Building A Capsule Wardrobe: The Little Black Dress

Building A Capsule Wardrobe: The Little Black Dress

"When a little black dress is right, there is nothing to wear in it's place." -Edith Piaf

During the 1920s Chanel created a little black dress which popularized black dresses for women. After her lover Boy Capel died in 1919, Chanel wore and made black dresses inspired by the women in mourning she had seen in the French villages as a child. In 1929 Vogue printed an image of one of Chanel's black dresses in their article on Parisian Fashion. Implying the popularity and instant long term appeal of the 'LBD', Vogue dubbed the dress 'the Chanel Ford', linking it with the popularity of Henry Ford's Model-T motor cars. 

Ford was known to have said "any customer can have a car painted in any colour that he wants so long as it is black". 

Practical, flattering and sophisticated, the little black dress could carry women from the afternoon through the popular cocktail hours. Made from crepe de chine, the 'Chanel Ford' dress featured a slashed neckline, a bodice that bloused slightly at the front and sides, a tight bolero at the back and diagonal pin-tucks across the front. It was simple, elegant and very in keeping with the modern way of life. Over time the dress grew to become a staple in the wardrobe, as women heeded Chanel's advice. 

"One is never over nor under dressed in a little black dress."

In 1961 the world went a little mad for the wardrobe of Holly Golightly, elegantly portrayed by Audrey Hepburn, dressed in Givenchy for Breakfast At Tiffany's. Personally this one is my favorite. Adopted each generation in a different way, the little black dress is synonymous as the essential item in a women's wardrobe. Today it can take you across any occasion, it can be styled simply or paired with accessories. I love that a black dress offers a reliable outfit in my wardrobe that I can turn to knowing I will have something to wear, no matter the occasion. Somehow, even wearing the same one again and again, (something a little taboo of a printed or coloured dress) is not an issue. Should you choose to wear a little black dress again and again, it is simple attributed that you have 'style', are 'classic' and elegant. 



Cue The LBD. New to Australia, The LBD is a manufacturer and online retail boutique with a unique concept certain to revolutionize how women source and select their perfect LBD. Finding the perfect LBD until now, could prove to be a challenge. Fit, price, availability and seasonal collection changes all conspire together to make it a challenge to find the right one for each woman. Over the past 12 months, the design team at The LBD have been crafting the capsule collection, built around classic, timeless designs to create a versatile foundation wardrobe. Each LBD is available in styles to enhance the individual customer's assets. These days the average Australian adult female is an average size 14, but the LBD designed to suit body shapes rather than label sizes. Adapting necklines, sleeve and skirt styles and hemlines, there is a whole range of silhouettes to choose from, each dress is made of trans seasonal high quality fabric for year round wear. The site also features a unique Dress My Shape Guide complete with a shape guide and calculator. Each dress has been sized against its counterpart, meaning the sizes remain the same no matter which style of dress you choose. I personally find the unstandardized clothing sizing system in Australia to be extremely frustrating. I am a size 8, no a 6, no a 10... or all three, depending on a garment or brand. Not with The LBD! I calculated my size, and it fit perfectly.   

I will share my outfit post in the dress I chose in the coming days, (below is one of my styling boards I have made up featuring it) but in the mean time, I thought I would share a link to The LBD so you can check it out. I can not stress enough how useful a little black dress is in building your capsule wardrobe! 

If you have missed any of the 'Building A Capsule Wardrobe' series, check out the previous posts here. 

I will be bringing you more of this sort of post in coming weeks, so stay tuned, and please share any comments or ask any questions below. 

Happy Capsule creating! 

xx Jenelle

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RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

Melbourne Fashion Week took over the footpath of Swanston Street for its annual week long offering that launches the beginning of Spring and Summer and the social season in which Melbourne comes alive. 

Suit: Jack London

Shirt: Department 5

Socks: Gucci

Shoes: Ben Sherman

Bag: No Name

Sunglasses: Arockonalens

The fashion obsessed flowed into the Melbourne Town Hall to view the latest offerings from both designers and retailers with their glasses of champers in hand. It is always a great environment to catch up with your fellow stylish friends, see familiar faces behind a camera and meet new and exciting people that your normally only communicate with through your instagram feed. The MFW Bar meant serious business inside with its set up and exhibition space, which unfortunately did not flow outside to the claustrophobic outdoor area on the footpath either side of the entrance. 

Courtesy: Mamamia

For dedicated fashion addicts there were a handful of people on the street that peaked my interest. Hoards of bloggers, influencers and wannabes presented their best offerings for the camera's as they circled the block. As you know the louder and more individual you are in your clothes, the more likely you are to peak the interest of the papz and be snapped. In this case I felt like I was stuck inside a photo shoot for a menswear suit catalog. After a week of viewing the street styles I was left with the impression that Australian menswear fashion is still relatively conservative, with not much evolution between seasons or even years. Thankfully there were standouts from the ladies who bought their A game to the footpath injecting understated chicness and colourful combinations whilst braving the chilly nights.

Shirt & Blazer: James Harper

Pants: Department 5

Shoes: Lacoste

Bag: Doucals

Sunglasses: Gucci

Trends that dominated the footpath outside the shows:

Street Luxe - The number one dominating trend was the mixing of streetwear with high fashion. Of course all black ensembles were everywhere, and the opposite. All white was also present like a flock of seagulls searching for a potato chip. 

Florals - As Miranda Priestly so eloquently put it, florals for Spring. Groundbreaking. Let's move on.

Belts - Belts were everywhere. Some good, some bad and some that I will be happy to never see again. If I see one more GG gold belt I think I will scream as it has replaced the tiresome YSL tassel bag that every woman has been renting for the last year.

Men in Suts - When it comes to men's suits there were some stylish accessories to set off the slim tailored fits that were on display. Plenty of pocket squares and lapel pins which showed individuality of the wearer. There were minimal pleated trousers which have been huge in Europe for the last two years and plenty of loafers with no socks. Special shout out to the gents who took the stuffiness out of menswear and wore something a little different and didn't play it safe. Bravo.

Pretty Ugly Shoes - Delighted to see so many wonderful shoes with different hardware and embellishments in a variety of styles both on men and women. Thigh high leather tan boots on women with chunky heels were a regular staple. The elaborate shoes would not normally be considered pretty but the vulgarity and opulence was beautiful and refreshing to see in Melbourne. ADORE!

Fur - Fur accessories adorned everything from earrings to bags and shoes. Poor little critters will live on for seasons to come after being dyed in fabulous colours providing a lux

vibe to ensembles.

Blazer & Coat: Oxford

Shirt, Tie, Pocket Squares & Shorts: James Harper

Sweater: Ted Baker

Socks:  Gucci

Most of the shows were exactly as I feared, producing safe visions of well groomed and pruned ensembles ready for the horse racing season in a few months. The flare for dramatics or igniting a point of difference was eliminated by many big designers that played it safe and delivering much of what they have for the previous seasons. However there were a few examples of inspiration and creativity that will be burned in my mind for a while. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for updates

Garage Runway - As much as I enjoy a good summer dress, there was a lot of black and muted tones or uninspiring patterns that were constantly reused. I understand ethical fashion and the need to be wise with materials, but without variety comes boredom. I have seen so many dresses inspired by Queen B's baseball bat twirling dress to last me a lifetime. 

Menswear Garage - Alike the aforementioned it was held in the basement of the Melbourne Town Hall, the likes of Amxander, Jack London, Autonomy, Chris Ran Lin and Dom Bagnato sent styles down the runway that unfortunately did not peak my interest. Following European trends with oversized bumbags across the chest and numerous patterned materials that were reused for different pieces, there were a few nice pieces but nothing that made me gasp. The overall vibe of the show was trying to be edgy with the model selection, music, skateboards and styling, that it all felt the same. I left a little deflated after this showing.

David Jones - The creative styling team behind the show should be commended for creating safe ensembles that would peak the interest of suburban housewives and gents who require a suit for the races. A huge retailer like David Jones do know their target audience very well and this showcased their knowledge of their consumer, right down to the YSL heels or The Kingsman inspired gentlemen that will soon appear on movie screens.

Premium Runway Four - Finally an injection of what fashion means to me. There were opulent embellishments, tassels, fabric choices, voluminous sleeves and dramatics in the styling including a little homage to good old Formation film clip. The line up of deisgners meshed well together although once again there was a little too much black on the catwalk for my liking, but it is Melbourne after all and black sells. 

Premium Runway - Closing - The saying "Leave the best to last" was true of closing night of the festival with some inspirational displays sent down the ice melting runway. In a week that started off rather underwhelming it was good to wrap the festival up on a positive note with some of Australia’s most popular labels such as Romance Was Born, solid stand out for me.

After a few seasons not attending what was Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and rebranded MFW, it was pleasant to see new ideas influence the program and inject some much needed innovation into the festival. Melbourne has serious pride in it's events and the team behind Melbourne Fashion Week should be commended for staying current and on trend whilst producing a solid program. A huge shout out to the volunteers who spent 12 hour days holding the festival together. Round of applause.

I believe that some of the designers need to lift their game if they wish to retain current supporters of their brands, or attract new customers. By the end of the week photographers were not on the streets, media pit at the end of the runway appeared a little thin and there were many empty seats in the town hall creating an underwhelming atmosphere. With Melbourne Fashion Festival receiving an injection of funding from the State Government recently it will be interesting to see if the fashion capital is big enough for both Fashion Week and Fashion Festival. Let the catwalk battles begin.

Spring Fashion Trend: Bright and Bold Stripes

Spring Fashion Trend: Bright and Bold Stripes

RAINBOW STRIPES

Although stripes have been a fashion staple season after season, the Spring/ Summer 2016 trend takes stripes on a wild new journey- and not necessarily in straight lines or equal widths, and when it comes to colours... the more the merrier! 

Stripes are one of the most wearable and universally loved patterns around and this season the classic go-to style got a colour update.  Classic stripes get an update this season in a spectrum of colours. Whether you reach for a statement coat or stock up on knit tanks to pair with your favourite denim, brighten up your wardrobe with wide and bold stripes this season.  

Don't stop at prints! Stripes were created with stitching, lace, ruffles, beading, raffia and faux fur for spirited yet sophisticated clothing.  Multi-coloured stripe style lessons, courtesy of Gucci, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, MSGM, and Salvatore Ferrragamo.

High contrast – make your rainbow stripes pop by having them against a really dark colour like navy or black. This high contrast will make for an interesting look that you can wear any time of the year, be it in the warmer days of spring and summer or during the colder months of fall and winter.

Another really great way to wear the rainbow stripes trend is to wear it bright and bold. With so many colours to see in a rainbow striped ensemble, it’s easy to make a statement and if that’s what you’re going for, make sure to wear your stripes in bright, bold and vibrant hues.

If you are a little bit intimidated by the rainbow stripes trend and you’re afraid of ending up with an outfit that has too much going on, you can always simply pair up your rainbow striped piece with white. This makes for a clean look that’s super chic and sophisticated.  Or if you’re feeling a little adventurous and you want to take some fashion risks, you can also try going all out and wearing your rainbow stripes from head to toe. This is rather tricky to pull off but with the right pieces and with the right balance of colours throughout your look, you can do it.

If you really don’t feel like you can pull off rainbow stripes start small by wearing it as a subtle accent or a pop of colour, if you may, to add a lively vibe to your outfit.

Another way to wear rainbow stripes with a more toned down vibe is to wear it mixed up with classic black and white stripes for a fun look that’s neither too plain nor too bold.


SHOP MY PICKS BELOW

1.  Topshop PETITE Stripe Lace Up Dress R379.18

2.  Mr Price Stripe Bodycon Skirt R89.99

3.  REVENGE - Zando stripe maxi dress yellow/white/black R 499

4.  Mr Price Longer Length Stripe Shirt R129.99
5.  Thula Sindi - Spree Sleeveless Striped Full Skirted Dress Multi-colour R3,999  

6.  SISSY BOY - Spree  Zoya Stripped Cami Multi-colour R499

STREET STYLE INSPIRATION

Still feeling unsure how to incorporate rainbow stripes to your wardrobe, check out the street style fashion below for inspiration.

Contempo - Spree Essential Striped Kimono Mid Blue R280

Edit - Spree Easy Wearing Wrap-over Dress Multi-colour R199.00

Tracy Reese Resort 2017 Collection

Chloé's runway 2016

Gucci Resort 2016

Missoni Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show

Missoni Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show

Salvatore Ferragamo 2016 collection

 How do you feel about these bright bold rainbow stripes?  will you be wearing rainbow stripes? 

I hope you enjoyed this post.
xx

Building A Capsule Wardrobe: Pants and Shorts

Building A Capsule Wardrobe: Pants and Shorts

Let's get it straight, pants, are the greatest freedom. Pioneering for women to wear pants was one of the greatest things women like Gabrielle Chanel ever did. Now, I love dresses, skirts and feeling feminine, but I like to do this with a touch of manliness. The juxtaposition between male/ female is the perfect spot to reside in for me. Comfort, is a major factor for me when it comes to getting dressed, women who kill themselves to fit into something uncomfortable for days on end make me frustrated. A lot of primping and product application can be fun, but everyday it is just tiring. I am not a fan of lots of hairspray, product, etc. I do love to dress up and feel beautiful, but I do not like to sacrifice my sanity and comfort to achieve this. In the world of fashion, I often feel perplexed watching what I dub as 'overdressed' women. Posing in platform neon heels, a bikini and bangles for photos is confusing. Wearing heels on grass, is confusing. If you are going to an event like the races, or a picnic, please do not wear heels! I feel at odds with myself the second I step on to unsturdy ground in a heel- even if this is for a moment. I find flatform shoes confusing, they are just so unattractive! The list goes on, but at the end of the day, to each their own.

I wear jeans, a lot. For a while, when I had gone through a super girly phase, jeans really bothered me. I hated seeing them on everybody- all looking the same. The thing is though, it is comfortable, often warmer, and you CAN personalize your style even if you are simply 'in jeans'. These days they are also widely worn in dressier circumstances, with a good pump heel, or ankle boot they can elongate the legs and look amazing. Find a good brand and stick to it. For me I love Rag and Bone, J-Brand (they are worth the $$ because the fit it is incredible), Sass and Bide, Dr.Denim and One Teaspoon. 

I do prefer to wear trousers or jeans as an everyday thing- rather than when going out for dinner, to a show or the like. For occasional wear I will switch back to a skirt or dress. Don't underestimate how valuable a well tailored black trouser can be, they will come in handy, are great for the office or official business and work in summer or winter. I ensure I have a matching black blazer, just in case I want to suit up.

For years I thought shorts were for men in summer, for Mickey Mouse and for children. I didn't see that they had much of a place in a womens wardrobe. It took me a while to see how I could feel like they were appropriate and found a place in my own day-to-day. Now I wear them all summer, and consider them to be a staple- again, in my day-to day, I leave shorter shorts out of the office and prefer not to wear them out to an event or dinner. They certainly can be worn in dressier ways- when tailored correctly, I feel they can look rather nice. The trick is to get the proportions right. A short short with an exposing cami top feels to me like I am showing too much skin. A cami top and longer shorts, is a little better, but best suited to culottes. Shorter shorts I feel team up best with a shirt or tee which has full or 3/4 length sleeves. When it comes to buying denim shorts I tend to go up one or two sizes, so they are looser around the thigh area. It is more flattering that way, and gives you plenty of room to move. I don't mind the torn hems, as long as the overall short covers your butt (ensure you bend down when you try them on- just to check you actually can without exposing cheek!) and I tend to stay away from embellishment, at least when building the essential capsule wardrobe.

Here is the breakdown of my 'Must Have Pants and Shorts For Any Woman':
- 1x Dark Denim jeans (skinny, fitted or flared- to suit your own body shape best)
- 1x Blue, Khaki, Bone, White or Oxblood coloured jean (again to suit your own body shape)
- 1x Torn 'Boyfriend' jean (I love the One Teaspoon Awesome Baggies, buy in a size or two larger)
- 1x Black linen long shorts- around knee length, slightly wide in the leg
- 1x Black tailored dress trousers for occasional wear and office wear
- 1x Black jeans (again, in a cut to suit your body shape)
- 1x Light Grey suit-shorts, can be short or longer, wear with an elegant flat or kitten heel for a dressier look
- 1x light washed denim or black denim cut off shorts (long enough to house your butt and worn tastefully!)
- 1x White leather shorts (or black- you would wear both, but start with one)
- 1x Black Leather Shorts (I wear mine too much!)
- 1x Culottes (not pictured) midi length, wear with cropped tops or blouses

If you have missed any of the 'Building A Capsule Wardrobe' series, check out the previous posts here. 

I will be bringing you more of this sort of post in coming weeks, so stay tuned, and please share any comments or ask any questions below. 

Happy Capsule creating! 

xx Jenelle

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ICE STYLE.....2017 NHK Trophy Grand Prix of Japan FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES: MEN

ICE STYLE.....2017 NHK Trophy Grand Prix of Japan FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES: MEN

Sequined Swan Boy: Adam Rippon of USA during his Free Skate at 2017 NHK Trophy Grand Prix of Japan, Osaka Japan

Top Three: (L to R) Adam Rippon of USA (Silver medalist), Russia's Sergei Voronov (Gold), and Israel's Alexei Bychenko (Bronze)--2017 NHK Trophy, Osaka Japan

In my last 2017 NHK Trophy ICE STYLE post HERE, I discussed the LADIES COSTUMES highlights (and Mirai Nagasu's costume change!), so now, it's time to talk about the MEN and their costumes and how much I LOVED Adam Rippon's new Free Skate look...But, let's start with Israel's boy, Alexei Bychenko:

Alexei Bychenko of Israel: To his Short Program for this Olympic Season, Alexei went full-on "Israeli Proud" with Hava Nagila (Jewish Folk Song). His costume for this staple song at Jewish weddings and bar/bat mitzvah celebrations involved black pants, a loose/un-tucked white shirt and a beige unbuttoned vest. It's a look that works for the music but I wish it was just a teeny bit more interesting.

Free Skate to Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo--For his Free Skate, Alexei continued the black/white/beige color theme he started with his Short Program. This costume for "Pagliacci" looked more appropriate for "Hava Nagila" and I wish he would have worn this! (it was a more "fancier" look). Well, at least he didn't go full-on Pagliacci clown:

Deniss Vasiljevs of Latvia: For his Short Program to Recondita Armonia by Giacomo Puccini, Deniss went Period costume, staying slightly to the "Tosca" costume script, which takes place in the early 1800s, during the "Regency Fashion Era". He wore black pants, black brocade vest with gray back, and a ruffled-and-lace men's blouse with fluffy necktie. I liked this look and especially, keeping the interest up top with the blouson sleeves and that nice jeweled pin.

Free Skate to Put the Blame On Mame by Doctor 3, Anyone to Love and Sway by Michael Buble--For his Free Skate, Deniss went for a "Lead Singer of a Band"-look with his shimmering costume. The look had tuxedo-like pants, dark open neck shirt and a bi-colored jacket featuring one gold side as well as a blue one. This was a "costume" that I could totally see Michael Buble wear in one of his concerts so it seems appropriate that this was Deniss' choice.

Dmitry Aliev of Russia: Short Program to Masquerade Waltz by Aram Khatchaturian. I loved this costume worn by Russia's Dmitry Aliev of Russia for his Short Program. The "Admiral"-like costume featured a red/maroon colored double-breasted snug-fitting stretch jacket, gorgeous collar and cuffs with sequined appliques and those great frilly epaulets. With the accompaniment of the sweeping music and this costume, I was almost transported to a fabulous ball in Imperialist Russia. 

Hiroaki Sato of Japan: For his Short Program to Terre-Merre (from "Totem" - Cirque du Soleil) by Guy Dubuc and Marc Lessard, Japan's Hiroaki Sato wore this above. If I hadn't known that the music was from "cirque du Soleil", I would have probably commented and said that his costume looked VERY "Cirque du Soleil" so....I guess, he was perfect! The striking turquoise and violet colors juxtaposed with the peacock feather-like details gave an air of a flora and fauna creature sliding through the ice as if it were a magical lake. 

Sergei Voronov of Russia: Sergei skated his Short Program to Adios Nonino by Astor Piazzolla. This is a Tango and therefore, I assume Sergei was going for a "Modern Tango" look with his red and black costume. The top was a bit odd with the different panels and I was especially confused about the nude-like ones. Was this supposed to be skin-colored illusion? And if so, why the odd placements in the midriff and neck area? he looked a little more "Tron" than Tango.

Free Skate to Sarabande Suite--This all-black look was a little better than his Short program costume--only because it looked sleeker and less like a just-out-of-fashion-school student designed it. I wished those "straps" on the shirt might have been studded in black Swarovski crystals and I'm not a fan of the gloves but...at least he DID NOT wear that tacky "Ross Dress For Less" 90s belt a lot of these male figure skaters cannot let go of! So, I am happy for the small things.

Jason Brown: I discussed Jason Brown in my 2017 Skate Canada International costumes blog HERE but if I am not mistaken, I think Jason (kind of) changed his costume...kind of! For his Free Skate to Inner Love by Maxime Rodriguez at 2017 NHK Trophy, he wore this beautiful stretch velvet blue dégradé top with silver sequined accents. For the pants, he donned dark indigo-colored stretch velvet pants. So...what was different? ....

Above was what he wore at his previous Grand Prix this season--at 2017 Skate Canada International--notice the pants; they MATCH the royal blue of his top. But in the new look, they're not matching so...I guess it's kind of a costume change. Which one do you guys like better? Darker or Matching Pants?

Adam Rippon of USA: Adam wore this "Rock & Roll" Flashy look above for his Short Program to Let Me Think About It (Eddie Thoneick Remix) performed by Ida Carr feat. Fedde Le Grand. I LOVED IT! Adam has been on a costume roll wearing SUPER TIGHT sexy tops with plunging necklines and see-through fabrications, and I am a big fan! A) Adam is like FAT FREE and lean as a toothpick so...he can do it! And B) It's refreshing to see something that is fun, flashy and NOT an all black boring look straight out of a department store. I really like the faux leather panels and the rhinestones accenting the top. Throw in that center front zipper and sheer stretch chiffon and Adam is ready to hit the dance floor! All that's missing is a FAB disco ball.

Free Skate to Arrival of the Birds ("Crimson Wing" soundtrack) by The Cinematic Orchestra

O by Coldplay--This is the same program music from last season but Thank Goodness, it was a different costume. Not that I didn't like last season's costume but THIS WAS GORGEOUS! The look--designed by Veretto Sport and designer Braden Overett--included blue skin tight pants and a second-skin sequined top. That top was OUTSTANDING--like Figure Skating Haute Couture! There were hints of the sky and bird's wings (to go along with the music) but not so overtly like last season's feathered costume.



In case you are wondering, this is what he wore last season to the same program/music:

**UP NEXT: The PAIRS & ICE DANCE COSTUMES highlights from 2017 NHK Trophy!



And don't forget about my PAGEANT COLORING BOOK!! Enjoy making your very own Pageant Evening Gown Contest via my coloring book! Click the photo to purchase on Amazon.com NOW!