Wishful Thinking...

It's Friday and it's been a big week.  Let's not get into anything too serious today, let me just leave you with a few images that I'm loving right now, some of them give me something to think about (nothing too brain-draining of course) and some of them simply make me smile.  I hope they make you smile too.

 Wow, what a bathroom! I like the juxtaposition of classic and modern, the stone bath and the gilt mirror.

I'm working on finding a look for our bedroom (this is a project that has been on-going for some time) and I like the simplicity of this room, but enjoy the light splashes of colour from the linen and texture from the furniture.

This style of French upholstered bed is my dream.  I love the idea of this style of bed, but the reality is that my husband's feet would be forced to hang over the side to accommodate his height.  Maybe I could get one for the guest bedroom?  Of course there would have to be a guest bedroom in our house first though. 

 Colour!  Neon!  Length, pleats and shape!  This skirt has it all. Except I'm not in it.  

I love the open-plan of this room.  One large space shared for a variety of family oriented purposes.  It is definitely nice to watch the children while preparing dinner and to then be able to eat together while enjoying a lovely view.   

I would love a chair like this in my bedroom, or in a reading nook. Just for me, for no one else. Thank you.

A chaise lounge would be good too, yes one of those too please.

 Woolen Chuck Taylor's, so cute!  Love these.

 A day bed like this is a necessity when living on the coast.  It's on the list.

 The original Smart car in my opinion.  Not electric, no, but just as tiny!

 Lots of light, bench space and storage.  

No bench space, not much storage, not much light, but character and lots of it.  I have had many kitchens just like this one and it is amazing how I managed to cook huge family meals in such a small space.  

The Leica Hèrmes M7 limited edition camera.  This will forever remain on my wish list, and that's ok because some things are just not meant to be.


Enjoy your weekend!

H


Sources: The Paris Apartment, Jak&Jil.com/blog, Marie Claire Maison. 

Shall We Polka?

So a while back I wrote a blog about stripes.  My friend Sarah then suggested to me that I should write about polka dots.  To tell you the truth, I was a little dubious at first because to me, polka dots, spots (whatever you want to call them) are just so 80s.  I am still struggling with designer's reinvention of the 80s - especially if we wore it the first time around, (did I really just admit that?).  I also felt that spots should not really be worn by somebody over the age of 15 because, well shall I remind you of the image of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she is on the polo field wearing that brown and white spotted dress... scary.  

Of course the ironic thing is that spots have now popped up everywhere on the fashion scene  and are currently quite the trend with designers like Dolce & Gabanna, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Sonia Rykiel sending them down their spring/summer runways.

So I guess these ladies don't look all that bad, do they?   

For me, polka dots have always represented a sense of fun and frivolity, and not something to be worn if you want to be taken seriously.  But then again, fashion should not really be too serious, should it?   The good news is that designers are taking spots in a different direction, mixing them with colours not seen before and the result is they are more than sophisticated, and very grown-up indeed.

Derek Lam 

Luella 

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Be wise about your choice of spots.  Don't over-do it, subtlety is key.  And if you're feeling less than daring, why not start out with a scarf or hosiery?


Because really, this is one trend that I think will not stand the test of time. 

Hx




Sources: People.com, marieclaire.com, thesartorialist, omiru, whowhatwear.com, justjared, vanessabruno, vogue.com.au, style.com, jezebel.com

10 Rules of Style by Sophia Kokosalaki

Known for her elegant and sophisticated take on drapery, Sophia Kokosalaki moved to London after receiving a degree in Greek and English Literature to pursue a career in fashion. Her feminine and Hellenic-inspired designs are regularly worn by the A-list; Chloe Sevigny, Kirsten Dunst, Christina Ricci and Jennifer Connelly to name but just a few.

Of her creations Kokosalaki says: "I like to design functional apparel that also allows you to look interesting."

The Greek-born, London-based DESIGNER, 36, shares her fashion principles.


1. EVOLVE YOUR STYLE
Growing up in Athens, my look was very rock, but also Mediterranean and sexy - my skinny jeans and T-shirts are remnants from those days.  Living in London for the past 13 years has made my style more urban and dark.


2. WORK YOUR HEELS
For me, good shoes are paramount as they can make and outfit.  I've been known to go to work in heels 11cm high - a chunky heel, though; a stiletto for work is tacky.


3. DITCH THE BAG
I've noticed a trend of not carrying a bag.  I think you can look more individual without one.  I have a Chanel bag for evenings and that's it - I'm definitely more of a shoe girl.


4. PROTECT YOUR PIECES
I have a separate wardrobe for my evening dresses and I use every chemical you can imagine to protect them from moths - it's like a nuclear facility!


5. GO HELL FOR LEATHER
My favourite piece is my leather blouson jacket - it makes a statement and goes with anything.  I also have a pair of leather trousers I've had for 15 years; I don't wear them any more but I love them too much to throw away.


6. MAKE AN IMPRESSION
Before I even knew what fashion was, I saw how the way you dress affects how people react to you.  It's important to project personality into your clothing - a sense of individuality or humour.  My look often says I'm too busy!


7. LOOKING GOOD IN FIVE MINUTES
Messy and loose is the look at the moment, so I don't brush my hair.  I add lipstick and sharp, straight eyeliner - but by the end of the night it's smoky. 


8.STICK WITH WHAT YOU KNOW
I'd never experiment with an outfit before a big occasion - I'd go with something tried and tested.  I experiment less and less now I know what suits me.


9. WEAR JEWELS
I like expensive jewellery but I'm no Liz Taylor.  My weakness is Georgian pieces that I pick up on my travels.


10. CREAT A COLOUR PALETTE
You just know when colours look good on you, so stick to them.  I only wear bright colours when I'm back in Athens and it's just too hot for my usual dark clothes.   I have never worn yellow, though.

Ciao for now,


Hx




Source: Elle magazine, UK edition, April 2009