Catwalk Couture: Yves Saint Laurent

Today's post is on one of my absolute favorite designers, Yves Saint Laurent. I love the way this couture house is able to play with color, texture, shape, and movement but still maintain the integrity of classic silhouettes and timeless pieces. As you can see I have changed the layout of Catwalk Couture a little bit to better represent all the pieces. Additionally, click on the Polyvore page at the top of the blog to find out where you can find these items for yourself!

Enjoy,

BC

                                

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-BC

Catwalk Couture: Fendi

 For the next couple weeks I will be doing a segment called Catwalk Couture. Each day I will feature a collection of Spring 2012 Ready to Wear Items from high end designers, as well as alternatives at much more affordable prices. Today, we start with one of my personal favorite houses of couture, Fendi.

Look 1: Puff Sleeve Sweater ($595) and Squiggle-Stitched-A-Line Skirt ($1260)

Blissful Couture Alternative: Classic Knit Sweater Forever 21 ($13) and Zip Detail Dip Back Skirt by Yesstyle ($25)

Look 2: Long Jacket ($2610), Fendi Slim Cropped Pants ($890), and Contrast Piped Blog ($790)

Blissful Couture Alternative: Asos Curve Exclusive Blouse with Contrast Tabs ($32), Calvin Klein Straight Leg Ankle Trouser ($48), and Black Blazer from ASDA ($15)

Look 3: Cold Shoulder Blouse ($1480) and Slim Wool Pant ($990)

Blissful Couture Alternative: Mika Blouse ($46) and H&M Trousers ($48)

What is important to remember is that you can take classic looks, styled by couture houses and make them your own by finding similar pieces that match your budget!

-BC

*All Fendi photos courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com*

Essential Couture: Jeans

I have found that picking jeans is like picking friends; they come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Some are easy going and comfortable, others are classic and elegant, and others are high maintenance, attention seekers. But like friends, we pick jeans on how they fit. I am a firm believer that whether a pair of jeans cost $9 or $900 they should fit correctly. Stop worrying about what a magazine says your body shape looks best in, what colors are trendy or what label the jeans are made by. I live by the "sleep in your jeans" philosophy. In other words, I want jeans that are comfortable enough for me to lay down and take a nap in or dress up with a pair of heels for a night out.

All that being said, there are a few rules to follow.
Blissful Couture Denim Rules

1. Forget the number! Buy jeans that fit, even if your size is different than what you would wear in a cotton blend pant. Denim is a much thicker fabric and unless it specifies, it won't have a lot of stretch.
2. If you are tall, make sure your jeans are long enough! My biggest pet peeve of fashion right now is when tall, gorgeous women wear pants that are too short. It makes their legs look even longer (yes this can be a bad thing) and draws attention to their feet (eww)!
3. If you are short, get your jeans shortened. I am only 5' tall so I know the struggles of finding pants that are not too long. What I have learned however is that 9 times out of 10 I have to have my jeans altered to fit my body. If you buy them too long, your legs will look shorter and you'll end up walking on the bottom of the jeans and ruining them.
4. Don't be afraid to play with different styles. Above is a picture of the six most common styles of jeans: (L) skinny, straight leg, boyfriend, bootcut, wide leg, and high waisted trouser. Don't think that you are stuck wearing one style all the time; switch it up!
5. NO MOM JEANS! ( I don't think this one needs any explanation)

Best of luck,
BC