Everyday is Dress Up Day

Lately school has been a little bit of a drag, the sun really has shed its last rays of the year, we wake up in darkness and when the final bell rings pretty much go home in darkness, homework is pilling up and there’s no holiday in sight to save us and to top it all off the flu is going around in a mad whirlwind sucking in everyone with a slightly weak immune system…no! No! This just all sounds so depressing but honestly do you think Anna Dello Russo could enter a room without everyone smiling? Or that you could walk into a classroom channeling Olivia Newton John in Grease and let anything get you down? The answer is no! These slightly dull autumn days are asking for every day to be Dress-Up Day…
Over the next week I’ll be channeling someone else every day, just a few ideas… Sandy in Grease Meangirls Batwoman Willy Wonka

Margot Tennenbaum in Royal Tennebaums

Who do you look to when you feel like you’re getting stuck in a drag? Who are your favorite characters and people to channel?

x.Noa

H&M x Versace

The overall feel of the collection: Glamorous beautiful powerful Sicilian housewife meets Southbeach guido millionaire husband who happens to be best friends with Gianni Versace

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More Gianni than Donatella. More Miami than Milan. And I love it! Although after a 7th grade American Apparel lame legging obsession I swore to give those a rest for a while, there’s so much more to this collaboration collection than the spandex printed 80s leggings. Favorites are the black dresses with Versace’s signature coin studs which are clearly inspired by Elizabeth Hurley’s infamous (and amazing) safety pin dress…am I the only one who’s so sad they didn’t do a more literal version of that one btw? And last/this season’s Versace (http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/109442 and http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/170118) The neon colored body con dresses might look a little scary but imagine them with a tan next summer or in a dimmed London club this winter? Perfect amount of tackiness (and lets agree on that…it was gonna be iconic Versace so obviously it’s going to be iconicly tacky) mixed with body flattery, which is where Alber Elbax missed the mark last year. His mainstream collection is praised for being flattering while being subtle because he does sexy draping, but the H&M collaboration didn’t show of the body in the same way.

This fringed separate set below (yes! I’m pretty sure it’s a separate set!) is amazing but what is up with this weird print? Versace did the same thing in a red last season and I somehow find it hard to see anyone over 20 pull off a lot of pieces in this collection. Oo well…I guess Donatella set out to push the boundaries with the ordinary H&M customer and so she should! Because after this collaboration has been snagged up in probably no more than a few hours those ordinary H&M customers will have plenty of black/beige/white sweaters and pencil skirts to look at again so lets welcome this breath of fresh Versace air with open arms. The Sicillian housewife meets tacky guido millionaire man accessories are amazing, the choker and silk scarves especially.
(Versace for H&M available from November 17, for the whole collection click here)

Donatella has given us an amazing mix of boundary pushing pieces and (not so) plain old sexy Versace, she’s taken LOADS of nineties Versace references (which has got to be just about my favorite Versace era ever) and come on…those neon leopard printed boxers really just topped the whole thing of. The dissapointment lies at the lack of proper gowns, the type that made Versace famous. Those perfectly draped/tight thigh slashed gowns. This being a Christmas collection I expected at least one of those show stoppers. And a coat! Versace always does great structured coats and it would have been nice to see what they could have done on a budget. For the rest my final call goes out to all those girls who will be standing in line (myself included) and I just want to say to all those fashion-killing aggressive horrible woman on an Ebay mission: F*CK YOU. Just a few days after Missoni for Target ebay already has hundreds of listings on the subject, it’s just heart breaking.

x.Noa

Fun Fact Of The Day

Fact: January is the most depressing month of the year.

Fun fact of the day: January is sale month of the year.

That’s right, you’re not alone! January has scientifically been proven to be the most depressing month of the year, we’re all broke from christmas and new year, the weather is cold and rainy, it’s a new year and we’re starting to question our behaviour in the last, there’s not a holiday insight blah blah blah. But January is also the month where shops plaster their windows full of “Final Reduction” signs and shopping all of a sudden becomes up to 80% funner. Favorite online sale picks:

 

Awesome silver alien wellies by Hunter via Net-a-Porter.com (from £62 to £35.50)

Clueless dress by Opening Ceremony (from £360 to £220)

“Graffiti on Acid” jeans by Proenza Schouler via NET-A-PORTER.com (£455 to £273)

The perfect going out top by Isabel Marant via NET-A-PORTER.com (from £265 to £106)

Mermaid top + dress if you’re feeling it by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk (from £182 to £80)

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Add sequins a fur trim to the bottom and Anna Dello Russo will be jealous by Carine Wester via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk (from £385 to £150)

School loafers gone drag by Miu Miu via NET-A-PORTER.com (from £370 to £269)

The perfect balance between naughty and nice: Blue fish nets via AgentProvocateur.com (from £20 to £10)

Buy the stuff you usually can’t afford in the sale, and buy all your secondhand high street gear throughout the year, so next January can have Gold (and not Blue) Mondays.

XX Brains + Beauty

New year, new chances, same old habbits

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

XX Brains + Beauty

“Fly me to the moon let me play among the stars”

Left to Right: Wonder Woman, Bat Woman, Super Woman

The snow is pouring down like an arctic Indian monsoon rain and it’s ridicolously cold! Time to compensate style for comfort? F*ck no. So ditch all your akward bulgy coats, get ready to be inspired by Wonderwoman, Batwoman and Superwoman and conquer the world: Cape Up!

GRAPHIC

Clockwise: Photo via TheSartorialist.blogspot.com, Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2010, forgot source (if anyone knows please let me know), composition by Piet Mondriaan

FUR

I am cute Wear me faux or recycle my fur by wearing my vintage friends to stop new fur production

Top to bottom: Chanel pre-fall 2010, Marc Jacobs Fall 2010, Celine Fall 2010, Viktor & Rolf Fall 2010

‘DO YOU BELIEVE IN WHITE BLACK AND NUDE?’

Clockwise: Givenchy Pre-Fall 2010, Alexander Wang Fall 2010, Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2010, Givenchy Pre-Fall 2010

CAPE COUTURE

Left to right: Givenchy Fall Couture 2010, Alexander McQueen Fall 2010

MYSTERY

Top to bottom: Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2010, Proenza Schouler Patent PS1 ad

To make sure you keep your cape looking well…awesome, and not part of a strange clan costume or an attempt to look enormous; remember to pair your volominous cape with some leg. Think a tight pant, little flippy skirt or thigh high boots or socks for a fun look. There’s something so intriging about the Louis Vuitton graphic cape paired with sporty socks or Givenchy’s plain jane cape paired with those black thigh socks and terminator platforms. We searched the net for 10 cool capes that can all be ordered online so you can slip into yours within days:

A black cape to wear always and with everything: with a pleated dress, thigh high socks and mary jane platforms for dress up or a band tee, worn in jeans and Doc Martens for dress down. Chaperon wool-crepe cape by Paul & Joe Sister via NET-A-PORTER.com (£390)

This cape is part prep but part baseball jacket wildness. Feeling brave? Pair it with contrasting plaid pants and mary janes. Velvet trim check cape by Sparkle and Fade via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk (£39.99)

The seasons shearling obsession hits capes, prepare to fly in this aviator style cape that will definetly keep you warm. Faux sheepskin cape by Topshop via Topshop.com (£70)

Go all Blair Waldorf in this Gossip Girl inspired number…all you’re missing is the headband and an attitude. Checked cape with leather inset by Zara via Zara.com (£79.99)

This incredible cape has it all…the dark tweed, the antique looking buttons, long sleeves and  small rabbit trim, and…it moves so well! When you wear this one you can get away with wearing something incredibly weird and unflattering, this cape will save it all. Wear it with a grey felt hat for some mystery. To avoid looking too “chelsea-mom” refrain from carrying your bag at your elbow. Murmure wool blend cape by Sandro via NET-A-PORTER.com (£405)

Camel Coat’s sister: Camel Cape. This cape is so perfect, the cut, the color, the lenght, the swing, the closure, the structured shoulders blah blah blah. And…it’s Zara! So get ready to sprint because this is a guarenteed sell out.

This one is not really to keep you warm but we’re willing to make an exception. The definiton of a superhero cape: jersey that flies behind you when you walk, bad ass leather detailing and ever a hood, ofcourse Alexander Wang knows how to turn an old fashioned silhouette into downtown cool. Leather trimmed jersey poncho by Alexander Wang via NET-A-PORTER.com (£230)

The traditional duffle coat gets a spin. Hooded duffle cape by Topshop via Topshop.com (£50)

XX Brains + Beauty

It’s Brains and Beauty B*itch!

Yes we know…it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it as when those words came out of Britney’s mouth BUT we’re back! The snow has started twirling down, glitter and lamemania is electrifying every shopping street in the world, Tesco’s chocolate fondants are awaiting in the oven and finally there’s a valid excuse to wear Uggs…sounds like December to you? Or is it Dresscember? Nope. That just sounds weird.

Well with the holiday season just around the corner it’s time to get creative, going to a badly dressed christmas party is like going to a badly dressed funeral: everyone looks the same! And I think we can all agree to say that it’s complete utter shit when youve been saving up all of your allowance for a Topshop dress that you then find out half the year is parading around in. We present to you…5 moods to achieve when getting dressed for a (christmas) party:

1) SCANDAL!

Elizabeth Hurley in an oh so scandalous Gianni Versace gown, Rihanna in Emilio Pucci SS 2011, Pamela Anderson @ Vivienne Westwood, Jane Birkin with Serge Gainsbourg

2) COOL STRANGENESS

Evening gowns with fur boots at Chanel SS11, Lady Gaga never fails to raise an eyebrow or two, Tilda Swinton, Alive flowers at (Mr. “Cool Strangeness” himself) John Galliano

3) EASY…DEEP BREATHS

Natalie Massenet easy power dressing: because success doesn’t have to rub itself in our faces, Roy Halston = King of Fluidity, Kate Moss and Stella McCartney

4) MYSTERY

 

Lace mask in Givenchy’s Ange ou Demon ad, Katie Shillingford’s ombre hair, Agent Provocateur, Blake Lively as mystery surrounded Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl (CW)

5) FUN!

Brains + Beauty editor Noa with Ted Baker’s Santa Claus, my friend Alessandra from Lace & Leather,
Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs @ Met Gala, Sasha Pivovarova with Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl @ Met Gala

Don’t forget to share your favorite party outfits by leaving a comment or sending an email to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk! Coming up: Dress ideas

XX Brains + Beauty

NET-A-PORTER.com’s 10th Anniversary Party

It’s 6 O’clock on a hot and humid Wednesday afternoon in London, and just hours before a night to remember will kick off. The dress (a black 80’s number with dramatic shoulders , a low back and a sequined low waist skirt) is picked out, the shoes (black, satin, chunky) are sorted and accompanying accessories (a Dragon shaped bag) have been selected: Ready, Set, Go. A quick car ride to Westfield and there I am, overdressed? No idea. Excited? Nervous, and yes. Hungry? Insanely. Greeted by one friendly face after another, accompanied from the car to the doors through the doors inside the lift up to the office up another escalator inside the venue: tadaa! One more breath and the doors open. There are exquisite canapés, flashing cameras, a live DJ, cocktail booths and shakers, a dance floor, male model waiters, runway videos, monochrome decor, white lush looking pillows to lounge on and above all: an impeccably dressed guest list consistent of  fashion’s finest: “crème de la crop” editors, It-girls and boys, designers, celebrities, crazy people, financial and creative directors. This is NET-A-PORTER’s 10th anniversary party and as expected Natalie Massenet & Co have created something well beyond perfection.

The fashion world is a completely unique one, one where everything is surrounded by an aura of mystery and exclusivity, clad head to toe in looks straight off the runway. And although someone like Henry Holland, Christopher Kane, Matthew Williamson or Roland Mouret may look unapproachable in Vogue or Elle, before you know it you’ll be doing the Macarena in a feather boa and pink cowboy hat with one of them, having a laugh before posing in front of a flip-book maker with another or getting invited to dinner by someone else. For a moment you’ll all be best friends, with someone you just met, but when you see each other in September somewhere backstage at fashion week, all will be forgotten as you walk on with your nose up in the air and radiate “I’m amazing and you know it.” Is it a hard, tricky, fall down loads world? Yes, definitely! But if you keep getting up, one day you’ll find yourself right in the middle of it all. And I’m pretty sure that that’s fantastic.

Read NET-A-PORTER.com’s 10th anniversary online magazine

XX Brains + Beauty

Miu Miu Fall 2010 Campaign

Campaign shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot
(Lindsey Wixon, Siri Tollerød, Ginta Lapina and Daphne Groeneveld)

One word: J’ADORE!
When we first saw this collection, reactions were…“uuuuu, yea its not bad” and“what’s up with the ‘I’m layering my slutty skirt over my yoga pants’ look?” but now the clever Queen of Perverse that is Muccia Prada has launched THIS campaign video with THESE photographs: I’M SURE EVERYONE KNOWS WHEN THIS COLLECTION HITS THE STORES, WE WILL ALL BE BROKE FOR YEARS TO COME.

But what is it that makes this collection so ridiculously fantastic? Well: It’s super saucy schoolgirl. Mini kilts (micro trend alert), duffle coats, gossip girl-esque kitten heels with crazy fishnet tights, flower appliqué, flippy skirts and big bags. And lots and lots more delightful things: Upside down glasses, mustard yellow, mint green, random cut-outs, a new take on the bowtie (as a collar), mini pointy shoulders, weird purple fur, office pump’s on LSD and lots of leg. But everything is held together by exquisite cuts, razor sharp lines and silhouettes, outstanding textures and futuristic hardware which causes this collection that definitely contains ingredients in a recipe for disaster: To be extremely flattering and wearable!

And lastly: The Photobooth Effect! Definitely something we can relate to…on a different kind of fashion level)

XX Brains + Beauty

Vivienne Tam + HP: Where High-Fashion and High-Tech Meet

A few days ago the “Brains + Beauty offices” received a special parcel that we’ve been excited about and looking forward to for ages: The HP + Vivienne Tam Butterfly Lovers Netbook. “As a fashion designer I have always found inspiration in bringing contrasting worlds together,” said Tam. “I use computers in every aspect of my life so it seemed natural to marry fashion and technology.”

Vivienne Tam’s SS10 Runway Collection in which the “Digital Clutch” was featured

By collaborating with New York designer Vivienne Tam, HP has given their shot at trying to mend the gap between women and technology by creating what they call a “Digital Clutch.” HP asked us to (honestly) test the product:

With measurements of less than 2.5cm thin and has a diameter of just over 25cm, it’s absolutely perfect for on the go: Run with it around school, put it in your schoolbag or locker, take it with you on trips, take it to fashion week, put it in your envelope clutch when going to a boring dinner…

It’s only 1.2 kg heavy so you can fit an extra book or pair of shoes in your bag too!

It’s battery life is will last you an average school day and you can always bring along the charger, which has been redesigned to be lighter and smaller.

It’s pretty and sleek with matte gold and a coral and copper tone butterfly design inspired by Vivienne Tam’s SS10 runway collection:  you really can work your brain and your style at the same time!

The screen turns into a compact mirror at the press of a button, for quick mirror checks during worktime

And just like a Brains + Beauty: It’s not all on the outside! The digital clutch features all of Microsofts latest including Windows® 7, Internet Explorer 8, WiFi, 320 GB hardrive, 2GB memory, webcam and HP Quickweb (to post to Facebook, Tweet and email in second).

Click for more info and to buy

We’ve given it the Brains + Beauty “seal of approval” and hopefully more companies will decide to let high-fashion and high-tech meet! Imagine a Chanel leather quilted laptop or Miu Miu puppy print mouse…mmmmmm

Give us your thoughts via brainsbeauty@live.co.uk or leave a comment!

XX Brains + Beauty

FUNBAGS :)

NOT WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT HERE

Going out for dinner? Outfit? “Black dress, sequin shoes and a jacket.” Acceptable. Bag? “Ummm…I only have my big leather satchel.” So not acceptable. Every season designers some designers come up with outrageously weird and fun bags: A Louis Vuitton bin bag or neon green foxtail clip-on, A Chanel flower basket, A Lulu Guiness acid yellow lipbag (which has become her trademark) These bags are weird but super wanted and because you probably don’t want to spend £1000 on a bin bag the high street follows along. Urban Outfitters does melons and ASOS does pineapples…these bags are pure lust for the eye

(above, Chanel and Louis Vuitton s/s 2010. Runway detail images via Style.com)

We’ve selected some of our favorite funbags all available with a simple click from the net, so you’ll be able to show of your trophy within days:

Pineapple Across Body Bag by Asos (£15 via Asos.com)

Kooky eyed cat handbag by Lulu Guinness (£225 via LuluGuinness.com)

Red perspex lips clutch by Lulu Guinness (£195 via LuluGuinness.com)

Acid yellow snakeskin lip clutch by Lulu Guinness (£225 via Lulu Guinness.com)

Watermelon bag by Peter Jensen (£60 via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk)

Half moon stripy straw across body bag by Asos (£18 via Asos.com)

Alexa Chung is great with quirky bags, her arm candy bursts of fun and youth.

We have a DIY your own funbag coming up tomorrow
What do you think? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment or sending an email to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk

XX Brains + Beauty!