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
Malo Spring / Summer 2007 2007-04-05 17:53:00 When I first saw the latest from Malo, I thought - oh, no - how impractical are those little plastic blobs. But then, over the past few weeks, pieces from the collection have been appearing in context, if you like, and I'm finding them much more reasonable. The bags are particularly appealing - they may be really simple totes, but the detail really modernises them. The clothes are also good, too: These shorts are pushing it, though - could you actually sit down?:Some of those without the blobs are also rather nice - this is very pretty and so clean: I love this shape: Beautiful neckline: So, overall, I like the collection very much. http://www.malo.it/ I-S-F Read more:Spring
, Summer
Benito Fernandez 2007-04-05 16:48:00 While the different collections are really very different, they all share a common feminity and sensuality. The fabrics are interesting, and there's often plenty of detail. In the Angeles range, we see lots of loose, floating shapes, ruffles and layers. Plenty of babydolls. Colour-wise, it's a bit of a rainbow - tie-dye and washouts, multicoloured. Quite pretty really, if worn for a very summery occassion. Some necklines are quite Grecian, and I love the touches of soft gold in some outfits:The Matriochka collection, on the other hand is, quite simply, awful. Hippy prints, zero coordination, messy... Ugh. Horrid aubergine tights, and boots which totally dominate the outfit. The Embrujo Gitano and Boheme lots are also quite similar - they both look as though everything's come from a very old thrift store, with as much as possible being piled on. Caleidoscopio is a little better, though still doesn't exactly look designed more than thrown together.Flores: a bit garish in parts, but b Read more:Fernandez
perfect spring boots 2007-04-08 17:37:00 You know the weather - not exactly cold, but definitely not warm either. Maybe a chilly breeze, cloudy... footwear choice can be difficult. Should you wear a pump, or go for a sweaty boot? The perfect solution? These drool-worthy Sergio Rossi riding boots:A good leather trim round the foot for a bit of protection, and lots of light suede above. Great colour, too - easy to match with jeans and others. Perfetto! I-S-F
to wear or not to wear - chunky / block heels 2007-04-08 13:12:00 Well, let me first prevent you from falling for this trend too much and ending up looking like an early 90s hangover. Take a peek at some of Chloe's latest efforts, and hopefully you'll avoid the shoes at the very extreme:Also, the same goes for these from Marni:Feeling ill yet? I am. However, it's not all bad. This blog is about using trends to make you look good, and I think it's possible to do that even with chunky heels. Just not quite so chunky ones. These are from Pied a Terre: I think they will not only make walking infinitely more pleasant than stilletoes, but that thicker heel may help to make our legs a little bit slimmer. My theory is based on the fact that big bags help make the body look small, thus big(ish) heels should make the legs look thinner. Another pair of similarly hopeful shoes are these by Shellys:It might not seem that there's much difference between the top two and the bottom pair, but I think there's definite tapering of the Shellys and Pieds towards th Read more:block
over knee boots 2007-04-08 13:01:00 I've always regarded these boots in a similar way that a housewife might look at prostitute - they're just a bit too... desparate. Yesterday, however, my opinion was changed; I saw a woman wearing some sand-coloured suede (heeled?) over-knees on top of dark denim skinnies, with a longer-length tweed blazer, a la Ralph Lauren. It looked really smart - something I'd never have thought possible. She looked trendy but classic and stylish. I'd love to try this look, but I don't know that I'm ever going to be able to find a pair of such boots that I'm totally comfortable with, and if I can't get that I won't ever wear them. I suppose the closest I have found are these from Michael Kors - the Kors Neptune boot:They can be folded to above the knee, but I don't think they come in beige... I-S-F
rucksacks and backpacks 2007-04-10 16:12:00 I've been meaning to write this post for quite some time. When I'm travelling or have a need to carry lots without having a super-large tote on my shoulder, I am often conscious of how handy it would be to have a rucksack to use. A really nice, stylish rucksack. In fact, I almost envy the teenagers running around with their trusty Eastpacks.But, despite the Vuitton monogram that has been on the go for a long time, I've never succummed to the backpack. I've always thought that it looks a bit too geeky. Also, it would totally affect the drape of a coat, not to mention being problematic to take on and off if you're wearing a thick outerwear. However, with summer coming up, perhaps the thinner layers will mean make backpack-wearing less of an issue, particularly with some of these presented in this month's German Madame:First up is probably my favourite, from super luxe brand Valextra. Yumm - I'm drooling already. Cream leather, totally simple and elegant design... only the price ta
(un)useful creations 2007-04-10 15:48:00 Two things featuring in many blogs recently are bag hooks and Muleos. The first - the bag hook - is a bag that is meant to prevent the nasty accidents and general anxiety associated with having to leave your prized purse on the grimy floor of a resto. Great idea, I hear you say - genius! And it's true - floors can be pretty yucky places for a thousand dollar bag. But does it work? I've been reading around (the best review is at http://www.geardiary.com/2007/03/09/the-purse-hook-review/) and to be frank, I don't think this would work. Firstly, there's the embarassment of having to take it out (and make you look more than a touch excessively protective about a bag - no matter what it's cost - particularly in the eyes of men). Then, you have to fit it. And, more often than not, it would seem - the table top doesn't fit the hook. Now you're looking really dumb. How would you pass that off? Hmmmm... I always like to bear in mind the fact that the people who look the most stylish are
Laptop bags / cases and sleeves 2007-04-09 17:28:00 Only recently have designers started to make use of the potential that laptop bags have to offer. And even now, they're usually pretty limited. Why? I have no idea - so many women need notebooks every day, and what could be worse than those ugly geeky black nylon messenger bags? Ugh. Anyway, here are some of my favourite providers, Knomo, Pink Lining, and Lin and Leo.The most classic of the three is Knomo (http://www.knomobags.com/) - here you'll find some brilliant purchases. From the classic rectangular over-shoulder tote:To these two rather more trendy and chic bags: All are available in other colours, too. And for notebook sleeves: For me the above case is totally perfect. The colour, the quilting... brilliant. If, however, you want something a bit more playful, maybe Pink Lining (http://www.shop.edirectory.co.uk/pink_lining/2621/index/) is more suitable, such as this distinctly summery type: Or how about this heart-printed bag?: Personally, I don't care for them all too much, b Read more:Laptop
, cases
Chanel sweater clip 2007-04-09 16:24:00 One of my most useful accessories has to be this little clip. It's so handy for subtly keeping together a draped pashmina, fastening a really loose shrug, stole or a cardigan... and, of course, it's Chanel
. I don't know if they're still available, but they used to be at http://i-globalmall.stores.yahoo.net/chswcl.html. Alternatively, of course, you could make your own using bright ribbon which coordinates with your item of choice. All that's needed is a bit of nice ribbon, some hem-backing (white thick stuff) and two braces / suspender clips. I'm pretty sure you could encorporate a bit of velcro around the back, too, which would allow you to swap the ribbons... Happy designing! I-S-F
best brands - Cecilia Yau 2007-04-09 15:19:00 I don't usually comment on couture-ish designs, but I think these pieces are really just so lovely, it an effortless sort of way. Ms Yau has had her own label since '99, and does made-to-order dresses using fabrics from knits to leather and fur. Looking at her Spring / Summer 2007 collection I really thought the gowns looks so elegant in a loose, floaty way, and the colours are really dreamy: This peach with the antique-lace shrug is so, so pretty: The hints of silver through some dresses is really luxurious: This dress is stunning - almost iridescent:Cecilia
Yau is obviously quite heavy on the embroidery in this collection, and the colours are really very varied. Only a really talented designer could make a colour like this mossy green work well! However I think many of these quite busy designs and colours would best suit tanned or darker skins...So, yes, I'm a fan. http://www.cecilia-yau.com/ I-S-F Read more:best brands
best brands - Hiroko Ueno 2007-04-09 14:58:00 This designer is from Japan, but now is Singapore-based, and her pieces really emboyd true feminism and romanticism. I challenge anyone not to fall in love with these. The Spring / Summer 2007 collection really reminds me of white-washed chic Mediterranean coastal towns. Very dreamy:The headbands are brilliant. And each piece has a small detail which makes it interesting, however they're all fabulously simple and elegant. I-S-F Read more:best brands
, Hiroko
getting into a flap 2007-04-09 14:38:00 So, I do love wide-legged trousers. They can be ultra flattering. I thought I'd found a perfect pair in H&M recently, and I got them in a nice camel and a crisp white. 100 % cotton. Today I teamed the camel with some camel pumps (flat), and a white vest under a lemon cardigan. Very sweet, even if I say so myself. Yup, it looked cute, and the pants are a perfect fit round the bum and legs. The pants themselves look a bit like these, by Nanette Lepore: The problem, however, was when it came to walking. It was like having billowing sails around my calves - tres embarassing. They pants aren't too short - they reach the ground. But, it would seem that this just isn't long enough for a summer weight pure cotton trouser. I have many Armani wide-legs, but they're much heavier, and the thin cotton jeans I have are much longer (they trail on the ground a bit, but they're very casual). Neither of these flap. It's a real shame, then, that I just don't think I'll be able to wear these thin
best brands - Aigner 2007-04-09 14:33:00 I truly love this brand - it's been one of my favorites ever since I first found it in Germany several years ago. It's classic style at its best. Even the little trademark horseshoe is perfect. Here are some clothes:Aren't they all so well coordinated? So stylish? The clothes really do say, 'I'm an intelligent, independent woman, but I'm also conscious of how I look, and I'm actually pretty attractive'. Or something like that.Bags - the little trademark is so adorable on the bags and accessories - in a similar way that I love the Gucci snaffle. It's instantly recognisable but isn't a name and actually looks good. This has to be my favourite:Belts: again, more of the simple horse shoe. Very pretty. I do love a cream belt with a strong gold buckle:Shoes: All nice and elegant, but also sexy heels. Watches: these are some of my favorite items in the whole collection: The middle white and gold is particularly chic. For more Aigner, go to http://www.aignermunich.com/. There are, ho Read more:best brands
gadgets for girls 2007-04-12 12:23:00 While I'm a great fan of all things classic and elegant, I do also love to wear some interesting, more unusual pieces from time to time. Things that make people say Ooh, where did you get that from? So, first up, here's a cute little necklace thing:Worn with simple clothes as per the picture, this Smoon Bijou (http://www.gnr8.biz/product_info.php?products_id=282) might look quite elegant. See more at http://www.techiediva.com/weblog/fashion/index.html. More amazing jewellery can be found at http://www.marionvancruchten.nl/. While these items are maybe a bit (or more than a bit) kitsch, they're also very clever but so simple:I particularly love the top daisy chain - so sweet.Another, slightly geeky, accessories store is Pixel Girl Shop - it's all very innocent but really quite humerous and cute. From cupcake charm bracelets, olive bracelets, fortune-cookie bracelets... to this amusing sushi charm bracelet (matching necklace and earrings also available):I know, it's a little extreme Read more:gadgets
Halle Berry - looking great in grey 2007-04-11 16:11:00 At her Perfect Stranger premiere in Madrid, here's HalleBerry
in a really fabulous Roberto Cavalli. I think the ultra-fitted shape, together with the lace, make this otherwise bland grey dress so much more exciting:I don't like the shoes very much - they're not great for her legs or the dress - but the lack of jewellery was a really good choice. I-S-F Read more:Halle Berry
great summer look 2007-04-11 16:06:00 Jamie Lynn Spears isn't exactly one of my personal style icons, but here she is in a truly beautiful summer outfit. I love the colour and style of the dress, the necklace and shoes with it... lovely. What I may've changed, though, is the hair - more natural would be better. I also don't think the earrings and that turquoise ring work too well. But, apart from that, it's great. I-S-F
to wear or not to wear - caps 2007-04-13 17:17:00 So, here's the Eugenia Kim muffy plaid cap (shopbop.com) that everyone's been reviewing recently:Like it? Not me. But it sure got me thinking about caps in general - should they be worn? When and how? Who should wear them?Firstly, let me show you some of the most expensive caps around.By Prada, probably the most simple of styles. Why, then would one wish to pay near $300? I would so much prefer a similar Nike, saving around... well, $300.Another simple classic by Lacoste. Hate the colour, but the style is ok: Another simple paperboy cape from Lacoste - again the colour isn't great but the style is... cute. Ish. At least it's a bit less tracksuity than the above two: This isn't so bad - the colour is fine and the logo isn't too strong - but somehow it reminds me of the (infamously copied) Burberry check, and that's surely not a good sign: More from Prada. This just screams cheap, don't you think? Although it's anything but: Another from Prada, looking horribly 80's-ish: Ouch -
pretty petals - all things floral 2007-04-13 16:34:00 I'm going through a bit of a flowery phase - or rather the fashion world is. Big blooms, mainly roses, are everywhere - every runway, and from being in the hair (or all over the hair), to the shoes... and I love it.Here are some of my favourite appearances. At McQueen:Perhaps not roses or even flowers at all, but these shreds of fabric at Vuitton are really pretty, and I think totally wearable:I really draw the line at this, by Peter Jensen, though:Anyway, if you're looking for some easy pieces to work into your everyday wardrobe, here are a few great sites to try...Johnny Loves Rosie - how about this small hair tie, or the cream (slightly garish) ring?:In Europe I always love to check out Bijou Brigitte as they always have many many cheap but so cheery flowers for hair and body. Another great online store, though, is http://store.latebloomerboutique.com/: I just love those orchids, and the dusty pink rose is perfect for blondes during the day. I also love cream or beige colours for Read more:things
best brands - Lutz and Patmos 2007-04-16 13:56:00 We all enjoy a bit of luxury, and cashmere is pretty high on my desirables list. Near the top of my specificly cashmere wish list is Lutz and Patmos clothing. It's all so drapey, so enveloping; it just begs you to wear it. And, of course, what the cashmere wants, the cashmere gets. This is comfort with a capital C, and style with an equally big S. The best thing about this brand is that it's so obviously luxe, but there's no branding. You aren't paying for a label, unlike with so many high-end products today - you're actually paying for and getting great design and quality. So, anyway - here's the goods:I love batwings - they're so flattering. These cuts are what cashmere is made for. The colour shown here is great, too: Each season they get a guest designer to come in and create something, and here are some of my past favourites. In fall 2003, Christy Turlington designed this great top: Then, in fall 2005 Sofia Coppola created this, which I (and many others, at the time) adore, Read more:best brands
current Chanel footwear 2007-04-16 11:47:00 What do you think? Some pairs are really pretty ugly, in my opinion - they just don't fit with Chanel
. From the really boringly classic shoes like these: To the quite simply ugly ones: And these:And these: Actually, there are very very few that I would consider - probably these two being my favorites: Both of these two are really elegant, but the rest? So not. I-S-F
best brands - Casadei 2007-04-16 11:26:00 Are you looking for some bold, glamorous, up-to-trend shoes? Try Italian label Casadei. Similarly, these shoes are for bold, glamorous women. They aren't for hiding in...My favs are probably these bejewelled two. I love the detail and colors against the black, and the straps are the most flattering:The straps are also another great point of this shoe. So tiny, and the heel shape, the diamante buckle, the colour... all work so well together:I love this detail:I also love the toe of this shoe:This shoe comes from their Fresh Paint S/S 2007 collection, but I would only wear such a... dramatic shoe in white, beige or black: I'm still not sure that I like all the 'dancing' style shoes that we're seeing so much of lately. Sure, they may be comfortable, but flattering? I don't know: Another great shape: And, if you're looking for flats, perhaps Casadei isn't the best place, however they do have a few loafers and drivers that are pretty cute:www.casadei.com/ I-S-F Read more:best brands
best brands - Henry Cotton's 2007-04-16 11:09:00 If you're looking for some casual, slightly preppy, slightly boho clothes, check out HenryCotton
's. For Spring / Summer 2007, the look is really light and easy: I wouldn't wear all these together, but some parts would be great:My favourite white trousers brown belt combination - so Ralph Lauren: I suppose the only look that doesn't really fit to this collection is this (although I still really like it):All really cute and casual. www.henrycottons.it/ I-S-F Read more:best brands
Pavlovian fashion 2006-12-08 18:19:00 I love noticing these small 'niche' fashions, where people are conditioned into thinking that something a certain type of person wears looks good. We have the omnipresent sunglasses that wannabes wear - hardly neccessary indoors, don't you think? And then there is the 'fashion' at uni - very distinctive. Very copiable. Think padded bodywarmer, oversized hoody underneath. Miniskirt, and well-worn Uggs. Add some messy hair for extra authenticity. Really, there isn't anything stylish about that at all, i.e. it isn't exactly flattering. But it's very, very fashionable - brought from London, I think. I-S-F
Hermes clutches 2007-04-18 15:19:00 Hermes is synonymous with luxury. I love the Birkin and Kelly bags. And who couldn't adore the little sister Kelly clutch from a few years ago:In 2005 we also saw the Kelly variants (mini Kelly's) on the runway:I think the lower silver one is quite cute for evening-wear.However I'm still undecided about the Spring 2007 Birkin 'clutch', which maybe isn't quite so... Hermes-esque:Not to mention totally impractical. I-S-F Read more:Hermes
Hermes and Tod's - leather luxury 2007-04-18 15:03:00 Hermes and Tod's - Bags, shoes, scarves. Delicious. But the focus of this post is none of these - rather I'm looking at leather arm-wear. Not just for rock-chics and biker-guys, teamed with chunky gold or silver such jewellery can look ultra stylish and sophisticated. Here's some Herme's watches: And this bracelet?: Vintage Hermes:Tod's are also beautiful: Read more:Hermes
Christina Ricci's effort with Samsonite 2007-04-18 13:50:00 Not too long ago I posted on McQueen's collaberation with Samsonite
to produce some pretty stunning suitcases and trolleys. Now, it seems, Samsonite have gone in a different direction altogether, and have got ChristinaRicci
and Cameron Silver on board. The result?:What is your honest reaction? Tell me? To be totally frank, I think this is horrid. Yes it looks vintage, but in an awful, cheap looking way. Stylish? No. Want to be seen in a busy airport with it? No. I-S-F Read more:Christina Ricci
Jennifer Aniston does Chanel couture 2007-04-18 12:05:00 We all know - and love - Jen's typical classic-and-elegant-but-somehow-sexy style, but we weren't expecting this, right? Here she is at the recent GLAAD Media Awards:Is this the start of something new? Something non-Calvin Klein, non-Ralph Lauren? Hmmmm. Either way, I think I like it. It's by no means an extreme dress, and I think it suits her style. Here's the look on the catwalk at Chanel
Spring 2007: I'm definitely more of a fan of the dress on Ms Aniston, aren't you? I think she wears it well. I-S-F Read more:Jennifer Aniston
Ralph Lauren Black Label April 07 2007-04-17 15:52:00 Somebody please keep me away from RalphLauren
. Every time I check the site, I go all funny and weak and I just... can't... stop. I know it's almost a cliche, but RL is really truly almost my Number One Brand. Isn't that sad? But seriously, the clothes are just so perfectly me. Or at least I want me to be the clothes... if you know what I mean. Anyway, I thought I'd just run through some of the amazingly delicious ensembles featured on their site right now: Currently, BlackLabel
is looking really hot. White hot. Island Whites are the feature of the mo' - and I just love the latest additions. Very simple, very pretty and elegant. Lots of chunky silver and sleek white.Great headband and top. Effortless, flowing, but the silver hints make it just a little bit smart:A great thing about RL looks is that they're very easy to do. We all have belts like this, right? And a loose white shirt? Some white pants? You don't need to buy the whole outfit... (unless, like me, you want to): Thi Read more:April
, Ralph Lauren
Whistles does Pucci 2007-04-20 16:19:00 Remember seeing these on the Pucci
Spring / Summer 2007 runway?: I loved these interesting looks - and Sienna Miller (in January) did a great job of putting runway into reality with this gorgeous outfit - which would otherwise perhaps have been rather bland without the... sculpture: Anyway, Pucci does do the necklace alone, below, but I've also found one very similar at... Whistles. http://www.whistles.co.uk/2007/ You can't see it online but according to Cosmo, it's available...
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