Monday 24 February 2014

TREND EXPOSED: L'ART MODERNE


Expressive, yet simplistic. Bold, yet classy. Its the abstract modern art print which took the Spring/Summer 2014 catwalks by storm. I have created a visual compilation from where the trend originated, in the high fashion collections to the high-street's take on this unusual trend.

Whilst flicking through this month's edition of Vogue, I came across the Céline Spring/Summer campaign, and I was instantly captivated by the vibrant colors and whimsical shapes. Céline introduced a very minimalist color palette featuring mainly primary colors, and this simplicity is what makes the collection so fluent and visually striking. Alongside these colors, come the sleek and elegant shapes featured in their dresses, tops and skirts as well as the classic 'winged' bag. This stunning structured bag that Céline has become renowned for has been transposed from the plain colors(it usually features) into this eye-popping tote again featuring bold primary colors, enabling anyone to nail the color blocking trend too. This collection epitomizes chic French fashion at its best and has initiated the hype into all things abstract!

This similar artistic splash of vivacity was shown in the Daniela Gregis Spring/Summer 2014 show too, where softer and more varied colours were used as well as more varied brush strokes within the prints themselves, again expressing this nonchalant shape to the pieces as well. I feel that this collection exudes a definite feel of summer style due to exposed shoulder details as well as  the citrus shades featured throughout. 

Chanel on the other hand adopted a far more structured and organised tone to their S/S '14 collection. Pieces from the collection featured this similar print where swatches of assorted colors are combined on to a plain white background, still however creating this sense of artistic expression and experimentation. In true Chanel style the collection is avant-garde whilst showing that timeless elegance Chanel is famous for.  The print has also been re-created on to the classic quilted bag, which  looks unusual for such a classic designer but it surely compliments all pieces from the collection beautifully, seeing as this organised arrangement of paint swatches is featured throughout. 

It seems that the high-street is yet to capture this trend in all its glory- perhaps as few are daring enough to experiment with the vivacious shapes and colors, but I for one, will certainly be jumping on the bandwagon. As an artistic person I love the trend and the expressive freedom modern art represents.  I feel that the high-street store who has captured the essence of the trend entirely in one piece, is Zara. The boxy-shaped blouse featuring large brush strokes in bold colors compliments the 'L'art Moderne' trend perfectly. At £25.99 simply purchasing this one piece will enable anyone to grasp the trend, without breaking the bank. This is one of many pieces by Zara featuring  abstract art prints, there are many other tops with beautiful designs, all stunningly tasteful and well-made as Zara always is. 

Enjoy the trend, don't be afraid to be bold with this one, its a fashion gem! 



Black and White 'Artist' Print Top- £12.99 - Zara
Colored Brush Strokes Top- £25.99 - Zara
Paint Splash Sneakers- £25 - +ASOS 


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Saturday 22 February 2014

OOTD: MONOTONE








 I wasn't sure what to call this look because it features a mix of different styles however, the classic paisley shirt adds a chic edge to any ensemble, no matter how much leather and denim it is paired with. I have stayed with a very monotone color way to keep the look classy and cohesive . The holographic/ oil slick boots add a diverse feel contrasting the very dainty paisley print on the shirt. I feel like everyone should own a classic, simple and elegant shirt that can be dressed up or down. I purchased mine from Zara a few years back, but they constantly have pieces with this similar demure design. To again toughen up the shirt, I threw my black leather jacket over the top which ties the outfit together . 

Jacket- Zara
Shirt- Zara
'Jamie' Jeans- +Topshop 
Boots- +boohoo.com 

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Tuesday 18 February 2014

LOVE LIST FOR FEBRUARY


Its true. Like any blogger I have a serious addiction to clothes, fashion and all things alike. I've come up with a few items that are on my 'wishlist'- for want of a better word. There's a selection of pieces that would  completely enhance my wardrobe for this upcoming spring season but will certainly leave me with a very empty purse. For fashion, sacrifices must be made. 

1. JEFFREY CAMPBELL NIRVANA BOOTS - £160 
These shoe/boot/platform things aren't to everyone's taste, but I for one, am in love. The style is so 80's and the colors are so appropriate for spring/summer. They also come in a light grey tone but I'm torn between these two eye-popping shades. They come in at about £160 but that is to be expected from Jeffrey Campbell. In general I love the uniqueness of Campbell shoes, they have this unusual, funky quality that certainly cant be found on the high-street. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/231148932636?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&lpid=95&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=95

2. RIVER ISLAND POWDER BLUE LEATHER DUFFLE BAG - £65
I have had my eye on this beauty since the moment it was released in the spring/summer collection. The color screams spring, the gold hardware makes it classy and according to the website, is surprisingly big. Its the perfect spring accessory, and can be used to add a punch of color to any outfit. 

http://www.riverisland.com/women/bags--purses/shoulder-bags/Light-blue-leather-duffle-bag-647983


3. MISSGUIDED LACE UP PLATFORM BOOT IN LEOPARD PRINT - £34.99
In case it wasn't obvious, I'm having a slight obsession with this platform style of shoe. This pair is far more affordable than the Jeffrey Campbell version, and leopard print never gets old. I can definitely see myself purchasing these because they give that funky edge to a boring or all-black outfit. They can also be worn day or night and during winter or spring. 

http://www.missguided.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/103200/s/nadija-lace-up-leopard-print-platform-boots/

4.ZARA YELLOW BOYFRIEND BLAZER - £79.99
On the site this is described as a blazer, although it looks as though it is quite a thick material and with some layers and boots can certainly be worn in the winter months. My favorite feature of the coat is the blinding canary yellow color, which is a must-have shade for spring and summer. This coat epitomizes Spring/Summer 2014: boyfriend-style, loose fit, beautiful tailoring and color blocking...can't really go wrong.  

http://www.zara.com/uk/en/trf/blazers/blazer-coat-with-slit-c566542p1747009.html

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Monday 17 February 2014

MY TUMBLR!

Hello fellow followers!...Its been a while as I haven't been very well at all, but whilst tucked up in bed with flu, I came to the decision that I would jump on the Tumblr bandwagon (a few hundred years late- I know). I've simply created a page that is somewhat emulative of me as a person. Essentially a collection of wondrous images I like, I did so to allow my blog viewers an insight into the depths of my mind and thoughts and because it's a great creative outlet for me. 


Its only the beginnings, and as always let me know what you think (don't be too harsh, I'm no genius when it comes to technology!)  

Much Love,

Ev x

Friday 7 February 2014

OOTD: FRUIT BOWL








This fun little ensemble is based upon this funky almost cartoon-like sweater. I' not one to repeat outfits...which technically I haven't, but I have resorted to my lovely little dungarees which I so dearly love. The sweater does a great job of giving off a very fun and lively vibe but to compliment this I paired it with the dungarees, which give off that same youthful feel. I used simple black accessories (belt and shoes) to tone the outfit down, whilst giving it a sleek edge. 

Banana Print Sweater- +ASOS  (the men's section) 
Dungarees- +ASOS 
Dr Marten's- www.office.co.uk
Gold Chain and Belt - +H&M 
Watch- Fossil

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Monday 3 February 2014

OOTN: NEUTRAL SIMPLICITY












I went out to the theater this evening, so I wanted to look somewhat presentable, maybe even chic..I kept to a very simple color palette; neutral tones. I stuck with the basics underneath, where I teamed a black cropped polo with my go-to/must-have/cant-live-without pair of high rise navy jeans. I always find high-rise jeans to be far more flattering (depending on the body type) but I think they're the right fit for my figure, I wear them with everything and anything, any season, any occasion, dressed up or down- a key piece for any woman's wardrobe. 

Over the top I wore a sheepskin coat (vintage in the most beautiful condition), too keep me warm but also because beige is such a classic and elegant shade. I often wear very bright and bold colors, so today I wanted to try something a little more simple. To match this marvel of a coat, my Zara wedges with beige, gold and black trimmings and a mini black drawstring backpack- perfect to tie together all elements of the outfit. My usual gold jewelry and the leather-look croc effect on the bag gives the outfit a definite feel of luxe, complimenting the simple over-sized coat.   

Jeans- +Topshop 
Earings- +Topshop 
Black Cropped Polo- Primark
Trainer Wedges - Zara
Belt and Necklace- +H&M 
Black drawstring Bag  - +H&M 
Coat- Vintage (my mother's) 

Lips- Hazard by +Topshop 
Nails- Orange Attack by +Maybelline UK 

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Sunday 2 February 2014

MONTHLY MUST-HAVES: JANUARY

I have decided to create a new feature on the blog entitled 'Monthly Must-Haves'- just to spice things up a little and add something different. Below are a mixture things I've been loving throughout January...enjoy and let me know what you think of the new feature! 


1. First things first: VOGUE- The Fashion Bible (in my eyes). I don't always purchase Vogue because it is on the pricey side, but I got it this month because it came with 'The Catwalk Edit' - featuring all designers, trends and styles for the upcoming Spring/Summer season. Not only this, but in general the main magazine is beautifully written and includes an array of features- mainly fashion but also lifestyle. A definite must-have for style lovers. 


2. Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Lotion 
This has been my absolute favorite beauty product this month. It is a skin cleansing cream, which I use to remove make-up and impurities, and I have good reason to love this product.

 It is so soft and gentle on the skin, leaving it feeling completely moisturized and fresh. It is suitable for most skin types (my mum uses it sometimes-and also loves it), there is also another version of the product which is a 2 in 1- Cleanser and Toner. I have sensitive skin and I have tried both and have found them to be absolutely fine against my skin. 

Another reason I find this lotion so useful is that it is a much easier alternative to make up wipes and much more delicate on the skin. I would recommend this product 100% to anyone with either oily or dry skin whether you use make up or not. It moisturizes the skin whilst removing oil, dirt and all that jazz. 







3. Maybelline Color Show Varnish 
This is another product I have been using non-stop this month and I have talked about  it briefly in the 'Earthy Tones' Outfit of The Day. As mentioned previously one of the best qualities of the varnish is that it is so durable- it lasts at least 10 days with no chips- for me anyway. It is also highly pigmented, therefore only needs a maximum of 2 coats to get a bright, intense and glossy finish. 

Another pro of the product is the price, I think I paid about £3 for each- which is why I was so surprised at the quality of the product. Topshop's Nail Varnishes (which I also love) cost double the price and are less durable and less pigmented, even though they have the most dazzling array of colors. 

I have found it so useful because I don't always have time to change my nail color every few days, so this is perfect. I originally purchased the shade 352- Downtown Red, which I had so much use out of so I decided to get a different shade- 341- Orange Attack. Both shades are suitable for the winter months, but i will certainly be using the orange in the summer months too.






4. Lipstick by Topshop in Hazard 
This has been my go-to lipstick throughout autumn and winter (and is featured in almost all my OOTD'S). 

The lipstick itself needs a good few coats to get that bold pigmented red shade that I look for, the only own side is that it's not the most moisturizing product and can leave the lips slightly dry. I usually apply lip butter before applying the lipstick to ensure a smoother finish. 

Topshop's selection of lipsticks, lip bullets and glosses is great and I look forward to purchasing a few more of these lovely lipsticks in some summery shades. 



The lip butter I use is the Coco Butter Formula by Palmer's. 




5. Perfume by Christina Aguilera 
I'm not one for celebrity perfumes, I prefer the more classic scents...BUT...there is always an exception. I have used it somewhat sparingly because its so lovely. The scent is very fresh and almost spring-like which is why I really like it. It gives that dull winter morning a sweet, sexy, springy kick. I definitely recommend it to those who aren't keen on very sweet perfumes because it has the perfect balance of sensuality and sweetness- which isn't over-powering in the slightest. 



6. Dr. Marten's Serena Boots
I. LOVE. THESE. BOOTS. There's not much else to say. They're the perfect winter boot, definitely my most-worn shoe this month, because it has been ridiculously cold and the boots are ridiculously warm. I'm not quite sure how to explain it but the closest description I can generate is that of walking on clouds. 

I would recommend the Serena's because they have this shearling lining on the inside and there is no way your feet can get cold...ever. They're not cheap, because they're beautifully made- like all Doc's are, and I saved for a while for these babies, but I am so glad I did. 







Boots- www.office.co.uk 


7. Shearling  Coat by Topshop 
Last but not least is my sheepskin-style coat from Topshop. The coat has featured in the 'Earthy Tones' OOTD, but this has been my go-to coat this month. It's like wearing a giant rug and it is very heavy- I won't be able to wear it after about February/March- but it has certainly enabled me to survive the winter months. 


Coat- +Topshop  

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