Socks and Sandals. Sandals and Socks.

via Harper's Bazaar

You're sitting on the bus humming you're favourite Justin Timberlake song under your breath with your legs crossed and your cobalt blue Jansport on your lap. Suddenly, your eyes are diverted towards a disturbing image. A middle-aged man wearing socks with his sandals.

Believe it or not, this happens to me on a daily basis.

In the very same day, I rush home, flip up my laptop, and sift through images of the Fall 2014/2015 collections. I sigh over gorgeous Tommy Ton shots of beautiful fashionistas in eccentric clothing. Then, I stop. Women wearing socks with sandals. Lo and behold, I am obsessed.

Now, here's the question that's been racking at my brain. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Is this trend permissible for women, but not
for men?
Is this merely acceptable in the fashion world?
Is the new fashion week rule: anything goes?
Did I miss some crucial style information?

What is up with this double standard?

via Harper's Bazaar
New York Fashion Week Fall 2014

Before my fashion obsessed days, I used to look at these photos with critical eyes, staring at editorials featuring models wearing socks under sandals and cringing at the sight. Today, I've been brainwashed into accepting this trend as the fashion norm. Perhaps I'll try it myself. Or will I? Will the rest of the world understand that I'm just a fashionista who wants to express herself? Or will I be marvelled at in the same way I ogled those models in my pre-fashion days?

MAYBE I JUST HAVE AWESOME SOCKS AND I WANT TO SHARE THEM.

Excuse the caps lock, but it was intentional.

What do YOU think of this look? Do or don't? Should we welcome a trend we stole from middle-aged men into our lives with open arms?

Ponder that.

Bella

From McDonalds to Milk, Fashion Month Was All About Food

In lieu of the usual Fashion Week review, I've decided to hand out a series of awards to the spectacular runway shows of this past week. Due to the immense amount of talent at Paris Fashion Week, the possibility of selecting five shows to discuss was simply unfathomable. How can you narrow it down when everyone is just so fabulous? Alas, in honour of last Sunday's Oscars, I was inspired to concoct a list of awards for the shows that stood out. And if you'd like to critique the fashion, go on Style.com or check out the shows on YouTube.

Shall we begin?

The "Am I On Drugs Or Is This Really Happening?" Award

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Looking for the best DJ in town? He was probably at JPG this week strumming some tunes from the past (including The Clash and Queen). What began as a flight attendant directing our eyes towards the models in-waiting ended with a patriotic tribute to London (even though the show took place in Paris). If you weren't thinking WTF, you probably were on drugs.

The "Got Milk" Award

Chanel

Duh. This season, Karl Lagerfeld took us to the supermarket. As per usual, there were tweed and pearls involved, but this time, the ladies carried grocery baskets and milk cartons as handbags. The real mystery lay in the locks around their necks. Perhaps: the key to my heart is through food?

The Rainbow Award

Christian Dior

The various shades of coats were a feast for the eyes at Dior's Fall 2014 runway show. Raf Simons clearly loves colour and ain't afraid to show it. New trend? Short sleeves, long gloves.

The "Too Cool For School" Award

Saint Laurent Paris

Taking it away every year, Saint Laurent is clearly the most popular girl in school because she doesn't even have to try to be cool. She just is. Are sequins involved? Perhaps. When you're that cool, it isn't a science.

ukshop.onsugar.com

The Grandma's Wardrobe Award

Valentino

Usually, Valentino takes us back 100 years. This season, all we had to do was look into Granny's wardrobe and there it was (unless your Granny lived in the early 20th century). Florals dominated the Valentino runway as well as clown gear that we all secretly want to wear to our next birthday party.

The Downton Abbey Award

Lanvin

This season, Alber Elbaz clearly watched Downton Abbey and took his cues from there. From Edwardian gowns to flapper dresses adorned with feathers, we were taken on a journey through time that involved an abundance of extravagant hats. Apparently, 1920 is SO 2014.

The Gangster Award

Balmain

Olivier Rousteing knows what women want: to look like Rihanna. That generally involves military jackets, leathers pants, and an abundance of embellishment. So if you're a G, Balmain is where it's at.

The Burgundy Award
Elie Saab
Elie Saab wins the award for the most burgundy used in one show. We all know that Burgundy is Fall's favourite colour. Apparently, that's the only colour. I challenge you to wear burgundy every day for the next month. Can you do it?

The PARTAY Award
Stella McCartney
Aside from Stella's usual sweater sets, the models danced down the runway this season led by Cara Delevingne and Joan Smalls. Who wouldn't want to be at that party?

via Fashionista.com

The Newcomer Award
Louis Vuitton
Yes, yes. I know that Nicholas Guesquiere is no stranger to fashion, but he still refreshed the page of Louis Vuitton and it was quite impressive. We all adored those Louis bags and the new sporty look of Vuitton. It may not have included escalators or trains, but it allowed for a greater emphasis on the fabulous collection of clothes.

The "I Dare You To Walk Down the Stairs in these Shoes" Award
Miu Miu
Why oh why did Miuccia Prada deem it a good idea to have models walk down an endless amount of stairs in heels to get to the runway? Was it a challenge to see which models were worthy of Miu Miu? Or simply a test of their athletic abilities? Who knows? All I know is that Lupita N'Yongo was there and she looked amazing.

There may have not been McDonalds sweaters (MFW) or pizza (The Oscars), but there were definitely some shows that we MUST watch (more than once). Which Paris Fashion Week show was your favourite? Supermarket Chanel or perhaps out of this world Jean Paul Gaultier?

Until next year!

Bella

London Called. We Had A Nice Chat. Milan Is On The Other Line.

If my corny attempt at manipulating clichés did not offer you any hints as to what the hell I'm talking about, allow me to clarify. As with NYFW, this is my dedicatory post in which I say "cheers" to London Fashion Week by presenting my favourite collections. Tea, crumpets, and Tom Ford is exactly what the doctor ordered and though it was much too short, LFW exceeded expectations with vibrant prints, architectural cuts, and metallic accents. With a surprise by Cara Delevingne (view here) and just the right amount of hipster to suit our fancy, I hereby present to you: London Fashion Week In Review.

HOLLY FULTON 

Did somebody order a dash of whimsy with a sprinkle of quirkiness? Holly Fulton offers a collection that satisfies your need to express your weird desires to simultaneously embody the eccentric school teacher and boho artist with a penchant for funky prints. From tailored coats to sophisticated dresses with whimsical patterns and sheer dresses with floral appliqués, Fulton plays with concepts and ideas, capturing the attention of women with an abundance of personality. As you'll soon discover, mixing prints was the flavour of the week in London this season as abstract art materialized inside the fabrics.

Favourite Look: I have a little nerd crush on Look 4 (the first look in this image).

via www.becomegorgeous.com

PETER PILOTTO

With all the hype surrounding the new Target collection, Peter Pilotto is the talk of the town and if you didn't see this runway show, get thee to YouTube. Of all the #LFW shows, this was the only one I managed to watch Live and I was transported into another world. Illusion was the resounding theme as models strutted through a maze of colour in visually captivating prints exhibiting every shade of the rainbow. Whatever message was being conveyed, it was shouted out loud through abstract artistic designs that only served to further question our interpretive abilities. Interesting? Yes. Bold? Absolutely. Overkill? That's for you to decide.

Favourite Look: The sweater in Look 16. Because it made me question whether or not I'd actually wear it.

via Style Sight

TEMPERLEY LONDON

Temperley London is always one of my favourite collections come London Fashion Week. Let me tell you why. It begins with the extravagant skirts with a strong dose of personality and end with a burning desire for romance. Integrating Byzantine mosaic prints and florals in bold shades of blue, the artistic flavour was nothing short of delicious. Scarves have become a fashion statement as they take on their own identities, becoming the centrepiece of every look. Katie Shillingford completes this collection by outlining the feminine figure as she slips into evening wear. Also, boot pants are the latest fad. Get with the program.

Favourite Look: My weakness for black has reared it's ugly head and the poncho in Look 17 propelled it to surface (but the third look in this image would definitely be my second favourite)

via dreaminlace.com

BURBERRY PRORSUM

The backdrop, the music, the blankets embellished with initials. I think this may be love. This season, Christopher Bailey went above and beyond, with his juxtaposition of warm colours and abstract prints on flowy bohemian dresses and scarves that we'll all be dying to own as soon as they hit the shelves. The classic trench took on a new persona, appearing in warm Safari tones. Accessorizing with matching belts and handbags, these models were transformed into art pieces blending into the natural landscape. Yes, Christopher. I'd like all of those dresses delivered to my closet, please.

Favourite Look: The coat in look 5. I'm already swooning (the second look in the image below)

via www.bellanaija.com

ANTONIO BERARDI

Let's take a moment to talk about those boots, which were basically the footwear equivalent of fishnet stockings. If that wasn't indicative enough of what this collection was about to offer, the form-fitting mini dresses revealed "sexy vixen" as the theme of choice. With geometric prints, architectural detailing, and vibrant metallic colours, this collection demanded just the right amount of attention, while remaining tasteful. The masculine inspired coats were the perfect compliment to these otherwise traditional feminine looks and they are currently on my "coveting" list.

Favourite Look: Look 6 has my name written all over it. In morse code.

via fashion.telegraph.co.uk

That's all, folks. Ciao Milan.

Bella

New York Fashion Week Highlights

As New York Fashion Week comes to a close in a clouded realm we like to call “Marc Jacobs”, it’s time to reflect on the collections that dominated this past week (in my personal opinion) otherwise known as: New York Fashion Week in Review. I’d like to focus on the five shows that I can’t stop fantasizing about, wishing I would’ve been there, and simultaneously taking note of every incredible piece I wish I had in my wardrobe.

CAROLINA HERRERA

Maybe it’s my Morrocan roots doing the talking or perhaps some 40s nostalgia surfacing, but from the moment this collection began, I wanted to incorporate a fez in my everyday life (just kidding). All fez (fezes? Fezi?) aside, the dark and luxurious feel of this collection blew my mind from here to Tangier. The combination of velvet with glamorous furs, snippets of leather and geometric prints was enough to tease the eye and play with feminine proportions. Round sunglasses were a cool touch that added some flavor, one that I predict will be a big winner this year in the sunglasses department. Let’s not forget those striking textured red earrings that complimented Herrera’s gowns in a way that added to the international saveur.

Favorite Look: The printed dress in Look 12 with Audrey Hepburn gloves.

via Blog.stylesight.com

KENNETH COLE NEW YORK

You might say I am obsessed with hats and you’d probably be right. Although in this collection, they came in a very different form that I’d like to call “the rich lady hat” because you’d have to be of a superior class to pull this off which is exactly what places it at the top of my list. There’s something glamorous and powerful about a woman in a hat, especially a masculine hat with a pinstriped suit. The pinstripes were definitely a common theme at Kenneth Cole, offering that oh-so-popular androgynous appeal we all strive for. Apparently, black is the new black and leather is always involved in a pre-dominantly black collection. Whoever said black was boring never encountered Kenneth Cole.

Favorite Look: That coat in look 23? It has to be mine.

via Glamour

 MONIQUE L'HUILLIER

Monique LHuillier encapsulated my personality this season with feminine pieces that each had a hidden dark side only to be observed by the perceptive eye. More 40s silhouettes reigned on the runway in 50 shades of pink with floral prints, subtle skulls, lace appliques, and 90s-inspired mesh. Adding a baroque twist, the romance oozing from this collection was beyond the imagination.  The show began with dark beauties conjuring an image of a black swan who transforms into a stunning princess by the very end. I’m pretty sure my future Oscar dress was in the mix.

Favorite Look: Though a close race, I’m a sucker for a black gown and number 39 definitely took the cake.

via Snob Essentials

DKNY

DKNY was an absolute masterpiece, partially because Donna Karan is one of the coolest individuals in fashion (and that’s saying a lot), partly because it was her 30^th anniversary and she’s clearly a pro, but mostly because of the real New Yorkers strutting their stuff on the runway. That’s right. Your every day next door neighbor got to do the walk this season in New York baseball caps (another incredible hat choice), bomber jackets, and the classic DKNY sneaker. Perhaps I’m in a menswear phase, but the skateboarder with a rock n’ roll edge is an inspired look that feels real and very modern New York, and it’s the kind of girl I yearn to be. Of course, it wouldn’t be a fall collection without the resident fur making its way down that runway in black and white a la Cruella Deville. The houndstooth is definitely a trend to watch this season in a variety of forms and the animal print is ready to have its moment in new unexpected colors. The show ended with a surprising splash of pink lace in flirty cuts for the coy New Yorker with feminine flair.

Favorite Look: Number 36, an asymmetrical houndstooth print dress in my favorite black and blue caught my attention and I definitely wouldn’t mind having it in my closet.

via Snob Essentials

VERA WANG

My absolute favorite collection this season at New York Fashion Week this season was Vera Wang, partially because it reflected my dark and edgy interior and feminine exterior, but mostly because I’m dying for that “you bug me” t-shirt from Look 2. For this Fall 2014 collection, Vera Wang took on a new approach to her brand from a 90s grunge perspective. Incorporating leather pieces with oversized plaid sweatshirts, some black fur, and a few metaphorical bugs to express the mood, Wang takes us into a new world of women with attitude and spunk. Florals take on a new meaning on sheer dresses that float off the body. The gold lame dresses and sparkling numbers at the end at a touch of midnight glamour, taking this woman from the office to an evening affair filled with cocktails and chitchat with extravagant ladies. And of course, my favorite part, those hardcore black stilettos for the woman you’d never want to mess with.

Favorite Look: Look 19 had my name written all over it. Each and every perfect element in that composition radiates effortless glamour.

via Snob Essentials

In case you missed it, you can view all looks from the collections on Style.com.

See You in London,

Bella

Ode to a Marc Jacobs

via ibtimes.com

The day has finally arrived for me to write a dedicatory blog post to the one, the only, Marc Jacobs. Several months ago, I wrote about the incredible Karl Lagerfeld (see post here), the controversial monster of the fashion industry. Today, I present you with an ode to Marc, the man we're all dying to meet, who doesn't mind encountering a bit of controversy himself. As the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection just hit the runway a little over an hour ago, this post could not be any more a propos. So let's all raise an imaginary glass (or a real one. Whatever tickles your fancy) to the creative genius we would all love to have at one of our trendy dinner parties.


Thou still ravishing king of mystique
Thou foster-child of BEAUTY and timelessness
Fashion designer, who canst thus express
A flowery tale more sweetly than your designs:
What Louis Vuitton legend haunts about thy name
Of fashionistas or mortals, or of both,
In New York or the streets of Paris?
What men and women are these? What no one loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to succeed?
What combat boots and leather? What wild ecstasy?

(adapted from Keat's "Ode to a Grecian Urn")


From wearing boxers under a transparent black lace evening gown to collaborating with Miley Cyrus in his new ad campaigns, it's safe to say that Marc does not shy away from media attention. After leaving Louis Vuitton last season, much to everyone's dismay, and passing on the torch to Nicholas Guesquiere, Marc has decided to focus on his own label, leaving us all in eager anticipation for the grand finale of New York Fashion Week. Known for being fashionably late and presenting extravagant shows with mind-blowing sets, it is no wonder he's always the last one on the fashion week schedule. Though he blew us all away throughout his 16 year tenure at LV with carousels, the hogwarts express (as I like to call it), and escalators featuring asymmetrical twins, it only raised our expectations to insurmountable levels. Not only is Marc a legend of fashion, but he also turned 50 this year, making him one of the best looking middle-aged men I have ever seen who couldn't look any less his age. There is nothing this man can't juggle and he doesn't seem to have a stop button. As he says goodbye to Louis Vuitton, we may suppose he's taking a break from his jam-packed career, but based on this man's history, he'll have another surprise in store for us before you can say "Marc by Marc".

Bella

Who's Ready for Fashion Month?

The day we've all been anticipating since Pre-Fall has finally arrived. Tomorrow, Fashion Month commences in New York City and all the cool kids are invited, while us regular folk watch it in the comfort of our homes through Live Streaming. As fashion journalists, bloggers, magazine editors, designers, and celebrities alike gather in the city that never sleeps, models invade the streets (making average people feel even smaller), and street photographers get camera ready, everyone is scrambling to prepare for this long awaited extravaganza that's seasonally 7 months in advance. Go fashion for not being a procrastinator! As someone who hasn't yet entered the realm of fashion, I have my own methods of preparation for this beautiful month of style. If you're looking for some tips on how to prepare as someone not attending any events, today is your lucky day.

via www.thegloss.com

Step 1: Plug Style.com into your favourites/bookmarks (if it isn't there already). Style.com is my fashion month bible and I check it a total of 954859834958034 times a day to ensure I don't miss a thing. As each show runs its course, I eagerly flip through all the looks prior to viewing the shows. It's essential.

Step 2: Follow FashionTv on YouTube. This is a crucial step to the process of staying up-to-date on shows after you've already picked your favourite looks on Style.com. Uploading all the best designers runway shows along with some backstage sneak peaks, FashionTv is crucial to this month of madness.

Step 3: Make a schedule. The fashion month schedule is incredibly intense and unfortunately, we may only have time to watch our favourite shows first. Write down when the shows air in your agenda or smartphone because you'll want to know when the live streaming is happening so you can watch it in class while your professor rambles about lesser things.

Step 4: Stay up to date on Twitter. There is nothing more aggravating than getting your news second-hand on Twitter. However, we can't all watch the shows in the moment that they air, and so, Twitter is our saviour and our outlet for the opinions nobody important will ever hear.

Step 5: Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the shows. Nothing is more serene than a runway show and as spectators, it is our job to simply soak it all in and be inspired. After all, it is an artwork display and deserves our undivided attention as we marvel at the beauty before us.

And yes, that is ALL you need to do if you're not cool enough to be at any of the shows (like myself).

*Optional: Get dressed up. A wise man/woman once said, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have".

Have a lovely evening,

Bella




1 Days Until NYFW (Countdown Terminated. Let the games begin)