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

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

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

Are you ready to review?

DAKS

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 3

via vogue.com

JULIEN MACDONALD

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 55

via vogue.com

DAVID KOMA

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 19

via vogue.com

MULBERRY

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 9

via vogue.com

TOPSHOP UNIQUE

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

FAVOURITE LOOK: 5

via vogue.com

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

Ponder it,

Bella

December Is About All Things Sparkly: DUH

Christmas is NEXT WEEK. That's right. The sales have started, boxing week is just around the corner, and STILL nobody knows what they plan on wearing to their office Christmas party or New Years Eve cocktail. You step into a store and every collection is flooded with sequins and sparkles, but frankly, you're not that kind of girl. Will you ever wear head-to-toe sequins again? Unlikely. The saleswoman takes you around the store and offers an excellent service, but unfortunately, every collection looks identical and that something special just isn't catching your eye. Where are the metallics, you ask? The salesgirl offers you a dumbfounded stare. What about monochromatic dresses, you inquire? Yet another uncomfortable silence.

WHY IS EVERYTHING MADE OUT OF SEQUINS?

via rebloggy.com

Apparently, during the month of December, there was an excess of glitter at the arts and crafts shop. This is probably because nobody would buy any of it during the rest of the year. What better way to suck in that Christmas shopper then with the easy sell that sequins are the ONLY way to dress at a Christmas event. After all, you have to get rid of them because once the holiday season is over, nobody is buying that stuff. And then, the worst happens. Everyone at dinner is wearing a sequin in a different colour. Before you know it, we're all shining bright like a diamond and nobody stands out from the crowd. There's glitter in your eye and it wasn't even worth it.

In other words, December is the month where fashion goes to die. Individuality gets crushed by a waterfall of sequins sprinkling all over it and everyone is caught wearing the exact same thing.

As a major fan of a wide variety of textures, I cannot understand how sequins have become the "go-to" for Christmas and New Years. To top it all off, these two events are a week apart and yet, nobody seems to see the problem with a fashion magazine that ONLY advertises things that sparkle for BOTH events. As much as I love a sequin, is it not the most predictable choice on these particular holidays? Shouldn't we opt for the unpredictable? Shouldn't we choose an outfit that we know nobody will be wearing? Isn't our worst nightmare to be caught in the same dress as Tiffany, our bitchy cousin from Wisconsin? As an excellent opportunity for common folk to get all dressed up, shouldn't we be yearning to defy fashion conventions and show off our unique sense of style?

What is the purpose of this discussion, you ask? I suppose I am desperately trying to find fashion in a pool of sparkle. As with everything, sequins and glitter are good in moderation and in the world of fashion, they are best worn when nobody expects it. So this year, try something different. Be bolder by avoiding the typical holiday choice. Perhaps you can try something new in the spirit of the new year. Experiment with a trend you have never tried before. Dress like it's February 2015 and resolve to escape your comfort zone. THAT is what fashion is all about. And if by any chance, you still want to sparkle, try a small accessory. It may pack that punch better than any sparkly dress.

via theberry.com

Peace Out,

XOXO,

Bella