CHIC-A-BOOM ...
~an eccentric woman with extraordinarily memorable, often misunderstood but unmistakably distinctive style.


"It is my intent to showcase that which I consider wearable art.
Clothing that is whimsical, dramatic, avant-garde and on the
cutting edge of design - as seen through my eyes.
Brilliance and madness are interchangeable.
This is my style inspiration. I invite you into my world."
~Claudia Byrdine




Friday, March 25, 2011

DIOR - PARIS HAUTE COUTURE

Voluminous shapes accessorized with cinched waists, dramatic hats and beautiful veils.



The retro silhouettes are accented by glamorous and bold makeup.


How stunning is this full, red pleated skirt with yards of taffeta and matching sheer gloves?


The hat — evoking a bird in flight above a dove gray accordion waved jacket wrapped at the waist with a multi-braided leather belt accompanied by sheer detailed black gloves.


How amazing is this jacket and skirt! The cut and draping of this garment is stellar.


Veils need to make a comeback, now!





The volume of the neckline on one side plays with the volume of the skirt on the other.
This piece takes my breath away.


The fabrics in this collection are brilliant. I love each and every one.


Feathers, feathers, everywhere...




"Oh, my heart be still — the shoulders, the waistline, the skirt with petticoat. Impeccable!"






What a glorious hat...








Genius!

I adore this collection! No matter the drama and controversy surrounding John Galliano and his dismissal from Dior, he is an incredible designer. That cannot be denied.

JOHN GALLIANO'S LAST RUNWAY APPEARANCE FOR DIOR

MENSWEAR FALL/WINTER 2011 FULL FASHION SHOW

Friday, March 18, 2011

~ CHANEL ~ Classics Re-Presented



A long tapered skirt fringed with layers of marabou fringe, topped with a stunning slender black jacket featuring slightly padded shoulders. What an exquisite line.

A black silk chiffon evening gown embellished with golden embroidered wheat grain florets.
- I question the choice of brown-toed black spectator slings. Gold strappy sandals would certainly be lovely.


This fresh little bow-tied blouse [which may be the same one seen peeking from the slender black jacket in the second photo] is paired with a very "Natasha Fatale" hourglass skirt with separate train. The cut of the skirt has naughty written all over it whilst the blouse says sweet little girl.


A fitted white vest emphasizes the flared evening pants with a tuxedo tail.
The long gloves are like arm hosery. I covet them.



Again, wheat detailed fabric. A short cocktail dress in robin egg blue.


I love humor in design, and I adore this sleek body fitting gown with wide black tie.

Boy suit with pearls... so Coco.

Liu Wen by Photographer Victor Demarchelier
for Vogue China
Sophisticated styling by Nicoletta Santoro.
Sweeping gowns to tailored suits... all Chanel.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The wide-eyed beauty of Sasha Pivovarova by Photographer Mario Testino for Vogue UK

I chose this week's post because I am in the midst of moving. I wanted something that was fresh and new, to reflect the wonder and possibilities... the creativity awakened by change.
A new beginning acts as a muse that inspires me to take chances, to be playful and to have a new point of view. As I unpack my wardrobe I see it as a brand new trunk of costumes.


...and it is time to play dress-up!


I have a hat, a coat and a frilly frock. A gypsy's collection of odds and ends. I bring with me my comfy old chair and I can make a proper home anywhere.


A ballerina skirt and a pair of waders along with yards if fabric to tent my walls; I will decorate my castle and myself with the same unbridled joy.


Ruffles and a rocking horse... Whimsical.



Draped in silk chiffon...

Wings ~ every angel, flower fairy, and dragonfly needs them.


A buttery yellow evening gown and velvet chair...I am enchanted.


A white cloud of taffeta sweeping across a sea of fur pelts ~ this must be heaven.

The dreams of new surroundings.

-Pictures originally published 2007 in Vogue UK_

Friday, March 4, 2011

KAREN MAGAZINE #11 ~ WIDOW

SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS: 1940's inspired hairdos, black garments and cemeteries ~

Former model turned photographer Julie Healy takes the Black Widow as her
inspiration for her latest work featuring a wardrobe of black with crimson accents.


Over sized rolls and twists of hair take their last rites under lace scarfs ...

Reclining against a fallen gravestone, a deathly pale woman clad in leather corseted bustier and
pointed black lacquered nails, clasps her red satin fan...


Ruby red thigh high fishnet stockings paired with a midnight blue cape hemmed in feathers ~
TO DIE FOR


MOURNING IN THE MIST...


Models Laura Gorun and Rachel Joy styled by fashion director Michael Azzolini



headstone reads... who departed this life 20th March 1941
 
voyeur porn porn movies sex videos hd porno video