Black and brown

I like sombre colors, and it's been such a long time since our weather allowed wearing them. Today happily teaming black and brown, one of my favorite color combinations.

Accessorizing a very basic outfit consisting of a black V-neck sweater and herringbone patterned pants..

..with a 70 Vintage Carré 'Chaines et Gourmettes', 32 Ebene Kelly, extra large 'Grand Apparat' and black clic enamel bracelets.
Scarf ring: black moyenne, MT Collection
Scarf tying method: Twist wrap knot



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Many thanks for the lovely comments on the previous post. It made my day reading them, and I will get back to you ladies shortly. x

L'automne est arrivé

Having had so many warm days recently, I though 'proper' autumn would never arrive, but finally the season has changed. This morning I went to the market, and the stalls were full with locally grown root vegetables, cêpes (porcini), dried fruit, pumpkins and chestnuts, and at school, DS is learning poems about falling leaves by heart..

Autumn is a favourite season of mine, with the promise of Christmas coming nearer, and the prospect of cosy, candle lit evenings spend by the fire. The change of wardrobe with it's different materials and types of clothing always fills me with happy anticipation. And most of all, it's the beginning of a long scarf weather season!

I could not resist to welcome the new season with a Twilly addition, and inspired by the beautiful and rich colours of nature, chose the 'Très Kelly', in Chocolat/Tabac/Ebene. And just as I hoped, it turned out be a wonderful match to my Ebene Kelly double tour bracelet, a true double joy!

Wishing everyone a happy, crisp and wonderful autumn ahead.

Capsule wardrobe #20 - Reader's style challenge and H it Up!

Today's post combines my three favourite series of this blog: reader's requests, capsule wardrobe, and H it Up!

Here is dear 'G's' question from last week:

Can you think of a way to to wear a carre tied in a more masculine fashion either with a crisp, cotton, french cuffed blouse. The scarf would be tied to recall men's wear.

As well, I thought or hoped that I could wear the same tie on an open neck with a suit that is somewhat men's wear inspired. The blazer is fitted and has single button placket; just hip length. The pants are pencil, and more ankle length.

I was happy to discover that the description matched pieces from the capsule wardrobe. For the scarf, I thought a traditional feel would work great, and chose the 'La Réale' 90 Carré, as it has a fleur de lis pattern (reminiscent of men's ties) and lots of gold. Placing it under the collar adds a masculine touch, which is emphasised by a traditional tie-knot, pulled close to the neckline. Brogues shoes play along in the same line, whereas the bright red of the scarf and belt (and some lipstick) bring a playfulness without weakening the look.

Capsule pieces: black trousers, white shirt, black jacket
Shoes: Black brogues
Accessories: La Réale 90 Carré, Muse belt buckle with rouge garrance belt strap, black clic-clac bracelet and silver rings
Scarf tying method: Tie knot (like in men's ties)

Below a more casual approach, but still using the exact same capsule pieces and accessories as before, with the scarf placed inside the collar, and the knot tied in a looser way.


I hope more of you will come forward with style requests/challenges so that the fun can continue!

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Sunny autumn day at the beach

Today we had the most beautiful warm and sunny day, so DH and I decided to scoop DS up after his sports class and go to the beach for lunch.

First, we went for 'a petite promenade' along the quai, watching the anglers..

and then settled down for a lovely lunch on the outside terrace of our restaurant. With the apéritif came a delicious tapenade, and rather than being blended to a smooth paste, the olives were left as tiny chunks. I very much liked it, and will try making this version at home someday soon.

Wearing my new 'Maillons' Twilly

Accessories: Elephant and Torana enamels, Garden Party bag
Shoes: Leather and suede sneakers
Scarf: Maillons Twilly
Scarf ring: MT collection petite honey
Scarf knot: basic slide knot

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

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Paris ~ something sweet

When walking through Paris, one could easily contemplate writing a guide for patisseries, there are so many of them, displaying the most amazing creations in their 'vitrines'.

I usually have a long to do list when in town, and don't find the time to settle down for an afternoon cake feast, but after walking around for hours (past dozens of patisserie windows), there comes a time when a craving for a little something sets in, to go with a revitalising cup of coffee..

I was in heaven when I found Synie's, a small, candy colored cup cake bar, tucked away in a side street from the charming Rue Cherche Midi in St. Germain.

Apart from offering regular sized cup cakes, they also have the cutest teeny tiny mini versions, which are just the right amount of sweetness to go with a petit café crème.. well, almost. After having one, I was unable to resist trying out another flavour. Both were just as delicious as they look!

Inspired by the mini cupcakes, I assembled a few 'bonbon' versions as 'stoppers' to prevent the muffins for DS's school tea party from sliding around in their cake box. I hope DS and his class mates enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed the cake version in Paris!

Synie's
23, rue de l'Abbé Grégoire
75006 Paris
Tuesdays to Saturday from 11 to 20h

Giant macaroon cake by Dalloyau, www.dalloyau.fr

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Reader's style challenge: 'navy blazer goes casual' by Manuela

I am happy and thrilled to have received so many emails and comments for future style challenges, as well as great suggestions for variations on the current challenge (How to accessorise a navy blazer in a casual way) Many thanks for everyone's participation, you are making this such fun.

Over time, I will turn your ideas and suggestions into posts, something I look forward to very much. Hopefully more ideas and requests will follow, and if you would like to participate, please write in the comment box below, or drop me an email maitaicollection@orange.fr

To kick off, here Manuela's suggestion on how to go casual with a navy blazer:

May I suggest another outfit :to use the scarf as a belt together with jeans or white trousers, the blue blazer and ballerinas?

Love this idea, and have put it into action with one of my favourite colour combinations, black and blue. Many thanks, dear Manuela!

Style challenge: Navy blazer
Capsule pieces: jeans and black t-shirt
Shoes: ballet flats
Accessories: Quadrige 90 Carré as a belt, chain d'ancre and black clic enamel bracelet, black 35 Birkin
Scarf ring: MT Collection, grande black
Scarf tying method: fold scarf in the basic bias fold, and secure as a belt with a double knot, or a scarf ring and the basic slide


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