A Full-Blown Easy-To-Read Fashion Week Recap

Too busy to keep up with Fashion Month's limitless list of designers this year? Guilty of not reading any of my previous posts recapping my top 5 best at the four capitals? None of this matters because I'm about to offer you one final chance at redemption: a full-blown easy-to-read fashion week (read: month) recap. Are you ready? This is what you need to retain.

Fall is all about outerwear and outerwear accessories that keep you warm, right? This season, we learned how to tie a scarf in a multitude of ways. The more it drags to the floor, the better. In New York, Marissa Webb was all about the effortless over-the-shoulder look, while in Paris, Karl Kagerfeld made us reconsider scarves altogether in exchange for a preppy cardigan wrapped around the neck at Chanel.

At Dries Van Noten, we learned that women should wear ties, though at Haider Ackermann, shirts were pretty much optional. But who needs shirts when your underwear can now be worn outside your clothing, as seen at Valentino and Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini? If you're a tad bit conservative, that's fine too. At Marco de Vincenzo and Karen Walker, it was all about those extra layers and at Akris and Paco Rabanne, our trusted turtle-neck was all the rage. Also, the oversized look was a major go at Balenciaga for those seeking comfort with a fashion edge. If sexy and exposed is more your thing, Paco Rabanne taught us how to wear crop tops to work (depending on the flexibility of your manager) and at Balmain, Louis Vuitton, and Moschino, we learned how to expose our shoulders. Perhaps shoulders are the new midriff? Think about it.

As you know, when it comes to brands like Julien Macdonald, Saint Laurent, and Mugler, the sexy look is always in. If you have the confidence of Jourdan Dunn or Gigi Hadid, these brands are for you and we probably can't be friends. Speaking of confidence, it may take a truckload to pull off the transparent pieces at Sonia Rykiel, Givenchy, and Elie Saab. Here's what I've learned. You're either wearing your lingerie out and exposed or none at all. Take your pick. As for some other trends, fringe is still in according to the great Elie Saab and so are wide belts (seen at Miu Miu and A Detacher). But the most important trend to follow is ruffles. Remember that. We saw them at Marissa Webb, Sonia Rykiel, Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini, Fendi, Kenzo, Chanel, Giambattista Valli, and every other show with an inkling of girlish charm. They are the best.

What should you wear outside? Shearling is obviously a must for next Fall (as shown at Carven), but if you prefer fur, it's the jelly to fall's peanut butter sandwich. Great advocates of fur include Fendi, Calvin Klein Collection, and J. Mendel. If a full fur is too much for you, you can also wear it as an accessory like at Sonia Rykiel. Another option is the cape, seen at Akris, or the main trend of the moment, the bomber jacket. According to Coach 1941, bombers are the bomb guys. Wear one. When it gets even colder, Demna Gvasalia of Balenciaga just made it okay to wear a massive parka, which you can pair with an A Detacher beanie. Some other crazy hat options were seen at Chanel, Daks, Gareth Pugh, and Louis Vuitton (if you're feeling a little whimsical or slightly outside the box). Even if it's cold outside, you should still wear your massive eyewear (because sun is still a thing in the winter contrary to popular belief) as Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Karen Walker, and Anna Sui have taught us. But when it's raining, look to those transparent plastic head scarves at Christopher Kane (or your grandmother's closet) and the impermeable rain coats at Lacoste because rain is REAL guys. So is frizzy hair.

Ready for your beauty look? Black lips were major at Dior and Louis Vuitton. But according to Paco Rabanne, blue lips are suitable as well if you're feeling daring. If that sounds a bit too grim, try the fuchsia lip as shown at Alexis Mabille and Topshop Unique to brighten up those dark winter days.

Finally, layer all of your looks with pearls. Why? Because Karl Lagerfeld and Jeremy Scott said so.

If this list was too long for you, this is all you actually need to know.
1) Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are interchangeable and irreplaceable. They swapped hair at Balmain and all the world was in awe.
2) Someone wore a chandelier at Moschino. Sia would be proud.
3) The set at Louis Vuitton was the best one. Karl Lagerfeld opted for no set this year and made a statement doing so. He also gave someone else a shot at blowing our minds. That someone was Nicholas Guesquiere.
4) Skinny legs are out. Not happening. Over. Move on.
5) RUFFLES.

And now that I am out of breath, you may rest and take what you can from this recap. I hope it offered you everything you were looking for and perhaps enticed you to check out some shows (or at least the chandeliers). If not, let's hope it was remotely entertaining.

LOVE,
Bella

NYFW: My Top 5 Shows In-Review

New York Fashion Week has officially come to an end and the closing remarks are bittersweet. Bitter, because it's time to resume our daily routine of lowkey dressing and sweet, because we're about to open the London chapter and start afresh. While there were some challenging moments (i.e the frigid temperatures), it only challenged bloggers and editors alike to step up their street style game.

On the runway, it was a week filled with future street style inspiration brought to us by streetwear pros like Marissa Webb, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Michael Kors, and more demure office wear for the New Yorker on-the-go presented by Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, and Huge Boss. For the girl with a little more attitude, Rodarte and Alexander Wang did not fail to come through in the clutch, and for the gal with a little spring in her step, Jeremy Scott came prepared with a closet full of playful and colourful options. While New York Fashion Week is generally the most conservative of the bunch, it has its own persona that is perfectly aligned with that of the city girl with a penchant for fashion. The overall wearability of the clothing is exactly what makes it a crowd pleaser, offering a wide range of ideas for next Fall.

As per the custom, I've selected five shows to review because they presented some of my favourite looks this season. Are you ready?

CAROLINA HERRERA

Carolina Herrera epitomizes elegance and femininity, qualities exhibited by the soft flowing fabrics in her collections and 3-D floral appliques that adorned her much sought-after dresses this year. For her Fall 2016 collection, Herrera juxtaposed light sheer midi skirts with luxe furs to create a ladylike look with some added superstar glamour. The colours ranged from neutral nudes and pinks to dark grey and blue, proving that Spring and Fall can coincide. This may be appropriate considering the "see now, buy now" attitude currently permeating the minds of fashion folk today. Some flashes of mint green and purple sparked our colour trend radars, particularly for the approaching wedding season. Could these be the ones to watch out for? Though most of the looks were conservative in nature, large-and-in-charge eyewear made our pupils dilate a little more, while adding a little whimsy to this otherwise demure collection. It just goes to show that even the most ladylike among us have a hidden playful side that yearns to surface with just the right accessory.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 7

via vogue.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Speaking of ladylike and demure, let's talk about Oscar de la Renta. Call me a hopeless romantic, but I was really feeling the old school feminine collections with a lot of long skirts in loose cuts, furry accents, and high necklines worthy of a Victorian dame, this season. I must say, Peter Copping is proving to be an excellent choice as Oscar's successor based on his latest collections for the label. This particular Fall show featured models in flared skirts and dresses with cinched waists, but don't be mistaken, it was not reserved solely for the angelic amongst us. Bits of leather were added to the show, whether on a knee-length burgundy skirt or a dress in the same shade, giving the collection a bit more of a woman-in-charge attitude. This woman may start off as the CEO of her very own fashion company, but she's quick to change into an elegant gown for the cocktail party after hours. Much like the late designer, Copping ended the show with some jaw dropping gowns with organza skirts as well as some floral jacquard looks for the slightly more rebellious party-goer. I can only imagine a glass of champagne in hand to accessorize one of these dresses, whether of the cocktail variety or the floor-grazing type.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 1

via vogue.com

COACH 1941

Let's take a moment to pick at a collection slightly less "ladylike" this season and much more of the masculine-inspired variety: Coach 1941. This year, for the first time, Coach captured my attention during fashion week. This may be due to the fact that it was recently revamped by designer, Stuart Vevers, hoping to raise its fashionista status. Whatever he's doing, he's done it right, taking the lead from designers like Tommy Hilfiger, who perhaps inspired himself from his high school days on the field or maybe even the recent Super Bowl. Allow me to explain. This collection was filled with bomber jackets in all shapes and sizes, whether with shearling collars, long or cropped, or even bedecked in sports paraphernalia, proving that this is probably your next Fall coat, so put it down on your wishlist stat. Though the hemlines were high (the abundance of mini skirts was impossible to miss), there was still a strong masculine feel to this collection, or perhaps a defiance of gender, one of the main themes of fashion week this season. The most surprising part of the show? Models in western inspired booties in metallic shades that somehow went perfectly well with the predominantly preppy garb. Whose to question the power of fashion right? In this day and age, anything goes.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 27

via vogue.com

MICHAEL KORS

I haven't always identified myself as a Kors girl, or even one to carry his famous shoulder bags on the daily, but this Fall 2016 collection definitely caught my eye. While many of his collections have proven to be unflattering for a small body type like my own (involving many oversized pieces and extra layers to drown a petite frame), this one was much more user friendly. Though it remained jetsetter appropriate (with enough variety to suit every possible destination), this collection was much more streetwear focused. From classy cold weather ready coats (including luxurious furs and peacoats in camel and pale blue) to easy-to-wear flowy mini dress with small slits in bold animal prints or the ever-popular checked look, Kors created a collection that contains enough variety to spice up your wardrobe without losing sight of your identity (no promises though). Some striking pieces in the show included a disco-inspired white mini dress with feathers popping out in all directions and an all-black pant ensemble of the same feathered variety. While it was all slightly less jetset than usual, the essence of Michael was still very much present with an extra pinch of glamour that only served to jazz it up a little more.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 24

via vogue.com

MARISSA WEBB

Full disclosure. I am absolutely obsessed with Marissa Webb. Though she may have pressed pause on Banana Republic, her namesake collection is stronger than ever and filled with looks anyone with even a modest interest in fashion would be dying to wear (at least parts of it). The collection started with an array of winter ready dark looks with sexy leather thigh-high boots (I'm already coveting) and some sophisticated office-ready plaid. What began as quite a dark collection featuring more structured looks eased its way into the loose floral printed dress for the girly girl who still yearns to look sophisticated without feeling as constricted. Though much of the collection remained in the neutral hues like tan, black, and pale gray, Webb took us all by surprise with a few mustard coloured dresses that were surprisingly appealing. Could this colour be making a revival? (Pantone 2k16?) Another thing the designer seems to be incredibly skilled at (other than sparking our interest in the oh-so-(un)flattering mustard yellow), is layering. If there's one thing this show was NOT missing, it was the abundance of scarves draped around the necks of the models. One particular quality they had is that they flowed all the way to the ground, rather than being wrapped securely around the neck (and these girls are 5"11 on average). When scarves weren't involved, there were heavy turtlenecks galore, reminding us all that this trend is here to stay. If there's anything to take away from this collection, it would have to be that when it comes to winter accessories, more is more.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 29

via vogue.com

Hope you enjoyed reading these reviews! Stay tuned for London and let me know which shows were your favourite.

Ponder it,

Bella

Paris: The City of Lights And Elaborate Headwear

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

Let's review.

CARVEN

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 15

via style.com

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

VALENTINO

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 43

via style.com

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

MONCLER GAMME ROUGE

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 27

via style.com

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

ELIE SAAB

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

FAVOURITE LOOK:

via style.com

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

CHANEL

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

FAVOURITE LOOK:81

via style.com

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

Which show was your favourite this year?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Let's Take A Trip To Milan

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


Here were my top five favourite collections:

 ERMANNO SCERVINO 

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 2

via style.com

ROBERTO CAVALLI

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 29

via style.com

TRUSSARDI 

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 20

via style.com

PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 4

via style.com

DOLCE & GABANNA

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 64

via style.com

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

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

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

Au Revoir, Paris

Paris Fashion Week has come to an end and it's time for us to say our goodbyes to Spring 2015 and face the music. It's actually almost winter. If this brings you down, just remember that you can always go on YouTube and take a revised look at your favourite shows to reminisce. Let's face it, Paris is always worth looking at more than once. At Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent Paris, we were brought back to the MOD era with mini skirts and bold metallics. At Chanel, we experienced another spectacular show with a message that transported us to the hippie 70s. Elie Saab and Giambattista Valli brought us that femininity we all know and love that resonates with their brands, while Balmain kept it edgy to satisfy our darker side. Each collection brought back its own unique personality with a new twist. Many of the collections were familiar, yet refreshing to our saturated fashion minds. As per tradition, I shall analyze and observe the five collections I loved the most.

Here they are:

SAINT LAURENT

Saint Laurent is my favourite collection because it always projects this rock n' roll meets school girl vibe that resonates with me. From the enchanting music to the swivelling colours, the show was mesmerizing on so many levels. Hedi Slimane used fabrics suitable to an Haute Couture show on simple outfits you'd see every day. That's the sign of a true master. From the sequins to the glitter, it could've been a hot mess, but it was anything but. It was all about that rebel who couldn't give a damn whether or not she looks put together, but that's exactly her charm. My two favourite elements of this show? The classic black Saint Laurent hats and those platform wedges (Oh. Em. Gee). Based on Hedi Slimane and Tom Ford, the platforms are about to get even higher, so get ready. Hedi's use of leather and suede created an edgy vibe along with the glamorous use of furs and leopard print. His ability to mix prints blew my mind as everything came together in one unique composition. He took us to the 70s with androgynous pinstriped pants and micro-minis. It was all so glamorous with that Parisian "I don't care" attitude that makes it the best fashion city on the globe. Ooh La La.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 44

The mix of prints from the neck scarf to the blazer had me contemplating never matching again. Who needs to match when you can mix and match? But to be completely honest, I just really loved this leather skirt and that made the whole outfit perfect in my eyes.

VALENTINO

Every season, the Valentino collections takes us through a fashion timeline and we get to travel to an era were decadence was everything. Don't you wish that reflected real life? There were many bold prints at Valentino along with some classier monochrome outfits in lighter shades. Some lovely white lace dresses followed in flowy cuts that looked beyond comfortable and adaptable to a modern lifestyle. The shoes were a particularly interesting aspect of the show that brought us to ancient Greece, reminding us all that we are goddesses (especially in Valentino). Rather than displaying an array of floor-length dresses, Valentino brought us some more minis this year, which seems to be a trend amongst designers. Some side-boob made the cut, preparing us to see some more of it in the coming year on our favourite celebrities, but the overall collection remained tasteful and divine. There was such a kaleidoscope of colour throughout the show that played with the eye and couldn't be anything but beautiful. It was Valentino with a modern twist.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 26

Though I am not usually a fan of such a busy print, I loved that the designers weren't afraid to add a pop of colour to an outfit swallowed in prints. They took a risk and it worked beautifully.

MAXIME SIMOENS

The first thing that sold me during this show was that first crop top that said #colourful is the new black. Not only did it use the modern hashtag, but it also resonated with me because it used one of my favourite fashion cliches with a message I fully support. The collection defined sport luxe with stripes as the reigning print on short sets and shift dresses. Some more feminine looks were also present, particularly a bold flared orange dress and a colourful skirt that went with the theme. There was a sleeveless long blue vest, I wish I could purchase right off the bat because it happens to be in my favourite colour and super freaking cool. The looks were wearable and sophisticated with a message: you don't have to wear black to be chic. As a big fan of the shift dress, there were definitely a bunch I'd love to own. Overall, I'd say it was a great success.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 18

I loved this particular look for reasons stated above. Blue is my favourite colour and a girl who wears a cape obviously owns the room.

ELIE SAAB

Though Elie Saab sticks to that same sophisticated and feminine look every season, it remains a favourite of mine. I always know I'm going to want every piece in the collection. This season, some more colourful pieces added some flavour to the collection in bold prints on high-low flowy dresses and some shifts. For those who like a more monochromatic look, there were some amazing jumpsuits in pastel shades and black with lace detailing and draping fabric. The block clutches were particularly notable and a major selling point for the collection. Lace was still the fabric of choice, but it was explored in new ways that helped Elie Saab renew its image. As usual, there are many looks I'd love to see on the Red Carpet, one of which was a beautiful printed dress with a deep v. Some of the ombre numbers with high slits were also stunning Red Carpet options. Evidently, I always think of Elie Saab in terms of Red Carpet because that's what he does best and this season, he definitely delivered.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 35

This look was my favourite because there was something sporty about it, but yet, it still radiated femininity. Any look that can juxtapose the two is a winner in my book.

CHANEL

What is a runway? According to Karl Lagerfeld, it is a flexible term that he redefines season after season. Last spring, it was your local supermarket, and this year, it was the revolutionary streets in Paris. Rather than having models strut down the runway in a traditional one-by-one linear formation, they walked as a unified whole as they presented each selection of looks. The show began with some androgynous pinstriped suits in the classic Chanel tweed. Bits of colour were incorporated on blouses that brought us back to the hippie era where colour reigned supreme. Though Karl maintained the Chanel image with the tweed looks, he still added his own flavour with his integration of colour, a selection of military looks, and some very interesting clutches with the Chanel logo hanging on a chain. Some pieces felt like couture with their intricate beading and yet, I felt like this fit smoothly into a ready-to-wear collection due to that classic structural appeal a la Coco. Some beautiful metallics were also a major part of this collection, particularly in terms of accessories It was one of the most wearable collections, but still maintained that originality that defines Karl. It was everything we hoped for and more, including a few loudspeakers and some banners.

FAVOURITE LOOK:49

I loved this particular looked because it felt very Coco Chanel with that Karl attitude that I can't get enough of. The jacket was one of my favourite pieces in the show and don't even get me started on the loafers.

All images via Style.com.

So farewell Paris Fashion Week. What was your favourite collections? 

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

How Do You Feel About Coloured Fur?

From Fendi to Gucci, designers have been embracing the fur trend for years. Recently, it has evolved from classic beige and black to bolder hues like green and purple. For many years, fur was taboo in the fashion world due to outcries from PETA. Recently, new animal rights restrictions have allowed designers to reintegrate fur in their collections while avoiding animal cruelty by abiding by certain rules. In light of this development, they have taken this opportunity to experiment with fur, notably Karl Lagerfeld and Giles Mendel, two men who are known for the use of extravagant coloured furs in their collections.

via www.swide.com

Here's a question for you:
If a fur has been dyed and no longer resembles the animal, does this alter how we feel about it?

As someone who loves luxurious furs on the runway, I still can't wrap my head around wearing the real thing. Though I respect these designers, I remain an advocate for faux fur because I can't fathom myself wearing an animal over my shoulders.

But, what if it's blue? Or green? Or orange?
What happens when you add colour?
Can this trend translate onto the streets (and not just the fashion week streets)?
Will it catch on?

Gucci Fall/Winter 2014
via www.patternity.org

Fur is not the only fluffy fabric that has gained popularity amongst consumers. In the fall, we love engulfing ourselves in cozy fabrics and that includes shearling, wool, and duvet. After all, it gets cold and we need the warmth to keep us alive in the winter.

If we can wear a pair of bold pastel jeans or colour-blocked shoes, then why not fur?
If you already feel comfortable in a fur, then should a coloured fur feel different?

If you're inclined to test out this trend, start small. Try a fur stole or a hat in a bold red or purple. Explore your options. If Karl did it, that means it can be done. After all, it's about time we make a statement, no?

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

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

Obnoxious Logo Shirts We (Secretly) Love

As a self-proclaimed fashion girl, I'm a sucker for a high-end label (as we all are) merely because I stalk too many celebrities and watch too many entrancing runway shows. However, I'm also a realist with a vivid imagination and a limited budget. Admittedly, Balmain is not within my grasp at the current time, nor Saint Laurent. Though I eagerly anticipate fashion month every season to derive inspiration from my favourite designers, I won't kid myself into believing any of it will reach my wardrobe. It's a reality that many of us face as we head over to Forever21 and H&M to pick out cheap duds that will probably belong to the Salvation Army within a year. We know it isn't ideal, but it's just real life.

And then, a new trend surfaces where ladies begin to sport a witty plays on designer names across their chests. As we all know, fashion loves its clichés, but as language becomes more important in the fashion world, clichés are transformed into word play and who doesn't love a #clevernotclever play on words?

Here are some of these notorious t-shirts with a sliver of commentary, because as you know, I can't resist.

Celine Me Alone

Fashion girls love to be moody. Models walk the runways with their serious face on, Anna Wintour only smiles on special occasions, and unless it's a toothpaste ad, nobody is smiling in a designer campaign either. Naturally, "Celine Me Alone" encapsulates exactly what everyone is feeling. It verges on corny, but who's counting?

Verdict: 8/10 (for accuracy)

Where to buy: Etsy

via purediiamonds.tumblr.com

Ballin Paris

Ever since Rihanna became a good girl gone bad, it became sexy to be a so-called baller. I'm not precisely sure what this means. From my understanding, it refers to basketball, but I'm not sure this girl plays sports. Fortunately for us, the amazing thing about fashion is that you don't have to be a baller to wear this shirt. Nobody will question you because you could just claim to love Balmain and that's perfectly acceptable.

7/10 (it's inaccurate, but compensates for getting picked last in gym class)

Where to buy: Alex and Chloe

via lookbook.nu

Homies New York
Apparently, if you add an accent to the E in homies, you get Hermes...(sort of). Conclusion: girls who wear Hermes are major homies. No, they do not like to stay at home nor are they literally homies from the "hood", but they look insanely cool wearing a t-shirt that deceives the eye. Right?
Verdict: 7/10 (inaccurate, but raises coolness status)
Where to get it: The Bay

via fashioncognoscente.blogspot.com

Comme Des Fuckdown

If Erin Wasson is wearing it, it's probably the coolest shirt ever and you immediately need to own it. In case you didn't know, Comme des Fuckdown is meant to represent "Comme des Garçons". This shirt is proof that when vulgarity is involved, it doesn't have to make grammatical sense (Fuckdown should be plural). People will purchase it for the shock value and frankly, they might have not even heard of the actual designer. Thankfully, nobody will ask because they're too preoccupied with the word "fuck" being worn in a public place where children walk their dogs.

Verdict: 6/10 (inaccurate, nonsensical, and vulgar, but successfully shocking)

Where to buy: End Clothing

via Glamour

Radarte
Confession: I had to google this one. I could probably decode the word "radar" and assume that had to do with either Rodarte being on your radar or you being on someone else's radar (on account of you being so famous and all). After a thorough search, I've come to the conclusion that we're all still pretending to get it so we don't make a fool of ourselves. In other words, can somebody PLEASE (privately) explain to me what this means?!
Verdict: 5/10 (confused)
Where to buy: Opening Ceremony

via thestylenet.net

Which one would YOU wear? Would you even WEAR this? Is this fashionably acceptable or "trying too hard"? What's YOUR verdict?

TGI(almost)F,

Bella