The Fall Bag Plan

In major lust with these bags, so perfect for fall (I know you loved this posts title - you see I am incredibly creative), featured at bloomies online:

I've always loved fall and winter styles best, but I am definitely not ready to let go of summer just yet. xo Caitlin

Lingerie Lundi!

Remember how in last weeks Lingerie Lundi! I focused on practical linge ("bras for bras sake")?  Yes, that was unusual... but I believe my latest linge discovery should quickly correct that petit détour.

Bordelle is a London based company specializing in couture "bodywear".  The company was founded in 2007 by Alexander Popa who then teamed up with designer Javier Suarez to create the very distinctive line.  

"Bordelle collections are characterized by body-con designs and anchored in a closely guarded proprietary technique that turns customized satin elastic bandages into a blend of lingerie and outerwear featuring a luxury S&M sensuality."

Spring/Summer 2010

Shop Online: Angela Dress in cream, Seamless Bra, black Waspie (girdle)

Autumn/Winter 2009-10

(click thumbnails for larger view)

   

AW 2009-10

 

SS'10

   

SS'09, SS'10, AW 2010-11

**Fun Fact: the brands big break came via a substantial order for Britney Spears' Circus tour!

I am really into the bodycon bandage dresses, but I can't really imagine how they would feel on, or even how to get them on. Definitely an intriguing line.

Looking back at past Lingerie Lundi's I realize I have featured a plurality of London based brands - it's funny, I have never particularly associated the UK with especially innovative, high-fashion lingerie, but the trend really is quite significant.

Hope you enjoyed this weeks feature.  Any thoughts on this post or the series as a whole?  I'd welcome any feedback, shoot me a comment!

Thanks for stopping by, Dolls!
as always, je vous aime énormément. xo Caitlin 

All images via Bordelle

Makin' a Statment

Tonight I stumbled across these aaaaaamazing statement necklaces online at Anthropology, and now need one desperately, terribly, immediately, ASAP-ery!  Sadly I live in poverty (nice rhythm there, right? I was a poetry minor), so instead of obsessively (and dangerously) online shopping, I obsessively collected these images (less dangerous), cropped them, sized them, collaged them, and posted them, here, for your viewing pleasure:

These range from $32 to $228 (mostly on the lower end, under $70), and are available here.

I actually don't own anything like a bib necklace, which is obviously a problem that needs to be rectified right away.  This is the sort of piece you can build an entire outfit around.  One instantly dresses up and adds interest to a simple tee and jeans, draws visual focus up to your face, and balances out other components of an outfit, from a full skirt to a strapless dress.

Mmmm, dreamy I say.  Until next time, mes amours, xo Caitlin

Hairspiration! for the Comic Book Heroine (...or Snooks)

et Voila! my newest online discovery I can't help but share with you, dear readers: the Pin-up Girl Kit!

Ever wanted to sport an iconic bouffant or beehive but found that your backcombing skills alone just weren't getting the job done?  Never fear, there's an app for that!
(by app of course I mean kit, tangible, physical, comes in a box...)

Not only does the kit comes with all the tools these styles require, including the "hair bun", a squishy foam tube/secret weapon, but most importantly, the instructions included for these DIY, larger-than-life hair styles is conveyed in comic strip form!

The Classic Beehive:

via Nylon Magazine online

I can't lie, I really want the big foam "bun", I really do; and who wouldn't want to look like this chic in the final frame? Homegirl is baaadddd, no doubt about it.


In other hair-raising news (yep, I said it and I'm not taking it back), don't forget about the Bumpit! (flat hair is sooo last year - Bump it up!!!) now available at your local Walgreens!

   

And speaking of icons (cough), Snooki on the cover of the Sunday NY Times Style Section (every Guidette's dream)? Yes; and I'm suddenly feeling very self conscious about the height of my hair.

Anyway, I suppose that's enough foolishness for one night (not really, I actually find myself quite hilarious! and could amuse myself taking photobooth pictures with Snooks and The Times for at least another 30 minutes...).
Thanks for stopping by, mes chers lecteurs. xo Caitlin

Lingerie Lundi!

Usually I use Lingerie Lundi to showcase pretty, whimsicle, expressly sexy, hand made or high fashion pieces, focusing on fashion rather than the function.  This week I am going to review my own favorite bras, ones who's sole purpose is not aesthetic - bras for bras sake.

At the beginning of the summer, after realizing that had been years since I had bought a real quality bra myself, and that all of my favorites were literally falling apart, I spent a little time at Victoria's Secret.  Usually I buy lingerie because it is pretty, flirty, or $10 at H&M, but I have come to the conclusion that it is really worth it to spend a little more on a quality bra, from a store who's business is focused on that, which is comfortable, durable, and looks and feels good under clothes.  I'm not generally a Vicky Sec's enthusiast, but I am really happy with what I found, and, at the store I shopped (Bay Street, Emeryville, for the local folk) I was met with some really great, helpful customer service in the fitting room.

Obviously every body is different and everyone has different needs of a bra, but these are the three that I bought, and have been loving and living in for the past few months:


lots of "Contour" for the un-contoured set such as myslef, comfortable and comes in a great shade of nude for the light skinned demo, optimal under a white top.
dream angels® Push-up Bra





cute, sporty, super light and great fit.  I have it in a cranberry color which I really like.
Victoria's Secret Pink®, Push-up Bra with Lace





a good strapless bra is hard to find, and this is, without a doubt the BEST strapless bra I have ever worn or tried; excellent worn as a racer back as well.
Body by Victoria®, Multi-way Bra

There you have it, my personal picks.  Any one else have recommendations for great, functional bras? 

besos, bisous, mes petites cocottes, xo Caitlin

The Fashionable Backpacker: Egypt

The Fashionable Backpacker is a story in four parts, make sure not to miss Part 1 (australia/east-timor), Part 2 (bali/kuala-lumpur/sri-lanka), or Part 3 (spain/morocco/south-africa).

In the final fashionable installment, G takes us through Egypt, looking, as always, supa dupa fly...

Pyramids of Giza: "riding at the pyramids in reeboks!! haha"

"I know how we feel about sneakers but pack a pair, you never know when you may need them for riding a horse through the vineyards of South Africa or the Pyramids of Giza...or for riding a camel."

(we hate sneakers)

In Cairo

Pyramids at Giza in a Ralph Lauren belt, in Alexandria in James Perse

"One of our favorite things to do while traveling was spotting tourists clad in hiking boots, techie pants (preferably the zip-off to become shorts kind) and large, practically bug-netted hats strolling chic city streets and announcing 'Safari [insert city here]!!' Just because you're going someplace where they may not speak English, or even if it's categorized as "less developed" than the US, does not mean you're going to the Serengeti. You don't want to be THAT American at a fancy restaurant looking like doof."

In Cairo: "p.s. I saw a woman in the Cairo ariport wearing a  faux  chanel burka. I died and thought of  you so we snapped a pic. Shameless!"

and the last piece of advice from the oh-so-fashionable backpacking babe? "Always leave room for a little shopping along the way."

I hope everyone enjoyed and learned a little from this series of posts.  Thanks everyone for reading, and thanks G, for all your pics and tips.  

If anyone reading has some travel/fashion advice/insight leave it in a comment! I'd love to hear it.  xo Caitlin

The Fashionable Backpacker: Spain, Morocco, and South Africa

More pics and travel tips from the Fashionable Backpacker!

At Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain wearing skirt from small Italian company I bought for 15 euros, Theory tank top.

"I'm in Marakesch and it's fabulous. I eat constantly and drink yummy wines at exotic rooftop bars and the whole city is covered in beautiful trees with purple flowers."

Marakesch, Morocco: in a Velvet top, and at the former home of Yves St. Lauren

"Accessories are an essential part of packing for a super long trip, they keep you from feeling like you're wearing a uniform when you're constantly repeating outfits and they don't take up much room at all."

   

In South Africa: Horseback riding in the vineyards, at Table Mountain in a Rebecca Taylor sweater, at the Cape of Good Hope in J Brand, James Perse, Marc J. sunglasses and Theory flats

"Additionally, scarves seconded as head coverings and shoulder wraps in Islamic or more conservative countries (and when it got cold). A black pashmina was indispensable to me as a blanket for those cold airplane flights and a chic way to stay warm when going out."

Stay tuned for the final fashionable installment: Egypt!

xo Caitlin

The Fashionable Backpacker: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka

The Fashionable Backpacker takes it to the beach! More awesome tips from my personal international fashion journalist, haha.  If you didn't catch the first post in the series you'll want to check it out here.

"Bring a reversible bathing suit. It's a great way to feel like you have more things to wear and take up less space in your suitcase."

In Bali

 

Free people dress, and in a $30 dress from Love and Lies and Paul Smith eyeglasses

"2 more fashion lessons: on Sri Lankan roads, the best accessory is by far a helmet, and never leave home without a black bikini."

Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

"I tried to bring lots of jerseys and cottons, mostly just anything that didn't wrinkle; also, definitely try and limit things that have to be dry cleaned."

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in American Apparel tee-shirt

That's all for today bebes! 

Check back tomorrow for Spain, Morocco, and South Africa!

xo Caitlin