Wednesday 27 May 2015

Collection: Viktor & Rolf SS15

Imaginably striking and beautiful, a field of blooming flowers is instantly portrayed in Viktor & Rolf's Spring/Summer collection as their initial influence arose from the work of Vincent Van Gough. Bold floral patterns in a seemingly dull, rather old-fashioned colour pallet were modernised through - as no other can expect from a Viktor and Rolf collection - dramatic, intense and purely wonderful 3D pieces.






Masses of ruffles create voluminous skirts and sleeves giving the garments such a powerful perception as they fiercely amplify the floral print. Enthusiastic colours fill the odd shape, the random blocks of monotoned complexions highlighting the individual motif of the pattern, spritely making the otherwise monochrome scheme more interesting.



Intricately detailed flowers formed from wire and and wax lift from garments, creating adventurous flower scenes. The cami style dresses refrains the magnificent structures from appearing too overbearing, building a dainty style for the structures to work from. Strips of monochrome applique finished with a black bow gives the collection a subtle trademark detail - one which might be recognised as vintage, harmonising with the matured theme of Van Gough.



 What are your thoughts on the Viktor & Rolf SS15 collection?


Sunday 24 May 2015

Pinterest Summer Inspo

Bright and radiant, the sun is glistening off the flat surface of the tranquil sea, warm and calming as the ripples of water lap around your ankles and - oh. I can hope though, right?
In actual fact, the sun is not shining, but is cast behind a blanket of grey cloud. The rain pitter patters, pitter patters against the window. The darkly toned sea remains choppy and certainly not warm! So whilst we're still captured in such awfully un-May-like weather, I can't yet bring myself to crack open the summer wardrobe, but rather lusting over summer style on Pinterest. I've gotten so into pinning atm and you can follow my Pinterest here.


So timeless and pretty, crochet and lace tops will always be a summer favourite of mine. I love the boho vibes of this waistcoat and the so on-trend swish and swirl of the tassels. The animal prints are made to look so much more mature and chic in their monochrome, silhouette form, and I love the loose fitting of kimonos and cotton shorts - so perfect for summer temperatures! I really want to try some patterned trousers this year, but it's so difficult when they make short legs look even shorter than ever.


There's one thing I can never get enough of for summer: florals. There's so many different shapes, forms, colours and prints, they can't possibly ever get boring! Intricate cut outs are a current favourite of mine and I love the delicacy of the forms in this hem. I am yet to purchase a white blouse, but they're so versatile and light, so perfect for summer as they'll naturally team well with any printed skirt, trousers or shorts.

What will you be loving this summer?

Friday 22 May 2015

White Jeans and Pale Pink Roses

Who else is completely and utterly fed up with the current un-May-like weather? I'm so eager to crack out the summery tops and skirts - I'm finding it rather challenging to dress for the in-between-seasons' temperatures.

Usually, white jeans are a strict summer-wardrobe-piece-only for me. A total winter no-go. And certainly not to be paired with jumpers. But the pale pink complexion and 3/4 length sleeves of this jumper as well as its cropped cut made this outfit, actually, acceptable, making the jumper look a lot lighter and cooler.


I have to say, I did feel like I was stepping out from the Moschino SS15 Barbie collection, perhaps due to the pink and white mixture of colours, however I do just love the way in which the shades harmonise so well together. The rose detailing on the jumper is also so pretty and intricate, I think it needed the lift from the whiteness of the jeans.




Pink Rose Detailed Jumper - New Look (old)
White High Waisted Jeans - Topshop
Caged Sandals - New Look



Wednesday 20 May 2015

Mid-Season Sale Haul

Rather a lot of shops are currently in the midst of a cracking mid-season sale, and of course I've been making the utter most of it! But who can blame me, eh? New Look in particular have been ace with up to 60% off both instore and online and when I'm making that oh-too-regular trek through town from college to the bus station, temptation just has to get the better of me!

Tropical Print Tube Skirt - New Look - was £9.99 - now £5


Last year, the tropical print was huge for SS14, and this summer, its set to make a great comeback. I just can't help but love the bold prints and the bright pop of colours - so so perfect for the warmth of the summer season. I think that this would team well with a loose cropped plain tee and sandals for a casual summers day.

Floral T Shirt Dress - New Look Generation 915 (sold out, similar tee here)

Florals will hands down probably always be my favorite summer trend. So timeless and versatile with so many different colours and prints and styles to chose from, the choice is endless! I love the loose, casual fit with the t-shirt sleeves, making this so versatile for either day-time or evening wear. I'll be most likely pairing this with some black caged sandals, but in the winter this can be easily worn with tights and ankle boots too.

High Neck Bodycon Dress - New Look (sold out, similar here

I'm really loving the high neck 70s trend. It gives off such sophisticated yet cool vibes. The thinly knitted style makes this totally versatile, making it perfect for teaming with sandals in the summer, but also tights, ankle boots and a loose jacket in the winter.

Peplum Jumper - Topshop (sold out)

With the weather still acting pretty chilly and totally not like its the end of May, I'm currently loving teaming thin knits with jeans and chunky boots. I love the minimal effect of the grey tone and how it leaves all emphasis on the frilly peplum.

Floral Pop Pom Cropped Cami - Missguided - was £12 - now £6

Don't pom poms just make the cutest addition to any top/skirt/shorts? They add a dainty detail which really lighten up the piece of clothing. I love the boldness of these flowers and the fluffy texture created by the intricacy of the shapes' detail. I'll most likely be styling this cute cami with high waisted jeans and shorts.

What have you been buying in the mid-season sales?

Friday 15 May 2015

Cannes Film Festival 2015 - The Best Dressed

Previewing new films of all genres from around the world, Cannes Film Festival happened over in France on Wednesday night, and oh-so-beautiful attires were strutted down that prestigious red carpet.


Fan Bingbing

Chinese actress Fan Bingbing opted for a magnificent pastel pink Ralph and Russo gown embroidered with complementary green flowers and leaves. The off the shoulder style keeps the look current and modern whilst the immense train graces elegance.


Angelababy

Dressed in Christian Dior couture, Angela Young, otherwise known by her stage name Angelababy, similarly chose a pretty floral embroidered ensemble. The full mid-calf length skirt creates a dainty style whilst the cut out trend keeps the look current.

Natalie Portman

Also in Dior, Natalie Portman pulled off this striking red number, its lack of embellishment and pattern allowing all of the dress' emphasis to be dropped on the jagged line of the triangle/zigzag neckline.

Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o stole the night in this wonderful mint green Gucci gown. The dramatic skirt creates such a beautiful movement, whilst the floral embellishments around the dashing neckline adds a level of intricate detailing.

Karlie Kloss

Is it a jumpsuit or a dress? Perhaps half a skort? Model Karlie Kloss amazed us all in this Atelier Versace piece.The half trouser, half skirt style gives the look an edgy effect, whilst the shiny fabric creates one of glamour.

Doutzen Kroes

Victoria's Secret model Doutzen Kroes also opted for Atelier Versace, wearing a pure white number with a daring thigh high slit and glamorous one shoulder sleeve.

Which were your favourite looks from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet?

Monday 11 May 2015

SS15 Trend: Intricate Cut Outs

Intricate detailing, labyrinthine patterns and tangled lines, the cut out trend for this season has just achieved a whole advanced level of elaborate. From linear grids to organic swirls, designers from Valentino to Bora Aksu are removing and cutting tiny shapes from plain fabrics, allowing the entangled lines left to generate a garment of intensity and detail. The garments tend to be otherwise plain, and of simple styles, allowing the delicate forms to take utter control of contrarily subtle designs.


L-R Chloe, Valentino, Ermanno Scervino, Akris, Bora Aksu


Shop the Trend

Pink laser cut hem crop top - New Look - £9.99
Laser cut overlay dress - Topshop - £40
Laser cut shell top - Missguided - £12
White laser cut out top - Zara - £25.99
Laser cut out loafers - Select Fashion - £10.99

Cut outs on the highstreet are predictably a bundle more subtle (boring) than those which graced the runways for the SS15 shows. Most are sticking to just removing shapes from the hem of the garment, whilst some slightly more courageous are in fact covering the whole garment, yet keeping the forms monotonously repetitive and simple. Highstreet stores are being less brave and a lot more minimal. Never-the-less the clothing above is, although rather trivial, perfect for participating with bold prints, such as floral and geometric patterns. Their monochrome colour tone makes them perect for teaming with bright or varied colours too!

Will you be sporting the intricate cut out trend for SS15?

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Met Gala 2015 - The Best Dressed

China: Through The Looking Glass. A beautiful theme was chosen for this years Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art over in New York, Monday evening. A theme sounding so elegant and graceful - Anna Wintour, very well done!

A-list celebs graced the red carpet in all their glory, here's who did it best.

Beyoncé

Dressed in Givenchy, Beyoncé unsurprisingly stunned us all, in a majestic, sheer fishtail dress embellished in thousands of multi-complexioned sequins. The glistening sequins create a shine of intricacy as they harmonise together beautifully.




Kate Hudson


Actress Kate Hudson looked as glowing as ever in a Michael Kors gown covered in intricate gold embroidery. It's stylish high neckline preserves utter sophostication whilst the simple fit emphasizes the elequant train.


Candice Swanepoel


Also in Michael Kors, model Candice Swanepoel sported a rather similar gown, also smothered in a beautiful gold detailing of intricacy. The figure hugging style emphasizes her sophisticated, feminine sillhouette whilst the subtle fishtail skirt shows all elements of elegance.




Jennifer Lopez


J-Lo opted for a fishtail Versace gown of a red tone, it's complexion and layered skirt emphasizing a rich drama. The large cut out at the hip may be slightly 'too' revealing but the sequined bodice generates impacts of gracefulness and sophistication.


Rosie Huntington-Whiteley


Also dressed in Versace, Victoria Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley defined the concept of elegance dressed in a chic, nude coloured floor length with a small but sophisticated trumpet train. The sparkly panels and dainty cut outs add elements of intricacy whilst the asymmetric thigh slit and one shouldered sleeve creates a modern twist on the traditional maxi.



Kim Kardashian West


In Roberto Cavalli, Kim K wowed us all as she sported a great train of pure white feathers which graced against the stunning bodice, glistening in tiny seequins, all aligned to form intricate patterns and detailing.



Kendall Jenner


Last up from the Kardashian/Jenner clan, Kendall opted for a more subtle gown as she appeared in this dazzling green Calvin Klein number. The high neck and low hem preserve sophistication whilst the more revealing sides of the bodice creates a more daring effect.


What were your favourite looks from the Met Gala this year?

Monday 4 May 2015

April Favourites

It really does feel like forever ago since I last posted, but, being in my second year of college - continuing with textiles and English Language whilst also fast tracking photography (not to mention the hour and a half commute) - the past few months have been busy, to say the least. But, with textiles and photography completed and out of the way, I am determined to get myself back into blogging again.

Duster Coat

Looking out of the window now, it's hard to believe the gorgeous weather we had just a few weeks ago. With those mild spring temperatures, this duster was the perfect outer layer. I picked it up in the new look winter sale a few months ago and have been dying to wear it ever since. A big fan of long-line coats, I love the cosy, comfortable length as well as the oversized pockets meaning that you can carry your phone, lipstick and keys without always needing to lug a bag around with you.

VANS


Rummaging through my wardrobe, I came across some old footwear that I realised I'd pushed aside over the winter months. Comfortable and casual, I used to live in my pairs of Vans before beginning to favour my ever-growing collection of boots. And, after wearing them once again, I can't seem to be able to take them off! I love styling them with the Topshop frilly socks too!

Dylon Dyes

My textiles exam prep mostly relied on dying fabric as I wanted a splattered, abstract ditribution of a number of colours as opposed to one plain fabric you would find in a fabric store. So I made a trip to my local fabric shop where I was advised to use dylon dyes. The packets' instructions state to dye the fabric in the washing machine, however, due to my desired, multi-comnplexioned effect, I shook the dyes in their powdered forms over soaking wet cotton, gaining a random splodge of colours. If using by hand however, I would strongly advise using gloves as mine reacted to the dyes, getting very cracked and sore!

Max Factor Lipstick


Having always favoured bolder eye makeup over a bold lip, I've recently become quite obsessed with lipsticks, particularly enjoying the shade 'raisin' from Max Factor. It's quite a dark colour with a matte finish so I tend to apply it thinly. It's longlasting and I will definitely be trying more shades from the Max Factor collection!

Pop Tarts

A completely random favourite, but I can't believe I only tried Pop Tarts a few weeks ago. I absolutely love them and can't help but allow them to take over my morning routine with breakfast!

What things have you been loving lately?