SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Laurence Dacade

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Laurence Dacade is known for having whimsical and unique prints in her designs. The French designer’s philosophy is “There is no need to suffer for beauty”, and it is apparent in her comfortable shoe styles that are both fashionable & functional.

Check out these darling David Bowie -inspired booties. If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know that we are obsessed with Bowie’s style. Wear them with oversized, worn-in denim and a sexy cropped top to balance out the bold style of the boots.

And don’t forget red lipstick & some serious self-confidence.

Laurence Dacade Bowie paneled leather ankle boots, $960, via Net-a-Porter

What do you think of these boots? How would you style them?

xo, loves

Have a beautiful weekend!

12 Seriously Easy Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Halloween always comes up unexpectedly. If you are going to a costume party or going out this weekend, here are 12 DIY costumes you can easily put together using items you most likely already have around.

1.

Drake, via MTV

Turtleneck Sweater + Vampire Teeth = Drake-ula!

2.

Princess Leia, via StarWars.com

Flowy White Dress + Hair Buns = Princess Leia

3.

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, via Pinterest

Layers + Layers + Layers = Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen

4.

Grace Coddington, via Presley Ann/PMC

Red-Haired Wig + All-Black Outfit = Grace Coddington

Read on for more outfit inspiration! Continue reading →

Surprise! Alexa Chung Is Launching a Fashion Line — StyleCaster

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

After a solid decade of topping best-dressed lists, sitting front row at runway shows, and collaborating with brands from Madewell to Superga, Alexa Chung is (finally!) striking out on her own with a full-fledged fashion brand. Announced early this morning, ALEXACHUNG will include denim, daywear, evening wear, shoes, jewelry and permanents, a category that the press release describes as “daily luxuries” (our money’s on pieces like vintage-y soft tees and crewneck sweaters).

Edwin Bodson, formerly the head designer at Haider Ackermann, will act as managing director of the new line, and collaborate with Chung on “wearable, cool clothing you can live in and love in,” as she puts it in the release.

“After many seasons of inspiring and eye opening collaborations with some of my favorite brands, I have decided that now is the perfect time to go it alone and establish my very own fashion line,” says Chung.

Check out the full article on StyleCaster. Do you love Alexa Chung’s style? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

xo

Trending Now: The Boho Look

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Boho chic is once again one of the leading fashion styles of the season. Drawing influences from unconventional bohemian lifestyle on the one hand, and hippie subculture on the other, this fabulous trend has to be your choice for this autumn. However, if you are not quite sure how to achieve this kind of look, we are here to help you. Here is an essential style guide with some useful tips concerning this fashion style.

Style Roots

Boho chic is once again one of the leading fashion styles of the season. Drawing influences from unconventional bohemian lifestyle on the one hand, and hippie subculture on the other, this fabulous trend has to be your choice for this autumn. However, if you are not quite sure how to achieve this kind of look, we are here to help you. Here is an essential style guide with some useful tips concerning this fashion style.

Fashion Inspirations

This amazing style is a throwback to the 1970’s, being an inspiring combination of characteristic shapes and fabrics embodied in flared jeans, bell sleeves, culottes, fringes, suede dresses and many others. Even though it was fairly popular back in the 70’s, it actually reached its peak in 2005. Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen largely contributed to the popularization of this specific style. They introduced oversized tunics and dresses, peasant blouses, maxi skirts, and fringed jackets, and we have those lovely ladies to thank for bringing this trend into the mainstream. This season, many designers recognized the beauty in this style, and chose to incorporate it into their collections. Stella McCartney’s larger than life flared pants, Alexander McQueen’s extraordinary boho floral dresses, Asian-influences at Marchesa, and Marc Jacobs’ woven hobo bags with fringes are true representatives of this free-spirited style.

Ethnic Influences

Wearing bohemian clothes means connecting with nature as well as with other cultures which influenced this style. It is present everywhere, from runway to high street fashion, which is why it became so trendy and available to everyone. The most prominent elements of this style are related to ethnicity, because designers are drawing their inspiration from the distant cultures of Africa and Asia. In this way, they are creating unique pieces of clothing that are indeed a form of art, but which can be combined with basics such as jeans or classic trousers. If ethnic wear is your cup of tea, the possibilities are infinite. There is a wonderful variety of Salwar suits for true fans of Indian ethnic wear. You can choose them in accordance with your favorite colors, and be sure that gorgeous embroidery will blow you away. Of course, jewelry is unavoidable when it comes to this style, and the rule is – go big or go home!

Layering jewelry is key to achieving a boho look. Image via Pinterest

How To Achieve the Boho Look?

Vintage accessories and flowy clothes are a basis for this look.

Beauty:

To achieve the look with your make-up, choose natural make-up and relaxed, beach waves for hair.

Clothing:

When it comes to fabrics, with the bohemian style, anything goes – there is everything from cotton, leather, suede, linen, and (faux) fur pieces. Make sure that you have chosen items in natural colors, such as beige or white, so you could pair them up with other patterned items.

Patterns & Prints:

A wide range of patterns is allowed, from floral to more abstract and ethnic-inspired ones. Lace dresses, as well as crocheted blouses and tops are an absolute must-have when it comes to boho look. Accessorize yourself with fringes and beads and you are halfway there.

Bohemian Color Palette:

via TheChicFashionista

Boho style is all about comfort, which is why it is characterized by oversized clothes, often worn in layers. A great option would be to try combining skinny jeans with a flowy, floral blouse and a fringed vest for a gorgeous & easy look.

As you can see, this fashion style is beyond inspirational and it allows for playful exploration with clothes and patterns. This is exactly why many people would agree that boho is a state of mind, and not just a trend in fashion that will pass sooner or later. No matter how you perceive it, boho chic is a style that is worthwhile, simply because it survived and remained popular throughout many decades of confronting with different trends in fashion.

About the Guest Blogger:

Peter is a fashion stylist and a writer for HighStyleLife magazine located in Brisbane, Australia. After graduating from Australian Institute Of Creative Design, he worked as a style assistant for many local fashion events. Combining all his skills and experience along with his complete love for fashion, he is planning to launch independent styling company.

xo, darlings

40 Fashion Mistakes You May Be Making

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

7 Fashion Faux Pas You Need to Stop Making Now

via DFWStyleDaily

( 1 )

You believe white shouldn’t be worn after labor day.

Ladies, listen up: This is an antiquated rule that shouldn’t be followed. As countless designers and fashion stars have proved during the past few seasons, white isn’t only appropriate when the weather turns chilly, but also amazingly fresh and modern. One thing to keep in mind when tackling the white-in-winter trend: It’s all about the fabric. Lighter textiles such as white cotton, linen, canvas, and seersucker will look out of place during fall and winter, so be sure you’re reaching for white wool, cashmere, fur, mohair, flannel, silk, and leather.

via Twice-Fashion

( 2 )

You always buy the same size in clothes.

As any woman who’s shopped high-fashion and fast-fashion knows, sizing can vary tremendously according to store, brand, and item. Cheaper clothing typically runs way bigger, making it common for a woman to wear, say, a size Large at Forever 21, but still be a size 2 in Stella McCartney. Don’t sweat the number—pay attention to how things look on your body instead.

( 3 )

You wear retro pieces without a modern spin.

The perfect modern spin on a retro look.

We all know that fashion is cyclical and that everything comes back around, but that doesn’t mean you should dress in full of-another-decade outfits, which could run the risk of making you look like you’re both in costume and 10 years older.

Love the look of a wild ’80s neon sweater you found at the Salvation Army? Leave the leggings and sneakers at home and opt for a pair of super-sleek skinny jeans, natural hair and makeup, and a great pair of ankle boots. Found a vintage swingy midi-skirt? Style it with modern staples like a cropped leather jacket and a sleek pair of pointy heels as opposed to wearing a pussy-bow blouse and pearls.

( 4 )

You think ‘dry clean only’ tags are always correct.

via Jeremy Brooks

If a garment says it needs to be dry-cleaned, it won’t hurt to follow suit, but that can get pricey—especially since some items technically don’t need to be professionally cleaned. Many high-end brands that manufacture items in washable fabrics will often say “dry clean only” to keep up the higher-end vibe. Furthermore, certain fabrics such as cashmere actually hold up better when they’re washed by hand as opposed to getting dry-cleaned. Here’s a good guide to help you figure out what doesn’t really have to be cleaned by a pro.

( 5 )

You believe tall women shouldn’t wear heels.

Karlie Kloss is not only a tall woman who wears heels, she also bikes in them. Badass, kids. via DailyMail

This mandate isn’t only silly, but a little sexist, too. Stemming from a whole bunch of antiquated notions including abundant height isn’t feminine, and a woman shouldn’t draw extra attention to herself, this rule is one no woman should ever follow if they don’t want to. We know plenty of women who are six feet tall and still rock killer heels with grace (ahem, Jenna Lyons, Charlize Theron, Michelle Obama, Karlie Kloss….)

( 6 )

You shop for Instagram

We hate to assume you’d buy anything simply so people know you own it, but such is the world in which we live. Are you buying that Balenciaga bag because you really, really love it, or because you want others to know you bought it? If you buy those Jimmy Choo pumps, will you be able to truly enjoy them without posting them to social media? If the answer is no, you might have some thinking to do about your shopping habits.

( 7 )

You avoid horizontal stripes like the plague.

via WorldFashionChannel

Buying into the notion that all horizontal lines make you look wide is a cliché mistake. Yes, we’ll admit that a skin-tight bodycon dress emblazoned with horizontal lines might only look good on a model, but pieces that are made well and fit well—think a classic cotton Breton striped shirt tucked into dark jeans, a ladylike full skirt with horizontal stripes, or a great striped overcoat—flatters every woman.

Thanks to StyleCaster for these fabulous tips for staying chic all winter long. Go check out the rest of their article for more fashion advice here.

Have a favorite fashion tip? Share in the comments below!

xo, loves

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Rag & Bone

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Rag & Bone’s classic Newbury boot is a staple in every stylish It girl’s wardrobe, from Sienna Miller to Kate Moss to Rosie Huntington-Whitely. I can attest that I wear my black Newbury boots with everything; they are a perfect complement to a bohemian summer dress, while looking effortlessly chic under cuffed jeans and a blazer. Not to mention, the 3 1/2 inch chunky heel is just enough height to be casual enough for daytime and unbelievably comfortable, all while looking totally put together.

Usually seen in the black color or muted grey, the Newbury just got updated to leopard, and it’s pretty amazing.