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Chic and Charming
a modern salon for
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29 February 2008

Ten years and he's still not popped the question?

FYI: Leap Year is the traditional time that women can propose marriage.

Image from

Awww, google, I think you're sexy too

bandit

Google sent someone searching for "unbelievably sexy women" my way. I wonder which post that landed on? hmmm....

28 February 2008

Sophia Styles the Stars: Wendy Brandes

bowwend

One of my favorite bloggers, and most devoted commenters Wendy Brandes loves clothing bedecked with bows.
So, as I flipped through the Fall 2008 collections I could not help but notice all the bows popping up on the runway! I've compiled a few of my favorite looks for Wendy from Behnaz Sarafpour, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Temperley London, Karen Walker, and Philosophy. Personally, I think the black leather skirt with black bow tie from Alice Temperley is the best look for this fab jewelry designer. You should go check out her blog and her divine jewelry! So, Wendy, what do you think? Would your wear any of these bows?

bows

Image sfrom style.com and Wendy's blog

Human hair clothing, would PETA approve?

chrishair

Oh my dears. I love Chris March, but I'm just not sure that I could ever wear human hair extensions as a skirt. I must say that the hair looked nice and shiny, an interesting alternative to fur, if rather dark. This begs the question, would PETA approve of human hair as a fur replacement? Would Natalie Portman wear it with her new vegan shoes?

Images style.com and bravo.com

26 February 2008

Dear Christian,

I've found your male muse, and he was on super sweet sixteen two years ago so he should be able to keep you in hair gel until you become the next Marc Jacobs. His name is Bjorn and he carried a Chanel manbag when he was sixteen...how fierce is that?

Kisses,
Sophia






25 February 2008

Rose colored clothing

This man wears only pink and white. If I tried that I would end up wearing pink and white and the color of whatever I ate for lunch. He does look fab. New York Magazine did a feature on monochromatic New Yorkers. The green lady let a "gang of hippies" babysit her son...the gray girl sounds the most OCD...but still very charming! What discipline it would take to dress monochromatically, especially in any color other than black. Could you imagine having to match all the different shades of blue? or green? Mr. Pink even wears pink underwear, as you can imagine pink men's underwear is not easy to find...now that is dedication!

Image from New York Magazine

22 February 2008

Real Life

Don't you just hate it when your real job interferes with your blogging...so tragic. I am currently working on a project that will last through Saturday and result in my getting only ten hours between Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon- brutal! As you can imagine I am going to avoid posting until Sunday, as anything I put up will probably be nonsense.

Image from drewzelblog.wordpress.com

20 February 2008

In love...

I ran across this photograph of a peacock by Rareimage photography on etsy today and I am totally in love with it. I love the way the artist captures just the head of the peacock, an area usually ignored for the showy peacock tail, however the head of the bird is also beautifully iridescent. I also love the expression on the bird's face, it looks a little miffed that it is being photographed. I've added this piece to my favorites list on etsy and it is on my short list for new art when I finally finish paying off the Chagall print I splurged on in December!

Image from etsy

19 February 2008

Bliss Blowout Sale

Woo Hoo! $100 worth of Bliss loot for $26....who would turn that down? Go check out the Bliss Blowout Sale. Thanks Raging Rouge for the fabulous tip!

PS-Enter "butter" in the code section if this is your first Bliss online purchase for a free bonus body butter!

Image from Bliss

Is painterly a real word?

I began this post after reading in a fashion magazine that "painterly" was a trend for spring. I had never actually seen this word used before, so I wondered if painterly was a made up fashion magazine word or an actual Webster-approved word. As it turns out painterly describes art in which the brush strokes are clearly visible in the completed composition. Van Gogh and Renoir often produced painterly works, as you can see in Starry Night. As far as "painterly" being a spring trend? I'm not so sure.

Image from wikipedia

17 February 2008

Sophia Styles the Stars: Seven of Nine

seven

Someone seems to be designing Star Trek Costumes for fall... I think this one looks like a new costume for seven of nine, perhaps with some extra armor.

Images from style.com and lulusplace

16 February 2008

Sophia Styles the Stars: Cate Blanchett

In the past I've made half hearted attempts to cover the newest fashion collections, but I always feel like I'm just reiterating information you can find on more specialized fashion blogs. So, for the Fall 2008 collections I had a long think about how Chic and Charming should cover the hottest new fashions. I've come to the conclusion that I would have the most fun playing stylist to the stars (and sometimes for myself), with the current season's collections as my sources. This feature will be half celeb fashion and half high fashion with the Sophia twist...very fun! Look for stars from the past, fictitious characters and a few tongue in cheek recommendations over the next few weeks.

cate
For my first foray into styling I've chosen this navy and bronze look from L'Wren Scott for Cate Blanchett. The neckline in reminiscent of a black and gold Chanel dress Blanchett has worn before, but I find this metallic more subtle and sophisticated. I think she should wear this dress to one of the more laid back red carpet events, or perhaps a movie premiere. Since it falls mid calf she should rock some really awesome shoes. I would stick with her usual dark eyes and loose curls in an updo to complete the look.

Images from style.com and lastsee.com

15 February 2008

Potential Partnership?

sam

Perhaps Sam Adam's should commission Marc Jacobs to do a limited edition of his hats with their logo for this year's fourth of July celebrations...

Images from sevenpack.net and style.com

14 February 2008

It's not just fierce...it's ferocious


*swoon*
I'm in love with Chris, but in lust with this outfit from Christian
I was totally born in the wrong century

Image from fabsugar

12 February 2008


Dear fellow fans of the retro TV classic Kids Incorporated,
Do you remember Stacy? Do you know her grown up pop-star identity? I do!

Kisses,
Sophia

Chic and Charitable: Pink Garden Hose

There are not many things that would actually make me want to wash my car...but this pink garden hose just might make the list. With Valentine's day on the immediate horizon, I felt like a pink hose was an appropriate product recommendation, especially since a portion of the proceeds goes to breast cancer research. I should warn men: this is not an appropriate Valentine's Day gift, even if your wife/girlfriend is a hardcore gardener.

Image from amazon

11 February 2008

Required Reading: Deluxe

While I know people have already posted blurbs on Deluxe: How Luxury Lost it's Luster...I have to add my glowing recommendation! I just finished reading this confection of non-fiction and I must say that it is beyond fabulous. Deluxe chronicles the death of luxury and the rise of behemoth "luxury" brands that are increasingly sacrificing quality to turn a tidy profit.

This book is extraordinarily timely as the growing distaste for it bags amongst fashionistas is increasingly expressed on fashion blogs and in print media. Deluxe describes how it bags are the cash cow of major labels, with fashion collections sometimes serving primarily as a backdrop to sell handbags. Every fashion blogger and "luxury goods" consumer should read Deluxe to educate themselves on the products they are buying and the well marketed dreams they are buying into.

Images from amazon and style.com

10 February 2008

How to be like Cher from Clueless

cher
So much changes, and yet so much stays the same. If I were to ask you to name a stylish fictional character with loads of money, perfect hair, a love for headbands, oxford shirts, fitted blazers and baby doll dresses, who would you name? Today, you would probably name Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, but a few years ago you would certainly have named Cher Horowitz from Clueless. Alicia Silverstone made a name for herself playing Cher in Clueless, a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. Clueless came out when I was still in grade school, and it was an instant classic! Everyone wanted to be Cher! Even today when I watch the movie I feel pangs of envy. The Clueless stylist must have been some sort of genius, because while some outfits seem dated...many are stylish classics more than ten years later!

accesorites
Cher's Accessories:
  1. Over the knee or knee high socks with shoes of the same color
  2. White Jeep Wrangler
  3. Anything trimmed in faux fur or feathers, especially marabou
  4. Mini backpacks
  5. Subtle Classic jewelry: dainty hanging pearl or diamond earrings, diamond studs, silver chain bracelet, only one ring on each hand to be worn on your ring finger
  6. Madonna like blingy cross jewelry
  7. Headbands in basic colors...perfectly coordinated to your outfit
  8. Black beret
  9. Marabou topped pens
  10. Starbucks (remember, this was long before it was ubiquitous)
  11. A few beaded necklaces, especially if they have flower details
  12. Layered necklaces, one short one long OR One long necklace wrapped around to make two necklaces
  13. T-strap platform shoes, Mary jane platform shoes, clogs, patent leather flats
beauty
Cher's Beauty Basics:
  1. Hair straightener for ridiculously straight hair
  2. SUBTLE layers, we are talking pre-Jennifer Aniston layers
  3. Natural looking makeup
  4. You lips should be perfectly made up, with lip liner and lipstick must be applied with a brush
  5. High pony tail...with short layers artfully falling out around your face
  6. Hair if very, very polished for evening. Often times hot curlers are employed to achieve body. Hair is often piled high on your head, like in a giant chignon for the valley party.
  7. Regular massages are a fabulous idea for working out tension
everydat
Cher's Wardrobe Basics:
  1. Cher loves to match a jacket to a skirt or dress. She opens the movie wearing a matched plaid skirt suits with pleated skirts and fitted blazer.
  2. She often wears small cardigans or vests over basic white t-shirts. Cher also likes to wear a twin set when dressing down
  3. Transparent shirts are often worn as a cover up or with a plain white shirt underneath
  4. Cher loves busy prints: plaid, argyle, and fair isle are all wardrobe stables. Prints are always balanced with a plain oxford or white t-shirt
  5. Matching suits aren't always conservative! Skirts are usually mini's and on one occasion Cher wears a leather mini skirt, with matching black leather jacket.
  6. Her shoes have chunky heels and are usually a a basic color: black, white and red
  7. Exercise: hello spandex! I'm not sure I'm ready for the unitard to come back to the gym!
  8. Cher loves baby doll dresses with ribbon belt worn at the waist
  9. Who wears short skirts? Cher wears short skirts...ALWAYS
  10. Formal wear should be skin tight, minimalist, short...and designer..Calvin Klein..sexy Azzedine Alaia
formal

Cher's Wisdom:
  1. Grades are just a jumping off point for negotiations
  2. Use "womens troubles" to manipulate your teachers: you were tardy because you were surfing the crimson wave and you sucked at gym because your heart was broken by an evil male
  3. No need to learn how to park...everywhere you go has valet
  4. Legs crossed towards each other...that is an unequivocal sex invite
  5. On how to grab a guy's attention: make sure he "sees you, but don't say hi first. Look like you're having fun and you're really popular. Talk to someone in his eyeline, preferably a guy. Make him come to you, and find an excuse to leave while he's still into the conversation. The key is, always have him wanting more."
  6. On men's fashion: "So, OK. I don't want to be a traitor to my generation and all, but I don't get how guys dress today. I mean, c'mon, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants, and take their greasy hair, Ew! And cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we're expected to swoon? I don't think so!"
  7. "Searching for a boy in high school is as useless as searching for meaning in a Polly Shore movie"
  8. "Until mankind is peaceful enough not to have violence on the news, there is no reason to take it out of shows that need it for entertainment value"
  9. Ren and Stimpy are way existential
  10. Don't rely on mirrors when dressing for an important event, always take Polaroids
  11. When ever a guy comes over you should always have something baking
Looking for more Cher? Check out my Amazon store's Buy to Be: Cher from Clueless

Interested in getting the look of another style icon? Check out How to be like Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany

Image sources from reelfilm.com, dvdinmypants.com, hotflick.net and Canadianpreppy.blogspot.com

06 February 2008

Word of the Moment: Mourning

morn
Mourning, as defined by wikipedia:
"Mourning is in the simplest sense synonymous with grief over the death of someone. The word is also used to describe a cultural complex of behaviours in which the bereaved participate or are expected to participate."
Mourning, as defined by Chic and Charming:
Hmm...not really definable...but it is the reason I won't be posting for several days.
Image from KissCurl, maker of fabulous hats

05 February 2008

Driving Glove Love


Dearest Readers,

I really want these gloves. In fact, I've been on a mission to find a super cute pair of driving gloves for months and months. I did run across the perfect pair of driving gloves several years ago in Milan, and I skipped them becuase they were too expensive. And, well, because I'd already spent several hundred dollars on two of my other addictions: art (Luzzati) and Les Nereides. While I don't regret my purchases, I do regret the gloves I chose not to purchase! Is there a word for the opposite of buyers remorse?

Anyway, back to the point: driving gloves! Zara had some a few weeks ago, but tragically they were one size fits all and were far to small for my hands. Why you would make leather gloves one size fits all is beyond me! They also had some at Karen Millen, but once again the size M/L was too small. I'm at a loss. Where can I find them? Do you know? Preferably I would like some divine black ones with contrasting trim. A rich brown would be nice as well...why not both?

Kisses,
Sophia

P.S.: I think Posh could improve her haircut...more on that tomorrow!

Image from Jezebel

03 February 2008

Green Atonement Dress

kiramich copy

Was Jacqueline Durran's green dress for Kira Knightly in Atonement inspired by Vera Wang's yellow dress for Michelle Williams at the Academy Awards?

Images from NY Post and Time Inc.

02 February 2008

The first star on the walk of fame...

perfectbound copy
The envelope please...Perfect Bound's series entitled "Registry Bliss" has been awarded the first star on the Chic and Charming walk of fame. This creative and fun series of articles allowed guest bloggers to publish their fantasy wedding registries. Who doesn't love fantasizing about fabulous and expensive gifts? The authors of Registry Bliss have excellent taste and excellent imagination! The feature was so popular that it has been made into a permanent series, so head over to perfect bound and submit you five fantasy items...I know I'm going to!

01 February 2008

Trend Spotting: Transparent Gloves

gloves

Many of my readers will know that I am totally obsessed with long gloves, so one would think that I would be excited about the most widely publicized gloves of the season from Louis Vuitton. While I found the Spring 2008 show intriguing, I recognize that many pieces are very difficult to wear. I am actually enjoying the watching the glossies try to work pieces from this collection into "wearable" looks. I think that the half leather half transparent fabric long gloves from the Spring 2008 LV collection look kind of cheap, but I anticipate they will be priced around $900. They are getting a lot of attention, perhaps because they are one of the most wearable pieces from this collection. In fact, they appear four times in February Vogue, twice in an LV advertisement on the first two pages of the magazine, and in two separate editorial spreads. This accessory is on the fast track to overexposure! It is only a matter of time until we see ripoffs in forever 21 and zara...which are likely to look terribly cheap...proceed with caution!

Images from style.com