SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Saint Laurent

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2016 Campaign

Saint Laurent has had a controversial last 4 years after Hedi Slimane took the reigns as creative director, immediately altering the name from Yves Saint Laurent, or YSL, to Saint Laurent, and infusing the brand with his signature sense of rock & roll style. To add to the controversy, earlier this month, Kering Group, owner of Saint Laurent, has announced the departure of Hedi Slimane. While there has been no word of who will take his place, there has been talk of Anthony Vaccarello last February.

Regardless, some of my favorite pieces from Saint Laurent à la Hedi have been the floral print & embroidery, inspiration circa ’90’s-grunge era. Take, for example, these rain boots below that are utter and complete perfection. Wear them at Coachella and every other music festival for the ultimate in boho chic.

SAINT LAURENT Leather and embroidered canvas rain boots$2,795

What do you think of these embroidered-canvas rain boots?

xxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Miu Miu

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Miu Miu’s glitter-emblazoned pumps made headlines after their retro-inspired runway debut for Fall/Winter 2015-16 at Paris Fashion Week. Their block heel is on-trend for this season, and the baby blue details and cartoon-sized button add the perfect eccentricity to what could very easily become blah. Pair these heels with a pair of flared, dark denim trousers & a fitted turtleneck, or with a shift dress and a contrasting, candy-colored jacket.

Miu Miu Glittered Patent-Leather Pumps, $755

What do you think of these glittery pumps?

xo, beauties

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

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: DSquared2

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

DSquared2 is one of those super awesome labels that just exude a certain cool attitude, with a unique IDGAF kind of feel. And these skeleton heel ankle boots are totally in on it (and kind of perfect for the Halloween season…). The outsides of the boots have a shoelace-inspired lace-up closure that reminds me of equal parts Frankenstein and football, which isn’t an easy feat to pull off.

Wear them with anything and everything during any months ending in -ber.

DSquared2 Skeleton Heel Ankle Boots, $1930

What do you think of these boots? What would you wear them with?

Stay beautiful,

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Gucci

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

While many people adore Gucci for their iconic bags, for me, Gucci has always sold me with their classic, yet very on-trend designs. I’m currently obsessed with these Gucci Glitter Pumps, featuring a chunky 2″ heel. The balance of board-room style loafers with the sparkly glitter exterior is serious enough for work, while adding on a stylish and fun whimsy.

Gucci Glitter Pumps, $650, via MyTheresa

Pair ’em with a pair of cropped trousers for work, or a ’70’s inspired mini skirt (preferably this adorable Emilio Pucci ZigZag Leather Mini Skirt….) for a chic weekend look.

What do you think of these Gucci loafers? What would you wear them with?

Can Flip-Flops Be High Fashion?

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Charlotte Olympia Teams Up With Havaianas To Create Fashionable Flip-Flops

What is it about the (unofficial) national sandals of Brazil that designers and fashion insiders alike love so much? This upcoming collab is one of my favorites: Charlotte Olympia teams up with Havaianas to create perhaps the most fashionable flip-flop ever. The Spring/Summer 2016 collection will debut this upcoming February after a preview at Milan Fashion Week this September.

The collection will include 3 flip flop styles and a beach towel. The best part? You can snag a pair for only about $40, rather than the usual high price tag for Charlotte Olympia shoes. The collection is inspired by her signature kitty motifs, retro pin-up style, and, of course, her quirky, tongue-in-cheek attitude.

The designer, Charlotte Dellal, is daughter to Brazilian model Andrea Dellal, which may have contributed to one of the reasons for the collab.

Brazilian model Andrea Dellal with designer daughter Charlotte Dellal, via StreetPeeper

What do you think of Havaianas? Will you be shopping this collection?

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Saint Laurent

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Hedi Slimane has been creating some controversy as designer of fashion house Saint Laurent, which instigated The Independent to write this article, which, in turn, caused New York Magazine‘s fashion component, The Cut, to write this refutation. If you’d rather look at pretty pictures than read all those big words, stay here, and check out Saint Laurent’s ‘babies’ Mid-Calf Boots, Americana-style. These silver-toned mid-calf boots are certainly appropriate for at least three occasions: Fashion Week, the 4th of July, and Texas (totally joking, ya’ll!). Pair ’em with some red or blue daisy dukes, or a sleek all-black ensemble.

Saint Laurent ‘Babies’ mid-calf boots, ~~was $1,995.00~~ now $997.50

What do you think of these Saint Laurent ‘Babies’ boots? What would you wear them with?

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Emilio Pucci

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Funky suede boots are seriously trending right now in the fashion world, and these blue suede boots by Emilio Pucci are no exception. With a gold colored heel, embellished with beads and luxe embroidery, and with a zodiac motif ford decoration, these bad boys are a serious statement boot. I’d balance out these bold boots with a feminine, short, and flowy navy blue printed dress, or take the look up a few notches with a gold cocktail dress, like this one from Herve Leger.

Emilio Pucci, $5,575, via Luisaviaroma

They do come with a hefty price tag, but…look at the detailing ~~(cue dramatic ooh’s and ahh’s here)~~!

See? Totally worth a few months rent.

What do you think of these Emilio Pucci blue suede boots? What would you wear them with?

xo, loves

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Maison Margiela

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

The house of Maison Margiela is known for deconstruction and discretion. The Belgian designer Margiela has never even appeared on the runway for any of his shows, and wishes to be completely anonymous (here is a wonderful resource with more information if you’re interested). However, whether that is why John Galliano, who recently took over the reigns as designer for the house, did not take a bow and instead let his work stand for itself at its Paris Fashion Week show is up to you to decide (the designer was briefly out of the fashion world since being fired from Dior in 2011 for an anti-semitic rant at a bistro in Paris, then spent some time in rehab).

Maison Martin Margiela’s style has always been gritty, minimalistic, and art-centric. Enter, these Maison Margiela hand-painted booties. They’re certainly out there, but the style is a Margiela signature design, and are kind of like high-fashion’s answer to floral Doc Marten’s.

Pair it with this adorable matching silver-plated daisy earring for a perfect Spring outfit.

Maison Margiela Hand-Painted Floral Booties, $1,260

What do you think of these booties?

The Sexiest Red Heels for Every Price Range

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Trends & Tribulations

From taxi shoes to masquerade masked heels to the infamous Sophia Webster pencil heels, I have a more than unhealthy obsession of shoes. However, there’s one thing missing. I have no red heels.

After perusing website after website searching for the perfect pair, I found (as I so often do) too many pairs than will fit in either of my two shoe closets at this time (that is, until I figure out how I can transform my guest room into an adequate shoe room)… I found pairs from every price range, and the next best thing to owning the shoes is sharing them with you lovely readers.