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

The Fashion Calendar Revised? (Time To Discuss This Saturated Topic)

Yesterday morning at 9am, the air seemed fresher, the sun shone brighter, and my NYFW app notified me that I had just missed the Nicholas K show, an indication that New York Fashion Week had begun (and that I overslept). But let's put this news on hold for a moment and reflect on the current state of affairs in the fashion industry today.

Social media has exploded in the past 5-10 years, creating a millennial generation that lives in the now. Though the fashion industry may have been the first to embrace this uprising, the concept of instantaneity is only beginning to have a strong (nay, delayed) impact.

In the last few weeks, a few designer labels, including Tom Ford, Vetements, and Burberry, have announced that they will be following the consumer schedule rather than showcasing their collections 6 months ahead of time. In other words, the Fall 2016 shows will be presented in, yes, you guessed it, FALL 2016.

via abcnews.go.com

As a millennial, and a committed fashion week follower, I've frequently contemplated this particular subject. Though I watched all the shows back in September, I can honestly say, I can't remember what I witnessed. I can only assume florals, stripes, and white lace were involved, but frankly, I draw a blank when it comes to the precise themes of the designer collections. In the past, I would revise them on YouTube or Vogue Runway (previously called Style.com) to give myself a quick reminder of what's to come and occasionally, I would just check out what the shops had displayed in their windows.

Is it possible that there will come a day when this will no longer be necessary? Are the days of feeling depressed every time Fall rolls around and all I see on the runways are short hemlines and sandals I won't be wearing for another 6 months about to come to an end?

Are we even ready for this change? Or rather, have we waited way too long for it to come about? Is it a positive step forward or a sign of conformity?

Are you prepared for a confusing transition that involves Fall and Spring intermingling for the next few years until everyone converts to the new system? I know I'm not. But I'm excited.

Ponder these questions and let me know what you think.

Have a great weekend!

Bella

P.S Stay tuned for my Fashion Month play-by-play in the upcoming weeks!

New York Fashion Week Review: My Top 5

Guess what? It's that time of year again. FEBRUARY. Yes, this month is terrible for a number of reasons: the excruciating cold, Valentine's Day, etc., but there is a silver lining that we like to call New York Fashion Week. This year, most of the designers stayed true to their image and though not many boundaries were broken, we felt a sense of warmth at the sight of Michael Kors' usual minimalist aesthetic and Vera Wang's almost entirely black collection. However, I still picked five of my favourites to review. Ready?

TIMO WEILAND

This was one of my favourite shows this season in New York because every piece looked exactly like something I would love to see in my closet. A bunch of silly beanies, some oversized sweaters, a few adorable mini skirts to compliment said oversized sweaters, PYJAMA SUITS (which I am finally starting to understand as a fashion statement), and round sunglasses (my favourite shape of eyewear). Stripes were the dominant print in this collection and were featured in almost every look. Fringe even had a moment and so did the abstract painting motif. As a whole, this looked like the most comfortable looking wardrobe I could ever aspire to and I wanted all of it.

MY FAVOURITE LOOK: 17

via style.com

3.1 PHILLIP LIM

This collection was way too cool for school and as a result, I was instantly drawn to it. My favourite fabric made an appearance several times in the form of high-waisted pants and sleeveless vests. Yes, I am talking about leather. In this case, the print was plaid, which made total sense as it is a Fall/Winter collection after all with punk rock inclinations. Though the collection was dominated by neutrals, there were some splashes of red and based on my deductions, this may just be the happening colour of Fall 2015. Just a wild guess. It felt very downtown chic meets utilitarian with structured jackets and blazers in various shades of khaki. Bomber jackets also made an appearance because what cool girl doesn't wish to own a bomber?

MY FAVOURITE LOOK: 5

via style.com

RODARTE

I confess. I am drawn to all things edgy with a pinch of attitude and this collection was exactly what the doctor ordered. Leather mini skirts? Check. Puffer jackets with fur trimmed hoods? Check. Hot pants? Check. This collection was the epitome of sexy and conjured images of Kate Moss in the 90s. It projected that good girl gone bad look with a few lace tights and boudoir-inspired outfits. Looks like someone was inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey. Or perhaps we're all just in a flirtatious mood. Could it be the Valentine's Day spirit? As with many of the most recent collections, this one was very much inspired by a 70s aesthetic with deep V necklines and checkered blazers in mustard and greige. According to the designers, their ideas behind the collection began with birds and if you look closely, it's written all over the clothes. Yes, I'm talking about those sparkly feathered numbers that closed the show. These designers definitely know how to make a statement.
Watch it here. 

FAVOURITE LOOK: 16

via style.com

NANETTE LEPORE

This collection touched a much more feminine side of me and it started with that stunning purple lip I immediately wanted to try. Let me begin by saying that I lusted after absolutely everything in this collection from the matching pale pink set at the very beginning to the checkered jumpsuit in the middle to the long raspberry coat at the end. There were so many splashes of wonderful colours, it almost didn't feel like winter for a moment. If you're in the mood to be girly, there were enough mini dresses for every day of the week and each one was amazing in its own way. Though the collection started with some loose draping, the designer introduced some sensual black lace to give this seemingly innocent wardrobe some edge. It was perfect.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 4

via style.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Peter Copping took the reigns and though we all miss Oscar dearly, he did him proud. He kept the original designer's aesthetic with sophisticated and feminine looks including some classic tweed suits and a few flared skirts. Though the hems were higher, they remained elegant and refined for the Oscar woman at heart. Frilly blouses paired with minis were precisely my cup of tea and the little bits of fur made it all the more glamorous. The show ended with some Oscar potential dresses and a few cocktail selections for the bold amongst us. Yes, I'm talking about that off-the-shoulder gold dress and the colour-blocked one that closed the show. It was definitely cocktail hour at De La Renta and everyone showed up wanting to leave a lasting impression.
Watch it here.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 50

via style.com

What did you think of New York Fashion Week? Which collections were your favourites?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

The "Dirty Hair" Look: Will It Ever Catch On?

The week at New York Fashion Week, our very own Alexander Wang had models walk down the runway with hair in a state that we would never leave our house in. It looked nothing short of greasy and stuck on your face like they hadn't washed it in over a week. Wang loves to push the envelope and take an unconventional route in his shows, but whether the fashionistas of this world will adopt this look is another question altogether.

via fashionisers.com

 The question is: Is this fashion?

Several seasons ago, Prada had her models sport the exact opposite of Wang's, the wet I-just-showered look. It was definitely something we wouldn't mind trying ourselves. Is fashion transitioning into a more "easy" look when it comes to hair? In other words, are we spending way too much time with the hairdryer? Wang says yes. So does Miuccia. Perhaps our best look is one that is most natural.

With hairstylists running to and fro during fashion week, we can safely say they're doing their job, but their work is so expertly executed that it appears as close to natural as can be. However, we all know the secret behind the no-makeup makeup look. Only a true artist can achieve a natural look with the same amount of effort as the, shall we say, unnatural look. Without access to these stylists, can we even pull off runway hair? Should we even try? Is this merely an expression of artistic freedom or a message to the masses?

Though this hairstyle seems absurd to the average person, is it possible that Wang is trying to tell us something? Should we be taking a break from our intensive beauty routines and opt for something slightly less done? This is not a revolutionary idea. Beach waves are a prime example of keeping the hair as "natural" as possible. But we all know Blake Lively's hair does NOT look like that in the morning. Or do we? How about the mantra "I woke up like this" as adopted by Beyonce? Would it be so ridiculous to wake up and walk out the door without touching a strand? Is done-down the new done-up?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Let's Talk About Kanye for Adidas

Let's begin with the name. Yeezy Boost. Okay. I don't speak Kanye. Not sure what that means. However, we'll let it slide because it sounds cool.

The show started with Kanye going on and on about philosophical thoughts that lifted him to the godlike pedestal he seems to permanently sit on. Moral of the story. Awesome is possible. Take that, New York Fashion Week.

Now, let's move on to the clothing. It consisted mainly of neutral tones such as black and nude. The black made us think of Kanye because he's so mysterious. Obviously. The nude made us think of Kim, for obvious reasons as well.

Kanye also chose to include his sister-in-law Kylie in the show to make her feel like she's just as good as Kendall at modelling. Unfortunately, this isn't Lagerfeld or DVF, but I suppose Kanye will do since he is destined for greatness. Duh.

Kim also brought Baby North to the show to honour her daddy, which resulted in tears and Kim having to take the child out of the room. They say the truth comes out of the mouths of babes. I don't know. That's just what they say.

Anyhow, I liked the shoes. I want the shoes. I think it's safe to say that the average person does not want to expose herself a la Kim by wearing Kanye's nudist tights, but he stayed true to himself and that's what matters.

Also, he debuted an awesome new song. Listen to it.

via dazeddigital.com

Good for you, Kanye.

XOXO,

Bella

So, New York Fashion Week Happened

September is the best month of the year (no, it's not my birthday). The fashion obsessed compulsively check their doorstep for that September Issue, while scrambling for a new fall wardrobe with a potential for cozy knits, oversized coats, and beanies. Personally, this is my favourite time of year because it happens to be fashion week, or shall I say, month. Though the thought of Spring collections makes us all slightly depressed, it also allows us to aspire to warmer days that will return as they always do. This year, New York Fashion Week was filled with beautiful crisp white, hints of transparency, gingham, and yes, florals. It was exactly what we wanted it to be and more. After watching all the runway shows, here is a review of my top five.

MICHAEL KORS

Traditionally, I haven't been much of a Kors girl. Though I love the accessories, the clothing always seemed far too wholesome for the edgier image I prefer to convey. Despite the long hemlines, I cannot wear due to my unnatural height, the overall feminine vibe of the collection definitely resonated with me. Some of my favourite things were present during the Michael Kors show, including Peter Pan collars, structured coats, matching sets, and a dash of midriff. It made me think of picnics in the park with those you love on bright summer days. Though this may have been due to the striking yellow coat that made its way down the runway, it was also reflected in the gingham print spread across various looks in the show. A bit of plaid reminded us that gingham is not a replacement, but simply another print that makes us all feel wholesome as can be. And if you're looking for a classic white blouse, Kors is the way to go. Michael Kors is a classics man and if you love a good classic, you're in for a treat.

My Favourite Look: 54

I may have chosen the most daring look in the collection (mostly because it's head-to-toe black), but it's only because it's the one that reflected my personality the most. I'm still not over those crop tops, and apparently, neither is Michael Kors. I love the juxtaposition of a simple crop top with a full skirt filled with eyelet motifs. Edgy meets feminine? 'Tis simply divine.

HONOR

Every season I dwell on how much I love Honor and the fact that it is an underrated brand. This season is no different. The collection takes me back to my girlish roots with whimsical prints reminiscent of a healthy candy addiction and oversized bows. As someone who's a self-proclaimed sucker for bows, I couldn't resist much of the collection as it satisfied my deepest fantasy. Though there was a lot of white, Giovanna Randall played with textures in a way that made me fall in love with every LWD in sight. The hints of baby blue were positively delightful and one particular bright orange vest caught my eye. I sincerely hope to see Zosia Mamet sport one of these looks. Fingers crossed.

My Favourite Look: 8

Contrary to the Michael Kors look I chose, this one satisfies my more whimsical side. I love the layering on top as it adds an interesting texture to a simple dress. And as much as I'm a heels girl, I'd buy those flats in a heartbeat.

J. MENDEL

Say what you will, but it takes a true genius to dare to incorporate fur in a Spring collection. Gilles Mendel wouldn't have it any other way. According to Style.com, the collection was inspired by artist, Enoc Perez, a man who shares a mutual love for architecture with the designer. The aesthetic appeal was accentuated by this shared passion through the abstract designs on many of the dresses. Whether a mini or a maxi, every piece was a work of art, but still wearable as can be. The pretty pleats and sexy high slits added some feminine flair, while other looks took on a more structured approach. A particular white jacket caught my eye and I haven't been able to get it off my mind since. With each look, the collection got edgier as leather began to surface, particular in a striking red. Let's not forget those adorable red handbags that were simply to-die-for.

My Favourite Look: 41

There is no combination I love more than a jumpsuit with leather. The slight peak of red makes this look even sexier and increases my obsession with it. And don't even get me started on those shoes.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Oscar knows what women want. According to Karlie Kloss, his choochoo, this is a given. Every year, Oscar brings us lovely full skirted gowns that we all dream of wearing on a Red Carpet. This year, there were a few more wearables in the mix that I'm coveting. Once again, there were some crop tops that made it into the mix, proving that they aren't ready to disappear from the fashion scene just yet. Just like in Michael Kors, gingham was the print of choice and pastel pink, the dominant colour. Every pair of shorts on that runway was screaming my name. A few eyelets were introduced as well on full length Oscar skirts and sleeveless blouses. It was all very sophisticated and we were transported to a garden party featuring the most important guests (including the Duchess Kate herself). I hope to see her in one of these looks, but no promises. The biggest surprise was the abundance of oxfords that contrasted with the supremely feminine looks. It was all feathers, floral appliqués, and a Karlie Kloss finale. It was so very Oscar and so undeniably perfect.

My Favourite Look: 40

Sasha Luss looks magnificent in this sparkly flared dress by Oscar. The necklace is a great statement piece without being too loud and everything about this says "wear me".

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

Who doesn't love Christian Siriano? He captures that feminine flavour better than anyone. More crop tops made an appearance in his collection and this put a smile on my face. Siriano played with transparency and transformed some basic white dresses into magical pieces of art. The feathers reappeared, predicting a new trend, and a bit of sparkle was integrated into the collection to make some pieces Red Carpet worthy. The collection ended with a soft mint green and a jumpsuit only Beyonce could pull off. No matter. Fashion is all about aspiration, is it not? 

My Favourite Look: 9

This is my new favourite LWD. It may look like a classic white dress at first, but if you look at the detailing, you know you're in the hands of an artist. 

All images via Style.com.

Which collection was your favourite?

Ponder it.

XOXO,

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

Are You Ready for Some Fur Controversy?

While in the midst of Fall 2014 New York Fashion Week, it's impossible to ignore the lavish furs that make their way down the runways like it's nobody's business. From BCBG to Kenneth Cole New York, fur is everywhere this season, and frankly, are we really surprised? In temperatures like these, designers, editors, and bloggers alike always have fur on the brain and across their shoulders, around their neck, and occasionally, on their shoes as well. Despite the controversies that will forever invade the fashion industry regarding animal cruelty, fur doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Red paint or blue paint, painting your fur is right on trend anyway, so throw that paint and those designers will find a creative way to incorporate it into their collections. Like it or not, this is the reality that pervades this industry and will always be part of the Fall discussion. We can fight it or embrace it, but as far as Lagerfeld is concerned "in a meat-eating world, wearing leather for shoes and even clothes, the discussion of fur is childish".

Last year, I wrote a satirical list on why one should wear fur. In honor of Fall Fashion Week, I'd like to re-present this list to remind us why fur is furtastic and the fashionable solution to the cringe-inducing parka.

1) Synthetic materials pollute our environment, including the waters. Animals drink from those waters. They get poisoned. We get poisoned. Enough said.

2) It’s timeless and durable. You can have one fur coat that will last you a lifetime. Just ask your grandmother. And if you’re really against it, you can wear vintage fur because that animal probably would have died a lifetime ago anyway. 

3) People eat cows. Some cultures honour cows. People domesticate dogs. Some cultures eat dogs. It’s all relative, really.

4) If you’re going to wear your Canada Goose and your leather boots, you can wear fur. Don’t be a hypocrite. We live in Canada. It’s cold.

5) The fur trade is part of Canada’s heritage and it is our duty to honour that heritage.

6) Women wear flowers in their hair. Children step on plants and pull them out of the ground for fun. People forget to water their grass. Lumberjacks cut down trees. What about cruelty to plants?

7) Would you rather support the children working in the factories to create your synthetic materials? I don’t think so.

8) People on farms raise animals for slaughter (Ever read Charlotte’s Web?). Is that really any better? Is Wilbur a friend or is he food? Think about that.

9) If the government wants to dispose themselves of the raccoon infestation, why not use the fur rather than merely killing them? We use our natural resources all the time for various purposes. 

10) Nature is beautiful. Fur is a part of nature. Let’s just be one with nature like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. 

Here are some of the best furs so far at New York Fashion Week:

KENNETH COLE NEW YORK

ADEAM

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

DKNY

BCBG MAX AZRIA

If you're still a fur sceptic and think this is the most offensive piece of writing you've ever encountered, you should probably avoid fashion week altogether. Fur is a tradition and traditions like that don't disappear with a snap of our perfectly manicured fingers.

Happy Monday!

Bella

Image Sources: style.com

Winter Fashion Week Rules

Yes, ladies. It's still winter. These endless months have not yet ceased and in the midst of New York Fashion Week, looking chic is not an easy feat. Though February contains the promise of spring, the risk of a snowstorm remains prominent and the temperatures continue to drop to frostbitten levels. As designer boots struggle to avoid getting splattered by dirt stained slush, fashionistas from across the globe gather in New York City faced with the challenge of looking their best in the worst possible circumstances. Here are some of the street style shots taken in the past few days that can teach us all a thing or two about layering and looking winter-chic.

First of all, it's crucial to layer up as much as humanly possible (if that weren't obvious enough) because frankly, who wants to wear a parka to Alexander Wang?
*Tip: Play with colourful scarves, unique fur pieces, and leather accents.

If you're still suffering the wrath of the cold, wrap that scarf around your head instead to keep your ears warm and bundle up like Mira Duma.

If you're classy wool coat still won't cut it, find a hot male supermodel to hold you close for body heat.

Or, indulge in a luxurious fur coat. After all, it's always a la mode and will definitely keep you warm!

If fur isn't your thing, learn from The Blond Salad blogger, Chiara Ferragni, and cosy up in a Louis Vuitton cape. It may not seem like it'll keep you warm, but it is the blanket's chic fashionable cousin.

If you've really given up or you happen to be a carefree fashion model like Soo Joo, let the snow be your fashion accessory for the photographers to capture that candid moment.

Or, break all New York Fashion Week rules, be a rebel, and wear some chunky Sorel boots with your Junya Watanabe ensemble. A punchy turquoise handbag, a printed floor-length coat, and a black floppy hat with those Sorels, will definitely turn heads.

Alas, even if you are unable to partake in New York Fashion Week because you have not attained that level of cool just yet or live halfway across the world and it surpasses your budget, have no fear. When the day finally comes, you will be prepared. And if these women can pull off looking this good in the winter, why can't you?

Bella

Photos via www.vogue.com

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)