SPRING 2015 FASHION TREND 2015 - FEELING BLUE

If you follow the fashion trend for spring/summer 2015 (in the Northern Hemisphere, that is), I am sure that there would be a few of them that you particularly like and although, we, in OZ, are on the brink of winter, that does not mean that we can’t embrace some of the current trends and weave them into our winter garments.

Let’s start with the colour blue.  It is making a strong comeback this season and was a very noticeable street-style trend during the recent fashion week shows.  From icy blue to teal and turquoise - such an extended range should be able to satisfy every fan of this popular hue. The European runways saw a lot of denim, but blue was also present in flowing dresses, skirts and jackets. 

I don’t think it would be able to replace black entirely (since monochromatic black and white remains the most popular combination) but blue is a great alternative for black and is usually a much better colour to wear for most women than the harsher black and that is exactly what I like about this new trend.

Of course, I am not suggesting that you should plunge into this trend head on and drape yourself in denim from head to toe.  What I suggest, though is to look closely into your wardrobe and see if there is anything there that you have not been wearing for a while due to the new fashion, it could be brought back to life.  Sometimes, just  modern- looking, cutting-edge accessories could revive the garment and give it a completely new look.  If it fails, you can buy a few key pieces that are interchangeable and could be easily fitted into your existing wardrobe. 

If darker blues do not agree with your complexion, you can always settle for lighter hues and choose patterns over solid colours.  Take advantage of the cooler months and wear a blue scarf or even a hat. 

A classic-cut pair of denims and a t-shirt also look cool and relaxed during the day, but could be easily glamorised with a jacket and a pair of killer heels for a night out on the town.

A well-cut jacket is a great example.  It could last you for a couple of seasons and will help your outfit to be effortlessly transformed from casual to chic in no time. 

Top:  Sportsgirl 

Jacket:  Zara

Jeans:  Bettina Liano

Shoes:  Donna Karan

Bag:  Louis Vuitton

 Anyhow, wear something blue this winter season and you are bound to look fabulous.

And If you want to ask me anything at all, please drop me a line and I would be more than happy to reply.

RED DRESS AND THE NIGHT AT THE OPERA

If you want to make a fashion statement - wear a red dress, chances are, you will probably be the only woman in the room who does.  The truth of the matter is that red is a very strong, bold colour and because of that not many women have enough confidence to wear red.  Of course, it is not a hue that you see as often as say, black or white.  As with Red Carpet events, this hue is destined for a special occasions.

 A great Italian designer Valentino has become know for his red dresses known in the fashion industry as “Valentino red”.  It became one of the pillars of his collections and according to him, the only colour worthy of competing with black and white.

From the Valentino's collection "45 Years of Style"

And for me, that special occasion was the night at Sydney Opera House for the opening of the season and a new production of Faust, an opera that is a tale of romance, temptation, and the age-old battle between satanic powers and religion – a perfect opportunity to match the red flames of hell with my special red Lanvin drape dress that I bought recently in a boutique shop in Hyde Park, a popular fashion shopping and dinner destination in Adelaide. 

Dress:  Lanvin, Shoes:  Bally

Visually, a red dress makes a bold fashion statement and draws a lot of attention, it is important that the accessories should not be flashy and destructive, leaving a dress to be a focal point of the outfit.

With that in mind, I chose a simple set of long gold earrings and a bracelet together with a small black handbag.  As for shoes, there are a few options here:  black for contrast, or nude or soft pastels to keep it elegant and classy.

HOW TO STYLE A KNIT GREY JUMPER

Well, it is official, the summer in Australia is over and sadly, as much as we love to wear summer clothes, it soon will be time to store them away for a few months and replace with the warm, soft and cuddly outfits.

There are two hot trends that are a "must have" for autumn and the coming winter - knits and pastels.  When it comes to knits, I particularly like the jumpers that are quite long, way past your hips, narrow fitted, with a long neck that softly curls around your shoulders, giving you extra warmth and comfort.

 The other great advantage of these garments is that they are very adaptable and easy to match without compromising your personal style and look equally stylish inside for the office or around at a dinner table.

Find the colour and style that suits you best and you are bound to look fabulous this winter.

Jumper:  Sportscraft; Shoes:  Louis Vuitton; Handbag:  Louis Vuitton; Glasses: Ray Ban, skirts:  Zara;  Pants:  Mason Scotch

HOW TO WEAR A KIMONO

I bought this kimono on a whim in one of the many shops in Tokyo’s Ginza district during our visit to Japan.  Well, of course, it is not a proper kimono per se but rather a simplified version of it designed especially for tourists.

 At first, I didn’t know what to do with it, it seemed to be quite in disaccord with my existing wardrobe and I was having difficulties to find a match for it.  So I just hang it in my cupboard and forgot all about it…..

Then, one day I was packing away my winter clothes I stumbled over the forgotten purchase; I put it on and absolutely loved it.  It was the right time for it, as soon I began to notice a presence of similar garments in many shop windows across Sydney.  That’s what probably evoked my memories about the kimono hanging in my cupboard.

Anyway, it is great peace of clothing, hugely adaptable, widely trans-seasonal, quite edgy and exhibits a lot of personal style and panache.