LOUISE GRAY
Big time crushing on Louise Gray's a/w 12 collection. I love the bold two-tone prints, the knee high boots and the unexpected layering. Bras worn over T-shirts and spaghetti strap dresses paired over chunky knits. It sounds so wrong but somehow it's so very right.
I'm big time crushing on Louise Gray's a/w 12 collection.
I love the bold two-tone prints, the knee high boots and the unexpected layering. Bras worn over T-shirts and spaghetti strap dresses paired over chunky knits. It sounds so wrong but somehow it's so very right. When you break down the collection the pieces are actually super simple and wearable - there are lots of little dresses, straight skirts and thick cardigans. Perfect for wearing on their own or, for a real statement, all together with a Nasir Mazhar mohawk headpiece. Yes please.
Photos by The Style Crusader.
CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH PINK GLITTER...
I'm normally not that into pink glittery things but at the moment I can't get enough of girly pink nails. I figure since I'm on holiday all things should be frivolous and child-like - that's my excuse for living on a diet of candy at the moment (Sweden has the best candy). I'm also seriously into this bag from Emm Kuo. It's the perfect sized satchel but you can also take the strap off and carry it as a clutch. I like that.
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. xx
THE VIEW FROM STOCKHOLM...
Sweden is unbelievably quiet and relaxed.
I spent the weekend in Stockholm at the Rival Hotel and it was absolutely gorgeous. It's located just next to a park and has a delicious cafe and flower shop outside. I spent most of the time eating candy and wandering into shops. Not a bad way to spend a holiday.
Wearing: Paul & Joe Sister jacket, Weekday shirt/trousers and Converse.
POUNDING THE PAVEMENT WITH LAST SEASON...
Vintage lace-ups versus second-hand Celine wedges.
Daniella found her shoes at a shop in Canada and Charlie got her yummy Celine wedges on eBay. It goes to show that sometimes it's best to avoid regular shops altogether. The autumn/winter collections are starting to hit stores and it's really easy to get super excited about all the brand new pieces that are in. But, just because something is new it doesn't mean it's good. I'm headed to Sweden tonight an I can't wait to go to the Acne Archive store. I'm desperate to get my hands on some discounted Acne. Weeeee!! Wish me luck. I hope I find something good.
THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: IT'S BOURGEOIS...
Forget about grunge, if the Fall 2012 couture shows are anything to go by fashion is about to get fancy pants.
It doesn't matter that it's couture. Fashion is interesting because it works in mysterious ways. Inspiration is becoming ever more fluid. This means that something that shows on the catwalk today can be interpreted quickly by mega-powerful-all-reaching high street shops.
That's good for you and me because it's affordable...
Anyway, this isn't a philosophy class - let's talk about the clothes.
They are so pretty, right? We start with Armani Privé in the middle with its double model Frenchi looks. There's something distinctively 1920s-esque about this... for some reason it has me thinking of Great Gatsby and long cigarettes. You'd wear this sort of outfit to a weekend away at your summer-house, surely. On the left we've got Balmain with its power shoulders and easily recognizable signet belt. It's equally powerful but in a more 1980s sort of way. This woman is smart enough to have a high-powered job but God forbid she ever gets her fingers dirty. She's wearing a pale pink suit after all... there's no room for a messy McDonalds, this girl only eats oysters. Then, on the far right we have the beautiful Christian Dior. This woman is straight out of the 1950s only she accidentally ran into Madonna circa 1990. A cone bra plus a teeny tiny waist makes for an interesting and new silhouette. Raf Simons nailed it.
I love couture because, while it's highly aspirational and entirely out of reach, it also offers a clear vision of the direction fashion is moving. I'm jumping happily onto board this bourgeois boat. It's one part nonchalant and another part painfully perfect. I like that.
Images from style.com
* Update * As Michael correctly pointed out, the Balmain collection is not couture, it's Resort 2013. Sorry for the mistake. Live and learn suckas. Live. and. learn. Thanks for letting me know. Love you Duck.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS...
I have been attempting a closet clear out for over a year...
You might remember when it all started. It was a rather embarrassing situation. I've slowly been selling pieces and giving things to charity but I still feel like I have way more stuff than I need. Obviously it's an ongoing project but I hate that feeling of 'having nothing to wear'. You know it, you're standing in front of your wardrobe wondering where that one perfect T-shirt is that hangs just so. When you can't find it anywhere all hell breaks loose because 'it's the only thing that looks good right now.' I know I'm not alone in having these mini-emotional breakdowns... I've seen some of you getting ready to go out (evil eyes Charlie and Shini).
Anyway, things are changing. I'm pairing down.
I think I've been inspired by Ivania - she's the absolute queen of minimalism. As much as I love having loads of options I actually much prefer things to be simple. I've picked out a handful of items that make up pretty much what I've been wearing the last few weeks. They are as follows: a Paul & Joe Sister leather biker jacket, a Cabbages & Roses striped Breton top, skinny jeans from 7 for all Mankind, a white shirt from MiH and a cotton dress from Laura Ashley which used to be my moms (I had about 4 feet of fabric cut off the length). For accessories I've been sticking to a cotton floral tote I got at Banana Republic about five years ago, a pair of Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses and an old baseball hat because, you know, they're so trendy. For shoes I've just been switching between my black and white Converse. That's it. That's what I've honestly been wearing. It doesn't make for very interesting outfit posts but it's real life.
My goal over the next few months is to start investing in key pieces to help expand this little mini-summer wardrobe. My goal is to only spend money on things that fit with the paired back attitude... so no spur of the moment crazy purchases. My goal is to have a working wardrobe that is easy to navigate and style. Let's see what happens. I've got my fingers crossed for my restraint.
COMING UP FOR AIR...
Having a blog can be slightly suffocating at times...
The Style Crusader is rolling towards it's three-year birthday (August 15th) and, at the moment, I'm not planning it a party. It's not because I don't think it deserves a party (trust me, I've found way less significant reasons to throw a party). The truth is that it's getting on my nerves a bit - it's like a little annoying toddler that keeps constantly pulling on the edge of my cashmere jumper. It wants all of my attention. It never stops making noise. I want it to grow up to be big and strong. But sometimes I wish it would just leave me alone and let me get on with other things.
Hmmm. *big smile* With that said, let's get on with things. Speaking of cashmere... did you happen to notice the gorgeous Muriee knit that I'm wearing in the above photo? It is literally the softest thing in the entire world. It's basically two ma-hoosive square pieces of cashmere sewn together. It's big, shapeless and is absolute perfection. Every time I wear it my husband sort of rolls his eyes at me. But I can't help it... it's just so soft. Anyway, I'm also addicted to these little denim/linen shorts from Aubin & Wills and a pair of Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses which I've indefinitely borrowed from Charlie. (Mwaaahahhaha). I'm a strong believer in making friends with people who have better wardrobes then you. If you can't steal from their closet then what are they good for, right?
Wearing: Cashmere sweater c/o Muriee, Aubin & Wills shorts, leopard clutch from Lilifi, Bertie espadrilles and Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses.
ON STRUGGLING TO FIND INSPIRATION...
Please tell me I'm not the only one that feels in a bit of a funk.
Normally I have no lack of inspiration. In fact, the problem I face is that I'm inspired by too much. There is beauty everywhere - even in the most unlikely of places. Online there is inspiration catapulting around at a million miles a second. I think what I'm suffering from is over saturation.
Lately I don't want to be online. I'm sort of disenchanted with looking at blogs and scrolling through Pinterest. I want to sit outside with a beautiful magazine and flick through the pages with my fingers. I want to sit with people in real life and talk to them in person rather than on Twitter. I want to bake cookies. I want to be in the sun. I don't want to click and I don't want to re-pin. I don't want to sit in front of a computer screen. I want to devour a magazine, rip out the pages and tape them into a notebook. So that's what I've been doing...
This nostalgia is spreading like wildfire into all aspects of my life. I suddenly want to get a sewing machine so that I can make Jil Sander inspired clutch bags. I also want to get my hands on some old school looking running shoes. This pair by Converse are mega adorable. Anything with a late '80s/early '90s vibe is working for me right now... bring on the Spice Girls and resurrect the pog.
IT'S ALL ABOUT GIVENCHY...
Vampish red and black combos. Knee-high boots. Spaghetti straps and lots of leather. Givenchy's AW12 collection was one of my favourites. I love the mixture of colors. The combination of brown, black and red creates a sort of otherworldly feeling. The dark lips and eyes almost make it feel as though the models have climbed their way out of long lost graves... it's creepy but inviting.
I love the little strappy dress with nipped in waist and full skirt - it looks divine with the super long leather gloves. The new ad campaign has just surfaced - yumm. I'm big time mesmerized by the red leather pleated trousers. The shape is slightly jodhpur and it looks awesome with the matching boots. Also in love with the menswear knits and pleated skirts. I know a little Duck would certainly go gaga for them.
Catwalk images via Style.com and campaign via Karla Otto.
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL...
I'm currently nursing my skin back to health after falling asleep by the lake and forgetting to put on sun screen. Not chic.
Hope you're having a wonderful week. xx
Wearing old T-shirt from Topshop, skirt by DAGMAR, sunglasses from River Island and an American Apparel clutch.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BACK...
Completely obsessed with the backs in Alexander Wang's Resort 2013 collection. I would gladly wear any of these outfits right freaking now. I love the shapes of the trousers, the side slit in this white dress and the general attitude. Wang, I love you.
p.s. I'm thinking my Balenciaga boots give off a similar vibe to these boots... yey.
Photos from style.com
RESORT 2013 - OH YEAH, LET'S WEAR IT NOW...
Dear World, do you love the resort collections? I do. They're a peek into the future and a heads up on what to start wearing now. Yah, it's elitist and confusing but it's also grounded and totally aspirational. Why wear what's in the magazines now when you can start dressing like resort 13? The thing that's standing out most to me from the presentations are the proportions. Clever layering is being used to create a new silhouette. I like it, a lot.
I also like the colour palette. It's earthy and taupe. Taupe. That's right. Let your clothes be taupe - give your personality the chance to be colorful.
Above you'll find some of my favorite looks from some of my favorite designers. I loved the little cliche plastic bag at 10 Crosby and the magenta dress worn over a white shirt with sandals at Elizabeth & James. There are so many good looks. My favourites are the ones that feel a little awkward but are beautiful for their strangeness. There's a traveling foreign vibe trickling into the collections which I love. Personally I've always felt a bit like a global gypsy... just give me some gold hoops and a silk scarf to tie on my head and I'll read your fortune. Seriously.
Hope you love the resort collections as much as I do. Sending my love to you always and forever. xx
All images from style.com
AT HOME WITH BENGT FASHION...
BENGT Fashion has been on my mind for the last few months. I was introduced to the brand by Sandra, who did some styling and photography work with them for their SS12 collection. They really landed hard on my radar though when I found out about Moxham. My love was officially solidified when they became the first online stockiest for Charlie May (happy face).
When I was in London I had the chance to visit their headquarters which just so happens to be inside the home of Eva Evers, the company's director. As much as I love the products and adored the cupcake breakfast, what really got my heart racing was nosing around her apartment. Dirty old shoes? Love them. Random kitsch kids toys? Even better. Her flat is functional and adorable and I found the mixture of high and low elements so inspiring. No doubt the design direction of the flat has been heavily influenced by her boyfriend Nick. All I know is that I left on a sugar high and with the idea of making my bathroom super hero themed. I love it when inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.
Hope you enjoy nosing around her flat as much as I did. xx
My favorite pieces available on BENGT at the moment are the Three Floor Sugar High Dress, Louise Amstrup Easy Print Pleat Skirt Dress, Emesha Block Colour Dress, and the Mona Chakora One Piece Swimsuit. I also love the Charlie May White Collar Tie Back Top and anything Moxham.
Visit BENGT Fashion for more information and product details.
FASHION TARGETS BREAST CANCER WITH RIVER ISLAND...
For fifteen consecutive years River Island have teamed up with Breakthrough Breast Cancer to support the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign. This year they've designed two T-shirts - 30% of all sales go directly to the charity. Now, that's something worth supporting.
I was asked to put together a little outfit from the brand's current collection that features the Fabulous T-shirt. I don't normally shop at River Island but I was pretty into a few of the pieces on the website - these silky printed shorts were a stand out piece. They got me compared to MC Hammer on a number of occasions, which means they are now officially my favorite shorts. I was also pretty excited to try out these faux Isabel Marant hidden wedge sneakers. Oh my, I love them and (sadly) now my craving for the original pair has only been elevated to a whole new level of obsession.
The heatwave means every spare minute of my time will now be spent outside soaking up the sunshine. I discovered an awesome new area on the west side of the lake in Zurich... the water is still a bit too cold for swimming but lounging in the grass and eating ice-cream works just fine for me at the moment. There are freaking spectacular views of the alps and lots of graffiti artists to watch if you're after a bit of live entertainment.
All items from River Island: FTBC fabulous tank, Pacha shorts, Bomber jacket, Wedge high tops, Straw clutch, Engraved ring.
WE ARE HANDSOME
As I wiggled my way into this dress I felt myself being transported to another place altogether... to that world where life is bathed in golden sunshine. You can't help but feel a little wonderful with all that elasticated sex-appeal sucking you in from every angle.
I was considering whether I ought to start this post with a melodramatic story about beaches, mojitos and bronzed skin. It was to be set in a land where everyone is flawless and dripped in unending sunshine. People named Sven and Tiffany lounge by glistening pools and live off bubblegum, they have nothing to do and nowhere to go. In my mind, this is the world that the We Are Handsome customer belongs to.
I was wondering if the brand, that's become synonymous with edgy videos and growling animals, could be transported into real life. It's all skin-tight stretchy fabric... surely this isn't meant for city streets or real people? Rihanna might be able to pull it off but that doesn't mean anyone else can. Each piece seems to encapsulate the allure of summer, making the mind-blowing body conscious pieces just too good to resist.
WAHOutfit
As I wiggled my way into this dress I felt myself being transported to another place altogether... to that world where life is bathed in golden sunshine. You can't help but feel a little wonderful with all that elasticated sex-appeal sucking you in from every angle. Yeah, I might have just been walking down the grey streets of London but I felt like, if I could just skip through the right alley, I'd wind up being transported somewhere exotic.
I wore this floral print dress with a slouchy black cardigan and Converse for a bit of balance. In my world tight and short always require a bit of de-sexifying and nothing does that quite as well as a bunch of fresh flowers pushed into a brown leather bag. Yumm. I wish I had flowers on standby to carry with me everyday... they make the perfect accessory (potentially even better than a puppy).
I also tried a swimsuit with a mega low dipped back. It was gorgeous and I loved it under a pair of jeans. If your swimsuit is this crazy beautiful then it deserves to be worn during the day. I'm now a little obsessed with the dreamy prints and skin-tight fits that We Are Handsome does so well. These are definitely the sort of pieces that could easily migrate into my daily life, they don't just have to be worn on yachts or music videos.
Wearing: We Are Handsome dress and swimsuit (via Pfeffer PR), Stylein jumper, Swedish Hasbeens bag, Lucy Folk bracelets, and Mykita sunglasses.
Photos by Kit