BIRKS.

As a recent article in an infamous glossy so eloquently put it, “Some things you just can’t explain!” Such is the case of the mandal! Givenchy’s doing it, MK’s been doing it for years and evidentially the rest of the fash pack were pretty quick to jump on board, all feigning nonchalant and confusion while revelling in the extreme turn to comfort.  

It seems no one can quite put their finger on what triggered the sudden change in perception or why Birkenstock’s are now on everyone’s hit list, receiving an instant cool factor over-night, but it also appears, no one’s asking too many questions! There’s no doubt that they’ll one day again be those horridly embarrassing shoes you bought without knowing why, but for now, they’re just cool!

Overalls: Sportsgirl, Jeans and Bag: Topshop, White crop shirt: General Pants, Shoes: Birkenstocks.

The Row wows the CFDAs

The Council Of Fashion Designers Of America Awards are one of the most iconic and important nights of the year in the American fashion industry, add to this, the fact that it was the illustrious ceremony’s 50^th anniversary and the fact that my favourite twins took out the gold and I think we’ve pretty much just experienced the most influential CFDAs yet, (well by experienced I mean lived vicariously through internet reports. What I would give to actually be at these awards I’m not prepared to say out loud!)

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s high-end label, The Row, was awarded the coveted title of Womenswear Designer Of The Year, beating fellow nominees and past winners of the award, Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. The Menswear Designer of the Year award went to Billy Reid, while Reed Krakoff picked up the trophy in the Accessory category.

Bringing Back the Backpack

Crushing on right now: BACKPACKS!

The perfect combination of effortless cool and subtle style, the backpack has been making its way back from the primary school grave, leaving an undone stamp on outfits everywhere.

Giving my traditional handbag a serious run for its money, my new love is the perfect combination of pony skin and fringing and comes complete with a pair of golden buckled back straps.

Power To The Soul Sisters

We've got MK and Ashley, Elle and Dakota and Pixie and Peaches, but when it comes to rocking some Carrie Brawshaw eclecticism, the Coutin-Clairns sister have got it down! 

Heirs to the Clarins empire, Claire and Virginie seriously know how to put together some colour. I'm generally one for black on black, but isn't their style incredible? I personally love their ability to mix what I assuming would be seriously high fashion, (high price tag), items, back with effortless low-key styles accents, (cue pattered Dr. Martins), L.O.V.E. and I must say I'm just a little jealous of their seemingly never ending supply of fab eyewear! (ok, I'm a lot jealous, I want it all NOW!) 

What do you think of this super stylish due? Love them as much as i do? 

xx 

The Art of Dressing Up in the Era of Casual Cool

As fashion moves seemingly into the era of causal cool, and it becomes appropriate to rock a pair of converse on the red carpet, one has to wonder, what ever happened to the art of dressing up?

If you take a look around the hidden treasures throughout my wardrobe, there’s no mistaking that I’m a strong advocate for the concept of effortless chic…give me an oversized tee and some high-waisted leather shorts any day! However, despite my adoration for all things subtly chic, a la MK Olsen and Miss A. Chung, I do believe one still needs to respect, and occasionally pay tribute, to the art of dressing up.

Now if your personal style embodies more of a casual cool, understated elegance, kind of vibe, like my own, chances are you’re not really going to have much of a distinction between your night wear and your day wear, (it’s all about how you style and accessorise it, I know!) and by no means am I suggesting that you change or alter this dynamic, after all, it is a highly coveted, (and copied), look for a reason! What I am proposing however, is to instead merely add a heel here, (when some flats would work just as well), and some statement sequins or velvet there. Trust me your, ‘I like that my style doesn’t fit the cookie cutting mould,’ attitude will still be ever present, it will just be a lil’ glamourised every once in a while.

The Not-so-Basic Tee

T-shirt also T shirt or tee (t shûrt ).

n.

1. A short- sleeved, buttonless and collarless under or outer shirt.

2. A lightweight simple garment for the upper body, usually short sleeved with a round neck line.

[so called because of its shape]

The basic tee is that magical piece in your wardrobe that somehow gives any outfit instant fashion status. Worn best with an, ‘I don’t give a f**k,’ attitude, the t-shirt oozes casual cool, understated style and gives off an, ‘I just rolled out of bed, and pulled on the first thing I found, but don’t I look frigging amazing,’ vibe.

Block colours, stripes, prints or text, a basic tee, (or ten), is an absolute fashion staple regardless of the season. Knotted up and worn with some statement shorts or layered over a maxi skirt, à la Miss MK Olsen, the t-shirt is my new obsession and I’m just a little bit addicted.