Current Obsession: CoutureLab
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In Shopping By tamia

Current Obsession: CoutureLab

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A few days ago (I don’t remember how) I stumbled upon an image of a gorgeous Ann Demeulemeester vest. My mouse clicked on it of its own volition, and I arrived at the CoutureLab site.

Compelled by a propensity to obsess over things I don’t need/can’t afford, I cautiously clicked through the sparse but amazing collection of antique lace neck pieces (not plain ol’ necklaces, thankyouverymuch), tulle skirts dusted with gold leaf, exotic printed gowns, and hand-embroidered vests. Everything is so…rich and luxe–exactly what no one can afford right now–and I think that’s part of the reason I’m so drawn to it.

All the pieces seem like they belong in the extra-large closet of an extremely sophisticated world traveler. So let’s take a quick fantasy trip, shall we?

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Who wouldn’t want to sail away to some exotic, practically unknown island on a luxurious private yacht? Imagine sipping martinis on the deck, surrounded by the gentle rush of the dark ocean, wearing an antique scarf dress that billows in the soft breeze as the sun sets on the edge of the sea. Ahhhh…

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Fall is my favorite season, which probably has something to do with the fact that my birthday is in October. For some reason–because it’s never actually happened–I see myself strolling through grand royal gardens surrounded by the gold and bronze of falling leaves and finely gilded facades wearing a long, sweeping skirt, where the only sound is the faint crackling of leaves underfoot.

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You know the iconic photo of the model in the YSL le smoking? I’ve often imagined myself (a taller, willowy version as such) cloaked in sleek black formal wear on a Paris street at night, street lights barely illuminating the shadows, wisps of jazz music from a nearby bar delicately floating up to the starry sky…

All this from a darn shopping site with a bunch of stuff I can’t afford–seriously, the prices hurt my feelings. One one hand, the transportative quality is a huge part of the reason I love fashion. On the other hand, it’s also part of the reason I shop too much. Ah, well.

Has fashion ever taken you away to a far off place? Where did you go?

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9 Comments

  • Daily Style Guide

    May 1, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    I adore the cuff and the cape. Your photo collages are beautiful…you’re very talented 🙂

    Thank you for the helpful opinion/comment – I credited you here:

    http://dailystyleguide.com/i-need-your-opinions/

  • LaMimi

    May 2, 2009 at 1:30 am

    Hello Tamia!
    I LOVE your style, your collages and everything else about your blog!
    Can’t believe I hadn’t discovered you earlier…
    xoxo
    Mimi

  • Danielle

    May 3, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    I want it all!!!

  • Tina Lane

    May 4, 2009 at 9:05 pm

    I enjoy these fantasy fashion collages you put together. (I have envisioned myself on a yacht in a breezy dress more than once.) PS I survived the 80’s retro party. I found some fingerless gloves, an 80’s frock, and rocked it out material girl style. It was a hoot.

  • How I Shed Thirty Póunds in Only a Month

    May 6, 2009 at 6:17 am

    Hi, nice post. I have been thinking about this issue,so thanks for writing. I will definitely be subscribing to your site. Keep up great writing

  • Shawndale C. Thomas

    September 14, 2009 at 8:38 am

    I can appreciate your approach to describe fashion trends and such. The way you describe wears and place them in different settings is much desired by many in the photo & motion picture industry. Not to mention your instruction enlightens the not-so fashionable readers. Your checks in the mail!