H&M Debuts Eco-Friendly Line

Normally when I hear the words-eco friendly- I immediately imagine overpriced 100% cotton vests, and garments that strangely resembles that weird fabrications you find on cat scratching posts…

But…. As the sneak previews are unveiled Im totally intrigued by H&M’s Eco- friendly line called the Garden Collection.
Now, Ive always been a fan of H&M (I mean really, how can you not when they have a JIMMY CHOO line especially for us mere mortals)
but this line is in my opinion pioneering the way we think and perceive organic fabrications and fashions. This range is trendy, colourful and feminine- exactly what we like in a spring collection.

Share on Facebook

Bling Me up….

a Few years ago whenever someone would have sequins or something really shiny on, I would cringe in utter distaste. But this season it seems like designers such Isaac Mizrahi, Marc Jacobs and Philip Lim has all pioneered the return of the sequin. Everything from shoes, dresses, tops, accesories etc… are being bedazzled.

It’s about embellishment, and it’s a way for women to find something new and different that they don’t already have in their wardrobes. The great thing about all the embellishment is that it’s almost like built-in jewelry. The outfit comes with its own accessories. How cool is that?

Worried about pulling off this sparkle-worthy trend? Here are a few tips and guidelines:

* Mix and match. When you’re dealing with sequin apparel, if you want to go over the top with a stand-out piece such as a sequin mini, pair it with a simple, plain top. Conversely, if you’re wearing a sequin or heavily embellished or jeweled top, wear it with something simple on the bottom. “The sequins and embellishment really need to be the star of the outfit, adding that juxtaposing simplicity with glitz gives a more modern look with a cleaner sensibility to it.

* Try an accessory. If a sequined top or blazer is too over-the-top for you, there are plenty of less overt options out there.Try a fun pair of flats or heels with sequin details to top off a classic office look of a blazer and pencil skirt for a subtle touch of glimmer. For a night out, try a designer denim with a flirty sequined blouse or shimmery clutch.

* Keep lines simple. “Look for simple silhouettes – such as T-shirts, drape-front jerseys and halters – that are accented with or covered in sequins. Wear sequined tops with skinny pants or jeans and the highest heels you can muster.

* Look beyond black. The great thing about sequins,is they don’t have to be black. I think some of the more unexpected metallic colors look wonderful: the pewter and the bronze rather than silver and gold.

* Don’t overdo it. There is such a thing as sequin overload. Just like too much sugar, there certainly can be too many sequin. In general, it’s best to keep sequins to just one piece per outfit. You want sequins to look as though they are natural to your style, not that you’re trying too hard to sparkle.

Share on Facebook

Mad For Moschino

Everyone who knows me will be able to tell Im such a huge fan of Moschino, especially the resort and Ready-to-wear collections of the past 2 years, heres a sneak preview of their new ad campaign for Spring/Summer 2010……

How Amazing is that blazer and neckpieces?

Share on Facebook

Celebrity Style: The Olsen Twins

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen is a fashion favorite despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that there is no easy way to sum up all the different elements that compose her singular style. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like there’s a workable formula to her look. She appears to channel an assortment of muses, ranging from a tough-chic chick to a hippie free spirit to a Savile Row sophisticate. But when you deconstruct Olsen’s outfits, some simple ground rules emerge: always pick strong directional pieces, pay an extraordinary attention to accessories, and take a devil-may-care attitude about the whole thing. In the spirit of Olsen’s insouciant sartorial style, we rounded up a group of pieces with the actress/designer’s esteemed taste for today’s What Would She Wear story. Though that query could be answered in many ways, we think our selections are perfectly current for Olsen’s look now.

• Wear darker, more somber colors. No more pinks and pastels for these girls. They are often seen in darker colors such as blacks and grays. They also are seen in neutral tones such as tans and beiges, which make them look much more mature and sophisticated.

• Dress in layers. The Olsen twins love layering dresses and sweaters and blazers and scarves. Mary-Kate loves to go more bohemian with baggy layers, like wrap dresses, flowing skirts and shawls. Ashley may keep it more fitted with button up shirts and blazers

• Accessorize with scarves. They wear scarves with casual and dressy outfits. The scarves are usually light and flowing. They will add a splash of color with a bright scarf with more subdued outfits.

• Wear skinny denims. They love to wear skinny jeans in darker denims, especially Ashley who sometimes goes for a more fitted look.

• Accessorize with vintage, vintage-inspired and retro jewelry. They like broaches, pendant necklaces and earrings that are reminiscent of times past. Mary-Kate especially likes wearing multiple bracelets.

• Top off the bohemian look of Mary-Kate with boots and oversized sunglasses. Her clothes are reminiscent of hippie times, often combining designer wear with second-hand thrift store goods.

Share on Facebook

British Fashion Awards Honor Burberry’s Bailey, Kate Moss

The champagne were flowing at Christopher Bailey’s house, and why shouldnt it? The Chief Creative director were heralded as the designer of the year as well as the brand of the year at this year’s British Fashion Awards.

At the event he also announced that Burberry will officially be returning to the runways of London Fashion Week, up to date the brand has been showing at Milan.

Also announced at this prestigous event were models of the year. Walking home with this prize and beating the likes of Daisy Lowe and Rosie Huntingtom were none other than Georgia May Jagger

The collection of the year went to Christpher Kane, while katie Hillier was named as the accessory designer of the year.
The Isabelle Blow award  for fashion creator went to fiery Grace Coddington of vogue, while Dior’s John Galliano walked away with the Outsanding Achievement in Fashion Design, according to stylelist website.

And then last but not least the London 25 award went to Kate Moss, which serves as a global ambassador in fashion award!!

Share on Facebook

Grecian Goddess Trend:

Calling all Goddesses! All hail divinity! You’ve guessed right – this season’s promising trend comes from many centuries ago channeling Ancient Greece. This trend is all about the five “F’s”:  flowy, floaty, feminine, figure, and form. This is one of my favourite all time summer looks as its just so feminine and classic. The look has been seen on quite a few summer ready-to-wear shows and has been seen on stars like Sienna Miller, therefore we know this look is working if seen on Sienna!

 The Grecian trend can be seen this season in everything from footwear and accessories to dresses, shirts, and even swimwear. The Grecian trend is exceptionally womanly, pure, airy, and gracious

 I cant wait to post some pics of myself wearing this trend, and Im especially  excited to show you a dress Im busy making and designed which I will be wearing to a function this weekend with my boyfriend…. He hasnt seen it yet either…. Major Excitement!!! yayayay!!

I find that this look is all about the detail and the quality of fabrics.This Grecian trend focuses on key pieces in order to work, so additional Grecian accessories are not necessary to achieve the general feeling of a Greek goddess. Ditch the gaudy jewels, loosen up your hair a bit, and keep to a simple handle on makeup – the trick is to look like you’re not wearing any while highlighting your strongest facial feature(s). Then you’ll look like the divine star you want to be.  With that said, now it’s time to know what to look out for in the Grecian trend.

To Be A Greek Goddess, Look For:

• Ropes & Sashes:  The idea in tact is soft, draped and romantic. You’re going to want to go on board with ropes and sash ties to add depth and texture to sheer or satin-like fabrics whether on a dress, shirt or camisole. The rope gives your silhouette some definition while wearing flowy fabrication; it also balances the masculinity of jeans and trousers if you choose to wear them with a Grecian style top or blouse.

• Drapery:  To pull off the Grecian look the proper way, you’re going to want to dress yourselves in layered drapery in sashay fabrics and pleats. This design is supposed to capture the sophistication of the female nature without overstressing or emphasizing too much of the selective body parts. Grecian clothes are supposed to glide calmly around and off the bodice to express what is known be as celestial, delicate and absolute. It also makes for a practicable style to appropriate all body sizes.

• Gold & Bronze:  What to look for in color? As if you hadn’t already guessed it! It’s everything  from the metallic family (twinkling golds and bronzes), along with arcane reddish browns and velvety caramels.  White and creme also add to the feminine appeal of this trend. Grecian colors tend to be more faint and subtle, because it’s intended to complement the smoothness and shade of summer skin!

• Sandals:  And not to forget footwear! Sandals are hot for this summer and the Grecian trend is taking over. Slaves, priestess, gladiators and heroines alike, their flat base sandals are making a huge bang this time of year. They’re comfortable and stylish (from their wide array of jewel embellishments, buckles to woven fabrics and leather cuts, etc.) and completely acceptable to wear wherever you please. You can wear them with skirts, jeans, and even with an evening get-up. You can also find Grecian inspired wedges and heels, just look for dark leather colors with buckles, weaving and plaits to get the feel.

Get stimulated and travel into Greek culture. Look blissful this summer and relish the Grecian trend and turn heads as you slide along across the room.  

Share on Facebook

Trend Alert: The Long Cardigan

The long cardigan is one of the biggest and most versatile trends of the season, not to mention an ideal transitional piece for your wardrobe. There are countless looks and ways to wear this fabulous piece – enjoy!

Share on Facebook

Celebrity style: Kate Moss

Over the following few weeks I will write a bit more about my favourite celebrities style that inspires me and the way I dress.
Ive decided to feature Kate Moss first for obvious reason being shes just just an amazing dresser and THE style chameleon of the 21st Century.

Moss has been dressed by the best in the business: from top designers, to big-name stylists and the greatest vintage dealers worldwide. Moss knows clothes. And over the years she has developed her own fashion formula. She may be the ultimate rule-breaker, but when it comes to her style, Moss follows a strict set of 10 “dos and don’ts” that she has stuck to religiously.

1. Do denim edgily

For Moss, jeans are a major style statement, not a no-brainer slob-out basic. Over the years, she has popularised low-cut skinny Sass & Bides, Diesel’s tiny hotpants, flared J-Brand Love Stories, and pale-wash (vintage Chloé) wide-legged jeans. And each time, these were the exact opposite of the style that was currently “in”. Often, making the biggest statement means choosing a style no one else is wearing yet (Moss wore her high-waisted Ghost jeans when everyone else was just getting the hang of emulating her low-waisted skinnies – and the denim devotees soon switched over and followed Moss’s lead).

2. Make it look effortless

Wear your cocktail dress loosely belted; don’t brush your hair for the red carpet; wear teenage black kohl eyeliner; hack off hemlines with a pair of scissors; buy vintage clothes and accessories that are already a little beaten up. Moss never looks like she’s trying too hard which makes it all look effortless, and cool, and fun, and young, and sexy. Take note, Victoria Beckham.

3. Go for quality

Other than wearing her own Topshop label, Moss rarely shops on the high street. When she was a skint teenager she would buy second-hand cashmere polo necks, silk 1930s nightgowns and original 1940s tailoring from Portobello market. Real vintage clothes can still offer a quality of fabric and cut that no longer exists, and at a fraction of modern designer price tags.

4. Be a dress-code rebel

If there’s one sneaky style trick that always guarantees Moss is the centre of attention, it’s this: she’ll wear the exact opposite of what is expected. From a grey, pared-down knee-length shift dress on the red carpet at the Cannes film festival, to tight leather trousers and a tuxedo jacket at the strictly-black-tie Metropolitan Ball in New York, to a sweet 1950s prom dress and swept back hair at the NME music awards, to sequins at a muddy music festival, or, ahem, white-hot pants to a wedding, Moss disregards the dress code and yet somehow manages to make everyone else feel like they’re the ones who got it wrong.

5. Keep prints timeless

A cotton shirt in a pale blue cowboy plaid, a foxy ocelot-print jacket, classic stripy tops (thin and French, or wide and punky), 40s-style floral dresses, a glam-rock star pattern blouse … Moss keeps her prints simple and classic. She rarely wears a designer’s print of the season, or unusual or stylised modern patterns. This is the key to her timeless style, and, alongside a mostly neutral palette of black, grey and navy, has helped her style endure through the years, so that even pictures from 20 years ago look stylish today.

6. Wear it tight to the torso

Moss has spent years watching the world’s top designers and stylists tailoring clothes to her frame for catwalk shows and photoshoots, so she knows about fit. And she always wears her clothes tight to the torso. Moss is short (5ft7in) and very petite, but this is a great tip for flattering and slimming any body shape. Moss regularly has clothes altered that do not fit her signature ribcage-hugging silhouette; it’s a simple but subtly effective device and means that the clothes always look as if they were made for her, and could never have been worn by anyone else.

7. Go for authenticity

Hippy, punk … glam rock … 1960s ingenue … 1920s starlet – Moss flits effortlessly between personae without ever looking like she is wearing fancy dress. She pulls it off because she always buys authentic pieces rather than “get the look” styles. If Moss wants hippy boots, she’ll buy the original Minnetonka lace-up fringed suede boots. If she wants to go punk, she’ll buy a Vivienne Westwood T-shirt from the late 1970s. She won’t go to Topshop and buy a new T shirt with a “punk-style” slogan on. Whether it’s a genuine 1920s beaded flapper dress, a man’s trilby or Hunter Wellington boots, Moss’s clothes have integrity, which is why she always looks like the real deal.

8. Focus on clothes

For Moss, getting dressed has never been about fashion. It has only ever been about clothes. Early on, through her adventures in vintage shopping, she learned to appreciate each garment on its own merits. A beautiful silk blouse is a beautiful silk blouse, so how can you go wrong? A trench coat that fits you to perfection will always look amazing. If a piece resonates with her at that moment in time, she’ll buy it.

Focus on looking great, rather than on looking on-trend, and you can’t fail. As Moss herself says “clothes go in and out of fashion, but that’s not style. Style has to be classic.”

9. Mix and mismatch

Moss mixes clothes that really shouldn’t go together. A lace Victorian mourning cape with PVC jeans? Punk boots with a sequined dress? A prom dress with a leopard-print coat? She breaks the usual style rules and sets off new trends worldwide.

10. When in doubt, buy diamonds

From the 19th-century diamond drop earrings depicting flowers growing in a pot, to the simple set of diamond, sapphire and ruby bangles she was given by Donatella Versace, Moss knows that nothing brightens up a simple outfit like some serious, but subtle bling.

Share on Facebook

One Shoulder Wonder

 Ever since first lady Michelle Obama debuted her white, floral, one-shoulder-wonder gown to the inaugural ball back in January, the trend has been hotter than ever.

If you’re looking for a different, dramatic look, you can’t go wrong with a single shoulder – they provide a coquettish glimpse of skin, but cover enough to keep you comfortable. It’s the perfect mix of edgy, sexy, and sophisticated.

If you’ve never worn a top or dress with a single shoulder, now is the perfect time to try the trend. Keep reading to learn how to rock it this season!

How to Wear the One-Shoulder Trend:

Here are some tips on how to make this trend work for you.

Start with a solid. Whether it’s trendy magenta or classic black, choose a solid-colored one-shoulder piece if you’re feeling nervous about the style. You can still look for chic accents, such as beading or ruffles, to give your solid color some punch, but don’t be afraid to go basic at first.

Belt it! Celebrities have been rocking one-shoulder dresses with hot belts to showcase their waists and keep their styles far from frumpy. Take a cue from Blake Lively and Kendra Wilkinson and put a belt over your dress!

Keep the rest of your look simple. A fabulous pair of shoes and a great bag are all you need with a one-shouldered dress.  If you’re going to wear jewelry, try a cocktail ring or glitzy earrings – you don’t want a necklace competing with your neckline!

Don’t cover it up! This is a style that is made to be seen, not layered over. Shoulders are pretty universally attractive, so show it off, sister! If you need to keep warm, try an open blazer, cardigan, or bomber jacket so your cute threads can still be seen.

Mix and match. Pair a slouchy one-shoulder top with tight pants or a pencil skirt for a boho chic look. If you choose a tight top, wear baggy bottoms! Wearing pieces of different proportions will keep your look fresh and  sophisticated.

It’s all in the fit. Like most items of clothing, all one-shoulder tops fit differently, so you’re going to want to try on a variety of options before making your pick. Sometimes the necklines can hit at the wrong places or fit uncomfortably. There are lots of options within this look, from the traditional grecian style to one full sleeve or even a solo spaghetti strap. Pick what speaks to you and go from there!

Consider the underwear. Pick your bra wisely! One-shoulder styles demand a strapless bra. Those colorful bandeau bras you might have in your closet from last spring also work well under one-shoulder tops. Your bare shoulder provides the beauty of this look – don’t clutter it with a bra strap!

PARTY NIGHT

The belted one-shoulder top in this set gives the outfit a sexy and sophisticated edge. The black belt will define your waist and match your cigarette pants. Flat, studded gladiators are not only adorable, but will get you across campus (or across town!) blister free! Gold jewelry will bring out the rich color of your top.

Channel your inner Sex & the City leading lady in a hot pink one-shoulder dress and leopard print pumps. You know your girls will appreciate your style, so go all out and take some risks! Notice the beaded choker in this set – if you want to wear a necklace with an asymmetrical top or dress, make sure it’s a short one!

This outfit provides the ultimate in stylish comfort for those lazy days in the library or dorm. Keep your cardigan open to show off the top’s cute ruffles, and complete your lazy-day attire with a wristlet and rainbows should you need to venture out of your room.

Share on Facebook

Lovely in Leggings

Leggings have been around for quite some time now, but this season popularity has sky rocketed!! Never before has there been such a wide variety of colours, prints and textures. The possibilities that this trend brings are endless:

here are a few things to consider when shopping for leggings:

Try different lengths.

Leggings come in all lengths, from capri to ankle. Ankle length leggings are definitely the hottest style right now, but play around with proportions and decide which length looks best on you. Leggings that hit mid-calf might look adorable on a tall, skinny girl, but might make a shorter leg look wide.

 Consider your shape.

If you’re curvy or just worried leggings might not be flattering to your body type, you may want to stick to slimming black and dark brown. Of course, you can still have fun with solid colour leggings with fun details as well. If you’re still feeling self-conscious, try your leggings with a minidress or a top that hits just below mid-thigh. That way, the largest part of the leg is covered! If all else fails, I firmly believe that self confidence is really all you need to pull off even the craziest outfit, so if you feel good, you’ll rock your leggings.

Invest in key pieces for pairing.

You need to wear leggings with something! Plan to invest in flowy dresses, tunic tops, and shorter skirts – they pair perfectly with leggings. Some girls love the look of sheer leggings underneath shorts as well. If you’re planning to wear a shirt with your leggings, it should be long and have some volume to balance out the tightness of your bottoms. Dolman sleeve tops, for example, are perfect with leggings.

When it comes to heel height, less is more.

The combination of sky high stilettos and tight leggings can go from zero to 80’s in 60 seconds flat. This can sometimes work if that’s your desired look, but can also go very wrong. Fortunately, leggings provide the perfect opportunity for you to bust out your favorite flats–ballet style, boat shoes, moccasins, low-heeled boots, and even oxfords all look totally chic with leggings.

Remember: Leggings aren’t pants.

I know they’re comfortable and cute, but traditional leggings are not pants and should not be worn as such! (With the possible exception of jeggings, of course.) Leggings as pants = overexposure. If you’re going to wear leggings, make sure you’re wearing a top, skirt, or dress that covers your butt and your front! You should also avoid wearing anything that’s too tight over your leggings for the most flattering look.

a Few looks to inspire you:

The beginner: The beginner is wary of leggings, may be self-conscious about her body, or just hasn’t worn this style much. Because of this, leggings are not the focus of this outfit. Her neutral leggings are covered up not only with her banded tunic tank, but also with her long black cardigan. Her leggings are long, and puddle at the ankle, showcasing her adorable Minnetonka Moccasins.

The intermediate: The intermediate knows how to wear leggings already, but wants to take her style up a notch. This look illustrates a sophisticated way to wear a totally comfortable outfit. It would be great for a night out or a day of shopping with the girls – the choice is yours! Just grab some big sunglasses and you’re good to go.

The expert: The expert is a legging lover. She’s an advanced fashionista who’s not afraid to take risks. In this outfit, leggings are the center of attention! I kept it pretty tame with a black mini dress and brown jacket and boots, but the leggings still steal the show.

Share on Facebook