Spring Street Style

Images via Streetfsn, Grazia, Jak&Jil

Elie Saab Couture Spring 2013

Elie Saab Couture Spring 2013  

Current inspiration

Wishlist

 (From left to right)

1. Azzedine Alaïa Black Velvet Circle Skirt - when the holiday hits, I like to dress a little girlier

2. Alexander McQueen Hooded shearling jacket - If I had to pick one coat for this season, it would be this. 

3. Prada pumps- The perfect pointy pumps

4. Alaia studded suede ankle boots - Because a girl can never have too many Alaias'

5. InvisiBra 'Josephina' bra - The most incredible bra ever! It's backless, strapless, amazing push up and super comfortable. Stick on bras usually don't work for me, but these give great support and there are so many pretty styles! 

6. Estee Lauder Viper nail polish - Dark green nail polish with a hint of glitter, perfect shade for the season.

7. Tom Ford Black Orchid - I love this perfume, it is a blend of Black truffle, Ylang, Bergamont and Blackcurrant - it must be the black truffle!

8. Black Cashmere crew neck knit - Great for everyday layering in this freezing weather.

9. Fur hat - A chic hat to keep my head warm.

10. Balenciaga Classic Velo suede bag - The perfect everyday bag.

V

Dressing for happiness

Has it occurred to you that how you dress is a reflection of your state of mind and could affect the quality of life you lead? Often people diminish fashion to fads, trends and brands. But what you wear is a form of self expression, an indicator of how you see yourself.

I read an article yesterday, titled fashion advice from the shrinks sofa in the uk newspaper The Independent and want to share what style psychologist Kate Nightingale had to say. "The way you dress will say something about you. About your job, your personal life, what kind of partner you will be. The first impression only lasts 3 seconds" she talks about asking clients about their goals and inspirations and how they feel in their clothes. What a breath of fresh air! I'm tired of people buying clothes because it's "on trend" or because a bunch of celebrities are all sporting the same fashion item. What happened to being an individual and asking yourself a simple question: does this make me feel comfortable? By comfortable I don't mean PJs or trainers, I mean does this outfit reflect who I am or what I want to be? Have you wondered why professionals and businessman call what they wear "power suits"? It's because that's what the suit gives them, power, a competitive edge. On the other end of the spectrum, have you ever worn something that was a bit too revealing and felt uncomfortable the whole night because you felt like a hooker? I have, and it wasn't just that I felt uneasy with my wardrobe choice, the sleezy attention I got from men made it so much worse.

There are days when I struggle with finding the right outfit, it's the days when for whatever reason, I'm suffering a bout of self doubt. Women have their hangups and I have my fair share of them. But on my good days, I know exactly what to wear, because I just wear what feels natural to me at that point in time. I may be feeling sensual and sexy, so I wear a skin tight bandage dress with killer heels and red lipstick. I could be feeling relaxed and opt for jeans and a tshirt instead. On the other hand, if you're having a bad day, or going through a period of low self esteem, changing how you dress could help you feel more positive and empowered. Ditch the baggy track suit (never a good look unless you're actually exercising or at home, alone, and hungover) and put on something that cheers you up, whether it's a bright coloured cardigan or tailored skirt. Because while the baggy clothes keep you feeling unattractive, down and depressed, the "fashionable" clothes will uplift you and brighten up your day. I personally believe in the power of lingerie. I love that underneath a modest and feminine outfit, I could be wearing a naughty set of lingerie, a secret I keep to myself all day till its time to take it off. I never wear underwear that I wouldn't want my boyfriend to see me in because why would I ever want to feel like a frumpy old maid?

I believe that a woman is most beautiful when she carries herself with confidence, and that means she's comfortable in her own skin, which includes the way she looks, dresses and who she is. We are all beautiful in our way, so celebrate what makes you different and stop striving for that cookie cutter "fashion" look.

L

Karl Lagerfeld

Last week, we had the privilege of meeting one of our favourite fashion personalities—Karl Lagerfeld. We were invited along to a Rolls Royce event at its headquarters and main factory at Chichester. Lagerfeld was invited to talk about Rolls Royce, of which he owns two, and to showcase his photographs of his cars.

I say “fashion personality” because he is so much more than a designer. He is an artist, a photographer and an enigmatic icon. A few weeks ago, we watched Lagerfeld Confidential, a documentary released in 2007, which follows Lagerfeld over the course of 3 years. Largely a private person, the documentary offered a rare insight into his daily life as well as revealing details of his background and views. There was an intimacy to the documentary and we felt strangely acquainted with him. 

There was a palpable anticipation in the air, as we awaited the arrival of the guest of honour. It was foggy that day and Lagerfeld’s jet had difficulty landing (he was flying in from Paris). Suddenly, a hushed silence fell over the room, a few people moved towards to the glass doors and there were smartphones raised, ready to snap away. Lagerfeld stepped into the room and the atmosphere turned electric by his mere presence. People watched his every move with curiosity and awe. Sporting his famous silver ponytail, black outfit with white standup collar and fingerless gloves, he moved with effortless grace, his entourage a close step behind.

All the photos were in black and white, shot with film (“real photography” Lagerfeld called it) not digital. Many of them were close ups of the contours and lines of Rolls Royce, which he considered beautiful. There was no denying Lagerfeld’s artistic intention, from the handling of the light to composition; he had created moody and abstract photos in his own individual style. His photographic skills came as no surprise to us but his humour and charisma was unexpected. Often photographed with a pout rather than a smile, we had no idea Lagerfeld could be so self-deprecatingly funny. There was an easy warmness to him, something that shone through in his documentary. He talked about his two serious car accidents that stopped him driving (he fell asleep at the wheel both times) and the trouble he got into with his father when he forgot to put the handbrake on after parking, a mistake that cost his father 3 cars in total when they rolled down the hill. Catch a glimpse of Lagerfeld in our video:

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Winter jackets

London is getting colder by the day. It is the sort of weather where all you want to do is stay indoors and keep warm. But how great are these two looks? They remind me how much I love dressing for the cold. Give me shearling/fur-trimmed jackets over flimsy floral dresses any day! - V