Spring 2014 Trends: Rainbow Powder

Okay, so I have been on a social hiatus for the last couple of months! I made this decision based on the fact that I have the most important exam of my life in July, so I now it's the time for me to study more than ever. I have missed blogging dearly and free time in general: I only allowed myself to watch my favourite TV shows (gotta keep my sanity in order somehow) and indulged in some occasional reading.

It's the first fashion season that I did not show interest to the trend report...until last night. I came home late after a very sweet evening out with my friends ( we had three major exams this week so we allowed ourselves a celebration) and I was sleepless. I saw an email in my inbox from the Net-a-Porter newsletter and I thought I should check the new collections they have online. I INSTANTLY FELL IN LOVE! With everything: I was craving baby blue high heels (both Gianvito Rossi and Fendi offer a great selection),  a Balmain light denim skirt (it was a huge surprise for me, as Balmain is knows for darker tones) and pretty much everything else, when it hit me: "I have to share my discoveries with someone, this fashion season is insanely genius!" . And who else is a better choice than you, dear reader?

So, here we go, the highlights of the season I have noticed in a brief visit on Net-a-porter:

J. Crew pumps, Alexander Wang skirt, Miu Miu Sunglasses, Theory sweater, Oscar de la Renta necklace, Sylvia Toledano clutch

Baby Blue is the new hue! - Everything is baby blue- from pumps, to Oscar de la Renta necklaces.

Text T-shirts : From the well known Alexander Wang top with "Explicit content" , to more affordable versions at J. Crew (like in the first photo).

Backpacks - I never imagined I would fancy the idea of wearing a backpack like an IT accessory, but my fashion taste is unpredictable. The epitone of classy is the 3.1. Phillip Lim backpack I included in the first set.

J. Crew designs have reached a whole new level! I always loved J. Crew , although I found it hard to understand why people call them "high street" when a pair of shoes costs 300$. The basics have clean cuts and nice colors as always, the statement necklaces are outstanding, but what really surprised me were the bold prints used on skirts and pants. They just make everything seem so fresh and chic, and they also have a selection on bold colors for tops to match the down part.

Mustard Yellow Power: Either we're talking about the glorious J. Crew shoes with a sparkling sole (see second set in the post), or Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler clutches, the verdict is clear: this spring is all about a bold accent, like this beautiful yellow shade. 

Peach Powder : This sweet orange-meets-salmon shade has a sweet, feminine accent. I have a skirt in my closet from last year, I cannot wait to wear it!

I am definitely keen on knowing more about this fashion season know, I will try to make some time in my life for this research and my beloved blog, I absolutely forgot how fun fashion can be! What do you like about the spring season so far?

Valentino shoes, J. Crew Pants, J. Crew Sweater, J. Crew necklace, Sophie Hulme clutch

Paris vs. New York

This weekend has been a delight- sure, I had tons of projects and school work to do but I also got to sleep 8 hours a night and catch up with the latest news in the fashion world. I love to see new collections every season, and so far I'm truly in love with the Swarovski Fall 2013 Collection. It's not only their classy designs which got my attention, but also the fact that this collection includes a collaboration with Shourouk. I don't know how many of you are familiar with this brand, but I've been following its journey for quite a while and I can state they make my favourite statement necklaces. I don't know how I've missed this incredible collaboration, the prices of the Swarovski &Shourouk pieces are like 25 % of what a Shourouk necklace usually costs. Still, it is too expensive for me so I was lucky to found this Swarovski Coupon Code 2013. I'm still deciding whether I should take the plunge and buy one of the pieces, what's really holding me back is the fact that I'm saving up for a trip to Paris.

Speaking of Paris, when I decided I wanted to do a set and Polyvore in order to show you the Swarovski jewellery I found myself wondering- should this be a feminine outfit with a dash of Parisian chic or a casual attire, a la New York? Why not do both? My point is that this collaboration has resulted in some pieces of an imense versatility,  I can definitely see how these statement earrings and cuff work with boyfriend jeans and some funky shoes as well. 

Would you go all Paris or New York? 

PS: Isn't that Chanel nude bag the most incredible bag you've seen in a while? God, I hope they'll still make it in 10 years when (maybe) I'll afford it.

NY by marymanaila featuring black earrings

Mini Guide: Wedding Attire

Okay, I have to admit, this thing with posting mini guides for different occasions has really gotten me. I'm not sure whether I should make it a permanent column on the blog, but it definitely challenges my creativity! I was talking to a friend the other day about how the wedding season is so close and I don't really have any idea what I would wear to such an event. Then I realized it depends on the theme of the wedding, which makes it perfect for a mini guide!

Still, there are some essentials you need to have in your clutch in all the cases: compact mirrors are great for touch up and they somehow strike me as a type of jewellery. My favourite one was brought by my aunt from Turkey and whenever I have it with me, people admire it. It's so cool to own such an useful and cute accessory. For this collage I chose one from American Bridal, I just love its shape!
Beauty products : Don't bring all of your makeup, just make sure you look amazing the entire night! For the looks I went for Topshop products because they have such a pretty packaging and  I liked the visual impact, can you share your thoughts on their quality?
Also, for me perfume is another important thing. No, I don't bring my whole bottle, I just have tiny versions of various fragrances. You may notice the Miss Dior Cherie in all the sets, that's because it's my favourite and yet I can't afford to buy the big bottle.

And now, let's talk about different settings and what to wear when you attend a wedding:

The first set  (main picture ) showcases my ideal outfit for a regular wedding, at a nice restaurant & everything! That Valentino dress has stole my heart for months now, and lately I've also developed an obsession for rose/nude clutches!

2nd look: Cold place, fabulous time! The bride wants to marry in a cold and fabulous place? This doesn't mean to scare you, the best way to dress up is to choose a 'heavy' fabric which will keep you warm but will also allow you to show everyone your moves on the dance floor. This electric blue Preen dress is just divine, isn't it?

Preen Dress, Christian Louboutin Shoes, American Bridal compact mirror, Lanvin clutch, YSL lipstick, Topshop nail polish

3rd look: Fun in the sun! Oh, a wedding on a beach, what a dreamy setting... I would go for plain flats for the ceremony ( these are from Zara, I own the same pair) and for a longer dress, even maxi would look great. I know, I know, there are pastel and nude tones everywhere in my sets!

Giambatistta Valli dress, Zara flats, Charlotte Olympia shoes, Marc Jacobs watch, American Bridal mirror, YSL clutch, Topshop nail polish

What would you wear to a wedding? And what essentials would be in your clutch?

Haircuts &inspiration

Red Valentino Skirt , Mary Kantrantzou T-shirt, JCrew Necklace, Lanvin Ipad case, Charlotte Olympia shoes, Miu Miu wallet, Lola by Marc Jacobs

''A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.''-Coco Chanel

(Oh, how couldn't I include a photo of my new haircut in the moodboard?? At first I thought it would be just me bragging but hey- this is my blog and you have to put up with my weird moods- thank you for that, by the way!).

I want to go back to the lovely quote of Coco Chanel- I believe that what makes it so genius is its duplicity: it applies in the situations when you decide to make a radical change with your hair (like my BFF did one year ago- it was hard for me to get used to it but I have to admit she looks incredible!) and it's also a great way to comfort yourself after you cut a few inches just to keep your hair healthy.I'm in the second situation right now and I'm missing my long hair a lot (although my friends assured me that it's still long enough) and this quote just makes me smile!

Now, let's talk about the collage itself- I've been doing some reseatch ever since I write for TeenyStyle and I noticed so many cool clothes and trends that I just had to share my favourite selection around here as well. So, I will reveal my TOP 5 CURRENT OBSESSIONS:

Charlotte Olympia- Oh my, I could buy all the pairs in all the possible colors (even the kitten flats- cuteness overload!). I love the shades and how fun and unique her designs are!

Clash of prints (see Carven, Mary Katrantzou, Valentino this season) - A funny thing happened as I was writing this post- my mother walked in and said "Such a lovely dress!" . That's exactly what I'm talking about- I want to own two fabulous pieces with flawless prints which are also easy to combine (suuuure, I'll find them haha).

JCrew Necklaces- divine, creative and so many models to choose from!

Miu Miu wallet- It's one of my long-lasting obsessions (ever since I was 15) but I included this is the list because I love the new colors they have this season!

Lanvin Ipad case- so cool and creative, my Ipad would need a new 'outfit' but I want to focus on my closet this spring.

There you have it - what are you craving for right now?

Fancy Friday: Can you see right through me?

Perfect dress from Valentino #FW11 . Look carefully at the details, the lighting...everything is just breathtaking!