New capsule wardrobe pieces - Ines de la Fressange collection

What I was most looking forward to on our recent trip to Paris, was to visit Uniqlo, a Japanese fashion retailer. The reason for the excitement was to see the result of their close collaboration with Ines de la Fressange, the recently launched Ines de la Fressange collection.

I still remember her from the eighties, when she was a supermodel (well before the supermodels of the nineties arrived!), and muse of Karl Lagerfeld. It was only through her 'La Parisienne' book that I became aware of her activities in recent years. Age 56, she is more amazing than ever, and apart from being the epitome of french chic and style (she is always dressed with timeless and casual elegance) it is her sparkling, charming and unpretentious personality that I find so compelling.

Her collection consists of beautiful basics in great neutrals. Navy, beige, ecru, white and black dominate, but there are also stripes and floral prints, and a few splashes of warm red.

the accessory line consists of hats, and linen and silk scarves

Below the trousers and tops I bought. The wide-leg chino trousers are my absolute favorite (top left and right), the fit is fabulous and comfortable (they come in a straight leg version too).  The sizing of all items is generous, I went down one to two sizes from my normal size.

From left to right: Light crew neck long sleeve cardigan in black (col 09), Chino wide leg trousers in navy (col 69) and beige (Col 32), slim fit straight Jeans in navy (col 69) and light tank tunic in black (col 09). All trousers 29.90 EUR, cardigan 29.90 EUR and tank tunic 19.90 EUR.

cardigan detail

More on Ines de la Fressange:

'La Parisienne' ~ available through amazon.fr
The book is like her, a breeze of fresh air. With outspoken charm, she guides her readers through fashion do's and don't's (with extra tips for those of us who are 50+), and offers advice on many different aspects of a Parisian woman's chic and stylish life, including tips on where to eat and shop. Many of these places are in the Rive Gauche quarters, and it was so nice to see that some of them are my favorite spots as well (I still remember the first time I had coffee at the Café de Flore 30 years ago). Others I have not heard of before, or they weren't on my radar. I am so happy to have discovered wonderful things through her... most of all, my love for Roger Vivier shoes!

English version (Parisian Chic): available through amazon.com

'Le petit carnets d'Ines'
These are short and whimsical films, where she takes her viewers along to her favorite shops, places and occasional cafés or restaurants. Most of them are less known, and some I've never heard of, which is part of why these films are so much fun to watch. She talks to her audience as if she is with friends... in a conspirational way and a warm deep voice, all coupled with a great sense of humour. It is impossible not to adore her!
The films can be found on Roger Vivier's website (she is involved in many different aspects of the company and brand):
French version: Le petits carnets d'Ines
English version: Ines' little diaries

Her collaboration with Uniqlo: click here to see the video

Re-launch of her own brand: www.inesdelafressange.fr

Capsule wardrobe pieces:  black jersey shirt and Chino wide leg trousers in navy (col 69)

Shoes: canvas sneakers (Superga)

Accessories: Hermès 'La femme aux Semelles deVent' 90 Carré and 'Chaîne d'ancre' printed enamel bracelet

Scarf tying method: basic bias fold

A variation with orange and red

Capsule wardrobe pieces: ecru tank top, charcoal cardigan and Chino wide leg trousers in navy (col 69)

Shoes: canvas sneakers (Superga)

Accessories: Hermès 'Tour des clés' 70 Carré, 'Chaîne d'ancre' printed enamel bracelet and Picotin in sanguine

Scarf tying method: Asymmetrical wrap

Merci, Ines!