From Fitness to Fashion: Alexander Wang for H&M

“Sport Deluxe” has been a trend for quite some time now and although that whole I-just-went-to-the-gym look isn’t exactly my cup of tea (and that’s putting it mildly!), I do find Alexander Wang’s collection for H&M intriguing.

From stretchy leggings to cool crop tops and neoprene sweatshirts: everything looks “workout”-ready. The collection even has a pair of boxing gloves and …a towel!

Long story short: Mr. Wang wants us to exercise!

In a fashion world that is dominated by the unspoken message of “starvation”, I think it is utterly brilliant to finally see a designer’s collection that seems to step away from this unhealthy doctrine and embraces the “healthy mind in a healthy body”-theme. Fit is the new skinny, so to speak.

It is a welcome trend this gym-obsessed generation has been waiting for. Even though I won’t be wearing Wang’s clothes to go to work or go shopping (for someone who prefers lipstick, pencil skirts and high heels, there is a limit to dressing casually), that doesn’t mean I will ignore Wang’s collection entirely.

On the contrary, I have already spotted some marvelous items that I am dying to get my hands on. And mark my words: I am positive these glorious fitness outfits will make me the most stylish person at my gym! (Since I will probably never be the numero uno in any other gym-related field, being the gym most fashionable seems like a pretty good consolation prize)

Here are a couple of my favourite sporty items:

And who knows? I might even dare to wear them outside the gym after all. These cute crop tops and those amazing shoes definitely demonstrate that sporty can indeed by trendy.

Pretty Plum: My New Favourite Fall Colour

Since autumn has now officially arrived, I believe it is only fair to start talking about what to wear this fall. Whereas I would normally bombard you with different trends and micro trends, I will now stick to the essentials. Because let’s face it, there is only one thing you really need to know about the fashion for fall 2014…and for once, it is a trend that is easy to remember:

WEAR PLUM

Seriously.

This has got to be the most beautiful colour on the planet.

So no matter whether you’re going for a gypsy look, French avant-garde chic or sporty nonchalance, it will always look 100 per cent fab if you wear it with a touch of this dark red/ deep purple plum.

Here are a couple of my favourite plummy things:

This gorgeous Giorgio Armani bag is just to die for, both figuratively (because très pretty) and financially (because très expensive).

Or what do you think about these sandals by Tod’s? Just wear them with some opaque panties or some cute socks and you are good to go!

Or you can go for this more affordable version at Topshop

A plum felt floppy hat is at the top of my wish list at the moment.

Plum is also a great colour for men’s clothes as well! A plum suit has got to be my favourite male look for this season, so if you guys want to get my approval (and a possible sexy glare): put on a plum suit.

Just sayin’.

And if I would have to name one ultimate plum accessory, without a doubt, it would have to be the plum lips. Could there possibly be anything sexier than those deep red lips, looking all shiny and rich as if you’ve just drunk an entire bottle of red wine?

Ha!

Every designer label has its own plum lipstick version, but if you are looking for a more affordable version: the Infallible Lipstick by L’Oreal in Persistent Plum is pretty perfect too.

But if you’re ready to go all out and spend loads of money on lipstick: buy this Bruised Plum lipstick by Tom Ford. It looks expensive, it feels expensive, it is expensive.

But hell, it makes you look like a true femme fatale meets powerful business woman, so I really don’t know why you’re not running to the shop as we speak!

Spring 2014 Men’s Fashion: Dos and Don’ts

With spring in the air, I think it is about time we focus on what we want men to wear this spring/summer. Because no matter how fabulous you may look in your new outfit, all of that glamour will disappear, if the man walking next to you looks like a boring drab.

The following list is my personal view on this season’s trends. So dear male readers, take pen and paper because here are the dos and don’ts for this spring!

Do: Flowers here, Flower there, Flowers everywhere

What better way to embrace spring fashion than by introducing some flowers into your wardrobe?

I love this nonchalant, casual version of flower print in the collection of Dries Van Noten, because even the biggest fashion nitwit will be able to pull off this look. (No offence 😉 )

And if you want to try something bolder, go for this oriental floral print by Prada.

Important side note: Make sure you don’t look like Hugh Hefner.

That’s a no no.

Do: Think Pink

To all the pussies out there, who are afraid to wear pink: Start simple with a couple of pink accents instead of going for the full pink look. This outfit from Versace shows you how it is done.

Once you’ve grown accustomed to showing some pink, why not try a pink jacket. This sporty yet classy coat from Lanvin is absolutely fabulous and über cool.

And last but not last, for the dare devils among you who like to shock with an overdose of pink:  what about this flashy pink Tom Ford suit?

Don’t: Shorter than Short Shorts

I consider myself an admirer of the fit and muscular male body and I am usually a fan of men showing some of that fabulously tanned skin, but – dear God!- short shorts are just not flattering. Even the handsomest of men with the most amazing thighs would not be able to pull this off. It’s simply… too… short.

 

Don’t: Tune in for the Tunic

No matter how much they may have appeared on the runway this season; the well-tailored tunic is just a hideous example of experimental fashion gone wrong.

I mean, what the hell is this?

Pleats Please: Fashion’s Newest It-Skirt

Once worn by grandmothers reminiscent of their youth and librarians who spend too much of their time reading Nicholas Sparks’ novels, the pleated skirt is now back on everyone’s fashion radar. Whereas the classic pleated skirt was often stiff and made out of heavy fabrics and in previous years usually worn by slutty prep school teenage girls (Remember Britney Spears in Hit Me Baby One More Time?), the new version of pleats is wavy, breezy and simply gorgeous.(Think Elizabeth Taylor Hollywood glamour!)

Although pleats can be seen on practically all garments this spring –dresses, trousers, coats!- it is the pleated skirt that is most likely to stick around for quite some time and not just become a one-season trend.

So forget about old and scruffy. This season’s pleated skirt is all about embracing your own feminine coolness. Whether you opt for soft and breezy Elegance or razor-sharp Origami, these skirts will definitely get some hearts racing!

My favourite designer-pleats were those shown by Proenza Schouler: metallic, razor-sharp and yet oh-so ladylike.

 

Or what do you think about this very alluring Christian Dior skirt? Raf Simons clearly knows how to pair classic femininity with daring sexiness (that cut-out halter top!)

Salvatore Ferragamo’s version of pleats: crisp and clean with an edge

Go for black and white like Celine.

Or if you want something more affordable , this similar version at Zara is totally fab as well!

In fact, there are quite a lot of pleated skirts in the Zara Spring Collection! (So you don’t have to completely bankrupt yourself to look insanely cool and glamourous!)

 

No matter what style you go for and no matter the price category: pleats look pretty perfect on practically all people (Humor me for the P-overload here) 

We Need to Talk about the Onesie…

…because it’s ugly… It’s awful… it’s unflattering… and it just looks really ridiculous and goofy.

In short: Onesies should never be worn outdoors. And yet, that is exactly what many people ended up doing in 2013. What happened to the world?

Since when did it become acceptable to wear baby pajamas in public? You’re adults! You should not be wearing long-legged, baggy animal costumes with fleece lining and zippers reaching from the neck to somewhere far below what is morally justifiable. You really shouldn’t.

To make things even worse, celebrities are contributing substantially to this trend deplorably universal frying of all stylish brain cells. Justin Bieber, One Direction, Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Brad Pitt,…Everyone wears them outdoors. In public. For everyone to see. As if it is the most normal thing on the planet.

Let me tell you something, dear celebrities and all the others who are suffering from an episode of acute stylophobia: It is not normal. People should not be wearing onesies to go shopping. They should not be wearing onesies to go for a walk. And they should definitely not be wear onesies to go to the pub. (Seriously, where is the fashion police when you need them? )

One of the arguments that is often used in defense of  the onesie is that it is cozy and comfortable.

So is my granny’s 1920s floral print tent dress but you don’t see my wearing that in public, do you?

“But it’s so nice and warm!”

Ha! Do you know why you’re feeling warm while wearing a onesie? It is because everyone around you on the street is burning you down with their eyes out of shame and transferred embarrassment! That is why!

The only person who actually managed to pull off a onesie was Ed Westwick.

Although I am assuming that the reason behind my approval of his outfit is solely based on his distractingly sexy jaw line and peek-a-boo chest hair…

Now, I’m not saying you cannot wear a onesie. You simply cannot wear it outdoors. Indoors on the other hand is perfectly fine, applauded even.

Wear it when you’re sitting in front of the fire place with a good book. Or when you’re watching Titanic for the umpteenth time. Or when you’re writing a dreadfully boring paper. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, as long as you’re wearing it indoors, nothing can hurt you.

Take an example of Beyoncé and Macklemore.

 

That is how you rock a onesie.

Behind closed doors.

In the meantime, I’ll keep myself busy making fun of all the celebrities in onesies.

 

I mean, come on!

It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s de-lovely: Heart Prints in Fashion

I’m in a romantic mood today. Seriously, my day is filled with little elements of romantic-desiring behaviour and it isn’t even two o’clock in the afternoon yet!

Need some proof? Okay, here it is:

One: I have the urge to re-watch the Notebook. Or Titanic. Will probably watch both.
Two: I’m overdosing on John Legend music.
Three: I’ve already lit four scented candles in the past thirty minutes.
Four: I bought myself a huge box of chocolates. (Admittedly, I eat chocolate every day but today I’m going particularly overboard on the cocoa)
Five: I winked at a handsome stranger.

See? I’m practically on the verge of throwing hand-cut heart confetti at everyone in the street.

Given this romantic attitude, I think it is time to highlight some very lovable fashion for you all.

For years, romantic souls like me had to deal with those dreaded skulls on every possible garment. I assume people loved this trend because it made them look tough, but to be honest, all these skulls just reminded me of death and horror movies. I mean, when people look at you, wouldn’t you want them to associate your personality with joy and love, instead of death and walking zombies?

Anyway, apparently I was one of the few who actually thought like that. But fear no more fellow romance- cravers: the era of the skull print is over!

This season’s print is all about showing love and affection. In a society in which showing emotions is –unfortunately and to my great frustration- frowned upon, this trend encourages us to step away from this collective coolness. This season, we are done remaining frozen and incapable of expressing our emotions. Let it out people!

And a first step to a more open emotional life is buying yourself some heart print clothes. This print isn’t just something you wear on Valentine’s Day, the symbol of love can be worn every single day of the year. These prints will make you feel cherished and alive. Drop that veil of calm collective posture, ladies. Trust me, it won’t make you vulnerable. It will only make you drop dead gorgeous.

This amazing trend was launched by Burberry Prorsum. The creative team behind Burberry put heart prints on practically every available piece of fabric. Apart from this very lovable print, the collection had everything a girl could possibly wish for: a silhouette of tight pencil skirts and breezy blouses, fabrics to die for (from soft cashmere to elegant leather or daring translucent rubber)and the elegant colours (beige and bordeaux) make the collection look feminine, not girly.

Even guys are allowed to show how much they love us!

These shoes from Charlotte Olympia are called “Love Me”.

Now, I don’t think that will be much of a problem.

If you’re looking for a subtler approach to the trend, heart-print accessories might be something for you!

What about these adorable socks?

Or these cute glasses?

For the daredevils among you: don’t you think these tights with encrusted heart knee pads are just mesmerizingly beautiful?

After such an overdose of heart-shaped loveliness, I think it’s only appropriate to seal this post with a big kiss.

Boudoir Babe: Confessions of a Lingerie Addict

“No one is going to see it, so what’s the point?” The frustration among single women can indeed be quite big when they happen to stumble upon a beautiful lingerie set , but refuse to buy it because they don’t have a partner to wear it for. If you’re one of those protesting single ladies, here is my piece of advice: Lingerie is never about him. It’s about you. Don’t ever let your single lifestyle keep you from rocking those sexy lace knickers.

At the risk of over-sharing: I happen to be a lingerie addicted single. Whereas other shopaholics might spend entire fortunes on shoes or Chanel handbags, I prefer spending my money on stuff no one but me can see. One possible explanation might be because I’m a hopeless romantic. Everything that’s dainty, refined, red, pink, lace or bejeweled has my direct attention, for it reminds me of hand-cut heart confetti and chocolate bonbons or triggers my all-time favourite fantasy of a Prince Charming on a White Horse singing emotional Bruno Mars songs just outside my bedroom window.

Another reason why I believe lingerie is the most important item in your wardrobe is because it creates self confidence. And that is why I’m truly convinced that all of you, single ladies, should have a bursting lingerie closet as well. Good lingerie makes you feel happier, sexier and more at peace with your body. Moreover, beautiful lingerie isn’t just for young and thin models. Plus sizes, older women, tall/short women, there is a pretty lingerie set for everyone!

I hereby hope I was able to convince you of the importance of lingerie, because this fall season is overflowing with romantic underwear!

One of my favourite collections is the fall collection from Andres Sarda.

My favourite affordable lingerie brand by far is the Italian boutique Intimissimi. Their lingerie is absolutely mesmerizing, but in contrast to Andres Sarda, you can buy as many items as you want because it’s not really expensive!

The collaboration between lingerie brand Etam and super model Natalia Vodianova is still drool worthy. This black lace bodysuit is simply sublime, don’t you think?!

The Thigh is the Limit: Spice up your Winter with Thigh-High Boots

Imagine it’s winter. Snow is twirling lazily about in the wind and you’re on your way to work/school/shopping mall. You’re wearing a fabulous carmine red lipstick (preferably Dior Rouge), a black faux-fur hat (Anna Karenina-style), an off-white belted cape (look at Kerry Washington on Scandal for inspiration), black skinny jeans (the one that makes you feel like a million dollar bill) and last but definitely not least… a magnificent, provocatively beautiful pair of black suede thigh-high boots.

With an image like that in your head, it is practically impossible not to look forward to winter! The key to totally rocking the above look are the boots. Yes, the outfit would look smashing with just a pair of pumps , but it is the up-to-there (yes, there!) pair of boots that will truly make you shine. And let’s admit it: in a time in which everything is covered in a veil of darkness, it is bloody wonderful to be a sparkling light of sunshine!

Thigh-high boots were a big hit on the FW13 runway:

Balmain opted for suede versions that seemed to reach really really really high…

Chanel opted for a kinky version with chains…

Donna Karan went for sleek chic with thigh-highs in combination with an oversized jacket…

And Pucci drew the sexy card by mixing thigh-highs with an alluring stylish-but-very-short dress!

If you call yourself a fashionista, you will probably know a fashion show isn’t the actual stage where trend battles are fought. If you truly want to know which trends are hot –and which are not- you have to look to the streets.

And looking at the wardrobes- or should I say: shoerobes– of all the celebrities that have walked the streets these couple of months, it is safe to say that the thigh-high boot is here to stay.

Miranda Kerr killed it in this sublime outfit! Remember the cape-thigh highs combo from the imaginative outfit at the beginning of this post? Well, this is what I was talking about! Classy, stylish and ravishingly awesome!

Victoria Beckham opted for a kinkier version ( it was obviously still summer back then). If you want to make her outfit more wearable on a day-to-day basis, just wear some black stockings underneath the dress and you’ll be fine 😉

Kylie Minogue– here wearing fabulous Louboutin thigh-highs- demonstrates that thigh-high boots can be demure and very chic in an all-black combination with an elegant black jacket.

I know that some of you are still very skeptical of thigh-high boots. No matter how cool and utterly stylish they may be, many people still associate them with provocative S&M games or cheap hookers (think: Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman or Angelina Jolie’s naughty leather outfit in Mr. & Mrs. Smith)

It is therefore advisable not to go for the Miley Cyrus thigh-high look…

Unless you want drivers honking their horns or creepy guys waving one-dollar bills in your face…

But we’re all classy, stylish and elegant fashionistas, so –obviously!– we don’t want that.

So what do you think, ladies? Will you try the thigh-high?

Should you still need some convincing, here are some fabulous thigh-high boots that might get you running to the store.

 

(DKNY)

 

(Casadei)

Because Shopping is Cheaper than a Psychiatrist: Brand New Outfit, Brand New Confidence

Women love to shop. It is a truth as uncontested as the earth spinning around its axis. It is what unites us, women, and creates this instant bond of mutual understanding. Like a Sisterhood of Shopping Addicts. Men, being the dumbass morons that they are, don’t seem to comprehend this necessity of needing to buy new stuff. They think our love for shopping simply goes back to a desire to spend money- their money- and define the act of shopping as a superficial waste of time. They couldn’t possibly be further from the truth. When guys say such denigrating things, I really want to stab with a fork, or kick them in the head with my purse, or both. (Maybe I should let them choose my weapon of assault, although I cannot fully guarantee I will acknowledge their preference 😉 )

First of all, let me start by saying that we don’t spend your money. We’re independent, smart and self-reliant enough to be able to afford our own clothes, thank you very much. And secondly, shopping has as much to do with the desire to spend money as American politics has to do with basic intelligence or competence. Shopping is about yourself. About how it makes you feel. Regardless of age, lifestyle or salary, every woman will chirp once her eyes fall upon that perfect pair of shoes and every woman’s heart will skip a beat when she sees that that beautiful purple dress is on sale.

Moreover, shopping for new clothes doesn’t have to be expensive! On the contrary, it can even be more exhilarating to get hold of a bargain, than you would get excited over plundering your bank account for an expensive pair of designer jeans. Take my brand new outfit for instance. I was looking for some new clothes inspired by this fall’s Balmain collection (Those of you who visit my blog on a regular basis will know that I completely adore the combination of super tight waists with fluffy sweaters and classy-looking harem trousers! For a reminder, click here) but I was utterly convinced that I wouldn’t be able to find something similar in a slightly more affordable version… But guess what? I most certainly did! The trousers and sweater (isn’t it cool and adorable?) are from River Island. The expensive-looking fancy necklace is from Zara and the shoes are from S. Oliver. It’s not exactly the same as Balmain, but still, it comes close 😉 And you may have noticed that the outfit has some cobalt blue accents as well! So I’m kinda hitting two birds with one stone!( Or should I say two trends with 1 outfit?) How convenient and incredibly fashionable is that?

However, we should be careful not to overdo it and completely lose ourselves in the wonders of shopping malls and fitting rooms. We’ve all seen “Confessions of shopaholic” and if there is one thing we do not want, it is to turn into a completely bonkers, shopping addicted bitch that needs to attend secret meetings in order to get rid of her lust for shopping.

Having said that, there is nothing wrong with listening to the Rebecca Bloomwood on your shoulder once and a while…

….just as long as you’re not going completely bankrupt. Treat yourself, ladies! You deserve it!

“The Eyes have it”: Kenzo introduces a kinda creepy (but totally awesome!) fashion trend

Just when you thought you had seen it all, there is this one übercool fashion house that manages to surpass all previous fashion stunts and bombards us with the weirdest print in the history of fashionable clothing: the eye-print. Kenzo’s fall collection was dotted all over with tiny (and not so tiny) eye prints, giving the collection a very mystical dimension. Ever since the fashion label created the whole “tiger sweatshirt”-hype, everyone with at least one grain of style in his/her body is keeping a close a eye- no pun intended- on the brand to see what it will introduce next.

And that’s where the “All-seeing eye” comes in. As soon as Kenzo showed his Eye-inspired collection to the world, every self-respecting retail store incorporated some eye-prints in its collection as well. Sweaters, jackets, trousers, jewelry,… you can wear your third eye on practically everything. So if you’re a true fashionista, you definitely need to get yourself some eye-prints! All eyes – figuratively and literally!- will be on you! (I’m going in eye-pun overdrive here 😉 )

Admittedly, I find the eye-print rather creepy in some cases, but somehow it just works! It’s intriguing, mysterious and oh so damn cool that I’m willing to forget the creepiness of it all and just focus on the trend’s world-dominating potential.

Still not convinced you should give this trend a second glance? Well then, cast your gaze upon the pictures below and I can assure you that after you’ve read through this entire post, you will want one of these awesome/eyesome prints!

This is what Kenzo created:

 

 

 

And here are some more affordable alternatives:

 

 

 

And let’s not forget the dudes out there!

Eye-catching, isn’t it?