Saturday, May 30, 2015

That Coral Charm

Dress: Francesca's       Shoes: Tory Burch    Clutch: Coach    Sunglasses: Karen Walker    Necklace: Etsy

Nothing says "summer" to me like an easy silhouette and a pretty print!  I love this fluttery chevron chiffon number that Francesca's was so kind to send to me.  Day dresses in relaxed yet chic fits are staples in my warm-weather wardrobe.  It's such an easy insta-outfit: just throw on a pair of wedges/heels/sandals, add a statement necklace, and go!
This post was brought to you by Francesca's.  

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Instagram Recap

The cutest critter-covered Kate Spade x Keds shoes around.  
In my natural habitat: the Tory Burch dressing rooms.  
A rare treat: the best macarons in the world from Laduree.
Easter Sunday Best:    J. Crew Crewcuts dress, Ferragamo shoes, J. Crew pearls
Nothing like a Lilly shift to brighten up the day!
Philosophy makes bubble baths *that* much sweeter.  (the cocoa scent is to die for)
Party time, so break out the pearls and the panthers.  
Yet another Kate Spade ladybug purchase...  my wallet has fallen victim to the latest collection.

follow along on Instagram @juliacmazzucato

Authentication Class // Louis Vuitton French Company Monogram Speedy

The LV Speedy is an iconic bag!  The classic international Speedy bags are gorgeous, but the Louis Vuitton French Co. Speedy is almost like a hidden surprise. 
From the late 70's to early 90's, Louis Vuitton manufactured bags in partnership with the French Luggage Company in the U.S. under special license.  These bags were sold at exclusive department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.  
You all might remember my vintage Speedy 30 from this post!  I'll be using it here in a little photographic guide to authenticating your Louis Vuitton French Company Speedy.  

How to tell if your Louis Vuitton French Co. Speedy is Authentic
The Speedy is made of the classic LV monogram canvas material.  The LV monograms should have faint diagonal stripes through the gold icons.  
The leather used on French Company items is not the oxidizing leather that Louis Vuitton uses today, but a treated leather in a caramel color that does not darken or patina, so it stays protected longer.  
The international Speedy bags have a leather zipper pull tab with a hole and seperate lock and key, while the French Co. Speedy has a Talon zipper pull and a Tucky lock, which is great for keeping your bag secure and safe.
The French Company pieces are one of the RARE exceptions to the "no monograms cut off" rule in Louis Vuitton products.  On the sides of the Speedy, there are some LV monograms on the edges.  
The leather tabs that attach the strap to the bag on Speedy styles has 5 stitches across the top, except on the French Company Speedy bags.  This is the only exception to the 5 stitches "rule".  
This is the only Speedy style with a seam on the bottom.  International Speedy bags are made of one continuous piece of canvas, so the monograms on one side are upside down, but on the French Co Speedy bags, the monograms are all facing up!
The strip is made of the same leather as the handles and should be in the inside as well.
Here's a shot where you can see that both sides have LV monograms facing upwards in the canvas.
The interior tag is a little paper tag that reads Louis Vuitton, Manufactured in the USA Under Special License to the French Co.  There are no other interior tags.  The lining of the bag is a brown canvas instead of the suede they use on International Speedy bags.
FAQ:

How much did the French Company bags cost?
They cost the same as regular LV styles.

Does being a French Company Louis Vuitton make it less valuable than a regular?
No!  If anything, it might be even more valuable as the quality produced during this time period was very good and these bags are harder to find.

What should I keep in mind while authenticating my French Co. bag and spotting a fake?
Not all the same rules apply to French Co. bags as International LV styles.  Some things are indisputable (for example the monograms should still have the same gold stripes through them, or the stitching should be precise and straight).  Other than that, you can throw out the rules that no monograms can be cut off on the sides, that Speedy bags have no bottom seam, and that the Speedy bags and Keepalls have 5 stitches on the tops of the handles.  These are all exceptions with French Co.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Birthday Night Dots and Roses

Sweater: J. Crew (similar here + here)    Skirt: Ted Baker (similar)    Bag: Tory Burch    
Shoes: Coach   Bracelet: Kiel James Patrick    Necklaces: Vintage pearls, Max and Chloe

Thank you so much to everyone for the sweet birthday wishes!  Every single one warmed my heart.  

I just want to thank you all so much for reading Little Miss Haute Couture.  Your love and support is the most important thing that keeps LMHC going.  Thank you to everyone who leaves me comments, or reaches out to me through email.  Thank you to everyone who clicks or makes purchases through my links: you help keep Little Miss Haute Couture up and running.  

I can't express my gratitude and love for you enough.  Thanks for always being the best!  :-)

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Bean Boots and Blues

 Shirt: Uniqlo   Sweater: Gap (similar)    Jeans: Paige    Boots: LL Bean  
Socks: J. Crew (similar)    Necklace: Francesca's

It's almost summer, I know.  So why, you might ask, am I wearing this outfit that clearly belongs in fall?  Because I wear sweaters year round and I'm proud of it.  :-)

The weather hasn't been able to decide on a mood lately: last week it was pouring sporadically, and this week is stumbling between cold and cloudy and slightly sunny.  I've been layering a lot with my outfits lately.  Mostly it's plaid button downs under a printed, novelty, or cable knit sweater.  

And of course, I've been wearing different pairs of boots all week.   I've been wearing my Tory Burch Amandas, Ferragamo riding boots, Sperry Hingham boots, Hunter boots, and these LL Bean mocs interchangeably.  

What's your go-to outfit these days?

Sunday, May 17, 2015

{Links} For My May Birthday

via Pinterest

5/22 is the day!  Here's a few of my May favorites (just in case you need to get me a gift or somethin ;-)

You can never have too many pearls.  Ever.  These Tory Burch ones are no exception.

My favorite lipstick ever, in the Vivienne shade.

Of course Madewell sells vintage cameras.  Snap cool shots all summer!

Boden does the best toile and prints!  I'm in love with this top.

For when you are a little crabby, just Kate Spade it.

Someone get me into a pair of KJP boat shoes.

Obsessed with the Inspiralizer.  Healthy noodles for days!

Sometimes the best bday gift is fresh flowers.  Follow this IG for gorgeous flora snaps!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Cinderella's Butterflies

Dress: Disney's Cinderella Collection   Bag: Tory Burch    Shoes: Bandolino (similar)    
Sunglasses: Adore (similar)    Bracelet: Hermes    Pearls: Vintage    
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