The war of clones part 2.

Something that I love in the fashion industry is the capacity of companies to 'copy' the creations of the biggest players in the market in a matter of days or even hours. Well, here I am again with some pieces I have found on the internet that will help you to keep up with the latest trends if you're a fashion addict like me. These are clones of accessories and clothes we have seen on the catwalks, some of them for this season and others from the last one. What do you think of them? 

Have a great week!

Choies (above) vs. Burberry 

Choies vs. Chanel

Lanvin (left) vs. Blanco 

Valentino (above) vs. Choies

Saint Laurent (left) vs. Mango

Balmain (left) vs.  Mango

Rule # 28: How to wear the grunge trend.

It has been a while since my last post but I've been really busy with the new blog that soon will be available, work and a bit of holidays, but I am back!

I said it before and I’ll say it again, every fashion and trend fades away and then comes around again. I grew up in the 90s listening to Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, Björk, Tracy Chapman, The Cardigans, Ace of Base, Duran Duran and Nirvana. That was my 90s playlist on my Walkman and then Discman, because there were no iPods back then! Well, I'm not here today to talk about music but to talk about that new trend that is already on the streets all over the world, thanks to one of the greatest bands of the 90s, Nirvana. I'm talking about grunge. Checks, black & red shirts, leather, denim, clean faces, messy hair. Grunge makeup doesn’t require eyeshadow mixtures or sparkles, play natural, preferably with darker tones. For example, a good idea is to create bushy eyebrows and add a bold touch to your lips by wearing some deep color, creating wine-stained lips. 

Prada - Custo Barcelona - Chanel - Saint Laurent

If you feel tired of all the glamour and business-style fashion, grunge trend is a cool style to adopt. Follow these easy grunge fashion tips: 

• Give preference to darker colours, since the colour of grunge is black. The modern grunge also allows wearing gray, neutral tones and other colours than black, however, essential grunge loves darkness.
• Update your wardrobe with denim. This can be a denim jacket or vest, denim shorts or jeans, preferably ripped, worn-out, stone-washed or dark.
• Leggings and lace, ripped or patterned tights in darker hues have become essential elements in a grunge-style wardrobe, replacing denim. If you don’t love baggy jeans, you might like to embrace this tendency.
• Flannel shirts are a must for a chic grungy look. If you want to look more feminine, you may opt for not too loose flannel shirts. You can wear your flannel shirt as a tunic over a pair of leggings or tight jeans, or with denim shorts, matching it also with a tight tank top underneath.
• It’s hard to imagine the grunge style without the signature band t-shirts and crop tops, or ones featuring interesting graphic prints and patterns. You can also pick a t-shirt with flag motifs.
• Leather in all its forms has become an important detail in the grunge style. This can be a biker leather jacket or leather shorts, a leather skirt or leather boots. A tight black leather dress worn with patterned or ripped tights will instantly make you look grunge.
• Forget about heels, and go for clunky shoes! The grunge style is all about comfort and insouciance. Chuck Taylors, Doc Martens or combat boots are a must for a totally chic grunge look.
• Details matter in the grunge style! Don’t forget to finish off with edgy accessories, such as ones featuring chains, spikes, studs, zippers and metallic details. Round sunglasses and a headscarf can also be a good addition. When picking grunge accessories, try to be minimal, going for this or that item and not everything altogether.
• When it comes to the handbags, you can either go for oversized bags or cross or tiny cross body bags.
• Layering is grunge! Don’t be afraid to experiment! Layer, mix and match, play with contrasting prints and patterns confidently, making new stunning grunge looks.

Have a look at the following looks I created for you and have a great week! 

Look total, Mango. 

Dress, Boohoo.com. Blazer, Mango. Ankle boots & bag, Zara. 

Leather trousers, Mango. Stitch jumper & bag, Topshop. Shoes, Aldo. 

Pics: Style.com

Have a great week! Mine is going to be great!

People in general hate Mondays but actually I have to confess that I kind of like them. Monday symbolizes the beginning of a new phase. The name of Monday is derived from Old English Mōnandæg and Middle English Monenday, which means "moon day". Who doesn't like the moon?!

And this new week is special for me because from Friday I'll be in holiday. A little more than 1 week to relax and spend some time with family and friends and looking forward to enjoy one of my wedding presents I haven't enjoyed yet. Simon and I will be going to a fantastic little retreat in Southern Spain. 

Have a great week! 

Trend Alert: Men inspiration shoes.

Once again designers all over the world look in menswear for their inspiration for womenswear. Once again the dandy inspiration is appearing in several areas of fashion and we can all see it on catwalks, in shops and of course on the streets. Girls, you should be proud and thankful for that, at least because you can be comfortable wearing men inspired shoes instead of heels for your day wear. I can't imagine designers designing women inspired shoes for men! Although I have to say that it could be a great idea!

 

Have a look at this proposals that Zara, Mango, Stradivarius, Bershka, Bimba & Lola and Üterque offer you for the upcoming season. 

Enjoy your weekend! 

New Project: The Fashion Hunters.

I'm so proud to announce that last Thursday saw the launch of a new fashion blog that I’ll be contributing to every week to talk about men’sfashion. It's called The Fashion Hunters. I was approached by a colleague who invited me to be part of this new project and I was really pleased that someone from the fashion business recognized my passion for fashion and challenged me to talk about men’s fashion, a change from what I do on my own blog. 

The launch party was held at Skinlife and we invited friends and colleagues to get together and talk about the new project over drinks and food with the fantastic music of DJ Diogo adding to the great atmosphere on a late summer Lisbon evening. The event was a huge success and the perfect way to mark the start of this great fashion adventure. 

The Fashion Hunters are a group of image consultants that share the same passion and enjoy the beauty of the most pure form of fashion. Our goal is to bring you the latest trends but, more importantly, to give you tips about how to wear them. And, with the help of contributors from around the globe, we’ll also give you a window on how these trends are interpreted and followed around the world. 

The pictures featured on the website were taken by one of the greatest Portuguese photographers, Carlos Ramos, and to record the event we had our pictures taken by João Santos.

Pictures by Carlos Ramos

I know you will enjoy this new fashion website and want to follow it as it develops. We promise you it will be worth it! 

To get stated, why not take a look at the pictures from the launch party!

Party- pics taken with iPhone 

Girlie Pink.

Every season has a colour. Last winter it was plum, last spring, mint and during the summer we have orange and emerald green among other bright neons. Colours help us to show our personality and to be bright in a crowd even when we are wearing something nude (if we know how to do it properly).

Fall is a grey season with rain and cloudy days that get me down a bit, I have to say. But this year designers around the globe wanted to brighten up our days in a subtle and delicate way by using pink and its hues. Traditional winter colours take on a brighter feel with the help the right colour contrast. Try a soft sweater or scarf in pink with with a grey, black or brown coat. Those dark winter days will be brighter than ever!

Jonathan Saunders, Celine, Miu Miu, Simone Ruche, Topshop

Coat, Mango. Shirt, Topshop. Skirt, Dorothy Perkins. Shoes, Guess. Bag & necklace, Zara. Gloves, Katespade.com

Leather pants, Mango. Cardigan & bag, Topshop. Polka dot scarf, boots & sunglasses, Zara. T-shirt, Net-a-porter.