How to Wear | Kimonos

Hey Gorgeous Readers!

One of my favourite autumn pieces in my closet is definitely a cardigan. I think they just pull a whole look together and make it a little more structured or polished. On the complete opposite side of that, my summer alter ego is falling for kimonos. They are the bohemian, laid back, and cool cousin to the preppy cardigan. You've probably seen them all over Instagram and Facebook lately because they are hugely trending this summer.

These flowy drapey pieces give off a very independent free spirit vibe rather than the tradition of a Japanese kimono. Like a traditional kimono though, they are loose fitting and come in a variety of colours and prints.

As popular as flower crowns were last summer and still are, kimonos have taken center stage in festival style this year. I styled a more subdued look below to not take any attention away from the kimono I chose. 


I loved the denim blue and flowers on this Free People kimono. It also comes in 6 other prints. To keep the rest of the outfit simple I chose a white crop top from Zara and shorts from Fall For with a little cute floral lace detail on the hem. I fell in love with the Kilim pattern on the back of these suede booties from Calypso St Barth. Since they are pretty expensive however I also found an alternative- these brogues from Oasis. To complete the look I picked this satchel from Warehouse. While still in my neutral colour scheme I liked how the structure of the bag juxtaposed with the loose kimono.


Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend Forecast SS15 | That's So Seventies

Hey Gorgeous Readers!

Every year post-holidays it's hard not to daydream about summer festivals and days at the beach so it was super exciting to see the perfect 1970s inspired festival wear everywhere on the runways for Spring/Summer '15. Last year winter was a lot longer and a lot colder (blame Elsa..) so the dreamy and optimistic pastels were fitting. This spring; however, we're ready for much more energetic and bold vibes and colours.


Everything from 70s flower child to grungy rocker influenced looks ruled the runways. The colour scheme included mainly bright primary colours and iridescent darker shades. Katie Smith over at Editd broke down some of the numbers involved in the colour trend. 
The market is ideally primed for a strong uptake of yellow and red colors in SS15, both currently have low rates of discounting: 30.7% of current red womenswear products are reduced, and 28.6% of yellow products, compared to 39.4% of pinks, 37% of orange and 49% of blue. A breakdown of market segmentation for red and yellow is interesting too, showing high levels of the shades being in the luxury market, compared to other shades. For red, 12% of products are within luxury segment and 19% of yellows (compared to 8.7% pink and 9% orange). This shows designers brands are beginning to build the color trends’ credentials beyond mass market. The average price point of current garments backs this up – $307 for yellow and $266 for red, compared to $146 for pink. Furthermore, in August saw a a 18% increase in new arrivals of red products in comparison to August 2013, and a 33% increase of yellows on the market.
Nearly every brand was nostalgic for the carefree decade, notably Emilio Pucci, Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, and House of Holland. Tom Ford and Saint Laurent were more on the grungy glam rocker side of the trend while House of Holland and Emilio Pucci mixed floral prints. 

With the endless options of fun prints from the 1970s each collection mixed a few. All florals though mainly large and jungle, leopard, stripes, and polka dots were prominent. The list of textures was even more diverse than the list of prints. Suede, leather, velvet, denim, fringe, fur, tulle, and hologram were used to create dynamic and modern takes on the 1970s inspirations.

Naturally platform shoes were major for the shoe trend with the looks. Though I don't think brogues will disappear entirely over the season and athletic shoes are still great to make some upscale looks more casual. 

Hair and makeup are really simple this season. Center parts, boho waves, and slicked back or super straight hair didn't distract from the intense colours, prints, and textures on the runway. Makeup looks were even simpler with clean skin, taupe eyeshadows, subtle feline eyes, and bold brows. To add colour some collections featured wine stained lips. Designers like Chloe, Mary Katranzou, and Calvin Klein kept makeup and hair really basic though. Marc Jacobs didn't use any makeup at all.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Pantone 2015 Colour of the Year | Marsala

Hey Gorgeous Readers!


Every year, Pantone announces their colour of the year. The 2015 colour is Marsala, "a naturally robust and earthly red wine." My first impression was that I wasn't really in love with it. I like bright and fun or sweet and pastel colours. This just seemed so dark and not very pretty. 


As an accent, however with the white or blue, like in this photo, the colour is growing on me. I don't like it on its own or as the main focus of the outfit. I think the colour is best suited for traditional interior designs as it is a very rich and warm colour. I don't think I would like it in a beauty product just because I don't like a brown-red and would prefer a brighter red for a lipstick or nail polish.

Looking back on the past few Pantone colours of the year- Radiant Orchid, Emerald, Tangerine Tango, Honeysuckle, and Turquoise- this year is starkly darker.

Looking at the SS15 trends being the 1970s, leather, and tulle the colours seem to be more pale reds, yellows, blues, and greens. 

Marie Claire

Marie Claire
I also don't really forsee Marsala being a main focus in FW15 either. Except a bit in an Eastern Euro trend.


What do you think about the 2015 colour of the year? Will you be wearing Marsala this year?

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend Forecast SS14 | Pink Parade

Hey Gorgeous Readers!

As you all know, I completely and totally adore the colour pink so you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I noticed the abundance of various shades of pink the runways lately. After the winter we've had, I think we're all going to see the warmer seasons (when they ever come!) through rose-coloured glasses.


Following a long and icy winter, the trending, colour pink will set a youthful and alluring mood for the Spring/Summer season. Dominating the runways, pink is at the forefront of the SS14 collections. The blushing shades of pink are charming and match the excitement that comes with the warmer season. With some shine, collections didn’t come off dull even with monochromatic looks. As Glamour put it, “Here comes the pink parade”.

The list of brands that showcased this pink trend are inexhaustible. Giambattista Valli, Badgley Mischka, Karen Walker, Marissa Webb, and Yoana Baraschi all centered their collections around this endearing colour. Structured bubble skirts and chic draping gave the feminine colour some strength. Bows and and flourishes were at a minimum or nonexistent, with shine in the fabric or collar embellishments drawing the most attention. Hair was slicked back or straight, again balancing the femininity. Bronze and gold makeup brought glamour to the looks and accented the shine. The trend even influenced beauty brands like Bobbi Brown, M.A.C, and Urban Decay. M.A.C partnered with Rihanna to create a shimmer and pink line, ‘Riri Hearts M.A.C’ while Urban Decay presented the same balance of blushed pink and bronze shades in their Naked 3 palette. The shoe trends of the season also contrasted, but didn’t take away from, the sweet colour. Stacked heels replaced skyhigh stilettos and black and white added to the classic trend.



While the season has a feeling of excitement, it is much quieter than electric highlighter pinks. The shades of the trend range from strawberry gelato or cotton candy to a blushing, almost white, pink. Soft chiffon gave some movement to looks and sheer pieces held a spot as a leading trend for the season on their own. Jersey and cotton are also lightweight and gave pieces more structure and substance. Metallic, shiny fabrics commanded attention. With the balance of glitzy sparkle and soft chiffon, the trend really set the tone for a mysterious, but naive and darling mood. The fabrics and colours have a wide versatility suitable for any occasion, day to night.

Bobbi Brown says, “Pink is the colour that makes everyone instantly pretty.” Dior had written in The Little Dictionary of Fashion, that it was a colour every woman should have in her closet. For those very reasons, this trend is really for everyone. The soft shades, being completely classic, look stunning on all ages and skin tones. With women, now holding many high positions in companies, starting their own businesses, and earning more bachelor’s degrees than men there is a definite feeling of independence and confidence. This feeling influenced the street style and ‘trickled up’ to runway collections, resulting in strong silhouettes and styling without compromising on femininity.

The ‘pink parade’ really stormed the runways and captured the upcoming season’s mood perfectly. Still embracing sweetness and youthfulness, blushing pinks are outshining high powered hot pinks. This pink won’t be seen as immature or girlish though, with strong simple silhouettes and hard metal.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | Cocoon Coats

Hey Gorgeous Readers!

It's not really feeling like Fall here yet, but NY SS14 Fashion Week is just three days away! Wish I was going this year; if you're going, send me your post links. :)

Personally I don't think I'm ready for Spring/Summer shows again, but I am looking forward to Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattes (have you gotten one yet this season?), falling leaves, and Fall coats-- like these Cocoon Coats.



Cocoon coats are like cloak/coats with their loose fits. I think there is something so classic, but cool about the silhouette. The shape was popular in the 20s, became slimmer, and then got puffier and more dramatic again in the 80s. (source)

With the looser fit, you can easily pile on the layers underneath. With Fall's warm orange and green colours (and Pantone's Fall Fashion Colour Report) I'm loving the Oscar de la Renta (Favourite!), Freda, Halston Heritage, and Marc by Marc Jacobs ones. I actually wasn't sure about the dot pattern on the Marc Jacobs coat at first, but it's starting to grow on me... what do you think?

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee

Trend-Spotting | Denim Overalls

Happy Monday Belles&Beaux

Last week I was reading Teen Vogue and saw this--


I have been trying to get used to denim-on-denim and overalls (since it looks like both will be around for awhile), but I'm still not totally on board. Tilda Lindstam makes the overall trend look really cool though. I don't think anyone is wearing a jacket, tights, and beanie right now, but I think the lace underneath is cute so it could easily be worn now (sans the extra pieces) or in the fall (as shown).

1. 2. 3. 4.
Have you always been into the denim overall return or are you still unsure like me?

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | Butterfly Sunglasses

Happy Monday Belles & Beaux!


Stalking Polyvore this weekend, I noticed the "butterfly sunglasses" trending. And then after a check on ebay (because really where else?) I found that it's pretty much a more specific name for oversized sunnies--

Butterfly sunglasses have lenses with a distinct, butterfly wing shape. The lenses are generally oversized with plastic frames in every color imaginable.
Since butterfly sunglasses are usually oversized, they cover more of the face. This provides more protection from the sun, though the wearer should still use sunscreen. In fact, people who go without sunscreen and only wear sunglasses often develop a tan line that outlines the frame of the lenses. Such tan lines are grossly obvious when the wearer develops a sunburn on the face, but the glasses prevent the eye area from burning.
In addition, large lenses minimize the size or arch of the wearer’s nose by drawing an onlooker’s attention away from the nose. Even for people without large noses, oversized sunglasses can become the focal point of face, distracting from facial blemishes. This look became popular in the 1980s and has drifted in and out of popularity ever since.

I like a classic pair of wayfarers- because I immediately associate it with Tom Cruise in Risky Business of course, but I like the glam oversized sunnie too and 'butterfly sunglasses' just sound pretty so I'm sold. 


1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

(btw thoughts on 'Belles & Beaux' vs 'Fashionable Guys&Girls'?)

Trend-Spotting | Plastic...

Mens Fashion Week photo by Fashion156
Happy Monday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

During men's fashion week we've seen many trends- some prints and colours that have been trending for awhile now and some we haven't been seeing as much. Plastic would be one of these interesting trends.


Of course, the talented designers showing at fashion week put together structural and- I might even call it- chic looks with of all materials, plastic. While I thought they all seemed nice, I'm not sure I can quite get "Miami 2 Imbiza" out of head long enough to take on this trend.

If I were going to try this trend though, I think I would begin by adding one of these pieces. My first thought (after Swedish House Mafia) was rain jacket. But this Valentino trench with its gorgeous detail and gold studs isn't like a regular old plastic rain coat. It almost makes plastic seem like the classiest material in the world. Almost. We've already been seeing transparent flats with pops of colour at the heel and toe (like the Christian Louboutin flats) this Spring and Summer. Along with the Shourouk clutch, the plastic accessories have a totally retro feel to them. Going for the Simone Rocha plastic skirt would feel like a fashion risk for me, but styled carefully with pieces I already love, I think it would be a fun risk to take. On the other hand, there's always the Proenza Schouler "plastic leather" jacket, but even I have a feeling it might not technically count.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Do you think you would wear this plastic trend?

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | Hologram

*photo by Mirror UK*
Happy Monday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Mirrored sunnies have been pretty hot for a while now and this trend seems to be growing. The shiny reflective affect has been on the runway in skirts, dresses, tops, jackets, and bags. This trend was in some of the SS13 shows- most memorably by Burberry Prorsum- and more recently in the AW13 shows. Even the men's shows have many hologram pieces.

*runway photos by Fashion156*

1. Mary Katrantzou Holographic Print Skirt

2. Stella McCartney Holographic faux leather iPad sleeve

3. Jonathan Saunders Aaron Metallic Bomber Jacket

4. Jonathan Saunders Bibbi Holographic Striped Crepe Top

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Techno Wingman Wristlet

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | Tea Length Dresses

Happy Monday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

With hot and humid summer weather (other than the unpredictable rain) pants are almost always too much, but sometimes shorts aren't right for whatever summer event you're invited to. Of course then there is always the maxi or mini dress. Or there's the tea dress. As I found while I was shopping around though, the tea length isn't defined the same by everyone.

Around 1922- as recorded in Emily Post's book, Etiquette- the tea dress is between a 'wrapper' (dressing gown) and ball gown. The length was at the bottom of the calf, but has risen to just below the knee. Either length is fine. As with shorts and skirts, some stores have began calling something similar to the 1922 dressing gown length dresses a 'tea dress'. Maybe this is old-fashioned, but I don't anything at or above the knee can truly be called a 'tea dress'.

With the traditional length, the tea dress is elegant and classic. It's great for showing off your shoes and its lighter fabrics and colours make it a nice daytime cocktail dress.

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Naturally my search for cute tea dresses brought me to ModCloth where I found two I instantly loved. The first was the Afternoon Tea Dress with lace, a peter pan collar, and pleating and the second, the Tropical Tea Dress with a pastel floral and feather print, loop collar, and thin cutout where it closes with a little eyelet closure.

Since this dress length allows you to show off your hottest shoes, you can definitely choose your favourites, but I have been seeing kitten heels more and more on my twitter and bloglovin feeds. I don't know if I could sacrifice height and return all of my high heels to my closet in place of kitten heels all the time, but there is something pretty darling about them.  I would choose equally vintage and classic feeling accessories with the dresses- a round or a cat-eye sunnie shape, a floppy sun hat or floral crown.

What do you think of the tea-dress length? And have you traded in your stilettos for kitten heels?

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | Watercolour


Happy Monday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Pastels and print have been major for S/S 2013 and Water Colour Dresses have combined the two in sweet washed out prints like the very summer-y waves and florals. This trend appeared on runway in collections by designers like Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, Tadashi Shoji, and Naeem Kham.

Runway

Runway SS 2013: (top left corner and clockwise)
Tadashi Shoji, Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, Naeem Khan, Nicole Miller

My Picks



(top left corner and clockwise)
1. Forever21 Watercolour Sky Fit&Flare Dress

2. Kay Unger New York Printed Dress with Ruching

3. Kay Unger New York Cap-Sleeve Printed Dress

4. Victoria by Victoria Beckham Watercolour-Print Sahntung Zip Dress

5. Nicole Miller Floral-Print Halter Cocktail Dress

6. NastyGal Total Monet Dress

7. Isaac Mizrahi New York Print Chiffon Fit&Flare Dress


Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | Metallic Oxfords

Happy Monday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

After seeing so much fabulosity glamour in Chicago this weekend, I'm thinking I need more sparkle in my closet. Well, ok, I think that on a daily basis. With metallic shoes still on my mind though, I might add more sparkle with new oxfords.

I kind of wear my favourite shoes over and over again, example- those Forever21 oxfords (left). I bring those to wear in place of heels with almost any look. They even came along to Chicago with me one day. With my black wedges and nude heels... for just the second day. First day was boots and heels of course!

And now on my shoe wish list, I've added these five metallic oxfords with tons of sparkle factor.




From subtle and sweet to bold and mirror-shiny to distressed, I would love to give them all a home in my closet.

1. Rebecca Minkoff Carla Laceless Oxfords.

2. Lanvin Gold Metallic Lambskin Oxford.

3. Uniform Metallic Oxford.

4. Miu Miu Cracle Metallic Leather Lace-Up Oxfords.

5. Marsèll Distressed Metallic Oxford.


Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | 20 Rompers Under $50


(photo source)

Happy Monday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

All-over prints are of course a major trend for this S/S 13 season and I think one of the cutest ways to wear this trend is with a romper. Rompers and jumpers have been appearing on the runways as well. They're totally easy to throw-on-and-go and fabulously versatile. Wear as is with a statement pattern (like the Wild Rose Romper) or a solid colour (like the Mint Dream Lace Detail Romper) to make your accessories shine. Most give the illusion of wearing a dress without the annoyance of worrying about how to sit. You can also treat the 'shorts' part as a separate piece by layering a sweater or button down over the top. Even take the romper trend out at night with romper like the Sequin Wrap Romper. And because I love them so much I've pulled 20 that I'm 'ing right now. Oh- and they're all under US$50...




1. Wild Rose Romper (NastyGal)
2. Read It and Steep Romper (ModCloth)
3. Lottie&Holly Floral Button Front Romper (Tillys)
4. Tutti Frutti Romper (Pixie Market)
5. Billabong Hey Tootsie Romper (Swell)
6. Watercolor Print Romper (Akira Chicago)
7. Peach Floral Print Tie Waist Button Up Playsuit (New Look)
8. Staring at Stars Diamond Border Romper (Urban Outfitters)
9. Sequin Wrap Romper (NastyGal)
10. Halter-Neck Romper (Victoria's Secret)
11. Bejeweled Collar Romper (Forever21)
12. Rip Curl Market Mix Romper (PacSun)
13. Meg Chambray Polkadot Lace Insert Playsuit (Boohoo)
14. Brave Soul Sporty Playsuit (ASOS)
15. Contrast Chiffon Romper (Forever21)
16. Mint Dream Lace Detail Romper (Threadsence)
17. Strappy Sleeveless Romper in Lemon Sorbet (Akira Chicago)
18. Chiffon&Lace Playsuit in Peach (Akira Chicago)
19. Tie Front Romper in Tangerine (Akira Chicago)
20. Ruffle Eyelet Romper (Victoria's Secret)

As Joan Rivers says.. "Gotta have it or Make it stop"?

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | Pretty in (Light) Pink

Happy Monday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Hope you all had absolutely fabulous weekends. With so much going on with beginning of summer plans I think we can all use some pink inspiration.

With the pastels of this season, I found these gorgeous light pink dresses- perfect for wedding and graduation season...




1. Debut Light Pink Embellished Ruched Bust Dress with simple ruching and fold on he front, the sparkle factor is the glam embellishment on the waist.

2. J. Mendel Strapless Silk Gazar Gown with constructed tiers almost resembling a rose, which happens to be the colour's name (rosebud)

3. Raoul Short Dress with a sweet peter pan collar. The bug print is surprisingly really cute (that word doesn't usually come to mind when I see bugs)

4. Elizabeth James Short Dress is sweet and simple with a cross over back.

5. Oscar De La Renta Floral Embellished Evening Gown is just Stunning.

6. Giambattista Valli All-Over Floral Organza Strapless Dress with a beautiful floral print and ruffles.

7. Mismash Rose Petals Pink Printed Dress with the sweetest print of roses, cupcakes, pearls and ribbon. Adding to romance of the light pink and adorable print, it has a lace collar.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

Trend-Spotting | Urban Outfitters Summer 2013 Lookbook

Happy Monday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

About a week ago I got my Urban Outfitters Summer 2013 Lookbook and it is fabulous inspiration for Summer. The photos- all taken by Rene Vaile- are totally 'magazine-mood-board' worthy. If you didn't get one in the mail, check out your nearest shop while supplies last. Here are just a few of my favourites...


Rene Vaile, Urban Outfitters, Summer 2013, Lookbook


Rene Vaile, Urban Outfitters, Summer 2013, Lookbook


Rene Vaile, Urban Outfitters, Summer 2013, Lookbook


Rene Vaile, Urban Outfitters, Summer 2013, Lookbook


Rene Vaile, Urban Outfitters, Summer 2013, Lookbook


Rene Vaile, Urban Outfitters, Summer 2013, Lookbook


Rene Vaile, Urban Outfitters, Summer 2013, Lookbook



It was already pretty hard to narrow the lookbook to just these seven,  but as they include a few of my top favourite pieces/sets it was a bit easier.

1) Lucca Couture Shredded Pullover in white and rose 2)  Lucca Couture Tropical Cutout Crop Top and Lucca Couture Tropical Tropical Short 3)  BDG Summertime Shirt in all four colours 4) Della X UO Trek Bomber Jacket and Della X UO Trek Short 5) Kimchi Blue Smocked Dress- actually in the navy polka dot and neural multi though.

Which are your favourite pieces from Urban Outfitters Summer 2013 Lookbook?

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee 

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