TFTV: WHAT I WORE AND ATE: THANKSGIVING *SPECIAL* EDITION

TALKFASHION TV

Episode: WHAT I WORE AND ATE: THANKSGIVING.

Thanksgiving Day has once again, come and gone.
In this episode of TALKFASHION TV you will see my own personal fashion creation, inspired by ginkgo trees, Fall, and Marie Antoinette.
It is a dress I handmade several years ago and it has become a yearly tradition for me to wear it at Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving dinner was made by me this year and it was a combination of my own recipes as well as an amazing apple pie recipe from the food network. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/apple-pie-recipe.html

MENU
-Fried Mashed Potato Cheese Ball
-Roasted Tomatoes stuffed with vegetables and spicy Italian ham.
-Cranberry green beans in White Fish.
-Roasted Vegetables and Chicken.
-Apple Pie

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xo,
Maya

HOW VERSAILLES INSPIRES FASHION

Chateau de Versailles is a place of inspiration and dreams. A reality so unreal, it takes your breath away. It is no surprise to me that such a place, continuously creates inspiration in the world of high fashion. 

Marie Antoinette, or the Queen of fashion, was known for her quirky innovative style and trendsetting ways. Is it possible that she was also inspired by her home? 

DETAILS

When you walk through the private rooms of Marie Antoinette, take your time to see the details. 

The intricate blending of textures, colors, and shapes will leave you in awe. No detail is overlooked, and it is as if you are living in a work of art. 

COLOR

The colors found at the Petit Trianon and the Grand Trianon are exhilarating. Combinations of colors you would never imagine to cohesively work, somehow create such beauty. 

My current obsession with adding turquoise to burgundy, is highly inspired by these very rooms.

NATURE WALKS

By far, the most inspiration is found in the long walks around the grounds of versailles. 

I know it maybe tempting to rent the little golf cars or pay to be driven to each destination, but it is in these silent long walks that you get a true taste of the magic that exists. 

Some of my most inspirational moments have occurred just walking in puddles, and imagining Marie Antoinette's life. 

Fashion is most beautiful when it coexists with its surroundings. It never tries to hard, and has a melodious harmony.

MAIN CHATEAU

The main Chateau is vibrant, imaginative, and powerful. It is extremely reminiscent of Louis the XIV,  or more famously known as the Sun King. 

The energy is strong, and dynamic. 

The famous "Hall of Mirrors" is filled with glorious chandeliers and optical illusions, created by the strategic use of mirrors. 

The wooden floors are beautifully arranged in geometric design. 

GEOMETRIC BEAUTY

The use of Geometric patterns is cleverly used throughout the parks and rooms. It creates a beauty that mimics nature with a contemporary touch. 

It amazes me how such techniques of shapes and geometry are still being used in modern day fashion. 

xo,

Maya

WHAT I WORE: Versailles

My style is entirely inspired by the grandeur, romance, whimsy, and mystique of Versailles. There is no place in the world that ignites my soul, and imagination, quite like Chateau de Versailles.

By borrowing from the old world, and mixing with the new, I feel my style is timelessly eclectic. 

WHAT I WORE:

The choker is by CHINE, and made of silk, faux fur, and vintage ornaments. It is quite similar to the chokers worn by Marie Antoinette and add a unique texture of glamour that is something quite different from a modern day necklace. 

The cardigan is by MOSCHINO and a vintage treasure! As soon as I found this turquoise delight I knew it belonged to me. Like roses bursting in the wind, it shares an air of whimsy that leaves me imagining leaves dancing along the winds of Versailles. 

My coat is created by one of my favorite Scandinavian brands, Noa Noa. I bought it several years ago in Antwerp and fell in love with it largely for the color, and delicate turquoise embroidery. 

There is something about the color palette of burgundy and turquoise that excites my eyes. It is unpredictable and yet pleasing. 

To my surprise, the color duo is found all over the Versailles interiors. 

My dress is by BCBG and is turquoise wrap dress adorned with short silk sleeves. The burgundy turtleneck is by Zara and a basic winter essential.

The boots are by Kenneth Cole and the softest, most comfortable boots I own. 

My gloves are simple vintage velvet in a red toned burgundy. 

Happy Birthday Marie Antoinette!

Happy Birthday Marie Antoinette!

Born on this day, November 2, 1755, in Vienna, Austria, Marie Antoinette would be 260 years old today! As the last Queen of France, and forever Queen of fashion, she was innovative, courageous, but most of all, a woman of strength.

Largely misunderstood through false propaganda, Marie Antoinette is not accurately portrayed as the person I have researched her to be. Her grace and beauty was unsurpassed, while her heart was pure and kind.

Read the following account of Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun, and her depiction of Marie Antoinette as a person. (Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun was an Artist who painted many of Marie Antoinette's Portraits) 

Queen Marie-Antoinette 1778, by Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun

Marie Antoinette Through the Eyes of Her Painter:

"It was in the year 1779 that I painted the Queen for the first time; she was then in the heyday of her youth and beauty. Marie Antoinette was tall and admirably built, being somewhat stout, but not excessively so. Her arms were superb, her hands small and perfectly formed, and her feet charming. She had the best walk of any woman in France, carrying her head erect with a dignity that stamped her queen in the midst of her whole court, her majestic mien, however, not in the least diminishing the sweetness and amiability of her face. To any one who has not seen the Queen it is difficult to get an idea of all the graces and all the nobility combined in her person. Her features were not regular; she had inherited that long and narrow oval peculiar to the Austrian nation. Her eyes were not large; in colour they were almost blue, and they were at the same time merry and kind. Her nose was slender and pretty, and her mouth not too large, though her lips were rather thick. But the most remarkable thing about her face was the splendour of her complexion. I never have seen one so brilliant, and brilliant is the word, for her skin was so transparent that it bore no umber in the painting. Neither could I render the real effect of it as I wished. I had no colours to paint such freshness, such delicate tints, which were hers alone, and which I had never seen in any other woman." 

"I painted various pictures of the Queen at different times. In one I did her to the knees, in a pale orange-red dress, standing before a table on which she was arranging some flowers in a vase. It may be well imagined that I preferred to paint her in a plain gown and especially without a wide hoopskirt. She usually gave these portraits to her friends or to foreign diplomatic envoys. One of them shows her with a  straw hat on and a white muslin dress, whose sleeves are turned up, though quite neatly. When this work was exhibited at the Salon, malignant folk did not fail to make the remark that the Queen had been painted in her chemise, for we were then in 1786, and calumny was already busy concerning her. Yet in spite of all this the portraits were very successful."

"Toward the end of the exhibition a little piece was given at the Vaudeville Theatre, bearing the title, I think, "The Assembling of the Arts." Brongniart, the architect, and his wife, whom the author had taken into his confidence, had taken a box on the first tier, and called for me on the day of the first performance. As I had no suspicion of the surprise in store for me, judge of my emotion when Painting appeared on the scene and I saw the actress representing that art copy me in the act of painting a portrait of the Queen. The same moment everybody in the parterre and the boxes turned toward me and applauded to bring the roof down. I can hardly believe that any one was ever more moved and more grateful than I was that evening."

"I was so fortunate as to be on very pleasant terms with the Queen. When she heard that I had something of a voice we rarely had a sitting without singing some duets by Grétry together, for she was exceedingly fond of music, although she did not sing very true. As for her conversation, it would be difficult for me to convey all its charm, all its affability. I do not think that Queen Marie Antoinette ever missed an opportunity of saying some thing pleasant to those who had the honour of being presented to her, and the kindness she always bestowed upon me has ever been one of my sweetest memories."

"One day I happened to miss the appointment she had given me for a sitting; I had suddenly become unwell. The next day I hastened to Versailles to offer my excuses. The Queen was not expecting me; she had had her horses harnessed to go out driving, and her carriage was the first thing I saw on entering the palace yard. I nevertheless went upstairs to speak with the chamberlains on duty. One of them, M. Campan, received me with a stiff and haughty manner, and bellowed at me in his stentorian voice, "It was yesterday, madame, that Her Majesty expected you, and I am very sure she is going out driving, and I am very sure she will give you no sitting to-day!" Upon my reply that I had simply come to take Her Majesty's orders for another day, he went to the Queen, who at once had me conducted to her room. She was finishing her toilet, and was holding a book in her hand, hearing her daughter repeat a lesson. My heart was beating violently, for I knew that I was in the wrong. But the Queen looked up at me and said most amiably, "I was waiting for you all the morning yesterday; what happened to you?"

"I am sorry to say, Your Majesty," I replied, "I was so ill that I was unable to comply with Your Majesty's commands. I am here to receive more now, and then I will immediately retire."

"No, no! Do not go!" exclaimed the Queen. "I do not want you to have made your journey for nothing!" She revoked the order for her carriage and gave me a sitting. I remember that, in my confusion and my eagerness to make a fitting response to her kind words, I opened my paint-box so excitedly that I spilled my brushes on the floor. I stooped down to pick them up. "Never mind, never mind," said the Queen, and, for aught I could say, she insisted on gathering them all up herself.

"When the Queen went for the last time to Fontainebleau, where the court, according to custom, was to appear in full gala, I repaired there to enjoy that spectacle. I saw the Queen in her grandest dress; she was covered with diamonds, and as the brilliant sunshine fell upon her she seemed to me nothing short of dazzling. Her head, erect on her beautiful Greek neck, lent her as she walked such an imposing, such a majestic air, that one seemed to see a goddess in the midst of her nymphs. During the first sitting I had with Her Majesty after this occasion I took the liberty of mentioning the impression she had made upon me, and of saying to the Queen how the carriage of her head added to the nobility of her bearing. She answered in a jesting tone, "If I were not Queen they would say I looked insolent, would they not?"

"The Queen neglected nothing to impart to her children the courteous and gracious manners which endeared her so to all her surroundings. I once saw her make her six-year-old daughter dine with a little peasant girl and attend to her wants. The Queen saw to it that the little visitor was served first, saying to her daughter, "You must do the honours." 

-Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun

 "Tribulation first makes you realize who you really are" 

-Marie Antoinette

This quote is my favorite quote from Marie Antoinette, and it speaks volumes to my own experiences with "tribulation". It is rather easy to be kind, regal, and admirable when you live a life of very few complications or challenges. However, when that world is turned upside down, who you really are, will be exposed. Will you stand up to the challenge and grow strength in ways you never knew? Or will you cower into the background, and let your soul rot with everything else. Marie Antoinette is an inspirational character for her ability to remain courageous despite all the fear and pain she must have gone through. Till the very end she remained admirable, regal, and a true Queen. 

Today will be dedicated to all things Versailles, and Marie Antoinette!  Look forward to a couple of surprise posts throughout the day. (My apologies for the absence of "Fall Daily Posts" for the past couple of days. Regular posting will presume tomorrow.)

xo,

 Maya

Sunday Night in with Marie Antoinette

Happy Birthday Marie Antoinette!

 On November 2, 1755 Marie Antoinette was born in Vienna, Austria, making her 259 years old today.

I spent most of my Sunday, inside, relaxing and snuggling up with some good books, pot of tea,  and of course, blogging on my mind.

I thought I would share with you three amazing books about Marie Antoinette and her epic impact on the world through her fashions. 

                          RELAXING,TEA, and BOOKS!

Would you like a cup of tea?

Green Tea, is my drink of choice. Whenever  I want to unwind and relax, it is always a pot of green tea and a nice book. Now for a little nerd alert, here is an interesting fact about Green Tea.

Green tea contains catechins, which creates positive functions for all organs in the body. 

"It is cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-artherogenic, liver protective and beneficial for blood vessels." 

Basically it means it helps you lose weight, prevents diseases, and improves all functions of the body. 

                                         BOOK #1

                                          (English)

              

'The Queen of Fashion' by Caroline Weber, is a fascinating book. I highly recommend this book because it has an interesting twist on the perspective of fashion and its influence and power in politics. When we think of politics we think of money, power, and the "issues" they petition for. However, even in modern day politics, 'fashion' is always used as a way to influence the views of a certain candidate. 

Neck tie color, hairstyle, eyeglass type, are some examples of fashions that are pre-analyzed to create an image of power and authority for a candidate. 

The same fashion manipulation was practiced in the Bourbon court over 250 years ago. The moment Marie Antoinette set foot on French soil, she was trained to dress and walk as a Queen. The idea of "Royal" meant you were the nearest to God, nothing about her could evoke "common". They even went as far as rearranging her teeth, without anesthesia, in order to achieve a smile of superiority.

Clothes were also political in the sense who designed them. Just as Michelle Obama makes a scandal when she wears a non American designer the same would occur if Marie Antoinette had worn a non French designer. 

As Marie Antoinette started to taking bigger risks with her fashion choices and went agains Bourbon traditions, this is when the problems began. She angered many powerful people, who then influenced a type of "tabloid" caricature of her to spread false propaganda.

 

A very interesting read, and well worth it.

                                       BOOK #2 

                                 (FRENCH & ENGLISH)

           

LE XVIII AU GOUT DU JOUR : Couturiers et Createurs De Mode Au Grand Trianon (The 18th Century Back in Fashion: Couturiers and Fashion Designers in the Grand Trianon) II actually went to see this exhibition in Versailles, France,  and purchased the book then. The book is written in French and English and it was made in correlation to the exhibition at the Grand Trianon. They displayed iconic modern day couture gowns inspired by Marie Antoinette, and such designer gowns by Lagerfeld, YSL, Gaultier, and Dior were displayed. 

The book also contains very detailed historical references and interesting information, highly recommended. 

                                        BOOK #3

                                         (FRENCH)

    

Modes du XVIII siècle sous Louis XVI et Marie-Antoinette, is a book I purchased in France. It is a beautiful book with hand paintings of the Fashions during the 18th Century. From accessories, hairstyles  hats, dresses, everything is included in a beautiful collection of what Fashion was like in the 18th Century. 

Another favorite of mine, it is highly recommended. 

x,

Maya

MARIE ANTOINETTE : Fashion Revolution

 Marie Antoinette was born an Austrian princess. Forced to marry, she was handed over to the Bourbon Court to be the next Queen of France.

From this moment on she was forced to give up her Austrian nationality, and become French. All garments were removed, and replaced with elegant and lavishly adorned French ones. 

Beyond just the French Revolution, it was her own Revolution in FASHION, that made her a legend. 

If there was an era in time I could choose to time warp into, it would be 18th century French "Nobility"(Im pretty sure the rest of France was starving). Known for a period of elegance, beauty, and femininity it was also going through a period of "Enlightenment".

Join me as I time travel back to the 18th century, to explore and understand the impact of Marie Antoinette's Revolutionary style.

  

                                      The "POUF"

After her husband was crowned King of France, she debut a new hairstyle called the, "pouf". The hairstyle was heavily powdered and teased extremely high, elongating the neck, and extending the forehead. The  hairstyle was often topped with a cluster of white ostrich feathers, or some other form of adornment that she wished. Sometimes even placing an entire boat on top of her head. She was fearless, and soon all of upper French Society was emulating her hair raising style. 

                                THE ENLIGHTENMENT

The period during Marie Antoinette's life, was going through and Age of Reason or the "Enlightenment". It was at this time that individualism was celebrated, and the art of reasons were practiced. Traditions were now being questioned p and broken. Women were beginning to voice their opinions and practice their rights' as individual thinkers. 

                                         HER STYLIST

It is odd to think Marie Antoinette had a stylist but it is documented that she made weekly trips to Paris, and met with the most famous designers of that time. Rose Bertin, started out by selling her fabrics, but soon became her most trusted stylist. 

                                   'Robe a la Polonaise'

'Robe a la Polonaise", was a provocative and edgy creation, pioneered by the Queen herself. It included a bosom-enhancing corset and daring reveal of the ankles. Instead of panniers, fabric was gathered in the back and the  sleeves were now tighter around the elbow's and adorned with frilly lace.  The "Polonaise" was soon adopted by the French and English Courts. 

                                         "THE CORSET"

Marie Antoinette often refused to wear corsets that were use to enhance her posture and shrink her waist. While riding horses, she grew a love for male breeches and male riding jackets.

                                  "Chemises a la reine'

By 1780, Marie Antoinette was now spending her days freely at the Trianon, in her private gardens and away from the scrutiny from the French Court. With her new found freedom, her clothing changed as well. Although highly controversial, she began to wear a thin, muslin, 'chemises a la Reine' which was delicately tied with a silk ribbon at the waste. It was then worn with a straw hat, mimicking a soft, elegant "peasant look".

At the time, such a dress was considered "pornographic" or equal to wearing "lingerie" in public. It was highly criticized by French Society but like true Antoinette style, it soon became another trend.  

                                             Tea Time! 

In true 18th century style, I relaxed for a nice afternoon tea. I had special "18th century" hot chocolate, which is actually spiced with cinnamon plus a cold glass of rose water.The cake, was filled with cranberries, rose, lavender, and orange honey. Delicious! 

Marie Antoinette, is often remembered for her tragic ending, but it is her unwavering attack on Fashion that makes her iconic. Her constant push against traditions, made huge impacts in how fashion is approached, viewed, and practiced today. 

The common denominator is always to be fearless. The fight to be who you are will often receive a great deal of criticism, and that is life. C'est la vie. 

Following the pack will keep you out of trouble, but it also leaves your life as quite forgettable.

xo,

maya