Eyelet vibe: Saint Tropez

Hail the Meditterranean

St. Tropez, in the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur, if you're French) is a lovely town with a rich artistic history (Mattisse, Signac, and Bonnard all painted there), cradle of Fauvism and Pointillism, no less.
It is an eminently tourist town that holds multiple regattas at different points of the years, so it's incredibly crowded if you visit it in high-season. It's much better to go there out of season, and even in winter, to truly understand its charm. In any case, it's a typical Mediterranean coastal town, and that's what I was going for...

Eyelet vibe: Saint Tropez by Caroline Grant. The dress is Delia's, a shop for teenagers and young women, but sometimes, especially if you are not tall (the dresses tend to be short), you can find nice, inexpensive, summer dresses in cotton that you do not need to be very careful about. The sandals are Söfft, padded for added comfort, one of my go-to shoe brands. [Photo credits: Harbour Boats and Waterfront Houses and Village Rooftops and Church Tower by David Tomlinson, and Pizzeria and Diners, by Wayne Walton, at lonelyplanet.com]. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Delia Kellie Eyelet Dress / Kate Spade New York Waverly Terrace Handbag / Söfft Raphaella Shoes / Battenberg Lace Parasol / Kate Spade New York Be Art and Part Idiom Bracelet / Kate Spade New York True Colors Idiom Bracelet / Hervé van der Straeten Earrings / San Diego Chill Out Ribbon Hat / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Corail Légende / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Corail Divin.

MORE?

• Eyelet: How to wear it. Part 2. Eyelet versatility: the message you're conveying. Paris, Rome...

Eyelet vibe: London

Eyelet vibe: London by Caroline Grant. The British are very reliable for office appropriate clothing, as I have written before here, but also for eccentric pieces like this lemon yellow trench coat by Orla Kiely, a serious investment for me, but worth hunting for on sale if you adore it. The dress is Red Valentino and, therefore, quite expensive, especially for broderie anglaise, but there are similar models all down the fashion chain.
The renaissance taking place in the millinery world is partly a British responsability (they have never really stopped using them, and hats are de rigeur for lots of special occasions in the UK). Gina Foster's hat in the set is a great (and lovely), example of it.
The tea set, if you're curious, is India by Wedgwood: I celebrated my wedding with my closest friends using this set. It is actually not the tea set I decided to invest in, I chose Dynasty, also by Wedgwood, but only for six people, while a friend had a set for at least twelve, lucky him! [Photo credits: London Calling at londonart, The Ritz Hotel at the BBC's webpage, The Arab Hall at Leighton House, at Christies]. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist]

Red Valentino Broderie Anglaise Dress / Orla Kiely Double Faced Cotton Trench Coat / Aspinal of London Hepburn Handbag / Hobbs Miriam Bow Patent Shoes / Dicki & Jones Gloves / Pasotti Petal Umbrella / Kate Spade New York Earrings / Gina Foster Imperial Hat / NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Scarlet Chinois.

MORE?

• Eyelet: How to wear it. Part 2. Eyelet versatility: the message you're conveying. Paris, Rome...

Eyelet vibe: Rome

Rome

I had an Archeology professor that used to say Rome would always be his city of choice above any other else in the world. I understood very well why the first time I emerged from the Colosseo underground station and looked around. Then not only you are overwhelmed by the sense of history, but the beauty of it. Then you understand why so many people refer to it as La Città Eterna, (the eternal city).
Apart from all the architectural magnificence, you get the fun of the city, the style, and the great food (and the icecream!). If you speak Spanish, they will already consider you a cousin (not that much if you are French, I'm afraid).

Eyelet vibe: Rome by Caroline Grant. [Photo credits: Trevi Fountain at pixdaus.com, View of the Coliseum and View of the Vatican Museums at italysbestrome.com]. There is something in halter neck dresses that bring out the sexy and glamorous in all women, I guess because we associate them with images of beauty icons such as Ms. Loren or Ms. Monroe. And then there are the images of Ms. Hepburn sitting at the back of Mr. Peck's Vespa, which conjures up the feeling of endless holiday adventure possibilities. Actually, halter neck dresses create the perfect frame for what is most women's best features: face, neck and décolletage. The only problem is the bra: you have to go strapless (and we know what that means: a really comfortable strapless bra has yet to be invented) or choose a dress with an incorporated bra. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Eshakti Desert Rose Eyelet Dress / Hobbs Invitation Bridget Bolero / Zara Mini Leather Tote Handbag / Alexander Wang Antonia Sandals / Prada Baroque Sunglasses / Tita Bijoux Black Lace Earrings / Pieces Jolanta Bracelets / Chanel Lipstick in Pirate / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Scarlet Chinois.

MORE?

• Eyelet: How to wear it. Part 2. Eyelet versatility: the message you're conveying. Paris, Rome...

How to wear broderie anglaise or eyelet. Part 2

Accessories are the first key to the vibe

Eyelet lace can go with structured, geometrical, edgy pieces, or with leather and other materials that will make it modern, while less avant-garde pieces will land you in romantic, feminine territory, or east-coast preppy, and so on.

Cut and colour are the second key to the vibe

Darker colours are office-worthy, lighter ones are more suitable for garden parties, resort, and leisure in general.

Accordingly, I have come up with five different vibes:

• Paris: feminine and très chic, of course, for the office or anywhere dressed up.
• Rome: va-va-voom, with heels, ultra feminine and sexy.
• London: modern Twiggy. 
• Saint Tropez: summery resort, with sandals.
• Newport: tennis party or picnic, with a cardigan.

I'm putting the finishing touches on the sets right now and publishing them... What do you think of the new look? I mean the doll-like appearance of the sets now... Do live feedback, please!

MORE?

• Eyelet: What to buy. What pieces to look for and in which colours.
• Eyelet: How to wear it. Part 1. Eyelet versatily: up, down, and up again!

Eyelet vibe: Paris

Eyelet vibe: Paris by Caroline Grant. [Photo credits: Le Metropolitain at MarcoLaGrenouille, Le Pont at theeyepoetryshop.com, and Streetlights in Paris streets at landscape-photo.net]. This is the image we (for good or bad) associate with Parisians: dressed to the hilt in killer heels, exuding chic from all pores. The single most important detail that identifies a stylish woman, from my point of view, is the use of accessories, and among them, the hat and silk scarf. There is a resurrection of the use of hats going on that I'm modestly contributing to (I wear hats almost daily in winter, berets and cloches, mostly, but more on that next winter).
Now I think of it, it is actually true that French women wear very high heels very often, as the corresponding studies about posture and skeletal deformation prove. Being just plain evil? Well, yes and no, it's the truth, but they do look stylish! [Style: Modern Classic].

Marks and Spencer Cotton Rich Square Neck Broderie Shift Dress / Tamara Leather Jacket / Chanel Handbag (vintage) / Marni Edition Patent Shopper Handbag / Nine West Just Right Boots / Victoria Grant Red Siouxie Sioux Hat / Herself Ginger Pink Scarf / Mimco Flirtation Earrings / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Orange Imagine / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Rouge Pop Art.

MORE?

• Eyelet: What to buy. What pieces to look for and in which colours.
• Eyelet: How to wear it. Part 1. Eyelet versatility: up, down, and up again!
• Eyelet: How to wear it. Part 2. Eyelet versatility: the message you're conveying.

How to wear broderie anglaise or eyelet. Part 1

Although spring doesn't seem to be holding in Lund, one can still hope and think about her summer wardrobe (deep in her closet, for the moment). With summer comes broderie anglaise.
Eyelet can be dressed up and up and down: from casual to office to ocassion (by day, but ocassion anyway):

Broderie Anglaise for Errands by Caroline Grant. Flats are the go-to shoe when you're running errands, at least for me, plus a roomy handbag that can be kept out of the way if you tuck it under your arm. Denim jackets can be put on and off and unceremoniously stuffed in your bag if it's too warm to wear them. [Style: Ladylike with a twist].

French Connection Orient Eyelet Dress / Levi's Curve Id Jacket / Anthropologie Clairvoyant Gypsy Handbag / J. Crew Viv Flat Shoes  / Paul Smith Swirl Scarf / Charm & Chain Gwen Earrings / Trina Turk Palm Springs Ring / Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in Funny Face / MAC Permanent Nail Lacquer in Steamy.

Broderie Anglaise for the Office by Caroline Grant. With the right shoe (not too open: try a slingback, like here, or a d'orsay, but not a strappy sandal or a peeptoe unless the dress code where you work is relaxed, with hosiery) and a blazer, broderie anglaise is great option for th office, provided the neckline is not low. A silk scarf is good protection for your throat in midseason and against chilly air-conditioning, if it is big enough to turn into a shawl. [Style: Ladylike with a twist].

French Connection Orient Eyelet Dress / Mango Jacket / River Island Handbag / Armani Slingback Shoes / Uniqlo Bowler Hat / Paul Smith Scarf / Lara Bohinc Earrings / Tom Ford Lipstick in Aprhodisiac / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Indian Pink.

Broderie Anglaise for a Morning Occasion by Caroline Grant. Eyelet can also be the right option for special occasions that take place in daytime. You need to go for a clutch, a dressy bolero jacket and maybe an occasion hat, if that's the custom where you live! [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

French Connection Orient Eyelet Dress / Debenhams Bolero / Lulu Guinness Fifi Handbag / L.K. Bennett Petal Shoes / Gina Foster Berlinia Hat / Hobbs Astrid Belt / Issa Silk Twill Green Scarf / Bounkit Seahorse Brooch / Trina Turk Ocean Riviera Earrings / Estée Lauder Compact / NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Funny Face / M.A.C Nail Lacquer in Steamy.

MORE?

• Eyelet: What to buy. What pieces to look for and in which colours.
• Eyelet: How to wear it. Part 2. Eyelet versatility: the message you're conveying.

Broderie Anglaise: What to Buy

What is broderie anglaise?

Broderie Anglaise ("English embroidery", in French) or eyelet lace is a fabric in which small round or oval holes (also called eyelets), either overcast or buttonhole stitched, form a pattern. Embroidery stitches surround the holes, further adding to that pattern.

Olice and Olivia Tweed Jacket by Caroline Grant.

J.Crew Embroidered Eyelet Tank / Alice and Olivia Fringed Tweed Jacket / L'Wren Scott Khaki Wool Pencil Skirt / Burberry Blaze Handbag in Degradé Duchess Satin / Manolo Blahnik Bow Pumps / Dolce & Gabbana Printed Silk Scarf / Hervé van der Straeten Hammered Gold Leaf Necklace and Earrings / Tom Ford Lipstick in Scarlet Chinois / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Narcotic Rouge.

Lace: Day and Night

The same lace dress can take you from work to night out.

Lace for office hours by Caroline Grant. The combination fo beige with shades of rust for office is a great option for those who look good in such neutral shades, but even them need to wear some colourful makeup, like Tom Ford's Crimson Noir lipstick, together with a more subdued eye makeup (liner, mascara, nude eyeshadow, tops). Missoni's Jungle scarf is also a great contrast in yellow and khaki green to all that beige. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Alberta Ferretti Brocade and Ribbed-knit Dress / A.P.C. Wool Tweed Blazer / Radley Carsington Handbag / Charles by Charles David Cory Boots in Camel / Missoni Jungle Orange Wool Scarf / Mulberry Stud Gloves in Biscuit / Marni Horn Flower Necklace / Oscar de la Renta Goldplated Earrings /  Tom Ford Lipstick in Crimson Noir / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Smoke Red.

Lace for after work by Caroline Grant. Who says you have to be cold when you go out in winter? A wool-blend lace dress will keep you warm, plus the gloves and the faux fur jacket. Your have to love the combination of oxblood and beige/gold! [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Alberta Ferretti Brocade and Ribbed-knit Dress / A.P.C. Wool Tweed Blazer / Charles by Charles David Cory Boots in Camel / MARC by Marc Jacobs The Airmail Yellow Gold Long Clutch Handbag / Missoni Jungle Orange Wool Scarf / Mulberry Stud Gloves in Biscuit / Marni Horn Flower Necklace / Oscar de la Renta Goldplated Earrings /  Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid.

MORE?

• How to wear lace: DOs and DON'Ts.
• How to style lace: Lace looks for day.
• How to style lace: Lace looks for special occassions.
• Styling checklist for day to night Part 1

How to style lace: Lace looks for special occassions

To invest... or not to invest

When you are going for a lace anything that is going to be reserved for a special occasion (a dress, a coat), I think your best bet is to have it tailor-made, because good-quality lace items are usually very pricey and difficult to fix if they do not fit perfectly (for instance, you cannot fix the hem length if the scalloped part of the lace has been used - as it should have been). So, you are better off choosing a cut that is perfect for you and your own fabric and have it made to measure. Also, it will be immesurably cheaper.
Your inspiration can even come from something you like from an un-affordable brand: you can buy it, take it to and have it replicated by a professional and then return it intact (labels in place of, course, never worn, and within the time limit).

Sometimes You Just Want to Go Crazy by Caroline Grant. Sometimes you just want to let your hair down and dance the night away. It's been quite a while for me... I made a friend when I was at university with whom I love going out dancing until early hours in the morning. I've never had so much fun in my life... everybody should have a friend like that, who makes you also fun! [Style: Urban Woman].

Tory Burch Alicia Dress / Burberry London Worsham Coat / Rauwolf Gemstone Clutch / Jimmy Choo Buzz Heels Shoes / Stella McCartney Foil-print Scarf / Alexis Bittar Teatro Moderne Bracelet / Alexis Bittar Teatro Moderne Earrings / Estée Lauder Lipstick in Modern Mercury / NARS Nail Lacquer in Tokaido .

How to style lace: Lace looks for day

Work

Maybe lace is a bit dressy for the office, but if you pair it with more mundane materials, like tweed and leather, it certainly makes for lovely texture. And if just by shedding the blazer you are ready to go out, who  can blame you?

One Foot out of the Door by Caroline Grant. The Kenneth Jay Lane necklace is a classic, and there are smaller versions of it (less pebbles), and different colours. I own a black and a white smaller versions. This jade gray is lovely, and there are matching pieces, like this ring. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Valentino Macrame Lace Dress / Jack Wills Austerberry Blazer / Zara Die-Cast Pleated Shopper Handbag / Calvin Klein Collection Handbag / Charles by Charles David Cory Boots / Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace / Kenneth Jay Lane Jade Stone Ring / NARS Lipstick in Casablanca / NARS Nail Lacquer in Cha Cha Cha.

How to wear lace: DOs and DON'Ts

DOs

1. Streamlined shapes like:

• Tailored shirt in black or beige.
• A wrap, topper or trench coat for mid-season (you will need wool or fur lining for winter).
• A clean-lined jacket.
• A dress in simple shapes: shift, sheath, A-line. Your LBD.
• Blouse length tunic top worn over pants.

Lace Essentials: Blouse by Caroline Grant. Black and beige is always an elegant mix and makes for perfect work attire. These Chie Mihara Iona maryjanes are as lovely a pair of shoes as we are accostumed too get from her, collection after collection. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Karen Millen Lace Sleeve Peplum Top / Uniqlo Wool Cashmere Trench Coat / Hobbs Esme Skirt / Radley Stockton Handbag / Chie Mihara Iona Shoes / Monies Ebony and Leather Necklace / Salvatore Ferragamo Flower Scarf / Rebecca Koven Poppy Flower Ring / Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid/ Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid.