Hawaiian florals: from vintage trends to modern catwalks & street fashion

left: Stella McCartney Resort 2012 ensemble via Vogue, right: blouse by H&M

Alright, you knew florals were going to be big this Spring, but did you know how big? Designers have certainly not shied away from reintroducing prints in the fashion spotlight, and in doing so they have placed an emphasis on flower power, reaching out to all that Mother Nature has to offer. Flower love is everywhere, ranging from poppy to rose and daisy, and even Hawaiian. 

At first glance, Stella's interpretation of the flower craze may be setting the tone for a Summer hothouse in the tropics. However, for the fashion savvy historian (or simply the fashion crazy like me), her experimentation with the motif definitely commemorates the tropical look's legacy. Hadn't you heard? Post-war 1940s Hawaiian print shirts became a hot commodity for women after being worn by soldiers returning home from war. These remained popular in the 50s and 60s thanks to designers like Alfred Shaheen. And for S/S 12, Hawaiian florals return stylish as ever via fashion masterminds such as Stella-- and did I mention they've hit the streets too with H&M on the bandwagon? Now then, I will let you ponder on these thoughts and let you share a comment (or two) with your own point of view!

A cozy Winter outfit

scarf: Yarnz, cardigan: Zara, pants: H&M, slippers: Topshop

One good thing about Winter is the endless selection of comfortable yet fun looking outfits. Seriously though, what could be better than feeling warm and fuzzy in fashionable wares, resting on a cozy couch, perhaps sipping on some tea, safe from the outside winds? That's right my dears, and it looks like Yarnz, Zara, H&M and Topshop definitely get what I'm talking about! And if you're new to the blog and/or haven't seen my earlier posts, you can definitely see some of the same pieces featured here and here !

skull bracelet: LeiVanKash, double chain ring: Ha-Yeon Lee, double tour bracelet: Balenciaga

And where gloves are not required, one ought to bling it up a little. What do you think of my newest acquisitions?

Ride your rad red pants with a hint of leopard

jacket: H&M, pants: GAP, oxfords: Boutique 9, bag: Kelsi Dagger (find an inspired version here), necklace: Vera Wang

All chic experts know that the trick to a glamorous outfit isn't to show off more skin, but to spice it up with vivid colors and prints. And that's exactly what our beloved Melody did. Her gold oxfords are an intentional yet subtle reminder of her fabulous leopard satchel, and the red corduroys are definitely a crowd-pleaser in streets reigned by dark and neutral hues.

Evocative of Nantucket summers and preppy lifestyle, red pants have long been a hallmark of New England style. Yet when paired with a hint of leopard je ne sais quoi, they truly become rocker appropriate. And boy are they the trend these days, spotted on style icons such as Alexa Chung and Nicky Hilton--with a leopard satchel too. Damn Melody, you've got it all right!

Nicky Hilton

So what will it be--are you planning on wearing red pants this season, and if so how will you style them: preppy or rocker style, with a hint of leopard?

The Color Orange: from brand association to fashion statement

One of the most fascinating colors in fashion is the Hermès orange pantone. Now one of the most instantly recognizable colors in the world of corporate brands, one may wonder how the luxury house ended up making this unconventional color choice in the first place. Interestingly, as Dana Thomas proclaims, "orange was the only color widely available during World War II to the money-saving benefits of raw-edge cutting, which had been marketed to the public as a cutting-edge, avant-garde innovation". Conveniently enough, this signature orange went even further as to position Hermès as a brand that caters both to a male and female clientèle. 

How perfect is the brown embossing on orange? Exquisite me thinks. The marriage between the two colors should not be underestimated. If you want to make a bold statement, this may be one of the best recommendations you will ever receive in the name of style. And no, it doesn't get reduced to Halloween season only. 

Hermès Orange

It seems like designers of Autumn/Winter 2011 and Spring/Summer 2012 fashion collections have endorsed orange for its versatility, as it is a unisex color definitely adaptable to both ultra feminine and androgynous styles. For Miu Miu, an orange blouse paired to a 1940's inspired bow belted black pencil skirt beautifully revives a directional look, while for Diesel it is an orange sweater dress that will playfully add youth to a strict and slender female silhouette in black leather pants and motorcycle heeled boots. Or maybe our designers are simply paying tribute to one of the big masters of all luxuries...who knows. I will leave it up to your interpretation. 

Miu Miu AW 2011 RTW via Fashion Style List

Diesel SS 2012

As for me, the above reflection inspired me to dress accordingly. Lately, I've been strolling around the city hitting up random phone booths for kicks and called out to be a walking Hermès box. If you've seen me recently, you know what I mean.

blazer: et vous, sweater: Max Mara, shorts: H&M, boots: Marc Jacobs, bag: Lanvin

To that attribute, I'll say: word. I'll take it as a compliment. You should try it too! 

H&M vs. Michael Kors

Although this blog's mission is to analyze current trends, where they come from and how they came about, it also never fails to cover interesting overlaps between pieces belonging to higher fashion and those created by the most popular mass retailers we have today. Take H&M for example. While the Swedish retailer has been engaging in guest-designer collaborations each year since it's first exclusive collection with Karl Lagerfeld in 2004, it often surreptitiously adapts the creations of world known designers for the everyday mainstream and let's not kid ourselves, even the most glamorous fashionistas very frequently opt for the mainstream. After all, the Kaiser said it himself: "Go either very cheap or very expensive. It's the middle ground that is fashion nowhere." So tell me, when will it be expensive and when will it be cheap? 

passport holder: Michael Kors vs. mobile phone case: H&M

Don't fret over the question, the above accessories should help you make your decision. And whether you like one or the other, expensive or cheap, so long as you carry yourself well, your look will always be chic!

Let a flower lean on your shoulder this Winter

Some days are just meant for lounging, chilling, tea-ing...you get the picture. Literally. Picture yours truly stopping by Mariebelle, a wondrous tea parlor and chocolatier in Soho. While I am not quite adept at teaching you the origins of chocolate, I can certainly dissect what I wore. And one detail of it in particular...how about that?

First, the big picture.Throwing black leather pants into your outfit is a Winter necessity, as it makes the look of every fashionista a little more rocker yet chic. It is a classic piece for the season, for a look that is far from the perception of the bad girl that is too often associated with leather. A slim/skinny cut guarantees a feminine silhouette while staying cool. 

Put on a fitted duffle coat with a touch of fox trim, and you've got yourself a wild (yet elegant) look:

coat: Pinko

And better yet the coat comes off only to reveal more fashion jewels: a draped grey sweater with...now the detail: a decorated shoulder (which reminds us of Chanel's black Camellia), and a strong bib necklace to add a punk effect. Ta daa, see below:

sweater and leather pants: Zara, bib necklace: Jimmy Choo for H&M, ballet flats: Miu Miu

Ah yes--did I dare compare the ornament bejeweling my shoulder to Chanel's Camellia? Let us take a closer look:

Indeed, any fashion lover could easily make the association judging by the above picture. Chanel's original emblem, the Camellia, has influenced all areas in fashion, from the Zaras of today to Miuccia Prada's most ornate garments,  and not to forget Murakami's contribution to Louis Vuitton's past cherry blossom collections. This emblem, thanks to Coco, has morphed to become a necklace, a watch, a hat, a chignon, a detail on a button, or just a silk flower pinned to a dress. There was something radically simple about its shape, what Bott calls 'its perfect, almost geometric roundness'. 

Chanel's black Camellia

And with those leather pants, who said borrowing this iconic fashion accessory would be dainty? Try chic and funky instead, and let a flower lean on your shoulder this Winter.

A Versace Moment...An H&M Special

See? I told you yesterday's post had a twist coming up! Today's post honors the launch of the Versace for H&M collection. Attention fashionistas, beware not to choke when you see these new little numbers at very friendly prices!

The brand's legacy in a nutshell:

Versace was already on the path towards a great career at a young age, learning how to cut and make clothes from his mother, as she ran a small tailor-shop to support the family. Gianni loved designing the clothes himself and soon he was selling them out of his mother’s shop. At the age of 26, he moved to Milan to work in fashion design.The first Versace boutique opened in Milan’s Via della Spiga in 1978, and Gianni sold his own designs alongside other labels, though soon he was outselling all the other brands.

Gianni's bold creative genius consistently challenged the boundaries of the fashion industry. His distinctive cuts, vibrant prints and unconventional materials brilliantly blended glamour, rock'n'roll, art, theatre and ballet, and served to introduce folk culture into the high couture world. Gianni was particularly influenced by Andy Warhol, Ancient Roman and Greek art as well as modern abstract art.

Versace today and the H&M collaboration:

Today, the label shines under Donatella Versace, Gianni's sister, who has managed to perpetuate the brand's promise towards a glamorous lifestyle blending sportswear with luxurious elegance. Versace's exclusive collaboration with H&M only shows that the brand is more than ever filled with youth and sexiness, as the collection looks back to its vibrant heritage, focused on leather, prints, color and exuberance.

I am personally loving the parallels between Gianni's creations of the 90s and the new Versace for H&M line. Talk about transplanting the late designer's wisdom and savoir faire into a more youthful and modern line! Patience, my friends, the collection will be available in select stores on November 19th.

Dissecting the return (and reinterpretation) of the Glam Punk era

It seems like we’re still trending on the 80’s vibe—more specifically the glam punk of the earlier part of the decade. The Glam punk of the 80s, the oldest punk style, is associated with glitter, androgynous make-up, brightly-dyed hair, combat boots, and cigarette jeans. Emerging as a reaction to the flared trouser hippies, Glam punk fashion mixed basics with powerful pieces to add a rebellious touch to the woman’s outfit. This style has been extremely commercialized at various times, and many well-established fashion designers — such as Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier— have used punk elements in their production.The legging and cigarette jeans craze remains particularly in vogue today, and designers such as Balmain pair these must-have basics with the golds and metals of the 1980's club scene.

Vivienne Westwood

Sadly—or not, I won’t be dying my hair nor busting out a crazy makeup do anytime soon, but I sure do sport the 80’s glam punk style in my own way!

Here's a tamed version of the glam punk costume--reinterpreted by yours truly:

Sweater: H&M, Sequined tank: Topshop, Legging pants: Joseph, Boots: Marc Jacobs

Pair that fancy do with Chanel's uber fabulous Peridot nail polish:

Are you ready to dissect that glam punk style already?

You know you want to!


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