Sunday, February 15, 2015

Capsule wardrobe additions

When in Paris a couple of weeks ago, the sales were still in full swing. I am not often lucky at sales, either the sizes are all gone, or the items are not quite right. I only went to two places, Gerard Darel and Georges Rech, and wonderfully enough, found great additions to my wardrobe in both (some of the items are still on sale online). The black basics fill a gap in my capsule pieces, but they are also versatile enough to go beyond winter wear, and will be great for cooler spring and early summer days. And then I found something at Hermès too..


My first purchase was a long black cardigan by Gerard Darel. It is casual and cosy, and has a similar cut and feel to the bordeaux cardie I bought last autumn, only that the knit is heavier. I wanted to be able to wrap it around me like a cocoon, so I chose it in one size bigger than my usual (here online)


For the moment, I'm teaming the cardie with black sweaters, jeans, dresses and boots. Once the days get longer, it will double as a light spring coat, and get mixed with lighter and brighter colors

left winter, right spring/summer

This linen sweater in burnt orange was love at first sight, and the only non-sale item in my shopping basket. The color is fabulous, and wonderfully versatile.. it works great with grey, blue, cream, white, black, khaki, yellow... the possibilities are endless, a real coup de coeur! (here online)


Love the embroidered lace collar of this Merino wool sleeveless top (here online). It gives an instant dressy touch to a little black cardie or jacket, and works all year round.


This beautiful oatmeal cashmere sweater was another happy sale item (here online). Worn with muted colors it is great for the remainder of winter, and mixed with with creams and whites it will be perfect for spring and cooler early summer days.
 

Spring version with 'Aux Pays des Epices' in a reversed basic bias fold

 


My next stop was at Georges Rech/Apostroph. I already have a lighter fabric version of this bi-material coat in dark blue (worn here and here), which I absolutely love. I've been wanting to add a black version in a slightly thicker material for some time, and felt very lucky when I saw it on sale with 50% off the price tag. (it is still available online in the lighter material, in blue, black and beige) 


And finally the orange box!


It is a small box, holding a small bag.


I am so happy and excited about my first Picotin in the PM (18) size! It is incredibly cute, and will be wonderful for the summer. Bleu Sapphire is a deep and dark blue, and easy to wear.. perfect to go with jeans.

 


45 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 12:23 AM

    You are such a savvy shopper, I too am trying to make things work across all seasons, I think that the most stylish people are the ones who don't buy masses but make their clothes work for them in different ways by teasing out their full potential.
    The new bag is very very lovely indeed.

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    1. MaiTaiFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:31 AM

      Thanks so much for the kind comment, dear Badinage. I agree that less is more, and it makes mixing and matching more fun too! So happy you like the new bag, she really is a cutie <3

      Delete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 1:31 AM

    What wonderful finds and on sale, too - lucky duck. Of course, I love everything you chose, especially that wonderful Georges Rech coat. Sadly, I don't think old Georges ships to the US. Neither does Gerard, apparently. I found a wonderful jacket (and on sale) that I wanted to order, but no luck and my loss. But, I am very happy that you found such elegant bargains.

    Baby Bleu is too precious and what an adorable bag for summer evenings out. I think Sapphire is one of the most stunning and versatile blues H. has produced. Again, lucky ducky!

    Congratulations on rolling out the inserts for the baby Picotin and the 31 Bolide. Wouldn't you know it. My Bolide is a 37. (Any chance that an insert for the larger Bolide might appear on the horizon soon?)

    While I don't have a huge wardrobe of scarf rings . . . yet, I'm very tempted to order the pochette to store the ones I have, and I think it would make a lovely little traveling jewelry case, as well. Yep, I just talked myself into it! Hopping over to order it right now before they're gone!

    A wonderful upcoming week to you and the salon swans. We have the distinct possibility of an ice storm here in Atlanta tomorrow into Tuesday. Misery . . .
    Love to all,
    Jerrine

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    1. MaiTaiFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:21 AM

      Thank you for the lovely welcome to all the new additions, my dearest Jerrine! Stay warm and cosy, or better still, escape the ice storm and hop onto the next plane to France! You can bring your 37 Bolide too, and I'll work on an insert on the spot. Biggest hugs and happy quacks from the lucky ducky to the swan in chief xx

      Delete
    2. TrudyeFebruary 16, 2015 at 2:46 PM

      Jerrine, these pieces really are da bomb diggety aren't they? Pieces to work across seasons that wil last for years! Brilliant shopping lesson here!
      Why don't you take MT up on her offer to pop over to escape the ice storm?Then you can shop online and I will give you my list,too!
      I hope they shut down the city prior to the storm's arrival to avoid the disaster of last year! Be safe and make sure those kittens are warm, too!

      Hope all of the ladies in Le Salon have a wonderful week ahead.
      Warm hugs,
      Trudye

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    3. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:41 PM

      An escape to France would be lovely right now, especially the South of France. I may simply send the big Bolide over to "Camp MaiTai" and have her fitted for an insert.

      She needs one, as with most Bolides, she's lined in lovely soft agneau, and she wants the protection your inserts offer. I think she's also a bit put out that her sister bags have beautiful inserts and she doesn't! She'll just have to pout a bit longer, I guess.

      Much love and a happy week,
      Jerrine

      Delete
    4. FifiFebruary 16, 2015 at 5:06 PM

      Stay warm and safe, Jerrine! Put on all your cashmere and snuggle up with the kittehs! Seattle has not 'iced up' this winter which makes me a little nervous. Are we in for a late spring ice storm? I hope not. Trudye, don't you love these little shopping trips with MaiTai? Her finds are brilliant and I get lots of ideas for spicing up my own wardrobe.

      a happy, warm and toasty weekend to all the lovely swans of Le Salon!
      Fifi

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    5. TrudyeFebruary 16, 2015 at 8:59 PM

      Jerrine, where do we sign up for camp Mai Tai? I think that sounds great fun and ahem, not just for bags only! By bags I am referring to those purchased at H ladies!!
      Fifi, yes I do love these shopping trips! If only she would have let us know ahead of time we could have given her our sizes,too! I have gotten some good ideas for SS 15 to be on the watch for! Love it all<3 Txx

      Delete
    6. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 9:44 PM

      Those kittehs were definitely waiting for their breakfast this morning, Fifi. It's funny. I don't have time for breakfast before dashing out the door for work, but I always see that they get theirs.

      They had been in their heated purr pad beds, though, as their fur was as warm as toast when I petted both of them.

      I was tempted to wrap one of them around my neck!

      Stay toasty,
      Jerrine

      Delete
    7. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 9:51 PM

      Oh, no, Trudye, my response to you didn't post. And, of course, now I can't begin to remember what I wrote back, but I know I was agreeing with you about "da bomb," and I think I was blathering on about the importance of an elegant, understated wardrobe and the need to avoid trends, etc, all of which MT does so well.

      Maybe my response will mysteriously appear at some point, but in any case, a very good week to you, sweets.

      Jerrine

      Delete
    8. TrudyeFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:40 PM

      Oh, I hate it when that happens to comments! That has been happening on my end a lot lately! I think I will start copy/pasting them for future reference!
      You know, I think I am just going to give our fearless leader my sizes and let her do the shopping! She is truly a stylist extraordinar!
      Hope haverfordgal works on a bubbly toddy recipe for all!
      T xx

      Delete
    9. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2015 at 5:30 PM

      I know, and it was a very good response too, if I say so myself! Copying and pasting might be a good idea, as I often lose my internet connection for a few seconds at a time. (Atlanta is in the hinterlands at the edge of civilization, you know.)

      So, in addition to running Camp MaiTai, our leader is going to become personal stylists to all of us? Good going, Trudye. I don't know how you pulled that one off but kudos.

      Haverford, have you come up with a recipe for a HOT champagne cocktail yet. Trudye and I don't want to venture into the frozen tundra until you have it perfected.

      A good Tuesday to all the swans,
      Jerrine

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    10. MaiTaiFebruary 24, 2015 at 9:50 AM

      Sweetest friends, your exchanges made me laugh and smile, you are the bestest and funniest!! Jerrine, glad to hear the kitties are warm and safe, and Fifi, I hope there will be no late spring ice storms coming your way! Trudye, send your sizes over, or better still, come over yourself, along with the all other lovely swans xx

      Delete
  3. MargoFebruary 16, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Mia tai. I follow your blog at every post. I love the pieces you mention here and would love to order on line. How do the sizes come up? I hope you don't mind me asking. Thanks to you I am building up my Hermes pieces and also love Kettlwell colours
    Thanks Margo

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    1. MaiTaiFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:38 AM

      Many thanks, dear Margo, so nice to know you enjoy the blog! Re your question, I find that say GD and GR both cut true to size. Also, none of the above pieces are particularely fitted, so shopping for them online should work out fine. Good luck!

      Delete
  4. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 9:30 AM

    Dearest Mai Tai,

    Congratulations on your new wardrobe pieces! They are all very beautiful and so versatile! I love them all but the Georges Rech coat and the black top are very elegant! <3
    I look forward to the next posts which I´m sure will be very inspiring!

    Warm hugs and have a great week ahead! Manuela xx

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    1. MaiTaiFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:40 AM

      Many thanks, my dearest Manuela! So happy you like the new additions. I am having fun playing with them, and hope you'll enjoy the upcoming results! Have a wonderful week ahead too. Warmest hugs xx

      Delete
  5. UnknownFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:01 AM

    Très chère Maitai
    Que de beaux achats tout est vraiment magnifique .J'adore le pull orange la couleur est vraiment superbe pour marier avec le noir que j'affectionne temps c'est vraiment très beau .
    Tout mignon votre sac picotin trop petit pour moi avec ma corpulence on ne verrai plus le sac
    J'aime beaucoup les tableaux hiver été une vrai inspiration pour nous toutes
    Clin d'œil aux dames du salon FIFI et autres
    Bises très chére Maitai
    Bonne semaine
    Myriam

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    1. MaiTaiFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:44 AM

      Merci pour ta gentil commentaire, ma bien chère Myriam! J'imagine que tu aimes bien les tableaux, les couleurs sont tous dans ta palette! Une magnifique semaine à toi aussi. Bises

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    2. FifiMarch 4, 2015 at 1:56 AM

      Dear Myriam - I can't read French (yet) but it appears you are sending best wishes to Fifi and others in the salon. How very kind! Merci, chére Myriam!
      Sincères salutations,
      Fifi

      Delete
  6. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:10 AM

    Congratulations as well on your beautiful Picotin! I can imagine how pretty it will look with jeans and one of your waterfall necklaces! <3
    The pochete to the scarf rings is almost a 'must' and finally I may be able to order one of your very elegant organizers. <3 Warm hugs, Manuela xx

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    1. MaiTaiFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:46 AM

      Ms Picotin is thrilled, and whispers 'merci' for the lovely compliment <3

      Delete
  7. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 12:10 PM

    Dearest most clever, smart and thoughtful MaiTai!!!

    Nobody does more w/ less than you !
    (meaning--you choose the best of the best, free of repetition/excess, and each and every piece coordinates w/ your existing wardrobe). I tell ya, it's the talent you have for discerning what makes an item/article/subject special; shows up in your amazing interpretation of life on this planet. (btw, LOVE the basketweave detail on the GD cardi, and that lovely delicate 'bead-like' illusion detail of the cap sleeved shell. So sophisticated, so MaiTai, knock us out w/ a feather!)

    B-r-a-v-o !!!

    Thanks for showing us how to build a chic, versatile and efficient wardrobe. LOVE your 2-season style sheets that clearly show us what "season-spanning wardrobe pieces" really means!!!

    Now, onto accessories....

    LOVE the "long necklace" you've created w/ the MTC scarf ring as a 'pendant' !!! Pure genius, and such an EZ modern way of wearing a silk scarf.

    LOVE the most adorable cute gem of an Oatie in Bleu Sapphir, perhaps the best blue H has ever developed (Dearest Jerrine, you said it earlier, and I totally agree! I will add that, the current Bleu Sapphir reminds me a bit more of the "old" blue roi from many many years ago.)

    OMG, new Bolide 31 inserts, new 18 Oatie inserts, new scarf/scarf ring pochettes, OMG!

    off to shop MTC...

    will catch up later...

    much love,
    sammie

    at

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    1. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 6:56 PM

      Ahh, so well said, as usual, sammie, especially the "knock us out with a feather." I think she should incorporate a pretty little plume in her logo to subtly state just that, don't you?

      Understated, sophisticated, elegant, and yes, "special." I think that sums up her clothing and her life philosophy perfectly.

      And, I agree with you again. Bleu Sapphir is the closest H. blue I've seen to Bleu Roi in a long, long time. And, I just love the nickname "Oatie." It's so appropriate.

      A good week to you, sammie,
      Jerrine

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    2. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2015 at 7:53 AM

      Jerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

      Stay warm w/ your kitties as the temps drop; sending you warm thoughts, in hopes that it helps, at least in spirit. <3

      OMG, Jerr, you nailed that perfectly: feather. It's the perfect metaphor/logo for MaiTaiAnything--feather, cuz she just TKO's us every time w/ such a whisper.

      Glad u like the Oatie nickname! I love the roots of this little bag, its connection to the horse and its functionality. It's just a fun little piece that shows off the superb grain of H leather and, one can indulge a bit in some wild colors bcuz the price point is less than half of a B or K. I've resisted all these years simply bcuz it's unlined; I'm not a fan of having bits of suede all over my belongings, esp. Kleenex!!! blah! But, with MTC's new inserts, I'm actually considering buying one.

      Oh, and b4 I forget, wanted to chime-in on your comments about Bolide. I love this bag! Mine is a 31cm, and I'd always thought I'd add a 37cm, until H pulled the plug on that most practical bag. I totally agree that H should bring the 37cm Bolide back. Until then, know that you have a treasure in your 37cm; enjoy it to the hilt, stuffed or not stuffed, it looks great either way.

      Jerrr, keep those darling kitties right next to you during the cold, and they'll keep your person and heart warm.

      have a blessed week dearie!
      sammie

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    3. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2015 at 5:51 PM

      Ha, sammie, gee, Jerrrrrrrrr rhymes with . . . brrrrrrrrrrr, which is certainly the case here this morning. They begged us to keep off the streets earlier due to black ice, and I was more than happy to obey and stay in bed an extra hour. That unexpected extra hour was almost as good as a vacation!

      We will have to design a new logo for MT, incorporating that plume/feather below her name. I think it's perfect! Speak softly and carry a big feather.

      I love "Oatie," and every time I see a horse with a feedbag around his neck, I think of the Picotin. I stayed away from them for a long time due to the reason you state - the caulking off of little suede bits on the contents of the purse, and after I succumbed to their charm and bought one in the MM size, I quickly sold it to the boss' wife for that very reason. Now, that there's a wonderful insert for it, I really wish I hadn't. I might have to investigate the baby pico after seeing how cute it is . . . and as you state, is some wonderful bright color to have fun with.

      I love the Bolide, too, and it's really one of H's most historical bags, as it's origin goes way back to the first part of the 20th century. Here's an interesting tidbit - it was the first time a zipper closure was ever used on a bag. I've heard that it's a difficult bag to construct, as that zipper must perfectly fit the top curve of the bag. I love the shape even though it's been copied to death by every handbag designer on the face of the earth. Maybe H. will re-introduce the 37 cm. size soon. I hope so.

      I wish I could keep the kitties next to me, but as they're semi-feral, they don't want to come inside and cuddle. They get nervous when anyone shuts them in any place, so we do our best to keep them comfortable on my neighbor's porch. They're definitely free spirits, though.

      A good week to you, too, Ms. sammie,
      Jerrine

      Delete
  8. The enchanted homeFebruary 16, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    Love all your new finds...funny because i literally live in oatmeal colored cashmere sweaters, think its my "uniform". I love the color and it works with everything. Lovely new items, and always enjoy seeing how you put them all together.....

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    1. FifiFebruary 16, 2015 at 4:56 PM

      Hello, Enchanted - I love oatmeal, too! I've got one oatmeal cashmere tunic and I wear it to death. It really does go with everything and is always chic. I like your idea of a "uniform" for those times one just doesn't want to think very hard about what to wear.
      Aloha,
      Fifi

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  9. TrudyeFebruary 16, 2015 at 2:34 PM

    You really do know how to fill your basket with the best items and on sale at that! As said above by many of the dear ladies of Le Salon, you give us a great lesson in less is more! I have such appreciation of that ability and look forward to your play dates with your new goodies! If I could,I would just wait to shop with you, but alas GD and GS do not ship to the U.S.
    Now, about that baby Pico...she is just the cutest! The Blue is the perfect blue! I thing this will be an easy grab and go bag,especially with her new insert!
    Congrats on the newest inserts and pochettes! The scarf ring pochettes are going to be a huge hit! I am off to order:-))
    Have a wonderful week and have fun stylin' !
    Mwahs,
    T xx

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  10. haverfordgalFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:04 PM

    Dearest MT,

    Like you, I have terrible luck with "sales", but you seem to have hit the jackpot!
    I love your new wardrobe additions! Can't wait to see them included in future looks.

    Congrats on your new baby P in such a beautiful colour! It's the perfect little bag to toss in a wallet, phone and some lipstick. I tell you, as I get older, I seem to prefer my less heavy Bolide bags over the Birkins. Maybe this baby P will be next?

    Fabulous solution for scarf ring storage with those beautiful little pochettes. I need a few!

    Stay warm! It's -6 degrees faranheit here!

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    1. FifiFebruary 16, 2015 at 4:57 PM

      Brrrr, Haverfordgal! Hope you stay warm and cozy. It's 45 f in the Seattle area and the sun is shining, yay!
      Warm toasty aloha,
      Fifi

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    2. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:04 PM

      Me, too, haverfordgal. I mean, I love the look of a Birkin, but sometimes I think I should take extra vitamins just to build up stamina to haul them around, and I swear my left upper arm muscle is more well defined than the right from carrying that B. bag in my left hand.

      The other B. bag, the Bolide, is such a nice, easy and much more carefree alternative. I am a bit miffed that H. has stopped making them in the 37 cm. size, though, it's (or I guess I should say, was) a perfectly sized bag, and it never gets heavy even when you kind of, errrr . . . stuff it.

      -6!!!! Oh God, stay in doors. Maybe serve that champagne hot.

      Warm hugs,
      Jerrine

      Delete
    3. TrudyeFebruary 16, 2015 at 9:14 PM

      OMG, haverfordgal, I expected you were getting slammed with these rolling storms, but -6 is just too much! I will echo Jerrine and tell you to stay indoors with a hot champagne toddy!
      In agreement with you and Jerrine about wanting to carry a lighter load these days. I have not broken out a Birkin this winter just for that reason. I find the inserts do help as tend not to put as much in my bag when using them! I do not own a Bolide,but utilize my GM Pico's for a light weight alternative! But, I am crushing right now on this PM Pico showcased here! Such a cute baby and easy to carry at night!
      Stay warm and enjoy that toddy, T xx

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    4. haverfordgalFebruary 19, 2015 at 1:11 AM

      Wwwwinter gggreetings ladies! Bbbrrrr....Actually I do so love the winter, but enough is enough!
      I'm so happy to hear that you ladies are opting for lighter bags, too. I've carried a Birkin since last week, and my shoulders ache! Jerrine, I agree with you re: 37 Bolides. Perfect size and I don't need chiropractic care after I carry it.
      Trudye...I do believe the baby P is calling your name. and I insist that you have one!!
      Bubbly wishes to all!!

      Delete
    5. haverfordgalFebruary 19, 2015 at 1:13 AM

      Oh...and Fifi....45 sounds downright summerish! Go figure. Seattle is temperate and we're freezing our patooties off here!!

      Delete
  11. TrudyeFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:15 PM

    Oh, as I was placing my order for the scarf ring pochettes, I saw the pic using them as a mini wallet! Great for slipping into a clutch! Brilliant, my friend, brilliant! Mwah, T xx

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  12. MonicaFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    Ohhhhhhh I am very jealous of your new Picotin dear Mai Tai. You know that here where I live H is unable to get a Picotin for me! Impossible to get one from Paris.... Unbelievable no! And in dark blue I love it really.
    Well in anyway so happy to find you back. I thought you were on vacations in the mountains. I was wrong you returned to Paris.
    I am here and have took the flu which is everywhere here. Everyone almost is contaminated...
    Once more this small Picotin is very lovely.
    Amitiés

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  13. MonicaFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    Oh sorry have not very well read that Paris was few weeks ago....

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    1. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:08 PM

      Monica, so sorry to read that the flu got you, too. I hope you're well on the way to a full recovery.

      Best,
      Jerrine

      Delete
  14. GSLFebruary 16, 2015 at 4:42 PM

    Words escape me, well 3 didn't that Darling Trudye was able to corral that I think work quite well here: 'da bomb diggery' indeed!
    Darling MaiTai, wasn't GSL right on the winter white after all? That burnt orange is a wonderful shade too.

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    1. TrudyeFebruary 16, 2015 at 9:16 PM

      Well, G, when the words fit...use them...yes indeed!

      Delete
  15. FifiFebruary 16, 2015 at 5:01 PM

    Dearest MaiTai,
    What fun to go along with you on your shopping jaunt. Thanks for sharing your fabulous finds with us! I especially love the black/white/taupe color combos. And the little Picotin is just darling in its brilliant blue color. It will add pizazz to any outfit. Very happy to see the scarf ring pochette and will place an order without delay!
    Warm aloha,
    Fifi

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  16. MonicaFebruary 17, 2015 at 8:24 AM

    Thank you very much Jerrine for your kind words. Yes this year flu is bad and about everywhere in Europe!
    Be careful dear.
    Best

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  17. Maison BeldecorFebruary 17, 2015 at 1:24 PM

    Hi dear MT,

    congrats for your great finds... and the little Picotin is absolutely gorgeous in this color. I also have a Baby-Picotin in etoupe... she is so light and easy to wear.

    I love the outfit with the new sweater in beige and etoupe. Two weeks ago I found such a similar scarf to yours (Cavaliers du Caucase in white and etoupe) and a very similar sweater from Bompard (50%off)... seems that we are little H - soulmates!

    Liebe Grüße
    Sabine

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  18. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    Congrats on your new Picotin and timeless wardrobe pieces, I'm a great fan of Gerard Darel clothing. The Picotin is a perfect shade of blue which will look great with jeans.
    C

    ReplyDelete

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