Get carried away...

I've never been a clutch-lover, there is something inconvenient about holding a bag all the time. Especially without a handle. But that argument fell flat when I first saw that picture of Mélanie Huynh, making her way through Paris during the shows in an oh-so stylish manner. Everything about this picture falls perfectly into place, the blinding rays of the wintersun accompanied by a cold shiver through your spine that even the sun can't shake; her leather shorts worn with high heels which would look trashy on most of us, but work for Mélanie in combination with ther functional parka. And last but not least, this outfit could be a little more ordinary if it wasn't for that extra 'zing' her clutch brings. That perfect contrast of her colourful, well structured bag against her loose-fitting parka brings this outfit to another level.
I wasn't very much impressed by Balenciaga bags when the craze around them started some years ago. It was then they became the it-bag of the season, worn by hippie-chic celebrities, each one bigger and bolder than the other. It was just too much ... baggage. Too much focus on the bag itself, rather than the added value it brings to the outfit and the person carrying it. It seemed in instant fix, but it isn't. A bag alone does not a great outfit make.
The craze didn't last and celebrities quickly hopped onto the next trend.
Although the craze faded and their it-value dissolved, the bag itself maintained a group of loyal followers (such as blogger Caroline Blomst, who has a created quite a collection for herself) , who have always recognized the chic vibe of the Balenciaga brand and its iconic bag. They have always been great bags, made of impeccable materials in a variety of amazing colours and now that less and less of the unfashionable of this world (keep away Paris H.!) are wearing them, their appeal is only growing. And what a colourful appeal, I might add.

* pictures are courtesy of www.carolinesmode.com *

Follow the leader...

Elle's great taste is not only reflected in her very chic lingerie collection Elle Macpherson Intimates, it's also obvious in her wardrobe choices.
Here she is, leaving the Louis Vuitton fall 2010 show in Paris showcasing a perfect outfit for in between seasons.
While we are all dying to wear our camel-coloured coats this winter, the weather isn't up to it yet. It's a peculiar situation in which we are all longing for winter fashion, but are dreading the thought of winter itself!
Follow Elle's example in the months following September, when the cold hasn't hit us yet and our coats will be to hot to bear! Layer up on Isabel Marant's too cool Chanel-ish jackets, resort to Topshop or Belgian brands Chine and Essentiel for a great leather legging, put on a warm cashmere scarf and don't forget your sunnies! Winter will be here faster than you can imagine, so enjoy fall while it's still here (in a short while).