A Sunday's Nostalgia

The New York City Easter Parade has been an annual tradition since Civil War days and features marchers in elaborate Easter finery, including some of the fanciest Easter bonnets imaginable.

Hundreds of New Yorkers on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 stepped out dressed in their finery planned months ahead for a grand Easter parade down Fifth Avenue starting at St. Patricks Cathedral.

What I was expecting was a procession of extremely fancy men and women stepping out of St. Patricks Cathedral. The women were clad in exquisite designs with a dashing man accompanying her in his formal attire. In this era, even with so many streets closed, my intent was to watch and capture this New York tradition and of course take a close glimpse of Bonnets, Fascinators and the imaginative ensembles of families who have kept this tradition for decades. Looking at all the hats, I realized this group I was taking a picture of was in fact a New York Milliner with her entourage surrounding her wearing Fab Hats and Fascinators. What made me smile was two of the girls gave me their business card. I laughed thinking New Yorkers always creative in peddling their wares.

The weather was vibrant and with my imagination full of stories, I headed towards the Church. I doubted I would not see any highly polished carriages, and thought perhaps would catch family pets dressed in small bonnets, or even tamed snakes with a colorful bow. What I saw were remnants of the past. Gone were the themes of current events. There was no hat tilted to the side which was a sinking Titanic, no Silver Cross Prams and babies in lace, organza and velvet with nanny’s in their frilly bonnet and the proud parents dressed to the nines walking behind. Maybe it’s a gone era, maybe the Easter Parade is a free spirited display and example of the world we live in today. Yes, the early 20th century is long gone but here I am in this magical city New York which is now  my home.  Suddenly I am dancing to the ragtime music, wishing I  were in a silk skirt so that I could jitterbug, and taking note minute by minute, as I watch the ladies stroll by dressed up in thrift shop findings.

Obviously, it was time to go and sit in Central Park to meet up with my hubby think about next year dressing myself and a few special friends in wonderful styled regalia fit for a Queen. As I ran down 5th Avenue, I thought of finding a Turner classic movie to watch called The Easter Parade with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire now it all made sense. I remembered the verse, “In your Easter Bonnet with all the frills upon it you’ll be the finest lady in the Easter Parade.

'My mum brought me in a stroller and now I bring her'... xoxo 

Hopefully next year I will be in the parade walking with friends all styled by me!

Love 

Carole

May Showers Bring (Fashion) Flowers

It's May and Spring is now here. I hope these showers aren't keeping you indoors and instead you're out seeing and trying on the latest fashion trends. Like every Spring, florals are back and making a HUGE statement. This year you must be noticing the new styles along with these florals. One of the hottest dresses on the runway this season was Stella McCartney's dress in botanical florals.

Whether it's a short sheath with hydrangeas or a long maxi dress splashed from chest to ankle with poppies, or something drape-y, you are guaranteed to find something that suits your body shape. A pastel border or a print on a white background. Wear it full waisted, tight in the waist with a floral print bottom, or as a long chiffon dress in a tropical print. You will surprise yourself with how updated you look and feel in this traditional style. You will be even more surprised when you see the price tag. As always Bellissima has found you a steal of a deal.  

My love of flowers stems from seeing so many wonderful English gardens. This love has brought me once again to Macy's on 34th street. Every year, they showcase the Macy's Flower Show in NEW YORK CITY with brilliant arrangements from some of America's distinguished floral designers who are featured daily. From March 27-April 10, the aisles of Macy's were themed as different types of gardens. Japanese, tropical, and desert styled gardens blossomed throughout the store, and filled the walls with their aroma. Being around so many wonderful bouquets of flowers and their marvelous scents, I was inspired to write this blog for you. Whether or not you're surrounded by a garden of flowers, hopefully the spring weather is enough to inspire you to try this wonderful look.

Perhaps you are one of those women who  could never imagine herself in anything floral. Well, time to sprout out of that bad habit and try something different. This is the YEAR to add floral to your wardrobe, and Bellissima is the store to discover your new found love for it. It's time to create your own bouquet! 

 

Love,

Carole

The Royal Treatment

I have a dilemma...

Words cannot express how excited I am for this wonderful celebration. If you are as excited as I am, you must be planning on where you will be on that late April morning. Will I be one of the chosen few to be in West Minster Abbey gazing upon the beautiful couple as they exchange their vows? Will I be in England, in my family’s living room, surrounded by the youngsters who will wish to grow up and be a real princess? If my invite to the wedding doesn’t arrive, perhaps I will be on a rooftop in NYC with my dearest friends, early in the morning with the British flag in one hand and my favorite English cocktail Pimms in the other, celebrating with glass after glass. Or maybe I will simply stay put in my apartment in Manhattan, with my husband, having a delicious British breakfast complete with our English China, and of course a few glasses of Pimms! 

Wherever I end up on April 29th, and I promise to let you know where that is, one thing I know for sure: I will be wearing waterproof mascara, as I laugh, cry, and rejoice in this historical celebration. 

Cheers,
Carole

As we all raise our glasses wishing this handsome, wonderful couple, that found each other and nurtured their love as friends, peace and happiness, we must remember it is up to us to let them live their lives in peace so that they can bring joy to the world. Joy, which we so badly need. 

I just know my invite to the Royal Wedding is lost in the mail. I check my mailbox everyday hoping to see that golden envelope with my name on it. I have already prepared my ensemble for that special day. My dilemma is: what hat should I wear?

Carole: London Fashion Week

As some of you might remember from previous entries or stories I have written these past months, I was born in London and although have lived in several parts of the world, one thing is constant in my life and that is the love of fashion. Now I live in New York City, my second home, I am lucky enough to call two wonderful cities home.  What excitement to be in London, not only for the main purpose of a family celebration, but also London Fashion Week. And such an amazing coincidence that the London shows were taking place during my four and a half days visit. Although I did not have any invites this year, being caught up in the excitement of Fashion Week, the mood on the streets, the energy in some of my favorite stores satisfied my thirst for my passion. I am not the most camera savvy and usually end up a video by mistake. I managed to figure it out and took some photos regardless (my genius friends at Apple tell me some of the best pictures are taken because of emotion). 

Looking at the following will drive you to the realization that I am not talking about designers in this story, I want to share with you some of the excitement that is London for me, show or not it still is one the fashion capitals of the world  where fashion and trends are born. Some of the most creative talent that we have seen in the last couple of decades have all been products of England as you must already know (Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson, the late Alexander McQueen to name a few).

COLOR SPLASH-THE CATWALKS AND WINDOWS WERE A RIOT OF DAZZLING BRIGHTS THIS SEASON, AS SUMPTUOUS JEWEL TONES AND GLOWING FLUORESCENT  EXPLODE ACROSS THE COLLECTIONS AND WINDOWS.

WORN HEAD TO TOE HUE OR IN BOLDLY CLASHING COMBINATIONS, LUSH COLOR  IS SPRINGS HUGE STYLE STORY. MY STYLE TIP BREAK TRADITIONAL COLOR WHEEL RULES! BLUE PLUS GREEN AND RED PLUS PINK ARE DESIRABLE CONTRASTING COMBINATIONS.

STYLE TIPS-RICH FABRICS SUCH AS LUXE TAFFETA  AND DUCHESSE SATIN ELEVATE YOUR LOOK. LONDON’S COUTURE WAS SHOWING HEAD TO TOE HUES.   THE KEY IS TO PICK ONE COLOR TRULY VIBRANT AND WEAR TOP TO BOTTOM.

HIGH STREET FASHION

THIS REPORT IS PERSONAL AND I AM NOT MENTIONING ANY ONE DESIGNER IN PARTICULAR, AS I WAS EQUALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE HIGH END STORES AS I WAS ABOUT THE HIGH STREET STORES (THE TERM USED  FOR THE MAJOR STREETS OF ENGLAND WHICH CATER TO THE MASSES). FOR DECADES DESIGNERS AND STYLISTS GO TO LONDON TO VISIT THEIR FAVORITE HIGH STREET STORE, BUY MANY GARMENTS AND ‘KNOCK EM OFF’. THE PICTURES DEPICT SOME GREAT TRENDS SHOWN AT ALL PRICE POINTS.

MODERN CRAFT SEEMED TO HAVE A GLAMOROUS RETHINK. THIS SEASON. TASSELS, FEATHERS AND CROCHET APPLIQUES OF LACE ADD TEXTURE TO SIMPLE SHIFT DRESSES. SOME DESIGNERS WERE VERY CLEVER BY USING OLD ARTISAN TECHNIQUES BY PLAITING, WEAVING TO CREATE PIECES WHICH LOOK BEAUTIFULLY HANDMADE.

STRIPES-EVERY FEW SPRING SEASON WE SEE THIS FAITHFUL REINVENTION AND LONDON HAS IT AT ALL PRICE LEVELS. FROM TUNIC DRESSES TO T-SHIRTS, KNITTED BLAZERS AND AGELESS ATTIRE MAKE THE STRIPE CURRENT.

AS FAR AS A GREAT NEW JACKET FOR THE SEASON, THERE ARE SOME WONDERFUL CHOICES. IF I COULD SPLURGE I WOULD BUY A SHORT SCRUMPTIOUS LEATHER JACKET TO WEAR OVER A SHORT OR LONG MAXI DRESS. THE KNIT JACKET A’LA CHANEL WAS ANOTHER FAVORITE, GIVING A GIRLIE FEEL WORN WITH A GEORGETTE BLOUSE SOLID OR PRINT.   

EMBRACE THE WIDER FLARE TROUSER (SOME OF YOU MIGHT LAUGH AS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE THROWN YOURS AWAY). THEY CERTAINLY ARE MORE FLATTERING IF THEY ARE TIGHTER IN THE LEG WITH A HIGHER WAIST. IT CERTAINLY LOOKS SEXIER WEARING A WEDGE SANDAL OR A BOOT BUT DOING YOUR OWN THING IS THE WAY TO GO!

NEON COLOR HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH STREET FASHION AND THE YOUTH MARKET BUT THIS SEASON NEON GREW UP, FROM VIVID LASER CUTS TO FEMININE BRIGHTS.

LADYLIKE BRIGHTS  ELEGANT CUTS MEET EXPLOSIVE COLORS IN A BURST OF BRILLIANT GLAMOUR . FEELING SHY? GO FOR ELECTRIC ACCESSORIES. EYE POPPING BAGS AND SHOES  OR GREAT COLORED BANGLES.

Left: TWO BRITISH HOTTIES! 

Right: LIBERTY OF LONDON SIDE ENTRANCE. ALWAYS  HAVE THE FLOWER OF THE SEASON IN FULL VIEW

'PECKHAM RYE' IS SLANG FOR 'YOUR TIE', SO WHAT A PERFECT PLACE TO BUY YOUR FELLAS TIE!

CARNABY STREET. THE 60’S EXPLOSION. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!

As the famous British song goes... 

“Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner, that I love London so.”

Love,

Carole

It's Been a LONG Time Coming...

In case you haven’t noticed with all of this cold, windy weather, the mix of spring dresses is full of change. This 'newness' that they have brought along with them is 'springing' out at us. First indication that the spring season is taking off is that the MAXI dresses are back.

photo source: http://www.whowhatweardaily.com/

For you ladies who have worn them before, as you try on some of these fabulous dresses at Bellissima, a smile is sure to cross your face. A revival of the 70‘s is back as I’m sure you know since you have been reading magazines and noticing trends. You might even wonder whether or not you should have saved your dress from the 70’s. Fashion always comes full circle, our MAXI dresses are so affordable and fashion forward that you will need one the instant you see it.  At Bellissima you will see techno prints, wonderful bright colors with a splurge of flowers. And as the season warms up, keep your eyes open for that perfect picnic day MAXI dress with a flow of garden florals. 

 photo source: styleguru

Here are some worthwhile tips as how to wear the MAXI dress. I am enjoying the different lengths: there’s long and there’s longer. The MAXI dress is perfect for day. When worn with a flat, be sure the dress touches the top of your shoes. For evening your hem could gracefully graze the floor. I am certainly not the tallest person in the world, but I never felt as if I shouldn’t wear this MAXI look just because I’m not 5’10. Don’t allow fashion to intimidate you. It should be fun, exciting and new. And most importantly, comfortable. The MAXI look is timeless as well as age and body appropriate. 

When it comes to your feet... Here are a few foot wearing tips that will certainly add to the glamour of making that MAXI dress work for you. As you’re browsing the stores around the mall, shopping in the supermarket, or walking through the park to relax on the swings, I would recommend:

1) Ballet slipper

2) Toeless thong

3) Espadrilles

4) Wedge

5) Sandal with a cork heel

Personally, I wear this look with a heel or a wedge.

Make sure before you leave the dressing room or your home, look at yourself from the front and then from the side. Do you feel taller already?!

As for accessories, you know I’m a lover of hats, especially floppy, vibrant or neutral ones, depending on the mood. If you opt out to not wear a hat, play around with a head scarf instead. Or if you are more comfortable letting those locks flow, have an assortment of colored bangles ready to match your dress for that day.  Shoulder bags with fringe, and straw to canvas totes add to this terrific trend. And never ever forget those dangling earrings, you know those perfect ones that sparkle in that warm spring sun. You might finish off your outfit with a cocktail ring as you may end the day celebrating that spring is finally here. 

Bye for now. Will return with more updates on hot trending styles to make your summer a memorable one. In the meantime you can always visit the BELLISSIMA website for the latest fashion trends. 

Love, 

Carole