MADEMOISELLE ECONOMIST

WHITE AND CO.

2013-05-14T19:30:00.001+01:00

Does white, denim and leather seem like a familiar combination?

While I can argue that what you're seeing is different (from this) on the basis of the individual elements being entirely different pieces, on the other hand I might accept defeat and address my compulsive behaviour for recreating my own outfits. I just like white dresses with denim and leather. Just like someone likes eating their burger with french fries and ketchup.

The little white dress here deserves a little attention though. Any softly textured, carrying a falbala along its back and side, dress deserves a little attention. Although the falbala (aka ruffle) may classify this piece as girlie, its boyfriend tee shape adds ambiguity to that classification. In my attempt to classify what this dress actually is, girlie, boyish or feminine, my deduction is "all the above". This dress creates juxtaposition on its own. From the front you're a boyish albeit chic woman in a boyfriend tee-dress, paying homage to effortless Parisian style, from the back you're a girly girl. Genius.

While I'm not sure if all the above makes sense, "I love this dress", should be enough to sum up the previous paragraph of complicated statements.

Moving on and since juxtaposition can never be enough and as making a piece you're own is case in point for what style is all about, the wrapped shirt and the bling (colour-coordinated to avoid a mess-up) will guide you that way.

The leather jacket reads "optional but strongly recommended". Soft white and badass black make one hell of a combination.

Now tell me, how do you wear your white?

I'm wearing a white dress from Choies (here, and also available in yellow here) , Zara shirt (old), H&M necklace, H&M earcuff

T FOR TAILORED

2013-05-11T19:21:00.001+01:00

As tailored jackets and blazers with reference to the opposite gender have flooded the runways
in recent seasons, much of the female population has ended up with at least one tailored jacket slash blazer in their wardrobe. As the seasons progress we see masculinity taking over and clean lines forming the new modern (I blame Celine and the design extraordinaire Phoebe Philo). And as I'm close to forming a collection of blazers from purchases of short and tight from seasons ago, to vintage oversized treasures and from raiding my mum's closet for suits from a decade ago, I think its time to reassess the role and importance of a tailored jacket in the wardrobe of 2013.

Read on!

Minimalism as captured by the piece in question, equals clean and chic and who doesn't like both? Apart from its double c (clean and chic) properties , the tailored jacket slash blazer, comes handy as a multipurpose piece. Wear it over a floral dress, or over denim and a tee, or as a suit or over a chiffon midi dress that screams feminism, or on its own, it will look good. Whatever your style or chosen outfit du jour, the tailored jacket adds a je ne sais quoi feel as you've ordered.

And to answer my own question with regards to the tailored jackets, its role and importance in the wardrobe of now is just as crucial as that of a leather biker jacket. By that I mean its necessary.
Before you jump to the photos, I am wearing shorts. Comfort in movement is always on my list of objectives.

So mademoiselles and monsieurs...Where do you stand on the tailored jacket/blazer talk?

I'm wearing a vintage blazer (similar here), levi's vintage shorts and an H&M earcuff.

GIVEAWAY

2013-05-08T13:22:00.000+01:00

Click click click on how to enter!

The wonderful people at Chicnova are giving one of you a $30 coupon code to shop at chicnova.com. I'm sure their pieces - ranging from casual dresses to super glamourous, to super trending denim to shoes and amazing sunglasses - can satisfy even the most demanding among us.

All you need to do for a chance to win $30 to spend is to follow the instructions below!

1. Like the Chicnova Facebook page here

2. Like Mademoiselle Economist Facebook page here

3. Register on Chicnova website here

4. Leave a comment below with your email address with your favourite item on Chicnova!
The email address should match the one you have registered on chicnova.

The giveaway will last for 10 days, ending on the 17th of May.

You must follow all 4 steps to be eligible for entry!

Here are my top picks!

From left-First column: Cat's eye sunglasses here, round sunglasses here, Minimal Multi-twisted rings here, Neon necklace here. Second Colum: White tailored blazer here, White PU leather shorts here. Third Column: Leather peplum top here, denim shorts here.

Only entries that follow all 4 steps will be eligible to win!

Good luck to all!

WINNER UPDATE:

The giveaway winner is Dimitra Anastasiadou!
Congradulations to the winner!! You will soon be contacted!

Thank you all for entering!

BEJEWELED EAR

2013-05-07T11:37:00.000+01:00

Don't let your ear get lonely.

Keeping in line with the thematic approach I've developed for posts ( see denim, white etc), today we're talking ear cuffs. While I'm irrefutably on the verge of an addiction to jewelry, the core of the addiction involved pieces worn from the chin downwards. Necklaces, bracelets, rings a plenty. Earrings? No. Not from dislike, just from indifference. And then came the Dries Van Noten ear cuff that stared at me through my computer screen straight in the eye. And the search for an earcuff began and temporarily ended in H&M. Although the only commonality with the Dries Van Noten cuff is that both fall under the category of "earcuff", this H&M piece is beautiful in its own way. That is if your addicted to emerald green stones (and turquoise just for the record).

Why should you try it? It's refreshing to move statement jewelry from the neck upwards to the ears when you've been resorting to the latter as a means of outfit enhancement for too long to remember. And as its spring and as all things refreshing become of importance, I suggest alternating the position of your jewelry once a while.

Although, for the record, I'm not giving up on neckline adorning necklaces and heavy wrist-wear bracelets wholeheartedly.

Mini tip: Looks best with your neckline free of metals and rhinestones.

And here is the reason for my obsession du jour. Dries Van Noten f/w 2013

Are you convinced yet?

IN WHITE WE TRUST

2013-04-28T19:41:00.001+01:00

Today on what's worth posting is, you guessed it, white. Perhaps spring's most talked-about colour, turning to white and giving up a little on winter's black, is somewhat of a detox for you and your wardrobe. Whether you opt for white lace, a white suit, structured pieces or a white t-shirt dress as this one here, you'll get the much needed revamp as Spring comes in full force. And with regards to the overarching question of wears per item, any white piece will definitely serve you well.

Mini tips on LWD: LWD can't get easier to style. Go minimalistic with a structured or lace LWD and for a more casual, I-don't-have-a-care-in-the-world look, a t-shirt dress is the way to go. And if your weather has severe problems deciding what the deal is going to be today; sun or rain, layering a shirt and a jacket on top of your dress will leave you game on, whatever the circumstances.

Go ahead and white-out. Think detox. It's good for you.

I'm wearing a Chicnova white dress, Paul Taylor denim shirt (similar here and here) , H&M bag, Sophia Forero gold and lapis bangle here, Glambition pink friendship bracelet here, H&M necklace, vintage green stone necklace, Chanel flats, Chicnova sunglasses

ON DENIM

2013-04-10T14:49:00.000+01:00

A year and a couple of months ahead and here we are on denim on denim Vol. I've lost count. While the denim shirts and the denim pants vary in shades of denim and in size (see the hotpants version here) the core of it all remains the same - denim looks good with denim.

While I have to prevent myself from narrating the story of denim on denim, laying down the pros of this uniformity of denim on top and bottom, for the sake of my dissertation, I will revert to the somewhat forgotten "mini tips" that have accompanied posts.

Mini tips for denim of denim: While most of you have probably tried and mastered denim on denim, I 'll start from the basics. Denim on denim works best with two different shades of denim, one slightly lighter than the other.
On a more general note, jeans look much better with the hem rolled up. The exposed ankle has a je ne sais quoi feel , and while it may not elongate your legs, a pair of nude pumps will.
And as versatility is what most of us are looking for, denim on denim can take you from coffee to cocktails. If you're not so keen on the simplicity of it all, pile on a statement necklace like this Kenneth Jay Lane one here and get your armswag on.
And one last note. Choose an oversized shirt to pair with skinny or bootcut jeans. The juxtaposition of silhouettes always gets bonus points.

How do you wear your denim? Please do tell!

I'm wearing a vintage blazer (find one here and here), a Paul Taylor men's denim shirt ( find one here and here) and the denim pants you can find here

MIDRIFF STORIES

2013-04-01T14:50:00.000+01:00

via andsoweramble.net

Withdrawing my mind from the machinations of hideous nature on an economic level, lets talk beautiful things. Yes, fashion.

On this "educational post" (quotations before anyone jumps to conclude) we're talking about peplums (as worn gloriously yet effortlessly by the magnificent Natalie Joss above; yes I like her a LOT) and other midriff stories which involve less material - baring it all out. But before your mind swings to baring out your whole belly, and before I scare some of you away, let me inform you that the bare midriff is broken down into levels of bareness, and varies from a universally flattering, barely bare midriff to full exposure.

Read on!

The Peplum

Tracing down the midriff fascination, the peplum was spring's big silhouette story last spring. You can also recall that the high-street was flooded with them, and I was one of the victims but none the less a happy one. And as I learned from dressing up as an financial advisory intern, it look pretty damn good with cropped black trousers and pencil skirts and it made me less averse to jobs that come with dress codes.

Moving on and fast tracking to SS 2013 shows, the peplum silhouette is still trending. Peter Pilotto's take on the peplum goes beyond what is in essence, a frill around the waist, and looks more like a masterpiece of clothing, as pictured above.

But as we won't all be buying Pilotto, keep an eye out for printed peplum tops to match pencil skirts (a la Natalie Joss), midi skirts, or cropped pants.

Peter Pilotto SS 2013, via stylebistro.com

Structured, squarish tops featuring a peplum, a la Chloe SS 2013, will also come to good use and as versatility is a prerequisite in my books, such tops will do the trick while ticking all the right boxes.

Chloe SS 2013, style.com

Bare Midriff

The bare midriff has also stealthily entered our worlds around the same time as the peplum, yet, from empirical results by means of observation it has entered it's peak for ss 2013, as midriff after midriff paraded down the catwalks. See Balenciaga, Balmain, Rochas, Miu Miu, Giambattista Valli and Chloe.

To those skipping the gym, lest you worry, I'm among you. And I can reassure you that this can work out even in the absence of killer abs. The educational note, for you to take home today, is that there are different levels of bareness- the range being 1 to 3, 1 being the least bearing. The commonality of the levels, is that matching with high waisted pants or skirts is key.

Level 1: This invloves just baring a couple of cm of flesh and it's the ladylike way of taking up the trend. If I haven't convinced you on the co-existance of lady-likeness and baring out your tummy, look no further than Giambattista Valli's collection.

Level one is universally flattering and can be applied on whichever area of your midriff you feel more comfortable exposing.

Giambattista Valli SS 2013, style.com

Level 2: Level two is all about going up(or down) a notch or two, and exposing a few additional cm of skin. This highlights the waist. For a more casual take, wrap a shirt around the waist. It decreases exposure while it adds further enhancement to your waist.

For a less casual take, match with a 1950's skirt, or pencil skirt or maxi skirt or high-waisted tuxedo trousers (versatile much?). Just remember to add a structured jacket or blazer to make the effect more subtle and chic!

Balenciaga SS 2013, lyst.com

Another trick, yet again from Chloe, is layering. To achieve it, wear your cropped top and wear a mesh one on top or vice versa. It ads softness and is discrete. An additional note is to stray away from body con mesh when it comes to an everyday look. They're easier to find but trust me the search for a baggier mesh top will be worth it. And body con mesh in summer weather can become pretty scary (and sweaty). If you're thinking colour palettes for this layering, opt away from black for a fresher look. And if you have a spare sheer/mesh dress from the days when maxi sheer dresses were all the buzz, why don't you wear it over separates; those separates being a cropped top, level 2 and a skirt?

Chloe SS 2013, style.com

Level 3: This is were it all gets daring. Level 3 is about baring it all. It involves a crop top that falls just below the bust line, or alternatively a bustier. Although Marc Jacobs sent down the runway a full out stomach, I'd suggest keeping that bellybutton covered if your opting for level 3. Super cropped tops in this category again work with high waisted skirts and pants.

Pair with abs, or with confidence.

Marc Jacobs SS 2013, style.com

Ending these midriff stories, which midriff trend are you? A Peplum or A Bare Midriff?

And if you're opting for the Bare midriff, are you level 1, 2 or 3?

Please do share!

WEAR IT DOUBLE

2013-03-27T12:28:00.001Z

With the last 72 hours being snow-less and with the sun finally making an appearance, I can half confidently leave any fluff (a.k.a faux fur) hanging in the closet and substitute it with double wear.

Double wear is a story about two jackets. Worn together. Providing some warmth and style.

My story with double wear started circa 2005, age 15, layering a jacket over a zipped hoodie a la Mary Kate Olsen. Then it developed to layering a fur giller over a leather jacket and then it became a double wear of jackets over jackets.

The double wear is founded on the same principles as layering but I will not navigate you through those as that will require addressing the cold; and it's kind of spring and I kind of feel nauseous that there is snow 27 days into spring.

Apart from the story of two jackets, this outfit is a replay of my love for boyfriend tees and neck adornments. This also goes back to circa 2005. Should I start worrying that 8 years forward my style is still based more or less on the same principles?

Spill out the goss of your style evolution below!

I'm wearing a boyfriend t-shirt (get it here), a vintage blazer (similar here) over an old Topshop leather jacket, H&M leather trousers and an H&M necklace (similar here) , Sophia Forero bracelet (get it here)

PARIS

2013-03-26T23:43:00.001Z

Déjà vu? Although Paris fashion week is becaming last month's news, I could not leave Paris out of the fashion week reviews. And besides, it's never too late for some runway inspiration, the circumstances being that a coat is pretty much still necessary in some parts of the world. So fall/winter 2013 seems relevant.

In Paris, no detail is too big or too small for the fashion names that make us squeak with excitment. Chanel, Chloe, Celine, Valentino, Stellaaa!! Paris is the city of love. Love for great clothes, couture and French style!

Raf Simons wowed at his second collection for Dior, paying tribute to Warholian art. And speaking of new designers at old fashion houses, lets talk Saint Laurent. Controversial sums it all. The collection and the reaction but the more I see it the more I like it. I'm pretty sure it's the plaid shirts.

The rest of what Paris had to offer was Alexander Wang's debut collection for Balenciaga, bespoke tailoring, flashback to the 80s (see Balmain), pinstripes and masculinity (see Stella McCartney), the all seeing eye (see Kenzo) , Bambi making an appearance at Givenchy, and over the knee awesomeness (see Chanel and Celine). Talking Celine, let's talk about Phoebe Philo and her amazing talent to mesmerize us even with a market-bag inspired coat. Genius.

Go get inspired!

Acne Studios

Balenciaga

Balmain

Barbara Bui

Carven

Celine

Chanel

Chloe

Dior

Dries Van Noten

Giambattista Valli

Givenchy

Isabel Marant

Kenzo

Lanvin

Maison Martin Margiela

Saint Laurent

Stella McCartney

7 Days and 7 Stories

2013-03-26T15:51:00.001Z

7 days and 7 seven stories
Jump to read what this is all about.

This past week I retreated from blogging and departed from the Mademoiselle in Economist and became just Economist, the circumstances being of national emergency and me watching from afar. After pausing, I have rebooted and I am restarting.

Now lets depart from the ugliness of real world politics and economics, and starting a brand new week with 7 days and 7 stories. I've teamed up with VideofyMe, as one of their 7 days - 7 stories ambassadors, for the release of their new studio update. For the uninformed let me enlighten you! VideofyMe is an app where you can capture, create and share your moments in motion! You can create your videos, adding filters and as of yesterday you can finish everything off with a song.

Think Instagram, but in motion and with a soundtrack. Genius, no?

Watch the whole video on VideofyMe here!
and follow my 7 days and 7 stories by following me on VideofyMe here!

MODA OPERANDI: MARY KATRATZOU TRUNK SHOW

2013-03-14T21:59:00.002Z

Before we spring forward to this new season, take a sprint to a/w 2013 and specifically to Mary Katratzou's collection of pieces of art. Mary Katratzou (see: print-master designer) needs no introductions and neither do her amazing, mesmerizing clothes which are the tangible evidence of her masterful mind and impeccable taste. And she's Greek, and I'm proud.

For a/w 2013, the designer presented a collection that gave way to black and white, trading her signature hallucinogenic color palette for moody monochromatic hues and a more sublte array of colours, placed on a canvas of architectural-like silhouettes. From the eerie landscapes to the meticulous silhouettes, each piece is alluring in its own right.

"For Autumn Winter 2013 I wanted to portray a man's view of nature, captured, refracted and ultimately distorted by the camera lens, fixed in black-and-white for eternity. The collection finds focus in a stripping-back of colour, revolving around a rainbow of monochrome with colour smoke bombs highlighting the pattern a d shape. Just how Pablo Picasso rinsed his paintings of colour to highlight the formality of structure and his obsessive interest in line and form, I wanted to do the same to show that perception, fabrication, and silhouette are also at the heart of my work. Pattern is conveyed through the intricacy of intarsia knits, embroideries, jacquards and brocades, custom knit, woven and engineered to re-render a landscape across the clothes." Mary Katrantzou

And because timing is everything, (Miroslava Duma has already graced the street in Mary Katratzou aw 2013) you can pre-order the collection now, at Moda Operandi. For the uninformed let me enlighten you! Moda Operandi, founded by CEO Áslaug Magnúsdóttir and US Vogue fashion editor, Lauren Santo Dimingo, is the only place you can preorder looks straight from the catwalk before they are available anywhere else. And it doesn't end here. The new addition to Moda Operandi is Boutique an expertly curated selection from Taylor Tomasi Hill herself, of in-season items, from both established and emerging designers worldwide.

Mary Katratzou trunk show ends on March 16, at 11 EDT, so get your running spikes on and click on at Moda Operandi.

Miroslava Duma in Mary Katratzou a/w 2013 (vogue.es)

The fashion flock adorned in Mary Katratzou a/w 2013 (style.com)

Pre-order now. Fashion is all about timing. And good taste.

modaoperandi.com

GIVEAWAY: WIN A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES

2013-03-12T13:49:00.000Z

Sunglasses Shop is giving away a pair of SXUC sunglasses to one of you lucky readers. These tortoise frame cat's eyes are perfect and since it's spring and since a girl can never have enough sunglasses, read the instructions below on how to win this pair.

House Rules... In order to be eligible for entry you must:

1. Like Sunglasses Shop Facebook page here

2. Post "Enter Mademoiselle Economist giveaway" on the Sunglasses Shop Facebook page here

3. Like Mademoiselle Economist page on Facebook here

And don't forget to Leave a comment below with you name and email

This giveaway is open to all readers, around the world.

~~The giveaway will run until the 2nd of April and the winner will be announced soon after that date.~~

Good luck to all!:)

UPDATE: The winner of the giveaway is Sílvia Ávila

CAT'S EYES

2013-03-08T17:22:00.000Z

Let's get back to basics one more time. I'm once again layering jackets, firstly because two look better than one and secondly, because the British weather is being a British weather, even in Spring.

But moving up from the shoulders and ignoring the weather, are my new SXUC cat's eyes, thanks to Sunglasses Shop, who stock designer sunglasses, from Celine to Rayban to Oakley. As a firm believer of the importance of sunglasses to an outfit, these cat's eyes got me hyped. Why? They're in a perfect tortoise colour and have a subtle cat's eyes shape. Sunglasses have a transformative role to any look and an outfit is incomplete without them. I haven't convinced you yet? Think of Anna Wintour. The first image I get of her is in a Chanel suit, wearing her statement black shades.

It also takes two seconds for sunglasses to take you from A to B. Just put them on and voila, you're ready to go.

And because a girl can never have enough sunglasses, Sunglasses Shop is giving one of you this pair of SXUC sunglasses. So stay tuned for the giveaway details!

I'm wearing SXUC sunglasses and vintage coat

LONDON FASHION WEEKEND

2013-03-02T14:45:00.000Z

Although attending London Fashion Weekend was originally planned, what was not planned was going as a Canon Fashion Blogger. They do say that the best things are not planned don't they?

I was one of the lucky 25, selected by Andy of Style Scrapbook, to attend London Fashion Weekend with Canon, following a contest, as a Canon Fashion Blogger but that's not the end of it. I was also able to be in the photographers pit at the "Trend Show", put together by Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director of the Daily Telegraph renowned for her talent to recognize a trend when she sees it.

The trends? Graphic Art, Urban Lifestyle, Doll's House and Eastern Promise.

What I wore? I chose to go as "Puffy" wearing a Puffy yet structured in some aspects jumper, my beloved oversized coat on top, building on that puffiness and again leather skinny trousers. It was a "fight the cold" outfit (minus the chosen footwear. I can't compromise on that).

Click Click Click to see the full post including some of the show's highlights!

Zara jumper

H&M leather tousers

Vintage Germain Saint Laurent coat

Zara bag

H&M necklace

Vintage sunglasses

FROM LONDON TO MILAN A/W 2013

2013-02-27T13:53:00.000Z

While fashion month is still running, London and Milan have called it a wrap. From Burberry Prorsum, Peter Pilotto and others in London to Dolce and Gabbana, Prada and the rest of the Milanese fashion houses, each collection delivered something new and something to wow about.

In London, Peter Pilotto once again stood out with his graphic prints and silhouettes while Burberry Prorsum presented yet another successful collection including yet again revamped versions of the traditional trench. Christopher Baily makes one wonder in how many ways can the trench be reinvented, but this appears not to be a challenge for his masterful mind and this is case in point for much of the success the house of trenches has received and how it has been transformed into a fashion savvy empire.

In Milan, Dolce and Gabbana once again paid homage to their homeland and presented a collection of pieces of art with strong religious references (and some monarchic ones; see crowns) along with their trademark lace dresses. The twins at Dsquared jazzed it up, while Miuccia Prada sent down the runway a collection that comprised of feminine shapes contrasted with heavy-duty shoes, which are by the way going straight on my wishlist along with those Jil Sander pointed toe beauties.

One thing I love about runway designer collections is that it inspires. It's the backbone of fashion. They deliver new shapes, new colour palettes and new shoes (Prada's I'm still talking about you). And thankfully, the high-street is always looking.

Jump to see the post and get yourself a little inspiration.

Burberry Prorsum

Christopher Kane

David Koma

Emilio De La Morena

Mary Katratzou

Mulberry

Peter Pilotto

Roksanda Ilincic

Topshop Unique

Blumarine

Dsquared

Dolce and Gabbana

Emporio Armani

Etro

Fendi

Gianfranco Ferre

Giorgio Armani

Gucci

Jil Sander

Marni

Maxmara

Moschino

No.21

Prada

all photos via style.com

NYFW A/W 2013

2013-02-20T13:37:00.001Z

New York. The lyrics Concrete jungle where dreams are made of , were the only description available that summarized NYFW in 7 words. The dreams are of course the clothing that paraded on catwalks (and those Oscar de la Renta hats). New York based designers created collections that are worthy of being dreamy- not in the sense of a dream being something unreal, but dreams of the kind that are beautiful and are just what you need. The collections were anything but unreal. The clothes were wearable and had a purpose but were far from blunt; they carried some of that je ne sais quoi.

While some of the highlights included Victoria Beckham's magnificent take on menswear inspired pieces, Altuzarra's oversized fur mittens and tailoring appearing almost on every catwalk, the highlight of the highlight was Oscar de la Renta. The reason? Two words: John Galliano and Oscar de la Renta. The master of couture and notorious John Galliano put his touch on the collection of another masterful couturist. Magic.

My personal highlights was Alexandre Herchcovitch's collection of ready-to-wear couture-like masterpieces and Oscar de la Renta (Have I mentioned Oscar enough times yet?) and every oversized coat that walked across a catwalk.

If you're taking notes for the future 6 months from now, maybe "red" "tailored" "over-the-knee boots" and "oversized" should be included.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Alexandre Herchcovitch

Alexander Wang

Altuzarra

BCBG Max Azria

Calvin Klein Collection

Derek Lam

Herve Leger

Jason Wu

Karen Walker

Lacoste

Luise Goldin

Marc Jacobs

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marchesa

Michael Kors

Oscar de la Renta

Prabal Gurung

Proenza Schouler

Rag&Bone

Ralph Lauren

Rebecca Minkoff

Rodarte

Thakoon

Theyskens' Theory

Tibi

Victoria Beckham

All photos via STYLE.COM

MORE IS MORE

2013-02-16T12:42:00.000Z

While I can't place a specific reference to this outfit, a top-down approach for purposes of deductive reasoning may be of good use. The bigger picture: More is more. Now down to the smaller segments: Black, wrapped shirt, jewellery, jewellery and more jewellery! Abstract for a moment from the statement necklace, the arm parade and the shirt, somewhere undereath the "excess but necessary" lays a canvas. Black blazer, leather trousers and a boyfriend t-shirt. Pieces key to any purposeful wardrobe and unambigiously timeless and "trendless". While I do have a tendency for understated ensembles, the little things that add on top carry with them some of the fun that's sometimes missing and translates to happiness or hyper-excitments of the kind that most people get from an energy drink. Less may be more when it comes to clothing but more is definitely more when it comes to jewellery.

The translated happiness and excitement in this case may be stemming from the 24k gold over brass, lapis stone bracelet; a creation of Sophia Forero. It's not by coincidence that the moto of the brand is "feel beautiful". I'm sure that anyone will be seduced my the moscaic designs that can make any armparty and armPARTY. The lapis bangle seems to blend effortlessly with everything-and that's the beauty of it.

Gold and lapis mosaic bangle (thanks to Sophia Forero) here

Zara blazer

H&M boyfriend t-shirt

Primark heels

GANT vintage shirt

H&M leather trousers

H&M necklace

Tag Heuer watch

H&M rings

BRIGHT

2013-02-08T14:12:00.000Z

It's not that I have been unaware of the colour bombardment that started last spring or that I am slow in the fashion sense because I'm talking about something that was so last season news. Its more about my relationship with colour and I'm sure I'm among the many who will choose black over orange/red/green. I'm usually on the quiet side of the colour palette, usually opting for neutrals, black, black and more black. Most of my "pieces I wear" wardrobe is dedicated to black with some slight departures to navy while the rest of it remains unworn. Bright pieces do exists but they're buried somewhere underneath the blacks, blues, white. My aversion to bright is that it requires an additional minute of 'stand back and think' with what to wear it. A minute that is highly valuable at 8:00 am when the only thing I can think of is that I need some caffeine. Last week, when I was rambling in my draws for a pair of jeans, it was difficult to oversee the redness staring back at me. So I decided that the red jeans would do for the day. Surprisingly, a few days later I was looking for those red jeans again. It turns out I'm not such a colour averse person. And surprisingly, I found that they can be combined with pretty much everything in my wardrobe. That's major bonus points in my books as it means that they will work on those 8am mornings. On another note, they can brighten up the not so bright days. What else does one need?

Mini tip: You can give a try to coloured trousers; including skinny jeans, trousers and palazzo pants pairing them with neutrals as we move in the transition period. If you're not used to bright colours, pairing them with neutrals is the best way to start. You can build up from there as you reconcile with color. Match with a small bright colored bag if you're after a je nais se quoi look but make sure the rest is neutral.

Vintage coat, Reiss shirt, Jeans (old)

LAYER IT

2013-02-06T14:56:00.000Z

Think about it.

Layering clothes has two main functions; insulation and to devise a look that is yours. It involves mixing prints, textures, pilling one piece over another. By now, the recipe of layering in known to everyone and each of us have mastered it in our own way.

But what about layering jewelry? Although it falls short on the insulation property that comes with layering clothes, it does make some hell of a look.

It's all a matter of how you use something. Take this vase above for example (used above as a display stand), which is not even a vase but a jar, bought with the intention of storing marshmallows which I don't even eat unless when camping and there's a fire, but wait; I don't go camping. You get the picture. It's a about making something purposeful, in your own way.

If I haven't convinced you yet why you should try layering necklaces, I'll give you some experience- grounded reasons. Read on!!

1. You're bored with a necklace ( see above the ethnic inspired turquoise stone necklace). Layer a rhinestone one above. You have a new necklace,

2. Make a statement necklace a STATEMENT necklace.

3. You can't find what you're looking for. It happens to all of us when we have a picture of what we want to exist but nothing really satisfies our expectations (or is it just me having vivid imagery of jewelry, coats, trousers and shirts that only exist in my head?)

"DIY" your own statement pieces without getting your hands dirty. It only requires clipping on one necklace, grabbing an other one and clipping it on top. Take advantage of the multiple places you can choose to clip your necklace to place it in the exact position you want on top of the other one to get the best of both worlds.

So what are your thoughts? To layer or not to layer?

New look turquoise stone necklace

Rhinestone necklace bought from a market

WRAPPED

2013-02-02T17:42:00.001Z

I've given you a substantially long introduction to my encounter with the wrapped shirt issue in the preview post, and I have by now concluded (once again) that I'm naturally drawn to juxtaposing anything. This outfit being case in point. I can't seem to leave anything untouched and to just let it be; ie. I couldn't let this dress just be Audrey Hepburn-esque (while I would still label it as "chic"). The outcome of my obsession with juxtaposition in this case seems more or less like the birth-child of Audrey Hepburn and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Formally, in the standard language of fashion it's "mix n match".

While the responses on wrapped shirt varied from "yes" "no" and "maybe" on the sneak preview here, please do keep them coming here as well!

Zara faux fur, Zara denim shirt. Primark dress, Topshop heels

PREVIEW: WRAPPED

2013-01-30T17:24:00.000Z

Those of you who follow me on facebook have probably already seen me in this outfit. It came with a tag line that "I'm a 90s kid at heart". Well I am. This very 90s styling trick of the wrapped shirt that accompanied my childhood years, was thought to have died together with the 90s. The grunge, Fresh Price of Bel-Air style may not be exactly what I'd place as a reference to my style now but the wrapped shirt carries with it something more than fashion. It carries with it some of that childhood happiness and "I don't care" feeling we often seem to lack when dressing as adults. When I first retreated to the wrapped shirt styling trick after more that a decade of not considering it as an option, I got that feeling of happiness you get only when you're a kid and you go out to play and a sense of freedom.

Apart from the happy feelings it carries, it seems the perfect piece to juxtapose the ladylikeness of the midi dress covered with fluffy fur and sky-high (may I add a danger to my well-being) heels.

While what you see above may not be everyones cup of tea, the bottom line is that when dressing up, there are not set rules to follow, no match this with that.

But what I do like are mini tips to get the imagination going. Read below!!

Mini tip: Choose a denim shirt or a checked shirt preferably to uplift a black look. Think leather trousers and dresses of all lengths.

Are you in or out when it comes to the wrapped shirt?

More pics to follow so stay tuned!!:)

THE STREETS

2013-01-26T11:09:00.001Z

via style.com, grazia.it

After spending a month buried in notes and books and living through the stress of my life, surviving on around 5 litres of coffee a day and sleeping around 4 hours on good days, while attempting to count sheep resulted in counting them exponentially, increasing with geometrically decreasing weights I can half-confidently say the worst is over. While I still dream about policy instruments, pricing models and formulas, exams have been dealt with.

What I can confidently tell you is that Paris is looking good through the lenses of the masters of streetstyle photography. The fashion flock never fails to impress even in freaking-ass-cold weather. Take some notes on how to survive the freeze (cold in no longer appropriate to describe temperatures around here). While headwear is still trending (see beanies and russian furry hats) colour is installing some brightness into the not-so bright weather.

For my personal favourite, see Natasha Goldenberg abvove. How good do those trousers look?

Stay tuned for more and in the mean time check out Mademoiselle Economist on FACEBOOK.

Source: Style.com, Grazia.it

THE JACKET TALK

2013-01-04T14:36:00.002Z

This last season saw the rise of the oversized jacket, taking over catwalks and sidewalks and entering every decent list of 'trends worth trying'. Spotted styled at its best a la Parisian (equalling effortless cool in my books) I was a victim of its charm ever since I first layed eyes on a Carin Wester in September. Being a self-proclaimed jacket addict, insisting that jackets are a manna from heaven to complete a look, I was equally charmed when I tried on this Dsquared2 jacket, property of my boyfriend. It ticked the box of the oversized look.

It's one of those pieces that the instant you see them, your neurons begin transmitting signals, your heart beats faster and within 60 seconds you've got 3 outfits planned in your head.

Can you blame me? It celebrates layering; appearing as a leather jacket, with another layered on top, yellow lining on the sleeves and some of that Scottish tartan on the rest of the lining.

Yes, it's jacket love.

Dsquared2 jacket

2012 IN PICTURES

2012-12-31T16:05:00.000Z

It's again that time of year were we reflect back on the year that's gone by, dress up in glitzy attires, wish the year away and welcome the new one. Keeping up with the tradition, here's a post reflecting on another year of blogging. These 12 months have seen this blog grow, be featured and be loved; that's thanks to you reading this blog and for the love you've shown.

I hope 2012 has been a good year for you and I can only wish you a greater, better 2013.

Happy New Year!

THE LITTLE THINGS

2012-12-29T10:33:00.003Z

Each of us has a different perception of what style is; what defines it and what matters. While opinions can vary from LBD to clashing prints, this post is about the finer details. Layers, juxtaposing styles and textures and jewelery matters. Jewelry as case in point has transfrormed the way we dress and how we seek to differentiate our style offering from that of another.

I hope this post shows exactly this; wearing these Glambition friendship bracelets with some double jacket layering going on in the background.

Mini tip: Armswag is still trending. Get your necessary armswag 'gear' from Glambition and mix up different styles.

Glambition bracelets (here and here)

Zara faux fur

Zara jackets with zips