The Wonders of Ciaté!

     The dazzling new UK-based nail brand, Ciaté has been glistening on many as the Holidays near.  Singer, Adel, wore the lines glitter nail polish at the Grammys last February and this trend was carried over to the spring runways and is now showing up again for the Holidays.  The brand has created this little Do-It-Yourself kit that includes the nail polish, loose glitter and some glitter grip clear coat.  They have created many different colors of glitter as well as a multi-colored glitter collection.  These glitter nails will be all the rage for the New Years parties that we should all be attending.
     Now, wait one minute, I am sure many of you nail gurus have been toying with the aspect of 3D nail art.  Ciaté has made this simple, affordable and fun.  Their recently released Caviar Manicure set includes, one nail polish and a container of caviar beads.  This is the best way to have 3D nails with out having something extend so far off your nails that it becomes a distraction.  Looks great and gives your nail a bit of texture.
     Lastly, Ciaté has also created a Velvet Manicure Set.  This came about when the company was experimenting with luxurious textures and finishes.  This set does exactly what it says, gives your manicure a velvety coat.  Pretty fancy, huh?  This kit includes one nail polish and one pot of luxurious crushed velvet powder.  It's pretty cool what these fancy little bow-tied nail polishes can create.  You can find these nail kits at Henry Bendel, Sephora and Saks, along with the Ciaté website.  Enjoy some dazzling nails for the Holidays!

Spice up your nails!

Ciao, 

Annie

The Winter Pastel Trend!

     Just when you thought that pale colors were supposed to be saved for the spring season there has been a slight change in plans.  Lilac, cornflower, mint and peach are all colors that we noticed on the autumn/winter runways.  And now it's time for them to come out with us and freeze in this weather.   There is absolutely no need to stick to black this winter, break out of your shell a bit.  
     I'm kinda digging this trend, to be honest.  I love that we can have a little Easter blast of color in the freezing peak of winter.  Peach cashmere sweaters worn with light blue corduroy pants, while it's snowing outside, perfect.  And how about a coat?  The stores are crawling with pastel cover-ups, so, take your pick!
     Accessories are even following this trend.  Splashing in a pale pink bag with a structured outfit makes for a great new-season alternative to the deep dark usual winter colors.  You don't even have to stick to the dark nail colors either.  Go on and pick out those great colors from London's Butter collection.  It's nice to add a little color this season, it will keep everyone smiling!

Peachy keen!

Ciao, 

Annie

Super-size It!

    There are times when trends creep into our lives that surpass the direct style statement and actually work as one with functionality.  This happens as often as winning the lottery and is too rare to disregard.  Super-sized handbags are the key to a woman's fashion conundrum.  Not only do they look fabulous, but they will be hard to miss therefore, your hard earned purchase will not go to waste.  But, even better, they can house all of your worldly possessions without having any cramping of style (pun intended).  

   Looking back to the autumn/winter 2012-2013 runways they were overflowing with models carrying these super-sized monstrosities.  The designers must have known they were going to be a hit because we have seen them in every way possible.  Sequined, felt, wool, corduroy, leather-trimmed, faux fur, real fur, snake skin, ok, I think you get the point.  There are so many to choose from, so choose wisely!

Dennis Basso

Gucci 

Louis Vuitton

Valentino

Marc Jacobs

Narciso Rodriguez

Fendi

The bigger the better!

Ciao, 

Annie

Color At The End Of The Runway!

     Lanvin put construction front and center in this Springs fashion show.  I found myself admiring these garments one by one and trying to solve the mystery of how they were constructed.  Many garments were half of something.  For example, half of the top would be a tank and the other half would be a blazer.  That's what I mean about the construction being a mystery that I, Harriet the spy, have to solve.  Thankfully my technical vision goggles were spot on.  I have to say that some of it was a bit out there in left field, like the one shoulder swim suit that's worn with belted loose fitted pants.  But it's different and different keeps the people intrigued and coming back for more.  

     Viewing the collection, it seemed like a contemporary tailored look was going to exist throughout the show.  But the deeper we went the more exotic it got.  Graphic dresses to glitzy jumpsuits changed the mood of the show and added an edgy look to a softer collection.  I also noticed the accessories were quite over the top but I found myself looking past that and saying that they actually work well with the chic punk mix that's going on.  

     In closing, literally, the show ended with a bang.  We saw black and white for the entire show and then a rainbow bomb went off.  This short lineup of petite satin shift dresses seemed to have such simple construction behind them, but then the surprise panels on the side flashed beads and beautiful embroidery.  These looks are simple and elegant but have such a loud statement due to the shocking color choices.  It was a fantastic show! Lanvin truly never ceases to amaze.

So Lanvin-esque!

Ciao, 

Annie May

The Middle Ages of Paris Fashion Week!

     Fashion Week has changed destinations, just a Euro Star ride away from London straight to Paris.  Just a few days into PFW and we are already traveling back into the Middle Ages, with a modern day fashion twist, of course.  

     Gareth Pugh's Spring 2013 collection opened with this veiled face, tall, rectangular headdress that billowed behind the model when she walked and a deep black high necked gown.  This set the stage for the rest of his collection.  It was a pure example of extreme modern fashion with jutting necklines, frayed hems, tattered and torn drapery and intense headdresses.  

     Generally, with fashion, you can picture someone wearing the garment, right?  After all, that is why clothes were made.  But for some of Pugh's designs, unless you are a gothic vampire getting ready for a bloodshed, I cannot imagine anyone wearing these sever bellbottomed pants with rebel looking pointed trains.  But hey, there are some far fetched people out there!  Looking past the extreme of all extremes, the majority of this collection is chic, made of delicate fabrics and represents such meticulous hand work.  I think Pugh should make arrangements with the cast of True Blood!

See no evil!

Ciao, 

Annie May

   

Change Of Heart!

     The fire is lit, the leaves are falling and Spring 2013 Fashion Week has officially ended.  There is no longer a reason to marvel over warm weather clothing, unless of course you are living in a warm place year round.  And if that's the case, I envy you, bitch!
     In previous blog posts I mentioned some of the Fall 2012 trends that we are expecting to see once the sun briskly takes a turn for hibernation and the leaves rapidly plummet to the ground.  But lets not wallow in it now and try to think about the positive, the lust we all have for Fall clothing.
     How about those body confining garments known as jumpsuits.  If you can get past the whole 'it takes me 20 minutes to go to the bathroom' thing, then these create fabulous effortless outfits.  What's easier than wearing a jumpsuit?  It's already put together, it all matches and it's in style.  As you can see below designers have created multiple styles of the jumpsuit.  Sleeveless, deep V-neck, capri style bottom are all ways that the jumpsuit is different, it's not a uniform style.  I'm not naive, I know that this ensemble generally caters to the tall and skinny.  But it's always worth it to try one on and see for yourself.  You never know, it could accent your curves and bring out your figure or it could make you look like Santa squeezing down a chimney.  But hey, it's always worth the try!

Band Of Outsiders

Band Of Outsiders 

Peter Som

Balenciaga

BCBG Max Azria

When two became one!

Ciao, 

Annie May 

Exotic Spring Break Fashions!

     I'm sure you are all well aware that SPRING BREAK is coming up quite soon for college kids and it is time to begin planning those exotic outfits.  Whether you are going to Punta Cana, Cancun, Panama City or Acapulco you are going to need to pack your shorts, dresses and tiny bikinis.  This SPRING BREAK is all about color.  We just went through this crazy "winter" (if thats what you call 40 degree weather in the middle of January) and it is time to add some spice to your outfits.


Royal blues seem to be trending this season.  They have been appearing in tops, dresses, pants and shorts; so choose wisely!

Fire engine red is exploding this season.  This color screams attention and if worn properly it can be quite sexy.  Paired with denim this color is hot!

Magenta, my personal favorite and one of the most popular resort colors this season.  This color brings so much excitement to the table.  It's also easy to mix and match with!

All of these colors can be mixed, matched and worn together!  Since these colors are LOUD don't let that discourage you from wearing them.  Go enjoy yourself, have a wonderful SPRING BREAK and wear your colors with pride!

Don't forget sunscreen!

Ciao, Annie May