In keeping with last week's winter-fuelled Wardrobe Wednesday, I thought I would pay further homage to one of my favourite cold-weather accessories: The hat. The eternal warmer-of-heads and disguiser-of-bad-hair-days (you know what I'm talking about), the hat is the most versatile and transformative accessory at your disposal— and don't you forget it. And by you, I really mean me, because I'm the worst for neglecting even my most beloved accessories (#hoarderproblems). But that's why I love both you AND this WW column — you guys keep me honest.
Plus their purse cousin (or cousins, as there are several in the series) from Lulu Guinness.
I actually got the sweater out of a sudden idea to kind of look like it and wear it with waved hair peeping out of a black - or possibly red - beret, red lips and pair it with tiny black hotpants, dark tights and chunky heels. Would have made a nice combo; I thought the knit would be kind of oversized and hang loose on my shoulders. Which it didn't. It was kind of fitted and with the fluffy mohair it made me feel like an albino orangutang instead. So I'll pass that look onto some tiny tiny petite person instead :)
In the spirit of last week's animal ring holder, I thought I would put together an simple gift idea to accompany it — et voila! The rosette ring was born. It's the perfect little add-on to give a girlfriend or pop into a stocking, and it even functions as a last-minute gift if you're in a pinch (oh who am I kidding, when you're in a pinch). So if you want to make a rosette ring of your own, here's what you'll need:
Supplies:
- Adjustable rings (available at any craft or jewelry supply store)
- Rosette cabochons (mine are vintage, but there are lots to choose from on Etsy!)
The holidays have a remarkable way of sneaking up on me each year, and all those lofty goals of baking, crafting and general merry-making often go unactualized. That's why I thought it would be fun (and mutually beneficial for readers like me!) to launch a homemade holiday series consisting of a DIY gift idea each week to get your yule-tide juices flowing (so to speak). First up? The Animal ring holder.
I love giving loved ones jewelry, but it never dawned on me before that a playful jewelry holder could be just the ticket to up the ante when gifting baubles. So off to the dollar store I went to pick up some plastic animals to make this simple, yet impactful gift idea. Simply spray paint your animal any colour you wish, and adhere it to a pretty plate (mine came from Home Sense) using powerful glue... It's as easy as that! Top things off with a pretty ring or some sparkly earrings, and your friends are sure to love you all the more this holiday season! I hope you enjoyed this new DIY series — stay tuned for more fun projects in the weeks to come! xx
This Wardrobe Wednesday features a save or splurge component which doesn't quite apply to me because — let's face it — I had to go be all greedy and buy both. To be fair, I ordered the CC Skye version online before I knew Forever 21 carried a fun, Lulu Frost-inspired version for a fraction of the price. Woe is me. Regardless, I felt the need to have both. Because really, after shelling out over 100 big ones for a trend item, what's five more.
The verdict? Despite the aforementioned trend (read: fleeting) nature of the design, I actually much prefer the CC Skye version. It's smaller, more streamlined and far more flattering to wear, translating to 20x more use than it's inexpensive counterpart... So on a cost-per-wear basis, the CC Skye version is actually a way better deal, right? Oh come on, humour me.
A bit of extra hardware and detail goes a long way in winter.
The black-grey winter canvas is so much more appealing when a bit of gleaming metal or embossed leather is thrown into the mix. Plus, finishing of with something ever-so-slightly more showy means you can get away with slumming it in whatever’s warmest everywhere else. Win win.
Enter Kurt Geiger, whose accented accessories are going to save me from descending into total drudgery this season. This backpack is basically a reasonably priced version of the infamous crocodile sack from The Row, while the boots would be just flashy enough with grey skinny jeans and a long, wool Crombie coat.
Tis the season for bundling up, and when you live in a winter city like I do, one thing is abundantly clear: mo layers, less problems. This year I plan on making this jumbo, double-sided scarf my new bf (don't we look good together?), with plenty of room in my life for this slouchy beanie... It's a big love situation here, people.
So when it comes to staying warm without compromising style, all you have to do is grab a great plaid scarf, slide on some slick gloves and thrown on a cute beanie... Your day two hair will thank you. xx
Arm Party = Layering Bracelets + Bracelet Combinations. Probably Leandra Medine, better known as The Man Repeller, when coined the Instagram hashtag #armparty last year had no idea that this would become a major accessory trend. This trend involves piling up to your wrist every possible bracelet - everything from bangles and cuffs, to rope bracelets and silver or gold. And in NYC every major trend is never overlooked: bright coloured bangles are the celebrities of this summer, with gemstone-embellished wristlets and leather strapped cuffs sit next to metallic gold bracelets. You probably all have noticed that the jewelry this summer is chunky and bold, a bit geometrical abstract but also and baroque, sparkly and colorful.
There was a time when jewelry accessorizing meant statement earrings or necklaces, but not this summer: you have to host a summer arm party and your wrists are the centre of attention.
I have recently been told by my friend back in Milan about a new viral multi-colored trend for all the Italian fashionistas: Cruciani’s bracelets! Unfortunately they are not sold in the US for now, but it is a fun, colorful and summery trend worth to write about.
The phenomenon of four-leaf clover bracelets by Cruciani broke in August 2011 when, in front of Cruciani's boutique in Forte dei Marmi (Tuscany), people were queuing to grab one or more colors of the bracelet of the summer. And the word of mouth did not take long to spread all over Italy.
Cruciani’s bracelets made their grand debut in Milan back in September 2011 at THE fashion event of the year, Milan’s Vogue Fashion Night Out. Cruciani dedicated a limited edition of the bracelets, created ad hoc for the Milan’s Fashion Week and its success was instant among the Milanesefashion crowd. Cipriani’s partnership with the famous textile group Caprai, made this collection even more valuable for the exclusive craftsmanship. The bracelets are all made from needle lace macramé by Caprai textile group: absolutely 100% made in Italy.
The most famous Cruciani’s bracelets are easily distinguishable from 7 shamrocks macramé lace flanked by a C. In particular, the bracelet with the cloverleaf was born from an idea by Luca Caprai and now it is available in a variety of subjects: from the famous four-leaf clover, to hearts, to the ultimate success, the butterfly. Each represents a symbol, respectively luck, love and femininity and freedom.
The price of the bracelets Cruciani varies depending on the model, but the average for each bracelet would be 10 euros, that is $14 dollars, so it is really budget friendly! You can check all the bracelets out and buy them online (shipping in Europe) at www.braccialetticruciani.it. You can find the complete list of licensed retailers in Milan here.
Today is the day that in Milan everybody – and I literally mean everybody and the city becomes a “ghost city” for the entire month of August – goes in vacation, as it is the first weekend bridging into August. All my friends back in Milan are ready to leave for the beautiful beaches in Italy, or are already travelling to do so.
So, thinking about vacation time and tanning on the beach, I am thinking also about beachwear!
And in Milan everybody LOVES Calzedonia’s swimwear – which is unfortunately not available in the US. I have been a dedicated and loyal fan of their collections since they opened in 1986 in Italy and season after season they have become the most trendy, fashionable and successful Italian brand for hosiery and beachwear. So as I am not in Milan, I have missed my yearly Calzedonia’s beachwear shopping, but my mother was so nice to send me one J
Calzedonia’s beachwear for Summer 2012 is all about bright colors! My favorite collection is the one called “Raffy”, simple styles and young lines for an easy to wear bikinis to comfortably fit the body. Patterns are declined into three different models: push-up, bandeau (my all time favorite!) or triangle tops. And you can choose whatever color you prefer, as each pattern is offered in every color of the season. Raffy collection is a timeless trend for all women, with different body types, as you can mix and match different styles for top and bottoms and different sizes as well.
Below some examples of the swimwear collection for this Summer. It is not easy to find a definite one trend for the swimwear this summer, the brand likes to present various offers from bandeau bikinis (the most popular trend and I would say also the most comfortable for tanning), triangle bikinis, to more edgy paillettes bikinis. What do you think?
The brand launched a campaign for this Summer to recycle old swimwear, in collaboration with "I: collect Ag", a company that operates in the field of environmentally compatible recycling.
Until June 30, all types of swimwear for men, women and children, regardless of brand - and not necessarily purchased from Calzedonia - would be revived in the form of insulating material for buildings, share rubbery carpets, upholstery. But even stuffing of toys, bags or rags for cleaning.
Green initiative, among many others that occupy the front pages of newspapers in this period, which also brings an economic advantage to those who embrace it: for every old lady costume, whole or bikini, which will be returned, there will be a discount 5 euros on the purchase of a new bikini. An interesting idea without any doubt.
My best friend Benedetta in Milan is a true fashionista. She is always on top of every trend and as long as we have know each other, we have always shared the same taste in fashion and often bought the same clothes without even shopping together! As now we are living in two different cities, the way we can share our fashionable findings is sending pictures of our new purchases to each other and this blog is becoming quite handy also to share with other fashionistas as well.
The other day Benedetta sent me an email saying that she bought this fabulous pair of “sneaker heels” and I was curious to see the pic, and here it is!
A white sneaker with a neon pink pump drawn on it! I haven’t seen them worn here in NYC, but she told me that in Milan is becoming a trend. The brand Be&Dhas introduced the “sneaker heel” that plays tricks on the eyes with a hot pink silhouette of a sexy stiletto along its side. Unlike other heel lace-ups, these shoes are actually real sneakers; meaning your feet will be planted safely on the ground at all times. Some might argue that Be&D is running along the same lines as faux evening wear, such as “à la tuxedo” T-shirts, but Benedetta and I like them a lot as a clever, clever, and fun alternative to this season's trend high fashion sneaker, featured in various fashion magazines as well.
So, if you want to give a twist and not wear your colored Converse this summer, go for this fun pair of sneakers. The price is pretty affordable too, Be&D Brightlight Big City sneaker, $128, on beandd.com. You can view the Moda Operandi video below directed by Bettina Santo Domingo and including all the graphic-printed sneakers in the Be&D collection. Enjoy!
