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Monday, 10 February 2014

Catwalk Trends S/S 2014: Alberta Ferretti

With New York Fashion Week in full swing, I thought it would be wise to rewind back to September and review the trends which are relevant for now, not those that will dominate glossy fashion magazines and edgy street style blogs in eight months. Here are some of my favourite looks for S/S 2014.

Alberta Ferretti
 Growing up, I remember Alberta Ferretti's show as a parade of romantic lace and gothic makeup, some looks inducing an image of 'runaway bride', whereas others oozing with subtle 20's glamour. Intricate detail was always present, and this season is no different. Vogue describes her currently collection as aimed at 'girls with nothing but sunshine on the mind', probably due to the bright colours and floral arrangements. For me, certain looks- those containing black garments- suggested a lost mind, maybe one who's mind was still reminiscing over winter, trying to hide its unwillingness for the heated months with small, summery accents.




Channeling Natalie Portman in Black Swan, particularly with the ribbon-tie ballet shoes, this dress takes a walk through Alice in Wonderland- the scene with the giant pansies and multicolored toadstools. The asymmetric hemline and sheer yoke make this dress slightly more mature, and the orange earrings bring out a focal point in the dress amongst the melange of colours.




 

With this dress, the first image that springs to mind is a nice, ripe tangerine. Not a satsuma, the colour is much more vibrant and long-lasting than that. Again, with an asymmetric hem line, this dress could work for both less and more formal events. The neckline is a bit more daring, however most cleavage is concealed. Floral additions in a mid-tone lilac hue complement the bright orange fantastically. 



 

And here is an appearance from Miss Scarlet of the board game Cluedo. A fierce red dress always impresses, yet Alberta goes the extra mile by combining different textures and features, such as sheer panels, three-dimensional flowers, and a layered neckline. This gown produces a sexy image without giving too much away; the unique layering makes it call for more investigation.



 

 Not only is this dress black, but it contains crochet: should we be sceptical? Alberta ingeniously turns our assumptions upside down and inside out by bringing typically 'Winter' trends into a Spring/Summer Catwalk. Needless to say, she has done so successfully. I have always considered black to look chic on a sunny day, however it is not easy to pull off. Long sleeves may be intimidating, but made less so due to the fact the top is sheer. Finally, orange earrings alleviate any suggestion of a sombre mood.



 

Something one would wear to a Harajuku music festival, this crop top and skirt combo shout summer from angles. The stripes aren't quite as uniform as those in the 2010 Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection, if anyone remembers those days? The colour combination of white and various warm shades of pink is easy on the eye, while still attracting the odd glance. The unexpected addition of blue mirrored lens aviators keep this outfit cool, effortless and not-giving-a-damn-about-what-anyone-thinks.




All photos taken from Vogue

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Thursday, 6 February 2014

Docs and Dungarees

After searching high and low for a pair of black leather dungarees, a mission which proved unsuccessful, I managed to pick up this pair of black waxed denim full-length overalls from River Island. An outreaching trend, it serves a range of people from the four year-old American pre-schooler to the hairy biker. It is safe to say I aimed to style more like the latter.

It may look like a one trick pony, but I can assure you these dungarees can be worn with so many different pieces; white t-shirts, Breton stripe tops, Christmas jumpers, formal dinner shirts.. the combinations are pretty endless. 

Here, I am wearing an M&S men's long white oversized pyjama top, Topshop chain necklace, grey H&M beanie and -another new addition- Doc Martens. Justification: they are a classic, work with anything, and are simply and utterly beautiful. Also, my creepers are falling apart after almost two years of daily wear through wind and rain. 

 




 

My mum said I looked like a 'Harley Davidson'; I had to break the news that that was indeed a brand of motorcycle and not a person. #oldageproblems

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Sunday, 2 February 2014

Sale Edit: Motel A/W 13

 Motel is a brand renowned for its Black-Milk inspired leggings, use of mesh and mermaid sequins. Never a place I've shopped at before; however it is taking a turn for the best by introducing some more mature and at the same time grunge-y items. No wonder it is a hub for the young crowd, the website offers 20% discount for students and free UK delivery and returns. Here are some of my top sale picks:

Vintage Girl Dress in Red - was 45 now 27

Thinking ahead to Wedding Season, this dress could be teamed with a fascinator for a more formal affair, and can be toughened up with a leather jacket and a statement necklace for the after-party.



This would look great with high-waisted jeans and Dr Martens, or some laid-back dungarees and a pair of low-top converse sneakers. There is a variation of this top with the word 'ZAP' instead in yellow and pink sequins. If necessary, this can be used for superhero-themed fancy dress.


This is a great summer piece that would look great city-roaming with leather sandals and some round quirky sunglasses. Black is a colour which I think is easy to pull off in the summer, looking instantly chic and definitely different to the myriad of bright hues and garish florals we are bombarded with, so this playsuit is an easy and multi-purpose piece, with uses for both day and night.



Yes, it probably is not acceptable to wear this top anywhere other than a rave, with its short hemline and daring transparent nature. However, it does not fail to catch eyes, and is perfect if you have a sporty collection of bras which would otherwise remain untouched. Paired with trousers or jeans, this top will keep a party outfit understated yet undeniably cool; a body-con skirt or skimpy shorts will not do this top any favours, however, and will scream 'try-hard' and 'sci-fi freak' and possibly attract some other insults about lack of clothing in this cold weather.




talia xoxo











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Sunday, 29 December 2013

Sale Edit: Zara TRF

 Following the earlier post, here are some items from Zara's younger line, TRF, aimed at teenagers. With a more youthful feel, I feel like these items are less suited for work wear and more for the weekend. All would look great with a leather jacket and Dr. martens or Underground creepers.


Sheer fabric, girly florals, what better way to wear than with chunky leather accessories? Other than that, this dress would be appropriate with dainty nude stilettos and a cream blazer for a summer wedding.



Printed trousers in blue 15.99 from 22.99
 An over sized t-shirt, Dr. martens and leather jacket + these leopard print jeans = match made in heaven. A felt fedora or bowler hat and some red lipstick would add even more character.



Flared miniskirt in black 9.99 from 17.99
 An inexpensive staple workable for many years and seasons to come. Could be worn for casual or formal wear.



Crop t-shirt in grey marl 9.99 from 15.99
Wear alone or with a white shirt underneath, trousers or a skirt, or even on top of a dress: this grey marl t-shirt serves a purpose, with its long sleeves and high neck, but also its dainty nature is multi-purpose, and great for layering, too.
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The Sale Edit: Zara Woman A/W 13

Zara are renowned for their sleek workwear and Jil Sander dupes, this season reflecting that no less. On the other hand, I find Zara sales fairly poor, with miniscule discounts and a lack of variety in sizes. This season, I've had a look and picked out the items which I think are real classics which will be on trend for multiple seasons to come.

 
 Two-sided coat in grey marl 89.99 from 109.00
 A classic school girl item, I think this coat would complement autumnal hues such as burgundy and navy perfectly. It would look great teamed with skinny jeans and ballet pumps or thrown over a shirt, tartan skirt and loafers.



Faux leather dress in black 29.99 from 39.99
 This dress would work for both casual day-time and more formal affairs, with black stilettos and a holiday tan in the summer, and with a crisps white shirt, large pussy bow and creepers in the winter. 



 With black jeans, heels or flats and a leather jacket, this jumper can be modified from day to night in a classic print that never goes out of fashion.



This is another 'school girl' item, encompassing the cheeky style of a teenage urban outfitters shopper with thick grey cable knit tights. And who could ever resist a little bit of leopard print?



 Sitting in the area between cable-knit and mohair, this jumper is more for workwear. Again, team with a crisp white shirt, A-line skirt and patent loafers to make the perfect autumn outfit.



 Tartan trousers? Black jeans? Leather skirts? Potential parings for this Markus Lupfer-inspired jumper are endless.


 A classic without being too cliché, swap your typical french Breton stripe top with this for a more up to date look.



Cropped trousers in pink22.99 from 29.99
 Pink was all over the A/W 13 runways, from Carven to Topshop Unique, Valentino to Mulberry, and is here to stay along with other pastel colours next S/S. If a mohair over-sized coat is slightly too candyfloss-esque for your liking, these trousers with black patent brogues will be slightly more tame.



Possibly something more that would fit in more with John Galliano's infamous punk collections, this tweed skirt can in fact fit into a modern working woman's wardrobe with a shirt and suit jacket, or worn more casually with berry-coloured roll-neck sweater and knee high boots.

 No explanation needed.


Perfect for those New Year's Eve parties for which you will need to stand on your feet for hours, and want to add a bit onto your height without sacrificing for it. Comfortable and stylish, nude leather upper (flattering!) and glitter platform (stylish!), these shoes are perfect!


Floral print wallet 9.99 from 15.99
 Although not real leather, this bag could be used as a clutch or to store makeup. Team with all black leather if you're extra daring.




Can be teamed with a white cotton or black leather round neck t-shirt, keeping the rest of your outfit simple. Also could transfer into tribal trends for summer.



 

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Sale Edit: Zara Woman A/W 13

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Recipe: A hungry girl's quick 4-cheese, garlic and herb pasta


Don't get me wrong, I'm usually a health freak. Chocolates are a no-go. Carbs are definitely a no-go. But some times, there is nothing more that I crave than midnight noodles. Here is a quick make-it-up-as-you-go-along recipe I made today:



1. Boil some 3-minute spaghetti noodles in a pan. To quicken the process, I boil the water in a kettle first before putting on the hob. Drain the noodles through a colander and then pour back into the pan.

 2. Throw in 1/3 tub of Philadelphia cream cheese (it can be herb and cheese flavour but I used original). Then grate in various cheeses of different proportions- I used feta, gorgonzola, smoked Bavarian and red Leicester. It's a great way to get rid of those cheeses hiding at the back of the shelf that you wouldn't necessarily put on a cheeseboard at a dinner party. Watch the pan carefully and stir regularly so that the pasta does not stick to the pan/burn.

 3. Add in garlic powder and Italian herb seasoning to taste.

 4. Chop some black olives and sun-dried tomatoes (the ones you get in a jar) in half and throw on top of the pasta. I'd recommend doing this while the water is boiling as after this the cheese melts fairly quickly.

 Enjoy!



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Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Blurred lines: how to wear white platform shoes appropriately


The recent scandal of Miley Cyrus' VMA performance with Robin Thicke caused much speculation, which has quite clearly not faded yet, considering that the amount of feminist and parental monologues posted on Youtube is increasing day by day


Although personally I do believe that her performance was inappropriate for a live-televised family show, I simply cannot deny that I am in love with her outfit and those of the three semi-naked models in the original Blurred Lines video, in particular, the white platform Y.R.U. Qozmo shoes.


I was undecided as to whether to buy the shoes for myself, as they can be worn during the day (surely, they're practically flat?!); however, they are not available to purchase in the UK, shipping and taxes are currently at an extortionate price tag, they are not real leather so their lifespan is questionable, and I remembered that I could work with a pair of shoes I already have....
 

The Jeffrey Campbell Lita Fur (in white!)


White shoes don't seem to be the easiest to style at a first hearing, so I thought I would make myself a challenge and try and find 4 distinctively different, wearable- although that is subjective- outfits!

 Outfit #1: Modern floral queen

Customized denim shorts have yet to disappear of the fashion blogging scene! Here is a pair that I made myself from a pair of my mom's old jeans from the early nineties; I used pyramid studs on the inside of one front pocket and made a triangle design near the hem of the other. A Celine A/W catwalk from a couple of years ago inspired the tucking and pulling of the shirt low down. To complete the floral, indie character of the outfit, I added this floral crown, which I had used for World Book day fancy dress about 8 years ago, in which I dressed up as Shakespeare's Juliet.

 

 Shirt- H&M (Charity shop)
Shorts -Vintage & DIY
Crown-Car boot sale
Shoes  - Jeffrey Campbell


Outfit #2: Miss American Pie

Does anyone remember the Topshop denim American-flag print shorts that circulated 2 years ago, spotted on the likes of Rihanna and Marina Diamandis? Well, this is my slightly more obvious take on that patriarchal trend. I have yet to have the courage to wear these outside the four walls of my bedroom yet (except for this picture), but decided that they would look good with such 70s style shoes. I kept the rest of the outfit fairly low-key, with a plain white t-shirt to not distract from the shorts. I added a black-toned chain necklace and black leather clutch to keep the outfit slightly tough and street-wear-appropriate, and added some grey leopard print sheer socks for the hell of it.


T-Shirt- Primark
Shorts -Avion en Papier (Topshop Oxford Circus concession)
Necklace- Miss Selfridge
Clutch- Michael Kors
Socks- Auchun (French Supermarket)
Shoes  - Jeffrey Campbell


Outfit #3: I just can't get enough (of sequins!)

"Less is more"... really, does that quote still apply in the twenty-first century? Anna Dello Russo would certainly not agree! This is an outfit for a night out on the town. Now, you'd think that with such an array of colours in the dress, that it would be wise to home this focus by toning the rest of the outfit down. Think not! The metallic blue leather jacket is a lot more fun and occasion-appropriate than the typical black. The sequin clutch bag just adds another dimension, as the sequins area lot smaller and from a different colour-way. Yes, frilly socks are present, just to ensure that the outfit is not taken too seriously and mature (and also to prolong possible dance time, as none is lost to blister-examination).

 


Sequin dress- Louise Gray for Topshop
Blue leather jacket -Bershka
Clutch- H&M
Frilly socks-Topshop
Shoes  - Jeffrey Campbell




Outfit #4: Calafornia King Bed

This is my favourite outfit by a clear mile! Channeling Californian Skater Dudette vs LA chillaxed musician, this outfit contains only white and black, which makes it a lot more forgiving and instantly more sophisticated. The John Lennon-esque glasses and vinyl record bag just complete the indie vibe, making this outfit very versatile, for both daytime leisurewear and midnight clubbing. A chain bracelet and necklace keeps the outfit looking fresh and up-to-date (a bit of a nod towards the Rihanna for River Island SS13 Collection).

 
 
T-Shirt- All Saints
Shorts -True Decadence (House of Fraser)
Necklace- Miss Selfridge
Bracelet- Topshop
Bag- Handmade fair
Sunglasses- Huzzar Vintage (London Fashion Weekend)
Beanie- Zara
Shoes  - Jeffrey Campbell


 I hope I've given you some starting points for how to get good use out of white, platform shoes. Which is your favourite oufit? Would you get the Y.R.U flatforms?

talia xoxo


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Tuesday, 3 September 2013

My Personal Style Rules

Everyone, mostly subconsciously, has a set of rules in which they live their lives: go to church every sunday, refrain from meat, work hard, be happy, do what your mother says; this differs due to our genes, upbringing, age, situation, how we're feeling and the people around us. It is the same with fashion. Whether you decide not to wear body con dresses as they do not flatter your figure (as I do), incorporate a maximum of 3 colours in an outfit or never wear flats on a night out on the town, we can each accumulate a list if we think about it in more detail. Here is my (non-exhaustive!) list below:

1. Buy one show-stopping item each season
If you buy more than one, then it's not a statement piece. Wear it to death, people will recognise it as your trademark, 'the girl with the pink shoes' or 'the girl in the tulip dress'. It's a good feeling. When you start to get bored of it, try to style it with different things, things that you wouldn't think would quite work. Trust me, you'll find a way. If it's beauty is questionable, then it's a winner. You want people to stir, to question, rather than to just accept something at a first glance. My first pair of expensive shoes were the Topshop Hi Vamp hot pink suede wedges, which my mum called 'Stunningly ugly'... I haven't looked back since.

2. Invest in shoes
They have to work with most outfits. Black is key, but have a couple of bold coloured, beautiful, admirable heels to. Even though they're more difficult to work with, you'll end up thinking about them more, and thus the outfit combinations will be so much more satisfying when you do manage a winner. Often, you'll find the best shoes when you're not looking for them. Don't hesitate to spend when you do find a pair which grabs your attention and won't leave your mind, this is a rare occurrence. 

3. Avoid figure-hugging pieces on your bottom half
 Personally, I know that they simply do not like my pear-shape. So why waste money, when I can find something which is just as nice and makes me look ten times better? Even if a bodycon dress had a fabulous, unique print, I just wouldn't be able to part with my money, as I know I'd feel self-conscious whenever I wore it, and confidence is priceless.

4. Wear heels at every opportunity
Yes, they may damage your spine and what not, but you only live once. I don't see myself wearing heels at the age of 60, so I've got to make up for it now. Not to mention, the added benefits of leaner looking legs, greater versatility, and simply being taller.

5. Learn how much jewellery is too much
Stacking threaded bracelets from your travels may be sentimental and 'indie', appropriate it may be not. When you're wearing something chic, clean and the focus of an outfit, adding some jewellery just takes away the magic. Less is, indeed, more (in most cases). Let earrings become your best friend: they are never too much. If your outfit is powerful enough, wear subtle studs. If your outfit is boring or lacking a focal point, wear large, statement, sparkly, dangly earrings.

6. Never let your underwear show
VPL is simply unnecessary. It is neither sexy nor cool. Invest in pretty, yet not-too-fancy separates, which make you coo at the sight of them. Ensure you have both a tan thong and tan strapless bra; with these modern inventions being widely available, there is no need for a white or hot pink bra strap to be in sight. You are not thirteen. Even if you are, do not be like the other thirteen year olds. 

7. If you don't have a jacket to match your outfit, go cold
 So this may not be the safest bit of advice, feel free to ignore me if you suffer from hypothermia or some other such health condition. For me, I don't mind braving the chill for fashion. There's nothing worse than ruining a perfectly thought-out outfit. Cavemen didn't use to wear coats, yet they survived. After all; no pain, no gain.

8. If you have clashed two different prints, make sure it is obvious
Don't make it look like you have nothing else to wear. Or you are from 1973. Prints can be very effective, and look extremely high-fashion if they are distinctive enough. But step into the grey area and be warned, you may look more like 45 year-old inexperienced charity-shop visitor rather than the next Susie Bubble.

9. Don't wear too many pieces of the same colour. Cross-coordination is so 2006
Salmon, rose, fuschia, magenta, raspberry... too many shades of pink and you'll just look a little bit obsessed. The same goes with every other shade. It is no longer fashion law for every item to 'compliment' one another. Clashing fashion (kind of rhymes) as come quite far in recent years. Blue and orange, for example, rather than blue and blue, adds an unexpected yet welcome accent.

10. If the nail polish doesn't compliment your outfit, you have two options: REMOVE POLISH or REMOVE CLOTHES
Neither party would feel particularly comfortable if you walked in public without any clothes  on, so take of your nail polish, 1) It is unlikely that anyone would notice anyway and 2) you don't want to find yourself picking your varnish off when you catch a glimpse in the underground station mirrored wall. Nude nails always come back in season, so don't risk it.



talia xoxo
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