Charles & Marie

Sexy isn’t contrived. Case in point: Zadig & Voltaire. The “casually refined” line radiates raw, effortless sensuality with choice materials: cashmere, washed silk, satin, lace and sumptuous iridescent leathers give each piece a rock ‘n roll swagger. Slouchy silhouettes are the hallmark of the collections and some of our favorite pieces are embroidered with messages or glittered skulls (yes, the skull trend is still going strong). We double dog dare you to make like the models on the web site and wear a scarf strategically draped over bare breasts.

Styled like an English sitting room and possessing a unique air of elegance, Elizabeth Charles boutiques offer high-end exports by Australian and Kiwi designers. Labels include Karen Walker, Megan Park, Beth Ellery, Lee Mathews and cult-favorite Lover. Kirrily Johnston maillots make a jaunt to the French Riviera—or simply a beach near you—mandatory this month (chilled sauvignon blanc makes trying them on that much more fun).

We can’t get enough of soft knits that drape in all the right places. The Diamond Dress by EcoSkin transitions from work to play with a flirty, sophisticated silhouette and waist-cinching belt and loose sleeves. Made of bamboo, tencel and a wee bit of spandex, it’s considered eco-friendly and comes in black, magenta, majolica blue, and starlight blue. Spice it up with a snazzy pair of ankle booties.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet

Visions of Denmark dance in our heads. A couple of images come to mind, actually: there are the fluid lines of Danish Modern design, and the haunted fog brooding over Prince Hamlet’s Elsinore Castle. And then there’s native clothing designer Camilla Stærk, whose name calls to mind jolts of graphic color, sharp, unexpected proportions, and uncluttered ease. Since relocating to New York two seasons ago, Stærk has introduced more American ideas to her clothes, while maintaining their essential Stærk-ness. She draws upon her native land to create clothing with a darkly romantic mood, adored by PJ Harvey, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler and Julianne Moore.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet

MORE…

Let it be said that every woman needs at least one she-devil dress in her closet. We’ve always subscribed to this school of thought, so when we stumbled upon an actual dress by this name, designed by Nanette Lepore, we had to have it. Clearly, this frock earns its name from the sexy black lace overlay and deep V-neckline with aqua and green beading. You might also call it your Make Him Drool Dress.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet

Our fashion mantra? You can never have enough Jersey tees and denim. Acne Jeans makes both and we’ve got dibs on this Great design. It’s loose and classic in fit, resembling a traditional men’s army tank but adapted to fit a woman’s shape. Knock ‘em dead by pairing it with your snug-fitting dark denim and stilettos.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, jeans, Marie’s closet

Johnny is our kind of guy. This simple n’ scrumptious tee is perfect for gals who want to sport the label discreetly, rather than resorting to the look-at-me cupcake with crossbones. As you may already know, this entire line of tees and accessories grew out of the trunk of a beat up 89′ Toyota Camry. The venerable Johnny was a college dropout and yet still turned down the investors knocking on his trunk. As he says, “Yeah, I could of made a ton of money real quick, but I chose quality over quantity.” Lesson of the day? Keep your brilliant ideas out of chain stores and carpe diem.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet, T-Shirt, Tragically Hip

MORE…

Los Angeles designer Jenni Kayne evokes old Hollywood glamour with her menswear-inspired staples. Since launching her eponymous label in 2003, at the tender age of nineteen, she has relied on her inherent design savvy. Wrap yourself in this shagadelic vest, or in Kayne’s noir evening gown to reveal your glowing, sexy back, not to mention your fine taste. Sunglasses optional.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet, sexy

The Bay Area shopping scene just keeps getting better. Case in point: Sherri McMullen, former buyer for Pottery Barn Kids and Neiman Marcus, has opened a deliciously chic shop in Oakland. McMullan is the name of this upscale boutique, which carries jewelry, handbags and night-on-the-town fashions by designers Diane von Furstenberg, Catherine Malandrino, Malene Birger and Rory Beca. In addition to offering in-store personal shopping services, the owner offers house calls for adding finishing pieces to your existing wardrobe.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet

Is modern clothing borrowing from the medieval—or are we confusing this for what might be military-inspired? Regardless of how we choose to describe it, Heimstone’s collection of dresses, cardigans and accessories makes us stand at attention (particularly the baby doll silhouettes). The French label is the work of Delphine Delafon and Alix Petit, who met while designing for Michel Klein. The line is named for Delafon’s art dealer grandfather from Alsace.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet