Style Concepts

HOT ANKLES – Spring boots

Because sunny days set a new order, we are dying to leave behind the comfortable boots for snow and rain. I mean of course the fluffy Ugg’s or the glossy Hunters should be retired. You can inspire yourself instead from the new season additions and an effortless chic style to your outfits, such as all the street-style photos out there.

Ankles control

Boot trends 2012

Short ankle boots, somewhat western inspired, are our latest obsession. Made after the famous Acne style (~ $ 570) or Isabel Marant Dicker (~ $ 615), the boots available in stores are very similar, there’s a wide range of options and colors. We like the classic – nude, camel or black, but if you want something truly special try some wild colors or prints, or go for some rock accents. It’s a HIT.

inspiration The spring 2012 WISH-LIST.

Short ankle boots

Local Flavour

SHOE EXTRAVAGANZA Cathias Edeline

Cathias Edeline - Model - Oana Catinas

Every time I discover a dress or some shoes that I like, whether in a picture or worn by someone, I get this special frenzy! I then try to discover it by using patterns of associations which should lead me to the brand or the person who made that piece of clothing or pair of shoes. Who is “the maker”?Cathias Edeline - Model - Oana Catinas - 2

My last surprise of this kind were the shoes made by Adelina Catinas…

With heels high enough to catch my attention and colors interesting enough to imagine what I would wear them with, the shoe brand called Cathias Edeline, have messed with all the stereotypes I had about custom shoes. They easily exceed the quality we are used to on Romanian websites, where you can customize your own pair of shoes, and this is because they are created with know-how for shape and design, passion for art and a significant dose of shoe love.

Adelina Catinas and Oana Catinas

Adelina Catinas and Oana Catinas

After all, this is how everyting begins: you figure out what you really like and what you can be very good at. The photo-shooting for the A/W 2012 collection made me look inside the mind and heart of the people behind Cathias Edeline.

Adeline (21) was born in Cluj-Napoca but has relocated to Bucharest to study at the Art Unversity. She whould have definitely become a renowned artist, or interior designer, but she chose designing in the sexiest area: accessories! With the help of her little sister Oana (17) – her right hand and the model for the Fedot Collection, it seems that Adeline has just the right ingredients to make it big in the accessory world.

Pantofi Cathias Edeline - Colectia Fedot 2012

Cathias Edeline – Fedot Collection

Everything is still recent, more precisely from december 2011 when Adeline created a few shoe pairs with stratosferical heels and which are an instant must-have. Some-how these shoes make you feel powerful but at the same time they are very feminine. The chic platforms are wrapped up in soft Italian leather and the design has some metallic touches. The shades – from neutrals, to black and metallics, and the different textures – leather mixed with suede or croc / snake leather, seem to create the Cathias Edeline signature.

the novelty of these shoes also comes from the wavy line in the leather shape and the   comfortable mold.

Fedot Collection also has 2 boot shapes – one pair rock-inspired and one with a wedge. What I loved about them is the edgy look given by studs and the back zipper.

A mixture between functional and ornamental, the zippers cross over the leather in a highly inovative way – either in the front or in the back, and also on the heel.

Even the studs are special, the pyramid shape is an element which reminds by of Alexander Wang or Valentino. I then discovered that they also come from Italy.

Botine cu tinte Cathias Edeline

Botine Cathias Edeline

Regarding the prices these are nothing more than you would expect, but the quality is so much more than you would expect. Pleased?

Style Know-How

The Spectacular Oscar Dresses – 2012

The “Red Carpet” is where the most amazing dresses get to do a “check in”. Every year, whether for the Golden Globe, Grammy Awards or the mighty Oscars, attires become more fabulous every year and dresses rise to the level of wearable art.

2012 has been the year when new names conquered the scene of the most beautiful outfits. It’s the case of the actress playing in Stieg Larson’s novel, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. Rooney Mara glittered in a white Givenchy dress and made us see that she is not a rookie at all in the fashion business.

Rooney Mara - Givenchy

Rooney Mara – Givenchy

In fact white is one of the colors of the summer 2012, starting with pale and pastels to multiple nude shades. Take a look how Milla Jovovich and Shailene Woodley proudly wore these angel dresses made by Elie Saab and Valentino.

Milla Jovovich - Elie Saab || Shailene Woodle - Valentino - Oscar 2012

Milla Jovovich – Elie Saab || Shailene Woodle – Valentino

Another noteworthy detail in the 2012 Oscar dresses were the embellished dresses and accessorized with jewels. Cameron Diaz’s Gucci dress ranked high in this area, being decorated with crystals from Tiffany & Co. of over 1 million dollars. But there were other actresses who were dazzled by this type of drees, for example Jennifer Lopez created maximum impact with her Zuhair Murad Art Deco inspired dress.

Rochii Oscar 2012 - Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Giuliana Rancic, Berenice-Bejo

Rochii Oscar 2012 – Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Giuliana Rancic si Berenice Bejo

Bernice Bejo’s dress, by Elie Saab and the Giorgio Armani dress worn by Penelope Cruz made us think of Hollywood of the 50s and the magical gowns worn by Grace Kelly in the film “To Catch a Thief” (1955).

Penelope Cruz - Giorgio Armani

Penelope Cruz – Giorgio Armani

Two other interesting and daring dresses were worn by Gwyneth Paltrow and the Louise Roe. If the statement dress with cape was signed by the master Tom Ford, the Black Halo creation also captivated the audience, by being at the intersection of a gala dress and a formal attire.

Gwyneth Paltrow - Tom Ford || Oscar Dresses 2012

Gwyneth Paltrow – Tom Ford

Louise Roe - Black Halo || Oscar Dresses 2012

Louise Roe – Black Halo

Stepping further from the nude tones and pastel dresses, we should mention that red was a hit for Oscar dresses in 2012, dressing young and fresh actresses. Michelle Williams, the star in “My week with Marilyn”, wore a coral peplum dress by Louis Vuitton, Emma Stone chose an asymmetrical Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, while Natalie Portman shined in Dior Haute Couture.

Michelle Williams - Louis Vuitton || Emma Stone - Giambattista Valli || Natalie Portman - Dior

Michelle Williams – Louis Vuitton || Emma Stone – Giambattista Valli || Natalie Portman – Dior

Even if the dress was not as spectacular as what we’ve seen so far, we loved how Jane Saymour walked the Red Carpet and how suitable the Pamella Roland dress was for her.

Jane Seymour -Pamella Roland

Jane Seymour -Pamella Roland

Moving on to metallics, we have to admit that silver and gold dresses always stand out. This year, Marchesa and Alexander McQueen generated really amazing outfits, by using embroidery or volumetric details.

Jessica Chastain - Alexander McQueen || Stacy Keibler - Marchesa

Jessica Chastain – Alexander McQueen || Stacy Keibler – Marchesa

Judy Greer - Monique Lhuillier

Judy Greer – Monique Lhuillier

Dark shade dresses didn’t have that much coverage, but they dressed up with elegance some of the bigger cinema names: Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock or Tina Fey. The slit dress seems to be Angelina’s statement type of dress. The black velvet gown she wore to the Oscars this year is an Atelier Versace design.

Angelina Jolie - Atelier Versace

Angelina Jolie – Atelier Versace

Tina Fey - Carolina Herrera || Sandra Bullock - Marchesa

Tina Fey – Carolina Herrera || Sandra Bullock – Marchesa

Color touches were also rare, but we liked one in particular: this intense yellow dress with metallic embroidery created by Chagoury Couture and worn by Nancy O’Dell.

Nancy O'Dell - Chagoury Couture

Nancy O’Dell – Chagoury Couture

And last, but not least, we are pleased to say the our Romanian designer Maria Lucia Hohan fabulously dressed Maria Menounos. Yey!!

Maria Menounos - Maria Lucia Hohan

Maria Menounos – Maria Lucia Hohan

On the catwalk

Milan Fashion Week – Concepts and Ideas

Milan Fashion Week brings the looks and styles that will rock in the 2012-2013 fall – winter season. We might already be sick of cold and bad weather, but fashion usually holds that Happy – Factor (from dopamine to vanity), which makes us follow it everywhere.

So news from Milan!

Photo of the day – Beauty, sensuality and discreet transparency from Gucci

Gucci - Milano Fashion Week 2012

via Twitter.com/Gucci

The PRADA 2012-2013 Collection created some controversy with the new lengths it showcased. Skirts, coats, buttons or eyeglasses frames have have exceeded the expectations, they were some-what more dramatic that we expected. The elements of inspiration for this collection are drawn from the 40’s clothes, shoes and accessories worn by our grandparents, while the prints are so resembling to the Austin Powers movies and The 70’s. The ornamental elements are sewn on clothes, collars and shoes. This signature somehow continues the entire decorated collar and embroidery but in a more vintage way.

Prada AW 2012 - Milan Fashion Week

You can research more Milan Fashion Week Street-Style photos on Vogue.mx. We loved the Vogue Paris editors – NEW Emmanuelle Alt versus the PREVIOUS Carine Roitfeld. I see some symmetry!

Milano Fashion Week 2012 - Street Style Emmanuelle Alt / Carine Roitfeld

The best word to describe the Blugirl collection for Fall 2012-2013 is by using the word girly. All the looks were as if ready to dress up dolls! Preppy influences started the collection, but gradually, they turned to carefully coordinated pastels, pink and pistachio green. Then winter overtook the white fur looks with volume and might, but the end was elegant, black and classy. As key elements: hats, furs, mini skirts and mittens. Blugirl Collection - AW 2012-2013 Milano Fashion Week

The Moschino Show was divine! Described by Vogue UK as soldiers in colorful uniforms, the models paraded in colorful coats with beautiful golden buttons positioned in a military style. Riding and Spanish influences were also present and the color palette was in perfect sync (red, black, blue and white). Regarding hairstyles, I loved the high “beehive” up-dos and over-sized bows. The leather jackets were matched to the ballerina dresses and accessorized with round earrings.

Moschino - Milano Fashion Week 2012

Moschino AW 2012 – 2013 – Ecvestre Style

Moschino - Milano Fashion Week 2012

Moschino – Milano Fashion Week 2012

The Just Cavalli show was luxurious and filled with opulence. I can definitely say that animal prints took over the runway, this can also be seen in the spectacular backstage photos: lots of gold tones and jewels seem to be the main theme of the 2012/2013 F/W Collection.

Just Cavalli - Milano Fashion Week 2012

Just Cavalli – Milano Fashion Week 2012 via Twitter

The Bluemarine Collection follows the typical Italian idea: luxurious, commercial and flashy. The club culture is mixed with Winter-SKI looks, neon furs and metallic boots.

Bluemarine - Toamna Iarna 2012 / 2013

To Be Continued

To describe the Blugirl collection for Fall 2012 should use the words girly. All sites were to look for dolls! Influences preppy collection started but gradually‘s look turned to pastels carefully coordinated pink and pistachio green. Then winter overtook the white fur looks by volume, but the end was elegant black and classy. As key elements: hats, furs, mini skirts and mitts.

Outfits

What would you wear if you were a – VOGUE EDITOR

A series of flashbacks from movies or books, reveal the constant whirl and high-pace from newspaper and magazine offices. The competition is fierce, getting access to HOT information is essential and exceptional people are fully exploited. I do not think things are so bad as in “The Devil Wears Prada”, but I must admit that I have my curiosities about the people and the life in the glossy magazine offices. Are the cool, the eccentric, the tyrants, the posh or the stylish well represented? I would say yes … there’s a bit of all.

Vogue.com clears the mystery and reveals some the real people that work at the magazine. The latest character is Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis, blogger, vogue style editor and princess. Yes, your heard me. To our great excitement, Elisabeth is a German royalty. But even if this sounds amazing, in the fashion business, personal style is the one element that really sets you apart… and not so much the crown.

The outfits chosen by Elisabeth are mature, but cheerful and personalized. Although many looks have less affordable items – the shinny bright coral shoes from Miu Miu, Mini-Balenciaga bag, Louis Vuitton shirt,  or the purple Dries van Noten boots, they are well-assorted with plenty of basic elements such as white men’s shirt, leather pants or the vintage fur vest.

GO BOLD!

Color is a must! For winter looks, deep emerald tones (the suede emerald Miu Miu clutch), colored jewels or berry nail-polish make the perfect style for this magazine-princess. We particularly loved the silk shirts and the way these are embedded in office outfits. The lace bras worn under transparent fabrics are such an interesting touch and “decent-sexy”.Smart Casual - Office Outfit

Digital prints are recently main-stream, Mary Katrantzou teams up with Topshop, but also bigger retailers such as Zara or H&M, show more affordable options. for tribal, abstract or floral prints. Try wearing prints with soft and transparent fabrics and accessories which follow one color of the pattern. You can also clash and wear bold tones such as pink or orange, for a more daring look.

Last, but not least, for a truly luxurious look, choose elegant and discreet jewelry in a golden tone. And don’t forget the golden rule: less is always more.

Photo Credits: Vogue.com
Local Flavour

Hollywood Royalty – THREE Romanian Designers

With a great deal of pride and enthusiasm, I noticed the increasingly stronger presence held by Romanian designers in the luxury clothes sector and especially regarding gala dresses. In the Award Season – Golden Globes, Oscars and Grammys, many famous actresses and public figures were adorned by creations signed by Romanian names such as Maria Lucia Hohan, Lorena Sarbu or Aura Cercel.

Maria Lucia Hohan // Lorena Sarbu // Aura Cercel

Maria Lucia Hohan // Lorena Sarbu // Aura Cercel

I bet that the MLH initials already have a strong resonance in your minds. Long dresses in blush colors, like ancient goddesses, have impressed us ever since we have first seen them in Romanian magazine editorials. We are now witnessing, with lots of “likes” how the talented designer dressed celebrities one by one for the Red Carpet. The foreign press has also started to notice and admire Maria’s potential and marked 2012 as the “Hohan moment” in a 2 page spread with stars like Nikki Reed, Carrie Underwood and Demi Lovato, all stunningly beautiful in Maria Lucia Hohan dresses. Maria Lucia Hohan - Red Carpet

An important move in the evolution of the Maria Lucia Hohan brand, was the building of a strong online presence. Social media channels and the e-shop features were perhaps the most powerful components of the current promotion, this way all the stars dressed in Maria Lucia Hohan dresses became known worldwide. I was reading on VogueCity.com that the designer’s new move is a collection for baby-girls, inspired by the fact that Maria herself is a mom. It’s a beautiful brand extension and we are excited to see how this would set new heights in the evolution of the brand.

“My advice is that [brands] should forget about the traditional promotion and consider innovative promotion … which create real opportunities.” MLH

Although we have not heard about Lorena Sarbu until recently, we were impressed to see how perfectly she masters the art of dramatic and spectacular appearances. Her dresses drew our attention at the New York Fashion Week 2012, where the designer first presented at Lincoln Center , her Fall/ Winter 2012 collection, inspired by Madonna’s stardom.

Even if her collections are already in stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue or Hugo Nicholson, we believe that showcasing during FW is a key point in the development of the brand.

This will probably open lots of “doors” for Lorena Sarbu and also gain exposure with stylists and stars who support young and special designers.

Lorena Sarbu - Red Carpet Dresses

Heather Morris, Chyler Leigh, Carrie Underwood, Kelly McDonald – wearing Lorena Sarbu

Aura Cercel is another Romanian name nominated on our list of national treasures.We were impressed by the fact that she managed to develop the Eva Culture brand starting from a single store in Bucharest and take this abroad across the ocean even before of the social media and internet domination.

Eva Culture - Aurei Cercel creations on the Red Carpet

AnnaLynne McCord // Mya // Amber Heard

It is said that only the strong adapt and survive the changes and the challenges. It seems Aura is among these people. In just a few years, her work and perseverance cashed in the results: stars from Romania and the US have been mesmerized by her creations and accessories. She also has a secondary line of t-shirts which totally won us over! “January” has an amazing potential in the luxury basics niche. We don’t know what plans Aura has in the future, but we are convinced that this is only the beginning. We cannot wait to see her jewels ready to be purchased in online stores.

 Photo Source: marialuciahohan.com, lorenasarbu.com, elle.com