Actually I have been loving the colour grey for years and years, long before it was fashionable. Now it was "in" this last winters` season: Heaven for me, as there was a tremendous choice in grey clothes...
And I am in the best company, even if it is dead company: Christian Dior. He postulated clear and loud, that grey is one of his most cherished colours and how right he is, ahem, was!! As usual.
There is a grey for every one, he says - and he should know. Grey is much softer to the skin colour than black and you can find it in all sorts of shades - from very dark to very light, from greenish grey to violet grey, from dark brownish grey to darkest anthrazit, which is still softer and much more forgiving than black.
And this colour is always chic - foolproof one could say.
Take grey with white and you feel fresh and clean.
A grey turtleneck is always right. Grey slacks are always right. A grey jacket is a staple in every grown up woman´s wardrobe ( and so becoming with a red handbag, by the way!!) And a grey dress, with one other colour can be the hight of glamour - not to speak of the good old times, where you could get a grey-green duchess silk evening gown with a greenish eveningcoat on top, an ensemble which weighed in itself already at least 7 kg and you had the workout for free in putting it on. And so much more fun than a treadmill... Long gone the balls with real ballgowns... I get carried away, so sorry.
Good old Christian Dior also is in favour of not dying your hair - wonderful!! I understand, that it is a harsh decision, giving up the beloved blond you sported when you were 5 years old or the lovely fat chestnut colour, when you were at the height of things, around 22.
But in reality, Haircolour Fades, like the teint, over time and so often we see ladies in their newly coloured manes, fit to frighten children into nightmares....
Grey hair, Dior says, is stylish and very chic. And the natural colour of your hair suits always always always your skin colour - lovely base/excuse for a little warpaint, like rouge and lipstick and mascara.
But I say no to grey handbags - or would it be a good idea to have a dark grey Birkin Bag in suede????? I could be perhaps be convinced to consider this seriously. Will have a look, what Christian says.
Another chapter could be grey walls and wallpapers. A dark grey woolcarpet is so chic and timeless. Light grey silk curtains with white lining are a classic. The odd sofa covered in grey flannel is no longer a novelty. A bedroom in light grey, white and touches of powdery-dark rose could be convincing. Well, I start to bore you...
But then, I am not a dictator. I just love the colour.
Paint and colour ahead, as long as you are happy and feel good about it!!
But give grey a chance, in all sorts and shapes. If you find the right grey - otherwise, it is only grey and nothing else.
Good luck!
Monday 28 February 2011
Sunday 27 February 2011
"The Hare with the Amber Eyes" by Edmund de Waal, London 2010
This is a book I found by accident, browsing around on Amazon.co.uk. The title caught my eye and the reviews sounded promising. So I ordered it and found a jewel, really. I have since understood, that many of you have already heard about or read this book.
All the same, I want once more encourage each and everyone to read it - it is a story, cristall clear and well told in beautiful english, full of european history embedded in the story of the welknown Ephrussi family, seen as getting up from Odessa to the fashionable Paris of the 1880s, meeting Proust and being patron of Monet, moving over to Vienna and all the Ringstrassen glory of the beginning of the 20th century, then telling the heartbreaking tale of the Anschluss and the war in Vienna and ending, after some time in England, in the 1950s´ Japan. All this is a background for a collection of japanese objects, "Netsuke" as they are called, and their history within the history of the Ephrussi family.
Edmund de Waal is a potter by profession and has work shown all over the world, with exhibitions in the V&A and the Tate Britain. He gives us the imense pleasure and gripping read along these little figures and their destiny during the last 100 years of european history in his family. There is little nostalgia for lost times, but a fine and delicat handling of the past, full of human understanding and dignity. In the end the circle closes and there is hope - the hidden inheritance is intact.
I loved the book and can only highly recommend it.
All the same, I want once more encourage each and everyone to read it - it is a story, cristall clear and well told in beautiful english, full of european history embedded in the story of the welknown Ephrussi family, seen as getting up from Odessa to the fashionable Paris of the 1880s, meeting Proust and being patron of Monet, moving over to Vienna and all the Ringstrassen glory of the beginning of the 20th century, then telling the heartbreaking tale of the Anschluss and the war in Vienna and ending, after some time in England, in the 1950s´ Japan. All this is a background for a collection of japanese objects, "Netsuke" as they are called, and their history within the history of the Ephrussi family.
Edmund de Waal is a potter by profession and has work shown all over the world, with exhibitions in the V&A and the Tate Britain. He gives us the imense pleasure and gripping read along these little figures and their destiny during the last 100 years of european history in his family. There is little nostalgia for lost times, but a fine and delicat handling of the past, full of human understanding and dignity. In the end the circle closes and there is hope - the hidden inheritance is intact.
I loved the book and can only highly recommend it.
Munich, Bavaria
Last week I was in Munich - my hometown. I just love it and get homesick each time I am there. The weather was very cold, but sunny with a blue sky - people were sitting with their sunglasses and warm blankets in the cafés in the streets and having their espressi, watching other people walking by. It was calm and peaceful, wonderful. I had the children with me, so we did not much shopping, but I can tell you, that our most beloved shoe shop, "Eduard Meier", has opened a much bigger space in the Brienner Strasse - with at least 150 squaremeters of new show rooms. Unfortunately I could not check out, if the most interesting part of this enterprise, the "Sales Section" for those Emma Hopes etc. are now located in the old premises in the Residenzstrasse. Does somebody know about that?
I had a quick look into the every time more fascinating Music Department of "Beck am Rathauseck" - if you are in Munich and want to look into some music, do go there!! And then have "The Stroll" through the basement beauty area - always worth the hour to spend there. Besides Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier, the lovely Amouage Perfumes, all of MAC and Aveda, you find niche perfumes and all sorts of lovely stuff one does not need but want. And sales people are nice and helpful, really!
I parked the children at Hugendubel, the big book shop in Theatiner Strasse, genially located for all sorts of expeditions, where we met up after my short dash to the "Windsor"store - a label I love and which does fit me well. Found the most amazing green summer jacket!!
Coming back to Hugendubel, a man was snoring happily away in the reading area, surrounded by discreet clients, reading their books and looking amused over the rhims of their spectacles to each other. Blessed Munich!!!
Friends in Munich, do please keep us up to date....
I had a quick look into the every time more fascinating Music Department of "Beck am Rathauseck" - if you are in Munich and want to look into some music, do go there!! And then have "The Stroll" through the basement beauty area - always worth the hour to spend there. Besides Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier, the lovely Amouage Perfumes, all of MAC and Aveda, you find niche perfumes and all sorts of lovely stuff one does not need but want. And sales people are nice and helpful, really!
I parked the children at Hugendubel, the big book shop in Theatiner Strasse, genially located for all sorts of expeditions, where we met up after my short dash to the "Windsor"store - a label I love and which does fit me well. Found the most amazing green summer jacket!!
Coming back to Hugendubel, a man was snoring happily away in the reading area, surrounded by discreet clients, reading their books and looking amused over the rhims of their spectacles to each other. Blessed Munich!!!
Friends in Munich, do please keep us up to date....
Red Lipstick Essentials
Red lipstick is high on the list, thank you!! Finally some glamour which is affordable and let us partake in the world out there, even if you are still standing at home and peeling potatoes.
The best I found in a dedicated auto-guinee-pig try is still by Chanel, "Vendome", Nr. 25. I have given this tip to some dear friends and all have been happy: It suits every complexion and gives an instant lift to all of us!
Two other serious competitors are "Venetian Red" by YSL, Nr.68 ( on the little bit blue-ish side) - an old and dear favourite with a nice smell! I only fear, that, as with all the things we love and cherish, YSL will finish with it sooner or later - it is not easy to find.
And, more widely available, Estée Lauders "Rich Red" Nr. 35 - very classy red and highly manageable.
There WAS, not any longer is, alas, at Guerlain the lovely and wonderfully terracottaish "Red Jelly" Gloss, Nr.03 - gone gone gone. I have bought all I could find and have still two to go. Glorious with white winterskin and slightly bronzed summerskin as well.
I do not understand this frenzy for doing all new every season? Anybody out there hearing this??? We do not want all the time hunt for a new lipstick colour - even if it is fun sometimes, but I, for one, feel my age and would love to settle with dear old friends, knowing, that they would never let me down..
Generally I like the Chanel lipsticks for their good quality and colours. And they taste good, too. As do the Guerlain - but they are so expensive! Clarins lipsticks, on the contrary, even when the colours are nice, do taste horrible: Who wants to put sugary smelling reds on the lips?? I don´t. Or are they aiming for a very young public, who normally will buy lipgloss with cherry flavour in the drugstore round the corner? Mystery.
Of course you know, that red lipstick needs very little other make-up in your face: a clean nice teint, some mascara and red lipstick in different layers ( according to the time of the day - little in the morning will do, in the evening load on and then a dab of good old Elizabeth Arden´s 8 hour balm on top and hey, presto...) That´s it.
The best I found in a dedicated auto-guinee-pig try is still by Chanel, "Vendome", Nr. 25. I have given this tip to some dear friends and all have been happy: It suits every complexion and gives an instant lift to all of us!
Two other serious competitors are "Venetian Red" by YSL, Nr.68 ( on the little bit blue-ish side) - an old and dear favourite with a nice smell! I only fear, that, as with all the things we love and cherish, YSL will finish with it sooner or later - it is not easy to find.
And, more widely available, Estée Lauders "Rich Red" Nr. 35 - very classy red and highly manageable.
There WAS, not any longer is, alas, at Guerlain the lovely and wonderfully terracottaish "Red Jelly" Gloss, Nr.03 - gone gone gone. I have bought all I could find and have still two to go. Glorious with white winterskin and slightly bronzed summerskin as well.
I do not understand this frenzy for doing all new every season? Anybody out there hearing this??? We do not want all the time hunt for a new lipstick colour - even if it is fun sometimes, but I, for one, feel my age and would love to settle with dear old friends, knowing, that they would never let me down..
Generally I like the Chanel lipsticks for their good quality and colours. And they taste good, too. As do the Guerlain - but they are so expensive! Clarins lipsticks, on the contrary, even when the colours are nice, do taste horrible: Who wants to put sugary smelling reds on the lips?? I don´t. Or are they aiming for a very young public, who normally will buy lipgloss with cherry flavour in the drugstore round the corner? Mystery.
Of course you know, that red lipstick needs very little other make-up in your face: a clean nice teint, some mascara and red lipstick in different layers ( according to the time of the day - little in the morning will do, in the evening load on and then a dab of good old Elizabeth Arden´s 8 hour balm on top and hey, presto...) That´s it.
"The meaning of sunglasses" by Hadley Freeman, 2008
"Everyone who is smart says they hate fashion, that´s such a waste of time. I have asked many superserious people, "Then why is fashion so popular?" Nobody can answer this question" (Miuccia Prada)
This book is wise and great fun and clever. It gives you freedom and air to breeze in that world of pressures about being chic, efficient, glamourous and manageable, predictable and considerate all at the same time. And it gives you something to laugh, it does!
I have read it already some while ago and now it fell again in my hands - Hadley Freeman is a New Yorker, living and working in London, writing there for Vogue and The Guardian - being in the middle of it, indeed.
Her book is such relief for the thinking woman of our times, getting finally an excuse, why we love fashion and why we so often prefer to do our own thing, instead of slavishly following the dicatorship of our beloved glossy magazines - I mean, WHO gets dressed as french Vogue would like us to be???
Freeman gives in short and highly readable chapters her thoughts about money, grooming, the last It-bag, exercise, the need of an excuse to buy a dress and all that sort of problems, a thinking woman in this fashion world could have.
Just to give you a taste of her lines:
"Prada - the frumpy, but fashionable"
"Manicures, pedicures and the ever-rising bar of personal upkeep"
"Jeans, not as bulletproof as they tell you"
"Haute Couture, taking self-indulgence to a whole new level"
"Velvet, and why it should be banned"
"Magazines, fashion, and women´s masochistic love thereof"
And on goes the list...
You see, lots of fun here to be had, and words of wisdom. If you get your hands on this book, get it and give it to your friends, they will love you and the book!
The King´s Speech, by Tom Hooper, UK-Australia, 2010
I know, right now not very original to write about this film, as the Oscar´s are approaching and it has nominations for 12 of the golden boys.
But I went yesterday to see the film and I must say, it is worth all the brimborium and buzz - a great film indeed. Colin Firth in his best ever role, showing a talent, that many of his films had not had the guts to bring to broad daylight (Anybody remembering NannyMacFee???). Ok, in "A Single Man" there were already a good many glimpses of it. But this film is not only psychologically interesting and gripping, the actors are really brilliant ( One can even forget, that Helena Bonham Carter for all eternity is a melange between "A room with a view" and Bellatrix...), costumes and details wonderful - just look at the place where Lionel lives and works. Its details are overwhelmingly good chosen, first of all costumes and then starting from wallpapers to floors, colours, light - I would give one Oscar here for sure!!
One thing I could not make out: Where and Who is our adored Lizzie, Mr Darcy´s Love and Live of P&P??? I did not recognize her and will have to wait for a second session or the DVD, to have a closer look searching for her.
Some sort of irony, her being with Coling Firth the Jane-Austen-dream-couple at the beginning of his career, and now working again in a film with him and not being recognized. Sweet-bitter feelings...
Another thought: Interesting, why such a theme right now is so much applauded? I could imagine, that a couple of years ago, nobody would have bothered to make or see such a historic-costume-drama film about a king who did not want to be king and had to be brave to overcome his own predicaments. What is it, that this is right now such a success?? Any ideas?
In any case: Go and see the film, before the Oscar frenzy will make it impossible for the next 10 weeks to get a place. And, DO see it in english - it is worth the effort...
But I went yesterday to see the film and I must say, it is worth all the brimborium and buzz - a great film indeed. Colin Firth in his best ever role, showing a talent, that many of his films had not had the guts to bring to broad daylight (Anybody remembering NannyMacFee???). Ok, in "A Single Man" there were already a good many glimpses of it. But this film is not only psychologically interesting and gripping, the actors are really brilliant ( One can even forget, that Helena Bonham Carter for all eternity is a melange between "A room with a view" and Bellatrix...), costumes and details wonderful - just look at the place where Lionel lives and works. Its details are overwhelmingly good chosen, first of all costumes and then starting from wallpapers to floors, colours, light - I would give one Oscar here for sure!!
One thing I could not make out: Where and Who is our adored Lizzie, Mr Darcy´s Love and Live of P&P??? I did not recognize her and will have to wait for a second session or the DVD, to have a closer look searching for her.
Some sort of irony, her being with Coling Firth the Jane-Austen-dream-couple at the beginning of his career, and now working again in a film with him and not being recognized. Sweet-bitter feelings...
Another thought: Interesting, why such a theme right now is so much applauded? I could imagine, that a couple of years ago, nobody would have bothered to make or see such a historic-costume-drama film about a king who did not want to be king and had to be brave to overcome his own predicaments. What is it, that this is right now such a success?? Any ideas?
In any case: Go and see the film, before the Oscar frenzy will make it impossible for the next 10 weeks to get a place. And, DO see it in english - it is worth the effort...
Saturday 19 February 2011
Style Icons...
Who are our and your "style" icons? I mean not only in dress, but in life?
I would propose a list of some great women and men, who I admire and if you want, let me know yours too - I spoke to some friends about this blog, and got enthusiastic answers concerning feeds from all parts of the world! I am so glad!! And the fun...
Well: back to Style. Here is my list!!
First the women: Apparently, certainly Diana Vreeland - for her tremendous feeling for style, courage and excentricity and nose for new and great stuff. Then Coco Chanel - no passing by there... Concerning culture and political thinking: definitely Mme de Pompadour ( who has read the wonderful wonderful biography about her by Nanny Mitford???? Worth a go!!) - Nancy Mitford, for her writing, her independence, her love of Christian Dior dresses, and the wonderful wit; Inès de la Fressange - style there is! Saw her once in the Roger Vivier Shop in Paris, and she REALLY looks so good as on the pictures - and the voice. Thanks God I am smoking again..!
Someone I always have admired is Eleanor of Aquitaine - she got a divorce from one king at a time, when it would have been more usual for her to disappear in a monastery, got married to another king and ruled a country while her son was busily having fun in the Holy Land.
And two of my ancestors-grandmothers, for liberty in living, good sense for money, and earning a living in art.
Nearer to our times: Ingrid Bergmann - for her dresses in the film "Indiscreet"; Edith Head - most famous costume designer in the Hollywood of old. Another french actress: Fanny Ardant in the Truffaut films, specially with Gerard Dépardieu in La femme d´ à coté.
Elizabeth David: for dowdiness in her dress and the most marvelous cooking books I know. Get them!!! (Another favourite cookbook: Diana Henry.)
And I am proud to say, that I have some friends, who easily are to be put in this list, but I have not asked them yet, if I may...
Well, I see you all laugh, quite a list of girls..
And now for my favourite men. Even more weird???
For style and wit and cleverness and love of beauty: Maurice de Talleyrand. Sorry, but only too true.
Nearer to our times in the actors bussiness: Gary Grant, young Gregory Peck ( he was not looking the part as an old man, sorry to say); for fun and whit and love of the good life: Peter Ustinov.
Michel de Montaigne, for his attitude to love; in literature, quite predictable, Mr Darcy - and, sure!! good old Colin Firth - as Mr Darcy unbeatable and as it looks, great in the "King´s Speech". I would have liked to meet Carravaggio and buy some of his pictures to help him out.
Best dressed man in a long time: Prince Charles. True, have a look at the cut of his suits and the shoes!
For today this is all. I will certainly find some more names, popping up in my mind and will put them on "The List" in due time.
Next week I am in Bavaria - will report about Munich and some news, asap.
Have fun!!
I would propose a list of some great women and men, who I admire and if you want, let me know yours too - I spoke to some friends about this blog, and got enthusiastic answers concerning feeds from all parts of the world! I am so glad!! And the fun...
Well: back to Style. Here is my list!!
First the women: Apparently, certainly Diana Vreeland - for her tremendous feeling for style, courage and excentricity and nose for new and great stuff. Then Coco Chanel - no passing by there... Concerning culture and political thinking: definitely Mme de Pompadour ( who has read the wonderful wonderful biography about her by Nanny Mitford???? Worth a go!!) - Nancy Mitford, for her writing, her independence, her love of Christian Dior dresses, and the wonderful wit; Inès de la Fressange - style there is! Saw her once in the Roger Vivier Shop in Paris, and she REALLY looks so good as on the pictures - and the voice. Thanks God I am smoking again..!
Someone I always have admired is Eleanor of Aquitaine - she got a divorce from one king at a time, when it would have been more usual for her to disappear in a monastery, got married to another king and ruled a country while her son was busily having fun in the Holy Land.
And two of my ancestors-grandmothers, for liberty in living, good sense for money, and earning a living in art.
Nearer to our times: Ingrid Bergmann - for her dresses in the film "Indiscreet"; Edith Head - most famous costume designer in the Hollywood of old. Another french actress: Fanny Ardant in the Truffaut films, specially with Gerard Dépardieu in La femme d´ à coté.
Elizabeth David: for dowdiness in her dress and the most marvelous cooking books I know. Get them!!! (Another favourite cookbook: Diana Henry.)
And I am proud to say, that I have some friends, who easily are to be put in this list, but I have not asked them yet, if I may...
Well, I see you all laugh, quite a list of girls..
And now for my favourite men. Even more weird???
For style and wit and cleverness and love of beauty: Maurice de Talleyrand. Sorry, but only too true.
Nearer to our times in the actors bussiness: Gary Grant, young Gregory Peck ( he was not looking the part as an old man, sorry to say); for fun and whit and love of the good life: Peter Ustinov.
Michel de Montaigne, for his attitude to love; in literature, quite predictable, Mr Darcy - and, sure!! good old Colin Firth - as Mr Darcy unbeatable and as it looks, great in the "King´s Speech". I would have liked to meet Carravaggio and buy some of his pictures to help him out.
Best dressed man in a long time: Prince Charles. True, have a look at the cut of his suits and the shoes!
For today this is all. I will certainly find some more names, popping up in my mind and will put them on "The List" in due time.
Next week I am in Bavaria - will report about Munich and some news, asap.
Have fun!!
Thursday 17 February 2011
Welcome to The Red Handbag!
Actually, I have been thinking quite a while of writing a blog about the things that I do like - for a change!
Nothing really outstanding, I know. But then there are so many friends far away, with whom I would just love to stay in touch and talk and tell and hear ...
My idea is to write about lovely things that I like - f.e. wonderful smelling creams for our poor old face, far too expensive shoes in Paris ( once in a while!), a good restaurant and a shop I found or heard about, the books I liked and could advise to read, my newest findings for the house and garden, definite ideas about fashion, my very simple taste in music and last, but not least The Private Joke: hairdressers. And the weather. Chocolats. Interiordecoration. Dreams and projects. Even about Children! And so on..
So, I thought, why not share??
And it will amuse you all to read this in english, which - I say it loud and don´t want any complaints! - is NOT my mothertongue. I´ll do my best and hope you will understand about what I try to talk!
Well. Best is always simply to try and do it: The one who does not shoot, does not kill the the elephant - isn´t it so?
Good luck to me and you!!
Jola
PS: If you have questions or comments, just write me - I will love to hear from you!
Nothing really outstanding, I know. But then there are so many friends far away, with whom I would just love to stay in touch and talk and tell and hear ...
My idea is to write about lovely things that I like - f.e. wonderful smelling creams for our poor old face, far too expensive shoes in Paris ( once in a while!), a good restaurant and a shop I found or heard about, the books I liked and could advise to read, my newest findings for the house and garden, definite ideas about fashion, my very simple taste in music and last, but not least The Private Joke: hairdressers. And the weather. Chocolats. Interiordecoration. Dreams and projects. Even about Children! And so on..
So, I thought, why not share??
And it will amuse you all to read this in english, which - I say it loud and don´t want any complaints! - is NOT my mothertongue. I´ll do my best and hope you will understand about what I try to talk!
Well. Best is always simply to try and do it: The one who does not shoot, does not kill the the elephant - isn´t it so?
Good luck to me and you!!
Jola
PS: If you have questions or comments, just write me - I will love to hear from you!
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