Why?

Why?

This is the question I am dying to ask Chistopher Decarnin, designer of the highest of the high fashion houses, Balmain. Why are your clothes so expensive? What is really so special about these pieces of clothing? Are they handmade? Are your t-shirts made of rare cotton you personally harvested on Saturn? I truly am very interested in knowing, quite simply, WHY?

For those of you who aren't familiar with the pricing of Balmain's ready-to-wear clothing (sold at oftentimes higher than couture prices), the price tags are astronomical. The pinnacle of my sheer and utter disbelief arose when I was browsing net-a-porter.com one fine afternoon. Now, I would like to make it clear that I stand behind the high pricing of designer clothing (most of the time). I like nice things, and I realize that nice things come at a price... but not this price.

I stumbled upon a t-shirt. An army green, rather passe - in my opinion - oversized, slashed atrocity. The price, a mere $1,625. Let us Canadians keep in mind that these are American prices.

The fun, of course, didn't stop there. Next were a pair of shorts (pictured above) selling for $2,015. I could probably find a nicer pair at J-Crew on clearance for $15.99.

My final example is the "Strong-shouldered shearling motocross" jacket that's currently available for $10,505.

The above mentioned price points are the norm for Balmain. What's also normal is for these pieces of clothing to be sold out within hours of being put on net-a-porter.com.

Another question I have is "who are the people making these insane purchases?!"

I'm actually having a moral dilemma on behalf of these individuals for spending such exorbitant amounts of money on the most trendy clothing available today. Clothing that the fashion world will shun them for if they have the gall to re-wear a piece next season.

I realize that I have just completely bashed, Balmain. I do think, however, that their clothes do have a particular appeal to the fashion set. They are unique designs (other than the basics I have shown here) and have been highly praised within the fashion world. But, please, Balmain, you're embarrassing yourself.

The Cosmo Blog Awards

"One of the UK’s leading fashion blogs Catwalk Queen are on a hunt for the next best fashion blogger. They are searching for a fresh young fashion talent who’s new to the blogging world to add to their team of top bloggers at the shows of London Fashion Week 2010."

If anyone thinks I'm worthy of a nomination, click away!

Ciao!

Calm, cool and collected.

I absolutely love the clean, graceful lines of this Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen designed home located just outside of Hong Kong. When I see this, I think of peace and rejuvenation. I'm particularly drawn to the wooden overhangs, it brings a sense of warmth to such an imposing structure.

What do you think of contemporary homes?

Ciao!

The Shoe Cotillion...

The shoes have arrived! I thought that my Diane Von Furstenberg "Opal" Wedges deserved a photo-shoot in celebration of their beauty. I've paired them with my Hugo Boss Black Label skirt, Witchery top, Calvin Klein bra, Tiffany Key necklace and rings from Handworks Gallery.

Ciao!

The Friday Five: Olivia Palermo's Top Looks

For those of you who are avid watchers of MTV’s The City, you should be more then familiar with Olivia Palermo’s villain-like portrayal. So, no, this does not mean I am an advocate of Palermo’s self-righteous attitude. I am, however, more than willing to comment on her ridiculously amazing style sense.

I must say, out of any one person in the media, it is Olivia’s style I am most enamored by. She gets it right every time. Each outfit is perfectly in keeping with what style I like most, and recently wrote about (see Razor Sharp Chic). Palermo’s looks are always polished, ladylike, yet uber chic.

Here is a brief selection of my favorite Olivia P. looks.

Statement Piece

I think that every living room should have a good piece of statement furniture. This dogwood bench by Edward Ferrell, Lewis Mittman is something I would love to have in my home.

A statement piece is something that stands out from everything else in the room, but at the same time, ties in with the other furnishings seamlessly. Since this bench is such a bold choice, the room in question should be slightly more muted.

The room I'm picturing this bench to be in has a glamourous, more contemporary edge.

What kind of room are you picturing it in?

Ciao!

Haunted

I came across the photography of Ellen Rogers a few weeks ago and have been meaning to do this post.

Rogers images look so organically antiqued, one would think they truly come from another time. It's as though I'm in a time warped dream when I look at the hazy, foggy images. Rogers transports me to a magical, somewhat evil, world... and I love it.











It was so difficult to choose which photographs to use because each image is unique and beautiful in it's own way. To see more, go to ellenrogers.co.uk

Ciao!