Versace Versace Versace

So you've heard about it on t.v., read about it on countless blogs, and seen it on the website, but tomorrow is the day when the Versace for H&M collection finally becomes tangible. Come 8 am, all who proclaim themselves fashion-obsessed will be lining up outside H&M doors to get the first pickings of the extremely hyped collection. And while I won't be there quite so early, (the idea of battling stiletto-clad girls for the last size 9 in the black lace-up booties does not exactly appeal to me), I can't deny that I will be making an appearance. And knowing me, among the chaos that will inevitably ensue, be it 8 am or 8 pm, I will probably grab whatever I can get my hands on and book it out of there. 

So, to keep my mind clear and focused, I have scoured the lookbooks and settled on three items that have made it on my wishlist. The leather dress is arguably the best piece in the collection, with just the right amount of structure combined with an intriguing studded design. I love the gold detailing on the bottom of the pleated skirt. And honestly, who could say no to that last dress? So now that my game plan is in order, what is on your wish list?

the UK does it better

It's obvious that at the moment, I am having a love affair with all things structured. Trousers, blazers, and button-ups are currently the most used and abused items in my wardrobe, and I can never say no to a great messenger bag. But, what is almost more important in my overall fashion mantra, is to keep things interesting. Simple is often good, but boring is always bad. 

So, ladies and gentlemen, I present you with Cambridge Satchel Company's classic bag, which comes in all four of the spectacular neon hues shown above. I can have the structure and the spunk. Best of both worlds.

Good Morning

Wish List

zara, song of style, Ashish spring 2012 via stylish wanderer 

Winter is Coming

And here are the things I can't wait for

1 - more menswear (blazers, trousers, and the like)

 2 - shapeless coats

3 - knitwear as outerwear

 4 - motorcycle jackets everyyywhere

 5 - the retirement of this pleated number

the sartorialist, stockholm street style , vogue, facehunter, fashionsquad

DIY: leopard loafers

WHAT YOU NEED

black loafers, leopard fabric, scissors, fabric glue

HOW TO

step 1: measure shoe and cut out paper template

step 2: trace template onto fabric

step 3: cut out fabric

step 4: glue onto shoe using fabric glue

step 5: let dry, and enjoy!

color blocking

Best way to brighten up those dreary days

Hanneli

keep it simple please

I have never been one to gravitate toward busy looks. I consider messiness and clutter the enemy when it comes to fashion, and have always cherished the beauty of simplicity. Lately though, my love for all things uncomplicated has amplified, and I find myself shying away from even the slightest of over-styling. Simplicity can be a statement on its own, and does not discourage creativity nor risk-taking, but rather, it encourages a deeper thought in the styling and can exagerate the beauty of individual pieces. These women have each found a unique way to showcase their own simplicity, whether it be through a monochrome color palette, structured silhouettes, or clean lines.

sources: http://thehautepursuit.com/, the sartorialist, http://karlascloset.blogspot.com/, modette.se

Denim Days

Love love lovin these jeans that Columbine dons on her blog. Such a throw-back to the 90s and yet, so of-the-moment.

PFW

                                              Studio SKB Chicago Harper

                                                   Grishley

                                         Becky Ross for Wicked Quick

                                                 Lizz Basinger

                                                  Silkwood

                                                House of Summer    

                                              Michelle is Well

                                                AM Renegade

Moontess

(Unfortunately I couldn't take any good pictures myself, and these are the only ones available)

About a week ago I got the opportunity to attend a night of Portland Fashion Week, in which emerging Portland designers were showcased. Though the extravagance, as well as the innovation, fell slightly short of NYFW, I still reveled in the opportunity to attend my first ever fashion show. The clothes may not have been up to par, but sitting in row three (of the five) and watching the zoom lenses snap shots of sky high models made me feel oh-so-important, while the sustainable, recycled runway made it feel oh-so-Portland.

Many of the collections were a nod to the sixties, with structured dresses and short hemlines, and let me be honest in saying that the overdone models, sporting twiggy-inspired polyester nightmares, who kicked off the show left much to be desired. The entire collection was badly styled and badly executed, showcasing an utter lack of taste. And while the "Moontess" collection left me equally as horrified, a handful of pieces provided real inspiration.

Amanda Grisham's "Grishley" collection, which combined navajo with leather in dresses and jackets, felt very of-the-moment, while the collection entitled "AM Renegade" played with asymmetrical cuts to liven up the show. "Studio SKB Chicago Harper" had an interesting and perfectly-tailored twist on menswear, while Lizz Basinger almost got it right with her high-waisted shorts. And despite the emergence of star-struck Rachel while chatting with Becky Ross from this season of Project Runway, her ready-to-wear clothes seemed a bit too ready, lacking any real creativity. In the end Grishley was the clear winner (by attendees votes), with bits and pieces of other collections sharing the spotlight.

Sources: Portland Fashion Weekly

Sixty Plus Chic

In many industries, fashion included, age can seem like a death sentence. Gone are the days when crop tops and cutoffs comprise an appropriate outfit, and orthopedic insoles come to replace stilettos. But all is not lost. Judging by these photos, with age can come sophistication, and these elder folk are able to remain chic and fashion forward. It is not often that the senior age group can evoke in me such inspiration, but these styles are proof that, while your hair color may fade, your taste does not have go along with it.

Sources: Facehunter, the Sartorialist