Wish To Wear: Haider Ackermann Spring/Summer 2014 Menswear

I have sadly felt a little disappointed with the menswear shows so far this week. While there have been some truly standout original pieces on show, a lot of what I've seen has failed to grab my attention, feeling tired and a little drab. That was until Haider Ackermann presented "men's wardrobe", his second outing into menswear since 2010. Feeling fantastically fresh, all the Ackermann trademarks were on show; buttonless jackets, kimono constructions, dropped crotches, silk satins and luchious layers. A highlight for me has to be the silk satin blazers. They fit impeccably and look effortlessly cool over the semi-sheer tanks. I also love the mixture of dandiness and edginess where the tailored and tapered trousers meet the slouchy bommer style jackets. These looks are particularly strong and feel so fresh. It's easy to see why Haider Ackermann is one of the most respected designers when he produces collections as strong as this. I find this collection so exciting and original and wish I could wear it all!

Here are some of my favourite looks from the collection.

 

        

 

Are you happy Haider Ackermann decided to return to menswear? Do you find yourself wishing to wear this collection? If so, please let me know in the comments below.

 

Simply Sharp

Unbranded Navy Blazer | Dusty Blue Acid Wash Jumper - New Look | Spotted Navy Shirt (Just Seen) - Burton | Tan/Beige Paisley Scarf - Mango | Tapered Jeans - Burton | Suede Penny Loafers - Asos | Evil Eye Bracelet - StyleSuzi | Wooden Bead Bangle - Burton | Rose Gold Watch - Michael Kors | Woven Bangle - Burton | Gold Skull Necklace - Asos | Brown Cross Body Bag - Esprit

 

In my previous post "Simply Striped", you saw how I mixed a classic striped tee with a light and airy jersey blazer to create a simple summer look. As I knew I was going out later that day to a surprise birthday for my brother's girlfriend turned fiancé (a wonderful surprise for the whole family once we had arrived!), I fancied dressing up a little more to create a sharper look. This was easily attainable by switching out my jersey blazer and striped tee for this thicker, fitted cotton navy blazer, spotted navy shirt and dusty blue jumper. All these pieces felt substantial and kept me warm in the cooler evening. To break up the blue and add extra warmth, I added this tan/beige paisley scarf. The print added an interesting dimension to the outfit, whilst the oversized shape added volume and texture. It also tied in well with the penny loafers and cross body bag, creating colour continuity. I kept the accessories I wore earlier in the day as they still worked with this colourway and added interest. This way of dressing is by far my favourite, not too formal but still smart and sharp with casual undertones.

Have a great weekend guys,

Simply Striped

 

I sported this look this past Saturday. As the weather had warmed up significantly, I could lose a few layers and keep it simple in a classic striped tee and tapered jeans. As there was the slightest hint of a breeze, I threw on this grey jersey blazer which is as light as a cardigan and really lifts an outfit making it look more put together. I couldn't forget my favourite tan suede penny loafers as I think they work well with the tapered fit of the jeans, whilst the stacked on armory and necklace add interest and a little personality.

 

 Grey Jersey Blazer - Ebay | Striped Tee - Burton | Tapered Jeans - Burton | Suede Penny Loafers - Asos | Evil Eye Bracelet - StyleSuzi | Wooden Bead Bangle - Burton | Rose Gold Watch - Michael Kors | Woven Bangle - Burton | Gold Skull Necklace - Asos | Brown Cross Body Bag - Esprit

 

I hope you like this simple summer outfit. May it provide you with a little inspiration.

 

Masculinity Meets Femininity (With A Pinch Of Carine): Givenchy Resort 2014

Following in the footsteps of Riccardo Tisci's spellbinding Autumn/Winter collection for Givenchy comes the house's Resort 2014 collection - a strong, sleek and sophisticated cousin collection fusing masculinity and femininty together in an effortless way to create the epitome of chic. Taking inspiration from Latin culture, Riccardo has clearly revisited his personal archive as he did with Autumn/Winter, showing Madonna printed tees, statement suiting, puffed-up peplums, fabulous florals and tremendous trenches. I personally love the flouncy and frilly denim dresses. Their flared shapes flatter and feel fresh whilst the peekaboo floral trenches equally excite. However, if I were to choose, my item from the collection would have to be the high-waisted, ruched and frilled pencil skirts. The way they sensuously hug the body is sublime, whilst the asymmetry flirts and flatters. I see similarity to Tom Ford's work at Yves Saint Laurent, where Carine Roitfeld (Givenchy's stylist and Tisci's muse) styled and inspired.

 

 

Are you a fan of Riccardo Tisci's Resort 2014 collection for Givenchy? Can you see a Carine influence? Please let me know in the comments below.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

 

Balenciaga Resort 2014

This Wednesday, Alexander Wang presented his first ever Resort collection for the house of Balenciaga. Following in the success of his debut collection, Wang's latest collection felt like its predecessor - striking and substantial. Undertaking a research trip to the Basque region of Spain, Wang and his team visited the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum in the seaside town of Getaria (Balenciaga’s birthplace), where they delved into the exclusive and extensive archive finding inspiration for the collection.

 

Working with draping, origami details, bell sleeves and petal shaped skirts, the heart of Balenciaga is strongly felt in this collection but Wang has ensured he brings his own sporty aesthetic with bolero bra and bandeau tops, cropped trousers, short shorts and racerbacks dresses. All these pieces feel strong and really work in the monochromatic colour palette. I particularly like the speckled “scramble" and “noise" patterns mixed together to create dimension. This collection also excels in its accessories. The chunky chained bracelets, necklaces, earrings and handbags are youthful and edgy and are sure to become best seller, whilst the vinyl fringed bucket hats and strappy sandals lift each look with quirk.

 

I have nothing negative to say regarding this collection. It feels original with an evident development since Wang's debut collection, with this collection feeling a lot more personal. I like how he's seamlessly mixing his own aesthetic with Balenciaga's to create a fresh and contemporary feel whilst making sure he doesn't imitate his predecessor's work. Alexander Wang did have seriously hard shoes to fill when taking over at the helm, however, judging by this strong collection, he definitely has nothing to worry about.

 

Chain Reaction

During the summer months, I find jewellery can really help lift a simple t-shirt and shorts kind of outfit, making it look a little less dull and far more interesting. In the past I always favoured bangles and bracelets over necklaces. It's not that I dislike necklaces, on the contrary I love them but every necklace I'd try on would either be super short or in a style I disliked. However, this season everything has changed.

 

I have slowly started to build up a little collection of long chained necklaces with the help of Asos and Regal Rose. I first purchased the silver stag head necklace from Asos due to the fact that I'm kind of obsessed when it comes to stags. I put this down to my love of Christmas  i.e. Rudolph, however, a steel stag head also adorns my bedroom wall. This was then followed by the gold skull and silver feather necklace also from Asos. I was attracted to this particular design as I found the design unique yet subtle with a cool native american vibe to it. Being in gold also made a nice change to the usual silver skull necklaces on the market. The latest addition to my collection is the silver bird skull necklace from Regal Rose. I love how wearing this necklace can give an edgy twist to any outfit, whilst the antique silver colouring and thin chain give the necklace an effortless vintage vibe.

All these necklaces fulfill my needs. They are on the long side, look unique and help make my overall outfit look a little more put together. Besides necklaces, I haven't been able to stop wearing this awesome evil eye bracelet from Shop Style Suzi. It's a little unusual but looks great with any outfit. These are all my favourite summer accessories and are perennial keepsakes.

Are there any current accessories you can't stop wearing? Let me know in the commets below.