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! 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

Star & Heart Perplex Brooch by Vivienne Westwood (£76 via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk)

Brains + Beauty’s Wishlist:

1. Embellished Moire Headband by 3.1 Phillip Lim
2. Star & Heart Brooch by Viviennne Westwood

XX Brains + Beauty!

I Wish…I Wish…A Brains and Beauty Wishlist!

The Brains and Beauty’s inbox has in the recent weeks been absolutely overflowing with readers and companies asking if Brains and Beauty is creating a Christmas List Top 10 and if we can pleaseplease feature this or that product. But we’ve decided why just 10 products, surely there is much more choice than that and many more personal tastes to cover in 10 products, so from 17 November you’ll find one item we looooove and is perfect to get/give/buy/be inspired by for your stocking or Christmas morning , or Chanukah or Thanksgiving or Sinterklaas or New Years Eve…maybe even your birthday! All the way up to December 31st on Brains-and-Beauty.com!

Todays item? This gorgeous 3.1 Phillip Lim Embellished Moire Headband (£115 via NET-A-PORTER.com)

To recommend a product you feel our wish-list is not complete with without leave a comment or send an email to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk

XX Brains + Beauty!

Who ‘Watch’ Wear

Fashionably Late? Ever since Anna Wintour has been renowned for never being a minute late to an appointment and Marc Jacobs starting his Louis Vuitton show 2 minutes early (!) the word fashionably late has been chucked out of our vocab-list. The Brains + Beauty’s  of today want to be organized and on-time while still being in style…how? Watches…Watches…Watches…Essential in the life of any “organized and on time student” but…How do you wear the same watch with all your different looks? How do you find a watch which goes with all your outfits; from purple to orange and evening to day. Which watch goes best with what style and what are the different types out there.

The time where there was just one type of watch available is long gone…now you have watch-rings, watch-bracelets, chunky watches, fine watches, plastic watches, metal watches, expensive watches, cheap watches, mystery watches, retro watches. The list is endless! Below a list of our current favorites and how to wear them:

Who: Retro watches work mostly in 2 different ways, to complement an already retro chique, thrown-together 80’s look. Or to add a splash of color and unexpected pop to a simplistic style, mono-tint look.
Watch: Timex80 collection (from £50) and ToyWatch Neon-Plasteramic Watch Collection (from £135)

Wear: Pair with denim cut-offs, black spotted opaques (a la Givenchy aw09), Doc Martens, tied button up blouse, chunky cardigan, gold jewelry, satchel and a headscarf to compliment the 80’s feel of these watches or pair with an LBD and pumps or a relaxed denim (or structured pant, we’re currently loving the paper-bag waist and black pant with a little skinny/carrot shape) and tee for a pop of “out there”.

Who: Compliments a feminine look  (think frilly + floral + layers + chiffon + nudes etc.) or brings feminine contrast to a masculine boy-oh-boy look because the watch will add a touch of femininity to your outfit
Watch: Daisy by Marc by Marc Jacobs Daisy Gold Plated Pendant Watch (£150) and Accurist ladies’ 9ct gold bracelet watch (£295)

Wear: With a high waist A-line skirt (American Apparel), grey ribbed tights, a floaty chiffon top with a ruffled bustier (think nude tints), pearls and silver strappy sandals or ‘Tinker bell’ lace up booties (Chloe aw09/10) to compliment a feminine look or pair with a crisp white shirt (push up the sleeves for a more relaxed feel), tweed mini skirt, brogues or chunky heels and a long button up cardigan to add a touch of femininity to a masculine look.

Who: Adds power to a feminine look  with frill, chiffon, nudes etc. or pulls together and structures a glam-grunge/hobo-chique look.

Watch: Nixon 4220 Chronograph Watch (£320 via NET-A-PORTER.com) and Omega Seamaster 300 M (via Omega.ch)

Wear: With an embroided cream shirt, velvet pencil skirt, opaques and strappy sandals to add power to a feminine look or with a vintage fluffy sweater (perfect for colder times – don’t be scared! Take out that knitted reindeer sweater your grandmother knitted for you 3 years ago), studded leggings (we lovelovelove those amazing Louis Goldin ones!), worn out Doc Martens, multiple rings and rainbow nail polish to structure a hobo-inspired glam-grunge look.

Who: For the all-vintage lover or the label-addict to add a sense of personal touch to your style and avoid looking shop-window styled
Watch: Vintage Movado Calendar Watch ($595 via CoolVintageWatches.com) also see Portobello Market and Brick Lane.

Wear: With a lace-bodysuit, low cut t-shirt, denim cut-offs, opaques, socks, brogues and lots of gold chunky jewelry to compliment your all-vintage look or with a slightly too runway, advertisement look to make the look feel personal and original.

What watch are you wearing? How are you wearing your watch? Comment or send a picture to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk

XX Brains + Beauty!

R.I.P. Luella -why must all good things come to an end-

There’s a 50% off everything at the Luella.com website, but why aren’t we all jumping and screaming and going completely psycho of happiness. Because this sale is the kind of sale you sometimes see an isolated bookshop or high-street shoe store hold ‘EVERYTHING MUST GO – LIQUIDATION OF STOCK’. Yes it’s official…Luella is broke.

Queen Luella and her girls…all crying -Luella Style- in fluorescent rainbow and pastel colored teardrops.

The shocker came as the result of Luella Bartley Ltd’s  key producer in Italy, Carla Carini, unexpectedly closed last month, leaving the brand unable to fulfil its spring/summer 2010 orders. On top of that VSQ Ltd. (the brands main financial backer) told Luella that it had decided not to invest further in the label.

It just makes us incredibly sad to see an extremely talented designer such as Luella, with an original vision, a use of exceptional fabrics, a concept…clothes that make us want to laugh and smile and feel silly! Clothes that make you feel confident, clothes with irreverent attitude. Or as Collin McDowell said “You can understand why women feel lovely in them -the clothes- wether they are out clubbing or walking in the rain with the kids and the dogs”. Does not make it through these tough financial times when a brand such as PPQ (more on their ss10 show later!) does survive.

Lets not mourn, eventhough now we will not be able to snap up that amazinnngggg heart cutout print dress :’(, but celebrate the lifetime of the brand, the clothes, the shoes, the accessories! The brand worthy of Brains-and-Beauty.com’s first ever post! So runrunrun, to Luella.com and NET-A-PORTER.com and the Luella Store and Browns Fashion and every single place where they sell the brand to snap up your own little bit of fashion history.

Brains-and-Beauty.com’s Founder/Editor-in-chief’s dog Blue on summer vacation 2009 rocking some Luella + Linda Farrow specs.

HintHint: There is a dot of hope on the horizon, Luella Bartley Ltd. is said to have received numerous offers and is not looking into them.

XX Brains + Beauty

Walking In A Winter Wonderland…With Vodianova and Vogue.

Think of a winter wonderland, magical, crystal-like snow, pine trees, bright cold sun…
Now imagine this in a studio with audience behind double-mirrored glass with  Natalia Vodianova as model, Hair and make-up artists Sam McKnight and Val Garland, British Vogue’s fashion director Lucinda Chambers as stylist, Nick Knight as photographer and the shoot? For the cover of Vogue if we forgot to tell you. The best part of it all? You can attend!

Natalia Vodianova in haute-couture which will be auctioned off for ‘The Naked Heart Foundation’ a charity which builds and runs playgrounds for disadvantaged children.

Location: Somerset House-Live Studio, SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution
Dates and Time: 5 & 6 November, 10am-9pm
Entrance Fee: £5.00/£4.00 with student ID (includes entrance to Fashion Revolution exhibition)
Value: Absolutely Priceless

Buy your tickets here on on location

Maybe we’ll see you there, tell us what you thought of the event by leaving a comment or sending us an email at brainsbeauty@live.co.uk

XX Brains + Beauty

Shoes…Omg Shoes

A girl can never never ever have too many shoes, wear an LBD with black flats? borrinnnggg, but slip on some Louis Vuiton Spicy Heels and Tadaaa, Paparazzi? Where are you?: strappy sandals, evening sandals, flats, brogues, ankleboots, shoeboots, knee high boots, thigh high boots, kitten heels, creepers,  mary janes, high heels, stilletos, lace-up heels, pointed noses, rounded noses, 8mm, 10mm, 14mm, 20mm! Choo’s, Manolos, Gina’s, Zanottis, leather, sequins, cotton, taffeta, pink, gold, swarovski, black, red, socks, opaques, lace tights, fish nets, scruffy, romantic, dangerous, …OMG shoes! Get mugged in New York at gun point, what do they ask for? Your Manolo’s (Sex and The City) OMG shoes! And what were we wearing to Fashion Week this year? OMG shoes!

Photography by Lev Livnev

These killers may not be appropriate for school: 10 inches, a 5 kilo school bag, 200 steps and 1 minute to get to class? Give it a go if you want to at your own risk (and make sure to send a picture to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk)  Just avoid these ss10 Alexander McQueen ones…but maybe be RTW version will be more approachable? Did you see those Burberry Prorsum Leather Ankle Boots (£550 via NET-A-PORTER.com) or those Sequined Zebra Sneakers by Converse (£50 via NET-A-PORTER.com) those

Hang Me In Chains, Drape Me In Chiffon, Wrap Me In Knits -Lina Osterman-

This year Lina Osterman, Scandinavian designer, she graduated from Central Saint Martins and has worked with designers including Jens Laugesen, presented her label Pudel during London Fashion Week at BLOW PR Presents…Editor-in-chief Noa Leijdesdorff and Photographer Lev Livnev report. The collection was slick, well cut and layered with special attention to detail, tough and dark with a pallete of back, grey, white, dark blue and purple; “I use very dark colours, I  dont like colours that much. It’s very Scandinavian not to use crazy colours, it’s very simple and clean. It’s more about the designs and the garment itself: the cut and the detail, it’s the most important.” the designer said.

The collections was, as most of the designers work, unisex. Modelled by alsmost inseperable men and women wearing sharply cut white blonde or brunette wigs and black gauze masks.

The muted color pallet was kept interesting by juxtaposing minimalist sharp taloiring with layered chiffon, jersey and cotton chunky soft knitwear, playing around with solids and trancparancy, stud details and trailing leads. The clothes were pulled together by the occasional cinched waist, chunky boots, body harnesses and (we lovelovelove this!) draped hand chains.

(photography by Lev Livnev)

The collection had a heavy, empowering, deamon-y  feel to it and the live performance by Rodeo Maccacre fitted in perfectly. Overall a pretty strong -signature Lina Osterman- collection with some great wearable, but not extremelly commercial pieces with a great mix of simple cuts, different textures and attention to detail and mixing of soft materials with metal hard ware.

For more on Pudel and Linda Osterman or where to buy see www.pudel.co.uk

XX Brains + Beauty