Tag: women

With the holiday season upon us, you may be thinking about what you should be gifting others rather than what you want to purchase for yourself. You generous thing! While your spirit is in the right place, let me tell you that when it comes to the offering at Zara, my advice is to start thinking me, myself, and I. But why? It turns out the selection is just that good, and it would be a shame to let these pieces pass you buy, because spoiler alert: They are going fast and surely won’t be around come 2019. As a sidenote, after perusing this roundup, may we suggest our genius gift guide under $15? Something’s got to give, and as we have discussed, it’s not your Zara budget! And to make the most of that money, I will also offer our story on how to save money at the brand according to 123 Zara employees. Now scroll down with my full permission to shop for your self. Trust me—it’s just the right thing to do.

Why Isn’t Germany a Bigger Fashion Player? Why Can’t German Fashion Compete With Zara? These are the gloomy types of headlines that spring to the top of my Google search when I begin to dig into Germany’s standing on the global fashion stage, and I can’t help but feel a little sympathy for the country while simultaneously asking myself the same questions. Earlier this year, I traveled to Berlin for a shoot that I was working on. I had been to Germany before: Munich, Salzburg (I guess that one’s technically Austria), Frankfurt, but not Berlin. I had a lot of expectations surrounding the city—the political and cultural history alone is intensely involved—but admittedly did not expect to become as enamored with it and its citizens as I did in fact become. My previous impressions of the country were that the people were a bit icy, the food a bit dense (sausages, pretzels, and beer don’t bode well with my digestion system), and the overall aesthetic lacking in warmth like its surrounding Western European countries, e.g., Denmark and Italy. This time around, however, couldn’t have felt more different—and for the better.

Despite optics to the contrary, Germany has the highest-valued clothing industry in Europe (approximately $63.3 billion USD in 2017). And, unlike its neighbors that typically claim one city as its fashion epicenter (Paris, Milan, and Copenhagen, for example), Germany’s fashion scene seems to be sprinkled throughout Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, and Düsseldorf.

“Maybe the situation would be different if the German fashion industry had managed to focus on one city as its capital in the past 25 years after the reunification, and Berlin—or Hamburg, or Munich, or Düsseldorf—would be more internationally recognized,” Harper’s Bazaar Germany Fashion Director Kai Margrander told Business of Fashion regarding the topic back in 2014.

However it continues to shake out, this does not seem to deter the creative scene from flourishing in Germany. Stefano Pilati recently migrated to the country and cited that “the isolation from fashion that Berlin has given me creates more objectivity in what I do. I have no fear.” Perhaps that is what gives Germany its style appeal. There’s more anonymity and less noise, giving citizens an opportunity to express themselves without worry of judgment; an authentic artists’ community. This rang especially true while I was exploring historically hip neighborhoods such as Mitte and Kreuzberg, where every street is lined with modern, provocative boutiques like Voo and spotting a nonchalantly cool, inspiring outfit was as easy as simply sitting down at a café and watching pedestrians stroll by.

So, alas, due to its open-minded community, unabashedly dressed residents, and thriving creative scene, I conclude that Germany has the most stylish citizens of the moment. And though I’d recommend booking a trip there to see for yourself (always better that way), until you do, scroll down for a glimpse at some of the country’s street style and to shop my picks from brands and boutiques based in Germany to emulate their aesthetic.

Up next: Berlin street style at its finest.

I’ve watched and rewatched Sex and the City more times than I can count. I grew up tuning into the show, and the life Carrie Bradshaw lived as a writer in Manhattan always captivated me. Ahead of moving to NYC to pursue my career as a fashion editor, I thought back on Carrie’s life in NYC—it had, after all, inspired me to find a similar path for myself, at least in part.

Those Paris episodes have to be the ones I’ve watched more than any others, though. I lived in Paris myself years ago, so I have a strong connection to the French capital and carefully studied each scene for the landmarks, from the streets of Saint-Germain to the hallways of Plaza Athénée. Carrie’s vision of Paris is tied up in her romantic idea of the city and the life she imagined living there, so her outfits rely heavily on iconic French fashion staples like Breton stripes and boater hats. It all comes together in a perfect wardrobe for the City of Light. Want to get the look for yourself? Ahead, shop Carrie Bradshaw’s 15-pieces Parisian capsule wardrobe.

There are It items that pop up every season. More often than not, though, those of-the-moment bags or shoes are here for a second and then gone like the wind. But there’s one thing that’s remained a must-have for decades: Louis Vuitton luggage.

While the LV duffels will always hold their own, the suitcase du jour among the fashion crowd currently happens to be the Horizon rolling suitcase. Seriously—cruise through every influencer’s IG airport shots and you’re bound to spot this stunner (either the carry-on or larger version, often monogrammed with initials) front and center.

Now, we totally get that the bag isn’t cheap, but it’s a solid investment if you think of the cost-per-wear aspect. The timeless nature—and the fact that all LV travel bags are durable and designed to last—means you’ll use the piece for the next 20 years and beyond. Plus, unlike other designer bags, Louis Vuitton styles always hold their value.

Read on to see some of the jet-setting elite using the LV suitcase. Plus, shop the silhouette and other travel bags (including vintage iterations) if you’re all saved up and ready to purchase.

Next, check out the boot style fashion people are wearing at the airport.

When you think about it, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Meghan Markle and Cindy Crawford would own the same pair of shoes. Both women favor classic, unfussy pieces with sophisticated twists and tend to stay away from passing trends. So which shoes got stamps of approval from both women? None other than Sarah Flint’s Grear Sandals ($245). 

Markle wore the shoes with one of her best casual looks to date: a breezy Reformation dress and oversize Karen Walker sunglasses, which she wore during her recent tour of Australia. Crawford wore the sandals to an event in Los Angeles with a simple black midi dress that hit perfectly above the ankle straps. Fun fact: Did you know Crawford wore Sarah Flint shoes so often she decided to become an investor in the brand? Scroll down to see how Markle and Crawford styled the same shoes and shop them for yourself. (Fair warning: the shoes already having a waiting list!) 

Opening image: Getty Images

Thanksgiving is just a few short days away. Hopefully you’ve already planned your menu, and now it’s time to plan your look for the cozy holiday. We provided plenty of outfit inspiration here, here, and here, but what about the pieces you shouldn’t be wearing on Thursday? Sadly, there are plenty. When you’re eating, drinking, and socializing with family and friends all day, you undoubtedly want to look stylish, but comfort is key on Thanksgiving (duh). 

Similar to travel outfits, we’ve all made our fair share of Thanksgiving outfit mistakes. It happens, but hopefully you’ve learned from those mistakes. And in case you’re in need of a little refresher, we’re here for you. Keep scrolling to find out what the 7 worst things to wear on Thanksgiving are, and shop stylish, comfortable pieces you should wear instead.

Next up, the most stylish looks for your Thanksgiving Eve plans.

Will 2018 finally be the year that you do your gift shopping ahead of time? With tons of tempting items available with a couple clicks, all signs point to yes. We’ve already rounded up the chicest gift for moms, the best luxury items to splurge on, and the ideal gift at every price point, but now we’ve set our sights on one place in particular: J.Crew.

The cult brand has hundreds of items to choose from, but we combed through with an editor’s eye to find the chicest items of them all. Cozy slippers, stylish pajamas, practical boots, a sharp jacket—it’s all here (and then some). And the best part? There’s a range of pieces for every budget, from $13 socks to a luxurious $299 cashmere blanket. Scroll down to shop 13 items we’d buy from J.Crew in a heartbeat.

Next up, Mandy Moore just got married in the prettiest pink dress. 

Opening Image: J.Crew

Who needs a white gown and a grand wedding when you can wear a pretty pink number and throw a backyard party instead? Mandy Moore just married singer-songwriter Taylor Goldsmith in a small ceremony at a home in Los Angeles, and she went the nontraditional route with her beautiful dress.

Moore tapped her friends Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte to design her pastel pink wedding dress. The princess-worthy gown had a high neck, floral appliqués at the waist, and a frothy, tiered skirt. A matching pink veil and glittery pink eye makeup completed the look. Congratulations, Mandy! Only time will tell if Moore will spark a pink wedding dress trend. Scroll down to see her dress and revisit Moore and Goldsmith’s cutest moments. 

Next up, see how Meghan Markle just styled a bustier for a black-tie event.