How To: Dress Your Small Feet Big

Dear Brains and Beauty,

I’m 16 and love to go out! The annoying problem is: My feet are only a 2.5 (UK) and therefore I find it impossible to find cute heels in my size at stores where my friends shop like Topshop. Any Suggestions?

xoxo Bella

Heels, Heels, Heels: They create confidence, can completely change an outfit, can be art! (Think Alexander McQueen, Nicholas Kirkwood, Antonio Berardi) but what if due to the “traffick-jam” in your growing system your feet reallly never made it (or haven’t yet) past a 35? (That’s 5 (U.S) and 2.5 (U.K.)) and you’ve always had to buy at the kids section snapping up pink floral boots and green sandals? Worry no longer! Not just the ever growing amount of larger feet have been covered! The petite ones under us can slip on gorgeous high-heeled goodness too!

There are several places where you’re likely to succeed, first up:
The specialist store:

For small sized shoes try smallmeasures.co.uk this U.K. based online store was founded my mother and two daughters and aims at providing customers with fashionable footwear ranging from a UK 1 to 3 at affordable prices. We love these Suede and Patent Platforms (£79.99 via SmallMeasures.co.uk). They’re extremely versatile and can be worn day and night, the mix of suede and patent creates a fun detail that makes the shoe a step up from the standard “schoolgirl” patent mary jane.

Priceless.co.uk stocks a large amount of small sized at extremely cheap prices! Maybe a shoe-drobe a la Sex and The City isn’t so far away after all! We love these Platform Ankle Boots (£8 via Priceless.co.uk)…at £8 they cost just as much as 3 Starbucks hot chocolates! They fit into last seasons Rebel Rich (Click here to read more about “Trend ss09: Rebel Rich”) trend and will go perfect with next seasons floaty chiffon’s! Send us an email to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk if they’re really worth the price. After all…what can you expect from £8!

Next Up:
Vintage Footwear:

People used to be smaller, an increase in scientific research and improvement of nutrients in food have made us grow with the years…but what if you’re not really one of them?? Vintage footwear is perfect! Not only are “blast from the past” heels usually extremely cute: They also come in tiny sizes. We’ve made a selection to make it easier for you! Vintage magical land One Of A Kind has these wonderful Patent Cherry Squared Toe 90’s Gucci by Tom Ford. They are a little pricey at £210 but they wont only be part perfect…They’ll also satisfy the family! The court shoe shape makes them suitable for everything from family lunch to going out with friends.

Third:
The Designer Shoe:

So your average Office wont stock small and/or half sizes. But if you’re a) able to afford a designer shoe, b) are determined enough to save your money! c) can convince your parents that instead of buying cheap, you want to buy less shoes but instead buy more expensive BETTER QUALITY (hello mom and dad…you don’t want my posture to suffer do you?) If any of these you’ve said yes to…get ready to open up to a whole new world! With NET-A-PORTER.com alone stocking more than 100 shoes in a size 35!

These Andra Braided Leather Sandals by Tory Burch (£255 via NET-A-PORTER.com) and Urban Clog Sandals by Jimmy Choo (£255 via NET-A-PORTER.com) are comfortable enough to get you through the day and good enough to get you through the night! Inspired by this seasons clog fever (but made wearable!) with clever detailing they look pricey (and they better do at £255!) but wear with thick woolen tights, a sweater dress and mohair vest for now and with a kaftan and piled on necklaces when temperatures rise!

Lastly:
The Tips and Tricks:

So you’ve seen the shoe, you’ve fallen head over heels, you can’t stop looking, your heart is pounding, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THESE YOU NEED TO HAVE THESE, you walk up to the shop assistend and say “Can I have these ones in a size 2 please” already fantasizing how amazing they are going to look with that dress, you are dreaming away and then…crashlanding! “I’m sorry miss we don’t have those, but I can offer you a 36?” NOOOOOOOO! You kick at your own feet. What’s now? Shoes that are too big look stupid and are hideously uncomfortable. And how can you show it off if you can’t ermm show it! We have a few little tips to offer:

1. Heat and pain make your feet swell so you can: Wear your heels in hot weather or dance all night on the dance floor to make your feet swell that extra size! If you must must must wear them!

2. The famous stuff your shoes: Yes stuffed bra’s are so 2009, fill the tip off your shoe with cotton pads (as needed) slip on and tadaaa they fit!

3. Wear a funky insole. This doesn’t really work in a sandal…but perfect for a closed heel! These Foot Pillows (£5 via Topshop.com) will do the trick and add extra comfort. Still doesn’t fit? Stack them up…maybe hot glue gun them together?? Get creative!

Have a “body problem” which you don’t know how to dress? Have your personal tricks and picks that you’d like to share with other Brains and Beauty’s? Don’t be afraid to leave a comment or send an email to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk

XX Brains and Beauty

What Lies Between Last Seasons Tough Leather and Next Seasons Floaty Chiffon?

The fashion posse last Fashion Week was heavily addicted to tough leather (or leatha’ like Stella from Project Runway likes to say) but because it is completely unacceptable to be addicted to a trend for too long everyone was sent straight to rehab to kick-off the leather-diction and returned completely turned around head over heel with floaty chiffon’s. But what if you don’t really care? What if you’re actually still in-love with the tough leather but too much of a fashion victim not to ditch it? What if you’re bored of the old chiffon dress leather jacket combo? Easy! One takes a blender…one throws into it last seasons tough leather jacket…one throws into it next seasons floaty chiffon dress…shake for 4 minutes and tadaaa we get something looking very much like a Rick Owens Leather Jacket!

(Left to Right Top to bottom: Phi autumn/winter 2009, Givenchy autumn/winter 2009, Balmain autumn/winter 2009,  Rick Owens spring/summer 2010 (all), Chloe spring/summer 2010, Marc Jacobs 2010, Valentino 2010)
All images via Style.com 

R. Owen, who before used to work in the fashion imitation industry!,  is known for creating drapey (yes the man can drape leather!) soft as vanilla icing (much better than butter!) leather jackets that instead of tough, shiny and very china made (high street symptom) look worn, soft and flowy. “Blister Leather” as the designer names it. Owens about his own designs says: “It’s about giving everything I make a worn, softened feeling. It’s about an elegance being tinged with a bit of the barbaric, the sloppiness of something dragging and the luxury of not caring. I felt it isn’t about displaying one’s junk, but rather giving the woman a selfish pleasure. It is about using sable as the lining under a very humble jacket, the luxury is all hers.” Humble? Isn’t that word usually acquainted with cashmere sweaters and chewy peanut butter chocolate chip cookies? Who knew it was possible!

So not only because of the ridiculous amount of food metaphors in this article, these jackets must make you feel pretty hungry too! And just like a menu…it’s usually the tender steak that’s the most expensive! And yes Rick Owens jackets are definitely not cheap. So if you’re not a) Anna Wintour’s daughter b) A Dubai princess c) A winner of the £25,000 shopping spree NET-A-PORTER.com is having d) Found a £1000 check on the street. You are going to have to get creative. Ebay can be a treasure chest: We found this Leather Gilet by Rick Owens, Try a vintage store, second-hand store or a relatives closet for that worn look, Get a vacation job (or baby sitting…a lot of it). Get a look-a-like until you can afford the creme-de-la-crop (we are completely against it but Rick says it’s oke) and yes…just about everyone has “been inspired” by his leather-liciousness. If non-off those options really fulfill you get your “destroying” kit out to Owen up your leather jacket (as in: ask your dad to drive over it, let your dog chew it, go hiking in it, massage it??)

What will you be wearing this S/S? Leave a comment or send us an email/picture to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk

XX Brains + Beauty

Lets Start 2010 With a Cliche

OMFG IT’S 2010…didn’t it feel so weird when you opened your school books this monday and wrote down 2009 let out a gasp and said “WOW OMG YOU GUYS IT’s 2010″ quickly crossed it out and wrote down 2010…it felt weird huh! Well as we leave behind (and hopefully welcome more!) times of partying and gifts Brains and Beauty (although we like to take you to majestical fashion-lands filled with glitter and rainbows)  is taking you right back down to earth! January is the month will all the regrets, falls promises…most gym memberships signed up. But above all January is the time where it’s completely okay to treat yourself, something small to make you feel new and fresh; and the best way to follow through with a resolution is by starting with your wardrobe!

To start off the new year we present you 8  amazing accessories  to quickly light up your wardrobe AND improve your year; how you start the year is how you’ll complete it!

P.E. at school…weird smelling changing rooms, extremely none flattering shorts (made for men!), cold showers, wet towels, too little time to get dressed, periods, panty-lines, uncomfortable sports bra’s, mud, rain, getting hit during dodgeball, missing a goal which isn’t even guarded…P.E. at school is a disaster. BUT it’s essential and with the right preparation it is a loooot of fun (hellohaloha instead of advanced algebra you get to run around with your friends – and discuss the latest gossip -) and for 2010 “Brains and Beauty’s” are going to take fashion far beyond couture gowns and It-bags…this

Purple Metallic Duffle Bag (£9.99 via UrbanOutfitters.com) is perfect for keeping all your P.E. belongings. Want to take it one step further? Ashish’s ss10 collection featured amazing sequined football shirts!

When the Brains and Beauty team reflects on 2009 we are so overwhelmed with memories! If only we had the discipline to keep a diary (which -we have been told- is amazing to look back on a few years after) so where does the problem lie? OBVIOUSLY (hahahaha) we are just not using good enough notebooks…this‘Regent Classics’ Leather Notebook by Leathersmith (£27 via BrowsFashion.com) is perfect for noting down all your favorite places, people, labels, restaurants etc. Perfect for reaching those organization goals for the new year!

Going out on a school night? NoNoNoNoNoWhateverYes…sometimes we need a little break in the middle of the week and it’s unavoidable (well actually parents do a pretty good job at making it VERY avoidable ) but there’s nothing worse than turning up to school the next day with pale skin and have forgotten everything. After all: A Brains and Beauty is able to combine partying and fashion and having fun with chemistry and algebra and history. To keep all your belongings together and “remind you to be good”  is this handmade “I will be home by curfew” clutch ($40 byTheGirlinYellow via Etsy.com) complete with “lined paper” stitching. Just make sure to finish your homework before you leave the house!

You: Can I have more allowance? Parent: No! You do not know how to handle with money! You: (thinking) oooo gooooddd this is a recorded message how can I raise my allowance?! Well think no longer, Sonia (by Sonia) Rykiel brings us the answer. This amazingfaboloushighdroulfactor Leather wallet with Bow Detail by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel (£110 via NET-A-PORTER.com) is not just a want it’s a need!

The LBD, loved by everyone and simple and easy…but what if you’re getting bored of your black dresses after all black has been the color for the last 100 years? Do we smell a solution? Oo yeah…accesorizing! For 2010 expand your collection of jaw-dropping jewels (and shoes and bags)to give every ensemble a serious boost. (Generally) cheaper than a whole new look but with stunning effects. Try and invest in a few “wear-forever” pieces; these Turkish Delight Coin Earing by Erickson Beamon (£96 via NET-A-PORTER.com) are amazing and season proof, wear them to the beach-club or a family dinner…these will stand by you no matter what. On a low-budget or can’t find anything to your taste? Get ready to customize! Gather feathers and crystals and old jewels and more brick-a-brack (think crushed up CD’s, dice, wood chips, card r-e-c-y-c-l-e!) and dip your boring accessories into these. One-of-a-kind!

Britain’s booming with new generation designers…from Chrsitopher Kane and Mark Fast to Hannah Marshall and David Koma. And with popularity rising so is price! But these fabulous Leopard Print Gloves by Christopher Kane (£48 via NET-A-PORTER.com) are affordable because of the (YEEESSS) sale! They are just so perfect…team with black for a pop of quirky color or color clash with a teal jacket. Endless possibilities! You need them because they are just amazing…nooooo because (take notes for convincing parents) with global warming and the Gulf Stream weakening Brittain’s getting colder and colder…good quality cold-protection gear is a human right!

Techno-Techno-Techno and no we’re not talking about  music. These days everything seems to be done digital…and when even Suzy Menkes started writing on her laptop from the front row (!!!) Man of the moment Marc Jacobs realized he obviously couldn’t stay behind and had to create this Into The Wild Computer Case by Marc by Marc Jacobs (£50 via NET-A-PORTER.com) raawwwrrr…perfect for the “Brains and Beauty’s” effortlessly combining technology with fashion…who doesn’t want to take this out of their locker and carry it under their arm up to class! -

Are you afraid of going a bit crazy? Well 2010 is the year to step outside of your comfort zone and broaden your horizon: and these Floral Silk Handmade Platforms by Woland and Moom ($330 via Etsy.com) will do just that!

Not only are they completely crazy, the orthopedic heel and ankle strap even make them comfortable, finally you’ll be able to run for the bus in high heels!

For this party season your most dramatic accessory are your lashes! Rainbow, diamonds, feathered, spikey…they are available in a ton of models and a ton of different prices. For a real statement lash try these Peacock Feather Lashes by Eyelure (£12 via Topshop.com) They’ll even transform sweatpants into red carpet wear!

Goodluck! The days will count down in a flash so make as much of them as you can!

XX Brains + Beauty

Happyfabolousamazingfantastic 2010!

This is a personal message from Brains and Beauty’s Founder/Editor-in-chief Noa A.H. Leijdesdorff

Readers, writers, editors, guest-bloggers, photographers, designers, PR, muzes blahblahblah if I were to list ever single person that has meant something to Brains and Beauty this post would be the longest I’ve ever written. But although according to Anna Wintour’s words “Fashion isn’t about looking back, it’s always about looking forward”  WHATEVER it’s impossible not to reflect and see how DIVINE (ooo i love that word) 2009 has been to Brains and Beauty. This year I’ve done things I would have never imagined doing: Attending an insane amount of shows at 3 different fashion weeks, met and interviewed some of my favorite designers, interned at NET-A-PORTER.com and have the incredible Natalie Massenet and her team welcome me in their (designer clad) arms, receive a PPQ invitation meant for Sarah Mower (and gotten in a fight with the seating lady for not letting me sit in seat A1 before tripping over a bench and falling flat on my face in front of Fearne Cotton), done photo shoots 30.000 miles above ground while en-route to the Caribbean, buy a ridiculous amount of clothes, had my picture come up on google when you google my last name before any other person in my family, been overloaded with love in my inbox, had BBC camera men follow me aaaahhhhh reflecting isn’t so bad after all!

2010 is going to be even more happyfabolousamazingfantastic year not only for me but also for you; with Brains and Beauty I hope to contribute to helping this generation of girls (and maybe even boys!) to be able to wear a leather skirt and a sequined top and still get an A+ on your algebra test ha!, as (again!) la Wintour said “Just because you like to wear a beautiful Carolina Herrera dress or a pair of J-Brand jeans instead of something basic from K-Mart doesn’t mean you’re a dumb person.”

Although I hate new years resolutions (they totally show me how much I DIDN’T DO this year!) there is a marathon long list of improvements for Brains and Beauty and I completely promise you these ones will happen (video content, international reporters, interviews, forums, give-aways…)

To a fashiontastic Brains-and-Beauty-licious 2010!

XX Noa

2009 saw me attend probably more than 100 press days!…

…for fashion’s sake I went above and beyond and tested some of the most daring (and insane) runway looks (hellohalowa Alexander McQueen aw09-my friends had an insane laugh-attach when they found this one on my camera!)…

……and researched even at 30.000 km above the ground

Last Minute Party Wear!

…This article is a follow up on “Last Minute Party Wear!” and “Last Minute Party Wear! Pt. 2″

Okay…so you’ve either purposely waited to leave it to the last minute to (a) dress where your “at the moment” mood and inspiration takes you and (b) snap up all your goods in the FANTASTIC sale everyone is having (yeaahh!) OR you’ve stupidly left it to the last minute and are now going around the house throwing clothes out of closets, frantically searching through the washing basket, trying to find lost coins underneath couch pillows and screaming at younger siblings but STOP! Brains and Beauty have made it muy facil (for the spanish speakers) for you and shown you three different styles (Rebel Rich, Flower Girl and Beauty Peagant) and three different occasions (The casual dinner, The family dinner, The disco) to be inspired by and let you dress for this holiday season with ease…as if you’ve  planned everything down in your day to day agenda!

Rebel Rich
(Read more about this look: “Trend: Rebel Rich” and “Microtrend: Sophisticated Sleaziness”)

1. The casual dinner:

You want to look effortless, sexy, (appropriate), luxurious…hallohalloa Alexander Wang! If you’re ready to blow the budged a little on this one there’s no doubt you should invest in one of his “model off-duty look” garments. We love this Crepe One Shoulder Dress (£735 via NET-A-PORTER.com) which is two tone with asymmetric zip detail. But a  splurge? Not really considering the fact you can pair his dresses with some peep toes, bare legs, a small jewelled “trophy” clutch bag and a cocktail ring for glamour. And tights, leather ankle boots and a washed denim jacket for down town cool…you will probably end up wearing it 3 times a week!

(Crepe One Shoulder Dress; Alexander Wang via NET-A-PORTER.com, Stud Zip Clutch; Urban Oufitters.com via Urban Outfitters.com, Skull Cuff; Topshop via Topshop.com)

2. The (Formal) Family Dinner

This one is tricky…your grandparents and parents will be here, your cousins will be here and maybe your cousin will bring one of his extremely atractive friends along; you don’t know what to wear yet: DRESSING DISASTER! For this one it’s all about balancing; We think the best type of dress for this occasion is a mid thigh backless dress which is high cut up fr0nt. We drooled all over this Printed Silk Mini Dress by Emilio Pucci but quickly closed our eyes once they met the price tag (£1680 via NET-A-PORTER.com) and just as much as it is fabulous it is also completely unaffordable! Channel the look with this 80’s Sheer Silver Panel Dress by Renewal Rare (£70 via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk) snap up some scissors and cut it a deep back, pair it with some opaques (these Satin de Lux tights by Worlford add a really cool detail -£30 via NET-A-PORTER.com) and make everyone bow down to your feet with some crazyyyyy shoes: Try Etsy where you can find everything from shoes dipped in crystals to hand painted to feather-ized. For a last minute option go crazy with spray paint, hot glue guns, beads, pearls, dice, feathers etc. Ask before you customize your moms Louboutins!

(Printed Silk Mini Dress; Emilio Pucci via NET-A-PORTER.com, ’80s Sheer Silver Panel Dress; Renewal Rare via UrbanOufitters.com)

(photography by Tommy Ton JakandJil.com)

3. The Disco

The Mistletoe Ball, New Years Countdown, Christmas Eve Craziness; studs, sequins, leather and denim are the best way to go grunge this party season. And who hit all those marks this season: The wonderful Ashish! (Read More: “Razzle Dazzle Me!: Ashish Ss10″) His ss10 collection featured sequins, studs, short hemlines, denim, color, florals,  gold…to go disco grunge we love this Sequin Mini Dress with Shoulder Spikes by Ashish (£755 via BrownsFashion.com) with exposed zip. Pair it with some chain bracelets (Burberry does amazing stud and barbed wire jewelry) and knuckleduster rings (that Alexander McQueen clutch aaahhhh – DIY DIY) finish off with some tough footwear: studded ankle boots, creepers, Doc Martens. To get the look on a budget we love this Corset Dress by Renewal (£59.99 via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk) and this Split Shoulder Tee Dress by Scorpio Rising (£19.99 via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk)

(Sequin Mini Dress with Shoulder Spikes; Ashish via BrownFashion.com, Fringed Bra; Silence + Noise via UrbanOutfitters.com, Leather Gold Metal Plate Bag; Topshop via Topshop.com, Studded Lace Up Boot; See by Chloe via UrbanOutfitters.com)

Everyone have an amazing holiday season, merry christmas and a happy new year!

XX Brains and Beauty

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After Sunshine Comes Rainfall…

How To Cope With The Cold! After this weeks freezing iceberg temperatures in England we’ve frantically been pilling on the woolen socks, fleeces, long underwear, hats, scarves, mittens…yesterday I wore 11 layers…this would make for an infinite long game of strip poker.  But here at Brains and Beauty we do not feel like re-organizing our entire closet and take out all the summer stuff and not wear any of it anymore until April! So…how do you transform your summer wardrobe into winter without re-buying a whole new wardrobe?! Brains and Beauty will show you…

The past year we have loved chunky heels (see more: “Black (check) Chunky (check) High (check)”) but when we look outsides and see all those exposed feet we say: NO WAY, I prefer my (aahhhh) Ugg boots. But this problem can be resolved to easily. Just add a pair of (patterned) opaques (this season tights can be found for all tastes: from houndstooth to rainbow to hearts to

polka dots  to striped to fake suspenders to alphabet to multicolored to lace…etc.) we’ve also found a solution to that extremely annoying drop crotch type thing -wear a pair of underwear on top of your tights too! Topshop even has velvet and sequined underwear perfect for walking down the steep stairs of school.- Still too cold? Add a pair of thick woolen socks over your tights.

This summer we went crazy for the thin transparent stuff…skirts tops tank tops we have them all in thin floral fabrics (and they’re still selling them!) but how do you make these work? Simple: the answer to this confusing equation is: Layer! Take your chiffon floral tank top and layer it over a black lace tank top (we love this Urban Outfitters bandeau bra). Than throw on a pair of dark wash jeans (or corduroys!), a woolen cardigan, a blazer, a long woolen scarf, some

mittens and a little hat and some ankle boots. To finish it off pile on some chunky jewels and a cool cocktail ring for a lift of light glamour amidst this thick heavy winter wear  (see more: “Instant Bling…Cocktail Ring!”). The only *caution* with this one is to end up looking like a grizzly-bear so mind your proportioning (balance) by leaving either your legs or top a little more skinny skinny.

White. Mmmmm…tricky! Winter is the season of the muted coloring so where does white fit in. Well first of all you can let out your inner Rembrandt and go crazy with the spray paint (get some leather coating spray…amazing!) and studding on these blank canvases. If you’d like to keep them “the way I are” yea yea you will have to think or in this case well try and do it for you.

At least try and keep from all white (which in summer doesn’t really work either unless your going for a tennis player look). Balance your white things

with wool, velvet, cashmere, sequins, corduroy (in dark colors). On the other hand in opposition to white; cream and light pink really do work in winter e.g. we love to wear lacy nightgown with long cardigans, oversized blazers, textured tights and some creepers (with platforms!). Just experiment, there is -almost- nothing which you can’t always wear if you style it right. If all the above fails either: Go out cold (but this looks cheap and will get you sick!) or pile on aaaalllll your summer stuff with confidence and look so wrong you look so right.

How are you tackling the summer -> winter dillema? Send us your tips to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk and it you could be featured in a next post!

XX Brains and Beauty!

Plastique Fantastique! – 50 Years Barbie

No matter who we are…we secretly all love Barbie. Why? Maybe it’s because of her perfect body (which has been proven impossible to achieve!) maybe because of her “Abecrombie model meets Spanish god” boyfriend Ken, maybe because of her amazing convertible or because of the hundred different outfits she always always looks good in! Peaches, Alexa, Pixie, Rosie and the rest of the pack might be hot at the moment…but Barbie has been no.1 It-girl for as long as we can remember and…she’s just turned 50 (who is her plastic surgeon?!) For her 50th anniversary she’s collaborated with le garcon de le red shoes…oo yes! Christian Louboutin has recreated Barbie and fitted her in the most amazing clothes and…shoes! No…this is not a dream, I repeat: this is not a dream…from December 4th NET-A-PORTER.com and Barbie.com will sell a remake of Barbie a la Louboutin…mathcing with sassy outfit and the best of it all: Dig down into mini Louboutin shoeboxes with mini Louboutin shoebags with mini Louboutin tissue paper to reveal miniature delights: 4 reworked Louboutin’s to fit Barbie’s mini feet…maxi goodness…yes it’s Barbie-licious hahahaha!

Buy Barbie by Christian Louboutin including diary-calendar and 4 pairs of shoes with miniature Christian Louboutin shoeboxes and shoebags (£100 via NET-A-PORTER.com

Christian Louboutin has customised 3 dolls, inspired by Nefertiti and Marilyn Monroe, which feature a new terracotta tan skin tone and re-shaped ankles and feet to be able to tackle these skycrapers (according to Louboutin her ankles were too fat and the arch in her foot not high enough to fit his heels, everyone has their flaws after all!) 4 Barbie-sized pairs of shoes accompany each doll which are inspired by shoes from le garcon’s main line: Gold Differa 140 sandals, Miss 120 Platform Ankle Boots, Paquita 120 sandals and an a-m-z-i-n-g pair of high heeled red soled LEOPARD boots mmmmmmm…

.

.

(clockwise: Paquita 120 sandals by Christian Louboutin, shoes Christian Louboutin for Barbie, Differa 140 sandals by Christian Louboutin. All via NET-A-PORTER.com)

Not convinced yet? There is also a dairy-style calendar available named ‘A Year In Paris’: a fully documented photographic journey which sees them enjoying time together at Louboutin’s favourite spots, including: the gardens at The Louvre, his studio and country house, and his boat on The Nile, entitled ‘A Year in Paris’.

This collaboration is every girls dream come true; “We are so excited to be working with Mattel and to be part of the Christian Louboutin and Barbie journey. Barbie is the ultimate dress up girl, Christian is the ultimate girl’s best friend and via NET-A-PORTER.COM their collaboration can now go global.” Natalie Massenet, Founder and Chairman, NET-A-PORTER.COM.

hinthint: Present timeeeee, you’ll be sure to make someone happy with this fabulousness

XX Brains and Beauty

First we’re inspired by you now you’re inspired by us

Don’t take the title too literally.

Hahaha it’s funny how everything ends up in a cycle, couture becomes second-hand becomes vintage becomes antique becomes couture. French fries become fat become gym membership become skinny become french fries. And now runways become teen-blogger talk become designer talk become runways. Yes, this season the designers went back to (their interpretation of) childhood. We saw backpacks, kittens and birds and dogs, chunky heels, mary janes, pre-adolescent models (and A-lines, ruching and layers to accommodate their underdeveloped bodies), jackets, peacoats, collared shirts, peter-pan collars, lots of bows (in the hair) and hearts and polka-dots, pleated skirts, braids, afro’s, tweed, ruffles, awkward layering, pink, navy, orange, thigh high socks and even a ring binder inspired clutch at Miu Miu

With a (thank god!) injection of…sexy! Or as Style.com’s Sarah Mower said about Christopher Kane’s ss10 collection “Pretty yet perverted, innocent yet disturbing- At Miu Miu we saw an artistic naked print all over the dresses, shirts and skirt…(who doesn’t want that!), conservative dresses were updated with not-so conservative panels, fabric were sequin and crystal sprayed, there was transparency, a lot of it, hems were chopped short and sportswear was made out of revealing netting.- All hail Muccia Prada who does Miu Miu, she reinvented the 14-year-old, kept her geekyness and laughter but made her sexy, sophisticated and professional. “I was questioning innocence, questioning youth.”

(images via Style.com)

But is it really surprising? No! What was Nicole Phelps talking about when she reviewed Miu Miu? “They didn’t quite fit into this season’s naïf narrative. But they did make playing grown-up look like a lot of fun.”(she’s right about the second part!) With teenage bloggers rising to new heights (think Tavi Gevinson from Style Rookie on the cover of Pop, Bryan from BryanBoy at Marc Jacobs -got a bag named after him- and Vogue Russia, Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes at Elle and Crillion dressed in Chanel Haute Couture and Noa Leijdesdorff from Brains and Beauty at London Fashion Week and NET-A-PORTER.com) “Talks to her friends on the phone like an Editor in Chief talks to her PA, stomping around like mini Editors shooting street-style pictures like Mini Sartorialists and getting press passes confiscated by security for being underage” (a not so kind but humorous piece) written by Isaac Lock about Noa Leijdesdorff for the LFW Daily. It’s teenbloggers that constantly push designers boundaries, we have no needy publisher to satisfy or important advertiser to hold on to…we can say exactly what we think. We’ve gone back to having total absolute fun something lost sometimes in the commerciallll environment these days.-

One word about Louis Vuitton ss10, yesyesyes when you separate all the fabrics and pieces and accessories -I mean come on, you can recognize Marc Jacobs styling in 1 second…horror horror- you can see beauty, but lets not get carried away shall we? Marc Jacobs is a genius, and he likes to have fun, and go crazy, and wear skirts…and we love him! But Louis Vuitton is bought by le riche! And the 14 year olds we know don’t shop Vuitton, it’s the 44 year olds…maybe he’ll have to rework this one slightly for the hanger. Marc we’ll forgive you for this one, the music, starting two minutes early without half of the front row arriving and “so wrong they’re so right” clogs made up for some lost points.

What were your thoughts on Miu Miu, Luella and Louis Vuitton? Do you think teenage bloggers really are inspiring the catwalk? Let us know by dropping a comment or sending an email to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk

XX Brains + Beauty

Fangtastic! Has The Vampire Craze Hit Fashion?

The fashion world is your glass ball into the future, everything on the runway represents the mood of the society and reflects events of the time, from military to masculine, these trends are not just there because the designer thought fuunnnn. no! military trends will occur in times of war (e.g. Iraq), at Brains + Beauty we link the masculine trend to revolution, sex equality…changing the idea of men wear trousers and women wear dresses, so we were wondering whether the recent vampire obsession has affected the on and off runway! After team Brains + Beauty went to see The Twilight Saga: New Moon we were surprised how fashion forward the movie was burgundy red velvet cape a la Fendi aw09.- So -yes maybe a little bit lame but whatever- we decided to list some of the most ‘fang’tastic clothing and accessories inspired by this vampire craze.

(images via Style.com)

Fendi aw09 was completely inspired by vampires, look at the luxurious burgundy velvet, strong shoulders and long coats. But than again…KarlLagerfeld is probably as close looking to a vampire as it gets…the man is amazing.

Baby Vamp Rings (available in silver $195 (single $98) 14k gold $425 (single $215)) via BittersweetsNY.com

These fang inspired rings by Brooklyn based label Bittersweets NY come as an interlocking pair to stack or share with a friend. Also available in single or a more chunky version (Big Boy Vamp Ring solid sterling silver $200 or 14k rose, yellow or white gold $600)

 

Tiny Bat Necklace (available in silver $75 or vermeil $90) via GilesandBrother.com or £70 via BrowsFashion.com

This cute (who doesnt love miniature!) but fierce necklace by Giles and Brother by Philip Crangi is perfect to layer (we lovvveee layering necklaces, post will follow!) with a mystical looking necklace with set stone. This necklace is available in silver or vermeil, it’s precious without being as expensive as the rings above, perfect for the holidays or a birthday gift!

Jewel-embellished velvet dress (£4,705 Balmain) via NET-A-PORTER.com 
This velvet dress by Balmain with its statement embellishment and flared cuffs is the perfect vampire inspired cocktail look, the ultra short hem keeps it modern and young. But the choice is yours: 1 Balmain dress, 10 dresses by See by Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs etc. or 100 dresses by Topshop, Zara etc. Take your pick!

 Topshop this aw09 season has some really great LBD’s in velvet with lace panels and cut-outs, mirrored ships, embellished in mesh and body hugging panels…the more attention to detail the better. The recent collaboration with one of Britain’s hottest designers Christopher Kane produced this mesh-eyelet dress which is elegant and flattering while being very futuristic and young. Mirror 2 Tone Sequin Dress £65, Lace Panel Dress £50, Embellished Bodycon Dress £85 (all via Topshop.com)

 

Hitched Lace Skirt by Boutique £55 via Topshop.com This amazing ”blogger look” -think Suzy from StyleBubble.com- skirt looks luxurious because of the lace layering and thin lace edging. Pair it with a tank and chunky knitted -cobweb- sweater, layer a few chains and necklaces on top. Or wear with a bodysuit (see Topshop.com, AmericanApparel.com).

  Prunella high-waisted Velvet Jeans by Notify £160 via NET-A-PORTER.com

These flared velvet jeans are a very casual approach to the look, wear with a crisp shirt, an over the thigh sharp cut coat with a good silhouette (we lovelovelove this Lace Structured Coat £195 via Topshop.com) and accentuated collar, ankleboots and chunky jewellery.

 

 Extend the trend to your underwear transparent lace layers with fine knits need matching or complimenting

underwear…unless youre going for tacky of course. Pick vintage inspired bralets (look on Bricklane, London) or pick fine lace in muted colors. Velvet Longline Bralet £20, Heart Lace Bra £14 (all via Topshop.com)

 

 

Stud Fingerless Leather Gloves £18 via Topshop.com Finish your look off with these tough gloves for extra drama or when them with something simple for a bit of punch.

 

 Temporary Bat Tattoo $0.50 each via TattooShock.com Order a few of these Temporary Bat Tattoos, apply all around your legs before slipping on some very low denier (transparency) black opaques…tadaa: Bat Tights!

 

 What are your thoughts on vampire inspired fashion and this whole vampire craze? What do you think about the Twilight Saga Series? Are you team Edward or Team Jacob? How do you interpret vampire fashion? Let us know by dropping a comment or sending and email to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk

 

XX Brains + Beauty

 

More Team Jacob? We lovelovelove this Curly Sheepskin Gilet £150 via Topshop. Ebay (make sure the seller is reliable), Portobello Road for near affordable fur, Portobello Green, Relik and One of A Kind are also worth searching.

The Teen Vogue Handbook -An Inside Guide to Careers in Fashion- (Paperback £12.50 via Amazon.co.uk)

Brains + Beauty’s Wishlist:

1. Embellished Moire Headband by 3.1 Phillip Lim
2. Star & Heart Brooch by Viviennne Westwood
3. The Teen Vogue Handbook -An Insiders Guide to Careers in Fashion-

XX Brains + Beauty