Théa by Emilie Duchêne

When you are the daughter of a fashion designer, inevitably there comes a moment in your life in which you will want to pursue your own creative dreams. For Emilie Duchêne, daughter of Luc Duchêne, that moment is now.

This fashionista sure knows how to keep herself busy, she is: communications manager for the company her father created ( In case this wasn’t clear: LUC.DUCHENE and Mer du Nord) and multi-brand purchaser for accessories for the LUC.DUCHENE boutiques. In between these 2 jobs she writes a column for elle.be, manages the « Must Have » pages of Elle Belgique,blogs at www.lilaloiseau.com, is the mother of a baby girl named Théa and somewhere in between (I don’t think Emily ever sleeps) she found the time to create a beautiful jewelry collection: Théa. (I think she also needs to give time management courses to teach us how to combine all of the above…)

Anyway, back to Théa. The concept of Théa is as simple as it is brilliant. Makes you wonder why no one ever thought of this before… Théa offers rings in pink gold, showing one word of your choice, either five lower case letters or five figures. Everything is possible; the name of a loved one, a word you love (like love?) or whatever you feel like expressing ( although it would be a pity to use dirty words on a material as precious as pink gold). Prices start at 460 euros. Ideal Christmas gift for Santas who feel generous, as well as inspirational, this year.

Perhaps a slice of turkey with your wine?

The December 2011 Party Tips

Most of us go through December, partying, eating and drinking like the next year famine will break out. So especially to help you survive December 2011 without too many damage: some fast track tips to make it through the holidays, in one piece:

There’s really no need to stock up food in your body for a winter sleep, because

a) Humans don’t do 'winter sleep' (though the concept sounds very attractive)

b) In 2012 there will still be plenty of food to eat, so no reason to splurge in December

Instead of counting your alcohol intakes on a daily basis, count them on a weekly basis, with a maximum of 21 units per week. Do I really need to tell you that not drinking all week and then going for 21 drinks on Christmas eve is a bad idea?

Level. A glass of alcohol and then a glass of water then again a glass of alcohol followed by a glass of water and then… you get the picture?

Now, if you do go in a little alcohol overdrive:

The moment you start dancing on tables and are convinced you can pull off a dance act like Britney (in the good old days) : get a glass of water and go home (by taxi).

In case you didn’t go home but actually performed your dance act: when you wake up immediately check facebook to untag the video’s and pictures that where without doubt uploaded in your drunk rush. If it was a family party they might treat you kind, if it wasn’t : your online reputation might have run some damage. Control-it.

After a drunk night out, you might crave hamburgers, pizza and more nasty stuff. Don’t. You already had your way the night before. During your hangover opt for fresh fruit, vegetables and whole-wheat bread. Boring? Yes. Will it make you feel better? Slightly, at least it will make you feel less bad than hamburgers… And perhaps you could add ‘never drinking again’ to your list of New Year Resolutions?

Illustration by Danny Roberts, available at etsy.com

the Blonde & the Brunette

If I would ever have a fashion label (which I will never have, I know, it’s a rhetorical question) I would want this duo to be on my front row. Hell, I would even host a show just for these two and it would already be worthwhile. Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth both wearing the same label (Burberry Prorsum or what did you think?) and making everyone else on the front row (Tavi, where are you now?) envious.

Some further style suggestions...

By the way, for those not in the knowing, allow me to explain the Blonde & the Brunette, it's also a blog by (among others) the infamous Astrid Bryan. So the link was easily made, as clearly R. & K. are the personifications of the Blonde & the Brunette.

http://theblondeandthebrunette.com/
 

Burberry Prorsum Front Row by julietta25 featuring an envelope clutch bag

Carven dress
£365 - flannelsfashion.com

Lambskin jacket
$299 - stylebymarina.com

Sam Edelman platform boots
$355 - my-wardrobe.com

Trouve envelope clutch bag
$128 - nordstrom.com

Burberry Sheer Luminous Compact Foundation
$55 - saksfifthavenue.com

Burberry 'Body' Eau de Parfum

Nordstrom

$75 - nordstrom.com

Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick
$30 - saksfifthavenue.com

Letter to Santa (the Belgian one)

Dear Santa,

I feel like, over the past years, we have sort of lost contact.  I haven’t written you any letters, and the 6^th of December there really isn’t much lying around the chimney but dust.  So, we’ve both made our mistakes, but old friendship doesn’t die, so let’s pick up where we left in 1999. What do you think, Santa?

 For our reunion, I suggest we both make an effort to make this a firm friendship again. So I say, I toss in a minimum of 3 carrots, a whole pile of sugar and then perhaps 2 beers? 

Regarding your input,  I must say , this year (and I’ll give you references if needed), I’ve been really good.  So I was thinking ... cashmere.  Now, I know this might seem like an overdrive in comparison to the Barbie dolls and Monopolies of back in the days (though I will never forget the year you brought that Playmobil Mansion, thanks again) but you must realise, cashmere is the noblest of materials and it will last me at least a decade.

Now, just a small hint. Cashmere comes in many forms and I would prefer it in the form of a sweater or cardigan (that’s really up to you). Don’t panic just yet. I know it’s crisis and Santa budgets are restricted and cashmere can be quite the investment. However, I have spotted very reasonably priced cashmere at Mark’s & Spencer. Now, I realise that might not  be convenient for you to make a detour from Spain via the UK... so I’ve looked a bit further and guess what; great news. They stock some very nice cashmere at Zara! And Since Zara is Spanish and you resident there, it really shouldn’t be too difficult to get your hands on a nice piece.   

To make your job even easier, I have preselected some items from the webshop (I am not sure you are already digitalised, but just in case).

I’m convinced that if we both make some efforts this year, 2011 will mark the beginning of a renewed and re-found friendship.

Kind regards,

Julie

P.S I am sure you know this, but I have moved since your last visit, so please deliver to the right address! Oh, and I wear a size small.

    

This last one is not cashmere, but very very pretty as well...

Love the Look : Nicole Richie

Love the chic and casual New York city look on Nicole Richie.
Some style suggestions...

Love The Look van julietta25 met square sunglasses

Azzedine Alaia fur coat
€8.320 - montaignemarket.com

Fur vest
$797 - aliceandolivia.com

J brand legging
$361 - my-wardrobe.com

Rupert Sanderson high heels
$1,045 - rupertsanderson.com

Prada leather bag
£970 - flannelsfashion.com

RetroSuperFuture square sunglasses
£130 - liberty.co.uk

Guerlain Four-Color Eye Shadow Palette
$59 - bergdorfgoodman.com

DKNY 'Golden Delicious' Eau de Parfum
$75 - nordstrom.com

DKNY Logo coated large cosmetic bag
£45 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Death Cab for Cutie
$30 - modcloth.com

Once upon a time...at Jo Malone's

Once upon a time, Jo Malone’s advertising campaigns didn’t go much further than a bunch of herbs and flowers photographed in a bowl with some decorative limes along to complete the image. For many years Jo Malone (well known for their aromatic candles and inviting fragrances) was content with that traditional English (read: slightly boring) image.


But then along came, from a country not that far away (he’s English actually), our hero, photographer Tim Walker. Well known for his extravagant stagings and romantic pictures Tim was just the man Jo was looking for all along.

He shot the campaign for the new scent (Wild Bluebell if you must know) and had made this fairy tale come true. Have a look at the images and dream away.

And yes, obviously, they lived happily ever after…

The old way

The new 'Tim Walker' way