#IconCity: Well Done Jourdan Dunn

As promised, Jourdan Dunn is now a new resident of IconCity. One of the top models at London Fashion Week, a Burberry girl, and a woman with her own YouTube cooking show (Well Dunn With Jourdan Dunn), this girl is every woman I aspire to be. Her effortless boyish style and undeniable sex appeal make her a top contender for IconCity (and another woman I'd love to have at a dinner party, mostly because she can actually cook). This girl is unstoppable and happens to represent my two favourite affordable brands: H&M and TopShop. Every morning I get dressed thinking "what would Jourdan Dunn wear?" and follow suit. She may have gotten kicked out of a Dior Couture show for her larger than average bust, but that's also one of the reasons she and I can relate (not the Dior part). Dior's loss, am I right?

Now, shall we review?

LOOK 1

Jourdan Dunn basically invented sport-chic with her notorious jerseys. Let's not forgot those kick-ass stiletto heels.

via modamob.com

LOOK 2

Hello, Balmain. As per usual, one of my icons is caught wearing one of my favourite designers. Another reason I love Jourdan Dunn? I get to live vicariously through her Balmain.

via modamob.com

LOOK 3

This LBD is so beyond fabulous, there aren't enough words to describe it. If forgot to mention that black and gold is the best combination in my style book.

via modamob.com

LOOK 4

This black Calvin Klein jumpsuit is to die for. Just throw it on and you'll look like a model. It's that simple. Sort of.

via modamob.com

LOOK 5 

Because she wore TopShop at the Met Gala, she deserves an award. Did I mention I love this woman's style?

via pinterest.com

And that just about sums up Jourdan Dunn. Don't you just want to BE her?

Have A Good Weekend Lovelies!

Bella

What Would You Do For A Day In Carrie Bradshaw's Shoes?

Via www.solemates.com

Remember when you used to watch Sex and The City religiously with all your best girlfriends and a bottle of champagne? Remember when you thought to yourself "how does Carrie afford all those shoes with her writing job"? Remember thinking "why can't I BE her?". Well, now you can. Sort of. Lo and behold, Sarah Jessica Parker is collaborating with Manolo Blahnik to create her own line of shoes.

Take a moment to process this information.

Are you screaming yet? This is probably the greatest news since Big got Carrie a walk-in closet. Though the show ended back in 2004 and I was pre-pubscent at the time, it continues to live on and inspire women throughout the generations (even those who were too young to understand it). Who hasn't dreamed of having a group of best friends that fabulous? There's a reason that we're all still talking about Big and Carrie ten years later. Despite an attempt to recreate the show through Girls, offering a more realistic perspective with relatable 20 somethings, it doesn't have quite the same appeal as lavish 40 year olds with an envy-worthy lifestyle to boot (because somehow, being single and 40 becomes desirable in this show...). Though I occasionally call myself a Shoshanna, the reality is that I'm a Carrie through and through. And a bit of a Charlotte (who isn't?).

Until this very day, we all continue to fantasize about the characters on Sex and the City and there's nothing more emblematic than a pair of Manolos. So get yourself to a Nordstrom on February 28th because that is the date they hit the shelves. These shoes, under her label SJP, will be sold at $350 a pair, half the price of the regular Manolos. It really is a small price to pay for a lifetime in Carrie's shoes, is it not? All that's missing is a pink tutu and a Cosmo.

Bella

The Power Of A Woman In A Tux

It's no secret that androgyny is a popular trend amongst fashion designers like Maison Martin Margiela and Saint Laurent Paris. What was once a power suit comprising of a classic pencil skirt in a chic pastel colour combined with a form-fitting blazer is now a head-to-toe tuxedo with an optional pair of killer stilettos. Last Sunday, at the 2014 BAFTA Awards, Angelina Jolie added herself to the list of statement-making celebrities who've opted for a suit rather than a flamboyant gown, the traditional garb for women in Hollywood at extravagant events. Though our fantasies generally involve elegant gowns by Oscar de la Renta and Elie Saab and dominate our best-dressed lists, it is always refreshing to see a female celebrity in a tux. Though it may radiate masculinity, for some mysterious reason, it can be even more seductive than that full-skirted dress. So in honour of Angelina's bold move, here's a list of some of the best female tuxes that have made their way down the Red Carpet.

ANGELINA JOLIE

BAFTA Awards 2014

Saint Laurent Paris

via Elle Canada

DIANE KEATON

Golden Globes 2014

Ralph Lauren

via Hollywood Reporter

MADONNA

Grammys 2014

Ralph Lauren

via Hollywood Reporter

LEIGHTON MEESTER

Gotham Independent Film Awards 2010

Thom Browne

via metro.co.uk

ALEXA CHUNG

Met Ball 2010

Phillip Lim

via raindropsofsapphire.com

These are some of my personal favourites. Who are your favourite female tux-wearing celebs?

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

The "Cara" Is The New Hermes

You know you've made it when you get to create a handbag collection based on your infectious personality. Remember the Kelly bag? If you don't, it's an Hermes bag that was named after fashion icon Grace Kelly. Ring a bell? At the ripe age of 21, it's Cara Delevingne's turn to model a bag after herself, collaborating with the Mulberry team to select impeccable leathers and hardware for this new design. If that's how old you are and there is no bag collection named after you (I'm 22. In case you were wondering), don't fret. The reality is that this is becoming the latest industry trend that has us all scrambling to get on that mysterious list and purchase a handbag to represent our favourite style icons. Once upon a time, there was the "Alexa", named after Alexa Chung. Then, there was the Del Rey (if you don't know this one, we cannot be friends). This time, Cara is the new Mulberry girl of the moment and we all want to be her.

via Luxury Launches

Based on the iconic "Bayswater", this collection will offer a variety of bags in all shapes and sizes, offering practicality and reflecting the multiple quirky personalities of Cara Delevingne. From a backpack, to a traditional arm carrier, to a chic hand clutching purse, you can wear it in any way you please. Selecting the fall colours of the moment, this bag will appear in oxblood, indigo, and emerald. What's your flavour?

According to Delevingne, "My granny will like this bag. She's one hundred and two years old. My five-year-old cousin will probably like this bag. He's a boy."

Needless to say, this bag is a guaranteed crowd pleaser meant to satisfy everyone from your third cousin twice removed to Choupette Lagerfeld. It's a bag for the masses at a price (starting at 890 pounds)...Well, let's just overlook that minor detail, shall we?

P.S. Big Secret. One of the bags will be modelled after Cara's lion tattoo.

Start Saving!

Bella

#IconCity: Cara Calling

In honor of London Fashion Week starting last week, I'd like to take this opportunity to praise the style of top model, Cara Delevingne. Due to unforeseen circumstances (my laptop cord broke mid-Fashion Week), I skipped IconCity day and I'd like to play catchup with some Cara to uplift our spirits and remind us why London fashionistas rule the world. Propelled into the grand scope of fashion through her Burberry Prorsum campaigns and rising to the ranks of Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne is one of, if not THE most talked about model of the moment (alongside Karlie Kloss). Known for her wild just-don't-care personality, her bffs Rihanna, Jourdan Dunn, and Rita Ora, as well as her infectious laugh and tomboy attitude, Cara Delevingne is the model we all wish we could party with every weekend. Her participation in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows have proven her top model status and her face on every other page of worldwide fashion magazines only further amplify the demand for this model in high fashion campaigns. Let's not forget that Cara is not merely a model, but a fashion icon for many teens and young adults looking to emulate her effortless style. Here are some of my favourite Cara looks.

LOOK 1

Any girl who can pull off a Bart Simpson crop top and look unbearably chic is automatically granted supermodel status. Showing off her playful personality, Cara makes you want to steal her wardrobe with this edgy look.

via coolspotters.com

LOOK 2

Hitting up one of the biggest Fall trends, this cropped plaid jacket is definitely envy-worthy. Paired with the second biggest trend of the season, leather pants, I think it's safe to say, we're all dying to try out this look. 

via missguided.co.uk

LOOK 3
How do you spell effortless? C.A.R.A. Actually, though.

via www.graziadaily.co.uk

LOOK 4
When Cara wears a dress with a combat boots, you know all the cool kids are doing it.

via Vogue U.K

LOOK 5
Cara at a Gala looking stella.

via Elle U.K

If you still don't believe Cara is the coolest model on the London scene, stay tuned for a taste of Jourdan Dunn, another one of my fave brits. 

Toodles,

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