Winter's wonders

Every season it's one of my little pleasures to discover the new trends. By now we're all familiar with the camel coat, 50's length skirt and big knits, but what to pair our fashion favorites with? I've listed three accessory styles that make my heart beat a little faster when well executed: the messenger bag, hiker boot and boyfriend belt. Each in their own right they're ideal to spice things up within any price range.

1. Aubin & Wills via Net-a-Porter, € 477
2. Mulberry Alexa via My Wardrobe, € 940

3. Oasis via ASOS, € 47

4. Forever 21, € 24

5. Rag & Bone, € 598

6. Alberto Fasciani, via Luisaviaroma, € 801

7. River Island, € 12

8. Day, Birger et Mikkelsen via My Wardrobe, € 83

9. ASOS, € 21

Style file: the new woman

There's a new girl in town! The new woman that's dominating this seasons runway couldn't stray further from the androgynous models we're used to seeing. With their full curves, long skirts and tiny waists, they could easily pass for Mad Men extra's. There are endless ways to pull off this Fall/Winter look, but a cinched in waist is almost always the focuss point. Although I think it's interesting I'm not sure I would wear this retro look, would you?

Jump around

Jumpsuits never go out of style - just like leather jackets, breton stripes and wedges, to name a few - and are one of my favorite items year round. (Too bad I can hardly ever find one!) A ditsy printed romper can perfectly be cinched in at the waist and paired with wedges and a cardi for daytime. And when the sun has set, all you need to pile on is a clutch, heels, a big necklace and a boyfriend blazer.

I've listed some jumpsuits that I came across online. The best budget proof buys are available at Asos, Topshop and Forever 21. It's time to jump around!

1. Topshop - € 40,57
2. Forever 21 - € 12,05
3. Anna Sui - € 152,63
4. Loeffner Randall - € 261,01
5. Forever 21 - € 15,90

6. Elisabeth and James - € 488,42

7. Topshop - € 101,42

8. Lanvin - € 1274,25

9. Armand Basi via My Wardobe - € 146,40

10. Wetseal - € 20,52

11. Bluenotes - € 12,05

12. Topshop - € 77,55

Style file: H&M fall

Collage by me with images from here


As you know, collections are always a season ahead so the H&M fall line is already in showrooms. And with so many strong, clean styles dominating the catwalks, a completely different look was bound to emerge. In the FW 10/11 collections and recent photoshoots I've been seeing nomad or folk inspired looks, but with an urban and modern twist. These looks are nonchalant, young and girly and still very put together.

H&M translates this trend like no other and their fall collection has a hippy vibe that took us back to Isabel Marant, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino, Vivienne Westwood and more. I'm feeling it, how about you?

Style file: Double trouble

I hadn't seen denim on denim since thelate 90's and to tell you the truth, that didn't bother me at all. However, recent collections showed a fresh take on 'double denim' and made me reconsider my opinion. All I can say is I've got the blues... how about you?

This S/S 10 trend takes some serious styling as it can easily be a little 'off'. To get you started I've created some tips and tricks again. Keep in mind that these are not rules, you should just wear whatever you like :D

♥ Work with different shades and washings. I personally think a dark grey skinny with a pale blue denim blouse is a winner combo. Also tie dye and ‘regular’ denim could be cool.

♥ Play with details in the items you’re wearing rather than accessorizing a lot. Fun details can be leather or denim patches, washed out parts, zippers, rips or studs. Moderation is key though.
♥ Stick to slim cuts, especially with pants, to keep this look sleek and modern. A wide, square jeans or a big denim jacket might make this look a bit messy and ‘outdated’. Boyfriend jeans could work though, because they're tighter at the bottom.

Style file: Out to Africa

The African continent has often been turned to for inspiration. Just think about the gorgeous tribal and nomad styles we've seen on the runway. This season is more about the explorer that sets ground on Africa and heads out to discover. What I've noticed really makes this look are the cuts and the playful stiffness. By that I mean the really straight silhouette, buttoned up blouses, lack of accessories or color. Does that make sense? I personally like a clean Chloé-like look, but might add some color or big jewelry. What are your thoughts?

Note: you now have to type in a word verification before your comment gets posted, to prevent spam!

Style file: Mix & Match

The sillouettes this summer are strongly defined and most designers opted for a sleek, strong and clean look or a messy, fun and girly look. In this 2010 trend report I'm discussing the fun and flirty feeling you can create by mixing prints. A lot of designers set the example and showed us no combination is too bold. Leopard with flowers, dots and stripes, tweed with ethnic prints, it's all good!

When mixing prints, you just have to try and see what works and what doesn't as you go along, because sometimes unexpected combinations are the best. However, here are some tips & trics to get you started:
♥ If this trend is a bit too much for you, start by mixing prints in the same color scheme or with a repeating color.
♥ Try mixing a big print and a small print together.
♥ Play with textures to create an even more eye catching outfit.

♥ Dots and stripes are an easy starting point as they are pretty 'neutral' and go with a lot of other prints.

ps. I decided not to do the trend report for a while because I had so many collages of fashion week collections. Do you still want to see more?

Style file: Leather Light

We have exactly 9 weeks to go untill it's officially spring. And what beter way to count down than by having a weekly trend report? I'll be presenting my nine favorite trends of the season. So by the time it's spring you have your info and you're ready to shop!

Those of you that live in leather skinnies and skirts, like me, are not to worry. Leather summer wear is making an entrance, and a big one at that. When stores like H&M and Zara are stocking up on leather shorts, you simply know there's no way back. The leather styles are a bit less biker / goth chic and more subtle and feminine so that's why I called it leather light. And most of it is in black or earthy tones, which makes these pieces easy to use in fall as well. Although I doubt the comfort level of leather in the burning sun, for spring this trend definately appeals to me. Light brown shorts with an off white, flowy blouse would be my combination of choice. What are your thoughts on this trend?

On edition 2: Mixed prints

Style file: Assad Mounser

Although I love subtle and tiny jewelry, I constantly find myself craving for chunky neckwear and giant rings. One of my go-to spots to drewl is Assad Mounser. Amanda designs eye catchers for the neck and wrist that are decorated with anything a girl could ask for. And not only does Amanda have great talent, her personal style (she has a style blog too!) and sweet personality really top the bill. Let's read what she has to say about her own style and jewelry line! (And ps. please vote for me here! Would love that!)

When getting dressed, do you pick your jewelry first and then build from that?
Typically I start with a general theme or feeling... like I think to myself, I’m going to dress french equestrian today or I'll feel compelled to wear a silky boudoir piece in a way that’s street appropriate. I take that first idea and rough it up and throw it off kilter a bit. I guess at heart, I just like playing dress up! I kind of built my jewelry collection around the idea of offering a wide variety of options to wear with any look that might inspire you. I am also huge on color, I'm addicted to it, so that is a must for me when putting together any look.

Do you wear jewelry every single day?
I do. It’s like an appendage nowadays! I feel lost, and incomplete without jewelry. You know that saying "you should always take one piece of jewelry off when you leave the house"? I always add at least 2 pieces on before I walk out the door, and oftentimes I leave wishing I had piled on even more! Iris Apfel is my hero. She is constantly dripping in Bakelite, turquoise and silver (like wrist to elbow - both arms), and she always looks so individualistic and chic!

Of all people, who would you want most to be spotted wearing an Assad Mounser design?
I get excited when I see ANYONE wearing it. I just love to see how people with different individual style profiles wear my jewelry, what looks they come up with, and what their perspective is. I will have to say, this summer I was at a shoot for Glamour magazine, and watched them shoot my pieces on Rhianna. It was pretty amazing to witness, and she was so cool, and nice. Ahhh, that was definitely a huge surreal unbelievable moment for me!

Where do you see Assad Mounser in 5 years down the road?
I would like to expand the categories within my line to include rings, earrings, etc. I would also like to launch a men's line in the next year or so. Over the next few seasons, it would be amazing if I was able to collaborate with ready-to-wear designers on jewelry collections for their runway shows, and capsule collections for their brands. And I guess in 5 years, I would love to see myself doing creative direction for another line in addition to maintaining my own. I am in no rush though, SS 10 was only my second season! I have been so lucky so far. So I’m just trying to grow my business organically with my best foot forward...

Do you design with a specific type of woman in mind?
Basically, I try to offer something for everyone. I priced this line to be statement making in design yet affordable, because I really want it to be attainable to anyone who is drawn to it. Stylistically, I have pieces that are more avant garde and envelope pushing with spikes, bullets and raw stones, but I also cater to a more feminine customer, with pieces that contain soft pearls and chains. In Japan this season, some of my customers bought pieces from this collection for their men's departments. So I guess you could say I really do offer something for everyone! Ha!

ps. Could you please vote for me here? Big hug!

Style file: H&M spring

The H&M spring collection has got me drewling. Must. Have. Beige. Shoes. These items are all about unexpected shapes and details. And sandy shades with a pop of color is always a plus in my book. I can't wait to play around with those grey jogger inspired pants. They would be so chic with a pair of wedge booties and a blazer! And a very legitimate craving as I registered at a gym today... (Honestly, I'd rather go shopping to burn some calories!)

Collage made with pictures by Caroline

Your inner Obama

It’s official; fall is here. And all you fab fashionista’s know that a new season can cost a lot of money. That has given me a thought: could I create a head-to-toe fall outfit, that I would actually like to wear, for under a hundred euro’s in total? I channeled my inner Obama and told myself; Yes I can! 99 virtual euro’s later, this is the result.

Blazer: Forever 21 - Tank top: don't remember! - Shoes: Asos - Leggings: Monki -

Necklace: Forever21Glamour Bbey and Chicisimo both featured me on their blogs a while back!

Summer wardrobe recipe

I'm off to paris in 2 days, does anyone know nice restaurants and places to shop?