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SS18 Polka Fever

3/13/2018

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Mary Katrantzou - Carolina Herrarra - Dior Haute Couture - SS18

I won't lie here.. I was never a fan of Polka dots growing up. To me they always seemed childish and if done wrong a little.. bland. They reminded me of mini mouse, adding a costume like-goofiness. They say your taste buds change every seven years, well your taste in fashion must follow suit as this season I am all over this trend! Why?

-It's TIMELESS! They literally come back around every single Spring/Summer in one form or another. It makes it worth splurging a bit of extra dosh when you know you'll wear it for the next five summers of your life!

-It has a Spanish influence. The mini mouse image is gone from my head, because if styled correctly this can add a Mediterranean flair to your closet. Think deep red lips, a slick side combed up do, you could even throw a rose in your hair for good measure. A perfect look for a beach holiday when you plan on having bronzed skin! 

-It's easy to wear. A statement print as such doesn't require much effort at all. Accessories can be kept to a minimum. Most dots are monochrome so all you need is a red lip and your ready to party. Black, White or nude shoes that you probably have in your wardrobe will do the trick, or add a splash of vibrancy with a red or fuchsia shoe to lift the whole look.

My Picks:

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The Boot Report: Fall 2016

10/17/2016

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Autumn is officially here and that lovely crunch of leaves beneath your feet isn't so pleasant unless you've got a good, warm pair of boots to get you through the season and take you into winter in style. I always struggle to choose a comfortable yet stylish boot when this time of year comes around, the shops are full of so many options and while I always opt for a small, chunky heel that is work appropriate, I love a good flat, sporty boot too for my days off. I've noticed three major runway trends that have hit the high street big time this season, so if you're looking for that special pair, here are a few options.

Embroidery

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I nearly fainted when I saw the above embroidered boots in River Island the other day. These dreamy boots look like they're fresh off the runway and I absolutely love the floral embroidery detail down the side. It got me to searching and as it turns out Topshop have some lovely options too. Although to some these boots may seem a little OTT, if you're the kind of lady that wears a lot of blacks, browns and autumnal tones throughout the winter these are the perfect way to add a touch of vibrancy and detail to any outfit, not to mention a Bohemian edge.

Metallics

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Metallic boots have been creeping onto the high street for years, but I've really only started embracing them now. When you live somewhere cold, damp and dull like Ireland it's nice to add a little sparkle to your step. Throughout the winter I find myself living in black clothes so sometimes it's nice to take a risk and make a statement. I find silver metallics a little tacky and they can come across as the kind of shoes you should be wearing on a mission to Mars! However gold is timeless and  Rose gold is bigger than ever before this season so it won't be hard to match in jewellery and accessories. 

Hiking Boots

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If you're an adventurer that loves to go climbing or take hikes in the great outdoors on your day off these are the ideal choice! Hiking boots are another trend that I despised last year and now love, isn't it funny how our tastes can change so fast? Not only are they super comfortable yet light, they're also huge this season as most designers embrace the sporty side of life. If you, like most of the people I know are either going or saving to go travelling these are a great investment!
I've started to notice my views spike in the last couple of weeks since I started posting again, so to all of my new readers a massive welcome!
I'm still pretty new to having my own domain as I used to host my blog through Blogger, it can be challenging at times as everything isn't as easily accessible this way, but all in all I think it looks a whole lot better!
So to all the newcomers please feel free to like my blog on Facebook, Bloglovin and Instagram. ->->->
​I have massive plans for a spooky Halloween giveaway so stay tuned!
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The Best Bridal Couture of Fall 2017

10/12/2016

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Bridal Couture is a must see every season as some of our favourite designers add their personal twist and take on the all important task of making intricate, dreamy gowns to send down the runway. Wether you plan on taking the Couture route for your special day, or just need a little runway inspiration to help you choose the perfect gown, here are my all time favourite Couture wedding dresses for Fall 2017.

Reem Akra

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Continuing on with her Secret Garden theme from SS17, Reem Akra took fairytales to the next level. The mermaid silhouette was forgotten about this season with the designer taking on reworking classic ball gowns in a subtle, melancholic way and adding her own special details like the intricate lace embroidery and beading that she's already so well known for. The collection is so delicate and romantic with off the shoulder and love heart necklines taking centre stage. These dresses are ideal for a Bohemian bride, or anyone who wants to feel like a princess on their special day. 

Oscar De La Renta 

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For any bride who loves simplicity, but still wants to wow with statement details, there is Oscar De La Renta. His collection featured beautifully fitting simple dresses, including love heart necklines, oversized bows, lace underskirts and structured, fitted pieces styled with simple veils. I'm loving the dress on the right. The dress in itself is so simple and could easily be worn again for a black tie event, it's the lace cape over it that pulls the whole look together and makes it perfect for a winter bride. 

Viktor & Rolf

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Viktor and Rolf certainly didn't disappoint with their debut bridal collection. With an array of silhouettes and luxurious fabrics such as silk and tulle, this collection had something for any bride, even the unconventional! Volume was a massive part of collections with fluffy skirts and rigid ruffles, but the collection also had a simple side and even featured a structured jumpsuit. 

Marchesa

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It's not hard to see that Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig were deeply inspired by the idea of a Grecian Goddess when creating their SS17 and Fall Bridal collections. The idea translated beautifully on the runway with flowing fabrics, embroidered florals on tulle, loads of layering and beading details, one even with horse hair, and of course the statement off the shoulder neckline. I particularly loved the pieces that ran shorter on the front, ideal for the poor petit bride whose proportions usually aren't considered in Couture collections. Marchesa have such a strong brand identity of elegance and femininity and dresses that hug the curves in all the right places. 
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Head over Heels: Miu Miu Spring 2016

10/10/2016

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As some of you may already know, Miu Miu is a Subsidiary brand to Prada and was launched by Miuccia Prada in 1993. In a recent interview Miuccia explained that throughout her design process she has such contradicting ideas, some of which might not suit the Prada client. That's where Miu Miu comes in with an edgy twist on sophistication. The idea's are immediate, intellectual and spontaneous. So in a nutshell Miu Miu is a label that allows Miuccia to express some of her wildest idea's, and that definitely shines through in her Spring shoe collection. 
These ornamental heels have an oversized bow detail with an intricate brooch like pendant on the back, a dainty ankle strap and a square bottomed heel make these satin shoes look like something Marie Antoinette would have worn to a lavish party in her day. They are available in Dusky Pink and Black and the collection also includes an 18th century baroque style pattern in gold and black, with an extra ruby pendant detail on the front. These beauties will set you back €950.
Also featured in this collection are these 18th century style boots which also feature a large bow detail, this time in contrasting monochrome that brings out the white stitching. With a lace up front and those fabulous square bottomed heels. Also priced at €950 these beauties are the perfect touch to any queens winter wardrobe.
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Javier Pinon: Medusa

9/30/2016

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My obsession with mythology dates all the way back to my secondary school days. While learning about the influences of some of the Renaissance's greatest pieces, we were asked to build a sculpture based on our favourite mythological creature. 

The Medusa was the first thing to spring to my mind. A terrifying beast with the face of a woman and a head of venomous snakes for hair. Anyone courageous enough to gaze into her gleaming eyes was immediately turned to stone. She must have had a hard time dating, which is probably why I felt I related to her at the time. Ironically I began making her out of stone, well, clay, to be precise, and it remains one of my proudest projects to date. I even put marbles in her eyes so that they'd melt down her face into tears in the clay oven and capture her sadness. One of my deepest regrets was leaving her in school. 

While I opted to make my medusa sad and terrifying, Artist Javier Pinon took a complete different approach. The Brooklyn based artist used mix-media and collage to portray Medusa as a glamorous, rambunctious figure. It's a welcomed change to her usual gloomy depictions and I am in love with this series! 
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Fabian Ciraolo: Modern Day Icons

9/30/2016

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Do you ever sit back and think what some of our favourite icons would look like if they were still alive today?

I'm absolutely in love with the work of Chilean artist Fab Ciraolo, who brings some of our favourite historical figures back to life by depicting them as modern, 21st century folk, dare I say Hipsters? 

Check out some of my favourite ones including Freida Kahlo and Salvatore Dahli. 

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Inside Dita's

9/30/2016

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I have so much love for Dita Von Teese and have always considered her one of my top style icons. The Burlesque dancing entrepeneur is an inspiration to strong women everywhere and is always a vision of old school hollywood glamour in modern day society.

If her fashion sense and stunning Lingerie lines didn't fascinate me enough, now her decor does too.

I recently came across her spread in a 2011 issue of Instyle magazine in which she opens the door to her LA home. I've never been a fan of cold, modern decor and when the day comes that I get to furnish my own home I hope to keep it stylish and comfy, the kind of place thats filled with style but also somewhere where you'd be comfortable to kick off your stiletto and put your feet up. 

Dita's lavish home is absurdly quirky with a retro kitchen, a boudoir styled wardrobe and a cosy library for indulging in her favourite books. Here are some beautiful photos taken from the spread:
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Controversial Gowns

9/30/2016

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In an industry where predicting future trends is key, It's sometimes nice to to take a little look back on some of the dresses that had the biggest of impacts on society. Controversy and shock value aren't new to the fashion industry, they are in fact what have sculpted some of todays biggest trends.

So today I'd like to talk about three dresses that certainly turned heads and dropped jaws throughout the years.

The Topless Dress

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1970 was the time of an emerging new way of feminist thinking and questioning of gender roles in society. Due to this, Viennese designer Rudi Gernreich, chose a pretty bad time to create the ever so scandalous topless dress. It was perceived as highly offensive and the perfect example of men designing for women with the sole purpose of objectification. Although it did demonstrate fashions massive ability to shock a nation, most people viewed it as a tacky cheap shot. Funny how similar dresses have been created for this years S/S 2017 collections and nobody batted an eye, but the ladies of the seventies were not having any of this vulgar design. 

Chers Moonstruck Dress

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Hollywood designer Bob Mackie, Also known as 'The Sultan of Sequins,' was renowned for designing some of Cher's most Glamorous outfits, including the masterpiece she wore to accept her oscar in 1988 for her role in Moonstruck. Gasps and whoops were heard as she approached the stage in a fringed, feminine and deliberately provocative translucent dress. Unlike the youth of today, *cough, Miley, cough* Cher was not an attention seeking teen looking to make a few headlines. She was a mature, sophisticated star who felt comfortable enough in her own skin to show off the rocking body that she'd worked so hard for. In my eyes she definitely pulled this one off!

The Safety Pin Dress

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Last, but not at all least, is a dress that demonstrated perfectly the power of fashion in the 1990's, designed by no other than the late Gianni Versace himself. A plunging neckline, oversized gold safety pins and the flash of a camera were all it took to broadcast this dress around the world and change Elizabeth Hurley's career. A combination of punk, old fashioned movie star glamour and what some would see as post-modern porn star glamour launched a whole new approach to dressing for the red carpet. Complete with untamed eyebrows, untethered hair and a voluptuous bust almost falling out of the gown, Hurley showed the paps just how much she cared what people thought of her. Notice her hunky date in the background, Yes that is a young Hugh Grant!

So here's an interesting challenge for you, my lovely readers, If you were to wake up in the morning with only the above three dresses to choose from, which would you opt to wear?

I'd definitely go for Elizabeths look, It's something that you'd undoubtedly see on one of todays celebrities. Think Rihanna with an oversized denim jacket and some funky sneakers.  And if it would win me the affection of Hugh Grant for a night... I think I'd wear it every day of the week!

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Double Exposure Portraits by Antonio Mora

1/10/2016

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I'm sure you all know by now that my love for Fashion goes hand in hand with my love for Art and Photography. Whenever I come across something special that gives me the feels I just have to share it here. A master of digital collage, this former creative art director has taken his own route with his work by combining portraits with dream like scenarios and landscapes to create double exposure art that truly triggers the emotions and showcase culture and expression.
Better yet, Antonio Mora's prints are on sale on mylovt.com and are very affordable! So if you know someone in need of a housewarming gift, or want to start building your own collection, this will definitely a cool investment. It's taking a lot of will power to not buy myself one as a little Christmas gift to me.. But I have a trip to Berlin & Amsterdam coming up in January and need to save for it. Some day...

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The one with the wolves... Just wow!
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Yang Du Designs

12/21/2015

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I've been in love with this surrealist designer since I first came across her quirky pieces back in Fashion School. With collections called 'Falling in love is a risk' and 'It is a dream in colors' you just know this one is going to be interesting! I love how her pieces are crazy, colorful and  out there just like Chinese fashion is today! Not to mention adorable! Here's a look at some of my favorite pieces from various collections...
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