LE CHIC MODE

 The Clock is Ticking Getting closer to the special day. I can’t wait. Seeing all the fabulous Christmas lights , listening to the choirs sing and all the wonderful things to celebrate.  Even though I am no longer a kid .. I Love Christmas!!!!  Set  out a few festive decorations . Candles 🕯️ are a must have . Small ones big ones  the glowing light makes it more magical.  Starry ⭐️ night  This year I did not get a big tree , just set a small one on the bookcase unit . A my collection of candles. A large lite star in the window that glows in the dark night.    Next is getting the ingredients for dinner . This year won’t be the typical turkey dinner. Something I made in the past and company loved it. I call it Holiday meatball. A tasty , simple dish  meatballs with a cranberry sauce.  Definitely something different.   So how are your holiday plans going ? Have a wonderful t Christmas everyone.🎅🏻🎄

    Time for more Knitwear As the days are getting cooler feel the need to wear something warmer and comfortable.  I like a knit dress for its comfortable fit and keeps one warm too. One of my favorite is a RED one A bit of color is always nice .  I added the scarf for extra warmth . A few accessories can add interest to any outfit . 

 🎃🎃🧛‍♀️🧛‍♀️👻👻 BOO 👻  Well the fun begins . All the little goblins will be out dressed in their fun costumes . Even adults are joining in the fun.  The celebrities really have gone BIG for the costume parties . Thinking about Heidi Klum and her outfits.  I do remember taking part in some events  Finding something to wear, usually it was something from my closet  such a geishe girl or a medieval maiden think of Robin Hood  But more fun was making costume for the kids pirates , astronaut  Dracula,  caveman . Creating these fun costumes was half the fun.  Simple to make too.   So have fun seeing all the spooky costumes. 

 Fall time  Well it is starting to  definitely feel like fall. The mornings are  crisper and cooler , but afternoons are not so bad.  Only need a warm top slacks or tights .  I still like to wear a dress and tights . I add my favorite knit sweater . I got it at a small shop selling handmade items . From scarfs , hats , wrap pants .one of a kind things  not mass produced .  The sweater is a soft mohair wrap style  . It is great for the season  Can be worn with so many things  a great choice. 

 Armani Milan:spring/summer 2026 Well after the passing of designer Armani  his lastdesigns were presented on the runway in Milan .  Some of those that were there such as cate blancette , Glenn close, and model Lauren Hutton.  Not to forget Richard gere who wore Armani suits in the film with Hutton.  It was an event to mark 59 years of Armani designs.  The colors were rich shades of blues , purples , also neutrals .  I certainly can say i loved the color palette .  Fotos; credits Getty Reuters 

The Fur Dilemma  Fashion week: fall winter 2025/26 The latest  looks on the runways feature fur coats , Ssome real and faux furs.  Some of the  designers featured fur  , this after years of  no fur campaigns. .  Furs were in the past the luxury item but looking back hundreds of years it was used in trading . Fur trappers sold the furs to Europe. A business that thrived for hundreds of years .  Now you a get faux furs that  look so real.  Naturally  they are made from chemicals   So not a natural thing. . The process is no doubt not good for the environment. Also it does not degrade.  I would say it’s a good idea to recycle or restyle any fur , whether real or faux. Pass it on to someone else to use.  I have my mothers fur coat  it is lovely but extremely heavy and  stiff.  I later bought a coat that I wore for many years  sadly it ripped at the seams and needed repairs .  Later I found a lovel...

  London fashion and more/  The past week there has been alot going on   Seeing some of the fashions  from London  I can’t say I found it great. More unusual . There was a recycle design using a parachute . A ballon dress look.  The color was nice  but shape was overwhelming   I could well imagine it as rainwear or totes    Some other looks a corset worn over a shirt   Wearing undergarments o over an outfit  I think it’s been done before  Then there was the charity shop fashions  reusing second hand or vintage is another thing    Finding items is hit and miss.  Millenary hats are always a look that elevates a look. Think of Katherine  I personally love hats but no something one sees often.   A classic is a great suit. The light yellow suit reminds me of Chanel .   Award Nite  Red Carpet Looks  The Emmy s were held recrr Ed mt ly and actors walked the red carpet  some looks ...

 Tighten the Belt$$$  $$$So much in the news about the tarifs and how prices on things have gone up. For many people with families it has effected them greatly . The cost for food, power etc has increased greatly.  Tips to help cut some costs.  We had changed all te light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs. Compared to regular bulbs they are more pricey but energy use is much less. The energy bill is much lower.  Another item we use is a power bar to plug in the different electric things.  They’re are2types we use. One has plug for few items and main on of switch. When not using the things turn off the power bar . No power is bein drawn by things .plug in.  Heavy duty Power strip Another multi plug power strip bar comes with more spots to plug in things. , at each socket there is a on off switch . So if you have a lot of different things plug in just turn on the one you want to use .  Every y appliance when plugged in uses power whether you are using...

  Well as the title says…. Pocket s please!  This week has been a very painful week. I recently injured my knee badly. Not able to move stand or walk. When finally bit better I finally  managed to move . I needed something to wear that I could put my phone in , glasses medicine in. Any dress I thought I could use didn’t have pockets for anything.  Why???  When I think back there usually  were pocket inserts nicely sewn  on inside of slacks or dresses.  Now you rarely find that .  I guess it’s a cost saving , less material needed and no extra time used sewing a pockrr er r in.  Maybe it’s to give an outfit a more neat look, no bulging pockets.   Meanwhile mens wear there are always pockets.  Do you like outfit with pockets?  

A  Legend in Design  Armani the iconic  designer has recently passed away. He changed  fashion in a way lke coco Chanel did. .  The Iconic Suit The Suit typically worn by men.   He changed that to include women.  He made the suit for women to wear that would empower them. Softened the look with fitted waist   Different fabrics and loose fitting trousers .  Not only was he designing fashion but had his name on fragrances eyewear a much more .  -

 Season Changes Well it has finally cooled down which makes it bearable to be outside. Naturally the swimming pools , lakes and rivers have seen plenty o people .  Festivals , Films  and Fashion  The festival season is winding down,  but one that I anxiously wait for is the Venice Film festival. A movie and fashion lover can’t miss it!  The return of Clooney on screen in  Venice with his gorgeous wife is a highlight.  Her fabulous fuchsia gown with the train was stunning . She stole the show!  Of course there were other stars on the red carpet  but no outstanding dresses .  Movies some are getting mentioned . For myself I’m not  sure what I be tempted to watch.  Julia  Roberts new one about college professor sexual harassment is a serious topic . Not light entertainment.  One film with Helen mirren, pierce Brosnan  about senior mystery book club sounds like light entertainment. The actors are all over 60 , s...

  Love it or Leave it I am sure many people has a drawer of costume jewelry. Those go to pieces that can be worn regularly with out worrying if lost. Might be a bracelet or pair of earrings .  Now you can get designer pieces such as Chanel or other designers to wear. It’s costume jewelry.  Looking back coco Chanel was probably the first to showcase the jewelry with her Maltese bracelet.  It later became more popular when Hollywood stars wore pieces in movies . Marilyn Monroe , Liz Taylor and many others woould wear costume.  Everyone could have some glamor. Rhinestones and faux pearls added to an outfit gave it the extra wow look.  I do have a few things that belonged to my mom I kept.  But I do love a real gold piece or a diamond  now and then.  I Everyone 

  Devil o wears Prada 2 Yes it has been awhile since the first movie came out.  But now a new one is soon to be released .  I did enjoy  seeing actress Hathaway be transformed from a unstylish young college student to a a fashionable assistant. The designer clothes were really the best part.  Then of course there were the othe actors Tucci , blunt and of course Streep as Miranda the Editor . The all business cold editor.  Well they will be back .in  part2.  Will be interesting to see  them all together again . What’s new different and interesting.  Vogue news Well there will be a change in the fashion world namely the. Famous fashion editor Dame Anna Wntour is retiring.  To imagine she was the editor from the late 80s till now.  That id an amazing accomplishment. She has steered Vogue through some interesting times . She changes the fashion magazines but not only featuring models   but also movie stars and popstars   ...

  The Heat is On  // style, fashion  All of Europe is experiencing a heatwave.  The temperatures have soared from the north to the south. Spain and Italy both recorded highest temperatures Meanwhile I have keeping cool with slot of COLD drinks , fan and loose clothing in  this heat One item I have worn pretty much daily is a satin silk slip  dress it’s perfect and sooo comfortable.  But time for a change.  I found a caftan buried in my closet I had completely forgotten about.  It’s loose fitting and comfy too.    . t Could use it as a bathing suit coverup too.  So I tried it on and added some gold  bracelets and bangles.  It has a bit of an exotic look or maybe boohoo ?  No my usual thing but I loved the colors print .  What’s your pick for the summer heatwave ?  

T HE RIGHT ONEs  Summer and the sun is something we all look forward to. Getting outside enjoying the sunshine but most important is to to protect your eyes!  I have been looking for a new pair of sunglasses.  Thinking I might get a pair of design ones, Chanel , Gucci ??  Well more importantly is to get a pair with a higher UV number .  Apparently there is no difference from a designer pair or a pair from any shop .  Other than the price.style or quality.  Looking at and trying sunglasses checking fit is important .  The style look and what suits you are all things to consider .  The UV protection is what really matters  also something I didn’t know was the side part of thin matters also. Why?  If to thin UV rays can enter and effect your eyes. So the sides of sun glasse is something else to  consider .  Enjoy the sunshine ☀️ 

B  Time to Fly   Sumer holidays are around the corner and deciding where to go or what to pack can e daunting experience.  So what to pack ? Well after reading how some airlines charge passenger to check the baggage. First I believe the budget airlines started , but now the big name ones have also started to charge it! American Airlines , southwest , Air Canada .  And the extra cost if is a jackpot for the airlines.  I have not travel with the budget lines but have used some of the others mentioned  and  I won’t be booking any trips with them!  Really what do they think? If the operate a service to transport you and your belongs  that should be included , NOT an extra expense.  Give you an idea of what they collect in these extra fees  then read this report via BBC.  Truthfully people need to tell these companies  NO .  Even a handbag is next to the list.   They are making BILLIONS from from these extra fees!...

 Tour the festival I for one Love movies, especially  seeing  foreign films.  The Cannes film festival is one of the biggest events  to showcase so many interesting films from around the world.  So to see what goes on behind the scenes  is very interesting too.  I watched this video  from bbc new and thought I would share it.  Enjoy!  https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0lcp5rb/cannes-like-you-ve-never-seen-it-before

New Things  New    New Things and changes   Now that the weather has warmed up it’s time to get outside. Enjoy the springtime!  To start , getting more exercise. I’m not a go to the gym sort  I like to be outside in the FRESH air , not in a crowded gym.  But first I needed to get a new pair of shoes.  Found pair  a simple slip on pair in a neutral shade. Perfect fit and comfortable to wear.  Another interesting thing they are made of recycled material. So doing  my part for the environment.  Project Interior small space  On my list to update the half bathroom. Removing the old wall covering  that was here when I moved in. It’s a vinyl material but more like vinyl flooring. Dreadful .  So I will be glad to to get rid of it!  I plan to replace it with a vinyl marble effect. Lighten up the small space . Give it a fresh new look.   Below is the look I am hoping to complete.   

         Credit:: the cut  Month of May  May is going to be a buzy time starting with the Cannes film festival , then the Eurovision Song Contest. Two very big events.  (Not to forget 🌸🌸Mother’s Day)) I look forward to the film festival , seeing what is new in films and also the fashion. This year  the festival has made some new rules as to what to wear ie. Discretion. No naked looks. I have to say seeing someone wearing only a sheer gown with underwear visible is for me not fashion.  It’s like a beach coverup , not a gown. Some may find it okay , but where is the design?? ?   Eurovision song contesthh  year the song contest is held in beautiful Switzerland 🇨🇭 in Basel.  To imagine this contest started sometime in the 50s  so a long time and a big success.  Celine Din won the rise contest in Switzerland.   The contestants represent their country and the event is held for three days. It’s long, but so exc...

  The Vanderbilts I’m sure most people know or have heard of the Vanderbilts.  One of Americas richest families.  The Vanderbilts were involved in building many of the iconic buildings in New York City.  One of the most recognizable is the Grand Central station.  The massive building is a landmark of New York.  Not only is it a railway station it also has an indoor tennis court.  Vanderbilts also built a stunning mansion the interiors, reminds me of the palaces of Europe .  To see these places is really interesting and one can . A short video  called special Places lets one tour these iconic places.  To see the link below vi a BBC .    https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l1pmfl/secret-doors-and-a-golden-mansion-the-vanderbilts-new-york

The Happy Factor Who’s Happy?  https://data.worldhappiness.report/table So the lastest Happiness report is out.  Again the Scandinavian counties are on the top . Finland being number 1 again .  What is their secret?  They   seemed to have solved lifes problems. A lot has to do with their government  trusting it to work for the people. Of course there are problems but overall the lifestyle is good. Secure jobs , good healthcare, social net, According to the report a home with more people are happier . Humans are social animals . Sharing laughs , meals  together is also a factor .  Togetherness,  being with people.   Also it seems being in nature is another factor.   the Finn’s have a love for the outdoors .  They take it slow , leave the city bustle behind.   I agree being in nature , disconnecting from our phones and computers is definitely one way .  Many places are not  happy  or have slipped dow...

To Your Health    I have so many water bottles that I use . I definitely drink plenty of water throughout the day.  Something I noticed before the smell from the water or bottle was sometimes nasty.  I would dump the water , run the tap longer and refill the Boyle.  Just lately I read an srtivle how some people don’t always clean their water bottles  after each use. Sure we might rinse it out and just refill it.  Well studies show that bottle over time bacteria grows in the bottle . Most important is to clean it properly with soap and hot water. Let it stand for 10 minutes  Use a bottle brush to clean inside .  Another issue is the plastic  contains chemicals the can leech into the water.  So that is another problem.  Glsss or metal is a better opition Accor  dry ing to the reports . Also to keep the water cold in refrigerator.  If left out at room temperature bacteria will start to grow . Doesn’t sound pleasant!...

M The Look - Ties and Blazers  The latest style is taken from the men’s closet.  Namely neckties  and jackets .  Designers are showing the look on the runways .  It’s been worn by celebrities  such as Nicole Kidman , models Jenner and others .   The look is perhaps to give women a certain look of authority and power during this time of upheaval (politically speaking).  I myself do like pant suits  and have few pinstripe suits , but wearing a neck tie with them I’m not so sure.  Think of Diane Keaton’s look in the film Annie Hall. Is probably the first time I ever saw the look  or the German actress Marlene Dietrich wearing the black tuxedo. Perhaps that will inspire one to try the men’s style.      

DRess It Up A simple grey knit top  is something I had been looking for sometime. Grey is not usually my pick,  but I thought time to try some other neutral shade.  The top is tunic style and loose fitting . Definitely a comfort piece.  I decided to add some different accessories to it.  This shiny silver piece just a bit of interest to the plain top.  Accessories are really a great way to give an outfit a different look.      Love this multi strand necklace . It suits this knit top, not to delicate but fun and an interesting piece.  

 POP of COLOR Yes it is something we all want need. Keeping warm in the cold winter months.  One of favorite knit top has been my steady Look. The fact it has a large cowl neck collar that I pull up over my face  when it’s windy outside.  It is comfortable and feels cozy . The color is vibrant on those dull dreary days .  A pop of color is nice to see during the winter  season when mostly black seems to be the color of choice.  The Accessories .  I love to add a few accessories also.  Bracelets add a little interest to the look .  The three sterling silver bangles worn over sleeve looks good  , as well as the multi twist bracelet.  Ps  The photo does not show the true color .  It’s a very vibrant blue shade . Looks dull .  After a few retakes no change.  Camera issues.