#IconCity: The Other Olsen

For many years, Elizabeth Olson lay in the shadows of her two famous fashion designer/actress/child star sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley. Those days are now gone as she begins to show her face on magazine covers such as Fashion and NYLON and in major films like Avengers and Godzilla. While she's mostly known for her rising success on the big screen, people are starting to take notice of her bohemian chic style, one that tends to stand out from the rest of the Hollywood crowd. In honor of her unique fashion sense, Elizabeth Olson joins her sisters in Icon City.

Here are five of her best looks.

LOOK 1

Elizabeth Olson opted for this clever Saint Laurent cape ensemble for her Avengers Premiere and nobody could stop talking about it.

via Elle.com

LOOK 2

Known for her masculine-inspired looks, Elizabeth Olson owns this velour suit like no one else.

via tumblr.com

 LOOK 3

Elizabeth Olson looks chic as ever in this black and white ensemble taken straight from her sisters' fashion line, The Row.

via harpersbazaar.co.uk

LOOK 4

Elizabeth Olson rocks the boho look in a black maxi dress and beaded overpiece. The baby blue clutch is the perfect unexpected accent to her look.

via people.com

LOOK 5

This girl also knows how to make her presence known on a Red Carpet. In this red ruffled Valentino dress, she definitely made a statement.

via peoplestylewatch.com

What do you think of her offbeat style? Does she deserve her fashion icon status?

Ponder it,

Bella

Coachella VS Cannes: The Battle of the Festivals

The Cannes Film Festival ended this week and all we can do is weep as we scroll through endless best-dressed lists. From Cate Blanchett's striking Giles dress taken straight from outer space to Lupita's green Gucci that made us think of romantic gardens, mainly because it was green with floral appliques, there were so many looks to remember this year. It was fun while it lasted, but alas, we have to wait until next year for the next crop of movies (read: dresses) to captivate our attention.

Several weeks back, we had to endure a similar feeling of loss when Coachella came to an end. While Cannes honours film, Coachella honours music, mostly indie. It's a little more boho than glamour but invites just as much inspiration when it comes to the outfits. As a lover of both, I've decided to go through the pros and cons of each to determine which is the better festival. Shall we begin?

BOHEMIAN VS PRINCESS

Winner: Princess

While it's fun to wear a head-to-toe boho look consisting of fringe and denim cutoffs, it's much more fun to be a princess for an evening. While Cannes epitomizes class, Coachella is a little more hick or every day wear, depending on where you're from. For this reason, Cannes wins this battle.

Coachella 2015 - via espalhafactos.com

MUSIC VS FILM

Winner: Music

While films should be recognized (the good kind anyway), music feeds the soul, so how can film compete? Another reason music wins over film? Film has the Oscars. We don't celebrate music nearly enough, unless it's Taylor Swift.

 ACTORS VS ALL THE COOL KIDS

Winner: The Cool Kids

Let's face it. We already see these actors more than enough. Sometimes we just want an inclusive event where models like Kendall Jenner are the stars. If you hit Coachella, you're probably famous or aspire to be. But in the end, it's just one big party that celebrates gatherings between friends.

CANNES VS L.A

Winner: Cannes

When push comes to shove, Europe will always beat America. After all, it's the place where art comes alive and what else are these festivals about?

 

Cannes 2015 - via capetalk.co.za

After much thought, each festival appeals to a different kind of woman, so how can we pick just one? Which woman are you? The glamorous diva who favors champagne and cinema? Or the bohemian chick who prefers beer and a guitar?

Ponder it,

Bella

Why Designated Work-Out Clothes Are Essential

One of the biggest trends to hit the runways is sportswear as casual wear. Alexander Wang said it himself that he hopes his athletic collection for H&M will be worn on the streets as well as on the treadmill. What this revolution did was make us believe that we didn't have to be athletic to wear a pair of leggings with a tank top made of spandex. Even the girliest amongst us can pull off a jersey with the right pair of heels. My question is: is this really a good thing?

Sure, I can finally walk the streets in running shoes and claim it's a fashion statement.
I can also lie and claim I just got back from a serious workout at the gym.
It's a win-win. Right?

via blog.motelrocks.com

What is wrong with this picture?

Aside from the VS models, athletes, and yogis who can't live without their workouts, is it possible that this is actually bad for the rest of us who are slightly less disciplined?

Raise your hand if you've ever told yourself you'd start hitting the gym as soon as you got that special pair of Adidas Originals to complete your outfit (if you're alone in your room, you can raise it metaphorically).
Raise your hand if you've told yourself that you absolutely HAD to have a pair of Lululemon sweatpants if you were really going to dedicate yourself to that Pilates class.
Raise your hand if going shopping was your initial response to the thought of hitting the gym in any way, shape, or form.

If you raised your hand to all three of those, you're exactly like me.

Some of us need that extra level of discipline to convince ourselves to hit the gym. Sometimes, the VS Fashion Show doesn't cut it. We need to set aside a gym wardrobe to fit working out into our schedule. By reserving those clothes for the gym, they become our uniform without which we cannot go.

If you go to work without your "work clothes", whether a Walmart t-shirt or head-to-toe black retail style, you're not following the dress code. Without that dress code, it's simply another day without structure. And some of us need a little structure to get just as fit as Karlie Kloss or Adriana Lima.

So, keep your gym clothes away from your other clothes. In this case, segregation is necessary in the cafeteria that is your closet.

Ponder that,

Bella

When Did People Stop Being So Fancy?

Up until the early 20th century, women wore gowns and party dress to the most basic dinner party. Think Downton Abbey style. Today, jeans and sneakers are the norm on the streets. After all, who wants the discomfort of a constricting dress and sky high stilettos?

via pinterest

Actually, I do.

Sure, I consider myself to be a "feminist" (quotations merely because of the multiple definitions of the word). I am well aware that women were put in these clothes to restrict movement. However, due to the rise of feminism, we are currently faced with a choice. We can wear these dresses because we want to, not because we have to.

Wearing a pretty dress with a pair of high heels has become a sign of empowerment. We have finally appropriated our own sense of style and the days of men dictating dress have long gone.

We have designers like Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, and Isabel Marant to thank for the rise in women dressing women rather than men dressing women. As much as I love my Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs, I'm a strong advocate for women dressing other women. I also love the idea of dressing like men just because I feel like it. However, in the age of nostalgia, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if everyone were to attend their dinner parties in fluffy dresses and intricate updos. When we're making our own decisions, wouldn't it be fun to go back to those days with new found purpose?

Now, I'm not saying we should be uncomfortable. All I'm saying is that a little glamour and glitz every now and then wouldn't hurt. As the saying goes, "the world is your runway". Dress like you believe it.

Ponder it,

Bella

Sneakers And Dresses: A Revolutionary Combo

I have a confession to make. I hate flats. I can't for the life of me see the pleasure in wearing this type of shoe on any occasion. I understand that the pointy-toed version looks lovely on Alexa Chung. I'm also impartial to the Chiara Ferragni collection of whimsical flats with little cat faces. However, I will never find them flattering. They don't elongate your legs, nor do they do anything for your figure. I like to refer to them as the "useless" shoe.

via cosmopolitan.com.au

Unfortunately, summer is a season that inspires a lot of walking. From a casual stroll in the park to simply a walk on the beach, 'tis the season to let go of the vehicle and opt for a more eco-friendly leg-strengthening oxygen-inhaling mode of transportation.

I, for one, am a huge advocate of walking. Perhaps it's the winter months of isolation and hibernation that make me want to walk everywhere come summer, but I just can't resist taking the longer route to my destination.

As a woman who loves her heels more than anything else in her closet, it pains me to admit that my favourite shoes are NOT walking friendly. So, when the sneaker trend took over the fashion world, I was beyond pleased. Believe it or not, I can fancy myself in a sneaker much more than a ballet flat. It's an inexplicable attachment that makes me want to wear them with absolutely everything. Though my heels will remain my favourites, I will sometimes intentionally choose a pair of sneakers for style purposes rather than mere practicality. It's beyond comprehension.

I can't seem to figure out why I prefer a sneaker. Maybe it's the little tomboy inside of me trying to inch out. Either way, what I once believed to be a shoe reserved for sport is now a fashion piece I actually enjoy wearing. As sneakers continue to gain popularity amongst fashionistas like Man Repeller, Leandra Medine, and top models like Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn, they have become increasingly more versatile. Worn with skinny jeans, skirts, and dresses alike, it's clear that anything goes.

My favourite pairing of the moment? Sneakers with a summer dress.

via thetrendspotter.net

If there's one thing I love in the summer time, it's putting on a simple dress for a walk in the park. Choosing to wear it with a sneaker makes it a fashion statement I simply cannot resist. After all, sneakers with pants are way too conventional for me.

Will you be wearing sneakers with your dress this season?

Ponder It,

Bella

#IconCity: Rising Star Liya Kebede

Ethiopian model, Liya Kebede, is the next lady to land in IconCity for her glamorous sense of style and rising modelling career. Kebede has walked in shows like Louis Vuitton and Proenza Schouler. She's covered magazines like Marie Claire and Vogue Italia. She also happens to be a L'Oreal girl, a sign of success in the fashion and beauty industries. On the side, she just happens to be a mother to two gorgeous children, Suhul and Raee. Kebede was the first black cover star of Vogue Paris in five years, covering the most recent May Issue of the magazine. At 39 years old, she remains one to watch and her career just keeps on flourishing.

Here are five of her best looks.

LOOK 1

Kedebe owns those printed pants like no one else and her lime green leather jacket is an unexpected choice that makes her a true icon.

via refinery29.com

LOOK 2

The pajama suit is a challenging trend to explore but Kebede does it with total ease and glamour.

via fashionologie.com

LOOK 3

A printed yellow and green dress with show-stopping shoes? Only a true diva can pull that off.

via vogue.com

LOOK 4

A little white dress may be perfectly angelic, but those black heels say otherwise.

via vogue.com

LOOK 5

Kebede's Cannes look is sexy and edgy. She kills this look with bombshell VS waves.

via wmagazine.com

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

Ponder it,

Bella

Why Dresses Are The Key To Surviving Your Summer

When the weather heats up and the layers come off, the best part about summer shines through. We finally get to throw something on and head out the door without a fuss. Winter coat? No thanks. Gloves? See you later. A hat? Maybe for style purposes. While winter may have been about the accessories you NEED, summer is about the ones you want, the ones that are there #forthesakeoffashion.

A prime example of this easy-going way of dressing is a dress. Whether a loose hip hugging maxi, a flared floral mini, a fitted deep-v style, or a 60s inspired shift, there is such a wide array of dresses that you can officially discard your pants this season. Dresses are the best for a number of reasons. Allow me to list them for you.

NUMBER 1

Your legs can breathe.

Pants are constricting. Shorts can ride up your butt in an unflattering way. Dresses never let you down and you can always feel the breeze pass through your legs.

via ellecanada.com

NUMBER 2

It's just one piece.

Who has the time to think of a complete outfit? With a dress, you just need to choose your shoes. No matter how many pairs you have, this is a much easier feat.

via barefootblonde.com

 NUMBER 3

They're ultra feminine.

Winter was so cold, you forgot what it was like to be a woman. Pants may be great, but it's time to wear something flirty and prepare yourself for a summer fling.

via glamradar.com

 NUMBER 4

Matching who?

Again, it's just one piece. Matching doesn't get any easier than that.

via whowhatwear.com

NUMBER 5

It's just more comfortable.

If it's floating on your body, you're guaranteed comfort. Nothing says chill and low-maintenance like a light summer dress.

via whowhatwear.com

Could this be your new summer wardrobe?

Ponder it,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion: Wearing One Earring, Yay or Nay?

via Getty Images

In recent months, everyone's talking about ear candy, who is stealing the spotlight from the more commonly known arm candy. Whether more of us are wearing our hair up or we're simply looking for additional ways to adorn ourselves, earrings are the jewels of the moment and it's time to expose our least attractive body part, the ear (I know that's debatable, but we'll let it slide).

Last year was all about the glamorous ear cuff that emboldened the woman who wore it. With an ear cuff so flashy, the rule is to wear it on one ear and keep it simple with a stud or nothing on the other. As this trend gained momentum, women started to neglect the other ear all together. It became a game of picking your favourite ear and keeping the jewellery limited. So, make sure you choose your best side.

Though beauty is generally defined by aesthetic symmetry, the fashion industry likes to embrace the opposite, contrary to popular belief. From asymmetrical hemlines to hair parted on one side and teeth parted in the center, we're all feeling a little lopsided anyway.

Who needs a second earring when your bling on that one side already makes such a statement?

As a lover of asymmetry, I can't help but feel drawn to this trend. Symmetry tries to impose perfection, while asymmetry glorifies imperfection. There's a common misconception that fashion magazines are constantly trying to project a singular image of beauty. While this may have been true in the past, it is currently trying to counter that belief by encouraging the oddballs to shine. Moreover, plus size is becoming less taboo and ethnic models are becoming more prominent on the runway scene. It's officially an era of major changes.

Could the one-sided earring be an even bigger symbolic change than we think?

While it may make little sense to us now, it's on its way to becoming a chic fashion trend that takes us back to our childhood days of returning home from preschool with one earring missing. At the time, it was usually another little girl or boy who had pulled it off or we lost it at the park while playing in the sand. Today, it's intentional.

So find yourself that one statement piece. Pull your hair to the side. And own it.

Ponder that,

Bella

The Met Ball's Best Dressed Divas

This year's Met Ball theme, "China: Through the Looking Glass", was one of the most challenging to date. There's nothing more daunting than a theme that invites Americans to inspire themselves from another culture that they may or may not know much about. Some people stuck to the theme, such as Emily Ratajkowski, Alexa Chung, and Irina Shayk. Others opted for something slightly off putting and avant-garde like Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Solange Knowles. Some women decided to showcase their bodies and ignore the theme altogether, such as Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Dakota Johnson. All in all, it was an evening to remember because almost every look attracted a stare and if it didn't, it was probably forgotten the next day. After checking out everyone's outfit choice, I couldn't resist creating a best-dressed list that best reflected my top choices of the night. Whether they stuck to the theme or not hardly matters when heads were turned and eyebrows were raised.

Here is my top ten.

NUMBER 10

Kristen Wiig in Prabal Gurung

Someone forgot to tell Kristen Wiig that the theme wasn't Greek goddess. Regardless, she definitely looked like one in this yellow floor-length Prabal gown.

via laineygossip.com

NUMBER 9

Gigi Hadid in DVF

Apparently, it was a night for red dresses. Ladies like Gigi Hadid, Amal Clooney, and Poppy Delevingne, opted for this bold hue at this year's Met Gala and each wore it well. Gigi's dress may have not reflected the theme, but the floral detailing definitely reminded me of a beautiful Asian garden.

via popsugar.com

NUMBER 8
Kerry Washington in Prada
Kerry Washington was obviously going for the stop-in-your-tracks-and-take-your-breath-away look in a pastel pink high-low Prada gown with green Mary Janes no less. This one also had a party in the back to add to its glamour with a lovely bow behind the neckline fit for a princess.

 via eonline.com

NUMBER 7
Diane Kruger in Chanel
And the biggest shocker of the night goes to Diane Kruger in Chanel (not really, though). Kruger opted for a chic white look and as the antithesis of Kerry Washington, she chose to wear pants. Let's all keep in mind that these pants were beyond amazing so we'll give her that one. Points for romance and originality, but whether or not it fit the theme is another story altogether.

via usmagazine.com

NUMBER 6
Kate Beckinsale in DVF
Another goddess at the Met Gala last night was Kate Beckinsale in a clingy gold DVF dress. Always classy, Kate is a consistent best-dressed choice.

via usmagazine.com

NUMBER 5
Kendall Jenner in Calvin Klein Collection
Kendall may have opted for the serious side-boob look, but it came out tasteful and chic. This sparkly green Calvin Klein was absolutely divine.

via popsugar.com

NUMBER 4
Lily Aldridge in Carolina Herrera
Lily Aldridge opted for a frilly light grey Herrera with a bold purple lip and I instantly fell in love. With just the right combination of edge and class, this one made it right in my top five.

via elleuk.com

NUMBER 3
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Atelier Versace
Another VS model who took my breath away last night was Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The Brit model showed up in a sparkly gold dress with asymmetrical cutouts that caught everyone's eye.

via usmagazine.com

NUMBER 2
Kate Hudson in Michael Kors
Apparently, it was the night to wear a gold dress and my favourite just happened to be on Kate Hudson. Her choice was by far the most jaw-dropping of the bunch.

via vogue.com

NUMBER 1
Poppy Delevingne in Marchesa
And my number one dress of the night goes to Poppy Delevingne in red Marchesa. From the floral appliques at the top to the long full red skirt, I was instantly blown away.

via dailymail.co.uk

Which was your favourite look from last night? 

Ponder it,

Bella

Why Dressing For Your Body Is More Important Than Following Trends

via visitdenmark.co.uk

As someone who reads a minimum of one magazine per week, I'm not ashamed to admit that I am tempted by trends. I like to believe that they don't phase me and that my style is a unique aspect of my identity unaffected by what magazines tell me to wear. Unfortunately, every time I dwell on my purchases, I conclude that this cannot possibly be the case. I question my choices and wonder whether I bought that fringe skirt because I've been following Coachella too much on Instagram. Here are some questions that plague my mind:

Is my suede jacket suddenly intriguing because the 70s are making a comeback?
Will I be wearing giant round frames because I saw them on an Olsen twin this season?
Am I only into yellow because I read that it's this year's colour in Harper's Bazaar?

I know. These are very pressing questions. I can hardly shop anymore without diving into a full on existential crisis. So, how is this avoided?

The key is to figure out what works for you. Pretty easy, right?

Actually, it's a horrendous process. There's nothing worse than that feeling you get when you absolutely LOVE something and you're hoping someone will tell you it looks great on you (sincerely) even though you know it doesn't. You know those glasses are too big for your face, but the colour is incredible. You're dying to buy some culottes but your legs look about two inches long. You contemplate flared pants on the daily, but every pair you try looks horrible. You buy them anyway. Or do you?

Life (i.e fashion) often throws us suggestions through celebrities. When we see anything on Kate Moss, we're driven to take it. It is not logic that pulls us towards that dress, it's our desire to look just as great as Poppy Delevingne while wearing it. Once the novelty wears off, we realize with dread that it looks terrible and can't remember why we bought it in the first place.

Though buyer's remorse is a common problem amongst everyone who has ever shopped, it can be avoided by staying true to yourself. Here are some ideas:

1) Pick a word (or two) that you would use to describe your style personality.
2) Think about it/them every time you shop.
3) Find out what works for your body.
4) Buy those pants.

It's a long process but I promise, it can be fun. When you discover what works for you, a trend in a magazine will become a fleeting idea that hardly tingles your body.

Ponder that,

Bella

#IconCity: Why I Want To Be Louise Roe

Another woman known to be for being an impeccably dressed talk-show host, Louise Roe lands herself in Icon City hand in hand with Giuliana Rancic. I want to be her not only because she is a fashion journalist, but also because she's British and never wears a print I don't love. Her Red Carpet appearance are consistently beautiful and notable on the best-dressed lists. Even off duty, this woman knows how to dress to the nines.

Here are five of her best looks.

LOOK 1

If anyone knows how to pull off printed pants, it's Louise Roe. Her bold colour-blocked shoes and clutch complete this put-together look.

via fabsugar

 LOOK 2

Did I mention she loves her prints? Louise Roe is the image of perfection in mixed prints.

via fabsugar.com

LOOK 3

Roe looks classy as ever in red leather pants and an unexpected yellow top. The floral clutch is the perfect accent to her ultra chic outfit.

via stilettosontreadmill.blogspot.com.br

LOOK 4

If there's one trend I'm obsessed with it's baggy leather pants. Roe wears them effortlessly with a long coral blazer, printed blouse, and stilettos. I'm in love.

via zimbio.com

LOOK 5

Nobody could have seen this outfit coming. Like a true fashionista, Louise Roe combines colours like no one else. Yellow, pink, and red? Who would've thought?

via stylespotting.com

What do you think of Louise Roe's style? Which look is your favourite?

Ponder it,

Bella