British East India Company

So I've never done of these inspiration-blogs before but I'll give it a go, yes? Yes.

I'm officially into this Victorian/Arabian nights look. The juxtaposition of traditional versus temptress is really cool.

Is it because I'm in London? 

Is it because I have an urge for Indian food?

ANYWHO

Source of inspiration you may ask?

Photo Cred

Details, details, details!

Photo Cred

ornate.

Photo Cred

Is there a better inspiration besides Prada?


How to Style this Trend: I think the key to pursuing this look is minimalism. Blegh, I hate minimalism...usually. But here, it is necessary. If you have phenomenal pieces (pluralized) and accessories galore, it may start looking like a costume, which should be happening. This look can be achieved with one or two fabulous pieces and a rather plain outfit besides that. But the key of this look is jutxaposition. If you wear a turban, keep the jewels gold and not as bold. Wearing a uber victorian scarf, chunky bangles will offset the Arabian Nights look.

I love this scarf! 

This lovely silk scarf is Anna Maria la Bianca (the link does show off lingerie and swimwear, but I swear she makes scarves too). Anna Maria herself showed me many ways to wear this: top, headband, scarf, etc. What I love about this scarf is that it is so versatile. It comes in a variety of colors (my sister got black and my mom got a lovely red). In my mind, it really describes the look that I am fascinated with at the moment: the color scheme is very traditional while the design is extremely hypnotic.

Ever since Sex and the City 2, I've toyed with the idea of a turban. Were the clothes in that movie terrifying? Yes. But, something about a turban is so effortlessly chic and Rachel Zoe: I wanted it. I've searched high and low for one, but was left turban-less. On the checkout line of Topshop today, I found it.  I snatched it up and wore it home. My boyfriend didn't understand the fabulousity of this turban, but whatever. And yes, I shot a picture of it on an exercise ball.  Maybe one day I'll become a real blogger and take pictures of my clothes...on me. But for now, I think an exercise ball works just fine, don't you?

Another Topshop steal! I love the coral in this reminds me of a dingy victorian petticoat (don't ask me why), but it's contrast with the gold is just what I'm looking for. This combined with a cape and riding boots equals be perfection.

xx

Spectacular, Spectacular

Ever since I was nine years old, I've been obsessed with Moulin Rouge.  If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest you do BUT have tissues, a blanket, or snuggle buddy with you! Born as a less intense theater kid, I loved the musical numbers (one of my best friends and I would religiously dance to "Sparking Diamond" on the swing set in elementary school). The love between the two has always been so heartbreaking, yet lovely to watch (I was so happy when my fabulous boyfriend got me a frame that said one of the best quotes from the movie on it for Valentine's Day). And the movie is so visually pleasing, from setting to costumes. I just loved it. And watching it last night for my movie night with my girls, even though we frequently interrupted Ewan McGregor's heartache with our own gossip, reaffirmed my love for that movie.  I'm just so inspired by the sparkly, semi-sultry costumes that all of the characters wear. My favorite scene, fashion-wise, is when we are first introduced to the Moulin Rouge. Harold Zidler, the pimp for all purposes, and all of his ladies come trotting out, each woman in an unique attire. The colors are more than satisfactory and, even though they are supposed to be "entertaining prostitutes", their outfits are rather feminine. And of course, there are your classically beautiful outfits in this movie. The red dress she wears in favorite scene, romantically, is just so beautiful and should be so iconic. The "Pink Diamonds" outfit is so girly but has that certain "va-va-voom" that I personally find inspirational. And the construction of the gray suit Nicole Kidman wears to8wards the end of the movie is constructed beautifully. I just find this whole movie absolutely inspirational. I love how such traditional looks can be added to something so showgirl, so sparkly, and so fabulous. I mean...do I even have to go on about how this is a major inspiration for my new wardrobe.  Just like in the not-as-thrilling musical movie Nine, I love the sexy details, the sparkles, and all of the fun because that's what I think fashion is about.  I mean, Venus Williams has gone Moulin Rouge and, even though this instance resembles something from Victoria Secret's Very Sexy collection, I love the inspiration and the attempt. So ladies and gents, I urge you to maybe break the boundary and let your inner can-can dancer out! 

I guess I will leave you with this! 

xx

My Clothes Sale

As much as I stress the need for sticking to your personal style and what you feel comfortable in, evolution is constantly imperative if you are a fashionista in training. Recently, I've found myself in a fashion rut: I am in desperate need of inspiration and new clothes. All of the clothes I have, though I love them and will cherish them and the memories in said outfits, feel outdated and just plain boring to me. I want to start new: to recreate my wardrobe. In order to make my revolution profitable, and fun, I have devised a "Clothes Sale": a tag sale buuut for clothes! So today, I was in the zone: instead of going to Boston, like originally planned, I stuffed five large garbage bags with clothes I no longer want. I'm not going to pretend like it was easy, because it surely wasn't. It's almost like I'm giving away children or friends of mine. This might sound cheesy, but these clothes have been there for me and shaped my life. They represent who I was: what I thought was fashionable, what I wanted to buy even if what I wanted to buy turned into a big mistake. I can picture my clothes sale being like the final scene of Toy Story 3: an emotional roller coaster all around. My intentions on writing this weren't to be sad. On the flip-side, I am so excited to research time periods, looks, trends, and icons so make my new closet one that I'll absolutely treasure! I mean...I wouldn't be surprised if I blogged about an inspiration!

xx