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

Welcome

Hello,
I'm new to blogging, but I've always had an interest and love for fashion. I've decided to create my own site where I will be able to post my personal style choices, current trends, celebrity inspirations and new designer's collections. I live in Brussels, and the trends I share with you will be strictly European-based, as Europe is a host to some of the greatest fashion capitals in the world and style can almost be considered a lifestyle here, or second nature to say the least. I am not making this blog as a place for me to show off or brag, because fashion is something I am passionate about and want to share with anyone who feels the same way, so that I can be inspired by new looks and hopefully inspire others with my own personal taste. I constantly welcome new ideas and interpretations as well as submissions to my blog, so please feel free to email me at styleluxxe@gmail.com if ever you have any feedback or requests!
I hope you enjoy what I have to post,
Gabii x