Dark LIPS, chokers, leather trousers, spiked anything, goth glam styles. No this is not a BDSM sequence. Or a Vampire series sequel. Nor is it a trip down memory lane. Nope. This is 2013 -2014 biggest makeup & beauty trend ever. Or at least since those 90′s. DARK LIPS.

For the past year or so red lipstick started getting a hue darker every time a celeb donned it on the red carpet, until wearing black (or close to it anyway) lipstick was the coolest thing eva’. The way I see it, we could blame this uber cool yet not-so-flattering-on-everyone-beauty-trend on either Rihanna or Azealia Banks, or on today’s hipster kids who missed out on the 90′s and wanna jump on the wagon we drove in the 1st place. Truth is… however you look at the dark lips makeup trend, you’re bound to love it and hate it at the same time, simply because when you see hot celebs and flawless faces rocking it you’re in it for its glam and beauty. You’re hooked. But, in my case, when I try to replicate this mysterious goth sophisticated classy look on myself I end up looking 10 years older & pissed off on the whole planet. So I hate it.

You know they say if you clash styles you’ll get a more eclectic sophisticated look… well, let me just say this: it’s not working. Dark Lips + I = beauty disaster. Still, giving up has never been my thing, so I’m not about to start off right now. After reading tons of beauty websites, watching makeup tutorials one thing they all preach is – everyone looks great in dark lips (cause of the mystery sophisticated factor bla bla bla) but all is a matter of choosing the right shade to go with your skin tone. As for the beauty rules… I have no idea which goes with what, but common sense and a bit of testing always go a long way.

• if your lips are darker keep your eyes minimal (mascara)
• flawless skin
• for daytime – make it all about the lips
• for evening – you can go full-on makeup, even dark eyes and lips, but tasteful. Style coordinate them with what you wear. 90′s attires (chokers, leathers, ripped jeans, boots) might make you look like a wild kid, which is fine if you’re 17. Not if you’re 30. Although this girl looks fantastic, so I guess it’s all a matter of taste and personal style.

How to wear dark lips?

When wearing this trend, it’s best to go on the chic mystery lane rather then too rocknroll. Unless you can totally pull it off, and it’s part of who you are, then fuck all the rules and be yourself.

• Dark lips tend to look fantastic with white or light clothes and  a bit more glamorous rich looks, because of the contrast or perhaps cause the 2 go hand in hand with the strength and power they both exude.
• Pastels and short flirty skirts or cutoffs give a bit of naughty schoolgirl vibe to it all.
• Jeans and sexy tops with high heels are very urban glam.
• Simple cocktail or red carpet dresses are fabulous when worn with dark lips, especially black or light colored dresses.

So yes… dark lips are not right down on everyone’s street, and not that easy to pull off… but a bit of testing and trying out looks might be well worth it. Cause you know… we all have in us a bit of that wonder woman, mysterious famme fatale who looks smoking hot in dark lips and expensive furs… Ah… it’s worth a shot, right?

Between eyeballing the latest fad in town & that illegally delicious cake, we’re left with a ton of frustration, so if by the end you decide to jump on the latest trend wagon or dis it altogether, that cake is already digesting in your stomach and you’re licking off your fingers in a state of both guilt and satisfaction.

(with the promise to kick start a healthy meal & workout plan, come Monday).

Nobody can make a wise decision on an empty stomach.

Truth is, some trends out there can apply to all, and SOME of them only apply to a bunch of people, who are usually aliens and live on air. Such is the case of crop tops, which seem to deliberately refuse to leave the spotlight in Spring Summer 2014. Perhaps that’s a good thing. By the end of this trend more and more women will have toned stomachs.

Frankly I have no fucking idea how all these street style fashionistats pull it off. Most of them are either editors or established bloggers who presumably have little to no time to even piss in peace let alone hit the gym. How do they do it? Back in the ’90′s when this trend was huge and I was tiny it was a piece of cake. Wearing something longer than my belly button was a blaspheme. Blizzard cold or sweaty hot I had a flat stomach to show. And I did. But it was against all earthly & physical laws, cause I ate & drank crap, with hardly ever any exercise.

When my body aligned itself to the humans’ laws I couldn’t care less, cause crop tops were a thang of the past. Until (as of last year or so) they were not anymore.

And somewhere between reminiscing on those ’90′s that I loved so much, and hitting the age which requires a healthy lifestyle (sans le hangovers) here I am, tons of years later – embracing the crop tops trend. With the inherent gulp and a massive fright I’m trying to conceal under a long top, of course. At the end of the day we all need a push for a healthy lifestyle. I’ve just decided mine was CROP TOPS.As I keep day dreaming about flat abs, mountains of chocolate and fancy crop tops, (what? In my universe they coexist.) I can’t help but wonder: 

How in the name of God did they make such a huge comeback? Did I not have enough of them on the 1st round?

Errr. Apparently no. They’re comeback is due to fashion being cyclic, to Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, Miley Cyrus et all (who were infants or not even born in the 90′s, so are picking on our leftovers), and last but not least to the whole fitness body culture that’s happening today.

More and more women are taking up sports, lifting weights, doing pilates, staying hours in the gym and eating healthy. I hope we do realize youth is not meant to last a lifetime, but I suppose in the hope of prolonging  it, we’ve given birth to this svelte ripped body obsession. Before you stand up and applaud this as today’s major movement, think again. It was born in the ’80′s.

The 90′s had the heroin look (think Kate Moss) and an obsession for boobs, which was a nightmare for most girls. Take my word. Growing up as a enormously tall skinny teenager came with the Kate Moss’ish perks but the flat chest downside. Which, as years and carbs went by, grew in size (alongside everything else), but hey! that’s the one perk of putting on weight and I’ll take it, thank you.

According to the crop tops invasion, today the world is focused on toned abs and flawless stomachs. Hmm. And I thought we were all ass-obsessed. With the Kardashian thing and all. That would have been so much easier. Although, the more thought I give to this tremendously shallow topic, the more I acquiesce to the fact that what is IN today are ripped toned healthy bodies, be it skinny or curvy.

So, does that mean all women wear crop tops in 2014 SS? YES. What? YES. Do you need me to repeat that? YES. YES. YES. 

Listen to this. In 2014 crop tops are more a display of midriffs – above the belly button around your ribs – which is thought to be the most ripped and skinniest part of a woman’s body. So it’s more of a retro look: high waisted anything (jeans, cutoffs, shorts, skirts, trousers etc.) and a crop top that leaves just an inch of your skin for display. Sure if you want to show kilometers of stomach go ahead. Rub it in our faces, why don’t you? You know what they say: if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Another crop top look perfect for normal people is the boxy or larger top that ends around your belly button, right where it meets the top of your trousers and skirts. And now for some fashion inspiration slash sports motivation let’s check out some crop tops styles & how to wear them. ;) Cause we’ve just established we’re all aliens and can pull off this look without contemplating starvation, but with a massive burger shoved up our faces, there is only 1 downside to this trend: we can’t wear crop tops to the office.

That fashion is inconsistent and pretty much all over the place is really, no news. So I don’t know why I’m as surprised as I am for this PINK Trend that’s been going on all throughout fall, into this winter and will definitely linger on onto Spring & Summer 2014. Why the surprised face? Well… with the 90′s trend getting bigger by the minute (if that’s even possible. It is apparently.) pardon my assumption of grunge, black, plaid, rock meets punk and rave everything.

But really, thank God for a touch of girly and feminine, although (brace yourselves right now) I don’t really care that much for pink. Actually at all. Actually I hate pastels.

And pastels are huge this season. A part of me sees them as retro ice-cream colors worn by ’50′s moms or depraved housewives with eyeliners thinker than a pinkie, a cigarette and a glass of martini in their hands. Draped in light shades of pink, blue or mint with tiny flowery patterns and those kitten heels and mini boxy bags – these women were feminine alright. So I guess it’s the nostalgia over the upsides of those times that triggered the comeback of pastels and literally the invasion pale pink everything. If last season we had a thing for neons (pink included) I guess we’re now toning down ladies, which in itself is a great thing for variety’s sake if not anything else.

Yesterday’s PINK:Today’s PINK: Yet not all is so damn pale in paradise. Well, actually it is, but not in a bad way. Truth is there is something very very very incredibly elegant and understated sexy in pale pinks. A little sick actually, but in that opulent decadent kinda way. Doesn’t make any sense, I know. Just forget about it. I’m having one of those lives days. Aside from the inherent redundant girly feminine retro trait it holds, pale pink is also a hue of extremes. On one hand it belongs to the proper aristocracy with its hidden improprieties (hence my vision of sick regarding it) and on the other it’s a tool of punk fashion.

It’s that very touch of sexy and feminine it has that makes pale pink look incredible when paired with styles and colors of the same range (pastels and girly dresses, soft lines, retro hues, skirts, coats and very elegant rich outfits). But also at the very extreme lies this color’s ability to be everything else. When paired with a rock or punk inspired look it makes it more chic and brings it together with a touch of sexiness. It looks great actually paired with its contrasts in every form, from color to style. Personally I think it’s pale pink at its very best when worn like that. But then again there’s the retro sophisticated yet simple soft look of pale pink so very well showcased and mastered by Kim Kardashain. It was actually courtesy of the new blonde bombshell I got to like pale pink. Whether it was her, Kanye or God knows who, who style her – she pulled it off fantastic and showed me (don’t know about you) that pale pink is not just a thang of the dusted past, of our grandmas when they in the prime of their time. No. It can be done very modern, simple & understated. And now some street style inspiration. ;) All in all the pale pink trend looks great. Hell it looks amazing if you’re into these pastels. If not (like myself) it may be worth giving it shot on those days when being a girly girl seems like the best idea. Or when you feel like channeling you’re inner royal (secretly decadent) persona.

‘But we’ll never be royals…’ ta-na-na-na-na-na-na-na.

Other 2014 Spring/Summer Trends here & Pink Coats Looks here. 

So I have a few guilty pleasures. The usual cliches bla bla bla bla, aaaand watching Keeping up with the Kardashians.

Right.

You can pretend I just didn’t say that, in case we’re not on the same page.

In the name of research (or so I keep telling myself) I’ve been watching the show pretty often lately, trying to grasp Kim’s recent makeover. And if, after all it’s all courtesy of Kanye. Ever since the Kimye thing happened, she looks stunning and has transitioned from the generic rich socialite to this sophisticated and incredibly sexy woman, to the point where even the Anna Wintour is considering putting her on the cover of Vogue. After all, Carine Roitfeld took a chance on Kimmie when she put her on the cover of CR Fashion Book. ‘‘She’s controversial, but so was Marilyn Monroe and I always like controversial people” Carine told Time out London, praising her talent (beauty), saying she was the easiest model to work with, and acknowledging that has style has changed a lot over the years.  Have a look: Today: Kim’s old style. 

Back in the day, the super short painted-on party dresses were a must for Kim Kardashian style, alongside her long long very long luscious hair, long long very long fake lashes, stripper heels, tons of makeup etc etc etc.

Later on in her ”career”, as she watched, listened and learned, she went for slightly more polished (too polished and groomed if you ask me) looks, maintaining her glamorous pussy-cat persona. I’ve never been a fan of Kim’s style prior to this makeover, for the aforementioned reasons. I loved her (actually all of their) clothes. Not how she wore them, though. I just thought she took it all soooo serious, all business and no fun, too much, too polished and dolled up all the time. Not to mention boring, predictable and borderline high class call-girl at times. She did nail it quite a few times, and she always looked beautiful, I’ll give her that, but personally I never thought (except for her hair and makeup) that she stood for a certain style or dressed impeccably to a certain look. It was always so generic, seen on any woman with tons of money, no imagination, nothing wrong, but nothing right either. Just plain bleah, with the occasional massive fashion miss. Or hit.

Huge brands, uber expensive clothes, shoes, bags and bling, and she always was wearing some skin-tight mini dress, skinny jeans/trousers, silky shirts, fur vests, leather jackets, tons of jewelry… and the always present stripper heels. Horrendous. Kim’s new style.

Fast forward a few years, bring Kanye West into the picture, and what do you say, what do you know? Kim Kardashian looks chic, incredibly hot, sophisticated and effortless, keeping that glamorous twist to her outfits, but stripping off all that was wrong and really unnecessary to any woman’s style (platform high heels, long hair/hair extensions, too much makeup, too polished, matronly looks, too groomed hair etc.). Once Kimye was ‘born’… ah… the world has changed. They stated dressing alike and soon became the IT couple of today. So is he styling her? No. But I think he had a massive role in her makeover, so kudos to him for that.

I remember a short clip from the show, when she’s trying on this long glamorous plunging-neck dress for some red carpet event, and she’s asking the stylist to make it tighter around the breasts, so that she can wear a bra to push the girls up and flaunt them. Surprise, surprise. NOT. And Kanye’s there, telling her, no, leave it like that, flowing, floating and very 70′s retro glamorous, leaving the eye to guess the curves and the fabric to fall naturally abound the body. DING!

It’s all in the details I swear, cause even before she went blonde, the makeover started with cutting her hair shorter, subtle highlights in it, side long bang, and ladies, drumrolls and applause for this one: replacing the platform heels with classic pumps. Wow. If you ask me, that made all the difference. Just look the photos before and after. It’s all about the shoes, hair and makeup.

Kim Kardashian transitional style:  From then on… things have changed so amazingly and I found myself adoring her new looks.

Loved her as a blonde in those pastel soft cream colors, and to-die-for coats. Seriously? She. Has. The. Best. Coats. Ever. Her new look meant new makeup, think golden Goddess as she herself put it. Dusted bronzed eye-shadow carelessly applied, thick eyebrows, un-groomed hair, contoured face. Her hems got longer (over the knees), she started covering up more, and whatever she left for sight was through sheer fabric (boobs alert) or her midriff in those amazing skin tight pencil dresses and matchy (or not) cropped tops. And sometimes she’s just too perfect with those oversized coats on. Her jeans are no longer waaaay too long. She’s doing the careless effortless rock’ish glam style in ripped jeans, old T-shirt and leather jacket. And messy hair. Gotta love it!

Yeah. Kim’s all grown up now into this confident sexy sophisticated woman, who still flaunts her curves and shows some skin, yet does it tastefully. She’s still an all around glamorous girl, and she’ll always be. And I love that. For me Kim’s makeover rules and her new style is a definite YES. How about you?

Happy Valentine’s Day lovelies & have a great weekend!!! xoxo

If you thought the fountain of those (perhaps already too redundant) 90′s has dried up, think again. It seems as though we’ve got a thing for this decade, and re-embrace way too quickly its fads, regardless of their ugliness.

Today we talk shoes. Shoes for 2014 Spring & Summer as both the runways and the streets are showing. Remember the creepers? (more on this style & its history here). With a first appearance in early 40′s, they had a more recent comeback in the 90′s, when girls were emulating the Spice Girls and the techno culture in those sky high platform shoes in wild colors, paired with tiny shorts or mini skirts, blue eye-shadow, and neon accents. Raise your hands if you wore them? I had a blue pair with black thick soles, about 5 cm high, and trust me, were I not so tall, I’d have gone way above and beyond with the platform. At this point, I’m quite glad I didn’t.

As the 90′s graced us with the return of so many trends, the FLATFORMS were the one fad I never saw coming back. After its frenzy has stopped I never saw their appeal: too bulky shoes that make you look ridiculous. Incredibly unflattering.

But as of last year or so (courtesy of street style and designers such as Alice & Olivia)… they creeped their way back in today’s fashion and my consideration. Fashionistas of all ages and styles chose the thick soled shoes over sneakers, high tops, oxfords, ballet flats, and even heels. I guess the deal with flatforms is combining the height of a posh shoe, with the comfort of a sneaker, that is not a wedge. Flatforms are like those ugly-shoes-at-first-sight with a certain style to them that hooks you, or seduces you in time. They grow on you. Just yesterday I went sopping with my friend and tried on a pair of loafer flatforms from H&M, and loved them. She hated them completely; and not so completely after I tried them on.

“Aaaah. I guess they’re OK. Or maybe not. I don’t really like them.”, as opposed to “OMG, I totally hate those!”, from before I tried them on.

That was me a year ago as well. Now I’m like creepers & flatforms (not too high though) bring ‘em on. I love the quirkiness and that weird 90′s vibe they give to a look, how they take away from the too-sexy look a pair of cutoffs & cropped top , or a very short dress may have, and give it a bit of Tom boy’ish vibe to it.

They have a bit of it all: sporty, casual, edgy, punk, professional, cool, weird, so playing dress up with these is a massive gain in styles. Especially since they come in trillions of designs: sandals, loafers, oxfords, with laces or not, colored, printed, different fabrics, different sole height. In terms of how to style them, they go with just about anything a basic sneaker or ballet flat goes with, their best match for spring & summer being short flirty dresses (think 90s style & today’s music festivals fashions), short skirts, cutoffs & shorts. More of a weekend/holiday look.  Some ladies fabulously pull the masculine look for the office. Think slim cut trousers, not too long (or rolled up), pencil skirts, or even midi dresses. I like it, when it’s balanced with feminine details like: long nails, red lips, accessories. It’s got a bit of awkward meets boho chic to it all. Personally I’m not to keen on the flatforms and super skinny jeans or midi skirts combo. But who knows. It wouldn’t be the first time I’d hate something right before loving it.

What do you think of this shoe trend?

Now don’t let your mind fly off to some dirty little scenarios. Or let it. And while you’re off to God knows where (Stop it now!) we’re talking trench coats here. Just so you know. With winter gone, we’re easily sliding onto the warm season, which implies 2 major things: LAYERS & TRANSITIONAL pieces.

In other words it’s a fashion heaven.

Ever since I did this post a few months ago,  I’ve been slightly obsessed with oversized trenches. First of all trench coats are the coats of fall & spring, hence transitional pieces (ding. ding.), as well as perfect pieces for layers. And with the 2014 spring silhouettes and lines getting looser and looser, it don’t get no better. For 2014 spring, designers showed collections based on layers and the play of lengths, opting for oversized loose trenches in those super thin fabrics that resemble chiffon. With hems way over the knees, slightly large shoulders, yet not pointy (thank God), and usually cinged at the waist with a messy tied belt – the 2014 trenches of spring resemble their vintage ancestors & their ’70′s relatives.

In the past: 2014 Spring Collections:

Chloe trench coat

Burberry Spring 2014 – trench coat

DKNY spring 2014 – Trench Coat

Michael Kors Spring 2014 – trench coat

Michael Kors Spring 2014 – trench coat

With the tiny push I got from designers, and the cool-boho-chic-meets-super-HOT-70′s-outfits-combo (think DVF and Amy Adams in American Hustle) this ’70′s obsession of mine is just getting started. So get those 70′s-sometimes-even-80′s-silhouettes (sans le pointy shoulders. we ain’t no Gaga.) and mix them with today’s fabrics, textures and why not even funky prints and patters, if the classic ol’ nude or black trench is too boring for you, and you get today’s IT trench coat for spring. It looks best with heels (classic pumps, stiletto ankle boots, strappy stiletto sandals), because it’s a great balanced look: someting-oversized-borrowed-from-your-BF clashed with posh feminine accents. I love this look with skinny jeans, and short skirts or shorts, because of the lengths play. A messy tied up belt and rolled up wrinkled sleeves will give you that can’t be bothered air, incredibly sexy-on-the-run, I-don’t-give-a-shit-what-I-have-on (but look damn good). 

Sure not every day is a heels mood day, so don some pointy ballet flats instead. Smaller heels or platforms: For a more laid back look – think bohemian posh hobo, too intellectual to give a crap – pair your super oversized long trench coat with comfy shoes: sneakers, flat boots, flat sandals, basically no heels. Colombo alert!

Personally I’m not too keen on the hobo look. Some people can brilliantly pull this off, I – on the other hand – always end up looking like some miserable piece of shit. And the way to avoid this unfortunate predicament is to wear posh heels.

This way I can keep the oversized thing going on, I can roll my sleeves, not iron it if it suits me, and play with layers and lengths like a demented fashionsta. With heels it will look good. Well, I think it’ll look amazing. But let’s just go with good for starters. And while I’m on a heels roll here, my theory is… anything, anything, anything, (no. that’s not a typo. I just felt it needed to be repeated.) anything looks good with heels.  No? Anyone?

When a trend like this comes along, or its style is reinvented – I’m looking at you PALAZZO PANTS – it’s only normal some of us are left with the ‘looking at’, or perhaps just a raised eyebrow.

That not all trends are for everyone (as much as one loves fashion) is only common sense. And truth. Personally I feel this is the case of these loose, large, flowy pants of the 60′s and 70′s. If you’re short, forget about them. If you’re skinny and tall, I call it quits. Unless you wanna channel a willow in the wind, which of course is acceptable if we’re to look at all the beautiful models looking rather high fashion editorial (read hobo-chic) in these, rather than anything else. But, to each their own. So, left with a raised eyebrow and a massive indecision regarding these trousers I decided to split my personal self into 2 personas. One who’s not too keen on these, and the other who’s considering giving them a try. Gasp. Yet upon embarking on this split personality shit I am faced with having to find greatness where it’s not. At first sight at least. For me. Because I’d like to finish today’s post on a positive note, let’s kick off on the… errrr… less positive side of these palazzos and get it over with.

Clock’s ticking…

So over 5 minutes have passed from the aforementioned statement, and still I can’t put my finger on my dislike. Frankly it has to do with just some styles of these palazzos, and how horrendous (in my eyes) they look with oversized tops and loose long hair. OK. This sophisticated hobo trend is big now. I get it. But… I don’t. And don’t even get me started on the cropped version of these pallazzo pants… Yeah, they’re funky, and different and cool (in some parallel universe, or even this one, in which case I must be living in a different dimension)… but… let’s just say my eyebrow is still up to my hairline on this one. At the end of the day I admit to being fully biased, as a tall thin framed woman. I’d look bloody ridiculous in these. Yet… as fashion has it… never say never. It wouldn’t be the 1st time I’d strut in some fancy fad thinking I’m the next Kate Moss, when in fact I’m hardly the next best version on myself on on my worst style day.

But… until the change of mind happens, if it will, I stand by my palazzo dislike. As life has taught us, each story has two sides. Such is the case of the palazzo pants. I’m not an idiot (at least not this minute) so I can understand the frenzy and coolness of this pants trend for 2014 Spring & Summer. Doh.

Flowy silky soft fabrics, that just blow in the summer wind, making you feel irresistibly sexy and sophisticated. A bit of sheerness, some funky wild prints and patterns – the palazzo pants look for summer or spring can look very effortless and chic. It’s like wearing a maxi skirt while you’re vacationing in the South of France. This by-the-sea-style looks great with flats, gladiator sandals, a cropped top or even (can’t believe I’m saying this) a loose top, cause it’s got that bohemian vibe to it. Another palazzo pants style I kinda am OK with are the monochromatic high wasted ones with side pockets. Think professional woman in summer. It’s simple but classy, with a bit of that 70′s vibe to it. Regarding the heels: whatever floats your boat. I love how simple stiletto sandals look with these, other than that I think it’s too bulky and a bit too much, too harsh. Still… what do I know. A photo can speak so much more than I can (not that that’s very hard to do) so let’s have a look: Yeah. Let’s just say my eyebrow in no longer as high as my hairline right now… but I don’t know about rushing off to get the latest palazzos out there. I might though. They do look pretty amazing in those photos.

Have a lovely weekend! xoxo

Pardon my French, but with the fringe trend making a HUUUGE comeback in 2014 (both in Spring & Fall, so you can go on and stack up on tasseled clothes), I’m getting this urge to cut all my hems and trims into fringes. Ah… such a sweet (and awkward too) trip down memory lane to those 90s, when every girl was wearing fringed T-shirts & spandex leggings. Cringe.

Now that this image is forever imprinted onto your brain, I’m inviting you to extend your fringe-trip down memory lane and expand your nostalgia horizons right back to those glam kitsch 1980s. Or if you think you’re so posh go straight for the gold: those roaring 20s. ;) Nothing is ever certain, everlasting or unbiased, mush less in fashion. What is certain though is that FRINGES are IN this spring & summer, and according to this Fashion Week, they’ll be IN next cold season as well. And what’s even greater (or great if you hate fringes) is the many ways we can rock this look. No. We’re not limited to those 90s. Amen to that!

In fact fashion is taking it back to those ’80s, so just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse. BAM! it did, and this bitch called fashion is rolling on her back laughing her ass off at us for going where no one ever wanted to go before. Those 80s.

But, Dearest Fashion, should you care, we’re more grown up now and have learned to be creative, so, in with the coolness of that decade and out with the kitsch. Ha! And for the posh personas in us all those ’20s come to our rescue with silky dancing fringes adorning our bodies on dresses, skirts, tops and whatnot. It’s glamorous, sultry and quite sexy, on a very modern silhouette: belted cinged waists, broad-er shoulders. You get it. And last, but definitely not least on the fountain of fashion inspo topic (so feel free to get crazy and creative) a lot of this FRINGES craze takes me back to my cowgirl days, in some far far away western land, of wild untamed spirits, crazy hearts and fast horses. Yeah, I lived centuries ago in Wild Wild West. You gotta problem with that? Well, if I must address this delicate issue I will.

My friends will probably have a huge problem with this cowboy approach, as my obsession for country music (to my defense I only blame Garrett Hedlund and his unbelievably sexy deep voice), which I see no reason in hiding, much to their embarrassment, will now be topped, enhanced and supported (YAY!) by a likewise fashion. Fringed suede jackets! Fringed boots! Hell, fringed everything and top it off with a hat! That’ll most definitely leave me looking like Dorothy freaking Page, sans le social life. Ah well, fashion comes with a sacrifice. Laugh all you want, but fringes do have this versatile power of standing as a statement in any style and look, and I may choose to be the fucking wild west diva one day, but I can switch it all up into a boho-chic Coachella chick, an 80s Madonna, a 90s kid, a rich 70s-meets-80s socialite. Ta-na-na-na-na-na-na.

The truth is, I never really gave a crap about this trend, but something changed the moment I saw a cool vintage fringed suede jacket. Oh, and I’ve always had a crush on fringed boots. So I guess the passion was there somewhere, it just needed a push. And so it got.

The jackets and boots are but a few items adorned by these pretty sultry silky tassels. Actually the world of these tassels only begins here, as the plot thickens with bags, T-shirts, blouses, skirts, belts, necklaces, hats. Told you it’s an everything thing. If you’re Meh on this trend, you may consider giving it a try with accessories: a tiny fringed bag, or a piece of fringed jewellery can be the start of a tassel romance. Why we should love fringes? Because, above all, they are fun.

Need a cowboy persuasion that’s got nothing to do with fringes? There. You’re welcome.

Oh it’s that time again. The time for us girls to look and talk about men, on one of the most discussed and flaunted men topics in the past years: FACIAL HAIR. Its power to transform any young lad into the next hipster/masculine hunk/caveman is undeniable, and all one has to do is just get sloppy with his hygienic routine. Ouch.

Well… the truth is, there’s something fucking irresistible about a guy who’s too lazy to shave off and decides to wear a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 hell a 10 days stubble and pull it off. By the time he decides to go back to the Don Draper clean shaved face, it strikes him: women have been eye-balling and flirting with him like crazy in the past days, he’s been going on dates as if he’s George freaking Clooney (btw he too has a stubble), or his partner is smitten with him as if they just met. Ha! Yep.

The beard has this spectacular power to transform boys into men. As if. But you know what I mean. According to the vast world of web a few things have been known to remain true over time. (1) Men think they look better clean shaved, or that’s what they think women think. (2) Women prefer the scruffy look. Period. Finally someone decided to do the math on this shit, hence the scruffy look trend.

Both teams love it and for the right reasons, I mean what’s not to love about it? It adds coolness and gives a man a touch of masculinity, aggressiveness, that rugged edge and toughness they all think they have, and we all hope at least one proves true. So, if in the past, the dilemma lingered around the ‘To shave or not to shave’ question, now, as the obvious answer is NOT, the question shifts to ‘HOW SCRUFFY IS TOO SCRUFFY’?

How long does a beard have to be, or not to be, to look HOT, or before it stops looking HOT?

Ladies, it’s time to break this shit into pieces and debate.

1st of all, all male specimens should drop the goatee (before we start a revolution). It looks ridiculous. It’s either facial hair everywhere or clean shaved. Same crap applies for mutton chops. FUCK.

1. And then this heaven-of-sexy-men starts… with a 5 o’clock beard. Dayum. You know that few-days-old stubble that looks soooo freaking good and instantly ups your game. This is the one style I will assume ALL women love on a man. It translates to sexy, effortless, masculine, rugged yet not too scruffy.

Some look great with both short and longer versions of the stubble. Others like Ben Affleck do the shorter version much better. Or so the vast majority of women have spoken, when he had the rather full facial hair going on for Argo, the ladies could not wait to see that go away. Well… I get it. Why hide a gorgeous face? Personally I think he’s hot no matter what, and he could make the caveman beard hot as hell. More looks here: 2. Which brings me to the next facial hair look:  the Jesus beard. I think this is great on those who know how to carry it. Personal style has got a lot to do with this beard type. The Jesus look is all about personal taste: of the carrier as well as the watcher. To each their own.

I’ll say one thing. Its not that bad. On some boys. What do you think? The moment your facial hair has the potential to meet your chest hair, pleaaaaaase shave. The moment by-passengers can tell today’s menu by looking at your beard, it’s time to wear a shorter version, clean shave or just take some How To Wear & Clean Your Beard classes. Those people who know what you had for breakfast yesterday are strangers!!! What’s next? Birds nesting in that shit?

But then again, who gives a crap what the rest of the world thinks? We certainly don’t, when we wear some stupid unflattering thing. So respect.

More looks here: What the stylists and savy people are saying is that regardless of the beard: stubble or full, men should wear one that fits their face shapes. Doh. But again, if you can pull off the Jesus slash Caveman look – do it man. It’s all about personal style and the right attitude so don’t let no woman or stylist tell you otherwise.

When talking FACIAL HAIR one thing is certain: it’s the biggest trend for men for the past 2 or 3 years, alongside the undercut (all about it here) and the tattoos. This hipster-rockstar-bohemian-cool-intellectual-sexy-as-hell-mother-fucker look is all over our men. I wonder, is it because they can’t be bothered anymore, they’re too cool for shaving all of a sudden, or it’s just a trend thing?

Or are you boys trying to look more like men? Awww.

Sexy. Spunky. Smart. Stylish. Semi-retro. Semi-grunge. Shiny. Sheer. Short. Shocking. Are but a few spring’ish seductive synonyms to describe this hot season’s skirt. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the catwalks last season, it’s that designers envision Spring/Summer 2014 in SKIRTS (among other things).

Pants or trousers, depends from which side of the pond you’re from, take a back seat. As do shorts, or any bottoms for that matter in favor of this uber feminine slightly retro chic, but still grungy item: Le Skirt. Frankly it’s about time we got a breath of fashion fresh air, cause as much as we love men clothes and walking in their shoes, truth is we’re not equal (cause we rock above and beyond our male beloveds. Doh.), and we’ve got this super power to do and wear whatver the hell we love and pull it off. Male Monday. Androgynous Tuesday. Hot Wednesday. Sexy & Seductive Thursday. Feminine Friday. You get it. With the skirt focus this season we seem to be going back to basics or linger confused somewhere in time between 1970′s (tea-lengths & pleats. helloooo!) and 1990′s (what? don’t fake a surprised face cause we all love a bit of rocknroll and grunge. We may have gotten tired of it… but the love is there.) Fashion & unsuccessfully-funny rant aside, WHAT SKIRTS ARE HOT THIS SEASON? Is there a skirt trend? Or ALL is IN? While the latter remains true, there appears to be a very obvious back to classy-feminine-can-t-be-bothered-yet-incredibly-rockish-cool-chic-skirt-basics with  THE MIDI skirt - the star of 2014 summer, alongside its various interpretations and sisters.

• Midi Skirts (long pencil, pleated, full styles)
• Mini Skirts (A-lines, flared, circle)
• Ruffled Skirts
• Wrap Skirts
• Slits (on every and any skirts)
• Maxi 

How To Wear 2014 Summer’s Skirts? Since high-waisted skirts are the only thing the above styles have in common, it’s imperative to say, that ALL skirts this season, look HOT with crop tops or bustiers.

The plain ol’ T-shirt is making a clean statement alongside chunky necklaces. Great combo!

And the classic shirt/blouse remains a cool choice. As does the sweatshirt or mini sweater. 

Street style inspo: So… if you’re facing a skirt predicament, buy or style something that a 90s Kate Moss would wear style-crossed with a 70′s diva in sexy tea-length pleats, or even an 80′s ruffled mini skirt obsessed socialite. All the while keep it effortlessly cool and have fun.

… is that black on white, white on black, thin or thick and always horizontal,  stripes printed on basic tops are the longest married clothing couple of all times.

Not rare are the shopping occasions when some of my friends throw fashion tips at me, which is by all means a great thing (throw away bitches. in a good way.) and what happens is this. I always end up buying something black. And something with stripes. Hence the fashion don’t’s thrown at me: “Stop dressing in black for God’s sake” versus ”Ahhh, a striped top? Again? Whatever.”

And the worst part (for them, not me. I see nothing wrong with my shopping logic) is I still feel I need some extra striped tops. Black clothes? Well those you can never have enough. Today’s post came to me really as a simple math thing. (go figure!) What happens when you take a basic tee + the one print trend that’s always gonna be a hit, no matter the decade, the sex, the age or the season? Yes, black & white thin horizontal STRIPES I’m looking at you. Well… easy peasy. You get = STRIPES ON TOPS. A look, again taken for granted, that’s always there to save the day, always looks great, is incredibly versatile that it can go from office to weekends, from beach to business meetings, from 9 am to some 11 pm dates or late drinks.

Think of a style, any style, and dare yourself to dress around a black and white horizontal thin black & white stripped top. It’ll work. Hell, it will look fantastic. Clean, trendy but effortless, chic and slightly boho or even rich & luxurious if you mix it up with tons of whites and gold accessories. There’s something retro & sophisticated about a striped top look, but then again it can also be a I-can’t-be-bothered-thing that looks better than chic and cool altogether.

It’s got a bit f that navy trend, or those 60′s styles, of those 90′s basics… it’s all really up to you how you wanna wear it. And contrary to belief, that stripes are sooo hard to pull off, a STRIPED TOP is the easiest thing to wear with ANYTHING. It may not sound as such, but visually it’ll be a total fashion brilliance. 

• Best black & white striped tops combos in my humble opinion remain those with jeans & colored heels.
• An all black style with a striped tee equals amazing.
• An all white one will look sea-side-like meets rich socialite on holiday.
• Leather skirt or trousers, very cool.
• Brogues or flat pumps with any outfit will give the striped tops a very French vibe.

The most precious style tip when it comes to these ladies tops is a pop of color. RED lips look beyond amazing with a black and white striped top. ;)

Sometimes all it takes is a basic thing, the simplest clothing item & the most versatile print ever to look fabulous. Sure, florals in spring will always be a hit. So will bright colors. Or whites. But somehow I thing we’ve done the basic things in our lives a little injustice.

Black & white stripped tops are the basic chic in our lives. But the same chicness and coolness one can get with red or navy & white stripes. On tops. Or on anything really. Do you remember Khloe Kardashian’s red & white striped dress. Oh. My. God. So let’s get the inspiration going then.

Black & White STRIPPED TOPS looks: Colored STRIPES looks: STRIPES all over: A statement piece is easy to wear, right? You just put it on and let it do the job. When it comes to simple plain things, it’s mostly a go-for-simple-sure-thing or an imagination-style-exercise. Anyway whatever the case, bold or simple I’m all for it. Maybe I’m just having the Monday blues and hope these stripes will take me to some cool & chic place on the French riviera. Or maybe not.Anyway, I shall not stop. Stripes and black clothes here I come. Again.

Could this be the end of plunging cleavages, boob hugging tops, cropped tees, insecure bare legs, bloody twerking asses in skinny jeans and stripper short shorts? Errr no, BUT it is the dawn of yet another bare-it-all trend, this time though much more do-able, easy to pull off and age/body/style appropriate for pretty much everyone. Drumrolls please (in case the title wasn’t a clear giveaway)… OFF THE SHOULDERS TREND is back in business baby cause, (1) apparently everything that was once hot in the 90s is too cool to not do again, and (2) somebody’s just had it with trends that imply model bodies (Amen to that!), but still wants to give the people some eye candy you know. When Al Pacino once said in a film, ”give the people what they want!”, I’m pretty sure he didn’t mean flaunt your fucking shoulders, but he might as well have implied it. No? No.

Anyway. The BARE SHOULDERS look is massive for 2014 summer. Not new at all, but better than ever for sure. Back in the day (in those 90s that, as much as I love, are beginning to be quite a redundant thing these days) I used to be obsessed with this look, and couldn’t wait for summer to ask my mom to buy me tops that have straps or sleeves off the shoulders, or large round necklines so that one side might ‘accidentally’ fall of my clavicle. You’d think since then (let’s just say it’s been a while) I’ve changed. Nope.

Well, now nothing is accidental anymore, my mom doesn’t buy my clothes, and I’m not waiting for summer to wear God knows what. But other than that…

When my friend once told me ”Ah, if I had shoulders like yours, I’d refuse to cover them up”, I thought what a wtf!-statement, cause you know, first of all – everyone has nice shoulders, and second, even if some are better than others, how are you gonna use that shtick? I know, I know I got a short memory, as my 90s off-the-shoulder-look had then, elapsed my mind.

Speaking of the 90s, remember Kelly Kapowski? She LIVED in off the shoulders tops. But it’s back, in both my mind as in fashion and I’m loving every minute of it, not cause of my friend’s endearing comment, but cause of the look this style implies: bohemian, effortless and over the top feminine. I stand corrected as I never gave much attention to the power of the shoulders, when in fact, NOW I believe they’re the sexiest part of a woman’s body.

I mean boobs & asses are great, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes a little subtlety and mystery go a long way. Off the shoulders comes like pretty much a natural NEXT-TREND, given the 90s and all that, but also a return or beginning of new summer styles: relaxed. cool. ladylike, slightly cheeky. edgy, but very very very chic and easy to do. Retail chains are practically throwing OFF THE SHOULDERS DRESSES & TOPS at us and we all say our thank you’s while flaunting the easiest and most ‘we’re-comfortable-to show-off’ body part.

Although most of the bare shoulders looks basically imply a boho-chic meets cool Aussie chick and Brazilian babe, the trend is still quite versatile.

Silky or structured off the shoulders tops can go well for lunch in the city or office hours. Flirty 60′s and 70′s style dresses with cap sleeves slightly hanging off the shoulders are very ANYWHERE-appropriate. Maxi dresses with short, long or even straps hanging off your bare shoulders have that summer vacation versus city vibe to them. Styling an off the shoulders look is paaaalease, like styling a pair of flats. Not to mention it’s a trend that can marry and live side by side with so many other major summer trends: crop tops (with short or long off the shoulder sleeves), sheer fabric so that, you know, we can peek at your funky bra, cutoffs, palazzos, maxi skirts, heels, espadrilles… and the list goes on and on and on.

TIPS: You can wear your hair down slightly messy in those beach waves, or pull it up in a messy ponytail/bun and expose those shoulders. Jewellery wise thin necklaces, layered or not, look fab with off the shoulder tops or dresses, and body jewellery is puuuuurfect for a sheer or cropped off the shoulder top. Lace off the top dresses & tops look best! You can DIY this trend with oversized rounded neckline tops that you wear off one shoulder. :) More inspiration here: 

So do as Beyonce says - if you got it, flaunt it! – cause we all got it, so why the hell not flaunt it. ;)

When ear-cuffs earrings broke into the world of fashion last year, few girls were doing the statement look. Today, everyone’s jumping on the Ear-Cuff Trend one way or another through massive in your face pieces, or more subtle dainty ones. Talk about a great fashion gimmick that stuck big time.

Why? I think it has to do with the easiness of pulling off this trend, and why not the affordability of it. It looks so cool and funky, yet no piercing is required. No can’t-go-back fashion move. It’s brilliant.

Gold Flower Cartilage Ear Wrap Cuff Earring & stud earring from EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

Today I came across an online shop – EAR-CUFFS (click here to see) – packed with the most amazing ear-cuff earrings, and basically spent the entire morning scrolling and pinning and thinking which ones to get, and how I’d style them. Browsing through their collections, which are incredibly affordable, it hit me. In one year time, the ear cuff trend has nipped and tucked itself in such a way that today we’ve got whole stores of ear-bling to literally fit all styles, tastes, occasions, and pockets.

That’s the thing about ear-cuff earrings: they DO go anywhere, it all depends on the earring itself. They’re a subtle style statement, that can remain slightly hidden and dainty, or can be extravagant.

Pearl Gold Crown Ear Cuff & stud earring from EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

HOW TO WEAR EAR-CUFFS & GET THE CHIC LOOK? 

1. Subtle Statement. You can style them with a crispy shirt for work, or opt for a very elegant dress with pumps for when you have to up your game for some important meeting in the office. Keep the rest simple, no necklaces, not extra razzmatazz, just a ring, if you will, is enough.

Pull your hair back for a full-vision of the ear-cuff, of do a side-part hairstyle, and tuck your hair behind your cuffed ear for a more subtle look. Ear-cuffs.co.uk have plenty of simple chic style to pick from. You will love them, I’m telling you. Ear-cuff that cover all the ear, in tiny crystals, or pearls, or even the thin animal styles in gold or silver that subtly wrap around your ear. Also, what’s great with them is that almost each earring comes with an earring stud pair! :) Check them out:

Snake Ear-cuff from EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

Gold Fuchsia Rhinestone Butterfly Ear-Cuff Earring from EAR-CUFF.CO.UK.

Butterfly Stud Gold Butterfly Ear-Cuff Wrap Earrings: EAR-CUFF.CO.UK

Pearl Silver Moon Cartilage Ear Non-Piercing Cuff-Earring from EAR-CUFF.CO.UK

2. Fun, quirky styles. Perfect for more laid back occasions, when you wanna look cool, edgy, slightly trendy, but never over the top – the colored gem styles, the funky animals, the musical notes, bugs, insects, hearts, lips, lizards and snakes in the shape of ear-cuffs are puuuuurfect. Keep the rest of the look simple: jeans & tees, cutoffs & bare back tops, maxi dresses, or any casual chic outfit that looks simple and jazz it up with a fun looking slightly statement ear-cuff piece.

Gold Music Note Ear-Cuff Earring Champagne Rhinestone – EAR-CUFF.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

Click here to get the look.

3. Evening elegance or edge. Ever since celebrities started wearing ear-cuff earrings on the red carpet, the idea of jewelry for evening has slightly changed. Yes you have to wear an elegant dress, and classy gown, a proper frock when you go to cocktails, weddings, or evening celebrations of sorts, BUT you can still look incredibly trendy and edgy with just a touch of accessories. Like the statement embellished glamorous ear-cuffs look fabulous with any type of dress for evening, or going out, with your hair sleeked back, tucked behind your ear, or pulled up in a messy bun, or ponytail. And that’s the only jewelry you need! :)

Ear-cuff earrings look fantastic with bold lips! 

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

Get the evening look with these pieces.

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

EAR-CUFFS.CO.UK

Don’t know about you, but I’m sold on this look. I have been from the very beginning, but never like lately, cause I just think it’s the most effortless look ever. Yeah it’s a bit extravagant, but subtle at the same time. It’s classy, but edgy. It’s simple, but sophisticated. It’s more, but it’s less.

What do you think ladies?

Get the look here: Ear-Cuffs SHOP 

Growing up, whether interested in fashion or not, we’ve all been slightly aware of a few style faux pas such as: never wear track pants with heels, don’t go to work in sporty tees, cover up your neon cool athletic bra top when you leave the house. Well… all this is obsolete as fashion has pulled a 180 on us all for the past year and shoved the ATHLETIC TREND down our throats, urging us to dress sporty cool & athletic luxe in 2014 summer.

That the sartorial world has become more laid back is no news anymore. Hell it’s become hectic and manic, impossible to make up its mind on what to keep and what to ditch, so all trends pretty much have comebacks. The style to all though, is gym inspired. We’re all looking like we’ve just left the tennis courts, swim-pools, golf tournaments, marathons, and forgot to take off items of the sporty attire. More so we’ve bothered to put heels on, red lipsticks and bling yet not renounce on the oversized tops, short shorts, mesh, track pants, and bright sneakers. 2014 Summer fashion is a beautiful reinvention of all that is casual, athletic and laid back, keeping the vibe of the gym/sporty clothes, but using fabrics and mixtures that are more eclectic, clashing trends, and styles to allow more versatility. Varsity jackets became posh. Track suits are made of leather. Worn with heels even. Oversized jersey tees have glitter and sparkles on them, and can be donned as dresses with heeled sandals. Bright colored bra tops are out on the streets from underneath office blazers. One piece swimsuits are worn as bare back tops (see Kim Kardashian).

Are there no more limits?

I would think not. Not when it’s OK to wear bright sneakers to work, with summer dresses, pencil skirts, silky tops, blazers and posh bags. Not when you can pair your business suit with an athletic mesh top, T-shirt or white soled flat shoes that inspire some vintage futuristic new sport out there. Why is this happening? Maybe fashion got bored of the same things. Maybe we got more relaxed, or maybe fashion is more accessible to everyone now, not necessarily in terms of affordability, but in trends to emulate, hence, designers offering the world what they want. We’re all sick of stuck up, polished looks all the time. Super coordinated, proper, lifeless outfits, that are so right they’re wrongs. We all wanna look like we’re rich kids on holiday. Like we’re laid back Aussies who go for a swim after work. I used to hate any sporty inspired outfits a long time ago, now… it’s all I wear somehow, whether it’s classic sporty, or chic, or just an athletic piece in a smart outfit.

And the beauty if it all is that ATHLETIC WEAR has loads of options for all tastes: all black, all white looks, black and white minimalist styles, bright, tropical, neon looks, evening dresses, going out jeans and sporty tops… it’s all a question of whether or not you love it.

And if you do, do you wear this trend? So, what do you think about the sporty/athletic trend?

Have you ever said something out loud with such conviction, that in the aftermath of the ‘brilliant’ affirmation, the people around you, and you included, had that wtf-should-I-laugh-now-or-act-surprised-or-just-ignore look on their faces? That’s the moment when you wish you’d just kept your mouth shut.

NO. I’m not gonna go all therapy on you right now. The issue in discussion is none other than the trend-worthiness of the DENIM SKIRT. No life and death drama.

Just fashion talk. And so the story goes: last Saturday before going out for a drink, from my friend’s place where us girls met earlier for other drinks (okay and dinner too), my friend Julie wanted to borrow a pair of shorts or a skirt from our other friend, who, in a very genuine and now-I-realize-quite-well-deserved excitement, offered her a short denim skirt.

At which point I was like “NOOO! No way! You’re so not gonna wear that.” The aforementioned looks practically froze me to death, as I’ve realized I’ve spoken without much knowing. Typical, by the way.

”Why not?”, came their stupefied and dismissive at the same time question. To which I lingered in my above obliteration and replied in a tone which I totality resent and does not in any way characterize me, contrary to this blog’s main topics – ”Cause it’s so NOT-trendy.” No duh, thank God.

There they had it… the sartorial stupidity on duty had spoken. To which they said “Really?!”, and I felt obliged to find reasons as to why the denim skirt is no longer a trend-worthy piece to don.

And since no omelet was ever made without breaking a few eggs, I ended up feeling like an idiot, of course, BUUUT, forced to wonder on the matter in discussion, I got to thinking…

When did we stop wearing denim skirts? Are they really dead? And if so, do we want them back?

Hence today’s blogpost. You see, as much as I ramble on and on, and on, and on, and then some more on the topic of trends, I’m probably the least to obey by them. For me, trends only trace a few guidelines and fashion inspiration if you will. The rest is just plain mood-swinging and having fun. So, that’s why my answer scared the shit out of me, as I refuse to become a fucking fashion victim. I sure don’t dress like one, but thinking like one, would be 10 times worse.

As it turns out though, my instinct (read big loud mouth) was not that far off. But that my friend does not mean we cannot wear the shit out of a denim skirt. As dated and passe as some (who me?) might find it, there are a few cuts and designs that look absolutely fabulous. The reason I jumped off the chair at the thought of a denim skirt, was because I was thinking of that 2000’s style. You know the one, right? We all used to wear it: mini, pretty low waisted, too fitted, paired with tight tank tops, and high heels. Oh Lord!

But, when I got to the research part of this post, I was literally blown away by both my ignorance as the infinite looks and styles a denim skirt comes with in 2014.

Pencil skirts, midi skirts, above the knee lengths, with side pockets, fitted or slightly loose, high waisted, ripped, dark denim, light denim, stone-washed denim. You name it, it looks gorgeous. What the denim skirt had gone through the past decade was a complete makeover, but nobody ever bothered to make a big deal out of it, and so the poor ugly ’00’s mini skirt remained a reference. Today the denim skirt has managed to keep its best assets – THE DENIM (hello!) – and mold and fold to the best skirt cuts and designs out there. And actually I’m pretty surprised that in all this 90s comeback the denim skirt was left out. Was it a big thing back then, or did it just rise to its infamous fame a decade later into that teen-Christina-Aguillera-Jessica-Simpson-look? I only own ONE denim skirt and it just happens to be the hideous type. To my defense, I’ve bought it sometime in the 2000’s when I was trying to channel wrong looks, wrong people, wrong styles. But so was everyone else. Unless you’re Kate Moss, then you probably let that one slide. Today though, I made a huge step, and entered 2 vintage shops on the prowl for denim skirts. Nice denim skirts. High waisted. Knee-length, or slightly above or below the knees, pencil cut… I did find a few but didn’t buy into them. Literally.

But this fall, I shall fall for 2 very specific skirts: one in denim and one in leather both pencil cut, high waist, side pockets if possible and don them with uber hot heels and a not so cool top. Just to let the skirts shine you know. :)

Anyway. Over to the street style gurus now. And you know what? It’s probably got less to do with the skirt cut per se, and more with how we style it today. Which is much better. And anyway, things could have been worse. Remember the 80s denim skirt? Your turn now.

P.S. I’m all in the favor of the DENIM SKIRT, as I’ve already swallowed my pride, but will not, I repeat I will not, be in favor of the ’00’s mini denim skirt. Ever. Again. (hopefully)

What if… for one month, we could live in a movie scene of our own choice?

Or even an era. A favorite moment snapshot in time. Dress, act, eat, drink, and mingle with the characters & real people of those scenes and times. Where would you go to? Is that Bianca Jagger lusciously hanging by Andy Warhol‘s neck, in her V-plunging high slit sequined dress and fur coat? Cigarette in one hand, smoke blowing out over half dozed black eyelashes, flirtatiously laughing at his non-existent jokes cause why the hell not.

It’s mid fall circa 1970’s just outside Studio 54, where anybody who’s somebody is there. The Stones, Woody, Diana Ross, Jerry Hall, Cher, Sony.

Or Diane von Furstenberg, the woman and artist every other woman and man wants be around. In her iconic knee-length wrap dress, that, at this early hours of the morning is showing off her incredible legs, crossed in a cool and seductive laziness on a cozy crowded sofa in Studio 54, while sipping her poison of choice and having a fag, cause it’s the fucking 70’s you know. Big hair, sultry dresses, exposed decolletages all the way to the belly button. No bras. Sequins, sheer, thick heels, fur coats, hats, red lips, tons of rings, big nails… the era of the borderline kitsch femme fatale, a look which today does not exist in the same sense.

The above image might as well describe a hooker making her morning rounds before she hits her motel room in 2014.  There is some decadence in all this 70’s fashion, and, as kitsch and at-times-too-glamorous as it may appear, it was a hell of a time. Or why not wander the streets of New York city having endless, witty, apparently-meaningless, funny, neurotic, intriguing conversations with a Woody Allen 70’s character?

You could look like Meryl Streep or Diane Keaton in their nude trench coats, cinged at the waist, with high brown tube boots in chunky heels and some pleated 70’s dress underneath, going on and on about what books you’ve read, that dish you always love to eat, that man you so want, those relationship spiderwebs.

It’s cold, and your hands are trying to stay in your pockets but you need to talk and make a point, you know, as you walk past coffee shops, and cross traffic jammed streets in a bit of a run, just to make that chunky heel sound. Or why not live in Paris or London like Jane Birkin, making decadent love and music with Serge Gainsbourg? With her iconic effortless look, straight bed hair, bangs, rugged jeans, old tees, braless, and a coat slung around her shoulders. ’70’s – that’s the time I’d go to. Paris for writing. Woody Allen film for LIFE, and Studio 54 for late night parties and crushes.

But since I can’t, I’m gonna have to make do with what I’ve got. Reenact it & make it all happen through fashion.

And it just so happens that this autumn the 70’s are back!

I would have never pictured myself a few years ago loving this decade, but today I think it’s one of the best. For its contrasts. For its neurotic freedom, decay, rise,  incredibly glamorous kitsch, rebelliousness and all that’s in between and beyond.

As each decade comes with its iconic look, for me the 70s come with a combination of the above, according to the mood swing you have, cause you know… if you’re gonna do the 70s do that shit all the way. Be fabulously inconsistent, all over the place, fashion maniac and don a grandma style dress with high boots during the day and a drop dead gorgeous fuck-me-now-dress with a plunging neckline all the way to your lace knickers, during the evening.  And of course, since it’s cold and windy take shelter under a faux fur coat that looks more expensive than your 3 months paycheck, and top it all with golden rings on each finger. While sipping wine or Jack. The drink.

The 70s glam look for 2014 autumn: 

• high heels (ankle boots, sandals)
• chiffon or silk over the knee or long dress
• high slit
• plunging neckline
• thin necklace
• tons of rings
• middle part long messy hairstyle
• faux fur coat
• leather jacket & massive fur collar

And then… during the day switch back to being either Jill or Mary or Annie, (i.e. Woody Allen characters) and capture all that half sexy –  (in that very intellectual charismatic but more realistic and appealing way) – half normcore style:

- peasant midi skirts, buttoned up shirts, silky paisley printed dresses cinged at the waist, slightly over the knees, the type that are more summer appropriate but you just stretch them into autumn cause you have a wanna-feel-sexy-artist-kinda-day, tube brown boots, chunky heels, oversized brown coats, brown trenches, brown bags, brown sunglasses. Cause you know, everything in the 70’s was so unsaturated and sort of sepia filtered.

The 70s daytime look for 2014 autumn: 

• high boots (tube style, over -the-knee etc.)
• midi skirts (plaid, chiffon, prints, A-cut, high waist, straight, pleats, any style that has a bit of movement)
• tucked in shirt, up to the waist line sweater, sheer blouse, or even deep V-cuts
• classic trench coat cinged at the waist, or thick coat slightly oversized.
• belts
• wrap skirts or dresses

If the femme fatale or mom-look does not appeal to you, well… you always have Jane Birkin with her bohemian minimalist and chic style. Keep the boots or chunky heels, let your hair grow, but cut long bangs, wear your man’s shirts and t-shirts, skinny jeans, and simple classic coats. Always tuck your hair in your jacket and hum your fave tune.

How to make it all look 2014-sophisticated?

Attention to accessories: expensive looking jewelry, bags and shoes. Avoid really big hair that’d go on fire if you lit up a cigarette, and instead opt for Birkin’s locks. And always, always got for quality textures, and make sure if you’re wearing vintage pieces, that at least one item from your outfit is new and trendy. To get that eclectic balanced present day retro vibe.

Looks for inspiration… However you put it, the ’70’s, as a trend in 2014 autumn, is a total blessing. It bares so many looks, translating into effortlessly sexy styles, that celebrate the clothes. Not the body so much. We’re all covered up. Midi lengths, high boots, turtle necks. Well… unless you’re channeling Studio 54 divas… then you’re anything but understated and covered up. And that’s great too.

Now you tell me: what decade or film you’d go to?

Oh… and by the way, what do you think about the 70s?