Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

November 14, 2012 § Leave a comment

15th November is tomorrow. And we all know exactly which super important event is happening in the Fashion World on that exact date. Of course it is the launch of Maison Martin Margiela for H&M. This is another one of those awesome H&M project that brings world’s best designer creation to people at affordable prices. Yet by looking at the collection that will hit the stores tomorrow causing hour-long queues I can safely say – not my thing. In fact, I really do wonder if it is going to be anyone’s thing. Some items – surely, but others make me feel they were not made with high street customer in mind. Let me guide your through a selection of items and explain what I mean.

1. Ladies Nº 59 – Invisible wedge ankle boot, £179.99
2. Ladies Nº 58 – Trompe l’oeil sneaker, £69.99
3. Ladies Nº47 – Plexi wedge pump, £149.99
4. Ladies Nº 57 – Candy clutch, £34.99
5. Ladies Nº2 – Body with integrated bra, £29.99
6. Ladies Nº 55 – Candy clutch, £34.99

First 3 pieces are by far my favourite: black ankle boots, comfy high-top trainers and nude pumps are every wardrobe’s essentials. So thank you MMM for adding your creative touch to these absolute must-haves. Next 3 items I am still undecided about, but I love the creativity that went into them while still making those quite wearable. Candy clutches in silver and pink were the first I fell in love with, but that all changed when I saw how oversized they are. And believe me, I love oversized handbags – just not too sure if a foil bag that is nearly half my size is slightly overdoing it. And then the nude body with the bra – another great idea that on the model just looks, well, cheap. My advise – do try it on before purchasing and maybe you will be the lucky person it looks good on.

7.   Ladies Nº4 – Oversized jeans, £39.99
8.   Ladies Nº5 – Oversized turtleneck jumper, £79.99
9.   Ladies Nº26 – Trousers mini skirt, £59.99
10. Ladies Nº27 – Hitched up dress, £99.99

Now, lets move on to the pieces I can not get my head around. 7-10 are probably the most unflattering clothes that have ever been made for women. First let’s have a look at these jeans and jumper. I’m not saying us ladies need to be in skintight clothing at all times, but this oversizing is taking things to the next level. The unwearable level that is. Maybe if I had issues with my weight I would have enjoyed the feeling of wearing clothes at least 10 sizes bigger, but having to actually wrap the jeans around my waist twice and on purpose, does not go down in my morning to do list. Then there is a trouser and mini skirt combo that gives me flashbacks to 90’s. These are not good flashbacks. Some fashion styles should stay in the past forever. And finally – the hitched up dress. In the comments to it, someone said it would be perfect for middle-eastern themed party, but I would not wear one even if I was paid to do it. I do feel sorry for that poor model they hired..

But there is no way I could have finished this blog post/rant without mentioning this final piece. Duvet Coat (£179.99). I was actually rendered speechless when I first saw it and even now I can hardly comment on it. It is hideous. And even if it is made for runway it is not made for the streets. I do hope if anyone actually purchases it they wear it around the house like one of those blankets with sleeves. Or if they go on holiday to a very, very remote mountain area.

All in all, as you have probably guessed I am terribly disappointed. Maybe 15th November is not going to be that special after all!

TOPSHOP FEVER

November 7, 2012 § Leave a comment

As I descended the escalator leading to the underground kingdom of Topshop at Oxford Circus, I knew that just as usual, I would not leave its hustle and bustle without a few purchases (at least). While wandering around hundreds of meters of clothing, jewellery and shoe racks I caught myself concentrating on very specific groups of items. It’s just one of those days when you approach shopping with a clear vision of an outfit in your head. I wanted a shirt, preferably checkered and definitely oversized. I needed to replenish my colour variation of my favourite Leigh Jeans (I have about 10 different variations of those super-skinny soft denim trousers that feature in my daily outfits pretty much 99% of the time). Then I felt like new boots (still looking for something to replace Uggs, that I will no longer be seen in outside of my flat) and some additional bracelets for my growing stacking collection (I recently sorted out my accessories wardrobe and found extra place for new purchases, how exciting). And yet as often is the case in Topshop, there are tens of combinations for that one specific thing you came in to buy. So while making my decisions, I decided to blog about all the items I tried on – all of which are so on My Fashion Wish List (but only some ended up in my wardrobe). In other words, here is my personal edit of Topshop collection. Enjoy.

  1. Mix And Match Check Shirt, £30
  2. Mid Stone Check Shirt, £36
  3. Casual Stud Collar Shirt, £38
  4. Chambray Pocket Check Shirt, £36
  5. Stud Collar Check Shirt, £34
  6. Blue Coated Leigh Jeans, £42
  7. Bone Supersoft Skinny Leigh Jeans, £38
  8. Supersoft Skinny Leigh Jeans, £38
  9. Tux Stud Leigh Jeans, £42
  10. Black Coated Leigh Jeans, £42
  11. Wild Thing Multi Pack, £14
  12. Skull Cross Bracelet Pack, £12.50
  13. Cross Plait Bracelet, £12.50
  14. Sparkle Bracelet Pack,  £12.50
  15. Rhinestone and Spike Bracelet, £12.50
  16. Mixxy Glitter Chelsea Boots, £38
  17. Actor Buckle Cut Out Boots, £95
  18. Amalie Leopard Studded Boots, £95
  19. Darcy Stud Wrap Strap Wellies, £30
  20. Alcatraz Electric Heel Boots, £78

Inspired by Celebrity Style

September 11, 2012 § Leave a comment

Three of the brightest young stars of Hollywood (Emma Watson, Kristen Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence) known for three of the biggest movie franchises (Harry Potter, Twilight Saga, Hunger Games) are currently promoting three new films in Toronto (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, On the Road and Silver Linings Playbook) each wearing one of three best outfits of the week (Erdem, Zuhair Murad and Dior Couture). In fact all three looked so good (special congratulations to Kristen Stewart for looking stunning on her first post-cheating-scandal appearance, the minimum she needed to achieve if she is to get R-Patz back) I had to share these looks with you so we all could be inspired for A/W12 season and learn a thing or two about what is hot right now.

  1. Floral patterns. Yes, florals for Autumn Winter season. Getting used to it should not be hard knowing how much we all desire to extend this summer feeling.
  2. Colour. Avoid black on black despite being the most functional colour combination for rainy season. At least give colourful accessories a go.
  3. Pointy heels. They are back. And yes, you can stick to black colour here. Best thing about pointy heels – they make your legs look extra long. Worst – if you have slightly wider feet than normal, like me, good luck trying to wear them for more than an hour at a time.
  4. Vivid lips. Whether it’s Cherry or Fuchsia, make your lips stand out. My recommendation for luscious colour – Mac or Bobby Brown.
  5. Shiny Brunette locks. Ok, this hot trend is totally made up. If you are blond, you are just as fashionable this season as last but since these three gorgeous ladies are sporting my hair colour I thought I might as well…

So this season add some colour to your Fashion Wish List whether it comes in a form of a floral frock or dramatic lips, wear classic shoes that you might have to take off in under 60 minutes and keep your eye on these three ladies, who are likely to continue inspiring our fashion choices for months to come.

Autumn Staple: Biker Boots

August 14, 2012 § Leave a comment

With the last days of summer fast approaching it is time to start getting ready for new season and welcome Autumn/Winter 2012 fashion. In the first post dedicated to autumn wardrobe overhaul I have decided to concentrate on staple and classic item of my own wardrobe (and millions of other wardrobes around the globe for that matter) – biker boots. Living in London, with its mono-season weather I can get away with wearing biker boots practically every day, but it is autumn in particular when I simply don’t leave the house without a pair of them on. They are cool, comfy and city-friendly, which is more or less the only requirements I have for my footwear. Below I picked out my favourites that will suit every wallet with a price ranging from £30 to £650, enjoy!

  1. Frye Biker Boot, £177, available at farfetch.com – if you like them neat and uncluttered, this boot is for you
  2. Ash Titan Antique Studded Ankle Boots, £279 – from the brand that makes some of the most classic biker boots on high street
  3. Fiorentini and Baker Elis Eternity Studded Biker Boot, £295, available at net-a-porter.com – slouchy top for misfit look
  4. Via Roma XV. S.Mortiz Biker Boot, £146, available at farfetch.com – with tired looking cotton panel those boots have a nicely worn-in look
  5. Asos America Biker Boot, £55 – perfect choice for those on the budget
  6. Topshop Davidson Biker Wellies, £30 – for a rainy day
  7. Jimmy Choo Rabbit Lined Leather Biker Boots, £650, available at net-a-porter.com – the investment piece made to last and thanks to the fury lining will be in use both autumn and winter
  8. Ash Trash Antique Studded Leather Boots, £309 – the tall version of the previously shown Ash boot and it comes in brown, for those bored of black
  9. River Island Lace Up Biker Boots, £75 – just in case buckles are not enough

Starheels and the Supers

July 27, 2012 § Leave a comment

Yesterday my blog post was dedicated to Karl Lagerfeld’s capsule collection inspired by Olympics and today I decided to stay on the topic and discuss brand new Kurt Geiger capsule collection that takes its inspiration from comic books and superheroes. Based on socially accepted stereotypes, fashion and comic books should not go together – fashion is for those who don’t eat carbs, never take off their heels and are never seen without perfectly blow dried hair while comic books are for the geeky types that play computer games and never leave their rooms. Yet in the postmodernist world of 21st century those stereotypes should be a long forgotten thing, at least that is what my experiences have shown as 4 years ago I used my laptop mainly to play World of Warcraft and now my primary usage of the same device is fashion blog writing. Even if we disregard the communities surrounding comic books and fashion, both are clearly art forms and hence have common ground for mutual inspiration. (I would love to see a comic book inspired by fashion – with super stylish superheroes maybe? Let me know if there is one!)

Now that the inspiration has been legitimised, let’s talk about the collection. Colourful, studded and badass – those three word say it all. Most of the designs are  not for fainthearted: you need to be able to walk in heels and do it well as wedges have narrow base and pumps come with supersize platforms, at the end of the day its all about risking lives with those superheroes, right? But just in case there is an option of flats that are just as colourful and studded without the instability of the uplift. Below are my favourites but you can choose from the whole range of styles and for most from a few colour combinations at KurtGeiger.com and in stores.

  1. Esme in pink, £160
  2. Eris in tan, £190
  3. Esme in black, £150
  4. Elektra in tan, £150
  5. Elektra in pink, £150
  6. Elena in black, £110
  7. Elena in tan, £110

Back To My Roots

July 19, 2012 § Leave a comment

Russia, with its vibrant culture and rich history has been a fashion inspiration for many designers. Being a Russian-born Londoner, it is always touching to see those pieces – they remind me of my mother-land and its infinite cultural treasures. My favourite collection inspired by Russian Empire so far has been Chanel’s pre-fall 2009, but it might be about to change with introduction of Russian Matryoshka (nesting doll) to Fall-Winter 2012 collection by Charlotte Olympia. Quirky handbag, Charlotte Olympia’s well known high heels and my favourite Pandora clutch that has been altered especially for this collection (now it comes in wood – the same material original dolls are made out of) are the first pieces to be unveiled to the world. I seriously hope there is more to come – statement elements and vibrant colours are very much needed in our autumn wardrobes.

  1. Baboushka Embroidered Leather Clutch, £375 available at Net-a-Porter.com
  2. Matryoshka Suede Sandal, $1565 (approximately £1000) available at BergdorfGoodman.com
  3. Pandora Matryoshka Wooden Clutch, £575 available at Net-a-Porter.com

Ancient Greek Sandals

July 12, 2012 § Leave a comment

I don’t know how many of you will agree but when it comes to holiday the idea of wearing heels during the day goes out of the window. The replacement shoes of choice are flat sandals that leave the feet open to enjoy the sun, show off holiday pedicure and get you from A to B in absolute comfort. The only problem is finding a stylish solution – and this year there is only one BIG cool brand to turn to – Ancient Greek Sandals. Created by Christina Martini who has gained immense experience from her years in Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton and her business partner who specialises in shoe production Nicolas Minoglou, these historically inspired fashion pieces for your summery feet are simple yet extremely stylish. The entire collection is designed in neutral colours, many of which come in metallic shades reminiscent of the precious metals used in ancient Greece.
Below are my favourites, but you can find the whole range in various online and department stores.

  1. Ikaria, £130
  2. Aphrodite, £140
  3. Medea, £140
  4. Pythia, £95

THE Shoes by Kanye West

June 25, 2012 § 1 Comment

To tell you the truth so far I haven’t been particularly excited by designs showcased by Kanye West. Apart from one specific item – a pair of shoes. THE KANYE WEST SHOES. They were first presented to the world as a part of Spring Summer 2012 collection during Paris Fashion Week. So why am I mentioning it now, such a long time since you might wonder? That is because I recently found where to purchase them from – LouisaViaRoma.com. And the fact that I discovered them does not mean I am the first in line to buy them, especially at £4145, but then who knows maybe one of you are! (And if so I am not judging you in any way, if I had that much to spare, I would not hesitate a second!)

Statement heels inspired by tribal jewellery and covered in pearly beads make your legs look significantly thinner thanks to thick ankle rings, and who would not want that visual effect? But Kanye is not the only one to thank for these beauties as they were created in collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti, a brand known for their beautiful heels of highest quality – yet another reason to love them! And as much as I love them, I am by far not the only fan! Anna Della Russo wore these heels to Alexander McQueen show straight after they appeared on the runway, Chanel Iman sported them while attending Givenchy show accompanying their creator the day after and recently Kim Kardashian was seen in them, of course who would not wear your boyfriend’s designs!

(Discounted) Designer Holiday

June 12, 2012 § Leave a comment

Nowadays with rise of websites offering discounted holidays we are all on the look out for bargain price for luxury get away. And inspired by this trend and the fact that there are only 10 sleeps left until I leave London for 9 days of sun, sea and partying, I decided to compile 3 perfect holiday outfits that are all about bargain and luxury. And there is no better place to look for such combination than my favourite discounted designer website TheOutnet.com.

Below I put together a comfortable outfit for travel purposes which originally cost £1653 but is now yours for £734.15 giving you a 56% discount; hot beach or pool ensemble which was £1349 and is now available to purchase for £633.20 giving you a 53% discount; and a summery party outfit that will get you ready for tropical cocktails and holiday romance originally at £1305 but currently with The Outnet discount of 56% at £568.

I hope this post will leave you feeling ready for holiday and inspired to create your own fashionable outfits. Check out TheOutnet.com for thousands more discounted designer pieces. 

  1. Twenty8Twelve by S.Miller T-Shirt, was £85 now £29.75
  2. Marni Leather Tote, was £480 now £240
  3. Linda Farrow Luxe Acetate Aviator Sunglasses, was £449 now £179.60
  4. Levi’s Made & Crafted Low-Rise Jeans, was £135 now £74.25
  5. Day Birger et Mikkelsen Cardigan, was £179 now £80.55
  6. NewbarK Flor Leather Shoes, was £325 now £130

  1. Melissa Odabash Aurora Maxi Dress, was £380 now £171
  2. Victoria Beckham Cat Eye Sunglasses, was £275 now £123.75
  3. Jets by Jessika Allen Coutryside Bikini Top, was £105 now £57.75
  4. Jets by Jessika Allen Coutryside Bikini Briefs, was £79 now £43.45
  5. Bernardo Moon Leather Flat Sandals, was £155 now £77.50
  6. Kenneth Jay Lane Tasseled Bead Necklace, was £150 now £67.50
  7. M Missoni Printed Canvas Tote, was £205 now £92.25
  1. Venessa Arizaga Flash Charm Bracelet, was £270 now £135
  2. Pour la Victoire Neala Suede Sandals, was £215 now £107.50
  3. Diane von Furstenberg Lauristel Ruffle Dress, was £450 now £157.50
  4. Nicole Fendel Belle Brass Drop Earrings, was £170 now £68
  5. Beirn Watersnake Crossbody Bag, was £200 now £100

Leaf Me Alone

June 3, 2012 § Leave a comment

No, the title above does not have a spelling mistake – it is just the name of the new botanically inspired heels by Charlotte Olympia. This summer is looking like the biggest season for printed and patterned items. Designers took inspirations from the wide range of objects: kaleidoscopic images, colourful scarfs, flowers and jungle. Indeed I blogged about a few print trends already: scarf print post that has received astonishing number of Google referrals just proving how big the trend is and jungle print as seen on Cheryl Cole in her new video. And London based brand Charlotte Olympia is not lagging behind as it has come up with own leafy pattern used for shoes and bags alike (images 2 and 4). And then they just went and stepped it up a notch transforming the pattern to life size leaves and molding them into fashionable items. All in all the collection rules, and if you are looking to spice up your summery outfits why not choose those nature inspired beauties?

  1. Don’t Leaf Me Bag, £375
  2. Pandora Clutch (just one out of the three options for interchangeable pouch), £475
  3. Leaf Me Alone High Heel Sandals, £625
  4. Meridith Wedges, £565

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