The Best Luxury Women’s Fashion Blogs

In the sea of personal blogs, there is only a handful of those who are unique for the extravagant style of their authors. We picked the best of those which are definitely worth seeing (if you haven’t already).

Yin 2 My Yang

The major thing that separates this blog from other blogs is the clearly visible love and harmony between sisters Sophie and Charlotte Bickley. Since they were exposed to the fashion industry from a young age, they have always been in love with fashion. Just like yin and yang combine in contrast and by that create the perfect balance, the two sisters also embrace their different styles and manage to look perfectly in tune with one another. When you think of it, it can seem really hard to combine eccentric and spontaneous style with posh and feminine, but they somehow always manage to own the city streets as well as the hearts of their readers.

Get The Look

When it comes to their style, it is all about following trends but in your own way. For example, if you like the velvet rush, instead of buying a velvet crop top (that every girl in the world probably has), buy a long A-line velvet skirt with sequins and combine it with metallic loafers and exaggerated sleeve sweater. Or just get a long, long sleeved velvet dress and a pair of heels.
The key is in wearing comfortable and eye-catching pieces and following no rules, but still looking fabulous. Oh, and let’s not forget that light pink details and jeans are their number 1 favorites. It’s the 70s vibe at its finest.

Gal Meets Glam

The beautiful Julia Engel started her blog in 2011 while she was still in college. Even though she started it just to spread her creativity in some way and relax her mind by writing articles about fashion, travel and beauty. Eventually she fell so deeply in love with fashion and blogging, that she quit her day job and committed 100 percent of her time to her blog. We adore her because of her lady charm that makes you want to kiss her hand and take her to the opera.

Get The Look

When it comes to Julia’s style, it is minimalistic, sophisticated and really feminine. It is like she walked either out of a Parisian cafe, or pages of Vogue. She knows fashion and she knows how to turn it in her own advantage. She loves to embrace light colors like pink, grey and blue, as well as black and brown.  Basically, embrace your pure girly side by adding satin skirts & pants, flounce skirts, blush pink sweaters and dresses to your closet. Lots and lots of different dresses – short, long, long sleeved, short sleeved, strap, wrap etc…

Bisous Natasha

This beautiful brown London jewel is a model, blogger and a photographer who writes about fashion, photography, beauty and travel as well as her experiences from the fashion industry. Natasha Ndlovu created her blog in 2013. and she’s winning the hearts of true fashionistas ever since.

Get The Look

Even though her style tends to be trendy and classy, the beauty if it’s the small details she’s adding which are making it unique. For example, to spice up a basic clothing combination she adds a piece of bridal jewelry to it like a pair of earrings or a ring. Since she’s a model, she likes to rock fashionable pieces like ankle boots, wrap dresses, jagged edge jeans, print T-shirts, sweater dresses, designer bags, velvet sandals, metallic boots, hats etc…

Five Five Fabulous

The two Lebanese sisters created their blog in 2012. as a platform where they documented their journeys in fashion, travel and style. Reem and Natalya combine their creative skills and impeccable eye for detail to create the fabulous combinations that blow us away every time. They collaborate with many prestigious brands and have a very strong influence in fashion industry.

Get The Look

The greatest thing about their combinations is that there are no rules actually. You cannot define their style in any way. One thing is certain though: they’re big fans of basic garments like oversized T-shirts, faux leather pants, coats, white garments, black over the knee and ankle boots, black jeans, white sneakers, John Lennon glasses etc. which they combine with unusual details.

In conclusion we must say that, the major thing that separates these authors from all other authors is their individuality and boldness. Remember, the biggest success in fashion is being your own, and they’ve shown us exactly that. Make sure you check their blogs if you haven’t already.

The Masterful Mens Shoemaker: Vass

Vass has been excelling as one of the best mens shoemakers, creating fine made to order footwear for the elegant gentleman for over 30 years.  The founder/leader of Vass, Laszlo Vass, has studied a seemingly infinite amount of knowledge and a keen amount of insight on shoemaking, even going as far as putting his own philosophy of handmade shoes into a book.

Since the beginning of Vass, Laszlo Vass has upheld a steadfast determination in forging all his shoes by hand, employing hand welting techniques, opposed to most shoemakers who have been utilizing soulless stitching machines.  But today, with the support of a new and an enlarged team of over twenty highly skilled craftsmen, he now offers ready-to-wear shoes of the highest caliber to customers throughout the globe.

The handmade shoemaking practice in Hungary travels all the way back to the 19th century Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and a number of the methods and techniques have changed very little since then.  If someone’s personal shoe style revolves around English and Italian styles, then the Austro-Hungarian time-honored designs such as Alt Wein (punched cap toe) or the Budapester (wingtip) may appear a bit bulkier.  But with that curved shape and higher toe, the style becomes a brilliant matchup for a goyser welt structure along a robust design.

A pair of these shoes can go together with almost anything in your wardrobe, making your choice of wear very flexible.  The lift of the hand-welted sole, the high quality leather, the hearty & robust lasts, the imprecise allure of hand hammered nails and finishes.  So many different kinds of characteristics gives this shoe an air of distinction among other well known shoemakers, which labels Vass as a one-of-a-kind shoemaker that goes the extra mile to ensure you get the perfect pair of the utmost quality.

But for those looking for a sleeker designed shoe, Vass collaborated with Roberto Ugolini to develop a collection of Italian lasts that unite hand-welted construction with genteel forms. Vass also has a How To Order guide that takes you step by step through their ordering process.

For more information visit:  Vass-shoes.com

Glamorous Makeup Looks for New Year’s Eve

The most glamorous night of them all is approaching – celebrating New Year’s Eve is always a nice occasion to show off your most glamorous looks. Since it only comes around once a year, nothing is forbidden. This applies to clothing, hairstyles, and, of course, makeup. New Year’s Eve is quite literally your time to shine, so you better stock up on sequined clothes and glittery makeup. In case you ran out of ideas, here are some of the best makeup styles for you to look as glamorous as possible while you are waiting for 2017 to come.

Sparkling cut crease

Cut crease technique is unavoidable when you want to achieve a dramatic look and there’s no better occasion for it than New Year’s’ Eve. Start by prepping your skin for makeup with high-quality skincare products, such are those from Alpha H collection. Once you’ve done this, prime your eyes with an eye primer and outline your crease and upper lash line with dark blue pencil. Create a cat-eye in the corner and blend it with a fluffy brush. Also, add a bit of dark blue shadow to intensify the colour. Grab a silver eyeshadow and apply a thick layer carefully so it doesn’t get onto the crease. Don’t forget about glitter pigment either! Apply eyeliner on upper lash line and put some mascara and false lashes if you like. Finish off with highlighting your brows. Since this is a really dramatic look, you’ll want to keep the rest of the makeup minimal – opt for a neutral lipstick and you’re good to go.

Shiny and romantic

This one’s a subtle yet glamorous look for the night of 31^st December and it starts by applying foundation and some highlighter on top of your cheeks to enhance your natural glow. A bonus tip for highlighting: add a dash of darker blush just below your cheekbone to create a more dramatic look. Fill in your brows subtly and then proceed to create a metallic eyes look. Base the whole lid with a concealer and then add copper eyeshadow on the inner and the outer corners of the lid. Put a thick layer of gold eye shadow in the middle and repeat until it blends with the corners. Traditionally, you would finish off with red lipstick but dare to be bold this year and consider adding beige gold lipstick to create a nice monochromatic look. Complete the look with a fine layer of mascara, et voilà – you’re ready to party.

Red lipstick classic

It’s amazing how a simple look with winged eyeliner and the right shade of lipstick can look glamorous. Of course, just because you won’t need many makeup products, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to get it right since winged eyeliner is a nightmare to most women. Our advice is to start early and be patient. After you prepped your skin and primed the eyes, grab your eyeliner and start drawing. To make it even more glamorous, add a fine line of glitter eyeliner next to the black eyeliner. Apply two coats of mascara and highlight the brows gently and your eye makeup is done. Proceed to the lips but be careful – red lipstick can bring out any inflammations you have on the skin, such as blemishes, veins, and capillaries, so you’ll want to create a smooth, even canvas with some fine liquid foundation formula. Finally, choose your shade of red lipstick, put it onto your pout and that’s it!

Now it’s your turn – make your choice and start prepping your makeup tools. Whatever look you choose, one thing is certain – you’ll surely turn heads and enter 2017 looking glamorous. Happy New Year!

2017: Watch Trends to Expect

Do you change your watch as often as you change your socks? Okay, so no one has the time or the money to do that! But if you do like to keep ahead of the latest fashion trends when it comes to accessories, you’ve come to the right place.

That’s right; we’ve done our research on the most exciting styles for the new season so you don’t have to! Think of us as your personal stylist, guiding you through what’s new at the back end of 2016 and the start of 2017. Read on…

Bold Cuffs – The 90s trend might have swept the catwalk at the start of 2016, with chokers taking centre stage when it comes to jewelry. But as we look to the end of the year and the start of a new one, dainty seems to be out and bold is in! Look for watches with large, cuff-like straps to make a real impression when it comes to your accessories. While this is arguably a more feminine take on style, a cuff-esque watch won’t look out of place on a man either.

Longines Mater Collection Men’s Watch from the Certified Watch Store

Semi-precious Stones – Everyone knows what their birthstone is, right? But did you know semi-precious stones are about to make a real statement in style in general. And when it comes to your jewelry closet, you can really have fun with beautiful jewels like this. Look for watches which feature semi-precious stones on the strap, or even on or around the clock face itself. The great thing about wrist wear like this is it works equally well for the office as it does for an evening out – why not pick out your favorite piece and stay ahead of the fashion curve?

On trend watch from the Certified Watch Store

Turquoise – Now here’s a colour you don’t expect to see much of in fall, but believe us when we say it’s enjoying something of a moment. If you’re not bold enough to add a sweater or two to your closet, why not make a subtle nod to the trend with a piece of jewelry here, or a new watch there. You’ll see turquoise in watch straps and it provides the perfect complement to silver or gold, too. Look out for the trend in 2017 and have fun with it!

Shop These Men’s Style’s For The Holiday Season

Shop these top men’s fashion pieces for this holiday season as they showcase their elegant, even-tempered style that gives off a laid-back attitude whilst keeping a close connection to that time honored savoir-faire.  As the years of fashion increase, so does the style, and the year 2017 will be no exception.  Just as expected by the top men’s wear designers as they propose urbanity, functionality, and flexibility with the devil-may-care style.

Ermenegildo Zegna

Introducing simply brilliant patterned and textured wool & alpaca boucle topcoats, Ermenegildo Zegna shows just how great their long-lasting men’s wear brand really is.  After all, with their stain repulsing wool suits and wrinkle constraint shirts, the family-owned Milanese company has proved to be at the forefront of high quality menswear as an innovator of material usages for many decades.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo’s slim-fitting, patterned sweaters are a great choice this holiday season, stylishly wearing it underneath a sport coat emanates the laid-back, devil-may-care look alongside sophisticated, gentlemanly touches.  Offering the best assortment of sweaters, with an uncanny attention to detail, only expresses the brands mastery of high-quality pieces to an even higher degree.

Hermes

The French fashion house Hermes, gives shearling a polished new look along with a flair of lively, dynamic colors.  This fashionable double-breasted leather jacket with a red shearling collar and interior are also available in an extensive assortment of shades.

Kiton

When handed a three-piece suit by master tailors at Kiton, that classic three-piece suit comes out not just as a materials joined together, but as a masterpiece.  A suit that turns heads all the while befitting the refined gentleman, is just the type of concept that I myself believes separates Kiton apart from other brands as “the master of tailoring”.  Amidst their skillfully custom-made suits that showcase luxuriant fabric blends and lightly adjusted shapes is this polished notch lapel design with an elegant double breasted waistcoat in a vibrant blue plaid.

Isaia

When searching for a high quality sport coat, no ones a better choice or more suited for the task than Isaia.  As they skillfully create the go-to sport coat in an array of alluring colors, patterns, and styles, while detail remains the Neapolitan brand’s signature.  Hallmarks diverge from the conflicting drape of material below the collar to the apex-ed peak lapel, along various other lapel styles.

Brunello Cucinelli

When it comes to Brunello Cucinelli nobody is more talented or more proficient in creating comfortably yet stylish apparel, and last fall the Italian fashion designer has taken a leap forward with his company’s know-how to abide in the world of athleisure, or attire designed for both the athletic and the leisure life.  This combination of cashmere jogging pants and hooded jacket upheaval from a trip to the gym to a casual dinner effortlessly.

Tom Ford

Well-known for their elegantly tailored suits, Tom Ford is also giving thrill to many of his fans with denim.  Ever since establishing denim offering in his Spring/Summer 2015 collection, the renowned designer has added on new and improved styles seasonally.  Judging by his latest of designs, such as these slick, slim jeans and jacket, anticipate for a high amount of comfort along style, as well as a fit that is sure to even compete with that of their suits.

Ralph Lauren

Sharp, personally tailored clothing from the popular American brand Ralph Lauren, set in an impressive variety of textures, patterns, and muted tones that perfectly epitomize the devil-may-care look of today’s most stylish & fashionable men.  The above features a double-breasted jacket with matching topcoat.

How to Look Like a Million Dollar Babe for New Year’s Eve

Celebration of the New Year is one of the most entertaining occasions people enjoy to dress up for. While Christmas is reserved for family fun and rediscovering the feelings of joy, love and gratitude, most New Year’s Eve parties are all about… well… partying. Therefore, ladies often take extra measures to ensure that their appearance and style is impeccable. So, if you too have a special and elegant party to go to for this New Year’s Eve keep on reading. You might find a lot of useful advice that would put you in the spotlight as you dance into the New Year like a million-dollar babe.

Perfect outfit

The first and most important thing about great looks for the New Year celebration party is your outfit. You need to pay special attention if you’re going to attend a high-end gathering at a fancy restaurant. Before you start looking for your perfect dress or outfit combination, keep in mind that your comfort will be essential in order for you to have a great time. Then, you should always stick with clothing and dress forms that suit your body shape in a flattering manner. Once you have these basics covered, you can take your time to carefully choose the design and patterns that you want. If you’re going with a little black/red/gold/white dress, make sure to accessorize it with adequate jewelry. It’s New Year’s so it’s okay to add a bit of sparkle with your jewelry. On the other hand, if you opt for a sequin dress or shirt, keep your jewelry relatively simple. High heels are a must, so make sure to break these in well before the party.

Hairstyle and makeup on point

If you want to look really fashionable and stylish for a luxurious New Year’s Eve celebration, your hairstyle will play an important role as well. Basically, you should keep your hair frizz-free. This means either blow drying your hair with a round brush so that every hair is in its place or using a flat iron. If you don’t want to leave your hair down, definitely check out some of the most elegant updos and try them out several times before the party. That way, you can practice the technique and see for yourself what type of updo best suits your hair and face shape. As far as makeup is concerned, a ton of glitter is not really all that appropriate for a high-end party and definitely not in style for a million-dollar look. It would be best to stick to the classic femme fatale look – black winged eyeliner and stunning red lip. Of course, you can add that healthy glow with strobing technique.

Thorough prep

There are many other forms of preparation before a New Year’s Eve party and especially so if you’re going to travel somewhere else for this unique experience. For example, New Year’s celebration in Japan is quite different compared to your regular parties at bars and restaurants. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ll get the chance to welcome the first day of the New Year at a shrine. But don’t be fooled. This is a very special occasion in Japan and people dress their very best to celebrate it. Some ladies take the trouble to show up in a stunning winter kimono; so, if you want to celebrate in a true Japanese style, you should definitely check out different types of kimonos and the ways to put them on. On the other hand, if you’re going to a tropical destination such as Australia, be prepared for some exquisite beach fun and celebration. Since most of the fashionable ladies show a lot of their skin and wear really sexy swimwear, make sure you do feel comfortable about that. Otherwise this is the last moment to do something about that. An expert of plastic surgery in Sydney says lots of people opt for some adjustments for this occasion in order to  get the best possible look for this night. Well, in this case, your body really is your biggest fashion statement.

Wherever you find yourself celebrating New Year’s Eve like a true queen that you are, remember to enjoy the general splendor and make these exceptional moments count. Once you look the part it is your confidence that should shine even brighter than the most luxuriously decorated Christmas tree. Physical appearance is not the only thing that makes you look like a million dollar babe but your attitude and behavior as well, so don’t forget to act the part too.

Bvlgari’s Mesmerizing New Serpentine Motif Timepiece

Incorporating revolutionary designs with a time-honored style of elegance, Bvlgari revitalizes their brilliant Serpenti motif to display its unparalleled, intricate-watchmaking genius and ingenuity.  The Serpenti Incantati Tourbillon Lumiere allocates from the serpenti series’s signature wrapped-around snakelike Tubogas bracelet and alternatively wraps the likeness of a reptile (coated with snow-set diamonds) around the edges of the watchcase.  Furthermore, the skeletonized tourbillon movement inside is finely finished with a serpentine striped design pattern.  Available in pink gold (for $170,000) or white gold (for $180,000) and limited to only 50 and 30 examples, respectively.

For more information on Bvlgari’s Serpenti Collection visit:  Bvlgari.com

Shop For A Cause This Holiday Season

Looking for a great way to shop and give back this Holiday Season?  Visit the Diane von Fürstenberg Boutique at The Grove in L.A. on December 8th from 6:00-9:00 PM, for a spectacular shopping experience which includes hors d’oeuvres & champagne.  The event will be showcasing the DVF Resort 16/17 Collection, and benefiting Project Knapsack with 20% of proceeds going to benefit this wonderful organization.  Project Knapsack is a non profit organization whose mission is to promote cultural awareness and decrease the current barriers that affect student learning in Africa.  This special event will be hosted by Kelly Campbell, Molly Cody, Julianne Goldmark, Suzi Kaltman, Ali Kay, Camelia Somers, Violet Somers and Her Serene Highness Princess Talita von Fürstenberg.

RSVP with Kesha Mathews at k.mathews@DVF.com

DVF The Grove 

189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA   90036

For more information on Project Knapsack visit: ProjectKnapsack.org

Also check out the DVF Resort 16/17 Collection at: www.dvf.com

First Baccarat Pop-Up Boutique To Debut in the U.S.

A new Baccarat pop-up boutique has just opened in New York City on the 1st of November, and to no ones surprise, it has already become an extremely trendy place to shop in the West Village.  Being the first Baccarat boutique to make its debut in all of the United States, the 480-square foot transitory atelier is situated at 371 Bleecker Street and presents the brand’s one-of-a-kind, beautifully designed “Gifts in a Red Box” approach (curated glasswork nestled inside florescent ruby tinted packaging).

Amidst all the luminous objet d’art (a small decorative or artistic object) available there are stemware, barware, lighting as well as home decor fixtures.  Furthermore, there’s also stylish accents that include a new capsule collection by famed jewelry designer Marie Hélène de Taillac.  The short-lived retail haven will be open between 11 am through 7 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12 pm through 5 pm on Sunday.  Even though the company has been doing business for around 252 years, the pop-up boutique will close up on December 31st.  Don’t miss this limited time event, with Christmas on the way this may be the perfect gift to display some Christmastime colors and fun for the holiday season.

A Fashion Blogger Guide to Fashion Week

First came the World; Then – came Fashion.

Let not those (very) religious take offence at what we are about to say but – fashion is religion; not the type of religion we pray to (although, sometimes we do, right?) but the one that inspires us to find the never-ending elegance, chic and style within and conduct ourselves with proper pride and mannerism. Fashion has millions and millions of followers and as such – it definitely qualifies as a sort of divinity (we are happy to obey).

In the midst of preparations for the Fashion Week, who better than designers themselves to give you advice on what to wear or what to do to scoop a lil’ drama; unfortunately, those same designers are too busy designing collections that will be catching eye (and pockets) of the glitterati. The second best would be fashion editors; unfortunately, they’re exceptionally busy as well at this time of year. So then, we come to fashion bloggers. Third (time’s) the charm? Sure!

Let’s see what these exceptional fashion experts are advising…

Don’t Try to Parachute In (they’ll throw you out)
A Fashion Week is an industry-only event; no one who isn’t a part of the fashion industry can attend and even those who are, need to register first. With the registration approved, you may be getting invitations from the brands and designers to attend their shows along with other special events.

NOTE: Festivals or Fashion Weekend are NOT a Fashion Week. Unlike the first two consumer events where anyone can purchase tickets to attend, Fashion Week catwalk and designer experiences are invitation-only events. So, make sure you register and get your credentials in time – you don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of Olivier Rousteing, right?

Get Your Business Cards Ready (be professional)

Getting to meet someone at the fashion industry is huge! This is an overwhelming industry with a lot of potential to help you get noticed (but you’ve already known that), so having your business cards ready is a must. Hand out your cards to photographers and bloggers, and be open to receiving a few (or a dozen). Also, follow up with those you find most interesting for references.

NOTE: Keep the business card standard; if too small, they’re easily lost. If too big, they can’t fit a regular wallet. Also, keep the design clean; you want to let people know what you do and how to reach you. List your conventional contact info on the back side of the card, as well as all your social media handles.

Make a Wardrobe Plan (in agreement with the weather)

One of the biggest questions for the first time NYFW attendants is, obviously, what to wear. What the naïve crowd doesn’t know is that changing several outfits throughout the day to make an impression is an overkill.

Regulars at the NYFW are fashion experts, designers, editors, models, celebs, socialites and such – and they’re there explicitly for the fashion alone, not the showoff (well, some of them are). Habitually, they’ll wear their usual uniforms upgraded with an accessory or two to add a little glamour but that’s where the story ends.

If you are hoping to increase your chance of getting photographed by street style photographers, be on point. Don’t go crazy with your combos just to stand out; rely on your fashionable ladies clothing for effect and keep your NYFW outfit true to your style. Also, don’t get discouraged if you don’t get published. Mostly, those who have already built a name for themselves make the cut while the rest – wait for the next time they might get lucky.

Mingle with Others (expand your network)
Whether you are a fashion or lifestyle blogger yourself, a photographer (or both), fashion reporter, an up and coming model, or any other segment of the fashion industry, find those from the same field as you are and introduce yourself. Expanding your network at events like these is phenomenal – not only because you are forming potential business collaborations, but because you are getting to meet amazing people who share your interests. Enjoy it!