Enfants D'Hiver

Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg

If I was in Paris right now, I would waste no time getting to the Serge Gainsbourg exhibition.

Eau Yes

Ms. Monroe in an iconic ad for Chanel No.5


Summer ScentFall Scent

I'm a scent snob.

I said it. There are certain smells for which I am prejudice. Scent is a determining factor in the interaction amongst the sexes. Think about it. Think about the people you have become smitten with and I guarantee a specific smell comes to mind. Should you catch a whiff of that scent again and an assault of memories will surely follow. For instance, if ever caught down wind from any eau from Abercrombie and Fitch (I shudder even typing that brand--but let's save my mall snobbery for another entry) a putrid recollection of a past fellow takes over my thoughts. Au contraire, the enveloping leathery aroma of Hermes fragrances evokes a pleasant TDH boy--tall, dark and v. handsome.

A friend recently romanced a scent that I fell hard for this summer abroad. I first smelled it on a certain Parisian homme and became immediately infatuated. Now when said friend wears it I find myself oddly attracted to him... I say oddly because he happens to be gay. Zute.

My favourite place for a fragrance fling is Noor in Toronto (21 Avenue Rd at Cumberland, right below the Four Seasons) I first ventured to Noor on a hunt for a new scent called Eau D'Italie for an ELLE feature I was compiling. The lovely Nala carefully ushered me through their niche brands-- which included Penhaligons (British florals), L'Artisean Perfumeur (French smokey) and Santa Maria Novella (Italian crisp). Given my affection for the French, I quickly gave my heart away to a couple L'Artisan suitors. Their scents are absorbed into the skin for a seamless finish that feels at once unique and addictive. Visiting Noor is a pleasure because one is never pressured and samples are given out of your favorites. It's important to date your fragrance before you settle down.

Fragrance is wholly personal. What smells delicious on one person can be most displeasing on the wrong wrist. I was once violated by a lewd scent while out shopping with a girlfriend. Never. Again. She had trouble standing next to me, claiming I smelled like porn.

While I love to read articles on fragrance in magazines, I don't trust their recommendations and neither should you. Perfume is an industry that spends a lot of money on glossy adverts. The publications will feature these fragrances to keep the ad dollars flowing. That has to be the reason why a reputable magazine recently referred me to Jessica Simpson's Fancy. How offensive.

Here I present to you my entirely biased list of favourites fragrances. While my heart currently belongs to a secret paramour, if you currently wear any of the following we may be scent mates. If, however, you still wear anything that falls under the category of Davidoff, Michael Kors, Dolce and Gabanna's Light Blue, Angel, Gap Dream, Tommy Hilifiger, Swiss Army, Polo Sport, Body Shop Vanilla, Lancome Miracle, or Clinique Happy (which makes be feel just the opposite), you will most likely disagree with my selection—and that’s fine. I don't want to be judgey, but those scents are more overplayed than Thriller on Halloween.

Featured are scents for both X and Y. I encourage you to gender bend.

* Chanel: Gardenia (perfect floral), No. 19 (vintage yet clean), Bois des Illes, Eau de Cologne, No.5 (instead of pj's)

* Dior: Pour Homme (so sexy for guys and girls, smells like a male model), Diorella (grown up lilac), Bois D'Argent (simply killer, I can't resist) Eau Sauvage (a classic, very Mad Men)

* Sisley Eau De Soir (smells like rich lady with LV luggage and porter)

*Tom Ford EVERYTHING (all his work reek of smokey liaisons and chocolate)

* YSL Nu (sadly available only in Europe, a Tom-Era creation)

* Eau de Lalique and Lalique Parfum

* Givenchy L'Interdit (created for Audrey Hepburn, the only acceptable celeb scent)

* L'Artisan-- namely L'Ete en Douche, Poivre Piquant, Absinthe, Bois Farine, Timbuktu and Mure en Musc.

* Jo Malone Wild Fig and Cassis

* Acqua de Parma (Italian citrus)

* anything Hermes

* Bvlgari Au Thé Vert and Au Thé Rouge

* anything Comme des Garcons

* L'Ocittance Fleur Oranger

x M.

Chanel No. 5 Ad, 1921

Latest Article...

Fashion Week Confessional

To Cure a Fashion Hangover

After an exhilarating week of fun and fashion in a city that every so often rekindles my excitement, I was awakened this morning with a very bad case of the fashion week blues. As a true addict I had to keep my high alive, so I quickly opted for another round of this sartorial substance.

Alas, the ultimate cure happened at 11:00am in a gallery covered in original Wayne Clark fashion sketches. I felt so inspired as the gallery owner guided me through four glamorous decades of Wayne Clark fashions, sketch by sketch. Mr. Clark is a glam icon to say the least:

The sketch above on the bottom right corner is titled: Canadian Lumberjack Plaid, 1998. I felt a sudden burst of patriotism when I read that, which lifted me out of my funk and put me in a serious shopping mood.

I was obviously tres inspired by the gallery installation for the remainder of the day, take a look at this vintage Wayne Clark-esque dress I purchased (also shown above):

Yours in style,

Carly

A Week in The Tents

The week went something like this.
School.
Show. Starbucks. Show. Show. Starbucks. Show.
Sleep.

Repeat Daily.

Little Black To-Die-For Dresses from Morales. My favourite presentation of the week.
So much to say about the Sailor Moon-inflected frocks, but must save it for my article.

In the meantime, I need one of these dresses.

Speaking of dresses, the most lovely thing happened to me on Tuesday. A terrific young designer called Miss Rowe dropped by my flat bearing gifts. An ivory silk dress and feathered bangles. How sweet. This girl is one to watch. Her line oozes an Ashley Olsen savoir-faire with touches of gothic flare. I quickly slipped into the little vanilla number and taxied to the tents. In Toronto, the shows all start on time. How utterly unfashionable is that?


This season I got to attend many shows.

Pink Tartan, NADA, Joeffer Caoc, Bustle, David Dixon, Thien Li, Andy The Ahn, Joe Fresh, Evan Bidell, Evan and Dean, Morales, RUDSAK, Melinda-Mae Harlingten, Lucian Matis, John Paul Gaultier and the LG Closing Fashion Fusion Closing Gala awaits tonight. My mom is coming with me to support our friend Wayne Clark. His fabulous gowns are the perfect end to a glamorous week.

Loved soaking up the shows, yet also adore watching other people watch the show. I find it oddly mesmerizing how many people sport a practiced look of disdain. This phony indifference is an essential fashion week accessory. The writer David Livingstone has attitude down to an art form. I could watch him scoff all day, guessing the bitchy remarks he would scribble in his Moleskine.

If you don't know who David Livingstone is, shame on you. He has earned the right to be a huge grump.


My very favourite designer ever might be showing next season...

x M.

Ladies who Launch

Kvetching passengers in Juicy sweats, and ponchos, have invaded airports nation-wide, downgrading our flying esthetics from ‘jet set’ to ‘jet shlep’.

I recently flew Porter to Montreal, and although it was a super short flight, the experience really made an impression on me. From their chic lounge, and adorable stewardess uniforms, to their fabulous customer service and super speedy check in, I was truly inspired to look like a lady upon my return flight home (without sacrificing comfort of course).

Two days later, I find myself strutting through Dorval in a bright yellow tulip skirt (wide elastic band waist is key), with black tights, fitted turtleneck, and a cozy little black bolero in tow. I shoved my ugly corduroy carryon in my luggage and opted for a small and structured wool vintage bag to hold my bare necessities. I ditched the usual fashion mag, for a style inspiring read, “All You Need To Be Impossibly French” by Helena Frith Powell. I stood out from the airport masses like a Chanel suit at K-Mart, creating an important impression even before arriving at the final destination. It’s quite fun to think of the dreadful flight as a luxurious event.

Need a some fashion flight inspiration of your own? Pop in the Down with Love DVD and take a cue from Barbara Novack. Her travelling ensemble to NYC was structured and stylish from her wrist gloves to her matching hat box-esque carryon. Ms. Novack’s character made show stopping impressions throughout the entire film, wherever she roamed.

-Carly

Blossoming into Bradshaw

With all the 90’s whoopla lately, be it fashion, music or the re-launch of 90210, I recently stumbled upon the opening credits for Blossom, and I strongly suggest you take another look.

Yes I’m speaking of the awkward teen who left us with a bad taste for floppy hats, and topsy-tail hair-don’ts, but looking back at this video has shed a whole new light on her character. The opening credits displays Blossom in a wide array of quirky yet noteworthy outfits, portraying her versatile personality and style sense.

Got me thinking about Candace Bushnell’s, upcoming prequel novels, chronicling the teenage life of Carrie Bradshaw. Crazy as it seems… Ms Blossom Russo could just be that ‘it’ girl. Plucking the huge flower off her floppy hat and pinning it onto the shoulder of her body-con sheath…come on, Carrie’s distinct style must be the result of a major trial and error past.

Going a little deeper, Blossom and Carrie share the same perfectly un-perfect trait we as viewers relate to oh so well. From their first date … to their first engagement ring… and then their second…. we were glued to the tube, learning from their mistakes and gaining from their blossoming sense of self.

-Carly

Class in Session

I am visiting my sister in Vancouver for Thanksgiving.  She attends art school on an island full of bohemian  hipster fairies.  While some of their sartorial looks are most challenging to the eyes, there is a lovely sense of freedom to the way they put themselves together.  No thought is given to practicality or occasion--only self-expression.  My sister has a sense of whimsy when it comes to school attire--sequin backless dress one day, zippered scuba pants with a peasant top the next.  It is refreshing after a high school career spent in a belted tunic and godawful red blazer for her to wear whatever the heck she wants.  While I also have the same freedom at U of T, the school lends itself to a more sedate style.  Besides our turkey-shaped library, the place lacks panache.  While the style of the student body can veer on dull, I look to inspiration from my favourite example of scholastic style: Love Story.  Ali McGraw and Ryan McNeil's 70's Bostonian Ivy League look was just perfect for long days spent in lecture halls.

Adages of Love Story Style :

* Centre-parted hair tucked behind ears

* Scarf wrapped around neck and hanging down back

* Pea Coat in navy, khaki green, camel or gray

* Cream cardigan

* Penny Loafers

* Riding Boots

* Hunter Green Wellies

* Tuque Hat

* Cognac Saddle Bag

* Corduroy 

* Herringbone Tweed Blazer

* Thick Striped Sweater

* Ribbed tights

* Suede belt

* Sandalwood perfume

Also got me thinking of a friend I have at UPenn who really nails this look.  When I visited Philly she said in her sweet Brazilian accent that she was going for a nerd look.  Works for me.   Sometimes conservative styles make the boldest statements.  I hate that word right now because it is so affiliated with politics.  And Cindy McCain doesn't exactly exemplify conservative style. Her and Palin both need a serious makeunder.  

x M.

Sofia Knows Best

Marie Antoinette was so underrated.

Like a Balenciaga collection, it must be viewed 3 times before one gets it.

The best things don't make sense right away.

My mother saw Ms. Coppola on Rue de Grenelle in Paris a couple weeks ago.  

She uses her personal style and appreciation for fashion to inform her films and her home.

Love her.

Of course Sofia Coppola has the perfect abode.

and slouchy lounge wear.  

Of course.

Shorts and Tights

Weird combo, but it works.

Scholastic Style

Great Hair

Cool Plaid

Gossip Girl

Lovely Leather

Sweater Prepster

Skinny Jeans 

Chromatic Pattern Play

Lovely Barrette

Drop Crotch Pants

Perfect stance

Simply Comfy

Somehow not sloppy

Rive Gauche Chic

Classic Trench and Bag

Similar Style

Tulip Skirts

Plaid Topper

Bookworm

Roommates Perhaps?

Fun with neutrals

I am attempting to snap pictures of well-dressed students at U of T. 

Yes, they do exist. 

Trouble is, I always see the best ones when I don't have my camera.  Plus--sometimes I get embarrassed asking.  So far only one snooty boy with a Swiss accent said no.  But the Swiss are very private.  Not such a surprise.

Here I Go Again

Paris Fashion Week officially ended today...

I have a big article in the November issue of FASHION Magazine, which comes out this week....

It's almost Yom Kippur...

Time to atone for my sins and start posting regularly.

Get ready...

Yours Truly,

x M.

Good Grunge vs. Bad Grunge

Couldn't resist a little Courtney/Cobain flashback.  

Love the grungy revival happening in fashion right now, 90's references and all. The fervent use of plaids, leather, chains, fringe, exposed lingerie, acid wash and thread bare fabrics can add a wonderful scruff to your look--like you date a boy in a garage band and frequent the NYC's Beatrice Inn.

Lou Doillon, the bourgeois Parisian coquette, says her mom (that'd be Jane Birkin) told her to always look a little undone. That way people will assume the done-up you is drop dead, but really who has time?  This humble beauty approach is most effective for the soigné-set. But it is often taken too far. Let's analyze how to look effortlessly rumpled with your personal hygiene still intact, shall we?

Hair

A little dirt adds texture. Just ask any Parisian coquette as she seductively musses her mane. Grease, however is gross.

I recommend a brilliant dry spray dry shampoo by Klorane--Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Extract. Just don't get the one intended for gray hair. Made that mistake once. It's blue. An unintentional reference to another grunge icon--Gwen Stefani is her much-lauded cookie-monster look. I miss the DIY Gwen. Where is your new album No Doubt?

For almost twice the price, Renée Furtherer makes the really good colourless option. This saved many a Parisian hair day with those dismal hotel blow dryers.

Nails

Chips aren't chic. Go for pristine film noir nails with this look. Currently varnishing mine in Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Deborah Lippmann-- a gunmetal gray that is oh-so Urban Decay. Remember them? Used to love their sparkle shadows. I wonder when sparkles will come back? Seventeen Magazine had a contest with Chanel every year for a reader to create a new polish shade. Around 1996 some brilliant girl invented a colour called Midnight or Starry Night--something of the like. Picture this: deep navy blue laced with silver sparkles. They need to reissue it. The time is now.

Other shades to try:

*You Don't Know Jacques--OPI

*Lincoln Park After Midnight (better than after dark, has the subtlest shimmer)--OPI

*Vamp--Chanel

Kind of over straight-up black--I find it unflattering on most.

Denim

While I average denim wear about once A MONTH, preferring to skirt the issue, I can still appreciate the plethora of interesting jean options.

Even though the last time I wore them I was in a dance cave in France, acid wash jeans are sort of ugly, sort of just right. Perfect for those nights when you almost get beat up by a cave dweller for falsely accusing her of stealing your leather jacket. Excuse-moi...Je regrette...

The plan is to start wearing them with a Chanel Tweed blazer for that Grungy Who Lunches look. Pearls optional.

The whole boyfriend jean phenomenon is beyond me. I saw some girls pull it off in Paris with classic Levi's 501's, but things that shouldn't look chic there do. Even cigarettes.

Why not experiment with this splashy bleach look seen on Vogue's Lauren Santo Domingo. She married into one of Columbia's wealthiest families and Oliver Theykens made her wedding dress. Upper East Side grungette.

Plaid

My sister pulls of plaid boy button-ups with an enviable aplomb. To quote a friend, the girl is "glamorously filthy". It looks better if the shirts are a bit slouchy with a slight drape. Is your style more Gossip Girl than grunge?  Try tucking them into a skater skirt for a dressier look. My take on the trend is decidedly Clueless: Cher Horowitz-approved plaid minis with pocket-T's. And as with all good grunge moments, this one comes straight from your local dicey thrift shop. But Perhaps flannel plaid is best left to Tim Hortons truckers.

Lingerie

I want to see your underwear. Personally love it when fine black lace lingerie is exposed. Or when silk slips are worn as a layering item with pants. Or as a stark evening look. My girlfriend wore a flimsy ebony slip dress for New Years 2 years ago. It looked like it might fall off her at any minute--so Kate Moss in her Depp Days. And you can just roll into bed at the end of the night. Brilliant.

Plain White T's

White, black, gray, greige, whathaveyou. Worn-in basics are the best, but odorous T's are terrible. It is bad for your clothes to wash them too much, but it is bad for your friendships to not wash at all. I like to spritz mine with perfume, then scrunch. This imparts both nonchalance and a pleasant heady aroma.  And there are other places to buy basics besides American Apparel.  The Deep V is dead.

x M.

Le Ambie

Le Ambie Pronunciation [luh-ahm-bee]
–noun
1. The result of an Amy Winehouse type beehive topped with a small brimmed hat tilted back and to the side a la Debbie Gibson
2. An avant garde hairstyle cool enough to grace the Chanel Pre-Fall 2008 catwalk in London.

[Origin: 1585–95; am (var. of AMY) + (DEB)BIE]

-Carly

To Dine For

Cafe Flore, St. Germain, Paris.

Mark my words, I will become a regular here this summer.  The fashion set's favourite spot since the YSL vs Lagerfeld 1970's heyday (for more on that, you must read "The Beautiful Fall".  Did you know that YSL stole Karl's boyfriend, Jacques?  Why has no one made a film about this heady era?  What I wouldn't give to play Loulou de la Falaise, the ultimate Paris party girl...)

 Fashion tangent--let's save her for another entry.  

When enjoying the best mustardy tuna nicoise from an indoor table (au plein air is for tourists, just look at the man in shorts and sandals), I would dress like chic Vogue Paris staffer Melanie Huynh, see here.

Back to the point...

It is important to frequent places where you are treated royally. We all love special treatment. The comfort of a readied table and ability and to order sans menu never loose their novelty.
While I moan about my disdain for Toronto, there are a handful of places I adore.

1> Crepes a Go Go: The best crepes in the city. Organic ingredients and buckwheat batter lesson the sin. The place is kept cozy under owner Veronique's warm demeanour. A kiss-kiss greeting and the soundtrack of fluent French flutter from the Gallic staff. Pictures of Gainsbourough and Piaf decorate the mirrored space. Tartinade avec Banane oozes charm and homemade nutella. Perfect snack for a jaunty stroll or for Sunday girlfriend recaps. During weekly visits, I wear a cap Veronique once commanded I sport.
"Always wear zis hat. I love zis hat!"
I like to pretend that I'm the love child of Yves St. Laurent and Betty Catroux when I visit.
Layers of black and gray, Chanel flats, floaty scarf and noir shades.
Perfect place to sport A.P.C. mixed with vintage togs you picked up on your travels. Messy hair a must.

2> Terroni: Whether it's the Adelaide or Yonge + St. Clair Location, I relish in the atmosphere and the Funghi Absoluti salad. Loud, bubbly and boisterous--the perfect place to dish with your girlfriends or sip pinot with the boyfriend. Love that you can show up in shorts and a slinky T or a raw silk LBD and still get seated at the best table. Cute modelesque male servers are better than the desserts.
Last time I dined, I swathed myself in the tightest of purple pencil skirts, leather motocycle jacket, paisley silk scarf, gunmetal gray tights and girl's basketball team-worthy platform pumps. The outfit perfectly restricted overindulgence of pizza. All the better for post-dinner party hopping.

3> George: There is a reason this place is included in the discerning Wallpaper City Guide of Toronto. Romantic to the nth, George feels like a secret garden hidden among the Queen St. East. Delicous magenta plush seating and burnt sienna latice windows. The tasting menu serves food in doll-like portions. I'd wear a minuscule Miu Miu mini satin party shoes and a bow in my hair.

4> Le Pain Quotidien: Okay, so it's in New York, but Toronto just got its first of 2 locations. Sadly, they are both in the nether regions of Uptight Uptown. Nothing beats the location across from The Ritz, overlooking Central Park. Equally great with a gang of plus 10 for brunch or as a shopping cardio pit spot. The food is organic Belgian patisserie--massive macaroons and tasty tartines all feel homemade. Communal tables encourage conversation with ex-pat strangers with indistinguishably chic accents. Go Belgian in the best avante garde Antwerp has to offer. How about an Oliver Theyskens mini for Nina Ricci mini, Dries Van Noten cashmere cardi and Maison Martin Margiela slouchy boots? Spritz on some L'Artisan Perfumeur and go forgo maquillage.

5> Fuzion: In the heart of the gay village, this resto is sprinkled with the kind of flair only born fashionistos can muster. The most well-groomed and friendly men abound. These gentleman appreciate your ensemble more than your other assets. They love the shoes, don't notice the stems. They will be happy to go over the desserts with you, but quick to remind that "a moment on the lips...."
The food is quite thoughtful and the printemps patio is made for lounging carelessly. Wear Wolford. A stretchy dress, cropped jacket and fancy metallic footwear with a snakeskin clutch.

x M.

Fringe Festival

I am grateful the prairie skirt days of seasons prior are now demode. The only brand of bohemian I can bare fashion wise is Toulouse Lautrec and Co. Before I sound hasty, let's specify that the trend can work when balanced with something sleek. Enter the fringe. A little flourish of suede is all you need. I just ordered a pair of darling booties to promenade around France in this summer. Sandals and perhaps a slightly unsightly vintage Danier jacket are other possible considerations. If I don't fall in love while abroad, I'm thinking I'll take the money I would have spent on fancy lingerie and buy myself the final word in fringe: Balmain's boots. A perfect example of how to wear this trend--with something sharp and sparkly. To go with a flowy style would be so Sienna Miller 06. This season, it's more Pocohontas partying at Studio 54.

From London's darling Christopher Kane's shreds and snakeskin, to the unusually softened showing at Roberto Cavalli, the fringe has benefits.

x M.

Think Pink

Sonia Rykiel F/W 08

No matter the season, Rykiel always gets it right.

Given the miserable weather today, I felt inspired by this fabulous--albeit fall-ish--outfit.

The pink should be obnoxious, but it is the exact shade that Holly Golightly wore to tear up her flat after finding out dear Fred is dead. Loved the sickly sweet dress mixed with her destructive mood. I adored the way she tore her pillows up, covering her abode in feathers.

The chicest nervous breakdown ever.

x M.

Miu-nie Mouse

Although Miuccia Prada claimed Swan Lake to be her inspiration for her Spring 2008 RTW Miu Miu Collection, Freudian theories would beg to differ. Pictures speak a thousand words, and these ones are screaming that Minnie Mouse was her major muse for this collection.

Unlike Zac Pozen (who tried to pull off this look a season too late, with poufless and deflated silhouettes) Miu Miu's runway show did not call for mousey pom pom headpieces, as the clothes did a great job speaking for themselves. Looks like Minnie Muse is the mouse of the moment.

-Carly

Barre Hopping

While the media was busy harping on Amy Winehouse, in regards to her less than polished pink ballet slippers, all I could think about is, where I could possibly get a pair of my own. In search of my beloved split sole pink satin Blochs, (along with a kind and non-judgmental shoemaker to re-sole these puppies) many signs have been pointe-ing to the beginning of a modern ballet revolution.

Sashaying over to the Parisian catwalks, we find ballerina inspired looks from both Chanel and Givenchy’s Spring 2008 Couture shows, featuring an unplanned pas de deux of Lagerfeld’s tweed jacket recession strategy and Tisci’s gothic ballerina muse. Models were clad in pale pastel tights, satin sandals, bejeweled ballet flats, tons of tulle, and topped with tiaras.

For those who didn’t make it to the couture shows, experience them through the eyes of Gershwin, at the New York City Ballet’s version of An American in Paris. The production features a cast of beatniks, fashion models, tourists, schoolgirls, and even a Tour de France bicyclist.

Want less talk and more twirl? Step up to the barre at the prestigious, National Ballet School of Canada. The school is offering adult classes après work hours to those pirouetting posers (like myself) who never had the chance to take up this dance form as a child. Registration starts soon - classes range from levels I-IV, and even at the beginner’s stages, are said to greatly improve posture… might pliés be the new Pilates?

-Carly

Mother Dearest

I am fascinated by Mother-Daughter style lately.  Especially when the daughter in question is the offspring of a fashion icon.  They have no choice but to be fabulous.  Having a fashion designer for a mom, I also have no excuse for slacky style.  It would be like growing up in a family of firefighters and then burning candles near curtains.  You just know better.

Carine Roitfeld and her daughter Julia Restoin Roitfeld.
Carine is the editor Vogue Paris, arguably the most innovative and influential of all Vogue editions. Which reminds me, the new issue just arrived at the Yorkville newsstand I frequent. A copy is on hold in my name. It’s a necessary precaution, you see. They only get 10 at a time.  A month late.  It's torture.

Carine’s daughther, Julia, is the face of Tom Ford’s Black Orchid fragrance. Not too shabby. She is also a graphic designer and NYC party hopper.

Roitfeld senior is known for her edgy style—loads of black and leather in conceptual silhouettes, always sharply feminine, never soft. Fetishistic footwear and slick straight hair is de rigueur.

Roitfeld Junior has inherited her penchant for noir, but has a slightly more girly style. Nonetheless, the influence is clear.




Next we have the Birkin Sisters, daughters to the inimitable Jane, though neither share their mum’s last name. Ms. Birkin didn’t limit her lovers. Charlotte is a Gainsborough; her father is the singer/French icon Serge. She has the same simplistic style as her mother. Both women make jeans, a cashmere sweater (probably from Zadig and Voltaire, Gerald Darel or Lucien Pellet Finet) and sneakers look much chicer than I ever could. And I’ve tried.

The younger daughter, Lou Doillon, is an actress/model/fashionista/whatever of my own heart. Her main style influence is—get this—“the artful dodger”. Only a fille raised in Paris by France’s sweetheart…You should hear her accent. It reeks of boho jet-set. She has adopted her mother’s love of menswear and slouchy soigné.

I saw Jane in concert recently and was enchanted. She is a true artiste.

And then we have Ms. Anna Wintour with her daughter Bee Shaffer.
Bee has inherited her mother’s smug polished style and hyper-groomed hair.
Kind of predictable. She’s a bit of a show pony.

Got me thinking what I have acquired from my lovely mummy:
*Blonde. Bangs.
*Never enough gold. Silver just doesn’t do it for me, coming from a family of Scandinavian gold miners. Although I love an artful mix of silver and gold.
*Diamonds Fornever. I really don’t get diamonds. I already know what I want for my eventual union. The Cartier Rolling Ring—same as Mom. Simple, classic, and stackable for marriages 1 through 3.
*Ivory. Head to toe.  In the winter.
*Out-of-income-bracket footwear. In the 70's, my mother let a rent cheque bounce for eggplant over the knee suede boots. What a tart.
*Sensational Showstopper Coats. A given, really. The first and last impression counts.
*One-piece ski suits. I will never live this one down. But they are so much warmer. Kate Moss wears them. Does that make it okay yet?
*Intermission hemlines. Shorter in the front, longer in the back.

*Cinched Waist.

* Oversize sunglasses. Icelandic people have large craniums I hear.

What have you picked up from your mum?

x M.