Best of Fashion Week Street Style: Milan

Latest trends

Milan street style is a different kind of animal. If London is punk, New York is urban, Milan is eclectic meets sophisticated. I love how fashion week really gives fashion lovers an opportunity to delve into street style around the world. There’s so much to learn about style from the streets, and every year it just gets more and more exciting.

Italian women have long been heralded as one of the most stylish and elegant in the world. It’s high time we take notes from Milanese street style and adopt some of that “la dolce vita” into our personal style and wardrobe. Here are my top picks for the best in street style and top trends in Milan for fashion week Spring 2016:

Shoe Love

Italy is all about shoes, we all know that. The love for shoes runs long and deep in Italian culture and style, and Milan being the fashion capital of the country is the perfect stomping grounds for shoe lover from all over the world. Here are some snaps of some the most beautiful shoes this side of street style. Take note of the dominance of those bright blue shoe hues. Gorgeous!

Bold Color

It’s easy to just wear neutrals all year-round, but sometimes going bold on color will go a long way. Keep your bold hues rich and jewel-toned to maintain that sophisticated Milan flair.

Squad Goals

I saw a lot of stylish women in two’s and three’s in Milan. Whether fully coordinated in hues of camel and black, decked out in dreamy white flowing tops, or in complementary outerwear, these ladies know that when it comes to street style your whole squad can make an impact.

Back to Back

Italian women pride themselves in a unique sense of style that departs from mainstream trends. Make an outfit feel even more unique and individual when you add unpredictable elements to your look. Make them look twice with back detailing that shows that you think about the overall 360 effect of your outfit. From back cut-outs to playful patch designs to even a button down worn in a whole new way, when you put your back into it, your style reaches a whole new peak.

Italian Heritage

Missoni and Gucci are just two of the many illustrious fashion houses that call Italy their home. Get inspired by these heritage brands and sport some the signature Missoni colorful print or invest in some quality Italian leather to upgrade your ensemble of the day. Nothing like a beautiful piece of high quality Italian leather work to give your look an air of luxury.

Expect the Unexpected

If there is one takeaway from Italian street style that you should integrate into your own style, it’s this: always leave room for sartorial surprises. Ballgown in the daytime? Why not? Hiking boots with a mini shirt dress? Oh yes. A cascading train worn with jeans is always a good idea. It’s in these unexpected pairings that you can truly find your one-of-a-kind style sensibility.

Images from WMagazine and The Trendspotter

Best of Fashion Week Street Style: London

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London is the capital of the more subversive side of the fashion coin. Designers like Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, and Vivienne Westwood all call London their home, cementing the city’s status as a place where rebellious and unconventional fashion are born. More than that, London has been the hotbed for such historical and industry changing fashion trends such as mod and punk fashion. You can’t mention London without mentioning Savile Row, of course. Savile Row is the eponymous area in London, which is known for producing the best menswear and tailoring in the world.

For Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016, fashionistas stormed London in their sartorial best. But what I loved the most is how their own style became transformed and/or influenced by the signature style of this city. I’ve noticed some key London trends in the street style spotted, and here they are:

Mad for Plaid

Plaid and Tartan is for the Scots, I know. But it’s a huge part of London Style too! Especially when worn from head-to-toe and accentuated with large Mod-inspired sunnies, plaid is so chic and feels so very now.

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Dashing and Dapper

Savile Row is famous the world over for their impeccable menswear tailoring. This legendary London fashion landmark definitely influences women’s wear too. Various incarnations of suiting styles, ranging from the quirky to the classic, has shown up on my street style radar and I am in love with how menswear suiting can be interpreted into women’s trends and styles. Putting a feminine or modern twist to a classic suit is always a great way to get dressed.

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Prep School

London is home to a lot of preppy style as well. Classic jumpers and school girl skirt silhouettes are an essential part of preppy fashion. Refresh those two pieces for 2015 with oversized jumper silhouettes and alternative skirt fabrications like leather. You can also co-opt some school girl style into your wardrobe with Peter Pan collars, white socks worn with heeled oxfords, and overalls, of course.

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High Street meets High Fashion

You can’t mention London without thinking of its storied high street brands such as Topshop, River Island, Miss Selfridge, and New Look. These eponymous brands has inspired a legion of London fashionistas to embrace high street trends and marry it with their high fashion sensibilities. Think of trendy fur vests, playful clutches, and gold metallic belts paired with the latest designer pieces of the season like Celine sunnies, Jil Sander sunnies and Balmain jackets.

London Calling

London has its own style and vibe for sure. There really is no one way to describe it. From preppy to punk, from mod to edgy menswear-inspired ensemble, one thing iis for sure London street style is characterized by a playful and youthful take on the latest trends. Just take a look at these street style snaps below, these are the perfect representations of true London style. Keep an eye out for London it girls, Chelsea Leyland and Alexa Chung.
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Photos from Harper’s Bazaar

Watch out for the next installment in this series. Next, I take a look at Milan Fashion Week Spring 2016 Street Style. Until the next one!

The New Generation of Style Icons

Latest trends, Style Icons

If you’re a fashion fan, you’re familiar with the style icons of our time. Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and Beyonce are just some personalities that are considered style royalty. There is a new crop of style stars on the rise, most of them are Young Hollywood celebrities that are learning the ropes of red carpet dressing and standout street style at a young age. When it comes to fashion, age ain’t but a number. Some of these young ones are showing extraordinary sartorial prowess, take notes from the new generation of style icons. I’m sure they’ll teach you a thing or two.

Zendaya

Triple threat (actress, dancer, and singer) Zendaya started out in the Disney Channel. But she is now coming into her own, especially when it comes to her bold fashion choices. She always surprises fashion fans with her red carpet outfits and her statement making street style. I love how Zendaya’s style always has an element of danger to it. Whether it’s a thigh high slit or the effortless pairing of white sneakers with an embellished evening look, her looks are always on the cutting edge.

Images from WhoWhatWear

Maddie Ziegler

Maddie Ziegler of Dance Moms fame skyrocketed into the public eye through her star-making appearance on Sia’s “Chandelier” video. From there, she has been appearing in both the big and small screen. She is now poised for a fashion takeover, which these days, is the natural progression for most up-and-coming Young Hollywood personalities. Maddie has had experience as an ELLE correspondent for fashion week, and has appeared in publications and editorials for Teen Vogue and Glamour among others. She’s certainly embracing fashion with open arms, and I just love her playful style. She always comes in looks that are age appropriate, and I adore how she plays up bright colors in her looks!

Image 1: Zimbio, Image 2: Elle Magazine

Bella Thorne

Actress (and Zendaya’s BFF) Bella Thorne always wows with her outfits. She typically has girly and feminine style, but she can sometimes mix it up with more edgy and sexy looks. These two looks below are especially telling of her sense of style. She always adds feminine flair to all her looks. Bella Thorne always looks polished to boot. She always makes sure that her looks coordinate perfectly.

Images from WhoWhatWear

Kiernan Shipka

Mad Men alum Kiernan Shipka is most often lauded for her amazing style. She consistently nails glamorous looks that still feel appropriate to her age and her build. Her petite frame is always elegantly outfitted in tailored separates or structured dresses that never overwhelm her or make her look older. Shipka is proof that dressing your age is a worthy fashion goal to aspire for.

Images from WhoWhatWear

Victoria Justice

Victoria Justice looks like a girl-next-door and has certainly perfected the art of dressing that way–with a unique twist of course. I love how she adds uniqueness to each look. Justice knows that it’s all about the accessories. It can be silver booties with a plain black coat and jeans or a fringed tassel bag with a tribal print coordinating set.

Images from WhoWhatWear

Sarah Hyland

Sarah Hyland has been making fashion headlines as of late. Her unexpected yet totally spot-on glamorous red carpet looks have landed her firmly on the best-dressed radar. Don’t you just love how she bucks convention and sticks to silhouettes that she truly loves and are truly flattering to her figure and stature? She styles this low-cut black romper with aplomb. Hyland keeps things simple and sophisticated by letting sexy silhouettes do the talking.

Images from WhoWhatWear

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld is perpetually clad in Miu Miu. Hey, no complaints here. She certainly embodies the one-of-a-kind girly meets rebellious spirit of the Miu Miu brand. I love how Steinfeld’s looks are always leaning toward the more avant-garde, a definite departure from her sugary sweet and youthful beauty. Take a cue from her, and don’t be afraid to get some more haute couture flavor into your everyday looks.

Images from WhoWhatWear

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley has tomboy chic style down pat. She shows off her athletic build and her sense of style flawlessly. I love how her sporty black crop top is offset by a trendy printed pencil skirt. Woodley embraces what she loves best in terms of fashion and marries with trends that are hot at the moment, that’s the recipe for great style.

Images from WhoWhatWear

Which style icon will you be watching out for? I know that they will all be on my radar. They’re all so chic in their own ways.

Best of Fashion Week Street Style: New York

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It’s astounding how different one city can be from another. The four fashion capitals, New York, Paris, Milan, and London, all have distinctive styles. I’m going to explore that with my series of blogs about Fashion Week street style.

Street style blogs have a cult following for a reason. It captures individual style and it captures the feeling, mood and personality of that particular moment. Where you live affects your sartorial choices, and I want to explore that through these blogs. I’ve curated images, which stand out for its sense of style as well as that unique New York feeling. New York is urban and straight forward, just like these stylistas. Here are my picks:

Magazine editor Joanna Hillman isn’t afraid to wear two bohemian trends together. Billowy floral sleeves and fringe never looked this good together.

I love this chic yet subtle take on color blocking. It’s a different way to dress up in warm colors when it’s autumn.

Hanneli Mustaparta bucks the fashion rules dons a pair of floral overalls with gusto.

Look closely and you’ll see 3 different kinds of graphic stripe in this look. So edgy.

Model Lindsey Wixson nails Brooklyn cool in this ensemble. Love the brown belt and wide brim hat.

The architectural feel of the check print and especially the shoes reflects the New York skyline. But just like the city, there’s an unpredictable element. How amazing is that pink furry clutch?!

Make a bold statement in Moschino.

No shame in the matchy-matchy game. Start a new trend when you match your bright top with equally bright-hued sunglasses.

There’s no reason why culottes can’t be done up in leather. That plus sheer sleeves equals edgy glamour.

Editor Christine Centenera makes a strong case for pinstripes in this fashion forward look. Mostly black and navy, but never boring.

Sweater dressing gets elevated with stark white masculine oxfords.

This outfit is Upper East Side Gossip Girl style with a dash of modern. The white sneakers and ribbed turtleneck definitely put a trendy spin on the matching tailored blazer and shorts look.

Nothing says downtown cool girl like an unexpected outfit pairing. A standard striped Breton shirt gets upgraded by a tiered ruffle skirt.

Chiara Ferragni of the Blonde Salad blog looks adorable in this earthy 70s inspired look.

Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller shows us her unique style yet again. Sequined Rugby shirts have never looked this chic.

Stylist Liz Uy is an example of fashion excess done right. Printed platforms, oversized cuffed jeans, fringed clutch, and kimono tunic doesn’t sound like it should work, but it does.

Irene Kim, Chriselle Lim, and Aimee Song = #squadgoals

Go big or go home. Fringe plus voluminous culottes is the definition of full throttle fashion.

Military green parkas are basically a staple in any city gal’s wardrobe. Here is a new and refreshing way to wear ’em.

White T-shirt is a casual must-have. Knot it to the side and tuck it in, style it further with a printed blazer and you’ve got a winner.

Contrast the trendiness of your It bag with a quirky vintage print and a ladylike classic bun.

New Yorkers are always in black. Black + dark denim looks extra polished with the addition of a classic leather belt.

Photos from Harper’s Bazaar

Trend Report: Japanese-Inspired Fashion

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This 2015 a lot of designers looked to the East for inspiration, specifically Japan. The land of the rising sun definitely has no shortage of beautiful landscapes, unique art, and cultural heritage and history to draw from. Designer runways, from Alexander McQueen to Tibi, prominently featured design details directly drawn from Japanese culture and tradition.

I love how designers translated Japan’s heritage into wearable and fashion-forward pieces that every woman would love to wear. I, for one, would love to own something Japanese-inspired. The East meets West aesthetic is just so modern to me. Here is my take on Japanese style for Singaporean designer Silvia Teh. Click here for the full fashion spread that I previously blogged about. Here are some of my favorite looks from the shoot:

There are 4 styles that characterize this trend: origami detailing, tied/obi belts, kimono silhouettes, and japanese print motifs.

Silvia Teh’s design certainly reflect all 4 of those trends. I mean, how amazing is that wave print on the jacket? I also loved that navy kimono vest tied with an obi belt as well as the piece with an origami ribbon detail around the chest.

Here’s a closer on look on the 4 key pieces that comprise this hot trend:

Origami Details

Architectural and sculptural folding details are being integrated into runway looks this season. Instead of dressing up your clothes with jewelry, why not be progressive and opt for origami detailing that lends your look a futuristic yet sophisticated appeal? Margiela’s approach interprets origami via silhouettes that emulate origami’s stark folds and calculated proportions.

Dasha Gauser // Image from DesignerCentral

Maison Margiela // Image from Vogue

Kimono Style

Probably the most wearable out of all the Japanese-inspired fashion trends, kimono styles easily translate from one season to another. Keep an eye out for exaggerated sleeves, billowy fabrics, and wraparound silhouettes. What’s great about kimono styles is that it’s flattering to most figures and can be styled for either casual outings or fancier events.

Herve Leger // Image from Lollipuff

Copyright © 2013 infinitas. Article Photo for Denim Jeans Observer www.denimjeansobserver.com All brands, product names, corresponding products, supplementary materials, graphic or photographic images, licenses, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2013 infinitas.
Article Photo for Denim Jeans Observer
http://www.denimjeansobserver.com
All brands, product names, corresponding products, supplementary materials, graphic or photographic images, licenses, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

WHYRED // Image from Denim Jeans Observer

GIG COUTURE // Image from Denim Jeans Observer

Tied/Obi Belt

To look more in the know, swap out your leather and metallic belts for fabric belts that you can easily tie around your waist. It adds an air of chic nonchalance to your look, and it feels so on trend. You can choose thicker or thinner bands depending on your figure. If you’re looking to make more of a bolder statement, look for the full-on wide obi belts.

Image from FashionMio

Japanese Print Motifs

Be on the lookout for vintage-looking Oriental flora print or ancient art inspired prints. It’s patterns like this that will make you stand out head and shoulders over the fashion pack. Consider this the more high fashion alternative to your typical prints.

Image from Trendspotter

Front Row Style @ Fashion Week 2015

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Fashion Week isn’t just about the style being paraded down the runway. The fashion on the front row is especially noteworthy too. The front row is where the fashion elite, editors and celebrities alike, congregate to take their prestigious seats right at the top of the fashion pecking order. You can learn just as much about trends and styling on the front row.

If you’re suffering from fashion week withdrawals, front row fashion is the cure for you. Here are my top picks for the best in front row style for Fashion Week 2015: