Knee-High Gladiator Sandals: Reserved For The True Badass

Everyone's talking about the latest shoe trend to hit North America, Knee High Gladiator Sandals. Though there are multiple shoe trends about to make their way onto the streets (slip-ons and mules) once spring eventually decides to show up for tea and crumpets, this one is by far the most striking. Now, here's my opinion on knee-high gladiator sandals and you obviously are here because you want to hear it, so let's talk, shall we?

While regular run-of-the-mill gladiator sandals were one of my favourite trends, this one takes us all to a whole other level. A regular gladiator sandal was appealing to the masses because it wasn't too shocking, but still had that edge many people aspire to when it comes to their personal style.

Let's get one thing straight. If you thought that was edgy, it became tame as soon as everyone started wearing it. In other words, it isn't edgy if your sweet next door neighbor could pull it off.

via knee-high-gladiator-sandals.com

Knee high gladiator sandals are bold and daring. You might even hesitate about whether it's for you and that's okay. But if you're looking for something really eye-catching this year, you've found it.

The definition of edgy implicates the avant-garde and this, my friends, qualifies.

Are they practical? Absolutely not. They are #forthesakeoffashion through and through. If you were planning on getting a tan this summer, I wouldn't recommend them. However, since all of us are getting swayed towards healthier looking sunscreen protected skin, this might not even be an issue.

Tips on how to wear them?
1. Make sure you wear enough sunscreen on your legs to avoid the most bizarre tan lines you have ever experienced.
2. Two words. Denim shorts.
3. Own them like a true gladiator would.

If you're hesitant, remember that they will make a major style statement and put you at the top of everyone's mental best-dressed list. And if they classify you as worst-dressed, you'll know you're being really edgy.

Ponder it,

xoxo,

Bella

What Your Favourite Lipstick Says About You

It's a common saying in today's society that red is a woman's signature lip colour. Just when we thought we were all being bold and unique, another girl comes up with that same line to counter our feeling of individuality. With so many colours on the lip spectrum to choose from, it may actually be considered conventional to select red as your signature. Gone are the days where this look made a statement. Today, everyone is inspired to try it and attempt to own it. If this is the case for you and you're feeling a bit dejected, that's okay. Red has a lot of amazing things to say about your personality. Based on my addiction to experimenting with lipstick colours, I've decided to provide you with a personality analysis based on your best lipstick. Are you ready?

NUDE

You're a more subtle girl who loves keeping her look as natural as possible. You're sweet, good natured and incredibly approachable. Though you are a closet seductress, you prefer more subtle ways of exhibiting intrigue such as eye contact. Your wardrobe consists of more muted tones such as beige, white, and black because you strongly adhere to the saying that less is more.

Advocates of this look: J.Lo, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Keira Knightley

via makeup.allwomenstalk.com

RED

You like to pack a punch, but you're a true classicist at heart. You're known to be a bit of a feminist and for being incredibly knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects. Your sex appeal is immediate and every time you enter a room, people can sense that about you. You're aware of the power of a red lip and use it to your advantage to ensure that nobody messes with you even though they're all dying to approach you. Your wardrobe consists mostly of black, but every once in a while, you like to add a splash of colour to match your mood. 

Advocates of this look: Taylor Swift, Anne Hathaway, and Gwen Stefani

via whowhatwear.com

FUCHSIA

You're incredibly feminine and have a playful attitude that people adore. You live for fashion, your active social life, and witty banter. A pink lip is your way of saying that you're a tough girl, but you're still girly, silly, and fun. Your wardrobe consists of an array of bright colours because you love to play around with fashion and make a style statement no matter where you go.

Advocates of this look: Emma Stone, Alexis Bledel, and Kaley Cuoco

via bellamumma.com

ORANGE

Known to be the wildest girl in your group of friends, you enjoy a great party with a huge crowd that you can work. You love making new friends and starting conversations about passionate interests and philosophical ideas. Your orange lip is a symbol of self-expression and invites a lot of attention, which you love. Your wardrobe is filled with LWDs, but occasionally you'll mix it up with some nude. If you're going to add colour, it will always be part of your beauty look. When it comes to clothes, you're a neutral girl and proud.

Advocates of this look: Jessica Alba, Rita Ora, and and Margot Robbie

via rstyle.me

PURPLE

You're mysterious and edgy, but you still aren't afraid to be bold. Though you consider yourself to be more individualistic, you have a tight knit group of friends whom you hold close. You're very loyal and committed to the people in your life and don't put up with fake friendships. Purple is your way of making a statement while ensuring that nobody rubs you the wrong way. Your wardrobe consists of many dark colours like black, burgundy, and brown. Your favourite look? A classic LBD and some patterned tights.

Advocates of this look: Rihanna, Megan Fox, and Lorde

via refinery29.com

Which look is your signature? 

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Is Rainbow Hair The New Ombre?

While Ombre may have been the popular choice a year ago, celebrities have recently opted for something a little more dramatic and unconventional. From Nicole Richie's lilac pixie cut to Hilary Duff's recent green locks, there are a wide array of colours to choose from that weren't on the hair colour spectrum before.

While colouring your hair an unnatural hue was once seen as an act of rebellion, it seems to be attracting some pretty conventional pop stars in Hollywood. Hilary Duff, Katy Perry, and Rihanna are amongst the most popular to have tried this trend that has inspired us all to think brown is even more drab than ever before.

Gone are the days of blonds having more fun and brunettes doing it better. You thought redheads were special? When you have the entire rainbow to choose from, red pales in comparison.

via usmagazine.com

Will coloured hair translate onto the streets?

So far, it continues to be associated with the punk movement and since the 90s are in the midst of a comeback, we may see more rock n' roll hair to go along with the clothes.

Will it hit the runways? Time can only tell, but I'm eager to find out.

What do you think of this look? Would you dye your hair a bold colour? If so, which one would you choose? Would it reflect your mood of the moment or your personality?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

#IconCity: Who Else Misses Andie Anderson?

In case you didn't catch the reference in the title, I was talking about Kate Hudson's character in the film, How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, one of my all time favourites. Kate Hudson is one of those celebrities known for her enviable blond hair rather than her sense of style and few recognize just how iconic it is. Every time we see Kate on the Red Carpet, she is dressed to perfection. Perhaps this is simply because she has Rachel Zoe as her stylist, but she also has great taste and it's worth noting that she gets it right at every event. For her role in How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, Almost Famous, and on hit television series, Glee, she deserves to be a member of Icon City amongst the fashionable elite. Let's not forget to mention that charm we simply can't get enough of.

Here are some of her best looks:

LOOK 1

Kate Hudson stopped street lights in this Gucci dress that fit her like a glove. Understated elegance is her signature and she always does it with grace and poise.

via popsugar.com

LOOK 2

Kate looks beyond adorable in a white mini skirt and a yellow blouse that compliments her blond hair. With that high bun and those stilettos, she is the image of perfection.

via popsguar.com

LOOK 3

Who else looks this good in high-waisted printed palazzo pants? Nobody, that's who. Kate pulls it off effortlessly with a white lace crop top.

via wwd.com

LOOK 4

Nobody does retro glamour quite like Kate Hudson. This woman knows which colours suit her best and the proof is how stunning she looks in a baby blue strapless Reem Acra gown.

via instyle.com

LOOK 5

 My all time favourite Kate Hudson look? That time she wore Atelier Versace at the 2014 Oscars. Nothing beats that back.

via popsugar.com

What do you think of Kate Hudson's style? Which look is your favourite?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Dolce and Gabanna: In Trouble Again?

As you may or may not have heard, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabanna have incited the outrage of the entire fashion world due to their statement about "synthetic children". In a such a socially advanced world, it's no wonder that everyone from Olivier Rousteing to Elton John had something to say regarding this statement.

via ca.eonline.com

Their latest collection at Fashion Week, one of my personal favourites thus far, featured models on the runway with their children and celebrated motherhood. There is absolutely nothing wrong with honouring mothers but in today's modern world, condemning other forms of parenthood seems entirely out of place.

I know that you may have already heard your fair share of commentary on the issue, but I could not resist expressing my dismay at such tactless commentary from the designers. Though they may come from a more traditional background, the fashion world is a place for crossing boundaries and accepting all definitions of gender. Is it possible that certain individuals still aren't quite ready for a more modern society?

After this outrageous anti-IVF baby comment, a boycott Dolce and Gabanna post was published on Twitter by Elton John.

What do you think of this decision? Will you be boycotting these designers?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

Paris: The City of Lights And Elaborate Headwear

Paris Fashion Week is the one week in the year that I look forward to most. It is also the most challenging to condense into five collections because almost all of my favorite designers are in Paris. From Hedi Slimane to Karl Lagerfeld to the dynamic duo at Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, these talented designers consistently go above and beyond my expectations. This season, Karl Lagerfeld took us to Cafe Gabrielle with models sipping tea in classic tweed suits. At Moncler Gamme Rouge, Giambattista Valli transported his audience to a riding show featuring models in riding caps and a finale of soldiers wearing head-to-toe red military suits and furry hats. Valentino was the star of the season due to a grand finale of Derek Zoolander and Hansel having a catwalk face-off. Keeping his trademark intact, Hedi Slimane was all about the dangerous bad girl who could care less about her reputation. McQueen was all about the wild hair and bondage inspired dresses and Giambattista Valli was infused with whimsical prints and girly frills. Though I was inspired by many of these collections, I chose five favorites to discuss today. However, I recommend it to everyone to check out all the shows on YouTube and Style.com. It was definitely a week to remember.

Let's review.

CARVEN

Carven was revived this season by Artistic Director, Guillaume Henry, who offered a fresh take on the brand. The statement piece was a disc necklace featured on many looks as the standout accessory. The show began with a lace white blouse and wraparound lilac mini skirt to introduce a feminine collection with mod vibes. Another reason I loved it? It seemed like everything was catered to a petite frame. From the skintight high-waisted pants in every colour to the cropped jackets, this was a fantasy for short girls everywhere. Though the models walked in loafers for the most part, the pants offered the illusion of height that petite ladies can only dream of. Will I be converting to flats? Probably not. But this collection made it something to consider. 

FAVOURITE LOOK: 15

via style.com

CARVEN SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEBfxePeiLE

VALENTINO

What do you get when you combine 80s music, two of everyone's fashion heroes from the 90s, and 60s geometric prints? A Valentino blast from the past salad. This year, Valentino took a turn for the retro without taking us as far back in time as they usually do. The designers began their show with basic monochromatic looks with prison stripes as the dominant print. There were some bold printed dresses topped with elegant floor-length fur coats and of course, the traditional Valentino lace and sheer paneling. But the real shining moment was when Derek and Hansel from Zoolander hit the stage and became the biggest newsmakers at Paris Fashion Week. It was definitely a show to remember.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 43

via style.com

VALENTINO SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHg59JR31ho

MONCLER GAMME ROUGE

Moncler Gamme Rouge was fashion month's grand finale and Giambattista Valli made sure it was a memorable one. From the moment his first model surfaced out of the mist in riding gear, we knew this was going to be way more theatrical than we are used to from the designer. Though the theme was consistent throughout the show, there were still some standout pieces I am dying to wear. From the white furry skirt to the oh-so-chic plastic raincoat and some mini neck scarves, I was absolutely smitten with this collection. Once again, mini skirts were the bottom of choice topped with matching jackets in tweed prints. Red was the colour of the moment and we found out why at the grand finale when a line of soldiers clad in red suits and furry hats walked onto the runway to welcome back the models. This show reminded us all that Giambattista Valli is a force to be reckoned with along the lines of, dare I say it, Lagerfeld himself. By placing him at the very end, they proved that he's just as worth waiting for as the legendary Marc Jacobs. Not bad, Valli. Not bad at all.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 27

via style.com

MONCLER GAMME ROUGE SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrCMmpweyHM

ELIE SAAB

Elie Saab may have finally gotten the memo that his collections look a little too much alike. Taking on a darker turn this season starting with his backdrop mimicking a dark forest, the designer went from floor-length lace dresses to black minis and military jumpsuits. The show began with earth tones to reflect his inspiration, a natural landscape in a dark atmosphere. Some colourful floral prints were introduced towards the middle of the show that may inspire some celebrities on the Red Carpet. Saab took an edgier route with leather and cutout dresses, but maintained a girly image with his flared cuts and some floor-length flowy looks. Though this was a new approach for the designer, there were still enough Red Carpet looks to satisfy an audience anticipating that particular style. He managed to keep it fresh without tarnishing his image. Well done, Elie Saab.

FAVOURITE LOOK:

via style.com

ELIE SAAB SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJQ1htzKZxI

CHANEL

This year's Chanel show was an ode to the original designer, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel from the theme, Cafe Gabrielle, to the tweeds and pearls that dripped on the models. The best part? An ultra classy hairband with the double C's at the back of the head that nobody can stop talking about. This may have been my favorite Chanel collection in a very long time. Though I'm not usually one to be decked in head-to-toe tweed, these suits were gorgeous and unique, inviting me to explore the trend. Each one was entirely different, whether a monochrome look or with a touch of pink, and combined with the classic Chanel black and nude pump, it was nothing short of perfection. The Girl bag made its debut, a handbag in the shape of a buttoned cardigan that I hope to see on our favourite celebrities in the near future (*cough *cough Blake Lively). Let's not forget to mention the wide variety of interesting coats, whether a puffer that took puffy to another level, a cape, or a draped over the shoulders #forthesakeoffashion jacket, each one had its own personality to suit the wearer. With Cara's final twirl at the end and a small smile from Karl Lagerfeld, this show made everyone a little giddy and nothing has that effect quite like a Chanel runway.

FAVOURITE LOOK:81

via style.com

CHANEL SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKPRfbxUNXQ

Which show was your favourite this year?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Why Elaborate Hairstyles Are Totally Underrated

via fashionisers.com

As I watch the runway shows this season in Paris, London, New York and Milan, I can't help but notice that the look of the moment is loose effortless "I woke up like this" locks. Though the effortless look is always en vogue due to its effortlessness, I've recently noticed that it's a look we've all been adopting for years. Who has time to style their hair in the morning before work anyway, right?

While exploring Pinterest, I consistently come across elaborate hairdos featuring braiding and twisting that peak my interest, but my natural tendency is to assume I could never pull it off. But then I think to myself, why am I so afraid to try?

Recently, I decided to look up some YouTube tutorials and lo and behold, it wasn't all that complicated after all. As a little girl, I always wanted to learn how to french braid my hair but never had the manual skills to do so. After taking a look at a YouTube clip teaching me how, I finally learned how to braid my hair the way I've always wanted. From there, I decided that I had to learn how to do my second favourite braid, The Fishtail. You guessed it. It was as simple as a few twists back and forth.

YouTube, where have you been all my life?

After learning how to braid my hair and realizing that it wasn't all that complicated, I figured out another secret of the beauty world. If you know how to braid, your options are endless. There are an abundance of braided hairdos out there that can be done in five minutes or less once you've got the gist of it. Apparently, we've all been so afraid of trying these looks when in fact, they were never that difficult to begin with.

Though I have always marveled at runway hairstyles during shows like Valentino and Givenchy, I never thought that I could possibly try anything similar and therefore, I focused all of my attention on the clothes. With my recent discovery, I realized that it's time I take a closer look at runway hair because yes, I can do it at home.

All of this is meant to inspire you to experiment with your hair. As the clumsiest person I know, if I can do it, so can you. I've also come to realize that it's an activity that can be quite relaxing. Now, I'm not telling you to stop letting your hair down, but simply suggesting a change. We don't always need a drastic haircut to alter our look. A simple hairband will do.

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

My Latest Spring Trendsessions

With spring just around the corner (sort of), all I can think about is procuring myself a new spring wardrobe. It may be Fall Fashion Month, but all I can think about is crop tops, mini skirts, and pretty floral dresses. Every spring, I like to refresh my wardrobe and explore trends I never would've tried a year earlier. There's something about the rising temperatures that makes me feel experimental. In honour of the approaching season, I have decided to make a list of my spring trend obsessions (otherwise known as trendsessions). Perhaps I can inspire you to take a risk this season or enlighten you on what's to come. Here's my top 10.

NUMBER 10: CULOTTES

The Trend Short Girls Secretly Fear And Want To Try Simultaneously

A marriage between capri pants and a skirt, culottes have been on the rise for quite some time and continue to rise on the trend scale. For some of us, this look is our irrational fear, while for others, it's so much more fun than a midi skirt. This season, it's time to wash away that fear and try a culotte with a killer pair of high heels. I'm on a mission to prove that short girls can wear anything with the right pair of shoes and this is my first destination.

via lefashionimage.blogspot.com

NUMBER 9: YELLOW
The Colour Trend We Think Is Unflattering, But Is Actually The Best
Throughout my life, I have considered yellow to be that ugly undefinable colour that I would absolutely never wear. I was trained by short stories like Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" to believe that yellow is a repulsive hue that can drive one to insanity. This past year, I have warmed up to the colour by conjuring positive image associations such as that sunshine we've all been waiting for. Here's to yellow being the colour of the season.

via harpersbazaar.com

NUMBER 8: KNEE-HIGH GLADIATORS
The Trend That Creates Awkward Tan Lines, But Looks Badass
The knee-high gladiator sandal is summer's equivalent to the thigh-high suede boot. It's the epitome of edgy chic and only a true gladiator can pull it off. While a slip-on sandal may be an easier trend to wrap our heads around, knee-high gladiators are bold statement makers for women who are fearless. Are you ready to be fierce this spring? If so, this may be the trend for you.

via whowhatwear.com

NUMBER 7: SKIRTS OVER PANTS
The Trend We All Secretly Wish We Could Pull Off
Ever since this look made it on the runway, the boldest fashionistas have been exploring it on the streets and inspiring us all to try it ourselves. This may have once been a fashion faux-pas, but in a world where anything goes, it's time to say "why not?". Nothing breaks gender boundaries like wearing pants and a skirt at the same time, and if we could layer on top, who says we can't do it on the bottom as well?

via thefashionmedley.com

NUMBER 6: WIDE BRIM HATS
The Trend That Turns Heads When You Walk Into A Room
Hats are one of the most underrated fashion accessories that exists and in my humble opinion, people don't wear them nearly enough. Though many are inclined to explore a more subtle look when it comes to hats (such as a beanie or beret), wide brim hats are making a major comeback and I'm hoping they'll transfer onto the streets of average-ville. If this does not occur, set yourself apart by being the gutsiest girl in the room.

via thehunt.com

NUMBER 5: HIGH-WAISTED PANTS
The Trend That Isn't Ready To Disappear Just Yet
While low-rise may have been cool in the Britney Spears era, high-waisted pants have returned and evidently, they are here to stay. Whether worn as 90s Mom jeans or with a 70s flared leg, high-waisted pants are universally flattering and elongate the legs, offering everyone the chance to look like a model (sort of). Whether you're a fan or not, this might be a trend to consider because it's been around for a while and it's one of the least risky in the trend pool.

via harpersbazaar.com

NUMBER 4: DENIM ON DENIM
The Trend That Probably Shouldn't Be Legal, But What The Heck
There is nothing I love more than my denim collection. As a big fan of jeans, the trend I aspire to try this spring is the "Canadian Tuxedo", otherwise known as denim on denim. As a Canadian, I'm ashamed to say I have not worn this look nearly enough and feel inclined to explore it further to showcase my patriotism towards my home and native land. Cheers!

via pinkpeonies.com

NUMBER 3: PLATFORM SHOES
The Trend That Truly Takes You Higher
When it comes to platforms, my mantra is "the higher, the better". After seeing this look at Tom Ford last season, I fell head-over-heels for these darling high heels. For short girls, it's a gift sent from heaven to make us feel loved by an industry that honours statuesque women. It's fun, it's playful, and it's a little bit rock n' roll. Also, it's comfortable. Can you ask for anything more from a heel? Doubtful.

via whowhatwear.com

NUMBER 2: BRODERIE ANGLAISE
The Trend That Makes You Feel Like A Little Girl Again
Every once in a while, I get that urge to go full-out girly with my look. My latest trend obsession, broderie anglaise, allows me to achieve exactly that. Whether in the form of an LWD or simply a boho blouse, this look has been all over fashion week at shows like Giamba and Valentino. So if you're ready to get girly, it's time to try this trend stat.

via whatthechung.com

NUMBER 1: FRINGE
The Trend EVERYONE From Tom To Jerry Is Talking About
If you haven't heard about fringe being the latest trend to excite the nation, you've been living under a very unfashionable rock. Whether on a skirt, a top, or a dress, fringe is all the rage and it isn't only reserved for Coachella anymore. If there's one trend you should be trying this season, it's definitely this one. If you don't, you'll be missing out on all the spinning fun.

via aloveisblind.com

Which of these spring 2015 trends is your favourite? Are you ready to be bold?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

The New Term Du Jour: "Girly Goth"

via fashionweekdaily.com

After Giambattista Valli showed his Giamba collection in Milan last week, a new term was coined by the fashion industry: The Girly Goth. Yes, this multi-billion dollar industry has the right to add terms to our lexicon and continues to do so to provide us all with a sense of renewal, innovation, and inspiration. Some are calling it "Instagram Lolita" because of its cutesy appeal, but Girly Goth indicates a certain edge that was prominent in his collection.

What does Girly Goth mean, you ask?

A Girly Goth is precisely what it sounds like. It's a girl inclined to wear gothic garb such as dark colours and eccentric weapon-like accessories. The Girly Goth will add a feminine touch to her look to mask herself as an innocent gamine with a hidden dark side. Some would deem the term an oxymoron, but in fashion speak, anything is possible because there are no limits to style. When everything has been done before, the only way to innovate is by combining multiple trends to create something original.

Let me take you through this year's Giamba collection. It started off with some feminine floral mini dresses that projected 90s vibes worn with knee high buckled black boots. The shoes were the statement goth piece in all of the looks ranging from black platforms to black suede boots. These adorable mini dresses were worn over black mesh tights that one might chance upon at a burlesque club. Though there was fur, this fluffy look was juxtaposed with cinched 50 shades of grey black leather belts. Every look had a spritz of attitude regardless of the bright colours like yellow, pink, and blue that infiltrated the collection.

What do you think of the Girly Goth look? Do you identify? Will it become the new trend we've all been searching for?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

Let's Take A Trip To Milan

Milan Fashion Week was all about that classic beauty with a hidden wild side. Some preferred a sexier approach like Versace and Philipp Plein, while others opted for a more conservative look like Tod's and Iceberg. As usual, Jeremy Scott took a little piece of our childhood and made fashion fun by integrating cartoon characters into his collection. Another theme that made an appearance was motherhood at Dolce & Gabanna where children of models appeared on the runway. Colour was a major part of Milan Fashion Week at shows like Philosphy di Lorenzo Serafini, MSGM and Emilio Pucci. But some designers opted for a more neutral approach like Trussardi and Ermanno Scervino. I suppose you could say there was something for everyone in Milan and isn't that the sign of a great season?


Here were my top five favourite collections:

 ERMANNO SCERVINO 

Ermanno Scervino will be remembered as the brand that invented puffer chic. From this angle, next winter will amp up the cold weather look with bulky white coats, feathered skirts, and fur trimmed hoods. Though it began with a shapeless puffer, it proceeded to teach us all about femininity with skirts and dresses from flirty flares to sophisticated and skintight. A woman in these clothes possesses a certain charm in a little red dress (LRD) and oversized fur coat. And if she's going to wear a print, it's going to be houndstooth, the classiest print on the market. From black and white to cobalt blue, the collection introduced a splash of colour on high waisted flowy pants and coats with floral appliques. It eased back into neutral territory with the final selection of looks in tan and khaki, military style. The military woman let loose at the very end with some sparkle and white fluff bringing out the sexy woman that she is.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 2

via style.com

ROBERTO CAVALLI

We entered the world of Cavalli as we generally do with a bold animal printed dress for the sexy party girl who lives for the attention. Though the designer stayed true to his signature leopard print on coats, dresses, and blouses, Cavalli introduced bold yellow as his colour of choice to compliment the leopard print accessories. A yellow jumpsuit with a belted waistline and a frilly yellow dress complimented by a leopard print vest kept Cavalli's collection alive with lemony flavour. Though Cavalli targets the sexier women in the skintight dress, he added some flowy bohemian looks for the effortless diva who isn't afraid to take a fashion risk. There were some sparkly mini skirts and tight black pants giving the collection a disco feel. Combined with fur and feathers, this Cavalli woman was definitely ready for a night on the town. I call it "boho glam" with a wild side. It's the girl you wish you were and the one you're glad you're not simultaneously.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 29

via style.com

TRUSSARDI 

Trussardi took on a more basic approach with classic leather pencil skirts and structured coats in earth tones like brown, green, and beige. Though the designer kept it simple, it was obvious that she was targeting a very powerful woman. The mix of leather and fur added edge to this otherwise simple collection made for a femme fatale. This lady wears purple lipstick, an indication that you should never underestimate her. The militaristic cuts kept it clean cut and put together combined with oversized sweaters that were anything but sloppy. Though there were some conservative turtle neck dresses, the leather added a hint of danger and sex appeal that can only be seen by the perceptive observer.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 20

via style.com

PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a sucker for that ultra girly angelic look. Think frills, bows, and flared skirts. This collection offered me exactly that. It was the dessert of Milan Fashion Week with wide legged truffles, vanilla icing, and red velvet cupcakes (to put it metaphorically). Though it began with some more subdued cream coloured looks, some of our favourite fall colours were introduced towards the middle, including tan, burgundy, and mustard yellow. There were clearly some 70s vibes being projected with flared legs and high-waisted hems. Even the music felt a little old school. As the collection hit its closing point, the colours softened up with sheer baby blue gowns that could almost pass off for lingerie. It was sugary and spicy, and essentially, everything was nice.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 4

via style.com

DOLCE & GABANNA

As previously stated, Dolce & Gabanna was for the mommas of Milan who still have time to look elegant and put together. It was a statement towards women that beauty can be achieved regardless of familial responsibility. Or maybe it wasn't. Whatever you choose to believe, family has always been one of the strongest values for Dolce & Gabanna, as proven by their ad campaigns. Anyway, on to the clothes. As expected, the designers made this collection very much about roses and other forms of floral print in vibrant colours. This time, there was a sense that we were entering the garden of Eden with love letters splattered across the dresses like stationary. The dresses came in classic knee-length cuts but had enough flow to make them come alive. There were some standout earmuffs cascading down the runway on models decked in alphabet dresses. Does it get any more playful then that? These men may have gone to prison, but this collection was better than any other. Perhaps a little jail time was exactly what they needed to welcome a new flow of inspiration.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 64

via style.com

What did you think of Milan Fashion Week? Which collection was your favourite?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

The Spring Colour Challenge

via laddiez.com

March is officially here and that means we can finally count down the days until spring (March 20th, people). Yes, it's still snowing outside and the weather remains below zero, but hope has swept into town in the form of spring collections at retailers across the globe. You know what that means? It's time for some serious spring cleaning. As we shop for the latest fashions at our favourite boutiques, we can say goodbye to some of our beloved oversized sweaters because frankly, we've worn you in too much this year dears. Personally, I have already begun sifting through my closet and to my utter horror, I have noticed a serious absence of colour. Though many of us have a tendency to buy black, white, and beige in bulk (guilty as charged), we must resist our attraction to muted tones because if there's anything we need this spring to revive our spirits, it's colour.

Generally, wardrobe building begins with a wide selection of neutrals. We start with our basic must-haves: the white blouse, a pair of black stilettos, basic blue jeans, a black pencil skirt, an LBD, an LWD, and a black leather jacket. Once these items have been purchased, we can take our creativity on a ride by popping in a bit of colour or even a print.

Since this blog is all about encouraging the average shopper to be bolder, my challenge to you is to ignore those neutrals when you hit the shops and opt for something a little more colourful this season. Yes, everything matches with black and it's the easiest choice, but if you want to be a true fashion girl and join the ranks of the Olivia Palermos and Alexa Chungs of this world, you have to take the road less traveled. Train your eyes to catch sight of bright yellow (perhaps it'll make the sun come faster), emerald green (maybe the grass will grow sooner), and fuchsia (flowers?). Even if you aren't ready to leap into prints, colour is another great way to spice up that wardrobe.

It's been a long and dark winter and we could all use something uplifting to get us through the next couple of months. So next time you walk into a store, select that blouse in a bright pink instead of white or that skirt in red instead of black. After all, colours have been proven to affect our mood and we can all use a little more yellow in our lives.

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella