RESORT 2014

Originally created for the wealthy jet-setters, resort collections became popular among fashionistas over the past few years. With a more commercial approach than the main collections, their target is to fill in the gap between the spring-summer and fall-winter shows. They create a bridge between the two seasons and the way I see it, some how anticipate what's gonna happen next. You'll ask me, what to expect from fashion in 2014? 

We're two months before spring-summer ready-to-wear clothes hit the catwalk, but if we look closely at the resort collections we can get an idea of what is yet to come. It's also a good way to figure out what garments are worth buying during sales. For instance, get as many crop tops as you like, because they won't get out of fashion anytime soon. As a matter of fact, all tops will get shorter, so don't be surprised when you'll see cropped shirts, jackets, or even sweatshirts. 

White shoes are also worth buying. If now you wear them in head-to-toe white combinations, next year they will replace your black shoes in any outfit. Take a look at Alexander's Wang resort collection and you'll understand what I mean. 

The black and white trend will still be in, while gold and pink will be again introduced in our wardrobes . I can feel there will be a small obsession for metallic colours, but this time with a strong 70s disco influence. Stripes get a glitzy update and the 90s power-suit will still be on everyone's lips. 

Those things said, have fun shopping ladies! 

Photos - style.com/ collage by me  

THE CLASSICS PART 1

Finding your personal style can be a challenging and laborious work. It requires a lot of time and patience, and knowing what you want. But before, make sure you have the wardrobe essentials. Once you get that out of the way, look for on trend pieces, which will highlight your style. 

The white shirt and the jeans are probably the most important wardrobe essentials. You wear them almost everyday, so it's crucial to get the right ones. When it comes to white shirts, there are two things you need to know: a white silk shirt is suitable for any occasion, and second - while shopping, don't avoid the men's section. Buy a white shirt like this one from H&M Man or steal one from your boyfriend. 

As for the jeans, they just have to fit and feel comfortable. 

The secret of looking sophisticated in a cold rainy (or sunny) day is to have the perfect trench coat. Buy the classic version in beige, because you will never get bored of it. I had mine for almost 5 years now, and it still looks stylish. Find a similar one here. 

Cliche or not, the little black dress is a wardrobe must-have. If you want something different, go for a bold version of it in black sequins. Match it with black shoes and a sparkling bracelet, like the one in the picture, which you can find at H&M.

CASUAL STYLE

We see in magazines carefully styled looks, which are incredibly fashionable, but let's face it - not practical. Since we can't wear everyday high heels, and especially strappy sandals in the middle of January, I decided to style a casual look, which is comfortable and at the same time stylish and fashion-forward. 

Pick your favourite pair of jeans and wear them with a classic white shirt, then add on top an edgy jacket. It can be whatever you fancy - an elegant black jacket, a tuxedo jacket, a bomber jacket, etc. To finish the look add some gold accessories, for a touch of sophistication. 

Jeans from ASOS, Jacket, and accessories from H&M, Boots from Mango. 

ESPADRILLES

When was the last time you wore espadrilles? Most probably in the 90s. 

Neon pink and zebra print espadrilles from Stella McCartney, Washed out espadrilles from ASOS, multicolored from Zara, denim and stripes from ASOS, the ones on the left corner from Louboutin, and of course, the famous Chanel espadrilles. 

Yes, you guessed...espadrilles are cool again!

THE STATEMENT JACKET

Three years ago I took the crazy decision to buy this statement jacket. Since then, I wore it exactly three times and used it a couple more for some photoshoots. To be honest, I still have no idea why I had the urge to buy it, since it wasn't my style. With shoulder pads a la Balmain and a porcelain style in-your-face print, it was for sure a show-stopper. You know flashy clothes aren't exactly my piece of cake, so I had a couple of moments, during all these years, when I wanted to get rid of it, just because it was hanging there, in the bag of my closet (you can call it a love-hate relantionship). In the end I decided to keep it. 

Yesterday, while browsing the summer collections I discovered Isabel Marant and Roberto Cavalli designed something similar. Good, I thought, at least it's still in fashion! 

CANADIAN TUXEDO

My fascination for matching denim shirts with jeans started somewhere in 2010 when I bought my first denim shirt. I clearly remember why I got for: it was meant to match, at the time, my brand new beige harem pants.   It took a while to find the perfect blue wash and shape, but in the end I got an oversized light blue shirt. As for the denim-on-denim mania, it started by accident, during one of those "I-don't-know-what-to-wear" moments when you just grab the first thing you see from the closet. Even though the fashion rules were stricly against the "canadian tuxedo", the combination felt cool and comfortable. It had the je ne sais quoi feel, so I thought - "It can't be wrong".  

After three years, now I have a closet full of denim, and as I promised, I'm challenging Miss Britney for a "Who wore it better" duel:

As for the rules for wearing denim on denim without looking too retro, it's easy: you need to find a shirt and jeans that have a similar wash. If you're afraid you're gonna get it  wrong you can just wear a blue denim shirt with black or white jeans. 

This is post is submitted as part of the IFB Project. 

TOP 10 MUST HAVES FOR SPRING SUMMER 2013

Winter is almost over and with that you know it's time for the new collections to hit stores! The temptation is high because tou want them all (obviously, who doesn't?), but you wouldn't want to damage your wallet. Therefore I thought of doing a selection of the must-have pieces, in order to help you decide what to buy. Here are my top 10 must-haves for Spring-Summer 2013.  

1. A PAIR OF WHITE SHOES: One thing you should know about trends this season, is that everything that used to be a fashion faux-pas is now in style. The white shoes, a longtime forgotten item, are now a must-have. You can get them in any style: brogues, stilettos, or sandals. The ones in the pictures are from ASOS.

2. A STATEMENT BOMBER JACKET: This jacket will be a good investment, because you can match it with a lot of different clothes. It will look cool with jeans and a T-shirt or with a little black dress for a more edgy style. The bomber jacket is from  DKNY and you can find a similar one here.

3. A JUMPSUIT: Get a jumpsuit in denim or a fabric that looks like it. If you want to go for a bold look you can buy a classic dungaree and match it with sky-high heels. This one is from PAUL&JOE. 

4. A TWO-TONE BAG: If you plan on buying a two-tone bag, I suggest you pick one in black and white, since it will be easier to match with all other colors and patterns you already have in your wardrobe.  

5. A SUIT: A suit can be such a sexy alternative for a cocktail dress. It doesn't matter which color or shape you choose, but a suit is a must-have for Spring. The suit from the photo is from Isabel Marant. 

6. A CROP TOP: The crop top trend made a huge come back this season. You have two options: you can either go for a grunge look or a chis look by wearing it with a jacket on top. Find one here.

7. A STATEMENT DRESS: Look for a silk organza dress that is a little bit transparent. This one is from  TOPSHOP UNIQUE.  

8. A CAMISOLE: Satin will be the fabrice this summer. I like the fact that you can wear a camisole as a top with a suit or with jeans. Definitely a must-have! 

9. A PAIR OF SWEATPANTS: Another trend inspired from the 90s, the sweatpants are again fashionable. Perfect for going to the beach or if you are a crazy fashionista you can wear them with stiletto shoes and a fancy top.  

10. A BACKPACK: A fun and practical accessory for a summer vacation. You can find this one on ASOS. 

CROP TOPS

This summer is all about abs, so you'd better start working on them from now if you want to wear some crop tops. A massive hit back in the 90s, the crop top had a come back last summer, and I feel this year it will become the season's big fashion hit. Yes, it will take some courage to go out again wearing just a small top, but fashion is all about taking risks, right? I'm not sure yet which one to choose, but I know a crop top will look amazing with a high-waisted skirt for a beach holiday or with a jacket and pants for a casual city look.

Navy Blue crop top from ASOS (on the right) Panel Mesh crop top from Topshop (down left) and on top the White crop top  also from Topshop.

On the left - ASOS crop shirt  and the colored crop top find it here. 

photo source: style.com, pinterest, topshop.com. asos.com/ collage by me 

STATEMENT JEWELRY

Jewelry from goldphilosophy.com Collage by Silvia Cristescu 

Nowadays everyone is talking about statement jewelry: how to wear it, where to wear, why wear it? Truth is, it will make any outfit stand out and sparkle (depends on the amount of bling-bling you are wearing). The best thing about fashion these days, is that there are no rules: you can wear shinny accessories with T-shirts at 9 o'clock in morning while going to a business meeting. OK, maybe I exaggerate a bit, but there is always a way to pull off a cool outfit no matter what your daily routine is. 

Now ladies, let me see you sparkle! 

FASHION TIPS: KEEP&BUY

Keep: 3.1 Philip Lim Peplum Top, Buy: Gucci Leather Skirt

Keep: Zara Shiny Sandals, Buy: Balmain Velvet Dress

Keep: Diane von Furstenberg Sequin Skirt, Buy: Red Valentino Wool Jumper

Keep: Christian Louboutin Leopard Bag, Buy: Boy by Band of Outsiders Jacket

Each season, we all have our favorite pieces and even if the new trends come, we still want to wear them. Some of them are still in fashion, but they just need a new accessory or a new way of styling to make them look fresh again! 

On the right side are this summer's biggest hits, which you can still wear for fall 2012. While on the left, you will find some styling suggestions using key pieces from the next season. Hope this will inspire you!