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

LUST LIST: Fall in Love with Fall Fashion

Though the leaves have yet to change, and the warm weather in New York begs otherwise: as of Tuesday it is officially fall. And with autumn's arrival comes the need for a wardrobe update. If you haven't already started your fall shopping, now is the time to pick up a few key pieces to transition you through the season. Below is a lust list of this years' fashion favorites to bring your wardrobe up to date:

MAD ABOUT MENSWEAR

School Boy and Boyfriend Blazers

The perfect way to polish off an outfit and ward off those autumn chills. Throw one of these on over a t-shirt and jeans, or a long dress and push up the sleeves for an effortless feel.

J.Crew School Boy Blazer - $188
J.Crew Boyfriend Blazer - $215
Bop Basics Boyfriend Blazer - $190

*PSST: Though their websites don't allow you to shop, check out Zara and Madewell for fantastic boyfriend blazers from $75 to $148

Worker Boots

Work it out...not only is this style comfy, but these boots will give your look a cool laid back vibe.

Frye Boot - $228
We Who See Boot - $78
Seychelles Boot - $178

PERFECTLY FLAWED

Destroyed Skinnies

Ripped in all the right places...these are great to slim down a voluminous slouchy top or toughen up a conservative blazer.

Bullhead Jeans - $42
Silence and Noise Jeans - $68
BDG Jeans - $58

Laser Cut Leggings 

With slices running up the front or down the sides, these leggings add texture to an otherwise simple silhouette.

 
Silence & Noise Legging - $38
Leyendecker- $132
David Lerner Legging - $130

Shredded T's

These tattered t's are carefully created to go beyond grungy and rebellious, somehow managing to also be be delicate and sexy. Just make sure to pair these with a simple skinny jean or legging, any more holes in your outfit and you'll look like you ran into a cheese-grater.

Ebay - $130
Blue Life Shirt - $145

Raw 7 -$150

*PSSST: Don't have $150 bucks lying around to spend on a ripped up t-shirt? Make one yourself! http://fashionindie.com/do-it-yourself-shredded-t-shirt/

ALL ABOUT ACCESSORIES

Statement Necklaces

Turn a simple outfit from bleak to chic by adding a large statement necklace. These are pure perfection with anything and everything from a simple t-shirt to a cocktail dress.

Roarke necklace - $395
Banana Republic - $80
Forever 21 necklace -$14.80

Over-The-Knee Boots

Kick up your wardrobe with a thigh high boot. Rock 'em with a mini skirt or shorts, but remember that it's all about proportion here, so make sure you balance it all out with a more conservative topper (read: Boyfriend Blazer!)

Matisse Footwear Boot - $272
Ash Boots - $462
Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent Boot - $475

COVET THY COLOR

Red Lipstick

Polish off any look with a classic red lip. Best worn with minimal or no eye makeup at all, a sassy pout never goes out of style.

Mac Lipstick in Russian Red - $14
Nars Lipstick in Jungle Red - $24
Lorac Lipstick in Recieve - $19

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: NY Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week-SS 2010

New York fashion week is over and emotions are mixed for the fashion set. After a whirlwind of shows, presentations and parties we are left to digest the latest cornucopia of creations. These designs will dictate the near future of fashion, and begin the cycle of translating runway to retail. So just what will we have to look forward to next spring summer season? Here are some of the highlights:

NEW NEUTRALS

Herve Leger

This season, Azria took his curve hugging Herve designs beyond bondage and embraced texture. While the silhouette was familiarly body conscious, a soft palette of grey-blue embroidery, gold crochet and intricately pleated skirts gave the collection some breathing room.

  Halston
   

  Tuleh

FUN AND FLIRTY

Diane Von Furstenberg

Printed dresses layered with romantic accessories and embellishments are what we have come to expect from this female friendly designer. As usual, Diane drew on her world travels for inspiration, citing the Nile and Indian temples as the inspiration for her "Desert Queen".

  Nicole Fahri


Tibi

KHAKI IS BACK-I

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang's popularity marches on, fueled by his latest collection of quite literally inspired sportswear. Cheeky interpretations of football, baseball, fencing and rugby wearables included football shaped clutches and shoulder pads.

Erin Fetherston


  Matthew Williamson

WORKING CLASS(IC)

Victoria Beckham

In her third season showing at NYC Fashion Week, Victoria proves once again that she does have an eye...or two lurking behind those big dark glasses. Corseting, banded waists and structured silhouettes represent Victoria Beckham's signature focus on flattering the female figure.

Derek lam

-Natty