Un pull, deux tenues

Outfit: Rachel Comey pullover, Acne trousers, A.P.C. boots, Balenciaga day bag, Faliero Sarti scarf
Soundtrack: Françoise Hardy - Tous les garçons et les filles



Outfit: Rachel Comey pullover, Current Elliott jeans, Chloé loafers, Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, Faliero Sarti scarf
Book: A Moveable Feast - Ernest Hemingway

Frankly, I think I would have been a great stylist. I'd wear these outfits right away but the key ingredients  are missing, unfortunately. Simple, effortless and definitely chic. Anyhow, I'd wear these outfits with my Isabel Marant bator coat.

Deux

1) Do you prefer this layout or the previous one, esp when it comes to navigating? Do all the links work now? (Some readers told me that the links were disabled in the previous layout, that's why I had to change the design) If there are any occurring problems, please let me know so I can fix them asap.

2) Statcounter.com only tells me how many visitors and page loads, etc, I get every day. What I really want to know is the age of the visitors? So, dear reader! How old are you?

Thank you in advance!

My style evolution

(via flickr.com/photos/vk-photography)

"I've noticed that you have become more mature/conservative in comparison with your previous blog. What's behind the alteration? Fashion and style is supposed to be fun - don't you miss the exciting aspects of fashion? Comparatively, I also see that you purchase expensive clothes (which is, of course, more rational and eco-friendly than wasting money on poor quality and high street clothing), but I wonder how you can afford Isabel Marant?"

I believe that maturity comes with age. And age comes with time. It is logical that my style and fashion values have evolved ever since the earlier days of Dead Fleurette. I was only 16 when I started this blog, and it's absolutely coherent that people in their mid teens experience modifications in life. Do you anticipate a person to remain the same three years later? Like alterations in history, literature, movies, music and art, they're centered around new currents, reactions to given conventions, new influences, etc. For example, classicism was a reaction against the complexity and turgidity of the baroque era.

For instance, why did the French new wave arise? Because the French film critics rejected the convention embodied by the big studios. As a reaction to the classic French cinema, the new wave directors created radical innovations. La nouvelle vague is a cultural phenomenon as a consequence of economical, political, philosophical, aesthetic and social currents that developed in the 50's during the postwar period. Another example: Stravinsky experimented constantly with different styles and he didn’t become rooted in one particular expression. While starting off as a Late Romantic, he moved to neoclassicism and later on to serialism. He was an outreaching and inquisitive composer and created a radical alternative to this romantic tradition. Russian folk music and folklore, jazz and atonality influenced his music. Earlier composers like Pergolesi, Händel and Bach were also stylistic influences. He even stated that "music is just music".

With these digressions, I’m trying to indicate that the civilization is incessantly in evolution. Like many other teenagers, I've experimented with many different styles because I was younger and constantly attempted to “find myself and my style”. With age, I slowly managed to define my aesthetic and my style philosophy. I travel to Paris very often because my family, friends and relatives live in France. The city has always had an influence on my style, and it still influences me. When I was sixteen, I was utterly inspired by the French teenagers who bought their clothes at a French punk/rock store called Noir Kennedy. I dug into Doc Martens boots, edgy clothes and jeans from April 77, which oddly evolved into an admiration for the skinheads fashion. Six months later, I traveled back to Paris and had a new aesthetic in mind. Fortunately, one of my trips to Paris showed the way to the aesthetic I want to preserve. As you might have noticed, I am quite inspired by French style. I'm inspired by the importance of being well-dressed for every occasion. Inspired by "BCBG" - the French acronym "bon chic bon genre", that my mother taught me when I was a little kid.

My style philosophy is also a reaction to the over-consumption that is pretty common amongst practically every fashion blogger. The way these bloggers portray their shopping habits is ridiculous. Encouraging their readers to participate in consumerism as if the world is in need of even more excessive consumers. Instead, I embrace simplicity. I want to prove myself that I’m absolutely capable of withstanding new clothes all the time. This is such a paradox - I'm obsessed with finding the perfect garments but I loathe the over-consumption. I use simplicity/minimalism as a way to filter out my actual needs and desires. My style philosophy is also a reaction against the need to stand out all the time. On the other hand, I will not dictate how people should dress or shouldn’t. People have different views on what's aesthetically beautiful. I just want to look nice and decent, that's all.

However, who says that my approach to fashion is boring? When did crazy patterns, lots of colors, etc, become equivalent to "fun"? I find it way more adventurous to build the perfect wardrobe, hunt for the perfect garments and do whatever I’m doing style-wise than lacking in style basis. Honestly, I don’t miss the days when I accidentally ended up looking like Mary-Kate Olsen one day, and Faris from The Horrors the other day. I don’t miss my schizophrenic style at all, which was clearly the reason why I experimented in the first place in order to figure out my style.

And how can I afford Isabel Marant? Seems like a big fat mystery to people. Personally, it’s about prioritizing and not go shopping every week. As I'm in a position where I can save my money for the clothes I want, I can easily prioritize. As simple as that.

Trois choses que je veux vous dire

(via thegentlewoman)

1) I need the second issue of The Gentlewoman but I must admit that I reckon the previous cover was better.

(via flickr.com/photos/grepic)

2) I'm going to paint my nails rouge noir, the only nail polish I allow myself to wear. So chic. It would've been my signature look if it wasn't for the fact that I'm a pianist and have to cut my nails all the time.

(via net-a-porter.com)

3) I've purchased a new jacket. So expensive but hopefully worth the expense.

A.P.C. x AESOP

(images via cultureshoq.com)

I discovered this invention months ago but it sank into oblivion and I just rediscovered it. Handwashing clothes is such a hassle. But as much as I hate handwashing, I'm going to give this cleansing product from A.P.C. a try. A.P.C. is one of my favorite brands - I'm such a label freak. And I like the design of the bottle. Simple and neat. Hope it'll make hand wash less boring.

The epitome of la garçonne

(via jak&jil.com)

I've had this photograph on my computer for a very very very long time. This is just pure perfection. When searching for the perfect suit jacket, I have this one in my mind. Semi-waisted blazer that is a tad feminine yet masculine. Women's blazers are usually rather waisted and set off my curves, which I completely detest. As mentioned somewhere on my blog, I am a self proclaimed gamine. Or was.. until very recently as I reached puberty and I'm seemingly developing a somewhat womanly figure......

I wish I could pull off this look as genuine as this French woman does. I suppose the key to approximate this look is a slender and tall figure, and of course that certain je ne sais quoi.

Basic wardrobe essentials pt. 1

(images via net-a-porter.com, theoutnet.com)

* A simple black blazer that has an interesting cut 

* A perfect white shirt

* A simple, understated but beautifully crafted handbag in luxurious leather

* A pair of black leather flats

Granted, I don't own any of these essentials but I will someday in the future. The French ballet shoes brand Repetto carries the best and most classic flats, but I haven't found the pair that meets my demands:

1. The flats must cover my toes, completely
2. More than 1/2" heel
3. Flats that aren't too flat (need thick soles)

Playlist: September'10

(via jak&jil.com)

Oops, I forgot to post the playlist for September. Better late than never. Tracks by Serge Gainsbourg, Portishead, Beach House, Wax Tailor, etc.. I'll update the playlist every day till the end of the month.

PLAYLIST: DEADFLEURETTE SEPTEMBER'10

Beautiful impulse purchase

(images via acnestudios.com + personal)

If you're an avid reader of this blog, you may have grasped that I'm not an avid shopper at all. I haven't purchased anything in a very very very very long time. But today I made my first fall purchase: I found the most immaculate silk shirt from Acne that I bought on impulse. It's asymmetrical and just pure perfection. Most long shirts make me look terribly stumpy. Happily, the asymmetric length of this shirt harmonizes flawlessly with my proportions. No cleavage but yet incredibly sexy. An easy piece I can throw on whenever I'm going out or want to dress up a bit. I'll be wearing it tonight with a pair of black skinny jeans and suede ankle boots. So happy to add another perfect piece to my soon-to-be-perfect wardrobe.

I'm sure I will not regret even though I purchased the shirt on impulse.

Inspiration du jour: Isabel Marant S/S 2008

(images via tfs)

Occasionally, I look at old Isabel Marant campaigns and collections because they remind me of the reason I fell in love with Isabel Marant in the first place. I really really really do miss the old Isabel Marant. The hype did not only increase the price tags on her clothes, it also made her mainline collections somewhat horrible and tacky. Apparently, the hype affected her personality too, as I find her comments in recent interviews quite ridiculous and pretentious. Let's hope that said quotes were taken completely out of context. I hope the hype will settle down soon to ensure that she returns to what she used to be good at - creating effortless chic clothes with substance.

Acknowledgement

(via jak&jil.com)

Lately I've gotten some e-mails and comments from readers asking how I can afford designer clothing considering that I'm a student and not in the least wealthy. I don't really like talking about my economy but since you asked so kindly, I'll give it a shot.

To be frank, I've never had a proper job as in I haven’t been hired by an employer. When I was fifteen-years old, I was quite fortunate and got the opportunity to tutor two children piano. I earned far from 100 bucks a month. Until I turned seventeen, I realized that my closet was packed with useless, low-quality rubbish, which I obtained on sale at H&M. Additionally; I was utterly determined to stop drooling over luxury items. Rather, I wanted to get hold of those items. Such a puzzle! How can someone like me afford luxury, which is simply out of my league? Evidently it didn't take me long time to figure out how to be able to afford high-quality clothes, particularly because I experienced this nightmare:

I remember the four weeks I spent in Paris a couple of summers ago. I managed to save the money I got from tutoring, roughly 800 euros, which took me almost a year to save up. At that point, I didn’t care much about quality and prioritized quantity. Accordingly, I spent half of my savings on cheap, secondhand or poor quality clothing that I didn't try on before buying, because they were so cheap. I was a maniac and impulsive shopper, and my days were spent in thrift stores merely to find steals. My over-consumption resulted in two enormous suitcases bulging with clothes that had a funky smell. Most of the clothes did not even fit me. That said, I spent 3 euros here and 3 euros there, which eventually turned out to be the same price as a pair of high-quality designer boots. The worst part of this summer was the surprise trip to London after I came home from Paris. To my surprise, I didn’t spend every penny in Paris, so I could continue the futile shopping in London. I spent the rest of my savings on clothing from Primark. Period.

That's how my new era started. With my savings, I could have afforded a designer bag or a delightful pair of quality shoes. Instead, I wasted my entire savings on... yes, clothes that I ended up donating to charity shops after I’d thrown 800 euros out of the window. One year later, I obtained my very first designer item in London: A Balenciaga city bag. My first designer purchase was a result of saving my monthly earnings, avoiding the shops, and overhauling my closet. I resold practically everything in my closet, which resulted in money for the bag I had been dreaming of ever since I was fourteen.

Nevertheless, it's all about prioritization. Most people have this idea that buying heaps of cheap high-street clothes is way more economical than purchasing a luxury item that is made of the best quality material. Through trial and fail, I acknowledge that it is attainable for even a young student to wear designer clothing if she prioritizes it. I swear I’ll never ever go back to being that kind of consumer I used to be.

On the other hand, I'm not fifteen anymore. I just turned nineteen and I feel wiser, already. It wasn't before last year that a lot of parents wanted me to tutor their kids. To answer your question: That's how I afford designer clothing combined with prioritizing – not that I own a great amount of designer pieces. I rarely ever walk into high street stores – and if I do, I am completely capable of resisting buying rubbish. In fact, I've developed a fastidiously picky behavior, so I don't really need to worry if I visit a store.

*****

So, the very first step to afford designer clothing is to stop purchasing clothes every week. Every time you're about to purchase something because of your shopping habits or because it's cheap, on sale, or you think you'll save a great deal of money, etc – put the money in a box and see how much money you manage to gather in the end of the month. Voilà, perhaps you've gathered enough money for a designer item you've coveted for months.

You can read wikihow's guide to "how to afford designer clothing" which pretty much recapitulates all the necessary information. 

Underrated

(images via tfs, jak&jil, jules-winnfield)

1) Good lingerie
2) The watch
3) Eyebrows

Jacquelyn Jablonski = the epitome of perfect eyebrows.

I was neither blessed with amazingly thick oriental hair nor long European legs. But I try not to complain as there are people out there who weren't blessed with dark, huge eyebrows. Eyebrows are such an underrated feature. At least I'm utterly happy with mine.

Almost twenty

(images via theepitomeofquiet, jak&jil)

It's my birthday and I turn 19 today. I know I shouldn't ask for birthday gifts, but I cannot justify spending $5000 on the most immaculate bags from Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton. If I had this bag and/or this clutch, I would never need another. So, if each of you would like to give a $5 donation to me as a birthday gift, I'd afford these bags right away. Merci beaucoup!

However, I'll survive as a birthday cake and a bottle of Chablis is waiting for me!

My wardrobe: Tops

From left: Isabel Marant shirt, Isabel Marant knit, American Apparel cardigan, American Apparel sweatshirt, my grandmother's silk shirt, COS t-shirt, breton top from a thrift store in Paris, Vanessa Bruno wool sweater, American Apparel sweatshirt, my grandmother's shirt, Zara shirt, COS sheer t-shirt and Zara shirt.

I love my color palette.

Answers pt. 2

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Q: Are there any particular books/films that you find inspiring in the sense of fashion [or other ways]?
A: Movies by Sofia Coppola and Jean-Luc Godard, such as A bout de souffle (Breathless), Une femme est une femme, Vivre Sa Vie, etc. And Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Q: What would your perfect day look like?
A: Any day in my actual hometown, Paris, would be perfect.

Q: What are your favorite movie makers? 
A: So many... Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Sofia Coppola, Christophe Honoré, Pedro Almodovar, Wes Anderson, Noah Baumback, Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino, Michelangelo Antonioni, Luis Buñuel, David Lynch, Claude Chabrol, Jim Jarmusch, Alfred Hitchcock +++

Q: Is there one fashion trend you hope to never have to see back in style?
A: I loathe everything that Erin Wasson and her copycats wear. UGGH! And clogs.

Q: One fashion choice/outfit/trend you wish you had never worn?
A: Uggh... SO many. Any outfit that consisted of acid washed jeans (or any 80's/hipster elements), studs, semi-studded leather jacket, or ripped tights à la Alexander Wang. What the heck was I thinking? (I was young and stupid!)

(via whisty.wordpress.com)

Q: If you could have a meal with one person [dead or alive] who would you choose?
A: Hmmm... this one is tricky. There are so many persons I'd love to have a meal with. But perhaps Serge Gainsbourg?

Q: Define yourself
A: An uncompromising perfectionist just like Michel Poiccard (but he's anything but a perfectionist).

Q: How many Languages can you speak?
A: Norwegian, Vietnamese, English and poor french.

Q: What instruments do you play?
A: I play the piano and the accordion

Q: What's your favorite composer?
A: OH.. so many. Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Dvorak, Prokofiev, Debussy, Haydn, Grieg  - just to mention a few.

Q: What's your nationality? 
A: Uhhm... I don't know. My passport says I'm Norwegian, but I look Vietnamese but as my mom, who's French-Vietnamese, I feel comme une Parisienne.

Q: What are you favorite dishes? 
A: Phở, sushi and bún thịt nướng I guess.

Q: What are your favorite movies? pt. 1

The Dreamers (Bernardo Bertolucci, 2003)


J'ai Tué Ma Mère (Xavier Dolan, 2009)

Blow Up (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1966)


The Virgin Suicides (Sofia Coppola, 1999)


Freaks (Tod Browning, 1932)


Pierrot Le Fou (Jean-Luc Godard, 1965)


(images via nostalgia party 2)

Almost black

Zara jacket - COS t-shirt - Longines watch - Ksubi jeans - Zara bottines - Balenciaga bag

I don't wear this jacket as often as I should, because of the silver details. I don't wear silver, simply because gold looks better with my skin tone and silver jewerly looks so Erin Wasson or something.. I cannot wear my gold watch or gold anker necklace when I wear this jacket. So, sometimes I want to sell this jacket because it doesn't harmonize with the rest of my wardrobe and jewelry collection.

I paired this jacket with my mom's old white gold Longines watch that the watchmaker reversed into a necklace. My question is; Why did my mom turn a luxury watch into a necklace?

Answers pt. 1

Q: What would you change about your favorite magazine and why?
A: I really love the interviewees in The Gentlewoman and I'd love to read articles à la "Une fille un style" about the women featured in the magazine, or at least have a peek into their wardrobes.

Q: What's underneath your bed?
A: Two large boxes where I store clothes that I try to sell/donate + some bags and purses. Nice place to hide clothes out of sight and out of mind.

Q: What's your favorite love song?
A: I don't think I have one...? Haven't been in love in ages, but "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros makes me feel in love, even though I'm not in love.. you know, the feeling.

Q: How tall are you?
A: As tall as my biggest girl crush: Clémence Poésy! How do I know this? Because I met her in the cramped corridor at Le Progrès in Paris, and because we were standing next to each other I got the chance to compare my height with her. That is 5'4"/163 cm.

Q: What do you do in daily life?
A: I go to school, I work as a piano teacher/tutor (been doing this since I was 15 years old), I play, practice and rehearse my musical instruments, I take music lessons at the Norwegian Academy of Music, I blog, I see a shrink, I watch a lot of old movies and skype with my friends who study in other cities.

(via megadesignjob.com)

Q: What does your appartment look like? As Parisian chic as you?
A: Haha, no.. I still live at home with my parents and sisters and my room has basically remained the same for perhaps 10 years or something. Though, I painted my walls white last year and I've de-cluttered a lot. My goal is a room that contains a bed, a closet, a book shelf and a simple table. No clutter, just plain simplicity. The "simplifying my life"-project includes removing distractions from the walls, furnitures, etc.. However, my father is an architect and he'll design me an eco-friendly and minimalistic house in the future. I find minimalism absolutely intriguing. By the way, French shabby chic is so not my style.. what can I say? It's too shabby for my taste...

(via literaturesoft.com)

Q: What's your dreamjob?
A: Filmmaker, scriptwriter, professor of medicine, medical scientist, attending physician and anesthesiologist. But I wouldn't mind getting paid for being a dreamer.

Q: What are you studying?
A: Music, and I prepare for medical studies (even though it will take years before I'm ready and qualified...)

Moodboard: Masculin/féminin

(images via tfs, turnedout)

There is nothing sexier than a woman dressed in a man's clothes. I've always been inspired by menswear. Whenever I dress up, I automatically make sure that each outfit has a masculine touch. I don't feel comfortable wearing anything completely feminine.

* A rule I invented as a teenager: Never wear fitted tops that show off the figure. Je n'aime pas!

Books

(via leschroniquesdeblake.blogspot.com)

Q:  Do you read? If so, what is your favourite book?
A: Oui, of course I read! My favorite books are:

Lolita (Vladimir Nabokov)

The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)

Franny and Zooey (J.D. Salinger)

The Other Hand (Chris Cleave)

Post Office (Charles Bukowski)

Les Enfants Terribles (Jean Cocteau)

Q: A book you're currently reading?
A: Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan

Q&A

(via hollyroller.tumblr.com)

Lately, I've been feeling so uninspired. In addition, I'm definitely running out of topics to write about, so I guess it's time for Q&A. Ask me something I can blog about, for instance "What's your view on.. blahblah", or whatever you'd like me to write about. Inspire me!! (Creativity is highly encouraged!)