Christmas Dresses

One of the best things about christmas is buying the dress. The perfect christmas dress in my opinion is glam, dressy and full of attitude.
I also love to buy a New Year’s dress. Then it’s more glam, metallics and emballishments.
There are a lot of colours going on this year. It’s the classics: black, grey, metallics, navy and ivory. And the strong colours like purple, red, orange and blue.
I’ve surfed the net to find the most perfect (and affordable) christmas and new years dresses and divided them into colours.
Tell me what’s your favourite in the comments!

I love these ¾ sleeves. They’re great for more formal occasions.
From left: Square Neck Sequin Chiffon Dress $85.17 from ASOS, Peoples Market Satin Frill Collar Dress $145.68 from ASOS, INC International Concepts Bead-Trim Dress $129 from Macy*s.

Black and gold is a gorgeous combination. I am in love with the dress in center.

From left: Lux House of Yes Dress $88 from Urban Outfitters, ASOS Premium Silk Deco Embroidered Dress $112.07 from ASOS, Spring & Clifton Drawstring Waist Dress $227 from ShopBop.

The ones on left and center are more structured and elegant. The one to the right is perfect for fuller bottoms since it’s flowy from waist down.

From left: Belted Dress $78.45 from ASOS, Fitted Bow Front Dress $78.45 from ASOS, Lux Divinity Dress $98 from Urban Outfitters.

The leather mini dress (right) is a bit unusual. So is the dress in center.

From left: Grey Ant Ruffle Mini Dress $198 from ShopBop, Lipsy Cut Out Silk Chiffon Dress $98.62 from ASOS, Lipsy Leather Look Shift Dress $89.65 from ASOS.

Grey can be a bit dull colour, unless it’s glamed up with some sparkle.

From left: Beaded Cut-Out Neck Dress $85.17 from ASOS, LUXE Sequin Scoop Back Dress $145.68 from ASOS, Hot Kiss Rhinestone-Accent Strapless Dress $59 from Dillard's, Lux Wool Tube Dress $78 from Urban Outfitters.

I love all of these dresses.
From left: ABS by Allen Schwartz Geometric-Print Dress $168 from Dillard's, Brigitte Dress $44.50 from dELiAs, Metallic Color Block Dress $45 from fredflare.

These are lighter and more romantic. They're a perfect substitute from all the LBD’s.

From left: Va Vizuri Metallic Trim Sheer Smock Dress $100.86 from ASOS, Premium Contrast Trim Sequin Silk Dress $98.62 from ASOS, Beaded Contrast Shift Dress $78.45 from ASOS.

Here the attention is on the chest area with embellishment.

From left: Embellished Bust Halter Dress $85.17 from ASOS, LUXE Embellished Silk Halter Dress $145.68 from ASOS, Taylor Halter Dress $44.50 from dELiAs.

Navy is one of my favourite colours. It’s quite save like black, but at the same time interesting.

From left: Torrance Tunic $27.80 from Forever 21, Mina Button Up Frill Belted Tea Dress $168.10 from ASOS, Cap Sleeve Pleat Frill Dress $67.24 from ASOS, French Connection Strapless Fitted Mini-Dress $168.10 from ASOS.

Purple is such a glam colour.

From left: French Connection "Mystify Me Satin" Dress $158 from Dillard's, Gabbi Satin Top $24.80 from Forever 21, Elizabeth and James Chiffon Petal Dress $395 from INTERMIX.

Strong colours, like blue, look great on shiny fabrics, they get a more jewel tone.

From left: Embellished Knit Dress $62.76 from ASOS, BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress $240 from Dillard's, Zinc Crisscross-Back Satin Dress $69 from Dillard's.

I love wearing red for christmas, the ultimate christmas colour.

From left: Karta Short Sleeve Mini Dress $242 from ShopBop, Keyhole Pleat Halter Dress $85.17 from ASOS, Satin Bow Shift Dress $78.45 from ASOS, Bugle Beaded Halterneck Dress $67.24 from ASOS.

Photo courtesy: asos.com, delias.com, dillards.com, forever21.com, fredflare.com, intermix.com, macys.com, shopbop.com, urbanoutfitters.com

Shopping For Knits

This post is kind of an sequel of the previous post about this seasons knitwear. Here are affordable versions of the knit trends.


I love the cowl neck detail on Alice + Olivia Cashmere Cowl Dress $264 from ShopBop (left). K.A.7 by Katayone Adeli Thermal Sweater Dress $248 from ShopBop (center), is a great classic knit dress. The Nora Hooded Wrap Sweater $43.50 from Delias (right), can be worn with jeans and a long sleeve shirt underneath or sleeveless with tights.


Marc by Marc Jacobs Xavier Sweater $368 from ShopBop (left) is a pricier option, but a great statement chunky knit cardigan. Kimchi & Blue Snowflake Stitch Sweater $68 from Urban Outfitters (center) is oversized and cosy. It's perfect with black tights and high platforms. The Kimchi & Blue Arcadia Sweater Coat $88 from Urban Outfitters (right) is practical and looks great with a chinched belt.


Alexander Wang Tiger Intarsia Cardigan $649 from ShopBop (left) has a gorgeous tiger pattern. On with the animals, the Lux Equestrienne Sweater $58 from Urban Outfitters (center) is adorable. Lux Star Intarsia Sweater $34.99 from Urban Outfitters (right) has a quirky pattern.


Check out the knitwear runway looks in the previous post for some styling tips.



Photo courtesy: shopbop.com, urbanoutfitters.com, delias.com

This Seasons Knitwear

Walking the streets of rain and snow this time of year is no fun, but a cosy knit sweater makes all the difference and can warm you up in those cold days. This seasons knitwear come in three different versions, sexy, chunky and patterned.

Sexy

Body-conscious sweaters and dresses in fine knits are an elegant version of the knit trend. Short knit dresses look great with black tights and ankle boots. Wear with statement accessories to give some details.

Chunky

The seasons big and chunky knitwear is cosy yet sophisticated. Wear them with platforms to balance out the extra width, and a belted waist for a feminine shape.


Patterned

The best way to wear bold patterned knits i oversized, it just doesn’t look right when in actual size. Wear with high pumps to look stylish rather than nerdy, flats don’t work with this trend.


Neck detail

Don’t wanna take things too far, but still work the knit trend? Then opt for an oversized scarf, whether it’s a giant chunky one from Giles, patterned from Stella McCartney or just added neck detail in a Michal Kors’ cowl neck knit sweater.

Photo courtesy: style.com

The Skating Skirt

Inspired by ice skating figures, the skating skirt is a must this fall. The leading man of this trend is Christopher Kane (above), who showed voluminous dresses and skirts for fall/winter 07. They “were inspired by Scarlett O’Hara in ‘Gone with the Wind’ but made more modern for today – very short and sexy, focusing on a very tight, small waist”, says Tammy Kane, his sister and collaborator.
The definition of the skating skirt is high-waisted, short and flowy with a hemline that hits above the knee. Wear with a fitted top or a slightly loose blouse, and cinch your waist with a wide belt (like Ashley Olsen, above) to balance out the volume. Complete the look with black opaques and sky-high pumps.
A super short and flared skirt in strong colour or metallics is great for the risk taking. But for the ones who want to keep things simple, a longer, relaxed skirt is a more casual alternative.
What’s great about the skating skirt, is the variety. You can wear it with structured shirts, loose blouses, vests, light knitwear or printed or simple t-shirts to create lots of different looks.

Sophia Kokosalaki showed the skating skirt with layering a knit turtleneck, black blazer and a white vest. At Missoni the skirt was paired with matching dark grey tights, a loose blouse and a cropped jacket. Danielle Scutt had more glam going on with a metallic shirt tucked into a pink skirt.

Don’t expect the trend to go away anytime soon, because the skirts were also featured in the spring/summer 08 shows. Change the look for spring and go bare legged (if you can pull it off). Also, swap the wide belt for a thin waist belt – and don’t forget the high heels!

Get the Look

For a basic version of the skirt check out Derek Lam’s Flippy Felt Skirt $1250 from Net-A-Porter. For a trendier option, the Pu Swing Skirt $60, from Topshop is similar to Christopher Kane's leather skating skirt. Wanna go glam? Then try Theory’s Liddy Skirt $325, from ShopBop. It's perfect with it's structured shape. Go to Topshop online for more styles.

Photo source: style.com, elle.com, olsen-fan.net

Hair & Makeup Runway Trends

The Cat Eye

Dramatically lined eyes are bold yet flirty. Keep lips neutral.

Neutral Face

Dewy skin, pink cheeks and nude lips were all over the fall runways. With just a hint of tainted moisturizer, blush and a lipgloss in biege, you’ve copied the look.

Smoky Eyes

The smoky eyes are extremely sexy. This season it’s glittery gray and blue shades that are the hottest.

Statement Lips

A bright lip colour lifts the face as the days get darker. When lips are this bold, keep eye makeup minimal and hair away from face.

Sleek, Straight Hair

Center-parted, pin-straight hair was a big trend. Wash hair with shampoo and conditioner to make it smooth and shiny – it’ll look healthy and luxorious.

Twists, Buns & Braids

A pulled-back hair is elegant and looks great paired with fall’s structured clothes.

Veronica Lake Curls

The old Hollywood glamour curls were a big hit. Paired with red lips – they complete the femme fetale 40’s look. Looks best with a side part.

What's your favourite beauty/hair trend this season?

Photo source: Style.com

Colour Bleed

From the moment I laid my eyes on Prada’s fall 07 bags I was hooked. The way the color faded from a strong shade of brown, almost black, to a more lighter shade, was just wonderful. This painterly technique of ‘dégradé’, when one colour bleeds to another, creates a big statement. Avoid wearing with patterns or emballishment as it will take the attention of the actual piece and make the outfit too ‘busy’.

The beautiful Prada bags come in different shapes and sizes, and are both available in soft leather and patent. The shoes are just as wonderful as the bags - it isn’t strange these chunky curved heels have made a big trend.

Miuccia Prada showed knee-length skirts and dresses in plain shapes. For added glam, navy blue faded into metallic gold.

At Jonathan Saunders’, dreamy colour combinations were paired with black to keep the look simple yet interesting.

Alberta Ferretti kept shades light and worked with shapes as in the dress in centre.

Marc Jacobs paired beautiful colours together at Louis Vuitton, and the result were pieces to-die-for. The silk skirt worn with cashmere is a perfect combination of colour and texture. The dress in centre has strong colours and a strong volume shape, a great statement piece.

To get the look for less, check out Urban Outfitters’ version of the colour bleed trend. They aren’t as glam as Louis Vuitton’s silk skirt or Jonathan Saunders’ dreamy dresses but they’re perfect for layering and reflect the trend perfectly. Top, from left, Heartbreaker Ombre Racerback $28; Lux Murray Street Babydoll $54; Twilight Blues Ombre Cardigan $62. Bottom, all, Sublimation Ombre Thermal $32.

Photo sources: style.com, urbanoutfitters.com, prada.com

Toughen Up

This winter you can say goodbye to flowy frocks and welcome this seasons aggressive fashion with a sexy feeling. Think strong shapes, edgy silhouettes and powerfull dressing.

The New Goth

Black is, and always will be the classic colour. But know it’s time to shake things up a bit and mix different textures. Leather with softer, matter fabrics as seen at Christopher Kane, is a great look.



Studs

Studs, buckles, beading, zips and chains will surely add a good amount of attitude to your outfit. A fitted dress with beaded details, buckle ankle boots or a studded blazer are all great choices.

Biker Chic

The leather biker jacket has become a popular trend this fall. Wear with jeans for a casual look or with a dress to toughen up the look.

Androgyny


The man look has reached it’s highs with the tux, crispy white shirt and lace-ups. Work the trend wearing a blazer with sharp lines or go all the way and opt for D&G’s black tie-ish tuxedo with big shoulders and long sleeves. Avoid looking too manly, though – try adding a red lipstick for femininity.




Photo source: style.com

Vacation

I've been feeling so guilty lately, because I haven't been able to update the blog like I would've wanted. I'm feeling a bit better at the moment since I just made post, but I'm going on a holiday for two weeks - so while I'll be soaking up the sun on the beach ;)... I wont be able to blog. But I am going to post as much as I can when I come back. I have many ideas for posts, but for now check out the post below and comment if you like. So, Adios!

The British It Girls

Peaches & Pixie Geldof

Daughters of rocker Bob Geldof have become famous socialites in the London party scene. Their wardrobe essential are black nylon tights which they pair with mini dresses and high waisted shorts and skirts.

Alexa Chung

A television presenter, actress and former model. She has a bit quirky style, she’s always pretty casual. I would say it’s indie fashion in the style of Kirsten Dunst.

Daisy Lowe

She’s the daughter of fashion designer Pearl Lowe and singer Gavin Rossdale. At 18 she already has some modelling experience under her belt as the new face Agent Provocateur.

Alice Dellal

Her mother is Andrea Dellal, a former brazilian model, and her father is a British millionaire. She’s only 19, but has developed an incredible unique style, that many relate to grunge.

Agyness Deyn

The beautiful Agyness is one of the top british models at the moment. She has a fun style as she mixes high fashion with nu-rave and a bit of punk.

I think these London socialites are a good change from the Hollywood it girls like Lindsay and Mischa. I personally like these girls’ style way more - vintage mixed with desginer, it’s a bit casual but chic at the same time. I also love how they dress straight from their personality, not just wearing it because the designer gave them the clothes. Tell me what you think of their style, and if you know about some other stylish Brit girls!

Photo sources: The Fashion Spot, My Style Opera Blog, The Daily Mail

Backstage at the SS08 Shows

I think I'm not gonna make a big review of the SS08 shows for now. I'm gonna focus on buying winter items the next months, and then I think it's a good thing to do a biiig review maybe in March or something, just when I'm getting into summer spirit. I hope it's okay with you readers! But for know, I really enjoy looking at backstage photos from the shows. Seeing what the models are wearing at the moment. I get my inspiration for shopping mostly from looking at what other people are wearing - street style blogs, magazines and the streets. These photos of the models are all from the SS08 shows from september and now in october. So enjoy, and I hope you'll get some ideas and inspiration!


Grey, grey, grey! Casual cardigans, sweaters and coats.


Bare legs aren't going anywhere, at least if you live somewhere warm (which is not the case for me). I love the sleeves on the white t-shirt Alison is wearing, very in the style of Ashley Olsen.


Casual white t-shirt, black blazer or a cardigan and a slouchy bag - so simple but a perfect combination.


It seems like black skinnies aren't going anywhere, for now at least. They're are a must in every closet, such a save choice and they match with almost everything.


A vest can make such a different to an outfit. I especially love Iekeliene's black vest with the cute pink dress. Magdalena's more casual in a beige one with denim shorts.


Oversized cardigan or a trench coat are a perfect coverage over a sleeveless minidress. Check out the boots Anja and Caroline are wearing, they make a cute dress more edgy.


I'm in love with slightly oversized t-shirts. Everything from eye popping print to a neutral one.


Agyness's outfits are always edgy and full of energy. She's such a cool person and it really shows through her clothes. She somehow get's it right, she never looks like she's trying too hard.


Jessica Stam's t-shirts say it all.

Photo courtesy of style.com