Style Icon: Elena Perminova

Siberian-born model Elena Perminova has been a permanent front row fixture as well as a fervent supporter and wearer of haute couture. Perminova is a member of the ubiquitous ‘Russian Pack’ along with Ulyana Sergeenko and Vika Gazinskaya, both couture designers; and Miroslava Duma, a fashion journalist and style blogger. More than putting Russian fashion on the map, Perminova adds a distinct charm and playfulness to her looks that makes her style so exciting to observe. Wife to media mogul, Alexander Lebedev, and mother of three, Elena Perminova’s jet set lifestyle and taste for the finer things in fashion betrays her down-to-earth charm and youthful sartorial individuality.

Here are some of my favorite street style and Fashion Week looks from Elena Perminova:

A straw hat with a metallic platinum dress is simply put, a stroke of style genius. Perminova has always proven herself to be the master of unexpected fashion combinations, and this look is a testament to her fashion savvy. Notice how her casual flats balance then ultra short hemline and evening appeal of her high shine frock? Definitely a styling tip to take note of.

With the “it bag” of the upcoming spring season, the Chloe Drew bag, slung around her toned shoulders, she sashays effortlessly into another fashion show front row, no doubt. The bright blue hue of the bag stands out against her minimalist chic off-white sweater dress and thigh-high boots duo.

Showing off her penchant for color, Perminova puts her own spin on the classic trench dress as she dons it in a beautiful deep turquoise. With a trendy 70s silhouette, she teaches us a thing or two about statement dressing. Pick a maximum impact piece, and let it shine.

Displaying the one-of-a-kind blend of edgy elegance that she is known for, Perminova puts together a patent crocodile print with a prim navy blazer and tough gal chic Balenciaga cut-out boots for a look that is bursting with street style cred.

Want to dress up your denim? Take your style cues from Elena Perminova. A feminine ruffled blouse tucked into dark denim with a light stone wash is given the high fashion treatment with such choice add-ons such as a pair of sleek white pumps, an oversized tan leather clutch with zipper embellishments, and a pair of round sunnies.

If your LBD game needs a refresh, do like Elena and go matchy-matchy with your accessories. Her matching tweed Chanel 2.55 bag sneakers give a dose of urban cool to her plain black knee-length black dress.

A true style maven for high-low dressing, she exhibits her enviable fashion prowess and her treasure trove of designer and unique pieces in this memorable street style outfit.  A pale pink embellished lace dress is typically for the red carpet, but Perminova makes it street style friendly with the addition of lace-up boots, a black military style blazer, and a wide brim hat. Instant downtown chic.

Leave it to Elena Perminova to find a completely new way to wear your standard cognac leather tote. While most people would reserve this carryall for their denim-and-tee looks, she confidently rocks it with a floor-length gown with floral appliques on the hem. Bow down to the master of high-low, street meets couture dressing.

All Images from WhoWhatWear

Buy Now: Must-Have Boots for Fall

I can hardly believe that the best season and month in fashion is upon us. September is coming soon, and with it come the thickest September issues, fall fashion shopping, and fashion week of course!

Although this part of the globe doesn’t experience fall, that isn’t a reason for fashionistas not to do their yearly fall wardrobe overhaul and update. Fall is the fashion New Year where style devotees examine their past sartorial decisions and make new ones. Fall is also the season where the hottest trends crop up and the hottest items are up for purchase.

What is the quickest and easiest way to get ready for fall fashion month? The answer is simple, wear boots with everything. Boots are the ultimate shoes of this season, and it will surely make you look fashion forward and up to date with the trends. I’ve picked out 10 of the best boot styles to improve your daily #OOTDs. What’re you waiting for? Shop away fashionistas!

Giuseppe Zanotti Quilted Zipped Calf Ankle Boots from LuisaViaRoma

If you live in head to toe black come fall season, this is definitely the pair of boots meant for you since it’ll give your monochrome outfits a much needed hit of color. The quilted leather and zipper detailing add to the cool girl appeal of these boots.

 

Corvari Beatle Boots from LuisaViaRoma

Chelsea boots, popularized by The Beatles in the 60s (hence the name of this Corvari boot), these sleek yet casual boots should be a staple in any fashionista’s shoe rotation.

Marc Jacobs Quilted Leather Biker Boots from The Outnet

These boots for Marc Jacobs certainly respond to the needs and cries of fashion lovers for footwear that is both all-weather and all-chicness. Try this with a dress and tights for a cute daytime look.

Alexander McQueen Cracked Leather Ankle Boots from The Outnet

Count on Alexander McQueen to make the most uniquely glamourous pair of ankle boots. The cracked leather material is so on trend, and is sure to add visual interest to your LBD.

Gucci Horsebit Embellished Burnished Leather Boots from Net-a-porter

Classic and preppy, this knee-high Gucci boot will fulfill your childhood equestrian dreams and will have you looking every bit of country club chic. These boots will up the ante of you denim and tee daily go-to gear.

Rene Caovilla Crystal Embellished Suede and Leather Ankle Boots from Net-a-porter

Plain lace-up leather boots are great, crystal embellished ones are even better. Fashion lovers always want to push the envelope, what’s better than getting some bling and extra sparkle on your feet?

Yves Saint Laurent Paris Leather Ankle Boots from Net-a-porter

If you’re the type of gal who wants the best of the best and doesn’t mind a splurge, here’s the boot for you. These YSL stunners have an amazing silhouette, luxe leather material, and timeless design that will hold you in good stead from this season and beyond.

Casadei Suede Over-the-Knee Boots from The Outnet

Never underestimate the awesome power of a pair of over-the-knee boots. These uber sexy boots will surely up the sexiness of anything you wear it with. Whether it’s tights and cozy sweater, or bare-legged with your LBD, these over-the-knee boots always have maximum impact.

Christian Louboutin Leather Ankle Boots with Fringe Trim from MyTheresa

Put some fringe benefits (pun intended) into your wardrobe with this Louboutin boots. Fringe is one of the must-have microtrends this season, and these boots are the perfect pair to get some boho fringe into your everyday looks.

Balenciaga Leather Ankle Boots from MyTheresa

A classic taupe shade in this Balenciaga boot expresses understated elegance. This can be a great addition to your boot closet, and a great alternative to the typical edgy black boot. An added bonus is that these boots can be great for your work wardrobe too.

There you have it ladies, it’s time to boot up! Which one will you be rocking this fall? I know I’ll definitely be on the lookout for a pair on my next shopping trip!

Trend Roundup: Mini Bags

The era of the “it” bag is over; these bags came of age and into popularity right around the 00’s. The LV Speedy, Chanel Jumbo Flap 2.55, Fendi Spy, YSL Muse–all these roomy luxury totes were all the rage. Now there is a new bag taking over the scene, the mini bag.

Designers this season have been making teensy versions of the luxury bags we’ve come to know and love, and fashionistas from Rihanna to Giovanna Battaglia have been snapping it up and toting these mini bags around town.

Spotted all over the streets of Paris during Haute Couture Fall 2014/2015 Fashion Week, this little bag is making major fashion headlines. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in chicness. These little purses are certainly in line with the minimalist trend that is big in fashion. The size and sleekness of these tiny fashion wonders serve as accessories that blend in or streamline minimalist ensembles. It never takes over or draws attention, mini bags are all about subtlety, it’s all about having a touch of designer luxury. Just a touch.

Images from Fashiontag.Wordpress.com

Refresh your purse game and snap up these mini bag babies. Here’s our roundup of the chicest mini bags around:

ValentinoVa Va Voom glossed-alligator shoulder bag from The Outnet 

Alligator skin + studs = major luxury. This bag definitely makes a statement, and the right one at that. Sling this over your shoulder and watch everyone swoon over your purse pal.

Givenchy Mini Antigona Grained Leather Bag from Luisaviaroma

The big sister version of the Antigona is pretty popular as it is. Carrying this mini Antigona will separate you from the fashion pack, and selecting a bubbly and punchy color like this shocking saturated pink is your ticket to being a street style standout.

Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Smooth Leather Bag from Luisaviaroma

The PS11 classic satchel silhouette combined with the heavy metal hardware makes it impossible to resist. It adds modern polish to any outfit. Wear this across your body with a plain maxi tank dress and flip-flops to glamorize even the most casual days.

Maiyet Peyton Mini Elaphe and Leather Shoulder Bag from Net-a-porter

The red, black, and white stripe print on this Maiyet Mini Shoulder Bag may just be what your denim-and-tee uniform needs. Match your threads with the colors in this bag, or choose a complementary color and wear a cobalt blue boxy crop top; either way all eyes will be on you.

Chloe Leather Baylee Mini Tote from MyTheresa

This Chloe Baylee Mini takes your everyday carryall to another level. The zipper detailing and contrast leather handles and straps are opulent extras that are great glitzy accents to any getup.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Metallic Shoulder Bag from MyTheresa

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli has reached iconic status by now. This crackle metallic blue leather gives an edgy vibe to the fashionista favorite Pashli shape. Wear with leather pants for maximum tough gal appeal.

Balenciaga Classic Mini City Leather Bag from MyTheresa

A modern classic this Balenciaga Mini City Leather bag takes that typically roomy holdall design and downsizes it, thereby giving it a fresh look. This black leather purse is an investment that will pay dividends since it can match practically anything in your closet, and can quickly switch from day to night.

Chanel Blue Velvet Mini Boy Bag from The Luxury Closet

The mini bag that started it all, the Chanel Mini Boy Bag has reached cult status and this reverence will surely last beyond this season. The quilted leather flap bag that Chanel is famous for is given a few tweaks, like chunkier chain straps and a geometric logo setting, resulting in a more current look that fashionistas easily fell in love with.

Which bags will you be rocking? Let me know in the comments! Have a great week ahead everyone!

The Bucket List

Looking to add something new to your closet this summer? The bucket bag should be at the top of your list. Here’s a roundup of 10 of the best bucket bags this season:

1. Mansur Gavriel Large Bucket Bag

Photo credit: Moda Operandi

Here’s the bucket bag that started it all. Tanned Italian leather and minimalist design, this is the holy grail of bucket bags.

2. Sophie Anderson Nataly Woven Cotton Bucket Bag

Photo credit: Net-a-Porter

Looking for a bohemian-inspired bucket bag? This is it. Flower crown optional.

3. Anya Hindmarch Vaughan Leather Bucket Bag

Photo credit: MyTheresa

A short tote strap and single tassel, this muted taupe bucket bag is made for ladies who lunch.

4. Balenciaga Papier Drop Leather Bucket Bag

Photo credit: MyTheresa

Combining two it bags in one design, bucket bag + a peekaboo Balenciaga City pocket design–it doesn’t get any better than this.

5. Tod’s Signature Big Bucket Piercing Leather Tote

Photo credit: MyTheresa

Give it to Tod’s to release this season’s bucket bag in its most classic silhouette. This is definitely country club chic.

6. Moschino Bucket Bag

Photo Credit: Purseholic Blog

Royal blue is the punch of color your summer outfits have been looking for. The gold hardware is a glam add-on that you can coordinate your accessories with.

7. Karl Lagerfeld Quilted Leather Bucket Bag

Photo Credit: Net-a-Porter

Lagerfeld stays true to his classic quilted design, making a bucket bag fit for a fashion editor.

8. Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag

Photo Credit: Barneys.com

Considered a classic by fashion renegades like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Miley Cyrus, this studded beauty is for fashionistas who like to live on the edge.

9. Ines Figarido Eyes Nappa Bucket with 18 KT Gold Bag

Photo Credit: Luisaviaroma

Fit for Lady Gaga, Ines Figarido takes the bucket bag and marries it to another hot trend for the season–eyes. Keep your eyes glued on this one.

10. Saint Laurent Rider Small Bucket Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag

Photo Credit: MyTheresa

Motorcycle-jacket inspired, this Saint Laurent mini bucket bag is ideal for those days when you need that extra dose of fashion magic.

Whether you are a classic girl, a boho chick, or a rock n’ roll street style queen, there’s a bucket bag style for you.

Which one of these is your favorite? Share it with us in the comments section!