party dress Posted by writter , Friday, January 8, 2010 at 8:09 PM, in Labels: trends by year

Wraps by The Glamourai Posted by writter , at 7:58 PM, in Labels: trends by year

There are some websites that I just have to avoid for fear of a humongous spend up. Shrimpton Couture is one of those websites but yesterday, I somehow managed to find my way there and unable to click away. I was entranced by the mix of luxury vintage pieces, reconstructed pieces and couture but some pieces that particularly caught my eye were the Glamour wraps by The Glamourai.

I am constantly amazed by the innovative ways designers rework old pieces into something equally if not more desireable than the original. The Glamour wraps are made of silk 1940s kimono with intricate hand painted designs achieving the perfect balance between traditional Japanese culture and modern style. Each wrap can be worn in a number of different ways including a vest, dress, belted jacket, cape or kimono. The site provides a really comprehensive guide on how to wear the wrap.

The Glamourai was founded by Kelly Framel, who combines a DIY spirit with a refined couture intelligence. The collection includes jewellery anc clothing, perfect for glamourising your life. I have managed to get away without spending money that I don't have, but with a brand new incentive to get saving for the new year.

Interfilere's Colour Trends Spring/Summer 2010 Posted by writter , Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 9:29 PM, in Labels: trends by year

Something borrowed; Something Blue Posted by writter , Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 10:14 PM, in Labels: trends by year

Who can seriously not remember that time Katie Holmes wore a bright orange Armani dress with a pair of not-so-matching blue patent leather pumps? (The designer’s name skips by me today, but I’ll let you know when I remember). For some reason, I have a feeling that a pair of blue heels would be the perfect adjustment to any fabulous wardrobe. Blue shoes just seem to be popping up everywhere these days. Well really; I just remember three iconic moments but I’m sure there are many more to come. Think Katie Holmes and the infamous blue heels and orange combination, think Andy Warhol “Shoes” art print and finally, think Carrie Bradshaw and her “something blue” Manolos. Ironic? Perhaps. Coincidence? Maybe. Fabulous? Incredibly.

Want right now: Chanel Union Jack quilted handbag Posted by writter , at 10:13 PM, in Labels: trends by year

I’m such a sucker for Chanel. I swear, chuck me something fabulously quilted with the iconic Chanel logo and signature chain handles and I’m all yours. Agyness Deyn wore this Limited edition and oh-so-fabulous Chanel Union Jack handbag at Chanel’s Private party at their Boutique Dover Street Market and it just looked so iconic and just so lust-able. I like how it has a classic appeal with that extra edginess and who knows, it could be quite rock and roll, perhaps even; 80’s worthy.

The Crystal and Lucy awards Posted by writter , at 10:12 PM, in Labels: trends by year

Victoria Beckham to unveil Fancy dress collection Posted by writter , at 10:10 PM, in Labels: trends by year

New York Fashion Week might be one of the biggest fashion events ever. It seems as singer-turned-designer Victoria Beckham may be releasing her first fancy dress collection at New York Fashion Week. This will continue as a huge quote which will let you decide the verdict yourself: "It'll be something completely different from what I've ever done. (Iconic: "Oh really? How so?") I'm just putting it together at the moment but they will be upscale dresses...(Iconic: "How much do you plan on selling you creations?") They will be very upscale dresses and likely will start at around $1200 retail. I'm going to be using very expensive fabrics and finishes. Lots of embroideries." Well, I hope whatever it is turns out to be good. I mean, Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B dresses don't even start at that much!

Choices, Choices, Choices Posted by writter , at 10:09 PM, in Labels: trends by year

Something I’ve always wanted but never actually ever bought but will buy soon is perhaps a Herve Leger bandage dress. It is rather strange as I told my mother the same thing and she told me that she had owned a purple off-the-shoulder variety and had given it away to charity thus making it harder for me to get a hold on something just as fabulous. And that is when I realise that it is almost July which equals Stocktake or mid-year sales! Thank goodness for that. My next issue, however, is now that I got the discount and the cash; which one should I get?

PS: Did you know that the bandage dress was first made exclusive and iconic by Azzedine Alaia? It is quite controversial actually. Excuse my ironic tone.

Strange and on-sale Posted by writter , at 10:07 PM, in Labels: trends by year

Sales are quite strange don’t you think? You never really know what will be on sale, all you do know is that something is on sale and for all I know, something is most definitely better than nothing, at times anyways. I was browsing handbags on an online luxury goods store and it is sort of funny to see the less popular interpretations of signature styles, like the Fendi Spy and the Paddington by Chloe being sold in the weird and wacky (and wonderful?) styles which are less common and therefore less popular since they are indeed on sale. Or not? Well, I personally am quite a traditionalist starting from…today, so you can’t expect me to embrace these fashion fabulous goodies on sale or not because the strange textures and the unique tones just really aren’t my type. What’s your excuse?

These are a few of my favourite things Posted by writter , at 10:01 PM, in Labels: trends by year

Question: Which fashion label loves to go over the top with girly and feminine roses, bows and braids on its lovely handbags?

The Iconic Top Five Posted by writter , at 10:00 PM, in Labels: trends by year

At Iconic we absolutely love what online designer boutique Le Black Book has on offer. Not only have we gotten a fabulous 20% discount shopping code ("Vogue") but we also have hunted down our top five favourite pieces which we will be sure to be on the lookout for. (Note that prices do not include the 20% discount).

1. Disaya short sleeved dress with cut out detail ($563.20): I love this dress a lot. It is sexy, sophisticated, grecian and such a modern classic on the traditional little black dress. The cut out is very sophisticated in a mildly futuristic way and the length is just very fun and flattering and perfect for a great night out on the town. I'd pair it with a tailored Phillip Lim 3.1 tuxedo jacket and a pair of strappy Manolos for that night shift glamour.

2. Jessie Hill Angelic dress in cream ($345.50): This is such a perfect spring/summer daytime dress. It is just so picture perfect with clear romantic elements and a very whimsical vintage feel. It is such a soft piece so it would be fun dressing it up with a pair of gladiator sandals, gold Juicy Couture bangles and a textured Matthew Williamson mini vest for that effortless romantic appeal.

3. Rachel Gilbert Chevron jewelled black top ($264): This is such a simple yet very fancy top. It is such a simple design yet the ruffles and texture is just overtly intricate and very mod which will look fabulous at night with a pair of black Balenciaga ciagarette pants and a patent leather and metallic Jimmy Choo handbag for that modern New York style.

4. Senada Theory silk cotton print dress ($632): I absolutely adore this dress. It really is on my to-buy list. It has these gorgeous vintage print accents with hints of a lost bohemian. It is such a transeasonal piece which will look great this fall/winter season with some opaque stockings and classic black flats or Edwardian boots, and for the more summery months, it would look ever-so-perfect with a pair of tough studded sandals and the brown fringed Prada handbag for that Boho chic glamour.

5. Sretsis Rose storm button front dress white rose ($270): This is such a fave fashion work choice piece. It features the glamorously feminine pussy bow which is such a timeless style to have anywhere amongst the beautiful print for that modern whimsical effect. I'd wear it with a pair of French Sole flats or a pair of classic Louboutin pumps for that workwear chic.

Written by Lisa Chau. Images courtesy of leblackbook.com.au