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.
- Esme in pink, £160
- Eris in tan, £190
- Esme in black, £150
- Elektra in tan, £150
- Elektra in pink, £150
- Elena in black, £110
- Elena in tan, £110
Olympics Fashion: Team Karl
July 26, 2012 § Leave a comment
Two days ago on a lovely summer evening Karl Lagerfeld himself descended on London to launch his brand new Olympics inspired collection in Selfridges. Is Karl a massive sports fan then, you must wander? Apparently not. The legendary designers in the interview admitted to be inspired by the idea of Games, but is unlikely to tune in to watch the events himself blaming it on the unhuman look of the Olympians. Whether you agree or not (I definitely don’t, not only because my parents were both in professional sport but because we should never disrespect the amount of effort and commitment that goes into preparing for the Games) the main point of this blog post is not to discuss Olympics but the Games-inspired capsule collection.
So as I got to third floor of Selfridges the sight of shiny black installation that holds Karl’s designs caught my eye immediately. To enter the world of Karl I had to walk through a massive arch in the shape of Karl’s head – all in all let’s just say it is a very high impact space. But I am sure what you are interested in the most in are the pieces inside. Let’s start with my favourites, collars: gold, silver, bronze as well as lacy creations await you, no wonder they are back, being the fastest selling items of Karl’s SS12 collection on net-a-porter.com. With most of the clothing items the relation to Olympics is apparent – T shirts printed with gold medals (£95) and white biker jackets covered in droplets of gold (£345). But then there appear to be a few military-like pieces in camouflage print. To tell you the truth I can’t see the connection to Olympics but who am I to question THE Karl Lagerfeld. My most favourite item though – temporary tattoos depicting Olympic gold medal – love the attention to detail! The choice for a capsule collection is great – about 20 different items, and I was told more pieces are to arrive throughout the Games. So my advise, go see it all by yourself and enjoy the world of Karl.
In the meantime, if you are looking for S/S12 collection, there is plenty of choice online at newly launched www.karl.com store that ships to UK.
Victoria’s Secret
July 24, 2012 § Leave a comment
Congratulations ladies of UK, the day we have all been waiting for is finally here – the first ever Victoria’s Secret store just opened in London! 
Whenever I was asked about the essentials on my list of stateside shopping, the first thing that always popped into my head was Victoria’s Secret – beautiful, affordable and worn by the sexiest models of the world, I doubt any lingerie lovers could resist stopping by their stores for a pink bag full of goodies.
For the brand it was an easy move – we don’t just know it, but love it and have been asking when we can get our own piece of female heaven on this side of the pond for a while. That is why we were given not one but two flagship stores: the one that opened today is in Westfield Stratford (just by the Olympic park, hence the rush to cash in on thousands of tourists that would be in the area) and we are expecting the New Bond Street store to open its door later in August.
My only slight concern – prices. In US those are similar to our high street favourite La Senza, but it would be surprising if the brand did not take an opportunity to raise the bar in UK and enter the market at higher price point. The signs are there – flagship store location is in New Bond Street alongside boutiques like Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, Hermes and Burberry and not in any high street location. So ladies, there is a price to pay (literally) for having Vicky’s over here in London.
Despite all that I am brimming with excitement, especially for the New Bond Street store, which is so much closer to where I live (and probably less busy now that Olympics are about to kick off). Comment below if you already visited the newly opened shop and share your experiences!
Exclusive Mulberry
July 23, 2012 § Leave a comment
I love Mulberry. I love it so much that if I had to choose only one brand which handbags to carry for the rest of my life I would easily jump into that monogamous relationship. That is why I always get extremely excited seeing the new Mulberry bag for the first time. And since this new bag range is extremely exclusive, the excitement is only heightened! Meet Maisie, the range that has been specifically created to celebrate launch of Mulberry collection in Japanese location of Dover Street Market. But don’t worry you don’t have to go to Tokyo to get your hands on the bags – they are also available at the London DSM store. The collection consists of 4 pieces (2 totes of different shapes, clipper bag and a clutch) in 3 colours (black, oak and flame) each finished with 3D print of Mulberry’s famous Alexa. And if by the time you get down to Dover Street the range is sold out – don’t threat as the entire range will be available online and in store from September onwards. 
And for those dying to know the price range of the new Maisie collection – here are the numbers supplied by friendly press staff of DSM (from left to right) £1200, £395 and £995.
Pictures taken from British Vogue Facebook page
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. 
- Baboushka Embroidered Leather Clutch, £375 available at Net-a-Porter.com
- Matryoshka Suede Sandal, $1565 (approximately £1000) available at BergdorfGoodman.com
- Pandora Matryoshka Wooden Clutch, £575 available at Net-a-Porter.com
Perfect Cleavage Bikini
July 16, 2012 § Leave a comment
Even though I have already been on a holiday this summer, I bet many of you are just starting to pack for your week (or so) away at a warm and sunny destination. Hence I thought it is a perfect time to seduce you with my bikinis of choice. I am a sucker for balconette bikini tops – with those you end up having perfect tan lines easily hidden under your bra and for many of us not proud owners of DD cups, they do add a bit of well-needed push up. This season Ted Baker is the go to designer for affordable yet high quality swimwear that has been created to show off that cleavage – if you go make-up-less during your tanning session, there have to be other ways of attracting male attention rather than your beautiful eyes, right? Available in various prints and colours you are very likely to find your perfect swimsuit – my selection, all available at Asos.com, is presented below.
- Peony Print Bikini Top (£45) and Bottom (£39)
- Butterfly Print Bikini Top (£45) and Bottom (£39)
- Cherry Blossom Print Bikini Top (£45) and Bottom (£39)
- Jungle Print Bikini Top (£59) and Bottom (£49)
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.
- Ikaria, £130
- Aphrodite, £140
- Medea, £140
- Pythia, £95
The Holiday Clutch
July 11, 2012 § 1 Comment
I have been a fan of Jimmy Choo candy clutch for a while and especially this season when it got a photographic print update. And now that I am back from holiday and longing for reminders of sun, sea and all things wonderful, nothing can suit my mood better than those Jimmy Choo clutches. When it is grey and miserable outside – for those who are not used to London weather, grey and miserable is the most suitable way of describing any season and especially this year’s ‘summer’ of ours – the only thing that keeps my spirits high is staring at my cover photo on Facebook where me and my girlfriends are posing for a picture on the beach with sunrise at the background after our last night out of the holiday. All thanks to Jimmy Choo I don’t have to have holiday snaps withdrawal even when I am away from my laptop, all I need is to look down at the clutch to remind myself that somewhere in the world people are enjoying real summer.
But there is yet another reason why this post is currently appropriate. These clutches are still available at reduced prices at Harvey Nichols – thanks to summer sale the price has been cut from £495 to £300! So get yourself down to HN and purchase these desirable pieces of summer!
Mawi Sample Sale
July 4, 2012 § Leave a comment
I have been admiring Mawi pieces for a while – luxurious yet contemporary this statement jewellery is perfect for striking and successful urban lady of our time. It would be surprising if you haven’t laid your eyes on Mawi jewellery before – they frequently appear in fashion magazines’ editorials and available to purchase from our favourite online stores (my-wardrobe.com, asos.com, net-a-porter.com and farfetch.com to name but a few) and at their flagship store in Shoreditch ( 11 Calvert Avenue). While usually the prices for the brand’s creations start at £250, tomorrow (Thursday 5th July) we have an amazing opportunity to shop them at massive discounts in their sample sale event held 9am to 8pm at 2 Nimrod Passage, London, N1 4BU (Dalston Junction). So hurry up scribble the info in your planner and I will see you all there!
Below are my picks from the current collection, no promises they will be there tomorrow!
- Pyramid Drop Earrings, £395
- Teardrop Crystal Bracelet, £297
- Dynasty Triple Cluster Necklace, £405
- Pyramid and Gemstone Ring, £275
- Pyramid and Gemstone Watch Strap Bracelet, £419
- Crystal Teardrop Earrings, £257
- Tube and Set Crystal Bangle, £324
Time For Exciting Swimsuits
June 27, 2012 § Leave a comment
At the time this post is be published, thanks to scheduling function, I will most probably be lying on the beach sporting one of the swimsuits and bikinis I purchased for the holiday. And while shopping around, I could not help but notice a trend – despite swimsuits being back in fashion for several seasons replacing almost-there bikinis as the hottest thing to wear on the beach, this year swimsuits have seriously stepped it up. Now that designers have such a big piece of material to work with (well at least compared to naughtiest most popular bikinis) they have been seriously experimenting with everything from shape to colour to material. While browsing through net-a-porter selection it became apparent that there was not one swimsuit which was ordinary: belted, crocheted, inspired by wetsuits, cut out or made with surprising material – not one of them is what you expect. And that is indeed exciting. Below are my favourites – whether you seek out the exact ones or use them for inspiration for your own beachwear choices, this summer there is only one thing to remember – there is no space for ordinary on the beach! 
1. Babajaan Lari Ocean Zigzag Teared Swimsuit, £245
2. Missoni Havra Crotchet-Knit Swimsuit, £410
3. Zimmermann Floral Swimsuit with Buckle Belt, £250
4. Lisa Marie Fernandez and Peter Pilotto The Farrah Swimsuit, £400
5. Matthew Willliamson Neon and Animal Print Swimsuit, £250
6. Michael Kors Colour Block Swimsuit, £290
7. Melissa Odabash Nico Zebra Print Swimsuit, £225
8. Norma Kamali Foil Metallic Cutout Swimsuit, £310
9. Clube Bossa Couture One Shoulder Lame Swimsuit, £730
MY FASHION WISH LIST 