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Friday, 29 April 2011

A Charade of Fashion

Image Source: Fab Audrey

I would argue that one of the best movies made, from a fashion-lovers’ point of view, is the 1960s murder-mystery-romance classic Charade starring the gorgeously witty Cary Grant and ever so stylish Audrey Hepburn. This film features a Givenchy-clad Hepburn (think leopard pill-box hats, red wool coats and slender sheaths), as she parades around Paris. That in itself is reason enough to spend a couple hours curled up on the couch, popcorn in hand, in front of the TV. For when the weather does turn up, I adore the style of this LBD, a look right from the film. 
The clean, fitted silhouette, feminine neckline detail and modest hem length all contribute to the Audrey factor. Pair with a lovely light pink lipstick, an easy up-do and your favorite neutral pumps and voila! Style a la Hepburn! (Oh, and don’t forget the most important accessory: that charmer Cary Grant. * Sigh *, if only we could all have one of those!)

Olivia

Beauty: Freckles

Image source (from top to bottom: into the gloss, spy on style, because i'm addicted)

Many women do it with solitary beauty marks, but would you fake some freckles? Chloe S/S 2011 makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury thinks it's a good idea. They gave all the girls in the show that sun kissed glow. We think we must try this at least once. 

From Into The Gloss: Tilbury used MAC lip pencils in Cork andStone to dot them on one by one. She referenced Anita Pallenberg and music festivals, and the girls did have that free-spirited, slightly rock-chick look, especially with their cakey, jet black top-and-bottom lashes.

1 hour till the Royal Wedding!

Love them or hate them the Royal Wedding WILL be the wedding of a generation. It is to quite elaborate lengths that this event has gone, and it's not only people in England that get to participate, thanks to social media the whole world will be watching. If you haven't yet set your channels to the Royal Wedding you can still tune into YouTube where they will be broadcasting live from the procession and the ceremonies, if you are early you can even upload a video message for the happy couple. Carole will be amidst all the commotion. We wish she had a twitter account to update us all on the things to come (hint hint ;) ). For now you can also participate using the hashtag #rw2011 and #royalwedding

There are dozens of ways to stay up to speed with the events of the upcoming hours:

View the photos on the Royal Flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy
Follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BritishMonarchy
Stay updated with their Blog: http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/
and of course Watch them on the Royal channel: http://www.youtube.com/theroyalchannel

AMAZING! What are your thoughts on the Royal Wedding? 

FACT: After their marriage, Prince William and Catherine Middleton will become The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Monday, 18 April 2011

Olivia on Olivia and the Tweed Jacket

Hello fashion lovers! Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Olivia Lovenmark and I am a fashion (obsessed) blogger writing to you from the gorgeous city of Vancouver. I will be a contributing writer for the Bellisima blog and I hope to bring you a fresh and witty take on style, making it approachable and fun. (Where else have I heard a line like that? Oh yeah, that’s what all fashion writers say. But it really is my mandate to provide a take on fashion that is easy and delivers a smile!)

I know, I know, less talk, more fashion. 

An aspect of dressing that majorly appeals to me: the ability to balance a sartorially fresh look with class and modesty. I think for women this is much harder done than said. One woman who gets it right every time is Olivia Palermo, the much talked-about New York City socialite who could make a paper bag look chic. Featured below is her take on the tweed jacket - a fashion staple that continues to stand the test of time and trends. 
photo source: the vogue diaries
I’ve been coveting such a jacket for some time now with no luck finding just the right one, until I discovered this fabulous version from Bellisima:
Dress it up with an LBD (little black dress), or down with jeans like the model has here. Personally, I think I’d throw it over a loose, silk blouse and a pair of wide-leg jeans. Add a pair of killer platform heels and a long chain necklace and you have it, the recipe for 'fabulosity'. 

For more of Olivia, check out her blog, www.stylestruck.ca or follow her on twitter @StyleStruck

Sunday, 17 April 2011

The Royal Treatment

I have a dilemma...

Words cannot express how excited I am for this wonderful celebration. If you are as excited as I am, you must be planning on where you will be on that late April morning. Will I be one of the chosen few to be in West Minster Abbey gazing upon the beautiful couple as they exchange their vows? Will I be in England, in my family’s living room, surrounded by the youngsters who will wish to grow up and be a real princess? If my invite to the wedding doesn’t arrive, perhaps I will be on a rooftop in NYC with my dearest friends, early in the morning with the British flag in one hand and my favorite English cocktail Pimms in the other, celebrating with glass after glass. Or maybe I will simply stay put in my apartment in Manhattan, with my husband, having a delicious British breakfast complete with our English China, and of course a few glasses of Pimms! 
Wherever I end up on April 29th, and I promise to let you know where that is, one thing I know for sure: I will be wearing waterproof mascara, as I laugh, cry, and rejoice in this historical celebration. 


Cheers,
Carole
As we all raise our glasses wishing this handsome, wonderful couple, that found each other and nurtured their love as friends, peace and happiness, we must remember it is up to us to let them live their lives in peace so that they can bring joy to the world. Joy, which we so badly need. 

I just know my invite to the Royal Wedding is lost in the mail. I check my mailbox everyday hoping to see that golden envelope with my name on it. I have already prepared my ensemble for that special day. My dilemma is: what hat should I wear?

Friday, 15 April 2011

Urban chic

In case you are still not convinced whether this combo is a good choice for you, here is a photo of Taylor Tomasi Hill (the Accessories editor at US Marie Claire) wearing a similar ensemble, in today's world of publishing an editor knows best, isn't that what they say:

Monday, 11 April 2011

Carole: London Fashion Week

As some of you might remember from previous entries or stories I have written these past months, I was born in London and although have lived in several parts of the world, one thing is constant in my life and that is the love of fashion. Now I live in New York City, my second home, I am lucky enough to call two wonderful cities home.  What excitement to be in London, not only for the main purpose of a family celebration, but also London Fashion Week. And such an amazing coincidence that the London shows were taking place during my four and a half days visit. Although I did not have any invites this year, being caught up in the excitement of Fashion Week, the mood on the streets, the energy in some of my favorite stores satisfied my thirst for my passion. I am not the most camera savvy and usually end up a video by mistake. I managed to figure it out and took some photos regardless (my genius friends at Apple tell me some of the best pictures are taken because of emotion). 
Looking at the following will drive you to the realization that I am not talking about designers in this story, I want to share with you some of the excitement that is London for me, show or not it still is one the fashion capitals of the world  where fashion and trends are born. Some of the most creative talent that we have seen in the last couple of decades have all been products of England as you must already know (Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson, the late Alexander McQueen to name a few).
COLOR SPLASH-THE CATWALKS AND WINDOWS WERE A RIOT OF DAZZLING BRIGHTS THIS SEASON, AS SUMPTUOUS JEWEL TONES AND GLOWING FLUORESCENT  EXPLODE ACROSS THE COLLECTIONS AND WINDOWS.
WORN HEAD TO TOE HUE OR IN BOLDLY CLASHING COMBINATIONS, LUSH COLOR  IS SPRINGS HUGE STYLE STORY. MY STYLE TIP BREAK TRADITIONAL COLOR WHEEL RULES! BLUE PLUS GREEN AND RED PLUS PINK ARE DESIRABLE CONTRASTING COMBINATIONS.

STYLE TIPS-RICH FABRICS SUCH AS LUXE TAFFETA  AND DUCHESSE SATIN ELEVATE YOUR LOOK. LONDON’S COUTURE WAS SHOWING HEAD TO TOE HUES.   THE KEY IS TO PICK ONE COLOR TRULY VIBRANT AND WEAR TOP TO BOTTOM.


HIGH STREET FASHION

THIS REPORT IS PERSONAL AND I AM NOT MENTIONING ANY ONE DESIGNER IN PARTICULAR, AS I WAS EQUALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE HIGH END STORES AS I WAS ABOUT THE HIGH STREET STORES (THE TERM USED  FOR THE MAJOR STREETS OF ENGLAND WHICH CATER TO THE MASSES). FOR DECADES DESIGNERS AND STYLISTS GO TO LONDON TO VISIT THEIR FAVORITE HIGH STREET STORE, BUY MANY GARMENTS AND ‘KNOCK EM OFF’. THE PICTURES DEPICT SOME GREAT TRENDS SHOWN AT ALL PRICE POINTS.
MODERN CRAFT SEEMED TO HAVE A GLAMOROUS RETHINK. THIS SEASON. TASSELS, FEATHERS AND CROCHET APPLIQUES OF LACE ADD TEXTURE TO SIMPLE SHIFT DRESSES. SOME DESIGNERS WERE VERY CLEVER BY USING OLD ARTISAN TECHNIQUES BY PLAITING, WEAVING TO CREATE PIECES WHICH LOOK BEAUTIFULLY HANDMADE.

STRIPES-EVERY FEW SPRING SEASON WE SEE THIS FAITHFUL REINVENTION AND LONDON HAS IT AT ALL PRICE LEVELS. FROM TUNIC DRESSES TO T-SHIRTS, KNITTED BLAZERS AND AGELESS ATTIRE MAKE THE STRIPE CURRENT.

AS FAR AS A GREAT NEW JACKET FOR THE SEASON, THERE ARE SOME WONDERFUL CHOICES. IF I COULD SPLURGE I WOULD BUY A SHORT SCRUMPTIOUS LEATHER JACKET TO WEAR OVER A SHORT OR LONG MAXI DRESS. THE KNIT JACKET A’LA CHANEL WAS ANOTHER FAVORITE, GIVING A GIRLIE FEEL WORN WITH A GEORGETTE BLOUSE SOLID OR PRINT.   

EMBRACE THE WIDER FLARE TROUSER (SOME OF YOU MIGHT LAUGH AS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE THROWN YOURS AWAY). THEY CERTAINLY ARE MORE FLATTERING IF THEY ARE TIGHTER IN THE LEG WITH A HIGHER WAIST. IT CERTAINLY LOOKS SEXIER WEARING A WEDGE SANDAL OR A BOOT BUT DOING YOUR OWN THING IS THE WAY TO GO!
NEON COLOR HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH STREET FASHION AND THE YOUTH MARKET BUT THIS SEASON NEON GREW UP, FROM VIVID LASER CUTS TO FEMININE BRIGHTS.

LADYLIKE BRIGHTS  ELEGANT CUTS MEET EXPLOSIVE COLORS IN A BURST OF BRILLIANT GLAMOUR . FEELING SHY? GO FOR ELECTRIC ACCESSORIES. EYE POPPING BAGS AND SHOES  OR GREAT COLORED BANGLES.
Left: TWO BRITISH HOTTIES! 
Right: LIBERTY OF LONDON SIDE ENTRANCE. ALWAYS  HAVE THE FLOWER OF THE SEASON IN FULL VIEW
'PECKHAM RYE' IS SLANG FOR 'YOUR TIE', SO WHAT A PERFECT PLACE TO BUY YOUR FELLAS TIE!
CARNABY STREET. THE 60’S EXPLOSION. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!

As the famous British song goes... 

“Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner, that I love London so.”

Love,
Carole
The perfect color to remind us that it's spring. Here are some great white staples to add to your closet this season.

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

Runway Obsessed

It is much too early to be already buzzing about f/w 2011 but these images really inspired us. we just can't wait.

It's Been a LONG Time Coming...

In case you haven’t noticed with all of this cold, windy weather, the mix of spring dresses is full of change. This 'newness' that they have brought along with them is 'springing' out at us. First indication that the spring season is taking off is that the MAXI dresses are back.


For you ladies who have worn them before, as you try on some of these fabulous dresses at Bellissima, a smile is sure to cross your face. A revival of the 70‘s is back as I’m sure you know since you have been reading magazines and noticing trends. You might even wonder whether or not you should have saved your dress from the 70’s. Fashion always comes full circle, our MAXI dresses are so affordable and fashion forward that you will need one the instant you see it.  At Bellissima you will see techno prints, wonderful bright colors with a splurge of flowers. And as the season warms up, keep your eyes open for that perfect picnic day MAXI dress with a flow of garden florals. 

 photo source: styleguru

Here are some worthwhile tips as how to wear the MAXI dress. I am enjoying the different lengths: there’s long and there’s longer. The MAXI dress is perfect for day. When worn with a flat, be sure the dress touches the top of your shoes. For evening your hem could gracefully graze the floor. I am certainly not the tallest person in the world, but I never felt as if I shouldn’t wear this MAXI look just because I’m not 5’10. Don’t allow fashion to intimidate you. It should be fun, exciting and new. And most importantly, comfortable. The MAXI look is timeless as well as age and body appropriate. 

When it comes to your feet... Here are a few foot wearing tips that will certainly add to the glamour of making that MAXI dress work for you. As you’re browsing the stores around the mall, shopping in the supermarket, or walking through the park to relax on the swings, I would recommend:

1) Ballet slipper
2) Toeless thong
3) Espadrilles
4) Wedge
5) Sandal with a cork heel

Personally, I wear this look with a heel or a wedge.

Make sure before you leave the dressing room or your home, look at yourself from the front and then from the side. Do you feel taller already?!

As for accessories, you know I’m a lover of hats, especially floppy, vibrant or neutral ones, depending on the mood. If you opt out to not wear a hat, play around with a head scarf instead. Or if you are more comfortable letting those locks flow, have an assortment of colored bangles ready to match your dress for that day.  Shoulder bags with fringe, and straw to canvas totes add to this terrific trend. And never ever forget those dangling earrings, you know those perfect ones that sparkle in that warm spring sun. You might finish off your outfit with a cocktail ring as you may end the day celebrating that spring is finally here. 

Bye for now. Will return with more updates on hot trending styles to make your summer a memorable one. In the meantime you can always visit the BELLISSIMA website for the latest fashion trends. 

Love, 

Carole
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