Havainas x Matthew Williamson Rain Boots

Havainas, reknowned for their flip-flops, is set to release its first-ever collection of rain boots with a special collaboration with Matthew Williamson. The collabo will mark both Havaianas’ 50th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of Matthew Williamson’s first fashion show for London Fashion Week.

The rain boots retail for $125 each and are available in two different prints: digital rain and peacock are available at matthewwilliamson.com, and will be available on Havaianas website in the US in November.

Stay Stylish!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather

LUST-HAVE LIST….October 2012

Okay. Yeah, I’m late, but I’ve had a lot going on and playing some catch-up on some “grown-up” stuff. Anyway, better late than never! Here is the list of things I’m lusting for this month. I guess you can say I’m all about accessories this month. Accentuate, ladies, accentuate.

  1. Carry All Tote, $51.98, ShoeMint.com – I love the color and fabric contrast of this bag. Just the splash of neon yellow is chic and can easily be a transitional piece into fall for those of us who enjoy sprinkles of neon all year and not just in the spring and summer.
  2. Robert Clergerie Wappy patent-leather lace-up oxfords, $472, Matches – Shiny blue patent-leather lace-up oxfords? Why I don’t  mind if I do. However, that price tag is making me twitch. They are just so picture perfect, though. *le sigh*
  3. Queen of the Jungle necklace, $72, Melody Ehsani – Seriously, I’ve been lusting and dreaming of this necklace for a couple of months now and as soon as I get all this “grown up” stuff situated, this will be hanging around my neck everyday for probably the rest of the year…at least!
  4. DIY Nail Art Pens, $12.50, Fred Flare – Pure and simple genius. Less bottles and hassles when trying do some snazzy nail art in your free time. Just a grab a couple pens and get to work. Plus, you get both pens for $12.50.  Deal!!
  5. Out For Blood bracelet, $31, Fancy – Very morgue and slightly creepy, but very creative and life-life, if that’s a good thing. I like it. I want it.
  6. BCBGMAXAZRIA Perro Bootie, $350, Piperlime – So…I think this might be the perfect bootie. Clean and classic style and detail. The zipper is chic and edgy at the same time, which can be hard to do. The heel is high, but the hidden platform makes it a lot easier to walk in. Yep, this is utter perfection and a need for me right now.

There you have it. Late, but pretty lovely…in my opinion.

Stay Stylish!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather

Make-Up Monday…Stila Luxe Eye Shadow Palette

The holiday collections are here or at least on the way out the door. One item from Stila’s 2012 Holiday collection that I’m itching to get my hands on is their Luxe Eye Shadow palette, which I tested this weekend. The colors are gorgeous and look perfect for the holiday season. The colors are buildable, velvety smooth, and overall….very luxe. I became instantly enamored with this palette.

Stay Stylish!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather

Fragrance Friday…Paris Amour

Bath & Body Works scents are amazing! I’ve rarely met one that I didn’t particular fancy to some extent. There have been a few that have been too sugary or too musky, but still that have some amazing scents blaring through those vents. You know that’s how they lure you in, right?

Anyway, my latest obsession is the Paris Amour Eau de Toilette. Now…this scent use to irk me, because it made me like I would smell like a “baby prostitute”. (10 gold stars for whoever can say where that ridiculously funny saying came from. Hint: Funny-a** teen movie)

Paris Amour is a uber-girly scent, but isn’t strong and adds a soft flush of scent to you. I love it! Although the scent is very soft and more appropriate for spring, it can still work all year round!

Stay Stylish!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather

Differences between a ballgown and a cocktail frock


Being invited to a black-tie event is very exciting, a great excuse to buy a new dress and look fabulous. But if an invite stipulates a formal dress code, what kind of dress is appropriate? Perhaps you weren’t even aware of the differences between black-tie and white-tie dress and when it’s appropriate to wear a gown over a frock? We explain these formal dress codes for you and highlight the subtle differences between ballgowns and cocktail dresses.

White-tie is the most formal type of dress code and traditionally is only worn after 6pm. For men this means a black or dark blue tailcoat, a white waistcoat and white bow-tie. For women, the dress code is much less uniform, but still has some strict rules. Full length ballgowns (sometimes referred to as evening gowns) should be worn and any dress that is shorter than the ankle is deemed inappropriate.  White-tie is also referred to as ‘full evening dress’ – so you know that this is a very formal occasion and the dress code should follow accordingly. In Britain, you are most likely to require this type of dress for a state dinner, commemoration balls such as those held by Oxford and Cambridge, a formal wedding or a formal banquet.

Ballgowns are often made of very luxurious fabric such as velvet, taffeta or silk and are usually accompanied by long gloves and matching accessories. The ballgown is usually a full-skirted dress and traditionally falls off the shoulders. This type of dress is usually worn with a shawl (called a stole) and paired with a clutch bag and elegant jewellery. Unless you regularly dine with royalty, it is unlikely you will get to wear a ballgown often – but the experience is sure to leave you feeling like a princess straight out of a fairytale! Ballgowns are still very much admired, as demonstrated by the ballgown exhibition due to take place at the V&A museum early next year.

Black-tie events are less formal than white-tie. Men wear black suits, black waistcoats and black bow-ties. For women however, the dress code has changed over time. Historically, women wore ankle or below-the-knee dresses but today knee-length dresses have become acceptable and are often referred to as cocktail dresses. Invites to black-tie events are much more likely, and cocktail dresses become even more popular in December when Christmas parties approach. The modern day cocktail dress represents style and elegance. It focuses much less on length as it did historically, and more on the trimmings and detail. There are a huge variety of cocktail dresses, and because the dress code is much more lenient these days you can concentrate on choosing a style that you like best without the worry of making the right choice.

Whether you opt for a ballgown or cocktail dress, the chances are the price tag won’t be cheap. Such beautiful and elaborate dresses will likely be expensive, but should last a long time. Of course for that one off special occasion it’s sometimes worth splashing out and treating yourself. One way to help you spread the initial cost could be by credit card, especially if you’ve got a card that offers a 0% period on purchases. It’s important to bear in mind though that if you don’t clear the balance within the introductory period, you will be charged interest.

Stay Stylish!

This is a Sponsored Post by Guest Blogger Fran Swaine on behalf of Sainsbury’s Bank.

Elegant

We have many collections of elegant dresses.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather