Crossing the Pond: Bensimon Shoes

According to Nylon, the famous French Bensimon walking shoes will soon be available stateside. I tried to figure out when and where this will be happening on Bensimon's website, but I couldn't find any additional information. So at some point "[t]his season" I'll be able to purchase a pair without leaving the country (Nylon, March 2008).

Update: Thanks to a comment from the Bensimon US PR rep, the shoes will be available in three weeks - yay! I'll be making a trip over to Bill Hallman next month to get my own pair.

Currently - even with the internet and Thomas Friedman's claim that the world is flat - it is impossible to get your hands on a new pair of Bensimon tennis shoes if you live in the U.S. You literally have to fly over to France and purchase them. So here's hoping that the shoes will be available stateside sooner than later.


Bensimon fans: Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin, Cameron Diaz and Kate Moss.

CL

Oh yes, Folks. The Return of the Jeans Jacket

Kirsten Dunst, asos's version, Rachel Bilson. Photos from blog.asos.com

How many of you out there have one languishing in the back of your closet? Mine has been there for at least eight years... mocking me with it's boxy cut, lightwash denim and J.Crew label. I was told a jean jacket is a classic, but yet it has been unwearable for at least the last 7 years (hey, no sniggering ... I was not nearly as fashion-conscious in high school).
Well, the waiting, forbearance of unrelenting mocking, and pack-rat tendencies have paid off... it's back! And not in its dark-washed, cropped, bastardized incarnation... this is the real deal... the way Levi Strauss wanted it: roomy, plenty of stamped metal buttons, and sturdy seamed sleeves on which to wipe one's brow after a long days work.

Though I would usually discourage the jean+jean jacket look, Ms. Cruz pulls it off with aplomb.

I love Kirsten Dunst's slightly oversized, drape-y version and prefer this to the head-to-toe-jean-swaddled look.
photo courtesy of splashnewsonline.com

LL

AsianCajun Oscar Favorites

I admit that neither of us watched the Oscars - or even the pre-event red carpet coverage, but that doesn't mean we can't share our opinions on last night's fashions. Actually, we were going to create a list of favorites and a list of least favorites for this post, but there weren't any dresses that we disliked. So below are just four of the gowns we really loved.

Anne Hathaway in Marchesa:
This dress was our absolute favorite. The color is Valentino red, but with classic Marchesa touches like the ruffles up the shoulders and lots of drape-y fabric. Hathaway's stylist did a great job of keeping the hair and accessories simple.


Keri Russell in Nina Ricci:
Even in her Felicity days, Keri Russell gravitated towards simple, gray/silver dresses. This Nina Ricci is like a more grown-up version of the Armani she wore to the 1999 Emmy's, with a defined waist and corseted top.

Cameron Diaz in Christian Dior:
We love anything that's Dior, so Cameron Diaz's gown had to be included in this post. The fit looks great on her athletic body and the geometric folds of the fabric prevent it from looking too bride-like. Our only suggestion would be to include some jewelry on the wrists or neck and a cleaner 'do.

Renee Zellweger in Carolina Herrera:
It seems like Renee Zellweger will never stray from Herrera, but does anyone else think that this looks almost Versace-esque? We like the lines cascading down from the hip and the dress's overall pizazz.

Photos from Style.com

CL

Drew Lewis and Outfits

Inspired by Around Midtown's coverage of the new Drew Lewis boutique in Atlanta, we thought we'd swing by today and see if it was officially open. No such luck. A sign in the window said it was closed due to lighting difficulties (or something like that) and the shop would be open Feb. 26. We weren't too disheartened, however, because we've gotten our Drew Lewis-fix by looking at Around Midtown's interior shop photos. I love the defaced artwork on the walls and the hanging chairs.

We took some outfit photos while walking around Midtown. I'm including two of Lauren (while talking on the phone) so you can see her coat and outfit underneath.

Coat: Victoria's Secret
Sweater: Wet Seal
Dress: Target
Tights: American Apparel
Boots: American Eagel
Bag: Urban Outfitters

Scarf: Secondhand
Jacket: H&M
Dress: Forever 21
Boots: Naturalizer
Bag: Urban Outfitters

CL

Opening (very) soon...

According to a note posted on the front door, the Virginia-Highland Urban Outfitters will open February 28. Lauren and I have been excited about this location for quite some time because it means we no longer have to fight the traffic around Lenox Mall to go to the only U.O. in Atlanta.
Plus, it's located in the same strip as The Righteous Room, Plaza Theater and The Majestic (three Atlanta landmarks). Add Urban Outfitters to the mix and it makes a perfect destination for a Saturday afternoon/evening.

CL

Color Inspiration

The trend of mixing jewel tones has been going strong ever since Prada's Spring 2007 RTW line, but I was inspired to do a post on it today when I saw this Free People necklace online.

Free People Crystal Spectrum Necklace

Don't even look at the price unless you are willing to spend $200+ on it. But there's hope for those of us who don't have that kind of money. I've put together some jewel tone items that won't break the bank:

1.) Heritage 1981
2.) American Apparel Nylon Taffeta Wind Breaker
3.) American Apparel Figure Skater Dress
4.) Fred Flare Swan Lake sunglasses
5.) American Apparel Baby Rib Dog T
6.) Forever 21
7.) Banana Republic
8.) Top Shop Bright Tregging

CL

Fox News

Here's my prediction: the fox will be the next It animal. It's been the bird, more specifically the owl, for the past few years. You can't go on esty.com or fredflare.com without finding a birl/owl necklace or stationary. Well, it's time for the birds to move over. During this year of the rat, the new It animal is the fox. Below is proof:

Image from www.wallpaperfromthe70s.com

1. Artwork by Matte Stephens.
2. Belle and Sebastian Fox t-shirt.
3. Fox sweater from Peter Jensen Fall 2008 RTW line.
4. Silver fox pin by Imogene and Dannie.

CL

Safari Chic on the Cheap

A lot of fashion bloggers have been writing about Old Navy's new Urban Explorer line. Most of the items are Safari-inspired. Safari-themed fashion seems have become more of classic style than a trend and the clean lines of Old Navy's clothing reflects that.

My safari inspiration board:

Images from Style.com, background fabric from Lewis & Sheron Textile Co.

I think we can thank Todd Oldham for this great turnaround at Old Navy. Apparently in March the store will release its Palm Beach themed line. I can't wait.

Safari Romper and Printed Belted Dress both $29.50:



Canvas Wedges and Platform Sandals both $34.50:
CL

Shopping Cures

I've been fighting a nasty sinus infection for the past few days and suffering from a major case of cabin fever. Lauren, being the genius that she is, suggested we go shopping. I have to say that it worked wonders - I started feeling much better after visiting Urban Outfitters and Zara.

Below Lauren is showing off some of her new wares:
Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Scarf: Gap
Purse: Urban Outfitters

I found some great jersey, work-appropriate dresses at Zara and The Gap that I'm sure will show up on this blog sometime soon.

To sum it all up, Lauren and I have proven that shopping cures a sinus infection (if mixed with lots of sleep, drinking water and ginger ale, and some antibiotics).

CL

Sweet Tee

For all you Gone With the Wind and Roy Liechtenstein fans out there, start saving up for the new, soon-to-be-released Esperanza t-shirt line. The image below is just a sneak peak of what's to come (check out more at Esperanza's blog).
I'm a huge fan of Esperanza Clothing Co. and have mentioned them before. They always create great Atlanta-inspired designs and it looks like this season is going to be their best ever.

CL

Le Bong

Lauren and I were in a hurry the morning we decided to take this outfit picture. It turned out really blurry (which I'll blame on our rush and not on our "photography skills"), so I minimized it quite a bit just so you could see my new thrift store bag in context.
I like the structure of the purse - it goes with the whole skirt-suit look - but it actually doesn't hold as much as I initially thought. That means I won't be using it as often as I envisioned, but it was cheap and it'll help add some character to my otherwise hum-drum office-wear.

CL

Jane Austen Style

I might be revealing too much of myself here, but I have to for the sake of the post: I'm a huge Jane Austen fan. I love everything that's related to her: her novels, the films, the Georgian/Regency eras, Bath, England, the unlimited amount of cheesy sequels written for Pride and Prejudice etc...

Background image from www.telegraph.co.uk

So I was pleasantly surprised to find some Jane-Austen-era-inspired clothing at Abercrombie.com - of all places. I've never shopped at A&F before (I first saw these blouses on www.stylenotes.com), but that might change after today. I love the femininity of the tops and I'm sure the square-neckline and ribbon embellishments would have made these a big hit in 1810.

Considering that my Jane Austen fanaticism is usually met with eye-rolls (especially from my guy friends) and an assumption that I read romance novels (I do not!), I won't mention it again on this blog...at least not for a while.

CL

Atlanta H&M Opening...Soonish

Although the Atlanta Station H&M will not open until late spring, a second location has already been secured: North Point Mall, out in the Atlanta suburbs. The H&M mall stores (as opposed to the stand-alone urban locations) must be doing well, but I've always found that they're usually stocked with more conservative, less fashion-forward clothes.

Atlanta Magazine's Shop Girl has a great recap about H&M coming to Atlanta, but there's still no definitive opening date - boo hiss. I understand that there can be a number of reasons for opening delays, but it already has felt like an H&M in Atlanta has been long overdue.

Is my impatience evident?

Photo: www.beverlycenter.com

CL

Online Shoe Shopping

Now is a great time to buy shoes online. Stores are trying to get rid of their winter inventory and for most of us it's still cold enough outside to wear the boots and pumps that are on sale.

I've mentioned these yellow pumps from Payless before, but I couldn't find them when I went to the store. Luckily there's Payless.com where I purchased these yellow, patent pumps and had them in my possession in under five business days. They're a little more mustard-y than the website photo, but I've already thought up some great outfits to go with them.


I found these open-toed black pumps at Naturalizer.com. They were only $20 on sale, which is hard to beat considering that Naturalizers are usually more comfortable than your run-of-the-mill high-heeled shoes. The material is a kind of black satin and I love the scalloped edges.

CL

Why ...Helloooo

I promised Cath I would do a quick Valentine's post. Easy, right? Some hearts, flowers, chocolate? No sir/ma'am, I can do cheesier than that! I stumbled upon a romance novelist's site and found this...urmmm... alluring photo of Johny Depp. (For our more masculine demographic please see post below for equally mesmerizing photos of ladies. We hope you don't feel neglected. Think of this as an exercise in slightly foppish sartorialism. Note: sitting next to faux baroque table with saddle shoes and magenta kerchief always enhances one's natural charms).
Happy Valentine's Day to all of our readers! XOXO

LL

Ephemera

Marion Cotillard, Best Actress, in Chanel Haute Couture.

The other half of AsianCajun returns! I have to say that I doubt this half was missed as the more consistent half is an excellent blogger. Thank you, Cath (sorry you had to pick up the slack)! Cath is a diligent and steadfast blogger. Even when sick she photoshops and artfully arranges recent purchases for appealing shots for you, dear Asiancajun reader.
In case you were wondering, I've been in excellent health and blame my lack of blogging on mild depression over my constant obsession in politics and burning out during my 8 hours a day on my Mac at work. Lame, I know.
Well, I'm here to put things to right (and give Cath a rest seeing as she is sick again, poor thing- all that extra blogging time she was putting in...). I figured I would jump back in with something soothing and easy on the eyes... Bafta red carpet photos! (We can delve into ongoing fashion weeks next entry, non?)

I think Marion Cotillard (see above photo) is incredible in "La Vie en Rose" as Edith Piaf. I'm slightly baffled by the cape-like white thing (tacked on with what looks like epaulets???), but I think it is a perfect confection of "Ephemera."

Wei Tang, in Jason Wu and Bulgari jewelry.

I have yet to see "Lust Caution," but I think Wei looks classically beautiful in this gown... not too trendy or trying-too-hard-to-be-sexy/sultry (like those other equally gorgeous ladies who, unfortunately, insist on constantly model-pouting in revealing dresses... kind of prosaic, I think).

Great Minds think...the same thing about Dior...

Eva Green, in Dior.

Sienna Miller, in Dior.

Handsome eye-candy below. I happen to just think these fine fellas are extremely talented and loved them in "There Will Be Blood" and "Last King of Scotland" respectively. Also, they both possess gorgeous blue eyes and Irish and Scottish brogues. Unfortunately both also possess lovely, poised wives. Le sigh...

Daniel Day-Lewis, Best Actor, with wife Rebecca Miller.

James McAvoy


photos courtesy of style.com

LL

Ahoy!

As usual, I did some online window shopping this weekend. I found a lot of great items, but this dress from Delias was my absolute favorite. I like the unusual combination of the double-breasted buttons, gauze-y material, pin-stripe design, and halter neck shape. It's officially going on my summer shopping wish list.


CL

Yoforia

Yoforia has become my new favorite snack place. The yogurt creations are what frozen yogurts of the 1980s should have been: simple, yogurt-y and served with fresh toppings. There's only 3 locations in Atlanta, but I'm hoping they'll continue to expand - preferably right next to where I work.

My favorite mix is the original with fresh strawberries, almonds and dark chocolate chips. Yum...

CL

Thrift Store Finds

A quick trip to the local Last Chance Thrift store ended up being pretty successful: 3 bags, 2 books (not pictured), and a scarf.

The colors didn't come out exactly right in the photo - the clutch is actually bright pink. I've been looking for a brightly colored clutch for some time and this was only $1.50 so I couldn't pass it up. The scarf was $2 and a great find because it looks exactly like something you could get at Urban Outfitters for $20. It had that thrift-store smell so I was going to let it soak in some Woolite. Unfortunately, the dye started coming out as soon as I put it in water. I rinsed out it quickly and now it's drying in the sun on my balcony. The scarf looks fine, but my hands have a kind of purple-ish tint to them.


I absolutely don't need any more black handbags, but I couldn't resist these. I have an affinity for structured purses that look like old school bags and this one (on the left) was in perfect condition. Also, the brand is Le Bong, which made it impossible to pass up. The diagonal, quilted purse is smaller than I usually use, but the unusual shape and large tassels are unlike anything I've seen before. I'll probably use it on special occasions because it's kind of impractical. You have to use the tassels to unzip each side to open it.

There's nothing like some good finds at the local thrift store to brighten my day.

CL

Subkoff + Bebe, Who Knew?

I feel like I've been living under a rock for the past few months. It wasn't until I was doing a little online window shopping yesterday that I stumbled upon this:


Did anyone else hear about Tara Subcoff designing for Bebe? I'm so confused. Usually something like this would have been in all the fashion magazines months ago and Bebe normally has print ads everywhere. I have not seen one add or mention of this, but maybe I somehow overlooked it? A much bigger deal was made about Subcoff's collaboration with Easy Spirit. Go figure.

The collection is a little expensive for me, but there are some nice pieces - like the cinched-waist trench coat and mini pleated skirt. None of the items really bring to mind Subcoff's Imitation of Christ collections - the pieces seem more French than reconstructed vintage.

Overall, I'm really excited about the collaboration and hope there's more to come, but I'm still confused by the lack of advertising...

CL

Jovovich-Hawk for Target

The Jovovich-Hawk Go International line comes out March 2. So far my experience has been that the Go lines always look better in photos than in person, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up about this collection.

My favorite items are the chiffon wrap on the left and the high-waisted denim skirt. I was kind of disappointed to learn that chevron halter is actually a one-piece bathing suit - March is still a little too early for me to start thinking about swim suits - but there's a cap-sleeve beige and black chevron top that's really lovely.

Have a look for yourself. See the collection here.

Background wallpaper from Graham & Brown.

CL

VA Highland Outfits

Sorry for the slight pause in posting. I've been sick all week. I don't have the flu that seems to be going around, but this cold just won't give up. Nevertheless, I'm sick of being sick and even more sick of not blogging, so I'm determined to get back on track.

Last weekend we spent some time in the Highlands - of Atlanta. (Still not quite clear on how or why that area of the city is called The Highlands). One of the chefs from Food 101 saw us taking photos of each other in front his restaurant. He must have thought that we were tourists or something (bless him). Little did he know, we were doing something far more cheesy than that - taking outfit photos for the blog. Thanks, Food 101 Chef.


Lauren's outfit (left):
Jacket: H&M
Tee: DressCodes
Bag: Joe Cool (in Edinburgh)
Skirt: American Apparel
Boots: Target
Me (on the right):
Jacket: H&M
Scarf: Street vendor
Sunglasses: Target
Dress: Zara
Belt: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Ebay

CL

Inspiration: Face Hunter

My fondness for street style blogs grows with every additional one I find (see the listing to the right under "Street Style"). Here are two recent looks that I've picked out from Face Hunter and have tried to recreate on the cheap.


I love the different shades of pink in this outfit. For some reason the wedge on her pink oxfords brought to mind the colorful wedge-shaped shoes by Alice + Olivia for Payless. So I recreated this outfit in green - it might make you look like a human-sized green bean, but I bet you'd get snapped by street-style blogger.
Dress: Go Jane
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Payless



I love jersey pencil skirts because they're everything that regular pencil skirts aren't: comfortable, easy to walk in and low maintenance. American Apparel doesn't have an orange pencil skirt, but this cranberry-colored one is a nice alternative. And I can't get enough of Urban Outfitter's Truly Lovely Deeply tees.


Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Skirt: American Apparel
Tights: We Love Color

I just stumbled upon the We Love Color website today when I was looking for green tights. They have tights in every color of the rainbow plus some pretty crazy combinations. It's a great resource to stock up on classic, opaque tights - and much cheaper than American Apparel.

CL

Necklaces

I usually try to keep my jewelry collection very sparse. If I have more than 30 pieces, I start loosing track of what I have and half the items go unworn for months. That being said, since the start of the new year, I've acquired two new necklaces.

Lauren and I each purchased the letter necklaces below from Vivid Boutique in Decatur. They're a lot more elegant than the name necklaces that Carrie Bradshaw brought back in style a few years ago and they're handmade by the shop owner. Best of all, one necklace only costs around $40.


Lauren recently made a trip over to Urban Outfitters. They're having a huge sale and she bought these two necklaces (one for me and one for her) for $2 each. They were both originally $24.

I love the asymmetry of this necklace. The dangling black chains are meant to be worn off-center. (I purchased the bird pin at a local boutique a few years ago for $8).


This is the necklace Lauren bought for herself. It's very delicate and a little punk-y at the same time. Urban Outfitters also wraps everything in this graph tissue paper, which is like the icing on the cake of the whole purchase - two great necklaces and some cheeky tissue paper all costing no more than $5.


CL