The Online Fashion Stylist

Proenza Schouler

2010-04-05T21:33:00.016+01:00

Proenza Schouler is the label to watch out for this season. The two designers, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough certainly have a unique take on fashion. They have created a label of their own and rather than designing around fore coming trends they simply have their own take on individuality and fashion.

The label portrays this idea of casual wear, however it’s formality which is shown through the details, which are finished to a very high standard making it that much more luxurious. The past two collections have been particularly eye catching, and there’s something very youthful about the label. Not only is there clothing desired, but the accessories also. The accessories this season have a preppy look about them. (The bags are influenced by satchels).

Spring/Summer 2010 satchel inspired bag

Autumn/Winter 2009

Spring/Summer 2010

Top Fashion Trends This Season

2010-03-26T18:22:00.018Z

Here are 5 of my favourite fashion trends so far this season.... what do you think??

Burberry Summer 2008

Burberry Prorsum Trench Coats - There Autumn/Winter collection is amazing too (check out their aviator jackets)
Alexander Wangs accessories - They are expensive, but do have a very unique and individual look

Alexander Wang Summer 2010

Celine shoes and small bags - This is also an expensive label, however with a new creative director, the collections are beautiful. This season is out of this world and the accessories are to die for. The quality of the brand is of a very high standard. Check out these ankle boots with the silver heal...

Celine spring/summer 2010

Zara on the high street - has some really nice pieces which can blend in perfectly with designer pieces
Try Whistles for accessories - If you want more affordable clothing then there's plenty at Whistles that are of a similarly high standard

The Right Pair of Jeans

2010-03-20T18:30:00.021Z

Shopping should be enjoyed, however when taking jean shopping into consideration, we all struggle.

Finding the right pair of jeans requires time and effort which is why writing this article to help you guys to understand your shape a little better.

Below are some helpful tips:

Jeans with Pockets help to reduce the size of your bottom, and the further apart the pockets the better. Those who want to increase the size opt for a pair of jeans with smaller pockets, or none at all.
Jeans are always that little more flattering and comfortable if they have a little stretch to them. Unless you have a figure like Kate Moss and prefer jeans which are slouchy like the 'boyfriend jeans.
Skinny jeans should be worn if you have slim legs. If you are slightly curvaceous go for the straight cut or bootcut.
The darker the denim the more flattering. If you go for a washed/bleached look, make sure it runs down the centre of the leg. If you have the bleached look on the bum make sure you look at a back view in the mirror as I can ensure you this usually enlarges this area.

Hope this has been some help to you all. x.

Hide Your Tummy

2010-03-17T01:12:00.003Z

I'm sure we have all experience trying on or wearing clothes where our tummies stuck out

due to improper fit. It is essential that the proportion, fit and fabric all work together with your

body shape for a great outfit..which transforms into having a great signature style.
A lot of good styles can be found at macysadler.com (who I here are collaborating with Kate Moss for their next collection)

1. For women with a little extra in the middle:

The four tops above hide the stomach area you want and has soft fabric that light weight
and not tight around the stomach, which is a big no no. Important rule: if your trying to hide a
part of you body like your stomach, derriere, whatever it is you never put patterns, large prints,
and tight fabric around it. The brown ruffle top has an empire waist strap that brings attention to the waist, the ruffles and detail on the shoulder actually makes the stomach area appear smaller. If you
notice all the tops either bring the waist line up to the rib cage, or has no emphasis on the waistline.
You can easily accessorize these tops into outfits for work, and weekend styling.

2. Evening wear that makes your waist to look slimmer:

This elegant black dress has an empire waist which brings your eyes upward towards the chest and away from the natural waist (the place we want to hide). The stone blue dress is also a high waist dress that makes petite women look longer, leaner and would look awesome with a citrus color like tomato, peach, or a nice creme dress shoe. The silver shift dress I love because the fabric is a linen blend, great for spring and the hemline is above the knees so for women shorter than 5'6, their legs look longer, leaner...paired with a nice stiletto of a contrasting color from the silver.

3. The Body Shaper

A great option is wearing a body shaper that keeps everything smooth and prevents fabric from pulling and it they make them in all sizes, women who want to appear more like a hour glass figure, this is something I highly recommend, your family and friends will notice the difference!

The Drape

2010-03-15T13:08:00.004Z

What inspires your sense of style? For me, right now it's things that drape well, a summery sort of flow, romantic things and I get inspired by photos that appear drenched in sunlight. It's worth getting good quality drape otherwise it won't fall as nicely. If you want/love curves, draped skirts will hug you in all the right places. Or if you want to hide curves you can use looser styles like the A line dress.
I love photo spreads, I could spend hours upon hours staring at them and soaking in their beautiful glossy feel. This is just a hint of what I have found inspiring lately, what about you?

Kind of makes you want summer...

The Girl With The Short Hair

2010-03-08T13:42:00.002Z

Last year my hair went from that was down below the middle of my back, to a really bad short japanese-boy-rockstar cut. My hair grows fast so while I was mortified & stuck with pinning it back and trying to tie it up in all sorts of ways, with ribbons and clips, it eventually grew back to past my shoulders by September of this year. Being stuck with thick, thick hair I got fed up and went to go get it cut again into a straight across, above the shoulders/longish bob.

Then, I went home and chopped it all off to have it super short in the back, with an A-line cut in the front. Kind of like Victoria Beckham, but less extreme and shorter. How does it feel? Totally awesome. Here are some cuties that might inspire you to cut it short.

The best part is that you figure out fun ways to do your hair, it's just easier to take of! Best part? If you can work the curling iron and get a bunch of curls, it's completely adorable. It definitely becomes a deciding factor on how you style your outfits.

What are your thoughts on girls with short hair?

As for my next hair cut? I'm definitely going to go for a Shannyn Sossamon look.

Image Source: Garance Dore

Smashbox Cosmetics

2010-03-03T12:40:00.002Z

My first entry is on my most recent shopping trip, not along Mag Mile as usual, but in Times Square Hong Kong (which truly is the shopping heaven). Ever since I first laid eyes of the little Smashbox counter there when I got back, I have been obsessed with it and have wanted to try it out sometime. And today after spending one very blissful hour there, I walked away with the limited edition Smashing Sunset & Doheny palette, Anti-shining compact, blush, a free eyebrow pluck and a Gucci bag that has adjustable straps, so can be carried on the side and over the shoulder (such a bargain!). Anyway, during my obsession of it, I did spend a few hours of my time researching on this brand and here is the summary of it:

Smashbox Cosmetics was created by Dean and Davis Factor, the great-grandsons of the oh-so-famous Max Factor (and if you do not know who THAT is then you should NOT be here). It began as a Photo Studio in LA in 1991, combining Davis’ celebrity photography skill and Dean’s business skills, and soon became not just a studio, but the studio. And due to popular demand, in 1997 the Smashbox Cosmetics line was created. Some of their most famous products include the antishine, the cream eyeliner (also included in my palette), lip and eye primer and the photo finish foundation primer according to online reviews. But what I love most about them is their eye shadow trio and palettes, because seriously, does anyone ever finish the huge tube of single shade eye shadow they buy? Besides, in the trio they give you a selection of colors already combined for those with minimal knowledge of make-up i.e. yours truly or for those with more experience can be used however you like. Although a truly great buy is their Smashing Sunset & Doheny palette, because it includes eye shadows, eyeliner cream, lip gloss, 3 brushes and a case to put everything in! Either that, or this fascination with them is all a result of my new found makeup, eye shadow especially, obsession.

Needless to say, the empty make up bag I had only months ago is now fantastically full. It has been a busy year indeed.

Next New Years Resolution: get a bigger make-up bag and lose obsession with keeping make-ups in the boxes they came with.

RIP McQueen

2010-02-17T08:32:00.005Z

It is a tragedy to have lost one of fashions greatest talents…

British born designer, Alexander McQueen, was notorious for his distinctive take on Fashion. Those who are not compelled by fashion, still would be amazed with the work he produced. McQueen was considered a true master of fabrics. He would simply start with a roll of fabric, and as if it came like second nature, would create the most innovative draped, most desirably cut pieces.

The question that remains lurking amongst many fanatics of his, is who is going to take over the creative directors role? The fashion label will continue to exist, however, the responsibilities of seeing that the brand continues to carry this signature look will be predominately tough.

I just hope that it can carry on, and that we don’t lose this sight of such a charming label.

The astounding woman - Anna Wintour

2010-01-26T12:50:00.001Z

I thought I would dedicate this post about the famous, (or infamous?) commander of fashion - Anna Wintour.

I think Anna Wintour is an absolutely astounding woman. For those of you who don't know who she is, she is the editor-in-chief of American Vogue. It is amazing how much power she has. She basically controls what should and should not be in fashion, and which designers should be the top ones. Like she's the one who made Marc Jacobs and John Galliano so top in the industry. She really knows how to balance between fashion and commerce. She openly admitted that if there were two equally beautiful dresses, she would chose an advertisor over a non-advertisor.

For those of you who have read The Devil Wears Prada, the bitchy editor Miranda Presley is meant to be just like Anna Wintour. Some may think she's a total cold-hearted bitch, but you (well, I can't anyways,) help admire how successful she is at making Vogue THE fashion bible every month. She's got such control and power, and people total listen to her. She's a very efficient worker, and she's got an annual salary of around US$2million and clothing allowance of US$50,000. Errr... ok, you're probably bored of me droning on about why I admire her so much so I'll stop here. I'm just going to finish reading the longest article I have ever found about Anna Wintour on the internet now.

Hong Kong is wonderful indeed

2009-02-10T12:35:00.001Z

Despite Hong Kong being a tiny, polluted and cramped up little dot on the world map, Hong Kong is indeed still one of the best places to live in, esp to shop in. The reasons being:

Shops in HK close only one to two days a year. Those two days being Chinese New Year. Yes, Shops even open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, National Day and Easter. So I encourage any shopaholics who live in horrible countries where shops don't open during holidays to visit Hong Kong!
Shops in HK open before 12 noon, and close at a really lovable time, depending on location. In Central, which is the business district, shops close at 7-8pm. In Causeway Bay, which is the young people and shopping district, shops close at 10-12pm! Isn't that wonderful! This is why HK is a wonderful shopping place compared to other really lazy countries!
Shopping is TAX FREE! It is absolutely fabulous! I mean, can you imagine how much less stress it is to shop without subconcsiously adding on the tax rate onto the price? Not to mention the prices for the exact same products are always cheaper in HK, even if the product is an import!
Shops are always huddled in air-conditioned, well lit and posh-looking indoor shopping malls. And these malls are certainly not stranded in some wilderness, unlike a few horrible American outlets I have been to.