Summer 2011 Key Fashion Trend: Maxi Skirts

As spring begins with pretty flowers (particularly daffodils) and patches of sunshine, a new season begins in the world of fashion.

MAXI SKIRTS are a huge trend this summer! Last year, Maxi dresses and skirts were slowly becoming popular but this year the focus is on long and beautiful Maxi Skirts. I Especially LOVE the beautiful long chiffon and light material skirts which look elegant and graceful. This summer, looking feminine and girly is very much the key to dressing.


Here are some the maxi skirts by designers I'm loving;

Alberta Ferreti, Chloe and Lavin (from left)

Light Patterned, Pleated and Simply Flowy; they come in all different styles this season. My Favourite; definitely the Lanvin; extravagant and Spanish-looking.

Here are some of my high-street favourites; 

I know, I know, they kind of look all the same....but I have a weakness for chiffon material !!

   From left to right;

1. Supre.com.au- £5.84!!

2. Asos.com- £45

3. American Apparel- £52

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 15

This last look is my most comfortable fashionable look with a loose pink shirt and skinny jeans. The embellishment and metal detail in the outfit gives it a slight edge while maintaining a mellow, lounge wear look. I'm a huge fan of embellishment on clothes and bags as they add dimension to an outfit and a sense of glamour. The shoes were an absolute bargain (£8 on sale) as well as super stylish too.  

Top- H&M, Jeans, Bracelet- Topshop, Shoes- Marks and Spencer, Cltuch/Purse- Urban Outifitters, Ring- Dorothy Perkins

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 14

This look has a vintage feel to it; especially with the leafy skirt and stained bracelet. Since I don't wear actual vintage, this is the closest I can get to putting together a look that has an aged look to it. In this look I've shown that putting two different patterns together can clash but look good together at the same time.  

Top - New Look, Bracelet- Sears (USA), Skirt- Urban Outfitters, Shoes- River Island, Ring- Aldo.  

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 13

Earring Detail...

Today's look is simple, summery with only delicate jewel detail on my top and earrings. The flat gladiators with cropped chinos gives a summery feel and a toned down tribal look (with metal detail on the shoes).

Top and Bag- River Island, Chinos- Zara, Cardigan- Uniqlo, Gladiators- Topshop, Earrings- Accessorize

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 12

Ok... so not the best pictures in the world...I know!
This look is inspired by the animal prints trend for summer. When I first found this dress it, it seemed unsual but that's kind of why I liked it; it was a weird animal print embedded into a fadded floral print!! I like subtle animal prints a lot as they don't look tacky and too bright (although bright tribal prints are really 'in' for the summer). A pair of high gladiator heels and simple and cute jellewery to accompany!

Dress- ASOS.com, Shoes- New Look, Necklace- Accessorize

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 11

Sorry people...kinda missed a day :S but Oh Well...

This look is a simple cross-over trend between colour blocking and the 80's style. The brightly coloured crop top with fitted jeggings and heels give an 80's feel to the outfit. The chained handbag with contrasts the top and the rest of the outfit gives a classic feel to the look. I never usually wear this handbag out much- it's actually one of my first designer items- a BCBG Max Azria that I bought in the US a few years ago. It's vintage look allows it to go well with almost any classy-urban outfit.

Top- Miss Selfridge, Shoes, Jeggings, Vest, Necklace- Topshop, Bag- BCBG Max Azria.

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 10

To be honest, when I put this outfit together today I didn't really have a style or a trend in mind but looking at these pictures now I am kind of reminded of Serena's style from gossip girl; the classic urban-chic girl with the denim mini skirt and head 'piece'. Sometimes dark colours like blue and maroon go incredibly well together and bring together a sharp and classy feel.


Top- Gap, Skirt- Topshop, Bag- United Colors of Benneton, Shoes- H&M, Head Piece- Primark, Earrings- Topshop

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 9

This outfit is inspired by the nautical trend in an unconventional sense. The chained pattern on my t-shirt and the button detail (which isn't shown very well in these photos) on my skirt add a subtle nautical expression. The look is also spring-inspired with mellow colour tones. Mixing up and clashing patterns is also a very in trend for this summer although I've only done it very refined way. Also, it's almost a head to toe Topshop outfit!! :S

Top- Bershka, Bag, Skirt, Shoes, Necklace- Topshop!!

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 8

Another Winter meets Spring outfit where I've gone back to Black. The only colour in this outfit is the colour knitted scarf to bring the outfit life. An outfit which I consider classic and urban-esque. A clutch goes well with such an outfit as it adds the finishing touch!

Top and Bracelet- Topshop, Blazer and Shoes- H&M, Jeggings and Necklace- Warehouse, Ring and Clutch- Dorothy Perkins

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 7

Three Words; 

COLOUR BLOCKING SUCCESS!!

Finally, I found a few things in my wardrobe that I could put together and support the trend with. Although, this outfit is more office-y and less casual, it stands out and makes a statement. I stepped it up a notch with bright Barry M nail varnish and purple and blue eyes! 

Skirt and Ring- Dorothy Perkins, Cardigan and Neclace- H&M, Shoes- River Island, Belt- Topshop, Bag- United Colors of Benneton  

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 6

And the shoes...

I would describe this look as urban chic with an urban-ish bod-con dress that is plain with military boots. The loose, flowy crop top over a dress is my go-to look when I don't want to look impeccable. It's a scruffy, comfy, effortless urban look that is practical for moving around the city as well looking timelessly stylish. You could say that this look is not really in-season but it's one of those outfits that can fit into any season as it can be tailored to enhance different shapes and styles. If you wanted to go for a more bohemian twist, you could add a bunch of bangles and some dangle-y earrings. If you wanted to look more edgy, a leather jacket would do the job. 

Top- Zara, Bag- Dorothy Perkins, Dress- H&M, Shoes- River Island

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 5

So I tried the whole colour blocking thing again combining it in a more casual style with a t-shirt. I'm starting to really love bright colours and clashing them together in a more sophisticated way but I think I need to build up my wardrobe with more bright colours to experiment more!! It's interesting to clash a white/back tee with a vibrant colour like peachy orange; at first it looks unsettling but then it seems to look very urban classic with the help of the green belt detail and chandelier earrings. Also the skirt was a bargain; £4!!! It also looks like I'm really short eventhough I'm not LOL!

Top- Bershka, Skirt- H&M, Shoes- Aldo, Belt- H&M. 

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 4

And the shoes..

This look is sort of inspired by Alexa Chung's style. Although I think that she's a little over-hyped as a fashion icon, I do like some of her outfits. This outfit is inspired by her boyish-fierce style with leather jackets and boots. Leather combined with a khaki lace mini dress gives off a military edge. For what I feels like the first time ever, I felt that this look needed no jewellery to complete it as it enhances the fierce, boyish look. These are my favourite boots; they're great for more mannish, rock-chic looks as well as more feminine, girly outfits. 

Jacket- Zara, Lace Dress- H&M, Bag- Topshop (Marc B), Shoes - Topshop

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 3

I'm haven't exactly been a fan of colour blocking or bright coloured clothing most of my life so when I wanted to create an outfit with several colours, I found it difficult to find much around my wardrobe. Finally found an orange/red top with cut-off sleeves to work my look around. I think I managed to create a look that speaks the culture of central Europe (partularly Spain) with bright colour against black and Chinos; which are casual but classic. Brown Gladiator Heels add a summery touch.    

What do you think?


Blazer- Topshop, Top- Zara, Chinos- Zara, Necklace- Accessorize, Bracelet- H&M, Belt- Zara, Gladiators- New Look, Bag- Marc B (Topshop), Ring- Dorothy Perkins. 

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 2

I've gone for a spring inspired look with lighter colours dominating the outfit. Soft Florals and lighter tones cross over into a more edgier, rough look with scruffy studded boots and ripped, faded shorts. I also added a pop of colour with the bright flower clips in my hair just to make it stand out.This look is partly inspired by Erdem's Spring/Summer collection with a creamy floral top combined with lace and partly mixed in with Winter's grungy/mannish trend. My outfits tend to have different dimensions of style all mixed in together; girlish charm, rough and scruffy and feminine.


Top- River Island, Vest- Primark, Necklace- Disney Couture (ASOS.com), Shorts- Forever21, Stripy tBangles- Warehouse, Other Bangles- New Look, Shoes- Aldo, Leaf Earring and Flower Clips- H&M, Bag- Topshop.

15 Days, 15 Looks: DAY 1

In the day...

And back at home/halls...

And the shoes..

This outfit has a kind of eastern/oriental influence with the silk patterned dress and a patterned, bohemian bag. The khaki loose knit and grey flats tone the look down for a casual day out to Uni/School or wherever. Grey is a great colour for casual flats; they go with almost any outfit and aren't too dull and cliche like black. It seems a little awkward and clashing to put knitwear with a silk dress but that's the whole point of it and I think it works. You could say this look kind of represents a Winter-meets-Spring with the printed silk and cardigan which is perfect for this time of year.


Dress- Topshop, Cardigan- Bershka, Necklace and Bag- Accessorize, Shoes- River Island, Bangle- from Tibet, Earrings- GRT Silver Jewellers (India).


COMMENT to let me know what you think!

15 Days, 15 Looks: My Personal Style Challenge!

With a little inspiration from Vogue.com and other fashion bloggers, I came up with this idea to feature myself 15 Daytime/Evening looks day to day. Each day I'll wear a different look with some current fashion inspiration behind it. Some of these looks may have the same items featured a few times but will be incorporated differently with the style of the looks.
So....
15 DAYS, 15 LOOKS = My Personal Style Challenge


Follow me on twitter for updates on looks, similar clothes/styles.
And more importantly follow this blog, comment and make suggestions, let me know what you think!!


xxx Eshani xxx

My first fashion show!! & VFS Exhibition Favs

I managed to get hold of a ticket to an Alice Palmer show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout on the last day of Fashion Week and it was great show. Known for her knitwear pieces, Palmer's show was a great crowd pleaser as she lived up to expectations of combining both minimalistic style and edge with the knitwear. I wasn't able to get any great pictures but here's a couple (a little blurred).

 Like I said...not the best pictures in the world! So here's some proper photos of the best looks;

Holed, spiky and asymmetric knits dominated this runway with hardly any colour other than white, black, nude and peeks of crimson on one look. Palmer was going for the edgy, 'rock sensibility' looks for A/W 2011/12. One thing that is great about this collection is the way the designer has been able to create 3D sculpture-like dresses and looks; the dresses almost embody themselves. My favourite look was the strapless white and black dress (shown above- far left on my pictures). 

I also had a look through the exhibition of designers at VFS and picked a few of my favourite pieces;

Dress By Edward Finney

Top- Hokum-Hokum

Unknown!

Unknown!

Three words; Texture, Peach-pink and Dramatic. 

There was a lot I loved. New designers this year, have experimented on textures with different fabrics and structures. 

Gotta say though, wasn't too keen on the overly bright tribal designs and clash colour blocking from some of the designers!

Stripes + Frills + Bows = Pattern Power

With the Fashion Weeks of the world dominating the spotlight at the moment, I thought it would be a little inspiring to set a trend of my own for the summer. Stylists, designers and anyone in the fashion industry are always saying how the key to the perfect outfit is not to mix too many patterns together or else they will clash and look clumsy together. Well. I think I've created a look that does just that without it looking disastrous in anyway and rather unique but simple at the same time. A great thing about this look is that almost every piece is under £10, proving that the Jan/Feb sales weren't as lousy as everyone thought they were!
A Stripey shirt, a Frilly skirt and Bow tights..I think I've managed to make it work. What do you think?

Shirt- H&M (*£3*), Vest top- Forever21 ($2.99), Belt- Zara (*£3*), Skirt- House of Fraser; Therapy      (*£5*), Tights- Primark (£2), Necklace- Topshop (£10), Cluster Ring- Miss Selfridge (*£4.50*), Bracelet- Topshop (*£4.50*), Shoes- H&M (£14.99), Earrings- Forever21 ($2.99), 

** Sale Items 

All that glitters...

When it comes to going out clothes, I absolutely adore sequinned and beaded detail clothing as it enhances a glamorous city-girl look. As you walk into that party/club or social event, heads turn at the sheer elegance and sparkle of a sequinned and beaded outfit, no matter what type of an outfit you are wearing.

Recently, I purchased a lot of beaded/sequinned skirts, tops and dresses. So I decided to do a look with my favourite party skirt with gold beaded detail. With the elegant surroundings of Buckingham Palace at night, the sparkle and glitter really brought the outfit to life.

Top- Forever21; $2.99, Skirt- Topshop; £65, Shoes- Topshop; £70 reduced to £15!, Ring- Accessorize; £15, Bracelet from Tibet, Purse/Clutch- Aldo, Necklace- Bershka; £1.99!