Balmain Army full force in this year’s MET Gala

This year’s MET Gala has been graced by the infantry of belles who own some of the most beautiful faces in the world of fashion. If being trendy is a powerful force, then count the Balmain Army as one of the most anticipated troops as they will definitely stop the show and steal the attention of the viewing crowd.

We have known the Kardashians as the frontrunners of the hailed Balmain Army. We already expect their appearance, and this was fulfilled as they walked down the red carpet wearing shiny and stunning ensembles that definitely patterned this year’s theme entitled Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.

While it wasn’t a full blown family affair as only four members, Kris, Kylie, Kim and Kanye attended the event, the glamour brought by the spirit of Balmain Army wasn’t tarnished one bit.

A glamorous backup group was also sent to complete the entire lineup, representing the brand’s charm and magic just for this one-night-only event.

The whole Balmain entourage is a group that truly added light to the said celebration. It’s like we attended the New York fashion week once again as high ranking models lined up to represent the brand in a dazzling way. Top models Alessandra Ambrosio, Jourdan Dunn and Doutzen Kroes were present to serve as a powerful reminder of the label’s strong presence as channeled through its muses.

However, the surprise didn’t stop there. If you think dressing the world’s most famous reality stars and top models all in one event seems over the top, wait until you learn that the one and only Cindy Crawford also joined today’s most fashionable army.

While the names that make up the Balmain Army can change from time to time, 2016 MET marked that the label’s current fashionable troop is its best by far.

Crawford, who happens to be an iconic emblem of the fashion industry returned that said night, proving that she hasn’t lost her edge and spark that made her one of history’s most distinct fashion personalities.

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Women and the Dominion of Homochromatic Styling

Colors have always played an essential role in the world of fashion. Without color, dresses and tops would be boring and we would all be doomed to look the same. Fashion and time have put almost all of the known hues onto prints and garments, and we must all agree that the color variations make an ensemble more appealing to the eyes.

We have also been acquainted with how mixing and matching of colors is key to a great look and the skill of pairing one color to the next is such an arduous task that many have mastered at this point in time. We are all for an outfit that would stand out, and we know that one way to do it is by appropriately picking the right combinations of bold and light hues, or the visually-pleasing union of contrast.

But have you ever delved into a style that pegs on monochromatic tones? Is there a chance to pull-off an outfit that is of the same hue without looking odd or outdated?

Monochromatic is the use of one core color or hue, no matter how many garments are involved in the ensemble. Dressing from top to bottom with the same color is difficult to some and below are nuggets of information you need to consider to successfully sport the monochromatic look.

First, you must make up your mind and decide on what color you would peg on to finish a clean, overall look. You need to check your closet to ensure that all garments needed or your envisioned ensemble are present and within reach. Remember that the monochromatic look must include a single hue, and there shouldn’t be any lurking mishap in color choice.

For a monochromatic look, the shades shouldn’t always be the same as light and dark versions of it would make your ensemble a bit more interesting. For example, if you’d go for the color blue, you can match shades of blue such as royal, navy and dark to complete the whole ensemble. Don’t be afraid to take risks when it comes to the shades for as long as it looks complementing, then you’re doing it the right way.

In monochromatic fashion, mixes of textures and layers are quite essential. The texture of the garments used must be diverse since this is where styling comes in handy. Wear a plaid skirt under a smooth tank top to display variation amid the color singularity. Put the darker shades on the things you want to conceal and allocate lightly-colored garments on your body assets.

Experimentation is crucial in giving the look a proper finish and it’s up to you on how you’d manage making matches. Accessorizing with bags that are catchy and loud would also give you a definitive mark because it breaks the monotony of the outfit.

Remember that getting the monochromatic look is also an optical illusion since the eyes would see a long-lined silhouette, which in effect would make you look slimmer and taller than you actually are.

Get vivid and loud colors such as yellow and orange on day-outs while the darker hues of violet, black and calm blue must be worn on formal events and functions. The line of reds can be carried-out effectively on casual night-outs or business meetings to exude and entice. Save the greens for a swift stroll to the cafe or for easy-breezy dinner dates.

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Stray Away from the Norm with These Summer Alternatives

Within the fashion industry, those who start and become trends really matter. Following a trend is quite easy but spearheading one will require thinking out of the box and spirit that only a true-blue fashionista would have. Now that summer is fast approaching, you should be gearing up for some concepts that neither your favorite fashion show nor your closest friend have a clue about.

Below are some of the summer swaps that you might want to try and guide everyone else by being ahead of these ideas, even before they become part of the norm.

Go back to your 90s closet and scramble over sultry and sexy off-shoulder tops. Not only are these good staples for a rather hot ambience felt during the season, this would also go well with other summer staples such as denim shorts, high-waisted bottoms and your playful espadrilles. Go for monochromatic colors as the loud, printed ones are already within the radar.

Also, we won’t go into staying with the crop top craze as it’s only cool to be worn during music festivals, which is just 10% of your total summer experience. If you’re into elongating your recently-waxed legs, then ask your mom to lend you V-Neck shoes which are surely accumulating dust in her closet. Bring back this illustrious trend and lean on feistier colors such as orange and yellow, which are very appropriate for scorching lunch dates by the bay or a steamy date at night.

We all know that embroidered bomber jackets are on the loose and so are the denim types, so why not fuse both trends and come-up with embroidered denim jackets. Not only is this a hot item for summer, this will also categorize you as a sophisticated, vintage-loving trendsetter full of charm and interest through the patches covering up your sleeves.

Instead of going for sporty and ribbed dresses, stray away from what everyone else is wearing and look for lengthy, slip dresses for added punch to your summer attire. Usable as a beach cover-up, these loosely hanging garments will look great on you without compromising your overall sexy look. Additionally, it serves the purpose of upgrading your outfit.

Enough of favoring the bulky, mono-colored blouses and grab yourself a multi-colored crochet top to release your inner bohemian alter-ego.

Aside from the fact that it can definitely exude the spirit of summer, this would also look good on every piece of swimwear you want to don without stealing too much of the scene.

Finish your summer ensemble with a rattan bag instead of the branded, luxurious clasp hand carries and come-off as sleek and inventive as you can be.

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Ready-to-purchase fashion unveiled in Marks & Spencer’s recent collection

Retail store Marks & Spencer already presented its autumn collection this year, but unlike the olden time’s tradition wherein only the who’s who of fashion get pieces earlier than their actual release, the brand innovated by making it available as early as possible for everyone.

Marks & Spencer jumped into the bandwagon of the see-now-buy-now trend when it comes to fast fashion together with other known labels such as Burberry and Tom Ford. This brand behavior will allow people to make purchases of their latest collections without breaking a sweat as these collections will be readily available in their stores even if it is too early for the intended season.

It may be summer in most places, but Marks & Spencer’s 2016 autumn collection is definitely wearable even amid the hot weather.

Characterized by midi skirts, knits, wide legged pants and the return of culottes, the brand definitely offered a wide range of pieces that are wearable in summer, autumn and even the cold weather of fall. The collection embodies timeless British fashion as shown in most parts of the collection.

It is like street style meets glam because each part of the collection is wearable and can go well when it comes to mixing and matching. The genius concept of universal functionality in design translated into clothes not only helps brands to convert their collection into real time sales, it also feeds the shoppers’ desire for satisfaction by getting the latest in the world of fashion through buying.

The trend of straight from the runway availability in terms of garments is groundbreaking because it defies the old behavior of the industry wherein only A-listers and fashion editors have exclusive access to the early release of collections. This behavior of fashion houses somehow creates an equal chance between the common buyers and the privileged to provide a fair opportunity for all.

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Your Vintage Dreams Resurrected via Topshop Finds

Your addiction to Topshop clothing is not dumbfounded. It has been observed that more and more shoppers are always visiting the brand’s landing page in the last couple of months, and yes, their sales and your patronization further establishes Topshop’s name in the world of mainstream fashion.

With a handful of international boutiques and growing endorsements from famous models, it has been foreseen that Topshop is on its way to becoming one of the world’s leading suppliers of ready-to-wear pieces that are affordable, glamorous and fashionable.

Furthermore, the extent that this eponymous fashion brand has reached with respect to markets and trendsetting is the needed formula for it to climb the ladder of the industry. If you’re craving for a Topshop shopping fiesta, then you’d be delighted to see a new section of their official online website entitled Topshop Finds.

Pulling in the young professional market into its territory, Topshop’s online page serves its purpose in letting everyone know that they’re a brand that everyone should look into. The interface used on the website is as exquisite as the items available for purchase, and with further developments, it will bloom into a very trusty page for everyone.

Topshop Finds is an area where you can scramble for the best deals without compromising the quality Topshop has been known for. There is a multitude of reviews praising this specific part of the website as it caters to a wider market with a conscious effort to release items that are economical and pragmatic.

Topshop Finds will introduce you to a very different kind of online shopping. All items that are included in this tab aim to revive styles and trends from the 1990s. If you think that it’s very difficult to find items that have seemingly become obsolete, then Topshop Finds will prove you wrong. When you’re feeling a little bit retro and classic, then it’s time for you to try your luck and visit the website.

Topshop glorifies the foundation of classic fashion and with Topshop Finds, they try to aid customers seeking a revamp for mainstream trends. Also, the brand noticed a plethora of consumers who scour thrift shops hoping to cap an item which doesn’t exist anymore on retail, hence grabbing the opportunity to launch their vintage line.

The team behind this online venture coordinated with a shop in North London, plucking out some eye candy from the pool and working their magic to make it sellable. Exuding the Topshop aesthetic, designers of the brand have meticulously reworked and customized the chosen items to transcend classic and modern styles simultaneously. The Topshop Finds line includes 12 different styles of valuable items with prices ranging from $68 to $150.

Here, you’ll be able to select from various 90s-style dresses, button-downs and bomber jackets that are so hard to resist. Feast your eyes on the abundance of prints and silhouettes, shimmering fabrics, patched artworks, bleach and varsity numbers that could make it to your next fashion ensemble.

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Yves Saint Laurent Now to be managed by Anthony Vaccarello

Yves Saint Laurent’s influence has been deeply etched on the halls of the fashion industry. The brand’s relentless efforts to contribute something innovative, refreshing and impressive have been evident through the humongous amount of sales it amasses every single year and the strong staying power emanating from its walls.

Many fashion houses nowadays have gained inspiration from how Yves Saint Laurent has done it over the years, and by the looks of it, the brand is nowhere close to collapse especially with the recent change that it announced to the world.

Replacing Hedi Slimane from the creative director post, a man named Anthony Vaccarello has reverberated through the fashion industry just recently due to this very shocking appointment. After the founder of Yves Saint Laurent vacated the post last 2002, many names have sprouted to bequeath the title such as Slimane, Tom Ford, Alber Elbaz and Stefano Pilati, but Vaccarello was not as familiar as others.

Hedi Slimane spearheaded the brand with flying colors and raised the brand’s name quite high in the industry’s food chain. With huge shoes to fill, Anthony Vaccarello is now geared up and ready to put the company through a whirlwind of creative surprises for the next coming months, with many fashion analysts trusting the new creative head’s innate command in setting trends while always moving forward.

Hailing from the same fashion school as Paco Rabanne’s Julien Dossena and eponymous designer Cedric Charlier, Anthony Vaccarello mastered the complexities of fashion in La Cambre. Born in the fashion-saturated city of Brussels, Vaccarello has Italian blood flowing through him, which explains why he’s a natural when it comes to styling and designing.

It can be remembered that this designer is known for his high-slit and sultry pieces, coupled up with the technical aspects of structure and form. Some of the many models who wore Vaccarello creations include Anja Rubik, Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls.

He also led Versus Versace in 2015 as the official creative head after Donatella Versace paid close attention to his talent and invited him over to display his skills during a prosperous fashion show last 2013.

Upon filling the creative director post for Yves Saint Laurent, it has been reported that Anthony Vaccarello left Versus Versace with the blessing of Donatella herself. Also, some statements have been released that all existing collections from Yves Saint Laurent will be halted once Vaccarello starts his work to pave way for a single-minded pursuit, both for the new creative director and the company.

Now that a new head is sitting on the throne, there have been many reports that Yves Saint Laurent will take a bolder and a steamier disposition, appealing to a larger market.

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Owning Up To Your Fashion Sense Through Monogramming

Aside from establishing identity by mixing and matching in our daily ensembles, there’s an itching feeling of personalizing everything just because we want to. In these odd moments, we tried to put our very own initials on our handkerchiefs, signifying that this floral piece of cloth is owned by nobody else.

If you’re scrambling for the proper term, it’s actually called monogramming and if you’re one of the many who is interested in knowing what it’s really about, reading on will help you out. It might seem a little bit ‘motherly’ to personalize everything, but this is a growing trend now observed in fashion.

The sheer concept of ownership and the cool way of personalizing your fashion ensemble have come quite far this time through monogramming. There are many ways for you to carry-out this act and there are lots of things you can start on. Customizing your accessories and decorating your work sweaters with your initials is what makes it a fad within the fashion industry, and standing out with something different is what you truly need to turn heads when you walk by.

One of the most recent trends now followed by the fashion community are customizable charm bracelets, with Pandora leading the pack. The feel of having an accessory showing what you want to see on it is satisfying to most women. To many, using different rocks, dangling your spelled-out name and picking an ice-cream charm that you like is utter happiness.

You can monogram your vintage pieces if you’re into neckerchiefs and want to follow the recent style channeled by Gigi Hadid, thereby putting you on top of the fashion food chain. Aside from your personalized knots, a simple stitch of your initials at the exposed end of the neckerchief gives it a little pizzazz and the brand Donni Charm is one of the few who can do the task for you.

As for loafers, there are a lot of stores which sell personalized pairs reminiscent of how you wanted it way back when you were still studying. Go for some prep-inspired loafers in blue and white by The Loafer of Your Prep-School Dreams and never miss the good old times again.

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