How to choose your LBJ?

Trying to find the Little Black Jacket, you know the one that will suits you perfectly can be tricky. It s easy to get lost among the huge choice that brands offer. In other words and as we say in French:"Trop de choix tue le choix" or "Too much choice kills the choice".
The Little black Jacket is a wardrobe staple, a timeless classic, something that will follow you through the seasons. And for that reason, you need to focus your attention and make a good choice. In Wardrobe Audit sessions I have seen too many ordinary little black jackets, it s too bad isn it?
Here are a few things to remember:
1- The Cut: as always, never give up on this: The Cut! It s better to own one perfectly tailored black jacket than 3 that just don't fill well.
Style tips: For a flattering silhouette the length should stop below or above the largest part of yor hips.

2- The Fabric: 60/70% of coton or wool with a little bit of Polyamide and Elastane is fine. Avoid 100% Linen since it wrinkles easily. Polyester is very strong but it creates static electricity , Polyamid is strong and cheap but doesn't absorb sweat.

3- Details: does the jacket have a particular detail? A leather shawl collar? Beautiful buttons and/or lining? Made with an original fabric? A black jacket is ordinary enough it needs a little something special.
Style tips: If you are crafty, changing the (plastic) buttons is a good idea to personalize your jacket.
Look under the collar for a felt lining which allows the jacket to double as outerwear when it is cold.

Last but not least if there is a flap in the back don't forget to remove the little thread that is supposed to keep the jacket in a good shape when it's still in the shop. 

And now enjoy my selection!

Shiny Black Satin  / Mauro Grifoni

Zebra! / The Kooples

Lace sleeves / Anna Studio

Great cut and fabric! / Eple & Melk

Jacquard effect/ Laura Clement/La Redoute

DarkBlue and Black/ Paul Smith

Animal Print on the collar/ Virginie Castaway/L exception

Tights: 5 Style tips

It's wintertime and the temperature is low but it's not a reason to hide your hemline. Show off your legs with some leg warming staples that will match your dresses or skirts. I have often been asked in wardrobe audit sessions about how to choose and wear tights.

Here are a few style tips:
1- Favor Quality to Quantity. Unless you wear tights with an uniform you don't need to buy the same black opaque tights in bulk. For the same price pick some beautiful ones that will enhance your legs. I usually recommend: Wolford, Gerbe, Christian Dior and Pierre Mantoux (Made in Italy).

2- Go for diversity with:
Dots

Giovanna B with Hosiery tights


Burgundy 


Sheer embellished for Alexa Chung




3 -Matching your tights with your shoes helps to elongate your legs but you can also choose some with a different color  (like below) for a less classic and more edgy style. 

yes to yellow!



4 -Pay attention to the patterns that should enhance your legs and not make them look thicker.


5 -Last but not least style advice: favor light texture (15, 20, 30 denier) with a midi or knee length skirt and keep the opaque ones (40 to 80 deniers) for  mini-skirt/dress. 
Now you are ready to survive the cold in a stylish way!










The Valentino Dress or something else (a little) similar...

For the ones who falled in love with the Newest collection of Valentino, here is my selection of tunics and dresses "Ukrainian folk style like" and at much more affordable prices...Enjoy!

Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2015

Zara new collection Photograph:Jamie Hawkesworth

 Tunic Antik BatiK

 Dress Antik Batik

 Dress Antik Batik

long dress Freepeople  

Dare the Cape!

What about standing out from the crowd this season with a beautiful cape? 
I like capes, It s the kind of clothes that immediately makes someone look chic and classy. Not convinced? Give it a try! It's easier to wear than you think. 
Pay attention to a few things though:

1- Pick the right cut for your body shape. If you are petite, a short cut just above or just below your hips will be more flattering than a long one. Pair it with high or medium heels to elongate your silhouette. Some models are belted in the front or you can add your own if you don't want your waist to disappear.
2- Create your outfit of the day as a base that will enhance the "cape effect".

Here is my selection of a few capes and outfits to match them. I hope you'll be inspired!

Karen Millen/Asos
Keep it classic with a turtleneck and  classic pants for this cape that will give some personality to any basic outfit thanks to the asymmetrical stripes effects!


 
Roberto Cavalli/Netaporter
Geometrics effects here again with this gorgeous cape. Make it bold with thigh boots!



This more affordable one from Zara can do the trick as well!







And why not a skirt? Mini or midi both match perfectly with these capes! (from left: ADetacher/lagarconne, Sessun/asos, SaintLaurent/netaporter)




Saint Laurent/netaporter
Flat ankle boots and leather skinny contrast this sensible tartan!


Ted Baker/asos
Yes to floral pants in winter! With this minimalist style and camel cape it 's impossible to make a "faux pas"! You want a more classic look? Pair it with white jeans!

Comme des Garcons/lagarconne
I like this boyish way to wear a cape, a large chino with rolled up ankles and beautiful derbies, boyish and stylish!


Band of Outsiders/netaporter
Last but not least this one is perfect for a night out on the town!