Oh, The A(r)mor? Blame It On Your Evil Twin

The site was lust launched. It's a jewelry line, but not any jewelry line. It stands somewhere between avant-garde and conceptual work. But I wouldn't hesitate at calling it even casual. Why? Well, because all you need to wear it is the plainest outfit in the world. As in... a long white tee. No fuss. Just throw the armor around it and voilà! Queen of hearts.

The About page defines the pieces as a "unique sculpture for the body that reflects the lifestyles of those who aren’t afraid to push boundaries". It's about daring, about decorating your body in the most inoffensive way there is.

The creator of A(r)mor is Sandee Shin, who started this as a hobby. It's very noticeable that close attention is given to each piece and yes, "every piece is made-to-order and hand crafted with attention to every detail". What more could I add? To your A(r)mor, warrior!

photo credits: a(r)mor and a(r)mor blog

Sweet treats,
Daiane

For Those Who Like It Haute. Very Haute.

Outfits from the Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Winter 2009/2010 show that took place in Paris. My heart melted. So light and elegant. These are the dresses I liked best, paired two by two as I saw fit. Also, I'm very happy I could find on the official site some material description as this is something that rarely can be found. Alos, found it useful to include links to some explanation pages for the trickier terms. It's always useful to refresh your memory, no?

Long dress in black gazar and long embroidered sweater dress in ivory tweed bouclé:

Long backless dress in black crêpe mousse and long dress with scarf collar in crêpe mousse and black duchess satin:

Long embroidered shirt-dress in gray pearl crêpe georgette and long hand-painted "wave" dress in silk jersey and pearl gray organza:

Short draped dress with Watteau back in black lamee chiffon and embroidered asymmetrical hand-painted dress in white crêpe de chine:

"Pebble" dress in gray flannel cashmere and gray flannel tunic dress with hand-painted crystals:

Cognac cashmere dress with tube detailing and cropped "pebble" cashmere jacket + wide-leg pants in cognac double cashmere:

Let's see, where does it all come from? Well, Rolland is member of the very small circle of Parisian Haute Couture. Previously, he studied fashion at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He started working at Balenciaga when he was just 20 and got promoted Creative Director within a year... At the age of 24, Stephane Rolland left Balenciaga to put up his own prêt-à-porter collection. Six years later, he becomes the youngest French Couturier on avenue Montaigne, working for the house of Jean-Louis Scherrer...

photo&descriptions credits: Stephane Rolland

Sweet treats,

Daiane

When Summer Takes Over Shut Up And Obey [La-la-la]

Haven't done an outfit post in aaages really, so here's what I wore today. These jeans got cut off short today. The first phase they went through was a ripped version but didn't have the patience to do them right. So... off with them. Plus, in this heat, you don't know how to cool down faster. Perfect match. Also with me a soft leather bag (or fake leather? it's an amazingly good piece anyway) I just got today. At first I was happy thinking it was a backpack but, hey, this sack does a fine job too. Didn't own a bright color bag so it was about time I did, right? I already feel as I'm on vacation when I'm actually not...

Sweet treats,

Daiane

And Color Returned To Our Cheeks

photo from Vogue 2003 (Ed: Alice In Wonderland shot by Annie Leibovitz)

Hello! I was on a mini-vacation this weekend. But I'm back and with many great stuff waiting to make their appearance around here. Anytime soon, so stay tuned!

Also, thanks to those who already entered the giveaway in the previous post. You've still got time to post a comment for a chance to win!

Sweet treats,

Daiane

It's Giveaway Time!

Sweet Fancy Treat and chicdowntown.com have teamed up to give away an "Elizabeth and James" Deconstructed Tee to one of my readers. To you, yes, to you!

This tee (retailing for $90) could be hanging in your closet. And yes, it is part of the "Elizabeth and James" clothing line created by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Hello fabulousness!

I'm very pleased to announce that this is an international giveaway. All you have to do for a chance to win is to tell us why you like the tee, in a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen randomly two weeks from today, on the 16th of July.

If you like what you're seeing on chicdowntown.com do stop for a bit on these two pages too: Mystique and the vintage inspired label Minkpink. The itmes in the last one are inspired from high-fashion designers, street style, new trends and vintage pieces. And while you're at it, go check out the chickdowntown.com on Facebook Fan page. Or follow chickdowntown.com on Twitter.

So, want the "Elizabeth and James" Tee by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen? Leave a comment and tell us why you like it! Go on, hop to it! Good luck!

-Important: If you're not commenting with a blogger account, please leave your first name and last initial to avoid any name confusion. Thanks!-

EDIT: The giveaway is closed and we have the winner! Thank you all for entering!

Sweet treats,

Daiane

Now It's The Only Time I Can

photo via lolita

This photo makes for a great morning, doesn't it? Flowers, braids, the smell of coffee. Aah. I almost feel like hula-hooping. Ok, that may come from seeing these:

photo credits: yes we can architecture

Last summer London architects Yes We Can Architecture put up this instalation in the courtyard of the 18th century Hotel d’Aurès music school, Montpellier, France. It was called Qui est “in”, Qui est “out” after a song by Serge Gainsbourg.

300 hula hoops !!! all in highlight green. yaaay. more info here.

Sweet treats,
Daiane