Somewhere between manic Mondays and obsessing about latest fads in town, a little trend, that’s got nothing to do with fashion actually, crawled its way right into our posh little sleepy mornings lives. Coffee to go. When the sartorialist did a post on ‘If you’re thinking about coffee?’ I had an epiphany… When the hell did coffee to go just become the new attention whore in town? Seriously now, that cute little plastic cup is seen in more and more street style pics, and we are just as guilty as the next fashionista for this morning social movement. We all love and drink coffee, and have carried our cups around town more than once, so the question is then… How do you take your coffee? After those too much fun weekends I guess the best thing about a new working week is that coffee break we all have. After this weekend the best thing about my coffee right now is its temperature: Hot/Warm. Due to excessive talking and some other guilty pleasures on the side, I ended up with the worst laryngitis, witnessing my voice turn from a rather sexy raucous, to a cartoon character’s funny voice, and now to no voice at all, having to whisper my way out of all situations. Yeah. It sucks while being funny at the same time. Thank God for warm coffees and tees and morning drinks we all love to sip around on, until late afternoons. I swear the best thing about mornings is that strong double coffee, with loads of milk and sugar… Just the thought of enjoying one, while scrolling through my FB or Twitter news feed, or on the hunt for new writing topics – is the best part of my day. And now, that this cute little bitch became the new diva in town… we gotta love it more. And not dis it for empty hands in those street style pics.

Anyway… as we settle in our Monday, with the excuse of this coffee trend I thought we’d get a little fashion inspo for the week to come. xoxo And the best part about this new accessory edible trend is that it goes with anything. Ha! Imagine if you’d have to coordinate your outfits to the way you drink your coffee? What?

Pardon my ‘Dohhh‘ but it’s the only answer I can come up with, unless this is a rhetorical question, in which case I still feel slightly obliged to not treat it superficially but give it more thought. The self inflicted blazer torment is only based on the ubiquity of the leather jacket. As much as I love the latter, I have to say too much of something just makes it loose its initial meaning. We’ve recently just discovered the leather jacket’s versatility and ever since we’ve literally gone dumb or oblivious to other jackets. The result? Everyone, regardless of their personal style is wearing this once rockenroll piece, which, therefore is losing its grungy statement. I hate that. I feel as if those of us, loyal to grungy edgy styles have been robbed of our only-owned-and-styled-by-us pieces. This, may however not be that bad, cause it leads to us being forced to come up with new brilliant fashion ideas. Such as… well… the rest of the jackets fashion has given us over time: coats, furs, trench coats aaaand the ever classic BLAZER. Although the blazer will never be out of fashion, I wonder, has it lost a bit of territory to other outwear pieces, or is it just me? If I’m alone in my delusion… than fine. It means I’m wrong and we can all rest assured. But what if I’m not? I say let’s bring this shit back! Just think of the infinite styles a blazer has: fitted, classic, oversized, boyfriend style, and the fact that it goes with absolutely anything while giving it a slight preppy or classy vibe is the best. That’s the thing, as much as we’re into grunge punk trends, we need to spice things up once in a while, and switch styles. Not to mention how professional and business chic a blazer is. It will never be dated, it will never lose its versatility and truth is, it will always be the go-to-piece for any work related situation. What is the Blazer style for 2013? With the boyfriend looks being huge, my money’s on the boyfriend cut blazer, longer, with pockets, slightly oversized, in black or grey, with sleeves rolled up for a chicer look.

I love this style with one amendment: I think blazers should be very tailored and fit, regardless of their style inspiration (like boyfriend, or cropped or statement) a blazer should always fit at the shoulders. I just think it looks so much better that way. And I love them in black with my favorite look being: boyfriend inspired blazer, thigh-length, with mini dress, skirt or shorts and heels. Any top will do. I just think the illusion of wearing just that blazer is irresistible. Color wise, going for the craziest shades is the easiest way to spice up a look. A pink, orange or even clean white blazer can be quite the fashion statement. Not to mention the sequined or studded ones. More styles & looks… The blazer is a classic staple but the new styles and cuts out there sure make you think twice before refusing to resort to this piece for fashion statement reasons. While the leather jacket or furs were once the hit… their constant presence just makes me go bleah at times.

So yeah… I might have a hidden agenda with all this let’s bring the blazer back movement, but it’s sort of refreshing to look at the edgy side of the most classic piece ever.

Never has one clothing item suffered so much reinvention as the denim, and never has one jeans style had a bigger comeback than the skinny jeans. Massive in all the decades, minus those 90s, they seemed to be a thing of that kitsch past that no one wanted to even remember. Thank God we all came to our senses.

If Marilyn Monroe loved her ankle slim pants and Audrey Hepburn’s most iconic look remains the skinny pants with ballet pumps… I think it’s safe to say the skinnies were bound to make their comeback and world domination. Those punk & rocknroll kids that are now fashion & music icons embraced the slim fit trousers looks as well, and with the punk trend massive this season, of course we’re not parting ways from our skinnies just yet. Fast forward a little from those 50′s to the 90′s and you’ll land in the sans-skinnies decade. Variety is good. But skinnies are better, so little by little the baggy jeans turned into flared jeans which turned into the boot cut trend which turned into today’s most common jeans style: The Skinny Jeans. While I’ve always cringed a little at the sight of those 90′s and early 2000′s jeans styles, (just cause they all gave us a mom butt and were just jeans, you know, not fashion forward bottoms. You had to settle for what was out there, or what your mom bought for you, which in itself made not much of a difference, cause there was not much to joggle around with jeans style wise)… as soon as the jeans started getting thinner and thinner, the plot thickened. As did we.

But who gives a fuck, cause truth is skinny jeans are not just for skinny people, au contraire I think they are a blessing for all body types, it’s all just a matter of finding the right cut and style. Just have a look on the streets at any given time of day or night. You’ll be surprised to see how many women (and men) of all sizes and ages are wearing this uber flattering jeans style. Why do skinny jeans fit everyone? While they may be painted on your legs or bum, following your body type, actually they do more justice than not, and keep all our bits and pieces looking toned, slim and super fit. Bums are tighter, higher, bigger or smaller depending on what you want, legs appear firmer & longer, waists slimmer and taller (if you’re opting for the high waisted jeans). Skinny Jeans are the magic weapon to getting a great body in seconds. Sure not all is perfect in paradise, cause sometimes it takes forever, plus tones of sweats in the changing room to find… literally nothing that will even look OK. Yet, patience and cutting yourself some slack go a long way. So do great friends to tag along and praise your body and looks when you most need them to. So what’s the secret to squeezing into the seemingly perfect pair of skinnies? Finding the right size is key, and if necessary adjusting them where needed. For example too long jeans shorten legs and make you look bulky around the ankles. A higher waist does justice to almost any body type, plus it’s a big fashion comeback. Some people look great with super skinny jeans, others with those a bit flared ankle length styles. Besides, the brand and the cut always differ, so grab your best friends, tons of patience and try out as many styles as possible. Why do we love Skinny Jeans? One thing is the body magic they bare, and then it’s the styles they come in: any color, any print, for all occasions, for office (think black), for events/parties (ripped, sequined, printed), for everyday casual styles.

And they look amazing with literally anything, from posh stilettos to sneakers, flip flops, sandals, boots, ballet pumps. They can adapt to absolutely any look be it super glam and sophisticated or grungy, sporty and casual. And their best trait is getting us out of a fashion predicament all the time. I mean if you don’t know what to wear, somehow you always end up in your skinnies and whatever else fits the occasion. And you always pull it off, cause while they may look hot and cool all the time, they betray effortlessness and versatility. Plus they’re super comfortable. Let’s get some more skinny jeans inspiration… I know as of lately loads of other jeans styles are making quite the fashion statement (boyfriend, flared jeans) but you know what? Although skinnies have given up on their dictatorship & monopoly, hence the room they so politely made for some other denim siblings, truth is – skinny jeans will never leave us again.

They became a staple.

And even if some written or un-written fashion law came by, stating that skinnies will forever be banned if you want to be trendy – I predict generations of women fashion-jailed in their skinnies rather than giving them up.

What do you think? Have we had enough of the skinny jeans OR not?

“Oh my God!” cried the pretty little fashionista.

“What’s wrong?” someone replied.

“Something’s wrong with my vision. I see dots. Dots everywhere. Spots and dots all over the place.” she said while rubbing her eyes.

“Oh…” the by-stander so humbly and politely smiled while reassuring her. “It’s not you. It’s fashion. You’re not seeing dots. They exist. It’s all an explosion, going on for the past decades, but it used to be quite big this summer. As I see it (and you obviously) it seems to never go away. Not even in winter. Polka Dots. You gotta love them, right?”

The one print everyone loves, from kindergarten to rocking chair and pipe (borrowed that one from Alex Turner), Polka Dots are that trend that will never go away because it has it all: class, elegance, retro vintage twist, preppy style, it’s super feminine and playful. It mixes with any look and adds a bit of all, or one of the above to your style. Besides, the dots that made our fashionista crazy come in tons of sizes & colors, as if to quench our spots thirst, that’s been going on since before Marilyn Monroe days. It does not make it go away, it makes it worse, obliging us to drape ourselves in polka dots every season now. For what it’s worth, this has led to us mastering the art of mismatched prints, among which Polka Dots reign. After Louis Vuitton teamed up with Kusama, in 2012, and Selfridges turned into some fairly tale gone mad world in the most exquisite, beautiful and loud way possible (trust me, you have never seen so many polka dots in one place. It was as if a convention of the dots was taking place), I thought “that’s it, this should quiet us down on the polka dots thing for sometime.” I mean if you keep having deserts all your life, you’re bound to reach that point when you hate cake. That’s exactly what did not happen with the polka dots. 2013 Spring and Summer came, and the dots were there. You may have missed them, but I guarantee they were there. We’re just taking this splashed spots print for granted now, and I seriously see nothing wrong with our ignorance. Not when they’ve been resting on our clothes since forever. Do I sound like I hate them? Probably. But I don’t. I like them. Some I like less. Some I love. Time to come clean now!!! So… there’s rarely a trend out there that I do not love or embrace (sure I get bored with it just as quick, but at least I’m hooked on it in the worst kinda way at the beginning), yet when it comes to these little innocent dots I get very complicated. It is just fashion after all, yet I turn into the worst picky bitch out there, who finds it impossible to find the perfect dots in a sea of dots. Much like finding the perfect man. ”He does not exist!!! scream all the happy women, as do all the ones draped in dots, looking fabulous as they all ask me the same question: “Exactly what polka dots are yo hoping to find. What’s wrong with these?” Nothing.

And while I did find the perfect lucky man… I can’t, for the life of me, see what the fuss is all about with the polka dots. Can’t find that one polka dot to make me completely happy printed.

Anyway, moving on from the stupid metaphor, I’m not even gonna make more of a full out of myself and ask how much of a likeness you take in this trend (I am aware the whole world adores dots), what I’m gonna do is tell you, which polka dots look the best. Not that anyone gives a crap, but whatev.

There are 2 Polka Dots Styles that just melt my heart:

1. Eva Mendes style. She’s the epitome of retro-chic and mixing vintage style with luxurious pieces in the most feminine sexy & effortless way possible. This retro chic polka dots style is definitely my favorite. Tiny spots are always resting on the most flirtatious and flowy fabrics, usually in nudes, black or navy, looking exquisite on retro style over-the-knee-length, nipped-at-the-waist dresses, loose skirts, shirts & blouses. It’s very Sophia Loren 60s style. Such outfits look absolutely fantastic with classic heels (although even brogues or ballet flats will do), wavy hairstyles, cat-eye sunglasses, and maybe a trench or a boyfriend blazer on top. 2. Alexa Chung style. There was a time when she was obsessed with polka dots and did them in so many ways, yet all had one thing in common – she was always a bit edgy in her choices. While her looks were kinda retro as well (same chiffon dresses or shirts in tiny dots and black and white) she always added something to break the classic line, and balance the look making it super rocknroll meets sophisticated chick. A leather jacket, red lips, some cool bag, boyfriend blazers, tennis shoes, flats & messy hair, always did the trick. They do say opposites attract. So she mixed them and looked fantastic. I’m always going on about effing all rules and what others think, so when it comes to polka dots, I may have some silly guidelines I feel obliged to live by, but you… you go wild. Mix them. With anything. Go for massive dots if you feel like it. Go for neon colors, for crazy shades. Truth is, polka dots do look fantastic the more you experiment with them, so what the hell, right?

Let’s see what the world would look like if we all had dots: I am telling you, we’d all feel like in a musical, where every Dot had a name and was a character. And Dancing with the Stars would turn into Dancing With The Dots.

What?! A dose of dots will do this to you.

Boys… it’s been a long time since we’ve talked about you. Here, that is. When it comes to 2013 – 2014 Autumn & Winter there are a few things men have got to do, fashion wise: boots, coats & layers. Basically nothing’s new and it’s no rocket science that in the cold season human nature requires you to wear thicker clothes such as the ones above. Yet… it’s not what you wear, but HOW you wear it that counts. 

All men are fashion wise somewhere in between a business-casual-cool style. What this season does though, is challenge men to be edgier, to experiment more with fashion & looks, and not be boring. How to do this? Focus on some details: funky socks, rolled up jeans, trousers in boots, printed scarves, hats/beanies, a few bling (earrings, rings, necklaces. Keep it simple boys!), and layering jackets. 

For example if you love your leather jacket a little too much to part from it until next spring, wear it over some T-shirt or shirt, and top it all with your coat. A cool beanie, some shades and Chelsea or motorcycle boots, or even tennis shoes, depending on your look – will do the trick. You a business lad? Tired of donning the same boring grey suit every day, from behind that boring grey desk? Ding! Ding! Pay attention: thanks to Mad Man series, all those 50′s, 60′s men styles are back. I’ve got one word for you: DAPPER style! 

You can wear a 3 piece suit, cause vests are really cool, and you can wear it in so many ways it’s fucking great! Channel your inner gangster persona with a classic look, go edgy/rocknroll with some grungy details (a denim shirt underneath, leather, cool boots). Or you may choose to emulate those Italian boys from Fashion Week. You know, those wearing plaid, printed or colored blazers, funky combinations (parka coat with a suit, bomber jacket with some luxurious 3 ensemble). 

What to wear to work?
I think the key element to a guy’s great style this season is BOOTS! As long as they’re higher than the ankles, and can keep your trousers fashionably tucked in, or rolled… they are a staple this winter. Any color, any style, vintage or brand new, with or without laces – you need to have at least a pair. Nothing is more irresistible than a guy feeling and looking cool in his shoes (literally) while keeping warm from the blizzard cold with his hands in his coat’s pockets and collar popped up. 

Coats men should wear… Jackets will always be in from denim to leather to military, and they always build a very cool casual style. 

Jackets styles… Also, a big hit and massive trend in men’s fashion is the beard. Scruffy looks are IN (so hot!), whether you like them or not, the question is though, how scruffy is too scruffy? 

Until you think about that one… have a look… 

Never thought I’d say this but I’m pretty ready to trade in my mini skirt hems for longer ones, like over-the-knees, half-calves ones. Am I really getting that old? Or am I just a fashion victim? Unhappy with either possibilities, but forced to pick one, I’m gonna go with the latter, just cause my spirit hasn’t aged a day since I was 20. Fashion has this power over me to just throw out the window my delusional self assertion of being a mature consistent coherent woman. While in life I try to keep myself maniac-free, inhibiting my getting-bored-too-soon impulses (or my ADD), when it comes to fashion I’m the exact opposite. Does this make me mad? Well no. Other things do, but that’s another story. It actually makes me quite sane, style wise, cause fashion is an inconsistent bitch who one day is praising mini skirts and the next is all about longer hems. So I, therefore, am only in tune with its brilliant inconsistencies.

But just when you thought you can’t get this little bitch all figured out, I dawns on you: it’s a cycle. It’s all a stylish un-harmful karma of what goes around comes around. Only in fashion, old and new/past and present live well side by side with the help of reinvention.According to the world of sartorialists, in 2013 – 2014 Autumn & Winter this is what it’s all about. The return of the past with 2 major trends: PUNK & 40s/50s skirts style. Dita Von Teese’s burlesque stubbornness was bound to have a major impact at some point, right?

FULL MIDI SKIRTS are massive this season, urging us all to channel our fairytale-meets-Grace-Kelly persona. These skirts that look like beautiful explosions resting on our lower body scream exaggerated beauty. Whether in toned down hues or bold neon shades, prints or patterns these full shapes make us all look like retro dolls in a very modern sophisticated way. But how easy is pulling off a full skirt look? I say pretty NOT easy at all. First of all there’s the unlikeness one might take in this very style (I was guilty as charged, but not anymore as I so egocentrically professed in the beginning), which, when resolved, forces you to face a bigger problem: HOW TO STYLE a FULL MIDI Skirt? And avoid looking frumpy or swallowed up into a big ball of fabric.

The one thing that comes to our rescue is none other than good ol’ BALACE, that I, more often than not, tell it to go fuck itself. So apparently the key to nailing this retro chic housewife look is keeping your top as tiny and fitted as you can, and your shoes as posh as possible. Sexy heels, pointed toes, sandals and pumps – it’s your time to shine! When donning the full midi skirt you may want to to keep it classy all the way and pair it with one of those tiny sweaters. Or, you may just as well make use of today’s debauchery and wear a plain damn hot bustier. Or cropped top.  Can’t believe I’m actually gonna say this again, but you know what? To hell with balance on this one too, I mean the way this hot mess of a skirt looks with a slightly oversized shirt tucked in, or with anything a few sizes up (T-shirt, sweatshirt, blouse) is pretty irresistible. Why is that, I wonder? I think it all has to do with the nipped waist. Basically as long as you make sure to show off your waist I’m sure you can pull off any top, be it fitted or not. If however you’re not such a Dita Von Teese kinda gal (I know I’m not. Love her. Adore her style, it’s just not for me.) why not mix this retro skirt style with the other big trend of the season? PUNK, and its versions. Leather jackets, graphic tees, boots, tennis shoes etc… It does look amazing! Or… if a ball of fabric, though exquisitely made, is still too much for you, but you adore the midi style, you can still do a version of the full skirt. PLEATED MIDI Skirt is the way to go. Remember those 70s & 80s dresses and skirts our moms used to wear? That’s the one. My mom looked just fabulous in hers.

Something about that longer hem, flowy fabric just brushing off your calves as you make your way through the crowd of the town, on your way to work, or some posh new place to meet with your girls. A trench coat or long fur coat on top (like Carrie Bradshaw used to wear on her dates with Mr. Big) & some super hot heels will complete this fab look. What do you think ladies? Let’s think about it over the weekend xoxo

After what was supposed to be a lazy weekend, another working week kicks in, and this only means, more stress at the office, crispy cold mornings, long days and the ever present question: “What to wear to work today.” It’s autumn, so this means 2 things: coats & layers. No cold season will ever be complete without the Coat Trend talk. Ever.

And it seems to me, no other season has been so hooked up and crazy packed with coats, as the 2013 – 2014 Autumn & Winter. All is in, and fashion took a seat back to style. There is no coat design to not wear this time around, it’s all a matter of styling & reinventing them. So it comes as no surprise that alongside those (still in) military coats, black elegant or grungy styles, some new and quite surprising coats made their way in.

The pink coat, which we discussed a while ago (click here for more) & The CAMEL COAT. Reminiscent of those 1970′s and ’80′s, this coat is the definition of classic elegance, and luxurious refinement in a very understated yet rich way. It sort of inspires us to think of those rich beautiful celebrities all covered up in expensive wool & cashmere while making their way through a crowd of paparazzi.

The past of the Camel Coat: 

One of the most iconic camel coats was designed in 1981 by Maxmara (above) and ever-since it has remained its most sold and famous piece. So no wonder this year is its comeback. The return of the camel coat is just this – a fabulous comeback of the classic style, which, true, might’ve never really left the rails, yet it hasn’t held the spotlight either in quite sometime.

2013 Autumn celebrates this nude/brownish version of the coat in every possible style. Man inspired designs, oversized, super tailored, structured, slouchy, broad shoulders, plunging necklines, very long or short, fitted or not, double breasted, trench inspired, blazer inspired - ALL is IN. Yet I think no other coat style embodies the camel coat’s elegance and refinement quite as the belted style does. A bit oversized, collar popped, sleeves rolled up, calves length, perfect for crispy mornings, and able to cover up any outfit with the most effortless classy sophistication possible. The CAMEL COAT looks amazing over blazers, suits, silky tops, or even jumpers, denim shirts, dresses. It goes with any style from laid back to sporty, to casual, to business.

Though styling it with any color used to be sort of tricky, today more and more fashionsiats seem to not give a crap whether camel looks good or not with say… red, or green, or prints, or all colors in one outfit. Much to our surprise the-camel-and-the-anything combination looks not good, but fabulous. So in case you’re off to buy a new coat and have no idea what to get – I think, gifting yourself with a camel coat is a massive style investment. Time only testifies to it never going out of fashion and women with a penchant for dressing up only prove how versatile and tremendously elegant, refined and classy such a coat is.

To get some inspiration… let’s scroll through these pics  

This cool jacket – once only an aviator’s attire – has slowly but surely crawled into our lives, nipped, tucked and completely reinvented as if to make up for all the lost time when it was hanging forgotten in retired pilots’ wardrobes. It was probably in one of these wardrobes that some quirky fashionsta/designer rediscovered it and thought ‘what if?’

So now, the BOMBER JACKET so luxuriously and fashionably hangs off sexy backs of 18 year olds, channeling Rihanna or Miley Cyrus, and 30 something editors, stylists, buyers or simple pretty socialites. No longer belonging only to aviators, The BOMBER JACKET might actually be that one thing to replace the staples we’ve grown tired of. Or it could just come in handy on those days when even the coolest leather jacket appears so boring. It does give a slight effortless sporty edge, in a very un-fashionable fashion to its sartorialist wearers.

This amazing jacket has completely slipped my mind when, a few weeks ago, I was bitching about the ubiquity of the leather jacket and the lack of other options, hence my post on blazers, which, will of course remain classic staples, but on the edgy side… what have we got? Ding! Ding! It’s the BOMBER! It’s first major comeback on the runway was almost 2 years ago, when it was also the Varsity Jacket, its twin, that made a style splash. The Varsity (click here for more) is the Letterman Jacket, an attire of high-school & college students. It’s made out of 2 fabrics (cotton on the back, and leather on sleeves), unlike the Bomber which is made of one, and though fitted at the writs, neck and waist, its collar is fold-able, unlike the bomber’s which, due to aviators profession had to be as simple as possible. Enough Wikipedia info… moving on to how the Bomber became so cool. Step by step it caught up with 1st celebs, then off duty models, then bloggers, then retail chains and now everyone else. Who’s to blame for the BOMBER Jacket Trend? Aside from us (the gurus of street fashion and style, pulling it off everyday on buses and tubes in the most eclectic and coolest fashion mixes ever) I would give some credits to designers as well.

Today the Bomber Jacket is all grown up and a far cry from its initial restricted lines and fabrics. What it kept intact was its cinched wrists, waist and neck design, but its fabric play and experimentation is a heaven for all fashion lovers. From luxurious expensive silky textures to leather, lace, sheer fabrics, simple jersey, or anything actually – this jacket can transform into anything. It can be a classy-edgy blazer. A leather jacket. A sporty outwear. A cardigan. The best ones are those eclectic styles, that have the cut of the sporty bomber jacket, but the fabric of some posh thing, more expensive than your monthly rent. It’s those ones that go best with heels, skirts, sexy strappy stiletto sandals, red lips or even cocktail dresses. Also the printed ones, or the different fabrics insertions some have, make the Bomber Jacket the IT jacket of 2013 fall. It can be worn underneath a thicker jacket, thus acting like a blazer or cardigan at the office, giving extra personality to your outfit, or it can be made of thick fabric and can be your urban-luxe jacket for freezing autumn and winter days. Contrary to belief it does go with ANYTHING and gives a bit of quirkiness to any style. Mixing and clashing styles and clothes is today’s thing so no wonder the BOMBER JACKET in printed luxurious silk looks great with cutoffs and sneakers, and the cotton or jersey style is fabulous against Louboutins, sequined tops, and expensive skirts.

For a bit of glamour and urban vibe mix this jacket with red lips, and cool accessories. In other words, be a girly girl in a man inspired jacket. Confusion is sexy! Truth is, the Bomber is a great jacket alternative. Having come a long way from the strict fashions of aviators, the bomber might just be our new staple, that we so desperately run to when leather becomes too much (read boring). Besides, its millions of styles and designs makes it incredibly easy for us to play and experiment with infinite bomber looks.

More street style…  Fashion sometimes means getting bored of something too soon and replacing it with God knows what old thing or funky weird item, so I’m thinking owning at least one bomber jacket (in cotton of silk) might just be a late fall investment. Hey, you could probably pull it off next Spring as well, and if worse comes to worse and it becomes dated in 6 months, relax… it’ll probably make a new comeback in say… 5 years?

What do you think?

Having to wait until you put a ring on it, or hoping (without result) to travel in the past to wear a veiled hat is no longer required as of recently. Since 2012 to be more precise. That’s when VEILS donned in plain day started making a slight comeback courtesy of Jil Sander‘s collection at Fashion Week and some quirky hot women who decided that covering up your face in sheer fine black fabric is so much more mysterious than going bare faced.

Today – in 2013 -2014 Fall/Winter – the veiled beanies are quite the fad in town, as everyone is rocking them in the hope to elude the past and the so-very-dated-social-and-style-donts. Today’s fashion is all about being yourself through style, experimenting with clothes and looks, so nothing is dated, all is IN. Therefore it actually comes as no surprise that accessories such as veils, hats or beanies are in the spotlight. More so, they’re mixed and matched into this new trend everyone’s kinda loving: VEILED BEANIES! Forget the classic 1940′s hat, or the bride’s white veil. Today it’s all about this eclectic mix, that may have us looking like demented fashionstas in the eyes of sartorial non-connoisseurs. But who gives a fuck?

Veils in the past: Veils today… Truth is the sporty/comfy style of a beanie is in perfect marriage with the posh, mysterious elegant way of a black sheer veil. What? It’s from the same fashion-page as the heels and sweatpants. Well… maybe just a little bit. Okay, it may not be such a fortunate ensemble at first sight thought, but there’s something about the marriage of opposites that makes this weird little thang quite a cool trend.

Why wear a plain ol’beanie when you can jazz it up with a vintage or not-so-vintage veil? It keeps us warm, looks good and it’s different. You can buy it as it is – veiled beanie – or, you can DIY, by adding any type of veil to any hat or beanie and keep switching the sheer fabric from one to another. Ta-daaa! How to wear veiled beanies? I love how they look with a sporty outfit & heels (think ankle boots). It’s a bit edgy and quite effortless.

Bold lips looks amazing, and perfectly made up lashes with tons of mascara add that sophisticated drama we so love. Statement earrings complete this chic look. So I guess a veiled beanie makes you splurge on accessories and pay more attention to details, rather than give great thought to what you wear it with. Cause, at the end of the day a beanie is a beanie and that ladies, goes with anything. Veiled or not. Still… can’t help but wonder why this look was so successful? Are we so nostalgic for the past, or is there pure truth in the-less-you-reveal-the more-you-appeal thing? A veil, be it white, pink, or black spiderweb style translates mystery, an enticing barrier you set between the world and yourself, thus making everyone else linger more on the thought of what hides behind a sheer fabric, that’s barely even there. Not knowing will always have more power than knowing it all. It’s pure seduction. Raw mystery. Or even if that’s not what you’re going for, the subtle coverage implies something forbidden, which implies the impulse of wanting to see it, to have it. Everything leads to sex. Or the idea of sexuality. Actually, from a distance it looks as if you’ve got a dirty face rubbed in the dirt, or a wasp of bees around your head. It’s your wasp. Your bees. True that, but still… You might just come across as if you lost it there for a second.Whoever questions fashion may be crazier than those doing fashion. Depends where you’re standing.

I’m standing with a veiled beanie, but I’m curious about you…

more on the BEANIE TREND here

Aside from all the sartorial implications that come with 2013 (and the year prior and after it most likely) as being a borrowed-from-the-boys-looks phase in fashion, this post makes me think of 2 things. (a question and a personal statement).

note: scroll down if not in the mood for blogger-ramblings  

(1). I can’t help but wonder – as I jump to a more philosophical approach and question triggered by all the men’s fashion talk I’ve recently had – In 2013, is it still a man’s world? This once-so-true-phrase seems to have a tangent with today’s topic, only in regards to the word use, cause any associations and acquiescence to fashion is kinda irrelevant and actually quite inappropriate. Let’s face it: the world of fashion is dominated by women. Yet I can’t shake this question off. Do we, as women always feel the need to borrow from men, while bettering our craft at whatever it is we’re trying to top? 

(2). Since my post on men’s hairstyle has brought so much traffic (btw thank you all. truly appreciate it), and with it the inherent good and bad comments, it made me actually wonder for a second over a few details. Men actually do care about fashion but unlike women tend to fear labeling a bit too much. They’re certainly quite vocal & outspoken in their opinions yet not that kind on other people’s. Here I was thinking there was this thing called freedom of speech & blogs are personal insights,opinions, ideas free of the mandatory like or dislike. Hmmm. Silly me.

When a blogger says (as a form of speech perhaps. just sayin’) ‘all men should wear this & that’… hold on boys. Why the fucking drama? How come it’s OK for you to call me a retard and not for me to say ‘all men should get this cut’? Oh… wait. Perhaps the mind limitations have stopped a few from extrapolating this to ‘I think (as in my opinion) all men bla bla bla’. Or perhaps you feel objectified? Aww.

So much drama & controversy over this tiny 3 letter word ‘ALL’. We profess our love for all sorts of things these days, and I certainly do so on my blog, that’s the whole point of it: it’s real and personal, regardless if it has 0 or 1 mil hits. I’m no expert nor have I claimed to be, not in women’s fashion (this blog’s focus) much less in men’s, the reason for men posts being none other than my interest in a certain trend, social movement or my male friends asking me to write something for them. So, yes I can be wrong. Hell I am wrong probably more often than not, but as you hold the right to call a stranger by all sorts of names, I too hold the right to voice my ideas. Bloody hell!

For a Friday afternoon this has gotten way too serious, and while the sartorial/philosophical rambling from (1) could actually mean something if lingered upon more than a few lines and a few minutes, and I already killed (2) I say let’s fucking move on.  Be it a man’s or a woman’s world, or both in equal, when it comes to fashion, it doesn’t really matter. Dipping a bit into menswear can certainly have fantastic style outcomes for us ladies. From boyfriend blazers or jeans to oversized tops it was only a matter of time until we started walking in their shoes. Actually men-inspired shoes, to be more precise.

Today we talk OXFORDS. You know those professional laid back chic intellectual looking shoes original from Scotland & Ireland? Those too we borrowed from our lads if not for the chicness and bohemian sophistication in that very nonchalant basic way they exude, than for their comfort. Though it’s been said long long time ago, they were anything but comfortable.  Today they come in infinite styles & textures (leather, fabric, plastic) with 2013 fall’s biggest hit being the 2 toned oxford shoes. I know they’re anything but fresh when it comes to trends, but they’re always in a time loop it seems. Besides, they’re a great season transition shoe and why not possible to pull off even in the cold season with thick over-the-knee-socks or tights. However you look at this style, truth is, it’s the best cluster of masculine, feminine, chic, laid back, basic, put together & casual and does really work with everything: skirts, dresses, trousers, jeans for either work or not. A massive hit in 2013 Spring & Summer, Oxford Shoes still hold the shoe spotlight for this fall. And though we might be heading fast into winter, we’ll probably be wearing these next Summer as well, and I think throughout winter too. They may not be as hot as pumps, but they do look as smart & office-appropriate, only easier to walk into.

Let’s get more street style inspo. OXFORDS! Coco Chanel did it (the men-inspired looks that is) and ever since then, this craze/trend comes and goes, much like all trends for that matter, so why not make the best of it and walk the crap out of these oxfords. Because we can walk in men’s shoes, and sometimes, just sometimes with a little more chicness and style than our male piers.

and now let the drama begin. come on boys, I dare you.

Seriously? Besides the fact that they make you feel as if you’re still in the comfort of your warm puffy cozy bed, when in fact you’re out in the blizzard cold, and they can always make  and never break an outfit, hence their instant ‘I-can-turn-any-outfit-into-a-stylish-one-ASAP’ trait – I really see no point in taking this discussion further, as in trying to convince anyone of how much they’d actually need a scarf. Because… wait. I don’t have to. Scarves are the one thing everyone is wearing and resorting to, if not for sartorial reasons hidden behind these fluffy massive winter accessories, then for the need to stay warm. From fashion ignorants to fashion lovers the SCARF is around each and everyone’s neck. This winter, more than ever I feel there’s such a back to accessories phase in fashion, that we just gotta make the best of it. And with this particular time in fashion, when all is IN, it’d be a waste to not splurge on so many scarf styles out there. Which brings me to my question: In 2014 Winter, is there a SCARVES TREND to keep an eye on and guide our style choices?

• BLANKET scarves
• TUBE scarves.
• TARTAN scarves
• FUR scarves
• KNITTED thick scarves
• TOO LONG wipe-the-floor-with scarves
• SILK scarves

Well… all styles, except maybe for those long thin ones that used to be a hit back in the day. In terms of color it’s a heaven, from basic hues to prints, patterns and bright shades you can wear a scarf to mix in with your stylish outfit, but not make a stand, or you can make it the star of your look and spice up an otherwise plain outfit. How to wear scarves? More like is there a secret to wrapping & tying up a great scarf around your neck? I’ve always been a tad jealous of those women who so nonchalantly seem to just wrap a massive scarf around their neck, without ever having to think about it or check themselves in the mirror, but pulling it off big time. I always feel like this simple fashion task is the hardest of them all, hence my love and choice for fur scarves and tube ones. Yes they do look fabulous, but truth is it’s easier to pull a tube scarf over your head and look sophisticated or throw on a fur one, without having to worry about how to wrap these cozy accessories around your neck and have the same effect. If you’re going for blanket size scarves, they will look incredibly effortless sophisticated because however you choose to wear them you’ll probably nail that chic-bundled look.

If knitted long scarves are your cup of tea, leaving them sweep the floor/pavement is one way to go about the effortlessness or you can wrap them around your neck 100 times. No wind or rain will ever touch you.  Silky scarves – I always felt were for the warm season, when, truth is you don’t even need them. I for one, never saw  what the fuss was with them. Yeah style wise they look amazing, but so does the sight of a statement necklace or bare neck. I guess it’s the style statement that pushes some to go for silky scarves in blizzard cold. I do agree some patterns, prints and colors on these luxurious silky accessories are to die for… More SCARVES looks… Do you wear scarves? What’s your fave style?

I know you’re tempted to say ”both. doh.” but just think about it. If you had to choose one of the 2… which would it be? One with laces the other without. Both styles are courtesy of the 90′s comeback & grungy/dark/Nirvana-meets-Guns’Roses-looks. Add some punk in there, it is back in fashion anyway, and you pretty much summed up the biggest trends since 2012.

These heel-less ankle boots, however similar they look and translate into similar styles, making your outfit appear effortless, grungy, rocknroll or punk, you know what they say – the Devil is always in the details, and for small style variations on this 90′s theme each boot comes with its own spin on the look. Combat boots are a little above the ankle, lace-ups, more fitted around your foot, can be worn with laces tied up (super fitted, sort of punk style) or laces un-tied and left disheveled as if you had no time to properly put them on (sort of 90′s grunge look). Some have buckles & studs for extra drama, some come in vintage looking styles as if you’ve worn them for decades but cost you a week’s rent. They look fantastic with skinny jeans, leggings, tights & cutoffs, skirts, dresses, coats, jackets. If a laid back model off duty style is what you’re going for, they seem to be the best option. Moto Boots, on the other hand, are, since their 2012 comeback, still going strong be it summer or winter, and are perhaps a more tamed version of the punk grungy shoe style. They don’t have laces & they’re not fitted around you’re ankles. They usually have a zipper on the side or they’re loose enough for your foot to slide in. Yes they look as masculine & harsh as their siblings, but something about them makes them less heavy. Maybe the buckles or studs they usually come adorned with, or their shorter length (right around the ankle), but they seem more grungy-girly, rather than badass rocknroll.

Or maybe their ubiquity for the past year tamed them a little bit. I mean, it’s the same as the leather jackets. Since every girl and woman out there is wearing these biker boots all the time, (having nothing in common with the grunge trend, their boot option being none other than a passion for fashion), well there goes these boots’ initial rocnkroll statement. Right out the window. Let the boot battle begin – Combat VS Moto Boots looks: 

Combat Boots: Motorcycle/Biker Boots (click here for more styles and tips): I guess this is what happens with certain staples that used to belong only to a certain niche or style… if everyone is doing them, they’re bound to change their meaning and (don’t get me wrong) their fashion strength. I think we need something new asap.

Which brings me to the combats. Their sort of new comeback in fashion makes them somewhat new to the moto boot, right? Or not?Clearly they do have tons in common with the biker boots, and the style you get with either of them is basically the same, but which ones do you like best? I swear the more I think about it the more I’m confused. I used to adore biker boots, and would pick them over any other flat style shoe, but now… I’m not so sure. The idea of channeling an off duty model (in my distorted reality that is) is so appealing I might just consider the combat boots for now.

So,  if you had to choose one boot style, which would it be: with or without laces?

… the BLACK DRESS or even the little black dress going by the name of LBD will forever be that one piece us girls resort to when in a fashion predicament. But have you noticed how every time we choose a black dress for any event or even for work, or weekend getaways, as a last-minute-what-the-hell-am-I-gonna-wear-style-compromise you always end up looking & feeling your best.

So what’s the secret? I dare say it’s the elegance of the color (or non color), which compliments any skin tone, works for any occasion, is styled easily, blends in perfectly with any clothing or accessory item, hairstyle or makeup. The cuts & designs of a black dress are infinite and I don’t want to make this post just about the LBD, which we’ve talked about last summer, when it still was a massive hit, contrary to the boiling degrees we’ve survived. No way, this post will be about ALL black dresses.

From red-carpet styles, to office appropriate, to party little dresses, beach styles, flirty dresses, retro style, uber elegant or uber hot – the BLACK DRESS is for everywhere & everyone. And we might be surprised how a black dress initially purchased for say office can look good anywhere, or how a knee long chiffon LBD can go from office (blazer, tights, boots and pumps) to summer days (gladiator sandals) or going out (hot heels and red lips). We’ve all got at least one, and with the winter holidays almost here and the list of parties, dinners & lunches we’ll be attending, safe to say such a dress is quite the staple. Retail chains, magazines, blogs will be packed with all these ‘What to Wear’ options for NYE/Christmas party, and I promise you all of them will mention the black dress as one option.

I’m a bit curious as to the styles that will be hot this season. Although the classic Black Dress & LBD versions will forever remain intact, I think there’s gonna be an explosion of long silky & chiffon (maxi) dresses, slip on styles & leather. Each season I fall for at least 1 type of dress and I always always choose it/or would chose it in black. A few years ago I was obsessed with knee-length strapless bodycon black dresses, then it was the LBD (literally little, as in mini), last summer I was rocking my black maxi dress like there was no tomorrow, and NOW I’m on the look-out for a perfect leather LBD (long sleeves, and half V-cut back). Oh… and I predict 2 more looks I’ll be crazy about: 1. the slip on black dress (think those 90′s lingerie dresses Kate Moss used to wear as she was holding Johnny Depp’s hand on the red carpet), and 2. a black maxi dress with pointy stiletto ankle boots, and a blazer or leather jacket on top. In my mind it looks fabulous, will have to give it a try though. And these are just a handful of styles. I know for a fact one of my friends adores the retro/princessy styles, and another one loves the classic cuts appropriate for office-to-cocktail hours.

Let’s have a look at some black dresses styles and get inspired. Christmas & NYE are just around the corner… and so is Santa although there’s only so much he can do with these lists getting bigger and bigger by the hour, as one of you lovelies said. Nothing wrong with wishing though, right?  However you put it, the LBD will always make us look chic, sophisticated, a bit edgy yet always classy and ooze that effortless vibe as if we don’t give a crap what we wear, just pulled this black dress off  some rack, and look fabulous in it.

What’s your fave BLACK DRESS STYLE?

Hopefully I haven’t bored you yet with my Men Fashion & Style posts, as I confess writing about the men in our lives does tend to be a welcoming distraction and variety from the sartorial choices we make for ourselves.

Yes, we may not all be fashion connoisseurs but hell we love all that is fashion inspiring, be it menswear, music, art et all, and sometimes we do enjoy scrolling through some eye candy, cause god knows when the day should come that our BFs and husbands ask for our fashion advice we have to be prepaired.

Anyway… today, courtesy of a male reader who asked me to do a post on men’s eyewear, I thought, ‘Yeah. Why not! Or better yet, definitely!’ If not for the aforementioned reasons, than as a mirror of all that’s happening out there menswear wise. So many men of all ages, professions and styles are wearing glasses. Whether it’s a medical choice or a style statement more and more lads are choosing to hide behind the coolest frames and lenses.

Back in the day, when I was a teen everyone hated these accessories, and having to wear prescription glasses made you a nerd or just uncool. Today, it’s sort of the opposite.

Retro vintage thick dark frames have made a massive comeback since the 50′s and 60′s. Why is that I wonder? Perhaps since women’s fashion for the past 2 or 3 seasons is inspired by these decades, menswear follow these cyclic trends. Or maybe they started it. Regardless… they’re here, alongside other retro inspired bits, such as the undercut, the double breasted blazers, the denim on denim (although this is a more recent comeback. think 90′s).Being a far cry from a menswear stylist I confess I have no clue as to what type of eyewear fits what type of face, and frankly I wouldn’t jump to throwing advice at y’all cause 1. unless you have a perfect face (let’s face it, nobody does) the best way to find the perfect frames for you is to try on as many styles as possible and see which works best, with your face shape, your haircut, and your look, and 2. at the end of the day it’s all a matter of taste.

Personally I’d recommend thick frames for everyone. Sure in different shapes, colors and styles: round, square, oval, horn-rimmed, tortoiseshell, retro, vintage, two-tone styles, colored. The choices are limitless. Bottom line is, if you love it, and it looks good, rock it! Thick retro frames chosen to fit your face shape tend to be more versatile. Sure a bit hipster style, but… they do go well with anything from a suit, an office look, cardigans, sweaters, shirts, T-shirts, jeans, blazers, leather jackets, coats etc. Colored more funky styles are for those of you who love to make a statement, who have a penchant for style, for different looks and are not afraid to experiment. Simple thin or transparent frames are more classic, a bit more business style. Or think those posters advertising expensive men’s eyewear. Whatever your choice is, be it prescription or style based it all comes down to what you love and what best works for you. With today’s options you can definitely find the perfect glasses to fit both your face shape as your style: bohemian, intellectual, young professional, banker, hipster… think those boys from street style pics snapped at Fashion Weeks. :) And… since we’re talking glasses, we might as well throw in a few shades. Cause, you know we’re all wearing sunglasses regardless of season, so a bit of inspiration never hurt anyone. So boys, do you wear or like to to wear eyeglasses & sunglasses? What’s your style?

Dark LIPS, chokers, leather trousers, spiked anything, goth glam styles. No this is not a BDSM sequence. Or a Vampire series sequel. Nor is it a trip down memory lane. Nope. This is 2013 -2014 biggest makeup & beauty trend ever. Or at least since those 90′s. DARK LIPS.

For the past year or so red lipstick started getting a hue darker every time a celeb donned it on the red carpet, until wearing black (or close to it anyway) lipstick was the coolest thing eva’. The way I see it, we could blame this uber cool yet not-so-flattering-on-everyone-beauty-trend on either Rihanna or Azealia Banks, or on today’s hipster kids who missed out on the 90′s and wanna jump on the wagon we drove in the 1st place. Truth is… however you look at the dark lips makeup trend, you’re bound to love it and hate it at the same time, simply because when you see hot celebs and flawless faces rocking it you’re in it for its glam and beauty. You’re hooked. But, in my case, when I try to replicate this mysterious goth sophisticated classy look on myself I end up looking 10 years older & pissed off on the whole planet. So I hate it.

You know they say if you clash styles you’ll get a more eclectic sophisticated look… well, let me just say this: it’s not working. Dark Lips + I = beauty disaster. Still, giving up has never been my thing, so I’m not about to start off right now. After reading tons of beauty websites, watching makeup tutorials one thing they all preach is – everyone looks great in dark lips (cause of the mystery sophisticated factor bla bla bla) but all is a matter of choosing the right shade to go with your skin tone. As for the beauty rules… I have no idea which goes with what, but common sense and a bit of testing always go a long way.

• if your lips are darker keep your eyes minimal (mascara)
• flawless skin
• for daytime – make it all about the lips
• for evening – you can go full-on makeup, even dark eyes and lips, but tasteful. Style coordinate them with what you wear. 90′s attires (chokers, leathers, ripped jeans, boots) might make you look like a wild kid, which is fine if you’re 17. Not if you’re 30. Although this girl looks fantastic, so I guess it’s all a matter of taste and personal style.

How to wear dark lips?

When wearing this trend, it’s best to go on the chic mystery lane rather then too rocknroll. Unless you can totally pull it off, and it’s part of who you are, then fuck all the rules and be yourself.

• Dark lips tend to look fantastic with white or light clothes and  a bit more glamorous rich looks, because of the contrast or perhaps cause the 2 go hand in hand with the strength and power they both exude.
• Pastels and short flirty skirts or cutoffs give a bit of naughty schoolgirl vibe to it all.
• Jeans and sexy tops with high heels are very urban glam.
• Simple cocktail or red carpet dresses are fabulous when worn with dark lips, especially black or light colored dresses.

So yes… dark lips are not right down on everyone’s street, and not that easy to pull off… but a bit of testing and trying out looks might be well worth it. Cause you know… we all have in us a bit of that wonder woman, mysterious famme fatale who looks smoking hot in dark lips and expensive furs… Ah… it’s worth a shot, right?

Working in heels. Running errands in heels. Shopping in heels. Going out in heels. Cooking in heels. Cleaning in heels. Sleeping in heels. I swear ANYTHING is far better doing in heels than not. Even the most hateful and disgusting activities might just end up being looked forward to when the sexiest heels in the world are on your feet awaiting for you to conquer the world.

No wonder we wear them more often than not whenever in need of a confidence boost, whether it’s having that career moment in your life or just a fun night out. The sound of your heels on your office corridor is fucking empowering. As it’s the sexy heels we put on with skin tight jeans or flirty dresses when going out for drinks, working on tomorrow’s hangovers and laughing our asses off at the silliest things ever. Even having some simple heeled pumps on when going out for coffee or doing the groceries can turn these rather boring uneventful moments into incredibly fun times when you feel you could rule the world. Thank you Beyonce!

It is that saying after all – Give a girl the right shoes (heels. duh.) and she’ll conquer the world.

Just over the weekend I was out with my friends (not in heels this time) and while laughing, chatting and dancing to some rocknroll hits we got to the heels talk (don’t ask how!). And there we were speaking more truth in wine (or whatever) as we were professing our love and lust for these shoes. “I feel empowered when I have my hottest heels on” or “I feel fucking irresistible”. Whatever the quote per se… one thing remains clear, these shoes are made to make us look more appropriate, professional bla, bla, bla, but hot and confident as hell. When it comes to heels I have no doubt whatsoever they look smashing hot with whatever you wear them. Funky weird trends were born out of our addiction to heels: Sweatpants and heels. Hello! Steamy film scenes remain hot to this day, due to some sexy actress wearing something close to nothing and hot heels. Even your grandma’s knickers would most likely look pretty interesting (assuming sexy is too much) if paired with heels.

From pencil skirts to office cut trousers, to skinny jeans, boyfriends ripped styles, skirts, dresses, oversized sweaters or T-shirts, baseball caps or god knows what thing you’d never wear – all look or would look fabulous with the right heels on. The styles to choose from are so many, no wonder we can never have enough, so it’s better to have at least one pair of every style, cause you know when it comes to fashion we can be pretty unstable. Today I’m all about the chunky spiked heeled ankle boots, but tomorrow I may wanna channel my inner Carrie Bradshaw and run through town in those glamorous classic pumps or statement sandals and my pajama pants, cause I really can’t be bothered. And as long as my feet feel rich and sexy, who gives a shit.

And now… just cause it’s a boring Tuesday, let’s indulge into some pure shoes hotness! These days I’m more about basics, and love the stiletto heel on anything. Although my 2 shoe crushes are: the classic pumps & the pointy stiletto booties. Once summer comes I’ll probably be hooked on single strap stiletto sandals. I know they’re kinda hard to walk in, but assuming I could get form A to B in just seconds… I’d live in heels.

Until this mind teleportation gets sorted out I think us girls need to go out more often showing off our killer legs in sexy heels!

This is not about you, or your style, or your how you operate in the most fashionable way day-by-day. Nope. This is about your phone. That little gadget we pin our eyes onto so many times has become the one thing we cannot go a day without. Hell an hour. It’s an accessory. The IT thing everyone has, and everyone with a penchant for fashion and funky accessories personalizes courtesy of the millions of iphone cases out there. Did the iphone just become the doll of our generation? We dress it up, bling it up, change its clothes so many times, we might as well consider it an extension of our own style. When 2 years ago at Fashion Week every single person was showcasing (read flaunting) their iphones in the most funky fun posh cases ever  - it was clear: the iphone case is the trend! It started once this phone became our addiction and now we just found the perfect way to give this little thang more oompf. Last week over a talk I had with one of my friends about all these accessories for gadgets it hit me: the phone case is actually a thing of our generation.

Then I remembered all those posts I did of Fashion Week street style where every single blogger, fashionista, photographer, editor or designer was spotted carrying alongside designer bags, rings, bracelets, show invites and the rest – their iphones – all dressed up in the best clothes cases for the event. Wait… is she talking to a tiny little animal? No. It’s her phone’s case. Duh. From basic simple ones, that now just seem boring to the most colored, funky funny styles ever, phone cases are a dime a dozen. Printed, glittery, sparkled, textured, with funny texts, animal faces & bodies, insects, eyes, noses – just to make you love your phone more. Like that was ever possible. These pretty little things meant to protect our phones have also made designers like Marc Jacobs or Diane Von Furstenberg make a few styles themselves. And the best part about them in general, be it designer or corner-shop case – they are fucking affordable as if to feed our thirst for opulence or fun all the time. So what if I already have 20, I could use 200 more. Right? I could coordinate it to my nails one day, to my lipstick another, to my shoes or my mood, why not?

Enough talk… Christmas is almost here, and I think we could gift our phones with a new holiday case, right? So let’s have a look at some of the most funky and fabulous iphone cases… :) 

Cynthia Rowley phone case

Dsquared phone case

DVF phone case

Forever21 phone case

H&M phone case

Marc Jacobs phone case

Moschino phone case

Would you trade your go-to LBD for a sleek high fashion Black Jumpsuit? This is the question. In case you’re having trouble deciding what to wear to the winter holiday parties or to THE party - NYE – well, I’m just throwing more on your plate right now, with this duo dilemma.

When last week we were all about LBDs, and how we wouldn’t trade them in a million years for anything, and yesterday we were all sparkled & sequin inspired, I thought why not take this further and make it even more complicated with yet another option, that is actually worth considering for the 2014 New Year’s Eve Party: The Black Jumpsuit. Not a first timer here on FashionTag, this sleek sophisticated piece is reminiscent of those rebellious groovy uber hot 70′s, when every woman with a penchant for fashion donned one. More and more it seems celebs and fashionistas all over the world are rooting for this piece over the classic LBD. Truth is, although you show less skin in it, and it’s rather slouchy, hence somewhat unflattering for some body types, the BJ is pretty damn hot. It’s got a dose of retro reinvented refinement and elegance to it, and oozes sexiness in the most effortless way possible.

It’s at its best when styled with high heels like these, and accessorized to your own liking, but usually with one statement piece to add that oompf (statement earrings, necklace or belt) yet not overwhelm it. A simple clutch looks fab next to this piece. As outwear (it is chilly to say the least, on NYE) a fur coat can look super rich, expensive and luxurious, a leather jacket has got that rocknroll twist to it, or you can go for a blazer to classy-up your BJ. I’ve never tried a BJ on, but I bet it looks fabulous. It’s different. It’s retro but present. It’s refined and elegant but incredibly sexy, and depending on the cut and style, it can be extravagant, fashion forward, chic, timeless or edgy. Oh, and it’s super comfy, and I dare say kinda flattering for most women, making us resemble tall champagne glasses, and giving endless legs.Just a few weeks ago I saw one and ever since I’m considering wearing this BJ for an event (read NYE). It was that moment I saw this tall black sleek silky piece, with endless flowy legs and strapless design that I got to thinking: ‘would I trade my leather skirt or LBD (which I was initially head over heels for) for this rather simple hate-it-or-love-it-kinda-thing on the last night of December?’ 

Yes. I would. So if the BJ had this instant effect on me, I wonder would it seduce all women into trading their outfits for it?

Without further ado let’s look at some styles and have one more piece to consider when that what-to-wear-to-the-NYE-party-drama kicks in. Not that we needed to, but anyway.

So ladies… would you trade your LBD for a Black Jumpsuit?

I’m so curious what you ladies feel about the puffer jackets, which apparently seem to be making quite a comeback this cold season. What? I thought, fashion wise, I’d seen it all. Obviously I was wrong, cause the Michelin Man look is more IN that not.

When it comes to these puffers, my mind goes straight to my fashionably challenged, but otherwise happy childhood, when style wise, it was a nightmare. And I blame this on my mom, who, bless her, thought these horrendous coats were pretty cool. Or perhaps she didn’t give a damn, cause all she wanted was for me to not catch a cold. Fair enough. So there I was, for years and years and years, and more years in a row looking like a freaking marshmallow, that had more layers than a stupid cake and onion altogether. T-shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, the all present puffer, and as if that was not enough, a beanie, a scarf, mittens and some huge boots to balance off my top heavy layered body. Thank God for those, otherwise I’d have just flipped over. Don’t even get me started on the sound these jackets make. It was a why-don’t-I-blow-a-horn to let everyone know I’m coming, minutes before I was even in sight. Oh wait. I don’t have to. My jacket does that for me. Childhood fashion trauma. Now that’s something I never wanna relive.

Frankly I can see how on some people’s puffers look great, and I can also understand why we’d wanna resort to these, when the weather is kinda forcing us to. Which makes me wonder, has the fashion lot given in to comfort over style? A little bit. Some posh faces slash editors slash rich socialites donned these puffer coats at New York Fashion Week, but never without their skinny trousers, dresses, heels and all that glamour and drama. So this off-the-ski-slopes-look is a bit reinvented and adapted to style, but if you ask me (please keep in mind my trauma, which hence makes me biased) a puffer jacket would just make me look like an elephant in a china shop.

Remember that Seinfeld episode when George was wearing his huge puffer jacket and destroyed a whole store by just standing there. Exactly. Now, being anything but clam and subtle I’d literally crush everything in my way, while, due to my height, I’d be looking like a giant chicken, with skinny legs and massive body that’s on the edge on flipping over. Heels are out of discussion at this point. So I’ll just stick to my numerous layers and a coat. Thank you. Unless I’m skiing or something, but since that’s the one thing I can’t do, and I’ll never again be caught dead in the mountains (trauma #2. at this point you’re free to think the obvious: ”she’s pretty fucked up”), the outcome of the puffer for me, is pretty clear.

But, if there’s one thing fashion has taught me, it’s to never say never, so let’s be unbiased here for a sec and look at the bright side of the ugly puffer coat. In climates that can get freezing it’s the only thing that’ll actually keep you warm. It is comfy and snugly, to the point you might end up looking like you’re covered in your duvet and still lying in bed, but that’s another story. 2014 comes with a tiny help fashion wise. It offers a variety of styles, cuts and designs for the puffer look: waist cinged, long, short, massive, or less massive, colored, printed etc, etc, etc.

I realize one can look even great in a puffer, I have a friend that’s obsessed with these, so I know the other side of the story too. She wears them with anything, like I wear a coat. It does look good, if massive bodies and skinny legs is what you’re going for. Sorry pal. What I still don’t know, is if she wears them out of both style and comfort reasons equally, or just the latter? That is the question. Okay, promise to behave from now on. I would kinda sorta wear a puffer jacket for warmth reasons alone, if I found one that’s at least a bit flattering. I’d probably go for a black one either short or thigh-length, not too massive, fur trimmed, with skinny jeans (not cause I’d wanna emulate that giant chicken, but because larger pants would have people mistake me for a homeless demented woman) and less layers. I could even do a cropped top in ‘-’ degrees. Ha! … … … … (wait. I’m giving the puffer a thought right now.)Or, I’d go over the top (that’s not at all impossible with a jacket that resembles a duvet) with a bright colored waist short puffer, like a bright red one, layered over a chunky knitted longer sweater. P.S. I just had an epiphany: could the puffer coat have made its comeback courtesy of celebs being spotted in them right before stripping off for red carpet event to get photographed in their revealing dresses? Or, cause it’s this jacket they choose to wear when running errands in cold temperatures and hiding from the paparazzi? Well… they’re obviously wearing them for style reasons. Some more street style pics for inspo. Eventually I can see what the fuss is with the puffer coats. They do not look that bad. Or as bad as I recall, but there’s still a ‘but’ for me.

Or maybe I’ve been just too traumatized.

It’s finally here! That time of the year when the best thing to do is hang out with your family and friends, exchange gifts, stuff ourselves with food like there’s no tomorrow, and just relax and have fun.

Today it’s Christmas Eve and tradition has it, for almost everyone, to spend this day and evening with the loved ones, over dinner, drinks and Christmas day preparations. By now you either have a clue on what you’ll wear tonight & tomorrow (if you’re visiting) or you don’t give a shit. ;) If this Christmas you choose to stay in, alone or with your significant other, in your PJs enjoying loads of cake, hot chocolate and watching old films, then this post is not for you. This one might be. And one more thing… please know, as much as we love visiting, we’re jealous of you right now.

If, like myself, you’re on a few ‘guest-lists’ this holiday season… (my posh invite being that of my parents and a few friends) well you got 2 options, both depending on (1) where you’re off to, and (2) your style. What To Wear For Christmas? 

Let’s just assume not everyone is having a Kardashian Christmas. Read: posh, designer outfits, sexy, opulent. Actually great if you can afford it and you’re a celeb. So, assuming we’re all incredibly entertaining guests on our parents lists, and crazy family reunions, when dressing up for these things I would presume it’s better to play it safe. There’s always that opinionated auntie or grandma with a penchant for proper fashion, so… leave your edgy-sexy-weird attire home, and go for something a bit more classy with just a touch of your personal style. #1 Comfy & put-together

Besides, it’s all about looking put together but comfortable. If there is no dress code, I think a cute dress, or a nice blouse with a skirt or classic trousers, or even jeans will do. Nice makeup, cute nails, accessories (maybe a statement necklace or earrings) will give you a bit of jazz. #2 Slightly posh, but not-Kardashian-glam.

If, however the gathering is a bit more pretentious, you might want to consider a dress & heels with a blazer on top, or a fur vest. Even something with sequins may work. Or even an over-the-top outfit if you keep your hair & makeup simple. When you’re visiting family… it’s all about balance. Anyway, if you want to combine all the above, without risking to look ridiculous, I think clashing styles in a very subtle way is the best alternative.

For example a warm comfy sweater goes great with a more posh skirt and heels. A statement necklace on top, hair pulled back in a messy nonchalant bun will give you that comfy, can’t-be-bothered-but-look-great vibe. Anything goes as long as it’s not too sexy. A great source of inspo for this would be Olivia Palermo’s style & Alexa Chung’s. Somewhere in between classy, refined, elegant with a touch of edge & modern twist. Merry Christmas everyone!!! Kisses xoxo