Sunday, May 3, 2015

What to pack - LBD variations

A couple of weeks ago, when early summer days made me forget how cool it can still be at this time of year, I thought it would be lovely to spend my upcoming birthday in the beautiful Mas de la Fouque, where we had such a wonderful time last autumn. But for May 5, the weather forcast promises a grey and dark day for the Camargue, and so we made a quick change of plans.

While checking the (very much last minute) options, I thought a black dress would make a good companion in any case, as it can easily be dressed up and down for any venue, regardless whether for a celebratory dinner or lunch.


all pictures of buildings are from Montpellier

For a smart/casual lunch I'd team it with a tassel necklace, a rubis Picotin and Belles du Mexique mousseline PM.




A more minimal look is easily achieved by omitting the scarf (left), and a dressier touch quickly created by wearing the mousseline in an asymmetrical wrap, and exchanging the Picotin for a clutch.
 



If a further dressy touch is needed, the tassel necklace can be replaced with a statement necklace 




Capsule pieces: little black dress
Accessories: Evening clutch by Zara. Hermès 'Belles du Mexqique' mousseline PM, clic clac H bracelet in bourgogne, clic H bracelet in black and Picotin in rubis.
Shoes: black wedge sandals or patent pumps

 
Variation #1 - Noir/Naturelle



Capsule pieces: little black dress
Accessories: Hermès 'L'Instruction du Roi' cashmere GM, Birkin 35 in gris-t, clic H bracelet in marron glacé
Shoes: black or sand sandals/wedges


Variation #2 - Noir/Or 

Gare de Lyon train station, Paris

Capsule pieces: little black dress
Accessories: Pendant necklace in or. Hermès Birkin 35 in black, Kelly Double Tour bracelet in ebene and Caleche' printed enamel bangle in black/or
Shoes: Oran sandals in bronze


Looking forward to seeing you in about a weeks' time. But before we go, there's still work to do, and also I have to finish my packing!



Have a wonderful Sunday and a great week ahead everyone xx


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59 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 3, 2015 at 8:12 PM

    "A girl should be two things : Classy and Fabulous" CC
    Totally you my Dear! Happy Birthday and have a lovely time away.
    Catherine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MaiTaiMay 3, 2015 at 8:25 PM

      CC's advice is timeless, and a wonderful birthday motto. Thanks so much, my dear Catherine! xx

      Delete
  2. TrudyeMay 3, 2015 at 8:13 PM

    LBD + MT = PERFECTION
    You, darling woman, are the epitome of grace and style! All so effortlessly put together for the knockout punch!
    Have a most wonderful birthday celebration, my friend! Will be thinking of you on your special day!
    Drop dead gorgeous you are...year after year!
    Birthday hugs and raising a glass of bubbly to you,
    T xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MaiTaiMay 3, 2015 at 8:30 PM

      Darling T, your lovely compliments put me into very happy pre-birthday festive spirits thanks so much, my sweet friend! Looking forward to a BIG salon party when I'm back...let's send the corks flying and get the music playing! Much love and have a wonderful week ahead x

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 3, 2015 at 9:20 PM

      Well, Catherine and Trudye said it perfectly- classy, fabulous and perfect with a touch of Audrey Hepburn thrown in for good measure.

      Like a fine wine, you just get better and more glorious with each passing year. We should all be totally envious of you for that, but of course, we aren't - not in the least (okay, I fess up - maybe a little bit!)

      So, we will wish you a most wonderful and festive birthday in your LBD. I suggest that you have enough celebratory lunches and dinners in order to wear each and every look, but if time is limited, I think you look irresistible in the pearl statement necklace and the mousseline shoulder wrap.

      Have a wonderful journey and fabulous birthday. Already can't wait until you get back, and we can all celebrate.

      Love,
      Jerrine

      Delete
    3. MaiTaiMay 3, 2015 at 10:38 PM

      Dearest Jerrine, given my fondness for fine Bordeaux this is the loveliest compliment ever! Thanks so much, my darling friend. I've already put several crates of champagne on ice for the party at LeSalon.. can't wait! Much love x

      Delete
    4. GSLMay 4, 2015 at 10:22 PM

      Trudye is once again right on the money as by my calculations MT + LBD = FAB all day long and twice on Sunday...Happy Birthday Dearest MaiTai and we'll raise a glass in your honor in Chicago too!

      Delete
  3. UnknownMay 3, 2015 at 8:27 PM

    Très chère Maitai
    Tous d'abord je te souhaite un très heureux anniversaire .
    Tu est somptueuse en robe noire vraiment magnifique et toutes tes associations sont merveilleuses .
    Tu sait comme j'aime le noir .
    Encore bravo et très bel anniversaire
    Plein de bises
    Myriam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MaiTaiMay 3, 2015 at 8:34 PM

      Très chère Myriam, je te remercie pour ton gentil commentaire. Je sais bien comment tu aime le noir (et le blanc!). C'est un de mon couleurs préférées aussi :-) Belle semaine à toi. Bises

      Delete
  4. AnonymousMay 3, 2015 at 9:45 PM

    MaiTai my dear,
    Happy Birthday. This is a lovely post. Your inspirations from Montpelier are elegant and gracious! Please remember me to Marius and the swans.
    Kindest regards,
    Terese

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MaiTaiMay 3, 2015 at 10:40 PM

      Thank you for the lovely good wishes, ma chère Terese. I shall miss the swans and Marius this time, but hope to see them soon again x

      Delete
  5. AnonymousMay 3, 2015 at 11:22 PM

    Beautiful, lovely, darling Mai Tai,

    Joining the Ladies, and sending you my best wishes for your very special day!
    May it be glorious and beautiful as you are! <3
    I will think of you and will happily toast with you when you are back! <3

    You look stunning in that LBD!!!! 'Sumptueuse' is the right word, as Myriam said. Much love, Manuela xx


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 5, 2015 at 4:08 PM

      Ho oui Manuela je trouve notre chère maitai vraiment somptueuse elle nous donne toujours un fil conducteur pour nos tenues mais malheureusement je ne suis pas aussi somptueuse
      Bien a vous
      Myriam

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 6, 2015 at 9:22 AM

      Vous avez raison, Myriam, et ce 'fil conducteur' est vraiment important pour moi aussi. <3 Une bonne journée pour vous. Amitiés, Manuela

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 12:07 AM

    Your LBD is so classy and how beautiful you look in it. Love how you accessorize so perfectly!

    Happy birthday dear MaiTai, and wishing you a wonderful celebration!

    Simone xx





    ReplyDelete
  7. ladyjane963May 4, 2015 at 1:42 AM

    Dear MaiTai,

    Happy Birthday to you, enjoy your time away and you look stunning in all your LBD looks.

    look forward to hearing all about your trip
    Jane xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Faux FuchsiaMay 4, 2015 at 1:48 AM

    Happy Birthday to the most gracious person on the internet, you look gorgeous xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 3:31 AM

    Happy Birthday, dear Mai Tai! The last picture is fabulous, even your work space is so charming! Best wishes for continued success in your business! :-) Emily

    ReplyDelete
  10. KendalMay 4, 2015 at 4:11 AM

    Dear MaiTai,

    Wow, just wow!! You really do just keeping better and better with each passing birthday...LOVELOVELOVE the inspiration of absolutely elegant and fabulous you!
    xoxo,
    kendal

    ReplyDelete
  11. MonicaMay 4, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    Happy Birthday beautiful Mai Tai. This black dress on you is so elegant and class.
    Your associations are superb. If it is today 5th your Anniversaire I am probably the first one to send you all my AMITIES for this special happy day.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 7:02 AM

    Dearest MaiTai,
    Happy birthday! You're the epitome of grace and elegance, and you never fail to inspire us with your creativity and style vision. Enjoy your retreat and many happy returns for the day.
    Hugs, AngelaB

    ReplyDelete
  13. MonicaMay 4, 2015 at 7:24 AM

    Sorry Mai Tai I wished you happy Birthday, v ery early this morning,but I see now that we are only the 4th and that yours is the 5th...
    Amities

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    Gray days or sunny, YOU will shine! And we're the ones with birthday wishes: a delightful celebration for you, and -- for us -- another year in which to enjoy the many joys of the fabulous community you have created here.

    Cheers!

    Azalie

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    Dearest MaiTai,

    nothing left to say - you look stunning in all variations of LBD and I hope that you get to wear each of them, celebrating your special day tomorrow! No congrats yet, that'll have to wait, but enjoy your time out and rest assured that all the swans will raise a glass of bubbly on you! Also love the Montpellier pics, they are the ideal setting for your elegant outfits. Looking forward to another year of MT style - Big THANKS!
    xoxo
    Katja

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownMay 4, 2015 at 10:26 AM

    Dear Mai Tai, this is Lydia from Hong Kong who bought lots of insert bags and scarf rings from your collection. I cannot believe that we share the same birthday (i.e. 5 May), I can only say that you reflect the true Taurus spirit being ruled by the Venus (the goddess of beauty). I wish you the happiest birthday tomorrow and I already received my best birthday present this year by discovering your website. xxx

    Lydia from Hong Kong

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 5:42 PM

      What a sweet comment, Lydia, and how lucky you are to share a birthday with the divine Ms. MT.

      Happy birthday to you, as well,
      Jerrine

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 9:42 PM

      A very sweet comment indeed, dear Lydia. Happy Birthday to you too! Manuela

      Delete
    3. UnknownMay 5, 2015 at 4:25 AM

      Thanks Jerrine, I just received a picotin 18 this morning freshly bought back from Milan by my colleague. Very happy indeed. Wish you a good day.

      Delete
  17. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 5:41 PM

    Dear MaiTai, happy birthday and all the best for you.
    You look so wonderful in the dress. Enjoy your birthday and the days off.
    We will wait and hope to see some impression from your trip and from the birthday present.
    Gabriele

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousMay 4, 2015 at 10:41 PM

    Dear Mai Tai ,
    Wishing you the best birthday ever,
    Love you in your lovely black dress,but I think you could wear any colour and still look great.
    I'm sure your grey skies will turn to blue when they see your elegant self!
    Have a great time and look forward to your return.
    Enjoy.
    N.J.

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    Good Morning, dear MaiTai,
    sending the best Birthday wishes to a hopefully sunny place - have a fabulous day filled with joy and lots of time for yourself and family. Happy Birthday! Cheers!
    Katja

    ReplyDelete
  20. ilsaMay 5, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    Dear Mai Tai,

    Happy birtday and best wishes from Barcelona!!!!

    In spite of being MIA due to health reason , You and the other Salon ladies are still a fountain of kindness, chic, charme and wisdom.. even if only I just pop around from time to time.

    Have a wonderful day!!!

    And once again thanks for everything.

    Warm hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 10:44 AM

      Dear Ilsa,

      Glad to see you are back with us...hope you are feeling much better.

      Warmest regards, Simone


      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 2:44 PM

      Ola Ilsa,

      Como está?
      I hope you are doing better. It´s very nice to have you back again:

      Warm hugs, Manuela

      Delete
    3. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 9:49 PM

      Dear Ilsa,
      unfortunately my greetings I´ve intended to send you this morning didn´t reach you yet-...so, this is the second try...
      It´s so nice to have you around again, I hope you are ok so far!
      I wish you a pleasant spring time in Barcelona and send you warm hugs from the northern area of Germany
      Barbara

      Delete
    4. AnonymousMay 6, 2015 at 10:58 AM

      Dear Ilsa,
      You are not MIA, we are always in mind all together around here. Wishing you sweet days.
      Catherine

      Delete
    5. ilsaMay 8, 2015 at 8:42 AM

      Oh Ladies,

      I feel so touched by your comments.... we really a sisterhood.. it's amazing that our love of beauty, calms, simplicity and kindness ( yes you reconized our dear MT qualities!!!) have bring us toguether..

      Thanks for your words.. in spite of the tiredness this mornig I could fly!!!!

      Warm regards from Barcelona

      Delete
    6. MaiTaiMay 13, 2015 at 11:36 PM

      Dearest ilsa, so lovely to see you back, hope you are feeling much better! A special warm hola to you.. I spend an unforgettable birthday in your beautiful city, we all had such an amazing and wonderful time <3

      Delete
  21. Marla in the OCMay 5, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Enjoy your birthday getaway. Happiness and health, always! Your workspace looks so lovely and organized--I would expect nothing less of you! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    "Viel Glück und viel Segen auf all deinen Wegen,
    Gesundheit und Frohsinn sei auch mit dabei!!"
    Liebe MaiTai,
    dies sind meine Geburtstagswünsche für dich:-)
    Habe eine wunderbare Zeit in der Camargue und geniesse euer Hideaway, du hast es dir redlich verdient! Selbst unter Stress solch einen aufgeräumten Arbeitsplatz - und sogar Blumen stehen auf dem Tisch - chapeau!
    Und im Kleinen Schwarze siehst du einfach bezaubernd aus!!
    Auf viele viele tolle Inspirationen in deinem Salon!!
    Alles Liebe, Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 2:50 PM

    Dear Lady MaiTai,

    please accept best regards coming from Moscow! Adding to Lydia's comment, it is true Taurus in you that allows us to enjoy your creative flow rendered with utmost perfection!
    Thank you for your hard work and please let us be counting on you ever more~~~
    All the best on your special day!
    Alice

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 3:01 PM

    Well, Salon Swans, today is the official day. Will you all join me in raising a glass of the bubbly to our wonderful leader? Her fabulousness knows no bounds!

    Happy, happy birthday, MT. May you enjoy a perfect day (and if you can, steer DH over to the H. store.)

    Much love,
    Jerrine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 8:08 PM

      Cheers to our Dear MaiTai! Thinking of you on your special day!

      Simone xoxo

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 5, 2015 at 11:14 PM

      Joining you in a toast to our wonderful leader, dear Jerrine.

      Happy, happy Birthday, dearest Mai Tai!!! 🍹Much love, Manuela*

      Delete
    3. TrudyeMay 6, 2015 at 12:04 AM

      Hello, did someone say bubbly? Raising my glass in honor of our fearless leader on her special day!
      Three cheers and a chi chin<3
      T xx

      Delete
    4. AnonymousMay 6, 2015 at 7:23 AM

      What about celebrating during the all week? A glass of the bubbly "MT" a day Salon Swans?
      xx Catherine

      Delete
    5. AnonymousMay 6, 2015 at 2:17 PM

      Catherine, I knew I liked you!

      Burp,
      Jerrine

      Delete
    6. FifiMay 7, 2015 at 5:33 PM

      Oooh, bubbly, me too! I'm at work but sure, I'll raise a glass to our dear MT any time, anywhere! Let's party, ladies!
      Hugs and aloha,
      Fifi

      Delete
  25. GretaMay 5, 2015 at 3:58 PM

    Happy, happy birthday to our style guide! Enjoy your getaway--you'll look fabulous every day!

    ReplyDelete
  26. MonicaMay 6, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    Yes let celebrating during all week. A MT glass of bubbly first and to all ladies of The Salon. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  27. FifiMay 7, 2015 at 5:31 PM

    Dearest MaiTai --

    Adding my wishes for a very happy birthday to someone who shows the world what "ageless" means! I like the asymmetrical neckline on your LBD very much. And how come you can still wear black so attractively? Not fair! Have a marvelous birthday trip and enjoy every golden moment.
    With warmest aloha,
    Fifi

    ReplyDelete
  28. Perla AdamsMay 8, 2015 at 1:20 PM

    Happy Birthday Dear MaiTai :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sammie GreenMay 9, 2015 at 3:23 AM

    Dearest MaiTai,

    I'm not able to enclose the 'video b-day card' , no matter what I type, so here's the link to a little video card from which the picture was taken...I hope it makes you LOL w/ big smiles!!!

    mwahs,
    sammie

    http://www.560nanometers.com/2015/05/happy-b-day-mt-2015.html

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousMay 10, 2015 at 8:16 PM

    Dear MaiTai,
    on top of your roles as queen of style, designer, organizer of 1000s of things, great companion and advisor to all swans, wife....you are also a mother! Happy mother's day to you and all other moms in the blog!
    Katja

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousMay 11, 2015 at 9:37 PM

    Happy Belated Birthday, Dear MaiTai! Hope you had a wonderful trip and celebration :)

    Lovely as always - I particularly enjoy the LBO inspirations, as I'm always in black!

    Big Orange Hugs,
    Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  32. haverfordgalMay 11, 2015 at 10:57 PM

    A Very Happy Belated Birthday to you Dearest MT! I hope your holiday will make many new memories....

    I wore a LBD yesterday, and paired it with your tassel necklace,, and it drew many compliments~

    ReplyDelete
  33. MaiTaiMay 13, 2015 at 11:41 PM

    Thank you so much everyone for the lovely good wishes and sweet and warm comments! We had a most wonderful time in beautiful and vibrant Barcelona, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming travelogue. It all took a little bit longer than expected to put together.. the most difficult part was to narrow down from hundreds of images to just a few. Have a lovely remaining week everyone, MT xx

    ReplyDelete
  34. H.O.May 14, 2015 at 3:21 AM

    Happy Birthday from One Taurus to Another... Cheers to YOU!!

    ReplyDelete

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