FASHIONED BY LOVE

The only way to shop designer sales | Under £100

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:28:00 +0000

Lets welcome a few designer labels into our lives. There are so many beautiful bargains out there at the moment, I felt very much obliged to have a browse and choose the best of the best, all under £100. Because that's the only way to buy designer. Shop it like a smart girl....

P.S. Marant wedges are just over £100, but they are too fabulous to miss...

P.P.S. This Chloe dress didn't make it to the list, but I have to give it a mention.

Shop: 1. Shirt; 2. Bag, 3. Bikini (top + briefs) 4. Blouse, 5. Jeans, 6. Sunglasses, 7. Necklace, 8. Sweater, 9. Dress, 10. Sandals, 11. Espadrilles, 12. Wedges

Photo source: Sasha Pivovarova in Vogue UK July 2014 (photography: Daniel Jackson, styling: Kate Phelan)

Natalia, just the way I love her

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 09:20:00 +0000

My Goodness, I missed this kind of timelessness... I missed Natalia's photos that have not been killed by excessive editing. I missed the inner excitement that filled my heart with confetti rainbows.

Thank you, W magazine, Steven Meisel, Edward Enninful, Pat McGrath and Guido Palau for creating this fashion treasure. What a joy!

Photo source: Natalia Vodianova styled by Edward Enninful and photographed by Steven Meisel for W magazine, June/July 2017

Can you resist these high street finds?

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 11:10:00 +0000

Last spring, as we welcomed our darling Cooper, I promised him that his mummy will make the most stylish companion a pup could possibly imagined. Not that he cared - I did. I really did not want my beautiful boy to walk alongside a frumpy God-known-what-she's-got-on woman. So I went online and got myself a linen blazer. To smarten things up a bit.

Sprint through the last twelve months, I am now playing the wardrobe planning game again. Because I want to and, boy, I need to. Last year nobody would predict that Coop would not only be an early riser (think 5:30, well, 5:45 tops), but powered by both solar energy and hidden Energiser battery, which I am yet to locate.

Which basically means that comes morning I have to be up and running in 5-10 minutes sharp, which leaves very little time for prettifying and daydreaming. Instead I open my wardrobe, pull out a few things, throw them on and head out of the door with a smiling pup by my side.

Yes, I love it very much. Life is good. But as the spring came to town I realised that life can be made even better and easier with a dose of shopping and wardrobe updating, especially because high street offerings are so fabulous I simply cannot resist them.

So here's my edit for the season. The best of the best. Some already in my wardrobe, others - will be soon. Gorgeous little things, aren't they?

Shop: 1. Cotton shirt (£18), 2. Top (£12), 3. Trench coat (£60), 4. Linen blazer (£35), 5. Shoulder bag (£29), 6. Espadrilles with ribbons (£19), 7. White & black espadrilles (£65), 8. Sunglasses (£19), 9. Scarf (£16), 10. Sandals (£35), 11. Hat (£9), 12. Sunglasses (£8), 13. Cuff bracelet (£10), 14. Jeans (£35), 15. Trousers (£19), 16. Straw bag (£40), 17. Cross-body bag (£25)

Photo source: Raquel Zimmermann for Mango (photography: Josh Olins, styling: Aleksandra Woroniecka, make-up: Sally Branka, hair: Shon)

Outfit inspiration | The best of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 09:46:00 +0000

I cannot even express fully how much I am enjoying the signs of spring. It arrived suddenly and caught me off guard - winter pale, starved for the sun, fresh warm air and first delicate blossoms. It also made me realise how comfortable I felt in my greys.

Chosen as the perfect choice for winter and stress-free time with a hyperactive cocker pup, the charcoal wools, denim and cashmere became my second skin, too personal to be easily shed off with the first rays of spring sunshine.

Still, I knew I had to face the fact that my heart craved the crisp whites and cool blues, soft rose and delicious burgundy. So I went for it - starting with this idea, first one paper - later, in reality. As silly as it may sound (considering the white vibe I keep going on about), the entire outfit began with a pair of shoes I found on Daniel Footwear - the Christy in black leather with a bow tie simply called my name.

They were still a part of the "comforting blacks" yet flirty enough to greet the spring. Choosing the rest of the pieces was a fun style game or hide and seek - I mixed the high end and high street and admittedly, rather pleased with the final result.

I may still need to top up my tan, but boy, oh, boy, I am so ready for spring now! With the shoes, and the dress, and a sweet little bag - it's all good.

Shop: Dress / Shoes / Ring / Coat / Bag / Sunglasses / Lipstick / Perfume

Photo source: inspiration board featuring Celine, Dries Van Noten, Chloe & Sonia Rykiel Spring/Summer 2017 via Vogue Runway

Perfect gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 08:00:00 +0000

The ritual of giving presents. It seems so very basic. We think of a person, choose something that is likely to put a smile on their faces, wrap it nicely and hand over on the day. Admittedly, I've always thought more about the people and the process of choosing a perfect gift than the aftermath of my action. Somehow as long as the present was enjoyable, the wrapping paper, bows and cards met my expectations, ti was the finale, the happy end of yet another story. But was it, really?

This year, one of the hardest and emotionally-challenged years of them all, I suddenly realised that giving a humble present to somebody is not just another way to top up their endorphin levels. Because every gift, if you think about it, can make a new memory and, on a large scale of thing - possibly change the course of life.

Every terrible present is a ticket to shuttered dreams and soul disharmony, like a shadowy cloud on a sunny day, while a great one is a rainbow, a moment of joy and happiness that will never be forgotten.

What can be better than that?

I remember the moments of best presents just as vividly as do the worst. And every time I have a dab day, I turn to the precious little things that still carry those heartwarming memories that make me feel myself again. For example, opening a jar of almond moisturiser, L'Occitane iconic body butter, always takes me back to Paris when I was gifted my first ever potion.

Back then I heard about the brand, hardly known in the UK, from a fashion model. She swore by it and passionately advised everyone to get a few jars of Almond Concentre de Lait when in France. Naturally I felt rather excited about trying it. After all, could you think of a better place and occasion to indulge in of the the French beauty classic than in Paris in a midst of cherry blossom scented spring?

I felt in love with the velvety comforting fragrance of my almond cream instantly and for years it was the only one I'd use. Not only it would transport me back to the blissful Parisian mornings, but also made me feel beautiful.

And this is the magic of a gift - the ability to make a woman feel amazing in her own skin, here, now and as the time goes by. Whether she inhales an intoxicating perfume, tries on a fabulous dress, opens a box hiding a pair of prettiest shoes or discovers a book promising another captivating adventure through space and time... The time full of special moments that restore the sensation of beauty, happiness, joy, love, balance, comfort...

Too much philosophy? I hope not. Even if it is, here's a little SOS gift guide from me to you - go on, indulge, make new memories. Happy holidays and all the very best for the new year.

Shop: 1. Scarf, 2. Body cream, 3. Earrings, 4. Bracelet, 5. Dress, 6. Sunglasses, 7. Cuff, 8. Book, 9. Sandals, 10. Perfume, 11. Lingerie, 12. Clutch bag

Photo source: Amanda Welsh for Vogue Spain December 2015 (photography: Alvaro Beamud Cortes, styling: Marina Gallo

The echo of Chloe

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 10:14:00 +0000

It's been a while since Chloe resonated with me as much as the Spring/Summer 2017 did. Perhaps, it was the fact of a mellow deja vu of airy details, prints and flower appliqués from the Phoebe days and one of my most favourite Chloe collections of all times. This are for the memories and personal wish list - fingers crossed, that stripy number will be mine some day. I really love it.

Photo source: Chloe Spring/Summer 2017 via Vogue Runway

It's all good

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 13:07:00 +0000

"This collection marks the 50th anniversary of Bottega Veneta. I wanted to celebrate by staying true to the brand, to the ideas of private luxury that are all about the experience of whoever owns our clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery, everything." Tomas Maier

Fashions come and go, transform from micro-skinny nothing to overwhelming tents, kaleidoscope of psychosomatic prints to an absolute monochrome, wearable and unwearable, keepers and forgettables, but as long as there is Bottega Veneta I know everything is going to be good at the end. Lets hope that Bottega will always be - and who knows, 50 years down the line, I may even hang around to see its 100th anniversary and even better - celebrate it wearing Bottega Veneta. My forever and ever endless love.

Photo source: Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2017 via Vogue Runway

Quote of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000

"Clothing is transformative. When you put something really beautiful on, you feel something. In so many ways, we're always playing a form of dress-up - it's just a grow-up, much chicer version of it."

Jason Wu

Photo source: Claire Collins wearing Hugo Boss, Hermes & Miu Miu in The Holiday / Harper's Bazaar Australia January 2015 (photography: Stephen Ward, styling: Naomi Smith)

Jasper Conran kind of summer

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Roman holiday, summer in Tuscany, weekend away in the English country side or a leisurely stroll through the sun-melted mellow city street... Whatever the occasion, Jasper Conran's Spring/Summer 2017 collection of elegant looks made me dream. Big time. I could see myself in practically every dress he designed. I knew I'd be so very happy should I find one of them in my wardrobe. These are classics, take it or leave it - an enchanting fashion fantasy that moved me to tears.

I can honestly say, collections like this make me wish I could hold onto every single piece for years to come, just because this kind of style magic does not happen often these days. And as sceptical as I've been about runway-to-shop rush, I could easily make an exception for Conran's clothes. Because I want to live some of the happiest moments of my life in those dresses. As simple as that.

See the collection and watch the show on Jasper Conran

Quote of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000

"It is a big problem in today's world that a lot is done just to please the media."

Tomas Maier

Photo source: Laura Kapman wearing Bottega Veneta photographed by Chad Pitman for Numero Tokyo May 2014

I keep on falling in love...

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Following seasons of blinding us with visions of nipple-baring skinny girls, cheerleaders and country femmes dressed head to toe in a designer any respected milkmaid and school girl could supposedly afford, Tom Ford finally delivered what he has always been good at - Gucci 1996 with a touch of Saint Laurent circa 2002. Both were, naturally and seamlessly, designer by Ford and now, grown-up and elegantly sensual, making a glorious return in a collection I could name "Desire" - the fashion moment when the clothes not only allowed a woman feel like a woman, but look like one, too.

Those silhouettes and colours were as good as vintage red and original supermodels. And so was Ford's FW2016. Nothing groundbreaking, but beautiful to the core, especially in the fashion era of tent dresses, Celine lookalikes and sports-everything starving us of classic shapes and clothes with impeccable fit.

Net-a-Porter is already selling it as we speak... Hot off the runway. And even though the idea of immediate availability has always seemed somewhat desperate and odd, I cannot deny the appeal of a gorgeous pencil skirt, cashmere sweater or most perfect little black dress - never too late, never too soon, and very much timeless.

Perhaps, the clue is in the name(s).

Photo source: Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2016 via Vogue Runway

Quote of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000

"Style is not about what you're wearing. Style is a combination of many other things. It's the way you move, your taste in books, your taste in a house. It's the things you do that are different when everybody else is doing the same thing."

Carolina Herrera

Photo source: Bruna Erhardt Motta wearing Carolina Herrera in Amor Livre / Glamour Brazil October 2015 (photography: Karine Basilio, styling: Rita Lazzarotti)

The irony of disappearance

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000

The moment I decide to disappear and slip away from fashion, fashion found me. How ironic is that! For years I've been sitting here writing my stories and sending numerous emails that always seemed to varnished into an abyss. Then I decide to give it all up. Just like that.

Live my life, stop worrying about making a splash - or whatever you call it.

So I stopped. Literally stopped. My Mac got dust on it - the actual dust! I put it away not to be touched for weeks with an exception of playing with my pups photos (the boy got his own instagram and doing way better than me!). Truth to be told, I almost never missed it, just like I hardly missed social media and being a part of it. In fact, what was first meant to be a little break turned into a complete "social medial detox" - a little tough at first, but oh-so-good at the end!

It felt so natural to be out. I just thought about my pup. And husband. Book, music, good movies, making waffles every morning, coffee, reality and normality. That's all.

The irony of it is that "just when I thought I was out - fashion pulled me back in"! With a mention on Who What Wear and StyleCaster, then a few very special invitations (couldn't make it but boy, I felt honoured!) and finally - invites to NYFW and approval for LFW without any prior arrangement on my part!

So... The prodigal daughter had to return. With a new puppy and fresh ideas still processing the very meaning of my come back... It's feels odd somehow, yet it feels good...

Photo source: Hermes Vestiaire D'Hiver 2014 (photography: Zoe Ghertner)

Signing off

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 07:00:00 +0000

I've never thought I'd say this, but yes, I am signing off for summer. To live, to laugh and, most importantly, be with my little family because, as it happens, it's now complete again. It's been almost three weeks since we brought a beautiful little cocker home and while I am feeling like a zombie from the lack of sleep, I am finally happy, very-very happy. And I don't want to miss any of these precious happy moments spent with Cooper, the pup, and my husband, make memories and mend heartbreaks. I will see you in September.

Photo source: Angela Lindvall photographed by Bruce Weber for Vogue US May 1998

Timeless chic: Dries van Noten 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Tue, 31 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Odd as it may sound I still remember the day I saw this collection. We just moved houses and got the internet working... So finally able to indulge in my world wide web addiction I sat in a very empty room - just me, the desk and the chair - and dived into the world of fantasy created by Dries. On a grey rainy day it looked particularly striking. Oh, how much I loved that Spring 2009! So. Very. Much. In fact, for years I've been obsessed with the clothes, the jewellery, the embroidery and the styling - simple, yet very special, day or night. Vogue called it "restricted elegance". In my turn I will always refer to this collection as "timeless chic". Because it really is.

Photo source: Dries van Noten Spring/Summer 2008 via Style Bistro & Vogue Runway

To sweep a dreamer off her feet

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Thu, 26 May 2016 07:47:00 +0000

When a girl wants to truly embrace Parisian fashion, she needs to go to Paris and wear Rochas. My love for Dell'Aqua vision for the house has been growing stronger with every season and this time I could no longer resist the beautiful feeling of romance and delicate lightness that could sweep any dreamer off her feet.

Photo source: Rochas Resort 2017 via Vogue Runway

Quote of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Wed, 25 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

"Real elegance has something that is hidden."

Giambattista Valli

Photo source: Valentina Zelyaeva wearing Giambattista Valli in Grown-up Glamour / Harper's Bazaar UK January 2015 (photography: Regan Cameron, styling: Miranda Almond)

La Piscine

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Mon, 23 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Confess, how many times have you seen this cinema classic that inspired today's editorial? Frankly, I am glad that the Glamour team used it as a starting point without trying to copy the story or the cast too much. After all, whatever you say, for me The Swimming Pool is more about a beautiful setting, Romy Schneider, Jane Birkin and they way they... wore.

Photo source: Heather Marks photographed by Adam Whitehead & styled by Antje Winter for La Piscine / Glamour Germany June 2016

Quote of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Wed, 18 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

"The best and the worst thing about fashion is that anyone can do it. But because fashion can be the most unintellectual thing, you have to turn it into an intellectual exercise just for your own sanity. You cannot start with a conceit."

Joseph Altuzarra

Photo source: Frankie Rayder wearing Altuzarra for S Moda El Pais October 2015 (photography: Pamela Hanson)

Style inspiration: summer whites two ways

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Tue, 17 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Ever since I saw this editorial I couldn't stop thinking of these summer outfits... Alright, I even attempted a shopping spree to find a perfect white suit, striped trousers and most gorgeous-gorgeous brogues (just look at the tan leather laces perfectly matching the thin tan line between the shoe and its sole - perfection on every level!). It was 2015, the year I failed miserably.

So here we go again. Two elegant and relaxed looks modelled by Elisa Sadnaoui for the March 2015 issue of Italian Glamour and me, sitting here, clutching my Borsalino and still dreaming of acquiring all the other pieces, whenever it happens.

Photo source: Elisa Sednaoui in Glamour Italia March 2015 (photography: Alvaro Beamut Cortes, styling: Sascha Lilic)

Hot

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Mon, 16 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Worth getting a copy of the Porter mag for this editorial alone. The flawless Edita in an equally flawless and sensual story... Now - it is hot in here or is it just me? Must be the diamonds, right?

Photo source: Edita Vilkeviciute in Porter Summer 2016 (photography: Chris Colls, styling: Morgan Pilcher)

Naturally, summer... and most beautiful linen wardrobe to dream of

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Fri, 13 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

So, here's something I don't say very often... I have been shopping, and that's the truth, only truth and nothing but the truth. Last weekend was hot-hot-hot, waaaaay too hot to wear my regular trusted denims. So, partially saved by a white shirt, I crawled into the shadows, opened my mac and bought a pair of navy linen trousers, loose blazer and cardigan... Nothing too extravagant, all from La Redoute, working their natural magic keeping me cool and complimenting my old wardrobe favourites.

And while waiting for the much-needed parcel to be delivered I looked around for a few more linen basics because, really, nothing beats them during summer and, to be honest, there are very few things more beautiful than this "natural selection" so kind to the body, soul and, worth mentioning, sense of style.

Ah, summer days and summer nights, now I am ready to be squashed between the pillowy clouds of heat you bring...

Shop: 1. Dress, 2. Sweater, 3. Trench, 4. Perfume, 5. T-shirt, 6. Sleeveless jacket, 7. Blazer, 8. Hat, 9. Shoes, 10. Dress, 11. Skirt, 12. Shorts, 13. Maxi skirt, 14. Trousers, 15. Sandals

Photo source: Larissa Hofmann in White Heat / Harper's Bazaar Germany June/July 2016 (photography: Marcus Ohlsson, styling: Kerstin Schneider)

Timeless chic: Bottega Veneta Spring 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Thu, 12 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

"A balance between rigour and anarchy imagined along the attenuated lines of a Giacometti sculpture with a side thought for the attitude of madame Gres"... It was a truly scrumptious style recipe created by Tomas Maier for his Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2008 collection that so happens to be one of my ultimate Bottega favourites.

I love the muted colours that always remind me of the ancient stones and faded buildings posing against the pastel blue sky. I adore the hidden secrets of corsetry invisible to the eye. And simply the sheer fact that every piece, from the tiny sparking earrings to the dresses and the shoes are made with love by human hands...

Truly timeless and utterly elegant, it is a sort of fashion masterpiece that I can admire for hours and hours in a manner of Bottega Veneta aficionado. Even more so, use some of the ideas for styling any regular classic trench or a suit by adjusting a sleeve here and rolling a hem there.

"Made in Italy" at its very best.

Photo source: Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2008 via StyleBistro

Quote of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Wed, 11 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

"I like the idea of clothing that is broken in. There's something unappealing about clothes that look new. A bag, a coat, a pair of shoes - something with a little patina is always more attractive, more real and feels better."

Tomas Maier

Photo source: Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 2004 campaign photographed by Robin Broadbent

Fashion news / Digest No. 06

noreply@blogger.com (Natalia | Fashioned by Love) — Tue, 10 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000

So far it feels like 2016 is going to be the year of dramatic changes. Brands are losing their designers, designers are leaving fashion houses, CEOs swaps lavishly decorated offices. So far the only constant that remains undisturbed are the editors of biggest fashion magazines, firmly holding onto their chairs. Must be "something about the Universe and how it's all connected..." as Sting sang once.

Alessandra Facchinetti is leaving Tod's after three beautiful years at the helm of the Italian fashion house that I fell in love with all over again because of her collections. So far it's been the longest streak of her career that began as two seasons at Gucci as Ford's replacement, followed by a year at Valentino, then three years as a creative director of Uniqueness and finally, Tod's where she always gave us something to dream of including what I will always refer to as "one of the most perfect summer dresses". I sincerely hope she will find her happy place because all this border-crossing and changing cannot possibly be good for both emotional and creative state of mind.

P.S. Had to include this particular photo of Alessandra because this look makes such a fantastic idea for a summer outfit.

Furla's CEO Eraldo Poletto may be moving to Ferragamo. At the moment Ferragamo confirmed being in talks with Poletto who will be officially exiting Furla at the end of June.

"Since I left Lanvin I have a huge scar..." watch Alber Elbaz conversation at Parsons School of Design that took place last week.

Photo source: Alessandra Facchinetti at Tod's & Alber Elbaz at Lanvin Spring/Summer 2016 collection via Style Bistro, Salvatore Ferragamo boutique via Salvatore Ferragamo, main photo via T Magazine / The New York Times