Party Dressing November 21, 2009

The festive season has arrived and we all have party dressing on the brain. Shops are full for festive stuff and merriness. The toughie is what to choose if you have more than one party to go to and if some of the people you know are invited at the same parties too. You do not want them to see you in the same outfit, right? I certainly would not. But that does not mean that one would go out and spend a fortune too. The trick here is to buy a couple of smart-key pieces, mix them up with accessories and stuff you already own and voila: you are dressed.

These are the smart pieces I recommend:

1. Tullip skirt in a lame,shiny taffeta or sequins: for festive day dressing, i.e. X-mas lunch, pair it with a nice cashmere top and cute pumps. For the evening you can dress it up with a body-hugging top, or a funky tee and a tux jacket and heels. (Skirt by Vince, Net-a-porter)
2. Playsuit: if you buy something in a solid black or charcoal colour you can play around with accessories, jewellery and shoes and wear it from day to evening. (Playsuit, Miss Selfridges)
3. Little black dress: Chanel did not become a legend for nothing; LBDs are still here and more fashionable that ever. This season the inspiration comes from the 80s and Studio 54. Wear it with a boyfriend jacket and flats for day, and with heels and a fur coat (preferably faux if you don’t mind) for evening. You’ll be the belle of the season. (Dress, Warehouse)

Happy Holidays!

The amazing Rochas Collection of summer 2010 October 8, 2009

I seldom write about a favourite collection or a favourite designer, especially during Fashion Week. There are so many nice things from different designers that choosing a favourite one is quite difficult. However, this time I fell in love with the spring/summer 2010 collection of Rochas, shown at the Paris Fashion Week. It is one of those times, that I felt that  one can wear the entire collection in a heartbeat. Fantastic colours, slip on dresses, exquisite tailoring, all styled with a flower on the waist.

A fantastic collection by Marco Zanini. Big Applause. Check it out.

How to Dress in every country: etiquette 101 September 30, 2009

Boots YSL

We all know that fanny packs are a fashion no-no in all continents and countries, but there are some people out there that insist unfortunately… Also, did you know that wearing a dark suit in a trendy Chelsea ad agency is not the right way to dress if one wants to blend in with the cool crowd? Or, were you aware that a chic dame would wear those YSL boots and gloves together for an afternoon stroll in Paris,  but the same combo would probably be out of place  in a Washington DC meeting full of lobbyists? Dress Etiquette is very important, especially when one is  globe  trotting.

YSL gloves

I read this fantastic article at www.concierge.com about Dress Etiquette, which I would like to share with all of you. The journalists did a fantastic job of writing up what to wear at work, on the street and at a party around the globe. Very useful, and it should be used as a reference every time you plan a trip anywhere. Check it out ASAP! If you don’t, don’t be surprised when you show up in a party in Greece wearing the wrong thing and getting surprised looks. You were warned

London Fashion Week – spring / summer 2010 – summing it up September 25, 2009

Luella

Ladies: What a Fashion Week this was!  We are looking forward to a very elegant, feminine and colourful spring/summer of 2010. Inspiration from the 1960s with minis, cigarette pants, A-line tops… the works.

Trends: The mini is going to be your new BBF together with A-line shirts, graphic designs, sheer blouses polka dots, and cigarette pants

Fashion East

Still going strong: boy meets girl, playsuits, layering, sheer blouses, black and white combos, nautical stripes, full skirts with boxy jackets, lace, florals, metallics.

Forget: the 80s look and anything that screams unkempt boho. It is all about tailoring and structure.

Take note as these were the best collections. This is why:

• Luella: those amazing ladylike deux pieces in amazing colours are to die for
• Jaeger and Fashion East:  great graphic design patterns
• Matthew Williamson: 60’s inspired metallic collection is so versatile and wearable I want everything
• Paul Smith: this amazing androgenous out-of-Africa collection in the most beautiful colours is just wow!
• Clements Ribeiro: I am still dreaming of those fantastic full skirts.
• Erdem: Oh! I am drooling over those yummy floral dresses and delightful lacy evening numbers.

   

  

  Paul Smith

And why some were the worst:

• Twently8Twelve: where is the inspiration coming from? Is the target group the 13 year olds?
• Christopher Kane: what’s up with the washcloth pattern on everything?
• Jeremy Scott: I am still trying to figure out why the Flintstone Look should be adopted by anyone really. Even from those with a humorous streak when dressing up. It is just ugly.

Now you know what you’ll be sporting all around in the spring to come. What you need to do from your end  is to go to the gym and work on those pins and arms. In the meantime look out for classic pieces, check out your mum’s/grandma’s closet or your fav vintage shop for anything  from that decade. Invest in anything tailored and you’ll be the Cat’s Meow.

Happy shopping!

The Gap1969 DENIM CONCEPT STORE in London, Sept 10-Oct 5, 2009 August 30, 2009

Doris & Don Fisher, founders of GAP, circa 1969

A chic fashionista knows well how important is to have a great pair of jeans in his/her closet. And of course where & when to get them. If you are interested in getting a unique pair keep Sept. 10th open and visit the Gap’s 1969 concept store which will open for just 19 days and 69 hours in London. This sale is only for Sept. 10 and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a limited edition pair of Gap (PRODUCT)REDTM rinsed jeans in your favourite Gap fit for £19.69, with half the profits from all jeans sold going towards the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

1969 - Its a jean

The store on G7/G8 Kingly Court, at Carnaby, London W1, will showcase an extensive range of Gap’s iconic denim styles, specially produced in uniquely engineered washes. Strictly limited edition, only 69 pairs of each style will be available, each pair individually stamped and numbered.

For more information visit www.gap1969.com.

Happy Shopping!

Cardigans! August 29, 2009

Gap

This time of the year, every year, I am out and about in the search for the perfect  cardigan that will add the extra warm layer over my summer and fall tops.

Anthropology

Finding the perfect design and color can be a challenging task. The ‘cliché look’ of the buttoned down classic cardi is a safe bet, but quite boring, while often it can take one in grandma land if it is paired with conservative clothes.

This year look for the slouchy, chic and soft frilly cardigans. If you like neutral colours go for a light grey or a yummy shade of nutmeg. If you are a little bit bolder choose a pumpkin orange, electric blue or a green grass hue. Happy autumn!

The Trophy Jacket August 17, 2009

Gucci Bomber from Neiman Marcus

I just started updating my clients fall and winter closets and one of the must-have items we search for is the ‘Trophy Jacket’.

This is a trend that continues strong from the summer and it includes anything from military, brocade, beaded or luxe designs. When you wear a trophy jacket treat it as the centerpiece of your outfit. Look for something that you would wear comfortably and that would go well with both pants and dresses. If you are confused, start with a biker jacket, which matches jeans, flirty summer dresses and pants of all kinds.  Then move on to something a little more daring.

Topshop

Wear your trophy jacket with confidence and check out how many admiring smirks you’ll get along the way.

French Connection

Light holiday packing: stylish hand luggage July 6, 2009

Liz Clairborne

I am all about light holiday packing. No need to carry extra stuff, you make the most of your wardrobe and you never have to wait for luggage. After all the most necessary items for a beach vacation are a bathing suit, sunglasses and hat, flip-flops and sunscreen. Right? The thing is that even for the most efficient packer the suitcase is what matters most. Choose a nice stylish one – it is essential that you feel extra glamorous when you are trotting the globe. Avoid silly designs, unnecessary paisley patterns or weird clashing colors. When it comes to luggage less is more.

Also, when you travel light you shouldn’t carry anything else than your carry on and a handbag or your computer bag.  Other extra bags will just spoil the look and your mood. Whatever you will need should fit in your carry on.

Salvatore Ferragamo

There is some nice hand luggage for every pocket and style. Here are a couple of examples to get your appetite wet. Happy Holidays!

The perfect summer canvas tote June 18, 2009

For over a month now I have been looking around for the perfect summer canvas tote. As I am more of a weave basket kind of girl, so canvas versions were not the first thing that I scouted for in the shops. Until now that is. As a busy woman and mom, I need to have a canvas tote in hand at all times. The canvas option can travel easily along in the city, the office, the beach or anywhere one’s heart desires. It does not break and it does not lose its shape when placed in a suitcase or stuffed in another bag. My heart is currently beating for the Lylou bags. A little bit retro hip and very durable, is what I’ll be totting around this summer.

The New Neutrals May 21, 2009

All Saints

If you are only buying one dress this season, I would suggest you go for the ‘new neutrals’. This palette is basically neutral colors with a twist: think of rich chocolate, the colour of wet sand, the colour of hay on a sunny day, or the color of olive tree leaves as they sparkle in the summer morning sun. How very poetic, no? But also very practical and versatile, as these hues can pop with a bright shoe or bag –like red, or raspberry- they can look very sophisticated with flesh toned shoes and accessories, and they can be transformed into evening wear with silver/gold accessories and sandals.

1 dress, 3 different looks…Not bad when one is keeping on top of one’s budget.

Happy shopping!

Banana Republic

Warehouse

Karen Millen