I love looking through certain collections and seeing what inspires designers. For Alice Temperley’s A/W 2007 collection, she cites Paris in the early 1900’s with the arrival of Russian nobility, muses and Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes as inspiration. Which sounds so familiar, why is that? Then I realize that Jennine of The Coveted wrote about a documentary she saw on the Ballet Russes.

Here are some images from Alice Temperley.

All of the clothes have names like the Tzar dress and Prussia Sheepskin Coat.

All this talk about the Ballet Russes, makes me want to watch the documentary.

♥ the alchemist

Here are a few images from photographer, Matteo Bertolio.

♥ the alchemist

First fashion confession, I am not someone who has a lot of basics…which may not make that much sense. Aren’t basics the foundations of most wardrobes? Yes, which is why I’ve started to pay more attention to those building blocks. Sprinkled throughout my closet are what I call pieces, really beautiful, different items that I am drawn to. I have always been bored with the idea of regular collared shirts and black pants, what I saw in stores. There are a lot of people who have many different white buttoned shirts, I’m lucky if I can find one. I need to evolve my look and I’ve recently purged a lot of my closet and the only things that are still there are those pieces.

Which is why I like Phillip Lim’s A/W07 collection, it looks like really nice basics (shapes and items) that I would want to wear and that I can easily incorporate with my style. I’m on the hunt for similar items.

A great pair of structured wide-leg pants.


Different jacket/coat shapes

These items all work great together and with various combinations.


Although, I have something similar, I still adore this little sweater.

Do you guys find that you have more basics or pieces in your closet? Or perhaps you already have a great balance?

♥ the alchemist