Anouk Mathern worked 10 years marketing luxury department stores and outlet centres in Paris before moving to Geneva 5 years ago. The second hand and fashion shop she co-founded in les Eaux-Vives offers both second hand and new collections at reduced prices to browse through. Find out more on www.priseenflagrantdelire.ch.
By Anouk Mathern, Prise en Flagrant Délire
Christmas is still around the corner but discounts and sales boards are already popping up all over Geneva. Low prices are of course great for saving money on items we need. Unfortunately, the psychology of sales shopping can quickly take over and drive normally sane human beings out of spending control. Whether you really need the latest hit bag or those great shoes, the lure of a bargain and the money you spend are justified by a seemingly sound reasoning — "I'm not spending money. I'm saving it because I've got what I want at a cheap rate!" Here are a few golden rules to consider before you hit the shops.
By Anouk Mathern, Prise en Flagrant Délire
Fashion is all about fun – so it’s definitely part of kids’ world ! Fashion for kids is bound to be in line with 2013 collection moods but with a more colour clash free and poetic twist.
C for Colours... Special hit for emerald green (THE colour of the season) but grey, mustard yellow, black, white and metallic tones in silver, copper and gold are also to be found in all collections. The more contrasted the match, the better.
F for Fur….Just like in grown-up fashion, fur (please choose it fake!) is a must for the upcoming fall winter 2013 season. It’s time for fur collar on coats, muffs and trimmings for bags. A warm & chic item to be matched with casual jeans and tops to avoid the “too much” look.
By Anouk Mathern, Prise en Flagrant Délire
The art of wardrobe management goes on. In my last post, I focused on selecting and getting rid on those “unwanted” items that blur your mind and your looks. But managing your wardrobe is also about updating it. New season collections are definitely an opportunity to do so but it also can be a rather scary one. In other words, do you really need to fall for the fluo trend of this summer ? The good news is it’s up to you to decide ! Cleaning-out your wardrobe is not about overall change but picking out 1 or 2 trends each season that appeal to you and complete existing pieces. It’s about selecting a few accessories or items that make a real difference without changing your style. Here is my selection of 8 spring 2013 trends to choose from. Ready, steady, shop !
Monochrome checks and stripes, especially black and white ones, are big in all major brands collections for a chic and bold graphic silhouette. A safe bet if you want to feel ahead of the curve in a few weeks time.
Floral prints, - the “on acid” ones-, are a sure way to celebrate this new season and turn your back to Geneva’s enduring “bise noire” this Spring. To be enjoyed without moderation for entire outfits or used as appliques or embroidery depending on your mood and personal style.
Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
By Anouk Mathern, Prise en Flagrant Délire
The weather in Geneva has been playing with our nerves this fall, making the ever coming back “what should I wear today” issue increasingly tricky. Icy winds in the morning, rising temperatures throughout the day and warm sunshine bring us to combine summer and winter fashion to a point where even the most spacious closets scream for help. It’s a mess and you still feel you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time ? Time for some wardrobe management !
What to keep:
- your basics which will never fall out of fashion, which you still love and which fit you perfectly (such as your khaki trench, skinny jeans, little black dress, leather blazer,…)
- pieces associated to nice memories
- pieces your friend would consider “typical” of you, which closely fit your personality
What to give away to charity: if it’s worn-out and is no use to you anymore, giving to charity will help others, make useful space and free your mind.
What to sell in a second hand shop: what is near-new & unworn. Clothes that haven’t been worn for over a year deserve a new life.
