Marni for H&M

Another amazing collaboration is in sight: Marni for H&M! After this whole Versace-mania created around the capsule collection they launched not even two weeks ago featuring daring colors and cuts, party dresses and insane prints (some of them maybe a bit too insane), this announcement comes as a breath of fresh air for me. I wasn't such a great fan of the Versace collaboration, because I didn't really relate to the aesthetic of the collection or of the brand for that matter. Of course, there were some pieces that I really really liked (I'll show you in another post!), but the overall collection was too flashy and crazy for my taste and it didn't make me fall in love with the clothes and do whatever it took to have at least one item in my closet, like it happened with last year's collaboration with Lanvin! 

The collection designed by Marni couldn't be any more different from the Versace one. Marni is known for its art-school-teacher-fashionista aesthetic and aims towards a more intellectual way of dressing, a sensuality of the mind and not one as obvious as Versace. Everything that the Italian brand is known for will be present in this collection for H&M - knee-length skirts, great prints, bucket hats, dropped waists and amazing accessories that can dress up even the plainest white t-shirt you have hanging around in your closets. Chic, but also fashion forward we can expect some amazing pieces for women and also for men.

Creative director for Marni, Consuelo Castiglioni, describes the collection as "revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements". The collection is said to hit the stores on March 8th, so keep that date in mind for some insane shopping!

Here are some photos giving you a glimpse of the working room and of some of pieces from the collection:

Some stills from the video:

And finally the first presentation video:

What do you think about this collaboration? Are you as excited as I am?

Photos: H&M, thevine.com.au

Zara Woman Lookbook

It's been quite a while since I hadn't browsed through the Zara lookbooks (mainly because I know that once I see something I can't resist it for more than two seconds), but after I went through some stores a few days ago I felt confident enough to have a look at their online proposals for this month... Errrr mistake! I already found a few pieces that really need me! Did I say pieces that need me? Uhm.. I meant that I am the one needing some of those pieces. Classic mistake :) Here are some of the looks that I really liked:

My favorite items are the denim shirt which you can pair with a lot of different colors, patterns and shapes and always create new looks; the flower print asymmetric dress which in my opinion is a real knock-out piece (especially from the back, too bad they didn't photograph it as well); the red jacket paired with the multicolored navajo-inspired printed pants for a carefree colorful look and last but not least the colorful pencil skirt and the black suit. What are your favorite pieces?

Photos: Zara

African Queen

Elie Saab

Magazine: Harper's Bazaar UK December 2011
Editorial: African Queen
Model: Daria Pleggenkuhle
Photographer: Mark Segal
Styling: Joanne Blades

Harper's Bazaar UK decided to make us leave behind the cold weather of December and focus on this amazing editorial entitled "African Queen". German model Daria Pleggenkuhle is the one embodying this stunning and powerful queen posing in the untamed beauty of the savannah and among horses. I really like the contrast between the rugged backdrop used for this shoot and the feminine silk and chiffon dresses. Contributing to this contrast are also the chunky pieces of jewelry, like the gold collars and cuffs and  the silver neckpieces. Featuring among others brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQuen or Giorgio Armani, this editorial is truly inspiring in its wilderness and sbeauty. You can see the rest of the photos below:

Versace

Yves Saint Laurent

Gucci

                                    Alexander McQueen                                                                            Chanel

Giorgio Armani

Michael Kors

Photos: Harper's Bazaar UK

Sunday illustrations: Paris vs New York (2)

The Heat

Remember last Sunday the illustrations comparing Paris to New York in a really funny and slightly sarcastic way? Well, here's this Sunday's dose of laughter with the other illustrations in the same theme by this incredibly talented artist, Vahram Muratyan:

The Buildings

The Coffee

The Nickname

The Airport

The Creature

Public Transportation

Parking Lots

The Cabaret

The Charmer

The Temple

We all love a good stereotype. What is your favorite cliché regarding Paris, New York or a city of your choosing? 

Photo of the Week: Wind and sails

When I saw this photo today I immediately knew this was the one for this week - the beautiful wooden boat, the wind in the sails and a general feeling of intertwined freedom and happiness make this shot a memorable moment. Do you like sailing? I've never had the chance to go sailing on such an amazing boat as this one so far, but whenever I'm on a boat that feeling of freedom given by the wind in my hair and the salty smell of the sea is just there!

PS: I think I'm going to change my schedule and actually post the Photo of the Week on Saturdays, as it seems that that's the day when I've actually posted it most since I started this category!

Photo: tumblr

Winter wishlist

Has the crisp winter cold or the Christmas mood already kicked in for you guys? Yesterday was the D-day for me. I don't know why, but it always happens around the same time and in the same way these last few years, with an accidental run-in with Starbucks: the smell of hot chocolate and coffee, the red Christmas-themed cups and the soft echo of a carol stuck in my ears... it's the perfect kick into holiday mood! Along with it an image of that red reindeer sweater from Bridget Jones just popped into my head and made me think about soft, cosy winter clothes and Christmas present ideas. 

For example Ellos has a really great selection of womens clothes, not only at affordable prices but they also offer all kinds of different garments and styles. One day you can be a rock star with fiery red leather pants and the next day you can be the dreamy romantic type all wrapped up in a cream fur jacket. Versatility is a great asset I never get bored playing with different styles, that's why this online catalogue is one of my favorites.

Here are some items that really sparked up my color blocking and holiday mood:

The rock star pant

The colorful sweater 

The party dress

The denim shirt, perfect for some crazy color blocking sessions

The cozy winter-themed cardigan, for a Sunday of relaxation

The statement piece of jewlery

And if you're in the search for some presents, don't forget your other half. There are some great menswear designs, like this colorful sweater or the cargo pants for a casual look on a not-so chilly day:

Have you already started thinking about your winter wishlist? Do you have anything in mind for the presents? I'm always on the look out for new ideas looking, so if you have any let me know!

Black Magic

The Black Lacquer Eye (Yves Saint Laurent and MAC)

Magazine: Harper's Bazaar UK December 2011
Editorial: Black Magic
Model: Jira Kohl
Photographer: Jonas Bresnan

I've been obsessed with dark eyes, eyeliner, kohl and mascara ever since I was little and I was constantly trying on my mom's makeup, but the real obsession only started when I bought my first very own kohl pencil when I was about 14 years old. Although I thought it looked weird at first, I fell in love with it and I keep true to it every day. When I saw these photos in Harper's Bazaar UK's December issue I thought that this was the perfect occasion to talk to you about my obsession for black. Model Jira Kohl is featured in this magnificent beauty editorial presenting three different ways to create the perfect smoky eye and the clear face and lips that go with it. Enjoy!

The Black Matte Eye (Yves Saint Laurent)

The Black Glitter Eye (Giorgio Armani and L'Oreal)

How about you? Do you usually use eye liner or kohl to bring contrast into your eyes or are you more of a fan of the barely-there or pastel makeup trends? Which is your favorite out of these three looks?

Photos: Harper's Bazaar UK

It's a color blocking thing

I'm usually a black, grey, navy and the occasional white kind of girl, so I don't really know what happened to me lately, but as you know I started loving sequins and as crazy as it may sound also COLOR! Yes, you read that well, the black/grey/navy girl discovered the colorful girl inside! And it was about time, with all this magical color blocking going on on the streets. My favorite mixes are blue and orange, yellow and olive, navy or purple, denim and anything else and of course the star mix of the season red and fuchsia. Here are some shots of fabulous women in very colorful outfits, but also some softer colors or back and white alternatives for those of you who are just starting with this "color" thing and are still shy with the mixes:

And because having fun with colors is not only for the girls, here is the menswear version:

How about you? Are you the dark shade kind like the old me or are you slowly starting to love colors and color blocking like apparently the new me does? What are your favorite color mixes?

Photos: tumblr