Oh, to be living life on the Upper East side...

Yesterday (before I had to drag myself from the TV to live real life) I watched the first two episodes of Gossip Girls season 4. I could cry, laugh and in all honestly simply die. Between Blair and Serena (and I wont forget the other one… You know the one who’s always boho-chic) not only do they shop up a storm, but they are simply FABULOUS while doing it- they rock the shops like who knows what!

The thing that inspired me most, I have to say are Blairs glamorous bling pieces, I mean, she dares to wear shimmery shiny fashion in the afternoon (shocked face). Granted, we all know that Paris is smart-chic (and London is alternative-chic, and New York is outrageous-chic, blah blah blah.) But she could rock those outfits anywhere, and she so does. As a side note, the divine jacket paired with the blue pants-BALMAIN (just did a profile on the designer). So here are my fave Serena outfits from the first two episodes.

Now Blair. Dear gorgeous, fabulous Lady blair. She really does classy chic like no other. And I love it! She's always pretty as a peach, and I love the fact shes not afraid to mix patterns. In one scene she's wearing the most divine Viviers. (Picture me lurching at the TV like something out of Animal Planet trying to grab them). And I will not be forgetting the red ball gown she wore when she gave her heartfelt “ I'm like, so over you, but-you-still-kinda-rock-since-you-Chuck” speech.

Vanessa is occasionally a bit overlooked, but I have got to say she is very, very cool. Shes got the boho-chic look down to a tee (no pun intended). I love her offbeat clashing of textures and casual cool that she brings to the scene. Shes a little bit of a black sheep in the Upper East side, but I like that. Shes like an eclectic angel bringing a breeze of freshness to the scene. Here are my fave outfits from the first two episodes.


While my heels are gathering dust, and my dresses are covered in cobwebs (I am hopelessly dramatic) I’m dreaming of living a life on the Upper East Side.

Always chic, always inspired.

Xoxoxo

Le chic Freak

DESIGNER PROFILE: BALMAIN

DESIGNER PROFILE: Balmain

FULL NAMES: Pierre Balmain

ORIGIN: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, France

FIRST COLLECTION: 1945 (opened his fashion house)

OVERVIEW: Balmain originally studied architecture, but found himself designing dresses instead, and thus never completed his studies. His father owned a wholesale drapery business. His mother and her sisters operated a fashion boutique. Simpled tailored suites and glam evening gowns was where his biggest talents lay. Known during the World War ll as the “king of french fashion”. Today the house is led by Christophe Decarnin who ensued Oscar De La Renta. The label has morphed from classic luxurious designs to a more modern and edgy vision under Decarnin.

WEBSITE: www.balmain.com/

LATEST: Spring 2011.Punk-poetry with the classic tailored jackets and an edgy feel. Plenty coutore , bustiers and hot red pieces. Torn and holey fishnets and tees to resonate that grunge punk feel. Metallic fitted pants and bleached denims for a fitted sexy. The glam-punk shorts and detailed denim jackets- work well together. The style is Glam baroque.

LOVE OR LIKE: As I mentioned before, I am a sucker for wonderfully tailored pieces, and add a touch of Balmain detailing and you sorted. The only critique I can make (as a fashion infant) is that I missed that spark, the pieces that make me marvel at the artistic originality. The thought-provoking artistic visions. Of course, had I $25,000 at my disposal I couldn’t possibly deny the beauty that is Balmain tailoring, but this particular collection didn’t ignite my fashion appetite.

Always chic, always inspired.

Xoxoxo

Le chic Freak

DESIGNER PROFILE: Balenciaga

FULL NAMES: Cristóbal Balenciaga

ORIGIN: Basque County, Spain

FIRST COLLECTION: 1918 (opened his first boutique)

OVERVIEW: Cristóbal Balenciaga is the founder of the fashion house Balenciaga, which is now owned by the Gucci group. Nicolas Ghesquière (apprenticed to Jean-Paul Gaultier and Agnes B) currently holds position of creative director at Balenciaga. In 1955, Cristobal Balenciaga designed the tunic dress, which later developed into the chemise dress of 1958. Other contributions included the spherical balloon jacket (1953), the high-waisted baby doll dress (1957), the cocoon coat (1957), the balloon skirt (1957), and the sack dress (1957). His manipulation of the waist, in particular, contributed to "what is considered to be his most important contribution to the world of fashion: a new silhouette for women." Cristóbal Balenciaga closed his fashion house in 1968, and died in 1972.

WEBSITE: www.balenciaga.com/



LATEST: Spring 2011.Rock ‘n roll meets preppy. The use of materials is incredible. The lace and sheer numbers juxtaposed with the hardcore graphic or rock pieces. The feminine prints fused with metallics, cut with the avante-garde structural flair the brand is known for. All 39 pieces are individual and original, yet at the same time a fuse together to straddle the edge of fashion and forecast the future of women's ready-to-wear fashion.

LOVE OR LIKE: Two points that have me in awe- his protégés are Oscar De la Renta and Hubert De Givenchy and he changed the fashion mindset for women. Balenciaga, although never properly registered as “Haute Coutoure” was reputed as the couturier of couture. I think the biggest dream for any fashion designer is to be able to say that you altered and shaped the fashion world. As I learn about these designers, and study their pieces, I am beginning to see fashion in a brand new light. I’m paying attention to the fabrics, the originality and the beauty of expression- I am realizing it as art.




Always chic, always inspired.

Xoxoxo
Le chic Freak