The Hat Trick

Hats are an often overlooked accessory. Up your head wear game and let this stylish topper take center stage in your ensemble. More than just a great way to ward off the sun and stay protected from its harsh rays, hats are fashionable accessories that can instantly transform your look.

Here is a look I chose for champagne and strawberry afternoon with my girls!

Once I have put on the tunic and pants it was obvious that something was missing and thats when I reached for the hat…

Nothing like a chic woven hat with a not-too-wide brim to increase the chicness of your outfit. The history of hats within fashion lends it an innate vintage and sophisticated feeling, something that this outfit could certainly benefit from. Topping off this look with a hat made it more polished, pulled together, dainty, and coquettish.

I love how this little hat by Furla enhances the feminine vibe of my look. It makes my breezy purple tunic top, white skinny jeans, and nude bow embellished heels look all the more summery and elegant. This is my take on a casual yet prim and proper look.

And of course no look can be complete without your favourite bag. This classic Kelly is a lovely addition not only to this outfit but to my “Mine Forever” bag collection. Never letting this baby go…

One of my personal styling tricks is to wrap the handles of my purse in a beautiful silk scarf. Obviously I didn’t come up with the idea itself, but I really wish it was more popular! It is a subtle and unexpected yet effective way to incorporate prints into your look while personalizing your ensemble at the same time.

Devil is in the detail, right?  

Lastly, I would like to add that white pants (or jeans if you prefer) are one of the top 25 basic wardrobe pieces (hint hint hint).

Got your hat ready? Now you’re all set to have some fun under the sun. No need to sacrifice fashion when you want to frolic outside on a beautiful day like this one. Seize the moment and enjoy these wonderful days, there is nothing like it. Wear something comfortable and stylish and let your hat make a major statement.

How about you? Will you keep your hat on? 😉

 

Style Icon: Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman’s beauty is understated and elegant. Her grace and carriage point to the grandeur and old world glamour of Old Hollywood. She’s conquered this century’s Hollywood too though. Starring in award-winning heavy hitters like Closer and Black Swan, as well as blockbuster hits like Thor, V for Vendetta, and Star Wars as Queen Amidala. This Harvard graduate is proof that beauty, brains, talent, and impeccable style is possible to have in one petite and sophisticated package.

Here’s my roundup of Natalie Portman’s best looks to date:

Normally, a frock with ruffles all over would be a no-no for someone with a petite frame like Natalie. However, this red number from Lanvin makes an exception. All the ruffles are beautifully layered and draped making it an effortlessly elegant and incredibly flattering red carpet look. The short hemline is perfect for her frame. 

Natalie shows off her penchant for rosy hues in this pink and red jewel-toned gown. Her classic style is reflected in her great choice of subtle yet glamorous diamond bling. She kept it simple, and yet she made a super chic statement.

Maternity style proved to be Natalie Portman’s strong suit. She wowed the crowd during her pregnancy by donning one amazing dress after another. The beautiful deep purple color, sexy slit, and off-shoulder silhouette enhance her beautiful figure and show off her baby bump in high style. 

Further proof that you can’t go wrong with black and white? This flawless daytime ensemble from Natalie Portman. The sleek and feminine black satin slingback heels and delicate diamond drop earrings are the perfect finishing touches to her stylish frock. When you have a great dress like this, you let it do the talking.

Great style never takes a day off. Natalie look good even when sporting some off-duty casual threads. Blue jeans, a camel trench, and Cuban heeled boots gets elevated with a strong shot of color via a cobalt blue cashmere scarf. This is how you bundle up while still looking chic as ever. 

Clad in head-to-toe Dior, Natalie represented  the brand well. She is a Dior brand ambassador after all. From the tweed coat, cashmere sweater, and the beautifully embellished silk satin skirt, the mix of textures is what makes this outfit stand out. 

One of her best Oscar looks and a noteworthy red carpet moment, Natalie Portman commanded attention in this Dior Haute Couture gown. The vintage feel, fitted bodice, classic Old Hollywood polka dot print all came together for an evening look that exceeded expectations. 

A perfect picture of feminine style at its best, Natalie Portman continues to impress with her polished and ladylike style. The embellished floral tulle overlay of this fit and flare tea length dress makes it perfect either for a red carpet event or an afternoon at high tea. She finished it off perfectly with gold vintage inspired sandals. Natalie tried her hand at subtle color blocking when she combined this bright and vibrant royal blue with a pair of deep purple peep toes. She showed off her gorgeous gams and flattered her petite frame with the short hemline and A-line silhouette of this frock. The origami bust detail combined with the tailored detailing in the buttoned front and pockets are features that make this dress a stellar standout.

Which look did you absolutely love?

 

Get Movin’

Hi people! 

I have been thinking about doing something different for a while now and so here comes the new category: Sporty Chic! You guys still wanna look chic even whilst working out and breaking a sweat, right? Well, in the next few weeks I am going to try and convince you (and hopefully myself too) that fitness is oh-so-chic!

Released during exercise, endorphins are essential to starting or ending your day right. It gets you in a great mood! And makes you more productive too! Nothing kickstarts your day like a good run, and nothing helps you relax more at the end of the day than a good yoga session. Whatever your workout of choice is, always remember to make it a part of your lifestyle. Exercising should be a priority. Here are some of my personal tips on how to stay healthy, fit and stylish!

There are so many brands out there carrying stylish activewear for fashionistas like you and me. Hey, all the more motivation to get to the gym right? Have fun with colors, prints, and textures when dressing up for your daily workout. Try cute, printed shorts like I did, or wear a bright colored sports bra underneath your workout top. Trust me, a little color and a little fashion will put a spring in your step and make you more motivated to go to the gym. Also, prepare your gym bag the night before. You got no excuse to miss your workout sesh when you’re all packed and ready to go.

Don’t be afraid of the weight room. “Lifting makes you look bulky” is a fitness myth that has been debunked time and time again. If you want that bikini body, cardio won’t be enough. You don’t have to lift ultra heavy kettle bells right away, you can start small and work your way up. Assess your comfort and strength level, or ask assistance from a personal trainer or even from your gym savvy friend. The formula for losing weight is burning fat through cardio combined with building muscle. Muscle doesn’t always mean bulk, you can build lean muscle through exercise and a good diet.

Having an extra busy week? Take 20 minutes out of your day to go for a quick run. It is important to maintain a regular cardio exercise in your routine.

Another great tip is to program an awesome running playlist into your smartphone or iPod. It always helps to have tunes that get you groovin’ and get you in the mood to go that extra mile.

Running isn’t your thing? Experiment with other activities that will get you your required cardio. Try Zumba, swimming, or even tennis!

Invest in a good running/workout shoe. Pick a fun mix of colors or print that you will just love to slip into everyday. Just take a look at my adorable pink and mint sneaks from DKNY!

Lastly, never forget to monitor your diet. That doesn’t mean starving yourself, mind you. Get your daily dose of greens and try to avoid processed foods. If you have a busy schedule, it might be a good idea to prepare salads and healthy snacks ahead of time so you don’t sacrifice your health and good diet during your busy work week.

My final tip to you is to find a friend to keep you on track, in the gym and beyond. It always helps to have someone to keep you in check and to have a buddy on your journey to a better you.

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can be challenging, but there are ways stick to it and ways to keep on the right track. I hope this post helped you on your road to fitness! Those are just some of my simple and easy tips on getting fit and staying healthy. 

Would you like more tips in the future? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Style Icon: Gwyneth Paltrow

Leggy, gorgeous, and eternally chic, Gwyneth Paltrow sure sets the bar high for Hollywood stars everywhere. Always perfectly coiffed and always dressed to kill, Gwyneth makes one wonder how she manages to look this good while being a mom, actress, and lifestyle guru. Owner and tastemaker at Goop, her personal passion project and online magazine that serves as a source for all things organic, natural, healthy, and on trend. She manages to keep fit through her lifestyle and her covetable radar for everything fashion forward. Steal some Gwynnie’s style and get inspired with this rundown of her 10 best looks:

Showing off her legendary toned legs, Gwyneth nails that elusive combo of casual and elegant. This pearly white short suit is fashion gamble that definitely paid off for her, making her look a cut above your standard red carpet looks. The edgy black booties are a nice finishing touch.

Gwyneth isn’t particularly known for her penchant for color. She is often seen in chic and classic neutrals, which is why this orange number is extra special since it shows that she can pull off a bold look along with the best of them. This beautifully draped orange frock shows off her amazing bod in high style. The color clashing red booties completes this look with an unexpected hit of saturated color.

This is Gwyneth at her best. The red carpet is where her best and most wow-inducing fashion moments happen and this gilded gown is one of them. Donning head-to-toe gold might prove to be a sartorial challenge for some, but Gwyneth has always proved herself to be the exception to the rule. This full-on glitz and glamour is dripping in sophistication, from the jeweled brooch on her waist down to her ankle-strap stilettos.

This look is further proof of what we knew all along, a sleek black tuxedo jacket is a must-have for every fashionista. Here, Gwyneth wears it over a lacy one-piece and the jacket instantly adds a tailored touch and a fashion forward bravado to this look.

Simplicity always equal elegance and if you pull it off like Gwyneth does, it is sure to land you on the best-dressed list. This sparkly green gown is made even more radiant when you let it be the center of attention. I love how she simply styled it with a diamond statement necklace and poker straight center parted hair.

One of the most memorable Oscar dresses to date, this Tom Ford piece is one for the fashion books. This white gown-cape hybrid showcases Gwyneth’s love for both glamorous and simultaneously cutting-edge fashion. Again, her simple beauty look and minimal accessorizing makes this look extra winsome. Less is indeed more.

Gwyneth knows that a strategic cut-out and bold color blocking are more than enough to make you stand out. Paired with textured waves and sexy high heels, she proves once again that a great dress is more than enough to prove your fashion mettle.

Seriously, Gwyneth could be a poster girl/champion for the power and impact of simplicity, when done right of course. She does casual so perfectly polished. A cuffed blazer, classic white tee, boyfriend jeans, and strappy sandals is the formula for quick and easy chic.

Gwyneth knows that a little of smoky eye and statement cut-out heels are all you need to elevate a white dress. Loose waves and dewy skin finish off this look, and reminds us that your hair, makeup, and skin are a big part of looking put together.

I can’t round out this list without showing you Old Hollywood vintage glam Gwyneth. A blush toned gown with intricate detailing and a subtle mermaid cut makes for a showstopping red carpet statement. Red lips and diamonds complete this look with a classic glam flourish.

Don’t you just love how Gwyneth can make simple look extraordinary!

 

Style Icon: Cara Delevingne

If you thought that Brit model Cara Delevingne was big last year, expect her to blow up and become an even bigger star this year. Starring in the much anticipated onscreen adaptation of John Green’s “Paper Towns,” set to come out this summer, Cara D. will make the Hollywood red carpets her new runway. She’s already conquered pretty much every designer’s runway out there anyway, now she’s set her sights on a film career. This model’s career trajectory has been nothing short of stellar. She became a supermodel seemingly overnight, with her face on every major label’s campaign and her signature brows spotted on every important fashion show. She’s shown off excellent street style too. Here are my top 10 picks of some of her best style moments:

Who can forget this studded Burberry number that Cara wore during the Met Gala? She totally nailed that year’s theme of Punk Couture. With super smoky and dark eyes and multiple piercings on one ear, Cara ruled the red carpet that night.

Her off-duty model style is what it’s all about. A slinky black sheath dress is a model style must. Perfectly complemented with a rich and luscious oversized camel coat, a black and white striped clutch, and black heeled sandals, this classic look offsets her fashionably undone bun.

Now this is the Cara we know and love. Laidback, sexy, and completely cool, she expresses her signature tomboy chic and rebellious style even in the most casual of outfits. She accessorizes denim overalls and flip-flops with on-trend extras like a wide-brim hat, mirrored sunglasses, and a paisley one-piece.

You didn’t think she’d wear a pantsuit in the “normal” way, do you? Cara flips the script on this tailored staple with a pair of bright and bold color blocked runners, and a bare cleavage accessorized with layered gold necklaces. Youthful and a little bit subversive, this look is precisely what makes Cara Delevingne a modern style icon.

High-waist black skinnies with an oversized belt buckle? Yes, please. Cara certainly knows the power of contrast, the nude button-down against stark black, large accessory vs. tailored and skinny. It’s all about the mix. The edgy buckled boots are a great addition too.

You can’t expect Cara to show up in an evening event in just a typical cocktail dress. She amps up evening dress by a couple of notches by flaunting her statuesque legs in a velvet blazer dress. Textured, luxe, sexy, and short, Cara definitely knows what she’s doing.

Leave it to this newly minted style icon to take a vintage graphic tee to greater heights. She pairs her tee with prim and proper trousers and red satin court pumps. The red lip, studded clutch, and her bold brows complete this style statement and make it more than appropriate for a night out on the town.

Her tomboy style and love for hats come together in this adorable street style look. From the buttoned-up gauzy blouse to the on-trend pastel blue shorts, she channels 60s Twiggy in this incredibly chic look. Throw in the black platform sandals and wide-brim hat and you get fashion perfection.

I simply can’t get enough of Cara’s tuxedo looks. She manages to wear this tailored style staple in so many different ways, and she makes it looks fresh every single time. Her take, this time around, involves a double-breasted jacket detail, contrast lapel, wine stained lips, and zip-up booties. Can it get any better than this? This is edgy evening to a T.

Don’t let Cara’s love for street style fool you. She can definitely glam it up if she wants or needs to. This look is evidence of that. A beautiful glittering column gown with a side slit combined with black details and accessories, this is definitely a recipe for a rebel chic red carpet look.

Do you love Cara’s style as much as I do? Sound off in the comments about your favorite look!

Make Today The Day…

Sometimes you have to take your girly style and amp it up a notch. Why not add some urban chic elements to your feminine style? I sure did enjoy styling these sleek and modern black and white sneakers with some of my favorite pieces.

I just couldn’t resist posing and having fun against this colorful and graphic graffiti wall! This incredible piece of urban art goes perfectly well with the athletic meets ladylike style that I was going for that day. I love finding gems like this place within the city! It definitely pays to explore your own city.

This classic Chanel 2.55 purse goes well with pretty much anything! And this look is proof that it even goes well with athletic sneaks! Definitely a fashion investment that will stay in my closet for years to come.

I love how the sheen of this pleated skirt makes this A-line skirt silhouette feel so novel and modern. I chose a boxy houndstooth top to balance the flare of the bottom. Quick styling tip, when wearing a predominantly black and white outfit adding a print in those two classic colors will liven up your look instantly.

I cannot stress this enough, never ever forget to consider how your beauty look of the day will affect your overall mood and disposition. Glam makeup will certainly make you look polished and pulled together. Not to mention, it’ll add a spring in your step! A bold lip color can give you a confidence boost like no other.

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed shooting it! Hamming it up in front of the camera is such an amazing stress reliever. And so is dressing up; it is one of my relaxing rituals too. Always make fashion a part of your everyday life, it’ll make a world of difference.

Have an amazing week ahead my lovely readers!