FABULOUS FRIDAYS: PRABAL GURUNG FOR TARGET 2013

Sleeveless blouse in First Date print, $26.99; pleated skirt with lace in Sulfur print, $29.99; lace miniaudiere, $34.99; floral earrings in Dresden blue, $14.99; bangles, $16.99 each; wedge sandals, $29.99
Bangles in First Date print/Dresden blue, Calypso coral print/black and Nolita print/Sulfur Spring, $16.99 eac. Miniaudiere clutch in Nolita print, $34.99. Pointy-toe flats in blazing yellow, Nolita print, and black, $29.99 each - pumps of same cols/print available $39.99.

Happy Friday lovelies! It's been a bit of a beautiful and exciting week for me, especially today, as I found out what flavour the little bao (- Chinese bun, and yes that's what I call it) is. So... I'm having a little boy! Yay! We're so so excited and beyond blessed it's crazy.
Anyhoos, back to why I'm awfully excited. It's Friday and it wouldn't be fabulous without the launch of such a stunningly romantic collection from Prabal Gurung for Target next month (just in time for V-day!). It really is eye-wateringly beautiful, maybe it's the colours, the prints or his fierce feminine & edgy cool signature style that's got me lusting after his 'love-themed' collection in a big way or the fact that price-points are everybody friendly.

Ruffle dress in Apple red, $39.99; lace miniaudiere, $34.99; bangle in Calypso coral, $16.99; crystal stone cutout bangles, $24.99 each; crystal stone ring, $14.99; lace-up pumps in Meet The Parents print, $39.99. Lace miniaudieres in Sulfur Spring and black, $34.99 each. Lace-up pumps in black, Nolita print, and Apple red, $39.99 each

Over the past 6 years, many legendary household names from Missoni to Proenza Schouler have designed exclusive limited edition collections for Target, but clearly Prabal Gurung's collection is not going to disappoint!

Short-sleeve dress in First Date print and black, $39.99; miniaudiere in Nolita print, $34.99; floral necklace, $39.99; crystal teardrop pendant necklace, $19.99; wedge sandals in Apple red, $29.99.
Crystal teardrop earrings in silver, $16.99; crystal teardrop necklace in silver, $39.99. Ankle-strap heels black and Apple red, $39.99 each

 

Left: Shirtdress in Nolita print, $39.99; lace miniaudiere, $34.99; wedge sandals, $29.99 Center: Sweatshirt in First Date print, $29.99; pencil skirt in Dresden blue, $29.99; tote in Nolita print, $39.99; bangles, $16.99 each; wedge sandals, $29.99 Right: Leather jacket in Dresden blue, $199.99; sleeveless tee in First Date print, $26.99; pleated skirt in Nolita print, $29.99; flat sandals, $29.99

Left: Dress with full skirt in Floral Crush print, $49.99; ankle-strap pumps in Sulfur Spring, $39.99 Center: Lace blouse, $29.99; skirt in Meet The Parents print, $29.99; crystal teardrop earrings, $16.99; bangle in Calypso print, $16.99; lace crystal stone bangle, $29.99; crystal stone cutout bangle, $24.99; lace-up pumps, $39.99 Right: Cardigan in Dresden blue and Calypso coral, $32.99; sweater in Dresden blue/Atlantis, $29.99; tank top, $19.99; miniaudiere in Nolita print, $34.99; ankle-strap pumps in Apple red, $39.99

All images via Elle.com's exclusive here

LOVE THIS EXCLUSIVE VIDEO BY THE CUT 

For those of you stateside, lucky you! This collection really made me smile, even though it feels like an age before we actually get some Spring/Summer action here!

Happy Friday and have super weekend loves! I've got a bit of catching up to do, but will come say hello soon!

x.o.x.o

FABULOUS FASHIONABLE FRIDAY'S

Super fun colours! via here

Well hello and Happy Friday lovelies! I'm in that mood where I just wanna have fun, it is Friday after all, but the best thing about ce soir, is that it's one of my best chums birthday today. Each year I have missed celebrating with her, so tonight there's gonna be a lot of making up to do!

Here's to a Happy Fabulous Weekend!

Sunday will be spent with the girls, no doubt gossiping, eating delicious treats and catching up with an old friend who has flown in from Canada. Good times and good company.

via Classy-and-style.tumblr

My bump is well and truly starting to show & i'm beginning to have issues of what the heck to wear! I'm major need of a closet over haul, but I'm going to see which bits I can re-style and work into my existing wardrobe and basically layer everything. I seem to be doing okay with leggings but it is getting excruciatingly cold. I managed get my first pair of 'eat all you want (maternity) jeans' yesterday from GAP, let's see if they fall down to my ankles after a couple of wears or not!

My lovely bestie sent this through to me the other day... and yet it couldn't be more appropriate for now!

Anyhow, still no idea what i'll wear tonight, but I will definitely work some red lippy magic & maybe some statement bling!

via Pinterest.com

Top knots and plenty of bling... now that's fabulous!

via Glamchiclife.tumblr

 Leather shorts over a pair of tights for winter... that could work! Well..., maybe not for me, but hey...

via weheartit.com

Chunky plait and sequins... So pretty

via Pinterest

Wishing you a fantastic weekend, wherever you are, whatever you're doing have fun!

x.o.x.o

A BUMP, BLESSING & THE BEST OF NOVEMBER...

Hello loves! Hope you're all having a terrific week! Halfway there and not long til the weekend!

So who's that girl above? She doesn't look anything like her character in Gossip girl, that's for sure! This has to be Leighton Meester's most daring editorial shoot ever for Flaunt Magazine and she looks like she's having fun with it! I barely recognise her with her wig & especially when flanked by semi-naked hot men! For the entire editorial, please check it out here.

See: If you haven't seen it already Skyfall is a must and another must-see on my list is Silver Lining's Playbook with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. I've just heard too many darn good things about this film and can't believe I haven't had my hit of Mr. Cooper yet.

Read: Before I go to Sleep by S.J. Watson. I bought this for my BFF after reading reviews on amazon and she recently lent it to me... all I can say is i'm a third of a way through it & it is just soooo good! If you love a good thriller, this is it! Here's the back snippet:

"Memories define us.

So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep?

Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love - all forgotten overnight.

And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story.

Welcome to Christine's life."

 

Shop: SuiteBlanco aka Blanco. This Spanish brand is slowly taking the world by storm. Currently, there are stores across 15 countries, (they had better make a start in UK & USA) but their online shop sells pretty much all the key pieces you'll want at bargainous prices.

Blanco reminds me of Zara, but definitely for a slightly younger clientele, with beautiful design at great prices. You can't really argue with that. In Greece, this brand is definitely a close contender to major high street brands.

I'm loving their Night Collection, especially this sheer chain shirt below  - €25.99 & stunning bling!

 Their Fall collection is just as yummy! Me wants it all!!!

Make/Craftista: X-mas is coming!!! Eeek! I just love a pretty centerpiece, and a collection and mixture of baubles is not only easy, it's an eye-catching & beautiful presentation to make in no time.

I love all these chain and woven thread necklaces and when I spotted this DIY post from Honestly WTF featuring Stripes and Sequins, I knew this would also make a fab little X-mas pressie for friends.

A rather large majority of my friends have just had babies this year and so I thought I'd customise some fun babygro's for their little ones! If you're a fan of apple products, like some of my friends are, you'll love this.
Here's one I made on the weekend using T-shirt transfers - I used HP Iron-on T-shirt transfers - you can buy these at your local photography store, Jessops, or most stationary stores. I printed my template out (refer to link below) on an inkjet printer, which is in reverse, cut out around the apple logo and separately around the wording and place strategically across the babygro or t-shirt. Iron the transfer on and wait 5 minutes for it to cool down before using a pair of tweezers to peel it off. Et voila!

If you wish to make you own, you can download my pre-made template for both iPoop & iPeed here for FREE.

Finally... I've mentioned a few times that I feel super blessed at the moment & also pretty much grateful for everything in my life... here's why!

Yay!!! Mr. Perseus and I are expecting our first little one, we are both ridiculously loca loca ecstatic at the moment and words cannot express how happy we are at the moment. I don't want to go into too much detail, but I've had a rather traumatic couple of years, hence the special blessing!

I hope you're all having a super week, thanks for stopping by and your continuous support!

x.o.x.o

BEWITCHED: A DARK ROMANCE

Woohoo, it's Friday lovelies! It's still summer here and extremely hot, but that didn't deter me from my current obsession over all things bewitching. As we near the winter months, I love nothing more than  to indulge but all black. It's my safe & comfortable colour that can often hide a multitude of sins but is also deeply sexy when you're playing with textures or accessorizing to the nines after hours... Think Lace & leather, sheer silk chiffon & jewel embellished tulle or ornate beadwork... Darkly romantic, no?

I fell instantly in love with Gucci's AW 12 collection, especially the hypnotic black gowns, one of which Emma Stone totally rocked earlier this year (above). There were countless hero pieces that pack a mighty punch. Other favourite designers coveting all-black include YSL, Lanvin, Emilio Pucci, Ann Demeulemeester, Belstaff, Etro, Dolce & Gabbana, Mulberry, Bottega Veneta, Versace... Elie Saab however continues to create the most amazing black gowns ever - Daisy Lowe looks ridiculously striking & I suppose I ought to mention Monique L'Huilliers black gown from SS09 , which still takes my breath away today.

Other beautiful examples of Falls beautiful love affair with things evoking Gothic are these Dark Princesses - Charlize Theron at the Snow White & the Huntsman Premier & Natasha Poly at the amFar event 2012 - images via Just Jared and Zimbio.
Below, just a few to die for gowns... via style.com

 So black, so dramatic.... bring on the long gloves, faux fur and leather trim details.

 Alabaster skin, dark lips (bordeaux, currant & plums) & dark glossy locks. Alternatively, dark smoky eyes and nude lips are my thing too. via Vogue Nippon & below via Vogue Italia

Going shopping?

I swear everywhere I have looked recently has exploded with peplums... Wonder if the designers called each other up last season and asked if they were going to do peplums for fall!

1. Lace Dip Hem sleeveless top - River Island £30    2. Sara Berman Leather Tee - Outnet £180
3. Lace insert Maxi (Back view shown above) - River Island £40    4. Pu super skinny jeans - River Island £45   
5. Premium Spider Jewel Spike Necklace - Asos £50    6. Dominic Jones 23karat black gold spike ring - Outnet £132   
7. Wild thing bumper pack set of rings - Topshop £15   8. Ciate Caviar manicure set in Black Pearl - Asos £18    
9. Bobbi Brown Rich Lip colour in Crimson $24    10. Alaia Leather wedge sandals - Outnet on sale £427.50

Hope you enjoyed! Did I manage to entice you over to the Dark Side? 

The weekend is nearly upon us, have a brilliant time! What are you all upto?

Runway images via style.com,  the unknown one next to the Zara dress & studded glove shot are via Pinterest

CELEB-CONSUMER CULTURE: KARDASHIAN KOLLECTION OVERLOAD

Whilst I have the occasional celebrity style crush & also love to sneak a peek at what they're wearing every now & again, there's comes a point in time when you just have to say enough already!
I'm about a coupla days late into this story, but I heard that the Kardashian sisters were launching their 'Kardashian Kollection' with UK High-street retailer Dorothy Perkins for Fall. I don't despise them, I love Kim's beauty bites, but seriously is anyone out there as bored of their world-wide invasion already? 
The Kardashians have everything, from good looks to wealth and apparently a successful reality TV show, which I've never seen btw. I only came across them last year or so due to the over-obsessed media stories (about the wedding) in the tabloids - yes..., that's how I came to hear of them.

Anyhoos, I'm frankly a little disappointed in Sir Phillip Green. He has brilliant business sense, wields so much power in retail, I respect him massively, so I get why the collaboration with DP's would be great (from a money-making sales & brand profile point of view), but I've just had enough of the celeb-fied to consumer culture based partnerships. There is so much talent out there, it would have been great if the Arcadia Group could embrace & support any one of the Graduate Fashion Week winners for their first mini line/collection. These are the guys with real vision & the capacity to change (high street) fashion or at least make it innovative!
Here's what Sir Phillip Green had to say on the partnership via Retail Week.

So, what we can expect from their collection? If it's anything like what they're selling via Sears and their own personal style, then be prepared for fitted frocks, glamour and glitz. I'd imagine the price points to be along the same, if not a little more expensive than DP's own range - which is still significantly cheaper than Topshops.

It'll be interesting to see how well the collection sells & whether the UK folk will buy into the Kardashians style but I, however won't be spending my hard earned cash. 

...Maybe I'm not the only one who's bored of the reality TV family, Bourne Legacy star Jeremy Renner told the Guardian: 'Oh, all those ridiculous people with zero talent who spend their lives making sure everyone knows their name. Those stupid, stupid people.' Ouch! Ok, maybe that was a little harsh?! Via this interview here. Sorry there goes my Saturday rant over! So what are your thoughts? 

images via Daily Mail & Dorothy Perkins

My week as Gossip Girl Blair Waldorf, Well kinda

Hello loves, how's your week been? I can honestly say that 2012 is fast becoming one of the most happening years of my life - lots of weddings, babies and friends getting engaged! WOW!
Yup, I'm submerged in event heaven this year and this weekend I'll be off to a Christening and not actually working for once! So here's my life as Blair, in pictures, well... kind of....

I nipped out..., ok, sneaked out to go baby gift shopping and got heavily distracted by Zara, man alive they should bar me from that place! (I didn't come out looking like Blair with all her shopping bags though...) I've seen the gorgeous SS12 lookbook but it's not quite the same as going into a store, something which I haven't done in a while. Seriously I was blown away by the fresh palette for SS, it felt like my heart was having palpitations from having to contain my excitement at all the pretty, pretty things! No joke, I was like a child in a candy store, picking up and trying on everything (half the stuff in-store isn't even on the websites)!!! Crochet shorts, Chanel inspired boucle/ tweed jackets, sexy heels, fringed dip dye dress, dip hem chiffon dress, printed chiffon dress from the TRF range, mint one shoulder dress, cream tulle/broderie anglaise tee's... the list goes on! I was really good though and only made one purchase... Unbelievably right?!


I love this image of Leighton & Blake. I've been so busy lately that I've neglected time with my girls, so I cannot wait to so some coffee & cupcake catch up with my gal pals on the weekend.

via tvfanatic.com

 The Gossip Girl Gang - it's one of my secret guilty pleasure watching this show!

via xoxoqueenblair tumblr

I could so use some extended time to curl up in bed...but need to figure out what to wear for all these upcoming events! I guess that's the fun part (except for tidying & hanging up all the clothes again)!

via tvfanatic.com

Finally, Friday's wouldn't be the same with a little fun poster I found via Pinterest!

Wishing you all a wonderful and sparkly weekend! May it be filled with good times and happiness!

Other GossipGirl images found via here.

Donatella cancels Versace for H&M's Daily News shoot for Real Women

Hello lovelies! How are we all? I'm sorry it's been a while...

This mornings bit of reading about Donatella Versace 'cancelling a Daily News shoot featuring real New York women' because they 'did not fit her branding' caught my eye... It's pretty outrageous, since they gave an initial go-ahead for the shoot but was later told that 'Donatella is not likely to approve shooting on real women'. Turns out, two of the three proposed women were rejected by one of Versace's publicists.
For someone who has a global luxe branding, I don't think she's sending a particularly good message for good fashion folks out there and also, H & M is a global brand for like everyone, as in real people shop there.

The last I heard is that these women will be featured in a Cocktail Party themed shoot in tomorrow's The Daily News dripping in clothes by Michael Kors, Asos, Betsey Johnson & Bloomingdales.

So will you be buying any pieces from the Versace for H& M collection? Thoughts on a postcard please!

images via Getty & Dailymail

Snaps from AXDW ft. Stelios Koudounaris, Erotokritos & Conquistador

Last Saturday I was pretty darn excited, you see I had the opportunity to attend the 10th Athens Xclusive Designer Week (AXDW)... Who wouldn't be excited to see what crazy-awesome talent in Greece has to offer?
Believe it or not I have managed to miss pretty much every season of shows since residing in Greece mainly due to being out of the country... Well this time I made sure I stayed put.

Anyhoos, dashing from work to home to get frocked up, I made it to last 3 shows of the day. But I was cutting it fine for the Conquistador show... Bless the AXDW dude, Aris for sneaking me in through a side door! This show was incredibly packed... and oooh, it was hot too! As in there were hot men a plenty in the most slammin' clothes ever! Designer Tassos Sofriniou created such a gorgeous, masculine contemporary collection with a sexy modern twist playing with plenty of attention to detail.

A bit of eye candy for your Thursday!
Conquistador by Tassos Sofriniou, image via Studio Panoulis

Sadly I didn't capture many snaps from this show, but Thalia from Life in Athens went backstage - lucky girl! See highlighted link for more deets.

Now for Stelios Koudounaris ( Στέλιος Κουδουνάρης)... He has an unshakeable reputation for creating the most gorgeous collections and is the one show everybody wants to go see. I'm also pretty sure that this designers work is the one which most women fantasize about too. (He also does Menswear too)
I luuurved his collection entitled 'Entropia'... The elements of constricting the female form with the slightly harder edged body harnesses and the non constricted elements of soft fluid lines and floaty hems... yes please! Need I say more about the Jeffrey Campbell shoes? Yummers!

Totally Taupe!

Really love the cutout black cuffs too!

The final show on the first day of AXDW was Paris based designer, Erotokritos - whose work I have loved ever since I landed on Greek soil.
Erotokritos presented a super fun, girly and commercial collection (- for menswear check out the report/images here by Patricia Munster) with a gorgefest of juxtaposed colours & prints that made me smile and sigh. This collection boasted short hemlines, cute knits, flippy skirts & a slight nod in the direction to marc by Marc Jacobs. For high summer, look no further... Mix and match with what you already have in your closet girls!

If you feel compelled to check out the rest of the talent from Athens Xclusive Designer Week, please check out the round-ups by Alessia of Smells Like Fashion, Joan of Ordinary Pulse & Lopi from Fashion Architect.

We're now rolling into the 14th Athens Fashion Week... I know it's confusing there are 2 kinds of fashion Weeks... Have a fantastic mid-week... It's almost the weekend!

All images by me except the for the sources stated.