LITTLE LUXURIES: Scentual treats from L'Artisan Parfumeur

Need a little pick me up, but don't want to break the bank?  Check out some of the Little Luxuries that can make you feel like a million bucks without actually spending anywhere near that much.  In this case, L'Artisan Parfumeur fits the bill with a variety of scentual treats for $135 or less.

My mother is a varitable "nose" as they say in the perfume business, with an uncanny sense for scents.  She is able to decipher top notes, bottom notes and everything in between - and regularly laments over the lack of creativitiy in today's fragrance world, particularly in the US.  A trip to France is a treat from any angle, but for her - the excitement lies in the opportunity to shop for perfume; and while Paris is nice, Grasse (the fragrance capital of the world) is heaven.  Unfortunately for Americans Grasse and Paris are not within arms reach...luckily the Parisian perfume house, L'Artisan Parfumeur, is.

L'Artisan Parfumeur originated in 1976 with a unique take on home fragrance through aromatic amber balls.   Two years later the independantly owned boutique-brand launched their first Eau de Toilette, Mure et Musc (a musky blackberry) spawning the now expansive perfume collection.  

With over 30 scents to choose from; ranging from citrus to fruity, floral to woodsy, and musk to spicy - there is an option for every personality and mood.  The collection is not divided by sex, which allows shoppers to try fragrance families they may not normally.  And if none of their unique blends like Poivre Piquant, Chasseur des Papillons or Mechant Loup strike your fancy - make your own!  Many of the scents are single origin (Premier Figuier,  Verte Violette) and layering multiples works well for a completely personalized creation.

In a sea of synthetic clones, L'Artisan Parfumeur stands out with original fragrances based on only the purest natural ingredients. They even have an 100% certified organic line featuring the ocean inspired "Cote d'Amour" or ylang-ylang and grapefruit based "L'eau de Jatamansi".  L'Artisan Perfumeur has boutiques across the wold in Paris, London, Tokyo and New York and is sold in various retailers nationwide (and online).  So no matter where you are, everyone has access to this Little Luxury!

-Natty

STYLE-O-PHILE: Ashley Blanch

Where fashion is determined by designers, editors and industry - style differs in that it is personal.

Style-O-Phile highlights individuals who's style is unique and inspirational. This edition is dedicated to a young beauty with old-world charm: Ashley Blanch.

Name: Ashley Blanch
Home Grown In: Utah
Currently Living In: Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
Whistles While She Works As: Retail Manager at Kiki de Montparnasse

NATTY: How would you describe your personal style?

ASHLEY BLANCH: I am always drawn to very ethereal, drapey pieces. Romantic fabrics, muted colors contrasted with colorful or blingy accessories. Denim and silk. Stripped numbers. Rachel Comey shoes. Oh, and I love anything with a bow!

N: Who or what is your fashion inspiration?

AB: If I could, I would look like my mom circa 1978, everyday!  I really love French Street Photographer Garance Dore's blog and any Fassbinder or Godard film.

N: Do you have a rule of thumb when shopping and/or getting dressed?

AB: Never be afraid to change an outfit once, twice, three times a day!

N: What is your favorite look for fall?

AB: Over the knee socks. Cropped jackets (real good for shorties) and goth makeup.

N: Any fashion tips or secrets to share?  

AB: I have always loooved shopping vintage. You've gotta have the patience though, gotta love the hunt to find the treasure!   No.6, Beacon's Closet, Amacord, and the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasedena, CA are some of my faves.

-Natty

LINE TO LOVE: Roarke

Necklaces are huge this season. Not just figuratively, but literally too - with chunky styles in various metals and materials dominating the necks of women everywhere.   If you have yet to find your perfect piece, look no further than the lust-worthy wearables of Roarke - New York.

Newly founded in 2009, this novel brand has already garnered much industry attention and been spotted on celebrities like Ivanka Trump and Mary-Louise Parker. With such unique, "notice-me" necklaces, it won't be long before Roarke is on the lips (and necks) of every fashionphile from NYC to LA...

...Which is exactly what founders Mignonne Gavigan and Laetitia Stanfield are hoping. Educated at the Sorbonne - Paris, and Parsons - New York, Mignonne worked for various fashion houses including Asprey and Marc Jacobs, before designing her own collection. Inspired by vintage gowns, Mignonne uses elaborately beaded chiffon to form irregular shapes - creating a fresh, modern take on couture extravagance.

Laetitia, the other half of Roarke, has a trained eye for trend spotting and quality design. A former buyer for Bergdorf Goodman, Laetitia was immediately drawn to Mignonne's unique creations, and used her strong industry savvy skills to bring Roarke to life.

Roarke's signature style "Le Charlot" is the ultimate statement necklace, giving texture and luxury to even the simplest outfit. Available in a rainbow of colors this weighty, beaded bib drapes as perfectly over the neckline of your favorite t-shirt as it does a bare collarbone.

But Le Charlot is not the only notable item in the collection, which includes several chic collars, wrapped bracelets and even headbands - guaranteed to get a nod from even the toughest fashion critics.

But don't just take my word for it - visit their brand new website for a full range of styles, and even styling suggestions!  

www.roarkenyc.com

xx
Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Designer Deals with DecadesTwo

KIKI LOVES D2 SHOPPING EVENT

Tonight marks the beginning of a 4 day fashion extravaganza hosted by LA's DecadesTwo and Kiki de Montparnasse in New York. The partnership event between these two lust-worthy luxury brands will allow New York's fashion insiders a chance to shop D2's carefully curated selection of secondhand designer merchandise.

With clients like Rachel Zoe and Julianne Moore, D2's collection is truly "bananas." And with prices at up to 80% off of retail - you can't afford NOT to go. A wall of sky high heels boasts brand new or barely worn shoes by Christian Louboutin, Givenchy, Nicholas Kirkwood, Manolo Blahnik and more.

There's outerwear in every size and shape from a classic Burberry trench to a camel leather bell coat from the Pheobe Philo days at Chloe. And if somehow, nothing on the racks tickles your fancy, there is one entire entire table dedicated to Chanel bags, and another to Louis Vuitton.

There will be an invitation-only preview today with a private launch party tonight, and the sale opens to the public tomorrow through Sunday. But don't worry about missing the best if you don't make it until the weekend...they will replenish daily, and Sunday promises a shoe blowout with all styles marked to $150 or less!

To prove that they really do have it all and you can too, D2 has even brought a covetable collection of men's designer duds from the likes of YSL, Prada and John Varvatos.

Finally, not only will the lucky ladies be able to wardrobe ourselves at Kiki de Monptarnasse, but so will the fashionable men in our lives.

-Natty