Tag

style

Browsing
chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
Runway

Ancient Egypt Gets a Makeover with Chanel Pre-Fall 2019

The Chanel Pre-Fall 2019, Métiers d’Art show was a momentous event that transported viewers back to ancient Egypt with a catwalk that appropriately took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur exhibit. Models slunk across the runway shimmering in all manner of gold and adorned in accessories that nodded to ancient Egyptian culture (see scarab beetles galore, pyramid-shaped purses, round hats and elaborate collars.)

chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
A shendyt-inspired skirt and  large, sweeping collar/shoulder silhouette gave this classic Chanel Tweed suit an Egyptian twist. Plus those gold tights- wow! (Photo: Vogue.com)

While the clothing certainly looked striking on screen, the pieces are best appreciated up close, as to observe the great amount of handmade detail that went into them. The gold-woven tweeds were made with tulle, sequin and metallic ribbon, while some gauzy gold materials are an elaborate mesh of tiny golden beads and each knit is encrusted with shimmering paillettes to imitate ancient Egyptian jewelry. Each look in the collection is an impressive work of art that deserves appreciation. 

While ancient Egypt has had its influence in popular culture throughout the past century, this collection has brought many interesting aspects of Egyptian style back into the limelight, including skirts with a slight rise in the front in imitation of the Egyptian kilt-style wrap skirts. One of the styling choices that interested me the most was the layering of the classic Chanel tweed suits over the ankle-length wispy, white skirts that nodded back to the styles worn by Cleopatra and her women. 

The collection also managed to meld aspects of 1980s NYC (Chanel’s showing in New York was a first for the brand)- with wide, sweeping shoulders, oversized blazers and loud prints that echo back to those popular in the ’80s, which were also a celebration of graffiti art. 

While this collection was a triumph of artistic endeavor and luxurious craftsmanship, it didn’t pique my interest aesthetically. Although the liquid-y, gold tights were gorgeous, I’m not the biggest fan of gold in fashion, as I believe it can easily look cheap, tawdry and make any well-meaning outfit look like a costume. I do believe some of the gold details in this collection cheapened the looks, but perhaps that is because I didn’t experience the show in-person and was not able to see the work put into each piece. Pictures can only show so much!

Overall, I do think it was a success. Fashion should transport and delight the senses, just like any other art form- and even if this collection doesn’t interest me on a personal level, I appreciate what it has done in bringing ancient Egypt back to life. 

Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:

  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style
  • chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style

All images found on Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Givenchy pre-fall 2019 winter fashion runway
Runway

The Mythos of Artful Layering With Givenchy Pre-Fall 2019

The beauty in myth is that they all serve to teach us a valuable lesson- Icarus let his hubris launch him into the sky, only for him to come crashing back down, a beautiful, blazing glory. While Clare Waight Keller used Icarus to inspire the Givenchy Pre-Fall 2019 collection, it did not fly too high for its own good. In fact, it too, has a valuable lesson to teach- the art of layering.

 In the Fall and Winter seasons, it may be tempting to put style aside and just focus on keeping warm, but this collection serves as a reminder that Winter fashion is just so damn fun, so why not take advantage of it? One look sees a cinched dress pulled over a high-neck collared top for a prim, pressed style. Another pairs a soft, slouchy knit sweater with a crisp, pleated skirt. Every outfit plays with your expectations of color, pattern, line, material- begetting looks that are chicly unique.

Perhaps one of my favorite looks sees a structured,  super-cropped jacket paired nicely with a long, classic-looking, yellow dress, creating a stimulating juxtaposition of length. Plus, the collection employs one of my all-time favorite shoe looks- a tall, slouchy boot coupled with a long, flowing dress. 

While myth and legend can serve as muses for the most dramatic of collections, Givenchy’s newest collection is understated and sleek- a modern crash course in how to put together a thoughtful outfit. I was struck and inspired by the smart use of length and layers, married gorgeously with architectural lines and varying delightful textures. This collection proposes a thesis we should all heed- when consideration goes into the choice of each piece in an ensemble, the results will be nothing short of elegance. Excellent tailoring helps too.

Check out a few of my favorite looks from the collection below:

  • Givenchy pre-fall 2019 winter fashion runway
  • Givenchy pre-fall 2019 winter fashion runway
  • Givenchy pre-fall 2019 winter fashion runway
  • Givenchy pre-fall 2019 winter fashion runway
  • Givenchy pre-fall 2019 winter fashion runway
  • Givenchy pre-fall 2019 winter fashion runway

All photos found on Vogue.com courtesy of Givenchy.

by
Keep Reading
Fashion

Halloween Inspo: A Dispatch from the Future

I have arrived to Earth. The year is 2018. I must succeed in my mission to save the human race from a dangerous species of mind-reading aliens. 

In yet another edition of Halloween Inspo, I put together a simple costume from clothes in my closet- a shimmery shirt from Zara, some pale blue slacks from Banana Republic and glittery boots from Asos. A hand-made tinfoil hat completed this silly sci-fi look. And while I didn’t bother putting on any makeup, I totally encourage you to go wild on the glitter and highlight!

Unfortunately, October is almost at an end, which means so, too, does our costume fun. But that won’t stop me from wearing what I want and coming up with a ton of outfit creations! Stay tuned for more!

by
Keep Reading
zara white blouse with statement collar vintage inspired outfit
Fashion

A White Blouse Love Affair

The White Blouse is one of the most classic wardrobe staple. It’s been around forever, and shows no sign of disappearing anytime soon. To put it simply, it is versatile. The perfect base to build an outfit around. It never offends, matches nearly anything and never fails to elevate an outfit from casual to “they care about how they look.” And it happens to be something I have a bit of an addiction to.

Looking in my current wardrobe, I have 16 white blouses (five of which are thrifted) and I have another one on its way in the mail. I might have a bit of a problem. But honestly, who can blame me? You can never go wrong with a white blouse, so I get a ton of use out of them. Plus, vintage white blouses are any fashion-lover’s dream, so I pick them up anytime I come across a good one. 

Below are eight (!) of my favorite white blouses to encourage you to invest in this timeless wardrobe essential:

Pearls & Pastels

This thrifted, vintage blouse features pale, pastel floral embroidery on the chest and a lacy collar embellished with pearls and more gorgeous embroidery. I got this one at Savers for probably $5 or $6- THRIFT YOU GUYS. YOU WILL FIND SO MUCH GOOD STUFF.

Whimsical Collar

One of the newest additions to my white blouse obsession- I mean collection, I fell in love with the ornate, frilly collar. It’s so whimsical and fun! Any outfit that would have looked drab with a regular white blouse is instantly made a ton more memorable and even though it’s a statement piece, it still goes with everything!

Fun Floral Details

Another thrifted gem, I had to repair this vintage beauty by replacing a missing button (seriously- don’t let the fear of a little needed repair stop you from getting that dream thrifted piece!). The addition of the floral, cutout panels around the collar and over the shoulders just adds so much style to an otherwise-boring white blouse!

Frills and Chills

You might recognize this top from my “Dreamy Dolly” Halloween look that I recently posted- and what can I say? This sheer, frilly Forever 21 top makes an excellent layering piece and adds so much drama because of its high collar and bleated, bell sleeves. Wearing this shirt under a dress instantly adds so much interest, I will probably hold onto it forever!

Girly Gingham

While this blouse isn’t exclusively white, I thoought it still deserved a spot on the list because LOOK AT HOW DARN CUTE IT IS! I first picked this up in the thrift store to have a good laugh at how old-ladyish it was, but then it smacked me in the head with all of its adorable charm. Gingham hearts and all-over looping embroidery?  Come on, you can’t get more innocent and playful than that!

Layers of Drama

When I ordered this shirt from Nastygal, I honestly didn’t think I would like it as much as I do, but I DO. The pleated layers make for such a fun, textured look and are so voluminous, so this shirt is definitely a statement piece that dresses up any outfit. I even pair it with slacks for a fun workday look!

A Schoolgirl Fantasy

This incredible blous is YET ANOTHER vintage, thrifted piece. And these types of finds are why I thrift in the first place! I love the bib-like, square collar with lacy, embroidered edges. It gives me major schoolgirl vibes and feels so dreamy and sailor-esque! Plus the sleeves are loose around the arm for a little flow! 

Elegant Eyelet

loft white blouse layering jumpsuit fall fashion
Trying to escape the wrath of the sun on blue eyes.

This last blouse was a gift from my mom from Loft, which shows how well she knows me! Not only is it sleeveless, which is pretty much my favorite type of sleeve, it also features some eyelet frills over the shoulder, which add so much charm and girlishness to any look! And, if you have a dress with spaghetti straps, it makes an excellent layering piece!

At the end of the day, the white blouse is what you make it. It can be the building block of a good outfit as a simple layering piece, or it can make a statement with its vintage charm, or over-the-top details. There are no rules, and there are no ways to style it wrong. So go nuts and find some that you truly love!

by
Keep Reading
Fashion

Halloween Inspo: Dreamy Dolly

Pull my string and hear me sing! Just don’t separate me from my cuddly best friend~

You can make an adorable Halloween costume with pieces you already have in your wardrobe. I used an old plaid dress I got at Forever 21, a frilly blouse from H&M, and a pair of shiny oxfords from Aldo. Teddy optional, but highly recommended. 

Thighs on fleek!

Should I do more of these? Maybe 😉 October is a month that you can be whatever you want with no judgment, so why not go all out? 

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Picnic At John Galliano Spring/Summer 2019

My favorite kinds of collections are ones that exist in a world of pure fantasy and that tell a distinct story with each passing look. This season, Bill Gaytten designed the Spring/Summer 2019 John Galliano collection that interpreted the classic Australian thriller-mystery novel “Picnic At Hanging Rock” and translated it to a dreamy, nostalgic collection that brought us back to the year 1900 in the late Victorian age, where women wore corsets, gauzy dresses, and jackets with puffed shoulders. I swoon.

These frilly, light, girlish, Victorian-inspired dresses bring to life the characters of  Australian author Joan Lindsay’s classic thriller-mystery novel “Picnic At Hanging Rock.” (Photo: Vogue.com)

In the story of “Picnic At Hanging Rock,” a group of school girls goes missing while on a Valentine’s Day outing to the picturesque Hanging Rock. They disappear under mysterious circumstances that leaves the community reeling and poised for tragic collapse. This compelling story was made into a visually striking, gorgeous film that featured a bevy of beautiful ladies dressed in incredible dresses- which served as the inspiration for Gaytten’s work. 

Through the ghosts of these 1900s schoolgirls, his collection managed to evoke a distinctly summery, yet posh and delicate mood with Vicotrian-inspired, translucent dresses and skirts that were rendered in girlish colors like pink, powder blue and white. Each dress also included its fair share of bows, frills, lace and pearlescent beading, perfect for making each girl look like a porcelain doll, while heavy black combat boots modernized each look and gave them some much-needed edge. One of the more charming details of the collection are the oversized, round glasses that scream boarding school, paired with rustic straw hats. I’ve already added both of these accessories to my list of must-haves for next season!

When it comes down to it, I really love collections that strive to pluck something from the past and polish it until it shines anew, so that people can see it with fresh eyes. Vintage looks give me a ton of inspiration in particular because I adore thrifting and finding unique pieces that could never be found in a modern retail store. While these frilly, Victorian getups may not seem practical to the everyday consumer, these types of collections light a fire inside me and really validate my sense of style, while giving me inspiration for what to look for at my next thrift store search.

Fashion, at the end of the day, is about creating a character for others to inhabit, and this collection has done a fine job of bringing a swathe of literary personalities to life. 

Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Mira Mikati Wants You to Wear Your Childhood

It’s been raining every day for weeks. There’s bad news when you turn on the TV, more bad news when you scroll through your feed. Every day at work is the same. Everything slogs on and takes on a dull hue of indifference and  boredom. Let’s face it, sometimes life just sucks and you fall out of love with yourself, your job, and everything. It’s at times like these that I can truly appreciate the little, happy things in life, like Mira Mikati’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection. 

embroidered dress mira mikati spring/summer 2019
This delicate, sheer, beautifully embroidered dress is so playful, yet still works as evening wear, while also paiting with more casual pieces for daytime. (Photo: Vogue.com)

This collection caught my eye because of its completely carefree, innocent vibe that cuts through the shadow and smog of a world that doesn’t always seem so great. Mikati has somehow managed, with her colorful, circus-esque stripes, embroidered sheer slip dresses and optimistic slogans, to distill the very essence of joy and imbue every thread of her playful collection with it. Seriously, just looking at these photos makes my heart warm!

Some of the pieces that most stood out to me are a super fantastic jacket with a summery, yellow sun print and a backless, short-sleeved, midi dress that features a bright, child-like polka dot print. What I love most about this collection is that, although it is colorful and clownish (in a good way!), each piece is incredibly wearable on its own, and equally wearable married with other colorful pieces in the collection. In an age where print and color clashing is acceptable and encouraged, I think it’s something special to create an entire line that works so well individually or as a unit. I want to buy it all!

In Mikati’s own words, her collection is “a fairy tale that starts well and finishes well.” No complications, no regrets, no unfinished business, just a happy ending- something we could all use a little more of in our lives.

Check out my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Fashion

What To Wear This Winter As Told By Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2018

We are five days into October AKA “spooky season” and the chill of winter has yet to rear its refreshing and welcome head. If it ever actually gets cold, and if you care about hot trendz and the newest runway looks, you might be wondering “what should I be wearing this winter?” Well, look no further because Balenciaga has got you covered… and covered… and… covered. 

The Balenciage Fall/Winter 2018 show was a delight to the eyes with all of the refreshingly odd styling choices, the vibrant hues, and the crisp silhouettes. I think a few of the gorgeously-curved jackets actually made me gasp. It was also the first show that officially combined menswear and women’s fashion into one huge, delicious display, one that left me wondering why men’s and women’s fashion is so separated anyway. Is it really that different? Is there no room for some give and take? 

The quirky, futuristic vibes from recent shows in the past couple of seasons is a welcome change from the endless army of athleisure and sneakers that has overtaken the catwalk as of late. There were so many tantalizing, dizzying details about this collection, that we all could pick up some inspiration from it to spice up our own winter wardrobe and styling choices. I’ve outlined a few of my favorite threads that wove this collection together (ha!) so listen up and take notes!

The Biggest Coats You’ve Ever Seen… And Lots of Them

Probably one of the most iconic aspects of this collection was all of the coats, literally layers and layers of them. Some of the coats were so large, it was almost comical- which is what made it so damn fun! If you take a page out of their book and wear the largest coat you can find, not only will you look cool as hell, you’ll also be as warm as hell… literally.

Winter Blooms

Throughout this collection, several different, yet all equally vibrant, floral prints assaulted our senses (in a good way) and went in direct contrast to the usual solemnity and blandness of the winter season. So I say, let a little sunshine and joy into your wardrobe this winter with some distinctly warm, summery florals!

Prim Primaries

Primary colors have been a huge trend among Instagram trendsetters and streetwear legends for a while now, but, with this collection, it seems like this simplistic, yet striking trend may soon make its debut in the population at large. I’ve always been a fan of bright colors, so I say, why not? Mix and match- it’s all about bright, vibrant fun this season!

Structured Blazers

I thought some of the most thoughtfully crafted and dynamo pieces in this collection were the shaped and structured blazers and pea coats, which, ironically, were actually crafted and molded by a 3D modeling program on a computer, allowing each piece to be identical in all of its “razor-sharp, sleek, basque-waisted” glory. I just love how it accentuates the shape of the body so beautifully, almost like Dior’s New Look, while also adding that layer of androgyny when the pieces were worn by masculine people. If I were to get anything from this collection, it would definitely be one of these breathtaking jackets.

Velvet is Back, Baby

We all know that all things ’90s have been having some kind of renaissance lately, and velvet just keeps popping up again and again. This luxe, rich material not only adds a ton of texture to your outfit, it’s also warm as hell, so it’s perfect for the incoming cold.

Chunky Chains

I’ve never been a fan of huge, statement jewelry, but there is something equal parts appealing and off-putting about a giant, chunky chain resting upon your fragile, human neck that intrigues me just enough to add this to the list. And these chains are even more interesting because they look like normal chains at first glance, but upon closer inspection the necklaces are actually made of interlocking clips and carabiners often used in rock climbing and other outdoorsy activities, which is a callback to the skiing and snowboarding theme that served as this collection’s main source of inspiration. While chains of all kinds are a staple in goth fashion, I think this style could be recycled to great effect if paired with distinctly feminine, soft looks for some delicious juxtaposition.

I am confident that, even if you don’t look at any other winter collections this season, you have all the inspiration you need to get yourself started on honing your winter style. You definitely shouldn’t feel the need to follow trends when figuring out what you would like to wear, though. Just be yourself and your style will naturally emerge and evolve from that, which is, essentially, how fashion is born anyways.

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Fashion

Futuristic Fashions For Fall 2018

shows a neon look from the prada fall 2018 fashion show
There was a ton of neon and shimmering, plastic, fringe skirts at the Prada Fall/Winter 2018 show. Would you wear it? (Photo: Vogue.com)

With all of the Spring/Summer 2019 shows hitting the runway, I think we all tend to forget about the season we’re actually living through right now… Fall. It took me a while to even dredge up the Fall/Winter 2018 shows from the trenches of my memory, but I’ve browsed through a few shows and articles as a little refresher, so let’s get started! 

While one of the biggest trends for Fall was definitely rustic/pioneer-inspired western prints, chunky knits and patchwork, another prevailing trend was almost exactly the opposite. Designers brought their take on future fashions to life by using hard, plastic materials, neon colors, iridescent shimmer, all-over metallics and innovative silhouettes. While I generally disapprove of neon outside of workout wear, I think it pairs well with the “futuristic” aesthetic because it brings to mind neon lights, which are, for some reason, very prevalent in futuristic sci-fi films.

How could you wear this trend out in the wild? Well, that’s the fun of it! Wearing this trend means attracting attention to yourself and forgoing anonymity. It means letting your layers of plastic and beading and paillettes twinkle and tinkle as you walk. It means resembling an oil slick, or becoming something alien. I think that’s why I was so intrigued by this trend, because it is so unlike anything anyone would normally wear, so it inherently ignites the imagination and requires us to forgo our former selves once we slip it on. And, in my opinion, this is the very essence of fashion. 

Check out some of my favorite looks from this trend below:

  • iridescent futuristic jacket with patterned gloves from area fall 2018 fashion show
    Area Fall 2018
  • metallic jumpsuit futuristic from alberta ferretti fall 2018
    Alberta Ferretti Fall 2018
  • silver futuristic dress from balmain fall 2018
    Balmain Fall 2018
  • futuristic fashion trend from balmain fall 2018 mini dress iridescent
    Balmain Fall 2018
  • futuristic fashion trend from calvin klein fall 2018
    Calvin Klein Fall 2018
  • futuristic fashion trend from chalayan fall 2018
    Chalayan Fall 2018
  • futuristic fashion trend from maison margiela fall 2018
    Maison Margiela Fall 2018
  • futuristic fashion from paco rabanne fall 2018
    Paco Rabanne Fall 2018
  • futuristic fashion from sies marjan fall 2018
    Sies Marjan Fall 2018

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Pop Art Meets Polish for Sara Battaglia Spring/Summer 2019

A little known fact is that yellow is one of my favorite colors, making this comfy-looking two-piece set even more appealing. (Photo: Vogue.com)

I am, above all else, drawn to the romanticism, art and drama of fashion, which makes me partial toward collections that are super over-the-top with theatrical makeup and pieces that could never actually be worn in daily life. Since fashion is just another form of entertainment for me, why would I care if something is deemed “wearable,” or not? For this reason, I’m not usually attracted to collections that feature stiff-looking, highly-structured looks like suits, that have a very practical purpose out in the real world.

The Sara Battaglia Spring/Summer 2019 collection, although very practical and wearable in a lot of ways, managed to capture my attention with its playful colors and refreshing shapes. Work-ready suits are rendered in bright colors like pink and orange. Jackets have drooping, dramatic sleeves and large, pop art-inspired prints. Sleeves are bunched up and tied to create fun, pirate-like, puffed sleeves on an otherwise nondescript dress or shirt. It’s just plain fun!

You can tell that Battaglia gets a kick out of creating looks that have a distinct shape, like the shirt that features sleeves that stick out like two halves of a full moon, which played very nicely with the crisp white skirt it was paired with. Inspired by ’50s and ’60s professional dress, vibrant art from that time- swishing tulle and billowing ballgowns just aren’t her thing. And hey, even though I’m a sucker for those dreamland dresses, I can appreciate that every designer has their own aesthetic and motifs. Plus, every woman needs a good power suit in her repertoire, even if it’s bright yellow and has fringe hanging from the sleeves.

Check out a few of my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Load More