‘Tis the Season to Try Velvet

As a little girl I never understood my grandmother’s love for anything velvet!  To me velvet was something reserved for people who live in castles somewhere in a far far away Disney fantasy land.  On the occasions that my mother even considered putting me in one of those mini velvet dresses in a red bordeaux color for little girls, you best believe that I sulked for the entire day, fervently wishing to be an adult, because then I will have the choice of NOT wearing velvet, ever!  Come to realize it, many of my friends have some weird feelings towards velvet.  It’s just one of those looks you are not so confident to try because of a possible ‘traumatic’ childhood experience you may have had with it (ie. Me), or simply not being sure how to wear it and still not look like your lovely grandmother!

Well, it looks like a recent shopping therapy may have answered this!  For the first time, I looked at velvet in a new light!  This time, Velvet was on heels and pumps; the type of heels that would really make you sing ’tis the season to be jolly’ once you put them on!  For this reason, I advise for Velvet on shoes, for those who like me would like to have a fresh beginning with Velvet.

 

The picks: Ninna Ricci ($795), (Charlotte Olympia ($1,250), Stella McCartney ($745), Ruppert Sanderson ($790), Kurt Geiger ($243 or £150), Bordello ($70.45), and Asos black open toe ($62).

The extra item: Use a gold brooch like one from ASOS (now $17.24) hooked to front of a simple black velvet pump to add glitz and glamour.

and Voila!

A Short Trip to Topshop

Topshop in Soho is always  a top destination to find something trendy and interesting.  For some reason shopping at Topshop NYC always feels a bit more special than when shopping at the Topshop London… Not sure why?  But its probably because it makes me appreciate shopping in London much more.  Miss it!

Here are some interesting pieces at the Soho store (plus the blue lace top first from H&M):

Favorite Piece This Week: Jersey Sleeve & Rich Cowl Blazer By WHITE Asos

Found this blazer piece on ASOS today, fell in love with it, mostly because of the front structure of this piece.  See pictures below and click here to view from www.asos.com

Added:  Also Check out this leather cut up jacket. See it on www.asos.com

New Item: YSL Rouge Pur Couture

A new beauty item to try is the YSL ‘Rouge Pur Couture’.  This Yves Saint Lauren item is a long wear and hydrating lipstick.  Available at www.sephora.com or Sephora stores.  It leaves a noticeable deep color and satin look.  Great for evenings.

My Color Picks: Rouge Flamme, Le Rouge, and Noir Laque

Styles We Are Liking Right Now

Zara: Lady/Office Bag (Also Online)

BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Collection: Minimalist Geometric Wrap Dress

Blanket Coat/Cape: Asos, Loro Piana, H&M

Military Outerwear: ASOS, H&M, Verda

Cropped Trousers: Zara

Wedge Boots: All At ShopBop.com

… and Voila!! Click on pictures for link + plus look out for more styles we like right now!

Some Items From Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is one of those very interesting stores where you can find great items hidden amongst so many other…. well, not so unique items.  It’s just that with other stores like Forever 21 where younger people can afford somewhat fashionable clothing at a very low price, spending $68 on a regular top for many of them  is just not happening! Especially in these economic times!

However, I have to admit that I can’t resist Urban, because sometimes they have unique and querky pieces hidden around the filled store, waiting for you to find them.  Since I do not mind going around and looking for a piece I want absolutely have to buy, going to this store can actually be great fun.  Well for my style not my wallet!

On a recent trip there, I found some simple but interesting items (below).  On the hanger, they may look not so special, but once you put them on, they take on a life of themselves.  The secret is to always, ALWAYS, TRY IT ON!!  Plus I noticed in the men’s section, some Nikes with black leather on soft grey material.  Pretty nice for girls too!

…and Voila!!

The Trench Dress: Wear it this Fall and Early Spring 2011

The trenchcoat look is back this season, and perfect for the not so cold and rainy weather.  For those who live in rainy cities like London, you actually always have a trench and raincoat, but of course keeping a trendy and up to date cut is important.  Now you can either wear the trench as a coat or a dress, and the best part about it is that this look started appearing in spring 2010 but it also appeared in Spring 2011 NY Fashion week with designers like Rachel Roy.  So now you can even take an old trench, cut up the sleeves (of course at a tailor if you are the scissors happy type), slim the waist, and a belt from the same fabric, and have it ready for Spring of next year.  Here is a look at some of the trenchcoat dresses already available now;