Tuesday's Top Ten

This Weeks Picks:

Tuesday's Top Ten

Well, this week I managed to stick to ten items - compared to last weeks eleven - and boy, are they ten sexy items that I have for you! I would say about 90% are items that I have been considering buying and not what I have worn like last weeks, but I think I've made up for that with my sudden burst of style posts this week - I hope, anyway! So, without further adieu, here are this week's top 10!

1. W118 by Walter Baker Eileen Beaded Mesh Dress

2. W118 by Walter Baker Keanu Faux Leather Sleeved Trench

3. Vivienne Westwood Derby (MacOxford) Bag

4. White Fox Label Prairie Rose Lennon Sweater

5. ASOS Sleeveless Peplum Blouse w/Daisy Print

6. ASOS Patent Colour Watch
7. DVF Relaxed Straight Leg Jean
8. Richard Nicoll Metallic-knit Sweater
9. Dolce Vita Baxter Suede T Strap Sandals
10. W118 by Walter Baker Eileen Chiffon Tank

Item number 2. Faux-leather sleeve trench is an item which I bought this weekend and all I can say about it is that it fits like a glove. It's unbelievably comfortable, soft, warm and above all: oh, so stylish! I definitely recommend it as a must buy for Spring/Summer 2012 - and every season after that, actually. I will be featuring it in tomorrow's style post, so make sure you come back tomorrow for that!

Pink, Pink & Oh, Pink!

As Inspired By:

Minnie Mouse

I'm getting addicted to this whole, outfit post scenario, i'm not going to pretend that I'm not. I lay in bed last night just thinking about today's outfit and what I was going to wear. It's no longer a case of what will be suitable for the weather, or college or anything like that: it's now a case of "what is going to look good enough to put up on Vita di Moda!?" Maybe it's the fact I've been wearing an abundance of colour and pattern over the last couple of weeks, instead of my usual black, grey and any other dark colour that I can get my hands on: but the confidence I now have in myself, as well as what I put together outfit wise has sky-rocketed. I love it!

Crop top & Scarf: Primark // Shorts: New Look // Waist Belt: ASOS

The inspiration behind today's look came from my sister. She ordered some holiday clothes online - the shorts included - and decided that she didn't actually like them as much as she had previously thought once they had arrived. This is where it comes in handy to have sisters who wear the same size clothes as you, because said shorts ended up in my wardrobe. Oh, yes.
I teamed the shorts with my neon pink crop shirt, patent turquoise waist belt, rose gold watch, shamballa bracelet, crystal key necklace - three pieces of jewellery that I almost always wear, no matter what outfit I have on - floral skull print scarf and my trusty nude leather jacket. I felt like I should have had some mouse ears on, seeing as I had pretty much every other aspect of Minnie Mouse nailed to a T.

P.S: My W118 by Walter Baker trench arrived today - remember to check back for the post on that tomorrow!

It's All Sunshine & Sparkles

"I like being a woman, even in a man’s world. After all, men can’t wear dresses, but we can wear the pants."

— Whitney Houston

Sunshine & Sparkles + Fairy is exactly how I felt when I put on today's outfit. Although the weather didn't exactly match my look - think strong winds, a broken umbrella and rain all at once - I felt very Spring-like with my peach sheer skirt (the fairy part), white tee and light denim jacket - oh yeah, I had my studded loafers on as well. You'll learn this about me: once I'm obsessed with an item of clothing, I'll wear it with everything until I can no longer stand to look at it for a little while. 

Sheer skirt - Missguided.co.uk
T-shirt - True Blood 'Merlottes Bar & Grill' Tee
Tartan Scarf - Mr Ben's Vintage Glasgow

Denim Jacket - Primark
Studded Loafers -Topshop
Belt - ASOS
Rose Gold Watch - Seksy by Sekonda

Shamballa Bracelet - ROX

Words cannot express how happy I will be when it's actually warm enough to ditch the tights. I'm being fairly optimistic with that "when" right enough - it's more like I'm hopelessly praying that it's going to be warm in the next few weeks. At least I have my trips to Italy on Sunday and again in June to get my dose of Vitamin D, eh?

Oh, on a side note: I ordered a jacket for Spring from The Outnet yesterday. It's this gorgeous nude trench from W118 by Walter Baker. It got dispatched today, so look out for the post later on in the week when it arrives. So excited!

Get The Look: Office Chic

Get The Look:

Office Chic

FYI: My dream job would be working as a magazine editor or, more recently, working at Independent Fashion Bloggers in NYC. What do both of these jobs have in common? Working in an office - a very chic office at that. Due to this fact, I find myself more often than not, day dreaming about what I would wear to a normal work day. Now, you think of an office and a suit comes to mind, but working within the HQ of a top fashion magazine or with IFB means having a more relaxed, yet fashionable and sophisticated look. So, because of this, I decided to put a little set together on Polyvore to show the kinds of looks that I would wear: 

Those of you who know me and are reading this might think, "Pink? Maria, are you serious? I would never in a million years put you down for someone who wore pink" Well, my friends, times are a-changing. This SS12 has brought it's set of trends and with that, changed my entire view on how I dress and how I want to present myself to those around me. I have decided to embrace colour, pattern and texture from now on and there is no time like the present to start doing so. 

The inspiration behind the pink tones came from the neon crop blouse that I have on today. I decided that I liked how the colour looked against my skin and thought it would be a good colour to base an office look around. I spotted the DVF twill skinny pants and automatically thought of pairing them with a sheer, cobalt blue blouse, just to brighten the look up a little more and give it a bit of a kick. I finally paired the look off with a Helmut Lang draped jacket, Gianmarco Lorenzi white heels, chunky gold jewellery and, of course, a white Hermes bag.
The second look I put together is for those warmer days in Summer (surely it's going to get warmer than it is now?) when you're feeling brave enough to show a little leg. The Rochelle peplum crepe dress is bang on trend this season, so there's a tick right there. A Talula Kent white blazer adds a professional, yet casual look to the outfit and lends a little warmth if there happens to be a chill in the air. ASOS Santo point court shoes in pink compliments the pink outlines on the Rochelle dress and keeps in with the pastel trend this season too - tick, tick and tick. The gold chunky jewellery from look one can be transferred to this look as well, making them both versatile and a great investment from your wallets point of view - they would even look great paired with jeans and a loose silk tee!

If you want to purchase any of the items featured in the above set, you can click THIS link here and it will take you to my polyvore page where each item is shown :)

What do you think of these looks? Would you wear something like it to the office?

In The Spotlight..

In The Spotlight:
Noctis Magazine

That's right folks, it's Saturday and that can only mean one thing: It's time for my "In The Spotlight" feature! This week I have scoured the internet and magazines with the aim to bring you to find this weeks inspiration. For a while, I almost thought this feature wouldn't, however that was before I came across the London-based digital magazine Noctis.

Founded in 2011, Noctis Magazine aims to become thee platform to showcase fresh, new talent in various fields: From photography to writing, fashion and music, Noctis encourages people from all of these fields to get in touch and contribute to each issue.

What they look for in contributors for their Summer 2012 issue:

"The Summer 2012 issue of Noctis magazine is going to be themed around Youth and Coming of Age.
Imagine your emotions when you experienced something for the first time – be it a festival, a gig, happiness, sex, excitement, drugs, or even sad- ness. Then capture that feeling in whatever work you produce for us. We want our readers to feel what you were feeling and understand why your shoot, writing, illustration, styling or makeup looks and feels the way it does. Transport our readers to wherever your mind is/was and show them through your work the experiences and emotions we all feel when we are coming of age!

Think about your youth and what feelings and new experiences you were seeing / going through and try to project that into your work. We want to see creative moodboards and ideas of shoots / illustrations before hand, as we want the concept to be apparent.

Features wise we want to hear about things which are about to blow up. Think nights, events, people or places which have been in their infancy workwise but are on the cusp of making it big. Maybe an artist who has just had their first proper exhibition, a night which is just starting to get queues going round the block or a producer who has worked with a big artist for the first time."

There are currently three issues available to read at the moment, however it is issue II that inspired me to feature the magazine. The photography featured in that particular magazine had a gothic, grungy feel to it and just had such an aesthetic appeal for me. Tattoo's, dark make-up, sex appeal - it's all there. Have a look at what I mean;

Personally, I feel that this magazine is what our creative industry needs. Far too often we see our dream jobs - or even jobs in general -  listed with requirements such as "2+ years experience writing with a publishing company" or something similar. Young, fresh faces need a chance and a place to show the world what they can offer, especially in the grips of a recession. An outlet for new talent is what is needed and Noctis, in my opinion, has arrived in the nick of time. A magazine with an aim to showcase new talent gets a gold star in my books any day.


Find out more info on Noctis via their website, Facebook and Twitter.


Photo Credit: www.noctismag.com - Issue II - All rights reserved at Noctis 2011

Prom: Marilyn Monroe Whites

What To Wear: 

Prom!

With the abundance of prom styling tips filling the internet just now, I've been feeling rather nostalgic and remembering my own prom: I hated it. My dress was too big, my shoes uncomfortable, my hair just looked lack-luster...I just didn't look the way that I had imagined I would when I was younger. If only I could turn back the time and know what I know now - and by that, I mean that I wish I would have had the styling tips and taste that I have now. So, seeing as I don't have a time machine, or the desire to repeat my senior year at high school again, I have decided to re-live my prom night vicariously through the lovely ladies reading this right now and thinking about what they are going to wear to their own prom.

When I choose outfits, more often than not, it'll revolve around one piece to begin with: it could be the shoes, the accessories, the dress or even a certain look that I want to portray. For the look I've put together today, I've decided to surround my outfit around a timeless elegance - Marilyn Monroe Whites to be precise. If I could have worn the following outfit to my prom back in 2009, I would have been a very happy chappy, if I do say so myself.

Want this look?
I've done the hard part for you:

Babs Bib Maxi Gown
Swarovski Loubouin Heels
Emitations Ruby Cocktail Ring
Emitations Ruby Pear Drop Necklace
Talula Kent Blazer
Harlow Reptile Print Clutch

The above look should be completed with a classic up-do like Marilyn's, natural-looking make-up and a classic red lip. What do you think of this look? Would you wear it to prom?

Pick Of The Day

Looking for a little pick me up?

Twitter really is my preference in terms of social media: especially for networking. In the last few weeks, I have had many designer boutiques, brands and stores pop up on my dash, however one boutique which stood out from the crowd was Glass Boutique. An online shopping experience aimed at both men and women who have a particular taste for the finer things in life. They stock fashion, accessories and shoes from various designers including: Won Hundred, Something Else and Libertine-Libertine.

After a spot of online window shopping, I came across the designer Mark McNairy: An English and American influenced footwear range, widely recognised for their red-brick sole. Each collection brings sophistication and tradition back into footwear with careful attention to detail and use of the finest materials and fabrics available. One pair of shoes which caught my attention and are now today's little pick me up, are these amazing gold brogues:

These brogues are just so magical, don't you think? My mind starts to wonder towards the new Snow White and the Huntsman movie whenever I look at them! They would look absolutely amazing worn with a pair of white cigarette trousers, ombre rave t-shirt, nude suede aviator jacket and neon patent watch. Trying to visualize it? Don't worry, I did the hard part for you:

Get This Look!

White Cigarette Pants
Suede Aviator Jacket
Gold Brogues
Ombre Neon T-shirtASOS Neon Watch

What do you think of this look? Would you wear it?

Photo Credit: Gold Brogues images via Adam Gaworski @ Glass Boutique. 

Shop The Edit

Time for the T.T.T

Tuesday's Top Ten!

Vita di Moda, as you know, is mainly a fashion review blog which covers designers, collections and events within the fashion industry. However over the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to think of ways to incorporate how I dress and the types of fashion items that I would personally go for when out on a shopping trip. I began to think about style posts, but after the one I did yesterday I began to feel as though it was a little bit of a fuss, but I still liked that I could share with you lot some of the things that I buy when I go shopping.

This is where Tuesday's Top Ten comes in. Every Tuesday beginning today, I will be rounding up my top ten fashion items - from clothes, to shoes and accessories - that have captured my attention in the previous week. It'll be my own way of sharing with you my personal style: whether it be items that I have worn that week, or things that I'm lusting over. I hope you all like this segment to Vita di Moda and if you have any suggestions for blog content or just general comments, please let me know via twitter, email or in the comments below each post. I always love to hear/read feedback from old and new readers who visit week after week!

So, without further adieu, here are this weeks top ten (ok, eleven - I made an exception for one item!):

I am thinking that the Topshop Collar Necklace and ASOS Lassoo flats are going to be my next purchase.
I can't stop looking at them!

Shop The Edit!

River Island Tree Print Top
Topshop Wet-Look Leggings
Topshop Nude Vectra3 Pumps
River Island Rose Gold Case Watch
River Island Aztec Print Maxi Dress
River Island Drape Side Dress
Mubaa Leather Shorts
Superdry Rodeo Shirt
ASOS Lassoo Flats
Topshop Collar Necklace
Juliet & Company Bracelet

My outfit yesterday consisted of the Topshop Vectra3 pumps, Topshop wet-look leggings, Superdry Rodeo Shirt and hooded Primark zipper, under a leather studded jacket which I bought from Dunnes what feels like a lifetime ago! Why not try out this look for yourself? Go on, you know you want to...

Summer Shopping

"I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist." -Tammy Faye Bakker

 H&M trousers, Topshop bralet,
Primark shoes & blazer, Next clutch bag.
Accessories: Swarovski key necklace,
ROX shambala bracelet
Sekonda Seksy rose gold watch. 

Well folks, here's a first for the books at Vita di Moda: A style post. This weekend, I decided it was time to go a little shopping trip and see what pieces I could buy for my trip to Italy in May and June.
After about five outfit changes before leaving the house, I found a pair of H&M floral printed trousers that I purchased not that long ago and had completely forgotten about - I blame the fact that my corner unit wardrobe is big enough to fit about 4 people comfortably, and not the fact that I shop too much -  so I threw those on with a floral print bralet I got from Topshop a while back, a black blazer, nude pumps (both from Primark) and a colour-block clutch from Next that my mums friend bought me as a gift for my 21st a couple of weeks ago.
The outfit both shocked and delighted me due to the fact that normally I shy away from too much print and automatically feel out of my comfort zone, but this choice of outfit got me thinking that maybe I'm coming into my own a little more now and realising my own style.
At 21, this style revelation comes entirely welcomed, especially after a series of trying out various stereotypes in my teenage years. From gothic wannabe wearing entirely black, to nedette in Fred Perry shirts, silver eye shadow and tracksuit bottoms - I've tried them all in a bid to find out who I am, both as a person and style wise..

Top Left: Topshop Stud Shoes,
Bottom Left: Primark Aztec Print Bikini
Right: River Island Feather Print Maxi

After deciding that my outfit choice would suffice, I headed to Braehead shopping centre with my mum - who was also shopping for summer clothes - to see what we could find. After a good few hours I ended up with nude, spike Topshop shoes, wet-look leggings also from Topshop, a feather print maxi from River Island and a stunning Aztec print bikini from Primark. There were some items that I thought about buying, but just couldn't justify in doing so. FYI: I'm trying this thing now - inspired by Alexa Chung in her last contribution feature in UK Vogue, actually - where I think of 3 different outfits for that one item: If I can do that, I buy it. If not, it goes back onto the rail. I was hoping to have found a lot more, but that's normally what happens isn't it? You want to shop - you find nothing. You can't really afford to shop - you find everything.

Finally, after all that wondering around from shop to shop, we had built up an appetite and headed to the food court for a bite to eat. My mum said that she quite fancied trying the new Handmade Burger Co, so we went there. Me, being on my low carb diet until I go to Italy - only sixteen days left, hallelujah! - couldn't have the burgers, so I opted for a house salad with added chargrilled chicken and vinaigrette dressing on the side. I thought I would be crying my way through the meal, seeing as the burgers looked so good, but my salad was really tasty and I didn't at all feel like I was missing out on anything. I'm not going to lie though, when this diet is over I am going to enjoy every single piece of bread, pasta and pizza that I eat in Italy. I cannot wait!

Did any of you happen go shopping this weekend: did you find anything nice for the summer? Also, what do you think of this style of post? Would you like to see more like it in the future? Let me know!

Chouchou SS'12

Chouchou - SS'12

Seona

If you are a regular reader of Vita di Moda, then you will remember that a couple of weeks ago I did a post featuring the lovely Glasgow-based designer Silvia Pellegrino and mentioned some of the pieces from her stunning label Chouchou. Well, it just so happens that she has inspired me yet again and this time it is with her new SS'12 collection - Seona.

"A collection of flamboyant  garments and accessories inspired by the feeling of exquisite and colourful Italian fabrics. Seona is wild textures, sweet cuts and a daring dose of spontaneous chic. Each design is unique and to be worn with a wink and a grin." - Silvia Pellegrino

After viewing the collection on the Chouchou facebook page, I immediately knew that I wanted to feature Silvia again - that and the fact that in my previous chouchou-inspired post, I mentioned that I would be reviewing the Seona collection once I got my hands on some images from the collection, seeing as I unfortunately missed the launch night. 
The collection features tie-dye skirts and palazzo trousers, sleek and sexy pencil skirts, a belted one-shoulder dress, kimono top, crop tops, skinny-flare trousers, hooded top, a very slimming vertical-stripe rainbow midi-dress and of course, Chouchou's signature item: The 'Hollyhood'. If you have been to both Italy and Scotland, you will be able to see some of Silvia's Italian heritage and Glaswegian experiences merge and come together in not only the Seona collection, but in every piece produced in that magical Hidden Lane studio of hers.

Bellissima, no? I can't decide which piece I like the most: it's a toss between the BADOS Pencil Skirt and the PORTISCO Pencil Skirt - they're both absolutely gorgeous and perfect for tying in with this seasons pastel colour trends. If you're lusting over the skirts as much as I am (or any other piece from the collection for that matter), then you can click this link and it will take you to the Chouchou Boutique @ ASOS Market Place. With the Seona collection starting at just £40, can you really resist?

Photo Credit: SS'12 LookBook Images Courtesy of Silvia Pellegrino

Spring Style Inspiration

Edited by: Wendy of Show Me Chic

Spring’s warmer temperatures seem to melt the winter blahs away, causing a rebirth.  Have you experienced a reawakening with your wardrobe?  Whether it’s incorporating new colors like pastels and neons, or wearing lighter fabrics and breaking out wedge sandals, your closet is probably undergoing major changes right now.  You’ve had all winter to daydream about warm weather trends.  Start wearing them!  This week’s links will give you style inspiration, practical how-to’s, and a few thoughts to ponder.

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: APRIL 19TH

• The Stranger: Becoming a Fashion Blogger Sellout


• Oranges & Apples: In the Golden Hour


• Style Delights: What to Wear to Coachella Festival


• Mademoiselle Meese: Dewy Makeup Tutorial


• Street Fashion Paris: Love for Gold


• 40 Plus Style: Creating a Wardrobe Capsule


• Fashionopolis: What Kind of a Fashion Blogger Are You?


• Dapifer Shop: All About Anna (Wintour)


• The Classic Woman: The Style of Lauren Bacall


• Coffee & Cardigans: Polka-dot Manicure


• Romeo Style: Everything But a Dress to a Wedding


• The Fashion Firecracker: Pinspiration- Pink and Red


• Pleasure Over Business: Alternatives to Designer Shoes


• I’ll Take That in Purple: Denim & Neon: A Perfect Pair


• Elle Yeah: How to Incorporate Pastels Into Your Wardrobe


• Fashionable in Montreal: About a Girl


• Easy Petite Looks: Getting Over Fashion Phobias: Brights


• Sprinkles in Springs: Shredded Khaki Shorts DIY


• Vita di Moda: Coachella Festival Best Dressed


• The Fashionistyle: {Style Muse} Princess Elisabeth von Thurn and Taxis

SPONSOR:
New Sale at Shopbop: Some Odd Rubies, Anya Hindmarch Bags, See by Chloe Handbags, Jerome Dreyfuss Bags, Cut25 Dresses, Sunglasses, Foley + Corinna, Women's Hats, Charlotte Ronson, Vera Wang Shoes, Result Wear, Loeffler Randall Sandals & Platform Sandals

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

In The Spotlight: Kelly Cutrone

In The Spotlight: Kelly Cutrone

Yep, it's that time of the week where I share with you sexy people, a little insight into my brain and the 'who's who' of the fashion industry currently inspiring me in their own little way. This weeks choice I hear you ask? The one and only: Kelly Cutrone.

Five things you should already know about Kelly Cutrone:

Image Via Google Search

1. Owner of the fashion PR, Advertising and Marketing company People's Revolution.
2. Famous for her signature all black ensembles and wearing little to no make-up.
3. Appeared on True Life, The City, The Hills, Kell on Fire (her own show in 2010 on Bravo) and even as a judge on America's Next Top Model.
4. Known for having a total 'no b.s' mentality and telling people EXACTLY what she thinks of them and their work.
5. Best selling NYC author of the books: "If You Have To Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You" & "Normal Gets You Nowhere"

I know what you're thinking; "what the duck?! she's a hard faced b****" - Look. Don't get me wrong here - I totally had the same impression as you lot did, but that was only because I had only ever watched her on TV in The Hills completely stressed out and joking about how great it is that models never eat at parties which means more food for her. It wasn't until this week when I started reading her best selling book: Normal Gets You Nowhere that I had a change of heart. I was scouring the internet and amazon.co.uk for some good Summer reads for when I set off to Italy for two weeks in June, and after a while of not really knowing what I was looking for, gave up in favour of spending a little bit of time on twitter. I can't remember who tweeted about it, but I was introduced to the fashion blog Fashion Down The Rabbit Hole and decided to check it out. One post near the top of the blog was about a book that she was reading: "If You Have To Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You" Seeing as I was coincidently looking for a good book to read, I opened up Amazon in a new tab and decided to see what the book was about in more detail. This was the moment in which Kelly Cutrone came into my life. Ok, that's probably a little dramatic, but after deciding to purchase the kindle version of her second book "Normal Gets You Nowhere", I have felt a whole new drive and enthusiasm to succeed and to stand on my own two feet without using people around me as a crutch - and I can only thank Kelly for inspiring me to be like that. I have only thus far made it through about 68% of the book (thank the Kindle app for telling you exactly how much of the book you have left) and I already feel as though it is possibly one of the best books that I've read in a long time. She has a tendency to over-use words such as "babes" and "fucking/fuck" but maybe that's why I like it so much - I use those exact words a little too much myself. The tone of the book is exactly how I imagined: frank and straight to the point, but what I didn't see happening was gaining an insight into her very personal life to see that she has a soft spot underneath that hard exterior just like the rest of us - I have even come to the conclusion that, dare I say it, Kelly Cutrone is actually a really nice person when she wants to be. One of my goals for the future now is to perhaps work for People's Revolution when I graduate from university. I don't know what it is, but just the thought of working for such an influential and strong woman has a sense of power to it and is far better than working for a man (no offence to you guys out there). It's just reminds you that men aren't the only ones who can do things and be successful. 

I decided to buy the kindle version to read just now and bought the hard cover of her first book to read when I go to Italy in June - I just prefer having an actual book in my hand when I'm lounging by the pool on holiday. If you haven't already read her books, or don't really know all that much Kelly then I highly recommend you buy them to see what I'm talking about.

If you've already read the books though, what was your opinion? Were you like me and had a change of heart on her character? Let me know!