 2011, a season that is set to re-evaluate the 1960s once again.  Elbaz though provides a fresh diversion for the fashion elite sitting front row at Paris Fashion Week, perhaps his directional lady like chic may be just as inspiring.

~a la prohaine~

Style Muse ~ Fashion Forward Feminine Flare

A Chic Minimalist adores a feminine and flirty pink A-line skirt for Spring-Summer 2011.

A chic A-line skirt in any shade of pink is a flattering addition to any chic minimalist's wardrobe.  A Chic Minimalists achieves an effortless chic ensemble as spring approaches with this vintage Courreges pink skirt teamed with a feminine black cashmere Catherine Malandrino sweater. 

The new lady like look for Spring-Summer 2011 mixes refined feminine style with directional detailing with flashes of colour including pink, aqua, and lavender.  Let Net-a-Porter's style video inspire the chic minimalist inside with a fashion forward flare this coming season.

~A la prohcaine~

Style Anecdote ~ A Chic Lesson

A Chic Minimalist strongly advises against taking any of your high end classic handbags out for a stroll on a day in which your feeling tired.  My Louis Vuitton was the victim of my tiredness today, getting stuck unfortunately in the elevator door. 

Thank goodness no damage was sustained, but a chic lesson is learned. A grocery bag will suffice on tired days that of the cute cloth variety!

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ Modern Baroque

A Chic Minimalist adores baroque the fashion elite seem to conquer as there is set to be a revival with a modern twists for Autumn-Winter 2011.  Modern Baroque was the focus of Peter Dundas as the head designer at Emilio Pucci for Autumn-Winter 2011.    Explore the elegance and allure that is modern baroque at Pucci courtesy of Tim Blanks at Style.com.  J'adore the portrait collars, exquisite tailoring and colour palette of this beautiful collection. Its a very modern, sleek and sexy, but elegant and classic collection at the same time, enjoy let Peter Dundas inspire you!

Austrian folk costumes, decollete, portrait collars, and baroque figure hugging lace, yes please!

~a la prochaine~

Taste Maker ~ Miuccia Prada Autumn-Winter 2011

Miuccia Prada is the essence of fashion, every season she continues to wonder and amaze the fashion elite in Milan and beyond. In particular Miuccia's collection for Autumn-Winter 2011 embodies the fragility and strength of her design aesthetic, combining sequins and fur in a bright colour palette of green, red, and yellow.  Miuccia is ever the sock fanatic with her beautiful boots this season.  Essentially the collection is a modern take on the innocence and exuberance that defined the 1920s and 1960s.

Perhaps primary colours will be strong next fall, as Miuccia is always the fashion trailblazer with many designers and retailers following behind her lead.  Let Tim Blanks for guide Style you through the wonder that is Prada for Autumn-Winter 2011.

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ Effortless Ladylike Chic as Spring approaches

A Chic Minimalist is ever the lady as spring approaches mixing exciting new styles from upcoming season with her favourite winter staples of cashmere shrugs and luxurious stockings.

Seamless seasonal transitions can often pose multiple challenges for any stylish woman's wardrobe, but If you follow a few simple steps it can be effortless. 

1. Take stock of your wardrobe and re-organize. Dispose of or donate any clothing that no longer fits and has not been worn in six months.  An organized wardrobe is the first step to achieving an effortless chic look. 
2. Add subtle hints of colour to the sea of black, brown, grey and sultry navy ensembles that is a chic winter wardrobe.  Incorporating shades of cream, lilac, pink, and white lightens and freshens an otherwise bleak winter wardrobe in February and March.
3. Invest in some light coloured stockings in shades of cream, charcoal or dove grey, and nude to balance the look. Black opaque stockings are often too heavy and hinder a seamless transition into spring.

 ~ a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion Spring-Summer 2011 ~ The Kiss Lock Clutch

A Chic Minimalist is searching for the perfect clutch to accompany her on outings this spring and summer.  A clutch is effortlessly chic in the summer especially one with a kiss lock enclosure. Carry this chic companion during the day or after dark with a pair of patent platform sandals and your favourite dress in any of the shades of a chic minimalist's palette.

J'adore J'adore J'adore Bottega Venetta leather and satin kiss lock clutches with a signature intrecciato weave.   

~a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion ~ Classic t-strap pumps

A Chic Minimalist enjoys the perennial chic of a classic t-sharp sandal or pump for everyday and special evenings out to infuse cocktail looks with  a signature elegance.
A chic companion for Spring-Summer 2011 is a pair of t-strap sandals. Yves Saint Laurent updates its classic tribute patent leather sandals for next season.  Pair this highly recommended wonderlust with a little black or white dress for a twist on this classic look.

Yves St Laurent Tribute patent-leather sandals

~ a la prochaine~

Syle Muse - Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2011

A Chic Minimalist adores Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2011 collection, especially the unexpected mix of the 1920s and 1970s eras with a touch of Mandarin in jewel tones.  Marc Jacobs' signature style of mixing various eras and elements to produce a strong bold statement is at its best with this collection.  A Chic Minimalist is tempted to try a Mandarin style dress.  Although the colour palette here is very rich and luxurious, a touch of anyone one of these shades of ruby, emerald, gold would highlight the neutral palette of a minimalist.  J'adore a statement skirt with a side slip in ruby or emerald green for spring-summer 2011.

Enjoy Marc Jacobs Spring-Summer 2011 collection, courtesy of Video Fashion!

~ a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion ~ Statement Skirt

A Chic Minimalist considers her vintage electric blue Chanel skirt a chic companion for everyday day and evenings out. Incorporating bold pieces in shades of red, emerald green, and eclectic blue compliments A Chic minimalist colour palette and adds interests to her wardrobe.  The look remains classic by balancing the statement skirt with a black sweater and luxurious black stockings.  Mixing bold colours and patterns with black creates an effortless chic look that is both classic and contemporary.

~a la prochaine~

J'adore ~ Nude Valentino Bow Pumps

A Chic Minimalist is lusting after nude Valentino bow pumps.  A classic pump is an essential chic companion within my wardrobe, these would be perfect in black, light pink, or red for Spring-Summer 2011.  Perhaps a special someone may surprise me, if not fantasizing is just as fun!

 



a la prochaine

Style Muse ~ Rodarte Autumn - Winter 2011

A Chic Minimalist is intrigued with Rodarte's latest muse that is the sunrising and setting of a typical autumn day.  The collection is a striking departure from their typical intricate knitware pieces.   It s so beautifully executed and clearly demonstrates the bright young talent that is Rodarte.  Enjoy Rodarte's Autumn-Winter 2011 show, perhaps it may inspire the sun to rise and set on your own wardrobe...

~ a la prochaine~

Syle Muse ~ Minimalist Makeup for Everyday

Minimalist makeup is an everyday essential for A Chic Minimalist.  Accentuating a minimalist's natural features is the goal, to maximize the beauty that is you without hiding behind a face of makeup. Minimalist makeup essentials include a little concealer and face powder to achieve a polished complexion, black mascara, and neutral eyes utilizing classic shadow tones of brown, sand, beige, and grey.  Finish with your favourite red lipstick for a twist on the classic face.  The goal is to accentuate A Chic Minimalist's natural beauty instead of being made up!

Stay warm and cozy today!

~a la prochaine~

Valentines Ladylike Chic

A chic minimalist keeps it simple this Valentines with a sleek ponytail, classic off the shoulder black top, and her grandmother's strand of pink pearls with matching earrings.  To finish apply your favourite shade of red or pink lipstick and a little blusher!  Voila an effortless chic ensemble that is sure to impress that special someone tonight!

Bonne Nuit..

~a la prochaine~

Happy Valentines Day

xo~Happy Valentines Day from A Chic Minimalist~xo

May someone special give you lots of love and affection today!  Remember ladies a chic companion on Valentines is always something red or pink and a secret admirer. A Chic Minimalist is ever the romantic today wearing her red Chanel skirt, while enjoying the company of someone special.

J'adore...

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ The Wallace Collection

A Chic Minimalist takes inspiration from the fine arts especially The Wallace Collection.  J'adore Eighteenth century France, perhaps you might as well!  Let iconic British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood share with you the joy that is fine art and how the Wallace Collection has influenced and inspired her career.

Enjoy

~ a la prochaine~

A Chic Companion ~ The Vintage Bag

A Chic Minimalist enjoys the perfect vintage bag to complete her effortlessly chic ensemble.  The quality that vintage bags offer including their often affordable price points complete the allure of A Chic Minimalist. Investing in a wardrobe of classic handbags including the perfect little black leather matte or patent clutch, a chic ladylike bag think the Kelly bag a la Hermes, and a leather tote in shades of black, chocolate brown, and red are absolute essentials.  The designer vintage handbag is a perfect chic companion, perhaps its a treasure waiting to be found in your mother's or grandmother's wardrobe...

  Let the vintage collection of the lovely "Italian Postcards" vintage seller inspire you to discover the allure of the vintage handbag.  

~a la prochiane~

Style Anecdote ~ The Charm of Winter White

A Chic Minimalist always looks polished in the midst of winter with her A-line winter white dress coat. Some rules are meant to be broken! A Chic Minimalist always enjoys white after labour day, after all what are dry cleaners for.

Perhaps you might try incorporating some winter white into your wardrobe, its surprisingly fresh this time of year.  To achieve an effortless chic ensemble today mix winter white with classic black or navy. See my style musing on the allure of vintage for some inspiration.

Stay warm and chic today!

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ Vintage Allure

A Chic Minimalist mixes modern and vintage pieces to achieve an effortless chic ensemble to rev up the style quotient on an otherwise bleak cold winter's day in February.  Never be afraid to venture into your mother's or grandmother's closet, oh the treasures that are waiting to be discovered.  A chic Minimalist discovered a vintage skirt and bag in the treasure trove that is her grandma's closet.  Classic investment pieces are always fresh and their quality stand the test of time.

Stay warm today!

~a la prochaine~

Objects of Desire

A Chic Minimalist desires a lovely pink skirt for the upcoming Spring-Summer 2011 season and Chanel No 5 Perfume spray perhaps someone special may surprise me on Valentines if not fantasizing is just as fun.

C'est fini pour journer....bonne soiree

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ Spring - Summer 2011 Mini Dresses J'adore

A Chic Minimalist enjoys effortless mini dresses in Spring and Summer, especially this upcoming season are impressive.  Enjoy a preview of what is to come courtesy of Fashiontv on YouTube.  A Chic Minimalist incorporates this trend for everyday, in all the shades found in her colour palette.

~a la prochaine~

Style Anecdote

A Chic Minimalist is showing to much leg when a truck driver honks, some days the old finger tip rule just does not apply!

Voila a minor amusement to end your day....bonne nuit

~a la prochaine~

J'adore Ca ~ Loves of the Moment

~A Chic Minimalist ~

           J'adore, J'adore, J'adore

• Vintage Lady Dior handbag, given by a very dear friend
• Vintage Dior scarf
• Clarins red lipstick
• My Grandmothers strand of pink fresh water pearls
• Back leather stiletto pumps
• Cream box pleated Chanel skirt, given by a special someone
• Luxurious italian stockings in shades of black, brown, nude, and olive green

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse - Luxurious Italian Patterned Stockings

A Chic Minimalist adds texture and interest to an otherwise simple silhouette with a variety of textured and patterned stockings.  You can achieve this look on any budget, luxurious stockings are one of life's little luxuries that are sure to please in the middle of Winter. Italian stockings are the best investment as textures and patterns are typically intricate and vibrant utilizing lace and various cut out techniques. 

PS tell your sweetheart luxurious Italian tights would make a lovely Valentines treat...

A Chic Minimalist always enjoys luxurious Italian stockings during autumn and winter.

~a la prochaine~

Ne Pas Toucher~"Urban Emperor"

A chic Minimalist ne touche pas the "Urban Emperor" look for Fall 2011. Please mind my language, but this upcoming trend is a bit ridiculous.  The "Urban Warrior" sensation from a few seasons past was titillating, but once is enough thank you!

~ a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ The Little Black Dress

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching a Chic Minimalist always reaches for her Little Black Dress, a simple strapless silk charmeuse dress to charm her secret admirer.  To achieve an effortless chic look for a night on the town, a simple sheath dress or little strapless dress in any of the shades found in a Chic Miniamlists' wardrobe.

~a la prochaine~

Taste Maker ~ Oscar Wilde

"I have the simplest Taste. I am always satisfied with the best."

~ Oscar Wilde~

Words to live by, well at least for today!

Stay chic...

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ A Chic Minimalist Mixes Contrasting Hues and Textures

A Chic Minimalist plays on stylish earth tones to exude a luxurious but simple feel.  Mix contrasting colours such as chocolate brown and classic black by co-ordinating accessories. The beige and dark chocolate tones of the bag echo the brown tights thereby pulling the deep green and black tones together to create a effortlessly chic ensemble.

~a la prochaine~

Style Muse ~ A Chic Minimalist's Colour Palette

Chic Minimalism is all about simple elegance executed through simple silhouettes with clean tailoring in luxurious fabrics of cashmere and silk mixed with contemporary elements including leather. The effortlessly chic styles of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn and the fashion houses of Chloe, Celine, and Chanel exude this look.  You can expect within a chic minimalist's wardrobe a colour palette consisting of a lot of white, cream, classic black, sultry navy, neutral tones, sophisticated grays and a touch of red. If you start off with a simple color palette, you can achieve this look quite effortlessly.

a la prochaine
   ~A Chic Minimalist~

Bienvenu de A Chic Minimalist

Bienvenu de A Chic Minimalist
If your a connoisseur of style and detest the phrase "ista", that is fashionista and recessionista applied to nouns and or rather mundane fashion trends including boyfriend jeans and harem pants then you may find this titillating!  Taste is in the eye of the beholder and as such this is a creative space to cultivate a sense of style that is chic, contemporary, and personal....

a la prochaine
        tres chic....
~A chic minimalist~

PS To keep you amused till next time here is a sneak peek at my personal style...