London, London, London: It's Review Time Again

I absolutely love London. You know why? When it comes to fashion, it doesn't follow any rigid rules, but rather, contradicts them, with unusual colour combinations and a lot of rock n' roll glamour. While New York reintroduced the bomber jacket, London reinvented the puffer with shearling collars at shows like Burberry and Topshop Unique. While New York was more about classic femininity with midi length skirts in sheer romantic fabrics, London was all about the mini skirt at shows like Felder Felder and J.W Anderson, two labels who gave the look their own unique twist. While New York designers offered many conservative work-appropriate looks, London was more about embracing the colder weather with head scarves at Mary Katrantzou and plastic rain protectors at Christopher Kane which were emblematic of the rainy city the Brits call home. Some of my favourite shows combined that rock n' roll sex appeal that is quintessentially London with an abundance of fluff that was very Kate Moss. Needless to say, I was smitten.

Are you ready to review?

DAKS

Let's begin our discussion with Daks. While watching this show, three words came to mind instantly: dark, sexy, and mysterious. The collection consisted primarily of head-to-toe black looks, but it was anything but plain. A variety of textures were introduced such as the age-old favourite fringe, sheer panelling (for the ladylike amongst us), lace (for a sexy boudoir-inspired look), and velour (for a hint of melodrama). All of this proved that black is for everyone, no matter your personal taste. Though the first look was a long flowy dress, the masculine-inspired pantsuits that followed made this show ooze of sophistication and attitude. Also, my new favourite accessory made an appearance on a variety of looks: the black fedora. Call it goth meets glamour or Sherlock Holmes meets Hercule Poirot, this collection was infused with mystery and left me wanting more. Some of the best looks included a tuxedo jacket I only hope someone will be gutsy enough to wear to the Oscars, a black feathered skirt that took the 1920s flapper to a whole other level, and a ruffled dress with a bow that strongly appealed to my girly side. Needless to say, I'll need an order of every piece from this collection. Please and thank you.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 3

via vogue.com

JULIEN MACDONALD

Are you ready for a glamorous night on the town with a glass of champagne and a man on your arm? Well first, you need to take a look at Julien Macdonald's latest Fall 2016 collection. The designer took everything that is sexy and put it together in a variety of looks only suitable for the model of duty or a woman with infinite confidence (proven by none other than British model, Jourdan Dunn, who owned look 55 at the Brit Awards). Of course, it wouldn't be a party girl collection without a lot of glitter and sparkle, some high slits, and deep Vs that even a true disco diva would have to be quite daring to wear. The primary colour tones were silver and black, but what really struck my attention was the pop of red that almost seemed out of place, yet so consistent with the theme of the collection. If you're daring enough to try one of these looks at your next big event, I urge you to go for a long slinky number with major cutouts. As for me, I'm smitten with the little white dress that closed the show fit for a ballerina and sex kitten all at once.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 55

via vogue.com

DAVID KOMA

Every year, I like to talk about David Koma because he seems to know exactly what women yearn to wear, or maybe just me. This season, the collection was all about structured lines and muted tones like pale grey and white.The designer maintained his signature architectural theme on many of his looks with asymmetrical hems and strategic cutouts at the shoulders. The collection veered into darker territory halfway through the show with head-to-toe black looks combined with metallic accents and the ever-so-edgy cobalt blue. Some specks of red were introduced on a few sportswear inspired dresses and mixed print dresses. By the end, the handiwork was blatant and sexy with bits of metal scattered in unusual places to create works of art you would have only expect to see at the Tate.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 19

via vogue.com

MULBERRY

Mulberry hasn't presented a show at London Fashion Week in a number of years and now that it has finally made a comeback, I could not be more pleased. Coats were definitely the style statement at the show in fall-ready colours like maroon and navy blue with a few striking capes dispersed in between. One of the most remarkable colour combinations in the collection was khaki and maroon, two colours I would have never imagined at the same dinner table, but a combo I can't stop thinking about. The collection eased quickly into edgy streetwear with blouses and dress pants that had just the right amount of attitude and leather accents that still managed to radiate femininity. Bold furs and strong colours like red and yellow gave every look a unique touch while capturing everything that I love about London. When it comes to fashion, this city is fearless and that's exactly what Johnny Coca demonstrated at Mulberry this week with just enough sex appeal to make it rock n' roll. Did I mention, I'm dying for a pair of those platform shoes?

FAVOURITE LOOK: 9

via vogue.com

TOPSHOP UNIQUE

Of course, I always save the best for last. As usual, my obsession with Topshop and Topshop Unique remains untouchable because nothing says London more than this cult favourite brand. Though I could not get enough of the shearling coats, printed mini dresses, and leather accents, my favourite part about this show would have to be the magenta lipstick. Nothing says "I'm a woman with an attitude" like a bold lip colour that adds some extra personality to your outfit. This 80s-inspired beauty look did just that. On another note, half the collection consisted of oversized pieces, such as sweaters, pants, and bulky coats full of fluff that I just wanted to throw on to keep warm in the winter while also looking drop-dead-glamourous. This collection was exactly what London is about: breaking every rule in favour of bigger and bolder prints, a bit of transparency, and a few ill-fitted pieces that somehow still manage to look sexy.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 5

via vogue.com

While I shed a tear for London and wish I were there, it's now time to move on to Milan. But first, let me know which shows were your favourite in this rock n' roll city.

Ponder it,

Bella

London Fashion Week: In Review

After moving from the luxe looks of New York City, we switched on over to the hipster scene in London. A city best known for its eccentric style and deviation from fashion rules, London featured some of the most eye-catching designer collections this season. From Christopher Bailey at Burberry Prorsum to Vivienne Westwood, London Fashion Week takes on many forms that makes it undefinable. The one thing we can agree on is that London is consistently filled with surprises on the catwalk. This year, a dominant trend in London was nature. Designers like Erdem and Antonio Berardi featured bold floral prints to lift us up during the sombre fall months. Florals for Fall? Now, that's something you don't see every day. These designers prove that seasonal dressing is overrated and that it's all about the personality. Here are five of my favourite collections from London Fashion Week that reflected my own personality.

ANTONIO BERARDI

Antonio Berardi livened up the Fall scene with bold floral prints in bright yellow on tailored dresses with skirts filled with pleats to start off his show. The collection drew in the ultra feminine British woman who aims to impress with striking colours and head-to-toe prints. One of dominant colour trends was lilac, an unusual hue for Fall that made us question our impression of seasonal colour palettes. Pink was another colour that made a dramatic appearance in a bright shade of Barbie. It appeared on classic knee-length dresses and pant suits only suitable for the fashionably inclined. The collection then took a turn for the cobalt with abstract prints on dresses and pants alike. The best part? The designer integrated the latest fashion fad: dresses over pants. Whether or not the look will sell remains to be seen, but in London, anything goes. This collection may have appeared simple at first glance, but the second half of the show proved that this man knows how to manipulate his fabrics. His final dresses were architectural and almost, origami-like, making every look stand out on its own as a statement outfit.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 10

via style.com

ISSA

This debut collection by Jamie O'Hare transformed Issa into a boho-chic selection of fringed dresses, geometric prints, and sheer panels in unusual places. It targeted the sexy bohemian woman aiming to have a little fun on the streets and assert her style savvy. The show began with some classic black and white and instantly drew me in with an edgy printed jumpsuit. Was it original? Maybe not. But it caught my eye and invited me in for more. The third look already predicted the prominence of fringe in this collection not suited for the faint of heart. There were several classic LBD's with cutouts and transparency made for a woman who owns the room. For the lady who wants to make a bigger statement? There were a wide variety of jumpsuits to choose from. The designer mixed prints with expert ease and even brought in the colour du jour: bright red (a popular Red Carpet choice). Another print that made it onto this runway was stripes. Whether on flowy dresses or loose blouses, stripes appeared in different forms, but with similar colour tones. The designer ended the show with some sparkly minis, taking the collection from daytime office chic to ladies night. I'm already picturing Poppy Delevingne in one of those black fringe dresses and look forward to seeing how she'll give it her own flavour.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 11

via style.com

DAVID KOMA

David Koma is always a show I look forward to at London Fashion Week. He consistently keep his collection sophisticated, yet edgy, with leather patches and strong colours. This season, he incorporated zippers and belts that defined the waist, making it all about the metal additions. He managed to keep the collection feminine with flared skirts in the ever-popular leather. Though he kept the collection basic with classic black and even some nude, there were other colours such as orange and cobalt that made an appearance, keeping it fresh and bold. The designer gave his collection some added sex appeal with mesh netting and cutouts at the waistline. Though he maintained the structured appeal of his label, he also increased its sensuality with slits and minis. It was a new take for David Koma, but I was nonetheless impressed and attracted to a number of pieces in the collection.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 2

via style.com

HOLLY FULTON

This Holly Fulton collection had a vintage feel that triggered the nostalgia we're all feeling in the current generation. It began with a luxurious white fur coat, reminiscent of a day when this was what we wore in the winter time and parkas did not exist. There was a strong feminine aura in this collection dominated by skirts and slip dresses. A floral theme was also present in this collection but in the cuts and shapes of the pretty pastel blouses on the runway. Pink, green, and red were the colours that appeared most throughout the show on furs and leathers. Though it was very girly, the collection had a good girl gone bad edge and perhaps even a sprinkle of Cher Horowitz in it. Every look was different but had one thing in common: a strong character.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 11

via style.com

TOPSHOP UNIQUE

Topshop is one of my favourite British brands and this collection reminded me why. With bulky fur coats, hints of leather, and its signature plaid print, this collection had so many interesting pieces to make it a memorable one. It was for the effortlessly cool downtown London chick (think Cara Delevingne) stopping cars on the streets with her bold style choices. Once again, nature took on a form in this collection on dresses and blouses in earth tones like tan and dark green. The party girl came out with slinky mini dresses, particularly of the furry variety for the modern lady. The collection's 70s undertones were evident throughout with matching suits flared pants, but with a glam twist. It was the epitome of London and that's exactly what it was aiming for.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 11

via style.com

Which of London's collections was your favourite? 

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

What's YOUR Favourite Fall Colour?

One of the colours that sings fall is burgundy. It returns every season, refreshed and renewed. Fashion folk prefer to call it oxblood because it sounds more dramatic (and many of us have a penchant for drama). From our oversized sweaters to our lipstick, burgundy is always the best choice because the alternatives are usually grey, black, or greige (aka boring). It's a colour that everyone associates with this season and I am about to tell you why. Prepare to have your mind blown because I have made a list of 10 things that burgundy reminds me of.

via www.obviousmag.com

NUMBER 10

Red Wine

Yes, you can have red wine all year long. In fact, they say it's good for the soul, or perhaps the heart (one of the two). Red wine reminds us of romantic evenings with our significant other cuddling under blankets and simply enjoying life. Red wine is sophisticated and fall is the season of sophistication with conservative clothing and leather boots.

NUMBER 9

Fire

Yes, fire is a brighter shade of red, but in a certain light, the colour alters. What says winter better than a cozy fireplace with a hot chocolate in hand?

NUMBER 8

Leaves

In the fall, leaves turn burgundy. That's the original reason we wear burgundy. You can stop reading now. Just kidding.

NUMBER 7

Roses

Roses are another romantic symbol and fall is mating season. We may all be depressed about the colder weather, but it gives us an excuse to cozy up with someone for body heat. Love is in the air, no?

NUMBER 6

Christmas Sweaters

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it is probably a part of your life since the music starts playing before you can say Halloween. Most of the time, Christmas sweaters are burgundy, and even when we don't receive any, we feel that desire to buy one and throw it on for comfort.

NUMBER 5

Cherries

Cherries are known to be a very seductive fruit and we are drawn to cherries primarily because of their colour. Who doesn't love a rich red healthy fruit?

NUMBER 4

Grapes

Grapes are another great fruit to have in the fall. Take this opportunity to switch from green to purple for a more luxurious feel.

NUMBER 3

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Planning a party to celebrate fall? Red velvet cupcakes are a perfect way to keep up with the theme. In our depressive states, we need delicious cupcakes to cheer us up.

NUMBER 2

Redheads

Redheads are rare and therefore, everyone wants hair just like them. Fall is a month of experimentation, so why not try the new oxblood trend on your hair?

NUMBER 1

Blood

I know. It's gross. However, the thought of your blood rushing from exciting new experiences is definitely not.

What is your favourite fall colour? Are you going to be sporting burgundy this season?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella  

5 Fall Trends That Need To Be Reconsidered

August is upon us my friends and you know what that means? Every magazine from A to Vogue will be posting their Fall trend report to prepare us for the daunting approach of the new season. As much as I love to layer, Fall also brings back some trends we've all seen a thousand times before. For example, it isn't Fall if plaid is not EVERYWHERE. It isn't Fall without a fur (real or faux). It isn't Fall without an abundance of leather, wool, and shearling. And of course, Fall is ALWAYS about grey, burgundy, and black and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. What if we all started wearing florals in the Fall? What if we walked outside in head-to-toe pastels? Would we be scrutinized by onlookers? Would we forget what season we're in? Would that be a good thing? Or are these predictable fashion trends a comfort zone we'd rather not escape?

Let's take a look at five fall trends we're all a little tired of and decide which ones we'd rather stop seeing and which ones should stay.

FUR

What designer doesn't love a good fur in their Fall collection? For logical reasons, fur is always a Fall staple (it keeps us warm). PETA isn't too keen on fur, but has that stopped anyone? No. Because it's too damn cold to give it up. Fur is also sign of luxury and coziness, a combination we couldn't live without. 

Verdict: Keep It

via flooks.net

PLAID

For some reason, plaid always reminds us of Fall. It is THE print that dominates the fashion scene during the colder months and nobody can beat it at its game. Whether worn over your shoulders or around your waist, plaid is bound to make an appearance on the fall runways. The problem is that if everyone thinks that way, we'll find ourselves living in a world of plaid and what fun would that be?

Verdict: Discard (find a new print, people!)

via accessoriesmagazine.com

HEAVY KNITS

I know it's cold and these could hardly be avoided, but they are EVERYWHERE in the fall. I suppose it's all about how you wear it. When layered right, this could make for quite an interesting outfit.

Verdict: Keep It

via becomegorgeous.com

BURGUNDY

Yes, I know this is a colour and I can't just make it disappear, but why must it invade the fall runways? Can't we opt for a brighter colour? Pretty please with a cherry red on top? Hint Hint.

Verdict: Discard (because we need to see something new)

via www.dorlydesigns.com

Houndstooth

Who else is really sick of seeing houndstooth all over the place? I'll admit. I do have a houndstooth romper and I love it very much, but that's good enough for me. Every once in a while, it can make an appearance, but every year is generally overkill.

Verdict: Discard/Keep It (it has its on and off seasons)

via Pinterest

All I'm saying is that it's high time we spice things up a little. Do something bold. Try a spring trend in the fall or mix them together. Breaking the rules will take you from trend follower to trendsetter.

Ciao,

Bella