Links à la Mode

Bring It On

Edited by Dream Sequins

My job as editor this week was difficult as many bloggers decided to follow the fierce directive of that cult cheerleading movie, Bring It On. It’s a new decade, and the IFB community decided to “bring it” and then some. (Just to clarify, I’m talking about the original movie starring Kirsten Dunst, and not the subsequent, watered down sequels; because as fashion bloggers, we all have original stories to tell!) This week’s links explore topics such as winter trends, vintage fur care, biker chic style revelations and profiles of 70s and 80s style icons and are so good that they make me want to lead the group in a cheer.

Links à la Mode : January 7th

• 39th and Broadway – NYC Brings Opportunity to Emerging Designers
• A Typical Atypical – My style revolution takes me into the realm of the biker chick, and doesn’t look back!
• amanda lee dot org – Essential sewing skills for wardrobe maintenance
• Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History – Airline Travel
• DailyDivaDish – Indie jewelry designer Debra Mitchell’s newest piece: Tibet. Part of the new SALVAGE line, this necklace is convertible and each contains a piece salvaged from Tibet.
• Darian Darling – The blonde fashion icon of every 80’s Hair Metal skank and rock star’s girlfriend!!
• denimaniac – Woolrich Woolen Mills S/S 2010 Lookbook
• Dream Sequins – A studio visit with designer Katie Gallagher
• Fashion Pulse Daily – We Love Colors will fulfill your legwear fantasy, as Fashion Pulse Daily quickly discovers!
• ferOHHHsh – Bryce d’Anice Aime S/S 2010 RTW … chic LBD’s, pops of red, and those spiked shoulders Rihanna made famous
• Gotham Hipster – Once you’ve indulged in Babycakes there’s no going back
• HiFashion – How to roller set your hair
• Idiosyncratic Style – The Personal Style of Costume Designer, Melissa Stewart
• Oranges and Apples – On the importance of critique in fashion blogging
• Retro Chick – 5 New Years Resolutions you can’t fail to keep
• sighsandwhispers – A history and analysis of the style of a notorious teenage groupie in the 70s, Lori Maddox
• Style on a String – An interview with Judy Kou, owner of the fabulous online dress shop – Sunday Brunch Dress
• Styletastic – We’re finding it hard to adjust to a new year at Styletastic, but here are some things we can all look forward to!
• The Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire – I already knew I was going to wear a black sequins belt and beret for NYE, but I wanted some fun shoes to add to the mix; I couldn’t find anything I liked though, so I decided “when in doubt, make your own”
• The door in my wardrobe – How to choose a vintage fur and take care of it – plus DIY repairing & maintenance for the brave of the heart
• wit & whimsy – The winter trends you should be wearing

Unusual becomes Default

These photos were taken with the sole purpose of showing my crazy-colored manicure. I love putting on an all-black ensemble, maybe some red boots and go for the full surprise effect! My nail polish collection has grown so big, I have no idea how. Ok, maybe a do; a bit, hahah. Take a look at the first attempt back in October. Time does fly so fast!

The nailpolish newcomers are a bright red bought for Christmas, a hot pink bought for everyday usage and a yellow one bought for fun. I think these blend pretty well together, don't they?

Please bare with me this week until I finish the greatest part of work I have to do! Hopefully after that things will be more peaceful and more action-packed for the blog!

Keep an eye out for Style Basis 2010 Part 2!

Also, you can follow me on Twitter, I am frequently updating with goodies, yum! xx

Sweet treats,
Daiane

Style Basis 2010 ~ Part 1

Hello bonbons! Happy New Year! I am back and in full force already. Because we have just started a new year, a new chapter, I have put together some ideas and wardrobe suggestions for this fresh start we were just presented with.

It’s basically an essential list of stuff anyone should own. You will see it covers pretty much anything you could think of in your wardrobe, jewellery or beauty case. I will take you from shoes and bags, to clothes, glasses, jewellery and nailpolish. The rest you will have to discover for yourself as you read on.

At some of the points you will find included some related suggestions for boys. They should be stylish too, right? Nothing too over the top, just practical advice. Hope you will enjoy the ride, so gather in front of the screen, fasten your seatbelts and let’s go!

Starting from bottom to top, we have…

♠ Flat shoes. A comfortable pair will have to make its way into your closet right away. Not only because they are extremely comfortable, but also because they are very good-looking if you make the right choice. And listen here girls! More and more boys start to admit the fact that they like to see girls wearing flats. No, really! I am amazed myself, and this news is definitely contradicting the sexy high heels theory. But when reality hits, one can’t argue. Back to our subject, I would strongly recommend a pair of good boots. The reasons are quite many, one of the most important being that they will last you close to a lifetime and they go with everything. This includes trousers, jeans, short-shorts and the entire range of skirts and puffy dresses! Tulle&Doc Martens boots? Yes please!

For boys, I know most of you prefer the solid option of a clasical black boots and that I just fine. But I will suggest twisting things into some dark blue or brown maybe? It can do wonders.

♠ Over-the-knee boots. If this trend hasn’t reached you yet, you most have lived under a rock ever since the AW 2009 shows started: Giles, Gareth Pugh, Hermes, Hussein Chalayan, Rodarte, Prada just to name a few. These boots are still a huge trend and they can’t be overpassed. Not now. Here you will find a more comprehensive article on the subject, with illustrations galore.

Over-the-knee boots (or thigh-high, even better!) should be worn with care towards the proportions of the entire ensemble. For example, mix opposites: fitted+large, new+vintage, shiny+opaque. Then, take a step back in front of the mirror and analise if the volumes are set corectly. Wear something puffy or large for the upper part if the boots are perfectly fitted on the entire length of the leg; add a belt in the mix so things don’t get too messy. Also, try skinny jeans+short faux fur coat, vintage dresses or skirts+blazers.

Elle France

♠ A light, knitted jacket.

Probably the most versatile item on the list, suited for winter and perfect when time will come for spring wardrobe transition. Throw one over a vintage pair of jeans and a simple tee or even better over an elegant night gown. Preferably with paillettes. Nothing will ever look more amazing, I promise. Just try it out!

The perfect type of jacket should include the following characteristics: knitted, ultra-light&soft, buttons from top to bottom and maybe two pockets. Choose something in the classical color range of blacks or greys, but if you are lucky enough to score a pastel one, flaunt it! Make it be the piece de resistance of your outfit and you are ready to take over the world. Such an acquisition should last you a long, long time, and keep in mind that the seasonal transition is (hopefully) just around the corner!

(to be continued)

Sweet treats,
Daiane