ORLA KIELY FOR CLARKS

A while ago, I talked about the recent partnership between two Spanish manufacturers. Let’s head up north this time for a peek at another collaboration.

For Spring/Summer 2014, British brand Clarks turned to the Queen of Prints and acclaimed Irish designer, Orla Kiely to create a set of limited edition pumps, wedge heels and ballerinas. Presented during the London Fashion Week in September 2013, the collection consists of five styles in combinations of red, navy blue, mustard yellow, and cream.

The one that got my attention is the Orla Milly, a trendy summer ballerina with a cutaway heel. It has the “signature” floral print from Orla Kiely on the leather exterior, a buckle strap and a subtle 2 cm high heel.

As I mentioned in one of my older posts, searching for the perfect ballerinas for my odd sized feet is like finding a needle in a haystack. Since I always order the bigger size, I need to wear shoes with either laces or straps so that one shoe doesn’t slip off. Yet for some reason, ballerinas with straps are just hard to find! I owned one many years ago but I outgrew them and haven’t been able to replace them ever since. The Orla Milly would have been the answer to my prayers, if only it did not have an open heel (as it would make the size difference more pronounced). So yes, close but no cigar.

What about you, which of the five styles do you like best?

WINTER BASICS: MASSIMO DUTTI WOMEN LOOKBOOK

Did you know that Massimo Dutti is Zara’s sister company? They both belong to Inditex which also owns retail chains Bershka, Oysho, Stradivarius, Zara Home, Zara Kids, Pull and Bear, and Uterqüe. And don’t let the Italian name mislead you; Massimo Dutti is a Spanish company. The Italian name is purely fictional and not the name of a real person.

Here are some images from Massimo Dutti’s latest lookbook for women and from its winter campaign.

BIMBA Y LOLA WINTER 2013

Welcome back, Winter.

 

LACOSTE WOMEN AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

What do I like about the latest lookbook from Lacoste Women? Everything.

GEOMETRY AT WORK: MISTER ZIMI

Mister Zimi is a Bali-based label founded in 2007. I love that the brand combines modern Australian design with beautiful Balinese influences but in this collection, it’s the pineapple motif that had me at hello. So yes, you can say that it’s a “pineapple crush”.

ISABEL MARANT FOR H&M LOOKBOOK

Preview photos from the long- awaited Isabel Marant for H&M collaboration have surfaced. The pictures have been on my Pinterest board since late September; I just didn’t have time to post them. It’s an interesting and expensive collection (view the full gallery over at Vogue UK online) but the truth is, I like only a few pieces from it. What about you? (Side story: I remember when H&M tied up with Lanvin in November 2010. I went to the H&M store in Amsterdam before noon “just to take a look.” I ended up buying a white t-shirt worth 30 euros – the cute trimmings got me – which to this day I haven’t worn because I’m afraid that it will get ruined when washed!)

BUNDLED-UP BEAUTIES: ZARA SEPTEMBER 2013 LOOKBOOK

Plaid, gray and blue are the dominant features in Zara’s lookbook for September 2013. Although the weather here in Castelldefels remains summery in general, I think that it’s never too early to explore one’s clothing options for the cold season. (And even though I never wear high heels, I think those gray boots are calling my name.)

FORM AND FUNCTION: GENE STYLE AW 2013-2014

Some people have shopping or dining on top of their list when they go on trips but in my case, it’s seeing the architecture of the city that I like the most. From the grand landmarks to the little details that may pass unnoticed (I have a folder devoted entirely to basement windows/doors in Riga!), there’s nothing like walking around, grabbing a waffle or doughnut along the way, and just taking pleasure from the “free exhibit” around you. London-based fashion brand GENE Style reminds me of such trips: looking at these clothes is like looking at beautiful structures. Enjoy the stroll!

BLACK IS BACK: MANGO TOUCH A/W 2013

You know that the cold season is near when black becomes trendy once more. (Then again, when does this color ever go out of fashion?) For instance, Mango Touch, the accessories line of Mango, is big on black in its offering for autumn/winter. Rock on!

TOMMY HILFIGER WOMEN’S AUTUMN COLLECTION

Some months ago, I couldn’t wait for summer to come. Now, I can’t wait for it to be over. (Dear sun worshipers,  please don’t hate me for saying that.) Though I’m not crazy about the thought of wearing jackets and layers again, the heat here in Castelldefels is unbearable that I’m wishing it was already autumn. Even fashion brands are all excited about the new season, as we see the arrival of A/W collections left and right. Here is the latest from the women’s line of Tommy Hilfiger. The photos are actually from two campaigns: the Hilfiger University Club which takes Ivy League prep back to the basics, and the “tradition with a twist” Modern and Preppy looks showcasing rich colors and fabrics.