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

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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

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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:

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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

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

Which show was your favourite this year?

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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Which of London's collections was your favourite? 

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Pre-Fall 2015 In Review

It is mid-winter and the fashion world is already two seasons ahead with the recent release of the Pre-Fall  2015 collections. On the bright side, these items can still provide us with further inspiration on our current looks, while ensuring that we remain ahead of the trend. Pre-Fall is one of my favourite times of year because during those rough and tedious winter months, it gives us some fashion to feed our frozen souls. There may be no fashion week until the spring, but there are still new collections to ogle at and aspire to purchase. After taking a closer look at every designer collection, I have selected five for review that caught my attention. As with each new fashion season, I have chosen the designer collections that were composed of a majority of looks that I am dying to wear. Without further ado, here are my top five.

JUST CAVALLI

While Roberto Cavalli collections are often too concentrated in animal prints, I found this one to be one of his best pre collections. Of course, prints still reigned supreme, but as a fan of pattern diversity, I could not resist the excellent styling skills that were executed in this particular collection. Baggy leather pants were a major favourite and if this collection is any indication, they will be a major emerging trend in 2015. Leather appeared in other forms as well such as oversized sweaters and classy cut dresses. Can there ever really be too much leather? As per usual, the leopard print made an appearance on several looks in a black and white hue, but it was not the dominant print. The colour palette consisted of burgundy, mustard yellow, and a surprise in the form of pastel pink. A few pant suits were a central point in this collection and some boho dresses that somehow kept Cavalli's edge intact. As for my favourite part? That would have to be the coloured fur a la Fendi. I'm hoping this trend will continue to grow and prosper in the new year. 

My rating? 8/10 for mixing prints like a pro.

LOOK I LOVE: Look 4

Very Cavalli, very edgy, and very contemporary.

PRABAL GURUNG

Every now and then, Prabal Gurung comes out with a collection for me to obsess over. This was one of them.  As with the Just Cavalli collection, this one swam in prints and bold fashion choices that resonated with me. Whether black and white or floral, no print was left uninvited to this party. At first, black and white seemed to be the dominant theme, keeping it monochromatic. As you dug deeper into the collection, an array of colours like red, yellow, and blue made an appearance. It was a lesson in artwork in the shape of dresses, skirts, and pants. Who says there can be such a thing as too many prints? Clearly, not Prabal. Based on this collection, wide leg pants will be the new dominant pant cut in 2015. Am I excited? I will be once someone shows petite girls how to wear it. Feminine dresses in A-line cuts were also a popular look as well as the oversized coat (of which I am a big fan). Some of these looks may even make the Red Carpet. I suppose we shall wait and see.

My rating? 7/10 for eye candy.

LOOK I LOVE: Look 35

The texture of that top needs to meet my hands.

ANTONIO BERARDI

I am a HUGE Antonio Berardi fan. If I could, I would have every piece from many of his collections in my wardrobe. This collection mimicked architecture with clean cut shapes and my personal favourite, asymmetry. Speaking of texture, there was an abundance of it featured in this collection. Whether in the form of beading or wool, this was definitely hand candy (if that were to exist). To all powerful women out there, this was THE collection for you. A mix of pantsuits with classy blazers and vests, each of these looks screamed independent woman. No female empowerment collection is complete without red and this collection showcased the colour with pride. Bold inserts of red permeated the collection in the form of skirts and dresses. Grey was another dominant presence, but it was anything but its usual sombre self. With plenty of shape and movement, this dark shade became a symbol of fluidity and strength. The collection ended with the contrasting white, reminding us all that we can and MUST wear white after labour day. Once again, fabric was manipulated in such a unique way, that we'll all be climbing those shelves for each elaborate piece.

My rating? 9/10 for shapulation (shape manipulation).

LOOK I LOVE: Look 11

This matching set has my name written all over it.

JOSH GOOT

At first I thought, "who is Josh Goot?" And then I thought, "Can we be friends?" This collection was so clean and yet so interesting with all its shapes and cuts. The mass of floral prints and knee length dresses oozed femininity and yet, I wasn't bored. There was a sense of pureness almost akin to the Garden of Eden in this collection. Perhaps it was in the flowers or maybe the simplicity of the model with pulled back wet hair. Once again, the asymmetry added intrigue to many of the looks whether on skirts or the backs dresses. There were some classy white looks that would be perfect for Spring and Fall (if you're a rule breaker like that). The dark forest met wonderland in a fairytale fantasy that I yearned to enter. While black and white dominated, some inserts of blues, yellows, and purples tickled the eye. Skirts were the focal point and in individual forms, they appealed to a variety of tastes. I'm expecting to see some of these looks at the next celebrity event. Let's hope Emma Watson or Diane Kruger concurs.

My Rating? 8/10 for mystique.

LOOK I LOVE: Look 21

This is so pretty, my eyes are melting.

FENDI

Somehow, Fendi always makes it as my favourite. I can't help it. I'm a Fendi girl. I know Karl is better known for Chanel, but Fendi beats it by a mile in my book. Shh. Don't tell anyone. Now, let's talk about this marvellous collection. I'd like to start off by saying that I adore Lindsey Wixson and this may have contributed to my bias. She looks so darn cute in Fendi furs that I'm girl crushing hard. This particular collection was all about coats, because Karl knows that your outerwear is everything at this time of year. Whether in a bold print or a colourful fur, each piece was playful and a statement in and of itself. Who cares what you're wearing underneath unless it's a beautiful Fendi mini skirt in turquoise or plum. These were the colours that dominated this collection. Unusual for Fall? I would say so. But alas, Karl is an innovator and if he can introduce these new hues for this chilly season, who are we to question it? The collection has everything I love and live for, whether fluff, mod dresses and skirts, or leather bits and pieces. The prints were abundant as well and made a statement in every possible way. If I were a six year old girl, I would adore this collection. As a 23 year old, I'm obsessed. What's not to love? Colourful mini dresses? Check. Graphic prints? Check. A sprinkle of whimsy? Check. Luxurious furry accessories? Check. SOLD to the lady at the left.

My rating? 10/10 because Karl is the fashion king.

LOOKS I LOVE: 16, 37, 39

Because you can't pick just one.

All image via Style.com.

Which was your favourite Pre-Fall collection? 

Ponder it.

XOXO,

Bella

Don't You Wish You Were In Milan Last Week?

Milan Fashion Week was a conglomeration of sexy minis, hot pants, and a bit of Barbie. Unfortunately, it didn't amaze me in the same way New York did or even London, but it had its shining moments. Giambattista Valli took the Miu Miu route with his brand new collection, Giamba (which had me seriously confused at first glance. Who is this Giamba and where can I find his lovely clothes?). Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, and Gucci delivered as usual, but in a way that was utterly predictable like a romcom where the couple gets together in the end (not that I don't love those). DSquared2 and Moschino excelled at the theatrical by transporting us to the world of the ultimate diva whether in the form of Jeremy Scott's Barbie or Dan and Dean's fluff and froufrou. As per usual, Fendi was the best show at Milan Fashion Week and I don't say this because it's Karl, but it's undeniable that he's brilliant.

Let's recap my five favourite shows:

ERMANNO SCERVINO

Scervino is the epitome of Italian beauty: curvaceous, luxurious, and sensual. The show began with a few classic pieces like a pencil skirt in a bold blue hue or sleek strapless dress in a lovely shade of green. The vibe was very pastoral meets glamour (a combination none of us thought possible), particularly at the end with the floral print looks. Italians are also experts at choosing the perfect pieces of skin to display, including shoulders, midriff, and leg. With a few bra tops that were rendered tasteful with frilly blazers, these ladies captured femininity in its purest form. After exploring colour, Scervino reverted to classic white with intricate textures to add allure to each individual piece. And it wouldn't be Milan without some snakeskin, so that was another prominent feature of his collection.The show ended with an evening gown in a classic cut, that was anything but.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 27

I love designers who play with texture and this look aroused my desire for an outfit with interesting tactile appeal perfectly.

GIAMBA

When I first looked at this collection, I didn't know it was Giambattista Valli. I just thought it was incredibly pretty and imagined myself wearing every single piece. After scrolling through the entire collection, I discovered that my favourite couture designer was behind it and everything fell into place in my mind. The feminine silhouettes, the elaborate prints, the whimsical tights. It captured my personality in a nutshell. The entire collections projected a girlishness that was very Gossip Girl's Jenny Humphrey pre-makeover and I found myself feeling nostalgic. The platforms gave it that school girl touch I adore, but not without that Milan sex appeal integrated with transparency. It was a little Lolita with a touch of innocence projected through little white dresses with bouffant sleeves. As the show came to an end, the looks became more and more Valli with feathers and intricate stitch work. Every piece belonged in my closet.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 37
This is so girly and yet, the shoes give it that extra attitude necessary to take it from innocent to dangerous.

VERSACE

I don't know if it's the Vacarello influence coming into play, but I'm beginning to really appreciate the Versace aesthetic. The designer uses a minimalist approach to convey sex appeal, which makes the entire collection very model-off-duty. Perhaps the asymmetry in the first look drew me in or maybe the return of the crop top, which has grown on me with every collection this season. There was something about this show that kept pieces of the Versace we all love without being over-the-top 70s sexy as it usually is. There were some interesting details in the show like mesh top and skirt sets and some leather eyelets. There were some classic sixties shifts with some ostentatious prints and a few more subtle black looks. The loved the final pieces because they had graphic sashes and some Versace sparkle. It was definitely one of my favourite Versace shows yet.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 35

LES COPAINS

New creative director, Stephania Bandiera, blew my mind with this collection for Les Copains. Every piece was wearable and in one word, crisp. With clean white shirts and sleek cropped blazers, there were a number of pieces I wouldn't mind trying on for size. Literally. Some bold necklaces were combined with each predominantly white look to add some flavour and those wedges were definitely up my alley of footwear. The classic spring stripes made an appearance in grey and white and a floral print theme was definitely in that mix to remind us of what we love most about spring. Camo green and beige were other neutrals that surfaced with enough detailing to keep it interesting. Leaves were also displayed in a bold way on sweaters and clean cut dresses to promote the new season in the best way we know how: natural imagery. Finally, the show ended with some tribal prints and one particular red tribal print cape caught my eye. All in all, it was a great success for Stephania.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 14

This look captured spring for me with my favourite trend: the shorts suit. I love the edginess of this look combined with the inherent femininity. I'd wear this in a heartbeat.

FENDI

Is it wrong to say I love Fendi even more than Chanel? It's always so glamorous and projects a more youthful vibe than the demure Chanel tweeds. I look forward to Fendi every season for one reason: to find out how will Karl incorporate the Fendi fur. The designer didn't disappoint. His furry Karl keychains made an appearance to remind us of his ever present sense of humour. He brought florals to the table to keep up with the spring trend in a variety of forms from print to appliqués on a leather skirt I fell in love with just a little. Some asymmetry caught my eye on a few skirts and jackets. There was also a bit of shredding that reminded me of teenage angst (in a good way). The ombre effect was a nice surprise during the show that took the hair trend to clothing. A  few of those statement jackets are on my current wish-list along with a particular pair of baggy leather pants (a look I'm still trying to pull off). There were some interesting futuristic cutouts that are beginning to grow on me. It seems as though our Karl had some fun with that shredder of his. The show ended with some colourful feathers reminiscent of his fall Fendi furs. Say that ten times fast. I dare you.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 47

I know this isn't as wearable as many of the other looks from the collection, but it had that jaw-dropping factor which made it an instant favourite. If I get to see a blogger sport this look, my life will feel that much more complete.

All images via Style.com.

Which was your favourite Milan collection?

Ponder it.

XOXO,

Bella

What Your Nail Polish Collection Says About You

My Collection

I wrote this post back in 2013 about my addiction to Essie nail polish (read it!). For some inexplicable reason, I LOVE Essie (good marketing?). All my friends wear Essie, my aesthetician uses Essie, and it has every shade your brain could possibly imagine. When it is on sale, my heart leaps out of my chest and it instantly becomes the best day of my life. I can't explain why. It just is.

Yet, there are so many other amazing brands to choose from:
OPI
Deborah Lippman
China Glaze
Marc Jacobs
Butter London
NARS
Hard Candy
ZOYA

The list goes on. So, why Essie? It feels right to me and perhaps someday I will be open to other brands, but for now, this is my poison.

Your nail polish collection is not only about the brand you choose but the colours you select. Let me tell you, this says a lot about the kind of person you are. Based on my pre-conceived notions of people, I've decided to help you figure out who you are and whether you'd like to become more experimental based on your nail lacquer collection.

If Your Collection Consists Of...

MOSTLY Reds, Pinks, and Orange Tones
You're a classicist. You're not really a nail polish risk-taker, but you like it that way. You want to look classy and put-together at ALL TIMES. That is perfectly fine. I won't look down on you. I admire your loyalty to a chic selection of colours. Your number one is probably Essie's cult favourite Fiji. That's fine. I own it too. Keep on wearing Fiji. It's lovely.

MOSTLY Blues, Greens, and Shades of Black.
You're a little edgier than most. Your aunt might give your nails a looksie and cringe a little bit, but you like it. You want that reaction. The weirder the colour, the better you feel. Who needs those standard colours? You especially LOVE that there are so many versions of black on the market. After all, who can pick just one? You're probably a big fan of Essie's Butler Please, Turquoise and Caicos, or Devil's Advocate. Your nails are always bold and edgy, exactly like you. And who's to judge?

MOSTLY Nail Art
You are the most patient person on the planet (in my biased opinion). You love YouTube because it offers a world of options. Who needs one colour on your nails when you can have 3? Louboutin nails? Love it. Polka dots? Bring it on. Multi-coloured french mani? That's the ONLY way to do it. You love experimenting and you're a major risk-taker. If you make a mess, who cares? It's all art, isn't it? You're a lot of fun to be around because you'll try anything once. People really love you.

MOSTLY French Manicures, White, or Nudes
You ONLY paint your nails on special occasions. You like them clean and cut. You are very clean cut yourself. You love a classic pantsuit for work with a chic bob or blunt bang. Your nude Celine handbag is your best friend. Who needs wild colours? Those are for children, you say. I'm ready to be a woman. You ALWAYS look sophisticated and people envy your for it. You don't need to try new things because you know what you like and you're more experience driven than trend driven. I salute you.

This may be a product of my imagination, but you might find some truth to it. Take a peak at your nail polish collection tonight and let me know where you stand.

Ponder That,

XOXO,

Bella

Resort Report: Part Dos

For those of you who don't know, dos means two in Spanish. Lucky for you, you get to experience a second report on resort because I simply love resort reporting (and tongue twisters). I've select another five resort collections as my favourites and look forward to your feedback. Now, enough with the jibber jabber and let's get down to business.

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

Christian Siriano is my Dior. Don't get me wrong. J'adore Dior. Christian Siriano just happened to rock my world this season with retro eyewear and architectural dresses in pretty pastels. Feautring flowing summer dresses in pinks, blues, and yellows, this collection was even more delightful than my stash of candy. Synonymous with femininity, every look radiated elegance and each dress managed to make my jaw drop time and time again. It's rare to find a collection in which you desire everything, but this happened to be one them. I smell a new favourite.

Favourite Outfit: Look 16

(structure is overrated)

ELIE SAAB

If it wasn't obvious enough, Elie Saab is basically every girly girl's favourite designer. Why? Probably because lace is a dominant characteristic of his clothing along with princess gowns in pretty pastels with floral appliques. Sigh. Isn't that every woman's fantasy? Of course, this resort collection was no different. Sequins and draping and florals were prominent features of the collection. An Oscar favourite, I'm just eager to find out which celebrity will be wearing Elie Saab at the next big event.

Favourite Outfit: Look 1

(Sometimes white is all you need)

PRABAL GURUNG

Prabal is always a crowd favourite due to his artistic touch and penchant for colour. This collection featured colour blocked pieces, abstract prints, and pretty florals. An abundance of frills presented itself, proving that women are reverting back to a more feminine look. It's time to press pause on that boyish style we've all been trying to imitate and return to our roots. But don't get it mistaken. These loud prints ensure that we're still heard.

Favourite Outfit: Look 3

(I just really love shirt dresses)

JENNY PACKHAM

I'm not usually a huge Jenny Packham fan, but this collection had me swooning. Perhaps I'm just a sucker for embellished gowns with that Cinderella quality. Aren't we all? Using bold yellows, mint green, and clean beige, Jenny Packham's collection revives the summer with a selection of looks perfect for wedding season. According to Rachel Zoe, "who doesn't love a sequin?" (answer: no one). I'm pretty sure Jenny Packham would agree with her.

Favourite Outfit: Look 36

(Guilty pleasure...)

NAEEM KHAN

Another Oscar fave, Naeem Khan has me wishing I had a big event approaching and an endless budget (or non-existing one). With baroque printed outfits that resonate resort, summer stripes, white shorts I'm already dreaming about, and Middle Eastern style dresses, you really couldn't ask for a more traditionally cruise appropriate collection. Naeem Khan knows exactly what women want and never fails to provide it. Let's go on vacation, shall we?

Favourite Outfits: Look 13, 25, 52

(Once again, I couldn't pick just one)

(Images via Style.com)

That's all she wrote folks. Hope you enjoyed these resort reviews and look forward to reviewing Fashion Week in September. 

Ciao,

Bella

Resort Report

Summer is a rough time for all of us. Or maybe just for fashion folk who have no runway shows to aspire to. Luckily, the resort collections flood Style.com during those summer months when fashion takes a short nap, preparing us for what's to come in September. Resort is one of my favourite collections because there's always an abundance of colour and innovative cuts galore. I love sifting through each and every collection to select my favourite looks and which ones I dream of adding to my own wardrobe. Realistically, they will most likely never make it into my wardrobe. I will probably grab snippets of inspiration here and there to get the creative juices flowing and store them inside my mental folder to reopen once I head on over to Forever 21. Luckily, I have my blog as an outlet for my fashion aspirations. To assist you with your own personal search, I've come up with some of my favourite looks so far.

DKNY

DKNY is always one of my favourite collections. Lately, I've been inspired by the tomboy fad and I can't seem to get enough of baseball caps and sneakers. Don't get my wrong, I'm a heels girl through and through. Occasionally, I feel like changing it up and DKNY is exactly what I need. My favourite part about DKNY is that there's always a feminine touch integrated into the collection that reminds us all to keep our girly side alive. This resort collection was a panoply of feathers, fuzzy coats, and fringe. Somehow, it still felt like summer due to the dominance of baby pink. Of course, the classic NY cap was the centrepiece that caught everyone's attention. 

Favourite Outfit: Look 10

(I'm a sucker for black)

HONOR

Honor is one of the most underrated collections. Pretty with a capital P, Honor is the emblem of femininity with ribbons, bows, and floral prints. The collection began with a selection of prim and proper ensembles in eyelet whites and creams with gorgeous bell sleeves, a look I was very excited to see return. They may be impractical in theory, but they're just so pretty we'll let them pass. After a series of pieces in bold florals, reminding us of the gardens of yore, bright coloured dresses from yellow to fuchsia and a final Victorian white gown made us all dream of getting invited to classy parties of celebrity caliber.
Favourite Outfit: Look 38
(Pretty in Pink much?)

ROLAND MOURET
The Roland Mouret Resort collection caught my attention last month as I fell in love with the asymmetrical cuts and colour blocked skirts. This collection smelled like summer with every pastel colour you could dream of on classic coats and sophisticated dresses. The colours had "I'm on a yacht at some fancy party in my expensive dress with a glass of champagne" written all over them. It was an assortment of your favourite fruits from your dream exotic destination and believe me, they were delicious. The final black halter jumpsuit had Beyonce's name written all over it.
Favourite Outfit: Look 4
(That coat though)

ALICE + OLIVIA
Alive + Olivia is for the woman with a little girl inside of her, but who still craves some sophistication. The first piece looked like something I wish I could've drawn at the age of 6 with aspirations of becoming a designer. The touch of whimsy made it especially reminiscent of summer vacations with the family. Bold colours were definitely a big theme of this collection along with mixed prints that reached a whole other level and bags the size of your barbie doll's handbag in florescent colours. The inserts of leather added some adult flair to the collection in sexy snakeskin. Your favourite new trend was part of this mix: the culotte. Vacation, here I come!
Favourite Outfit: Look 4
(I NEED that bomber)

FAUSTO PUGLISI

Can you say "fresh of the runway"? Fausto Puglisi has been a major favourite of mine since I discovered him in the Fall. This resort collection was edgy as can be, but in all your favourite pastel shades from mint green to lilac. As soon as I saw this collection, I was smitten. By the first look featuring a black crop top, leopard print coat, knee length mint green skirt, and pointy toe lilac pumps, I was instantly drawn into the world of Puglisi. The sexy cuts and inserts of leathers are balanced by flared feminine skirts and button up shirts. Not usually a fan of tie-dye, I was a little unsure how I felt about this print when I spotted it in the collection, but somehow, he made it work a la 90's. With whimsical sweatshirts with the words Gladiator and Spartan spread across them, Fausto made us all feel like strong and powerful women and the gladiator sandals only amplified the badass theme. With just the right amount of sugar and spice, Fausto had the perfect concoction for my dream wardrobe.

Favourite Outfit(s): Look 4, 28, and 32

(Just TRY and pick just one)

Images via Style.com

What is your favourite collection so far? Are you dreaming of Fausto like I am or fantasizing about DKNY?

Take a look and be inspired!

Bella