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.

 

Designer Turns Art into Luxury

Lyudmila

Lodichka Couture Jewellery the woman behind this up and coming brand is Lyudmila, a very dynamic jewellery artist. She is based in London and she most certainly has one creative mind. The jewellery she makes is always a one of a kind piece of art, which always makes for a special piece of jewellery indeed.

I think Lyudmila has a unique point of view when it comes to her creations, she has ‘a passion for art and vintage designs and loves finding rare antique metals and gem stone of all shapes and sizes’. 

Lyudmila’s jewellery looks exquisite. What caught my eye the most whilst looking at her work, was the beautiful sketches and detailing that goes into each piece of her work. With this elegant yet inventive jewellery, let me tell you Lyudmila will be taking her online boutique to the top. Although Lodichka Couture Jewellery has been open for what is just a little over a year now, Lyudmila has really achieved a great deal in her business.

Fashion Loving, inspired by all of the lovely creativeness got in touch with Lyudmila to ask a few questions about her online boutique!

FL: When did you know you wanted to become a jewellery artist?



LCJ: It came to me slowly, I started making jewellery for myself first with the feeling that I simply couldn’t find anything that I liked in the shops. I didn’t make anything to sell for a very long time, as I always got really attached to my jewellery and I know that I can’t replace it. The pieces I use are one offs and the gemstones which are used can’t be found again. But being a big fan of online shopping myself, I decided to open an online boutique 🙂



FL: What inspires you and your jewellery designs?



LCJ: Anything can be an inspiration… nature, fashion, movies, people, books, art…

FL: How long does it take to create a piece of jewellery from start to finish?


LCJ: Sometimes more time goes into the designing and sometimes creating a piece takes longer than the design. 
That depends on the piece of jewellery that I’m designing and making. Some of them take very long as I’m looking for the right material, colours and texture. A lot of care goes into my creations I spend hours, days and sometimes months ensuring that I produce jewellery of the highest quality!

FL: What are those lovely gemstones you use when making jewellery?



LCJ: I have a confession to make, I’m an “unique gemstone hunter” , I’m always looking for very original forms and colour gemstones, you can see from my jewellery that many one of a kind gemstones have been used. I look for my gemstones worldwide!

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



LCJ: She is free, likes to experiment, loves fashion and not afraid to be a centre of all attention, loves original and one of a kind things.

FL: What advice would you give to someone who wants to design?

LCJ: Just  be creative and do it only if you are truly enjoying doing it, as there’s not always a reward for your hard work. I would have given up a long time ago if it wasn’t for purely being passionate for art and design.

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

LCJ: While last year “Lodichka Couture Jewellery” has grown with more categories, quantities and qualities, I am not planning to stop here.
There is a lot more designs to be completed. I’m planning to launch brooches, hats and fascinators collections as well.

I am so excited to see more of the Lodichka Couture Jewellery!! Check out some of the lovely pieces in the gallery.

You can find Lodichka Couture Jewellery on www.lodichka.com, check it out!!

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?

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.

 

 

Cheryl Cole Stateside style

After recent events, Cheryl Cole has once again been the talk of the nation due to her hasty exit from the US version of X factor. There have been so many speculations as to what actually happened, and why America didn’t gel to her.

There was a lot of emphasis on her style when she was stateside, it seemed everyone couldn’t wait to see what outfit she stepped out in. There have even been rumors that allegedly Cheryl had to lose 2 stones to ensure she would become a well liked style icon. So the question is, did her stylist let her down?

While Cheryl was in America, we did see her want to take more risk with her outfits. The color blocking outfit was a prime example of this, the outfit was ‘meh’ ok, but I do think Cheryl and her stylist were probably trying a little too hard to be this amazingly, on trend fashion icon. I don’t think that big hair helped her either.

I think we know Cheryl for her effortless, fashion forward style, I don’t necessarily think this translated well when she went stateside. For me, I don’t think she needs to change her style or anything she was just good as is.

Sources:

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk

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!

                     

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

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 Met Ball 2011 Fashion

One of the most important fashion nights happened this week at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute gala ball in NYC, where the genius designer Alexander McQueen was honored! His masterpieces were being exhibited, so there were only a few Mcqueen creations on hand for the red carpet fashions.

If your one of these people that enjoy the red carpet fashions (I am!) then the fashions that were on this red carpet will probably, most likely blow your mind! I found myself oohing and aahing at the outfits of the night, there so many delicious outfits out there. But the following outfits really stood out in my eyes..

For me, Sarah Jessica Parker looked exquisite in Alexander McQueen Autumn 2005 collection. The figure hugging dress fit her so well. Yes this is why she graces the best dress title, oh so often, just SO stylish!

The red carpet was showered with various other designers. Below Madonna was wearing Stella McCartney and I loved this vintage 1930s look. It was something very different to what I am used to Madonna wearing, so it was a pleasant surprise!

Another favorite of mine was Blake Lively! Karl Lagergfeld dressed this beauty to perfection in a lovely couture Chanel dress. The dress really showed her awesome body off to the upmost. Wouldn’t you agree?

Now, I love this next dress that Ginnifer Goodwin wore simply for the fact that the dress held it’s own out of the couture gowns on the red carpet. The gown is from Topshop Unique!! Yes, I know what you’re thinking because I thought that too! Love the colour and I think she looked stunning. What do you think?

Here’s a few more photos to add to the awesome looking A-listers!

What do you think of these lovely red carpet fashions?

Photo Sources:

1. http://www.thedailymail.co.uk
2. http://www.graziadaily.co.uk

Midriff bare all?

There has recently been a new trend that I must say I quite like, but it isn’t for everyone. It’s a trend I think you have to excude a real body confidence when it comes down to it; showing off your midriff! It is such a hard trend to wear simply beacuse if you don’t style your entire outfit perfectly you just look disasterously chav-like.

Needless to say Anna Paquin looks amazing here. I love this Cushnie et Ochs dress that she is wearing, there is just the right amount of midriff on show and she looks sophisticatedly sexy. The dress fits her perfectly and she has kept the styling to a minimum and just lets the dress do all the statement making for her. Love it!

Now if this outfit was on anybody else I would probably say that there was too much midriff on show, but I honestly think that Jenneifer Lopez is working this outfit to it’s upmost potential. I find myself looking at her outfit thinking I shouldn’t be liking this right now but yet I can’t help it. It looks great on her, it’s probably down to the fact that she has an awesome body that can pull off many outfits we as  onlookers could only hope to.

For me I absolutely adore these looks where the midriff is ever so slightly peeking through, I think overall it makes for a classier outfit like the above, Nicole Richie and Rihanna absolutely look stunning. I think I may try this trend after I’ve hit the gym for a few weeks so my midriff looks as hot as these guys 🙂

What do you think of this midriff trend?

Fan Bing Bing

There are some people that have effortless style that make the rest of us just look across in envy. I find that Fan Bing Bing is certainly one of these people. She is a Chinese actress who makes every single outfit she wears amazing! She is really so stunning and definitely makes an impact wherever she goes.

The outfit that she wore to the Elie Saab Autumn/ WInter 2011 collection literally blew me away and you could certainly tell she was a star!

The dress itself was simple, the colour was a perfect match for Bing Bing, but if worn buy itself I don’t think it would have made quite the same impact. Don’t you think this lady can style an outfit or what? I think she could go professional, because her styling brings the entire outfit to a whole other level.

Fan Bing Bing  received a two piece set from the Elie Saab show, which included the crystal cardigan that she is wearing. The beautiful turban is actually the crystal camisole that is part of the set she was given. The fact that she is wearing the camisole as a turban just shows she knows how a piece of clothing will look good even if it is worn in an unconventional way. She looks great, her whole outfit looks so elegant and so retro even down to her makeup, that red lip just complements the whole feel of her look!

What do you think of Fan Bing Bing’s style?

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Dot to Polka Dots

This spring/ summer season sees the return of the Polka Dots, and I am loving them. I think polka dots are really versatile, it’s a print that works for any occasion. Designers have really re-invented the polka dot and have taken it to new heights.

This Oscar de La Renta dress is absolutely stunning and a stand out evening piece for all the right reasons. It looks really chic and sophisticated but never too much for the eye. The designer that I had the most fun looking through the collection was Marc Jacobs. The spring/ summer 2011 ready to wear collection was full of stripes and polka dots, the designs brought a fresh new perspective on polka dots and for me, made it really fun and exciting to see each different piece of the collection.

What I love about this Marc Jacob creation is the Polka Dot meets retro style. I love this retro 70s colourful print incorporated into the polka dot, I think it’s really innovative and makes for a stunning dress, it certainly brought a smile to my face!

You can find polka dots in all sizes, from very tiny dots to larger dots. There’s a dot size for every shape, figure, personality out there. I love big whopper dots, nothing like making a statement 🙂 I love the fact that they are also not limited to your clothes, there on shoes, bags and many other accessories. It’s a fun trend and there are plenty of ways your can incorporate the polka dot into your outfits, they look stylish!

Will you be wearing a dot or two for spring/ summer?

Photo Sources:

1. 1. http://www.coolspotters.com
2. 2. http://www.nymag.com
3. 3.www.glamour.com
4. http://www.chictopia.com

Festival Fever: 70’s Chic

With summer fast on the approach and the festival season looming in the distance, it’s time to start shopping for this wonderful summer event.

For a fun and easy day time look embrace loose fringing and crochet materials fashioned into baggy and breathable summer stunners, perfect for the up-and-coming sunny days. Although, here in the UK summer can still remain a very grey and dull affair, so inject some colour into your look by opting for floral and fruity prints.

For an evening look think simple summer staple pieces in luxury fabrics paired with a classy plaited up-do and a simple hippy twist like a flower in the hair. The sophistication of the fabric launch garments  into the evening wear category e.g. shorts, give them an up-market hippy twist and can be a great alternative to a skirt or a dress.

Whether you are a hardened festival goer with a fashion flare or just an avid admirer looking to recreate the look of the original 70’s festival dweller this trend is a perfect pop to the summer months.

What’s your favorite summer look?

1. D&G – vogue.com

2. Rodarte – vogue.com

3. Erdem – vogue.com

Second Time Around

“Recycling never looked so good.” says Chavia Logan, CEO of Cha-Lo, and I am inclined to agree. Forget hours of sorting through gross tins, forget bin bags fill of clinking bottles, forgetting lugging it all down to your local recycling centre and the strike of terror when you wonder ‘did I put paper in with the glass?!’ and think colourful, think unique, think fun and think pop art-esque.
Cha-Lo has recently released an environmentally friendly collection called Eco-Lo, where all the items of jewellery are made from natural and recycled materials.

Imagine not only can you read your favourite magazine, you could be wearing it too!   All the pieces are bright and colourful and had have a certain pop art/Warhol look about them which I find very endearing and very fun. Each jewellery piece is one of a kind, so you will never find anyone with something the same and they all have two coats of varnish to make them water resistant so  – unless you insist on consistently going swimming them on – the piece of jewellery is suitable for wear in almost any environment!

I think it is great that others are following in the footsteps of Vivienne Westwood and taking an interest in the environment with regards to the fashion they are producing, and I think this jewellery range is not only considerate to our planet but a boisterous and fun accessory to any summer outfit.

“Recycling never looked so good.” says Chavia Logan, CEO of Cha-Lo, and i am inclined to agree. Forget hours of sorting through gross tins, forget bin bags fill of clinking bottles, forgetting lugging it all down to your local recycling centre and the strike of terror when you wonder ‘did i put paper in with the glass?!’ and think colourful, think unique, thin fun and think pop art-esque.

Cha-Lo has recently released an environmentally friendly collection called Eco-Lo, where all the items of jewellery are made from natural and recycled materials. Imagine not only can you read your favourite magazine, you could be wearing it too! All the pieces are bright and colourful and had have a certain pop art/Warhol look about them which i find very endearing and very fun. Each jewellery piece is one of a kind, so you will never find anyone with something the same and they all have two coats of varnish to make them water resistant so  – unless you insist on consistently going swimming them on – the piece of jewellery is suitable for wear in almost any environment!

I think it is great that others are following in the footsteps of Vivienne Westwood and taking an interest in the environment with regards to the fashion they are producing, and i think this jewellery range is not only considerate to our planet but a boisterous and fun accessory to any summer outfit.

Fix up, look sharp

Recently while browsing for some shoes to wear to a wedding I stumbled across some amazing heels by Sam Edelman for Kate Kuba – black with a series of metal spikes and studded detail and this launched my love affair with spikes, studs and customization. Customization being key for me because sometimes you just don’t have the budget to get all the beautiful designer clothes you lust after.

Burberry Prorsum have been very experimental and very extreme with studding detail and spikes this season, using a mixture of classic Burberry coat design and also taking some influence from bikers to create a series of jackets which are incredibly eye catching – and bank account draining.

The absolutely stunning leather biker jacket below is perfect for adding an edgier side to an evening outfit and because it’s cropped the weight of the jacket won’t be too overbearing for the wearer but what is it they say.. beauty IS pain?

The other jacket featured below is almost a contemporary take on the classic and iconic Burberry trench coat – beige yet cropped with with a belt and complimentary gold stud detail makes this jacket a beautiful addition to anyone’s wardrobe and ideal for spring – perfect for someone who wants to add something slightly more unique to their wardrobe but doesn’t quite have the confidence (or the £4000) to don the biker jacket.

One of the great aspects of this trend is that the look is so easily achievable when you try to do it yourself and as hard as the average girl may lust over a Burberry biker jacket, £4000 isn’t going to appear out of thin air and answer her fashion prayers. Below is a fantastic example of how you can bring this trend to you, no matter what your budget. Simply purchase some pyramid studs (or even some metal spikes, whatever takes your fancy), just make sure they are specified for use on leather because then they will grip better to whatever you put them on, and attach them to whatever you like and you are ready to go – quick, easy and cheap!

Would try out these studs and spikes?

Photo Source:

1. http://www.katekuba.co.uk

2. http://www.net-a-porter.com

3. http://www.yvettemmme.tumblr.com