Friday, October 17, 2014

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Nicolas Andreas Taralis: Spring 14 Ready-to-Wear

photo credit: style.com
photo credit: style.com
photo credit: style.com
Happy Sunday guys!

Since fall is upon us, I've suddenly felt an urge to break out my coats and scarves and stow away my colorful clothing items. (And by colorful I mean like 2 patterned shirts)

My favorite color is black. Yes, I'm aware that it's not a color but I wear it practically year-round. That's why I've been looking back at Nicolas Andreas Taralis' Spring 14 Ready to Wear collection.

Although it's technically a "spring" collection, it has a very late autumn/ winter feel to it. The entire collection is based on two monochrome colors: black and white. The structured blazers, the collared shirts and the fitted trousers give the entire collection a very androgynous feel to each of the looks. The men's mesh shirts also give a 90's feel to the men's looks.

What I really love about this collection is how simple yet elegant the looks are. You can wear either look as is, or you can add a statement piece to spice it up. I personally really appreciate the versatility and timelessness of these pieces and I look forward to seeing what Mr. Taralis has to offer next season.

xoxo
~Valeria

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Youtube Spotlight: thepersianbabe



Hey Guys!

So for today's blog post, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite YouTubers: Barbara from thepersianbabe.

Barbara is a 20 year-old YouTuber from the UK and her channel focuses on beauty and fashion. Her videos consist of lookbooks, makeup looks, hauls, monthly favorites, and O.O.T.Ds. Occasionally she does college advice videos as well as skin routine videos.

I first began watching Barbara about a year ago and once I started, I just couldn't stop. She is such a sweet, beautiful young lady and is very genuine in every single one of her videos. Her style tends to shift every once in a while (as does everybody's) but I really, really enjoy her style. I would describe her style at the moment as being a casual street style but when she wants to bring out her elegance, she truly shines and I absolutely love it!  My favorite thing about her has to be her makeup looks. They are just so natural and beautiful but they are so easily changeable for a night out.

Barbara is young, bright and genuine. Check out her channel guys! You wont regret it.

xoxo
~Valeria

Barbara's channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePersianbabe

Friday, September 27, 2013

The Jams: Part 1

AM
Arctic Monkeys- AM (2013)
Hey Guys!

So as a fun Friday edition, I''ve decided to share with you guys the music that I've been absolutely loving. Most of these songs have become my all-time favorites, but there are some recent discoveries as well.

Here are the 10 Jams that I absolutely love:

1. Fireside-Arctic Monkeys
OK, so I'm cheating a bit here. This album is simply perfect. I've been such a huge fan of Arctic Monkeys since their EP album and I've seen how they've evolved other the years. Their new album AM was just released. My favorite song from the album is Fireside so go check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYItJhYK_6k

2. Decades- Joy Division
Simply an amazing song. The fact that it is the last song on Joy Division's final album Closer makes it even more stunning. Ian Curtis' voice is simply so shockingly melancholy but that's the beauty of it. One of the best closing tracks of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMAB3r6EjcM

3. Air- Playground Love (Vibraphone Version)
Such a great instrumental track. I just stumbled upon this track about a week ago and it really held me in a trance throughout. Great track for those of you who want to relax.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fB_r_tan20&list=PLAD90C5E0F8032171&index=32

4. Crucify Me-Bring Me the Horizon
So yeah. I really like Bring Me the Horizon. I think they're a great band and Oliver Sykes has such a good voice! (Especially during his clean vocals) This is the opening track to their album There Is  Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It; There Is  Heaven Let's Keep It  Secret. Right from the get go, the opening riff just got me. From there, the whole song is truly a roller coaster ride that plays along PERFECTLY to their heaven vs. hell theme. I dare say, it's my favorite song from them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZl03hHhIgA

5. All I Need- Radiohead
This is definitely my favorite Radiohead song. The lyrics are wonderfully whimsical and Thom Yorke's voice just shines, but it's the background accents that truly make the song. Go take a listen to it and you'll see what I mean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUL8NklXDsw

6. Helena Beat- Foster the People
Such an awesome song! From the first time I heard it, I feel in love. The beat is absolutely incredible and catchy and the chorus is the same. Great dancing song. (Plus, the music video is SO awesome!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABzh6hTYpb8

7. Sacrilege- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs latest single off their new album is a scene-stealer. It's rock n' roll tone fuses in fabulously with its gospel elements making for a true classic. AND Lily Cole stars in the music video! How can you not love it?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmRI3Ew4BvA

8. Shadow Moses- Bring Me the Horizon
Alright, alright. I lied. I love Bring Me the Horizon A LOT. Shadow Moses is the first single off of their most recent album Sempiternal. This song is truly wonderful because it showcases Bring Me's evolving sound. Oliver Sykes' clean vocals shine here but fear not, their hardcore, metal sound is still there! But what really ties everything together lies in the opening and closing seconds of the song. The beautiful and brilliant accent of a woman's angelic voice leaves you simply breathless. Definitely worth a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJEahE-4juQ

9. Ball and Chain- Janis Joplin
A true classic. This song is my favorite of Janis Joplin because it's so raw yet beautiful. This particular performance is my favorite because you can clearly hear the emotions in her voice. Janis is a legend and I have no doubt that she will remain immortal for generations to come.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsp0hftKrCI

10. Any song by Lana del Rey
Lana del Rey is a goddess. Need I say more?

Photo credit: arcticmonkeys.com

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Jil Sander: Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear

Model: Zlata Magnafic
Model: Elodia Prieto
Model: Nastya Sten
Model: Maartje Verhoef
 

Hey guys!

In order to create something classic, simplicity is key (Little black dress anyone?). And as Jil Sander's S/S 2014 collection demonstrates, a little goes a long way.

Sanders expressed her newest collection as being "Elegant, effortless, sophisticated" and that's exactly what it is. Her classic silhouettes and use of neutral colors throughout most of her designs brings the words class to a whole new level. The "elegant" portion is clearly shown by Sander's beautiful yet simple dresses and her wonderfully cut skirts. (The two dresses pictured above are my favorites) The teal dress simply screams "garden party" and the black dress has a touch of the 1920's in it. The "sophisticated" aspect comes from not only the dresses, but the elegant trench coats Sanders designed. Their sleek silhouette creates a long and lean look on the models. At the same though, the flow of the blouses and how they cinch in just a tad bit at the waist is just enough to add the illusion of curves. The use of the patterns is also a plus because although the colors are rather bold and the shapes are abstract, the print is rather small which makes for a graceful transfer on the eyes and does not make the clothing look tacky and gaudy (And yes, I am absolutely in love with the abstract dress). And of course, the "effortless" part comes from how the looks are pieced together. Whats great about this collection is that no look seems overdone. Each look is either accessorized by a belt, a clutch, or two silver bangles and that's what makes each look so casual yet so classic.
Either one of the dresses can be dressed up or dressed down for a night out or for an afternoon garden party. The white blouse and trousers would be a perfect look for running errands or for going to the office. To dress it up, you could add a pair of black Louis Vuitton and a gold clutch for a business meeting. And the last look on the right looks sporty, but stylish as well. Switch the white pants for a high-waisted skirt and the look is instantly transformed. Not to mention the fact that any one of these pieces can be used year round.

In short, Jil Sanders gets a 10 out of 10 from me. Although the majority of the looks involved dark and neutral tones, I think it was a smart move. It proves that spring doesn't have to be all about floral prints and pastels. Instead, it's the versatility and simplicity of the pieces which is key.

Less is more guys. Jil Sanders proved that.

Photo credit: style.com