Maxi-mise Your Style!

Hi all,

It's been an unexpected fashion feast this week as all eyes were on America's first lady Michelle Obama and our favourite two style icons of the moment Sam Cam and the Duchess of Cambridge. With all three competing in the style stakes we've been hedging our bets on Michelle pipping it to the post. We haven't been as excited about a state visit since...., well never really! We've loved their combined eclectic mix of well know and up and coming designers (many being home grown and British we hasten to add). Here are our favourites;

                                             Michelle dazzles in White empire line Tom Ford gown.

                     Kate wearing the now famous Reiss camel dress and Anya Hindmarch clutch bag.

A striking image of Michelle Obama wearing Roksanda Ilincic, whilst Samantha Cameron had chosen Peter Pilotto. Both British designers.

Why not take note from Michelle and add a statement necklace to your outfit. Whether it's putting a finishing touch to an evening look or glaming up a day tee shirt or blouse.

Day have come up trumps with this beautiful beaded 'Splendid' necklace. It has a black ribbon fastening allowing you to wear at any desired length.

                 Or for a more subtle (ish) approach we also love this smoky Day 'Crystals' necklace, £55

Our chosen outfit of the week is this versatile jersey maxi dress from Malene Birger (£143). A great holiday essential that will take you;

From day- Slip on a perfect pair of flat sandals, manicured toes and head to the poolside bar.

To night- Changed sandals for wedges and add lots of glamorous gold jewellery.

Here we've styled it for the UK with a mustard American Vintage tank layered underneath (£35), tan woven belt (£38) and a Day Birger et Mikkelsen mushroom cardy (£145) for extra coverage.

Have a great weekend. We will be closed bank holiday Monday 30th, but will be back open Tuesday 31st May.

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/larmoire_style

Refresh Your Summer Wardrobe

Hi all


Refresh your summer look with a twist (literally) of fabric. This cool Malene Birger twisted back tank looks fab layered over a crisp white American Vintage basic vest, a knot of a scarf and a great pair of jeans. This look will ooze summer style easy peasy!

Malene Birger grey twist tank £115, American Vintage white tank £35 & mauve scarf £48

                                                                         ( Back View)

For a comfy off duty look you can't go wrong with a hint of black and white. We couldn't help but play up the striped cord detailing on this super soft sports-lux cardy by teaming it with Day's black and white stripe tee-shirt dress. Style with black leggings and pumps and relax for the weekend.

                            Day smoke 'Comfort' cardy £172, Day black & white stripe dress £89

A great way to add a little colour pop is to invest in Chanel's latest must have nail polish in yellow or 'mimosa' as it is set to be called. Already boasting a waiting list, we suggest you head to your nearest Chanel counter and put your name down asap! And who realised we were all set to covet colour of the Queen's shall we say buttercup outfit at the royal wedding? Kate and Pippa aren't the only trendsetters of the moment!

And finally our outfit for the week (which includes dressing for the rain)...,

Day dusty grey 'Upsidedown' parka £235, Malene Birger neutral sloppy knit £115 & gold disc necklace £89

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd

64a Eastgate

Cowbridge

Vale of Glamorgan

CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766

contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp    

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/larmoire_style

A little French Styling Goes a Long Way

Hi all,

Just a little tidbit for the weekend. We love this cool little French American Vintage outfit we put together today. Makes us feel all summery!

Light blue tee £50

Indigo cotton skirt £69

Indigo/nude stripe top £80

Tan woven leather belt £38

Continuing on the French vibe we've had another little summer scarf from American Vintage arrive so we couldn't keep quiet about it. Style with one of Day Birger et Mikkelsens easy fine knitted tunics and your good to go.

AV navy/chalk gingham cotton scarf £55

Day crystal grey tunic £125

Add a twist to this work appropriate cotton and linen blend jacket by dressing it down with a crisp white dress for the weekend.

Day crystal grey 'Sari' jacket £179

Malene Birger white beach dress £155

Malene Birger silver 'Lentina' necklace £89

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd

64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766 (Phone this number for all mail order enquiries)
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp
Twitter: http://bit.ly/hCooNg

Best Dressed...?

Hi all,

Well, what a fun packed couple of weeks we've had. Of course we can't carry on without mentioning 'The Dress!' Sarah Burton surpassed herself creating a beautiful Grace Kelly inspired dress fit for a modest princess. We think Kate (sorry Catherine) looked positively regal indeed.

And not forgetting Pippa Middleton who caused just as mush of a stir in her amazing McQueen bridesmaid dress which resulted in many men all of sudden becoming glued to the TV having before proclaimed to be 'not interested'. We wonder why...?

What's New?

After post wedding, extra bank holidays and the Easter come down our thoughts turn to summer and we couldn't wait to get back to the boutique to see what's new in. There is nothing we love more than dual purpose items to refresh our wardrobes. So here they are with some styling ideas thrown in;

 American Vintage clay silky blouse £95

                                                          Day stone 'Samantha' jeans £95
                                                       Day smoke 'Crystals' necklace £55

                                               American Vintage cream silky button shirt £115
                                                    Malene Birger black skinny pants £78
                                                Day almond 'Tribe' bangles £75 (set of three)

To complete your look we think now is a great time to invest in a pair of fabulous flats that will see you through the summer with ease and style (check out Jon Ian in Cowbridge first for their amazing selection). A great pair of embellished sandals or the essential ballet flat of the season will keep you looking bang on trend and comfy too.

What better what to accessorize a summer outfit than to add a beautiful lightweight scarf. L'Armoire has a great selection of cotton, linen and silk to choose from. Here are our favourites,

(From left to right) American Vintage raspberry cotton large wrap scarf £48, Day almond silk crinkle scarf £85, AV Khaki cotton wrap scarf £48, Day pink tassels scarf £85, AV mauve cotton large wrap scarf £48,
                                                       AV powder cotton stripe scarf £55


The Met Gala Ball 2011

If the royal wedding wasn't enough of a fashion fix for you, a couple of days later came the 2011 Met Gala Ball in New York which this year celebrated the 'Savage Beauty' exhibition opening in honour of Alexander McQueen. It always comes around so quickly and here at L'Armoire we love to pick out our best dressed list as it is probably the most hotly anticipated event of the year in the fashion calendar. So here we go...

1. Top of our list was Diane Kruger showing off her enviable legs wearing Jason Wu.

2. Renee Zellweger sporting a flawless toned back in Carolina Herrera.

3. Emma Roberts (yes that's Julia Roberts new starlet niece) looking sleek in Michael Kors.

4. Jenifer Lopez in a dramatic pink Gucci gown.

5. We have to hand it to Anna Della Russo for staying completely true to her own very unique style wearing a tux by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (not sure about the egg hat though...?)

Blog Tip


We love http://www.laurakatriblog.wordpress.com/ which makes a great read and allows you to keep up to date with reviews, informal talk, creative ideas, tidbits that inspire Laura the blog creator.
As a friend of L'Armoire Laura also has a visual blog for design/architecture/fashion/music http://laurakatri.tumblr.com/ which featured our boutique recently. Thanks Laura!

(For your info-Laura's core business helps management consultants, designers and other businesses in the creative industries to understand how to reach their clients and different market sectors through online, web and social digital media channels. She is based in both Birmingham and Cardiff, so if your interested in getting in touch - email Laura at enquiries@laurakatri.com )


See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766 (Phone this number for all mail order enquiries)
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp
Twitter: http://bit.ly/hCooNg

If Malene Birger Is Good Enough For Royalty....

Hi all,

With all attention focused on our own royal family at the moment here in the UK we'd forgive you for thinking that we are talking about only one very stylish certain princess to be. Well we're not (but we will most certainly later).

Here at L'Armoire we like to think we choose the best go to brands that are accessible to everyone. And it came to light recently that even royalty (the pop kind too) love Danish designer By Malene Birger. Yes, chosen for a state gala dinner by the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, was one of Malene Birger's beautiful full lenght gowns. Accessorized with sash and tiara we cant think of a better brand ambassador other than....Kylie Minogue!? She too was spotted last week on the Dublin leg of her tour in one of BMB's chic cream blouses. Follow their lead and pop into our boutique in Cowbridge and check out Malene Birger's summer collection. And yes, we are talking to you too Kate Middleton. Don't let the side down...! (Ha, ha).



New Collection Arrived!

You will be excited to hear that as the sunshine and warm weather has arrived, Day Birger et Mikkelsen's Summer Night's collection has arrived too. A carefully selected top up to the brands mainline collection which offers beautiful dresses, silk kaftan's and easy wear high summer pieces suited to long balmy evening parties, holidays or just an injection of everyday luxury into your wardrobe. Here are some of the lovely pieces that have arrived.

Day mushroom 'Elegant' dress

Day crystal grey 'Buzz' tunic

Day plum blue 'Exclusive' blouse

Day crystal grey 'Sari' blouse

Day crystal grey 'South Africa' jacket

So, back to the impending royal wedding, (eek, we're so excited!!). OK so we didn't get the invite we hoped we might get while day dreaming the other day but that's not going to stop us dressing up and feeling a little glamorous ourselves too. 

What will you wear? 

If you've got a celebration street/tea party to go to or just a glass of bubbly in front of the TV, here are a couple of our right royal picks;

We're thinking something like this by the way..?

Day pearly white 'Grand Kantha' silk shirt

Malene Birger white 'Hermance' polka dot tunic

Day mellow navy 'Cute Stripe' cardigan

American Vintage floral silk tank

Day smoke 'Crystals' necklace

Day sombre lilac 'Buzz' cardigan

Don't forget we do mail order here at L'Armoire so if you see anything you like and can't get to the boutique, just give us a call on 01446 774766 and we will give you all the help and guidance you need.

Easter Opening Times 

Open Good Friday 22nd April, 10am-5pm

Closed Bank Holiday Monday 25th April

Open Tuesday 26th-Thursday 28th April, 10am-5:30pm

Royal Wedding and May Day bank Holiday 

Closed Friday 29th April (Royal Wedding)

Open Saturday 30th April, 10am-5:30pm

Closed Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd

64a Eastgate

Cowbridge

Vale of Glamorgan

CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766

contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp

Twitter: http://bit.ly/hCooNg

Malene Birger's Timeless Trench

Hi all,

Every couple of weeks, we like to update you with what exciting goodies have been arriving at L'Armoire, and this week has seen the arrival of By Malene Birger's take on the iconic trench coat.

Malene Birger camel 'Salinda' trench

American Vintage floral silk tank

Malene Birger black 'Ellua' trousers

The trench has a place firmly etched in fashion history and year after year it never fails to be a wardrobe classic. Audrey Hepburn made the trench rocket in the style stakes in the famous final scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's and since has been coveted over and over by some of the most stylish women in history from Audrey and Jackie Onassis to Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and most recently Kate Middleton.

Style the trench up by rolling the sleeves and knotting the belt at the back for a loose off duty look or at the front for a cleaner more pulled together approach. It will last you for many many seasons to come.

Jetting off for a sunny Easter escape?

American Vintage is your answer to your lighter luggage quandary. It is perfect for packing small. Being so fine and lightweight it takes up no space at all allowing you to pack that extra pair of shoes you just can't do without. It is also so easy to wash while your away too. Easily rinse your fine tee's and basics through and hang out on your balcony. They will be dry in no time!  This summers collection has so many easy wear and versatile pieces you can't go wrong. Here are our holiday essentials...

The only way to start is with the basics. Choose two colours at each end of the spectrum, a neutral and a stronger, brighter colour in AV's fine cotton tanks. These layer under pretty much anything!

The long sleeve basic gives you more coverage yet is still a fine and cool layering piece. These look great peaking from under a simple cap sleeve tee shirt, cardy or under the finest of cashmere for cooler days and nights (See below).

Our favourite essential American Vintage staple has to be their large cotton scarves. This season's sugary lilac (above) complements the whitest of whites, looks great with nudes, sherbet tones and even brights. It's versatile size and shape allows you to wrap yourself up whilst on your flight and once reaching your destination it doubles up as a stylish beach cover up. 

This beautiful cream top will cover both day and night. It's silky fabric drapes easily over the body showing off your sun kissed tan. Add a statement necklace with sparkle for evening or liven it up a little for day by layering it over either one of the tank or long sleeve basics.

(All of the above are available in other colour ways allowing you to find what suits you)

There is no excuse now the weather is here..., sort out your wardrobe and embrace the new season! Remember we are more than just a boutique selling clothes here at L'Armoire we offer advice and guidance to make sure your wardrobe fits your lifestyle.

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp
Twitter: http://twitter.com/larmoire_style

New American Vintage Drop at L'Armoire

We had another lovely drop of American Vintage in today (see post below) - and the most exciting news is that we, still, have Day Birger et Mikklesen Summer Nights collection to come in the next few weeks....eeek!

Thanks for the messages from our L'Armoire friends that get our exclusive club newsletter - we do take on board stock ideas for our customers!

Sit tight for more stock news or see you in the boutique over the weekend.

Let Your Spring Style Blossom

Hi all,

If your like us, you have been full of the joys of spring these last couple of weeks. As the weather has got warmer and (this truly excites us), blossom has appeared everywhere we look, we are delighted to be rid of our winter coats in exchange for light weight jackets and macs. We have also ditched our wooly scarves for lighter and brighter substitutes.

The most amazing By Malene Birger jacket has arrived this week which we think is the most multi-tasking item we have come accross in a long time. Getting the best from both worlds, it's tailored shape suggests structure and formality on one hand, while the fabric, a linen mix offers a less dressy feel. Wear it for weddings, christenings, work wear, lunch date, evening jacket, or off duty chic with jeans and tee shirt. Phewff! The cost per wear is off the scale. 

The weather has also brought us (right on cue) a lovely fresh new drop of American Vintage. So if it's lighter and finer layers you are after AV is the go to brand. The key is to mix it up with colours and tones. See our favourite pieces that have come in this week below:

                                                   AV vermillion stripe dress with rope belt

                                                              AV ditsy floral silk tank

It's a well known fact that Olivia Palermo is one of our style crushes here at L'Armoire. Her style is always effortless chic mixing high end with high street and vintage. Here we have re-created one of Olivia's key off duty looks for spring with some picks from the boutique;

By Malene Birger 'Genival' sand/grey cardigan, AV Indigo stripe tee, AV Indigo cotton drape skirt, Day 'Crystals' necklace.

A quick beauty tip from L'Armoire's contributing top make up artist:

Colour is where it's at for your summer make up bag Emma says. 'The Lips are a great place to start and if you dare to go bright, Estee Lauder's Wild Fire lipstick, No.41 from their Pure Colour range will give you the pop your looking for. If it's a more subtle approach your after Bobbie Brown do a beautiful pinky coral tone from their Lipshine range called Papaya'.

Enjoy the sunshine!

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp
Twitter: http://twitter.com/larmoire_style

Sheer Temptation....

Hi all,

With the warmer months looming, we want to be on top of all the trends to come. So do your homework early and take note:

Firstly, we loved Kate Bosworth's look at the Burberry show recently in London. A complete tonal nude outfit can pack as much punch as all the brights around if done in the right way. The studs and cropped biker jacket give off a great spring attitude.

Sheer is the way to go whether it be in the silk, cotton, or the textile industries genius micro modal (basically made of beach wood tree pulp). If the word 'sheer' sets alarm bells ringing don't fear, good base layers for this trend are always key. A little ruffle here or a pin tuck there keeps our favourite and most wearable 'sheer' key item, the blouse at the height of femininity. Here are our top picks in the boutique right now and how to wear them.

1.Dress down this silk ruffle ice blue Malene Birger blouse for day by teaming it with camel chinos. Ditch your heels for flats to give your outfit a more casual vibe.

2.Once again Malene Birger has got it spot on with this desert rouge cotton shirt with intricate pin tuck detailing. Cutting a flattering shape we suggest the perfect pairing with Day's 'Samantha' stone jeans.

3.Sheer is always sexy for evening. Black and cream is always a classic, chic look for evening. We can't think of an easier look for you to throw on when stuck for what to wear on a night out by combining this corn silk beaded blouse with a slim pair of black cigarette pants. Sky high heels and a clutch and your ready to go.

4.Cinch in this Day Birger et Mikkelsen night blue chiffon blouse with AV's tan plaited belt. Don't forget your base layer underneath. One of AV's classic tanks will do nicely. Wear for day with 70's inspired flared jeans and an essential pair of tan wedges to finish the look.

 Raffia rules for summer accessories. From bags and shoes to floppy sun hats. Keep this trend fresh with Breton stripes (our favourite) and white. Channel the Jackie Onassis on the riviera look is what we're thinking... Cannes here we come!

                                            

Think Pink! We've noticed that the fashion world is having a little obsession with pink at the moment. Just a quick tip for new summer nails. Powder pink tones will give you a fresh feel and make a great change to the winter dark colours we've been used to. Our favourites at the moment are Chanel's Le Vernis nail colour in Pulsion or Peche Nacree.

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

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