fashioned by love | British fashion blog

Location, location, location – story continues

2013-05-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

I made a few discoveries this week. A not-so-good one was the fact that somebody not only really like my idea of poodle inspired fashion editorials, they decided to take all of the photos I’ve collected over the years and retouched to make them look their best and then created a post of their own without any reference to the source (i.e., Fashioned by Love). Such a discovery made me sick. This isn’t the first time it happened to me and while I don’t mind people using the photos I think it’s unfair when they just flush down all the hard work that goes into the original post and give you a zero credit. So that was quite a highlight of my day.

A much better news came in a form of a photo that resurfaced while I was clearing up my disk storage. It wasn’t just the picture that made me smile, but the message that was carefully placed in a corner of it. Patisserie Cador, it read.

Apparently, the charming tea salon decorated in the style of Louis XVI was situated on the corner of rue de Louvre and 2, rue Amiral de Coligny. Some say it was closed for renovations and turned into a snack shop. If you are in Paris and have time to visit and check, please do share an update. I would really love and appreciate that.

Photo source: Vogue US March 1999, Vogue US January 1995, InStyle US November 1999

Stylish quote

2013-05-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

“Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes

to interpret reality.”

Karl Lagerfeld

Photo source: Grazia Russia December 2009

25 most beautiful maxi dresses

2013-05-21T09:37:00.001+01:00

Long dresses are definitely my current obsession. Though it’s been over ten years now since I wore one, I still remember the two I had back then – simple shape, floral pattern, pull-on-and-go attitude… The summers were hot and the maxi dresses were my uniform. I practically lived in them.

Fast forward through a decade free from ground sweeping lengths, and the switch inside my head goes off again, stimulated by both the need for a comfortable 24/7 frock and the memory of that Michael Kors broderie anglaise perfection.

It turns out that finding the one isn’t as easy as it seems, so I put together a list of dresses to suit different shapes and budgets, in case you have been on a quest, too.

The only style rule (or gentle reminder) when choosing your perfect maxi dress is making sure that, should you need/want to wear high heel shoes or wedges, you do pick the right length for the dress – having your shoes and ankles showing is never chic…

Shopping list: 1. Embellished necklace printed dress (£56), 2. Marala embroidered cotton dress (£158 Was £395), 3. Banana & Melon dress (£315), 4. Glennis printed wrap dress (£242 Was £485), 5. Attic & Barn floral print dress (£204), 6. Cool change bamboo print bandeau dress (£185), 7. Chacharel printed dress (£964), 8. Sweetheart Hilow maxi dress (£179)

Shopping list: 9. Hateley linen maxi dress, Weekend by MaxMara (£152) (similar, but more budget friendly Goddiva bandeau maxi dress, £45), 10. Ilonie striped maxi dress, Paul & Joe (£650), 11. Scarf print handkerchief dress, Michael by Michael Kors (£305), 12. Printed maxi dress, Thakoon Addition (£168 Was £558), 13. Emilio Pucci strapless printed gown (£835 Was £1855), 14. Long floral print dress, JS Collection (£76 Was £190), 15. Strapless printed gown (£79.99), 16. Colour-block silk halter-neck dress, Haute Hippie (£179 Was £540)

Shopping list: 17. Genie printed stretch-jersey maxi dress, Tart (£99 Was £220), 18. Printed jersey maxi dress, T-Bags (£85 Was £180), 19. Tabia long dress, Theory (£335), 20. Tie-dye silk maxi dress, Raquel Allegra (£490), 21. Double layer maxi dress, Whistles (£135), 22. Rio embroidered maxi dress (£180), 23. Strapless striped maxi dress, Tsumori Chisato (£388), 24. Aruba split maxi dress, Heidi Klein (£320), 25. Greek maxi dress, Hoss Intropia (£258)

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar US April 2011

Eva Herzigova in Glamour France 1992

2013-05-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

Life resembling a classic movie seeing through the lens of Tiziano Magni who photographed nineteen year old Eva Herzigova for this La Chemise story featured in the April 1992 issue of French Glamour.

Photo source: Glamour France April 1992 via tfs

Timeless chic: Michael Kors 2006

2013-05-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

Just thought of another topic for the series to showcase some of my favourite looks from the past. Those, I feel, are absolutely ageless, incredibly elegant and memorable. At least, for me.

This also proves my opinion that fashion collections are a bit like wine. You get seasons that are good and then there are others that take your breath away.

And now, lets focus on the clothes that pretty much inspired me to share this story…

Over the years of fashion heartbreaks and triumphs I’ve come to realise that if you see a garment you are in love with, you’ve got to buy it. If you can’t afford it straight away – wait for sales and set the cash aside while playing the painful waiting game – seeing your piggy bank growing really does make up for the agony. Search high and low on ebay and in outlets. And if you are lucky enough to find this piece – make it yours.

Alright, I am in no way insisting on acquiring everything you happened to adore because there is always a special something that will stand out. Sometimes there will be a few things. Take your time. Do not rush. Treat it like a long-term relationship you are about to start. A new friendship. And choose the dream dress. Or jacket. Or whatever makes your brain go all gooey…

Exactly the way mine feels every time I look at Inguna and the dress she is wearing, in particular.

This was my dream dress. Of course, I couldn’t afford it off the rack, so I decided to wait and see what happens. Unfortunately for me, Spring 2006 was a marvellous year as far as fashion collections were concerned and my wish list included a few other dresses (some to be shared over the last few weeks) including the DVF’s Taffy. When the sales came and both dresses were available, I had to make a decision and choose one… Two would be too expensive. And so Taffy moved in with me. Michael Kors was left behind.

I knew I made the right choice because I still wear the DvF dress. But not a summer goes by when I don’t think of that Michael Kors perfection. I should have bought both of them… It would feel totally impractical and borderline insane, but we would have such a fabulous time together for many years to come!

As for the looks below – they are my inspiration and have always been (cannot believe it’s been 7, SEVEN (!!!), years!!!). It is about the white and tan, simplicity, styling and sun kissed glowing skin. So elegant, so chic, so timeless…

Photo source: wwd.com

Lucy

2013-05-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

Saw this beautiful blushing darling the other day staring at me in all its glory. Frankly, love the entire “family” as Lucy has little sisters, oddly, also called “Lucy”. Either of the girls would make a perfect summer accessory, especially if white seems like a touch too high maintenance. They come with 50% off price tag, by the way.

Pick yours here.

Stylish quote

2013-05-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

“Brush your teeth, smile and don’t put more than three colours together.”

Ines de la Fressange

Photo source: Vogue US January 2007

Blogging resumes tomorrow

2013-05-14T09:26:00.001+01:00

I wish I was somewhere hot, dressed in Chanel and Ferragamo, relaxing under a shadow courtesy of Chanel… Frankly, right now I’d be happy if I could just take time off and relax, no phone, no PC, nothing… Just a comfy pillow, blanket or massive cardigan. It’s been a pretty busy time for me, so I decided to take a day off from blogging. I know you’ll understand. Back tomorrow, fresh as a daisy (one can only hope).

Photo source: Elle Italy April 2007

Bella figura | Vogue Germany 2008

2013-05-13T09:51:00.001+01:00

I feel today will be one of those days when I don’t say much, but simply share a beautiful editorial shot by Alexi Lubomirski for Vogue Germany back in 2008. Enjoy the photos and have a wonderful day!

Photo source: Vogue Germany November 2008

Le parfum by Carven | My new must have

2013-05-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

“I wanted to play with the Carven values in a feminine mode: timeless elegance that also seems absolutely effortless. I wanted a fragrance that would resemble a huge bouquet of freshly cut flowers, with temperament”.

Francis Kurkdjian, perfumer, creator of Le Parfum

I don’t know what was the first thing I liked about this perfume launched by Carven on 5 May. Le Parfum had so many elements with my name written all over and was very difficult to resist.

The unfussy name. The elegant label. The clean, simple and classic design of the bottle combining frosted glass, soft curves and a stopper lid that slides in with a delicate, very intimate whisper… The rainbow scent made of happiness-filled mandarin blossoms, intoxicating dreamy jasmine, summery hyacinth, sensual ylang-ylang and a warm touch of sandalwood… The couture charm and youthfulness of Carven it reflects.

I am excited. I want to feel this delicious veil around me.

Find it at Harrods – then buy, keep and enjoy this precious little gift.

P.S. And may I just add that I simply ADORE Brynja Jónbjarnardóttir, the model who became the face of the new fragrance…

Photo source: carven-parfums.com

Fashion with a purpose

2013-05-09T10:00:00.001+01:00

Having a little cyberspace of my own is a pleasure. It’s my fashion sanctuary, an emotional and beautiful outlet and, most importantly, a wonderful way to share thoughts and opinions. Yet there are moments when blogging seems like a frivolity and conversations involving bags and shoes – almost meaningless. Whenever it happens, I quietly suffer until a project comes along that makes me realise, once again, that blogging can, in fact, make a difference.

A few days ago I heard of a new venture called DesignUp Asia, the Singapore-based jewellery brand launched in March 2013. The concept was visualised by the team of five strangers. They met at a brainstorming weekend competition challenging members of the public to come up with new and exciting business plans supporting the community. The judges loved the idea of an on-line jewellery boutique selling pieces made by single mothers and awarded the remaining trio, Kim Ong, Ho Yi Chuen and Anisa Johnny with a start up capital. Three months later the idea became an official enterprise and the unique mix of talents brought together by serendipity led to the most exciting and rewarding experience.

Suddenly women who never had an access to formal education or any luck of finding permanent work were given a chance to become a part of Designup Asia, learn to make professionally designed bijoux style jewellery from recycled and vintage materials and then work from home while looking after their young children.

Such an amazing and honourable way to give people hope, support, confidence and pride and, lets not forget, take care of the planet by making the business ecologically sustainable.

The founders call it “fashion with a purpose” – I think it sums everything up perfectly.

Photo source: DesignUp Asia official Facebook page, illustration via 123rf.com

Stylish quote

2013-05-08T08:00:00.000+01:00

“The idea of lace only for evening is so antiquated. Why only look beautiful at night?”

Tom Ford

Photo source: Elle France April 2013

The summer of now

2013-05-07T08:00:00.000+01:00

Ice clinking in a glass at sundown, diaphanous dresses floating in the warm breeze, diamonds sparkling brighter than the stars in the velvet sky, candles in the garden and music in every room filled with the delicate fragrance of roses and peonies… Sounds a bit like a scene from Great Gatsby, doesn’t it?

In fact, this is how Harrods fairies visualised the perfect start of the most stylish summer party season and, even better, prepared some fabulous offerings to go with it.

Head off to the website right now for a visual feast of the most gorgeous clothes in delicious summer hues, treat yourself to a perfect accessory, pick a new perfume to become your signature summer scent and learn to create a Gatsby-inspired makeup look. Shop straight from the glamorous photoshoot using a new bespoke shoppable video and choose outfits for any summer occasion.

Then indulge your taste buds with one of the cocktail recipes inspired by the 1920s era or stop by the Food Hall where The Summer of Now hamper filled to the brim with the chocolate bonbons, champagne and teas awaits.

And it doesn’t end here… Harrods is also hosting fantastic giveaways where the lucky few can win anything from an Alice Temperley dress and Philip Treacy hat to a three-night weekend trip to New York, an exclusive preview screening of Baz Luhrmann’s Great Gatsby and cocktail master classes.

What could be a better way to make new memories and celebrate the Summer of Now?!

Photo source: harrods.com

The Balenciaga mystique in Vogue 2006

2013-05-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

May I share something absolutely stunning with you today? Gemma Ward wearing Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière in the March 2006 issue of US Vogue photographed by Irving Penn.

Iconic.

Photo source: Vogue US March 2006

Donna Karan New York: the shows

2013-05-05T08:00:00.000+01:00

I wanted to share a few deeply treasured videos I came across a while ago. I admit, when I first watched some of them I simply admired the clothes and listened to the music. As I learned more about the woman behind those designs the switch inside me went off – it was no longer just about the clothes that resonated and spoke to me, but also the feelings that went into each collection and, of course, the signs. Perhaps, it’s only my imagination… But it felt as if every show was an insight into Karan’s personal life, her emotions, but only if the viewer knew what to look out for…

The Spring 2001 show made me cry. I was watching the models walk down the runway, when my attention suddenly focused on the lyrics. The choice of songs was like a conversation between Donna Karan and her husband Stephan Weiss who passed away from lung cancer on 10 June 2001. The collection was a part of September 2000 fashion week, but I wonder if Donna actually let her emotions speak out loud through the music…

Now watch this Fall/Winter 1994-1995 show celebrating supermodels, super women and, of course, super clothes. So much energy! It’s like being dipped in a pool of endorphin bubbles!

And back to expressing yourself through the lyrics… Just watch and listen. Simply brilliant! Should I even mention that I want to wear the clothes?

Every time I see the Spring/Summer 2010 collection, memories begin to flow and come alive. They have very little to do with the show per se, but the clothes make me feel very emotional as if a part of my fantasy world and also remind me of certain events and people that became a part of my life in 2009.

And these are just a few of my favourite – you can see more on youtube if you like.

Photo source: annstreetstudio.com

Donna Karan New York

2013-05-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

“I was never in it for the glamour. This is not a glamorous profession. It’s an obsession. You can’t help it.”

Donna Karan

In 1984 Tahikyo offered Karan three million dollars to start her own top of the line business and in 1985 Donna Karan New York was born.

The young designer supported by her business partners, Stephan Weiss, her husband, Tomio Taki and Frank Mori, couldn’t wait to start working again. The future empire was founded at Donna’s home, right there, in her front bedroom, with pin holes all over the walls. Fortunately, the new brand modestly consisted of Donna, Stephan, Alida Miller, their very first employee and soon, Patti Cohen who first met Donna during her Anne Klein days. Working from home had quite a few advantages. First and foremost, it gave Donna an opportunity to spend as much time with Gabby as she possibly could. And then, of course, it was where Donna came up with idea of her brand name.

One day Donna was sitting in a kitchen staring at a shoe box. Maud Frizon – Paris – New York, she read on the label and suddenly knew exactly what her own brand would be called. Donna Karan New York described the place Donna loved and the urban, independent woman she designed her clothes for.

The clothes were quite personal and special, too. Not only they were created for “friends” – women who needed beautiful, stylish and comfortable pieces they could wear day to night. With her love for cashmere and luxurious fabrics that not only “talked”, but were wonderful to touch and wear, Donna Karan came up with idea of seven easy pieces termed “essentials”. The bodysuit (Donna’s invention!), blouse, wrap skirt, blazer, longer jacket, dress and a pair of leggings were designed to be mixed and matched at the blink of an eye and allowed a woman to look effortlessly stylish 24/7.

“Accent the positive, delete the negative,” became her motto in both her design and her career.

Karan was also the one who came up with the boutique idea – instead of having a huge department store big enough to be lost in, she wanted to create small spaces where customers would have a trained assistant showing them how to combine certain things in the best possible way. At first it wasn’t easy to convince the store owners, but they soon changed their mind.

On 3 May 1985 the first Donna Karan New York collection was unveiled and Donna was soon named “the hottest designer on the Seventh avenue” by Women’s Wear Daily.

In 1988, after Gabby mentioned that her mother’s designs didn’t really fit her, Donna created DKNY, a less-expensive diffusion line aimed to the younger audience. For her it was a big risk and double responsibility and time spent in the office, but as soon as DKNY collection hit the stores, it was sold within days. Her instincts and talent paid off again.

In 1990 Donna Karan was named Women’s Designer of the Year by CFDA. By then her company grew dramatically turning into a structured business rather than a close family affair. The business now employed 350 people and earned over $150 million annually. No longer it included Donna Karan New York and DKNY, but Donna’s latest DKNY Jeans, as well as licensed collections of eyewear, jewellery, shoes, hosiery, furs, and sewing patterns!

She’s never stopped… …Creating. Living. Dreaming. Loving. Inspiring. Connecting. A truly remarkable woman, an talented designer and an icon who has always believed in living today and never saying “the end”. Her press releases always have “to be continued” written at the bottom and her collections, just like her incredible life, keep unfolding and merging with the past and the present creating a beautiful future.

“You have to understand why something mean something to you. {Designing} is my water; it’s my breath; it’s my air; it’s my essence. Fashion is about touch, and feel, and emotion. And it should heighten your senses at every level.”

Donna Karan

Photo source: Interview magazine, New York Times via Donna Karan (Fashion Memoir), Harper’s Bazaar USA May 2013, Donna Karan New York Spring/Summer 2013 campaign

Donna Karan: at Anne Klein

2013-05-03T09:00:00.001+01:00

The 21-year old Donna was incredibly excited about her job at Anne Klein, but the sheer fact of being in the presence of one of the most powerful and influential fashion designers was nerve racking. She was trying to do her best, share ideas and be perfect in every single way, but the lack of experience made her efforts seem clumsy.

Nine months later Donna sensed that her days at the company were numbered. Soon she was asked to leave. Although it wasn’t even Anne herself who made the decision, losing a dream job felt both embarrassing and frightening. It didn’t, however, make Donna stop dreaming big.

She began looking for a new job and was soon given a chance by Patty Cappalli, an owner of a sportswear company called Addenda. Here Donna wasn’t only allowed to put some of her own ideas into practice, but also got invited to accompany her boss to Europe to seek and choose fabrics for the future collections.

It was the moment when Donna truly fell in love with the luxurious cashmeres and silks that “talked” and inspired. Now she knew what clothes she would like to design.

Soon after returning to New York the 22-year old married Mark Karan. Somehow being a married woman gave her an injection of confidence and enough strength to march back to the Anne Klein offices and ask for her job back. She was hired and soon promoted to the associate designer. Having being guided and inspired by Anne Klein, Karan began sketching the clothes she could see herself wearing. Soon her designs caught attention of Tomio Taki, the head of Takihyo Inc., a Japanese company that owned Anne Klein label.

On 17 March 1974 Anne Klein’s team was busy finishing the Fall’s capsule collection when Donna, who was heavily pregnant, had to be rushed to the hospital straight from work. Hours later she gave birth to Gabrielle, her beautiful baby girl named after Donna’s father, Gabby.

The new mother was still recovering in her room when the phone began to ring. Donna was needed to guide the team while Anne Klein was in hospital. Although Anne’s condition wasn’t discussed, everyone knew that she had cancer.

Karan was ready to rush back to work straight away convincing her doctor that there were “plenty of seamstresses in the office” to take care of her stitches, but was only allowed to do so after a week spent at home. And so she picked up her new born baby, came into the newly built and very empty house in Long Island and invited the entire Anne Klein’s office to move in with her to finish the collection.

In her mind Donna saw this as a last step before quitting the job and becoming a full-time mother, but her destiny was about to change.

On 19 March Anne Klein passed away and to everyone’s shock and objections it was 26-year old Donna who got chosen by Tomio Taki as the Anne Klein’s new chief designer. For the young mother to a two days old baby, it was quite a decision to make, but somewhere in her heart Karan knew she would be able to do it.

Her first collection for Anne Klein was a triumph. “The star is born” said the review that followed. Buyers loved Karan’s ideas of luxurious and elegant separates that soon appeared in fashion magazines, and the company’s sales went through the roof.

“I always knew I’d be something” she later recalled in one of her interviews.

Tahikyo instantly offered Donna a 12-year contract and full control over her designs. She hired her friend, Luis Dell’Olio, to design alongside her and for the next ten years the two hardly ever stopped working expanding the brand further and introducing Anne Klein II, the less expensive, more sporty line.

In 1977 Donna received her first Coty Award, the “Oscar” of the fashion industry. Two more soon followed, in 1981 and 1984.

Whilst everything at Anne Klein was going just as Karan wanted, her marriage suffered. In 1983 Donna and Mark divorced and now it was her job that made her feel secure.

Needless to say, when Tomio Taki asked her to leave Anne Klein and start her own label, the offer didn’t appeal to her at all. The world of Anne Klein was her comfort blanket, her obsession and practically her life – letting at all go at once felt frightening.

That very same year Donna was divorced, she met and married Stephan Weiss who not only became her husband and best friend, but the one who made her dream, create and believe in herself. When Frank Mori, Anne Klein’s president made the decision to fire, she was ready for the new venture.

To be continued…

Photo source: Donna Karan and Luis Dell’Olio at Anne Klein offices, Donna Karan (Wizards of Business)

P.S. I promise this is the last time I mention this, but today is the last day to vote for Fashioned by Love in the Company’s Style Blogger Awards competition. If you haven’t done it yet (and do like my blog), please follow the link, keep pressing the “next page” button until you get to “best fashion blog” category (5), then choose Fashioned by Love, and continue pressing the “next page” button until you find yourself on the last page to enter your name and email address. Press “submit” and you are done. Sorry for being so annoying and THANK YOU for your understanding and support, from the bottom of my heart!

Donna Karan: the Seventh Avenue baby

2013-05-02T08:49:00.001+01:00

When a new born cries louder than all the other bundles of joy he shares the room with, some say the baby is going to be a singer. If it’s true, then little Donna Ivy Faske born on 2 October 1948 in Forest Hills, New York, given an ability to speak, would most likely ask for a cashmere blanket to be wrapped in and a string of hand carved onyx beads for a bit of Zen-like entertainment in style.

When Donna was little, her parents often called her the Seventh Avenue baby reflecting the fact that their little daughter certainly inherited the fashion gene. Donna’s mother, Helen Richie, worked as a model and her father, Gabby, was a tailor. Fashion was Donna’s element from the very beginning. While other 3-year olds were playing with their dolls, the girl spent hours watching her mother and other models showing the real clothes in a beautiful showroom and mimicked her fathers discussions of hemlines and pleats. Many years later, Donna Karan will admit that many of her own designs were influenced by her childhood memories and beautiful clothes worn by her glamorous mother.

The tragedy struck when Donna was only 3 years old. Her beloved father died in a car accident and the happy and beautiful world the little girl lived in began to change. Helen now worked long hours to support the family and Donna had to learn to be independent.

Then, when Donna was ten, her mother remarried. Donna and her stepfather, Harold Flaxman who run a company selling copies of the designer dresses, hit it off straight away. Harold understood Donna’s love for beautiful clothes. It was him who encouraged the the fashion-hungry teen to continue sketching and consider becoming a designer.

When she turned fourteen Donna decided to make her first step into the industry. She went to Shurrie’s, one of the boutiques in the neighbourhood, lied about her age and got hired as a sales assistant. Whilst her school grades were getting worse, Donna’s love for fashion and styling became stronger and more obvious to others.

In 1966 Helen decided that supporting her daughters ideas rather than focusing on her marks was the best strategy. She approached her boss who had connections in Parson’s and asked him to help Donna get in.

She was accepted straight away, although on probation. Both Helen and Parsons tutors had their reservations, but surprisingly, the girl blossomed into a model student overnight. She never skipped classes, her grades was excellent and within two years her talent was noticed by several major fashion designers including Anne Klein who offered the girl a summer internship.

A few months later, as the job turned into a permanent position, Donna dropped out of Parson’s and went off to live her dream.

To be continued…

Photo source: Gotham magazine

Stylish quote

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

“Your clothes need to be an extension of you.”

Donna Karan

Photo source: Elise Crombez wearing Donna Karan New York in Harper’s Bazaar Korea August 2012

P.S. And I am happy to announce that the winner of the Paul&Joe giveaway is Cee! Congratulations! If you didn’t win, stay tuned – I’ve got a few more surprises waiting to be won.

Donna Karan Hearts Haiti

2013-04-30T13:19:00.001+01:00

I admit, the title is so cheesy it practically hurts my eyes and mind, but I needed to put quite a bit of information in the shortest line possible, so this is the one I managed to come up with. Sorry for being predictable and resulting a sentence to suit the jargon of a 16-year old. I am Russian, my vocabulary is limited at times.

Today was supposed to be the day for my Donna Karan: Part I story. I knew some of you were looking forward to that one. And then I’ve discovered something I wasn’t aware of and since the time is running out, I needed to reschedule the rest of the week and put this post up asap. To give everyone a chance to make a difference.

I was reading the news on Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation website when I heard of the Fashion For Haiti: One Million Hearts collaboration launched a week ago to support the Haitian artisans and help them rebuild their lives.

Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Carolina Herrera, Elie Tahari and Narciso Rodriguez were among nearly 150 designers who put their personal touch on locally-crafted Haitian papier mâché hearts donated by DKNY.

The heart are currently available on eBay with the auction ending on 2 May, so you still have a chance to bid and win one of them. Somewhere inside my mind I feel that Donna herself would be much happier with my writing about this auction than trying to be her biographer, so here I am, prioritising and sharing the news that really matters.

Photo source: urbanzen.org

Donna Karan Spring 2000

2013-04-29T09:05:00.001+01:00

When I was a teen, I declared that Donna Karan will be one of the designers I would wear. Even then her aesthetics appealed to me and, perhaps, influenced my style as it developed.

My love for her creations is obvious and I have a good reason for it –just like in case of Diane von Furstenberg, the clothes of a timeless quality are designed for women to be worn and truly enjoyed, in comfort and confidence. And they are so beautifully made!

As the next “fashion week” was approaching I found myself torn between two names, in a position of a parent trying to choose which child she loved the most… Donna Karan was, indeed, one of them. I hesitated, I lost sleep for a couple of days, as insane it may sound to some. And then I walked to my wardrobe, pulled out my Donna Karan dress and knew exactly what would happen next.

Photo source: Donna Karan New York Spring/Summer 2000 campaign

P.S. There are only a few days left to vote for Fashioned by Love in the Company’s Style Blogger Awards competition. If you haven’t done it yet (and do like my blog), please follow the link, keep pressing the “next page” button until you get to “best fashion blog” category (5), then choose Fashioned by Love, and continue pressing the “next page” button until you find yourself on the last page to enter your name and email address. Press “submit” and you are done. Sorry for being so annoying and THANK YOU for your understanding and support, from the bottom of my heart!

5 dresses every woman should own: the white dress

2013-04-26T13:27:00.001+01:00

The white dress. An epitome of summer elegance.

You just cannot be without it whether you find yourself in a city, planning a holiday or dancing till dawn under the starlit sky. Whatever the situation, the little white dress is definitely one of the wardrobe must-haves.

This little darling isn’t just the light reflector on a hot summer day, but a statement of femininity, romance, purity, freshness and luxury.

Choosing the one may be a challenge, but fortunately for us, designers got it all covered. Sporty and athletic, prim and proper, bohemian and lady-like. Mini and maxi. Lace and jacquard. Silks, organza, cottons and linens.

You pick the dress that tells your story. And then start your summer journey in style. Best accessory to compliment your LWD? A touch of tan, of course.

Where to buy: 1. Cotton peplum dress by Karen Millen (£175 – use promo code SS13DRESSES50 at checkout to get £50 off selected styles), 2. Sleeveless cotton dress by Stella McCartney (£465), 3. Cotton blend twill dress by Zac Posen (£440), 4. Dalia jacquard dress by Whistles (£225), 5. Crocheted cotton dress by See by Chloe (£243), 6. Wool-flannel dress by Issa (£208), 7. Belted dress by Chloe (£1415), 8. Fitted lace & frill dress by Reiss (£169)

Where to buy: 9. Crochet cotton dress by Mango (£55), 10. Cotton & lace dress by Nina Ricci (£1154), 11. Lace trimmed cotton dress by Vanessa Bruno (£172), 12. Cotton embroidered dress by Mango (£43), 13. Relais dress by Sportmax (£668), 14. Voile & silk dress by See by Chloe (£230), 15. Silk patchwork dress by Dosa (£895), 16. Tank dress by Jean Paul Knott (£580)

Where to buy: 17. Tailored bubble dress by Karen Millen (£140), 18. Cotton bonded dress by Oasis (£50), 19. Daisy dress by Warehouse (£40), 20. Speed flare dress by Chalayan (£710), 21. Niade dress by Azzedine Alaia (£2468), 22. Pleat skirt dress by Paul&Joe Sister (£228), 23. Floral embroidered dress by Reiss (£225), 24. A-line dress by Vicedomini (£772)

***

P.S. There is still time left to vote for Fashioned by Love in the Company’s Style Blog Awards competition. If you haven’t done it yet (and do like my blog), please follow the link, keep pressing the “next page” button until you get to “best fashion blog” category, then choose Fashioned by Love, and continue pressing the “next page” button until you find yourself on the last page to enter your name and email address. Press “submit” and you are done. THANK YOU!

Photo source: Vogue US February 2008, elle.com

My dream accessory | Aigner Spring 2013

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From the moment I saw this stunning bracelet, a part of the Aigner Spring/Summer 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection, I knew I was in love. It’s such a stunning piece of jewellery – all about nature, beauty and the way it gently wraps around the wrist. I would wear it just like the model on this photo – with a simple silk dress… And it would become one of my most treasured possessions. The only problem is that I have absolutely no idea how and where I could get one.

Photo source: fashionising.com

Stylish quote

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“Fashion is born by small facts, trends, or even politics, never by trying to make little pleats and furbelows, by trinkets, by clothes easy to copy, or by the shortening or lengthening of a skirt.”

Elsa Schiaparelli

Photo source: Vogue Germany September 2010

P.S. There’s still time to vote for Fashioned by Love in the Company’s Style Blogger Awards competition. For more details visit my Monday post.

Bag of the Month: April is for Angel Jackson

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When I came up with an idea of the Bag of the Month feature back in March, it was warmly welcomed by pretty much every girl who read the post. The true love of beautiful accessories was certainly taking a form of a worldwide affair.

The process of choosing the first candidate wasn’t easy, but I definitely wanted to avoid anything that may have an “It” attached to it. Although I understand the appeal of Alexander Wang, Chloe, Proenza, Valentino or Celine, I am a little tired of seeing them everywhere. They are, of course, beautiful, but the “It” factor makes them very, how should I put it, predictable…

What interests me is discovering something new, being surprised and sharing these finds and surprises with you – high end, high street – it’s not going to be about the location or trying to be “on trend”. It will always be about the bag.

I saw Samaya a while ago and thought of her as a gorgeous, exotic, vibrant and classic beauty that I would be proud to take with me anywhere. Designed by two young Brits, Katie and Millie, charming and talented siblings and founders of the Angel Jackson brand, the bag is a part of an extensive collection featured on Monnier Frères, one of my most favourite on-line destinations for designer accessories (and yes, they do stock Chloe, Wang as well as Nina Ricci, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Escada, Jitrois, Vanessa Bruno, Kenzo, Sonia Rykiel etc. etc. etc. – every fabulous bag is there, trust me)

According to the website description, Samaya, designed for “the effortlessly stylish and intelligent woman”, has “everything to seduce us” (including a price tag of £178) and I guess, I was an easy target.

What about you? Is your heart beating faster yet?

P.S. There’s still time to vote for Fashioned by Love in the Company’s Style Blogger Awards competition. I know it sounds like a presidential election, but every vote really does count. For more details visit my Monday post.

P.P.S. For your chance to win a beautiful Paul&Joe bracelet, follow the link.