Just Cavalli S'S 14

I thought id share my new love as I was casually browsing on the vogue website (as you do) when I came across the Just Cavalli SS'14 collection, my oh my how I fell i love with the bold prints, cut out dresses and mix match of fabrics! Lets just say this collection makes clashing prints look good!

I must say I have a divine attraction towards all things weird! However this is a "pretty" segment of weird, so it's acceptable, I love the use of tropical prints in unique cut out pieces it provides a diverse range of garments catering to the taste buds of daring fashion forward women! 

Lace + Bold Bright Prints = Fashion Heaven

I have this obsession with sheer and lace fabrics therefore this collection clenches my fashion taste buds. I never thought I would be one to love bright colours, as we previously established my wardrobe consists of black and errr....more black! However I would love to make a fashion investment in this collection.

This collection has a variety of crop and bra tops, by matching it with a long sleeve jacket creates a sporty yet fashion forward look. This collection has been influenced by the sports deluxe trend, although the bright colours and prints make the collection feminine, the shaping of the garments such as ankle trousers, baggy jackets entail a sports theme. The quirky pattern pieces provides women with a new dimension to add into their wardrobe. This runway show was a beautiful colourful collage. I personally love the tailored sports coat, as seen on the far left as when matched with the bright print bra top, it creates a edgy tomboyish look. I also love the laser cut outs within the jacket it provides a new form of decorative technique for SS'14.

Texture/Pattern

The use of combining printed fabrics with decorative materials makes this collection unique. It's safe to say I was correct that geometric prints are going to be big this season, by constructing a mix of patterned fabrics together to create a overall finished piece, allows women who would invest in these products to stand out from the crowd. Even by mix matching different types of machine created lace ontop of plaid checked fabrics, as awkward as it sounds it looks super chic.

The designs in this collection are very playful therefore it caters to daring fashionistas. The continuation of monochrome has been incorporated into this collection through using check ad plaid fabrics to construct geometric prints. It's fair to say sports deluxe goes glam this season, by using simplistic shapes with vivid bright graphic prints, creates a bold arty collection, perhaps targeted at a younger market.

The sports deluxe theme is a key trend for SS'14, with collections entailing a glamorous edge with simple silhouettes. This is my favourite piece from the Just Cavalli SS'14 collection as the embellished graphic ankle trousers paired with the cropped sweater caters to my tomboy needs, I love the use of laser cutting on the sweater as it provides a new decorative design technique to fashion. This collection has a range of innovative designs for women to indulge in, but I guess it's one of these things you either love or hate....what do you think?

Ciao 

x

NYC

So.... I was thinking today on how much my life has changed since I first stepped foot into nursery; because that's where it all began right?

Since I was a little girl I have fazed through a multitude of aspirations I wanted to achieve in life, from being a football player to a police officer to now settling on being a successful fashion entrepreneur. I must say it's been a long hard road to reaching my dreams and I'm still not there yet. I felt the need to express how much I want this goal in life as a reminder to not give up in what you're passionate about.

The first time I remember wanting to work in the fashion industry was when I sitting in my living room one Saturday morning watching an episode of The Hills (So cliche, I know) Seeing young girls wanting to make it big in the industry, working hard and playing harder made me think. Maybe this is the life for me? Seeing them grow as adults on a TV show encouraged me to work hard in everything I do. I remember watching Whitney's big move to working at peoples revolution and the infamous Kelly Cutrone saying "You're basically making a deal with the devil." At first I was terrified that this is what the fashion industry consisted of, cut throat competition. However I learnt that Whitney was a humble down to earth girl who just wanted to enhance her skills and show her capability in the industry. As both her and Lauren worked together with various designers and brands inspired me to think that I wanted to be there one day.

I felt this was an industry I would fit well in, I loved the fast paced ethos of experiencing highs and lows and being pushed to the limits only to better yourself the next time. Seeing Whitney Port moving out of LA to the big city and landing a job at Bergdorf Goodman showed me that anything is possible if you work extremely hard for it. She was now working along side Olivia Palermo (NYC fashion socialite) I had noted that Whitney had spent so long interning at teen vogue and peoples revolution combined with working hard academically. Her gaining experience and contacts influenced her to always strive forward in life and she now has her own label and blog.

In regards to my life I decided to put pen to paper and make it happen, could I actually live this fashion forward life and be successful? During my GCSE's I had an amazing textiles teacher (Ms Risku) she inspired me on a day to day basis to test my boundaries and be motivated in what I do. I loved that even as a teacher she had faith in my as though I was her child and she wanted me to succeed as much as I did. 

This led to me wanting to be the unique student, so there I was with my big a3 folder, feeling like a classy art student, week in week out coming up with new ideas, testing and experimenting with fabrics, staying in after school just to learn new skills regarding textiles. I would go in during the summer holidays and Ms Risku would teach me how to make pattern pieces and how to adapt them. I slowly started putting the pieces together that perhaps I was passionate about fashion. How I was going to tell my mother this was a different story!!!

Throughout my GCSE project my teachers were so impressed with my unique ideas, I hand stitched over 200 hand made sequins (Yes, I made sequins from scratch) to be used for my dragon print (fashion neek) In the end I achieved an A for my exam and project which was highly rewarding and boosted my confidence.

On my last day of secondary school I asked my favourite teacher to sign my year book in which she wrote:

Dear Seema,

You are definitley the brightest girl in the whole class- you will go far in life whatever you decide to do.... Best wishes for the future.

It was quite sad leaving one of the best teachers I ever had behind, however I knew she was moving to Sweden with her husband to live a better life, she told me to always remain passionate about fashion no matter where life takes me and that I should always push to succeed no matter what.

Knowing this motivated me to pick Textiles as an A level subject, throughout first year I had based my project on Lady gaga which  made be even more motivated in creating something new and diverse, my teachers and fellow peer were quite surprised that I was so different from the norm, being an external student within the sixth form had its perks. Throughout my academic years in sixth form my skills and presentations skills had enhances, I subsequently gained a passion for drawing and art work. As the stress started to pile up I started feeling demotivated during second year as I had so many exams and so much course work, however I remained persistent in ensuring that my work was to its best standard. Inevitably I broke it to my parents that fashion was the career path I wanted to pursue with. They suggested that I combined my intelligence of business and economics with my passion to ensure that I would have a safety net to fall back on if things don't work out.

Now I am currently a second year student at one of the best fashion schools in the world (London College of Fashion) As every first year student does, I got overwhelmed with the freedom and parties however always kept to heart that this wasn't just a career choice but a life style for me. 

I am now applying for a placement year in NYC which has been my soul ultimate goal in life. I have traveled there before and let me tell you, it felt like home. I loved living in the big city. The fashion, the life style, the atmosphere. I then knew that this was the place I would have to return to, to accomplish my dreams.

Through watching shows like sex and the city and gossip girl as a young teenager had me hoping that this was the land of dreams and let me tell you this, when I stepped out of the taxi arriving at my hotel it was nothing less! The tall skyscrapers, bright lights. This indeed was a concrete jungle where dreams are made from (8)

 As I went sightseeing I had a little thinking time as I was on top of the empire state building, would I return back? Is this where I want to be in life? Yes...yes....and....errr..YES! I felt as though I had worked very hard up until this point in life and that I was ever so close to achieving my life goals

As a young inspired girl I felt that NYC is where my heart belongs.  I wanted to live the Blair Waldorf city high life. I wanted to experience the fashion, opportunities and culture. It's one thing sitting at home watching the shows on your television and another actually living and breathing the air they do. Throughout watching gossip girl I was excited by the atmosphere and vibe that NYC brought. I understand I have a long way to go in regarding this "high life" and "glamorous" lifestyle, but a girls can dream! I remember admiring all the luxurious extravagant garments on the show and using them as motivation that if I be pro active and work towards my dreams, one day I will be able to live this life style I once watched on TV as a young girl.

I am now leaving this blog post as a reminder and a note to self that in the future I will return to where my heart desires it t be. New York City is at arms reach right now and I aim to work my hardest in succeeding to get there. Some day in the future fellow readers, you will see me posting about my New York high life and when that happens, I'll earn the right to tell everyone...."I made it."

See you soon

x

Kourtney Kardashian

 Kourtney Kardashian

American socialite & Fashion designer

L.A.

Fashion

Ever wondered how Kourt manages to consistently be the chicest yummy mummy in L.A, this post will explore into the lavishing wardrobe of a socialite and mother of two and how she maintains her fabulous look.

When living in the home town of Calabasas L.A. Kourt goes for the chilled casual look, we love her regardless in her Baggy T, shorts and converses. However with her socialite status comes the perks of jet-setting around the world, and who's to question how her style changes with her location.

Here are a few other trends Kourt has experimented with.....

Monochrome

I've noticed when in NYC, Kourtney Kardashian steps up her fashion wardrobe and heads more towards an edgy high fashion look. Although she is inspired by runway trends, she still adds personal touches to her outfits. My favourite monochrome outfit is picture 3, I love the bardot pants from DASH, alongside the Dita sunglasses also from DASH, Hermes bag and Roberto Cavalli booties.

Trend alert! 

A key print on the autumn/winter 2013/14 catwalks are monochrome geometrics. The trend has grown into commercial casual pieces during spring/summer 2013. Monochrome continues to dominate structured dresses and outwear for womenswear, Black and white is a strong and bold colour that every fashionista needs in their wardrobe. In picture 2 & 3 you can see the contrast of tones enhances the boldness of the graphic statement. Monochrome is great for people who are unsure when experimenting with prints and colours, it's the safer alternative to looking chic.

Prints/Patterns

Head turbans were the perfect summer accessory, not only does it look super stylish but it a great shield for those bad hair days. I love the look Kourt was going for in Miami by matching the turban with a geometric printed dress by Diane Von Furstenberg makes the outfit look authentic.

Trend alert!

Abstract geometry 

The development in the CAD industry has lead to their being a multitude of new approaches to experimenting with printed patterns and designs on clothes. I love the patterns on Kourtney's shirt as the kaleidoscope patterning in asymmetrical formations creates such differentiation from anything I've seen on the high street. If you are someone who likes having an individual style and loves experimenting with colours and prints you'll love the up and coming season. 

Embellishments/Textures

Kourtney Kardashian confessed to Grazia magazine that living in NYC led to her taking more risks regarding her choices in fashion, the vibe she felt living their influenced her to creating a more fun and edgy look. This has encouraged her to overcome wearing the same norms of neutrals and blacks and has replaced it with different textures and embellished pieces to glam up her red carpet wardrobe.

Trend alert!

Embellishment gets an update for autumn/winter 2014/15, with various sizes of sequin seen creating a more textural, flowing look on party dresses - especially when placed in a statement abstract pattern. Texture is key and is created by layering and stacking sequins with beading to create a 3D effect.

Favourite outfit

 Outfit: 

Style by: Monica Rose

Kardashian Kollection sunglasses, Monica Rose for Lovers + Friends, Chanel belt, Tom Ford shoes, Finders Keepers shorts and a Celine purse.

I simply just love sheer blouses - they look so classy! This outfit was greatly styled. The red Chanel belt contrasts the idea of this being a simplistic outfit and the baggy shorts combo keeps the look trendy. Lastly, to top it off, who doesn't love those lace up shoes?

Top style tips:

1) Spend more of classic accessories that are timeless

2) Regarding on season trends stick to high street as you'll save a lot of money. Trends are forever changing so you might as well spend less money on pieces that you are only going to wear for a limited time!

3) Style is not regarded on how much something cost

4) Mix and match and don't be afraid to try out new styles

"Fashion is so subjective and I think it should be fun. So live a little and go shopping!" - Kourtney Kardashian

L.A. Girl

Ever scrolled through blogs and though to yourself  "I wish I could pull off those looks!"...JOIN THE CREW! I'm here to give you a helping hand on how to pull off one of the toughest and bravest looks in fashion. 

Meet the 

"QUIRKY DARING FASHIONISTA"

Profile:

Name: Sarah

Occuptation: Artist/ Actress

Location: LDN/ LA

Whilst being friends with Sarah for the past 9 years, I have admired her creativity and amazing talent for the theatrical arts it always made me curious on how and what influenced her to be so innovative when it comes to her choices regarding fashion. I would sometimes ponder on how she decided on her outfits. I was amazed on how she never followed fashion trends yet remained looking amazing all the time! So I decided upon my self to ask her for her top styling tips and how she braved upon creating her personal unique style

Key concepts:

1) Don't shop in one place, it restricts your wardrobe and styles There is a large pool of fashion shops in the world available to you, explore them! 

2) Be open to exploring the eCommerce fashion world ! The online market is fantastic as new designers are emerging on social media sites such as tumblr, blogger, ASOS etc.

Check out: http://www.lazyoaf.com/

Lazy Oaf is a London based fashion label, who provide colourful cartoon focused collections that will guarantee to make you smile! They provide unique pieces that you won't be able to find on high street!

3)Experiment with wearing bright colours and fun patterns, it'll not only make you look good but make you feel good too! (HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY)

4) Be inspired by everyone around you! There are always new styles and trends to explore, life is too short to stick to the same old boring norm! There's always room in your wardrobe to trial and error with new fashion styles, who knows you might even love it!

5) Always add you own personal essence to your wardrobe, as much as I'm telling you to dare yourself to create a new styles. Remember to always be you!

6) Mix prints and patterns, it's a start to being a trend setter, if we always follow the industry norms we will be fashion robots and see people wearing the same kind of styles! Be fun and experiment with print clashes and colours! If you don't who else will!

S'S 14 forecast have shown that printed sweatshirts and tops will be on trend, they have been transformed by using graphical experimentation via bright colours and kaleidoscopic print. Watch out for these on the high street!

For inspiration 

Check out: Moss at Agenda spring/summer 2014

7) Sometimes it's fun to endeavor not following high street trends. A lot of styles in modern societies have trickled up from street wear to designers. Your style could be the next big thing! 

8) As much as we love to read blogs and fashion magazines we have to remember everyone is individual and different to one another, DO NOT copy someones style, the appearance will always vary from person to person! However be inspired and add your own personal twist to the styles you've observed, it will encourage you to be an innovative fashionista!

9) Wear what makes you feel comfortable and what makes you feel the most like you.

10) Lastly be confident in wearing these outfits, if you're worried what people will think it will reflect by your body language and facial expressions! Its always good to carry a positive attitude when trying new things!

For more fashion photos and style advice feel free to follow Sarah on Twitter & Instagram:

@ItsBlessed

Ciao

x

Style

  

Everyone's wardrobe needs "something leather", forget the days of wearing those baggy blue jeans - Leather is the new denim and it's here to stay!!

I remember the days when leather clothing, particularly jackets, were a reflection on heavy metal and punk subculture. However as time has passed and fashion has evolved, it's become an on-going fashion trend, as the previous three seasons have passed, it seems to remain strong and dominant in everyone's fashion wardrobe.

Back in the 90's people used to only think leather was a material used in jackets when you wanted to look "cool" or "retro" however, leather is not incorporated in a multitude of garments ranging from pieces such as tops, leggings, dresses, corsets and skirts.

This spring summer saw an increase in demand for leather skirts, although its a heavy and durable fabric, many fashionistas managed to incorporate it into there cute feminine summer styles, I had noticed that almost every high street retailer had stock different ranges of leather skirts, from skaters to pencil skirts. I mostly enjoyed browsing through pinterest and tumblr and seeing all the different combinations you could match a skirt with. The most frequent style I could see was the crop top paired with a skater leather skirt. I noticed that leather was for-seen as a form of high fashion, therefore by high street stores offering cheaper options, the younger market were allowed to create a high fashion edge to their wardrobes by having such pieces in their wardrobe.

Leather has is also accessible for those who want to style up their work wardrobe, when styled correctly it can provide a smart yet contemporary look. As seen above, Naya Rivera manages to pull off a peplum semi leather top with a simple black leather pencil skirt. Tips to remember when matching leather black on black, as much as it's a chic look, it's always useful to remember to wear statement shoes to ensure your outfit isn't too matchy matchy. Also when deciding on the choice of bag, it's always good to carry a clean and simple bag, however experiment with different colours to contrast with your outfit, like the yellow clutch Olivia Palermo is holding.

Favourite style

I would like to majorly emphasise how much I love leather leggings and jeans, it's a definite MUST HAVE in any women's wardrobe, they are uber comfortable yet keep your look modern and trendy (killing two birds with one stone ladies!) My favourite shop to buy leather leggings from are Zara & Berskha, they allow me to wear them during the day time (casual) and then I can restyle them in the evening by just changing a top and adding accessories.

Ciao 

x

Statement Necklaces

Style tips

In this post I will be exploring my new found love for statement necklaces and how I believe they can change any girls wardrobe from being basic to unique and stylish. Some may say this stand out piece is best matched with simple outfits, however if you're brave enough to experiment with prints and different texture, by all means test the limits of fashion! These pieces work well on those nights out where you have a cute black dress and you just don't know what necklace, earrings or bracelets you should wear. Statement necklaces provide a trendy twist to old classics. 

Bohemian statement necklace

When selecting bright coloured necklaces, think of using colours that will contrast with your outfit , providing a edgy high fashion look. The neon yellow necklace in the image above is a good example of turning a simple outfit into fashion chic, always be aware of what colours are in season and which aren't. ALWAYS remember to pick necklaces that will compliment your wardrobe, as much as we love testing the boundaries of fashion , there are certain NO NO's.

Boho bib silver necklace

If you're worried that you don't know what type of necklace matches what type of outfit, don't worry! Infuse yourself with classic silver or gold pieces,there are hundreds of amazing statement necklaces that can match every piece in your wardrobe.  Statement necklaces look perfect under button down tops like the image above, it perfectly fits in with the shapes providing a chic final look to the outfit.

Statement pieces are not just for those nights out when you wanna restyle an old outfit, it can be used on casual wear too! You can purchase smaller statement pieces that don't scream WOW!, like this cute floral crystal ribbon necklace seen as above, the ribbon keeps the necklace looking feminine and cute, and the decor is not as intense as you would expect a statement piece to be.

I believe statement necklaces are a helping hand to any fashionista, we've all had those moments where we open our wardrobe and complain :

1) I have nothing to wear

2) I don't like wearing the same thing twice

3) I've taken photos in this dress, how can I restyle it?

4) I want to be casual but have a bit of fashion edge

5) My outfit is too plain and none of my accessories match!!

Statement pieces solve the problem to all our fashion dilemmas ladies!!!

Have no fear for.....

Famous fashionistas are doing it too!!!

Elite fashionista Olivia Palermo loves restyling her wardrobe with timeless statement necklaces, she has even enlightened us on a new DIY tip, she enjoys the layering method where she uses different necklaces together to fuse together an overall high fashion piece. I think it's time we dig out those tween cute necklaces and put it to the test!

Check out her top tips on layering at:

http://www.oliviapalermo.com/glam-tip-how-to-layer-statement-necklaces/

Overall statement necklaces are the answer to some of our fashion woes, finding the perfect piece is up to your personal style and neckline. It's guaranteed to vamp up your wardrobe and create a fresh look. Instead of spending £5 every other week on those basic cute necklaces which end up hiding in the back of your dresser drawer, spend the extra £10 and invest in a few statement necklaces which are affordable and keep you looking on trend. I highly recommend checking out Topshop & Zara as they have amazing collections. I hope this has inspired fashionistas around the world to invest in this ultra chic fashion piece :D 

Ciao x

Commercial Style

Fashion Guide: Taylor Swift

So... it's hard to ignore Taylor's cute girl-next-door image, she is perfect in so many ways with her flawless natural beauty to her humble personality. Every tween secretly has a girl crush on this american sweetheart. Nevertheless I have decided to explore more into the fashion world of this superstar as we all wonder how she maintains that romantic chic closet! Here's a few tips on how to steal her style ;)


Favourite prints : Stripes /Polka-dots

Must-have look : Simplistic, elegant retro look

Casual day wear 

Taylor's style consists of matching different A line skirts with knitted jumpers, she tends to like wearing textured (pleated) skirts in bold fashion forward colours and the contrasts it with a simplistic long sleeved knitted jumper. This provides that classy 1940's feel to her closet!

Taylor's effortless natural beauty works well with her closet as she is one of the few stars that doesn't need to  wear edgy high fashion clothes to stand out from the crowd. She has her own personal style, she particularly enjoys pairing her outfits with basic accessories and hats such as fedora, homburg and pork pie. 

Evening wear

Key Items:

• Knee-length tea dress
• High wasted hot pants
• Skinny jeans
• Hats
• Oxfords
• Brogues

Colours/Fabrics:

• Ice-cream tones
• Burgundy and berry
• Chiffon layers, especially with a gathered pleat
• Overdyed denim