Menswear

Like most of you, I've been researching the Fall trends lately and I'm glad to see that "menswear" is still on the trend list. Really, it's old news, it's been around for a while now, but who can blame 'em for keeping it going? Have you noticed how feminine you feel in menswear? It's like the contrast between the clothing and the wearer is so strong that instead of it hiding your femininity it just makes it more apparent.

My short hair is pushing it in the femininity department, but throw on some red lipstick and pearls and I feel the most womanly sort of powerful. I feel a sense of authority that is based on my appearance alone. I know it sounds like an authority or confidence that could be taken away with the removal of a jacket, but really it's just a seed that's been planted in your subconscious. Why do you think they call Power-suits, Power-suits? Not to get too technical and factoid-y, but psychologist have found that there is real validity to the old saying "fake it till you make it."

P.S. I'm not saying that only dressing like a man can make you feel powerful. Wear what makes you feel confident. If Uggs make you feel powerful, then I guess you can wear those.

In this outfit:

H&M Overcoat

H&M sweater

Zella leggings

Aldo bag

Forever21 glasses

Fall Wish List: Accessories

I would like to introduce you to one of my many treasures: My cheetah fur collar. I think it's completely amazing! The epitome of exotic.

I purchased it for $20 in an antique store in the capital city of Olympia, Washington. It has to be at least 30 years old, if not older. In the 1980's, it became illegal to sell or trade endangered animals and products made from those animals, and these days you still can't trade something like cheetah fur over state or international borders!

It seems that at one point, the collar was attached to a coat. It also has the name "Gail Ladage" written on the underside. I would love to know the story behind this lovely piece of fur.

This collar is just one piece of fur from my ever-growing fur collection. It's amazing what you can find at thrift stores and garage sales! I have a rabbit fur stole that I have featured in at least one post, a black rabbit ushanka, and a huge wrap-around stole made of wolf (I think).

It seems I am set when it comes to Fall accessory trends! Fur and faux fur has been predicted to be one of the many popular trends for Fall clothing and accessories. But what if you're too grossed out by real fur and not thrilled about faux fur's tendency to look cheap? Well, there are plenty more trends to follow, love, and make your own.

Fall Accessories by fleur-d-elise featuring purple sunglasses

1. You'll need a couple classic belts to go with all those midi skirts!
2. Leather gloves are very versatile! Perfect for fetish-inspired styles or classic mid-century looks. Plus, they keep your hands warm, duh!
3. We've already talked about this, need I remind you? Fur is warm and on-trend.
4. Can't get enough polka-dots! Umbrellas are perfect in this fun pattern.
5. Cat-Eye glasses: the perfect way to accessorize classic feminine looks or even add a touch femme to masculine looks, like we're seeing in Moschino's F/W 2011 line.
6. I'm not really sure if this is a trend. I just really like that cuff.

poor neglected hobbies

Oh man, it's been a WHILE. My poor blog, my poor readers (you guys have nothing else to do but read blogs, right?)

I have a whole list of excuses, but mostly they are boring and/or sad. Nobody wants to hear about how my dog has become horribly sensitive to things she eats or the disgusting results that!

You might want to hear about our "We got married!" party, but I will tell you more about that when I get more pictures. I had so many friends documenting it that I want to use at least one of each of their pictures in a special blog entitled "Look at me! I got married and I KNOW everyone wants to hear about it!" It's a very long title, but it gets the point across. I am waiting on the last of the photos to be "published" and then I will show you all how PRETTY I looked haha (some of you have already seen on Facebook).

Ok, so back to the point of this blog, I've finally had the chance to take some outfit photos and they turned out pretty well. I am getting a little sick of the background, but whatcha gonna do? I am still not gutsy enough to set up a tripod where people can see me.

Have you heard all the hubub about midi skirts? I've read so many articles (Vogue, Wall Street Journal, etc.) about buying them for Fall, that I must say I am very relieved that I bought so many last Spring! I am all set! I have this lovely velvet one that I've had for years and years, then a full one in black cotton, an A-line in black velvet, a striped jersey knit, and a figure-hugging style in dark green velvet. Hmm, that's a lot of velvet...
If you are midi-less, I recommend heading over to Forever21 where they have a few really cute full skirts. All of them have a 1950's feel, which, my darlings, is a trend that is just not dying out!

This look is kind of my nod to Chloe's past few seasons. Somebody really loves this burnt umber color. It's so striking and unexpected, who can blame them?

This outfit:
J.Crew chambray shirt
Vintage velvet skirt
Vintage Coach bag
Vintage leather belt and wooden bracelet

Fall Wish List: Bright colors

There is no reason Fall should be limited to dark, neutral colors reminiscent of forest mould. That's why this Autumn, at the top of my wish list, are bright colors. I have 3, maybe 4 reasons, for putting color in such a lofty position.

#1
They're perfecting cheering up any gray Seattle morning and, if you think about it, will make the transition from Summer to Fall that much easier.
Which brings us to...

#2
You already have all the brightest pieces in circulation, don't you? Yes you do, because they're always popular during the Summer! Now just layer them up and you're set for cool weather!

#3
I haven't gotten enough of the color blocking trend. I want to do more! It's so fun, so bold, and so graphically pleasing. You look like a chic piece of modern art in color blocked clothing.

#4
Oh yes, I already mentioned it. Brights are perfect for cheering up a gloomy Fall day!

If you're really itching for some new pieces for your wardrobe or you just can't seem to get the Popsicle stains out of that one yellow top, then I highly recommend checking out J.Crew's Fall 2011 line. Color is everywhere! They took out all the stops and have done some daring, yet ingenious styling. Just look at this red and fuchsia combo!!

I'm buying those trousers as soon as they go on sale! Check out the rest of the lookbook at Refinery29

Breaking Rules

According to rules of taste, these pants should not be worn by anyone. They are ridiculously loud and rather shapeless. Yet somehow, they are not completely unflattering.

Underneath the sweater, the pants are attached to a tube top, so technically it's a jumpsuit. But the elastic is fading and the top is no where near as awesome as the bottoms. This is where the cropped sweater comes in.

It gives the whole thing a slouchy, yet polished look. Think 80's power-suit goes on vacation.


In these photos:
Vintage jumpsuit
GAP sweater
Vintage frame bag
Aldo flats
Vintage watch and costume jewelry
Forver21 sunglasses