French Girl's Wardrobe...

'French girl's wardrobe...' fine art photograph by Lesleysisco

"Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style." - John Fairchild

As my Paris trip draws nearer, I've been slowly but surely updating my travel wardrobe essentials. I always like to add a few new pieces. After all, Paris is the fashion capital of the world - and a Fantabulous-Forty-Something-SistahDiva's gotta represent! I've recently found two pieces that are so DIVA, I wouldn't feel right if I didn't share the love...

The Cherish Pant, $80 - by Sandmaiden Sleepwear

I've been looking for pants like these for quite awhile. Several years ago, while watching an episode of my beloved Hercule Poirot, Dumb Witness, I found them! One of the main characters was wearing these pants. They were so Daisy Buchannan (The Great Gatsby) - all 1920s Divatude. Well, I've been looking for them ever since, but, no joy (groan). One night I decided to search Etsy.com where I quickly discovered Amanda's Sleepmaiden - et voila!

 

"a long palazzo style pant

with a fold over stretch jersey waistband."

Amanda Boyd's talented fingers and imagination create these fabulous pants. The pattern and cutting are done by her hand(s) and she sews each piece - all in her Seattle basement workshop. The linen she uses for the original design is quite sheer but, upon my request, she found a few yards of a heavy weight pale cream colored linen and made my pair with it. Because Amanda painstakingly makes each piece by hand, there's a 2 week minimum turn-around - but, believe me girls, it's so worth the wait! They're as comfortable as wearing a pair of sweatpants, but oh-so stylish and effortlessly chic. Now if I can only convince her to make me a few more pairs in other colors and with heavy linen...

'The Willow Cardigan,' $95, from Lindell Place

Candice Gaudette's fabulous Etsy-shop is only 5 months old, but her hand-knit wares are so amazing I predict a wonderful future for Lindell Place. My Willow Cardigan could easily take it's place among similar, but uber-high-priced, couture pieces. My Willow Cardigan is beautifully made and is soft, cozy and warm. It's a one of a kind piece but, if you ask, maybe she'll make one just for you. Ask and tell her I sent you...

I'm still selecting what pieces to bring and what pieces to add - ahhh I love the hunt! Ladies, do you have any suggestions of where I should look? What I should get?

And while I'm casting a wide net, I find myself returning to Etsy.com. There's something Paris-Diva-Decadent about having/wearing beautiful, high quality, comfortable and affordable pieces that are handmade. I'll keep you updated...

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple

Wearing my Sleepmaiden palazzos and loving 'em!