Balmain at Paris Fashion Week SS 12

Yesterday was a great day at Paris Fashion Weeks. So many unmissable shows and plenty of amazing clothes on display. The one show I'm always really looking forward to is by Balmain. This season was a first proper collection for new creative director Olivier Rousteing and I couldn't wait to see, what he'd do with the label. It was still very Balmain - very sexy, plenty of short hems, low cuts, strong shoulders, skinny trousers, but it seemed softer and maybe more pleasing to the eye. It must have been really hard filling Christophe Decarnin's shoes, as he did amazingly for the label, but I think Rousteing did really well.
The colour palette contains a lot of black, white and gold with some pale blue thrown in and there's also quite a lot of embellishment, but it's never too much. The collection seems really relaxed, yet still very sophisticated. I love the structured shoulders agains simpler bottom halfs. Well done to Olivier I wish him good luck for the future. If he started as he means to go on, then I expect some good things from him and plenty of followers to go with it. Now I'm rather excited for Sunday when they're going to reveal the Pierre Balmain diffusion line. What did you think of this collection?
Have a stylish day.

Carven at Paris Fashion Week SS 12

Oh to be in Paris right now, watching all the shows at Paris Fashion Week. Unfortunately I'm in London (sunny I'm happy to say), but that doesn't stop me from checking all the images at Style.com. One of my favourites so far has been by Carven. I'm a big fan of the slightly quirky label. Guillaume Henry is a master of draping, interesting detailing and unexpected twists.
His SS 12 was a great display of this. The interesting cut-outs and lace inserts show his originality, the shape of last two dresses is amazing and very Carven. All the designs are very lady like with Parisian chic. I'm seriously covering the shorts and printed jumper combo and under the knee dress among other things. All are lust-worthy pieces for effortles dressing. And again Carven is one of those brands that won't cost you fortune. Perfect!
What's your favourite PFW show so far?
Have a stylish day.

Michael Kors

Yesterday I had a great opportunity to pop into Michael Kors store at Westfields London. For a big Michael Kors fan like me, it's always a pleasure. I got to talking to the lovely and helpful sales-assistants, who complimented my beloved MK bag (picture below).
I've noticed 3 stores opening recently in London - on Regent street, Bond street and in Westfields and was wondering how well they've been doing. They said, yes, these stores have all been opened within the last eight months. I think that's an incredible achievement. They said things are going great with plans of more stores soon, despite Michal Kors being still quite unknown in the UK. That surprised me. Considering Michael last season celebrated thirty years in the fashion industry ( with a show full of his signature pieces), making great timeless clothing and accessories, being judge on Project Runway and having recently launched a jewellery line, you'd expect everyone to rave about him the same way as they do in US. Also on his side is the fact that his lines, although designer, seems cheaper than most of the others. I was compelled to put things right, hence this article. Bellow are images of my watch and bag, few of the many MK items I own, also images from the AW look book and as the sun is shining (I'm writing this post in the park, you may notice some grass in the pictures) I've included some sunglasses from his resort collection. I hope this will inspire you to visit one of his stores, if you haven't already, and fall in love with him, like me and many others.
Have a stylish day.

Jewelled Wednesday - by Mawi

One of the true highlights of London Fashion Week, for me, is the designers exhibitions. This is a place where you can discover great new talent and catch up on the latest news of some not so yet well known designers. Mawi is one of the regular exhibitors and I was very glad to talk to them about the latest collection. Like all the previous ones it's very colourful and eye-catching. Theirs are real statement pieces. For next season there was quite a lot of pink, so you can imagine my excitement, but even if that's not your colour, there is plenty to choose from. Whether you're after big cocktail ring, bold cuff or chunky necklace, they have it all. Mawi has recently opened their first stand-alone shop in London, proving their increasing popularity and influence in the jewellery market and I expect more great things from them. Watch this space.

Have a stylish day. 

Roberto Cavalli SS 12

What a way to finish Milan Fashion Week! Roberto Cavalli's show was the last one on the schedule and there couldn't have been a better one. In true Cavalli style, it was very sexy and feminine yet powerful. It featured lots of sparkle and embellishment as in celebration. Celebration of women's power? Who knows. But I think in these clothes you'll feel ready to take on the world.
We've seen a lot of pleats around and here they have been done very interesting and original way. Made from two different fabrics, they give impression like the clothes are slit. But the effect is amazing!
I am a big fan of maxi dresses as they can be dressed up and down easily according to your needs and moods. I can't imagine a better example of this than by Mr. Cavalli. His dresses are quite dressy, but the big belts give them more casual feel. Wear belted with flats for the day, then alone with heels and some accessories in the evening. Easy choice.
I also need to get myself a Cavalli blazer. Those cuts are fab. Again very practical as they will look as good with jeans as with your evening attire.
Over all stunning collection. I really can't wait for SS12 now.
Have a stylish day.

Dolce & Gabbana SS 12

It's become a norm, that the Dolce and Gabbana fashion show is closed with a parade of models wearing not their last outfit, but all in something sexy yet powerful. It's a spectacular finale and and it gives you an idea what a show it must have been. This year's jewelled bodysuits further prove that. And what a show it was!
Following up on yesterday's post and confirming from the masters of Italian fashion the trends are as follow (plus few ideas how you can update your wardrobe with DIY):
Prints: D&G got inspired in the garden. So apart from all the traditional ones, make sure you go for prints of onions, peppers, aubergines and more. It's vegetable heaven and a good way how to get your five a day.
Big earrings: and by big I mean the bigger the better. Apart from vegetables you can cook your own original creations using pasta tubes and other shapes. It's all about having fun.
Crochet: brush up your skills. It's time for crocheting and application of bits onto your clothes. Finish the look with a wicker basket.
Bejewelled clothing: it's time to sparkle. Keep the silouetthes simple but make sure you are covered in gems and beads.
Yes it's shaping up to be a good season so make sure have good time dressing up and get inspired by everything around you. Who knew onions could be sexy..
Have a stylish day.

Trends from Milan

It's the last day of Milan Fashion Week tomorrow. Can you believe it?! Then it's Paris and then the end of fashion month for another season. Judging by what we've seen so far, it's going to be a good summer. I've got a wish list the lengh of my arm.
There are some strong trends emerging from Milan already and I wanted to look at some of them. It's all very different from New York and London (Italian know best) but some are the same. Prints will be HUGE next year. They were everywhere and in all shapes and forms. From cars (Prada) to sea creatures(Versace) through florals and animal and everything between. Blumarine went overboard with flowers and used them on accessories too, plus there were appliqué flowers -another big trend. Roberto Cavali is known for his love of animal print and his Just Cavalli show didn't disappoint. It was very western inspired, expect fringing, fur, feather, cowboy hats, the lot.
Marni was one of many brands that gave us big earrings. Yes it's time for your ears to get more attention, as dangling accessory is essential! Again there's plenty of options. If you prefer minimalist look Marni has that too, but the number one choice is Jil Sander. Raf Simmons have done amazingly for the label and they've become big trend setters so prepare for Paisley as well.
Bottega Veneta Is mostly known for their leather goods, but the rest is just as good. This year they showed amazing strong colour palette and clothes in beautiful silouetthes and cuts. Sexy and sophisticated.
I mentioned before bare midrifs and they keep occurring so count yourself warned. For now that's all and loads more coming.
Have a stylish day.
Blumarine Bottega Venetta Jil Sander Just Cavalli Marni

Pucci SS 12 at MFW

Even though Isabeli Fontana's look wasn't the first or the last on the catwalk, I decided to put it separately, on the top, because it just felt right. I am a big fan of her and she looks stunning in that dress.
I read a review about this Emilio Pucci collection that was suggesting a strong copy of Dolce and Gabbana from the 90s and it reminded me a bit of Tom Ford at Gucci era (especially those cross necklaces). And so what if Peter Dundas maybe got inspired by both of them. Fashion is repeating itself, designers look into history and reinvent things. I certainly wouldn't want to critisize, as I LOVED the collection. Every look. Yes some of it was very provocative, but that's just for a show. Fashion is fun and frivolous and you can't take it too seriously. You've got the choice of what to wear every day and next year I'd like to wear some Pucci.
I want to release my inner bohemian and live in flowing maxi dresses and skirts. I want to dig out my cross necklace or if I'm lucky get a new one designed by Dundas. I want to wear miny sparkly dresses for crazy nights out and get sophisticated in a sexy suit (maybe with a tank top too). I think I even want to show my tummy (they are officially in!). Yes I want to be a Pucci girl.
Have a stylish day.

Party feet - by Lara Bohinc

Just because it's the fashion month, doesn't mean I should be skipping my regular features (ok I missed a few and I feel bad). But it's Saturday and that calls for Party feet post. I've noticed some amazing footwear on the SS 12 runways and can't wait to get my hands on some proper pictures and share it with you. I've been trying hard not to shop but I can never resist a look on outnet.com. If you read me regularly, you would know I always go on about them. They've added some new designers and this week I simply could not write about anyone else other than Lara Bohinc, as she's one of them. I love her designs. Her jewellery is lovely and shoes even better. Just look at my selection below, but if you want to see them all, click here. And that's not all. Not only are all outnet's items heavily reduced, this weekend they are having special promotion with further 20% off! Result. But hurry. At these prices nothing will last long.
Have a stylish day.