French Connection 2015 Fall/Winter Preview

 

Yesterday, I had a chance to take a quick peek at the French Connection Fall/Winter 2015 line and although I gotta say, I have barely begun to explore Spring and Summer, a few pieces from their collections really caught my eye.

The themes of the day were the usual suspects: lots of patterns, blacks, grunge, punk rock and retro styles, with some pop of colours like bright yellow and tomato red. There were also plenty of oversized sweaters and coats, with faux fur collars and capes (which you all know I adore!) But the pieces that really caught my eye were the party looks for Christmas and New Years, not to mention how they incorporated the same kinds of details in more casual pieces as well. It was all about the embellishments and little details. Tons of fringe hems, feathers, sequins and beading! There were so many fun party pieces that really made me rethink my whole winter hibernation habit. I gotta start finding more parties to go to...
                                   

Italy and a White Dress

Dress: Italian market / Necklace: Lia Sophia / Sandals: Naturalizer / Headscarf: Thrifted

Hi Frockers! I just got back from my short stay in Europe and am feeling so inspired by the romantic backdrops of the Italian countryside. One of my favourite parts of the whole trip was visiting the little outdoor market where there were several merchants selling clothing, housewares and knick knacks of all sorts. I just couldn't resist this simple little white dress which I picked up for 10 euro...what a steal! I don't think there is anything that can make me feel more Italian than a feminine white dress...I just can't resist.

Brunchin' Good Time

New Look dress/Aldo, F21, Accessorize necklaces/Vintage, Primark rings/Vintage handbag/Le Chateau pumps

There's nothing like a nice white dress with layers of accessories for a Sunday brunch with a girlfriend. I love wearing white because not only is it a great colour for most skin-tones and hair colours, but it offers the perfect backdrop for piling on the accessories and experimentation in the makeup department.

Specifically, I tried out a two-toned lip look for the first time and I think results are encouraging! I used gloss instead of lipstick for a more subtle effect and went with two kind of similar colours: a fuchsia pink on the upper lip and a cherry red on the lower lip. I'm not sure this look would be for every day, but it adds that extra little interest to a more subdued ensemble that I'm always searching for. Happy brunching!
                                                                              

Embellish Me

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Lightinthebox sweater/Michael Kors boots/lia sophia necklace/old leggings

Who doesn't love a piece that can multi-task? Every woman should own a couple of good ol' fashioned embellished tops. They aren't just tops, they aren't just jewelry, they're both! One of my go-tos is this Lightinthebox number, which instantly turns what could be a plain sweater dress into a knock-out number. Pairing an brown sweater dress with black leggings and sleek leather boots could potentially make this look take a somber turn, but the jewels and beading are the perfect feminine rocker touch to really elevate the ensemble from boring to bold. 

And the cherry on top in this happily eclectic marriage is this hardcore pearl necklace gifted to us by the jewelry company lia sophia, soon to be celebrating their 5th anniversary. I have a soft spot for pearls and this young, edgy, stylized version of a typical pearl necklace really speaks to my love of blending looks for a more intriguing outcome. Some daring combos are better left in the closet than on the streets (I'm sorry, but very few people can pull off the electric blue eye shadow, fuchsia lipstick and leopard-print bodysuit) but I really love the romantic edginess this look embodies. Fashion is a fine line...a squiggly line that goes all over the place, but fine nonetheless!

                                                                           

Those Grey Days...

Sweater: Zara / Pants: H&M / Boots: Kenneth Cole Reaction

How much longer can winter drag on? Well, I am making an effort to maintain a little bit of style during these dark days. Even though my outfit has zero color to it, I think the crazy pattern pants are a lot of fun and a beaded collar on an otherwise boring grey sweater never hurt anyone. I'm still trying to keep it alive, people. 

Pretty In Pink

 Photos by Kyler Kelly

I got this fuzzy pink sweater in Korea and I'm actually kind of bummed that I haven't been able to wear it much this winter. For some reason, the heat is on full blast at our office and I've had to sport short-sleeves on a daily basis or risk heat stroke. 

However, due to my, shall we say...frugal nature...I do keep my apartment at a chilly 18 degrees so I whip out this darling sweater on those weekends at home. Side-note: if you know me, you're probably confused since I tend to start shivering if the mercury dips below 24, but it costs a lot to heat a whole apartment ok?

Anyway, I just love the idea of pairing this sweet, baby pink sweater with an equally sweet, baby blue skirt, chilly as my legs may get. And let's face it. Even if I wore wool pants, I'd still need to throw on a robe and huddle under two blankets to keep warm!

Sammydress skirt/thrifted+gifted bracelets/Aldo handchain 

(Necklace was purchased in Taiwan)

                                                                

Bringing Back A Bit Of Spring

Photos by Michael Vesia

                                                 

Although it may be the dead of winter, we're belting out our love song to Spring in a couple of our favourite print dresses.

On Jackie: Zara dress/Aldo necklace/F21 ring/Urban Outfitter earrings

On Debbie: Philip Lim for Target Dress/Manolo Blahnik pumps/thrifted belt

                                                        

Go Fancy or Go Home

It was Bouquet of Frock's one month anniversary and Debbie and I decided to get dolled up for a proper celebration. I went with a tiered pink number that harkened to the Roaring 20s and, in the same spirit, I chopped off all my luscious locks to go with...

Just kidding! I attempted a faux bob for the first time (tutorial to come!)

Debbie, always the summer romantic, opted for a classic pleated skirt, white cowl neck top and a pair of wooden wedges. All that was missing was a tiny side braid woven into her wavy locks and we were ready to hit the town and toast to our first month!

We treated ourselves to a scrumptious meal at Boris Bistro, who have a lovely outdoor seating area. Unfortunately, we have no pictures of our dishes because we ate them all too fast. Oops.