{Refining Your Palette}

I devoted today to “refining my palette” and although a gourmet tasting would be perfect for my day off I am talking about a slightly different palette… What I mean is that in today’s overflowing array of blogs one can get discouraged or if you’re as visually sensitive as I am, even somewhat upset. I’m sure that many of you spoiled souls (like myself) would agree with me when I say that some blogs are an offense to that marvelous tool of freedom we can exploit… And sometimes I need a to hit refresh and remind myself what is beauty and where it resides… So, let me share my web-indulging spots with you and perhaps you will find some inspiration too… Shall we begin?

The fact that The Glamourai is first on my list is far from being coincidental… I don’t think I’ve ever shared that piece of information with you guys just yet, but The Glamourai is a big part of the reason CHIC A LA RUSSE even exists… Having my own blog was my brother’s idea (he has always been somewhat of a computer genius to portray modestly) and while sitting on the fence with that kind of manifestation, I stumbled upon Kelly’s blog and instantly became her devotee… In so many words, I truly believe that Kelly Framel is a genius and a true taste maker, and if you ask me, we haven’t seen the half of it… See for yourself!

Coming up next, is the Doll like perfection we ,humans, refer to as Kristina Bazan. Every time I stop by, it’s like a recharge of overwhelming beauty and imagery execution to the T. Sometimes, I can almost swear this blog is a commercial propaganda, sponsored by a corporation hiring a small army to make all look oh so good…But the truth is, the Power-Duo behind the operation (based in Geneva, Switzerland) is beyond inspiring, Kristina is only 18 (!) and her boyfriend, James Vyn , the uber-talented young man responsible to the polished appearance of every single image on the blog… I can’t even wrap my mind around the fact that these two are not even 20! Simply incredible, check out their latest Fall spread YSL inspired shoot here.

And now for a slightly less saturated mistress, and I do mean ONLY in matters of color, because the 20 year old ILANKA is anything but monotone in every other sense of visual bliss. I discovered her lovely piece of life on the web just recently and fallen in love with her high fashion aesthetics and editorial talent for strong monochromatic looks. If you browse through you’ll see she does mixed color as well, but I am certainly captivated by her pale ensembles, so otherworldly on the verge of being surreal… Just imagine walking down the street and crossing a dame like this…! FASHIONNERDIC indeed…

My next pastel creature is probably the most creative DIY blogger out there. What I love the most about IVANIA’s blog (beyond her addiction to all things clear) is the fact that it’s as though she creates a world of her own, washed in whites and cool pastels, framed with hardware and clear bijoux. I think her influence on the fashion arena and high fashion on her is somewhat equal, as I recently acquired a few hardware inspired accessories and I won’t be surprised if they were, in fact, inspired by her… Get your own dose of clear fashion here.

And how about you? Which are YOUR favorite stops???

*Eye Candy*

First seed in my Simple Act is a classic combination I can never pass on… Sometimes a crew neck T-shirt is all you need (and a pair of silver high heels of course…;)

I’m kind of in love with my new Nahui Ollin wrapper bag, it’s absolutely adorable, fits just the essentially and above all it’s made of recycled materials, carrying on with a greater mission then just eye candy (Oh, and I’m kind of big on recycling if you were wondering…). And if you’re following me on Instagram you know it’s not the only one I’ve fallen for!

Coral T-shirt from Zara, Little black skirt from Forever21, Shoes by DKNY, Necklace and earnings from H&M, Tiny woven Bag by Nahui Ollin, Sunnies by A.J Morgan, Vintage Bracelets and Rings.

 

Photography by Mario Delgado

Simple Act

In a sudden act of cleansing I attacked my wardrobe with new aspiration, ruthlessly parting ways with once favorite items… When it comes to personal belongings I am such a sentimentalist… I admit saying good buy to the skirt I wore for out first date was not easy (I kept the top!) but once I tossed it into the huge Ikea bag, I felt a tiny bit better.

It’s strange to realize but my sense of style changed quite a bit in the past three years and my wardrobe has had hard time catching up, resulting in overflowing drawers and overstuffed suitcases in the rear closet- that to be completely honest, their content remained mysterious to me. They were just things, swallowing up space and leaving me with less to evolve into…

So, after I cleared the third big suitcase out of my apartment, I went on a pinning spree, diging up simplified inspiration for my new wardrobe, and I realized that more then anything, I am thirsty for simple yet clever attire…

This is just a taste of what I was thinking… See the rest at my Pinterest board (and yes, I am a newbie!).

All images via Style.com (hoover on top of the image to see the designer’s names!)

{Privileged}

In so many words, life, is what you make of it. Some are born privileged, adorned with power and showered with comfort, following a clear path… Some are gifted with a talent that will carry them through life with grace and glory… Others, have to craft their own, allegedly ‘unprivileged’ route through battles of pride, patches of hunger and supreme urge to be the exception of their breed…

Sometimes I feel lucky, sipping on a great cup of coffee or indulging a divine glass of wine, entrenched in a conversation, on the setting of one of the most wonderful cities in the world… And sometimes I feel it’s time to buckle up, as I’m in for a wild ride, holding on to life, or at least the idea of what it “should” be…

Whoever you are and wherever you may be, in the possession of the latest Celine bag or not, the wheel is turning and whether you end up at “the table” (feeding your dog in your lap…) is entirely up to you and how much you are willing invest in the journey…

And after that somewhat philosophic out lash, I hope you will too admire some old school Parisian bourgeoisy chic from the latest Vogue Paris (August 2012), staring the incredible Malgosia Bela…

Images found here