Happy New Year's Eve!

Perfect New Year's Eve Dress?

Photo source:
here

Berlin

I would love to go to Berlin. Behind Paris and Edinburgh, the German capital is the next highest ranked European city on my "Must See" list. Not only do you have immense amounts of history, the city has extremely impressive architecture. Plus you get German pastries, need I say more?

Photo source:
http://socialsciencelink.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/berlin-germany-autumn-2009

A Little Audrey Inspiration

Photo source:
here

Hello Stranger!

I saw a young woman today in a chiffon floral shirt. At first I thought "It's inappropriate to wear florals in December." But the more I looked at her outfit the more I became impressed with the simplicity and femininity of it. I'm definitely a lover of winter clothing, what with all the dark hues and heavy fabrics. But that stranger's ensemble made me wish for Spring and the ability to wear florals and light trenches with flowy scarves. So here's a little of Christopher Bailey's genius Spring 2010 RTW collection for Burberry Prorsum.

Photo source:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2010RTW-BURBERRY">

What I Got for Christmas

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. My mother finally listened to my subtle hints and got me something I wanted. I have a deep love for Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa. So it was to my great delight I unwrapped Barefoot in Paris. I love to cook and this book has been on my Amazon wish list for ages. Now the hard part is deciding what to make first.



Photo sources:
http://home.ivillage.com/stuffwelove/0,,7dw0fn8r-9,00.html
http://www.fodors.com/news/story_2159.htm

It's Christmas Time in the City

Photo source:
href="http://wallpapers.free-review.net/63__Christmas_At_Rockefeller_Center_New_York_City_New_York.htm">

What I Want for Christmas 4

Everyone needs a good watch. So why not have the same one that Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis wore? The Cartier Tank watch = Timeless elegance (pun definitely intended) in a great timepiece.

Photo source:
http://accesstoacc.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html

What I Want for Christmas 3

Oh Bavarian Motor Works, how I love thee let me count the ways. 1, your cars are so very beautiful. 2, the acceleration factor alone could make a grown woman cry. 3...better stop while I'm ahead. As a driver of a 3 and 5 series BMW, I would love to set my lofty sights on a beautiful M6.

Photo source:
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Pictures-c21681-2010-M6.html

What I Want for Christmas 2

For my second "What I Want for Christmas" may I present this gorgeous Valentino coat (Couture, Fall 2009). How amazing would that look for New Year's Eve? Valentino is a brand (one of the very few) that you can't go wrong with. Ever.

Photo source:
href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2009CTR-VALENTIN">

What I Want for Christmas

Over the next few days (!) 'til Christmas I will post a few things I would love to find under my tree.

Item #1: A black alligator Hermès Birkin bag with gold hardware.I would never need another black handbag for the day. So you see dear friends, it would be an investment.


Photo source:
href="http://pamelahornik.vox.com/library/posts/tags/birkin+bag/">

Party Dress

I need a fabulous, cocktail-soaked gala to go to and this Balenciaga (Fall 2009 RTW) to wear.

Photo source: href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2009RTW-BALENCIA">

Lovely Literature

So I haven't done a "Lovely Literature" in a while. Nor have I done an interior design post. So, I give you New Paris Interiors. There are certain books I keep on my desk for inspiration, New Paris Interiors happens to be one of them. The French are some of the most talented people when it comes to mixing the old and new in their homes. You may live in a 17th century apartment but that certainly shouldn't stop you from having a Bronislaw Krysztof table. Some of the spaces are strictly minimalist while others have so much to look at you'd believe you were in the Musée d'Orsay. My favorite interior belongs to Gerald Schmorl. Mostly minimal, Schmorl used splashes of metallics to cut the all white and black themes. Plus you get to see the living spaces of amazing individuals like Carine Roitfeld (last picture) and Christian Louboutin.



On a side note, I have never been disappointed in a Taschen book yet.




Photo sources:
href="http://hellodesignbudapest.wordpress.com/2008/05/">
href="http://www.layersofmeaning.com/2008/08/check-it-out-paris-apartments-part-i.html">
href="http://ifthelampshadefits.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html">

Trends

I'm not usually the type to follow trends. However, if the right people (Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly) decide to endorse a trend then I'm willing to give it a whirl. I've been rather ambivalent about Wayfarers for some time. While at Target today I picked up some replicas for less than $15. Now of course you can't tell me apart from the elegant Princess Grace (I kid, I kid). Moral of this story: when in doubt, buy some cheap test run materials until you decide you like it enough to buy the real thing.

Photo source: href="http://gothamist.com/2008/10/29/breakfast_at_tiffanys_turns_50.php">

Timeless Taste

There are certain looks that never go out of style. This photo is from the Ralph Lauren 2007 Fall Ready to Wear. A slim, black pencil skirt and crisp, white shirt will never go out of fashion. Never follow trends, follow good taste.

Photo source: href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/powersearch/slideshow?designer=design_house80&event=show1543&slideshowId=ps_design_house80show1543styleRUNWAY&iphoto=35&origIphoto=35"

Simply Seductive

I would like to dedicate this post to Simply Seductive. One of the main reasons I decided to start a blog was due to the massive amount of inspiration I garnered from my favorite sites. Simply Seductive is definitely in my top five favorites! You have everything: good taste, chatm, and gorgeous pictures. As proof, all three images were swiped from recent posts on Simply Seductive. Also, Linda is trying to reach 1000 followers by March 2010 and would love the support that her wonderful blog deserves! Please visit and enjoy one of the best blogs around!



Photo source: http://simplyseductive.blogspot.com/

Future Film of the Week

When will I ever get to see this?

Photo source: href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocco-li/3305656292/"

London

Dear London,

I love you and I miss you.

Love,
Laura

Photo source: href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23486982@N07/3383603778/"

Man the Trenches!

Do. Want.

Photo source: href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13984645@N03/2511010722/"

Dream Kitchen

I want this kitchen.

Photo source: href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/magnetkitchens/3862280324/"

Film of the Week

I'm about to type something shocking. Charade might have a better wardrobe than even Breakfast at Tiffany's. There, it's out. Made two years after the infamous Tiffany's, Charade not only has one of my favorite idols, Audrey Hepburn, the film also stars my tied-for-favorite-actor-with-Jimmy-Stewart Cary Grant. It is a safe assumption that any movie with either Audrey Hepburn or Cary Grant in it is going to be exceptionally fashionable. You get AMAZING clothes (Givenchy, of course), a gorgeous apartment (it's still fantastic, even if it is devoid of all furniture), a Henry Mancini soundtrack, and some pretty amazing shots of Paris. I don't like to reveal much of the story line in my Film of the Week posts, but suffice to say that Charade has enough plot twists to leave you confused yet delighted.




PS- Isn't Audrey's face a riot? I have a coat that I redid to look very similar to hers (my sister sewed the buttons on, I supervised. Thanks C!)




Photo sources:
href="http://www.krazycrow.com/Audrey/Audrey.html"
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38934532@N04/3862769667/in/set-72157621292674125/"
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38934532@N04/3862769765/in/set-72157621292674125/"

Couture

Gotta love Christian Dior.

Photo source: href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2009CTR-CDIOR"

Happy Thanksgiving!

The above photo is from one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo source: href="http://www.toplessrobot.com/2008/11/the_10_greatest_macys_thanksgiving_day_parade_ball.php"

New York

Photo source: href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholemccall/3252956818/"

Now that is a dress

Why can't there be a Bergdorf Goodman down the street?

Photo source: href="http://amyvcooper.com/blog/index.php?c=1&more=1&pb=1&tb=1&title=bergdorf_goodman_holiday_windows_2007"

Obsessed

There has always been something retro-chic about red lipstick. Having been a burgundy lipstick or lightly tinted lip gloss kind of a gal, I was wary to embrace the season's trend for traffic-stopping red lips. However, after much debate, I tried the look and can safely say I love it. The most difficult thing about wearing a bright red lipstick is that I paired it with a light eyeshadow. I certainly haven't mastered the silvery eyeshadow/ black liner thing but I'm definitely going to give it another go.



Photo sources:
href="http://agelessbeautyalways.blogspot.com/2009/01/gold-standard-chanel-red-lipstick_16.html"
href="http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2006/07/17/the-devil-wears/"

Style Icon

I first saw actress and musician Charlotte Gainsbourg in the 1996 version of Jane Eyre. Not only is she very talented, she possesses a strong personal style and grace that is uncommon in modern actresses. She is often photographed in Balenciaga, but she mixes haute couture with unknown pieces on a regular basis. Regardless of what label she wears, her taste is spot on when it comes to trousers, trenches, and shoes. Speaking of shoes, Charlotte Gainsbourg has big ones to fill since her mother is Jane Birkin.



Photo sources:
href="http://www.last.fm/music/Charlotte+Gainsbourg/+images/417080"
href="http://www.style.com/peopleparties/celebritysearch/person581"
http://www.celebritywonder.com/picture/Charlotte_Gainsbourg/CharlotteGai_Barson_11067100.html href="http://"

Paris

Photo source: href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kbro15/4039387824/"

Lovely Literature

My love for Vogue is well known. My love for fashion books is even more prolific. With some of the best images since Vogue's inception in 1909 (technically 1892, but I count when Conde Nast acquired it), In Vogue spans almost a hundred years of fashion illustration and photography. Mostly beautiful images of artful gowns, coats, etc., there a few brow-raisers. In Vogue is not only a fashion-lover's perfect book, it is also for someone who can appreciate good photography and artful display.

Photo source: href="http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/11/1117_gift_books/source/8.htm"

Cold

When is it ever going to get cold enough to wear a fantastic coat? Unfortunately, I do not have one quite as fantastic as this Anna Wintour look-a-like is wearing, but I do have some pretty amazing ones. Hurry up and get here 30s and 40s!

Photo source: href="http://www.zimbio.com/Anna+Wintour/articles/36/HBIC+Fashion+Anna+Wintour"

Film of the Week

This is possibly my second favorite movie of all time. Though it lost in the Best Foreign Film Oscar category in 2004, it should have won hands down. A Czechoslovakian movie, Zelary centers on the Nazi and Russian involvement in a rural community. The lead actress, Anna Geislerová, is stunningly beautiful and talented. Her clothes are simple yet very stylish (at least for the city scenes) throughout the movie. The interiors are a little weak but WOW, the plot line is very strong. I'm not usually one for romances but this movie will make you want to drop your respective other and marry an older Czechoslovakian gentleman (if you're single, like myself, you'll want to find one posthaste). Fair warning: you'll a need a hankie (or twelve).



Photo sources: href="http://www.impawards.com/2003/zelary.html"
href="http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2026477824/nm0190691"

Obsessed

In my opinion, British Vogue trumps American Vogue six ways to Sunday. The pictures are better, the paper a better quality, the stories more interesting. Oh yes! I almost forgot, British Vogue is still centered around fashion. Get thee to your local B&N hence!

PS- the above cover is actually from my favorite issue of British Vogue. I picked mine up in London on New Year's day, 2000.

British Vogue: http://www.vogue.co.uk/

Photo source: http://www.modelinia.com/slideshows/covers--gisele-b--252-ndchen/46

Style Icon

Photo source: here

For nearly five decades, Catherine Deneuve has intrigued move goers and fashion lovers alike for her superb acting skills and even better wardrobe. I confess after seeing her gorgeous "Pilgrim" shoes in Belle du Jour I immediately went out and purchased the closest things I could find. And who doesn't love her immaculate collection of trenches?

The Classics

There are certain things in this world that instantly exude elegance. Chanel No. 5 is definitely one of them. Since I'm not quite 30, I stick to the more youthful Chanel Allure. But every so often I'll spritz a little No. 5 on and I'm instantly taken to the Coco Chanel suite in the Paris Ritz.

Photo Source: here

White Interiors

Photo source: http://architechome.com/

Oh the white apartment, how I love thee. I have a serious obsession with majority white interiors. There is something so clean and geometric about colorless spaces. Perhaps they remind me of art galleries which always make me ridiculously happy. This beauty of an apartment certainly reminds me of a gallery with it's open plan and perfectly placed art on the walls. Plus, who doesn't adore that white stove?

 Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43220336@N03/4051326717/in/photostream/

Lovely Literature

Photo source:http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZXzPVY-thus/StDjvxdtwqI/AAAAAAAAA24/zhxN_QJMgZE/s400/BOOK+Elegance.jpg

Show me a person who doesn't love books and I'll show you one bored individual. As a person who loves to collect an assortment of things, books are a high priority. Though a confirmed history nut, my tastes can range anywhere from William Shirer to Plum Sykes. Unlike with film, my main concern with a book is that it has to hold my attention. A few summers ago I happened across a chic little volume entitled A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions. Quite a mouthful, but the author, a ludicrously refined lady by the name Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, takes you through every style situation women encounter. Undoubtedly, this book changed my perspective on dressing properly, accessorizing, proper makeup application, and personal style in general. I've given copies to my sister, friends, and personally own three. There is always a copy in my bedside drawer just in case I need to consult with Madame Dariaux on an elegance crisis.


Even though I use Madame Dariaux's imppeccable advice constantly I still don't look like this...yet.


Photo Source: http://imagecache5.art.com/p/LRG/27/2770/2WXTD00Z/grace-kelly.jpg

Film of the Week

One topic I would like to concentrate on here at Poised Perfection is film. I'm the type of person who refuses to pay $8 for a movie but who's Netflix account flourishes. I am often guilty of watching movies solely for the wardrobe or the interiors. Films of the Week will have the following criteria: good clothes, enviable interiors, and a decent plot line. For my first Film of the Week I would like to include a classic that not only includes an amazing wardrobe (oh that red and black dress), elegant interiors ( the fake house near Mount Rushmore), and a highly intriguing plot (Alfred Hitchcock), but you also get Cary Grant. Need I say more? So for the first Film of the Week let me present: North by Northwest.

Photo source: http://feastofnemesis.wordpress.com/category/sir-basils-women/

Pilot Post!

Welcome to Poised Perfection!

The debate to create a blog has been a constant thought for me for several months now. A lot of inspiration for my daily life comes from the much beloved blogs that I frequent. My hope is that others with similar interests will find a port in the storm in our largely inelegant world.

Okay...enough existentialism. Time for gorgeous clothes, chic interiors, amusing books, and fabulous film. Enjoy darlings!

Image source:http://www.counterfeitchic.com/couture_in_court