Dip Dye

Not a new trend, but probably one of my favourites is the dip-dye. This statement allows you to mix hues and is showing up all over the place; on sweaters, shorts, bags and even in hairstyles when you go for the ombré look. In this light-weight summer sweater, the neon pink is perfect for incorporating this summer's hottest colour trend, and the open back (you can't see it in the picture unfortunately) gives it a sexy edge without being slutty, and also keeps you cool in the heat.

Tobi.com dip-dye sweater (40 euro), black Zara jeans (60 euro),
gold Converses (130 euro),  Marc Jacobs tote (40 euro)

Chanel Inspired

Hello there, I know it's been a while but I've been so so busy with studying for my final exams that I haven't had much time to do anything in terms of trend-seeking and blogging. However, I compromised with myself (and my parents) and figured since I was spending so much time in front of my computer reading and taking notes, I might as well order some of the latest trends and have them delivered to me so by the time I'm finished studying I would have something to share with you guys. So voila everyone, here is my latest Chanel-inspired look;

B&W open-backed blouse tobi.com ($44), BCBG skirt ($70), black tights H&M ($5),
Michael Antonio leather heels (64 euro)

The full black and white look is classic, elegant and practically the easiest outfit to coordinate because there's no worry of colour-clashing or mixed and matched pieces. It's perfect to wear to a classy restaurant if you're going out with friends, and it can even be worn to a more high-end club after (which is what I was dressed for). The open back, which you unfortunately can't see (I'll have to get another picture later!) gives this look a bit of an edge without being slutty or revealing. I realize none of the pieces I'm wearing are actually from Chanel, but as you can see here http://www.chanel.com/fashion/8#8-spring-summer-2013-chanel-collection-34, black and white ensembles are their classic go-to looks, and that's exactly what I was trying to emulate above. 

Chanel Resort: 2012 Collection

So I know #tbt was two days ago, but I was browsing http://www.style.com  for prom dress inspirations and came across the Chanel 2012 Resort Collection and fell in love with one look in particular that I'm going to share with you guys today.

Look 58
 (http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/2012RST-CHANEL/#58)

Instantly you fall in love, right? It has everything that I love about Chanel; it's willowy, delicate and elegant, yet it seems so incredibly effortless. The embroided geometric criss-cross at the front gives it an editorial edge, and elongates the neck and gives the impression of good posture. The gauzy transparent flow of the skirt keeps it soft and dreamy, keeping with the 'Resort Collection' theme. The drop waist makes it vintage, adding a touch of the 20's European style. Of course, this is a little too high-fashion to wear to a prom, but I'm going for a similar look when I make my choice and I'll make sure to share it with you guys on here when I finally find the perfect dress.

xxx

Statement for Spring

Hopefully wherever you guys are living, the weather isn't as cold and miserable as it is in Brussels, Belgium. Not only am I freezing all the time, but worse; I can't wear all the gorgeous new heels I bought for spring! Doesn't mean I can't share some pictures and tips with you though...This season is all about bright, neon colours that you are allowed to clash (if you do it the right way). In honour of this bright trend, I bought these red suede heels at Zara to incorporate with the basic outfits. 

Red suede Zara heels (80 euro)

Some ideas on how to pair these gorgeous shoes with other items in your closet are pretty simple and just take some experimentation to see how they look together. In the past, I've paired these heels with white and black cocktail dresses, a heather grey maxi skirt + burnt orange crop top, and cream lace shorts and a pearl pink blouse. Red may seem like a hard colour to match with, but because the statement piece is on your feet, it's easy to create a divide between your footwear and the rest of your outfit while still maintaining a stylish edge with the unlikely combination.

xxx

The Peplum Top

I don't know about you guys, but it doesn't matter what brand of clothing I'm wearing; if it doesn't flatter my body, I feel so uncomfortable. It's okay to admire a certain style and how it looks on someone, but it might not always be right for you. This is why I'm introducing you to your new best friend; the peplum top. The peplum style flatters every body type, and its versatily means you can find it in dresses, skirts and tops. The high rise elongates your neck, and the pulled in waist makes you appear slimmer, as does the flare skirt bottom, which gives you/enhances natural looking curves. 

New Look peplum top (18 euros), HM gold patterned pants (30 euros),
Alexander McQueen gold skull-knuckle clutch (860 euros)

I adore this top and bought it in both wine and black to be able to wear it more often. Depending on how you accessorize it it can be both casual and dressy, and obviously above I was going more dressy with my outfit and ended up wearing this clubbing.

xxx

Stay Golden

This post is about to sound so hypocritical, but I seriously cannot stand sparkly Uggs...at all. I don't get it and I don't want to, however...I can't get enough of my new gold sequined/sparkly Converse All-Stars! I don't really understand how I can love one and not the other, but that's the way it is and I'm about to explain why. Sequins are a very hot trend right now, and what better way to enforce this trend by taking a classic shoe and making it even better? And in my opinion, gold trumps silver, all the time and every time. 

Gold Converse (130 euro)

These are clearly statement pieces like many of the clothes and accessories I blog about, and are easy to pair with alost anything because the rest of your outfit requires very little effort when you're wearing something as bright and bold as these. Today, I went with slim black Zara leggings, a white It Hippie t-shirt and a pink Zara blazer with gold zippers and lining (which picked up the gold in the shoes nicely). We these shoes, every outfit you combine them with is a no-brainer; keep it simple!

xxx

Bold Move

As I've said before, subtlety is key when creating a put-together together outfit, however that isn't true in all cases...more and more, this spring's new collections are showing us bright, out-there and bold trends that we automatically love (I'm assuming I'm not speaking for myself only?) and automatically have to try. Today I'm showing you the latest trend I'm taking on since browsing whowhatwear.com and seeing this article:

http://www.whowhatwear.com/bold-stripes

As you can see, many fashionable and beautiful women have embraced this trend, and some have even managed to pull off horizontal stripes (jealous), which we know is not the most flattering pattern to wear...unless you're a Marc Jacobs runway model of course. But this look is obviously not only for the rich and famous, but is something that can easily be pulled off at school or on a night out depending how you accessorize. 

Navy blue and white striped silk blouse, 50 euro at Only


This was my trend purchase, and is probably one of the easiest trends to shop for; striped work shirts and blouses are everywhere, just find the boldest one! If I wanted to accesorize this so it could become a versatile piece, I would pair it with a red or burgundy scarf for day-wear to give you a nautical look, and for night time I would pair this semi see-through top with a chunky turquoise necklace and a black bra (it sounds slutty, but if done right it can look extremely elegant, I promise)

xxx

The Urban Interpretation

Lately, my every day looks have been inspired by street style (Paris, London, New York) rather than high fashion couture. The urban interpretation of fashion is so unique and original that it's hard not to love it and try to emulate it with what's in your own closet. Below is an outfit I recently wore downtown Brussels while shopping and not only was it comfortable (harem pants > everything)  but it matched the atmosphere of the city life and is a nice change from couture. 

Zadig & Voltaire blouse (145 euro), Zara harem pants (60 euro),
 black leather ankle boots (80 euro), black Marc Jacobs tote (not pictured, $40)

Friday Night Furs

As you can all probably tell by now, there's no statement piece I love more than my fur coats and jackets, and have just added a new member to my collection; a super-soft, black, cropped shrug bought at Zara (surprise, surprise) for only 40 euro. Even though my look below isn't a typical Friday night ensemble (I was at a 1920's themed party), this shrug adds timeless elegance, and depending on what you're going for, it can both modernize and vintage-nize (?) any outfit. 

xxx

Emerald

I love that time at the beginning of every season when the Colour of the Year is revealed, and I couldn't be more excited for this spring's newest hue; emerald.

http://www.whowhatwear.com/seeing-green-with-sephora-pantones-2013-color-of-the-year

This colour has been in before, so forgive me for recycling a picture (I know #tbt was yesterday) but opting for an emerald dress like I have below will instantly make you stand out in a crowd of LBDs at your prom or any formal event, and not only that but emerald green (like turquoise) is one of those colours that tends to look good on any skin tone. 

Gold Chanel purse (not pictured, $1,680), Emerald dress (bought at the boutique 'Mystique' in Barbadoes, $210)

This dress was the perfect match for my skin tone and hair colour at the time, and lucky for me, with emerald, you can only accessorize with gold pieces, which I adore. It may seem a little risky to go with an unorthodox dress colour like green, however wouldn't you rather make a trendy statement than blend into the pool of girls in simple black dresses?

xxx

Camo Comeback

The military look has had its highs and lows over the years, spent a fair bit of time being 'in' as well as 'out', but only a brand like DKNY could truly make it cool again. In their S/S 2013 collection, DKNY urbanized camo by incorporating clashing colours and feminine silhouettes, creating a beautifully abstract and modern approach to the traditional style. 

http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b--camo-print-for-women-camouflage-print-39595.html

I haven't always been the biggest fan of this trend, DKNY-approved or not, but all it took was one trip to Zara during sales and I totally caved. 

New Look neon top (24 euro), Aldo cuff bracelet ($12), Zara  incredible gorgeous on sale patterned pants with leather strip up the side (in love) (12 euro!!), Aldo heels ($120)

So in case you couldn't tell by the caption, I am completely in love with these pants. They are clearly a statement piece and at only 12 euro on sale (originally 60!) it was a no-brainer to get them. The beauty of this pattern (which I have a new respect and appreciation for) is that it seems so busy and complicated, however it is the easiest piece to build an outfit with. It only takes one statement piece to compliment what you're wearing, so all you need to go with these pants are the basics! Hopefully I've made that clear to you by adding nude heels and a monochromatic tee (you cant really tell from the picture but there are some hints of neon pink in the pants - I didn't pick a random colour, it matches!). For those of you nervous about wanting to experiment with a trend, just remember that it only takes one statement piece to transform your look from basic to stylish.

xxx

Trend Alert: delicate, barely-there jewelry

I know some of you are probably very into bold jewelry statements like bangles and cuff necklaces, however once in a while it's nice to tone it down a bit and try some simple and classic pieces. Statement jewelry is good for a big night out or event where you can experiment with bold looks. However, delicate jewelry allows other pieces to take center stage, like a pair of boots or patterned pants, without taking over and distracting from the rest of your outfit. Not only that, but delicate jewelry is often much more beautiful than a neon cuff bracelet or long-layered necklace. Below I have compiled a collage of 5 of my favorite delicate jewelry pieces and where you can find them.

Sterling silver infinity ring ($27, Etsy), Grecian  mirano glass evil eye and sterling silver cross bracelet (25 euros, boutique in Greece), Gold skull bracelet (birthday present so I'm not sure of the price, Créole) 

Gold sideways cross (Christmas present so I'm not sure of the price, Etsy), Brushed sterling silver heart necklace ($35,  can't remember where I bought it!)

xxx

Celeb-Inspired School Look

This morning I was scrolling through whowhatwear.com while I was eating breakfast and I came across Alessandra Ambrosio's What Was She Wearing below;

http://www.whowhatwear.com/what-was-she-wearing-alessandra-ambrosio

  This black & white ensemble is a classic (I feel like I use that word all the time) and looks crisp and fresh. Surprisingly, outfits that look this put-together tend to be the easiest to create using the basics from your wardrobe. Anyway, I immediately rushed to my room and compiled my own version of this look (apologizing in advance that it's not exactly how Alessandra wears it-- it's more the colour scheme I was inspired by)

Here I have paired a B&W woven blazer from HM (30euro) with a white hi-lo sweater from Nordstrom ($30), my black and white Alexander McQueen skull scarf ($295), black Zara jeans (40euro) and black leather ankle booties from Aldo ($80)

So, it's not at all exactly like what Alessandra stepped out in, however the B&W colour scheme is key to a classic and clean look. Not only that, but going through my closet helped me realize that I absolutely need a pair of leather lined jeans, and was hoping you guys could help me come up with a reasonable excuse for why my mom needs to get me Alessandra's exact pair (Hudson Leelo Super Skinny Crop Jeans ($189) in Vice Versa)

xxx

Look of the Week: Jessica Hart

I've decided to initiate a new tradition for my blog by picking on look of the week and emulating it with articles from my own wardrobe. Here is the winning look this week, and it comes as no surprise that it was worn by the gorgeous Jessica Hart;

http://www.whowhatwear.com/what-was-she-wearing-jessica-hart

To see details of exactly who she was wearing and where, click on the link to whowhatwear.com in the caption. Anyways, I really couldn't care less about the brands, just look at how amazing this ensemble is! The metallic pleated skirt to the knee is so classic and classy, and by cleverly adding the t-strap heels to elongate her already mile-long legs, the look is instantly sexy. The simple puffy-sleeved top allows the skirt to take center stage as the statement piece, and with minimal makeup and the hair off her face in a half-updo, she gets this look right from head to toe. 

Over-sized Zara sweater (30 euro), Naf Naf pleated skirt (45 euro), Primark black
briefcase-style purse (10 euro), Guess strappy heels (130 euro), Ray Bans (110 euro)

Here I've pulled a few basics from my wardrobe paired with a few statement pieces to re-create this look for myself, and to be honest I'm pretty pleased with the results. This is an outfit you can easily wear to school by simply swapping the strappy heels for a pair of smoking slippers to make it more daytime appropriate. However, I would definitely wear this look to go out for lunch, shopping or just to hang out in the city with some friends. It's elegant, sophisticated and not over-styled to the point where you're turning heads for the wrong reasons. This is simply a classic ensemble. 

xxx

Blunt Statement

Since my posts usually include personal style choices, why not include personal beauty choices? For the past couple months I've been seeing celebrities and fashion icons donning short & dark hairstyles for the fall/winter seasons, and I completely fell in love. So much so that about a month ago I speed-walked to Olivier Dachkin and (en français) demanded Lucille to take off 8 inches and get me back to my natural colour. Brave, I know, but I am so glad I made this cut. The length frames my face, is easier to deal with in the morning and the colour suits my complexion much better than my blond locks ever did. I know that just like body types, hair is different for everyone, but in my opinion, long beachy waves should be saved for the beach, and short sophisticated crops are elegant and (much more) low maintenance for day to day life. I know it's a personal-taste thing, I'm just here to give my advice! 

            

Summer 2012 (hair down to just above my
belly button and golden yellow)

New Year 2013 (Just above my chest and dark chocolate)

xxx

Subtlety over Extravagance

I understand that it's nice to own expensive things, but is it really necessary to spend so much money on tacky accessories? My advice for designer shopping is when you're about to make a lavish purchase, make sure it's a piece that you will be able to wear often enough, and that will still be in style in the next few years; bottom line is make sure it's a classic.

Rather than draping a thick silver chain around your neck, opt for a  thin silver chain and small Tiffany & Co. charm, which actually elongates your neck, and the delicate necklace is more elegant and easier to accessorize with. My 16th birthday present, Tiffany & Co. charm ($160) (and a silver heart charm from my boyfriend).

Instead of carrying around a flashy and (sorry LV!) tacky purse covered in colourful labels, tone it down a bit and go for a classic LV wallet. You still have the designer item, it's just less of an obnoxious 'look at me!' piece. My 16th birthday present ($640)

Similar to my feelings with tacky LV purses, there is no reason to don a multi-colored and brand-name stamped scarf that probably does not match with 75% of your outfits. You can still make a statement with the same designer by opting for a more demure scarf that can be paired more easily with the rest of your wardrobe (and let's face it, is much prettier). Red LV scarf with roses ($480)

xxx

Hey Lovelies..

I'm back from my week long girls trip to Val Thorens (French Alps) where we spent the entire time skiing all day and partying all night...literally though, I went to bed every night at 5am and woke up at 9 to hit the slopes. Obviously you can assume that I won't have any personal outfits of mine to show you this week because I am still in recovery mode (and having withdrawal) of an amazing vacation, and so far every day has been a dress down day. However, while I was in Valtho, I got inspired by some of the very classy and chic ski and après-ski ensembles that people put together and decided to share one of my own outfits with you that will amp up even an ugly snowsuit and helmet hair. 

Zara fur vest 40 euro, Zadig & Voltaire grey v-neck 110 euro,
finger-less fur gloves 20 euro,  my mom's old  black studded purse,
H&M black leggings 15 euro, fur booties 60 euro,
Alexander McQueen silk scarf 295 euro

This type of outfit is simple to put together, looks amazing on and also keeps you warm; it ticks all the boxes. My advice for whenever you start building an outfit is to begin with the basics like the leggings and v-neck I have shown above, and then start to add the stylish 'statement' pieces, such as a McQueen scarf and over-sized fur vest. For those of you who prefer to have one or two bright pieces in your outfits can easily incorporate your own personal style to this look; simply opt for a colourful/patterned scarf, pair of leggings or v-neck rather than go for this grey scale look (which I only showed because it's what I personally prefer).

xxx 

Pastel Pallet

I'm trying something different due to time constraints, so instead of walking you through a bunch of different ways to accessorize with the latest trends, I'm going to show you how I would approach this Spring's new 'it' colours; pale pinks, blues, greens and yellows. In other words, pastels! Hope you enjoy!

Zara blazer 60 euro, Zara mint pants 40 euro, Aldo snakeskin flats $30,  New Look pink
tank top 5 euro, Roots medium leather backpack $300 

As you can see, not only are there so many colours to choose from this new pale pallet range, but you can easily mix and match them without clashing, like I've done.

Alright lovelies, I'm off to France for the week break to ski with my girlfriends, I'll update you when I get back!

xxx

Pop of Colour

I'm someone who would definitely tend to avoid bright, clashy colours at all costs in my personal outfit choices, however sometimes a pop of colour in an otherwise simple and monochromatic look is all it takes to up the style. I'm seeing this more often in outfit choices whether they are casual or formal and I am falling in love with this trend. Whether you're pairing a simple white dress with electric blue heels or an all-black ensemble with a turquoise scarf, this look is so easy to accomplish because it requires a simple base outfit and one 'out there' accessory. I found this look easiest to wear during the summer, as bright colours tend to compliment tanned skin, and below is an example of an outfit I wore:

Zara high-necked white silk top ($36), Zara jean shorts in red ($24)
 and Steve Madden wedges ($70) 

Personally, this is one of the easiest outfits I have ever pieced together after spending only 10 minutes in the store and picking out the shorts and top. The detail in the neck of the top (studded) also gives it more of an elevated look rather than just being a plain white top, and the regular jean shorts pop with the bright red colour (and happened to match perfectly with my red nails at the time). 

There are simpler ways to experiment with this 'pop of colour' trend, for example in your makeup choices! I went out a few weeks ago in an all-black outfit and decided at the last minute to add a bright red lip to contrast with my black ensemble and fair complexion. 

Clinique's Chubby Stick in 'Two Ton Tomato', $25

I hope this has been helpful for you all and has shown you what an easy trend this is to follow!

xxx

The Comeback: Peasant Blouses

I know the hippy/boho look is not cute has run its course, but peasant blouses are starting to creep back into  boutiques thanks to brands like YSL, who revisited this look back in 2011. This is proving to be a popular decision, because stores such as Zara are carrying similar designs now. Below is a peasant top I bought a couple weeks ago at Zara for only 40 euro. 

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this trend despite already (technically) following it, all I can say is I won't be going all out on this one and this top is probably my only contribution to this typically 70's style. Maybe this article will convince you guys otherwise;

http://theschereport.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/trend-report-ysl-peasant-blouse-revisited/

xxx

Upgrade your Little Black Dress

Everyone loves an LBD, but sometimes they become repetitive and unoriginal when it comes to formal events like dinner functions or prom. I can't count the number of times I've seen girls wear nearly identical black dresses to events and though they looked gorgeous, it's hard to make them memorable. However, since LBDs are classic and also flattering on any body type, there are ways to change them up and make them stand out with the right accessories. For example, pairing an LBD with a sequined blazer or even a contrasting colour like the blue jacket below immediately changes the look and allows you to stand out among the rest. 

Photo taken from www.tobi.com

Another big trend right now is pairing LBDs - or any black outfit - with neon accessories. This trend is incredibly easy to pull off, because all you need are a few key neon pieces - like jewelry, scarves or heels - to make an all-black outfit pop or stand out in an LBD. Below are two examples of how modern this look is, à la Kardashian sisters. 

Photo taken from www.google.com

See how easy it is to pair an neon green purse (I'm pretty sure it's Givenchy) with a black wrap dress and candy-coloured heels? Kourtney opted for (what looks like) a black studded Alexander McQueen clutch, however went with the same bright colour scheme as her sister by adding a neon yellow bubble necklace and a pair of bright pink heels. I myself own a neon pink scarf, a few neon-coloured bathing suits and am currently eyeing up a pair of electric blue heels and trying to come up with a good reason for why my mom needs to buy them for me. 

xxx

Fur Jackets

How to keep warm for the remainder of winter? FUR! Sorry for the all-caps, I'm just so excited about this trend. Whether it's a fur coat, blazer or jacket, you need at least one in your closet this season. I myself have 3; a cropped white fur vest, a big fluffy brown vest, and this long black vest (below) that my mom wore nearly 20 years ago! See? This item is a must-have, as it can go with nearly any outfit and simply never goes out of style; its chic and timeless.

I suggest pairing black furs with an all black outfit, and add a burst of colour

 (my cyan blue dress shirt is from lucy & bella and was 40 dollars) to brighten it up a bit.

This also allows the black fur to stand out from the rest of the outfit. 

As far as sizing advice, I would go with one size bigger than you normally would buy, because typically furs look better when they're slightly slouchy; it gives you an effortless look, and it can actually make you look smaller if you wear looser clothing!

xxx

Blazer Craze

Though the fall/winter seasons are almost over, I'm still trying to wear my blazers to death while I still can. Blazers have been a huge hit these past two seasons, and I'm sure will continue on for the next couple years as they are a perfect piece to make a simple outfit classy. Below are my top four favourite blazers and how to wear them with a simple white t-shirt, or long-sleeved gray shirt.

This black and white woven blazer from H&M is the newest
addition to my closet and was a great purchase at only 30 euros.
It goes great with any simple non-patterned outfit and can easily
complete a jeans and shirt combination without much effort. 

This two-tone wool blazer from Mango was 30 euros and is 

my favourite at the moment. I love the burgundy (really

 popular colour right now) with gold trim which instantly adds

 intrigue to the would-be simple blazer.

This baby pink wool blazer from Zara was 60 euros and is
typically my 'summer' blazer. It's fairly lightweight and is
so easy to pair with any pastel or all-white outfit.

This classic black blazer from Bebe was 80 dollars and is the
smartest purchase you can make when buying a blazer. It isn't
a 'statement' blazer like the others, yet it can go with any
statement outfit because it matches anything and everything. 

Hopefully I've given you enough examples of different blazers and how to wear them with two basic tops. If yo have any comments or suggestions of other styles please let me know below!

xxx

Chunky Watches

Though delicate jewelry is much more popular at the moment, chunky rose gold, gold and silver watches are one piece of jewelry that aren't following the current dainty trend. Designer watches such as Michael Kors are very popular right now and I've been seeing them all over my school, usually in gold rather than silver. Below is my watch from ALDO (40 dollars) that my boyfriend bought me over the summer when I first became interested in the big watch trend.

My advice when choosing what color you want your watch is to go for either a yellow gold or rose gold. The reason being is that big, chunky silver watches can often look manly, whereas gold and rose gold are more feminine colours, despite the size of the watch. I went with rose gold because I found that I can wear both my gold and silver bracelets with my watch, meaning I don't have to worry about it clashing with other jewelry.

Rose gold watch paired with silver jewelry
 (wrap bracelet from Massimo Dutti (20 dollars), silver cross
and evil eye bracelet from a boutique in Greece (20 dollars))

If I had to suggest a few brands of watches to buy from, it would be Michael Kors, Fossil and Rolex. Though these brands are more on the expensive side, watches are classic and when you purchase one of these brands you are guaranteed amazing quality that will last for years. I myself am getting a Rolex this year as a graduation present, so convince your parents you really need one too ;)

Here are some of the sites of the brands I mentioned above:
- http://www.michaelkors.com
- http://www.rolex.com/en
- http://www.fossilglobal.com

xxx

Key Piece: The Skull Scarf

The skull trend has been in for a while now, and I'm seeing it more and more in different forms; sweaters, bags and jewelry. I'll have a post up later about that, but for now I want to focus on how you can follow this trend with one simple piece; the classic Alexander McQueen scarf. These scarves are all over my school, in all different materials and colours. If you've never seen one of these scarves, here's the direct link to McQueen's online scarf boutique, where I ordered mine --> http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/scarf-boutique/AC,en_US,sc.html 

The great thing about these scarves is that you aren't only paying for the name brand, you're paying for the quality too. I got my silk scarf for last year's Christmas, and though it is delicate, it has yet to tear or fade. If you don't want a material as delicate as silk, McQueen also offers you pashmina scarves, which are more durable and just as gorgeous.

This scarf goes best with a white or black top,
as it is slightly transparent and blends nicely   

$295

I decided to go with the black and white skull scarf, because it's more versatile and pairs nicely with nearly any outfit. However, I've seen my friends pull off beige, forest green and red coloured scarves beautifully, so there is no doubt that this statement piece will compliment any outfit, giving your look an edginess without being full on gothic. That's one of the great things about Alexander McQueen, is he always manages to find the perfect balance between femininity and edginess without being over the top, and every one of his looks exudes high fashion and class.

xxx

Smokin' Slippers

But actually, that's what they're called...smoking slippers. Hard to believe that these adorable shoes actually used to be worn by fat, rich cigar smoking and scotch drinking men...ew. But it's fine, because designers like (my favourite) Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs and Steve Madden have made them 100% female-friendly. In fact, I own one or two pairs as does my sister. Below are mine, bought at Zara for 35 euro.

This pair is similar to a pair I found in Zara (might be the same), and is currently on sale for 10 euro!

My sister's pair are from Aldo, and unfortunately she is two sizes bigger than me so I am unable to steal borrow them. I think she got them for around 80-90 dollars when we were in Canada over the summer.

From the name alone, you know that these slippers are promising to be comfortable and casual, but they can also instantly take over as a statement piece in your outfit. There are so many different brands and companies that are mass producing these adorable shoes and there is literally something for everyone, depending on your taste and personality. You will not be hard pressed to find these shoes in any shop, and I can guarantee you there will be at least one style you like. (Click the caption to go to the site)

Alexander McQueen

Charlotte Olympia

 Stubbs & Wootton

       
Here are some direct links to online shops that carry really cute smoking slippers:
zara.com
http://www.neimanmarcus.com
http://www.stevemadden.com/

xxx

Metallica

No, not the band, the first 8 letters of the word; metallic. I was just trying to be clever. Metallic, chrome, silver & gold are every where right now. I love this trend, not that it's exactly new, but I have been seeing it in different forms lately. Yesterday I saw a girl wearing something similar to the image below.

This choker-style necklace, called a collar necklace, is also a trending accessory, and combined with the chrome is probably one of my favourite pieces at the moment. Collar necklaces are a great way to accessorize with a simple high necked t-shirt or sweater, and can instantly change your entire look. For example, I took the image below from whowhatwear.com to show you the effect of this trend:

My friend came back from Canada recently where she had her nails done in chrome. Personally, I would only wear this look for a big event and not as an everyday colour, however it still is an innovative approach to nail art. There are certain polish brands like China Glaze and Essie that have attempted to bottle chrome, however to achieve this look below, you have to have your nails done at a professional salon. (They use chrome stickers on your nails...but don't worry...my friend's lasted for at least 2 weeks!)

Lastly, I wanted to share my own accessories that fall into this Metallica genre; my mother's gold Chanel bag! Obviously this is not my everyday bag (I wish), but for special diners and functions I go to she lets me borrow it, such as last year's prom (the first picture) and my friend's 18th birthday event. Any metallic bag, silver or gold, is a great way to complement an LBD or a simple all-black outfit. 

(sorry about the bad quality, I can't find my camera!)

You have to remember not to have too much going on with the rest of your outfit so these key chrome pieces can stand out. I suggest wearing all black, or at least solid colors; really try to avoid patterned pieces, otherwise you will look mismatched and over-styled. In this case, you should (literally) follow in Olivia Palermo's footsteps as she keeps it simple by pairing chrome oxfords with a classy black and white ensemble. 

xxx