Tag Archives: Lanvin

Lorien Loves Lanvin Trainers

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lorien-adey-lorien-me-blog-blue-lanvin-paris-shoe-box

Some of the best things in life come in blue boxes. For instance Tiffany & Co’s robin egg blue, Smythson’s nile blue and in this case Lanvin’s forget-me-not blue. Founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889, Lanvin is France’s oldest ‘maison de couture’. Today Lanvin is under the creative control of Alber Elbaz and Lucas Ossendrijver and is still one of the best fashion houses in the world.

I have a confession to make. I have an ‘e-savings’ account to help me save up for things I want; it helps with my terrible self discipline. I transfer any spare money over and when I am ready to make a fashion purchase I transfer the amount back into my current account to buy whatever I have my eye on. I find this helps me balance my money better and realise how much I am spending. Well it works for me ;) . So seeing as my ‘e-savings’ account had reached a certain figure I decided to buy myself something off my wishlist; Lanvin trainers.

Lanvin trainers

Lanvin’s trainers have gained quite a cult following and it is easy to see why. Somehow they encapsule the perfect balance of smart and casual. Team them with some tailoring, or with your favourite pair of jeans and you are good to go. I picked my pair up from Harvey Nichols Birmingham. I was served by Mark (thank you) who is consistently one of the most helpful sales associates I have ever encountered (and patient – I did spend a long time discussing pretty much every shoe there). The hardest decision was which Lanvin ones to get; most people get the suede and patent leather toe cap combinations. I opted for this textured suede pair and coated toe cap pair as they are a little more unusual and I rather like the colour combination. Lanvin trainers make the perfect stylish yet comfortable shoe which is perfect for this transitional season weather.

Lanvin trainers

Fashion: The Printed Tshirt

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One of the biggest trends to carry over season after season is printed tshirts. Printed tshirts make me go weak at the knees; I have quite the collection. Recently the printed tshirt has moved on from the trompe l’ oeil esque crisp images and has taken on a more Jackson Pollock agenda. It is less about patterns per se and more abstract or as ethereal as possible yet retaining structure or a clue to what the print developed from or was inspired by.

Printed tshirts by Lanvin, Maison Martin Margiela, Christopher Kane and McQ by Alexander McQueen

one: Lanvin – £250
two: Maison Martin Margiela – £180
three: Christopher Kane – £180
four: McQ by Alexander McQueen – £115

from Matches Fashion.

The Valentino tshirt is a nod to camouflage and is quite the tonal delight. When it comes to patterned tshirts colour is your friend and I am particularly fond of this Maison Martin Margiela one which is reminiscent of Claude Monet’s later paintings (particular his lily pond and garden pieces) and the impressionist pointillism movement. I am a big fan of Christopher Kane and this paint stroke tshirt is on my wish list right now; there is something about those brush strokes and mix of colours that really works. What I like about the McQ by Alexander McQueen tshirt is how you can see it is inspired by a dragon fly, moth, butterfly or some sort of bug yet it is not overtly obvious… that and a spot of nostalgia; it reminds me of when you used to finger paint as a child, fold it, open it up for a symmetrical picture.

Fashion: Trainer Lust

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If you told me a couple of years ago that I would own a pair of trainers I would have probably laughed in your face because until quite recently I simply did not believe in trainers. Well no, I believed in their existence but I did not believe in wearing them per se and prided myself on not owning a single pair.

Maybe it was something in the water or was I unwittingly seduced by the sports luxe trend, who knows, but slowly whatever the reason trainers came into my life and I cannot help but lust over more. Practicality and style for those off duty days (we all have them – well at least I know I do).

Trainer lust with Valentino, Moncler, Lanvin, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Maison Martin Margiela and Pierre Hardy

Trainer lust with Valentino, Moncler, Lanvin, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Maison Martin Margiela and Pierre Hardy

one: Valentino – £430
two: Moncler – £298
three: Lanvin – £295
four: McQ by Alexander McQueen – £242
five: Saint Laurent – £340
six: Balenciaga – £295
seven: Maison Martin Margiela – £425
eight: Pierre Hardy – £300

from Matches Fashion.

As much as I love the classic trainer (see five: Saint Laurent), I do prefer trainers which have an extra touch; be it a spot of leather (patent or textured), suede, paint or mix of all them. I call this textural paradise ;) . I am also developing quite a thing for high tops at the moment and I find the hand painted gold panels on seven (Maison Martin Margiela) really do it for me.

My favourite pair out of the above is one, the Valentinos. Such a haphazard mismatch of trends, texture and colours but it just works. Particularly love the understated camo and the plastic red spikes with the complementing red suede (but please don’t forget your Collonil, I refer you to an entry I did on clothes/shoe care).

Get The Great Gatsby Look

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The age of jazz, and clandestine excess is back. I am feeling inspired by summer, and the fast approaching release of Baz Luhrmann’s film adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (possibly one of my favourite novels!). So get starching your linen trousers, and pour yourself a glass of champagne it’s all about the understated twenties glitz, and glamour. It’s a time of prohibition, and a time of speakeasies, underground clubs, and elaborate parties. You know it feels so much better when it’s wrong.


Get The Great Gatsby Look, Matches

one: bow tie by Lanvin – £75
two: card holder by Bottega Veneta – £160
three: single breasted jacket by Lanvin – £558
four: chino trousers by Z Zegna – £235
five: flower pin by Lanvin – £100
six: classic shirt by Hardy Amies – £185
seven: car shoe loafers by Bottega Veneta – £365
eight: cotton hold all by Calabrese – £290
nine: vintage sunglasses by Persol – £208
ten: patch pocket cardigan by Valentino – £378

at Matches

Get The Great Gatsby Look, Mr Porter

one: straw panama hat by Lock & Co – £150
two: wool suit by Ralph Lauren Black Label – £990
three: silk scarf by Paul Smith – £125
four: alligator penny loafers by Ralph Lauren Purple Label – £2,215
five: pocket square by Turnbull & Asser – £45
six: contrast collar shirt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label – £345
seven: suede penny loafers by Gucci – £385
eight: sunglasses by Linda Farrow Luxe – £320
nine: waxed cotton belt by Loro Piana – £280
ten: derby shoes by O’Keeffe – £395

at Mr Porter

Go back to basics opulent, focus on tailoring but more relaxed materials, brown, and grey neutrals, and throw in some cool pastel, and team with luxe accessories. Right now who’s ready to play some croquet?

Keeping it short

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With summer fast approaching, and the hot weather lately (England please do keep it up!). I have been scouring high, and low for the perfect shorts. I have only recently started wearing shorts in England, I used to be rather self conscious about wearing shorts, and only used to wear them abroad, or only at home. I also used to agree with Tom Ford that shorts should not be allowed in the city, but now I completely back track on that – why limit yourself?! There are very few things that I do not agree with the genius on, but that is definitely now one of them.


My Burberry Brit shorts
The back of my Burberry Brit shorts

My other Burberry Brit shorts
The back of my other Burberry Brit shorts

I bought myself two Burberry Brit pairs (apologies they are all creased in the picture – I had to pull them from my washing pile to photograph them!); one from Mr. Porter, and the other from Matches – both feature in the ‘Classic Collection‘ below. Oh, and I am loving the Matches box I got this time around:

Matches delivery packaging

I decided to do an edit of some of my favourites about right now, so behold thirty different pairs of shorts for you from tailored shorts classic to splashes of neon:

Classic Collection:

Classic shorts

one: Burberry Brit – £95 at Mr. Porter
two: Polo Ralph Lauren – £95 at Harrods
three: Reiss – £65 at Reiss
four: Lanvin – £240 at Matches
five: Burberry Brit – £110 at Matches

Colour Catch:

Colourful shorts

one: Rag & Bone – £135 at Matches
two: Givenchy – £240 at Mr. Porter
three: Polo Ralph Lauren – £95 at Harrods
four: Polo Ralph Lauren – £37 at Coggles
five: Marc by Marc Jacobs – £195 at Matches

Pastel Panache:

Pastel shorts

one: Piombo – £178 at Matches
two: Reiss – £69 at Reiss
three: Jack Wills – £49 at Jack Wills
four: Levis – £125 at Matches
five: Norse Projects – £90 at Coggles

Denim Delight:

Denim shorts

one: A.P.C. – £115 at Matches
two: Balmain – £369 at Far Fetch
three: PRPS – £145 at Coggles
four: PRPS – £129 at Harrods
five: Paul Smith – £145 at Far Fetch

Pattern Perfection:

Patterned shorts

one: Polo Ralph Lauren – £115 at Harrods
two: YMC – £115 at Coggles
three: Golden Goose – £197 at Far Fetch
four: Polo Ralph Lauren – £79.99 at Mr. Porter
five: Valentino – £395 at Matches

Sweat Set:

Sweat set

one: Armani Jeans – £89.96 at Harrods
two: Jack Wills – £44 at Jack Wills
three: Moncler – £125 at Matches
four: D&G – £169 at Harrods
five: Wings+Horns – £106 at Far Fetch

Alessi SPA (UK)

The Catch Up

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It is that time again that I find myself apologising for not blogging sooner. I have had a tough week; someone dear to me died, and if I am honest the last thing I wanted to do was blog – so please forgive me on that…

Birthday chocolate champagne bottle

I did not really cover much of my birthday on here (as I briefly mentioned: champagne carnage sums it up really), when I am not in my Polo Ralph Lauren pyjama bottoms (lazy Sunday) I will take a photograph of my birthday shirt (every year I get/buy a new shirt to wear out for my birthday) to show you. Until then here is a sneak peak:

Burberry Prorsum Birthday shirt

Nothing like celebrating one’s birthday in a spot of Burberry Prorsum eh? ;) . I will take a proper picture sometime, and post it for you to see.

I have a busy week next week, however there are two things I am predominantly looking forward to; the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards Reveal Party in London (thank you to everyone who voted for me – I really appreciate it!), and of course Harvey Nichols Birmingham’s 10th Birthday Party (which I would not miss for the world!).

Harvey Nichols Birmingham 10 years invitation

As per usual Harvey Nichols Birmingham’s invitations are elaborate, glossy, and spot on. From what I have heard and my previous experience at Harvey Nichols parties; it is going to be one hell of a lot of fun – I am looking forward to it. I am also looking forward to catching up with several friends in attendance, and of course meeting new people – do say hi!

This weekend I finally sorted what I am going to wear, no doubt pictures will follow… The best thing about these two events is that I get to debut my Lanvin flower pin:


Lanvin box

Lanvin flower pin

Lanvin flower pin on lapel

Isn’t it just lovely? I have wanted to wear it for quite a while, but the right occasion has not cropped up until now. I did not want to just wear it just any old time, now I have two occasions in one week – perfect. Like it? Then don’t forget you can still buy yourself one from http://www.matchesfashion.com/ – they have a few different ones to choose from.

The Man Clutch

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I must apologise for being rather quiet. I have been rather busy celebrating my birthday (which could only be described as messy champagne carnage), and work sadly (designer goodies don’t pay for themselves). I also have the post birthdays blues, oh, and the god forsaken hangover lasted long enough (sambuca bomb anyone?!) – but that was entirely expected, and entirely worth it. So yes I am another year older, another year wiser, and all that.

So I want to discuss something which you must have noticed lately, and that is the man clutch. It’s always something that pops up every once in a while, usually it is left to the catwalk, or to those who attend fashion weeks, however more, and more brands are engaging with the man clutch. This time it’s actually here to make a lasting impression.

Guy, let’s face it, it’s about time we can steal something from our girlfriend’s wardrobes (well there was that guyliner trend, but thank goodness that died out – not a thing). It’s all about the clutch, and particularly the envelope clutch – however do not rule out the wristlet. Whether you steal your girlfriend’s favourite clutch, opt for a more masculine document holder, or one of the specifically designed men’s clutches out now, you’d be a fool not to give it a try.

I am personally a fan it reminds me of an old black leather travel wallet I used to use. I like clutching things, and keeping my arms/hands busy. I appreciate they are not for everyone, but I thought I would share with you a few of my picks:

- Clutches to splurge on

The Man Clutch; ones to splurge on

Christopher Kane – £550 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/

The Christopher Kane one is incredible right? Michael of http://anastasia-duck.blogspot.com/ has one which he used on Menswear day of London Fashion Week.

Smythson – £525 at http://www.smythson.com/

The Smythson one is a classic document folio, however I’m sure you could squeeze your phones, and a few other things in there.

Lanvin – £300 at http://www.lanvin.com/

I love the Lanvin one combining the trend of metallics, and python print – great combination.

Mulberry – £270 at http://www.mulberry.com/

The Mulberry one is actually an iPad sleeve, but with clutches anything goes – do not be afraid to experiment with different bags.

Alison Dunlop – £300 at http://www.farfetch.com/

The detailing on the Alison Dunlop clutch is exquisite, I love the intricate pattern around the sides.

Balenciaga – £335 at http://www.balenciaga.co.uk/

I full on love the Balenciaga one – however I do have a bit of a weakness for Balenciaga. I love the colouring, and the way it has a zip pocket as well as a zip opening at the top.

Lanvin – £495 at http://www.lanvin.com/

The second Lanvin one is your classic envelope clutch, I love the colouring, and quality of the leather.

- Clutches to save money on

The Man Clutch; ones to save money on

ASOS – £12 at http://www.asos.com/

The ASOS one is an absolute steal, they offer it in quite a few colour combinations. I love how it encompasses colour blocking too.

Gucci – £180 at http://www.mrporter.com/

The Gucci one is actually a wash bag, but when it comes to clutches anything goes – be innovative.

Topshop – £28 at http://www.topshop.com/

The Topshop one is faux pony skin, it’s very winter luxe – man up, and ignore that it is from Topshop because it’s a great clutch at a great price.

Zara – £29.99 at http://www.zara.com/

I am really tempted by the Zara man clutch it’s a great price, and you cannot go wrong with a spot of black simplicity.

Calabrese – £39 at http://www.farfetch.com/

The Calabrese one is another wash bag, but remember no-one has to know ;) .

Common Projects – £149 at http://www.farfetch.com/

I simply adore the vivacious nature of the Common Projects clutch, although it is also available in black. It reminds me of those Comme des Garçons wallets!

Paul Smith – £95 at http://www.mrporter.com/

Yet another wash bag. I used my Paul Smith Mini series wash bag on the beach, remember it’s all about versatility.

…so what do we think on the man clutch? Will you be trying one, or not?

Lanvin Adornment

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Adornment to me is the finishing touch; it can be the very fine difference between an outfit, and a great outfit. It is that little bit of hedonistic excess that shows personality. A simple brooch, or pin on your jacket can really add an instant elegant luxe touch to almost any outfit. Like many things in life the rule less is more really comes into play here; simplicity only adds to the attraction. However over crowded lapels with pins, badges, and brooches can work, it is just harder to pull off, and not for everyone. Personally my own style is a little bit more demure than that – so I will stick to less is more.

What could possibly be more traditional than the flower, which posses many symbolic connotations from passion to sorrow. When I saw these Lanvin pins I must admit I instantly wanted them all:

Lanvin flower pin
Lanvin flower pin

These two black Lanvin flower pins are both £100 each at http://www.matchesfashion.com/. I particularly love the first one!

Lanvin flower pin

This bronze rose Lanvin flower pin is £120 at http://www.matchesfashion.com/. I really really do want one, it would be really difficult to choose between them however.

The soft delicate wool flower instantaneously add a debonair princely edge, especially when teamed with sharp tailoring.

Lanvin bronze rosie flower pin

I must admit this Mulberry frog pin (available on the Mulberry website: http://www.mulberry.com/) also caught my eye, it’s rather playful, and unusually chic. At £65 it is also awfully affordable. I simply love the bulging almost popping out eyes. If any one out there is reading this you are quite welcome to send me one for my imminent birthday (it’s the 9th of October – pop it in your agenda if it isn’t there already!).

Mulberry frog pin

Matches

Feeling blue

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So I have been feeling really blue, and I’m not on about the mood. Long gone are the days of navy boredom, the colour blue is expanding, and having it’s long over due moment. From the chicest shades of cerulean blue, to azure, peacock, teal, and midnight blue in-between – it’s time to add a splash of blue to your wardrobe gentlemen.

Whether you be daring and attempt head to toe blue, or simply use a blue accessory to make your look pop you cannot deny blue is very of the moment. Wear the darkest shades of midnight blue in the richest of luxe materials for full effect glamour. The more velvet, and luxurious sheen the better! Or perhaps colour block with some matte eye catching teal, or cerulean – whatever you do give blue a chance, go on I dare you ;) .

To save you the time I have picked out some of my favourites pieces in delicious shades of blue:

Burberry Prorsum blazer, Tateossian bracelet, and Kurt Geiger loafers

Blazer: Burberry Prorsum – £795
Bracelet: Tateossian Silver Cobra – £165
Shoes: Kurt Geiger Palladian Loafers – £190

Orlebar Brown poloshirt, Brooks Brothers jumper, and Burberry bag

Poloshirt: Orlebar Brown – £95
Jumper: Brooks Brothers – £79
Bag: Burberry – £695

Carrera sunglasses, Hardy Amies bow tie, Lanvin cufflinks

Sunglasses: Carrera – £105
Bow tie: Hardy Amies – £85
Cufflinks: Lanvin – £255

Alexander McQueen scarf, Hermès tie

Scarf: Alexander McQueen – £165
Tie: Hermès – £130

ToyWatch, Anderson's belt

Watch: ToyWatch Plasteramic Fluo – £125
Belt: Anderson’s – £75

…I definitely think those gorgeous Kurt Geiger loafers are finding their way on to my wish list, and hopefully into my wardrobe, and then on to my feet soon afterwards.