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| Illustration by Izah Zenou | Henri Bendel Cheers to the weekend mes amis - next week LPB will be back with a slew of hautness. Get ready! |
Friday, September 20, 2013
Ta Ta For Now.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Seeing Plaid (& Skins Too) !
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| Christina Ricci in Vivienne Westwood, Madonna in Givenchy Haute Couture, Anja Rubik in Anthony Vacarello Getty Images |
Leather and Plaid is a perfect combo and these haute little finds need to come home to me!
These looks are spot on daytime plaid perfection - say that 5x fast. Color blocking was so yesterday- mon petites, it's all about a haute plaid mash up... What prints are you mad for ?
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Chauffeured Pursuits: What's Driving You?
Mon petites, I can honestly say that I have lived my life thus far with passion, tenacity and just enough resilience to not give up after the constant hurdles, obstacles and set backs along the way - much like a high-octane motor vehicle. Most enthusiasts can vividly recall the significant instance when they realized their passions. I too can remember the moment I fell in love with la mode, I was little girl going through countless fashion and collections magazines while my grandmother would hand sew on beads to the incalculable wedding gowns for her clients. It was those occasions where I would collect the scraps of the beautiful fabrics and envision a glamorous dream (usually on my barbies but that is another post altogether). Fast forward a few years and here I am steering my way through life as a fashion stylist \ costume designer living my fantasy on my terms. While I wish I could share that it has been an effortless journey down a magnificent terrain - it has involved roadblocks, detours, diversions and just about every setback one can incur along the way.
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| Behind the scene shot from a spread I styled for L'Officiel Ukraine. Photo Courtesy of C.Cantave | La PETITE Blog |
This drive I have for creating beauty is such a desire that words never seem to suffice, this passion, fervency of zeal and fanaticism has literally kept me going after the long , sometimes hazardous expedition that ensues when going after your dreams. I’m sure it is easy to conform, follow the pack but I am certain the odyssey to figuring out what you truly want out of life is the greatest voyage one can experience. Like the all-new Nissan Versa® Note™ my exuberant quest for creating a world of beauty has fueled my life and trust me it’s worth it!
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| Another Behind the scenes shot from a spread I styled for BG Magazine. Photo Courtesy of C.Cantave | La PETITE Blog |
Much like the Nissan Versa® Note™, my drive and vigor stems from my those bygone days of my childhood, the nonstop fascination of beauty and the need to create will keep me focused on my course in life. Like any pilgrimage to one’s own Elysium we can sit back and be chauffeured with the hope we will get to our Mecca. No, mon petites we have to grab those keys and get moving! With its outstanding MPG, advanced technology and ample cargo capacity, the all-new Nissan Versa® Note™ is designed to be the perfect partner in your pursuit to do more of what you love. The all-new Nissan Versa® Note™. Your Door to More™. Mon petites, what’s driving you?
Compensation was provided by Nissan via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nissan.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
LBD FILES: Must Have Frocks
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| SPLASH NEWS ONLINE (2); WIREIMAGE |
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| From Left: Emilio Pucci Metallic Dress With Lace Overlay $2,849 - MYTHERESA.COM; Alessandra Rich Ankle-Length Lace Dress $2,517- MYTHERESA.COM; VERSACE one sleeve lace cocktail dress $3,230 - FARFETCH.COM |
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| From Left: BALMAIN structured wrap dress $2,908 - FARFETCH.COM; Saint Laurent Ruched Silk Dress $5,626 - MYTHERESA.COM; MUGLER calfskin leather dress $10,395 - FARFETCH.COM |
Thursday, August 29, 2013
How Cute!
BARBIE OPENS HER FIRST SHOP IN SELFRIDGES SHOWCASING DOLLS
DRESSED BY FRED BUTLER, NASIR MAZHAR, AND SISTER BY SIBLING
Barbie has asked three of her favourite London designers to each dress five dolls which will be sold as special one-offs to herald her shiny new home within Selfridges London's new permanent 4th floor Toy Shop.
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| Barbie dressed by SISTER by SIBLING |
A dedicated Barbie department will showcase the best of Barbie, where a central totem pole-style display will house dolls from Barbie collections past and present, as well as archive and special one-off gems including new dolls dressed by Fred Butler, Nasir Mazhar and SISTER by SIBLING.
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| Barbie (and Ken!) dressed by Nasir Mazhar |
In the past 50 years, Barbie has established herself as one of the world's leading fashion icons, and has been dressed by leading design talents including: Alaïa, Burberry, Comme des Garçons, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Louise Gray and Roksanda Ilincic. More than 100 million metres of fabric have gone into making her fabulous wardrobe and she has had over one billion pairs of gravity-defying shoes, including ones created by Christian Louboutin. She's a label whore & I love her!
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| Barbie dressed by Fred Butler |
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
LBD DELUXE: GET JOAN SMALL'S STELLAR LOOK!
Haute Body Report: The Truth About Weightlifting!
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photo by David LaChapelle, Beauty in Vogue, November 2004 Every time I hear a woman proclaim her disdain for weightlifting I literally want to scream! Don't believe the hype mon petites, you will NOT get to HeMan proportions if you lift weights (can I get an AMEN!). With that said the fitness experts over at DailyBurn.com has shared some myth busting truths about weightlifting. Read on for the truth about common muscle myths courtesy of the Life by DailyBurn team, so you can be better informed next time you head to the weight rack. 1. Myth: Lifting weights will make you bulk upThis is one of the biggest concerns for women considering starting a weightlifting program, says Rachel Cosgrove, CSCS, author of The Female Body Breakthrough. But unless you’re also consuming a ton more calories, your muscles will only grow to a healthy, normal level that promotes an increased metabolism. “You have to really work for every ounce of muscle that you gain, and it’s not as easy as most women think to sprout big muscles,” she says. Truth: With proper nutrition, lifting weights will create a leaner physique — not a bulkier one. 2. Myth: Muscle turns to fat if you stop lifting Some serious magic would have to happen for muscle to turn into fat, as they’re two completely different things, says Cosgrove. “Muscle never turns into fat, and fat never turns into muscle,” she says. Muscle will, on the other hand, help you burn fat. Research has found that an intense bought of strength training results in more calories burned in the 16 to 24 hours after your training session ends. Truth: Your muscle won’t turn into flab if you take some time off, and having muscle will actually help you burn fat. 3. Myth: It’s best to work one muscle group a day You’ve probably overheard locker room chatter about it being “back day” or “leg day,” but unless you’re a bodybuilder (or dedicated lifter) it’s not always beneficial to adopt this schedule. Michael Carozza, owner of Carozza Fitness in Connecticut, suggests high-intensity interval training and circuit training, which are designed to help build muscle, increase aerobic capacity, burn calories and improve recovery time. Whatever program you choose, just keep in mind that muscles typically need about a day to recover, says Kelvin Gary, owner of Body Space Fitness in New York City, so it’s important to vary workouts so you aren’t doing the same full-body workout each day. Truth: Choose compound exercises that work more than one muscle group at a time (like squats, pull-ups and deadlifts) for a more effective workout in a shorter period of time. 4. Myth: Lifting heavy weights is the only way to see results Researchers have found that lifting light weights for more reps is just as effective for building muscle as lifting heavy weights for fewer reps. The key is lifting to the point of fatigue. In fact, bodyweight exercises can often be just as effective — or more effective — than committing solely to iron, Cosgrove says. “There are so many ways you can put a demand on your body,” she says. “Heavy weights aren’t always the answer.” Truth: Vary your workout by mixing in heavy weights, light weights and bodyweight exercises. 5. Myth: Machines are more effective than free weightsAu contraire. Weight machines isolate muscles and force your body to move in a single plane of motion, both of which can limit your range of motion — and your results. Lifting free weights, on the other hand, has been shown to recruit more muscles and can result in greater strength gains. In one study, results showed that traditional weighted squats produced 43 percent more muscle activity in the quads than squats using a Smith machine. Gary adds that many bodyweight exercises, such as squats, push-ups and lunges, are just as effective as their weighted counterparts. Truth: Lifting free weights mimics natural movement and creates greater muscle activity than machines. DailyBurn.com is a leading online health and fitness brand delivering first-class video workout programs and personalized nutrition plans to ensure that members reach their fitness goals. DailyBurn brings fitness and nutrition to members, anytime, anywhere, by streaming HD-quality workouts in a variety of disciplines from dance and high-intensity cardio to yoga, kettlebells and strength training. DailyBurn's elite group of trainers were specifically selected to provide specialized expertise to members through a best-in class library of workouts ranging from beginner to advanced through a multitude of technology platforms. From your computer and TV to your tablet and phone, your workout experience and nutrition advice is only a click away. Launched in 2007, DailyBurn is an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI). For more information, visit http://dailyburn.com. Cody Storey, DailyBurn Fitness Instructor Raised in Aspen, Colorado, Cody Storey has always been an extreme athlete with a love of big air and slope-style competitions. Skiing by age two and snowboarding competitively, Cody was ranked on the Junior World Snowboard Team at age 17. Incorporating clubbell and kettlebell exercises, as well as a holistic nutrition regime, Cody has developed a style that has motivated him to deepen his understanding and awareness beyond conventional training, sharing his passion and knowledge of athleticism. Cody has now made it his mission to share his experience with others by helping them transform and enhance the well-being of their lives. For the past seven years, Cody has been building his thriving practice in Los Angeles, California offering holistic fitness and working with his clients to help them achieve their full potential, from the bones out. Anja Garcia, DailyBurn Fitness Instructor Anja Garcia is a registered pediatric ICU nurse, fitness instructor, certified group exercise instructor through AFAA since 2005 and health coach who studied public health as an undergrad at the University of California, Berkeley. An elite level gymnast, Anja has a passion for health and fitness and discovering how to share her knowledge with others. She started teaching group fitness at the end of college and her ability to change lives changed her own. Anja received her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of San Francisco, and soon after worked in the pediatric intensive care unit at UCLA. While saving lives is a love of hers, her true passion is teaching others how to take care of themselves to live their healthiest, happiest life. Bringing her knowledge of competitive athletics and health coaching into her cycling and strength classes, she strives to inspire people to find their own strength within to not only change their bodies, but to change their lives today! Keaira Lashae, Celebrity and DailyBurn Personal Trainer Former Sony recording artist, singer/songwriter, dancer/choreographer and model, Keaira joins the DailyBurn team as a trainer with a unique outlook on fitness. Focusing on dance as a form of cardio and toning, Keaira brings a vibrant breath of fresh air to the trainer community. As a performer, Keaira is well known for being exciting, high energy, creative, and mesmerizing. She’s often compared to Janet Jackson and Chris Brown because of her sharp and hard hitting dance style. Over the years Keaira has appeared in music videos, television appearances and international tours with world famous artists such as Usher, Pitbull, Cypress Hill, Marc Anthony, N.E.R.D, Snoop Dog, Nelly, and many more as a singer and dancer. She is also known for her striking figure and love for fitness which is how she got the nickname “Super Hero”. |
Get Your Weight Up Ladies: There's NO EXCUSE!
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| Photo Credit: Vogue.it |
We've all been there, with the endless excuses why we can't work out and beeline for that jar of Nutella or that slice of cheesecake. But let's be honest with ourselves - unless we are under serious duress or experiencing medical issues we should get off our bum and get active daily! Here are some work out solutions from fitness pro Anja Garcia of DailyBurn.com. Let's end the excuses Ladies and get back to business!
Solutions to Why You Don’t Work Out
Courtesy of Anja Garcia, Certified Fitness Instructor and DailyBurn.com Trainer
“I’m too tired after a long day at work.”
Workout in the morning! People always ask me when is the best time to work out. The answer, my friends: Whenever you can get it in! If you are too tired after a long work day to fit it in, wake up 30 minutes early to get your burn in, or consider your lunch break. Exercise has been proven to improve alertness and productivity. So get you morning fix or a noon-time sweat-sesh to keep your day rocking till the very end.
“I don’t get good results, so why bother?”
If you aren’t getting good results, then something is not right! Remember that fitness is not just about exercising; it is also about what you eat! A saying I love to impart on my clients is: “You can’t out-train a bad diet!” Clean, healthy eating will help you see the results from your fitness program. Even better, once you start eating healthy, you’ll have more energy to push harder in your workouts to make those results come even quicker!
“I don’t have enough time to go to the gym.”
News flash! You don’t have to go to the gym to get a great workout in. Sometimes, between commuting to work, working a full day, and picking the kids up from school and sports, time is sparse. But there are tons of great resources that bring your workout to you. Dailyburn.com is an all-encompassing fitness site featuring a variety of workout videos, ranging from kettlebells and dance to sculpting and high-intensity training. Whether you’ve got 10 minutes or an hour, there’s a workout that will fit your busy schedule, at home or on the road. It also builds community support so you have accountability and support with all your goals. Fitness anytime, anywhere. No excuses.
“I get too sweaty from cardio”
Fact: Sweating is a byproduct of working out. This I cannot change but a great towel will sop that right up! Besides, on the bright side, some great benefits to sweating it out: Sweating releases toxins in the body. It also allows your skin to release dirt and impurities. Sweating means you are burning calories and getting sexy.
“I don’t want to get muscular and blocky from weight training.”
Ladies please hear me: Physiologically, you do NOT have the building blocks to bulk up from weight training unless you are supplementing with testosterone. Women’s testosterone levels are not naturally high enough to build the amount of muscle to get bulky. Fat left underneath the muscle will give an appearance of bulkiness. Lifting increases lean muscle and in turn speeds up your metabolism. Muscle takes up less space than fat does making you smaller, and helping your clothes fit better! Win-win!
“It’s had to get started”
It IS hard to get started! Doesn’t validation feel good? But once you get started the feeling of good health and happiness that comes with working out will keep you coming back for more. Pro tip: Get yourself a trainer, try a program like Dailyburn.com where you can find community support, or workout with a friend. Everything is better when we have someone by our side for the journey to keep us motivated and accountable.
“I’m too old/heavy/out of shape”
You are never TOO anything to start. This is YOUR life. Your body is the only place you have to live. We have to take care of it before it really is too late to change something. Fitness is not just a 30-day fad; it is a lifestyle that we have to create for the long haul. Fitness can help ward off illness and enrich everyday activities. Start slowly, stay smart and be patient. It might not be easy, and the journey might be hard at times, but your health is worth it — for you and your loved ones.
“But I’m Already Skinny”
The biggest myth out there is that skinny equals healthy. Not always! Exercising is not about “skinniness,” and weight loss shouldn’t necessarily be the only goal. It is about your overall health, too! It is about working out your heart, improving your circulation and keeping your body and mind functioning at optimum levels. Find fun in your fitness and make it part of your everyday life.
“Exercise is Boring”
My biggest tip for my clients is to find something you enjoy doing that will keep coming back for more! Not only will you be happier, but consistency will boost your results. If running, for instance, isn’t your thing — no problem. How about a taking a spin class, a dance class, or a bootcamp? Or, what about lifting weights or going for a hike? There is an endless amount of possibilities when it comes to fitness activities. Just remember: Fitness doesn’t have to be dreary. It should be fun and exhilarating.
Haute Body Report: These Tricks Aren't For Kids! Playgroud Workouts With Chris Freytag
Photo Credit Courtesy Of Pinterest
So the summer is winding down, it's time to turn in your bikinis and dust off those parkas but before you decide to pack up on the layers of clothing and indulge in some holiday fare remember to get off your bum and get in your workouts. Need some additional motivation? In comes Chris Freytag, the fitness buff with over 20 years of experience in health and wellness as an ACE certified trainer, health coach, published author and speaker. Her no frills drills get the job done and the best part it's FREE (don't believe us check out this video). Here she shares 5 amazing tips on working out at the playground.
We spend so much of the winter indoor and inactive. While the weather is warm, take advantage by going outside for a great workout. Take any opportunity to get moving and get outside with these great playground exercises. These moves can be done at a local park or playground near your home or while traveling. While being a playground feels like fun, any movement is fitness and the effectiveness of these activities can be measured on body monitoring devices like BodyMedia. By incorporating fun and movement rather than strict ‘gym workout’ into your routine, the workout mentality becomes much more enjoyable. Movement throughout your day adds up and you by tracking these numbers, you can find the motivation to be active. You will be surprised with how much activity can be achieved with these playground moves by Chris Freytag, health and wellness expert and ACE certified fitness instructor.
1. Pull-ups on the monkey bars are the ultimate test of upper-body strength and very hard to do. This exercise targets the biceps, shoulder and back.
2. Pushups on the swings. Put your feet in the swing and hands on the ground for a decline pushup. This is challenging because your feet are moving as you bend your elbows and lower your ground to the ground. This targets the chest, shoulders and core.
3. Abdominal tuck on the swings. In the same pushup position, put feet on top of the swing and hands plants on the ground. Pull your knees towards your chest slowly and then back out to the pushup position, targeting the core muscles.
4. Lunge with one foot in the swing, one foot on the ground so that your back foot is elevated. Extend the back leg as you lower yourself to the ground in a lunge then return to starting position. Swing legs after a full set. This lunge targets the quads, hamstrings and glutes.
5. Mountain climbers on a park bench. Place your palms on the bench in a push up position. Pull knees in towards your chest one at a time, stabilizing the lower back. Alternate pulling in each knee with increased speed. This targets the chest, shoulder, legs and core.
6. Box squats. Using an elevated platform or stair, jump up onto the platform with bended knees and finishing with a squat. Step back down and continue to squat down then continue the movement to land on the platform. The targets the quads, hamstrings and glutes.
Haute Body Report: 5 Wallet Friendly Get Fit Tips!
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| Photo by Greg Lotus, Vogue Italia May 2007 With Thinspirational pictures on every social media outlet, the ever present fit celebs everywhere we turn - it's exhausting and frankly mentally draining! Getting or staying in shape is on everyone lips (no pun intended). With the abundance of tips in the market it's extremely to feel overwhelmed and even easier to give up and grab that jar of Nutella (true story). Well mon petites, we have hope by way of Anja Garcia, RN, MSN and DailyBurn.com personal trainer who shares her tips on 5 simple and inexpensive things you can do to help maintain your haute body, while not breaking the bank. These foolproof tips are straightforward and can be incorporated into anyone's lifestyle. Thinspirations be damn ladies! Let's get fit~ 1. Ditch the gym membership and get out there! Being outside opens the doors to great physical activities: hit the pool, get out the bike or take a hike with friends. 2. Looking to lose weight? Replace your morning coffee with a healthy Protein Shake to make sure your body's metabolism gets started right. Look for a protein shake that's got probiotics, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes and is free of soy, dairy, gluten and artificial sweeteners but has no more than 5g of sugar. Add some fruit and ice and you'll be licking your lips and dropping pounds. 3. Join a community volleyball, tennis or softball league. It's a great way to get regular exercise and make new friends. 4. Have some staple fitness equipment on hand. A jumprope is a fun way to get the heart rate up fast, resistances bands give you all the benefits of strength training without the cost and weight, and a stability ball is great for core strength but can also be used as a chair when you're at your desk teaching you better body alignment while you work. And of course, a bicycle (even a used one from Craig's list) is a fantastic way to add exercise to a commute, an errand, etc. Don't forget the helmet! 5. Join an inexpensive online gym like DailyBurn.com. Just like movies and TV shows, more and more workouts are available anytime, anywhere via your smartphone, tablet and computer. Cheaper and more convenient then a gym, you can find the right time, trainer and workout that fits your needs and lifestyle perfectly. Most importantly, find something you like to do that's fun so you'll make it part of your routine and get in shape while enjoying yourself as well. Anja Garcia is a registered pediatric ICU nurse, fitness instructor, certified group exercise instructor through AFAA since 2005 and health coach who studied public health as an undergrad at the University of California, Berkeley. An elite level gymnast, Anja has a passion for health and fitness and discovering how to share her knowledge with others. She started teaching group fitness at the end of college and her ability to change lives changed her own. Anja received her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of San Francisco, and soon after worked in the pediatric intensive care unit at UCLA. |
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