TheSecretCloset

Walking around town

2012-02-08T14:48:00.000Z

Hello my dear followers!

Today I would like to share with you my favourite weekend shoes. They are great for walking around in the winter, comfortable but also trendy and stylish.

The shoes are by Carvela. I never buy high street shoes full price so I waited a whole year for them to go in the sale and got them with 30% off in Selfridges. That weekend, I decided to wear them with jeans (Zara sale) and Prada wool coat.

For those who are wondering what the golden line is...it's the prime meridian at Greenwich!

Have a lovely day and leave a comment if you like! :-)

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

1920's

2012-02-07T15:02:00.000Z

Hello everybody!

Today I would like to share with you my outfit for a 1920's party. As you can see from the first picture, I was wearing a vintage fur with a genuine pearl necklace and a vintage Chanel bag. Red lipstick and nail vanish are a MUST for a vintage evening!

T-bar shoes are great for a vintage look...here is my favourite pair of Chanel.

And finally my Mango dress...

Sorry about the poor quality pics, wish you could see the earrings I was wearing: Chanel crystal drop with double CC logo.

Have a nice afternoon!

xxxThe Secret Closetxxx

My outfit today

2012-02-01T17:00:00.000Z

Hello everybody!

Here is a snapshot of my outift today. It's freezing in London so I'm wearing thick grey tights with my favourite comfy Chanel shoes. They were an amazing present from by boyfriend for our 5th anniversary.

On top, I am wearing a print dress and a cashmere cardigan. The nail vanish color is Chanel graphite.

Have a lovely day everyone and keep warm!!! Brrrrrrrrrr

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

My Kelly

2012-01-26T17:44:00.000Z

Hello dear followers!

Today I would like to introduce to you my 1946 Hermes Kelly bag!

I bought it second hand for an amazing price and it's one of the most precious items in my secret closet.

Do you like the colour? I think it's so versatile. You can wear it with black, blue and brown tones. Also, it's very unlikely that you will bump into someone who has the same!

The one question that always come up with vintage items is CONDITION. This bag has seen better days but isn't it normal for something that is 66 years old to have a few wrinkles? A bag is made to be worn, not to sit around in a box!!!

I hope you enjoy this post.

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

Antique ring

2012-01-25T11:03:00.000Z

Dear followers!

Today I want to share with you one of my latest Antique finds. In contrast with many people, I adore Antique jewellery. Most of the times, you wouldn't be able to find such pieces in a modern shop, especially not at the same price. I love the fact that every item has its own history and has been around for longer than I have!

So this is my antique smoky quartz 9ct gold ring. Didn't need re-sizing when I bought it so I think it was meant to be mine! Don't you love all the detail? Such a perfect ring that you can wear day and night!

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

Rabbits!

2012-01-24T15:59:00.000Z

Hello everybody!

I find the end of the sale season terribly depressing so I went to have a look around the high street for some new season beauties. And this is what I found in H&M...RABBITS!

I am in love with this print! They used it to make lots of different garnments, dresses, tops, etc. I chose a peter pan collar blouse.

Quality is not bad for H&M...100% viscose! Price 12.99£ GO FOR IT!
A little tip: as it's for the divided section, go for 1 to 2 sizes bigger than normal!

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

Bracelets...

2012-01-23T13:22:00.000Z

Dear all,

my post today is about two of my favourite brands, Miu Miu and Les Nereides.

I bought the Miu Miu bracelet when it first came out at what seemed to be a very reasonable price (65£). Since then the price has gone up considerably. This is not only true for their jewellery but for shoes, bags and clothing too. I find this a bit annoying since the design and the quality is exactly the same. They should be careful not to lose their loyal customers.

I discovered Les Nereides about 6 years ago when they still had their shop on King's road. Since then, I have accumulated a little collection of their pieces. I love everything they do, including the funky N2 collection. This bracelet is my latest buy, an absolute bargain in the sale!

I hope you like them as much as I do!

xxx TheSecretCloset xxx

Cleaning out the SecretCloset

2012-01-10T11:36:00.000Z

It's that time of the year again...I am trying to clean out my closet.

This year I am finding it really hard to give these Dior shoes up.

They were such a good find and I wore them day in, day out for more than 5 years.

I know I'll never wear them again but they bring back such good memories...

So, shall I keep them or should they be heading for the bin?

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

For LaScarpaRossa

2012-01-06T16:54:00.000Z

Happy New Year!
This is my best find in the Chanel sale!
xxx TheSecretCloset xxx

Elizabeth Taylor @ Christie's

2011-09-25T11:49:00.000+01:00

Once in a lifetime chance to see Elizabeth Taylor's collection of art, jewellery and eveningwear at Christie's London...I couldn't resist!!!

I am still speachless...here is a few of my favourites...

The Daisy parure, a suite of diamond and multi-gem "Reine Marguerite" jewelry, by Van Cleef and Arpels.

I love this one because I think it's the most 'wearable' one...I think it would look great on a white t-shirt!

Estimate auction price: $200,000-$300,000

A kunzite, amethist and diamond "triphanes" sautoir, by Van Cleef and Arpels

estimate auction price $70,000-100,000

A Chanel ballgown, cape, shoes and matching clutch bag

estimate aution price $6,000-8,000

Cultured pearl and diamond bracelet by David Webb

estimate auction price (with necklace) $60,000-80,000

The Elizabeth Taylor diamond, a rectangular-cut diamond ring of 33.19 carats

estimate auction price $2,500,000-3,500,000

La Peregrina, a natural pearl, cultured pearl, ruby and diamond necklace by Cartier

estimate auction price $2,000,000-3,000,000

You can detach the bottom part of this necklace and use it as a brooch. The story says that Elizabeth Taylor lost the bottom part of the necklace for two days; it was then found in her dog's mouth.

I hope you liked this post...and if you're interested the auction will take place in New York, December 2011

The Louis Vuitton neverfull...

2011-09-22T21:40:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!!!

I thought about you bloggers yesterday when I was packing my neverfull Louis Vuitton bag and then realised that it was actually FULL for once...I had a busy day running around London!

Here is a picture of my bag with my cousin's little dog in it...she loves it in there!

A quick word about LV...did you know that the LV monogram fabric is NOT leather??? I also think their quality has gone down hill compared to the past. My bag is clearly not the same quality as my mum's Vintage one...I love mine anyway and was one of the best presents ever!!!

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

Ciao a tutti!!

Ho pensato a voi bloggers ieri mentre preparavo la mia borsa Louis Vuitton modello 'neverfull' (mai piena) e mi sono resa conto che in realta' era piena zeppa...ho avuto una giornata piena girovagando x Londra!

Questa e' una foto della borsa con il cagnolino dei miei cuginetti...adora stare nella borsa!

Una nota breve su Louis Vuitton, sapevate che il tessuto usato per le borse NON e' pelle??? Inoltre la qualita' e' molto peggiorata rispetto al passato...la mia borsa non e' allo stesso livello di quello della borsa vintage di mia mamma...comunque la adoro ed e' stato uno dei piu bei regali mai ricevuti!!!

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

To buy or not to buy full price (take two)

2011-09-20T14:58:00.000+01:00

Talking about nail varnish...I thought I'd share with you my favourite 2011 sandals before they go back in a box until next year. As you can see these are some beautiful Chanel, classic, black sandals. And they are one of the reasons why I know that buying full price is often not worth it...

In fact, I bought these beauties for a reduced price in a second hand boutique...I then realised that Chanel had a very similar model on sale in their 2011 summer collection for 3 TIMES the price!!! OH MY GOD! That's what I call the bargain of the century!!!Don't you think???

Parlando di smalti...ho pensato di farvi vedere i miei sandali preferiti dell'estate 2011 prima che tornino nella loro scatola fino all'anno prossimo. Come potete vedere e' un sandalo nero, classico di marca Chanel. Sono anche una prova che comprare a prezzo pieno molte volte non valga la pena...

Infatti ho comprato questi sandali ad un prezzo scontato in una boutique di seconda mano...poi mi sono accorta che Chanel aveva un modello molto simile nella collezione attuale pero' al triplo del prezzo!!! Ragazze, questo e' l'affare del secolo, non pensate???

O.P.I.

2011-09-19T18:48:00.000+01:00

Quest'estate le nostre unghie sono state "vestite" da O.P.I.

Ora che l'estate e' finita non c'e' ragione per cui abbandonare quest'abitudine ;)
Quindi ecco a voi alcuni dei colori che abbiamo scelto per la prossima stagione...

This summer our nails were wearing O.P.I.
Now summer is over but there is no reason why we should break with tradition ;-)
So these are our favourite colours for the autumn/winter 2011...

Ed ecco l'ultima novita' O.P.I. Effetto 'shatter'
This is the latest O.P.I. trend. Shatter effect.

Che ne pensate? un must direi ;)
What do you think? it's a must for the new season!!!

The keys to my heart...

2011-09-15T17:29:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!

After a week of Chanel treats, it's back to jewellery again!

This time I'd like to share with you my new charm found in Portobello market...

It's 9 carat gold and there is a hallmark on every key. The nice thing is that all the keys are held together by a ring that can not be open so I will never lose any!

Can you read the 'secret' message? I spotted this charm from a mile and I knew I had to have it.

And you know what the best thing is....? I found similar ones for sale in Liberty for nearly FOUR times the price so I know it was a bargain!!!

xxxthesecretclosetxxx

Chanel treasure hunt REVEALED

2011-09-14T16:10:00.000+01:00

Dear all!

The time has come to reveal where and why there are Chanel logos on lamp posts in London...

-The borough is Westminster. The photo I posted yesterday was actually taken outside the Thomas Goode shop on South Audley Street in the heart of Mayfair.

-Why??? as Classiq rightly said, Coco Chanel had a relationship with the Duke of Westminster in the 1920s and people say he put the Chanel logo on the lamp posts to make her feel at home and special whenever she visited London. I guess it's a gesture of Love!

that's all folks!

Remember you can 'like' my blog using your facebook account!

xxxthesecretclosetxxx

Chanel treasure hunt!!!

2011-09-13T18:37:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!

Today I'd like to play a little game with you...

There is a borough in London with Chanel logos on the lamp posts...

Do you know where this is? and why???

I will give my answer tomorrow! xxxthesecretclosetxxx

The world of Chanel @ Harrods

2011-09-12T16:06:00.000+01:00

Dear followers!

Did you have a nice weekend?

On saturday I had time to pop into Harrods to check out the 'World of Chanel'. It consists in two pop-up shops on the ground floor: a beauty and fragrance counter and a fashion & accessories 'grotto'. The latest is AMAZING, being there is like a dream.

There is also a Chanel 'promenade' on the third floor with some historic pieces and art explaining the history and heritage of the Chanel brand...wonderful! No pictures allowed so you'll have to go and see for yourself!

For the occasion, Harrods has been completely re-styled including lions on the lifts doors (first picture), Chanel flags, all Chanel windows to the front of the shop (an example in the second picture) and Chanel themed doors (third picture).

What do you think of the Chanel brooches on the owls? I have one myself and I love it! You can pin it to a blazer, to a cardy or even onto a fabric bag to add a very special touch!

This 'World of Chanel' event at Harrods just adds to the charm of this department store...did you know they still have THIS???

What can I say...WOW!

xxx thesecretclosetxxx

LONDON VOGUE FASHION NIGHT OUT

2011-09-09T15:13:00.001+01:00

Hello everybody!!!

I have just about recovered from the London Vogue Fashion Night out and I am ready to share with you my experiences of the evening.

I started the night by hitting Roger Vivier for Champagne and Truffles. There, a fashion illustrator drew a sketch of me...

The illustrator was so talented! Don't you think? Can you recognize the bow (see next pic)?
The night continued in Harvey Nichols with a milk jar full of delicious cocktail!

Complimentary face painting was offered and I couldn't resist...here are a few examples!

This is me! Do you like the design?

Next stop: MIU MIU! here I did some celebrity spotting...Pixie Geldof was checking out some bling trainers!

This is a glimpse of my outfit...I wore a H&M coat over a Miu Miu dress and Miu Miu limited edition bag.

The night finished in Liberty where I had a look at some scarves and charms...

I am so looking forward to next year's FNO and in the mean time I'll be waiting for your feedback!

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

VOGUE FASHION NIGHT OUT

2011-09-08T15:42:00.000+01:00

Hello my dearest readers!

Just a quick note to say that I will be attending the Vogue Fashion Night Out in London today!
I will be in Sloane street for a Champagne and Truffle session and then hitting Bond Street & surroundings!
For the occasion I am wearing a blue Miu Miu dress with Ferragamo bow ballerinas. A big hint will be my Miu Miu bag...there are only 7 in the world, so catch me if you can!

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

A match made in Heaven

2011-09-07T15:57:00.000+01:00

Hello SecretCloset readers!

Today I want to talk to you about matching accessories...When I buy a bag, I always think it would be nice to buy the matching wallet, make-up bag, key holder etc...but then I think that I am already overspending on the bag alone so forget the accessories. Plus it would be just like going into a shop, seeing something you like on the mannequin but then buying the whole outfit, it's a sign of lack of imagination.
What happens with me very often is that I buy an itam and then a later purchase happens to match it perfectly!!! Does it ever happen to you?

So this is my match made in heaven...

one of my favourite bags...Miu Miu...bought a few years ago; matched with a brand new Prada wallet...

I guess it helps that they are from the same designer so the color is not completely different. What do you think? Do you like this match made in Heaven???

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

an owl who takes flight only at night...

2011-09-06T16:10:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!

I don't know how many of you read the post about me on my friend Kirsty's blog but it inspired one of my antique buys at the weekend...the post was about Kirtsy raiding my shoe wardrobe and admiring some of my favourite shoes (Chanel & Miu Miu...have a look here!). She took some lovely pictures and wrote about me that "She's no peacock striving to boast her best side, but more of an owl who takes flight only at night - so only those looking are able to see its beauty"
So this is what I found at the weekend...

It's a beautiful black laquer box with gold details.

Do you like the shoes? What about my antique box?

xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

To buy or not to buy full price

2011-09-05T16:14:00.000+01:00

Hello boys and girls!

I am back after a weekend of BBQ, painting and antiques' fair...!!! Today I wanted to talk about the dilemma of buying full price or waiting for the items on our wish list to go on sale...
Here is an outfit that I wore on saturday to visit Borough Market. I bought the dress and the shoes at the beginning of the season and therefore paid full price (or almost) for them.

The dress is by Miu Miu cruise collection 2011 whereas the shoes are Prada, bought with a small reduction (15%) in Liberty when snow was still on the pavements in january. Everybody thought I was completely crazy to buy such expensive items so early in the season. Well, I think I made the most of them and consider them as two of the best buys of the year. As you can see from the second picture I started wearing the LBD in the winter for a night out, if I could I would wear that dress everyday!!!

Just for your interest accessories in the first picture are as follows: Dior heart charm bracelet, Ice watch and Gucci bag, H&M cardigan. Second picture: Topshop cardigan, Ice watch and Longchamp bag.

So was I right to 'splash the cash'? Do you buy full price to be sure to have the item? Or do you wait risking never seeing it again?

Let me know xxxTheSecretClosetxxx

The last summer waves...

2011-09-02T12:15:00.003+01:00

Hello everybody!

Just a little announcement to start...this blog has now reached it's first 1000 views! I know it's nothing compared to other blogs but you've got to start from somewhere right? Plus, I kind of abandoned you for 2 months or so!
Today I'd like to share with you my favourite shorts of summer 2011. They combine two summer trends: lace and cut out fabric. I love the effect of the wavy fabric, do you know any other shops where I could find this cut??? I saw some cheap tops in Topshop but they didn't suit me at all! :-(

L is modeling the shorts for you today...

Almost forgot to mention the brand! They are from Max & Co...

I think you could carry on wearing these in the winter with very dark tights paired with these Louboutin ankle boots which are also part of our secret closet!

What do you think???

xxx TheSecretCloset xxx

Another Chanel treat

2011-09-01T17:19:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!!!

Thanks a lot for the feedback on yesterday's post and since you loved the Chanel scarf I thought I'd share with you another one of my Chanel treasures. First, a bit of history about Chanel bags. I HATE hearing people say 'I'd like to buy the classic chanel bag' meaning the CC logo one...

This is NOT the bag that Coco created. The CC is a later addition by Karl Lagerfeld to revamp the brand! The classic bag looked a bit more like this:

The point is that you did not need to have the logo on as the distinguishing feature was the chain!!!
So now that I've set the record straight let's have a look at this VINTAGE beauty...

What do you think guys? I know it's not the classic bag but I love it because I have never seen another one like it and when I wear it I am sure I will be the only one in the room with that particular model! I ususally wear this bag with jeans and a cream shirt...Simple!
Just a little piece of advice...always check the authenticity of the bag you are purchasing! This can be easily done by going into your local Chanel branch where they will send it to Paris for you to receive a certificate!
I look forward to hearing from you.
xxx TheSecretCloset xxx

Scarf-mania!

2011-08-31T10:54:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!
I have been thinking about this blog and I came to realise that I'm not really showing you any outfits...just bits of my wardrobe. So I realised that the difference between me and other bloggers is that I am not really a stylist, I consider myself more of a fashion collector. I don't buy things to show off to people but for my own pleasure. I love every item I own and I admire it like you admire a painting in a museum.

So I don't think I am going to change my style of blogging for now...today I want to show you two beautiful scarves that are essential for this chilly end of summer.

As you know I pay a lot of attention to materials so this beautiful Chanel scarf is 90% modal 10% cashmere, all natural fibers. Don't you love the sequin detail for the logo?

At the other end of the color scale is this beautiful Gucci shawl made of 70% wool and 30% silk, very luxurious and soft. I believe mixing materials gives a more casual look compared to a 100% silk scarf which has that particular shine to it...

So another two treasures revealed! I hope you enjoy them!

xxx TheSecretCloset xxx

Today I am wearing...

2011-08-30T12:02:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!
What do you wear on a lazy day? Well...today I wanted to share with you a snapshot of my favourite comfy clothes. Here are my Lanvin sneakers which I absolutely love. I bought them in the winter sale and never regretted it! You would never believe it but, despite being made of wool fabric, they protect me for the sporadic London rain!

Aside from leggings (always paired with shorts) I am wearing a green and white stripy top bought in Urban Outfitters (Boston) and a Miu Miu black loose cardy. If it was for me I would wear this combo every day!

About the accessories, I love blinging this outfit up with a stack of eternity rings. Each of the rings has a very special meaning as they were gifts from people I love. The rubis are the same colour of my nail vanish and the emeralds match the stripes! What do you think? xxx

flowers on my wrist

2011-08-24T10:52:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody!
Today I'd like to share with you one of my favourite vintage finds. I feel in love with this bracelet at first sight...I love the flower detail on it! Don't you?
xxx SecretCloset

a special post

2011-08-19T13:35:00.000+01:00

kirstandthefashioncrowd.blogspot.com

Here is a link to my friend's blog...she has written a beautiful post about my secret closet so take a look and let me know what you think!!!

xxx

precious jewels

2011-08-16T13:22:00.000+01:00

Dear all,

I feel really bad for not posting regularly on the blog...so I thought today I would share some of my favourite jewellery pieces with you. The first is a Dior bracelet that I picked up in a 50% off sale over 5 years ago. I simply love it. The second is a Chanel necklace that I bought last winter. I love this classic piece as you can wear it both short or long. In the picture I am wearing a Whistles silk shirt that I also picked up in the 50% off summer sale this year. What do you think of the pieces?

I promise I'll keep in touch more often! xxx

TheSecretCloset

Anita's vintage fashion fair

2011-05-22T18:07:00.000+01:00

It's Sunday afternoon and we have no plans...what's best than a good old vintage fashion fair??? So we head to the beautiful Battersea arts centre...here it is!

Lots of lovely jewellery...

...gorgeous vintage leather bags...

http://www.costumesbyrebeccatredget.co.uk/

...and some crazy vintage outfits!

So...these are our picks for the day...to be added to our secret closet!

Do you like them???

L's crazy ring...

and furry necklace...perfect for the winter!

S's necklace

Vintage mission accomplished ;-)

The first treasure revealed

2011-05-11T11:09:00.000+01:00

We have decided to reveal our first treasure!

This item is very special to S because she is absolutely crazily in love with Miu Miu. But it's not just about the brand or about the design...it's about the story that comes with this BAG!!!

It all started with a last minute shopping trip to buy a birthday present. And just by chance, I was in the right place at the right time...I noticed a buzz around the new MiuMiu store on Bond St and I remembered that it was due to open that same night. It was the chance of a lifetime. I decided that one way or another I had to be there. 5 minutes later I was in paradise.

I made it! I was inside! Paps were taking pictures of me as if I was famous. I was sipping champagne surrounded by hollywood stars and the best fashion journalists. OH MY GOD!

And the I saw IT, the bag. It was love at first sight. I love the shape inspired by a vintage camera bag, I love the color, the fabric, everything! And just to make it better, it was a limited edition bag only available in the Bond St store.

So this is not just another designer bag, everytime I wear it, it feels very special! What do you think about this first treasure? Have you also got an item that is particularly precious to you? let us know!!! xxx

Natural vs Synthetic materials

2011-05-09T13:49:00.000+01:00

I recently found myself shopping on the high street and overheard a girl in the changing room saying how the shirt she was trying on felt so soft and silky...unfortunately for her there was no silk in sight and she ended up paying 25£ (40$) for a 100% polyester top. I know that's nothing compared to designer prices but you always have to think if the price is right compared to the quality of the garment.
I personally always look out for natural fibres such as cotton and wool for the winter. My absolute favourite material is silk. You can't beat the history behind it, the fact that it is popular all over the world, from China to India, from Persia to the mediterranean. Silk trade started more than 2000 years ago and there is no reason why we should stop wearing silk to cover ourselves in plastic, right?

I decided to post a picture of a Hermes scarf as I think they are the leaders in the field. The pattern and design on their scarves are so special that people frame them and hang them as paintings. Did you know that?
For those of you who are thinking ' I don't want to spend a fortune on silk'... go VINTAGE! I am a fan of vintage fair where you can find silk scarves from as little as 5£ (8$)!!! I even found one for 1£ once...it was hiding in a pile of polyester ones but I recognized it as soon as I touched it!
So, as usual, think of quality first!!! And for those of you who live in the UK, check out liberty's collection for TKMaxx! An absolute steal! http://www.tkmaxx.com/liberty-art-fabrics+comic-relief/page/liberty/

A bit more about us...

2011-05-06T13:32:00.001+01:00

TheSecretCloset is slowly making its way into the blog world so maybe you would like to know more about us. You already know we are a pair, in fact we are sisters. We are very lucky to have similar shoes and clothes sizes so we exchange a lot of our treasures. There are various reasons why people around us don't know about our secret closet...our everyday life means we can not run around in high heels and wear expensive clothes. In fact S. works in the lab wearing a labcoat everyday :-) There will soon be a picture of us up...as soon as L finishes her exams! Good luck to anyone taking exams xxx

Know your brands, know your facts

2011-05-05T10:22:00.000+01:00

Oh Chanel...everybody loves Chanel

But how many people who wear these ballerinas know why they are so special? Why did Coco want them to be bicolor? And why choose nude and black? It's not just a coincidence!
The reason behind the nude color is Coco believed it would make the ladies legs look longer by creating a continuity between the leg, the ankle and the foot. The black end is there to make the foot look shorter, small feet being something ladies should aspire to.
To be honest, Coco would probably prefer a bit of heel on these shoes...but modern times call for confortable shoes to rush around in.
All this just to say, when you wear such a historic brand, be aware of the 'baggage' that comes with it. Just remember that you are an ambassador for the brand, you should represent their values and beliefs.
Ditch all the other colors (especially pink!) and invest in the classic!

Welcome to TheSecretCloset

2011-05-04T18:54:00.000+01:00

To all fashion lovers...welcome to TheSecretCloset!

This blog is about two simple girls with a passion for beautiful fashion pieces

We believe fashion is not all about splashing cash, size 0 and showing off

We appreciate creativity, quality and uniqueness. We love clothes that make us feel good.

In the years we have accumulated a small treasure which we don't reveal to anyone so join us to discover our SecretCloset!