Month: August 2015

Trends a trending: The Victorian Blouse.

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Alberta Ferretti’s brilliance brings the Victoriana Blouse to life. Innocent, crisp, holy, smart, playful, sensual, powerful and suggesting all at once.

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The wonderful thing about the Victorian Blouse is that it is so diverse when it comes to pairing and dressing up. Look at how the base of the blouse is finished. If its less fitted, simply tuck the bottom into a high waisted palazzo pant for example. For a smart business look, wear with a sophisticated pencil skirt. The soft texture of the blouse allows one to mix well with heavier textures; denim, wool or velvet.

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                  Above: Alberta Ferretti’s SS 16 runway collection.

Feeling bashful? Go head to toe in silk Victoriana and wow your company! Eager for more? Continue the Victorian era adventure and check out Net-A-Porter.com to satisfy your curiosity.

Bon Voyage Attire. 

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Sitting at Vino Volo Wine Bar, a little gem of a place in Boston’s Logan Airport as I await to board my flight back to Dublin, I get a wave of inspiration for my next blog. Casting a watchful eye on the eager passengers around me, I can’t help but notice the different styles of clothing they parade and scurry around in, as they too await their flight.

On a normal travel day, I opt for smart. I usually wear my dark denim jeans with a wedge boot (ankle or above knee), or in summer, a wedge sandal. A blazer is usually a good statement piece as it tends to go with everything. it’s especially good for travel since it is not too heavy to carry or to wear. Folding up nicel? Check!

However today I am breaking my own rule. The reason why is because yesterday I bought a sassy pair of trainers and I was just dying to show ’em off! Here I have paired my Puma runners with my ole reliable black yoga pants by Lululemon Athletica! A recent trip to Penney’s in Dublin and a purchase of a wool mix oversized black sweater allowed me to complete my baggy, comfortable look.
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Comfort, comfort , comfort as echoed by ‘The Copenhagen Tales’ look below:
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I cannot leave the house without my beloved Kate Spade travel purse. When it comes to bags, totes and accessories I have an obsession with the size. Yes ladies; large! My large cerise travel wallet and apple green passport cover accompany my everywhere I go. My Christmas wishlist has already begun with a want for the Classic Travel Collection from Aspinal of London!

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What about the bag? Don’t fret! Take a big tote. You can toss it over your shoulder. It fits everything from water bottles and books to toilitrees and you don’t have to worry about the chaos inside. Opt for an large Louis Vuitton carryall like mine, or the Dagne Dover Workbag (as pictured below) works just nicely with all those delicious hidden compartments.

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My next trip to Milan next month however, I will be opting for the more sophisticated look since it is a trip purely to binge on the eternal fashionable streets frequented by the even more fashionable locals.

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Italy- Here I come! Until then, a transatlantic flight awaits!

The Long Vest. 

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All the rage? I feel like the long vest could have been so much more than it is, or then again maybe it’s only hatching from its shell. The long vest is so great. There are multiple ways to wear them. Firstly we have the open versus closed debate. It seem I see more being wore open. This to me deems the more casual look.

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Above: Haute couture Paris Fashion Week Fall 2015.

The vest is perfect for during the day time if you’re going about your business but also planning on lunching with a friend or meeting a colleague. It says ‘ I want to look good, but nothing too fussy’.
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Above: Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham.

What to wear under?

Easy! Pair with the ole reliable jeans, or leggings. For the tail end of summer and even in to the Indian summer, culottes and wide legged linens keep the cool evenings at bay. If you’re opting for loose on bottom, always remember to go fitted on top. Otherwise it’s far too baggy ( not in a good way!). Bear in mind the long vest needs to go over so keep it simple, like a plain print tank top with the baggies. If you’re going for the jeans, pair with a pretty blouse with a bow tie. If you’re feeling daring, go with a bare arm under a sleeveless vest. 

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For a sophisticated look, match with heels of course. Stilettos if you dare, especially for an evening appointment or event. If you’re feeling boyish and want to be particle about things, pair with the flat, military-style boots and you’ll get the job done! Céline’s boxy cut long vest compliments the scarlet red shoes. Go on, try it. Bright and bold against the blank dark canvas. 

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Accessories? 

We have it covered! Anything goes. If the top is simple, be playful with beads. Long beads. Lots of long beads. The chunkier the better. Bold reds, bright yellows and, of course, teal. You can never go wrong with teal. Don’t be afraid to belt up. You either like ’em or you don’t, so you’ve probably already made your mind up re. the belting situation.

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 I feel you can only go clutch or large tote with the vest. You don’t want anything too ‘hangy-offy’ with the floaty open vest. It’s too distracting. Keep it simple. Plain, dark tote held down by your side, or clutch it under the elbow. Et, voila……

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Mediterranean Ceramic Print.

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Last month I had the opportunity to make another annual trip to my lovely Firenze in Northern Italy. I guess it’s becoming somewhat of a trend of my mother and mine. Constantly banging into one another as we no more have our eyes set on the cobbled streets in front of us, but rather gazing longingly at the window displays down Via de’ Tornabuoni. Needless to say, Dolce and Gabanna’s Autumn Winter ’15 collection was the point of no return: A majolin poplin at me as I gazed longingly at it. The AW Collection is made up of decorated tonal blue and whit motifs inspired by Majolica. This traditional Italian pottery design is as old as the hills. It is believed it dates as far back as the Renaissance era. I was left only to dream at what I would look like in them as it had well passed trading hours- A blessing in disguise (finance-wise).

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Dolce and Gabanna have taken this ideology and transported us back in time through these delightful fabrics. Rich, yet simplistic. The playful sundresses continued to tease passer bys and tourists alike. To compliment the clothing, the next window was dressed with majolin accessories to boot. Kitten heels, neck scarves and sunglasses only added to the long, imaginary wish list of mine.

Feast your eyes…..

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Above: Blue majolin print calfskin Sicily bag (medium)€1,400. Blue majolica embroidered brocade valley court shoe €745. Printed silk twill foulard.

Highly intricate motifs in blues, whites, luscious silk and eye catching accessories will all appease. Next season’s D&G is something to certainly look forward to, with or without ownership of any of the above. Nothing wrong with simple appreciation!

Brown: Now it’s your turn.

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You either love it or hate it. I can only vouch for myself saying it’s a hands up YES to the brown coat. Decent coat means decently dressed. Brown coat means classic. But it doesn’t stop there. Stick brown with anything, whatever they say! Brown and black brings the “Blank ‘n’ Tans” to mind. Bold. There you have it. Statement already made!

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Above: Full-length Brown Coat, £120, Topshop.

If you rather opt for more of a neater, snug coat you always have the Carven option. Belted detail with buttons will keep any blast of winter chill out. Meanwhile you get to remain in your little furnace, oblivious to the temperature. It’s you and the nuxe wool versus the weather.

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Above: ‘Carven’ double breasted, belted with pockets. €950. Brown Thomas, Grafton St., D2.

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Above: Camel knee-length coat, by MaxMara. Available also in Brown Thomas, second floor, Grafton St., Dublin 2.

If that doesn’t quite do it for you (cue drumroll) and your wallet still isn’t rubbing its head frowning, then let’s push on and view the crème de la crème. Sumptuous Céline does it again. Phoebe Philo: Under the St. Martin’s roof in London was this designer born and boy are we thankful. Feast your eyes below.

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When’s it too much? When is it enough? When is it authentic for Céline?

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                        Above: AW15 Céline Collection.

Get the brown coat. Do it! Pair with dark blue jeans or black leggings. Cold? A baggy, oversized sweater with ankle boots or knee highs. Warm? Stilettos and a crisp white tee. Done, dusted.