Front Row Style @ Fashion Week 2015

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:

Olivia Wilde and Naomi Watts at Michael Kors

Photo from Refinery 29

Liu Wen, Maggie Q, and Jessica Alba at Tory Burch

Photo from Refinery 29

Ciara at Cavalli

Photo from Vogue.com

Kiernan Shipka and Hailey Baldwin at Rag and Bone

Photo from Refinery29

MIranda Kerr at Louis Vuitton

Photo from Vogue.com

Maria Sharapova at Chanel

Photo from Vogue.com

Elizabeth Olsen at Dior

Photo from Vogue.com

Suki Waterhouse at Topshop Unique

Photo from Vogue.com

Alexa Chung at Topshop Unique

Photo from Vogue.com

Jourdan Dunn at Versace

Photo from Vogue.com

Amanda Seyfried at Givenchy

Photo from Vogue.com

Julia Roberts at Givenchy

Photo from Vogue.com

Bella Thorne and Kylie Jenner

Photo from Refinery29

Julianne Hough, Jennifer Hudson, and Christina Hendricks at Marchesa

Photo from US Magazine

Gillian Jacobs, Jamie Chung, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Ashley Madekwe at Monique Lhuillier

Photo from US Magazine

Royal Ascot 2015

One of the most spectacular events of 2015 for me was the Royal Ascot. Having never been to any kind of a race before, it was a bit of a wild card.  However, the chance to dress up for one of the biggest events of the British social calendar was too exciting to miss.

And it is not just me who loves to dress up. The dude to the right is looking pretty dapper. 

The preparations begun well before the actual event. First of all, I had to decide what dress to wear. There is a dress code for Royal Ascot, it is not exactly strict but gives you a couple limitations mainly pertaining to what is appropriate and decent.

So I decided to go with one of my favourite summer dresses – D&G Fig dress. It is perfect for this kind of weather, has a refreshing pink color and fits all the dress code requirements.

Having lived in the UK for many years, I know only too well that the weather is highly unpredictable. So June weather could mean anything. That is why I decided to get a jacket. A long one, just in case. This jacket is my own design, inspired by the latest Chanel collections and made from Linton fabric, which makes special order fabrics for Chanel.

Next thing I had to do was get a hat (or a fascinator), I am still to his point confused as to what exactly is the difference between the two. In a few words, the bigger the piece – the more likely it is a hat, the smaller – a fascinator.

I really didn’t want a huge one, since that would probably mean too much shade on the face, and I wanted something special, something unique. So I ended up going for this double bow piece that matched the outfit and gave me a lot of extra hight.

Step 3 – shoes. I have to say I did not hesitate here at all. My Gucci sandals were an obvious choice here as they are classy enough for the place and give my look an extra edge with the high fat heel and platform.

Step 4 – the bag. Again, my go-to bag worked super well here. Just like the sandals, this bag matches to absolutely everything thanks to its wonderful blush color and pale hardware. The studs make the look more youthful and help spice up the outfit without overpowering it.

Accessories were essential for this look as much as for any other. Sunglasses – absolute must in this weather. We were incredibly lucky that it did not rain that day, otherwise I would have to write about my umbrella and I have to say I am not a huge umbrella fan. My sunnies have a lovely flower detail on the side that continued the fruity floral theme set by the dress.

As I decided to place a few bets on the horses having my coveted Ma-Ga watch was a must – you don’t want to be getting drinks and miss the race. Most of them are under 5 mins!

Not forgetting about the appearance of the Queen. You gotta mind that time!

Lastly, I have added a pearl bracelet so that in case the jacket will have to come off, my arm won’t feel too naked.

And finally, the most essential accessory for this event – the camera! My loyal friend that never lets me down and keep all the memories of wonderful events such as Royal Ascot alive.

 

 

London calling

 

It would be a crime to be in London and not have a high tea. And I wanted to be good this time.

There is no lack of options when it comes to high tea in central London, but after a quick call we have opted for The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental.

I like to associate high tea with something special,  something elevated and maybe even royal. (Thanks to all those marketing gurus). So The Rosebery was a spot that delivered on all of the above and more.

High ceilings, cornices and the color scheme played a big part in that, but the deciding factor was the service. Truly royal service.

Great selection of finger food consisted of two parts. First came the sandwiches and pastries.

They arrived together and where hung “on a tree” beside our table. 

This was my favourite piece – raspberry cream concealed in a merengue  shell and covered up by berries and an edible flower.

Part two: scones and cakes. We were warned that we must leave space for part two, but it is hard to resist. So if part one I was able to justify as “I was hungry”, this part was pure indulgence.

Best thing here – rose jam. I don’t think I have ever tasted a jam that tastes and smells solely like rose. I am not sure it exists anywhere else but here.

SWK top tip for a small waistline – wear tight clothing to prevent yourself from overindulging. Does it work? You bet.

Another tip – drown the food in lotsa tea. It is called High Tea not High Cake after all.

As a chic detail in my otherwise All White look was this embellished organza jacket by Phillip Lim. The embellishment gives it a definite Asian motive and creates a very cosmopolitan image by contrasting it with my eastern european looks and traditional British architecture. 

Do share your high tea experience with me! And don’t forget to follow my Instagram for daily updates.

Style Icon: Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss a.k.a “The Body” is one of the most popular, in-demand models at the moment. This Victoria’s Secret Angel doesn’t just have her killer, toned bod going for her. She also has contracts with brands like Juicy Couture, Joe Fresh, and Lacoste as well as with high fashion houses like Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, and Dior, to name a few. A quintessential part of Taylor Swift‘s girl gang (Karlie was in the recent Bad Blood video), Karlie’s star is at its pinnacle, and the way things are going, she’ll be one of the supermodels of our time.

How gorgeous does Karlie look in her new Versace campaign? Green with envy. Literally.

This navy blue Jason Wu gown is pure royalty. I love it! It’s made for the red carpet.

Karlie Kloss looks positively radiant in this Vogue shoot. That tortoiseshell belt is exquisite!

Do you need further proof than this? Karlie Kloss is indeed “The Body.”

Black and gold is a timelessly glamourous combination. It looks chic every single time.

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Karlie’s supermodel status aside, she does have stellar off-duty style and red carpet style too! Here are some of my picks of her off-duty sartorial best.

How do you elevate a basic pair of ballet flats? Throw on leather leggings and a blazer-cape hybrid. So fashion forward.

Make your white frock feel more modern with structured heels. I love how minimalist this is. Sophisticated and chic!

What I love about Karlie’s style is that she knows exactly what works for her. This silky scarf gown is a perfect example. The lace-up heels make it more edgy, and less typical lady.

Consider this look your next office style inspiration. Black and white plus tailored to perfection equals classy and powerful style.

Perk up your black trousers and white button-down with a tote that’s anything but basic, just like Karlie does.

Karlie makes a compelling case for winter whites. The cable knit sweater gives just the right amount of texture to this look.

Blue tweed with an A-line silhouette is universally flattering, and Karlie knows it.

Stripes with brown leather is a modern casual classic style pairing. The red lip knocks this look out of the park.

All Images from WhoWhatWear and Fashion Gone Rogue

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Which Karlie look is your favorite? I love her simple yet effortlessly chic style!

Weekend fun

Rain or sunshine – lets have a lovely weekend!

I am on my way home to watch some fashion shows I have missed. Here is one of them:

Have a good one!

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?

 

Style Icon: Jennifer Lawrence

It’s no secret that everybody loves Jennifer Lawrence. She’s basically the quintessential girl-next-door with a little bit of sardonic humor. Her down-to-earth quality and her candidness have made her one of the most beloved young Hollywood stars of today. You just want to be her best friend! But even more than being extremely lovable and relatable, the girl can act. Having been in so many acclaimed movies like Winter’s Bone, American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook to name a few. She is best known as Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games, of course.

Her elegant and effortless style earns her a spot as one of my modern style icons. here are some of her best looks on and off the red carpet:

Red lips, red nails, red dress. J-Law understands the power and innate sexiness that comes with wearing a striking hue of red from head to toe. It’s also an excellent styling to temper all that red with a classic black oversized blazer coat and heels. 

A floor sweeping overcoat elevated Jennifer Lawrence’s easy striped shirtdress. The dramatic silhouette and textured collar of the coat gives this day look a touch of fashion forwardness and a slight masculine dressing inspiration.

This white lace frock is modern romance personified. The ladylike material and fit-and-flare silhouette is always a great choice for red carpet events. The white lace makes it more evening wear appropriate, while the accents of black keep this frock closer to chic and farther away from saccharine territory.

A matching navy dress and blazer duo makes a strong case navy being the new black. Navy is as sophisticated a neutral as any, and is an excellent and more contemporary alternative to your go-to little black dress. The lower neckline is balanced by the tailoring of the blazer, but the ribbon belt cinched at the waist adds to the feminine allure of this ensemble.

If you’re looking to wow on the red carpet, opt for a little black dress that is off-the-beaten track. Instead of a standard cocktail dress, select a dress that is more tailored, just like this streamlined blazer dress that Jennifer Lawrence sports for her movie premiere. The absence of conspicuous accessories and the wavy long bob are perfect styling complements to the tailoring detail of this new LBD–the little blazer dress. 

One of J-Law’s most memorable and stunning turns on the red carpet, this glittering dress has a subtle ombre effect. The awesome colors of this dress, turning from rosy pink to pale pink to champagne, is all you need for that wow factor. Match your beauty look to the rosy hues of this dress for the easies route to red carpet royalty status.

Jennifer Lawrence brings out the edginess and rock n’ roll vibe of this embellished and mirrored dress even more with her makeup and hair styling choices. The slicked back hair and dark smoky eye increase the sultriness of this outfit.

J-Law’s fashion clout and sense of style translates off the red carpet too. This white crocheted top and cuffed boyfriend jeans are given a stronger bohemian feel with a tribal/aztec print bucket bag and belt, black espadrilles, and black wide-brim hat. Steal this look for your next weekend jaunt, it is simple, stylish, and effortless. 

Jennifer Lawrence amazes on the red carpet once again. This is proof that if you feel and look good in something, there’s no reason not to wear it again. This vibrant tomato red Dior gown looks like it was made for J-Law. Red and Dior are two things that her style and personality truly agrees with. Flawless. 

Two-piece matching sets are one hot trend this season. Jennifer Lawrence puts her own spin on this trend in this textured white crop top and A-line skirt set. The graphics and textures in this look make it distinctively more progressive looking than your standard two-piece looks.

Photos from Harper’s Bazaar, WhoWhatWear and Pinterest

What is your favorite J-Law look?