This season, style aficionados unite...banish your dreams of black!! A wallflower the fashionista is not! No longer are we in mourning for dollars lost in cyberspace's financial black hole (mundanely referred to as the GFC by banks), which threatened to alter retail therapy as we know it. This winter it is all about adding some pizazzzz to our wardrobe, and embracing all things exotic. In the northern hemisphere, Chanel's A/W 2010/11 Catwalk took inspiration from the planet's arctic wilderness, featuring shaggy faux fur coats, woolly mammoth-look trousers and evening-wear in fake-fox. And any bona-fide stylist knows if it's good enough for Karl, then hell we'll have three of each thanks! But be-warned, animalistic chic is not for the faint hearted... this season it is all about a flamboyant mismatch of the unexpected - an eclectic mix of textures, tribal prints & animal motifs that are oh so wrong, yet just look oh so right together. The key to this style is balance, and if at any point you start oozing a little more cougar and a little less chic, rein in the wild with winter's lust-worthy staples - the leather jacket, Sass & Bide leggings & a statement tote in a neutral hue. Style envy cred!
GET THE LOOK - WINTER SUNSHINE...
Unleashing your animal instincts during the day requires restraint, as the harsh sunlight exposes to all the fine line you are walking between bona fide fashionista, and sideshow alley mascot. This particular day look ticks all the fashion boxes, with tough accessories creating an edgy contrast to the billowy feminine kaftan. Versatility is the key for Brisbane winter fashion, and with daytime temps slyly creeping to summer-esque highs, functional layering over high-rotation summer garments is all one requires! This particular day look is inspired by all things Africa, and strongly features tonal, earthy colourings - an infectious ray of sunshine brightening a sea of winter blacks
This Papaya Batwing Kaftan takes a suprising leap into the MVP (Most Valuable Player) category of any fashionista's wardrobe...a luxe summer staple that transcends effortlessly into a winter wonder, teamed with leggings & knits. The billowing layers of silk delicately drape the female physique, yet are giving enough to hide the bulging evidence of a little winter over-indulgence. Brisbanites who fear a little early-morning chill can also seamlessly layer their thermals underneath, without taking away any style cred! (Papaya Batwing Kaftan with Bugel Beads, $580, Buy now at itsthenewblack.com.au)Sass & Bide Black Rats have always been on high-rotation for winter fashion, however this season, fashionistas can amp up the volume with the latest 'Beast' range. The exotic prints add just enough of wild Africa into the mix, teamed with a neutral upper, and perfectly balance a billowy Kaftan, emphasizing killer pins. (Sass & Bide Beast Rat Leggings, $190, Buy now at sassandbide.com.au)
Early morning frosts do little to beckon the fashion pack from their beauty sleep. This winter, take that extra ten & embrace the 'I really didn't try...' tousled hair wave, teamed with this season's hottest accessory, the beret! Metallic embellishments in a zebra print atop a wild mane - a subtle reference to our animal calling. (Missoni Sequined Cotton Beret, $415, Buy now at net-a-porter.com)
Rachel Zoe epitomizes the notion that sunglasses are universally chic for every dress code & season. And Winter 2010 proves no different. While we may have toned down on the bug-like qualities, big sunglasses prove perfect for concealing a face half made, and give you kudos from the sun cancer foundation as well. For a look that is truly African-inspired, choose frames in a chocolate tortoiseshell - not only do they complement the colours of the earth, they also give a softer tone against a golden complexion. (Trina Turk Paris Brown Sunglasses, $165, Buy now at trinaturk.com)
To pull off animalistic chic day-wear, the fashionista needs to add injections of bold, statement jewellery, as anything inconsequential will simply be lost in the tide. These Samantha Wills shoulder dusters resemble sacred tribal antiques, with the brown & bronze toning coordinating seamlessly with the exotic prints. To avoid appearing a little too OTT, steer clear from necklaces - instead allow the Kaftan's vibrancy & fluid movement to shine through. Add a chunky chain bracelet & statement ring in a golden hue to adorn the arm, and the look is complete! (1. Samantha Wills Cleansing Sins Earrings, $500, Buy now at birdsnest.com.au; 2. Burberry Summer Brass Chain Bracelet, $205, Buy now at theoutnet.com; 3. Kenneth Jay Lane - A Secret Affair Ring in Pink/Gold, $210, Buy now at zappus.com)
While stilettos are indeed the most lust-worthy accessory for every event, limping & stumbling through the chaos of the day does little to flatter a fashionista's poise & grace. Save the heels for when the sun goes down, and instead, adorn your feet with statement gladiator sandals. The gold & browns tone effortlessly with the earth-inspired colours, without overpowering the exotic legging print. And practical elements aside, you'll move a hell of a lot faster in a retail sale scramble. (Modern Vintage Gold & Ivory Gladiator Sandal, $198, Buy now at simplysoles.com)
Early morning frosts do little to beckon the fashion pack from their beauty sleep. This winter, take that extra ten & embrace the 'I really didn't try...' tousled hair wave, teamed with this season's hottest accessory, the beret! Metallic embellishments in a zebra print atop a wild mane - a subtle reference to our animal calling. (Missoni Sequined Cotton Beret, $415, Buy now at net-a-porter.com)
Rachel Zoe epitomizes the notion that sunglasses are universally chic for every dress code & season. And Winter 2010 proves no different. While we may have toned down on the bug-like qualities, big sunglasses prove perfect for concealing a face half made, and give you kudos from the sun cancer foundation as well. For a look that is truly African-inspired, choose frames in a chocolate tortoiseshell - not only do they complement the colours of the earth, they also give a softer tone against a golden complexion. (Trina Turk Paris Brown Sunglasses, $165, Buy now at trinaturk.com)
To pull off animalistic chic day-wear, the fashionista needs to add injections of bold, statement jewellery, as anything inconsequential will simply be lost in the tide. These Samantha Wills shoulder dusters resemble sacred tribal antiques, with the brown & bronze toning coordinating seamlessly with the exotic prints. To avoid appearing a little too OTT, steer clear from necklaces - instead allow the Kaftan's vibrancy & fluid movement to shine through. Add a chunky chain bracelet & statement ring in a golden hue to adorn the arm, and the look is complete! (1. Samantha Wills Cleansing Sins Earrings, $500, Buy now at birdsnest.com.au; 2. Burberry Summer Brass Chain Bracelet, $205, Buy now at theoutnet.com; 3. Kenneth Jay Lane - A Secret Affair Ring in Pink/Gold, $210, Buy now at zappus.com)
While stilettos are indeed the most lust-worthy accessory for every event, limping & stumbling through the chaos of the day does little to flatter a fashionista's poise & grace. Save the heels for when the sun goes down, and instead, adorn your feet with statement gladiator sandals. The gold & browns tone effortlessly with the earth-inspired colours, without overpowering the exotic legging print. And practical elements aside, you'll move a hell of a lot faster in a retail sale scramble. (Modern Vintage Gold & Ivory Gladiator Sandal, $198, Buy now at simplysoles.com)
GET THE LOOK - TWILIGHT ROMPS...
When the sun sets the fashion royalty come out to play. It’s a bloodbath out there, and only the most inventive survive. This winter, unleashing your inner Africa is a godsend, as exotic prints & OTT embellishments demand attention & accept style cred from even the most notorious critics. Unleashing your inner animal is restricted by no inhibitions in the twilight, however fashionistas should take heed – leopard print for evening wear can be the kiss of death, especially if your ensemble could put its two cents worth into the red light district. This particular evening look screams Carrie Bradshaw, or in stylist’s lingo, recognises Patricia Field for bona fide style kudos. The peacock design & feather headpiece ensemble are chic & sophisticated, while still a little on the wild side. Perfect for a racing carnival or the red carpet. Statement embellishments scream glamour, and a touch of metallic adds a little bit of luxe & grandeur to the mix.
This gorgeous peacock-design bustier dress is a lust-worthy frock for even the most discerning fashionista – the silhouette perfectly emphasises the womanly physique, cinching in at the waist & softly skimming the derrière. The earthy tones are soft enough to create an ideal foundation for OTT embellishments, without overpowering the frame and conjuring the ever-dreaded ‘Who does she think she is?!’ remarks. (Alexander McQueen Praying Mantis Print Bustier Dress, $4620, Buy now at brownsfashion.com)
Bona fide stylists endure it all in the name of fashion – a killer arch, a tennis elbow – putting shame to whoever coined the term ‘beauty is pain’! However, an uncontrollable tremble & the slight blue tinge that comes with bearing all in a winter chill does little to complement a fashionista’s poise & grace. This Alexander McQueen tuxedo jacket cures the remedy for frostbite, and brings the best of both styling worlds to the table – luxe leather combined with the tailoring of a tuxedo! (McQ by Alexander McQueen Tuxedo Nappa-leather Jacket, $1010, Buy now at theoutnet.com)
The power of the waist belt is universal...she has the almighty gift to skim centimetres off the frame, and define a waistline whereth no waistline existed before. Add one in embossed brass to toughen a feminine frock, and trust me, you’ll never look back. Curvalicious! (Vintage Victorian Embosssed Metal Chatelaine Belt, $150, Buy now at freudianslipsvintage.com)
Birds of a feather stick together right? Well if Carrie can get away with a bit of feather taxidermy atop her locks at her wedding, then hell so can we! Break out from the traditional fascinator & amp up the volume with a gorgeous feather headdress – truly inspired from our African calling! The added height benefits are just a bonus. (Pearl & Ivy Medium Multi Colour Hair Bond Blue/Purple Multi Feather, $70, Buy now at farfetch.com)
Glitz, glamour & sparkle. The twilight is no time to leave such to the imagination. To emanate the image of an exotic goddess, drape yourself in cut-throat chokers & jewelled cuffs embellished with gold. This Moonage Daydream Collar has a fierce attitude, and its spikes own the limelight, unleashing a little warrior princess. Again, balance is the key to style cred, so leave the ears bear to avoid imitating an over-blinged homie. (1. Moonage Daydream Collar, $630, Buy now at kabiri.co.uk; 2. Bijoux Heart 24-carat gold plated Tropica Cuff, $845, Buy now at net-a-porter.com)
Ahhh shoes. Clothes might look wrong, food might make you fat, but shoes *sigh* they always are a Cinderella match. This season, conventional is out – stilettos are the new art deco. These gladiator heels tick all the fashion boxes – the detailed strapping adds support to the precarious height & the bat-esque exterior toughens a feminine frock. Perfection for flaunting killer pins! (Stella McCartney Gladiator Heels, $1135, Buy now at matchesfashion.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment