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
interesting Vuitton wrist-wear 2007-05-05 10:58:00 In the same way that I love Tod's and Hermes bracelets and watches, I'm also a huge fan of Vuitton's. I don't know if it's because they look so strong and luxurious, and also quite big, which I think is flattering to the female arm. But I love the leather. And, they're great because I'm not really a watch-wearer, but I do love some LV watches and these are almost as good but much much less expensive... I particularly adore these: I love white multicolore (much more than black), and it's not too in-your-face on this bracelet. But the tan is also brilliant, and almost, almost more elegant?: I was browsing on eBay yesterday when I came across this interesting
piece: The seller identifies it as a wrist pouch by LV, discontinued and supposedly not available in the UK, and called the Lafayette bracelet (model M91014). Interesting... I never knew one was made and actually really love the style - it could be really handy. Well, it could be when running at least. Starting bid of £160.
hopeful trend prediction 2007-05-04 11:44:00 So far we've been flooded with new and exciting bright colours this year, but there's one other I'd just love to see more of: lime green. Not just any green - it's bright, like the cobalt blue, fuschia and the bright orange and yellow we've seen. I know, this seems to go a bit against my more... boring? classic? dull? style - but really, I do like colour too. Just if it's worked with other plainer colours.So no, last year's pea- and grass-greens won't do. It has to be bright. Bright. Personally, I'm a much bigger fan of lime green than of normal, duller and darker greens (except pale jade colours). I think it's actually really rather flattering with a tan - here's Paris in a good example (wow, not often I think that about Ms Hilton):Or, for swimwear, be noticeable and sexy (yes, even in green, it's possible) in this Blugirl swimsuit:I think this colour works well, from dresses and beachwear / kaftans as seen above, to a short trench coat (teamed with white) or summer tote o
best brands - Talbot Runhof 2007-05-04 11:19:00 I know, yet another German designer I'm going on about... but, really, the Germans have style. And clearly, from my running poll on the most stylish country you've been too, some of you peops think so too. Soooo... Talbot
Runhof. Based in Munich, with designs by Johnny Talbot and Adrian Runhof. The clothes? Very simple, quite mature, fairly plain block colours. But stylish as a result. Here's a glimpse of their Spring/Summer 07 collection.Great earthy colour, and the delicate silver/grey combination with lace-trim works very well, too: Great off-the-shoulder top. Such a flattering design, it's a shame we don't see it more often. Not so sure about the skirt, though: These guys are really big in Germany, perhaps because their designs are so easy to wear. They don't really date quickly because they aren't too trend-orientated. Which is great, often. That's not to say they're not fashiony enough - there's plenty of (soft) metallics - gold and silver - and some high waist pants (a Read more:best brands
the good and bad of BCBG SS 07 2007-05-08 12:46:00 If you're going to call a brand BCBG, it'd better be BCBG (bon chic, bon genre). Unfortunately, for me 90% of their current collection really isn't. Why? Have a look at the worst.OK - so... ugly shapes? Check. Ugly colours and prints? Check. Ugly unflattering cut-off-leg sandals? Check. Freaky shorts-things? And even freakier hat? Check. Seriously the stylist needs some training - if you're going to wear something loose and baggy and dull (and you should try not to), then you should at least wear something pretty and a tad alluring with it? Ban the smock, ban the babydoll! Especially when worn in these ugly, so unfeminine colours. And someone please tell me - what exactly is flattering about those cropped wide pants? It's either a loose top or loose bottoms, one or the other. Not both: And, just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, possibly the ugliest outfit ever:However. I don't really like writing solely to moan, so, as the title implies, I'm going to show a couple of
expensive but oh-so-cute 2007-05-07 13:16:00 I'm just in love with these adorrrrable little Sweet Monogram Hair Clips from Vuitton:Aren't they the cutest? However they pack quite a punch at $230. Ouch. So, can we justify these pretty little candy-like accessories? Well, firstly, they aren't exactly... chic, I don't think. It would also take quite an expert to be able to tell - from a distance of more than 100 cm - that they're actually LV (and therefore pretty expensive). However, they are undeniably beautiful. Worn on summer's afternoon, with a wispy white dress with a white multicolore bag, wouldn't they just look lovely?
how to wear - purple 2007-05-10 21:42:00 Plum, aubergine, purple... I have an automatic 'No thanks' whenever I see something in any of these colours. Even if the style is nice, I've learned that these don't work with my skin very well (in fact, in honesty I don't think they work with many people's). And anyway, how often is it that you see purple in the shops? Not too often. I don't really feel like I'm missing out. Until now, that is. I just saw a shop window with the most beautiful purple accessories. How could I wear those well? I thought. So, I browsed around, found some great items, put them on Polyvore and hey presto!, here's the result:View detailsGeneral rules for purple - wear it with very simple plain colours, such as white, a dark denim, or maybe black. Or maybe, if you're very clever, you might be able to wear it with camel / beige. Avoid prints. Avoid wearing whole ensembles in purple, and don't over coordinate - no purple shoes, no purple bag. Just scarves, jewellery etc. It should just be a hint - a
want that wardrobe - Maggie Gyllenhaal 2007-05-10 16:00:00 Classic and simple but sexy, understated and simple but luxurious... that's how I see Maggie
's style. It's brilliant. She isn't exactly a risk-taker, but she looks good and that's what counts, right? She's not hugely skinny or hugely beautiful, either, but she looks elegant. She chooses clothes that are structured but fluid and very flattering for her shape. Accessories - very uncluttered, preferring less not more jewellery, too.Look at these beautiful neutral tones, dressed up with a pretty detail or feminine fabric:Maggie knows what suits her - often sticking to natural colours, whites or blacks, but adding a slightly modern twist with the shape. OK, the below right lace isn't typically her, but it works. Maybe a black or beige ribbon would've been better, though:Simple. Chic: Read more:Gyllenhaal
best brands - Miguel Vieira 2007-05-09 13:58:00 One of my favorite Portugese designers, Vieira
showed at Sao Paulo FW last year and I totally fell in love with his Summer 2007 collection. Beaaauuutiful. Such light, flowing fabrics - all really silky and often with a luxurious sheen. Beautiful monochrome prints - and not the boring standard ones we see so many of these days, but more exotic African-themes and zebra print. Touches of gold and silver add to the subtle and chic glamour. In short, these clothes are undeniably hot, but equally chic. Yummy.Left: this outfit has almost a preppy feel. Far right: glamour wrapped up in a kaftan - I love clothes which look as much at home on the beach as they do on the red carpet... well, maybe you wouldn't wear it there, but you know what I mean... The wide sashes are really flattering and make an otherwise unfitted shape so feminine. I also love the deep V neckline and wide 'sleeves'. However those shorts (left)? A definite no-no unless you have legs like a sparrow:http://www.miguelvieira. Read more:Miguel
, best brands
damier or monogram... 2007-05-11 15:01:00 I've always been intrigued by the popularity of monograms. It's almost amusing to think that we'd probably be quite reluctant to carry a bag with some unknown's initials all over it, no matter how well stiched the bag. But there's no denying that Vuitton's brown/cream LVs are hugely popular with many, many people - from celebs to the girl next door. Indeed, Vuitton does depend on this - the majority of their products carry the LV. So why do people so adore the adverts monograms? We know they represent excellent quality. However there are many bags which are equally good, with equally high price tags, but without such obvious monogramming. So, why? Well, it has to be because of the way these bags can be recognised - by pretty much everyone. So obviously luxury. Which is why there are so many fakes. Unbelievably many. So why do people still buy the real deals - aren't they scared of being misidentified as a replica-carrier? The patinage of genuine bags and the general attire of g
Ralph Lauren style guide 2007-05-11 15:00:00 In case you didn't already know about this, go right now over to http://style.polo.com/askralph/women.asp where you'll get great tips from the peops at RalphLauren
. RL has some great clothes (esp in the Black Label) right now - although admittedly I say that about every collection.I always make an effort to skim through the most recent posts, however the pictures in the Style File are also really very... inspirational for dressing. The Q&A pages are also great - they have different sections for the different labels, and also for the basics. The most helpful right now are addressing issues like alternatives to the LBD, how to smarten-up the skinny polo, what to wear for golf and how to care for cashmere... oh, and what to wear on your Caribbean holiday. In the Lauren line there's a great answer on new ways to wear white - very helpful. On the Black Label Q&A page there's advice on how to wear sportswear well (none of the uggghy satin bombers and pants we've been seeing on the Read more:Ralph Lauren
Miu Miu shoes S/S 07 2007-05-14 20:17:00 Miuccia may have lost the plot for some of her recent Prada goodies, but she's hit done a fabulous job with the Spring/Summer shoes
at Miu Miu
. Two big things in shoes this year have been patent and jewels, and you'll find both there in abundance, on very sweet flats. See? We get metallics. We get bejewelling. We get patent. We like. And there are these gladiators. You might've thought they'd be over by now, but no. At least they're vaguely pretty, here. I would actually wear these - maybe with a crisp white outfit, straight cropped tailored pants, a mid-length fitted skirt, something smart, anyway... it's just crucial to make sure your legs don't look at all stumpy.And, there are even more sweet shoes to be had of the heeled variety - beautiful stone-colored patent slingback pumps, super-elegant white patent peep-toe wedges... good job.
stylewatch - back in Bayern 2007-05-19 10:00:00 After a few days of style watching in Munich, I thought I'd write a report of current styles on show. As you may know I love this city, the home of Vogue Germany. I love the style - classic, luxe. The women are always dressed well, and it truly is like being at a show when going shopping - even in the high street stores. Of which there are many. The most popular store in town is possibly Zara, and when I was shopping in there I couldn't get over all the skinny jeans on sale. No high waists, very few straight and wides (the few available were in linen, which look great standing still but are horrid when moving)... no, it was strictly skinnies and straight legs. Either really long (usually too long, as per Zara tradition), or 3/4, or half leg. I did love most of these, actually. Dark denim was a big feature in both Munich Zaras, and they even had a denim jacket (!!) for sale along with the other jeans and a really pretty dark denim pencil skirt I'm planning on having. Cute Aigner bag Read more:Bayern
current trend - maxi dresses 2007-05-18 15:26:00 I've already posted about maxi skirts, but I'm sure you'll be aware that maxi dresses are really hot for summer, too. The main problem with the latter is when / how to wear them, but we'll come to that later. There are some brilliant, beautiful pieces around. Some of my favorites are at Gucci SS 07 - black with dramatic paisley prints, red and purple hints, all very flowing, very strong, very luxe. Beautiful low backs work brilliantly with the full length, too - sexy in the way that showing cleavage and a lot of leg really isn't: I suppose that all the above are actually rather easy to wear - something smart, formal. These are statement dresses. However, if you're not on a Gucci budget, things get trickier. Maxis start to look hippy-ish, vintage-looking, floral... a bit I'm-an-old-curtain-wrapped-around-you. So rule 1 is to try to avoid looking to hippy. Of course, wearing gold hoop earrings or something might actually complement the look, just don't go overboard. Here are som Read more:current trend
Gemma Lister 2007-05-14 00:14:00 I love all the Pucci-inspired space-age, geometric necklaces and pendants that we're seeing more of lately. I think they can look great with an otherwise very simple, rather classic block-color outfit (best in which or black or cream). They can really update a look. A designer who's doing some great necklaces is Gemma
Lister (www.gemmalister.com).I love this necklace from her Ice Cream collection:And these from her Clear Collection are also very pretty (scary mannequin aside) - just ensure you keep the rest of the outfit simple:
must have - Fendi B buckle sunglasses 2007-05-22 15:36:00 I'm a sucker for sunglasses that have something which makes them stand out (and by that I also mean something that let's people see that they're quality, expensive sunnies (terrible, I know)). However if this can be achieved by something other than the brand name, that's even better. For example - I adore the Gucci half snaffles, and the buckles. And my most recent fettish is for the new Fendi
B buckle sunnies, which are ultra flattering on, and they're obviously Fendi, without being... a tad pretentious in that way that letters or words are (though don't get me wrong - I still wear the latter).My favorite two (I'm looking for more browns and aviators right now):The above are the 384 model. Really beautiful, and that leather-look is so cute (much better than the black/white alternative).These are the 411's (available in several colours). Also very, very lovely.
Massimo Dutti vs Zara 2007-05-20 12:08:00 Massimo Dutti - officially now my favorite shop. Yes, it's overtaken Zara (but still no problems for Inditex, then). I do still love Zara, but lately it's become so... fashiony. I know, that sounds ridiculous, but the old Zara used to be a bit more classic. I used to be able to buy anything there, and not look too trend-orientated, but stylish at the same time. I knew that the clothes looked good. Now, though (don't I just sound like a grandmother?), I don't have that faith when I'm trying on a smock or a bubble dress or something else very now, very in, but a bit obscure and probably short-lived.Massimo, on the other hand, has style, has good cuts, has elegance, has classic chic, and, like Zara, it has good prices (around 130 euro for summer boots, and a similar price for a leather bag). Although, Zara's prices have been going up - I feel - bags are much more detailed now, but they're also more expensive. Often £50 minimum. Which is a lot, given the often not-that-brilliant qu
gold at Juicy 2007-05-25 05:20:00 One of my favorite coats for Zara S/S 07 has been the dress-trench with gold buttons (three have mysteriously collected in my wardrobe so far). I love the cute little gold buckles at the cuffs and on the belt, too. They're very feminine, taking away any sense of masculinity that trenches might have, and yet they're also very practical. I'm thinking Zara may've got some inspiration from Juicy
Couture's S/S trench (Bloomingdales or Neiman Marcus) that's been hugely popular among the popular - Eva Mendes and Carmen Electra in the blue versions (the latter lady dressing it up, the former very much down - it works for both), and Eva Longoria, Charlize Theron, Fergi and Naomi Watts wearing it in beige. Jessica Simpson has it in black. All colours are very pretty. Juicy's trench has 3/4 sleeves - which have been criticised by some but personally I think that's a great summery touch for a Spring coat or jacket. Wear it with elbow gloves in camel or beige or something (just not with lon
Patrizia Pepe gold brogues 2007-05-29 02:46:00 Normally, Patrizia
shoes are fun and bit quirky, but still beautiful. However for SS these were also seen on the petal-strewn runway:I loved the silver Stuart Weitzman pointed flat pumps that were so popular this Spring, but adding laces and making them so much more masculine just makes me... unsure. It's hard to see in the photo above, but they're actually very gold, very shiny, and really rather pointed. I would definitely wear these under trousers, but with a skirt or dress...So tell me:Take the pollFree Poll by Blog Flux
(officially) time for white 2007-05-28 04:19:00 So... today's the 28th May. The significance? For some, maybe the most important thing about this day is the fact that you can officially start wearing white. Are you one of these traditionalists or have you been sporting white for months? From my poll it seems like 1/3 of you think wearing white is fine outwith summer if it's for evening-wear. Around 1/4 think it's fine if it's hotter than 18deg C, and 1/5 wear white all year round. A few think it's fine for daywear outwith summer. Only around 5% still stick to the Memorial-Labor Day rule.Either way, there's no doubt that you should be using this colour as much as you can from today - it's officially a trend. And one I love - white can be so flattering, so clean, so casual-chic and also so formal. It suits most. However it can be a nightmare - so many people I've seen in beautiful outfits comprising white trousers / shorts and a navy / brown polo shirt. Very beautiful. Apart from the fact that hips and bums look 50X bigger tha
best brands - Unutzer / Unuetzer 2007-05-26 08:04:00 These shoes are truly delicious. Hugely elegant. Very classic. From the cutest, most conservative ballet pumps, to full-throttle, super-high pumps. All made in Venice. I love the snakeskin above, and the cute brogue/golf-shoe influence on the pumps is lovely. They also do some pretty fabulous bags, too. But if you're a golfer, this brand is really really good - very stylish golf shoes:What with Dior and Unuetzer... I really must take up golf. For more, go to http://www.unuetzer.de Read more:best brands
current trend - turbans 2007-05-30 04:25:00 Ever since their appearance at Prada SS 07, I think everybody had an inkling that they'd take off... and they have, although so far only really among some particularly (desparate?) fashionistas. But although I've yet to see someone at my local Tesco's wearing one, I think turbans really aren't as scary as they might appear - they're easy to wear and can be very, very chic (if worn correctly - with the right clothes, by the right person). So what are you waiting for?Well, there are certainly some things to consider - you can't just throw on a pink silk turban and think, Yes, good - I'm trendy so I look great. You probably don't. Think about situation - for example, I was reading a report by a woman who'd tried a Prada turban when taking her daughter to school, and all she got was 'Mummy, take that silly pink hat off', and plenty of stares from other parents. Maybe a stylish party, or even something during the day would be better, but where fitting in is key, perhaps give turb Read more:current trend
summer scarves 2007-06-04 06:03:00 Unless you're still living in the 90's, you'll probably have said byebye to the pashmina quite some time ago. However that may have left you, even after all this time, sensing a void in the comforting, there-if-you-need-me place that's so important in one's wardrobe. Something that's not a big, chunky scarf, but something more delicate, something stylish. Something pretty, but which is good for warming the neck, or making the neck/cleavage feel a little less... exposed when wearing a low-cut top or dress. So I thought I'd pick a few of my favorite current scarves and shawls which are perfect for summer-wear:Firstly, just look how elegant these look (Simonna, Pucci and Giorgio Armani): I love patterns, rather than logos or names on scarves - these Gucci silks are very obviously Gucci to many people, but look beautiful even to those who don't realise that: Gucci and Burberry - very simple and elegant:For something a bit warmer and great for dressing down with jeans or even weari
new RL Match Crest polo shirts 2007-06-02 04:46:00 So, the latest RL polo shirts are out - the Big Pony additions, with the MatchCrest
on the chest. On the back are three galloping ponies, supposedly an 'athletic-inspired' complement to the Big Pony: What do you think? Personally, I quite like them. I wasn't too keen on the original Big Ponys - they seemed too much of an exaggeration of the logo of Ralph Lauren. But these, however, aren't really a logo, they're more of a nice design.Take the pollFree Poll by Blog Flux
current trend - satin 2007-06-05 04:32:00 Worn correctly, satin can look luxe, glamorous, beautiful. Even cute and fresh. But it's so easy to get it wrong. It's a great material for Spring (and for Autumn/winter) - it can look and feel cool or warm. One of the main things when you're wearing it is to think about colour. It's easy to look... a bit mumsy. So keep colours fresh and young. Obviously wearing satin trim / accents is more simple, but wearing a full satin outfit can look fabulous, too, but you have to think very carefully about how well it fits, how it hangs and folds etc. Don't go overboard with cleavage when wearing satin, and keep accessories simple and to a minimum. No excess detailing. Here's Kerry Washington showing us how it's done, in that Prada skirt:Simple, chic, smart. But cute, too. Her belt and shoes work very well, and the colours and shapes are perfect.Scoring less well is Camilla Belle, in a Vera Wang:I don't like this at all - the shape is horrid, the detailing not good, the color ucky, and th Read more:current trend
designer sportswear - a big faux pas? 2007-06-10 04:54:00 I can't deny that I find a Chanel tennis racket at around 350 Euro or $255 to be very tempting. I also really like the thought of toting to practice a 2490 Euro racket-case (with matching ball-holder) by Vuitton. And of course there's all the equipment for other sports - Chanel skis, Gucci and Hermes riding gear (for both rider and horse), Dior golf-wear... you name it; the marketers are planning it. But would I ever buy such items? What really puts me off is imagining the faces of my fellow competitors when I turn up. They, with their Wilsons, their Nikes, their Rossignols, their Hunters. Me, with my distinctly Barbie-ish gear which, to be honest, screams of my ignorance of the sport in question. I just couldn't do it. Designers know about clothes. They may even know about sports-wear, often thanks to cooperation with big active-wear brands. But I don't think it's quite the same. There are really very few designer brands whose goods would actually be respected in the sports field
Marc Jelly Mouse 2007-06-09 03:17:00 Imagine this: you're wearing a combination of black and white, but can't decide what color of shoes to wear - black, or white. Or, perhaps you're wearing colors but don't have a shoe in that precise shade to match. Or, maybe you want to wear closed shoes not sandals, but want to seem a bit more summery... the solution? The Marc Jacobs JellyMouse
. In White (colorless): It also comes in Canary, but to me that just looks a bit old and tea-stained. A bit jaundiced. So yes, the above little pump could be brilliant. However, does it look a tad as though it was bought in a $1 shop? A bit cheap? Hmmmm. And, when you're wearing it and your tootsies are squished into the toe, will it look like you've got a pile of bloodless sausages crammed in there? Definitely you'll need a tanned foot to wear these. And good nails. They'll probably also get quite sweaty, so you'll need some foot-spray... so would you wear them? Take the pollFree Poll by Blog Flux
street style 2007-06-08 12:45:00 I love looking at street style sites - along with people watching, it's one of the more realistic ways to get ideas for dressing compared to mags and shows. I've spent so long before looking at The Sartorialist's blog, and from other sites you can get brilliant inspiration from really well-dressed countries such as Italy. If you're looking for British style, check out http://www.vogue.co.uk/street_chic/. There are some amazingly well-dressed ladies (and guys) pictured there... although there's a fair handful of less good picks, too - as with all sites of this type. Enjoy browsing!
a good day in H&M 2007-06-11 14:56:00 I have a love-hate relationship with H&M. Sometimes I find very cute, simple dresses and tops. Other times it all seems a bit grungy, a bit studenty. But today was good: a very chic black shift/smock minidress - very flattering, very 60s. Great with chunky bracelets and big sunnies, and it's just crying out to be worn with mary-janes and black opaques in Autumn. Another good purchase was a very cute A-line natural-waist white denim skirt, knee-length, to go with a zebra-print halter top (note to self - must not wear with pink bra underneath a la Ms Beckham this week). Another interesting piece I found was an off-white knee-length semi-pencil skirt - with a very high waist, metal buttons up the front, and two pleated strands up the pockets. I tried it on, liked it, but then wondered what to wear it with? I tried a pink gingham halter top. A bit too country. Then I tried a cream satin short-sleeved collared shirt from the Madonna range. I think that worked pretty well, actually. In
want that wardrobe - Ellen Barkin 2007-06-11 10:18:00 She's becoming more and more respected as a well-dressed lady, and quite right, too - Ellen
Barkin in true elegance. She seems to go for classic shapes including pencils, and often uses them to accentuate her amazingly well-maintained figure. Not to mention that very modern but well-suited sharp bob. Good work Ellen!
I don't get it - Rayban Wayfarer 2007-06-16 05:02:00 I just don't understand the appeal of these. They were bad in 1952, and they're just as bad after their re-release for S/S 07. Why are Drew, Lindsay, Mischa, Kirsten Dunst and Mary-Kate... oh, the list is endless... wearing them (and often in white - even worse)? Is this really just a case of they're-popular-hence-I-too-must-wear-them-even-though-they-look-awful syndrome? I have no idea.
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