Frozen

Watching Frozen, I instantly thought the Queen of the UES meets the Queen of Arendelle.

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The hints of sparkle and shine make Blair looks like an absolute ice princess, reflective of the character's social standing and attitude. But at the same time, there is something tranquil about the colour blue that humanizes her. This Elie Saab ice blue gown was the perfect choice. Always a fan of patterned and translucent sleeves. The gown has a lovely layered pieces pattern on top and falls into a straight silhouette to highlight Leighton's frame, emphasized by the belted middle. A nice touch with the silver leaves headpiece, a royal touch.

A Return to Royalty

Amidst the excitement of the many fashion week posts, I want return to the continuance of brilliant style from the Duchess.

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This stunning floor length black dress is DVF. I love that it is not overly fitted, rather is falls straight down. It shows her great shape in a modest way. The sleeves are a great middle ground for incorporating conservatism, elegance, and modernity. Choosing black adds to all three elements.

Will You Be My Valentino?

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

Hailing from Paris, Valentino's latest collection is composed of blacks, whites, pastels, and bold eccentric patterns.

The theme I found in many dresses is distinct patterns with exact symmetry. Love the beginning layer of black+white with a bold dash of pink. Hitting the pink at the collar and sleeves adds wonderful symmetry. The middle portion of deep blue-green tied together with mirrored feathers contrasts the warm colours and floral above and beneath. The skirt portion also plays a two tone element. That bright marigold yellow adds great warmth to the thick black trimming ending the dress.

I love those sandals. Very Roman/Greek-esque (taking a classical studies course right now, so the sandals are a huge win.)

Sometimes crazy contrasting patterns just work together. The more unique from one another the better.

For Oscar

The fashion community lost a talented designer last week. He will be forever missed.

Today's post focuses on his latest collection from NY. It ranges from bold blacks to floral; from casual to ballgown, and everything in between.

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

I am always a fan of black+white with a dash of colour. The white jacket has a great A cut paired with a high round collar. I like this twist rather than the usual V cut and a round finish. This unique cut allows more of the skirt to be shown. I like the big black flowers on the skirt contrasting with the small colourful ones on the jacket. When the right contrasting elements are put together, it makes for a beautiful ensemble.

Botanical is the new floral

Erdem and floral. This is how I usually pair the designer. But recently, I read the word botanical and found it even more fitting. There is something enchanting about this collection. Mysterious hues of blues and greens. The loose fabric flowing off the dresses. Almost mermaid-esque.

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

This dress embodies all the amazing highlights of the collection. It's not symmetrical, the loose fabric is free to wisp around. It's translucent and solid all at once. The blue is darkened with black to create a sultry vibe. The Peter Pan collar is a cute touch to the neckline. This dress is just so free to move, like waves crashing onto shores.

Mustard Stripes

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

A consistent theme in Tory Burch is shown in this number: prep and boho chic. I have always been a fan of bringing out one colour of a patterned piece. The safe choice would have been to highlight blue or white, but the mustard yellow is the unique choice. The dark tone with a collar is business forward. The white horizontal stripes within the top complement the vertical stripes of the skirt. The white ends add the casual boho feel: business need not be stiff. The two distinct pieces play with, not against, each other.

Black, white, and shine all over

Playing with bold tones of red and black and the sophstication of white, Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2015 is absolutely stunning.

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My eye was instantly drawn to the jacket. This particular look does not play with red, but with shine. The shiny hues of silver and gold add a sense of importance. I like that there is no pattern, no symmetry. It's more playful. The circled neckline creates somewhat of a Peter Pan collar with the white shirt. High neck collars add to that importance. Looking down to the shorts, I'm in love. with the texture of the lifted intrinsic design. The symmetry here is a great contrast to the jacket. There were a few others in the collection similar in style, but this spoke to me. Black+white with a bold dash of sparkle.

Modern Ballgown

Badgley Mischka stuns this year with incredible gowns. The deep cut neckline makes for a modern spin. It is a smart cut to allow for a floral patterned top without being centrefold. The embellishment beneath guides into the incredible two tone skirt. Looking closely at the bottom portion, I saw the texture of the darkened half. It works beautifully as it hints at the lighter portion - a strict white and black would feel too static and closed-off. The full skirt would make any girl feel like royalty.

Business formal

Searching through the autumn/winter collection as I take a break from applying to jobs, a business piece popped out at me. This stunning black jacket from Alexander McQueen would be perfect for a networking event. The conservative black is lined with velvet to create an hourglass figure. The bow has a unique element of satin and sparkle. I love the plunging neckline for a modern spin. The most perfect jacket. Aside: with adjustments to the neckline or the right shirt beneath, perhaps the Duchess may try this.

Ah, Fashion Week

"There's something about waking up the morning of a fashion show, the smell of pleats wafting through the city." - Blair Waldorf

My dream is to attend Fashion Week in NY. Experiencing the new collections and comparing the looks: heavenly.

First up is DVF. This dress complements the traditional patterned ensembles of the designer. I usually stay clear of mixing patterns, but this was done perfectly by using black and white. Checkered is sleek and conservative. The addition of floral fun allows the dress to come more to life. The addition of the belt adds a sense of elegance to me. Love the looks that can be worn directly off the runway to the streets.

And the Emmy goes to

Kate Mara! (applaud)

There is a deconstructed feel to the dress. I love the layers and pleats of the high-waisted skirt. Unlike the loose bottom, the top is tightened. Almost more refined. The asymmetrical design keeps to the deconstructed theme. It has an ancient Greece toga feel with the white fabric inching its way to one shoulder. I tried picturing the dress without the grey translucent portion - much better with it. It it unique. It highlights the dress by adding a contrasting element. Stunning ensemble.

S + B, they do besties better than anyone

An upbeat moment on the show that reminds you about the beauty of friendship, and fashion.

The lovely Upper East Siders are wearing Abigail Lorick Barlass, the ghost designer for Eleanor Waldorf. Each character's style pulls through even with the same dress. Serena has on a bright orange and bohemian laid back hair look. Blair had a classy up-do with her tranquil and sophisticated blue. Again, nude pumps go with pretty much everything. The dress is a simple design with the tight fit, knee length, and long sleeves. It is the backless back and bright, vibrant colours that make the design bold, fresh, and desirable.

Why Wedge When You Can Sledge

The L.K. Bennett Nude Sledge pumps have made countless appearances. It is only fitting for a post on them.

Nude pumps go with almost anything. The Duchess wears them so often, you can tell she adores them. Considering all the standing she does at events, these must provide amazing comfort.

If you're me (wobbling all over the place), you go for a short heel. Unfortunately, the wow factor can be taken away. On the other hand, a super long heel can make you come off suggestive. This is a great choice with the added platform to add that royal boost and height, allowing the heel not to come off as risqué.

I love that shine. It pairs with her shiny brown locks. I favour a rounded front, so another win.

Pure sophistication in a pair of nude pumps.

Coloured classics

Today at a networking event, I brought up my love for fashion. Complimenting his patterned tie, the partner I was speaking to revealed that it was a Paul Smith one from the Big Apple. It sparked an idea: men's fashion. It hadn't crossed my mind before. Men's fashion, in my mind, has remained standard, especially with business casual. Regardless, fashion is a statement. It is a form of expressing any and all individuals.

Fittingly, I chose to highlight Paul Smith.

The men's Spring 2014 line plays up classic pieces with bold colours ranging from lights to darks. Big hits on pink, golden yellow, and navy. I particularly enjoy this look for playing in 3 distinct colours. A classic blue-grey trousers with a salmon shirt. Really love the burgundy leather jacket with its edgy cut. This is one of those styles that can easily come off runway onto the street. They've added a patterned scarf for that little extra something. For a little more edge, the yellow pants from the collection would also pair well.

Daring. Vivid. Fashionable.

Inspiration from a dress I saw last week at a networking event reminded me of this DVF winner. Green says summer and this emerald tone speaks class and fun all at once. There is enough yellow to keep it green but enough blue to keep it from becoming a very over-the-top neon. The silhouette gracefully sits on her but without that belt, it would look loose and plain. The belt defines the waist and sits high enough to allude a tall frame. This DVF Maja dress represents the other side of the designer that is not patterned wrap dresses, but solid colours fitted for elegance. Very much like the Duchess, who plays with solids and patterns to pick classic and fashionable pieces.

Pastels of the the season

I love the hues of pastels showcased in the Spring/Summer 2014 collection. I have tried failed combos of blues and pinks, but Whistles has nailed it. Not sure I love the choice of footwear, but I do agree a flat shoe is the way to go than pumps. Pictures of models and the reality of trying it on can change perceptions. Shortening the skirt would be a good alternative if one does not have the long frame.

Those sleeves

Just look at those sleeves! Bold and fresh. I am in love. They are fitted at a perfect length - any longer and they become unmanageable for shaking hands. Another bold floral design by Temperley. Smart move to highlight floral at the top with the sleeves and then the bottom with the skirt. An all over pattern with be too busy. Makes the floral touches more special.

Shine bright like Serena

Serena's style can be risqué, boho chic, and elegant. Sometimes an outfit encompasses all of those styles.

This Zahair Murad number covers it all. This is one those those fashion moments where you know the outfit could only be for this character and would just not work for the others. The short dress and low neckline adds a flirty risk for the character of Serena and just add to her length. Boho laid back feel comes from the gorgeous long, loose side train. Elegance is all in the intrinsic detail. I love the transparency of the arms and legs for that edge. The shade of metal grey is bold but allows for the eye to fixate on the detail of the dress.

Blue times two

Recycling never goes out of style. This shade of blue is calming, sophisticated, and bright. She first showcased this in April during the Down Under tour in New Zealand and recently in France for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Blue is a very tranquil colour which is fitting for D-Day. With the rain in NZ that day, the colour really brightened up the day. Smart choices. Really like the flare of the pockets and above the waist belt. I prefer the second time round better due to the fascinator and her hair down. Regardless, she still rocks the ponytail. (Aside, the Duke wore the same tie, maybe even the same suit! These two are so coordinated.)

McQueen's elegance is a staple brand for her. One of the best British designers that exemplifies class. She has picked great bold colours to light pastels in all her choices, highlighting the range of this designer.

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The Renewal of Posh

This popped up on my Facebook newsfeed and I instantly loved it. It's not cutting edge latest fashion, it's a renewal of timeless pieces. The Michael Kors pencil skirt adds that feminine elegance. Her choice to go with a looser Loro Piana striped shirt allows the focus to be on the skirt. Perfect complements. Add in the large sunglasses and we know Posh has landed (literally, this was at the airport).

It's spelled like gucky which can be confusing

This gorgeous burgandy Gucci number is flawless. Blake's style is to be daring and fashion forward. I am a sucker for pleats! The full slit up the left leg adds that great flowy element to the skirt. And it shows off those great heels and legs. I like that this dress is not a strapless piece - Gucci adds a unique element of the neckline that flows down just above the waist at the front and diverges into two at the back.

#friendsreference

A Serbian Affair

Ever since I saw the yellow ensemble from the designer, I have been searching for other pieces the Duchess has worn.

At a first glance, it is a very dull colour. A second glance shows character. Roksanda plays with shapes to bring life to her designs. She adds texture, new neckline, and somewhat a ruffled top. This outfit allows tradition with a light colour and modern with the design. Plus the colour shows off the great tan.

Not so mellow yellow

She does not wear yellow too frequently, but nonetheless it suits her so well. The bold shapes of yellow and white are fashion forward. The under the sleeves white gives almost the illusion of smaller arms - sneaky and brilliant. The square neckline is a differentiating factor, not to ever say that the Duchess is a square.

Green is keen

Love green! This shade goes perfectly with her brunette locks. The simplicity draws me in. Very different from the usual floral with Erdem. The collar complements her round face. When you look carefully, you notice these etched-on lines - so simply done to add more character.

Building blocks

I love blocks of colours. Both are at a similar cool tone and shine. Definitely want to try this. The blouse is Rachel Comey but I am having difficulty finding the skirt designer. I love the tightened ends just below the elbow. Love the jewel tones of teal and plum purple. This outfit is laid back, yet with understated elegance.

Timeless like a good wine

Whistles is more about silhouettes that are clean and pretty versus the patterns of the past. Both beautiful styles.

Burgundy reminds me of a deep red wine, which is perfect for her skin tone and brunette locks. I really enjoy the sleeves with the deep collar; they pair well together. I like the loose feel to the sleeves and how they tighten at the wrists. As much as bold cutting edge fashion is fun, this is one of those pieces that will remain timeless.

All aboard the SS McQueen

Those buttoned miltary/nautical looks are pulled off so well by her. She has the perfect frame for a pencil skirt. So tall, so graceful. I like the cuffs and how the buttons and navy fabric pull further and then closer each step. Comparing to the line, it was a good call on the shortened skirt as it shows off her height. The addition of a belt would've been great but all and all, she nailed it.