June 21, 2010

Autumn/Winter 2010 micro trend: Socks with shoes

Still on hoisery, I've been spying ankle socks worn with shoes or open toe shoes worn with tights on the runway. It's not for everyone and if you're not careful, can make some people look rather dowdy and bergie-like.


But when it works, it works! Check them out with those rolled up jeans, beanie, fingerless gloves, studded bag and camel coat.

Give it whirl, see what happens and let me know how it goes :-)

Add that personal touch with autumn/winter 2010 accessories: Part 2

Hosiery
Patterned, animal skin print, opaque, bright colours, lacy and embellished tights are there to...

add that 'wow' factor to an outfit and keep you warm.




Hats
Hats never really go out of style, so look at them as an investment piece. My favourites this winter are:

Berets and beanies (knitted hats) – The beanies were more embellished than usual and on the slouchy side.

The berets re slightly larger and more exaggerated.




Fur hats – please, make it faux fur!

Fedoras – the difference between the fedoras we’re seeing this winter and last spring/summer ones, is that the this winter's are made of winter materials like felt instead of straw.


They also showed up on men’s ranges with pleasing result.




Vintage hats – these are always a favourite for me. Nothing like a vintage hat to add that 'hello' factor. The ones I liked best were the short brimmed hats like the cloches (pull them low just over the eyebrow: fierce!), bowlers,


top hats, wide brimmed hats....



and feather hats.



 
And then...there were those flat top boater hats at Chanel that….baffled me. Ah well, to each their own.



Of course, McQueen was brimming with that avant garde spirit he’ll always be remembered for.

His creations were more than just hats – they were pieces of art.


June 19, 2010

Add that personal touch with autumn/winter 2010 accessories: Part 1

Hiya folks! It's been a while. I won't bore you with the details :-)

I'm an accessory freak and find that more than not, it's the accessories that create or finish off a 'look'. They can accentuate or totally kill an outfit. These are my favourites from the myriad of accessories that went down the runway from New York to Paris and everywhere in between, this winter.

Belts


Belts, both wide and narrow, pull a look together whether you are wearing, skirts, pants, cardigan, sweater or a dress.


Belts are mainly narrow and discrete, because not only are they creating/emphasizing the waist, they are there to also shift focus to the strong shoulder.



Asymmetric belts, girdle belts, woven belts, studded belts, metallic belts and animal skin belts also made a showing.



Gloves


This was one of the many worldwide fashion trends that were sparked off by Michael Jackson in 2009.


Not only do they warm you up, the right kind of gloves add polish and sophisticated glamour to any outfit. Gloves are here in opposite extremes: Audrey Hepburn elegant, long and sleek ones...



and short, motorcycle rugged or tough and fingerless ones.



They come in mostly in leather, lace and knits.

Statement Jewellery


Jewellery is the easiest way to transform your look from day to night and from formal to casual. Statement necklaces, cuffs and rings are the thing to look out for this winter. Now this trend, I’m all over.


I especially enjoy seeing women who usually wear no or quite demure jewellery try statement jewellery for size.



A bold necklace here or a beautiful bold cuff there, is all it takes.



Remember, bold earrings, necklace, rings and arm wear @ one go is too much. Unless you're a fortune teller, on a runway or a teenager - it looks like mutton dressed as lamb and distracts from the clothes.