Sunday, January 03, 2010

It's All In The Collar

Allow me to show off some of my Christmas presents... Beautiful garments bought on Etsy by my mum and my sister, who always spoil me shamelessly. These exquisite designs, expertly crafted, coincidentally happened to have in common amazing collars.
First of all, there is a black linen mini dress/tunic by Tortilla Girl; its name, Marie Linen seems to echo my own, Mary-Laure.
Then there are two pieces from Sohomode. The brown and beige houndstooth cape, with its warm deep purple lining, has been a blessing in this Paris winter - I haven't taken it off since Christmas! As for the "mumu" dress, made in the most delicate wool fabric ever, has details that I am just smitten with, such as the flattering neckline as well as the sleeves. Such perfect craftsmanship - craftswomanship?

31 comments:

Debra said...

And one should be shamelessly spoilt at Christmastime...and throughout the year. These pieces are lovely and how nice to exchange with these talented women at Etsy.

Mary-Laure said...

DEBRA - yes, I love spreading the word about talented Etsy designers; they so deserve the publicity!

Leia said...

Oooh love it!

Laura in Paris said...

I am really glad you had such a good Christmas time!

Maria Mercedes said...

Lindos vestidos, te debes ver muy guapa.

Mary-Laure said...

LAURA - thanks to you, I did. It's not just the presents, but also the atmosphere at home and your wonderful love. Thank you mum.

Giulia said...

So lovely, M-L. I'm glad you are being "spoiled."

I'm multi-tasking (watching a DVD, laughing at Giulia swooning over a white hyacinth just set onto the coffee table, & also now at sohomode). I'm so glad to know about the shop. They're low on capes at moment, but I have high hopes. I am sure you & Benjy are quite an elegant pair strolling in sparkly holiday Paris.

xoxo

Susan & GG

TortillaGirl said...

I'm so honored that your mother chose one of my items to give to you for Christmas. It's the ultimate compliment. [P.S. She's a sweetheart, by the way. I loved working with her.]

Thank you so much for your avid support of handmade designs, Mary-Laure. People like you inspire me to keep creating and to keep my work out there. Best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful new year 2010!

xo,
Becky

donna baker said...

What beautiful, thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts.

Mary-Laure said...

GIULIA - Louise from Sohomode seems to update her store very often, so keep your eyes peeled for more capes.
Giulia of course does not need a stitch of clothing, does she, furry as she is...?
I wonder what DVD you're watching.

BECKY - glad you got along with my mum; she IS a wonderful lady indeed. I am happy to support such gifted creators as yourself and hope to be able to keep on doing it in the future.

Giulia said...

Non, Giulia needs nothing. One perfect look, so chic. In G's case, ginger-red/white fur with contrasting pink accents(nose & pawpads):)

DVD: Prête-moi ta main..I'd not seen & I enjoyed.

I signed up for Louise's feed. But. Tomorrow (or as soon as the Siberian ice wind stops gusting...it's headache-inducing cold here) I'm replacing missing fabric scissors & the (missing) manual for a unused sewing machine in the closet. Heavier curtains must be made & I can't find what I want in the stores, in the colors I want. It's been years but I'm not making trousers, so I think it'll be OK.

Sorry this is so long. But also, I saw an item in Saturday's NYTimes (working thru pile of newspapers) that might interest you (or you perhaps saw). Tolstoy museum in Chechnya has been restored. The reporter is Sophia Kishkovsky. LT's grandson who administers his estate was there for the opening. History lessons that Tolstoy imparted to Russians not learned, etc. I did not know that Tolstoy was revered in Chechnya.

Hoping you are having a cozy Sunday evening in Paris.

ciao-meow

evencleveland said...

oooh ... these are lovely.

Angie Muresan said...

What beautiful pieces, Mary-Laure. And what a lovely mom you have!

Gabbi said...

Gorgeous gifts! You mom and sis are awesome... my favorite gift was a purse from my mom also. I think the loving part comes most greatly because of the thought behind it.♥

marie-louise said...

Mmmm!

Mary-Laure said...

GIULIA & SUSAN - oh Giulia's so chic in her catsuit!
I didn't know you were so crafty. I'd love to learn how to sew (well, I do sew the ribbons on my pointe shoes but that's it, and I do a poor job too!); also embroider.
I'd love to see your curtains once they're completed.
And YES I did see that article in the NYTimes yesterday. How fascinating. I worship Tolstoy.

ANGIE - oh yes, my mum and my sister are just SO wonderful. I just adore them.

GABBI - yes, it's always the thought that makes a present special, how someone tried to figure out what you'd like, which means figuring out who you are, really.
I hope you'll show off the purse on your blog!

Joyce said...

I love your wonderful gifts! Very pretty. Oh my friend I have to share at first seeing your title I thought oh Benjy got a new collar and then continue to read. It gave me a chuckle this morning and a reminder to read before I think. Smile... Enjoy wearing your beautiful gifts. xo

Mary-Laure said...

JOYCE - very funny! Benjy does not have a new collar but he does have a little black turtleneck which he wears in this icy Paris winter... He looks quite handsome!

Unknown said...

lovely gifts!

Kira Aderne said...

chic!

Happy 2010!!!

please sir said...

They look amazing - what great quality. Happy 2010!

Denise | Chez Danisse said...

Such amazing additions to your wardrobe! Although I am a fan of history and tradition, I love the shift in our technology and culture that has allowed such fine crafts(wo)manship to be found online in spaces such as Etsy. Enjoy!

Mary-Laure said...

DENISE - actually, I find that these Etsy designers, in some respects, heed tradition, as they work by hand, crafting their pieces one by one. No industrialization and sweat shops there!
It also allows to make a very personal contact with the designers, as you email them your measurements, make special requests etc.

Mise said...

How lovely! collars and sleeves are what sell clothes to me, and these are exquisite.

Denise | Chez Danisse said...

So true, Mary-Laure. Spaces such as Etsy, in many cases, allow us to get closer to a more beautiful and what seemed to be an almost forgotten way of designing.

Andrea Tachezy said...

I love collars! Happy New year Mary-Laure!

Miss Cavendish said...

I especially love the neckline on the cape. Thanks for introducing me to this designer; I've bookmarked her site!

Mary-Laure said...

MISS CAVENDISH - I'm happy that such a tasteful blogger as yourself liked these designs. Let me know if you buy anything from Sohomode!

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Affordable homes said...

These clothes are lovely perfect for the season.

Betsy said...

You lucky girl. What beautiful gifts. Love the boat neck(line)!

Love, Betsy.