My Newfound Crop Top Addiction

After a one-month hiatus, I think it's time we engage in conversation again, shall we? Let's discuss one of my favourite summer trends this season (and the one before that and the one before that): crop tops. When this look resurfaced, I was a little on the fence. A deep V is one thing, but my midriff is something I never thought I'd be showing off anywhere but at the beach. Every season, I've tried wearing this look in a variety of ways. First, as a lover of high-waisted pants, I paired it with those and found it immensely practical and appealing. Subsequently, I went for the high-waisted skirt, while showing the least amount of midriff possible. Ultimately, I gave in by offering a slight peak at my midriff without bordering on vulgar.

via teenvogue.com

I've found that with every trend, it takes a few tries to get it right and make it feel like you. Whether a pair of oversized slides or a wide-brim hat, some things are always going to make a statement (especially in a conservative fashion environment), but if you own it, it'll just become a part of you.

That, my friends, is what happened to me and the crop top. After much deliberation, I've left a space for them in my closet (right before my regular sized tops) and they have become my friend. I now possess a full selection in a variety of neutrals and before long, I will have a few colours to add to the mix. Today, it's all I can buy and I can't seem to rework my regular tops.

As a petite person, a crop top is often more flattering than the regular kind. It elongates my torso and looks cute to boot. My recommendation is to slowly ease into it, especially if you're a little on the shorter side. If a reluctant person like myself can warm up to it, so can you. You may be surprised at how good it makes you feel.

Ponder it,

Bella

Sneakers And Dresses: A Revolutionary Combo

I have a confession to make. I hate flats. I can't for the life of me see the pleasure in wearing this type of shoe on any occasion. I understand that the pointy-toed version looks lovely on Alexa Chung. I'm also impartial to the Chiara Ferragni collection of whimsical flats with little cat faces. However, I will never find them flattering. They don't elongate your legs, nor do they do anything for your figure. I like to refer to them as the "useless" shoe.

via cosmopolitan.com.au

Unfortunately, summer is a season that inspires a lot of walking. From a casual stroll in the park to simply a walk on the beach, 'tis the season to let go of the vehicle and opt for a more eco-friendly leg-strengthening oxygen-inhaling mode of transportation.

I, for one, am a huge advocate of walking. Perhaps it's the winter months of isolation and hibernation that make me want to walk everywhere come summer, but I just can't resist taking the longer route to my destination.

As a woman who loves her heels more than anything else in her closet, it pains me to admit that my favourite shoes are NOT walking friendly. So, when the sneaker trend took over the fashion world, I was beyond pleased. Believe it or not, I can fancy myself in a sneaker much more than a ballet flat. It's an inexplicable attachment that makes me want to wear them with absolutely everything. Though my heels will remain my favourites, I will sometimes intentionally choose a pair of sneakers for style purposes rather than mere practicality. It's beyond comprehension.

I can't seem to figure out why I prefer a sneaker. Maybe it's the little tomboy inside of me trying to inch out. Either way, what I once believed to be a shoe reserved for sport is now a fashion piece I actually enjoy wearing. As sneakers continue to gain popularity amongst fashionistas like Man Repeller, Leandra Medine, and top models like Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn, they have become increasingly more versatile. Worn with skinny jeans, skirts, and dresses alike, it's clear that anything goes.

My favourite pairing of the moment? Sneakers with a summer dress.

via thetrendspotter.net

If there's one thing I love in the summer time, it's putting on a simple dress for a walk in the park. Choosing to wear it with a sneaker makes it a fashion statement I simply cannot resist. After all, sneakers with pants are way too conventional for me.

Will you be wearing sneakers with your dress this season?

Ponder It,

Bella

Why Flatforms Are The Best Thing To Happen To America

Flaforms. 'Tis a cross between a flat and a platform shoe. Also known as the short girls' savior from all height woes that may befall her.

via tipsyvalqui.com

Dearest stilettos, I have suffered for way too long. Your pointy heel makes me feel as though I were walking on pins. The elegance I seek is shadowed by the idea that I am walking on stilts like a circus freak.

To the wedge, you remain a dear friend, but alas, I still feel the pain after six hours with you. Your efforts will not go unrecognized, but we can't spend too much time together as it inflicts suffering upon my feet.

Flatforms are like the tooth fairy, a guardian angel, and Cinderella's fairy godmother all wrapped into one. They elevate like no other shoe without putting your foot on an arch of any kind. Walking on flatforms is like walking on planks of wood purely to increase height. 

via tipsyvalqui.com

All my life, I have been searching long and hard for a pair of heels I could wear all day every day. It is the ultimate American (short girl) dream. While flats are one of the most unflattering shoes on the market (in my humble opinion), flatforms are playful and fun. They may not promise elegance in the same way a stiletto does, but they do scream fashion girl at the top of their lungs. And if you wear them with socks, others bow down at your boldness.

So, to the flatform, you have arrived in my life at the perfect time and I couldn't be more grateful. Let's hope our experience together is as wonderful as I expect.

Cheers,

Bella

Knee-High Gladiator Sandals: Reserved For The True Badass

Everyone's talking about the latest shoe trend to hit North America, Knee High Gladiator Sandals. Though there are multiple shoe trends about to make their way onto the streets (slip-ons and mules) once spring eventually decides to show up for tea and crumpets, this one is by far the most striking. Now, here's my opinion on knee-high gladiator sandals and you obviously are here because you want to hear it, so let's talk, shall we?

While regular run-of-the-mill gladiator sandals were one of my favourite trends, this one takes us all to a whole other level. A regular gladiator sandal was appealing to the masses because it wasn't too shocking, but still had that edge many people aspire to when it comes to their personal style.

Let's get one thing straight. If you thought that was edgy, it became tame as soon as everyone started wearing it. In other words, it isn't edgy if your sweet next door neighbor could pull it off.

via knee-high-gladiator-sandals.com

Knee high gladiator sandals are bold and daring. You might even hesitate about whether it's for you and that's okay. But if you're looking for something really eye-catching this year, you've found it.

The definition of edgy implicates the avant-garde and this, my friends, qualifies.

Are they practical? Absolutely not. They are #forthesakeoffashion through and through. If you were planning on getting a tan this summer, I wouldn't recommend them. However, since all of us are getting swayed towards healthier looking sunscreen protected skin, this might not even be an issue.

Tips on how to wear them?
1. Make sure you wear enough sunscreen on your legs to avoid the most bizarre tan lines you have ever experienced.
2. Two words. Denim shorts.
3. Own them like a true gladiator would.

If you're hesitant, remember that they will make a major style statement and put you at the top of everyone's mental best-dressed list. And if they classify you as worst-dressed, you'll know you're being really edgy.

Ponder it,

xoxo,

Bella

Are Thigh High Boots Stripper Boots Or Totally Chic?

This is a question that has been plaguing my thoughts for the last three months as I noticed them emerge onto the fashion scene.

How do I feel about thigh high boots? Get ready for my own personal semi-relevant lo-down.

As a girl of petite proportions, I have been led (read: tricked) into believing that there are a number of trends I could never pull off. For one thing, midi skirts are NOT an option. Oversized clothing is reserved for oversized people and baggy pants should never even enter my lexicon. Over-the-knee boots have somehow fallen into that same category, leading me to question these limitations placed on people of my stature.

Is height our self-defining quality?
Are we not allowed to experiment out of fear it'll shrink us even further to the public eye?

All my life, I have been concerned about appearing even smaller than I already do. I've gone through certain lengths to ensure that I looked taller and the password to entry into the fashion industry, PROPORTIONATE.

What happens when you decide to take a risk? And what if you do it right? Dare I suggest that this is possible?

After noticing a number of short women I respect for their impeccable style including Miroslava Duma, The Olsen Twins, and Nicole Richie, in clothing I never thought possible for women of their height, I started to question everything I grew to understand.

Known for their oversized knitwear, the Olsens are defiant to established fashion rules for petite women and some may disagree with their fashion choices, but their success is undeniable.

via teenvogue.com

Nicole Richie wears that maxi dress like a badge and though she references her height restrictions on her show, Candidly Nicole, fashion does not seem to be one of them.

via imgbox.com

As for Mira Duma, she has been spotted in longer hemlines, oversized coats, and OVER-THE-KNEE boots. PS. I love her.

via www.instylemag.com.au

So, how can they possibly be hooker boots when they look gorgeous on one of the top muses of the industry?

Your answer? No, they are NOT hooker boots by any means. When worn with a chic coat or classy dress, they transform into the most stylish pair of shoes in your closet. Are you running to the stores yet?

Thought so.

XOXO,

Bella

My Burgeoning Relationship With Turtleneck Sweaters

via www.fashion-agony.com

Society tells you to be sexy. Or at least the celebrities at every corner do. All you have to do is take a look at Kim K.'s Paper Magazine nude photo and you'll see that Hollywood is all about exposing your skin. Not everyone is Kim Kardashian and I think it's safe to say that the general population won't be posing for a magazine in their birthday suit anytime soon, but sexy is everywhere.

There begs the question: what is sexy?

This a is term that cannot be defined because it is obviously subjective.

Is sexy a deep v dress that exposes your crevice?

Is sexy a mini skirt that makes your legs look a mile long?

Is sexy a pair of skintight leather pants?

Is sexy a pair of bootie shorts a la Daisy Duke?

Some would say yes to all of these traits, while others would raise a brow at the thought.

Then, there's the anti-sexy. What is the anti-sexy?

The anti-sexy is everything that goes against traditional notions of sexuality. This is a concept that counters the male perception of a sexy woman.

What do you consider anti-sexy?

Baggy leather pants? An oversized sweater? Boyfriend jeans? 

Or perhaps, a turtleneck?

via www.oqusar.com

Now, I finally get to the point. Throughout my life, the turtleneck has never appealed to me regardless of my desire to subvert traditional notions of sexuality. After all, just look at the name. Who wants to have a legitimate turtle's neck? Not so sexy. I also thought it would strangle me. I kid not. This was my main concern. However, I decided to take the leap and buy one the other day. We'll call it my risk of the day. Clearly, I'm the living on the edge type of girl...

After putting it over my head, I came to several conclusions. Here is what I decided:

1) It strangles me a little.

2) Not enough to stop wearing it.

3) Because I secretly love it.

4) It makes me think of Audrey Hepburn and the gamine look.

5) Which makes me feel sophisticated and chic.

6) I also think I look older in it. I think.

7) It looks good with EVERYTHING.

8) It's a great winter fix.

9) I need more of them.

10) In different colours.

So, there you have it. That was my first experience with the turtleneck sweater. What do you think of this look? Do you think there's something inherently sexy about wearing something boyish and "unsexy"? Or am I just crazy?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Do You Have To BE Athletic to LOOK Athletic?

...

Images via Vogue.com

Karl Lagerfeld introduced the concept of sneakers on the HAUTE COUTURE runway.

Donna Karan had her DKNY models wearing NYC baseball caps to showcase their pride in their city.

Mulberry's new Cara Delevingne backpacks lean towards chic practicality for the average school girl.

So, it shouldn't come as a shock that Alexander Wang's H&M collection consists entirely of sportswear. From casual wear to athletic street gear, gender lines are getting more blurred by the minute.

"Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing." No truer words have ever been spoken by a wise 30 year old designer also known as Alexander Wang.

As stilettos are getting replaced as cool shoe of the moment by Adidas Originals, casual, nay sporty, becomes the new chic. It's the beginning of a new fashion era where comfort dominates the streets and feminism is a term being swooshed around like a hockey puck. While the mod movement remains the trend du jour and 90's nostalgia is all the rage, sportswear is taking centre stage, as it becomes the cool new kid on the block. In light of society's growing obsession with the gym and kale, everyone's talking about staying fit and taking up a sport has never been cooler.

But what if you aren't the athletic type? Does that mean Alexander Wang's new H&M collaboration isn't for you? OR are you allowed to fake it? Is wearing a gym getup on the street the equivalent of Drake saying he's from the street?

via lifestylemirror.com

In the fashion world, your outfit is a reflection of your personality and you are defined by your ability to express your individuality through your personal style. If that is the case, how can a girl wear basketball shoes if she doesn't play basketball? Is it possible to pull off sportswear without looking like you're trying too hard to be someone you're not?

According to Alexander Wang, the collection is NOT just for the athletically inclined. Phew. Despite the sporty themes, these pieces are meant to be transitional looks that can be worn in other settings. In fact, it sounds a lot like he's telling us to wear these items #fothesakeoffashion and not purely for recreational purposes.

Many moons ago, sportswear was only meant to be worn when playing sports. Often, it wasn't very stylish, but merely a necessity with the right qualities to suit the game at hand. Soccer shoes were for soccer because they had cleats. It was a given. No questions asked. For this reason, fashionistas were appalled at the thought of being caught in their sports attire. 

But what happens when we start loving our sportswear? 

What happens when the fashion world decides that being athletic can be fashionable? 

What happens when your Nikes become a fashion statement rather than just a sports shoe?
And what happens when you're choosing your Nikes over your Louboutins?

Will this inspire some of us (myself) to take up sports? 

Does it even have to?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

Skinny Jean, Where Hath Thou Gone?

via www.wmagazine.com

It has come to my attention that street style bloggers and fashion moguls alike are foregoing the skinny jean. At first, I struggled to determine whether or not this was an actual pattern, but as I flipped through all the street style photos taken during fashion month, I knew a revolution was about to take place.

Yesterday, I discussed the desire for designers to combine comfort with sophistication by reintroducing the fanny pack. Once again, this thought crosses my mind as more fashionistas are wearing flowy pants or mom jeans over skintight pants.

What is going on?

via www.fashionstylemag.com

As much as I love a flare and a harem pant, I can't help but think about the short girls (aka me). Can short girls even begin to consider giving up the skinny jean?

When I discovered skinny jeans, it changed my life. Gone were the days of slouchy pants that made me feel sloppy. I finally had a rear end and I learned that defining the shape is essential to dressing well. Today, I question this belief.

Do we even need to wear tight clothes to feel attractive? Is fashion trying to counter social norms or redefine them? Is this a response to uncomfortable experiences with prior trends? Is it about feminism?

As I look at these women with their new pants, I feel inspired to experiment myself. If petite women like Miroslava Duma are wearing them, why can't I?

via whowhatwear.com

At first I wondered how I can possibly remain proportionate with a looser pair of pants. Won't I just drown in the fabric? After all, that is every short girl's biggest fear. After giving it some thought, I realized that it wasn't the skinny fit that gave me height, but the waistline. If you make sure your pants are high waisted, you can get away with the flowy pant. Jackpot.

And that got me thinking: is there anything a short girl can't wear? Is it all just in our head?

Women constantly condemn aspects of their body, but the magic of fashion is that it always finds a way for every girl to wear any trend in a manner that suits her body type.

Maybe I can finally purchase that perfect pair of baggy leather pants.

I guess you'll have to wait and see!

Follow me on Instagram: @fashnbella 

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

Celine Is My Chanel

I'd like to apologize for my blog negligence yesterday. I was too busy celebrating mother's day to write about it (like everyone else in the social media world). In case you were wondering, we went out for dinner. It was lovely. But you probably weren't and just like everyone else, I decided to over-share anyway. 

On another note, I've made a very bold statement and you're probably anticipating some form of explanation. As you know, every season, there's an It-bag. In the fall, Karl Lagerfeld's Fendi Baguette was a fashionista favourite along with its fluffy toy accessory. This season, Karl introduced the Chanel backpack and it's rising to it-bag status as we figuratively speak. Some follow these bag trends, purchasing the next big thing every time it hits the racks. Others opt for the traditional Michael Kors or Hermes bag in a classic black that will remain timeless and suit their every need. Many girls are Chanel girls and this is a category on its own. Fashionista or not, everyone has heard of Chanel and if you survey most style conscious women in the upper middle class population, they will probably tell you that their dreams are filled with Chanel bags. Mine are filled with Celine.

via bergdorfprincess.tumblr.com

Red Celine, yellow Celine, green Celine, purple Celine, beige Celine, whether in its miniature satchel form or as a large tote, if I could buy them all, I'd have a closet full of Celine bags to match all my outfits. The shape is perfect for any woman's lifestyle and undeniably chic. My love for Celine bags is equivalent to Rose's for Jacques Dawson. Romeo's for Juliet. It's powerful, but alas, just like the love between these star-crossed lovers, it cannot be. I'm restricted by my own ability to reason and rationalize. Like the average consumer, I'm torn between my love for fashion accessories beyond my reach and my inability to rationalize such a hefty purchase. As I attempt to justify this type of purchase, I consistently lose the battle against myself. 

Many women will create excuses for themselves. It's my birthday. It's Christmas. I got all As in school. Obviously, I deserve Celine. Right?

I don't fall under that category. When I'm trying to reward myself, I might opt for a shopping spree at H&M. On my birthday, I'll probably hit the 100$ mark and press the stop button. And fashion god's forbid I purchase a knockoff. There's no bigger faux-pas. 

So, how do you actually justify Celine in a normal world? How do the Chanels justify a Chanel bag without the accompanied guilt? How do the Hermes gals justify putting themselves on a waiting list for a handbag that costs more than their rent? Is this merely a YOLO affair? Do we just succumb to debt and proudly sport our new bag at our next family event? Do we sacrifice cheap fashion fixes for the sake of one signature bag? Do we become one of those people with fancy bags and trashy clothing?

Unfortunately, I can't answer any of those questions. All I know is that sometimes the journey is better than the destination. Perhaps we can simply enjoy the dream of those Celines, Chanels, and Birkins. After all, dreams and anticipation are two necessary ingredients to a more exciting life.

Happy Monday! 

Bella

Whitemares

Before we get into the nitty gritty of Paris Fashion Week, let's dwell upon the most frightening Spring 2014 trend. It resurfaces every year. We love to marvel at the ladies who sport it, but secretly fear making the attempt ourselves. It's timelessly classy and universally flattering (more or less).

Head to toe WHITE.

Reasons I'm afraid of this trend:
1) I'm clumsy
2) Fear of dirt stains immediately after purchase
3) Fear of lipstick
4) Fear of food stains
5) IT WILL GET DIRTY
6) Fear the stains cannot be removed
7) Fear of sitting somewhere repulsive
8) Fear of visible ailments
9) IT WILL GET DIRTY
10) IT WILL GET DIRTY

Essentially, it will get dirty (in case you couldn't read between the lines). White is the most terrifying non-colour of the rainbow. It may appear impeccable in photos, but in your mirror, you notice the tiny dirt stain on your knee that materialized after you accidentally kneeled on your wooden floors. Upon trying on that white blouse, you realized too late that you wore red lipstick that day (better go fetch a new one and let someone else buy my lipstick stained blouse!). SOMEONE wore self-tanner and you didn't notice it until it stared you in the face in your bedroom lighting. Oh, and then it started to rain (OOPS!).

via www.swide.com

Wearing white is terrifying because of that fear of the almighty conspicuous stain. It's almost as though you're constantly jinxing it in your mind as soon as it lands inside your closet. You know you examined it in the store until you lost your vision, but as soon as you got home, you stumbled upon a dark spot you hadn't quite noticed. WHY OH WHY. I LOVE head-to-toe white, but the reality is that i'm paranoid and incapable of not getting dirty. Every time I eat, I have to remove my shirt and switch to something I secretly hate and hope it gets a splotch of tomato sauce on it.

So the question is: WHEN CAN YOU WEAR WHITE?

1) For a photo (Instawhite!)
2) Your wedding (hopefully).
3) Indoors (but remember not to sit down or kneel or touch ANYTHING)
4) School (but AVOID PENS at all costs)
5) A photoshoot (because we all do those on a regular basis)

OR if you want to live on the edge, go for it. After all, YOLO.

Bella

Hat City Bitch

As we all prepare our popcorn and hors d'oeuvres for our Oscar parties, sitting at the edge of our seats, waiting to see what Lupita will be caught wearing next, I'd like us to take a moment to reflect upon an impending fashion trend sweeping the nation: The Hat. It comes in all shapes and sizes, starting with the Pharrell Vivienne Westwood mountain hat from the Grammys that's currently being auctioned off on eBay. Apparently, everyone was in a hat mood this season as models strutted down the Fall 2014 runways in the most outrageous hats from wide brimmed to the non-descript. Current status: LOVING IT. As an avid fan of le chapeau in every possible form, I'm very eager to experiment. Let's count down the top 10 hats at Fashion Month so far, shall we?

NUMBER 10

Emporio Armani Fall 2014

via coolchicstylefashion.blogspot.com

Her head might be swallowed whole by that hat, but it is so incredibly demure and chic that she gets away with it. Traditionally known for loving his feminine hats, Armani's woman is the woman we all aspire to be and makes us feel like a lesser woman for not wearing a hat this fabulous.

NUMBER 9

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2014

via fashiongonerogue.com

Everyone loves a good beanie. Especially if you live in Canada. It has that cozy look like hot chocolate by the fireplace in the mountains after an exhaustive ski session.

LOOK 8

Polo Ralph Lauren Fall 2014

via Style.com

This collection may be very New York, but the hats were all about Paris. These berets make me want to fetch my baguette with some wine and cheese alongside my gang of sophisticated friends. Suiting almost every head, you can never go wrong with a beret.

LOOK 7

DKNY Fall 2014

via Style.com

There's nothing more "I Love NY" than the classic New York baseball cap and that's exactly the message Donna Karan was sending across this season. Selecting average New Yorkers to walk in her show, Karan expressed her love for her city through wearable clothing that your fashionable neighbour is sporting. Apparently, this year, she'll be wearing hats.

LOOK 6

Yang Li Fall 2014

via Style.com

This seems to be the hat of the moment this year and obviously, that means we have to try it. It's mysterious and classy (everything I stand for), concealing our batting lashes and only revealing a hint of lip. Is there anything sexier?

LOOK 5

Kenneth Cole Collection Fall 2014

via Style.com

If you thought it was just Yang Li, you were wrong. Kenneth Cole is also embracing the black hat. Are you?

LOOK 4
Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2014
The Cowboy Hat

via Style.com

It's officially time to let our inner cowgirl out. Cushnie and Ochs takes their cue from Pharrell (or the other way around). Either way, like it or not, it's a trend on the rise.

LOOK 3
Christian Siriano Fall 2014
The Wide Brimmed Hat

Let's go back in time to a moment where women were at their ultimate peak of femininity. Though society has evolved, we all love to go back to those ultra feminine looks every once in a while. After all, sophistication never goes out of style.

LOOK 2
DSquared2 Fall 2014

Rule of the hat game: there are no rules. This season, any hat is a showstopper. Whether a bowler, a beret, or this horseback riding hat. Go wild. Nothing is stopping you.

LOOK 1
Gareth Pugh Fall 2014

And Gareth Pugh officially wins the hat game with this white top hat. Yes, this is an alternate version of the male top hat and it couldn't look more classy. The common theme is that element of mystery we all aspire to achieve. Who doesn't love that?

What's my final message? Take a risk. If Gareth Pugh's hat is not quite your cup of tea, perhaps you can opt for the wide-brimmed hat at Christian Siriano. What do you have to lose? Maybe next year you'll be ready for something more dramatic. In the age of Downton Abbey, anything goes.

Happy Oscar Sunday!

Bella

My Love Affair With High-Waisted Pants

I suppose my story begins in elementary school when I had my premature growth spurt. I was 11, taller than most of the girls in my class, and seated at the front in the class picture (which meant everything back then). Suddenly, like lightening, high school commenced and something struck me (no pun intended) as odd. Everyone was growing but me. My doctor announced that it was the end of the road. I would never be deemed tall again. Alas, I realized that my legs would forever be stunted, reaching a staggering 5''. It was the end of the world as I knew it.

via m-street-style.blogspot.com.es

And then something crazy happened. I discovered the beloved high heel. I finally found my solution to looking chic and age appropriate on a night out. The only question that remained was: how could I possible create an illusion of height on the regular days? Would I ever be able to wear sneakers again without being mistaken for a 12 year old? Could I afford to dress casual? Would I have to give up flats forever?

And that's when I discovered high-waisted jeans and frankly, when my life changed forever. High-waisted jeans created that illusion of long legs by shortening the torso. They welcomed the crop top with open arms and invited my blouses to tuck themselves in. They are a godsend gift-wrapped for petite girls with height insecurities that come in all shapes and sizes. Whether in the form of a harem pant or denim, they will rock your fashionable world.

As you can see, I'm a major advocate for the high-waisted pant. When guys ask me: "why are your pants always worn so high?", I lift them even higher and proudly expose my long legs. There is nothing more satisfying.

Happy Thursday!

Bella




21 Days Until NYFW

The Leather Pant-Shaped Void In My Heart

Several weekends ago, after rummaging through my closet for several hours (true story), I found myself in a common predicament. I had no clue what to wear (stereotype of the century). Something was missing. There was a gap between my basic black Levi skinnys and Topshop pencil skirt that needed to be filled. I could feel it in my heart of hearts. An empty hanger demanded a piece of clothing. After giving it some thought, the realization came to me, the final puzzle piece: a pair of leather of pants.

via www.yworld.co.za

Whether with leather accents on the knees and legs or full-on decked-out leather, I've developed a need beyond explanation. Every woman needs that pair of pants that radiates cool vibes without any effort required. Every woman needs that staple that makes a plain Jane white tee look beyond fabulous. An item that can simultaneously provide an illusion of looking expensive combined with a 5$ tank top. Does such an item exist? Indeed it does. It comes in the form of skin-tight shiny leather.

BEWARE: Though leather pants have the ability to enhance an outfit by umpteenth per cent, they can also suggest "white trash" if they look fake. Now, I am NOT suggesting to purchase real leather pants by any means if they are not within your budget. However, the key to a solid pair of leather pants is finding the fake kind that looks real to the average viewer and all your wardrobe problems will be solved (more or less). It is the missing staple. The cream on your birthday cake. The flame to your candle. The cheese to your mouse.

What I'm trying to say is: Get yourself a pair of leather pants and STAT. I'm already on my mission.

Bella

P.S While we're on the subject, I'd like to leave you with a question: are you prepared to try the baggy leather pants trend? Has it hit your radar or have you dismissed the trend with the thought that it'll certainly go out of style?




23 Days Until NYFW