Owner: International Style and Fashion URL:http://international-style-and-fashion.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:07:29 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Information on styles from around the world, and advice on which trends to wear (and which to avoid) to make you look chic, elegant and sophisticated. Site statistics:Click here
best brands - Charles Nolan 2007-03-13 19:11:00 I just love this guy's clothes. The below is actually on his Spring 2006 collection, which are so beautiful. I don't know if it's the giant pearls that do it, but the outfits are so unbelievably sophisticated and elegant. These are simply real, wearable, beautiful clothes. This palest-of-pinks colours is so very feminine, and the sheen adds a touch of modernity. THe halter and neckline are so flattering. This dress is gorgeous for summer, and the belt and pearls are brilliant. Making a grey-haired woman and teeny children look good? This guy is a master. These back details featured very often, and are very pretty and feminine. I'm certainly not a purple type of girl, but these two shades combined in this way could almost sway me... Again, the shape and colour of this dress are so lovely. This is a gorgeous outfit. Very flattering, Please take a look at http://www.charlesnolan.com/ for more of this collection. His Spring and Fall 2007 are OK, too - perhaps not quite so brilliant, b Read more:Charles
, best brands
wedding wear 2007-03-13 13:17:00 Weddings - we all have to face this challenge at some point. It's tricky enough if it's your own, but at least you have some guidelines - white/cream dress. As a guest, there's rather more to it. Despite this, I actually really enjoy shopping for events like these - it's a bit like looking for race-wear. Here are some simple tips:Firstly, forget upstaging the bride! She's the one at the top of the aisle, so don't worry about you getting too much attention. You won't. After that, the main thing to bear in mind is simplicity. Avoid excessive frills, ruffles, pleats, sequins, feathers... I really encourage wearing one main focus, such as a head piece or some fur or an embroidered detail. For example: this is very pretty. Tracey Reese:Colour. Block colours - top and bottom being the same. Soft greys are good. I love beige, cream and white. Make sure you avoid black, and I'm not such a fan of pink, blue or lilac from top to toe. Pale yellow or peach might work. So, that's quite lim Read more:wedding
Best low cost simple bootleg / flare jeans 2007-03-13 22:34:00 I'm so particular about my jeans, it's amazing. For wearing with flats in winter, I like a nice heavy denim (with little stretch), without excessive detailing - no extra rivets, pockets, embroidery, glitter or rips... I prefer my jeans to be practical and use them for making my bum look better, rather than using them as a focal point in an outfit. For this purpose, I'm a great fan of wide and straight Armani's, but, if you're like me and are too lazy to get them taken up for wearing without heels, there are some other options which won't have you splashing out £120+ on yet another pair for your collection. Oasis. I don't normally shop there, but they have great jeans. My favourite is this Amber jean, in either mid-wash denim or navy/royal blue: Quick tip - these sizes often run large so go for a really small size.Alternatively, check out these delicious 551 Levi's - they are super comfy, and really flattering to the thigh and bum. They're also available in cords, and I have t Read more:Best low
defining preppy (help needed) 2007-03-17 01:25:00 I've always been really interested in finding out what people consider to be preppy looks, items or brands. Preppy styles, which are common both in the States and the UK (where there are the near-equivalent Sloanes), are instantly recognisable, but I find it quite hard to pinpoint why this is. Maybe you can help. The style I'm thinking of is up-market but not uber designery - these people don't really follow trends, and probably wouldn't say fashion is a big deal to them - although they're probably fashion conscious. I think a good example of a preppy-style is the character Tyler from the OC. Also, past preps might include Charlotte from SATC, and of course Bree from Desparate Housewives. Great photo of a modern preppy from fun site http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Preppy-GirlThe type of preppy look I'm thinking of is a more classic, older preppy - not so much the Abercromby/Hollister type. So, let's say the cleaner Ralph Lauren and Lacoste (and maybe Hilfiger) polos, instead. What d Read more:help needed
best brands - Anne Fontaine 2006/2007 2007-03-16 15:42:00 Anne Fontaine
, the white shirt lady. Very French, very stylish white shirts. I've been catching up with her F/W 2006/2007 collection, and it's quite impressive. As Anne herself says, the white shirt can take you anywhere (as we see below) - from wearing with jeans to a very smart dinner We all need several clean pressed white white shirts in our wardrobe. Of course, there's more to it than that - lace, jacquard and embroidery are incorporated into these stunning but simple designs. I'm a real fan of volume on the sleeve, as it makes arms look skinnier. I especially like short puff-sleeved shirts, such as these:I also love shirts with ruffle-fronts or bows, or another detail, like these two: These two are so elegant. See what I mean about the skirts and jeans - both work so well. Gorgeous top on the left: Really sweet embroidery - nothing too serious:Look at the detail on the sleeve - so pretty: This is such a romantic top:I love the one on the right:These shorts are brilliant: I Read more:best brands
best brands - Reem Acra 2007-03-16 14:17:00 So it looks like the metallic trend is going to be with us for the entirity of 2007. And I'm quite happy about it. As I've mentioned in my (many) previous posts on silvers and golds and all things shiny, I do find muted metals very flattering for skin, and more liquid style metals are great on small bags and accessories (I'm still dying for a silver miroir Pochette). One designer who really latched onto the metallics trend is Reem Acra
. Her collections are essential evening and bridal wear, with a bit of daywear, and some of the pieces in the current collections are really gorgeous. All designers claim to pay great attention to detail (in order to justify the often ludicrous price tags), but in Acra's case this does appear to be true. She has a lot of embroidery (which I have to admit I'm not hugely keen on), and the clothes look quality and luxe. Style: classic romantic and feminine, but with more than a touch of glamour and modernity. Sounds good, right? Have a look at some of m Read more:best brands
current German fashion - March 2007 2007-03-23 13:36:00 I'm going to be in German
y again this week, so I thought I'd take a peek at the latest Mode in Deutschland. First, I checked out vogue.de. I was initially put off by seeing Kate Moss on the main page. However it wasn't all bad...Trends, as per everywhere in the West: Glitzer und Glamour, Sport-Glam, Future-Look, Marine, bold prints. No big surprises. Except the mention of bondage themes in Armani. Hmmm.Colours: bright blue and neon. We know these, and they ugh and ughier. Metallic, beige/nude, and good old B&W.Trousers and skirts: minis, tulip-skirts, skinny pants, leggings, shorts, masculine pants. A bit behind, there, perhaps? Accessories: knots and perspex, big bags. Super-mirrored sunglasses. Glamourous headscarves, like this at Ralph Lauren:And how about this turban at Prada?:Another interesting thing I did find was a really yummy bag from Mango, which retail around 120 euro: Just look at those beige and pink colours, and the blue, white, orange... oh, I want them all.Then I we Read more:March
best brands - Borbonese 2007-03-23 13:23:00 This Spring/Summer RTW collection is so varied, it's funny. From Versace-esque bikinis, to some really quite conservative coats and trousers -it wasn't really quite Spring or Summer. In saying that, though, there are some great pieces - I do like the giraffe print, and the coats are elegant:These belts are really stylish - modern but elegant:I love the rope handle of this tote: Gorgeous colour and shape - so practical: http://www.borbonese.com/main_flash.html I-S-F Read more:best brands
best brands - Braccialini 2007-03-23 12:45:00 Here's something fun. I usually go for classic, go-with-everything bags which aren't designed to make statements, they're just meant to look good. If, however, you're in a childish mood, or you want something to liven up a simple outfit, try Braccialini. OK, so the bag and the clothes do have to match colour- and style-wise, but still, these could work. Either that, or you could hang them on your wall. Yup, they're that pretty:However, if you're after something a bit more... normal, but equally delightful, this brand has other great treats: Isn't this fabulous?: By Tua by Braccialini: There's also the Mariella Burani line, which has some very stylish bags, too:I don't really like the Vivienne Westwood line for Braccialini, though - a bit garish. And isn't this bag really similar to Vuitton's shopper last season? The really ugly blue check one?:But, if you really want to play, have a look at their Looney Tunes line. Very crazy, but quite cute. Look at this little clutch: Swee Read more:best brands
best brands - Vic Matiè 2007-03-23 12:24:00 OK, I'm creating a bit of an Italian theme today, but I just couldn't resist sharing this brand. More specifically, their shoes. I'm a huge fan of flat but bejewelled sandals. I love them for summer evenings - they can look glamorous and beautiful without having to deal with heels and everything associated with them. So, here are some of my favourites from Vic Matiè:I love the straps and the combination of the dark leather with the big silver sparkles: OK, these have a slight heel but they're too cute too miss:And these aren't sandles at all, but I like them, though I'm not too sure why:There are lots of nice higher heels, too, and some cute cowboy boots. The bags I'm not all too keen on (trying to be a bit too trendy and modern), and there are some shoes which look a bit clunky and Irregular Choice-ish... but for Italian shoe wear, this is cute and cheap. http://www.vicmatie.it/ I-S-F Read more:best brands
best brands - Loro Piana 2007-03-23 12:16:00 If you feel like something really luxurious but not hugely branded, go to Italian label Loro Piana. The company and clothes ooze old-style class - they've been around since 1800 and are now the largest cashmere manufacturer. Quality clothes, and the Spring/Summer 2007 is looking good, too:OK, these clothes are maybe aimed at more... 'mature', stylish women, but I think anyone who's in their early twenties or later could pull it off successfully - you just need to have suitable accessories, which they kindly provide. Go to http://www.loropiana.com/index_eng.php for more. I-S-F Read more:best brands
bizarre antics at Prada S/S 2007 2007-03-25 11:44:00 So, I have already admitted to loving the fringed tote. But please, Miuccia, must you rub it in our face so much? Really, it's extreme. Great for a bag detail, but as a dress? An ugly, foul coloured dress? It seems a bit like a desparate attempt at uniqueness and creativity, to me: And an even worse one: Does attractiveness really come into it anymore?:Even some bags had been totally smothered in this yuck, like a very messy rat: Elsewhere at the Spring/Summer 2007 we see such sombre colours and ugly shoes: What is this? And the shoes with multicolored fringing?:Despite this, it wasn't all bad - nearly, but not all:I also love the turbans. But, honestly, that hardly makes a collection. This is meant to be RTW, but there's nothing I would even consider wearing in here. Apart, maybe, to a Western-themed fancy dress party. I-S-F Read more:Prada
to wear or not to wear - high waist trousers 2007-03-25 11:12:00 It was pretty clear that the appearance of a certain Ms Moss in those high waisted dark jeans early last year would initiate a turning point for denim - and, sure enough, the fashion world and now the whole world are catching on. But, before you gleefully haul out those old 80's uglies from the back of your wardrobe, you'd better see if they actually look good, right?Well, let's firstly have a look at said jeans:My honest reaction was Oh God, no. If a supermodel is beginning to look like she has saddle bags, what misery will these jeans bring to normalites like me? I would really advise you to avoid Topshop, avoid ASOS avoid anyone offering you skinny high-waists. Certainly you don't want to look like this (Cheap Monday Eiffel Tower Dry pair from Caliroots), right?:So can you work this trend to your advantage? Later in 2006 we found Kate in another pair of much more flattering jeans:Verdict? Much better. Although, to be honset, these aren't very high, are they? And the wider legs
designer cell phones - Prada's latest 2007-03-28 21:00:00 So, while I've been ranting a bit on the poor performance at Prada
of late, I have to admit that I'm a big fan of the new Prada / LG effort in the mobile sector. Touch screen phones are great look-wise, anyway, but the black simple chic-ness of this mobile is brilliant. Thinking practically, I suppose it'd be best to check out the battery-life, and also how much yucky fingerprints show up, but well, I'll leave that to you.The thing about designer phones is that you have to be very warey of cheap-looking fad phones. If we're honest, mobiles go out of fashion as quickly as any clothing trend - so it's unlikely that this gadget will last you forever. However I'm pretty sure it'll fare better than the hideous gold D&G Motorolla mobile we saw launched last year - so tacky:Before that, there was the Escada version of the Siemens SL55 (pre-color screens) and SL65 (pink or blue denim-style), followed by the SL75: The top purple SL55 is just horrid, and I'm not particularly fond of the
to wear or not to wear - paper-bag waists 2007-03-29 19:11:00 So, you've probably noticed this around; over-sized waist, held with a belt. It really steps up the whole masculine look. Take a look at Mary-Kate Olsen in these:How about these from MaxMara: We've also seen them at Y3 and Belstaff, and, on the high-street, at Topshop (below left): Verdict: It's an awful trend in my opinion. So unflattering, so messy. Please don't be a victim of this trend. I-S-F Read more:paper
best brands - Massimo Dutti 2007-03-29 18:59:00 I love this brand. If you want something really luxurious and beautiful, try this. It's owned by Inditex (like Zara), and has been around since 1985. It's style is classic but modern, if that's possible. It's quality. There's also the Soft line of more casual wear. I love both. For more, go to www.massimodutti.com/. I-S-F Read more:best brands
to wear or not to wear - transparent plastic bags 2007-03-29 18:34:00 This is very debatable, particularly with the whole perspex trend just now. Sure, they look modern and exciting on the shelf, but when they're filled with your spilling bronzing pearls, a leaking pen, some tissues and a very bruised apple, are they really so pretty? Not to mention being a prime target for naughty people with an eye (literally, now) on your wallet. Usually, also, these bags are worse quality and therefore lower priced than their normal counterparts. And it shows.However, there are pros: apart from looking cute, people argue they can show off their Vuitton organiser, Gucci Blackberry case and Tod's nano case. So how can we make the most of these bags? A couple of examples are the Longchamp pliage, available in many colours:In Zara, too, I've seen a great grey transparent bag, and another huge black-trimmed one. I think the solution is to use an inner bag - in a similarly coloured material to the trim - in which to put all belongings. Like an envelope for your bag.
best brands - Cos 2007-03-29 18:16:00 If you're a Zara addict like me, you'll be happy to know that I've found something that seems, to me, remarkably similar - Cos. And, as a bonus, it's all really well priced. So far, there are stores mainly in Germany, and a few spread in Belgium, Holland and the UK. Have a look at a few pieces from their current collection: For more clothes and accessories, check out http://www.cosstores.com/. I-S-F Read more:best brands
best brands - Stuart Weitzman 2007-03-29 17:06:00 What recently really drew my attention to this brand was his flat silver pump that is so sleek, simple and elegant and truly goes with so much.There are some other amazing flats in this collection, and I love his ballerinas, like Capsule:He also has some great almond-toe platform pumps, like the Dais shoes, and the peep-toe Expump. I also love the rafia-heeled Eloise heels, which are right on-trend with the chunkier heel and patent leather. That's the thing - this brand caters for both those looking for really trendy shoes and for those who want something a bit more classic. For something more delicate, the Bonanza is very special: And the Fever stillettoes are amazing:There are some tres moderne shoes in the wedges category - more patent, and plenty of perspex. Some are nicer than others - there's just a bit too much going on with a few shoes, like the Miramar. I'm really fond of the cleaner Rollpump though:The Cachet is also great:There's also lots of espadrilles, and there's ev Read more:best brands
, Stuart
, Weitzman
, Stuart Weitzman
best brands - Beverly Feldman 2007-04-03 16:26:00 I'm hugely fond of my go-with everything, classic and sophisticated shoes in plain and neutral colours. However it can get a bit boring. That's why I so adore this brand of footwear - it's perfect for something more exciting, and a shoe that you can truly fall in love with. They may be highly impractical, can only be worn with white/cream or with blue jeans, but they're terribly pretty. I was really in heaven when I came across this display of some of her current collection.Just look at the bag behind them, too: Here are some of my particular favourites from her S/S 07 collection: And how about this for a brilliant bridal shoe?:Totally drool-worthy! http://www.beverlyfeldmanshoes.com/main.htm I-S-F Read more:Beverly
, best brands
to wear or not to wear - bold prints 2007-04-03 16:22:00 They're everywhere. Look at this photo I took in a store recently:Isn't it frightening? Ugh. We already know that prints
usually make us look big - they might be pretty, but very often it's true. I say sit back and let someone else make the mistake. If you're insistant, maybe try a small pattern somewhere - a bit of paisley, a cute retro floral pattern. Nothing too... widespread or overpowering. And don't forget to acccessorise with plain and well-matching colours. I-S-F
I want that shrt 2007-04-03 16:16:00 I always keep my eyes peeled for more white shirts, as they're so hugely useful. A recent find is this, from Coast:A little twist (literally) on the classic - and fortunately it's a flattering change. Beautiful. The only problem is the heft price tag (around £75, I believe) - quite high considering the length generally-short lifespan of my white shirts. I-S-F
best brands - Fenn Wright Manson 2007-04-03 16:00:00 I love this brand to death. It's great for older and younger women, and the shapes and cuts are very kind and flattering. Moreover, I love how feminine the clothes are - some of the dresses are gorgeous, but the suits are beautiful too. The fabrics are fabulous, as often are the colours. Here are some of my favs from the Spring / Summer 07 collection:From the Pearl groupThis dress is fabulous for showing a bit of cleavage and brilliant legs, without revealing the upper arms as well:ChainsHarder to wear but beautiful in a casual, summer way: I love these trousers, esp. paired with the cute cropped jacket: Oasis OrchidsI love this colour, and it's brilliant with pastel blue. The trouser shape is also perfect: Again, more of the nice shade with blue and pink. The dress works so well with the bag and shoes - not too girly: Tres belle: This is a gorgeous outfit - from the neckline to the bag and shoes:Out of AfricaWhile I find the leopard prints a bit too much, these two are very pretty: Read more:best brands
, Wright
, Manson
Spring mode in Munich 2007-04-03 15:34:00 Munich (Muenchen / München) is one of my favourite places. This is partly (yes, partly) because it's such a stylish city. Why? Let me show you. As in many other German places, trendiness takes second place behind style and classiness. You want to dress well in Munich? You have to dress up. Not formal, but luxe. No leggings, no pirate funny boots. Very few high heels, in fact. In detail:Jackets: short blazers in tweed, navy etc. Mid-length and short trenches, in dark or bright colours like red or fuschia. For the younger women, swing / box jackets in colours such as red and navy are also popular. Quilted jackets are also to be found - shorter and fitted, such as those by Hilfiger or Barbour's more modern styles.Tops: shirts, jumpers, cardigans.Trousers: invariably jeans or white trousers now it's getting warmer. Skinny jeans under riding boots are very popular - almost uniform-like. Shoes: as mentioned earlier, avoid heels greater than 2 inches. If you want to wear a small heel, it Read more:Spring
, Munich
best brands - Tintoretto 2007-04-04 17:35:00 This Belgian brand produces some great clothes - I love the styles available for Spring / Summer 2007. The colours are really simple but well-matched. It's classic but young. Have a look.I love this combination of loose all-whites with a skinny scarf: Again, more all-white with a contrasting colour:For smarter wear, there's this interesting green dress and bag. I'm only hoping there's nice shoes to match... Adorable jacket - great collar, great colour, great cut - and such a perfect match with the jeans. I love this type of combination - it's so versatile, and makes you look effortlessly chic:Please do look here http://www.tintoretto-fashion.be/. I-S-F Read more:best brands
best brands - Stefanel S/S 07 2007-04-03 17:30:00 The blatant sucking up to Gisele Budchen by Stefanel is a tad annoying and desparate-seeming. It's also true that there are some hideous shapes, ugly neon colors and... oh, no - leggings in the Spring / Summer 2007 collection. However, some of the clothes are really rather pretty. Beautiful coat - very simple but lovely: I adore this combination of high-waist floaty white dress, with white/grey or camel short cardigan. I'm normally not really into purple, but this collection works bold colours so well together, it's almost wearable as is: Again - more strong colours that have been cleverly coordinated: Cute jacket, cute skirt: There was also broderie anglaise on dresses - which I love. Plenty of African / safari style clothing, too, although those extra pockets are really attractive to me. Some metallics, too many leggings, floral, greys, peaches... many very different themes. Not to mention the hot pink and the patent red trenches. Ugh. So, yes - some worked, some definitely didn' Read more:best brands
to wear or not to wear - denim skirts 2007-04-03 17:13:00 Most of us have tried (and many failed) the denim mini look. Some have gone to the opposite extreme and tried full lengths. What I want to try, though, is the knee length. In a way, it's amazing that I don't have one already. I didn't realise this, until trying on a rather cute one in Zara Munich recently:Note the waist height - not too low, not too high. The length is also good - not too long for summer. I rather like it. I like the front pleat, and the back was also good. There wasn't too much elastane, either.Another I've found is this, by D&G. Perhaps the denim is a little dark, though:There's another similar to that above at net-a-porter, by Notify.Alternatively, there's this by Citizens of Humanity at Saks:Overall, however, the Zara wins, in my opinion. I think a skirt like this could be a good alternative to smarter skirts
- something nice for summer that's not too holiday-ish, nor to work-place-ish. With plenty of shells, coral and turquoise adorning accessories, footw
best brands - Liolà 2007-04-03 16:55:00 If you want some new styling inspiration, head to http://www.liola.it/. If you look past some 80's hair and polka dots, and the spelling mistakes, you'll find some great looks from this Italian family company. Here are some of the best:I also love this young dress from the Botto line:I-S-F Read more:best brands
best brands - Betty Barclay 2007-04-06 12:30:00 It's a shame really, because these clothes are often considered to be more for older women, with the concessions usually being tucked in with other, more mature brands. In fact, some pieces are surprisingly modern (yet stylish), and I think can be worn by anyone who carries them well enough. Take a look at this cardi:Reminds me totally of Ralph Lauren.Generally, the clothes tend to be romantic but quite simple, uncluttered, and this season there's plenty of the old nautical look coming in. Plenty of blue, red and white, then - but also earthier tones, too. I love these cropped trousers - I have a pair from last summer's Zara which have those cute gold buttons and a gold chain at the back. They're great because they work with so much, and add a smarter touch to an often-casual length of pant:I think the below look is brilliant:I also got the feeling that there's a bit of a Sienna influence in some outfits:I'm not 100% sure that I appreciate the above look, but it's interesting Read more:Betty
, best brands
Zara's take on the fringe 2007-04-05 18:19:00 In true Zara form, following the fringing craze at Prada they've come up with a cheap alternative. So, if you want to give this 'trend' (read: Miuccia's crazy fad) a shot, without risking a hunk of life-savings, check out this bag (seen in Zara Munich):I think it's priced at around 119 euro. Personally, I think 50 cents would be a waste of money for this shredded mess, but that's just me. There are also other versions elsewhere - in red etc. I do actually love the big Prada fringed totes, but, perhaps due to my fickle designer-addiction, the Zara versions don't do it for me. I-S-F
Recommend Site To A Friend
