Fashion's Other Influential Carrie

SJP's Carrie had Patricia Field, but Carrie of Couture Carrie does it all on her own. Couture Carrie is infused with inspiring looks and photos. Day after day it gives its readers a daily dose of inspiration, just the right amount to pull together an outfit for the day, plan your shopping list, add to your wish list or give you something to daydream about to get you through an otherwise monotonuos day.

CC is beautiful, warm, kind and despite her large following, always makes time to leave lovely comments on her readers' blogs, makes herself available via email, and is truly delightful. Addressing her readers in nothing but sweetness, CC is a true "darling" and didn't hesitate to set aside some time to do this interview with me, one of her 521(and counting) followers.

Ela: Under your profile you begin by saying “Fashion is my sustenance!” How did this love for fashion come about?
CC: According to my parents [CC's mom, pictured right, in Vietnam], I began selecting my own outfits and delighting in clothes at the ripe old age of 2, so if it's possible, I feel that my love for fashion is innate!

Ela: Speaking of sustenance, what else sustains you, what are your favourite things to eat?
CC: Avocados and bacon are at the top of the list. And of course there's robust red wine and dark chocolate, preferably together!

Ela: Every post is so cohesive, what inspires you? Do the photos you come across lead to the inspiration or does the search for relevant photos come after you’ve established the title?
CC: When I view the collections, I see common threads among Designers, and these commonalities inspire posts. I then add my own research of past and present looks to round out the theme. I also draw inspiration for editorials and off on-the-runway model photos on nymag.com/fashion. Of course, I also rely on my Fellow Fashionistas for inspiration!

Ela: Your readers only get to see the fabulous result, on average, how long does it take to put together at post?
CC: I would say that each post "percolates" in my subconscious and has a corresponding folder on my computer for several weeks before it matures. Then, when I sit down to write it and caption the images, each CC post takes about an hour to publish.

Ela: How would you say your blog has evolved since you first started in February 2008?
CC: My blog began as a very personal endeavor...a journal of sorts that I began while at a crossroads in my career and life. I don't think I had any readers at all for the first few months, and I didn't mind. As I became more emotionally invested in Couture Carrie, I devoted more time and energy to the cause and was rewarded with feedback and followers.

Ela: Do you have a post you favour most?
CC: My two favorite items of clothing are bustiers and legwear, so my corsetry and tights posts are imbued with true CC passion! They are definitely my favorite types of posts to research and compose.

Ela: Looking through your favourite movies, you’ve listed quite a few. What are your top 3, or have you listed them in order?
CC: My favourite movies are the Princess Bride, Anchorman and Legally Blonde.

Ela: What’s the one piece of advise you think every blogger (newbie or seasoned) ought to know?
CC: If you give love, you get love. Be a frequent commenter, be sincere, and value the kinship among your Fellow Fashionistas.

Ela: Is there a current trend fashionistas have hopped on that you wish they hadn’t?
CC: CC is not a huge fan of the jean cut-offs and tights phenomenon...I also deplore terry clothing in all forms (except perhaps robes!)
[Ela: Note to self, do not post Juicy Couture gym outfits]

Ela: Single most influential style icon?
CC: My mother. She was quite the fashionista in the 60s and 70s, and I now have all her vintage garments to play with and from which to draw inspiration.

Ela: Style icon whose style you most emulate?
CC: Sienna Miller. She always looks polished, whether she’s going to the market or to a film premiere at Cannes.

Ela: If we spotted you on the street on a Sunday afternoon, what would you be wearing?
CC: J Brand skinnies, boots of some type – Loeffler Randall is a fave, a white Old Navy tank, and a Tolani or American Apparel scarf.

Ela: Can your readers look forward to an outfit post?
CC: Hmmm... CC occasionally throws in some personal pics, but they are few and far between. Here’s one!
Ela: Beautiful photo CC, but we want one where we can see you :)

Ela: If only one item of clothing had to stand out while the rest remained insignificant, what would it be?
CC: A patterned tunic or minidress ~ so versatile, seasonally malleable and striking.

Ela: Are there any questions you’ve always wanted to answer or think your readers wonder but perhaps never ask?
CC: Curiously, no one really ever inquires as to what I do for a living. I have had several careers thus far. I was a commercial real estate attorney for a large Connecticut firm for two years, then I taught high school Spanish for four years in New York City. Now I am a part-time Pilates Instructor and fulltime Blogger/Editor. This is, by far, my best job yet!

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ela ~
I really enjoyed the interview!
xoxox,
CC

Thank you CC, you are an absolute delight!
And thank you for the lovely advice, which you so lovingly exemplify,
you are a true darling!
If you haven't already, get clicking to Couture Carrie.
Be prepared to be inspired!

~Ela

[All photos provided by CC]

Summer Linen

I was recently inspired by Dapper Kid's recent post, "A Simple Kurta" which reminded readers
that one way to stay cool during Summer's high temperatures is to opt for lightweight clothing.

Further, the simple embroidery on the neckline of his kurta reminded me of a dress I had purchased from Zara about 2 years ago during some pre-vacation shopping. The embroidery and pearl buttons are exactly why I fell in love with it.

Paired it with my Miu Miu satchel and my Aldo rhinestone sandals, which I definitely remember being more comfortable than what I found tonight.

Decided to keep it simple with some pearl earrings, a Danielle Stevens gold bangle with my husband's initial and a ring my grandfather brought me back from one of his trips to Thailand.













S and I headed to Baton Rouge for a very early dinner (we hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch) so 'dinner' was served at 4:00pm! After some yummy appetizers that I neglected to photograph, due to gluttony, we ordered our usuals.

I have dreams about this Chicken Tender Salad, it's soooo good!
It's such a huge serving(that's a photo of it after I've already devoured half) but I don't mind, I could eat it for days.
There's my honey mustard dressing (extra) on the side, just how I like it!

S always orders the Rack of Ribs and a double order of fries
I always sneak a rib or two whenever his mouth is too full to protest :)

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Happy Independence Day weekend (wait that sounds funny) to my neighbouring Americans :)

~Ela

p.s. In case you're wondering why my hair is always up, it's because it's in dier need of a cut. I'm growing it out but it's in that awkward in between stage. Appointment is set for Monday so I'm excited :)

The Fabulous Woman Behind Three Faces

If you've stumbled across Fashion Moment, you probably felt the same delight I did upon discovering this blog and perhaps were as equally astonished to learn Fashion Moment has two sister blogs; Fashion Pulse & Absolutely Fabulous. Knowing this, I had to learn more about the woman behind these three fabulous blogs.

Imagine how thrilled I was to find that this beautiful woman, is sweet, humble and kind. So much so, that she so willingly set aside some time to do this interview.

Ela: The first time I posted I thought, “this is much harder than it looks!” I have trouble posting each day and yet you manage 3 fabulous blogs! How long does it take for you to put it all together?
FM: Since posts are usually prepared on weekends, over the week it just gets published. Sometimes posts are susceptible to finishing [touches], or rearrangement, but in any case I need about an hour and a half to two for all three of my blogs.

Ela: Do you foresee that one day you’ll combine the content of all three blogs and manage just one? If so, which name would you keep?
FM: I think of creating a much more serious project, the site - blog, that unites all of my interests (fashion, style, photos, editorials, illustrations, biographies, interiors, etc.). But I think I'm not completely ready for it. In fact, the idea is in its infancy, and I'm open to new ideas ... I think that it would be difficult to "melt" from any of my blogs, I guess that if I was to choose only one name, it would probably sound like this " Absolutely Fabulous Fashion Pulse of the Moment ", hahaha ... Fashion Moment is my passion from the first moment, but if/when I have to choose, I would probably choose "Absolutely Fabulous".

Ela: All time favourite designer?
FM: Christian Lacroix (except Giambattista Valli & Zac Posen). There are a few designers whose work I adore, (Francesco Scognamiglio, YSL, Galliano, Ralph Lauren, Alaia…), but it's more of the top 3.

Ela: Favourite piece from his Spring/Summer ‘09 Collection?
FM: The majority of pieces from the collection are fantastic. However, I think that the corset is what fascinated me the most! About accessories - it’s sandals! And, as I have mentioned, the shoes are an absolute hit in Valli's collection and the complete collection of Zac Posen!

Ela: Favourite model of all time?
FM: There are actually a few models that I respect and that fascinate me. I think my final choice is - Daria Werbowy. Great look, wonderful and very serious as a person and professional as a model.

Ela: You recently did a post, on FM, “The Unofficial Wedding Dress”,what did (or will) your wedding dress look like?
FM: I already have the wedding dress of my dreams, in my closet. But, as I get older, I'm sure I’ll marry in some simple silk maxi dress with some gorgeous hat, or some mini dress, like this one by Jenny Pachkam.

Ela: Who do you consider to be the most influential style icon of the moment?
FM: I do not know if I can focus on only one style. Ideal combination would be the style of Kate Moss, Joy Bryant, Giovanna Battaglia, and SJP.

Ela: Must have accessory?
FM: Somehow, it’s always hats (except the shoes!).

Ela: 5 Pieces of clothing every woman should have in their closet?
FM: This post I've done! I think that every woman above all should have unique handbag, a fur coat, a black lacy dress, some gorgeous colorful high heels, and high - quality jeans!

Ela: Best investment piece your readers should save up for?
FM: If they are able - gold watches! However, there is always the LV or Hermes handbag.

Ela:Which public persona most embodies your style?
FM: My style is in fact very susceptible to extremes. I am feeling perfect in good jeans, short leather jackets, white T-shirt and sandals, and I feel fantastic in a very sophisticated dress. Perhaps it's Kate Moss, from "Rock Star" to the sometimes daily extravagant combinations, to the "Red Carpet.

Ela: Can your readers look forward to an outfit post in the near future?
FM: It would be my pleasure, the moment when I’m sure that my fellow fashionistas want it.

I think I can speak for us all when I say,
"Oh, we want it!!!"
Thank you, FM. You are Absolutely Fabulous indeed.

~ Ela

[All photos provided by Ana, of FM~FP~AF]

My Rendition - Vest Over Florals

I love throwing in a touch of masculinity with ultra feminine pieces. Rachel Bilson has such great style [Image courtesy of InStyle.com] and so inspired me to do a rendition of this look, which she wears so well.

There've been many times I've taken my sunglasses off, rested them somewhere and actually walked away.

So, I figured it can't hurt to pick up some random pairs that I wouldn't feel terrible about losing. Snagged these Rampage Sunnies for under $20. Really liked the bare back of this Zinc (carried by Nordstrom) halter vest & have a slight obsession with clovers hence the Heidi Klum earrings & bracelet

H&M Top, Talulah (Aritzia) Pants,
Aerosoles Sandals


Wondering what I'm standing on? It's a Transformer!


LOL, I have no idea what it's technical term is but it's a super huge shovel attached to an even bigger tractor...





Apparently my husband also likes to mix feminity with masculinity...except his way of doing so is bringing his wife to the construction site just down the street from our home...while dressed in white of course!

Marriage, he indulges me and I indulge him.

~Ela

C is for...

EDIT: My husband kindly reminded me that I committed a major no-no by posting C's pic on my blog (which I haven't told my friends about) without asking our friends. Thankfully he told me after a few hours of posting. It was a careless and honest mistake. Please bear with me as I learn the do's and don'ts of blogging.

Happy CANADA DAY everyone!
Though that's not the 'C' I had in mind.
Meet this little guy....

[EDIT: This stick figure is cute, but the real C is super cute and has a smile that will melt your heart]

C is 3 yrs. old and one of the sweetest little things!
The doorbell rang the other night and it was little C standing with his mom H, a very dear friend of mine. It was a "surprise visit" and I was very happily surprised! H went on to explain that they decided to drop by because C had mentioned me throughout the day so C and his dad decided to go get me some flowers...

Aren't they pretty? These are now sitting in my kitchen where I can see them everyday :) Apparently, C was pretty set on getting me a "stick of bamboo"...LOL, smart kid must've known it's the one plant I can manage to keep alive! But his dad suggested I might like these better...H has taught him well :)

The kicker?
Just as they were about to leave,
H told me that C said, "Ela...is my best friend."
That was one of the sweetest things I've ever heard.
I just love him and we really do have the best times together.

[EDIT: C's been cropped out but that's him hugging me]

The best things in life really are free aren't they?
I know the flowers were paid for but I'd take a hug from C over flowers, any day!

Thank you, C.
You're the best friend a girl could ever have.

~Ela

p.s. I know this doesn't have anything to do with "dressing" but I just had to share, it really meant a lot to me.
Hope you guys have a great one!