The Look Book

Stripes, checks and dots are few of the evergreen prints. Print and pattern story is not just limited to summer season. If summer was a season of digital prints, the new season adds more dots to prints. I don’t want to crowd too many print pattern in vogue all together therefore just scraping them as I go into full fledged eMag episode. After rapid look at runway round ups I am getting spotty affect. Its round shapes scattered in print patterns some perfectly polka dots and some like unique spotted pattern of Dalmatian. These print motifs comes in dots, spots, stain, circles ,scales ,drops ….

To introduce few spots here in the lookbook I am fascinated by spotty juncture seen in Marc Jacobs autumn/winter 2011-12 collection. Although many spot moments are available from designers for autumn/winter 2011-12 but at the moment I am chipping in playful mood in circles by of Marc Jacobs. The styling silhouettes in all these dotty version of lookbook I have picked are worn with crispy white /ivory polyester shirt and metallic  lurex jumpers with plush dotted socks. The theme of dots take privilege in shiny latex coins embellished together in a sequence of print into appliqué and lace over the pencil skirts. These spots are in ruby red , black , cobalt blue , dark green .

The essential wardrobe elements here are polka dot pencil skirts and  white shirt teamed with boots. The pencil skirt is quite fitted so the loose jumper drops well over it . Peek a boo of strong collared white shirt under the jumper gives a tailored appearance under relaxed materialization. The display of spots in coin like sequins over the delicate sheer lace resembles some spotty stickers tempting you to pull them to stick on anywhere you fancy. Or do they look like popular board game “Connect Four” discs of the same color next to each other vertically… horizontally.

More easily recognised dotty print pattern reminds me fabrics used to make clown outfit. But nothing is comic about this trend but we may say merrymaker print that has fun element in it. This print pattern also offers us to experiment more creative aspect from Dalmatian nails to wear the smarties pattern  in shoes or handbag .Stick Smarties on Pencil Skirts, Shoes,Nails any outfit to accessory….

Get Spotted in Spots

Polka Glamour

In this hemline debate season I am on my way of trends and style navigation. My regular dissection and decoding of the trends A/W 11-12 makes me to announce the lower skirt lengths from below the knee to mid calf level. A secure and solid revival for the classic midi length. However, joining the army of A/W 11-12  trend I am gradually on my way of editing the second edition of the Lookbook eMag. Before I gather the information in it let’s cut the pie in one or two interesting looks from designer labels. Its just an elementary column addition for fashion enthusiasts and fashion lovers.

The lure of Forties Glamour with recent hunger for longer length hemlines has almost empowered the lady look. When I say lady look things like pencil skirts, pearls , gloves ,furs and shrugs come to my mind. The looks in lady like flair in my vision is about immaculate and clean , refined makeup and not a hair out of place. Before I start my usual blurb let me tell you for today post I have picked two looks from Jean Paul Gaultier Autumn / Winter 11-12. My personal opinion in this fashion democracy might offend or enchant but if you are regular blog reader of the lookbook you do understand its just a place to share your personal vision which might not fit your perspective.

Proceeding further with Forties Fashion fascination of ultra feminine styles. Its best to categorize the style let’s say grown up glamour reasonable for all ages and ultra feminine. To my surprise this grown up glamour in Vogue magazine is described as old lady fashion by Fashion Expert for the key styling is keeping the clothes on in public rather than showing off the skin. The silver bubble wigs which are symbol of growing old worn by girls to me appear as more a confident empowerment of women rather than badging the fashion trend for old ladies. However, it’s the way of looking .

In this grown up fashion from Jean Paul Gaultier Autumn / Winter 11-12 collection the first image appears to be fully dressed affair. The wrap around wool boucle tweed skirt in absolute sexy and flattering fit tapers gradually towards the knees. Making the curves to speak of elegance over the opaque tights and little kitten heels. Underneath it appears to be graphic printed scarf which can be replaced for  pussy bow silk blouse. The stunning fur cropped jacket in soft voluminous ¾ length sleeves cinched in with tie around belt. The accessory is kept minimum to elegant pearl necklace and makeup kept relatively simple.

The second image in this lady like style is strongly seductive. Let’s jot the staples in here from Jean Paul Gaultier Autumn / Winter 11-12 collection. The particular look records pencil skirt , pussy bow blouse, polo neck winter warmer , tights, pointed shoes and short length blazer style jacket. Moving on with these key elements the black leather skirt is worn with spotted print blouse in pussy bow style. The pencil skirt here is not only strongly magnetic but the side pockets flatters more comfy style to walk with hands in .To give it effect of layering the nude polo neck warmer is layered underneath making it elegant style that can be dressed up or down. The woollen ¾ length sleeves jacket with black piping detail around the pockets and edges. The teaming of opaque brown tights with black pointed shoes generates a more lady like look.

Normally I haven’t seen myself getting into any conclusions in my blog posts but here the forties flair encourages me to say to have a strong influence of woman in your wardrobe this season do look to sort out ultra feminine styles of 1940’s it may be appear to be little mature with clear refined pieces but believe me its lot of fun in trying it out. Remember I am not a fashion retailer or selling anything its just my personal love for fashion that enchants me to talk and share here . Once again mere a blogger’s delight . Dress a little tight to show you are a woman and loose enough to show the lady in you.

Lust for Forties Glamour

Lady Like

Inspecting Edits for The lookbook of Autumn/Winter 2011-12

I am bit in comatose after watching late night movie in the Showcase. Though I wanted to see the movie early but Orange Wednesday left no choice me to go for late hours. Anyhow I enjoyed watching “X-men” First Class with little munch on pop corn and trying to keep the noise as low as possible. For I know how annoying the wrapper sounds in the middle of cinema hall in between the silence of flashing different ads on the screen. However I enjoyed my movie after a  long haul parking.

Before I actually get into autumn/winter 2011-12′s editing. I am in sort of phase of inspection and overlooking outfits. After the Dolce and Gabbana show Autumn/Winter 2011-12 many fashion journalists have already done a usual round of gauging opinion about the clothes. I am dazzled to share shimmers and glitters adorned on two of the dresses by Dolce and Gabbana.

I have already blogged about this collection before. Wrote some rhyming geeky stuff on top of it. Still I am fascinated to tap some more words, more observation and share sentiments. The shimmer and glitter of knee length dress in jewel tone emerald blue fascinated my attention on pair of black socks with green glitter heels. I am really not sure how confident I am in wearing parrot green heels with emerald dress. Just wondering if the confusion of shades and colours that sequin dresses portrait can really get away with on teaming so many colour contrasts. My eyes are wide open inspecting few strange colours from heels to bag , from nails to earrings. Silver, emerald , parrot green ,golden ,purple ,red ,turquoise ,black are the colours my eyeballs stuck on. I really like the dress as knee length dresses are always my favourite and with full sleeves it says more a piece for me. If I have to style in this metallic shimmer I will wear leggings instead of socks with platform heels or knee high boots giving a hint of Sixties. And accessorise it in long gold necklaces. But as the trend for this season in accessories is outsize earrings and chokers so probably will go for big earrings skimming the shoulders or just a mini clutch that have enough space for lipstick, phone and keys.

Next the shimmer and shine in knee length dress in gold from Dolce and Gabbana is just stunning. Again its gloss eternally alluring the feminine silhouette in star pattern. Round neckline , full length sleeves , black socks , candy orange heels, animal printed tiny clutches stacked on the belt and a handbag just desirable. With stardust in pale gold with glossy stars patterns the coming months is going to be season of illuminating in metallic dresses. This metallic dress with belt, jewelled clutch will look equally stunning as it do in animal print one. It might be little over the board for me to wear two small clutches around the belt in lady like dress . So I would rather exchange it with simple belt or no belt if the fit around the waist I feel is just right enough. For me wearing such a belt is possible only if I am in my combats and on some globe trotting mission . But then again where the trend is burst of colours and nothing is limited to rules you can dare to go in candy heels. For little subtle effect carry blazer. I got engaged with razzle dazzle and think coming season is to shine in them.

Razzle Dazzle

Shimmer and Shine

After going through the Art of Embroidering by Beetons and getting familiar with some of the embroidery stitches my eyes are trying to acuminate anything that comes out from the technique of embroidery. The tracing of the pattern perforated with a fine needle in succession of tiny holes and then transferring the design onto the fabric to be embroidered may be time consuming but worth it. Out of the embroidery kit many interesting patterns have always been used on fashion outfits.

Cross stitch and criss crossing of the stitches on pair of shorts by Anna Sui stood out amongst the sunniest trend for young fashion. Basking in the jeans shorts with cross stitch embroidery perfectly embodying the exotic and laid back luxe. This is just one piece out of the whole Anna Sui collection which has artistry of traditional hobby and pass times. I picked it for it has aptitude for young fashion which can be styled easily with whatever you own in your wardrobe. Its not an outfit that is deliberately trying to make an orderly statement for young generation. A lovely piece of art , beauteous stitches that adorns anything from your outfit to your cushions. Its an exquisite folk vibe.

Next in the wonderland of fabric embellishment and embroidery kit I have picked from globe trotter’s edit is Megan Parks embroidered piece dress in crisp cream. Its equally engaging and delicate as Anna Sui’s folk lure. Its embroidered with beads and embellishments in jade ,ruby red and coral blue . The pattern is traced around the neckline vertically in flower patterns that blooms out celebrating the exotic and retro tinged style of embroidery. The simple dress with  fabulous embroidery for free spirited escape . Showing your youthful vibrant side , having fun in laid back style and bohemian accessories.

Both embroidery outfits inspire you to reinvent and recycle. If you have any old piece of jeans that is ready to be in the bin then just wait and fetch your scissors for we are just going to recreate a look alike version of Anna Sui shorts. Cut your jeans into shorts or any length you prefer to wear and feel confident enough . Then just try your aptitude and skills in creating a pattern in cross stitch . Go horizontal in straight lines in one or two colours and then criss cross them in any contrasting colours and you are ready with interesting pair of outfit. If you aren’t confident enough to carry out your own pattern then just google any free cross stitch pattern.

Next for the dress try it on any t- shirt dress ready for recreation. Look for any piece of beaded jewellery that is no more used by you . Fit those beads in any pattern by placing next to each other in a circle and then outline it with any embroidery stitch. Follow the same creating small bead florals till you are left with no beads and outline it with enroidery stitches. Then tuck any old ribbon lace on the neckline to give it formal touch and you are ready to start your own style line.

Peppy Version

Out of Embroidery Kit

Anna Sui