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