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The Petite Novellas | No. 18

21 July 2009 • Kimberly • Leave a Comment

Outfit 1

She was never the handbag type of girl.

Rather, she collected oversized clutches—the larger and softer, the better—clutches she rumpled beneath her arm or held against her thigh when standing. That was the key to effortlessness; Dimitra always thought women who carried bags in the crook of their arms to be overly pretentious and too uppity for their own good. Besides, a handbag was too dainty. Femininity must always be balanced with masculinity. An oversized clutch was the perfect compromise. Her favorite was the eel-skin Celine. Such exotic skin was always unconventional, unique, even, in a sea of pythons and crocodile.

It was gray outside. Dimitra ran out the door of the apartment building, the loose ends of her teased chignon undoing itself ever so slightly. The ground was wet and black from the rain from the evening before, puddles splashing a bit. The Lanvin lace-up platform oxfords were godsends on this type of a wet day; the chunky heel was sturdy for all sorts of weather, and the five-inch heel and platform allowing the bottoms of her pants to stay wet-free. Not that it was needed, really. Her high-waisted Preen trousers, reminiscent of the le smoking era she so adored, were cuffed above the shoe to show the insides of her ankles.

And of course with such androgynous pant Dimitra cleverly tucked in a loose, semi-sheer silk, blend tank. The lack of opacity allowed a bit of her lace bra to peek through—but ever so demurely. And the pink radiated classic femininity in an effortless form. Everything was cinched at the waist to accentuate her tiny figure, of which she was quite proud of.

No jewelry, of course, where others like La Couturier would add a silver, Burberry-esque spikey necklace for an interesting touch. No,  Dimitra valued minimalism. Which in fact made her quite the ideal financier, in both dress and career. She dressed smartly and professional always, a perfect dose of subtle intimidation when meeting with clients. For both reasons she was hired to work for Vogue.

bisous,

La C.

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Filed Under: Lust List, Style Tagged with: Céline, Petite Novella, Style Tips

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  1. Con Brio says

    21 July 2009 at 12:58 am

    Wow! The outfit is amazing. I am drooling (especially when I saw the shoes). And the story is incredible–it’s written so impeccably, for lack of a better word. I would love to read more! (By the way, I found you on polyvore, and I love all of your creations! My account is http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=30844) Anyways, keep up the great work, La C.

    -Rachel
    CON BRIO

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  2. leflassh says

    21 July 2009 at 1:38 am

    i love your writing. amazing
    so very inspiring. and that outfit is simply gorgeous.
    x

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 1:39 am

      Con Brio: Thank you! I swoon at those shoes (: You really are too sweet; I cannot thank you enough! I don’t use Polyvore much anymore, but I did look at your sets and they’re equally lovely!

      leflassh: Aw, thank you so much! You’re one of my favorite bloggers ! (:

      bisous!

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  3. An says

    21 July 2009 at 2:01 am

    That outfit is awesome! My eyes went to the shoes..and shirt..and clutch.
    I’ve been lovin the huge clutch look~

    Which reminds me..well. You’ll be getting mail from me soon.

    E> An

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  4. Gerri Ward says

    21 July 2009 at 2:23 am

    OMG! You are fashionably ingenious! I can’t wait to read your Best seller and see it on the Silver Screen! p.s. Look out Lauren Weisberger ! ! !
    bisous,
    xx

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  5. Marta says

    21 July 2009 at 2:58 am

    You’re a beautiful writer… This was like a short story. Of course, the outfit picture was the perfect touch!

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 2:59 am

      An: Thank you! Same here; I’ve been coveting massive clutches! And okay! (:

      Gerri Ward: Merci beaucoup! You’re making me blush darling; I do wish I could be that great one day…

      Marta: Thank you Marta! (:

      bisous, xx

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  6. Brigadeiro says

    21 July 2009 at 3:23 am

    Ah, stunning outfit, such a cute post, love it! 🙂
    xx

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  7. Tina {Luphia loves...} says

    21 July 2009 at 5:42 am

    such a chic look!

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  8. Nicole says

    21 July 2009 at 7:29 am

    Superb styling! I love it for many reasons, least of all because I just bought a similar tank, and I will be wearing it like this! As much as I can by ‘shopping my closet.’

    Love your petite novella series–lovely character sketches!

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  9. Kellie Collis says

    21 July 2009 at 7:30 am

    I love those shoes…. I am already tall, they will make me extra extra tall!!! x

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  10. rachel kara says

    21 July 2009 at 7:33 am

    Those perfect pink Kain tanks and tees are really getting to me….I think I feel a purchase coming on!!

    Lovely commentry. You’re ahmazing 🙂

    x

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  11. anywhere I lay my head says

    21 July 2009 at 7:36 am

    I adore your writing! It’s amazing ^^ I love it! You have to write more like these;) And the collage makes me imagine Dimitra perfectly!

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 7:37 am

      Nicole: Thank you! (: I’m glad you enjoy reading them!

      rachel kara: Aren’t they simply perfection? Definitely a basic & must-have! (: Thank you darling!

      anywhere I lay my head: I’m blushing! And I most definitely will write more petite novellas; I do love writing them!

      bisous, xx

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  12. janettaylor says

    21 July 2009 at 7:58 am

    Lovely post…I die for those Lanvin oxfords…so coool!

    XoXo

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  13. Mr. Freddy's Mom says

    21 July 2009 at 8:06 am

    you’re a good writer!
    and good choice of outfit!

    http://momfashionworld.blogspot.com/

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 8:07 am

      janettaylor: I’m dying too. I want need them!

      Mr. Freddy’s Mom: Aw, thank you!

      bisous, xx

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  14. KIRAFASHION says

    21 July 2009 at 10:06 am

    I do love those oxford and the combination! Also love the great ankle boots below! I need a new pair of one 😉

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  15. tanya says

    21 July 2009 at 10:16 am

    lovely! I adore semi-sheer silky tanks…they feel so good on and they look divine!!

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  16. Charlotte says

    21 July 2009 at 10:21 am

    It almost looks like a short story :). Well written.

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  17. Meream says

    21 July 2009 at 11:00 am

    ohh Dimitra is a bit scary. But in a good way. Love your story. 🙂

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  18. Ashley says

    21 July 2009 at 11:02 am

    This is absolute genius. I love your incorporation of the pieces, and it was quite an enticing story, I felt as though I knew Dimitra’s inner soul. Fantastic stuff!

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 11:03 am

      Charlotte: Thanks! They are miniature short stories; little bits of fashion fiction for your entertainment! (:

      Meream: She’s quite intimidating! Thank you love!

      Ashley: Aw, thank you! (:

      bisous, xx

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  19. mayk says

    21 July 2009 at 11:25 am

    more MORE!

    † love you.

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 11:56 am

      mayk: No worries, I will most definitely be writing more (:

      S.Elisabeth: Thank you! It’s quite fun creating stories around outfits – the characters become quite interesting! Which proves that clothing does, to some extent, define your psyche. It’s an extension of who you are.

      Ale.: Thank you!

      bisous, xx

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  20. S.Elisabeth says

    21 July 2009 at 11:41 am

    Love it! Such a good idea and so cool. A story behind an outfit, I love coming up with stories based on clothing or pictures.

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  21. Ale. says

    21 July 2009 at 11:55 am

    Wow, you’re such a good writer!

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  22. diane says

    21 July 2009 at 12:18 pm

    Well done, it’s like “fashion tag”.

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  23. Neira says

    21 July 2009 at 12:40 pm

    sounds so stylish and divine!
    love the oxford booties..want want want

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  24. Jennifer says

    21 July 2009 at 12:52 pm

    These pieces definitly look awesome as an outfit. I especially love the tank, it even looks silky and soft.

    scarcelylegal.blogspot.com

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  25. Laur says

    21 July 2009 at 1:23 pm

    I love that look 🙂
    And I always adore your petite novellas, you write incredibly!

    – laur @ neonmango

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 2:23 pm

      Laur: Thank you darling!

      hanako66: Oh pish posh, Dimitra is (;

      bisous, xx

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  26. hanako66 says

    21 July 2009 at 2:22 pm

    you are so fabulous la c!!!

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  27. lisa says

    21 July 2009 at 3:47 pm

    Beautiful ensemble and back story. I like the classy and classic combination of nude/pink and black.

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  28. hauteworld says

    21 July 2009 at 4:30 pm

    Great story and lovely picks! It’s like I was there! But I do have some advice for our dear Dimitra: I wouldn’t recommend those Lanvin’s for the rain (they’re part satin, right?). I once made the mistake of going out in the Paris drizzle with a pair of black satin Lanvin pumps and almost ruined them. The rain wasn’t the main problem: even the most pristine street still carries dirt, which will make it’s way onto the treasured footwear. Thankfully a bit of gentle scrubbing solved the problem!

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  29. Elizabeth Marie says

    21 July 2009 at 4:47 pm

    This is incredible! You are seriously a genius…and such an intelligent girl, I admire so much! XO

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  30. Asianmommy says

    21 July 2009 at 4:52 pm

    I love this purse!

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  31. Christine says

    21 July 2009 at 5:06 pm

    What a great piece of fashion fiction!

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 5:07 pm

      Hauteworld: So true, thank goodness she is not in the Parisian cobblestone streets, then! (:

      Elizabeth Marie: Awww, thank you! (: I’m blushing now; I really am hardly that!

      Christine: Thanks love!

      bisous, xx

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  32. Cara Mia says

    21 July 2009 at 5:38 pm

    a very sexy and clever little story. i love it! ♥

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  33. Miss G* says

    21 July 2009 at 7:43 pm

    I like that story!
    The top is perfect and these shoes look really good!
    x.o.

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  34. thebaglady says

    21 July 2009 at 7:53 pm

    I’ve missed your petite novellas; they are one of my favorite features of ALL time on your blog 🙂 <3

    You really are an incredible writer, and I agree with Gerri! I can't wait for your bestseller; please write an autobio about your fabulously mysterious life AND a few stories! NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER list, here we come!!

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  35. thebaglady says

    21 July 2009 at 8:09 pm

    I missed your petite novellas; they were one of my favorite features on your blog! 🙂

    I totally & completely agree with Gerri! You’re an amazing writer without a doubt. Please write an autobiography of your mysteriously fabulous life & several other novels. & style guides.

    Helloooo, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! 😀

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  36. thebaglady says

    21 July 2009 at 8:11 pm

    Oh! And I completely forgot to add that I LOVED this one, I love how you started it! And the outfit is fantastic, I love the bag! And Dimitra’s concept/philosphy on dressing 🙂

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  37. Rebekka says

    21 July 2009 at 8:38 pm

    wow! I love your style of writing! Do I hear a book in the works?
    That outfit is staggering. The minimalism is quite stunning.

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 8:39 pm

      thebaglady: You have me blushing! I will try to write more of these petite novellas; I have such fun styling & creating outfits for these characters! And thank you so much! I do hope I can, someday, write a novel worth being published. We’ll work on NY Times Bestseller later on… (;

      Rebekka: I’m so flattered (: I would love to write a book someday – I hope!

      bisous, xx

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  38. didi says

    21 July 2009 at 8:53 pm

    ooh ooh ooh i love it !!! the outfit and le petite histoire!!

    I adore the androgynous yet feminine look – gamine I guess – I will be looking out for *ahem* slightly cheaper versions of this.

    I like satchels too, not sure about clutches, as I like handsfree – but this clutch looks a lot like a satchel ... I agree that bags under arms are not so chic and don’t go with the masculine tailored look … people do you think clutches are more sophisticated? Or satchel/messenger bag/ type of thing?

    This is so fabulous, I am swooning. xxox

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 8:54 pm

      didi: Thank you! I do love that feminine-meets-masculine look; I do strive for balance & juxtaposition! I personally think clutches are far more sophisticated, as they have this predisposition of elegance. But I do love a satchel for everyday… (: bisous, xx

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  39. Raez says

    21 July 2009 at 8:56 pm

    amazing styling, the “story” was awesome to read, and your blog is wonderful!

    would love to trade links if you’re interested;)

    xx raez

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  40. Clare says

    21 July 2009 at 9:34 pm

    Fabulous! What a wonderful narrative! I love the styling as well. You are quite a witty girl, La C!
    Cheers,
    C

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  41. michtseng says

    21 July 2009 at 9:47 pm

    sextacy. oh, those oxfords are so beautiful.
    i dont think i’ll be able to stop thinking about them!

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  42. Cafe Fashionista says

    21 July 2009 at 10:46 pm

    Love, love, love it! What a wonderful tale you’ve woven here. I will be thinking of Dimitra tonight – along with her gorgeous wardrobe. Love that tank! 🙂

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    • La Couturier says

      21 July 2009 at 10:47 pm

      Cafe Fashionista: Thank you, darling! Isn’t that tank perfect? I love the color and the sheerness of it; the cut is so unpretentiously and subtlety sexy!

      Clare: Aw, thank you love! (:

      Raez: Thank you, you’re such a sweetheart! I would be glad to! (:

      bisous,
      xx

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  43. iyam says

    21 July 2009 at 10:46 pm

    very interesting post! =D love it!!

    iyam
    http://www.styleandbeyond.blogspot.com

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  44. mademoiselle chic says

    22 July 2009 at 12:58 am

    nice purse!

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  45. jessica says

    22 July 2009 at 1:41 am

    Great picks here. Love those pants with the light pink tank. So chic 😛

    xo,
    Jessica

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  46. PinkBow says

    23 July 2009 at 7:25 am

    this is a great outfit

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  47. rossovelvet says

    23 July 2009 at 8:27 am

    Brilliant writing… and choices !

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    • La Couturier says

      25 July 2009 at 2:02 pm

      rossovelvet: Thank you darling!

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  48. Prêt-à-Porter P says

    10 August 2009 at 4:36 pm

    i like those trousers

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  49. FiergePhemara says

    12 August 2009 at 3:44 pm

    hello:) i’ve been milling around this internet site for some time. it was time to jump in.

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