The New Hermès bag: Love or Hate?

I always thought  knew that Hermès could do no wrong. I mean let's face it, the house that brought us The Birkin, The kelly and The constance, No words needed here!! BUT ever since i saw this new bag, which Hermès dubbs the "Toolbox" i just couldn't get myself to like it. I can do boxy bags and surely I die for Hermès but this bag somehow has something off about it. It really does look like a plumber's toolbox bag to me or a lunchbox. This is just my opinion and this is one Hermès item i definitely won't be lusting over so yes it's a HATE for me.

Couture Fall 2010: My Top Looks

Elie Saab

Chanel

Valentino

Givenchy

Stephane Rolland

Chanel

Dior

Elie Saab

Chanel

Stephane Rolland

Elie Saab

Giorgio Armani Privé

Beauty Notes: Hair Inspiration

I'm having a braids moment, wearing my hair like this almost everyday. I can't help the obsession, I just find braids too beautiful and they make outfits look carefree and effortless. The thing is, I've had a thing for braids way before they were the trend on this season's runways. You can choose a different style that goes with your outfit, do it the milkmaid way a la Oscar de La Renta, or the messed up braid at Alexander Wang. I love them at the beach also, keeps my hair from getting frizzy and they complement the beach looks so well, i take it to the night by doing a side fishtail. LOVES IT!

Fashion Verdict: Rihanna Vs. Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez wore this Lanvin Spring 2010 'Garbage' dress back in April 2010 for the London premier of her movie " The Back up plan". I love how she paired it with a belt, a statement Lanvin necklace and Jimmy Choo 'Cecile' clutch. Her hair was styled in a chic updo.

Rihanna wore the same Lanvin dress to dinner at Hollywood last week, sporting her new red hairdo which I am still having mixed feelings about. The usually over-accessorized Rihanna toned it down this time by just pairing her dress with nude heels.

For a second time we have Rihanna against someone in the fashion verdict. Last one the problem was that Rihanna accessorized too much and now it's the complete opposite. Jennifer Lopez gave her tough ensemble a chic vibe and really nailed down the look with those accessories, while on Rihanna i must say it just looked blah.

Winner: Again a loss for Riri, Jennifer Lopez gets this win!

Snapshot

Outside Chanel Fashion show, loving the style. Thats what i call modernist elegance! Love love love the shoes. GORGEOUS!

source: stockholmstreetstyle

The Business of Fashion: Natalie Massenet, founder and CEO of Net-a-Porter takes us on a tour of the Net-a-Porter offices

Natalie looks divine in her Oscar de La Renta dress and Valentino shoes, as she takes us on a tour of the Net-a-Porter offices. What started out as a team of five has now expanded into hundreds of employees in many departments creating what she calls "the magical experience" . Natalie has always been ahead of the game, with a sharp mind of always embracing change and now with the new Net-a-Porter application for the IPad, she has taken that 'magical experience' to a whole new level.

The offices are the embodiment of modernism and glamour. I love the interaction NAP has with its clients. The widescreen map of the world with a Net-a-Porter bag thats pops in a different location depending on where the purchase is made is really one of my favourite things about the office. It makes you feel like you are in a futuristic fashion movie.

The future has always been Natalie's drive, visualizing it and making it happen. " The best way to predict the future is to create it" AB Lincoln quote that Natalie has on her desk and clearly has lived by to this day.

Shopping with N: TopShop Cardigan

I love this TopShop cut out knit cardigan, it's very Alexander Wang inspired but a lot more buget-friendly, it's actually on sale now in Topshop stores.  A great spring to fall transition piece that can be dressed up or down in so many ways. Get tips from Miley Cyrus who also seems to love the cardigan so much she has been spotted wearing it on so many occasions!

In my Closet: Recent Buys

MAC Lipstick in Diva

With all the Fall Runways featuring dark lipsticks I thought I was just too inspired and thought I'd get a headstart on the trend.  Diva is a vary dark plummish red that just complements every skin tone. It's a gorgeous take on the dark lipstick trend in a wearable colour! You seriously feel like a Diva when you wear it!

 

YSL Ring

No I wasn't living in the sand, i know this ring has been causing a stir for quite some time, but since i have really small fingers (I never find my ring size!!) It was always sold out in my size, so imagine my surprise when Net-a-Porter re-stocked the ring but in new colours. I was even more in love with this royal blue shade than my original choice (which was the coral one)

 

Balenciaga Tee

I'm in love with the print, somehow feels like couture with an eastern twist. Like wearing a piece of art.

Personal Look of the day

Mixing Prints

Top by Tucker from Blush Boutique

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Fendi 'Peekaboo'

Bangles: Random

Watch: Rolex

Earrings: Vintage Chanel

Wearing my new gorgeous lipstick: MAC Diva

A Challenge worth winning!

Recently Net-a-Porter, held a style competition to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The online challenge asked the NAP followers to submit a picture of themselves in their most stylish outfits. 10 finalists were narrowed down from all the entries and then the public was asked to vote for the most stylish look.

The winner was announced today, so lucky you Zsofia Cassidy ! The prize is ten iconic pieces from Net-a-Porter. 

The Winner

The nine other finalists

So what do you think? would you have preferred another finalist to win?

source: Fashionfoiegras

Snapshot

Acne Top, Levi's shorts, Balenciaga bag. Major Thumbs up (totally in love!)

Source: Caroline

Style Icon: Alexa Chung @ Mulberry's L.A dinner

Alexa Chung has something about her, her style is always captivating. She manages to make the simplest combinations look chic, the kind of girl who would make a Zara dress look like Chanel i believe. At Mulberry's L.A dinner party she rocks a silk champagne coloured blouse with denim shorts (adorable!) carrying her namesake bag of course; The Mulberry 'Alexa' in leopard. Major style crush and major bag envy here!

Fashion Verdict: Rihanna Vs Kristin Cavallari

Rihanna wore the red version of  Blonds Fall 2010 dress at her "R Rated" album release party in New York November 2009. She paired it with embellished stockings and Christian Louboutin booties.

Kritin Cavallari wore the grey version of the same Blonds dress to the Premier of  "Salt"  this July.

The dress also made an appearance on Sex and the City 2 when Samantha rocked the red version also.

Even though the dress had some controversial reactions from people, some dubbing simply 'weird', i like the idea and spike details on the shoulders.

Rihanna has so much going on in this look, the stockings just clash with the dress and the whole outfit appears too 'theatrical' for my liking. Kristin's nude heels and simply grey clutch work better.

VERDICT: Kristin Wins this challenge!

Styling with N : Feathers

This season, we have seen feathers on the runways frequently and I am always asked how to wear them in a way that is stylish and less costume-y. I personally love the look of feathers, they add this fashion forward statement if done right. Here is a look i compiled as a styling suggestion on how to do feathers right.

Top : Madison Marcus available at Blush Boutique

Jeand: Current/Elliott available at Shopbop

Bag: Foley + Corrina 'city tote' available at Blush Boutique

Ring: Dannijo

Shoes: Alexander Mcueen 'Faithful' open toe booties

Cuff: Roberto Cavalli available at Net-a-Porter

• To Begin with I used this gorgeous feathers top by Madison Marcus from the selection at Blush Boutique as the backbone of the look. The key here is to pick the statement piece and have the rest of your look complement it by keeping it simple.
• I paired the top with this skinny Current/Elliott jean in a dark wash to sort of act like a frame to the top and highlight it.
• A Metallic Bag is really a gorgeous addition to the look, glamming it up. I love this Foley + Corinna city bag from the selection at Blush Boutique. The iconic shape and simplicity pulls up the look.
• The right shoe for this look in my opinion is something that toughens it up, making it sharp and right on trend. Which is why i picked this divine pair by Alexander McQueen, its one of this season's must have militaty booties with their signature skull detail on the zipper. I personally own a pair and find myself adding it to so many outfits to keep them right on trend.
• For accessories, i kept it simple. Mainly a ring and a cuff. I adoreeeee this snake cuff by Roberto Cavalli, the colour really play up against the olive theme.

Shopping Note: For People outside Bahrain; Blush Boutique is launching their online store soon, but you can order any of the items by sending an email to : Luv@Blushboutiqueonline.com

Inspiration: Vogue Germany August 2010

Abbey Lee and Mathew Hutchinson styled by Christiane Arp.

Like a walk through eras, Fifties fitted dresses, The sixties sheer silk mustards and black headbands, The seventies belts and chunky stone rings. I need these outfits in my closet!

Go Buy Now: Gryphon's vein tank

As seen on the set of Gossip Girl  season 4, this gorgeous tank top is Love at first sight material! You can wear it so many ways. The sequins and the gorgeous royal blue colour are simply to-die-for!!!!

Seen on Penelope on the set of Gossip Girl season 4

LOVE ... Buy it now at Blush Boutique

For People outside of Bahrain : Blush Boutique will be launching its online shop soon, but for now you can place your order by emailing them on luv@blushboutiqueonline.com

Thank You McQueen

It is a relief to know that Alexander McQueen the brand will remain, because he started a legacy that he will always be remembered for. For instance, skulls are always attributed to McQueen and will rightly remain so. Now let's talk about my love for this clutch. Two words: Skulls and Studs. Enough said! I can't seem to shake my skull obsession off. I literally collected everything Mr. McQueen stamped his skulls on. The ring, the scarf, ...etc

This Piece of art can be found at Net-a-Porter

Styling with N: The Ultimate Summer vacation guide part 2: City Break Daytime

As much as i adore the beach, i call myself a city girl. Recently street style fashion has been gaining loads of importance, conveying the fashionable vibe on the streets of big citites such as Paris, London, Milan,...etc We all love daytime strolls in the city, sipping lattes and eating pastries, shopping and discovering gems. Here is a styling session dedicated to daytime city style.

Sunglasses: Alexander Wang Zipper detail sunglasses

Silk Cardigan: Winter Kate available at Blush Boutique

White Tank: Kain Label available at SHopbop

Denim Shorts: Siwy available at Blush Boutique

Necklaces: Dannijo

Bag: PS1 available at LuisaViaRoma

Shoes: Christian Louboutin available at Barneys

Ring: Pamela Love available at Shopbop

Eyeliner: Bobby Brown cream gel

• 
  
  There is a sort of freedom in this look that resembles the city style vibe and trend going around now, This look is my style aesthetic in daily life, boho meets rocker chic. It's summer layering done in easy fabrics of silks and jerseys.
• 
  
  To start with, the main point is the demin shorts and a white tank, which is like a canvas that you can create so many looks with.
• 
  
  I threw on a long silk cardigan , which seems to be my uniform for this season! I adore Winter Kate and Kite & Butterfly, they have so many versatile and gorgeous pieces, and you should stock up on them this season and wear them forever, you can find the variety at Blush Boutique
• 
  
  To me any look is not complete without jewelry, I like piling mine and i love statement pieces. The necklaces shown above can be worn with anything and they give this tough chic look to any outfit. I also love statement bold rings. I actually collect them! This one shown above by Pamela Love is a gorgeous one and definately a hot buy.
• 
  
  For heels, I paired these purple Louboutins, which give a pop of unexpected yet contrasting colour with the look. They make the outfit more fashion forward and spot on!
• 
  
  Now for the handbag situation, I wanted something with a downtown cool vibe mixed with a vintage like appeal and of course the perfect fit was the PS1 which has taken the fahsion scene by storm! It pulls the outfit together in such a cool way.
• 
  
  Sunglasses go without saying when we say Daytime style, it adds allure and mystery. I think they can make a first impression of the outfit, giving it the final vibe you want to go for. This Alexander Wang zipper detailed one is what i was going for ; an edgy look on a classic shape. The zipper details give it a rock chic air.
• 
  
  Last but not least , my beauty note here would be smoky eyes or defined eyes with nude lips and a bit of bronzer. One of the best eyeliners around , this Bobby Brown cream gel is long lasting, and you apply it with a brush so its less messy for people who don't have steady hands. You can create gorgeous smoky strokes with it.

Wishlist: What's in Common between me and SJP?

The obsession with these Nicholas Kirkwood Shoes !!

I am obsessing over these Nicholas Kirkwood shoes, they are in the designer's staple architectural shape with a gorgeous spray paint effect , and it seems i am not the only; Sarah Jessica Parker loves them so much she has been spotted wearing them on several occasions.

Pairing them with a blazer and skirt for daytime chic!

Paired with a black lace cocktail dress, they give it a pop of colour and edginess

With Jeans and a leather Jacket, so downtown cool. And Apparently very comfortable too as she wears them for travelling. I am even more in love now (sighs!)

Styling with N: The Ultimate Summer Vacation Guide part 1: Poolside Glamour

Vacations at last, we are all certainly enjoying ours, whether its a city vacation or a beach vacation, i have put together a list of the must haves! From beauty products right down to the heels. This is your ultimate fashion guide to a stylish getaway! The first look is Poolside glamour, whether lounging by the pool in st. Tropez or hitting up a beach party in Ibiza this look has Glam written all over!

Sunglasses: Linda Farrow Luxe

Hat: Eugenia Kim

Bangle: Alexis Bittar

Nail Polish: Chanel 'Riviera' Summer 2010 collection

Bag: Fendi Straw totw

Kaftan: Missoni available at Net-a-Porter

Sandals: Musa available atNet-a-Porter

Necklace: Stephen Dweck available at SAKS FifthAvenue

• If there was one ultimate summer essential , it would have to be a Kaftan, you can dress it in so many ways on your vacation. As a cover up, with sandals for a beach party. It could also be transitioned into night by adding some heels and accessories! This Missoni Kaftan is a statement, a signature pattern of the brand. The bows on the side are a gorgeous update on the classic Missoni versions. Very youthful.
• While i prefer flip flops when i go swimming, if you're having a Glam moment by the pool, where most of the time is spent in the shade sipping pina coladas ;) I prefer going up a notch with casual chic sandals like the one shown above from Musa. Comfortable yet chic.
• Accessories here are not only for style purposes, they also serve to shield your face from too much sun, this beach straw hat screams glamour and so does the oversized vintage-like shades shown.
• I would keep Jewelry simple, a statement necklace in a summery turqouise tone, i usually don't like Turqouise alone, so this necklace combines in with strands of golden for a cooler edgier look.
• A straw bag is also a must-own, you'll find it a go to in all of your vacations. This Fendi Version is my ultimate fav. The 1st runner ups are Emilio Pucci beach bags and Balenciaga straw bags with their signature golden hardware.
• Last but so not least, make sure you have perfectly pedicured and manicured nails. With this look i prefer a classic colour but with a twist. This colour by Chanel is the perfect striking pink!

Style Icon: Mary Kate

Mary Kate Olsen is seriously one of my style crushes, she is always unique and inspiring, in a league of her own when it comes to style, let alone that she has one of the most enviable wardrobes in the world. In that pic alone she is carrying two of the most covetable bags now- The PS1 is black python and Celine's Boston bag.(why she has to carry two bags is beyond me!)

Styling with N: Your Weekend look.

So for this weekend my theme was the flower, summer always puts me in a floral mood. Whether your going for dinner with the girls or a full on night out , this outfit will have people green with envy.

• This floral sequins top by Parker is simply divine, the details on it are striking and its a wardrobe staple for when you want to dress up your jeans. Get it at Blush Boutique
• You should keep the rest of the look simple as the top is already embellished, just add plain skinny jeans. My faves are Jbrand and Siwy. Also available at Blush Boutique
• I would suggest adding tough looking shoes to give it a bit of an edge, like these Givenchy ones here.
• Add a Muted colour clutch to complement the look and not overpower it, like this Fendi Clutch shown here.
• keep the Jewellry simple, a cuff or a watch is enough. Shown here is a Dannijo cuff. very edgy looking.
• Remember dressing up is fun so set the mood by lighting a scented candle.

Enjoy xoxo

Style Teaser: Gossip Girl season 4

I personally Can't wait for Gossip Girl season 4 to start, Eric Daman does a superb job in creating the most amazing outfits. I particularly adore Serena's style. Rock Chic meets Boho meets sex kitten, definately a reflection of my own style! Judging by the pictures from the season 4 set i am guessing we are in for the most fashionable season of all!  Enjoy the fashion ..XOXO

Jacket By Haute Hippie

Jacket: Emilio Pucci Spring 2010

Pumps: Brian Atwood

Pants: Tibi

Pants: Suno

Booties: Dries Van Noten

Bag: Fendi Peekaboo

Corset Cage dress by George Chakra Spring 2010 Couture

Dress: Haute Hippie

Bag: Fendi Twins Straw Tote

Bag: Mulberry 'Neely'