Hello everyone and welcome to April’s Style Bits! With this post, me and Ottavia  want to talk about one of the main trends of this season: graduate shading. 

—

Ombre prints and fabrics do often appear on the catwalks, and this year, after some years of “silence”, lots of designers included them in their collections.

Christopher Kane (resort 2012), and then Ann Demeulemeester, Band of Outsiders, Marc Jacobs, Chanel haute couture and many more.

—

And if you think that ombre shirts and coats were made only for us girls, you do wrong!

The big low-cost brands obviously jumped on this wagon: that’s why Zara is overloaded with t-shirts, dresses and pants (already worn by every blogger in the world!) and Asos decided to focus on shaded suits, and we’re sure that they will be the next big thing in the blogosphere.Ann Demeulemeester and Band of Outsiders designed some garments for the boys, while Zara proposes navy blue-on-white trousers, which we find really “too much” for our boyfriends!

—

The big low-cost brands obviously jumped on this wagon: that’s why Zara is overloaded with t-shirts, dresses and pants (already worn by every blogger in the world!) and Asos decided to focus on shaded suits, and we’re sure that they will be the next big thing in the blogosphere.

—

What’s interesting in this trend is that it isn’t only referred to clothes and accessories, but also to beauty.

The two-tone hair that we first saw on the latest Prada catwalk are now all the rage (I am considering dyeing my hair too!), and the web is full of tutorials for “fade nails” manicures.
If you prefer something easier, try the ombre nails, and apply 5 different shades of a color, each one on a finger!

Another tutorial that we would like to share is this one, for doing DIY ombre tights inspired by Christian Lacroix.

—

What do you think of this trend? Yay or nay?
I like it a lot, but on accessories and hair: I might really soon dye half of my hair, I just need to choose the color. :)

xo
L. 

Etro, Topshop Unique, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Peter Pilotto, Miu Miu

♥

Hello everyone! Did you miss Style Bits last month? Here we are again!
In February,  Ottavia and I decided to skip our special post dedicated to the latest trends in fashion, because we wanted to do an accurate recap post at the end of fashion weeks… and here it is!

When looking at the different collections, we noticed that most designers worked with prints and patterns… lots of them! So, here is an overview on the trending prints that we saw on the catwalks.

Geometric patterns, animalier prints, florals and even some prints that remind some paintings by Pollock! This year, we’re definitely overwhelmed by patterns! Which are your favorites?

♥

Animal prints: Altuzarra, Tibi, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Tibi.

♥

Photos and paintings: Etro, Carven, Mary Katrantzou (x 2), Moschino Cheap&Chic, Mary Katrantzou, Carven, Dolce & Gabbana.

♥

Geometric patterns: Thakoon Addition, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Thakoon Addition, Tibi, Dirk Bikkembergs, Just Cavalli, Tsumori Chisato, Altuzarra, Jean Charles de Castelbajac.

♥

Flowers (with moderation): Temperley London, Marni, YSL, Proenza Schouler, Nina Ricci, Derek Lam, Valentino.

♥

Flowers (without moderation): Jonathan Saunders (x 2), Dolce & Gabbana, Suno (x2), Peter Pilotto, Temperley London, Dolce & Gabbana.

♥

Abstract: Mary Katrantzou, Mulberry, Vuitton, Versus, Erdem, Tsumori Chisato, Zac Posen, Erdem, Wes Gordon, Peter Pilotto, Versace.

♥

Sobriety: Galliano, Michael Kors, Rochas, Miu Miu,Ralph Lauren, Willow, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, Viktor & Rolf.

♥

I’m not a big fan of prints and patterns, but some of these are really interesting!

Love, always!

xo
L. 

Welcome to the first Style Bits of 2012!

This month, me and  Ottavia decided to talk about an old trend, that is now back in fashion: quilted! We first saw it on the catwalks during the menswear fashion weeks, and it’s now everywhere.

—

Do you remember those awful quilted jackets that our moms forced us to wear in September? Maybe it even had a corduroy collar?!

We both had one (Ottavia: brown, Laura: burgundy), but luckily, when you are 9 years old, you don’t care that much about clothes!

In the image above, we put some awful quilted jackets that, in our opinion, should disappear from Earth! Especially that Zara poncho… we firmly believe that mixing such items (poncho + quilted) is a very difficult challenge. Hey designers, are you serious? 

—

The main problem with quilted jackets and clothes is that you could look like a hunter. In order to avoid this, be sure to choose a peculiar texture!

We liked what Proenza Schouler did for the pre-fall ‘12: they twisted the traditional idea of the quilted texture and used it on dresses! And what about that beautiful biker jacket by Balenciaga?

Alexander Wang also played with this trend, lining huge capes with a quilted layer, while Chloè tries to surprise us with a quilted jacket popping out of a traditional coat.

—

Boys, there are lots of interesting things for you too!

If you think that the elegant quilted suits by Dolce & Gabbana are a bit too much, Moncler designed some more casual looks, with big quilted squares on jackets and trousers; or maybe you could appreciate those Dior coats?

But remember that it is better to avoid military green, or you’ll look like the aforementioned hunter!

—

Obviously, accessories want their part in this post!

We found quilted textures on iPhone and iPad covers (by Chanel), on shoes (both on elegant pumps and on Nike sneakers) and boots, and of course on bags!

What is your opinion on this trend?

Do you (like me and Ottavia) try to avoid it, because of the childhood shock, or do you love its thermal insulations qualities and close an eye on the aesthetics?

♥

xo
L. 

Last post of the year, last Style Bits of 2011… me and Ottavia can’t wait to begin the new year to discover new trends! We’re the defenders of style, you know!

What are you doing tonight to celebrate? Me, I’m staying home with my boyfriend, eat Japanese food while watching Howl’s Moving Castle… and then, off to some friends of us place, waiting for midnight! 

I am enjoying some time off the internet, gathering new ideas and working on my goals and resolutions for 2012. I’ll be back soon! :)

Love, always!

♥

xo
L. 

Here we are, with a new Style Bits! Today, me and Ottavia are going to discuss an interesting trend: wood. This is not a recent trend in fashion, but designers seem to like it a lot, and they keep having fun with woody prints (and real wood too!) troughout the years.

♥

We all remember the FW ‘11-12 collection by Celine, because of that suit printed with a wooden pattern designed by Phoebe Philo. But Phoebe wasn’t the first to be inspired by wood and to use it on prints and patterns.

——

Do you remember the SS ‘09 collection by Alexander McQueen? It was built around natural elements, and wooden effects ruled the show!

♥

Also, Rodarte’s SS ‘11 collection went down in history thanks to the wonderful shoes designed by Nicholas Kikwood (in nomen, omen?!); the collection featured also lots of skirts and dressed with woody prints.

♥

And what about Ostwald Helgason, who place side by side patent leather, chiffon and cork?

Their SS ‘12 collection mixes real wood with printed wood: cotton suits and shirts, and bomber jackets, shoes, bags (and even hats!) made of real cork!
Susie Bubble wrote an interesting post on this collection, have a look!

♥

The shoes designed by Davidelfin, in collaboration with Dr. Martens, are worthly of mention. Maybe it’s because we like Dr. Martens but… these shoes are intriguing!

If woody prints aren’t enough for you, you can find lots of accessories in real wood. For example, the We Wood watches, or the wonderful wallets made of leather and wood by Margiela: maybe a bit uncomfortable, but awesome! 

There are also lots of different brands who produced wooden glasses: our favorites are the ones by Shwood. Would your boyfriend ever wear wood?

And what do you think of this woody trend? We want to know your opinions!

♥

Love, always

xo
L. 

As you may have guessed looking at the image above, this month me and Ottavia decided to focus our monthly “Style Bits” on one of the main colors for this fall: burgundy.

♥ 

Maybe it’s because it’s an easy color to wear, maybe it’s because it looks good (almost) on anything, or maybe it’s because it is very elegant both for the evening and for the daytime… but burgundy is really everywhere: if you take  a look on the streets, and on the internet, you will see it on dresses, skirts, trousers, bags and even on men’s suits! (well… we’d like not to see it on men anyways!)

♥

Wearing burgundy in autumn is very simple, just be careful and don’t match it with bright colors!

Isn’t that burgundy sweater + red skirt (worn by the girl in the image above) terrible? We think it’s better to choose neutrals, as white, gray, black and jeans, with golden accessories… as Jane Lane always does!

♥

If you’re curious, but not too sure about this color, pay a visit to Zara!

This pullover comes from there, it’s cheap, and it seems that almost any blogger in the world owns it. What are you waiting for?

♥

Love, always!

♥

xo
L. 

New month, new trend, new Style Bits! This time, me and Ottavia are dealing with glitter, sequins and all things shiny! 

♥

It seems like that during next winter (but also in summer, as we can tell after looking at catwalks from the latest fashion weeks) we will all have to shine, from head to toe, and from dawn to dusk! A demanding trend, you say?

Oh yes, the risk of resembling a chandelier is very high indeed, but if used in the right doses, a reasonable amount of glitter could be a fun way to embellish our outfits.

♥

The most important thing is: do not exaggerate, never ever!Alexander Wang designed some lurex leggings, that would be perfect in a basic, simple outfit, but not with metallic blazers or shoes! Don’t you think that it is just TOO much?

On the other hand, Marc Jacobs in the latest NYFW showed models dressed in dresses and clothes inspired by the roaring 20s, but covered in their entirety with shiny sequins and matched with nice grey or beige coats. A collection we both liked a lot, despite those cow boy booties made of transparent PVC!

♥

Lurex, lots of glitter and maxi sequins were a major presence in lots of different collections, but if there is anyone who proved to be the master of shiny fashion, that sure is Miuccia Prada.

Her Prada FW ‘11 is built in its entirety around brightly colored maxi sequins that almost look like fish scales…

♥

…and what about Miu Miu latest collection, where glitter reigns supreme on the accessories?

Among all the things we talked about this time, Miu Miu is our favorite!

♥

And what do you think about this latest sparkly trend? I’d love to hear your opinions!

Love, always!

♥

xo
L. 

This month, me and Ottavia are dealing with a trend that doesn’t drive us nuts at all, and whose only responsibles are Dolce&Gabbana!

♥

What do Kim Kardashian, Anne Hataway, Fergie, Britney Spears and Lily Allen have in common? 
All of them sported dresses and garments covered in stars: a sad flashback to the 90s. And as we wrote before, we can only blame Dolce&Gabbana!

♥

Oh yes, the D&G winter collection, that is built around stars (trillions of stars on flowy dresses, on stretch dresses, on leather shoes and clutches… and lots of glitter stars on the lapels of blazers!), did meet with stars and bloggers’ success.

But hey, not ours!

This trend left the both of us very confused and puzzled. So many stars everywhere, and our minds can only travel back in time to the glorious 90s, when at primary school we were always wearing tank tops covered in stars (or hearts). 
Nowadays, maybe we wouldn’t easily wear a starry pajama, imagine a dress!

If D&G used the classical five-pointed star (boring, uh?), Miu Miu works on some variations on the subject. 

Miuccia created headbands and purses with huge stars that look more like those comics balloons typical of the 60s (with KAPOWW! written on the inside maybe?!) than proper stars, and the result is way more interesting than what Stefano & Domenico achieved.

♥

If you don’t agree with us and are looking forward to be covered in stars, you’d like to know that Asos really enjoyed a lot this pattern, that can be found on dresses, jumpers, trousers and skirts!

Are you happy? We aren’t that much… our only consolation is that, as every trend, this will sooner or later disappear and never come back, at least for other 20 years!

♥

xo
L. 

This month, Ottavia and I decided to skip our monthly post, Style Bits: while she was in London, I was studying hard for my exams, and now that she is back home, I am leaving to Valencia.

Style Bits will be back next August 31st! Stay tuned!

♥ 

Love, always

xo
L.

♥

At first there was the silver suit designed by Elin Kling for H&M, then some resort and menswear collections, and thousands of editorials from all the world… choosing a topic for Style Bits has never been so easy: Ottavia and I are surrounded by metallic fabrics!

Looks like metallic fabrics, especially gold and silver, are back in fashion and the models on the catwalks look like futuristic robots: is it a jump back to the ’80s! But, the shapes aren’t as sharp and angular as they were 20 years ago: now soft shapes ensure amazing effects!

♥

Silver, that is probably easier to wear than gold, is really everywhere. Balenciaga resort collection features silver wide-leg trousers and mid-lenght skirts, while Alexander Wang designed silver long skirts and matched them with silver clutches! And what about the pre-S/S collection by Lanvin? Alber Elbaz used silver metallic fabrics to create Hellenic-inspired dresses.

♥

But silver isn’t only for girls! Vivienne Westwood proposes silver short pants (matched with nude flats, ARGH!) in her menswear collection; Moncler designed jackets that look like armors. We aren’t very sure about these garments, but we are conservative when it comes to men’s fashion.

♥

Christopher Kane resort collection is, as usual, very interesting. Last year, he surrounded us with nebulas and galaxies, and plastic clutches filled with oil and glycerin. Today, the designer stated that for his new resort collection he found his inspiration in “prisms and reflective materials”. This means: rainbow colors and metallic fabrics on skirts, pants and dresses!

♥

Still not convinced by these colors? Do you think that they are too difficult to wear, and don’t want to spend too much money on them? Zara is here to help you, of course! Soft silver sweaters, golden mini skirts in faux leather, and sparkling knitwearWhy not giving them an opportunity, now that trade sales are near? We think that they are perfect if you want to brighten a minimal outfit! Our only perplexity is: will they look good if matched together? Look at this outfit and judge on your own!

♥

[sources style.com, columbine.freshnet.se, zara.com, fashiongonerouge.com, 
vanillascented.freshnet.se]

♥

Love, always!

xo
L.

Summer is almost here, so Ottavia and I found it necessary to focus on the latest trend in fashion: fruit patterns.

Floral patterns are such an old trend: now it’s all about fruit! Colorful prints full of summery fresh fruit are going to rule the hot upcoming season. Are you ready to say goodbye to florals?

♥ 

It all started with Prada, who designed a collection based on BANANAS! They are on skirts, trousers, dresses and shirts… and Topshop soon jumped on the fruit-wagon, printing bananas on leggings and shorts. H&M also joined this trend, selling bikinis and dresses covered in bananas!

But the yellow fruit isn’t only on clothes: these Prada banana earrings are lovely indeed, but so expensive: 400$… We prefer looking for cheaper plastic jewelry on Etsy! :)

Stella McCartney chooses citrus fruit: lemon and oranges on white backgounds on dresses and skitrs, that look a lot lighter and fresher than the Prada collection (which is full of stripes, strong colors and black backgrounds).

♥ 

Moschino chooses lemons and cherries, while Sauce Clothing designed an ironical tank top with pineapples. 

The Moschino balloon dress was also featured in a Gossip Girl episode, sported by the lovely Leighton Meester! 

♥

Zara, always keeping up with the latest trends, translating them in affordable versions, designed some fruity blouses in soft colors, perfect to be paired with shorts and skirts.

But, our favorite garment is the watermelon skirt by Lazy Oaf! Isn’t it awesome? Also, the aforementioned banana shorts by Topshop are really nice, and not as “loud” as the Prada bananas!

♥

If you’re not feeling enough bold to wear fruit patterns, you can choose fruity accessories: fruit salad-flats by Olymipia Le Tan, or apple bangles by Miu Miu!

But, Kate Spade is the one who offers tons of different fruity options: clutches, bracelets and jewelry, and hundreds of big summer bags!

Otherwise, if you like to wear fruit on your feet, have a look at these Vivienne Westwood Cherry shoes, or at the banana sandals by Sergio Zambon!

Are you ready to fill your summer with colors and… vitamins? 

♥

[sources: fashiongonerouge, tumblr, prada.com, olympialetan.com, stellamccartney.com, moschino.it, katespade.com]

♥

Love, always!

xo
L. 

April is over, and today is a Style Bits day! Once a month, Ottavia and I discuss about the latest trends in fashion: in this episode, the Seventies Revival!

Fashion, as we all know, is cyclical. Every year, lots of elements and details peculiar to the past decades, re-appear on the catwalks: this spring, it’s all about the 70s!

♥

With the help of the warm spring weather, t-shirts get shorter, and girls switch from ankle boots to wedges. One of the recurrent elements of this spring’s fashion is the combination of short t-shirts (that leave the belly-button visible!) with high-waisted pants, or maxi skirts.

This reminds us of music festivals, and flower power! Pants, even if it may be hard for lots of us, aren’t skinny anymore: lots of bell-bottoms, and even wide-leg trousers, which yes, are very difficult to wear: but don’t worry, if you’re not 180cm tall, shoes will be your best friends!

High heels, often in wood, or wedges, as in the latest Prada and D&G catwalks.

♥

The ultimate accessory is the hat: super wide-brimmed straw hat, are the perfect item for this summer, with natural hair flowing below! And don’t forget big, huge sunglasses, preferably rounded and colorful!

Crocheted and macramè garments are also a major feature in the latest catwalks: Ferragamo, Pinko and Emilio Pucci, all of them gave a strong hippy vibe to their collections, thanks to these easy and charming knitting techniques.

Obviously, white and beige rule the color palette, creating a simple summery look.

♥

♥

Balmain designed lurex jackets, to be worn with nothing underneath: doesn’t this make you think of disco music, Abba, and dancing queens covered in sequins? Super tight, brightly colored leggings: color blocking is really everywhere this year!

♥

♥

See you next month for another Style Bits post!

Love, always!

xo
L.

♥

[Image sources:  factory style, teenvogue, fashion gone rouge, tumblr, style.com, chicmuse, karla’s closet, hanneli mustaparta]

This month, me and Ottavia are deeply in love with the two main patterns that will rule next season: we’re talking about polka dots and stripes!

♥ 

The most famous collection, seen in every fashion magazine and blog, is the one by Prada. Bright colors, bananas, exotic vibes and, above all, stripes! Stong colors in contrast (black/green, or black/orange) can be seen in the fresh, summer-y dresses and on wide-brimmed hats; otherwise, if you prefer winter and coats, maxi-stripes have been widely used by Marc Jacobs in his Marc by Marc Jacobs ready-to-wear winter collection.

Jill Sander designed long skirts and maxi dresses, all striped but where white rules the color palette; also, offers what is usually considered a “fashion crime”, mixing horizontal and vertical stripes!Obviously, there are lots of cheap alternatives to such huge brands. It is easy to recall Prada when looking at this Topshop mid-lenght skirt!

♥ 

Polka dots first appear in next winter’s collection by Paul Smith, who choses to use this pattern on masculine-shaped trousers and blazers. Marc Jacobs reveals himself as a real polka dot master: they’re everywhere, in different sizes at the same time! Blue skirts with microscopic dots, matched with jackets and contrasting the patterns on hats and hoisery.

Completely different is what David Koma designed, who (at London Fashion Week) proposed dresses with leather inserts and big, hairy polka dots.

♥

[sources: the sartorialist, glitz & grime, style.com]

♥

Love, always!

xo
L.

♥ 

Here we are with the second episode of Style Bits, a cooperative blog post between me and the lovely Ottavia! This month we’re talking about COLORS!

Next spring, we will all have to exceed with colors! Fashion designers abandoned soft colors: no more pastel tints, beige or subtle pink, it is time for bright, fluo colors! Bright orange, yellow, electric blue and above all fuchsia, the color that the Pantone team chose as the color for the upcoming spring.

♥

We’re talking about a technique called “color blocking”: a new trend in fashion, where monochrome garments are paired in decisive contrast. The rules are easy! The secret lies in mixing colors that we’re usually afraid of combining together: pink and red, orange and violet… there are endless options and the final result will be undoubtedly interesting!

♥

Prada plays with stripes, mixing orange with green and black. Jil Sander, always known for the linear and basic design of the clothes, combines fluorescent maxi skirts with simple, white t-shirts, while Christopher Kane gives up the “nebula prints” to create lace dresses, obviously in bright colors!

♥

Bright tints, and especially orange, will be a major feature in next winter’s collections. Geometric patterns from Proenza Schouler play with blue and green, contrasting with maxi (orange) overcoats; Victoria Beckham’s new collection is full of monochrome clothes: mainly yellow and orange, paired with black, simple accessories.

And, as usual, huge (and affordable!) brands play along with this trend: try stepping into Zara, and you will be overwhelmed by colors, on trousers, clothes and even suits!

♥

♥

(image sources: style.com, trendforum.wordpress.com, stylebubble.typepad.com, Tumblr and fashion designers’ corporate websites)

♥

Have a great week, and… goodbye February! 
Love, always!

xo
L.