Musette's Global Style File, 2nd Edition

Musette takes you around the world, spotlighting the countries that have style down pat. Native or not, never be afraid to show a little national pride for your favorite fashion destination.

"Fox From France"
Journey to Paris by way of your wardrobe, honouring everything you love about this fine fashion capital. By favouring all things striped, chic, and Chanel you will be one step closer to walking the boulevard St. Germain, pain au chocolat in hand. Seek guidance from both Birkin girls, Charlotte & Lou, and you will be mistaken for French in no time flat.

Winning Example : Lou Doillon

Get The Look!

Clockwise from left: T-shirt and sweater from A.P.C., McQ sailor pants, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel crochet hat, pleated pants by Marc Jacobs, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel top, lace up booties by Marc Jacobs, Chanel sunglasses and bag, mary janes from A.P.C.


"What A (Russian) Doll!"
Fur is not to be feared, and luxury never denied when transforming into a true Russian Tsarina. Take a cue from the First Lady of Fashion, Natalia Vodianova, by choosing statement-making items that are sure to get you noticed. Grab a shot of vodka and a lavish stole to fully embrace this very lovely look.

Winning Example : Natalia Vodianova


Get The Look!

Clockwise from left: Chloe floral print tights, jewel headband by Miu Miu, Moschino ruffle dress, coat by Stella McCartney, fur coat by Lanvin, lace stockings from Trashy Divas, Miu Miu miniskirt, Vivienne Westwood ankle boots, platforms by Marni.

Musette Remembers Paul Newman

1925-2008
Musette mourns the loss of a golden Hollywood great. Paul Newman wasn't only an Oscar winning actor, he was a philanthropist, pro race car driver, husband of 50 years to actress to Joanne Woodward, father & grandfather. With a legacy of unforgettable roles such as Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy behind him, Newman also earned $250 million for countless world charities. Musette will always remember this humble heart breaker for his charm, skill and integrity. Paul Newman is an inspiration - his life was one that was truly well lived.

Musette's Dark Night

The spring collections prove that darkness still surrounds us, and Gothicism has never looked so good. Turn to unlikely muses such as Wednesday Addams and the cast of The Craft to confront your inner demons.

Zac Posen's black was voluminous, dramatic and daring.

The Prada girls were the ultimate dark angels.

Sleek, dark forms dominated Jil Sander's runway.

Musette Invites You

What: Opening Night of Studio 54.
When: Tuesday, April 26th, 1977.
Where: 254 West 54th Street, Manhattan.
Dress Code: Halston, preferably.

She's IN the Band

Forget about groupies, cocky lead men, and manufactured pop stars - Musette instead spotlights four unique songbirds that take their skill and style to the stage.

ALISON MOSSHART!!!
She is the Kills' front(wo)man, with a killer voice and wild wardrobe to match. This fully fledged rock star works the crowd in ripped jeans, shiny shoes and unkempt hair. Alison M. is hands down our favourite grungy/glam goddess.

DUFFY!!!
She came bursting onto the scene like a bright ray of sunshine. This blonde beauty from Wales has a voice like Dolly Parton, the looks of Marilyn Monroe, and a style that is very much her own. At 25 Duffy has climbed the charts with her debut album Rockferry, a collection of songs that she has written herself.

ZOOEY DESCHANEL!!!
We knew she could act, but now we know she can sing. With her trademark husky voice and all around eccentricity, Zooey Deschanel is very hard to resist. She can be seen performing her debut album, Volume One, in ladylike dresses and immaculate hairdos, contrastingly breaking all the rules on stage.

FEIST!!!
While contributing to Broken Social Scene, Leslie Feist dropped her first name and went solo on the side. With a voice as smooth as they come, and a style that gives Patti Smith a folk-like softness, we can't help but love everything about this this creative cutie.

Musette Look of the Week

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld at the New Yorkers for Children Fall GalaWith Carine Roitfeld as Mum and Tom Ford as chum, it would be hard for Julia Restoin-Roitfeld to run into any major fashion faux pas'. However this little beauty manages to maintain independence and control come party time. At the annual New Yorkers for Children benefit, JRR was the coolest kid on the red carpet by far, nonchalantly wearing a lace skirt, tailored blazer, and a pair of black opaques. Julia opted for a fresh kind of elegance for an event that was dominated by gowns and classic cocktail dresses. At what is one of the social set's most anticipated nights, Miss J. stole the spotlight, proving that a Bright Young Thing always gets it right.
Let youthfulness rule this weekend,
Love, Musette x

Musette Honours Album Covers

Closing Time, 1973
Before the effects of ten thousand cigarettes and a conscious desicion to sound just like Louis Armstrong, Tom Waits showed us a softer side with Closing Time. Just as its title indicates, this album's cover sleeve shows a lonely Tom tinkering on a piano in an empty bar. With one light on at this late night spot, our lonesome tomcat looks set to perform any one of our favourites from Ol' 55 to Martha. The scene set here perfectly prepares any Closing Time listener for what they are lucky enough to have in store.

Musette Hears It For The Boys!

In a sometimes scary realm dominated by three quarter pants, man sandals and Ed Hardy, a guy who really knows how to dress is certainly a sight for these sore eyes. It isn't about following the latest trends or breaking the bank, instead it is that unique approach to style, and the confidence to pull it off that really makes for fine fashion.

Musette salutes the boys who get it right, by doing it differently.

1.) Kanye West : Dapper Rapper
While his musical cohorts were donning all things ice and the occasional Avirex, Kanye West chose argyle and tweed. Stylishly separating himself from a genre ruled by all things bling, Kanye has carved himself out a well deserved reputation in high fashion. This guy loves Lanvin and Comme des Garcons, and come fashion week can always be spotted in the most sought after seats.

2.) Jamie Hince : Showing Kate Moss Who's Boss
Jamie Hince knows cool clothes - and since he has last been seen swanning around town with Kate Moss, this is a pretty sturdy compliment. With an eye for trenches and shrunken suits, this Kills front man is consistently dashing if not a little disheveled. His style is rock & roll/gentleman, one size too small, and because of this Jamie happens to have our heart.

3.) Stefano Pilati : Giving Them Hell By Way Of YSL
Stefano Pilati has elegance down to a fine art. Having the entire YSL menswear range at his fingertips may give him an advantage, but this debonair designer undoubtedly knows how to step it up. While putting thought and emphasis into every one of his garments, whether they are going on himself or the racks, Pilati has the ability to fuse sophistication with edginess in a rather brilliant way.

4.) Olivier Zahm : King of Cool Keeps It Old School He is the man about town. When Olivier Zahm isn't out drinking with Terry Richardson and Benjamin Cho, he is throwing parties for Natalia Vodianova and Chloe Sevigny. As leader of all the cool kids, and editor of Purple magazine, Zahm has a slick style to assert such a status. Olivier looks to the original cool dudes such as Jack Nicholson circa 1970's for style inspiration, and is rarely seen out of a cropped leather jacket, low slung jeans, and a pair of aviators.

Musette's How To: Love The Earth, Tip 3

Go Green Go : An Earth-Friendly Line From Lim
Phillip Lim gives all of us fashion-forward, tree-huggers something to get excited about. Go Green Go offers Lim's most loved 3.1 garments, reproduced in an entirely eco-friendly fashion. This unique, chemical free collection brings us cropped jackets, a range of dresses, and an elegant assortment of blouses and trousers. Every piece of clothing has been made from organic fibers and created in the most ethical of environments. If you think the items from Go Green Go look great, just wait until you feel them.

Musette's Girl of the Week

Irina Lazareanu Makes A (Fashion) Week of It!


Irina Lazareanu and her bohemian super-style were out in full force this week in New York. Our catwalking maverick kissed binding party frocks goodbye, choosing flats and flow for her late night reveling. When it wasn't floor length Missoni, (which matched perfectly with her colouring) it was a dress that billowed out beautifully behind her - as if she wasn't conspicuous enough! In two show stopping get-ups sure to leave ex Pete Doherty in a state of complete (baby)shambles, Irina proved that sometimes models make their most magnificent mark off the runway.

Don't Worry Abbey Lee! Hugs from Musette

Dear Abbey Lee,
Heard about your ghastly tumble at the Rodarte show. Derek Blasberg couldn't help but spread the word all over style.com, what a gossip he is! The platforms those Mulleavy sisters put you in were positively sky high - they did look fab, but not at the cost of your poor wee ankles! Keep that cute chin of yours up, dry your eyes, and remember the legendary fall of Naomi Cambell. It's not like her career suffered as a result. A roll around on the runway is practically a coming of age ceremony for any young model. Let me remind you of Jessica Stam's malfunction back at the Chloe show. And just look at her now, is there a campaign she can't score? Watch the footage, it may offer some comfort during this rather tough time.
Keep smiling Abbey Lee,
We love you, Musette x

Musette Says: Sweet Dreams

A viewing of Marie Antoinette will leave you dreaming of luxurious sleeping quarters and the fitting attire. As the Dauphin's wife, Kirsten Dunst had a lavish bed and an array of lovely nightgowns. She also had a horde of women to dress her come morning time. This arrangement may be unattainable for us commoners, but we can still strive to create a perfectly peaceful sleep setup. For guaranteed sweet dreams, purchase an %100 cotton nightgown, sleep in between clean sheets, and before the clock strikes midnight fix yourself a cup of soothing chamomile tea or warm milk. Your body and your mind will thank you.
Bonne Nuit, Musette x

Musette's Fashion Week Fun, Installment Two

'White Light/White Neat'

This week, designers prove that sometimes modesty is the best policy, with an assortment of demure and delicate looks. The materials are light, and the colour is white - our models are looking very virginal and pure as a result.

It was the best kind of spring fling at the Daughters by Obedient Sons show. Tailored pants and cropped jackets gave us Cape Cod cuteness with a bit of an edge. The collection's hats and sundresses came with a youthfulness that will be hard to top.

Thakoon left much up to the imagination in the form of floor length frocks and roomy tops. His Grecian-like garments and pretty floral prints are just about as ladylike as they come.

United Bamboo showcased an irresistible range of rompers, swing jackets, and shorts. While keeping it clean with natural tones and shapes, their exaggerated seersucker print left us dreaming of croquet matches and sundowners.

The boys at Proenza Schouler presented a shy sort of siren with a line that included structured trench coats, white gloves, and loose trousers. Mesh shirts were fastened right up, and flowing blouses revealed just a touch of skin - ideal looks for the sophisticated tease.

Musette's Fashion Week Fun, Installment One.

Musette follows all that is hip & happening at New York Fashion Week.

'Oh Boy!'

The blazers come boxy and the shirts, buttoned up. A boyish charm is in the air and we are soaking it up. Think prep school meets country club, boy meets girl, 90's meets now.

Karen Walker's cropped khakis prove to be the must-have pant of the season, and they can't get any cuter when paired with a smart shirt and a crisp coat.

Kirsten Dunst did a stellar job of modeling the Boy by Band of Outsiders' Spring collection. The result was old school office chic - reminiscent of a time when mobile phones came with battery packs, and shoulder pads were essential.

Rag & Bone infused a little rockabilly to their range, hitting us with the odd set of suspenders and collared shirts done up to the neck. Here, tweed is terrific, and comfort is not sacrificed in the name of a matching suit.

Alexander Wang injected some bright bursts of colour to this Spring season. His fun, cool, and effortless looks left us with the realisation that you can hit up the beach club straight after work.

*Stay tuned for more, more, more on this very special sort of week!

Musette Look of the Week

Lauren Hutton at the Interview Magazine Launch Party, New York
With American Vogue's annual Age Issue currently on newsstands around the world, Lauren Hutton provides one perfect example that fashion can only get more fabulous with time. Thursday night's Interview party was swarming with supermodels, socialites and perky young actresses, but Hutton managed to make their young looks pale in comparison to her timeless, classic chic. In a full equestrian get-up, trademark curls, and a cheeky camera in hand, this rare beauty undeniably stole the show in an understated and unique manner. A girl half Hutton's age would struggle to pull off such a look, but when you have a legacy of sterling style behind you, fashion can proudly know no limits.
x Much Love, Musette.

Musette's Global Style File, 1st Edition

Musette takes you around the world, spotlighting the countries that have style down pat. Native or not, never be afraid to show a little national pride for your favorite fashion destination.

British Beauty
Refinement is the key to mastering the art of British sophistication. Rug up in wonderful woollies and riding boots while being sure to add your own personal touch. Borrow looks from the likes of Twiggy, Karen Elson and Kate, and your wardrobe will have you feeling like fashion royalty in no time.

Winning Example: Kate Moss

Get The Look!

Clockwise from Left: Burberry trench, collared sweater by Paul Smith, J Brand jeans, Chloe patchwork sweater, boots by Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan bag, jeans by Chloe, and French sole ballet flats.

'She was an American Girl'
Clean-cut is cool and preppy is perfect when channeling an all-American girl. Look to American Sweethearts such as Claire Danes and Kate Bosworth for inspiration while throwing in a little Blair Waldorf for good measure. Turn yourself out like a trip to the Hamptons is merely a Jitney ride away, in classic and quality staples.

Winning Example: Kate Bosworth

Get The Look!

Clockwise from Left: Alberta Ferretti sandals, antique strand of pearls, shirt by James Perse, Melissa Odabash one piece swimsuit, tennis dress by Miu Miu, Vanessa Bruno dress, Christian Louboutin espadrilles, and shorts by Diane von Furstenberg.

Aussie Gold
With Australian fashion finally being recognized on a world scale, now is the prime time to embrace it. Keep the grunge level high, the shorts short, and most importantly have fun with your clothing choices. Rock out in leathers and party in the youthful looks that leave us all yearning for an Australian summer.

Winning Example: Erin Wasson (Ksubi Muse & Honorary Australian)
Get The Look!

Clockwise from left: Helmut Lang leather jacket, Ksubi sunglasses, Lover kaftan dress, fringe mini dress from mytheresa.com, peace pendant from Girl Props, James Perse t-shirt, jean shorts by Ksubi, Marc by Marc Jacobs butterfly shoes, Bottega Veneta clutch, gladiator sandals by Azzedine Alaia.

Musette Most Wanted: To Sir With Love

If cashmere is what you're after, To Sir With Love is undoubtedly the finest way to go. This luxury line offers a range of beautiful basics, featuring anything from chunky cardigans, to ultra-thin tank tops, light enough for the summer months. Versatile, classic and oh so super soft, To Sir With Love is cashmere at it's coolest. Shop at To Sir's new online store set to open this month for comfort of the very highest quality.
www.tosirwithloveonline.com

Musette's Tea for Two & Two for Tea

Using the classic jazz tune Tea for Two as inspiration, Musette brings you 4 tea party essentials.

1.) A Feminine Frock
Whether you are attending high tea at an old hotel, or off to an intimate party held at a friend's, dressing up is the only way to go. Look the part in a crisp, 50's inspired dress. Derek Lam knows how to (tea) party, above.

2.) Macaroons
Relive Marie Antoinette by indulging in a colourful selection of macaroons. For the best of the best go to Laduree in Paris where the film's very own were sourced. Serve the biscuits with cupcakes and delicate cucumber sandwiches for a delightful range of goodies.

3.) The Perfect PotWhen it comes to the serving of the tea, new will just not do. Enjoy your cuppa from an antique pot, like the gorgeously girly Royal Doulton one pictured above. A range of pre-loved, mismatched cups and saucers are the ideal accompaniment.

4.)The Floral ArrangementNo tea party would be complete without a vase of fresh flowers. Placed upon a pressed tablecloth, the tea party will be off to the start it deserves. A carefree arrangement of wild flowers achieve an understated elegance.

Finally, hum the romantic melody of Tea for Two and know you are exactly where you need to be.

Picture you upon my knee, just tea for two and two for tea,
Just me for you and you for me, alone!
Nobody near us, to see us or hear us,
No friends or relations on weekend vacations,
We won't have it known, dear, that we have a telephone, dear.
Day will break and you'll awake and start to bake
A sugar cake for me to take for all the boys to see.
We will raise a family, a boy for you, a girl for me,
Oh, can't you see how happy life would be?

Here's to you,
Musette x