My Week In Review

Where to start with this week. On Thursday I turned 23 and celebrated the day of my birth with friends for lunch and then later, a night in Newcastle's Tup Tup Palace. Please don't ask me how it was, because I reallllllly couldn't tell you. Shameful, I know. I blame the copious amounts of alcohol thrust in my face as 'birthday presents'. From what I remember it was great, so I can't complain too much. And I had a big birthday badge to wear all day which was fantastic.

Although I can't be as positive about the next thing to happen this week, I'm willing to put my bitterness to the side and just revel in everyone else's photographs of the event. The event in question you ask? None other than Coachella 2014. Weekend #1 kicked off on Friday with OutKast having the headliner spot, but it was the fashion, parties, and fabulous IG pictures that I had my attention on. It does make me feel as though a little part of my soul dies with each passing year that I don't attend the famous music and arts festival, but mark my words, I will attend in 2016 if it's the last thing I do. It's probably the only music festival that I will ever wish to attend - mainly because it's in Palm Springs and there's absolutely no chance of being up to your eyeballs in mud like the festivals we have in the UK. And there's always the chance of running into a hot celebrity or two along the way. There really is no other music festival on the planet that involves music, art and fashion together in such an amazing way. Forever21 even had their brand name hung above the desert via cranes. Even McDonald's threw a pool party on Saturday. Ironic, I know, considering everyone in LA would rather chew nails than be caught dead stuffing their face with a Big Mac or McChicken. But I suppose if it's good enough for Jeremy Scott and Moschino (Fall 2014), then it's good enough for the glamorous lot at Coachella. Weekend #2 starts on the 18th and I absolutely cannot wait to see more #ootd and obligatory pool side/ferris wheel photos on Instagram!

Finally, as the week comes to a close, it was revealed that Alexander Wang will be collaborating with H&M releasing what I can only imagine to be an amazing capsule collection this November. AWang has always been one of my favourite designers, so this announcement had me jumping for joy when I read it on twitter and Instagram this morning. Let the countdown begin..

Don't forget to follow VDM on all of your favourite social networks below! xo

NYFW SS'13: Day 4

NYFW SS'13:
Day Four

Things really started heating up on day four of NYFW, with quite a few of my favourite designers showing their SS'13 collections: Alexander Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Prabal Gurung and Marissa Webb. Designers such as Lacoste, Ruffian, Altuzarra and Jill Stuart also showed their collections, however for the purpose of this update, I am going to focus on the shows which I enjoyed the most!

Alexander Wang: There was a very space age-y and futuristic feel for the Alexander Wang SS'13 show, with boyish-boxy silhouettes and metallic fabrics. Leather panels were separated with nothing but a string holding them together and python prints covered the majority of garments. Colours were very muted with shades of black, white and taupe and if I'm completely honest: it looked as though the models had just fought for survival after being abducted by an alien planet. If the collection wasn't interesting enough, the finale featured each model standing apart on the runway whilst a UV light shone over them and exposed them as the intergalactic beings that they were being portrayed. 

Monique Lhuillier: Oh my, my Monique Lhuillier. She will design clothes and I will forever love every single garment. For her SS'13 collection, the designer used a range of jewel tones in blue, gold, black, red and deep berry and created garments for both day and night with feather prints that verged on resembling an under water adventure. Known for her red carpet looks, the designer did not disappoint when it came to the finale gowns: those were just exquisite as they glittered and swayed their way down the runway. To be honest, the collection speaks for itself so just have a look at my picks below and fall in love just as I did.

Prabal Gurung: Prabal Gurung is known for his structured and slightly aggressive aesthetic when it comes to his collection, however for SS'13 he appeared to have softened a little and gave us a collection that flowed and softly made it's way down the runway with ease and confidence. The opening look, worn by none other than Joan Smalls, featured a white silk-cotton jacket that when turned around, boasted a floaty, A-symetric hem that trailed behind. Sheer shawls covered simple feather graphic T-shirts and pant/skirt ensembles and showed a more athletic look for SS'13. There were plenty options for evening wear, with drop waist sleeveless dresses, embellished with feathers and beads, as well as a handful of dresses featuring pleating, pinched and gathered hems ending just above the knee. The metallic fabric used in a few of the designs, again looked futuristic - but then again, that was a trait from his Fall 2012 collection as well and seems to just apply to his design aesthetic in general. I can definitely see it being a trend for SS'13. 

Marissa Webb: What can I say about Marissa Webb's SS'13 collection, other than "Can I have EVERYTHING?!" The small collection featured a series of very wearable looks with a lot of white, leather and very sporty looks. Tweed jackets, leather trousers, skirts, waist coats and cycle shorts. Sheer shirts, tailored blazers and a few bold looks in red and all over print created a collection that appeals to the modern city woman: whether at work or college. My favourite look has to be the top left image - those leather cycle shorts just makes me want to embrace the trend (seen at a variety of SS'13 shows already this week) right this second. I love the high necklines and that structured power blazer is just amazing. Overall, this might be my favourite wearable collection so far.

What do you think of the shows so far from NYFW SS'13? Who are you most looking forward to seeing, or have seen?

AW'12 Shoe Edit: The Chelsea Boot

AW'12 Shoe Edit:
The Chelsea Boot

Is it just me, or did the Chelsea boot trend just pop up out of nowhere? Wherever it came from, I'm seriously getting into the swing of it. I just have one problem though: I can't find a pair that I can commit to. So with my dilemma in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to make a post about said trend and compile a list of 6 styles I've come across on my search for the perfect Chelsea boot.

Starting at the beginning:

1. Suede Chelsea boot in black from Matalan - £10 - This is the cheapest of the lot, but what I love about this pair is that you can't even tell that they're so cheap. When I found out they were from Matalan, I had to go onto the website just to see if it was true. They also come in purple, red and black glitter. I could easily commit to this pair: cheap and aesthetically pleasing. Done.

2. Michael Kors 'Marden' Chelsea boot - £239 @ FarFetch - Higher up in the budget, but these leather boots from Michael Kors are going to fall into the quality section and give you years of wear. I love the pointed toe and and slick look of these boots the most. 

3. ASOS Amp Chelsea boot - £35 - With only 3 pairs currently in stock, it's clear that these platform heeled Chelsea boots are proving popular with fashionista's alike. Perfect for getting away with wearing your boots on a night out, this style of Chelsea boots are great for wearing both day and night. At £35, it's no wonder they're almost sold out!

4. Boohoo elastic insert ankle Chelsea boot - £30 - I don't know if it's the price, or the fact that I really like the chunky heel on this style that makes me want to buy them more. Whatever the reason, they're a pretty good choice if you want to buy into this particular shoe trend this season.

5. Boohoo Rachel pin stud Chelsea boot - £40 - I love the stud detailing on this pair, as well as the chunky heel. Studs are HUGE among bloggers and street style this year - so don't be surprised if you're getting snapped in these little beauties any time soon.

6. Cheska black patent Chelsea boot - £20 - Patent was a huge trend for AW'12 at shows such as Alexander Wang back in February, so these patent Chelsea boots will help you tick off two trends in the one go no problem. And with a retail price of only £20, you're going to be left over with some cash in your pocket to indulge in other trends as well this Fall.

What do you think of this particular shoe trend for AW'12? Have you bought into it yet?

LBH: Little Black Handbags.

LUISAVIAROMA:
Little Black Handbag

Handbags: if you're a woman and you don't have a closet overridden with them, then what are you doing with your life? They say money can't buy happiness, but money can buy handbags (and other fashionable items) and that's kind of the same thing, no?

Yesterday you saw my AW'12 picks from Luisa Via Roma, but I realised that I didn't actually include any handbags in that post, and just focused mainly on the clothes. Well, let me correct that now and bring you my fave selection of LBH - Little Black Handbags.

When it comes to the perfect handbag for me, it has to be black. Black (not just in bags, but clothing as well) is versatile, sleek, sexy and just a little bit arrogant. It says "I won't bother you, if you don't bother me." - I read that quote once before and felt it was quite fitting: for me anyway. So when I had a little look at bags on LUISAVIAROMA.com for Fall 2012, I was immediately drawn to searching for the perfect LBH. 

As you can see, I've put together a selection of 9 bags: ranging from shoulder bags to evening clutches and shoppers. I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do!

1. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: Small heroine brushed leather top handle

2. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: Small knuckle box fur clutch

3. YSL: Medium cabas chyc bicoloured leather bag

4. YSL: Medium cabas chyc top handle bag

5. D&G: Miss dea embroidered suede clutch

6. ALEXANDER WANG: Rocco ponyskin bag

7. GIVENCHY: Medium antigona chic leather top handle

8. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: Studded leather knucklebox clutch

9. GIVENCHY: Large antigona double face leather tote

Which bag is your favourite? What do you look for when searching for the perfect handbag?

NYFW: Alexander Wang Fall 2012

Alexander Wang Review

Image via france24.com (google search)

The designers recent collection for Fall 2012, appropriately named "After Dark", has sparked conversations in the fashion world this week for a number of reasons.

The first reason being for the lighting at the show - or rather, the LACK of lighting. 

"Each model, along with her outfit, dissolved in the darkness," said a New York Times critic in reference to the poorly lit runway. 

Spot lighting was used to light up certain parts of the floor, so those in the front row at each corner were unable to see the collection properly. The fact that the collection was primarily monochrome with deep burgundy (a colour trend being seen a lot this year at NYFW), also didn't help the situation.

The second reason the show was such a big topic of conversation, was down to the models wearing the collection on the runway. These models were no average Joe - Alexander Wang called out all the stops and had names such as Natasha Poly, Shalom Harlow, Carmen Kass, Karolina Kurkova and even Gisele Bundchen strutting their stuff for his Fall show.

This season, outerwear featured heavily in Alexander Wang's fall collection with lots of boxy, "lacquered" raincoats, biker jackets and trench coats that looked super slick and slippery. Accessories included, bicep-high leather gloves, large doctor's surgery style duffel bags and motorcycle style knee high boots were the chosen looks for the coming season .

Images via www.fashionologie.com

The show itself was set out like a production. Models came out thick and fast to begin with, then once you thought it  was all over, a second walk began which was when the big name super models made an appearance. Large, vertical mirrors spaced around the floor played part in the finale, with each model standing in front of one with their backs to the audience. Once each of the models had taken their places, they turned to face the audience in unison whilst taking down the mesh turtle necks that they wore like surgical masks throughout the show. 

The show as a whole was dramatic with a post-apocalyptic/Matrix-esque/dominating feel to it, and will be a tough finale to beat this year.

Click here a full look at the Fall 2012 Collection!

Comment below with your thoughts on this dramatic show at NYFW.