Rouge Reveries

leather strikes again

2013-06-16T11:52:00.000+02:00

I love leather. I like it black, and lately I've been likin' it coloured! So..what do I do? I wear a nude leather skirt and throw a red leather bag to top it all.

I like to say I was beckoned by the skirt. Like a calling, you know. Dahlia is not a brand I usually look for. Yet it had a Balenciaga vibe to it, which I can never resist... coloured leather, crunched waist, and just a little bit weird. The most perfect paper-bag waisted leather skirt I could hope for.
Bals' FW12 collection still remains my favourite.

This is what I'm talking about:

FACE - Revlon smokey-eye liner, Max Factor bronzing powder, Pupa blush, Revlon lipstick (PINK POUT)

And last but not least - #bloopers

CIAO.....

Fashion... simple?

2013-06-15T18:37:00.000+02:00

Then again simple is a state of mind.

What is simplicity? Think about it - simple this, simple that, simply chic, simply gorgeous, simply natural. 'Simple': as promiscuous as a word can get. Much like common sense is not so common. Simple is not so simple! HA! To think of what goes into making something look simple and effortless.

I look at my style icons, mainly Mira Duma, Victoria Beckham and the Olsen twins, none are vertically endowed - tall in layman terms. But even 'tall' is what I would consider relative and subjective. They average 5'2" which is right about my height. And I think to myself what do they do to have everything so well-adjusted and tailored to their height. Petites, me included need to have everything adjusted. I used to think people just go to shops buy whatever they like and throw it on. It's not so simple after all, innit?? Simple, my bottom...

I want everything to fit me well but unfortunately I find everything either too long or too huge. Most shops cater for clientele no smaller than a size 6. Yet I know a number of you, myself included would love for some pieces to go down to a 4.

Thankfully some shops listen... I buy my denim from Topshop. My favourite pieces are the Jamie and the Leigh. The fit is gorgeous and they have the styles in petite sizing too!! And to say the least, I'm OB-SESSED with the Topshop Jamie. I have it in black, but I might just buy a couple more in different shades. Because babe, when you find something perfect, you simply (again not so simple, really) must STOCK UP!

Another high-street favourite is Miss Selfridge. They host an array of petite items, and some petite exclusives too! Which is a blessing, since you know you'll always find something you like there. One of my summer staples is the maxi-dress and if it's not in petite I usually can't buy it. I hate having to alter all my clothes every single time. There's a petite section? PROBLEM SOLVED.

Then there's ASOS. Always there, always available. I find my petite must-haves over there at a really good price without having to go out. Once you get used to the fit and the sizing, ASOS is a godsend.

The thing with high-street shops is that nothing is ever a classic, things change every season. So be sure to buy multiples when you find the perfect fitting wardrobe must-have!

Any other petite staples you have in mind? Share them below!

Ciao

xxxxxx

Day-to-day

2013-06-06T21:49:00.001+02:00

I don't post a lot of day-to-day, run-of-the-mill (so to speak) outfits, I tend to post my most primped up ones but this outfit really shows what I wear when I go to work or to school on a regular Thursday like today. Looks like these expose what I have the energy to wear, and what I really feel like putting on, early in the morning.

{DIY top (yesterday's work); boyfriend jeans which I DIY-ed; Accessorize birkenstock-style flipflops; ZARA statement necklace; vintage cuff}

Location: Piazza Tigne, Sliema, Malta.

Ciao x now

PS: Thanks Diane @sequinsanddrapes for the photos! X

Sunday Morning Primpin'

2013-06-02T10:58:00.000+02:00

I love Sunday Mornings. Somehow it's always sunny, a lot of people are out and about and it's a refreshing break from a busy week. What tops it off is a good breakfast. Sadly, I lacked the latter today. I preferred to spend some quality time with my bed... I needed a long rest after two stressful exams, which were too close to one another for my own liking.

Anyways, here's what I wore.

[Zara blazer (from two years ago); ASOS shirt, French Connection skirt, Vintage Clutch, Stradivarius heels]

power studying

2013-05-24T13:30:00.000+02:00

Power Studying - because studying is average.

When I have a whole day in front of me, at home, I often find myself realising late in the day that, perhaps, if I had thrown on a pair of heels and pulled my hair up I would have been far more productive. It's 13:13pm at the moment, and that's about the time of day when I start thinking that.

Pretty surroundings, beautiful clothes, beautiful ambience appeal to me. I hate eating at a restaurant which does not aesthetically appeal to me (seriously, though - I'd rather have a minute serving and mediocre cooking at a chic, aesthetically pleasing restaurant, rather than good food and bad taste in design). I guess the same goes for studying. When I study, I need to like my surroundings and I need to like what I wear. Power dressing for Power Studying.

Written down, pen on paper, well - typed on screen, really, it seems crazy, but I don't think there's going to be any changing of my attitude towards good ambience. That's it, hand me the heels.

What does it for you? To power dress or not to power dress? That is the question. Comment below!

{Shown in Instagram: ALDO leopard pointed courts, Stradivarius perspex heels}

PS: New blog layout. Tell me what you think.

The way you make me feel

2013-05-18T01:00:00.000+02:00

vive les petits sacs!

Small bags it is. After pondering upon the big vs small (bag-wise), the small bag reigned supreme. I like the way I feel when I carry a small bag. I'm a girl (woman? I wasn't sure what to say here. Preferred 'girl' in the end... who am I?) who makes use of every space she's got. I don't let any space go to waste. You'll find some space, when I'm out and have taken my Notebook along with me... then you'll find a rectangle-shaped area of space on my white desk. So, naturally, you'll find a positive relationship between the amount of space and the amount of clutter I have around. The more space, the more clutter. If you had to apply the said rule to bags, you'll find the bigger the bag I have, the more clutter I carry around. By the end of the day I start looking, weirdly as if I'm trying to listen to voices in the ground, looking lopsided and all. Not a good look, my friends. (Disclaimer: I am in no way implying that hearing voices in the ground is, at all, weird.)

Then I tested smaller bags. I began to carry less things around, and if they are of the cross-body variety, the weight is distributed evenly on my back and shoulders, and I feel free as a bird. Walking gayly, hopping about from shop to shop, without a care in the world. That's the dream. I feel more in control; my bag not determining the angle by which I walk and the duration of my stay. I feel empowered. The small bag is the bag for the empowered woman.

And if you really must carry more stuff around, you can always pull a Miroslava, and carry two bags (small ones) at once.

Totes chic, this woman.

The instagram at the top features my very own ZARA leather cross-body bag. I can't get enough of it.

And the following are the bags I'm lusting after.

Left to Right:

Proenza Schouler, Valentino, Gucci, Burberry Prorsum, Proenza Schouler, Charlotte Olympia, ASOS, ASOS

Then again, I can always turn to backpacks, or bum bags. I'm really digging bum bags. But let's stick to the topic for now.

Ciao

Search Party

2013-05-16T18:12:00.002+02:00

Hold your horses right there. I am not going to delve into the real reasons behind my disappearing act. I am quite sure that what you may have imagined is far more interesting than the real reasons (plural: reasons not reason, because, I'll give you this - there are several). Did I pull a Jonah? (Read -gulped down by a whale and later spit back out). Maybe. Or an Earhart. Except I don't see anyone funding a $2.2 million expedition to look for me. But I do see me living a on an unknown deserted island like Miss Emilia Earhart is rumoured to have done, after having attempted an around-the-world flight. The brave, multi-talented woman. (Fun fact: Earhart was also a celebrity fashion designer! You see, I did my research.) Or decided I don't care much for fashion anymore and stopped blogging. The latter possibility, although I have heard it once or twice during my dead-in-absentia period is the most absurd. Because you see, the first premise (that of not caring much for fashion anymore) is not a direct consequence /cause of the second!

I do not see my interest in fashion going anywhere.... I have tested myself, you see. And it just won't go away. It's the way I am. It's the way I shop and the way I prioritise my needs and my wants (which more often than not are one and the same) in a way which makes sense sartorially. I'm not sure I'm being quite clear here, I do tend to ramble, and it has been a while so there's a bucketload of things that I have been dying to say. Pressing pause on blogging was unfortunate but I'll give you a few worthy (I hope you find them worthy, after all) things which have happened in my life during my absence and a miscellany of things which I have wanted to say.

#1
I put a lot effort in organising my working space and my closet. The latest aid to banishing chaos from my closet were my shoe shelves which I have come to love tremendously (and obsessively)!

I missed this year's edition of Malta Fashion Week. Year after year, the Maltese shores show off their talent and invite International fashion over to celebrate Fashion, even if for just a week/ week and a half. I don't intend to miss Fashion Week again next year. Last year was a blast for me, and since circumstance did not permit my being there this time round there was a void which I could not fill. Melodramatic, but true.

White is what I'll be looking to wear this summer.

That's not exactly breaking news is it. If you've even simply opened any singular issue of VOGUE, ELLE, D&C, or any other fashion magazine you'd know White is in. But I won't just be wearing it. I've opted for an all-white look in my bedroom + study + closet space. Looking fresh is key in the areas I spend the most time in. Not to mention, white makes a MAJOR backdrop to everything, looking simple but amazingly striking.The walls are white, my wardrobe is white, my desk is white, my shoe shelves are white, my vanity table is white, my mirror is white, my bed is white. White, white, white. Curtains are going to be up soon. #EXCITED

3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Skirt; Maison Martin Margiela by L'Atelier d'Exercise feather pen; Alexander McQueen dress; ASOS HOTSHOT sandals; Alexander Wang sunnies; Miu Miu Bra top; Moschino Cheap & Chic Embellished Mesh T-shirt.

Suffice to say, I want everything on this list.

Strut your stuff in white.

That's all I'll divulge. I'll leave you to ponder. Ciao x now. Got a closet to organise!

catch a falling star and put it in your pocket.

2013-03-18T11:36:00.000+01:00

Never let it fade away.

The best and the worst thing about Fashion is that it's about the moment. I've iterated this several times in my previous posts and general musings. The moment any Fashion-related matter happens, is the moment it's gone. Sure enough it may be remembered in time but it will always be known as 'that Prada print of SS11' or 'that Balenciaga show of SS12' but then poof - it's gone. Not one fashion moment is there to stay. Perhaps it is due to this that our fascination with the 'timeless' pieces paradoxically lingers on. I have definitely let several moments go without capturing them in a post. As I write this I realise - perhaps this is what blogging is about, it captures the thoughts, evoked emotions in a particular mind set, cultural framework, if I may. Then these posts are left there in a virtual, never-ending world to be inspected decades or centuries later. That is, if the World Wide Web still exists centuries from now (perhaps I should store them elsewhere, the big W may not be eternal after all.)

Now to stop you from thinking of me as somewhat of an oddball, here are the fashion moments that'll take me through SS13 on. But first, it's only fair I update my loyal and most trusted audience out there with what has gone on in my life these past few months.

I'm now reading for a degree in Communications with Philosophy. Parapappappa, I'm lovin' it.
My obsession with metallic-everything puts me on the mark between passionate and insane.
I have thought about and deliberated the difference between fashion and Fashion. (More later.)
I obviously bought more sartorial goodies.
I am now being represented by Platinum Innovation. Facebook page found here.

Here are, in my opinion, the best SS13 moments and the three shows which fell right into my category of 'project-this-come-summer'.

Chloe -RTW - the metallic heels, the juxtaposition of the crop and the sheer, the 'there vs not there' element (see: dress) and the monochromatic choice of palette. Defo one of my favourite shows this season.

The colour palette at FENDI is determinedly in my good books.

Then came Stella, stellar Stella as always. She ticks the right boxes.

The sheer sweater is AMAZING! I had to post the power-shoulder white beauty, because a. the power-shoulder is big right now. b. the the white suit is a staple in the warmer months and c. because Stella hits the mark between 'sporty' and 'elegant' oh-so-well.

Other moments worth a mention -

Raf Simons at Dior (RTW)

It was just glorious. Dior and Raf together - new, elegant femininity.

The Sixties at Louis Vuitton

Wang X Balenciaga

2012-12-04T17:01:00.002+01:00

I thought this would surprise me more, but it didn't. It's confirmed. Wang is indeed the Creative Director for Balenciaga. Alexander Wang is what I'd call a street designer. He designs wearability, not high-fashion, like the latter Fashion House is known for. What makes this decision from Balenciaga so, not surprising is the fact that Balenciaga have now gone down the wearable street. With the introduction of the Balenciaga cut-out boot (to which I hold an immense appreciation and love for) and other street-friendly wears, Balenciaga showed us that they've set their mark on easy, wearable, albeit innovative, Fashion. Alexander Wang's eponymous brand is known for its wearability, innovative approach to modern and contemporary clothing, bringing to Balenciaga a factor which if one was to look at the, almost century-old brand a decade ago, would be missing.

The innovation Cristobal Balenciaga brought to it would have been pointless in today's practical world, which seeks wearability on top of everything else. The street has cast its reign on clothing and there's no turning back. Alexander Wang has been a New York favourite for quite a few years now... but who would compare the New York contemporaries with the big names of Parisian and Milanese fashion? I've mentioned Balenciaga A LOT on this blog and I've shown my appreciation for Nicolas Ghesquiere's creations at Balenciaga one time too many. I hope I'll still do so with Alexander Wang at the helm. Am I doubting a positive future for Balenciaga? Possibly...but here's what I think. In reality I think Fashion is sending us a message. We cannot constrain ourselves to the classics. Fashion has become an everchanging and modern art form, and definitely not as Elitist as it was till half a century ago.

Let's look at the brands' past few collections...

Alexander Wang SS13

Alexander Wang FW12

Will Wang live up to this...?

Balenciaga FW12

[images via style.com]

Penny for your thoughts?

[outfit] Knit of the Season

2012-11-27T09:00:00.000+01:00

I'd like to call this jumper my knit of the season. It seems every year I buy that one knit which takes me through the colder months and this is this year's. I liked its ovoid sleeves and that it's cropped. It's altogether current and original - an instant statement on its own. Seemingly, every look of mine pivots around one piece. There you have it, that's a window into my way of dressing, my modus operandi!

But the over-the-knee boots are worth a mention. But first I have to bring this out to dry. Shopping for me is one impossible and complex process. I think, then think some more, and then I calculate and then I write lists and then I mix and match and think and then I think of all the blog posts I can get out of an item and the cost-per-wear and whether or not I need the item and then I finally buy the item (or not). Said process requires several visits to the shop (online or not). This did not happen in my act of purchasing the pictured boots. It was one quick and easy purchase (well, almost. I kept it aside at ZARA then went again 2 days later but still relatively quick.)

French Connection cropped jumper
ZARA boots
Cut-off thrift-store jeans
Mango chain belt (also worn here and here)

[outfit] Sheer Delight

2012-11-25T19:00:00.000+01:00

I know, I know... It's all about Sheer again... What is it with me and Sheer? I have expressed my appreciation for said fabric too many times, and this is another such expression, an Ode to Sheer, if I may.
I think this might be the fourth sheer-related post. And I'm almost certain it's not stopping here. Generally my relationship with dresses goes like this: it's either love at first sight or no love at all. This wasn't the latter, obviously, because if it were I wouldn't be wearing it.

Because VOGUE is as much an accessory as it is a Bible. [It's the September '12 edition of Vogue Italia]

ASOS sheer dress

ALDO slippers

ZARA necklace

ASOS oversized tux jacket.

[Outfit] in Segments

2012-11-22T22:19:00.001+01:00

I've lost many an opportunity to publish outfit posts simply because I lack the photos. Because of course I need someone to actually take my photos and I hate having to bother people to do just that. So I've come up with this idea - an outfit in segments. It goes like this: I take photos of myself, from my own punto di vista, and usually with my phone's cam.

Anyway, the theme of dismemberment seems to have become a part of pop culture, ranging from Vogue Italia covers (think September 2012 'Multifaceted Women'), in the popular TV series Dexter (all of season 1, practically), a popular theme Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and really the way women are presented in the media - to name just a few. Women are not only presented as objects, but the head is often cut out of the picture 'dismembered', if you may, valuing women on the basis of their form and not of the intellect (which is represented by the head). So here's to the mocking of such practice!

It was a sunny day today, contrary to yesterday, so that gave more of an allowance with respect to the type of shoes I can wear and the colours.

Bershka blazer

ZARA shirt

ASOS jeans

ASOS spike rings

ALDO slippers

So - what do you think of these type of posts? Do you want more of them?

The Act of Wanting

2012-11-15T22:08:00.000+01:00

'To want' is a powerful verb. It perturbs into your mental state and well-being, disturbing your process of thought, other times enhancing such thought-process. Part of my very personal, secret (well, now it's no longer a secret) daily ritual is virtual-window shopping, sitting on the bus, waiting for someone, in-between lectures. Admittedly, it's a materialistic act - more than I'd like it to be. But also it is a form of inspiration. What's in the shops allows for a bridge between wanting items by sheer happenstance and wanting items due to having seen them, or an idea of them. I tend to think upon my process of thinking, the why behind the thinking for want of a better word. I don't know if this is normal or just plain weird... you tell me.

Philosophical speak aside, here is what's currently "perturbing" my thoughts. You will notice that most of the stuff here is far from affordable for the average twenty-year old trying to cope with studies and life but here's another thought - why ban quality out of our lives? I like to look at high-end, quality pieces because that's the only way you can learn to spot the difference between a twenty-euro pair of shoes and a 700 euro pair. So, no, I am not going to delude you and myself with high-street 'bargains', even if that's all I can afford.

Oh sweet wanting, she said, looking at the shop window, counting her pounds to the penny.

Alexis Bittar collar necklace, Salvatore Ferragamo over-the knee boots, 3.1 Phillip Lim jumper, Emilio Pucci hat, Gucci wide-leg pants, Valentino bag, Marc Jacobs dress.

[outfit] boy meets girl

2012-11-12T19:56:00.003+01:00

I've never really emanated my love for boy meets girl looks in my outfit posts - I've definitely mentioned it but neglected to show it. So here's a look, out of the many of mine which feature a 'boy meets girl', androgynous, if you will, character.

ZARA jumper

Stradivarius blazer (also worn here)
ZARA shirt
BA&SH shorts

Stradivarius boots (also worn here)

DIY chain (because that's become part of my daily arsenal now - wearing chains, I mean)

Romanticised.

2012-11-11T12:16:00.002+01:00

Those of you who have been following Rouge Reveries, would know I'm not very Romantic, clothing wise. I tend to go for edgy, sharp looks rather than pretty, soft looks. But when I saw this dress, a complicated relationship was born. I was torn between my usual love for sharp looks and the simplistic, soft and delicate nature of this dress. What to do, I thought? Long story short, I bought it. It had to mean something for me to dwell upon it all summer.

And this is how I wore it. Appropriate for any midsummer night, I should think. Except it's not Midsummer at all, it's November but alas, the weather doesn't seem to want to do us the pleasure of turning a new leaf (get it? Leaf, fall, autumn... no..?).

Dress by French Connection Malta,

Jacket by ZARA

Boots by Stradivarius

Penny for your thoughts?

Going higher.

2012-11-09T11:23:00.001+01:00

Nothing is more chic and alluring than over-the knee boots. Especially for petites like yours truly. Of course, there is a line one must not cross - wearing them with hot pants and a bralet is, naturally (I hope), a no-go. Over the knee boots should be there to make a statement. Otherwise, worn with black opaque tights, your legs will look like they could go on a mile. My colour of preference when it comes to over-the-knee boots is definitely black and they will easily become a staple in your sartorial diet, trust me.

Last winter I wore mine with a beige trench coat, cinched at the waist. It seamlessly became my go-to outfit and years after years it will still be as current as ever. Here's what the street has to offer in this regard.

And here's a look of mine from last year, wearing a pair from Topshop. :)

[outfit] Statement Denim

2012-11-07T21:54:00.001+01:00

Lately I've been avoiding simplicity when it comes to denim. Fortunately, denim has become a sartorial aspect one can explore upon freely. I've personally resorted to nineties-alluding high-waisted styles.

To be frank, wearing this outfit to uni didn't grant me much favours. I got stares alright, and quite a few of them weren't nice ones. I would advise you not to wear anything similar unless you're 100% comfortable wearing it, but that goes for anything. But fashion, au contraire to what the word implies, isn't about pleasing the mainstream. Here's the look, and a better glance of my newly-cut hair.

New Look cropped knit

Vintage jeans (found at a thrift store)

ALDO slippers

Accessorize bag

Mango chain belt (also worn here)

How do you like to wear your denim? As a statement or as a backdrop for your outfit?

Newness.

2012-11-05T19:54:00.002+01:00

New hair. (yes, again.)
New course at University.
New prospects.
New pretty much everything in life right now.

Turns out, being twenty brings along an array of new stuff to life - well to me it did. But let's take it slowly. I'll first start with describing and sending you a snapshot of my haircut. Which is definitely a step forward for me. I doubt I'll ever go back from this. It's shorter, albeit as black as before and I love it. My hair needed a refresher after the dip-dye which frankly didn't do it much good. Only a few have seen it yet, anyone who I've encountered at uni and the few I've met at the Fashion Workshop last Saturday (more on that later on in the post.) and now you all!

That's me, right now, after a day of work and lectures, fatigue at its best!

[I've been wearing red lipstick with my black hair. I think I'll be sticking to this in fact.]
I should have posted this a week ago, when I actually did it, but well, better late than never!

Now, the course. I'm reading for a degree in Communications now, as opposed to Law. The degree I previously pursued. The reason is quite obvious. It took me a while to make this decision but now I realise it's what I wanted all along. Getting into blogging, and thus communication was an unconscious but determining decision on my part!

Point number three - the Free Fashion Workshop by Platinum Plus - held last Saturday at St James Cavalier. Alison Coates welcomed us and introduced the first ever Fashion School to open next January, here in Malta. The prospect which excited me the most was hoping that Malta will indeed become a European fashion and culture hub - a concept which makes a lot of sense geographically and with Valletta 2018 it's even more probable. Here's a photo of us bloggers, Alison Coates and Elisa von Brockdorff (a talented photographer here in Malta!) in our last event.

From left to right: Alison Coates (the speaker at the workshop), Daniel Azzopardi from Devil Wears Pra-duh, me, Gayle (of Gayle- Fashion stylist), Lara Boffa (of Boffism) and Elisa von Brockdorff.

That's all for now. But before I go, let's raise our (virtual) glasses to a brighter, more fashionable, future Malta!

love,

Event: Runway Malta [Sept '12]

2012-10-03T20:57:00.000+02:00

Here's my two-cents on this September's edition of Runway Malta. Upon entering, and mingling with a few friends I had the pleasure of getting to know through blogging (you know who you are...), I strolled around the photography exhibitions, admittedly Steven Vella's was one of my favourites. Then there were a few sponsor stands. At around 7.15 we sat down expecting the show to begin any minute.

Sef Farrugia sustained her sterling reputation with the fashion crowd, a definite crowd pleaser, earlier at Malta Fashion Week last May and now at Runway. The collection enthralled the audience immediately and guaranteed her winning the Mdina Glass competition with the opportunity of showing again at the next edition of Runway Malta. A mix of texture and exuberant jewel tones, the pieces were exquisite on their own merit and not simply as whole looks. Bravo Sef!

And here's a glimpse of the other talents during the entire evening -

Ritienne Zammit

Jogi Arthur

Eli Sha

[More to be posted later...]

What I wore: Runway Malta Sept'12

2012-09-30T15:44:00.002+02:00

I know I said I'd post Fashion Week updates but this has to come before that. These two weeks were extremely busy ones and the next is a class of its own! I say this gratefully, mind you - busy weeks are what make life worth living. In fact sometimes I realise I should pause for a minute and simply relax and empty my mind of all thoughts. But that seems to be an impossible feat for yours truly. That I need to work on!

Yesterday, I attended 2012's second edition of Runway, the bi-annual, 'premiere fashion event' in Malta. A line-up of interesting fashion design creatives, both local and foreign talents showed on a skating-rink turned catwalk in Monte Kristo estates.

This is what I wore (more on the show itself in a seperate post!):

Holding the goodie bag (which I later lost).

MANGO belt (worn as necklace)

ZARA t-shirt

MANGO pants

ASOS heels

ZARA blazer

ASOS bag

ASOS rings

#NYFW Round Up

2012-09-18T03:57:00.004+02:00

Rather than posting on a single show I liked, I thought I'd convert it into a round-up kind-of-thing. New York Fashion Week S/S 2013 came to an end last Thursday 13th, as London Fashion Week took over the fashion radar this week. I'm pleased and happy with what the designers have to offer till now for next Spring/Summer. Florals have taken the back row, thankfully. Frankly, I find florals to be a cliche' come the summer months. Edgy was key for NYFW. That equals a very happy yours truly.

So - the shows (well, a few of them.) -

First off, Wang.
Wang continues to be a New York favourite. This time round, Wang focused on the process of dress-making, quite literally. The pieces look like they are coming apart at the seam, as if they're still in the process of being sewn in place. Of course, as soon as you give them a closer look you'd realise that isn't the case! The pieces were sharp and leather featured in the most idyllic of manners.

Then, Victoria Beckham, who year after year continues to mesmerise me. Her finger is definitely on the pulse. She knows what women want, and she brings it forward in her pieces. All of her creations are wearable, yet, what I would call, cheeky, leaving you wanting more, making the regular passerby look, without their knowing why. Beautifully subtle would be the apt phrase in this case. She delivered an aesthetic in line with that of the Olsen twins in The Row (more about that later.)

The Row - the Olsen twins are easily becoming my personal favourite street style stars. Those who follow me on Facebook might have noticed a recent surplus of Olsen street style photo uploads on my part...so excuse me for that (although I do not see me stopping anytime soon.) Much like Beckham, the twins carry a persona and aesthetic in their sartorial choices which appeals to me immensely. Easy breezy - but structured AND put together.

The showing of their SS13 collection was a presentation in the early morning, far from most of the other designers' exhibitions. Quoting Vogue, the twins looked to the 18th Century scrolls of the Japanese painter Itō Jakuchū. Much like VB's collection, nothing was over-the-top but rather about the subtle but sharp renderings of the use of texture, cut and their making. And that's exactly my cup of tea (alluding to the bounteous offerings of pastries and breakfast delicacies offered to the audience at the presentation...!)

And then came Marc Jacobs. It seems like the man is developing a loathing for pants as he seems determined to avoid them season after season. But who am I to argue with him? Jacobs clearly doesn't want us to wear pants. He wants to wear a skirt or bare all. (I'm glad he's favouring the knicker shorts - I grew fond of them.) He also wants us to show off our well toned navel, a' la the nineties. After what I've just said, you might have given this collection the send off. But it deserves nothing but that! The result is definitely a delicious one.

Oscar de La Rents presented no less than 62 looks. All entirely different and all incredibly inspired. Frankly, I wouldn't call them refreshing but definitely a bounty of chic and modern classics any women would want in her wardrobe. This is what I mean:

Black, white and mustard happens to be one of favourite colour combos. Nicely done, de la Renta!

Marchesa can never be any less than a realisation of a girl's dream dress. Meaning - opulent embellishments and rich creations. Ta-dahh...

There's hardly ever a Proenza Schouler show I don't like and this is no exception. The boys know what they're doing and they do it very well. Although relatively young, Proenza Shouler still proves to be a strong influencer. As I always say, the bolder the better. Strong pieces is what this is about and I like it... I do!

Now don't you want to fast forward to next summer? Maybe not...That's all for now. I've said too much already. [Expect the London Fashion Week round up in a few days, of course.]

The Face of the Look [B&W in Disguise]

2012-08-31T18:00:00.000+02:00

Hello.

I'm usually very self-conscious when I'm being observed. [Who isn't?] As a matter of fact, every time I post something here it's an enormous leap of courage as I trust my opinion [photos and words] to your own judgement, as the audience. It's like I'm under a magnifying glass, and a huge eye is observing each move. I've received some negative comments, unfortunately, by people who, in my opinion, do not even begin to comprehend the beauty of blogging. Blogging isn't about 'showing off'. It takes courage, patience, determination and the will to share. Frankly, it's gutsy business.

The beauty of blogging is that it makes every one of us an editor in our own right. We, as bloggers, edit the content that we put up and in turn, we are responsible for whatever we say. I imagine my outfit posts to be my own personal editorials, in my own, very personal magazine. I plan an outfit, I think and process the vibe I want to project, communicate it with whoever's taking the photos (recently my boyfriend) and finally, I edit and choose whichever I think best fit the look I want. A fun process, definitely. It's a matter of expression of opinion. I don't blog for followers (I'm happy when there are new followers, don't get me wrong, after all, who isn't?), I blog to express myself. I believe I have a fair, educated opinion about something I love, in my case, fashion, so I blog about it. Simple.

I wanted to put this out there, but let's get back to the business that is make-up. What I'm doing here is basically a round up of the make up used in my previous post [an outfit post].

Lips | Revlon Pink about it in Matte

Mascara | Pupa Milano Vamp Mascara in purple

Liquid Eyeliner | Essence

Foundation | Revlon Photoready

LET'S REVIEW

LIPS

I've been using this lipstick for more than a year now. It's the shade of pink you need when you definitely don't need anything too bright or too dark and when you don't want to create too much focus on the lips. I found it to be the most ideal with black and white ensembles, since I like to keep the focus on the black and white and any lip colour could easily overpower the look, except this doesn't. It just adds some interest. :)

EYES

MASCARA

Vamp Mascara - by Pupa Milano.

Pupa Milano has offered me this product to try out. I instantly loved it. It was given to me ar the beginning of summer. But frankly Autumn/Winter '12 is where coloured mascara is at! Seen at Stella McCartney here:

EYELINER

Personally, I am more inclined towards quality than quantity but priced at just around 2 euro or so I couldn't resist this Essence liquid eyeliner. It wasn't a disappointment. It's enduring, the bottle is small and therefore easy to fit anywhere. I would recommend it for travel and for day to day use!

That's all, I suppose. If you have any further questions feel free to ask!

[outfit] black & white, in disguise.

2012-08-31T15:00:00.000+02:00

I bought this sheer top just as summer began to seep in my routine and I've definitely found it to be an ideal throw-on. Its simple t-shirt silhouette makes it all the more appealing. I tend to look out for basics with a twist, and this striped top is just that. More so, it's the reason such a phrase exists! The cut-out boots make this look casual, although it looks instantly dressier with a pair of pointed courts. Essentially, this look is based on a black and white pallette, but there's so much more to it; the sheer stripes, the satin knicker shorts, the baby pink lips, the metal, diamonds and leather of the cut-out boots. It is a mix in texture. I would call this look, one of the most 'true-to-myself' compositions.

Striped Sheer Top | ASOS

Knicker shorts | Miss Selfridge [also worn here]

Cut-out boots | ASOS

Costume Jewellery - Diamond Necklace | vintage

Silver Cuff | ASOS

Leather & diamond cuff | ebay

PS: Stay tuned - I'll be posting make-up info later. :)

Urban Stroll

2012-08-19T16:00:00.000+02:00

I really don't have much to say about this look. I wore it once to a Miss Selfridge event, but I felt like taking it out for a ride again since it suited the moment. I intend to purchase more boyfriend jeans (like the cut pictured) and once again I stand by my love for sheer, neck candy and boyfriend-anything... :)

Note the neck candy!

ASOS sheer crop shirt

Vintage Levi boyfriend jeans

vintage black bag

vintage diamond necklace (costume jewellery)

ASOS armour cuffs

Topshop heels

Tweet your fashion philosophies (thoughts, reveries, whatever): #fashosophy

[outfit] gold mine

2012-08-17T20:38:00.002+02:00

If I were to choose a favourite metal it would be gold. Following yesterday's post, I wanted to show you some collar action, the way I translate the trend. This is what I wore this morning...

ZARA ombre shirt

Levi (vintage) cut-offs

DIY chain necklace

gold neck cuff found on ebay

ASOS gold ear cuff