0
was successfully added to your cart.

Category Archives: Fashion

Sep 23
1
MainBanner_2016SummerTrends

7 TRENDS TO TRY THIS SUMMER

By | Fashion, Trends | One Comment

September is near a close and the shops are filling with many new trends and fashion to explore. Down here in the Southern Hemishpere, September means the start of warmer months and sunny days.

It’s time to explore the new summer trends and discover the ones that light your sartorial fire. While there are more trends on offer than this list, these are my favorites for the season.

Keep in mind that a successful wardrobe and ultimately your style comes not from slavishly following fashion but rather from you carefully choosing items that:

  • best reflect their personality,
  • flatter their shape
  • work for their lifestyle
  • are within their budget 

Trend items are fleeting, and to me, they do not warrant spending a lot on. It’s your classic, wear over and over again items where you are best to invest in the best quality you can afford; jeans, tailored pants, straight/tapered skirts, a pair of great  black pumps to name just a few.

Shoulder Duster Earrings

For the spring/summer season, shoulder duster earrings will be the ultimate statement jewelry. We’re not just talking about dainty chandelier earrings, the “it” accessory of the season literally reaches your shoulders to make a style splash like no other. Sculptural, boho chic, or tasseled, shoulder duster earrings will look perfect with your summer beach waves or when you put your hair up to battle the summer heat.

If you like this style but feel the length is a little over the top for you simply go part way by wearing long earrings in a length more befitting your style/age and circumstances.

Longearrings
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

White Bags

White bags are going to be a hot trend for the spring/summer 2016. The starkness and minimalist appeal of a white bag is a new approach to accessorizing your looks this season. The modern vibes and aesthetic of a white bag, whether it’s a structured one or a bucket bag, totally elevates your casual looks plus the pop of bright white is sometimes unexpected, but always, always chic.

 Bags
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Crochet Lace

White and coloured crochet lace will be a major trend this summer.  The woven, crochet lace is being used to create 1970s inspired looks. The lace will feature everywhere, from long, calf length skirts, dresses and even as contrasting pockets on denim garments. Ultra-sheer, ethereal lace will also be seen. One unique feature of this trend is the peep-a-boo of skin aspect via short or skin coloured lining.

lace
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Get the Blues

Blue is the classic color for this spring/summer season and it’s going to be everywhere and in every garment, from solid colours to stripes and with embroidery for a Boho twist.  

Shades of Blue
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Metallica

Metallic sheens and finishes are always in style. This season, however, metallic finishes are a stronger trend than ever. For 2016, metallics have become more iridescent and have made their transition from being a purely evening trend to a daytime trend those fashion insiders, bloggers, and tastemakers have grown to love and to rock. Dress down your metallic pieces with slouchy lightweight knits or sneakers. You can even opt for metallic accents like mirrored sunnies and metallic oxfords to finish off your summer looks.

Metallic1
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

Off-Shoulder Tops

Exposed shoulders are the trend du jour of spring/summer 2016. Say goodbye to bare midriffs courtesy of crop tops, and say hello to different yet all equally stylish incarnations of the off shoulder neckline. Shoulders are the new sexy. Boho, embroidered, ruffled, or tailored, off-shoulder tops and dresses can be worn all summer long. Sweep a bit of bronzer on your shoulders and pair with another hot trend, the shoulder duster earrings, and you’re set to take on the season in high style.

Cold_off Shoulder Garments
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Bell Sleeves

Rising from the popularity and resurgence of 70s fashion trends, bell sleeves is a bohemian and 70s inspired trend that propped up during music festivals and is now enjoying a legitimate trend revolution. Part hippie chic and part modern romantic, bell sleeves give your summer/spring look more texture and more visual interest. 

Bell sleeves
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


Sep 09
1
email banner whos that fashionista

WHO’S THAT FASHIONISTA?

By | Fashion | No Comments

The world of fashion has so many famous personalities who have amazing style. From celebrities to fashion editors to bloggers, the current crop of style icons has been catapulted into the style spotlight largely because of social media. Instagram and street style blogs consistently provide us fashion fans with a fresh source of style inspiration and source of wardrobe envy every single day. It is so much fun to see how different people from across the world style different pieces, and it is so inspiring to see so many different interpret fashion trends of the moment—therein lies the appeal of street style.

Street style is now a category all on its own. Uniquely distinct from fashion editorials and other magazine content, street style provides a somehow more approachable and direct view into one’s personal sense of style. But who are these women? The following famous faces aren’t just top insiders within the fashion industry; these movers and shakers also continue to influence how the rest of the world gets dressed in the morning. Meet our top 10 famous faces in fashion.

Anna Dello Russo

The creative consultant and editor-at-large of Vogue Nippon, Anna Dello Russo has been making waves since she first stepped into the fashion scene. She’s a true visionary, and that’s certainly evident from her larger-than-life sense of style. Dello Russo takes trends and makes them more decadent, more dramatic and more desirable. It is her unique take on fashion that’s led to a sold out design collaboration with H&M in 2013. If you’re in a rut fashion wise, check out her ensembles and her artistic vision, I’m sure it’ll inspire you.

Ann D
Source: Image 1,Image 2, Image 3

Olivia Palermo

Olivia Palermo has successfully shed her reality TV beginnings and is now a full-fledged fashion darling. A front row fixture and a frequent muse to designers, Palermo has turned her amazing sense of style into a lifestyle empire. Her uncanny ability to take classic pieces and upgrade them with unexpected trendy pieces has landed her on front pages of fashion publications and earned her the admiration of young, burgeoning fashionistas worldwide. Palermo’s trademark is an American easygoing silhouette married with Italian elegance and Parisian élan.

2.Olivia P
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Leandra Medine

Leandra Medine is one the pioneering forces in the blog industry. Her blog, Man Repeller, is one of the top blogs in the industry and she even has a published book under her belt. Medine popularized the term “man repeller” referring to trends that men find off-putting. She got a lot of fashion fans to embrace clunky creepers, extremely oversized trousers, wacky prints, and unconventional bandana styling. For Medine, someone’s approval shouldn’t matter when you are genuinely in love with the piece you’re wearing or trend you’re sporting.

3. LeandraM
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Alexa Chung

Britain’s resident It Girl and style icon, Alexa Chung started out as host and has parlayed her mod meets British high street sense of style into a full fashion career. A Mulberry brand ambassador, Chung has made coquettish 60s inspired style her signature. Peter pan collars, high waist skirts, Mary janes, billowy blouses, Breton stripes, and menswear-inspired pieces are just some of the trademark Alexa Chung pieces.

4. Alexa C
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Ulyana Sergeenko

Russian socialite, designer, and street-style star Ulyana Sergeenko is impossible to miss during her regular Fashion Week appearances around the globe. A fan of extra voluminous skirts and turbans, Sergeenko’s outfits always has a concept and a definite global influence. She embraces eccentric and eclectic head wrap accessories, wearing long trains for the daytime, and brings on the fashion drama wherever she goes.

Ulyana is married to billionaire oligarch Danil Khachaturov, Sergeenko and became a key couture client of Valentino, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier , Chanel, and her favourite, John Galliano at Dior who introducing her to the fashion industry. She first gained renown as a show attendee, photographed by Tommy Ton alongside other members of the Russian fashion pack, or the ‘Czarinas’ as they came to be known.

In 2011 Ulyana started an eponymous fashion label that shows during the haute coutureshows in Paris. She is represented by elite fashion publicist Karla Otto and has a team of 65 in Russia, where the collection is designed and produced.

5.Ulyana
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Miroslava Duma

Petite girls look no further than Miroslava Duma for your style icon. This fashion Juggernaut and digital entrepreneur made a name for herself as the founder of Buro 24/7 and she’s proof that chic things come in petite packages. Appearing and writing for major publications is just a day in the life of Miroslava. She consistently slays front row and fashion party appearance and has achieved cult icon status in street style blogs. You will especially love how she makes every trend work for her frame and personal style. Keep a look out for her statement bags and her love for textured fabrics.

6.Miroslava
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, 

Anna Wintour

Unless you live under a rock, you know who Anna Wintour is. The Queen Bee of the fashion industry and the the editor-in-chief of U.S. Vogue and has been credited with starting the careers of various designers, stylists, and models as well as shaping the trends and the fashion industry, as we know it. Never without her black sunglasses, Wintour favors feminine silhouettes. Often clad in a sheath or A-line dress silhouette with either a midi or knee-length hem, Wintour knows what works for her and sticks to it. One wouldn’t expect anything less from a fashion industry legend.

7.Anna
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Linda Tol

An online influencer, stylist, and trendsetter based in Amsterdam, Linda Tol is always looking forward. Her sense of style melds vintage influences and inspirations and marries it with current silhouettes from groundbreaking and up-and-coming designers. Her white-hot hair isn’t the only thing distinctive about her, Tol’s love for mixing textures is legendary. Leather plus leopard, ruffles plus denim, fur plus cotton—how can you not love Tol’s penchant for the unexpected?

8. Linda Toll
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Giovanna Battaglia

A former model, it seems like an impeccable sense of style just comes naturally for Giovanna Battaglia. The editor of L’Uomo Vogue and contributing editor to W Magazine, Battaglia’s love affair with fashion is crystal clear. She always kills it whether in flats or heels, and she just possesses that very European flair for making any ensemble seem effortlessly thrown together yet polished at the same time.

9.Giovanna Battaglia
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Taylor Tomasi-Hill

The style and accessories director for Marie Claire magazine, it is no wonder that Taylor Tomasi-Hill is a complete whiz at accessorizing. Making even the most unconventional outfit pairings and statement accessories work, Tomasi-Hill can make even biking shorts underneath denim cutoffs look cool. The way she layers trends together is the ultimate height of chic. Little details are the best part of Tomasi-Hill’s style, from that brooch on her lapel to a printed shirt tied casually underneath a sweater; she moves you to think outside the box.

10.Taylor Tomasi-Hill
Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

 

Ann2015Blue

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


Apr 29
0
Banner

TREND REPORT: 70s FASHION DECODED

By | Fashion, Trend Tutorial | 2 Comments

Every fashion industry insider and style lover worth their salt will tell you to hold onto to your mom’s or grandma’s vintage threads since they’re bound to come back in vogue in the not to distant future. All trends are cyclical and this season, the 70s are again taking the fashion world by storm. Now before you conjure up images of Studio 54 and Woodstock, let me remind you that this year’s 70s revival is more modern and definitely more tailored.

Just like with every other trend that resurfaces, the key to pulling off the 70s trend is to strategically mix classic or personal sartorial staples from your closet to some choice pieces from the prevailing trend. Decking yourself out in head to toe 70s garb will have you labeled fashion victim in a snap. The trick is to carefully choose iconic 70s pieces that speak to your personal style and work with your lifestyle, and figure.

The following is a rundown of trend wardrobe items worth considering adding to your wardrobe to embrace 70s flair.

Platform Sandals

Now this kind of footwear is a no-brainer to add to your closet. Platform Sandals don’t just give you height, it has the added appeal of being comfy too. These sandals are perfect for the summer with breezy pants or sundresses. However, platform sandals look just as good when worn with tights and socks during transitional weather. Platforms certainly have a 70s appeal that women of all ages and body types can confidently rock. These look best when paired with another item on this list, the flared pant.

PlatformsSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

Fringes

Wear anything fringed and you’ll be well on your way to a 70′s vibe. The texture and bohemian feel of a fringed bag is a fun and low commitment way to add some 70s trend to your wardrobe. If you’re feeling more daring, you can try your hand at fringe jackets, skirts or shorts. A fringed clutch is a quirky way to add a contemporary edge to an evening outfit. 

Image_FringedSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5.

Advert2

 

Flares

For a straight shot into the 70s don some flares. Whether its denim or a more polished trouser, wide legs pants and flares are versatile and fashion forward.

The wide leg bottom works especially well to balance wide hips and tall frames. If you’re of a more petite stature, consider a slight flare so as not to overwhelm your look. Denim bell-bottoms will look great with your favorite staple tees, while tailored wide leg trousers is a great departure from standard office wear.

Image_Flares

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5.

70s Floral

Floral prints are another vital part of the 70s trend. The late 60s to the early 70s was the flower power age after all, and this was when the bohemian and hippie movement started. Florals were a big part of that fashion history. Reach for a vintage floral piece if you can, and opt for bolder and larger print florals over the more dainty feminine type of floral print. Sweeping florals from head to toe can be your go-to maximum drama high impact look this season.

Image_florals

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4.

Fur Movement

The opulence and elegance of those 70s disco days, of Studio 54, and Andy Warhol downtown parties are manifested in the dominance and richness of fur. It may be a fur vest worn with denim or fur-lined collar, or even a luxurious fur stole, the texture that fur gives to a look cannot be overlooked and demands the right kind of attention.

Image_Fur

Source: Image 1, Image 2,Image 4,

Oversized Sunnies

Again, just like with every fashion trends, accessories are the quickest, most hassle free, and least risky way to get into a trend. Oversized eyewear especially in oval shapes or in rose-tinted styles are a great way to hint at some 70s bohemian vibe in your look. As always, try a pair on and see what works with your face shape.

 Image_OversizedSunnies

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5. 

Floppy Hats

Wide brim floppy hats aren’t just exclusively for the summer anymore, this head accessory looks just as stunning in the fall/winter too. Floppy hats are a bohemian style staple that is fast becoming a must-have outfit add-on that every fashionistas reaches out for, especially when in need of some extra glam. Neutrals are an easy pick, but picking more bold hued hats like in royal blue or Marsala will give your look a definite upgrade.

Image_1floppyHats

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5.

Peasant Tops

Another bohemian 70s piece that will work for all ages and body types, the peasant top is a great investment for your summer/vacation wardrobe. If you’re younger, go for more vibrant prints and off-shoulder variations and pair with denim cutoff and boots. For a more mature wardrobe, opt for earthy tones and breezy fabrics that you can work for a variety of occasions.

IMage_Peasant Tops

Source: Image 1, Image 4, Image 5.

Lace-up Sandals

Instead of your boring, old flip-flops or ballet flats, you should mix it up with lace-up gladiator sandals. Thinner straps in nude and blush tones are universally flattering and will go amazingly with your maxi dresses and denims.

Image_laceUps

 Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5.

Jumpsuits

Think Bianca Jagger’s all white jumpsuit in Studio 54. This one-piece closet workhorse is a chic investment that will outlast this current 70s trend. The clean lines and wearability of this piece make it an easy pick. If you’re going to update your closet this season, let the jumpsuit be a part of your style overhaul. Whether in more structured silhouettes and dressed up fabrics or whether done in denim or more casual and playful prints, jumpsuits are stunning on just about everyone. As an added bonus, this piece can easily go from work to play, AM to PM.

Image_Jumpsuits

 Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 5.

Dec 13
0
fashion victim - how not to become one

FASHION VICTIM or FASHION FABULOUS

By | Fashion, Personal Style | No Comments

The term ‘fashion victim’ was coined by Oscar de la Renta to describe someone who is unable to identify commonly recognized boundaries of style. Giorgio Armani referred to it as “When a woman alters her look too much from season to season.

For anyone who loves fashion what accompanies the love is the potential to become a fashion victim. I love the constantly changing fashion scene and being presented with new and interesting looks which allow me to evolve my personal style while expanding and experimenting with my wardrobe choices.

Becoming a fashion victim is not something that will happen to you if, you take only from fashion what suits your personality and figure and wear things your way.

So in the spirit of being fashionably fabulous, here’s my take on what’s important to know:

To Thine Self Be True

Possessing a great look is first and foremost about feeling good when you look in the mirror. If you’ve ever had a friend cajole you into into wearing something that wasn’t ‘you’, you’d have experienced the discomfort it brings. Even if it looked great on your body, if the style did not gel with who you are (your style personality) it felt awkward and disconnected. In fact wearing any thing that isn’t you literally drains you of energy.

So, regardless if an item is the hottest must-have ever, if it’s not ‘you’ pass on it. There are always plenty of other trends to choose items from.

Also, You Personal Style is ever evolving and as you explore and discover your authentic style you’ll discover what an awesome journey it is, and the more original, fresh and happy you’ll be in your clothes.

Dodge Fashion Time Warps Personal style

It may have been ‘totally you’ and it’s served you well over the years, having paid for itself many times over but it’s 15 years old and when you wear, it you and it looks outdated. “But it’s retro – that’s in” I hear you say. That maybe true, but retro on the young looks cool but on those who have lived through the era it often looks dowdy and outdated. A style mantra to remember is ‘if you were young enough to wear it the first time you’re probably too old to wear it the second time round.Foundation garments

Strive to always wear clothes that are current they will show you are current and have a love of today.

Nail the Basics

These are the building blocks that create a stylish wardrobe and presence that will create the image you wish to portray to the world. If you skip over building a solid foundation, then your presence will be all flash and no substance.

Your foundation pieces are the real work horses of your wardrobe. So much so, that if you lost them it would severely debilitate your ability to create outfits that fit your lifestyle and aesthetic ideals. Foundation garments are primarily classic in nature and simply in design. Nailing these means ensuring you have the right quantity, in the best style for your figure and in the best quality you can afford.

Focus on Style, Not Price

Regardless of the designer name on the label, the price you paid or how ‘in’ the item is, if the style does not suit or fit, or the color is unflattering don’t go there. Fashion victims snap up the latest trends and wear them proudly, showing everyone that they know what’s in style. Meanwhile, those around them are thinking, “So you know what’s in style. But do you have a mirror?”

Conspicuous consumption isn’t stylish either, and raises questions regarding your sensibilities of what’s important. It shows social insecurity and turns more people off than it impresses. By focusing on what suits your personal style, figure, coloring and lifestyle you’ll be streets ahead in the style stakes.

Fight Fashion Frenzy

Wearing too much of anything is never a good idea, no matter what it is, but especially when it comes to fashion. Keep statement or trend pieces to one or two per outfit lest you be seen as a try-hard. Likewise buying garments that don’t go with anything just because they are ‘in’ begs the question why? You can get into a vicious circle of throwing good money after bad trying to make a bad purchase or an orphan item work.

Avoid Pinch, Pull, Tug

There’s nothing worse than knickers up your butt. It’s irritating, distracting and looks bad.

Your undergarments affect your overall appearance, and wearing the correct size will give you the level support and coverage you need. Badly fitting underwear causes unsightly bulges and the embarrassment of being caught in the act of liberating your knickers out of your butt . So throw away anything that is stretched or too tight, and have regular bra fittings. Unlike clothing, that is often vanity sized, lingerie is usually correctly sized and as a result will need to be larger than you expect. If the size on the label distresses you cut it off - I won’t tell.best_of_visible_pantylines-147

 Be Mindful of Your Age Limitations

You may still have a great body, but what age does your face say you are? A well dressed woman wears clothes that match her face. There are many trends that can easily be adapted to many ages and then there are some that should be left to the young. Thirtysomething designer Veronica Swanson Beard has got it right when she says “Dressing your age means feeling comfortable in your own skin and working with what you’ve got.” Working with what you’ve got, not what you had – is the key.

Obviously age inappropriate clothes worn by mature age women proclaim to the world that they are not coping well with aging, are gullible or lack self awareness. Dress to old and may you may be mistaken for an old maid or door mouse.

34201_conchitaYou’re Not Toothpaste

So don’t go squeezing yourself into, or out of anything that’s too small for you. Sizes were invented for the sole reason of identifying and fitting various body sizes, not as an ego boost so you can prove to yourself you’re still a size 10.

The simple truth is, if you wear clothes that are too small for you, you’ll end up looking heavier than you actually are, and that’s not stylish, attractive or comfortable. You’ll look much slimmer and appealing if you wear the right size for your figure. Blessed is Shapewear If your body is not as firm as it was but you wish to wear fitted garments, shapewear is the only way to go. Without it the sight is one of shake, wobble and roll.

Long gone are the days of iron and whalebone corsets or latex girdles. Today’s body shapers are comfortable, effective, and give a natural-looking shape and if you need any more convincing, know that over 80% of female celebrities wear them.

muffin-top-surgery

Want More? 15 of the worst street-style looks from Fashion Week 2014