Not long ago Couture fashion World presented its pre-fall 2012 collections, and all the designers showed us what next autumn’s fashion will be all about: cuts, textures, colors, hemlines, accessories, style, attitudes – all in the most intricate and diverse designs and presentations, so that we each find our favorites. A little something for every exquisite taste.

I will start my cover articles on the 2012 pre-fall collections with one of my favorite designers and brands…

Burberry Prorsum

Have you ever sneaked through your grandma’s closet and found those pieces that had an honest simple fabric and modest detail to them: nipped waists, chiffon blouses with pussy bows, covered buttons, corduroy jackets, lots of tweed, dusted colors, decayed luxury, old school, yet modern cuts, practicality mixed with sophistication, yet simplicity – all in a somewhat dark, austere, but tasteful, affordable glamour?

Christopher Bailey’s 2012 pre fall collection for Burberry is just that. A plunge into a sophisticated old school closet. The collection seems to take its inspiration from the 1930′s cold, foggy Britain streets and those pre-war party girls who dressed so simple and poor, yet looked so glamorous and modern on the streets of a cold English town, in smart tailored coats over some modest feminine evening gowns.

Thus Burberry 2012 pre-fall collection is packed with: knee length slim skirts; smart tailored coats with heavy shoulders, slim waist and fitted design; corduroy jackets with bow-belts over, as a pop of color and detail; high waists; large and slim tweed pants; nipped waists with bell peplum; polka dotted chiffon blouses with pussy bows; slim  flowing evening dresses – all topped by a glamorous, beautiful huddling up attitude, behind raised coat collars, fur trimmings, leather gloves and pockets. And let’s not forget the bags… Those amazing boxy bags and clutches  in the same gloomy, autumn’ish colors complimented the true British grit.

Burberry’s 2012 pre-fall is one collection I truly love. From the way it inspires me to go back in time to those 1930′s pre – war ladies, strolling on the streets of a foggy English street, whose closets are filled with tweed, corduroy, pussy bows, heavy coats and boxy bags, to the way Bailey managed to take this 30′s fashion legacy and give it a modern twist, an urban vibe and modern visual effects and feel to it all, by simply adding some contemporary details (cuts, prints, hair, makeup, texture and design mixing).

It is the ultimate and most exquisite classic modern combination collection I’ve seen.

Here’s Burberry’s Lookbook for 2012 PreFall Collection. Can’t wait to see the entire collection in February 2012 at London Fashion Week.

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Burberry 2012 PreFall

Some amazing clothes and designs await for us next autumn… Hope you enjoyed it!

To continue my best buys and clothes crushes posts, I thought of sharing with you some of my favourite skirts at Topshop. Yes, again the edgy cool brand is featured on FashionTag simply because in my opinion it does bring some cool fashion original stuff on the high street. Following the season trends it somehow manages to bring and emphasize a lot its own vibe and pun a twist on all ‘trendy’ trends out there.

Topshop Spring 2012 Collection

Since summer is here (well theoretically ’cause London seems to be part of another hemisphere)  we’ll all go crazy for skirts. What to pick, which ones to wear? How to be trendy but keep it original? How to look unique with all uniform high street clothes? Easy… mix and match  & clash styles.

Right now I have a bit of a crush on knee length and maxi skirts! They can be worn in so many ways and styled easily. Here are a few of my best buys for this season at Topshop.

All images are courtesy of Topshop UK.

Topshop – Knitted Utility Sport Skirt £38.00

Topshop – Metallic Pencil Skirt £15.00

Topshop – Paperbag Waist Mini Skirt £36.00

Topshop – Foil Cobra Skirt by Unique £60.00

Topshop – Red Sporty Maxi Skirt £30.00

Topshop – Fold Over Waistband Maxi Skirt £18.00

Topshop – Dip Back Maxi Skirt £40.00

Topshop – Dip Dye Maxi Skirt £36.00

Topshop – Fluro Pleat Calf Skirt £48.00

Topshop – Tangerine Dip Back Skirt £28.00

article by Ghintare Survilante

The mission of a fashion blog is generally to talk about trends, but let’s talk also about styles that never go out of fashion, it’s either you like them or you don’t. This week I’ll try to give you an insight into the preppy style. For those of you who are not so familiar with this trend, the term preppy derives from the expensive pre-college preparatory or prep schools that upper- middle-class children on the United States’s Northeastern states sometimes attend. The usage of preppy in American high schools is quite often used to refer to a fashion choice, rather than the preppy lifestyle associated with upper-class East Coast preps. Prep in American high schools, simply refers to those who dress preppy. Preppy fashion started in the late 1940s and 1950s and is still an embraced style nowadays with brands like J. Press, J. Crew, Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren representing it.

In the beginning Preppy Style was all about argyle sweaters, chinos, madras, Nantucket Reds, button down Oxford cloth shirts, polo shirts and boat shoes. These are still the main distinctive features these days, but fashion has evolved a lot over time so prep style got “altered” too and you can find your own preppy style

You can choose to wear the classic preppy as in the photos below, or… … you can add different textures and patterns, accessories and mix it with other fashion styles in order to create one that fits you better. You can add some jewelry with studs or spikes and the classic preppy will suddenly become edgy. Here’s a modern preppy style, boyfriend jeans and oversized sweater…. definitely one to go for. I bet you can see the must have item in this look….yes! it’s the leather skirt. And yes! It’s pleated… so as to match this Saturday’s fashion topic. You can add a touch of preppy to your spring/summer wardrobe also  Did you even think that wearing a metallic shirt dress you will somehow represent the preppy style?? In fashion everything is possible

Don’t follow rules, play with styles and always be yourself  fashionistimus.zappingnews.net; blog.netrobe.com; wikipedia.com

When a fashion meets business event takes place and one is invited to partake, my mind races off to clothes, styles, looks. Yeah, pretty much a case of fashion obsession, which in all honesty is quite normal. Are we not fashion bloggers who love a great style? Exactly. Just a few days ago I got invited to such an event in my home country Romania in Oradea and I am so very excited to go next week, take the pulse of the fashion scene and have an excuse for some traveling. That being said, I confess in all predictability that besides my work at this event (which, it goes without saying, is always under control (hopefully): camera, laptop, networking, interviews, writing, et all) I am stressing (in a good way) over what to wear. I am attending the fashion show & wine tasting, but it’s all part of this huge business gathering… so I would assume keeping it classic is the key. But you know me… I have got to be a bit edgy or put a slight twist to any classic or too smart/elegant outfit. To me they are boring, or just not my exact cup of tea, hence my need to jazz it up a bit. Still I do not wish to stand out on ridiculousness. God forbid everyone is wearing black and I turn up in a fantasy pink gown. Lol. Joking. Being a daytime happening with a touch of fashion I will try to keep it classic with a twist. Think Olivia Palermo style. What I do not know yet… and would love a little help out is to go for trousers or skirt? Before the battle of the bottoms begins note that I will not make any business nor weather compromise and will not part with my bright pink-red’ish heels (my classic pumps) & my statement necklace. AND I will give red lips a go That being said, on one hand I am considering wearing statement trousers: floral print, graphic, black & white, with side pockets, fitted (not quite skinny), think tailored suit-style. Regarding the top I may go for a silky blouse or shirt, OR I would love to don a black leather top, an uber fun sweatshirt or plain t-shirt that would look so fantastic with the statement necklace & the red lips, right? Blazer, cool bag, bracelets, rings & great nails to pull it all together. Some street style photos for inspiration

Trousers looks for Fashion/Business Event:  On the other hand, skirts / dresses always look great. My favorites are pencil skirts with sweatshirts  - which is another great option, or a mismatched printed skirt & top. Maxi dresses or skirts may just be too much, but I adore them. Here are a few photos for inspiration

Skirts & Dresses looks for Event: Though I can totally put together a great look with what I already have, there’s nothing like a great excuse to go shopping, even for just a top or a pair of trousers. Ah… So yes I shall be hitting the mall over the weekend and see if anything fantastic catches my eye. I mean these women in the photos look fabulous but to get some of these looks one might just have to break the bank. I always say style is not about the price/designer tags but about owning it! It’s not what you wear it’s HOW you wear it, right?

Have a great weekend & bank holidays lovelies & Happy Easter! xoxo

Alongside the white tee, the leather jacket and those cutoffs you can’t let go off ever – it seems pretty safe to say the flared mini high-waisted skirt has become a fashion staple. Easily dressed up or down for any season (add your tights & boots in winter, top it off with a chic coat or slouchy warm jumper; or keep your legs bare and play with funky tops while on hot heels or gladiator sandals for summer) – this little skirt is probably the most faltering item in your closet regardless of your body type. It adds curves where there’re not, it hides them if it’s the case, creates long legs due to its high waist and mini cut. And it comes in so many styles and designs it’s a heaven for us girls. But is the Skater Skirt a new trend? Of course not. Which is not bad, it’s a good thing we keep reinventing stuff from the past, but I wouldn’t mind a few new ideas here and there. Anyway… when was the Skater Skirt born? Well… basically somewhere in those kitsch & funky ’80′s, when – listen to this – skating fashion was pretty huge, hence the name of the skirt, inspired by the skating dancers’ styles. I’ve always thought those ice-dancers were the most beautiful and ethereal thing ever, and it’s probably that image that we keep going back to, with the Skater Skirt Trend in 2013 – a sort of multifaceted femininity or careless playful innocent girl, who loves to play dress-up. As I said though, do not for a minute let yourself be fooled by the basic idea of a Skater Skirt and hastily assume that it’s a sartorial choice only for the teens. Since the Skater Skirt has become a Trend in its own right, the styles and looks one can get with this mini flared little thing are a dime a dozen. And one of the big hits the Skater Skirt has had in 2013 would definitely have to be: The Leather Skater Skirt! Probably a tiny step away from the too cute version of the classic skirt, the leather most certainly adds a bit of edge, without looking too punk (unless you want it to) and turning the skater skirt into a fashion choice for all women, regardless of age or job. Remember those Fashion Week street styles? So many fashionistas, editors, photographers were strutting the streets outside the shows in the most adorable and hot leather skater skirts ever. The beauty of this bottom trend is how cool and easy it can look with anything. Sticking to the leather skater skirt, it looks super posh and fashion, in a very glam way with classic pumps, stilettos & high heeled shoes. A blazer will keep the look chic & sophisticated, a leather jacket will make it edgy and a jumper will make it a bit bohemian. High heeled ankle boots make it all look a bit rock’n roll but still girly enough, flat boots are for a casual edgy style, and ballet pumps for those days when you’ve got a lot of leg work to do, but still wanna keep it girly. For the most adorable style, that’ll keep you warm, comfy and looking like a hipster – mix your skater skirt with tennis shoes. If leather is not your thing, or it’s too much to wear to work or school, opt for other fabrics and keep your hem longer or shorter depending on your preference and occasion. Keep it basic or classy with simple cuts and colors: black, white, nude, red or blue. Or have fun with it: floral, funky prints, neon shades, stripes, dots, lace etc. Make sure the waist is high enough so that it’ll make your legs look endless (especially if you’re wearing heels or wedges) and tuck your top in.

I have to say, I think the skater skirt is probably that thing in your closet you always wear, and it gets your out of a fashion trouble so often – you just gotta to love it. And in summer it’s the perfect go to piece whether you’re on vacation, working your ass of in the office, or going out for drinks with your friends.

photos via Pintrest, A PlaceToGetLost Blog & google images

Never thought I’d say this but I’m pretty ready to trade in my mini skirt hems for longer ones, like over-the-knees, half-calves ones. Am I really getting that old? Or am I just a fashion victim? Unhappy with either possibilities, but forced to pick one, I’m gonna go with the latter, just cause my spirit hasn’t aged a day since I was 20. Fashion has this power over me to just throw out the window my delusional self assertion of being a mature consistent coherent woman. While in life I try to keep myself maniac-free, inhibiting my getting-bored-too-soon impulses (or my ADD), when it comes to fashion I’m the exact opposite. Does this make me mad? Well no. Other things do, but that’s another story. It actually makes me quite sane, style wise, cause fashion is an inconsistent bitch who one day is praising mini skirts and the next is all about longer hems. So I, therefore, am only in tune with its brilliant inconsistencies.

But just when you thought you can’t get this little bitch all figured out, I dawns on you: it’s a cycle. It’s all a stylish un-harmful karma of what goes around comes around. Only in fashion, old and new/past and present live well side by side with the help of reinvention.According to the world of sartorialists, in 2013 – 2014 Autumn & Winter this is what it’s all about. The return of the past with 2 major trends: PUNK & 40s/50s skirts style. Dita Von Teese’s burlesque stubbornness was bound to have a major impact at some point, right?

FULL MIDI SKIRTS are massive this season, urging us all to channel our fairytale-meets-Grace-Kelly persona. These skirts that look like beautiful explosions resting on our lower body scream exaggerated beauty. Whether in toned down hues or bold neon shades, prints or patterns these full shapes make us all look like retro dolls in a very modern sophisticated way. But how easy is pulling off a full skirt look? I say pretty NOT easy at all. First of all there’s the unlikeness one might take in this very style (I was guilty as charged, but not anymore as I so egocentrically professed in the beginning), which, when resolved, forces you to face a bigger problem: HOW TO STYLE a FULL MIDI Skirt? And avoid looking frumpy or swallowed up into a big ball of fabric.

The one thing that comes to our rescue is none other than good ol’ BALACE, that I, more often than not, tell it to go fuck itself. So apparently the key to nailing this retro chic housewife look is keeping your top as tiny and fitted as you can, and your shoes as posh as possible. Sexy heels, pointed toes, sandals and pumps – it’s your time to shine! When donning the full midi skirt you may want to to keep it classy all the way and pair it with one of those tiny sweaters. Or, you may just as well make use of today’s debauchery and wear a plain damn hot bustier. Or cropped top.  Can’t believe I’m actually gonna say this again, but you know what? To hell with balance on this one too, I mean the way this hot mess of a skirt looks with a slightly oversized shirt tucked in, or with anything a few sizes up (T-shirt, sweatshirt, blouse) is pretty irresistible. Why is that, I wonder? I think it all has to do with the nipped waist. Basically as long as you make sure to show off your waist I’m sure you can pull off any top, be it fitted or not. If however you’re not such a Dita Von Teese kinda gal (I know I’m not. Love her. Adore her style, it’s just not for me.) why not mix this retro skirt style with the other big trend of the season? PUNK, and its versions. Leather jackets, graphic tees, boots, tennis shoes etc… It does look amazing! Or… if a ball of fabric, though exquisitely made, is still too much for you, but you adore the midi style, you can still do a version of the full skirt. PLEATED MIDI Skirt is the way to go. Remember those 70s & 80s dresses and skirts our moms used to wear? That’s the one. My mom looked just fabulous in hers.

Something about that longer hem, flowy fabric just brushing off your calves as you make your way through the crowd of the town, on your way to work, or some posh new place to meet with your girls. A trench coat or long fur coat on top (like Carrie Bradshaw used to wear on her dates with Mr. Big) & some super hot heels will complete this fab look. What do you think ladies? Let’s think about it over the weekend xoxo

Sexy. Spunky. Smart. Stylish. Semi-retro. Semi-grunge. Shiny. Sheer. Short. Shocking. Are but a few spring’ish seductive synonyms to describe this hot season’s skirt. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the catwalks last season, it’s that designers envision Spring/Summer 2014 in SKIRTS (among other things).

Pants or trousers, depends from which side of the pond you’re from, take a back seat. As do shorts, or any bottoms for that matter in favor of this uber feminine slightly retro chic, but still grungy item: Le Skirt. Frankly it’s about time we got a breath of fashion fresh air, cause as much as we love men clothes and walking in their shoes, truth is we’re not equal (cause we rock above and beyond our male beloveds. Doh.), and we’ve got this super power to do and wear whatver the hell we love and pull it off. Male Monday. Androgynous Tuesday. Hot Wednesday. Sexy & Seductive Thursday. Feminine Friday. You get it. With the skirt focus this season we seem to be going back to basics or linger confused somewhere in time between 1970′s (tea-lengths & pleats. helloooo!) and 1990′s (what? don’t fake a surprised face cause we all love a bit of rocknroll and grunge. We may have gotten tired of it… but the love is there.) Fashion & unsuccessfully-funny rant aside, WHAT SKIRTS ARE HOT THIS SEASON? Is there a skirt trend? Or ALL is IN? While the latter remains true, there appears to be a very obvious back to classy-feminine-can-t-be-bothered-yet-incredibly-rockish-cool-chic-skirt-basics with  THE MIDI skirt - the star of 2014 summer, alongside its various interpretations and sisters. ;)

• Midi Skirts (long pencil, pleated, full styles)
• Mini Skirts (A-lines, flared, circle)
• Ruffled Skirts
• Wrap Skirts
• Slits (on every and any skirts)
• Maxi 

How To Wear 2014 Summer’s Skirts? Since high-waisted skirts are the only thing the above styles have in common, it’s imperative to say, that ALL skirts this season, look HOT with crop tops or bustiers.

The plain ol’ T-shirt is making a clean statement alongside chunky necklaces. Great combo!

And the classic shirt/blouse remains a cool choice. As does the sweatshirt or mini sweater. 

Street style inspo: So… if you’re facing a skirt predicament, buy or style something that a 90s Kate Moss would wear style-crossed with a 70′s diva in sexy tea-length pleats, or even an 80′s ruffled mini skirt obsessed socialite. All the while keep it effortlessly cool and have fun. ;)

With a vengeance. High & on skirts for 2014 spring & summer.

Well, well, well, looks like Angelina Jolie’s dangling desperate skinny leg that escaped from underneath her long Versace gown at 2012 Oscars red carpet and had a moment all of its own, finally paid off. Angelina’s not the kind of woman to be out-staged by anyone, but her attention whore leg just slapped the shit out of this gorgeous lady and BAM! it was right there when we least expected it. Ha! You thought it did its thing and that was it. ‘Think again bitch’ said the Leg. For all this leg drama I blame THE SLIT. Yep. Were it not for that high thigh fabric cut we would’ve had less things to laugh about and less trends to inspire us. Or maybe not.

The slit in both skirts and dresses has always been there. Sure, maybe not trendy per se at all times, but wearing a thigh high slit was never a faux pas, especially in evening or cocktail dresses. So what has changed so much that this season the slit is considered a massive trend? First of all it’s more specific. It moved from night time into day time, on skirts especially, whether it’s in front, side or even a double slit, it’s there. Pretty high, quite cheeky and very nonchalant. The Slit suddenly brought midi/tea-length skirts back into fashion, which is an amazing thing. We’re not all in our 20′s and even if we were, or looked like we were, a mini can only do so much. It’s rarely work appropriate par example. And requires killer legs. So the slit is a very sexy compromise. It’s on longer hems skirts so you can pull an Angelina anytime on anyone. ;) Or keep it under cover. Or just leave it to weather mercy. The slit skirt trend in 2014 has a bit of all its elder siblings (retro sex-appeal, 90s cheeky grungyness, 70′s divalicious tea-lengths and pleats all over) and the effortlessness and polished madness of our times. It goes with anything, on any skirt style, fabric, night or day, work or play, cause you know… that’s our prerogative these days. Which brings me to the 2nd reason on why the slit is suddenly a trend. Cause all is in. Nothing in out. Style limits are so last Tuesday, it’s a pity to not give in to a spur of the moment fashion creativity. If that should be a high slit skirt in light chiffon with sneakers and your boyfriend’s t-shirt, then so be it.

Or if stiff fabric is your friend, slit that brocade skirt and wear it with unbuttoned to the waist shirts or even crop tops. The craziest the combo, the better sometimes. And now let’s dig away into street style inspo: :)

SLIT SKIRTS SLIT DRESSESSo, what do you think, to slit or not to slit?

More 2014 spring skirts trends here. :)

So out with the old, and in with the new. And fresh. And light-er fabrics. Brighter colors. Funky prints. Or keep it simple and minimal, which too, alongside pastels is a massive trend this spring. And speaking of, we always go on about what trends to nail but if you had to invest in a few pieces each season, what would they be?

Would you go for statement and in-season items? Or would you go for timeless, super classy ones, cause you know, trends come and go? Challenged embraced and research done, I’ve realized no matter what happens some things remain the same over time. Even in fashion.

• Quality.
• Brights, prints & light shades in spring.
• Skirts & dresses.

And if you’re a funky sartorial lover then just consider them in statement pieces. If however you love clean & minimal cuts, sans le razzmatazz, okay then too. And while we’re on this point, make sure you check out ROSAvelt Fashion Boutique, cause seriously, regardless of the lot you belong to, you’ll love it.

“We believe we truly have something for everyone at ROSAvelt, from modern classical through to vibrant and mute. Along with specially created vintage pieces which come in limited edition. ” says the team over at ROSAvelt.

And you know what? They nail this vision 100%. Working with great fabrics (pure silk, brocade, jacquard) and shapes & colors to go with the classics as well as the trends (tulip shapes, peplum, minimal or funky, pastels, brights, prints) they deliver a great trendy-cool meets sophisticated girl who loves to look great as if she put no effort in it. So I thought why not share with you my ROSAvelt favorite spring picks, based on my aforementioned THREE-Season-Must-Haves Rule.

Dresses for 2014 spring. Cause structured is still in, as well as brights. And light shades are massive this season. Pastels!!!

Spring dresses from ROSAvelt Fashion Boutique

Spring dresses from ROSAvelt Fashion Boutique

How to style them? Skirts for 2014 spring. Okay, I know I have an obsession, but I can’t resist baroque prints. They’re so rich and luxurious it’d be a shame to not wear them on and on and on. And on. ;)

Spring skirts from ROSAvelt Fashion Boutique

How to style them? 

Trousers for 2014 spring. Palazzos are IN and we’d be complete fools to not give them a try. Sophisticated and so effortless.

Palazzos from ROSAvelt Fashion Boutique

How to style them? 

Check all these, plus more fab pieces here: ROSAvelt Fashion Boutique | Twitter | Facebook