Vintage Fashion

Nicola from Daffodil Waves Photography did an amazing recent photo shoot! I loved the retro feel to these images, for those of you who are lovers of vintage (or not… but appreciate good fashion pictures) you’re in for a treat! The dresses were all lovely Vivien of Holloway dresses, which gave the shoot that little extra spark of magic. This has go to be one of my favorite vintage shoots to date!

Really love this photographer’s work, she’s flying up the ranks super quick! For more of this fabulous vintage shoot, head on over to her blog Daffodil Waves Blog.

 

Resort Collections 2012

Fashion Houses are taking resort collections more and more seriously. The timely release of the resort collection bridges the gap of the amount of time between the releases of the Autumn/Winter collections to the Spring/Summer collections and is an increasingly important date in the diaries of many fashion designers.

I think Resort wear for me is more relatable as the collection can be worn all year round, it isn’t season specific. In some ways I always think of resort collections as being more a fun side to each designers’ aesthetic. I always enjoy looking through new collections and below are some of the looks that caught my eye.

I really liked the Moschino Resort Collection, those full skirts paired with colorful Blazers looked amazing. The looks were definitely for a rock meets chic kind of girl.

We saw in Chloe’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection references from the seventies and we see that this trend transcends into the resort collection. I love the simple elegant looks from this collection. The collection is very Parisian chic, something that I look to the Chloe brand for and I’m glad to say they didn’t disappoint!

We saw the sheer trend on the rise this year in 2011, but Maison Martin Margiela definitely shows us how to wear it the right way. I love that skirt, I literally want to take it from the model and the top is great too. I think the collection is simple but just has really good designs that could work well for many people.

I think what caught my eye for Prabul Gurung resort collection was the separates, I really adore the colours and textures (but I think most of all I just fell in love with those shoes ha! But yes the collection is really nice).

What do you think of this year’s Resort Collections?

Blake Lively in Couture

Blake Lively turned up to the Green Lantern Movie Premiere in a showstopping Chanel Haute Couture gown from the spring 2009 collection pairing it with some gold bangles. Blake chose to wear all white, she gave us all a little bit of flash of her great legs though as the skirt on the gown was sheer. She exuded lots and lots of confidence but was this dress right for the occasion?

The runway version of this dress was paired with a very quaint headpiece, which I think really adds to the drama of this dress, after all it IS Chanel Haute Couture. Without the headpiece does the dress lose the sense of it’s drama it was designed to have? Don’t get me wrong I think the dress was really nice, there’s just something I just can’t quite put my finger on. As Blake is currently the face of Chanel’s Mademoiselle Bag’s I think I just expected a little bit more special from her, the whole look didn’t really give me that ‘wow’ kind of a feeling.

Balmain at the MTV movie awards

The MTV movie awards showcased some really amazing well dressed celebrities. The celebs came out looking stunning, some got it right more than others, there were a few that I got so excited about though and three celeb choices that I almost screamed over (in part excitement and part jealously). Leighton Meester, Kristen Stewart and Mila Kunis were all lucky enough to showcase that lovely fashion name; Balmain.

Balmain is the incredible french fashion label who I absolutely adore! We don’t get to see such high concentration of Balmain looks at red carpet events but the MTV movies awards was a one time exception, a treat if you like, to see some incredible designs

Mila Kunis looked adorable in that embellished skirt, the black top allowed the star of the show (skirt) to shine in the moment. I thought the choice (both of which are from the Autumn/ Winter 2011 Collection) was great for the occasion and most of all she kept the styling to a minimal so as not to overpower the entire look.

We saw Kristen Stewart wearing a very familiar silhouette, she went for the strapless mini dress. It’s great she went for the shape she knows and feels the best in, but for me what I liked most about the red leather ensemble were all the safety pins and stud work it had on it. It was a little bit of a risk that I feel worked well for Kristen’s character. Few could pull this look off in my opinion.

Last but not least is Leighton Meester’s look, it is again from the Autumn/winter Collection 2011. I am loving this silver mini dress with all its fabulous designer wizardry that it has on it, especially the mirrors and beading! The dress just looked stunning from all angles, who wouldn’t look good in this gorgeous creation?

I loved seeing Balmain at the MTV movie awards and the ladies who were wearing the fashion label absolutely rocked it! I love the fact we see the brilliance of the Collection and how it translates so well for red carpet events. The Balmain Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection is absolutely great and yes I would like to have every single piece of the collection, just so I could look as great as the ladies above!! I love the simple minimalist feel that the collection has and I think it certinly works for the celebrities above but at the same time the collection has the ability to transform anyone into a glimmering stylish rock chicks!

Who do you think rocks Balmain the best?

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Lily Allen does vintage

Lily Allen has created her own vintage 18 piece collection, which is called ‘Treasure Chest’. Lily certainly appreciates the vintage fashion and it really does show throughout this collection.

She designed the vintage line with her sister Sarah Owens (last year, they also opened a vintage shop in London), the line includes really fun dresses, jumpsuits and maxi dresses with lots of colour. I think they have both done a really great job, as a fellow lover of vintage I totally see myself wearing some of these  pieces!!

The collection is out this June and will be sold at Harvey Nichols, it is based on the character ‘Lucy’, the story is that Lucy is walking through each decade and there are pieces in the collection that represent this. I love the direction this collection took and I’m loving what I see!

Pippa Middleton

Since the Royal wedding, Pippa Middleton has become somewhat of a style phenomenon and images of her on her daily routine are cropping up all over the internet. We were all blown away by her in Alexander Mcqueen at the Royal Wedding, she looked positively exquisite. She stepped out into the media with a big bang and ever since we have expected perfection, but has she delivered?

Pippa has been photographed wearing some really chic outfits, with the extra media attention I do think she has done a fine job. I absolutely loved this casual but chic look that Pippa stepped out in London with. It had a real impact because of the mix of colors she chose to wear but for me, I did think the simplicity of the outfit spoke wonders.

But does Pippa really deserve to hold the title of ‘Style Queen’ or is she just a one hit wonder. The outfit below does make me question if Pippa Middleton can be a style guru where the masses flock to her for fashion inspiration. I feel the outfit is a little dull and lackluster, an injection of color would have done wonders. The choice of outfit, I find is a little surprising, considering after the Royal Wedding I am sure Pippa would have been inundated with free gifts from designers. I am sure she could have put together a more inspiring outfit. I suppose only time will tell how Pippa fairs as a style icon.

 

 

Rihanna’s ever changing looks

Rihanna is a fashion conscience artist who always keeps us on tender hooks, while we await what look she will be turning up at an event with. Well, she has done it again, she has exchanged the short bob look she has been sporting for a while now to long tresses. She was at a New York concert and her new hair went perfectly with her stage costume, it was a lovely spin on the sailor girl outfit!

I think this stage costume could easily be translatable into a really nice day look, in fact the only thing I would change would be the high waisted knickers. I would prefer a more tailored and looser fitting short. Nonetheless, she looks HAWT!

I think Rihanna’s new Hairstyle looks awesome, she actually looks really chic in the picture below. I like the fact her hairstyle references the hairstyles of the 40s but her outfit makes the entire look modern chic. Loving this new look for Rihanna, her ever evolving looks never get boring. Does this lady ever get it wrong? She can just have any color hair or hairstyle and just make it look frightfully gorgeous!

                     

Fashion Designer : Melissa Velia

Melissa Velia is an up and coming Fashion designer who is certainly making a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her designs are inspired and have caught the attention of the many. Even before venturing off to create her own fashion label, Melissa had her designs worn by big celebrities like Tyra Banks, Hilary Duff, Faith Evans and Kimora Lee Simmons! With such success, Melissa decided that 2010 would be the year to brave it alone and she created her own fashion line where she has already accomplished a great deal.

Melissa’s describes her ready-to-wear collection as “a line that upholds the art of couture“. The collection is really adorable and you can really see the vintage influences within a lot of the pieces, which have been refreshed to make them fashion forward. It is a stunning collection.

Obviously, Fashion Loving loves to pick the brains of any talented designer and Melissa was no exception!! Read the interview below…

Melissa Velia

FL: What is fashion to you?
MV: An art form

FL: When did you decide you wanted your own fashion label?
MV: I think when I was about 7 years old. Really, it was just right off the bat, the
only thing was at that time I wanted it to be a clothing line for Barbie.

FL: What do you think inspires your fashion designs?
MV: Everything around me but mostly fabrics

FL: What are you as a designer about?
MV: I am really just about using fashion as an art form and expressing myself with it.

FL: Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MV: Yes

FL: What inspired you to be a fashion designer?
MV: Honestly, Barbie and my mom

FL: What skills do you need to be a fashion designer?
MV: You really need to understand the construction of a garment. I mean sewing and drawing are great skills to have but I don’t think you NEED them. But I do feel that a true designer can do all of it, draw, design and create their pieces.

FL: From your experience, what advice would you give someone who wants to design?
MV: I’d say grow some tough skin and never give up.  Always do your fashion homework and let yourself be inspired.

FL: Who are some of your fashion influences and why?
MV: I’d say Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen for there daring creativity and Coco Chanel for her strength and dedication to the art of couture.

FL: What type of person do you design your collection for?
MV: Someone who is not afraid to be fashion-forward.

FL: What, to date, has been your biggest achievement in your fashion career?
MV: I’d have to say, all the wonderful press I’ve been getting on my collections

FL: What would you have liked to have done, if you weren’t a designer?
MV: Oh let me see….a chef, a writer, a stylist, and an actress!

FL: What have you got in store for us with your next collection?
MV: An array of colors, prints and styles all centered around Summer

FL: Is there anything else that we should be looking out for from you in the near future?
MV: Coming to a store near you!

Thanks for sharing Melissa!! Have a look through the gallery for more of Melissa’s designs

What look from Melissa’s designs could you see yourself wearing?

Visit Melissa’s website www.melissavelia.com

Karmen Pedaru outlandish shoot for Vogue Nippon

I adore over the top photo shoots, just trying to work out how someone came up with the initial creative always gets me thinking. The fabulous Giampaolo Sgura made over the top and crazy look beautiful, of course the model Karmen Pedaru had a lot do with it too! The shoot graced the pages of Vogue Nippon, ooh get a look at it below!!

Not only did the photos look great, the clothes looked stunning too, my favourite look is the first photo, which is Gucci spring collection. The model looks great and the whole concept for the shot is equally as great. ( In case you haven’t noticed, I do have a soft spot for photo shoots 😉 )

Tell me, what do you find most intriguing from this awesome shoot?

Interview with Jessica Barkley

Fashion Loving caught up with the up and coming designer Jessica Barkley who currently resides in Orange County. She has started a new line where dresses are the main focus. From a very early age Jessica has found herself designing and creatively putting outfits together, “we didn’t have much access to up to the minute fashion… from an early age, I learned to select fabrics, get patterns and translate my ideas. Without even being aware of it”. Jessica took this raw talent and moulded it into formidable career, she has now impressively been designing for 20 years!

I think what caught my eye about Jessica’s designs was just how stylish and elegant her dresses were! I could tell that they were dresses designed to make you feel sexy and flatter your body, and we all know everyone looks their best when a dress combines these two essential points! I got incredibly excited whilst going through the pictures of her dresses and immediately I just had to have a quick chat with Jessica to get to know the designer responsible for these fashionable dresses. Let’s take a peek into her creative world!

FL: What is Fashion to you?

JB: Fashion is an expression of oneself. It provides a way for people to portray their personality creatively. One should adopt fashion to ones needs and views and not the the other way around.

FL: What do you think inspires your fashion designs?

JB: My fashion influences come mainly from art, travelling and people watching.

FL: What type of person do you design your collection for? 

JB: Intelligent, strong, classy, independent women inspire my designs. My ideal client is women between the ages of 25 and 50. She is very sophisticated yet simple. She is naturally elegant and sexy without revealing too much. She has a strong personality but has an open mind as well. She believes in making fashion suit her and does not mind the lime light.

FL: What skills do you need to be a fashion designer?

JB: To be a successful fashion designer one needs to know who they are designing for and find your niche in that market.

FL: How long does it take to create an item from start to finish?

JB: Every item is different some dresses can take longer in the pattern making process and less in the sewing  stage. The reverse  also holds true. The creative process can take months and then sometimes the fabric just talks to me and tells me what to do. Whatever it takes I have to make sure it is ready for the shows. Usually the creative process starts a year in advance.

FL: From your experience what advice would you give to someone who wants to design?

JB: If you feel that you have the talent and love doing it go for it. It does take studying and lots of perseverance. Work for somebody first learn the trade and then go for it.

FL: Is there anyhting else we should be looking out from you in the near future?

JB: The new Fall collection should be bringing a lot of European influence. There are influences of nature such as touches of feathers and fur. It is the perfect balance of sophistication and fun.

Here are few more images of Jessica Barkley’s designs

For more visit Jessica Barkley’s website: jessicabarkley.com

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Flatforms

Flatforms have become the sensation of this season, it has raised many eyebrows and there’s been a bit of controversity surrounding them. The new hybrid that takes from platforms, wedges and flats, has stepped on the scene for this summer. We have seen them used in a lot of the designers runway shoes, but will this trend really catch on.

Many of the critics have simply said that flatforms are ugly, and I agree that there are many flatforms that are ugly, but here at Fashion Loving I have found a few that I liked, which made me think… ‘this trend has potential’!

I think the hardest thing about this footwear trend, is picking the right clothes that compliment it. It’s quite difficult and unless you are a real fan of the 70s look there’s not much else you can wear it with. Having said that I think the Derek Lam collection for Spring/ Summer 2011 collection used the Flatforms cleverly.

One good thing that I love about the Flatform as a 5″ 5  lady, is that you get the height that you would get from heels (I love heels) without the pain that notoriously comes from wearing heels for a long time, which is always a good thing.

Tell me your thoughts on Flatforms, are they trendy or crazy?

Photo source:

1. Elle.com

Diane Kruger melts Gold at Cannes Film Festival 2011

I always like to keep an eye on all the red carpet fashions that go on at the Cannes Films Festival and this year has been no exception let me tell you! I actually got a little excited when I saw Diane Kruger, who is the new face of Calvin Klein beauty,  in her Calvin Klein masterpiece designed by Francisco Costa (creative director of the brand) . The silhouette is simple but really does blow you away, just look at the way it hangs from Diane Kruger’s body, yes, PERFECTLY!  The dress is entirely made of gold sequins, it really does look like Kruger has managed to melt a pot of gold and somehow managed to attach the gold to her body. I have nothing but good things to say about her dress choice and I could quite literally sit here all day just looking at that dress.

Diane is seen here with Joshua Jackson, who looks gorgeous too. He is wearing head-to-toe Lanvin, right down to the footwear. I like the fact he has tried to be a little different here but I don’t think he quite matches the elegance of Diane’s look, but nevertheless who wouldn’t want him as a bit of arm candy!

What do you think of Diane Kruger’s dress?

Photo Source:

1. StyleFrizz

Kiss’a Bags

I always say that accessories are really important and can really transform an outfit into something spectacular! This is exactly what I think of the brand Kiss’a Bags, the bags that are created are not only stunning, but for me really add that extra specialness to an outfit look! Kiss’a Bags ethos is to ensure that each of the pieces created by the brand represents a sexy, feminine, refined look. This is the key to making each piece look so gorgeous and makes them a great accessory to have.

The brains behind the Kiss’a bags brand is fashion designer, Satu Jaakkola-Chiari. With over 15 years of experience of being a high end fashion designer in Italy, Satu decided to form Kiss’a bags. She has done great things with this brand and her bags have even been featured in Elle Magazine!!

The bags really do look elegant, they are also very versatile. What I like the most is that there’s a bag for each look, from casual to chic. Satu has a wide range of  high end leather bags for any occasion. Kiss’a bags is certainly elevating what we expect from accessories, she manages to make the bag’s stand out as part of an outfit, which definitely brings the entire look to another level! For more of Kiss’a Bags creations look below:

I know which bag’s my favorite, which one is yours?!?

p.s. You can head over to Kiss’a Bags online shop to buy one of these beauties and while you’re at it buy me a bag too 😉

1. http://www.kissafashion.com

The Lady is a Vamp

Seth Karecha & Ron Contarsy shot the model Sam Rayner for the magazine Tatler May 2011, the photoshoot was called The Lady is a Vamp. I do have a weak spot for awesome photography! This photo shoot does not disappoint! Every aspect for me, draws me into each image and Sam Rayner does a fantastic job, don’t you think?

Each picture is creative gorgeousness!! I particularly like the styling on this shoot, its goes from a very classic look to a more edgy look. This shoot is an example of all the stylists, designers and photographers artistic direction syncing with other to create something that is so extraordinary!

I think I will be checking out more of the photographers work, to see if I can see some more beautiful creations… to see the rest of the photo shoot click through the gallery below:

What are your thoughts?

Photo Source:

1. http://www.movie-lounge.com

Ginnifer Goodwin

I was already impressed with Ginnifer Goodwin this week, with her brave choice of dress at the MET gala, but the dress that she wore to the Los Angeles premiere of Something Borrowed, ticked all the boxes for me again!

I love this new take on the houndstooth pattern. The dress was by Heve Leger by Max Azria, oh it was a treat to see! This design is fresh, the houndstooth gets bigger or smaller depending on where it is placed on the body, so it compliments the body fully. I love also that this pattern is broken up by the gold plates, it just adds more drama to the dress.

Goodwin styled this dress perfectly with a  lovely statement ring by Bvlgari and a golden clutch, very simple accessories with a great impact. I’m not so sure about the sandals, I think a nude pump would have a looked a little better but as a whole her entire outfit works!

What do you think of Ginnifer Goodwin’s look?

Photo Credit:

Adriana M. Barraza