Flats On The Red Carpet: A Do Or A Don't?

Back in the day, the Red Carpet was reserved for Elie Saab gowns and occasionally a Dior jumpsuit (if you're as cool as Emma Watson). While a few have played around with the rules, there is one that seems slightly less flexible.

Can one wear flats on the Red Carpet?

via pinterest

Obviously, we live in a world of progress. Pants are now permitted on and off the carpet. Gay marriage was legalized. Parisians are wearing sneakers. The world is clearly a'changing.

But flats on the Red Carpet? Meh.

It's commonly accepted that after hours of standing in heels, your feet will hurt. If you're Jennifer Lawrence, you may trip on yourself. Twice. Or was it three times? I've lost track. If you're Emma Thompson, you've already said "to hell with it" and discarded your heels in a moment of frustration in front of an audience of A-listers. However, those are the exceptions. Most women will never dare walk a Red Carpet event in anything but their classiest pair of shoes. Whether they are wearing a floor-length gown that hides them or even a tuxedo Diane Keaton style, high heels are always a MUST.

But what if they weren't?
What if someone decided to break the rules?

Sure, heels elongate your legs and make them look 10 miles longer, but what of comfort? What of elegant flats that don't deter from the centerpiece that is your dress? Could this possibly be an underrated concept?

Fashion is about crossing boundaries. It's about inspiring people to change their mind about something they once deemed unacceptable. It's about shortening hems, removing the corsets, and allowing women to move with ease. And isn't that the purpose of flats? Fluidity of movement? Are flats a stepping stone in the feminist debate?

Ponder it,

Bella

When Are Face Nets Coming Back In Style?

Some associate this look with British royalty and others with brides. I, however, see it as a fashion statement that needs to be revived immediately.

Let me begin by saying that I'm a hat girl through and through. I love a great headpiece to decorate your er...head. From girly bows to chic headbands, even a good hairpiece sparks my attention. My question is:

Why is it so underrated?

A look best kept for special occasions, the "hair net veil" is ideal for the current wedding season. It offers a look of mystery and old school elegance that's lacking in today's society. With the rebirth of period dramas in recent years, it's a wonder that this look hasn't yet reached the masses. Though we are currently in the midst of a 70s revival featuring bell bottoms and maxi dresses, fashion tends to look back and with each passing year, we become nostalgic for one that's further and further away from where we are.

This particular trend takes us back to the 1920s flapper girl cloche hats that invited one to add an air of mystery. It's sexy in an understated way with a hint of flirtation hidden beneath it.

Can the face net veil (whatever it's really called) ever return? If it does, will it become the hottest new wedding look? Or can it make its way onto the streets and replace the wide brim hat?

If Beyonce can do it, why can't you?

via shelookbook.com

Ponder it,

Bella

My Controversial Relationship With Slides and Their Inherent Ugly Appeal

Happy Tuesday!

In light of recent news that slides are the latest trend to dominate the streets permeated with fashionistas and my ambivalent feelings towards them, I felt that they absolutely must be discussed. First and foremost, until today, slides have been perceived by the general public as a man's shoe. As a self-proclaimed "feminist" (quotation to signal multiple definitions of the word), I'm pro dressing androgynously. I live for pants, pantsuits, tuxedos, and baseball caps. Slides have officially made the list of things women are starting to embrace and although men may not necessarily consider them "sexy", fashion girls are loving them.

Could it be that men cannot imagine women in this type of shoe because it's always been worn by men?
Or is it just plain ugly no matter your gender?

For those of you who don't know, slides are a form of flip flop without the tong in the middle. They resemble slippers, but they are meant to be worn outdoors. They can be straight or crisscrossed. They probably shouldn't be worn with socks, but nobody is stopping anyone from trying.

via stylehunter.com

The moment I saw them on the feet of bloggers, I was appalled. How could they give in to comfort? Should I have seen this coming when sneakers dominated the stiletto? Is comfort really everything or are bloggers trying to turn something ugly into a fashion statement that everyone will be dying to wear? Is this simply a test that proves bloggers own the fashion sphere? Are they all secretly making fun of us for following suit?

Here is the reality fellas. I bought a pair. I gave in and my favourite part about them is, lo and behold, their ugliness. Whether we like it or not, they make a statement and the negative reactions often add humour to my day. Do I love them or do I love the reaction I get out of them? I couldn't tell. Perhaps a bit of both. Regardless, they are in my closet and I've already worn them.

What ugly trend will I love next? Are the ugly ducklings going to take center stage? What does ugly mean anyway?

Ponder it,

Bella

The One-Piece VS The Two-Piece: The Battle of the Sexiest

While bikinis have always been a popular beach choice for everyone from celebrities to your average neighbor down the street, the one-piece has taken over, my friends, and it may be here to stay. Now that the summer is about to begin, it's time to do that dreaded thing we struggle with every year: shop for a bathing suit.

When it comes to shopping, finding something that suits your body type is everything. Whether we like it or not, our bodies dictate much of what we wear, even more so than our tastes. Bathing suit shopping is no different. When fantasizing about our next purchase, Pinterest may inspire, but body shape makes the final decision.

via fashionisers.com

In today's day and age, when one-piece bathing suits are no longer associated with matronly figures, we can finally feel sexy without exposing our midriff. Though a cutout may not permit the best tanning experience, society has turned over a new leaf, one that recognizes the dangers of tanning and the value of protecting our skin. While bandeaus may still be popular, they are no longer necessary and with the wide variety of choice that exists, bikinis and one-piece bathing suits can now go head-to-head in the battle of the sexiest.

The bikini remains sexy in a conventional way. It shows off the midriff and accentuates your curves. However, the one piece leaves more to the imagination, especially when cutouts are involved. Moreover, even when it comes to bikinis, the waistline is getting higher and reverting to a more retro look. Can it be that imagination is being favored to exposing our skin? Is it time to reconsider our natural inclination towards the two-piece? 

Ponder it,

Bella

What Your Sunglasses Shape Says About You

Trends come and go, but there are always a few that catch our eye for a reason we can't explain. When it comes to eyewear, we tend to choose something that best reflects our personality since it becomes our statement piece come summer. As it is the season for sunglasses, let's try to deduce what your sunglasses say about you. Whether you have one pair or five, this may give you some insight if you're looking to try something new.

AVIATORS

You lean towards convention and classic looks that never go out of style. Trends don't phase you because you already know what works for you and your inner confidence consistently shines through. Your style can be defined as effortless and easygoing with a bit of edge. You're a total jet-setter who lives for the sunshine.

via fabfashionfix.com

ROUND FRAMES

Your friends see you as the quirky one in the group with the most upbeat personality. You love life, music, and simply hanging out with your friends at every occasion you can. You're a little bit offbeat and you live for good vintage finds. You're a girly girl, but with a slight inclination towards menswear.

via shopzerouv.com

CAT EYE SUNGLASSES

You're a little more wild than the average girl and thrive off of risk taking, especially when it comes to your fashion choices. You constantly strive to make a statement and try something new and unexpected to explore different assets of your personality. You're highly experimental and love a good trend to challenge your personal style.

via whowhatwear.com

SQUARE FRAMES

You're a classy lady who loves a good pair of Ray Bans that project sophistication and attitude. You always look put-together and elegant no matter the occasion. You live in your little black dress, but you also love feminine skirts in crisp cuts. You're a no fuss type of girl, but you're also well-dressed at all times. People aspire to imitate your style because of its effortless quality.

via becauseimaddicted.com

Which pair suits you?

Ponder it,

Bella

The Multiple Things You Can Do With Your Ears

Ears seem like very arbitrary, though necessary, body parts that allow us to hear and listen to others, but they're also a vehicle for ornament. At a young age, parents pierce the ears of their daughters and as these girls grow into a women, there are many other piercings that follow (sometimes). This year, ears happen to be one of the most popular of all body parts when it comes to jewellery. Putting your hair up has never seemed more appealing. In the past few months, I've taken a look at some of the top ear trends of the moment and I must admit, there are many. While some would prefer a more subtle look, others are eager to opt for blingy ear cuffs that make a statement. Curious to know what you can do with your ears this season? Check out my top five favourite ear accessories of the moment.

NUMBER 1: The Ear Cuff

This ultra blingy accessory sparked an interest two years back at the Met Ball themed Punk: Chaos to Couture. Stars like Cara Delevingne and Sienna Miller rocked this look like the rockstars that they are and everyone wanted to be cool enough to wear one. While sparkle isn't necessary, it is encouraged for this particular look. After all, it started on the Red Carpet.

via itssuperfashion.com

NUMBER 2: Front and Back Pearls

Emma Watson wore this Dior look to the Golden Globes back in 2014 and a year later, we're all dying to own a pair. Everywhere you turn, one of these front and back pearl earrings are trending. Though the giant ball in the back may seem awkward at first, seeing it on Emma makes us feel ultra chic and modern doing it. It just goes to show that if you're Emma Watson, you can definitely make fetch happen.

via seventeen.com

NUMBER 3: One Earring

Looking for an earring trend? All you have to do is keep your eyes out for Emma Watson and her bold ear candy choices. A single long earring may appear imbalanced and possibly a cause of lack of sleep, but in this case, it's intentional. Perhaps its intentionality is precisely what makes it so cool and defiant. Asymmetry has never been so hot.

via harpersbazaar.com

NUMBER 4: The Ear Climber

This one is kind of like the ear cuff's overshadowed sister. She's just as a bold, but slightly less dramatic. For the woman looking for something unique without drawing as much attention, an ear climber is the latest chic look to decorate the ear. Bonus? You can wear this one every day.

via fabfivelifestyle.com

NUMBER 5: The Ear Jacket

This one is called the ear jacket. Why, you ask? Nobody truly knows. The one thing I do know it that it looks incredibly cool, unique, and edgy. Could this be the latest rising trend in ear wear?

via refinery29.com

Which ear trend are you loving this season? Are you ready to try one of these looks?

Ponder it,

Bella

Why Are We All So Darn Nostalgic?

When it comes to fashion, it's well-known that designers like to look back in time for inspiration. Whether Dior's full-skirt a la New Look, Coco Chanel's tweeds, or DVF's 70s wraps, we can't help but bring it all back in the Millennium. What does 2015 look like? Perhaps a mix of all the trends we know and love from the past blended into one big nostalgic sandwich. Can we define it? Probably not as well as the other decades. Regardless, designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs continue to innovate and reinvent looks from the past.

In today's fashion scene, many fashion houses have been reinvented by their new Creative Directors, blending the old with the new. Karl has been head of Fendi and Chanel for several decades, the Oscar de la Renta torch has been passed on to Peter Copping, Olivier Rousteing is the Balmain man we've grown to love, and Valentino currently takes its direction from Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. There is a wide array of designers who have taken the helm of these major names in fashion history and without tarnishing the name, they have managed to make it there own.

via fashiongonerogue.com

Though the 70s have made a major comeback this season, we've also seen trends from the 90s resurface. A blend of wide leg pants and crop tops, fringe and patchwork, platforms and bold wedges, have made there way onto the runways and the streets, combining decades in a way that wouldn't have been possible when they were actually happening. As we mix and match our favourites from times gone by, who can help but be nostalgic for a time many of us were not even born? I may have not been alive in the 70s, but how incredible is it that I get to relive it through the fashions?

So, this generation may not be defined by anything per say, but perhaps its undefinability is exactly what makes it special. Maybe being undefined is what defines us today. Can you really put a label on anything when the imagination reaches such heights?

If ever you feel as though it's the end of innovation, stop and contemplate the designers around you. Take a moment to think about what you're wearing today that you couldn't wear then. Yesterday may have been about discovery, but today is about crossing boundaries and putting something together in a way you never thought possible.

Ponder it,

Bella

The CFDA Awards: Where A Fashion Statement Is A Must

The CFDA Awards were last night and if you don't know what those are, think of it as the ACTUAL Oscars of fashion (unlike the Met Gala which is mistakenly compared to the Oscars all the time). At the CFDA Awards, designers, models, bloggers, and celebrities alike gather in their most fashionable attire to honor fashion by wearing it and offering awards to those who created it. This year, one of my favourite fashion icons of the moment, Pharrell Williams received the Icon Award and I couldn't be more thrilled. As a major fashion event, the CFDA Awards always has a stellar Red Carpet, but rather than offering a list of the hottest looks, I will focus on those who made fashion statements and took a risk that worked.

Shall we begin?

NUMBER 10
AMANDA SEYFRIED

Amanda Seyfried made her statement in a sparkling Rodarte dress. Though I'm not usually one for glitter, the colours and embellishement on this look worked for the star. I may have hesitated on this one, but if it makes you think, you know it made a real statement.

via The Cut

NUMBER 9
JENNA LYONS

I'm a huge fan of menswear and womenswear colliding, and who better to pull off this look than Jenna Lyons? This jumpsuit may have looked borderline pajama-like, but that's exactly what makes it look so effortless. With a punch of metal in her shoes and leopard on her clutch, she knew just what she needed to give this head-to-toe black outfit that added flair.

via The Cut

NUMBER 8
CHIARA FERRAGNI

The Blond Salad's, Chiara Ferragni, went for a Rebecca Minkoff outfit that confused me a little. Is it a dress? Is it a crop top? Are those real feathers? All these questions brought me to the conclusion that I liked it. She definitely gets points for being unique.

via The Cut

NUMBER 7
HANNE GABY ODIELE

Hanne Gaby Odiele may not have pleased everyone with her Red Carpet choice, but that's exactly what made it so badass and oh-so model off-duty. A sheer dress paired with an unexpected pair of edgy leather shorts make us all want to be cool enough to pull this off. This outfit demands the attitude she possesses.

via The Cut

NUMBER 6
DEVON WINDSOR

Devon Windsor also made her statement in a sheer black dress. This Jonathan Simkai outfit had so many layers of amazing on it, I couldn't stop staring. That's when you know a fashion statement has been made.

via Style Bistro

NUMBER 5
GIGI HADID
Gigi Hadid made her statement in a gold lame Michael Kors jumpsuit. Somehow, her outfit didn't look like it came straight out of an Austin Powers film, but more like a glamorous modern look that attracted a lot of attention.

via Refinery 29

 NUMBER 4
STACEY BENDET
You can always count on Alice & Olivia's Stacey Bendet to look fashionably eccentric at every event. Statement necklace, statement hair, statement denim, and statement overpiece. Did I forget anything? One can never make too many statements with one's outfit.

via Refinery 29

NUMBER 3
RACHEL ZOE
Choosing the hottest trend of the season to wear at the biggest fashion event of the year may not come off as surprising, but it definitely makes a statement. Rachel Zoe looks stunning as ever in a fringe dress straight out of the Great Gatsby (the modern one with Leo Dicaprio). It may not have been a perfect 10, but it looked like fun, and that definitely counts for something.

via Refinery 29

NUMBER 2
BINX WALTON
Binx Walton went for the cutout Hood by Air white dress that was minimalistic, yet anything but plain. It may look like nothing from the front, but it was the biggest party in the back. When each angle looks so different, you know you've made a winning statement.

via Vogue

NUMBER 1
JULIETTE LEWIS
Introducing Juliette Lewis in Christian Siriano next to the designer himself. A crop top and feathers are so of the moment, but also an unexpected and statement making choice. Though Nina Dobrev also went for the feathered look, this one came out the star last night.

via WWD

Which was your favourite look at the CFDAs? 

Ponder it,

Bella