review for magazine by Alyssa (le closet)

Spring is officially here (kind of) and it's about this time that I begin to exam my shoe collection to ensure I have all proper pairs for the warmer months ahead. Over the years of shoe purchasing, some good, some not so good I did learn what were the staples. I agree that you can never have too many shoes. The excitement of purchasing a new pair of heels or great fitting boots is simply too rewarding and satisfying not to, but that's extra. The classics are a must and will take you anywhere and will go with anything. Especially when traveling. Today I am sharing the must haves for spring and summer (some will even take you into fall and winter). Happy shopping!


One - The classic court shoe. Also known as a black stiletto or pump. I think it's equally as important to have two pairs of this version (open toe and closed) so that you have options for all seasons but if you are only to purchase one go with the closed toe. This is definitely one of the all time timeless shoe. I think I've seen at least one version of it in every shoe store. It will take you to the office with a pencil skirt, to night time drinks with skinny denim and to a wedding with your favourite little black dress. It's a must have and the best part is it can fit in anyones budget. You can spend up to a thousand on a pair or as little as thirty dollars.

Two - The nude strappy sandal. Another long time classic this one comes in a variety of shades and styles (as well as price points). Since this shoe is typically a little bit higher, spending a bit more money for the quality and comfort with be worth it, also not to mention all the straps. They will take you for a night out with the girls or paired with fancier dress for a wedding or special ocassion. Also because these specific heels are of lighter shades they can be worn easier during the day.


Three - The ballet flat. This is no secret that this is a definite must have for a shoe collection. I remember when I was in ballet class and how comfortable my ballet slippers where (before all the ripes and holes) and they have since made them for every day wear and comfort. You can get them in a variety of colours but the classic black leather pair will easily be paired with denim, floral dresses as well as just lounging around the house. Easily carry them in your purse to slip on when your feet get soar from your heels. I've bought cheaper pairs year after year only to just throw them out at the end of the season so I'm looking forward to purchasing a good quality pair that will last me more than three months (see a post about that here). Repetto makes the classic ballet flat but if you are looking for something more budget friendly see this pair at Topshop. I also think the pointed flat is just as classic. This one with the separated soal makes them extra comfortable and gives them a more unique look.

Four - The metallic wedge. I typically don't gravitate towards metallic shoes but the wedge (especially these ones from J.Crew) have really made a great impression on me. These are so great to add just a little extra to a casual outfit or perfect for outdoor weddings (getting your heel stuck in the grass is not attractive nor is is any fun) so these are perfect and comfortable for these types of occasions. When purchasing a metallic wedge ensure the heel is low (think kitten heel) when you go too high you end up looking like an actress out of the Austin Powers movie.

Five - The leopard flat or pump. This one is a fun extra put surprisingly goes with many outfits. Goes extra well with stripes or polka dots in the summer. It also looks great with a bright red toe polish. I also love this one for work as it adds that extra little something to an office outfit. You will wear a flat pair just as much as the heel. See this one by Steve Madden with a tiny gold heel (bonus it's on sale!)

Six - Leather flat sandal. This one for me replaces the flip flop. This one is by St-Tropez, which are famously known for their classic and amazing quality sandals, but this type of sandal can be found in so many different styles and price point. This one is also great with short and long summer dresses or a summer navy romper. I feel flip flops are appropriate for pool side or shared dorm room showers but when out and about or hitting the beach, these are just as comfortable but way more stylish.

Seven - Converse. This one I just recently added to my shoe collection. It's a great casual shoe and great for traveling on the plane. Since my rule of "sneakers for the gym only" I feel this shoe adds just the right amount of 'sporty", plus their a classic. Most were wearing these as a child and many years later are still stylish. Little tip, if you wear a smaller shoe size like moi (I'm a 6) try the larger sizes in the children's section, you'll save half the price!


Eight - The boat (yacht) shoe. I'm a big fan of these. I bought a pair over five years ago and still wearing them today. These are such a classic pair of shoes and really make you feel like you belong on a boat somewhere with crisp white shorts and a navy striped top. I equally love wearing them with a pair of skinny denim.

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@SiennaVittoria
@faveMagazine

Mens style staple : The light blue shirt

Gentleman, the light blue shirt is your best friend.  In a world where fashion comes and goes, the stylish light blue shirt is always on trend. I want to show you how versatile a light blue shirt is with three different styles and why it is a staple to have in your wardrobe. The three styles I present to you are ; casual, smart/casual and smart/preppy. I hope that at least one of the three styles will take your fancy or inspire you to raid your wardrobe , creating outfits with your own fashion stash.

I apologise that the quality of the photos isn't the best as I was using a digital camera and a wooden chair to take these snaps. Nevertheless, I enjoyed taking them.

casual and playful

Although a shirt looks great buttoned up, they can also look more casual when they are unbuttoned. A light blue shirt can be worn over T-shirts to create a more playful and fun look. Though a shirt is seen more formal, I have softened it's image with a bold print T-shirt ( a cookie monster print , of course)! The white T-shirt that I'm wearing also has hints of light blue on the print to which ties the clothing combination together nicely. This is a look I would wear in the daytime with a pair of dark jeans.

Outfit menu 

Jeans - Primark

'cookie monster' print T-shirt - Primark

Light blue shirt - River island

Smart / casual

The light blue shirt is most commonly known for looking smart, so I had to give it credit and show how I would achieve this. I am wearing the light blue shirt with navy chino's. Yes, it sounds like a blue-on-blue catastrophe but the shades really work together. I have then accented the outfit with a brown leather belt and brown leather boots. A tie could be added to make the outfit more smart, but be careful not to throw a bright or neon colour and make the colours clash. This outfit goes to show how the light blue shirt can go from play to work mode just by changing the trousers and adding a belt.

Outfit menu 

Navy chinos- New look

Brown belt - Burtons menswear

Brown boots - Sports direct

Smart/ preppy 

This outfit follows on from the previous smart look. This style is more preppy and better for those colder days. The outfit consists of the same navy chinos and light blue shirt as before but I've kept myself cosy by throwing a heavy knitted cream jumper on top. The jumper allows only accents of the shirt to be seen but your eyes are really drawn to the upper half of the torso as the shirt has formed construction around the neck. For gentleman , this makes the shoulders appear broad. In the photos seen here I have matched the preppy look by carrying my work books in a brown leather Ted baker satchel bag. To emphasise the preppy look, loafers or brogue shoes could also be worn.

Outfit menu 

Navy chinos- New look

Brown bag - Ted baker

Cream knitted jumper - New look

Light blue shirt  - River island

Here are some places where you can purchase a light blue shirt of your own. Mine is from River island, but if you just click the links below you can view other stockists of the simple yet classic light blue shirt

Topman

River Island

Tesco ( Florence and Fred)

Matalan

Burtons

New look

I hope you have enjoyed this post and the reasons why the light blue shirt is a style staple due to it's versatility and style status. Please feel free to leave a comment as I'd love to hear from you or any styles guides you would like next.

Harry

@themintapple

@favemagazine

The Digital Age: How Cyber-Fashion is Changing the Way We Dress

Ladies, hide your wallets. Your dream of owning a Cher Horowitz digital closet may soon be a reality. With the super-charged constant evolution of modern-day technology it is only due time that the infamous Clueless virtual wardrobe stylists hits the shelves. Not only that, but multiple new innovative ways to shop and style are emerging from behind your computer screens as we speak. From virtual closets to monthly style subscriptions, there are now countless ways to hone in on your style skills.

Swivel

Gone are the days of slinking out of those skinny jeans, fumbling over the removal of your lace-up boots and messing your hair just to see how something fits. Currently available in select retail stores, Swivel lets you try things on virtually- no change room required! For now, the intended use is for retail stores, but you will soon be able to get your own system installed at home. Even farther, you will be able to let friends give you suggestions on clothing and accessories via social media. They've even integrated beauty and hair, so you can try on the latest runway makeup trends without breaking the bank.

LE TOTE

LE TOTE is a monthly clothing rental service that lets you borrow and return clothes at a monthly fee of $49. They're like the Netflix of fashion. Users fill out an online profile to hone in on their personal style. Then, LE TOTE's stylists create a profile that plays off your likes and dislikes and sends you a tote bag with 3 items of clothing and 2 accessories for you to keep as long as you want. When you're done, simply pop the items back in the tote bag and pop it in the mail. You'll then receive a new tote bag with entirely different outfits! These totes are claimed to contain over $1000 worth of goodies. As of now, they are not available in Canada but I hope so soon because SIGN ME UP!

STYLEBOOK

As a closet and wardrobe fashion app that lets you curate your inventory so that you can look effortless and chic on the daily, STYLEBOOK is definitely worth a download. Take pictures of your stuff, upload them to the app, and match away! Not only can you create and organize outfits, but you can also create packing lists and track how long ago you've worn an item so you can decide whether to donate or keep it. I myself am constantly updating my closet - removing those items I haven't worn in over a year, and adding in-style items I'm lacking. This is the perfect fashion accessory for my situation.The app does cost ($3.99), but you'd definitely end up saving money in the long run by getting more use out of your investments.

Go Try It On

When putting together an outfit, I often find myself wondering "does this make me look stylish or a hot mess"? The Go Try It On app solves this common dilemma. Upload photos of you wearing said outfit, and fellow GTIOers will vote whether you should wear it or forget it. I like to think I'm stylish, but sometimes one needs a second (or third or fourth) opinion on your outfit choice.

With this new cyberfashion movement, brick and mortar retail stores will really have to set up their game to keep up with the competition. E-commerce has become a definite need for stores to boost their client base and sales volume over the past 5 years, and now virtual closets and change rooms will soon be standard for our large-scale retail stores.

5 Top Trends from Paris Fashion Week

If the Chanel supermarket spectacle taught us anything, the Fall/Winter looks from this year's Paris Fashion Week are definitely ones to remember. The runways were adorned with pastels, knits and sporty looks abound. I'm sure the last thing you want to think about right now is next winter, but here are the top 5 trends to take note when building your wardrobe for the next Polar Vortex. I would definitely advise rocking these trends now to tie you over until spring.

1) Pastels

Designers transitioned the pastels from Spring/Summer effortlessly into fall on the runways. This dress from Dior matched with a blazer or leather jacket would be a perfect look for early fall.

Christian Dior, F/W2014

2) Head-to-Toe Knits

Knits in all colors and patterns are a go, especially when done in a complete ensemble a la Chanel.

Chanel, F/W 2014

3) Sporty

Quite a few designers had thrown in some sporty designs into the mix which I was absolutely thrilled about. I'm definitely going to keep my eyes open for a killer varsity jacket come fall.

Miu Miu, F/W 2014

4) Mod

The retro looks were super fun and each designer played the Mod theme with wonderful modern touches.

Valentino F/W 2014

5) Dramatic Blacks

Alexander Mcqueen had some showstopping head-to-toe black looks. Those were a bit more theatrical than practical, but beautiful none the less. Elie Saab showed us how to rock the dramatic looks for every day wear and I want to buy it all.

Elie Saab F/W 2014

Paris Fashion Week is Full of YES

I just caught a glimpse of the Chanel runway show at Paris Fashion Week and I am in love. Karl Largerfeld's Fall 2014 looks were displayed in a fake Chanel supermarket. If this were a real thing, I would probably shop there every day. Cara Delevigne starred in the show, and I could not agree more with this pick. She is perfect for Chanel's pop-culture driven show. The show also featured Kendall Jenner, who is making a serious name for herself in the fashion biz.

Here are some highlights from the show:

Cara rocks this look. I love the head-to-toe pink paired with the long tweed jacket. I would wear this (minus the exposed midriff... brrr)

How awesome is this orange coat? I am also a fan of the center-part pony hairstyle. Super cute.

Those shades! That purse! Those sneaks! I want all of this.

I'm throwing out my current toaster and desperately seeking this one as a replacement.

Dinner party at my place anyone?

I have to say, job well done for Chanel. I'm excited to see what's in store for the other designers. Today and tomorrow mark the last two days of the Ready to Wear campaigns and they certainly saved the best for last. Tonight features Valentino, Alexander McQueen and Paul and Joe, while Miu Miu and Hermès close the week tomorrow. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Chanel toaster to track down.

Best Dressed at the Oscars

The biggest night of the year for showbusiness has come and gone. Hollywood's elite showed up donning top notch look made by top notch designers, looking classy albeit safe and subdued. I think you can all guess who is going to be on my best dressed list since I have a huge lady crush on her, but here is my list of those who rose above the rest at last night's gala:

 Lupita Nyong'o in Prada

Of course she was going to steal the show. Her style chops are the best in the biz these days, and this baby blue Prada number is a prime example. Lupita even gave Cinderella a run for her money last night. The headband is a bit questionable but I can forgive her.

Kate Hudson in Versace

Kate slays in this old Hollywood glam number making Donatella very proud. She is the queen of low-cut gowns, pulling the look off effortlessly and keeping it classy (sorry, J-Lo). I love everything about this look, especially the hair!

Charlize Theron in Dior

Just wow. Charlize looked phenomenal last night blinding everyone with those sparkly diamonds. I love the neckline of this Dior dress, and the sheer panel adds that extra oomph to an otherwise safe look. Well done!

Jennifer Lawrence in Prada

J-Law looked effortless and chic in this sleek Prada gown. The red added a much-needed pop of color to the runway which was covered in neutrals and metallics (except for Lupita, of course). I also loved the Breakfast at Tiffany's-esque way she wore her string diamonds, cascading down her back. It made her stumble on the red carpet seem as classy as ever ;).

Olivia Wilde in Valentino

Now this is how you do maternity wear. Olivia looked perfect from her Valentino gown to her Prada clutch and stunning teardrop earrings. Jason Sudeikis is one lucky man!

And now for the men who equally stole the show...

Jason Sudeikis in Prada

Speaking of Jason, he looked effortlessly cool in this navy Prada suit. I've been really happy to see bow ties rocking the red carpets this year! This is definitely Jason's winning style.

Jared Leto in Saint Laurent

Jared Leto is not afraid to take risks and I love that about him. He always stands out from the sea of black tuxedos. The pop of color with the red bow tie finishes this look off perfectly. He definitely deserved that Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyer's Club.

Matthew McConnaughey in Dolce & Gabbana

Matthew also went for the ivory tuxedo jacket a la Jared Leto. He looked very stylish and put together, and how adorable is this picture with his mom and wife in his arms. His mom is a babe!

And now to fire up Netflix and catch up on all the Oscar winners I've missed out on. See you next week...

Véronique