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!

Don't question this love - Luxirare

Holy snap. This is all I can say.

I came across the rather obscure luxirare.com this afternoon while blog surfing and my eyes were met with some of the most unique clothing and accessories I have seen in quite some time. Luxirare carries vintage and handcrafted items and is really something quite special.

The creator of Luxirare (a recent graduate of Parson's university) who remains faceless and nameless, states in her manifesto that, "Instead of typical 'collections' or batches of ideas which are grouped into 'seasons', the goal is to move towards a season-less, collection-less presentation, promoting a constant renewal of thought." I find this notion to be a rare one, particularly in the fashion world.

I can really see Luxirare going places.

The images below are simply a taste of some of my favorite pieces from shopluxirare.com. I would also love for you to comment and let me know what you think, or if you have any post requests!




First and foremost, this handcrafted one-of-a-kind Luxirare iPad bag REALLY caught my eye. In fact, it's making me want an iPad. Nonetheless, I would use it as a regular messenger satchel. It's clearly of such high quality. The hardware, the fabrics used.... you can really tell a lot of love and had work went into the sleek design and construction of this luxurious messenger.



This handcrafted Luxirare fur tail bag accessory is quite trendy and of the moment (see Chanel's Fall 2010 Ready-to-wear collection), however, I really like the fluffy white version. It's so soft and luxurious it would be the perfect complement to an oversized bag for fall.



I love, love, LOVE this vintage skirt. I don't even think I need to explain why. It would look phenomenal with a black tee and my DVF Opal wedges.



Finally, this vintage necklace makes the perfect accesory all year round. I'm picturing it with a black knit turtleneck and black wool pleated miniskirt. Ahhhh dreaming of fall outfits already!

Ciao!

The Friday Five: Tara's Beauty Essentials

My good friend and makeup guru, Tara Correia, gives Modeboard the lowdown on every girl's makeup bag must haves. Tara has an amazing knowledge of what beauty products are on the market, and which ones are actually worth the price. Below, she gives us her top-five-can't-live-without-it choices.



Big Sexy Hair dry shampoo ($18.96 CAD) – “Personally, I have to wash my hair everyday so having a great dry shampoo is essential. It allows me to go a day without washing my hair. I’ve gone two days, I’m not going to lie.”



MAC Plush Lash Mascara in Plush Black ($15.99) – “It has a double sided wand, one is for making your lashes long and plump and the other is to curl them. My lashes have never looked better - I’ve actually been asked before if I was wearing fake lashes.”



MAC Select SPF 15 ($31.00) – “I combine this product with MAC Studio Fix powder – In my opinion your face is your canvas and it’s important to have a nice, clean, healthy looking complexion. For me, this is the perfect duo.”



Sephora Eyebrow/Mascara brush ($10.00) – “I use this a lot! Firstly, eyebrows frame your entire face so it’s important that they are well-groomed. I love the mascara brush because I use it to get rid of clumps and achieve the perfect lashes.”



Lip Moisturizer (Zim’s Crack Crème $3.99) – “A clean and natural looking lip is never out of place. A lip moisturizer works great in two ways because it gives you a glossy finish while keeping your lips healthy and hydrated.”

If you have any beauty related questions, e-mail me at modeboardbyhilary@me.com and I'll forward your e-mail to Tara!

Ciao!

Razor Sharp Chic

Charlotte Dellal (known as Charlotte Olympia the shoe designer amongst the fashion set) is officially my new fashion inspiration.

Grown up, put together and chic; yet complemented with perfectly contemporary touches. Gone are the leather leggings and oversized tee's that once were. It's time to soften that hard edge.

Fashionistas worldwide are finally taking a look in the mirror and realizing it's a time for change; a time to return to the classic style that is most flattering to women of all shapes and sizes.

As Vogue's most recent issue states, "this is the girl you want to marry, not the girl you want to hang out with at the bar," and I couldn't agree more.

Dare I say we're starting a fashion revolution?

Ciao!

Fashion in Bloom - Couture Fall 2010

Paris Fashion week has only just begun, and out of the six collections shown thus far, one stands out far beyond any other.

Christian Dior Haute Couture.

Yes, I am a romantic, but this collection is so magical, inspired and whimsical its beauty simply cannot be denied. John Galliano's Fall Couture show was inspired by the bright, cheerful flora found here on our lovely earth. The designers usage of colour is unlike anything seen on the runway this season. His frocks, skirts and gowns are so attractive to the eye I have a hard time taking my longing gaze away from them. Galliano spent an hour watching the light play off of a tulip for inspiration and, as it is completely apparent, each piece is (not to be cliche) a work of art.

Above are only three pieces from the show, but I highly recommend you allow Galliano to whisk you away and browse the entire collection on Style.com.

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010CTR-CDIOR

Ciao!

Nantucket Dreaming

Now that the warm weather is finally here, I've been thinking more and more about Nantucket Island. Naturally, the beautiful houses which cover the island automatically come to mind.

This house is one of my favorite homes on Nantucket Island. It's Located on Cliff Road overlooking Nantucket Sound and is one of my many dream homes. Because of the salt water and humidity in the air, all of the homes are shingled. I love the look of the fresh white trim, the green, green grass, and the white seashell driveway.

My entire family is going to Nantucket this August (we tend to go every second summer or so) and I am so looking forward to strolling around looking at the beautiful houses, gardens, and soaking in the sun.

Ciao!