Sunday, December 19, 2010

Paris: Style And The City

Style Destination
I have just returned from a week in Paris and cannot return without discussing the city as a style destination. It’s nothing new to talk about Paris in terms of fashion and indeed style; the city has a reputation for taste, culture and sartorial swagger. It has produced many notable design houses, such as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Chloé, Givenchy, Lanvin, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton. Paris also remains a premier destination for shopping, with streets such as Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the Champs-Élysées hosting boutiques from designers around the world. It also boasts a plethora of cosmopolitan cafes with seating that faces out into the street, as though the pavements themselves were catwalks. For fashion voyeurs, a huge treat is to sit at a cafe, order a coffee and watch the people go by. Parisians appear to have made a pastime of people watching, and it was whilst I was people watching myself that I decided FashionBeans should acknowledge the French city’s own brand of style.

So how is Parisian style different from any other cosmopolitan European city? From my time there I realised it’s not an eclectic or particularly forward thinking style city such as London, for example – but an understated, tailored and sophisticated look. This elegant look coupled with the mandatory cigarette and espresso befits to a certain extent the historical stereotype we all imagine when we think of the French and the fashionable, but that is in no way a bad thing. When you explore the city’s tree-lined boulevards, intricate pathways and open parks and spaces you notice ornate and beautiful structures and buildings and it seems the people have, over the years, attempted to mirror the stylish architecture in the way they dress and behave. So, to me, the Parisian look has become a sophisticated elegance and more than just an outfit; an overall image set off by small but key tweaks that are subtle and understated. Young and old, it doesn’t seem to matter, the effortless, simple tailoring seems to transcend generations.
Lookbook: Parisian street style

Paris collaborates with the British high street
The French influence has hit our own shores of late as well, with British high street labels collaborating with Parisian fashion houses. Most notable of which is formerly high end couture label Lanvin. It has been billed as Parisian luxury hitting the high street with a one off range for H&M which went on sale from 23rd November in 200 stores worldwide but only 15 in the UK. Also, landing on our beaches is renowned fashion house Sandro, whose flagship store is set to open in London’s Westbourne Grove, and it’s the first time a male range has been available in the UK. So it’s possible for us to achieve Gallic sophistication without having to jump on a Eurostar train.
Focus on: Lanvin
In the early 1900s Lanvin was heralded as one of the most important couture houses in Europe. A century later however, the label began to languish badly due to financial problems. It was dealt a fresh and exciting lifeline when it appointed new artistic director Alber Elbaz in 2001 and his plan was to re-establish Lanvin as a fashion powerhouse but without the unattainable price tag; at the same time maintaining the elegance and high end quality of its golden era. I believe that Lanvin for H&M’s winter collection is perfect for the party season and ties in beautifully with our own assistant editor Luke Todd’s article, the A/W Party Season Lookbook. For H&M it adds to an impressive legacy of high fashion collaborations that have included: Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Roberto Cavalli.
The Lanvin range consists of a daytime relaxed fit tuxedo jacket with matching tailored jogging pants, tuxedo trousers with white shirts that have a bib front and pin-tucking that continues this day to night theme – which seems to be integral to the whole look. Some other highlights include a double-breasted military detailed coat, a paper-bag trench, oversized bow tie and the signature Lanvin metallic shoes. Now don’t take my word for it, take a look at the range below.
Lanvin for H&M: The Collection

Paris Fashion Week 2010
High on any fashion conscious Parisian’s diary has to be Paris Fashion Week, and it wouldn’t be right for me to talk about Paris without talking about one of the biggest style events in the world. In the Autumn/Winter show this year the runway was awash with more masculine colours, outstanding detail and more wearable garments. The tailoring was sharp and slim fitting and had some very clever detail to give each garment some fresh features. In terms of accessories bags were classic leather, eyewear is still dominated by the bold, solid black frames and hats are a wardrobe staple this winter. Scarves were oversized and wrapped around the neck to give a cobra-like-look.
This year’s event and its key trends link very clearly with what we now know of Paris as a style destination. The common Parisian themes of sophistication, tailored elegance and creativity were all there, with designers working hard to update and use clever detail to continually modernise the look.
How To Light Up The City Of Lights
So how does one achieve the Parisian look? I thought about this question a lot whilst I was away; in fact I had it in my head even before I got to Paris.
As I mentioned previously it is about more than just a set of clothes to look good in this Gallic city; it’s an image and a lifestyle.It’s about cafe culture, sophistication, a distinguished feel that’s more than just a nice new pair of slacks. Whilst sitting outside one of the numerous cafes in the St. Germain region of Paris, an area so elegant that it feels as though its residents have absorbed some of the stunning architectural style into their blood, I decided I should put together this article for you guys. The city’s heritage of couture styling, beautiful architecture and a cultural legacy in cinema, theatre and art means that the people of Paris have inherited a style that is almost innate. However, that does not mean that FashionBeans readers and sartorial enthusiasts alike cannot achieve the look. As well as the Parisian street style Lookbook above here is a check list for anyone eager to take on the Parisian look:
  • Tailoring appears hugely important to the Parisian ensemble. Sharp and slim fitting jackets tend to be the key, either as a smart casual outfit with tailored jeans or chinos or as part of a suit the debonair appeal of a blazer is very important.
  • Accessorising yourself in a subtle and understated way is something that Parisians do well. Try an oversized chunky scarf in masculine colours or an elegant leather bag with your outfit.
  • If you’re feeling brave clever detailing is prominent this season as you can see from the Lanvin for H&M collection for the party season. Try oversized bow ties, bib front shirts, metallic shoes or tailored jogging pants.
  • Just the subtle things can provide the final touches to your overall look, like a proverbially cherry on a metaphorical Belgian bun. So why not consider a crisp, slim fitting white shirt, solid black frame glasses or a vintage pair of brown brogues which can bring that touch of classic European style to your wardrobe.
  • Finally, if you want to fulfil the Parisian style criteria pull up a chair at a cafe with a newspaper under your arm, order an espresso, chat to friends about philosophy, art and politics, and people watch to your heart’s content. OK that bit is optional but you get the idea!
Parisian Inspired Product Picks:




























Home Made Remedies for Glowing Skin:



Well people, are you fancy having a glowing skin and a bright complexion? If yes, then we will tell you that how can you make your complexion clean and clear as much as you can while staying at your home.
First of all, we tell you sugar mask with lemon peelsTake equal proportions of grained sugar and powered lemon peel, mix them with a bit of milk and make a fine paste, apply it on your face and when it dries wash off with fresh water. If you apply it at least once in a week, it not only smoothes your skin but also adds shine and brightens your complexion. 

Take one tomato and add 2-3 drops of lime juice. Apply on your face and wash off till dry after 15 to 20 minutes. You will see a slight shine in just one go. If you will do it twice in a week, you will definitely feel the difference.

Apply a paste of wheat flour with vinegar on your face with the very light and soft pat. Wash your face with fresh water when dries. It helps you to remove freckles and dark sports.

Mix lime juice, honey and egg white, apply it on your face and let it dry for few minutes and then washout. It will make your skin soft and smooth.

Make a mixture of rose water, glycerin and lemon juice. Apply this lotion on your face, arms and even feet, especially before going to bed at night. Regular application of this lotion will surely give your face a beautiful glow.  

You can simply use rose water as best toner, after cleansing, after removing your make up, before going to bed, or just to fresh your face.

Other then all these, cucumber mask also helps you to make your skin glowing and attractive.

Almond Oil Is Best For Skin Care: For Soft And Silky Touch




Sweet Almond oil is one of the most popular vegetable oils, which is also used in the form of carrier oil or base oil in Aromatherapy. Texture wise, the oil extracted from the seeds of Almond, is a bit oily. The botanical name of Almond is Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus. Sweet Almond has a very light, sweet and nutty aroma.
Almonds are very common and very beneficial for body in the form of oil. By consuming adequate amount of almonds can help you to cure various health disorders and diseases. Almonds are also very profitable for maintaining the strong immunity and also very useful in controlling high cholesterol level in the body. In this article will tell you about the positive affects of almond oil for healthy and glowing skin.

Benefits of Almond Oil For Aging Skin
  • Helps in healing and moisturizing dry chapped skin. Good For premature aging, dry or sensitive skin. Nutrient-rich with Vitamins A&E, Suitable for all skill types.
  • For best results in aromatherapy skin care, use quality skin softener. Also take up a lubricant of sweet almond oil. Do a good massage or just keep it applied on the skin.
  • It is capable of reducing friction by making your skin smooth.
  • Almond oil is good for skin as it contains vitamins B1, A, B6 and B2 with extra dose of vitamins.
  • Almond oil is one of the least greasy oils. It will soak into your skin quickly and leave only a slight residue.
  • Wash hands in warm, soapy water to remove oily residue from fingers.
  • Purchase oil in a dark colored, glass jar if possible. This ensures that the oil has had less chance of being damaged by light.
  • Keep the oil in a cool, dark place and use it quickly once opened to prevent loss of its quality.
  • Discard unused contents after one year.
Use of Almond Oils In Massage

Since almond oil is not greasy, spreads easily and does not absorb into the skin too quickly; it is commonly used as a “carrier oil” by massage therapists.  Carrier oils are the oils used as a base for massage oils.  Typically a massage oil will contain one carrier oil and one or more “essential oils” which are used to add pleasant scents to the oils.  Sweet almond oil is known to be an excellent skin lubricant, is moderately prices and has become widely accepted as the most popular carrier oil used in aromatherapy.  As for the scent, sweet almond oil has a mild sweet and nutty aroma.

Almond Oil for Dry Skin

Use of almond oil for dry skin is popularly practiced since it is very lubricating and is also absorbed into the skin quickly. It helps to repair cracks and flaking of the skin. Individuals with skin allergies are often advised to use almond oil so that further dryness and scaling of the skin is avoided. It can also be used on areas of the body such as the knees, elbows and heels of the feet, as these areas are most prone to dryness and hardening. Almond oil also serves to moisturize chapped lips and helps in the healing of minor cuts, bruises and infections. Since almond oil is rich in vitamin E, it helps in preventing wrinkles and therefore The use of almond oil for face is known to be very effective. The oil may be applied to the facial and neck area every night. Use of almond oil for the face is considered to be safe and regular use will also help to lighten scars and dark spots. Sunburn may also be relieved through the application of almond oil.
Many people are bothered by dark circles under the eyes. Inadequate sleep, allergies, tiredness and poor diet can all lead to this occurrence. The skin beneath the eyes is delicate and hence loses moisture easily. Application of almond oil for dark circles is known to be highly effective. The oil moisturizes the under eye area and reduces puffiness and darkening. A small amount of honey may be added to almond oil and then gently massaged into the under eye region. The use of almond oil for acne and other skin blemishes is also believed to yield positive results since the oil is known to have antimicrobial properties. Bacterial infections of the skin may also be treated with almond oil.

Care Tips For Using Alond Oil for Aging Skin

  • Eliminates impurities and removes dead cells
  • Refines the structure of the skin and stimulates cell renewal
  • Purifies, soothes and decongests the skin
  • Leaves the skin soft, renewed and radiant
  • Gives a healthy boost to the complexion
  • Helps fight against the effects of aging
  • Increases the efficiency of treatments applied afterward
  • Help eliminate blackheads
  • Always test sensitivity to an oil before use. Test a small dab on your wrist, or lower arm and watch for any reactions over a 24 hour period.
  • Do not use nut oils if you have a nut allergy. There is no point giving yourself unnecessary complications.

Hermes Fall Winter 2010/11 Womenswear.

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Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall Winter 2010 2011 at Paris Fashion Week 2010

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Emporio Armani - Men's Autumn/Winter 2010-2011 Fashion Show 1/2

Chanel Fall Winter 2010/11 - Part 2

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FashionTV | FTV.com - Belstaff Men's Fashion Show Autumn/Winter 2008/2009

Gucci Men's Fashion Show Fall Winter 2009/10 Full Show

Gucci Women's Fashion Show Fall Winter 2009/10 Part 1

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Fashion designers: Luella – Autumn-Winter 2009/2010 at the London Fashion Week



Luella Bartley launched a collection inspired by school uniforms, a little military, and with a British punk touch. Although it is not so remarkable as the collection for spring-summer 2009, which is outstanding and charming, this new collection has really nice details like the particular zippers (or zip fasteners) with beautiful shapes, and sheer fabrics mixed with other fabrics to create a great effect.

It is very probable we will see the English It-girls wearing these garments soon. English It-girls include Alexa Chung, Daisy Lowe, or the Geldof sisters (the younger of them paraded in a Luella collection). It is very likely we will see them wearing some of the tweed, classic-cut coats or Prince of Wales checked coats (true British spirit), or maybe some of them will prefer the lovely mini dresses that were shown at the London Fashion Week.
Other memorable looks from the collection are the velvet jacket with tailored pants, the trench in  shades of red with a sort of blue leggings and lovely patterned cardigan with a classic checked pencil skirt that has zippers that adorn it.



Crystal-bedecked gold stockings are part of many looks of the collection. They add an irreverent and elegant touch in a punk style for the most preppy looks.