SHINING TRENDS

Cardigan available at : Net-A-Porter - DKNY sequin-embellished Cardigan

photo credits : justjared.buzznet.com

Considering the impressive amount of requests I am getting regarding Miley Cyrus inspired-looks, I have decided to showcase some of the coolest outfits of this teenage rock muse.

While browsing for all these looks that you can see all in detail bellow, I was actually thinking I kind of like her style. Yes, it’s all “LA babe”, “rock-chic” and all that, but at the end of the day I actually see that most of her outfits are very cool and great options to inspire other teens. (except maybe for the distressed stockings she wears from time to time :D )

Miley’s style is both very young and fresh. She usually rocks both casual daytime looks with comfy shoes and other basics, but she can also dress it up with layers of accessories, edgy heels or rock inspired items. I also think she has been in the Hollywood scene for quite some time now and this gives her way more self-confidence than other rock princesses like Taylor Momsen for example. This is why maybe she sometimes is very put together but other times you can see her just in a plain t-shirt or ripped denims, UGGs or flip-flops.

But let’s get serious! You have bellow my top choices for Miley Cyrus inspired outfits. I really like how she mixes white simple tanks with awesome cardigans for a chic relaxed look but she can also wear cardigans as a stage outfit. This requires some embellishments in order to serve the ocasion but other than that the same rule applies : wear with basics.

Shoes - Asos - Leather Clogs Slingback Shoes $93.00, Jeans - Bebe - Euro Distressed Skinny Jean, $89.00,  Neckace - Juicy Couture - Drama Butterfly Necklace $111.00, Cardigan - Jane Norman - Striped cap sleeve ribbed cardigan, Bag - Debenhams - Gold ‘Roxy’ across body bag, Nail polish - OPI.

Tank - Acne - ‘Belief’ Lyocell tank,  Cardigan - Topshop - Knitted Fluffy Boxy Cardigan, Scarf - net-a-porter - Alexander McQueen Leopard skull silk-chiffon scarf, Jeans - farfetch.com - J Brand Skinny ‘Houlihan’ cargo jean, Bag - Debenhams - Gold ‘Roxy’ across body bag, Shoes - Asos - Leather Clogs Slingback Shoes $93.00

Cool Cardigans : 1.  Forever21- Scalloped Leaflet Cardigan $19.80,  2.  Net-A-Porter - Malene Birger Cardigan, 3. Forever21 - Retro Twist Cardigan $24.80 4. Net-A-Porter - Anna Sui Cardigan

ASOS - Oasis Intarsia Heart Longline Cardigan $76.09, Net-A-Porter - Clements Ribeiro Pink Cardigan, Net-a-Porter - Stella McCartney’s black sequined Cardigan

I know I swore to stay away from stripes and all those navy sailor-inspired looks, but I am slowly starting to enjoy this trend. There are are some limits of course, but I have to admit that there are some options that are way better than the copy-pasted images I keep seeing everywhere, from shops and window displays to all-striped outfits on girls in my office!

The key is to set yourself apart from the main-stream options. Try to choose not so commercial items and spice them up with fresh accessories. Right now, I am really mad about the Chanel - shape cardigan. What do you guys think?

Cardigan: Aubin & Wills’ caramel and red-striped cashmere-blend cardigan - net-a-porter, Top: Pearl Tank by ULLA JOHNSON - calypso-celle,  Shorts: Cuffed dark blue denim shorts Rock Revival - Metropark, Bracelets: Ethnic Charm Bangles - topshop, Pumps: YSL, Bag : Paul Smith,  Make-up: NARS from Sephora

Another style I really love is Katharine McPhee’s casual urban-look. Even though the striped tank is a simple common option, what makes it special is the white cropped jacket with rolled-up sleeves and the brown leather platforms/wedges.

Shorts: Women’s AE Denim Shorties - AE, Tank Top: Aubin & Wills’ black and white striped jersey tank - net-a-porter, Bag: Miu Miu’s black deerskin leather tote - net-a-porter, Shoes: Michael Kors platform brown leather sandals - youheshe.com , Blazer: Alice + Olivia’s cropped white jacket - net-a-porter, Ring: Accessorize , Sunglasses: Gucci, Necklace: Rosantica’s handmade sterling silver-plated brass multi-strand necklace - net-a-porter

Runway shows are nevertheless the first inspiration for main stream collections. Every year designers release their versions of what’s new and hip this season and their ideas are then replicated all over the place. Small brands or influential retailers initiate these designs into their collections for the mass market.

ASOS BLACK Piped Ruffle Hip Bandeau Dress - $202.91 - Asos.com

ASOS BLACK Lace Overlay Crini Dress - $202.91 - Asos.com

ASOS BLACK Feather Corset Dress - $202.91 - Asos.com . You can also check out : Micha Barton’s white feather dress which looks very similar to this Asos dress.

This usually happens because there is no copyright on designs. It’s not actual stealing because this was never registered as belonging to someone. It’s too complicated to register a cut or a design because these are referred to as being too “utilitatian”. You cannot own membership on a specific type of collar, slleve, lenght…etc and therefore anyone can practically take your design and copy paste it. Johanna Blakely gives an interting speech on this entire process and how the luxury fashion industries agree to this.

A good example of how design concepts are spread among main-stream brands are online retailers like ASOS, Forever 21, or main-stream fashion influencers like ZARA, French Connection or sweedish brand H&M.

French Connection Long Sleeved Crochet Dress - $219.82 - Asos.com

Exactly when we thought that spring will take a step away from rock edge styles bringing lighter textures, romantic waves and relaxed accessories, we came across some amazing styles that couldn’t be left behind no matter what.

All those metallic inserts which have enriched the runways this past season are now boldly decorating the new summer styles. From shiny studded handbags, to chain-detail clutches and even to zipper add-ons on shoes, rock accents are poised to still be on the must-have list.

Leigton Meester and Rihanna - both rocking the metallic inserts trend

Many celebrities digg this look that brings a rough edge to any outfit and there are tons of brands that have adopted the runway looks and are now producing chanel 2.55 chain handbags or other variations of that sort, however I think that we need to step away from all theses trendy pieces and just try to interpret them in our own way. There are enough chic women’s bags out there that can make you feel unique and that also fit in this category. I have found lots of cool bags from Mischa Barton’s line and also Fiorelli but I think the most powerful items are the vintage ones. All these metallic accents are in perfect sync with the boho 70s styles and can be beautifully mixed with vintage.

Regarding shoes, I think that gladiators and ankle-boots are still very powerful this season and they are also getting a face-lift. Dune shoes offer a great variety of chic and affordable designs that are just perfect for this studded season.

What shoes and accessories are you buying this summer?

All- beige looks have been very popular on the runways for spring 2010. Lots of designers have found inspiration in dreamy light pastel colors. For example, Both Vivienne Westwood and YSL has been focussing on this coutryside boho look as oposed to Antonio Berardi which uses nudes to focus and structure the romantic silhouettes. But let’s leave the all-beige look aside for now and admire the ACCESSORIES.
I am happy to announce that I’ve finally selected the top designer accessories which tempt you this season. Spring-summer 2010 focuses on classy nude tones, light beige and pinks that are very appropriate  both for casual or elegant looks. Check them out and tell me which ones inspire you the most.

I have seriously started noticing how many big fashion labels are drifting towards the beauty product lines. Even if they don’t fully incorporate these under the brand’s name and end up creating totally different smaller brands, the trend is to definitely have a personal care line.

Forever21, H&M, Topshop, Urban Outfitters and many others are very good examples of this, but I wonder how many of us actually take these cosmetics seriously. It’s not that they don’t look and feel great, it’s just that…for example I am a little skeptical when it comes to the quality of these beauty ranges. I really trust Sephora and let’s say H&M but besides that….they seem to be there just for the extra profits…

Do YOU use these?

Photos : bergdorfgoodman.com

I have just discovered these Balmain Lace-Up Chiffon Booties and I have serious doubts about them! On one hand they seem versatile enough, because you can easily change and adapt that scarf so that it can match your outfit or reflect your style and I kinda like the whole “rock elegant” thing that leather and chiffon have together. But on the other hand, $1,075 for a sole with criss-cross straps? Kinda expensive right?

Still February outside, but in my heart it’s already starting to look like spring :) But, as fashion is always ahead we can already check out what is waiting for us this season. Khakis are on the rise this season and so is the entire military trend this summer 2010 season. Lots of designers looked away from the girly bohemian options and made this color and trend the season hero.

Rock details are still in, studs and zippers, chains or other metallic hardware. The idea is to keep your outfit simple if you go for the military trend jacket or flashy accessories. All these look amazing paired with black or white pieces, as well as gold or silver details.  For evening outfits, you can pair khaki accessories with shredded tees or leather pants/leggings  to get the edgy military Balmain look.

Nicholas Kirkwood worked the khaki trend with snake leather details and bold platforms. Check out more about the 2010 Reptile Trend here.