*throwback thursday_paris

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Grr...

You would not believe how long it has taken me to sit and construct this post...but with it being Thursday and with Paris Fashion Week recently concluding, I thought no time like the present, right?

So, let's get to it, shall we?

For those unaware, during the Fall 2012 semester, I did a study abroad in Wroxton, England, that afforded me the wonderful opportunity to travel and experience new and unseen things [which can only be a plus, right?]. I knew that, having such wondrous adventures, I would be changed; documenting that became the inspiration for this blog!

While the school provided many excursions within England itself, we were also given the chance to spend one weekend in Edinburgh and one in Paris...

...clearly, I put off writing about Paris...till now.

Paris was unique.

What I found was that, amongst my travel companions, the group preferred Edinburgh. However, I do think that this was for two main reasons.

1: the existence of a language barrier [but I'm sure that would be a turn off for most of you]
2: people had low expectations for Edinburgh [maybe not the first place that comes to mind, especially when you are at Europe's helm] and found themselves pleasantly surprised, but had high expectations for Paris and found themselves slightly disappointed.

I thought that it was different. While it wasn't what I expected, I [would like to hope that I] appreciated it for what it was. It was a gorgeous city, with beautiful architecture, lots of culture and there was creativity in the air. On the other hand, I guess to be expected of any metropolitan area, it wasn't the cleanest place I've been and the crowds were so massively unbearable.

Cute! A little cartoon replica of the city!
NB: La Tour Eiffel, Notre Dame, Le Louvre et L'Arc Triomphe

But enough of my experiences, we all know what you are here for; the fashion.

To be expected, there was lots of shopping...whatever you desired, from high-end to couture to thrift-shop goodies.

And with clothing options in abundance, the street style was out of this world. You could tell that Parisians live up to their reputation of being fashion forward. Everyone was so well put together, down to the little shop assistants! Everyone was stylish but still managed to be unique. Isn't that what fashion aims to impart?

I was fortunate enough to find this little online guide book created by the Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau which has a link to the different types of styles or personalities one may encounter in Paris and a large selection of boutiques where one might find clothing to suit.

The unique aesthetics, adapted from the guide, include;

*Les Sélects | The Selective Ones
      -You like French elegance and style, established brands and clothing that never goes out of style.
*Les Trendys | The Trendy Ones
      -You keep up with the latest trends by browsing through the newest glossy magazines; thus your wardrobe changes every season.
*Les Créatifs | The Creative Ones
      -You are a trendsetter, putting together your own style; you wear today what others will wear tomorrow.
*Les Bobos Chics  | The Bourgeois-Bohemian Chic Ones
      -You take care of your appearance but are not too concerned with your look. You mix timeless basics with designer pieces blending classic and modern.
*Les Ethic Ethnic | The Ethical-Ethnic Ones
      -You are a globetrotter with a conscience and your style reflects this. You wear ethnic mix-and-match prints and support organic and fair-trade associations.
*Les Astucieux | The Clever Ones
      -You are the smart shopper, always hunting for a bargain to find the next cute dress or designer accessory.

Hmmm.. I wouldn't exactly say I'm solely one of these; most probably fitting into Creative and Bobo Chic [and I would think most college students are naturally the 'Clever Ones'].

Which one do you relate to? While I can't tell from the collages which personality matches each image...maybe you can...

Isn't the style gorg?! I would love to return just to be inspired by the various street style exhibited.

Phew! Ok...I think I did Paris justice...

Have you been? What did you think of the city? If you haven't, would you like to go? Why?

Have a ponder kiddies.

xx

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*couture collections

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With the closing of Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 last week, I thought that I, as a blogger [as many do many others], have a duty to cover, give my opinion on, or at least acknowledge the occurence of one of the 'Big Four' Fashion Weeks...

Of these major Fashion Weeks, Paris Fashion Week, with all it's haute couture shows, is especially looked forward to, as it is a major stage for Parisian couturiers to showcase their talent.

Dozens upon dozens of edgy, avant-garde, and just plain gorgeously detailed and meticulously handcrafted clothes glide down runways, depicting designers' visions and painting fashionable fantasies for those in attendance.

And, with gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces, lavishly hand-tailored by the best ateliers [workshops] in the business, it is no wonder why a number of celebrities attend these shows to scope out their next 'Award Season' looks.

I'm not really going to review the collections as much, cause I think that they're all beautifully made clothes and, even if a collection does not align with my aesthetic, one cannot deny the true skill and craftsmanship in designing true haute couture.

Instead, I'll post a few of my favorite looks, from a few of my favorite shows! Deal?

Starting with....

Dior!

Gorgeous clothes; gorgeous color story....and there's those stripes again!

A more modern take on couture, designer Raf Simons, who's inspiration was 'freedom' noted that, "if we don't adapt to what women in society are now about, couture might disappear..."

See the rest of the collection here!

A salute to modern freeness!

Enjoy the pretty kiddies...more to come!

xx

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*Spring 2013 Trend Alert: stripes [+stars].

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And a happy new week to all! [even though it's Tuesday]

Hope you are all back on that work flow after what hopefully turned out to be a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July weekend.

[reminds me of a certain *americana post, no?]

Maybe you spent it barbequing with fam, lounging by a pool or [like me] sleeping the weekend away indoors in front of an ac unit.

But regardless of how you spent the holiday, it is a time to marvel at how far this great country has come in the past 237 years...and wonder how much further it can go in terms of development.

Hmm...so, in celebrating ye old stars and stripes...how about another Spring 2013 Trend?

Yea?

Hitting the runways last season's fashion weeks, we saw a reemergence of Stripes on the runway. Not exactly having gone out of style, as various fashion mags have reported them to be a trend in Spring 2009, 2010, 2011 and both Spring AND Fall 2012, it is clear that these bold lines are here to stay. 

Angular. Sophisticated. Chevron.

Furthermore, with designers constantly challenging themselves to reinvent the wheel [or in this case the line] collections are featuring a lot more color, as opposed to the traditional b&w stripes, a combination of horizontal AND vertical all in the same look! and even the increasingly popular chevron stripes.

Designs by Dolce and Gabbana, Christian Dior, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Paul Smith.
Images courtesy Style.com and Google.

So go out! Raid every H&M, Zara and Topshop...I hope you each start rocking some bold, linear looks serving zebra crossing realness!

And, just cause I can...

"Stars" in Stripes! Ha!

Top L-R: Chanel Iman, Rihanna, Cassie, Hailee Steinfeld
Bottom L-R: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Blake Lively, Olga Kurylenko, Katy Perry

Enjoy!

xx

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Spring 2013 Trend Alert: Metallics

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Eek!

So, it's definitely been a WHILE since I've updated you all with the current goings-on in the fashion industry [not like you need me to tell you what's going on anyway...]

Maybe you've all noticed lately an increase the need to wear your sunnies due to glare? No no, your eyes haven't become more sensitive to light...it's the resurgence of Metallics!

*insert collage here*

 

 *haha I'm actually pretty proud of this one*

*ahem* So yes, while metallics have been around since the dawn of...metal, many designers have felt the creative pull towards these radiant and reflective materials, featuring them in their last-year's-to-be-worn-this-year's collections.

These include Diane von Furstenberg, Blumarine and [maybe my fave of all] Burberry. [maybe you remember some shiny, colorful Burberry pieces from a previous post?]

In fact, part of the reason that I react particularly well to their collection, may be due to the fact that I love color; bright, bold color...and that these "metallics" are not simply the golds, silvers and bronzes we have become accustomed to... Yes, classic and as chic as ever...but these nouveau metallics force one to step out the box and opens up so many new and exciting styling possibilities.

So, while you let that sink in and decide to step away from the blacks, tans and neutrals in your closet...I'll be out searching for the brightest, boldest some easy-to-integrate pieces to mix into my existing wardrobe.

And, just for fun...celebs wearing shiny clothes!

L-R Top: Camilla Belle, Emily Blunt, Nicole Richie, Kirsten Dunst
L-R Bottom: Elizabeth Banks, Naomi Watts, Carey Mulligan, Gisele Bundchen

*shine bright like a diamond*

Ciao!
xx

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*more posh than you can bear

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Haha. Surprise kiddies!

Seeing as how it is December and I am in a giving mood [and I did have a ton of Vicky B pics left over], your daily pretty and inspirational quotes for the day are courtesy Mrs. Becks.

Enjoy!

“If you haven't got it. Fake it! Too short? Wear big high heels, but do practice walking!”

“I don't know much about football. I know what a goal is, which is surely the main thing about football.”

“If I set my mind to something I do it. My biggest wish for all of us is that we are happy, successful, and that we stay true to ourselves.”

Inspiring words and breathtaking pictures, wouldn't you agree?

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*Target_: Victoria Beckham

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It's been a while since I've done a 'Target' post although this one's been in the making for quite some time now. However, with such a high profile, and incredibly talented, celebrity such as Mrs. Beckham, it's been quite the task;
a) sorting through the mass amount of pics I've collected, and
b) creating the collages.

First on the agenda, some brief background info! [although most of you probably know these]:
*Career beginnings as 'Posh Spice' of the Spice Girls, an early indicator of an interest in fashion.

*Married David Beckham in 1999 and been popping out babies ever since. The couple has four children; three sons and a daughter.

*Ventured into the fashion world, firstly as a model for London Fashion Week in 2000, and brand ambassador for Dolce and Gabbana in 2003, before launching her denim line "dvb Style" in 2006.

*Debuted her first collection at New York Fashion Week in 2008 to enormously positive reviews.

*Has been the face of Rocawear 2003, Marc Jacobs SS2008, Armani 2009 [with husband David Beckham].

*Has graced the cover of Vogue a total of 6 times.

*Winner of Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2011

Her style, now described as confidently simple and timeless, which often shows through in her own personal style,  hasn't always been as, how should I say, refined. *see below*

However, she quickly rediscovered the 'posh' aspect that brought her fame, and has since become quite the style icon. In fact, I don't know what she's most known for; her role as a member of the Spice Girls,a footballer's wife, fashion icon or designer.

Quite multifaceted wouldn't you say?

 These are just a few examples of her stunning outfits and style sense. Sharp, chic and always looking composed, what a fashionable turnaround from that previous set of images no?

Gorgeous no?

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*Fall 2012 Trend Alert: Orient Express

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Sigh. Definitely been a while since I featured a "Trend" post on the blog and I figured might as well get them done while these trends are well, still trends! Haha.

Today's agenda: Oriental!

2012 has so far seen a massive interest in the East, predominantly with the Asian nations. While it may be because China is set to become the dominant global power in the next few years, or it may just have to do with globalization, or even the amazingly vivid inspiration provided by such a rich and colorful culture....whatever the reason, the exquisite luxury of the orient is back!

Louis Vuitton, Dries Van Noten, Zac Posen and Osman are just some of the designers using floral fabrics in their kimono and cheongsam inspired pieces.

close-up of a Dries Van Noten F/W 2012 piece

 Take a look!

Think it's hard to pull off? Celebs do it without looking too literal....[with the exception of Katy Perry]

Top Row L-R: Fan BingBing, Elisa Sednaoui, Katy Perry, Audrey Tatou, Dakota Fanning
Bottom Row L-R: Olivia Palermo, Katy Perry, Dita Von Tesse, Liya Kebede, Katy Perry

Paired with basics, these pieces can add pop to any outfit. Timeless and chic with a modern interpretation. Who wouldn't want to dress like that?

After all, isn't the modern woman a woman of the world?

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*Remember, remember...

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Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason, why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, guy, t'was his intent
To blow up king and parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England's overthrow.
By God's mercy he was catch'd
With a darkened lantern and burning match.
So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring.
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.

And what shall we do with him?
Burn him! 

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So, it's Guy Fawkes' day and, as most of you know, we celebrate his failure to bomb Parliament by [none other than] setting off fireworks!

Hence, firework themed fashion! Seems fitting right?

MSGM F/W 2012.

MSGM F/W 2012.

Gorgeous, simple, but eye-catching. Cute, no?

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*Back to Black

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Something new that I've decided to introduce is the creation of these Polyvore boards. Depending on, I guess, a post that I'm inspired by, I'll create a quick little mood board, like the one below, to show all the various styles and ways in which you too can be inspired by my posts.

I also think it ties in well with the aim of this blog, as it's not really a fashion news blog, although there will be some overlap with that, but more of a fashion inspiration blog.

Hence, drawing inspiration from the recent 'b&w' post, a board highlighting just how chic, sassy, classy, simple, elegant, edgy, striking, versatile etc..black can really be. A staple for every wardrobe as it is a color can easily be integrated into any look...

...but maybe I'm biased as I have a lot of black in mine...hahah.

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*Swamped.

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Rise and Shine!!

Today's post is pretty much self-explanatory. Why? Because I'm swamped with all this work...haha

Daria Werbowy. The Warrior Way. March 2010 Vogue.

It's just a really busy week with deadlines coming up...but [as dedicated as I am] I will still try to post [maybe not as frequently though]. Got lots of fun posts in store...just need the time :(

Anyway, enough rambling. Back to the schoolwork!

Enjoy!

Also, new blog header! Thoughts?

Have a productive and inspired day!

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*Target_: Ellie Goulding

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With her sophomore album just days from being released in the UK, I have decided to do a 'Target' post on none other than singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding.

Following in the footsteps of vocal powerhouse Adele, wining both the BBC's 'Sound of..' poll, as well as the Brit Award for 'Critics' Choice,' it somewhat surprises me that she is not just as globally successful.
However, Ms. Goulding has her loyal collection of fans, myself included, who probably have noticed a change in both her music and her look.

Beginning her career with more indie-pop type songs, Ellie definitely dressed the part, often wearing beanies and oxford shoes...looking very preppy and sophisticated. As her craft evolved, so too did her dress, which is quite understandable. After all, like music, fashion is also a creative outlet. She began dressing a little more edgy, even shaving one side of her head, dying her hair various colors..and even more recently, as seen at the iTunes festival, braided her hair!

 

I think that, like her music, her fashion has taken a darker turn; she's often seen wearing blacks and leathers now, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It makes for a very striking look!

indie beginnings..

 I have tried to group her fashion phases into separate collages, but somewhere in the middle they start to blend... I'm sure though that you can mostly see her style evolution...and if you have trouble, just do what I did and look at her hair! haha...

grungy prep?

While maybe not necessarily a fashion icon here in the UK, and mostly favoring casual, comfortable clothing, she definitely takes some risks sometimes and has her fair share of hits and misses. But what I really admire is how cohesive her look is with her music. She does not look like she's trying to be anyone but herself, innocent and raw, and that is to be commended. I love how she can look so sweet and cute, but yet dark and mischievous at the same time.

...lots of blacks, no?

 If you want a description of her style, Ellie herself pretty much sums it up as she says, it's "...tomboyish. When I was younger, I had my lip pierced and I had black hair so I like Gothic crosses and grungy leather. But sometimes, I want to be girlie so I go for florals and pink. Maybe I've rebelled from my grunge phase and just want to be a Barbie now! Because one side of me wants to be this sophisticated London girl and the other side wants to be rebellious, especially on stage when I like the idea of being a rock star."

Check out her music kiddies. Album releases on the 8th!

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*Style_File: Kate Moss

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I have always found it interesting that sometimes, those working within the fashion industry may not necessarily be the most stylish on their off days, often preferring 'function' [and comfort] to 'fashion.'

Take Kate Moss [although regarded by some as a Boho-chic icon] for example...

...but, I guess we all need a little breather every once in a while....

*insert breather here*

...oh, but when they work, they WERQ!

A classic beauty, with a gritty edge to it, Ms. Moss was one of the top models of the 90s, starting the model trend which became known as 'heroin-chic.'

 She marked the beginning of a shift in the modelling world to more skinny and waif type models, after the decade where models were powerful and strong women represented by favorites like Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer.

...stunning girl. Is it any wonder why she is deserving of the title 'supermodel?'

*refer to pictures* 

Didn't think so! :)

"It sounds really corny but I think that if you're beautiful inside it shows on the outside, for sure."- Kate Moss

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*Target_: Cheryl Cole

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After doing that 'Alexa Chung' post I started thinking about other fashion icons, particularly Brits, whose styles I am inspired by...

Naturally, Cheryl Cole came to mind...

She's a gorgeous gal...who had it a bit rough lately, relationship wise and whatnot, but career-wise she is still as big as ever!

Somewhat comparable to Vicky Becks, Cheryl also comes from a popular girl group, married [and subsequently divorced] a football [soccer to you Americans] star, and has climbed the fashion ladder to earn the well deserved title of 'style icon'...

As you can very well see, she has a diverse range of looks, easily transitioning between glamorous and demure to edgy, and what really impresses me, is that she really seems to understand the importance of styling *takes notes*.

b&w... #chic #striking

I love that about her really, the fact that she really doesn't mind slapping on a pair of pants [and all my friends know I love a girl in pants] and messing it up a bit...

...I think that red's her color... #stunning

And while fashion may not necessarily be as 'fun' for her as it is for others, she definitely brings a sense of confidence to whatever she wears...and that's all that matters really, no?

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