Lingerie Lundi!

Not always about the Linge, but the way you wear it:

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kate Moss Forever.

I'm not sure who photographed these, or where they first appeared.  If you do please let me know!
Oh Katie, you'll never be forsaken!  

xo Caitlin

Party Gowns: 2004

Samantha Morton in vintage Givenchy, from the very 1st Givenchy couture collection in 1951

Naomi Watts in Versace, Sienna Miller in Matthew Williamson, Charlize Theron in Gucci

Samantha Morton's vintage gown is amazing! Naomi looks fantastic in hers, I love the color on Sienna and the gold accessories, and Charlize and her tan are luminous. xo Caitlin

Party Gowns: 2003

My favorite Oscar gowns of 2003!

Kate Hudson in Versace:

Jenny in Valentino, Cameron in Prada, Halle Berry in Elie Saab


Oh! I love these pretty things! xo Caitlin

THE [mid]-Weekend Party Post! (Party Dresses? ...nah, Party Gowns!)

Audrey Hepburn in Hubert de Givenchy, 1953

Wednesday's search for the perfect so-called Blogger Oscar gown took me down a quite lovely lane of memories as I stumbled upon the most gorgeous Oscar gowns of the last decade.

So many of us may not be attending a black tie award show this weekend... Someday we may, and a little inspiration, a little Pre-Party Planning, never hurts.

So babies, get excited.  Over the next few days I'll be showcasing some of my personal favorite Oscar ensembles over the past 10 years, starting with this oh-so-controversial (and oh-so-unforgettable) frock donned by Ms. Cameron Diaz in 2002:

Cameron Diaz in Emanuel Ungaro, 2002:

This dress landed Cameron on almost every worst-dressed list at the time and even today.  They've criticized her "bed head", and "unfortunate accessories".  The dress has been described as "an awkwardly belted bathrobe", and "Betsy Johnson-like"... probably a criticism if you're Emanuel Ungaro.  The notorious Mr. Blackwell famously declared: "It looks like she was dressed by a color-blind circus clown".

Still, I love it.  I loved it then and I love it now.  I love the cut and the color.  The pop of turquoise at the wrist, and yes, even her "bed head", shiny, beach-y waves.  I also love that it seems to fit the actresses beach-babe, bohemian persona so perfectly.  It takes some guts to walk an ensemble like this down the red carpet, and she totally owned it.

Other early 2000's faves:

Chloe Sevigny in Yves Saint-Laurent, 2000; J-Lo in Chanel, 2001 (another worst-dressed list fave that I love... yes, the top is a little NSFW, but in a really beautiful way, right?); Reese Witherspoon in Valentino, 2002.

What do you think of my party-gown picks? Stay tuned over the next few days for the rest of the decade, yay! xoxo party princesses, Caitlin




Images from all over the place... including:
www.marieclaire.co.uk
www.stylecaster.com
www.nypost.com
film.guardian.co.uk
www.instyle.com

Pour L'Amour's 1st Award!

Yesterday I learned that Simply Luxurious awarded me and my little baby blog 2 blogger awards! I almost shed a tear I was so honored. It isn't easy to establish yourself in the ever-expanding fashion blog world, and any recognition feels really amazing.

With the awards came this question: If you were to attend the Blogger Academy Awards, what would you wear?

This gave me a wonderful excuse to peruse the most glamorous Oscar-worthy gowns, and come across this one, which absolutely took my breath away:

Penny Cruz at the 2009 Oscars in a 60-year-old vintage Balmian butter-white gown.  Some critics called this dress too bridal for an awards show, but I think it is completely magical.  The exquisite detail, the beading, the lace... Magical!

For jewels, I don't know what she's wearing, but I'd wear those.  She's accessorized perfectly.

and because in such a dress the shoes aren't really visible anyway, and because this is my fantasy, and because they are amazing, I would decorate my footsies with these out-of-control amazing Loubs!
(Christian Louboutin Studio 120 Peep-Toe Pumps.)  

POUR-LA-MOUR! JA-DORE! ETC.!

Now it's my turn to award awards... And the BloggerOscar goes to:

E COLLECTIX; one of my new faves!
hilarious, and nothing do I like better than hilarious.

WWEPW - What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear;
because I want to know what EP would wear to the Oscars, ha.

Haute Design; for showcasing the haute-est of designs.

Fazed-Girl; because I too am perpetually tying to get dressed,

and I don't want her to discontinue her blog!

...and Bachman's Sparrow, for the best DIY,

and because now that I am one I gotsa work those alumni connections! haha.

Congratulations Lovers!  What would be your (or Emma's) Oscar outfit?  and don't forget to pay it forward!  xoxo, 4eva, 143, etc. Loves, Caitlin

Penny via socialitelife 

Loubies via Net-a-Porter

Lingerie Lundi! Etsy Edition

I was so excited by last weeks Lingerie Lundi finds via Etsy, I decided to look a bit harder, and dedicate a post to some of the most gorgeous, decadent, handmade, vintage-inspired pieces on the site. 
Some of these items are on the expensive side (and some aren't), but the cost is only a reflection of the quality materials, and the fact that those pieces are custom-made to order to your exact measurements, which is pretty awesome.

Hankerchief linen bralette and boxer with cotton lace trim, from sandmaidensleepwear.  These are so pretty.  I love the fresh, clean, white linen look.  I find these so pretty and subtly-sexy.  There were so many items I loved in this shop it was really hard to pick just one.

Vintage organdy and silk fabric strapless babydoll and matching short from Naomilingerie.  So pretty and spring/summery.

Silk tap pants/French knickers from ladyjanelingerie.  These are based on a 1930's pattern.  I love the buttons!

Eyelet babydoll and bloomers set from Intima.  I love this sort of look.  So pretty and feminine.

Georgette and silk cropped camisole and knickers from Hopeless.  I absolutely love the cut on this camisole.  This shop is full of equally cute vintage-inspired, made-to-order pieces.  Again, really hard to choose!

Icing on the Cake bra and undies from Toadlillie.  I featured peices from this shop on last weeks edition.  I absolutely love everything there.  Ruffles, bows, and such silky, soft, sumptuous materials.

I hope you enjoyed the post!  There are so many unique and amazing choices out there, I want them all! Have wonderful weeks mes amours! xo Caitlin

p.s. (Local, and..) Looking for Something to do this Weekend?

Check out the DNA (Designers and Artists) Storefront event in Hayes Valley. 

Every weekend this month at their retail space/gallery, (644 Laguna Street, San Francisco) DNA will host emerging as well as established designers and artists from SF, LA, and NYC, selling and showcasing their wares.

This Saturday, at the "All Vintage Everything" event from 12-6pm, an amazing up-and-coming designer, Megan Quirolo (who I am privileged enough to know personally, but I promise this review is not biased!), will have a booth featuring her handmade, vintage-inspired clothing line May&June.  I highly recommend checking it out! 
I'm fairly obsessed with her tunics.  You can get an idea of what you'll find via her etsy store, and the DNA blog.

Hope to see you there my Darlings!  xo Caitlin

THE Pre-Weekend Party Post! (Oh the Difference a Coast Makes)

Last week's Pre-Weekend featured pictures from a Ray-Ban-sponsored concert, headlined by Iggy Pop in Brooklyn, NY.  This week's showcases those from a Missoni-sponsored fete, celebrating the launch of Style.com editor Derek Blasberg's new book Classy, hosted by Margherita Missoni, Nicole Richie, and Kate Bosworth, in Los Angeles, CA.


While it is not surprising a book launch and a rock concert would exhibit different styles, I still think the comparison aptly showcases the vastly different aesthetic between the LA and NY fashion scene.  Even with many of the same guests in attendance (hostess Kate Bosworth and Charlotte Ronson for example) the looks at each party, which were, respectively, really very similar, truly could not be more different.

Charlotte Ronson, Devon Aoki, Lady Victoria Hervey, China Chan

Nicki Hilton, Dasha Zhukova, Misha Barton, Tara Subkoff

I love Missoni!  Nicole Richie and Devon Aoki look amazing I think, and I always love Margherita, but the rest of these looks are somewhat take it or leave it in my opinion.  What do you think?  Do you agree that this party compared to last week's really illustrated the distinct style of each coast, or are the differences just a product of the different sort of party?

Anyway I hope everyone has a marvelous weekend ahead!  I'm pretty partied-out myself after many a wonderful post-graduation celebration.  
xoxo, Caitlin

*photos and info via style.com

Lingerie Lundi! + "It's my boyfriend's birthday" Reader Mail!

Last week I got an e-mail from a babe-a-licious best friend asking for undies advice.  I knew this inquiry would be an excellent way to spice up the weekly lingerie feature: 

Hi fashion friend!

So I had a lingerie question and I immediately thought of you (duh). Alex's birthday is this summer and I want to buy something sexy with garter straps that's actually flattering, not 5 million dollars [under $200] and probably black (as I'm a true new yorker these days down to my undies). Ideas?

Love G

Sounds very sweet of you G, here's some ideas (thigh-high's not included): 

Lejaby Crystal Suspender Belt, Mini-String, and Half-cup Bra, at Fig Leaves, $159 total: 

  

Glamour by Victoria's Secret Garter Belt, Demi Bra, and Hiphugger, $74 total:

DKNY Gotham Girl Push-up,  and Skirted thong with garter straps, via Bare Necessities, $72 total

the Etsy route, NaughtyNaught Black Fringe Thong and Chiffon Halter bra, $30 total (no garter belt, but too amazing not to include):

and... a little over budget but custom made to your measurements! and the bows make it oh so birthday present appropriate, Toad Lillie Tie-one-on Glamorous Silk Garter Belt, Charming Darling Black Silk undies and Bralette, via Etsy, $325 for all three

To G, my reader of the reader mail (Alex you can thank me later!), and all my lovely readers, I hope this lent some insight and inspiration.  Until next time mes Petits Cocottes, xo Caitlin

p.s. Keep sending that Reader Mail!


*image above, Betty Paige via The Rathaus

THE Pre-Weekend Party Post!

This weeks Pre-Weekend is inspired by the looks debuted at the Ray-Ban-sponsored, Iggy Pop-headlined, celeb-strewn concert in Williamsburg, celebrating the re-release of the line's classic aviator frames.






I'm lovin all the leather, biker, super rock-n-roller looks. I'm definitely enjoying all the pretty whites and pinks of spring and summer, but black... black is eternally cool, and entirely New York (to the left the also eternally/entirely cool Jessica Stam).

Charlotte Ronson, Genevieve Jones, Kate Bosworth

Agyness Deyn, Juliette Lewis, Chloë Sevigny

Love you, Little Lambs!  Have a great weekend!  I know I will... tomorrow is my final, final exam, ever! Wish me luck! xoxo eternally/entirely, Caitlin

pics, info, etc. via style.com and stylecaster

Lingerie Lundi! Oh my Lonely Heart

Lonely Hearts is a New Zealand-based brand established in 2003.  It's lingerie line, LONELY by Lonely Hearts was conceived in 2009.  The peices bring to mind adjectives like clever, quirky, whimsical, and ethereal; they are sexy without being raunchy, and feminine without being super girly.

LONELY Collection I

LONELY Collection II

I love almost everything offered.  Most of all those over-the-knee socks (I must have them!), and the pretty, lacy bralettes.

Currently their wares are stocked almost exclusively in New Zealand and Australia, as well as a few online shops.  So far the brand is only available in the US in Los Angeles Boutique  No. A.  You can find all the information about how and where to buy on their website.

Love, Love, Love all my pretty, little, not too lonely, I hope, Cocottes.

Thank you so much for your readership, your support, your following, your comments... It really means so much to me.

xo, Caitlin