Saturday 14 July 2012

Naturally Autumn/Winter 2012

Christian Dior
Every year, I hear people say that they can't wait for summer; that they've had enough of bad weather and hiding behind dark colours until summer brings out the more vibrant in us.

I can never understand this. Don't get  me wrong, I enjoy a day at the beach as much as anything but I love winter. Personally, there's nothing I like better than sipping a hot chocolate and wearing the wooliest coat I could find that morning.

Dolce & Gabbana
And more importantly, how many of you have been to London in December? It might be my favourite city in the world but anyone has to admit that when it starts to get dark and the lights come on, the place is like a fairytale (not to mention the magical window displays in Harrods and other such wonderful shops).

Even in the world of fashion, I prefer the colder months and the extraordinary shows the designers have to offer.

Speaking of which, I read through my copy of Elle this morning, and I have to admit that I'm always excited when there's a 'Runway Edit' in the edition. Once again, I felt that the Autumn/Winter trends didn't disappoint. I often find this season so much more thrilling than Spring/Summer (for one, there's always more fabric to be seen on the runway) because of the layers and layers of exquisite tulle or velvet (as it were this year). 
Haider Ackermann

True, I could not get enough of Dior's magnificent evening gowns and feminine silhouettes  or the slightly gothic yet beautifully embroidered creations by Dolce & Gabbana, but this year I found myself surprisingly taken by some designers I rarely feel a connection with.

Giles
Among such were Haider Ackermann, (a designer, I must admit, I'd never heard of), with his collection of draped, silky fabrics along with cinched in waists and of course, this season's most important accessory -- the belt. But this genius took that idea to a whole new level with thick grey or black leather belts all over the place.

Gucci
In London, Giles had me stuck in the moment. The unmistakably theatric collection was dramatic but ultimately simplistic. I loved the way the designer worked both the tuxedo and the artistic print dresses to create a grungy but glamorous assemblage.
Milan was full of sophisticated tailoring and gothic black. I was most suprised by Gucci. Although I am not usually a big fan of the brand, I loved the way this collection was full of velvet, giving it an unusually stark complexion.

Jil Sander was not one to disappoint either. It was incredible. The use of near-pastel colours, including soft greys and smoky pinks, gave this show a beautiful completion. I loved the off-shoulder dresses and occasional splash of bold red. 

Jil Sander
As you may have noticed, I could talk about this season for a while so I shall stop here but not before mentioning the wonderful Burberry. This brand is among my favourites and after seeing the collection, I once again knew why. There was not a design in sight I wouldn't wear. Although they stuck to their traditional trench/outdoor jacket look, there was something inevitably new about it. But the owl motifs, worn with tailored pencil skirts were definitely among their best creations (in my opinion).

Burberry
Adieu to Summer... Winter is the new trend!

Sophia

Superpowers au Naturel

Esme in my favourite colour!
Hell, I haven't been this excited since, well, my Zara shopper bag arrived a few weeks ago.

You know that feeling you get when you see something and it's as if you're falling in love all over again? That's how I felt when I received my latest newsletter from Kurt Geiger last night. 

Esme in tan and pink
They say "diamonds are a girl's best friend," but I ask you, what happened to shoes? The same icon, Marilyn Monroe, said "give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world." Oh and how right she was.

Elektra (available in two colours)
But back to the email I got yesterday! Kurt Geiger has just launched the incredible 'SUPERS-COLLECTION', which consists of a variety of incredible designs. However, for me, by far the most dramatic is the Esme shoe. The design is available in three colours: Black, tan and pink.

However, if you're more leaning towards investing in a great wedge for the warmer months (there's still hope left -- even for Britain), the collection's got you sorted as well... With the Elektra you'll be conquering all sorts of things this summer.

Carey
On the other end of the spectrum, if the collection so far hasn't inspired you, then there's always the less dramatic but equally quirky Carey. This isn't just any court shoe, because the edgy colours will brighten up any outfit. Perfect for the office! 

 I bet that these shoes will awaken euphoria in every girl, glam or quirky, feminine or edgy.

So enjoy!

Sophia

Click here: http://www.kurtgeiger.com/supers-collection.html

Saturday 7 July 2012

Naturally Engaged

Violet's nude Chloé dress
If you're like me, you can't get enough of a great rom-com or, perhaps even a thriller if you're feeling a little more adventurous.

I was watching 'The Five-Year Engagement' a couple of days ago and I realised that the costumes Emily Blunt's character, Violet, wears were beautifully selected by the movie's costumes designer, Leesa Evans, who also picked the costumes for the film 'Bridesmaids'.

I especially liked the nude, embellished Chloé shift dress Viloet wears to the engagement party. Leesa Evans says of the gorgeous dress "—it had a bit of a vintage tone to it. That Chloe dress just embodied everything I would imagine Violet would have found in some special, tiny San Francisco vintage store. It said bride, but a little bit quirky bride."

Violet in the Valentino wedding dress

When Jason Segel's character, Tom, proposes to Violet in the first scene, she wears a Valentino skirt and a 1960s vintage silver-brocaded jacket.

The reason that Jason Segel is wearing sneakers in this scene (rather oddly, I think), was because "they are both young and still starting out. There's a certain boyish quality to him. ... The sneakers give him a bit of a boyish look."

Leesa Evans commented on Violet's Valentino wedding dress saying that "it was actually one of the easiest decisions of the whole film. Emily put it on and it looked stunning on her – she loved it, Nick the director loved it, and it was done."

Valentino skirt and vintage jacket
Throughout this hilarious comedy, Emily Blunt's character wears a monogram necklace in every scene, from her engagement to Tom to their wedding day. The necklace was "designed by Suzanne Donegan, the Los Angeles-based jeweler behind the elegant and understated fine jewellery line Mannin." I love this necklace in particular about her character's costumes because it is both sophisticated and stylish.
The monogram necklace


All in all, I think that the costumes for this film gave it a very appropriately romantic feel and reflected the stages the couple go through during their relationship.


Let's hope you enjoyed the film as much as I did!

                                                      Sophia


Wednesday 8 February 2012

All about Jewellery: Naturally (Part 1)

There are some things in my life that practically make up me... From skinny jeans, to leather bags and, of course, jewellery. It is my strong belief that no outfit, glamorous or casual, is complete without a touch of sparkle. I think it is fair to say, that jewellery creates personality and atmosphere.

*Du temps d'antan*
I'll be honest with you - I'm not sure when jewellery dates back to but I think we can certainly say it has been around longer than a few decades. Nonetheless, there are so many styles of jewellery and so many different ways of wearing it that I think it is time I dedicated one of my entries to the beautiful world of jewellery.

Many of you will know what I'm talking about when I say that I often 'stumble' across accessories. There is one shop in particular, that I only found a couple of hours ago in the wonderful fashion bible - Elle Magazine.

'Paris in a Bottle' is a small business created by a French girl, Marie, who inadvertedly found herself living in England. I adore her handmade jewellery because each design is unique and carries with it a little slice of the famous city. My favourite pieces include the *Du temps d'antan* [from the past] necklace for (ahh) only £5 (Above, right photo) and the *Audrey* bracelet for £6 (Left photo). 

Mummy and Me Necklace
Find her website here: www.parisinabottle.net

For no clear reason, I recently found myself looking at the Lily Belle online jewellery shop and I came across the most adorable "Mummy and Me" necklace. I didn't even realise such things existed but apparently the "identical sterling silver designs, one smaller for your little girl, ensure she really can be ‘just like mummy’." So cute.
(www.lilybelle.co.uk/)

Hummingbird Necklace
Not too long ago, my issue of Elle, featured an advert for a lovely gold necklace on kjs laundry. However, when I looked at the website a few days ago I came across Alex Monroe's nature inspired gold Hummingbird Necklace. The design is to die for and I love the detail on the pendant.


kjs laundry online shop: www.kjslaundry.com/

Perhaps you find jewellery just as spectacular as me, or maybe you just like experimenting with it... either way, don't forget to have fun!

                                           Sophia

Sunday 22 January 2012

Naturally Casual

With spring just around the corner and the weather (unnaturally even for England) at mild temperatures, a girl has to divert her attention to something to keep her sane - In my case... fashion.

So perhaps my choice of outfit was not the most practical yesterday what with the strong winds but once again I stick to my saying... What is the point in living if you can't feel alive? 







                                  Dress, Zara; Shirt, Vintage; Watch, Swatch Lady Collection; 
                                  Necklace, Vintage; Nail Polish, Nails Inc. 'Tate'

Sophia

Saturday 7 January 2012

Naturally 501

Levi Strauss
Undoubtedly, jeans have been around for generations. I have never questioned their existence nor pushed the matter of their whereabouts any further. It has become a well known fact that jeans are a girl's best friend!

Over the years, denim has created a new image for itself and is now considerably more looked upon. It has changed from what it originally was - a worker's clothing - to a fashion statement that can most definitely be found in everyone's wardrobe.

There are certain things about denim, however, that I have so far failed to acknowledge, but have recently been acquainted with on my trip to the Levi Strauss museum in Buttenheim, Germany. Such things include that the founder of jeans was actually born Löb Strauss but changed his name to Levi Strauss when he moved to America at the tender age of 18 to continue the family business in wholesale dry goods.

The logo of Levi Strauss & Co.

It was not long after, in late 1872, that Jacob Davis, a Reno, Nevada tailor, started making men's work pants with metal points of strain for greater strength. He turned to Levi Strauss, from whom he purchased some of his fabric. And so the jean (or what was originally known as 'overalls' until the word jean became popular in advertising) came about.
A vintage pair of Levis 501 jeans

Levi Strauss' firm, Levi Strauss & Co., began in 1853 in San Francisco, California. Levi Strauss & Co. began manufacturing the famous Levi's brand of jeans, using fabric from the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The first and arguably the most famous design was the first pair of Levis '501' Jeans which was created in the 1890s - a style that went on to become the worlds best selling item of clothing.

Levi Strauss Museum in Buttenheim, his birthplace
Levi Strauss died on September 26, 1902 at the age of 73. He never married, so he left the business to his four nephews, Jacob, Sigmund, Louis, and Abraham Stern, the sons of his sister Fanny and her husband David Stern.

When he died, there was an uproar in the public, all over America and so his name has remained well known throughout history.

It's really a surprise what can be discovered in a museum - who would have thought it?

Sophia

P.S. Go to the official Levi Strauss & Co. Online Shop here: http://eu.levi.com/en_NL/index.html

Sunday 27 November 2011

Naturally Capes

Batman's got one. So does Superman. But this winter everyone else will too.

Capes are the new big thing this season... and the best bit is: they come in every colour, shape and size. However, the part that I have personally been struggling with, is how to wear capes and not look like something out of a comic book.

The key to wearing this season's tricky trend is to choose fitted pieces to pair with a cape. Skinny jeans, leggings and slim skirts are perfect. Shoulder bags aren't ideal and should be avoided, as they break up the look of the cape... so instead opt for a large clutch bag.

The typical Victorian cape
This is all well and good but I've been asking myself this question: Where do capes actually originate from?

As so often, Wikipedia has once again helped me to find the answer:

Caped overcoats were popular for men during the Victorian era, and women often wore them as a fashion statement or on top of their evening-wear to protect the fine fabrics from any potential damage.

So below are just some of my favourites...

Fearne Cotton Checked Tartan Cape Coat, £75

Fusion Orion Cape Monsoon, £120

Forever 21 Classic Cape Coat, £24


Red or Dead Trap Collar Cape, £55

Oasis Duffle Cape, £50 (Sale: was £75)

Calvin Klein Cape, £103

Hope this has been inspiring... I actually think that the weather this year is being a little disappointing what with the lack of coldness, so a cape is just the right thing to keep us going.

Sophia