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