Céline, Spring 2010 - photos courtesy style.com
Spring is a time of renewal, of fresh starts, and of cleaning house to start the season off on the right note. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all at the spring collections was Phoebe Philo's stunningly simple collection for Céline. She has all but replaced Calvin Klein as the new go-to designer for minimalist chic with her clean, streamlined looks. And, in a world full of chaos and confusion, her simple designs were like a breath of fresh, spring air. The new minimalist look is fuss-free dressing at its best: think form-fitting, stretchy shirts paired with pencil skirts, crisp white shirts cut to look anything but standard-issue and refined leather pieces to provide beautiful interest and texture.
How about accessories? Her classic shoulder bag pictured above has become the 'it' bag of choice right now for models, editors and the fashion elite, but at $2,400 U.S a pop? Hmm...that complicates things a little bit. Ramen noodles anyone? Luckily, my stylish ones, we won't have to Old Mother Hubbard our way into summer to achieve minimalist nirvana with all of the chic and cheap options out there.
Real Life Runway Tip: This look is undoubtedly on the prim and proper side so take a bit of extra time while catching up on the latest episode of Glee to steam and iron your pieces to perfection. Hit up the mall for some neutral (black, white, tan) body-conscious shirts with a hint of stretch (I would even try the Bay's body-wear department), find a good belt with a simple closure and then pull out all of your closet's classic, neutral basics. Keep your hair sleek and neat by sporting a low chignon or keep hair off the face with a simple black headband. Your only other requirement? A sparkling personality, of course. Chic, my darlings, should never, ever be boring.
Take a look at some of my simply fabulous favourites:
