• London Fashion Week F/W 19 Accessory Trend Spotlight

    0 comments / Posted by Paige McKirahan

    London Fashion Week F/W 19 Accessory Trend Spotlight

    By Paige McKirahan 

     

    Now that we are on the second week of fashion’s favorite month, we are truly beginning to see this year’s cold weather trends take form on runways all around the globe. Since February 15th, we have been watching one of the most eclectic and high-profile fashion week’s take place in London; this capital’s collections have just as enthralling as those seen in New York, with bold colors schemes and larger than life accessories taking center stage. As the location for Karl Lagerfeld’s final show for Fendi, it was only customary that London brought the heat despite the cold, dreary weather. From controversy’s surrounding Burberry’s accessories to political statements made by Vivienne Westwood, there is a lot to discuss from this avant-garde week in the Big Smoke.

     

    Vivienne Westwood Homo Loquax climate change fashion show A/W 2019

    Vivienne Westwood’s show (source)

     

    Taking cues from New York, collections in London spared no expense when it came to headgear designs. From cowhide berets by House of Holland to oversized earmuffs by Ryan Lo, it is evident that fall 2019 will bring looks that stun from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Barrets and hairpins covered in pearls or gems wowed in Ashish’s collection when paired with their galactic makeup aesthetics and heightening hairstyles. Ear wraps made an eye-catching runway appearance when Ashley Williams paired her collection's colorful tights with a headwrap that featured motifs that you will have to see to believe (look below!!). We also saw function paired with fashion in Matty Boven’s headpieces, with his over-the-top, Yorkshire inspired earmuffs being the perfect avant-garde accessory for braving the bitter UK cold. Quite possibly the tamest and utilitarian piece of the bunch was created by Molly Goddard; moving away from the traditional earmuff’s and toboggans, she created a knit headscarf that protects you AND your hair from the less-than-desirable winter weather.

     

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    From top: House of Holland, Ashish, and Ashley Williams (source)

    London collections took cues from your grandmother's closet when they incorporated brooches into looks with aesthetics ranging from abstract to western. Burberry took a step in a positive direction when creative director Ricardo Tisci accessorized his autumnal collection with sculptural pins that emulated shapes found on the beach. Toga's take on the brooch was a little less flirtatious as their bull horn pins made us feel like we were out of London and into Houston.

     

     

    From top: Burberry, Toga (source)

    Oversized, stackable jewelry prevailed in London just as it did in New York; from chunky gold neckwear by J.W. Anderson to bedazzled chokers spanning from collarbone to chin by Halpern, collections across the pond made a simple statement: dainty is out and chunky is in. We also saw a variety of details incorporated into jewelry designs, like the delicate pins featured in necklaces by Molly Goddard and feathers trailing on the ends of dangling earrings by Roksanda and Ports 1961.

     

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    From top: Halpern, Molly Goddard, and Ports 1961 (source)

    Unlike New York, London boasted collections full of statement belts that were big, boisterous, and waist-cinching in style. This fun-but-functional accessory stole the show in Alexa Chung's collection with her thick, animal print belts complimenting her denim pieces to perfection. Toga's belts turned up the heat and the zoom when their larger-than-life belts were the centerpieces of their collection; this oversized piece with double buckles paired well with their thick gloves and layered fabric silhouettes.

     

    From top: Alexa Chung, Toga (source)

    Last but definitely not least, this season's Fashion Weeks are showing us that the idea of the "it" bag is slowly changing into a new concept entirely. Jolin Wu is a pioneer of this movement with their luxe drawstring bags that emulate ones you would see in a school locker room. Covered in fur and clutched to the chest, these were anything but elementary while still having a nostalgia-inducing style.

     

    (source)

    Out of all of the fabulous accessories seen walking down the runways this week, which were your favorites? We love the resurgence of the statement belt, and have plenty in our collections for those ready to hop on the trend early! 

    Keep this article on hand for some great fashion inspiration for the next cold weather season, and shop our collections for some great headwearpinsbangles, and dangling earrings of your own! For more FW coverage, be sure to stay tuned next week for our look at all things Milan!

    Sources:

    Monday, F. 1. (2019, February 18). Brooches, berets and all the best accessories at London Fashion Week. Retrieved from https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/lifestyle/fashionandbeauty/brooches-berets-and-all-the-best-accessories-at-london-fashion-week-905248.html
    Person. (2019, February 19). The Cutest Barrettes, Hats, and Other Accessories from London Fashion Week. Retrieved from https://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g26406516/jewelry-accessories-london-fashion-week-fall-2019/

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  • The Italian Fashion Round Up

    0 comments / Posted by Paige McKirahan

    The Italian Fashion Round Up

    By Paige McKirahan

     

    Ciao, fashion-forward travelers! This week, we went wheels up on the runway towards Italy just in time for heels to touch down next week during Milan Fashion Week! In a place with such rich artistic history in endless amounts of creative industries, it is no surprise that some of the most followed fashionistas on Instagram hail from Italian states like Milan and Rome. After all, Italy did give us Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Prada, Armani, Fendi, Diesel....and the list goes on. Bloggers in this landscape have an affinity for creating a personable brand that is both authentic and fabulous, making their reach go beyond Itay's cobblestone streets. To gear up for Milan Fashion Week, check out who to follow for a first hand look at all of the runway's best fashion moments!

     

    Chiara Ferragni

     

     

     

    As a blogger and influencer that has risen to global fame, this Italian fashionista has been named one of the most influential bloggers in the world by Forbes. Her 15 million followers have transformed her brand, The Blond Salad, from a small blog created in 2009 to a million dollar business today.

     

    Veronica Ferraro 

     

     

    This top-tier influencer founded one of Italy’s most enigmatic blogs, The Fashion Fruit, in 2010. After making her way into the Instagram spotlight, she has been known to grace the pages of well-known publications like Marie Claire, Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar along with appearances in a variety of luxury advertising campaigns. Find her in the rows all fashion month long!

     

    Erika Boldrin

     

    This Italian model’s boho-chic style is framed by picturesque locals all around the globe. All of her best looks can be seen on the traveling fashionista's blog, My Free Choice, where she combines her two interests and displays them in a perfectly curated feed that has garnered close to half a million followers. 

     

    Nicolette Reggio

     

     

    Reggio is an emphatic stylist and creative director behind her site Scent of Obsession; her sleek style and focus on design, photography, and travel shows why she has one of the most visually appealing social media feeds in the industry.

     

    Valentina Coco

     

     

     

    An all-in-one PR professional, marketing manager, and blogger is what you get with the multitalented Coco. Her motivational tone and attention to detail on her blog, Zagufashion, makes her an Italian fashion favorite that has near half a million followers.

    Now that we know who to follow for all of the hottest looks in Milan, let’s see which Italian designers and labels are going to be worth featuring on these blogs among brands like Bottega Veneta and Ferragamo!

     

    Pomellato

     

    As this brand is already loved by Italian jewelry enthusiasts, they have no problem partnering with influencers like Chiara Ferragni when promoting their contemporary designs. Their Instagram bio boasts their global stance in the luxury market, and we see them finding widespread fame with their stackable, glamorous designs.

     

     

    Your one-stop-shop for all things handmade, this brand creates delicate accessories set in simple silver or bronze constructions. Placing a twist on classic pieces like bangles and rings, these designs can be paired with any aesthetic.

     

    Bea Bongiasca 

     

    This designer's creations are anything but ordinary; her designs are colorful, whimsical, and in a league of their own in terms of construction. This brand is one of our favorite new discoveries and their creative marketing campaigns make them an easy follow! 

     

    Gia Couture Firenze

     

    These handmade shoes hailing from Tuscany are quickly becoming one of Italy's "it" brands with their quirky, yet refined designs. Their couture aesthetic is perfect for daily wear as their products come in a variety of colors and styles that place an emphasis on comfort. 

     

    Mediterraneo Studio

     

     

    As told by the name, all of the designs created by this NY/ Italian brand incorporate Mediterranean motifs like shells, sea glass, and more. Their delicate earrings add a subtle touch of romance to any look and are right on trend with their wide collection of hoops!

    This is one of our favorite fashion capitals that has stamped our passport so far, so we hope that you enjoyed this industry finds as much as we did! Now that you are fully prepared for Milan next week, join us on our journey to Paris for a pre-fashion week round up!

     

    Sources:

    Bertazzo, S. (2018, September 07). Instagram: Top 10 Italian fashion influencers at Milan Fashion Week. Retrieved from https://www.spotahome.com/blog/the-italian-fashion-influencers-you-need-to-follow-on-instagram-during-milan-fashion-week-2018/
    Eggertsen, L. (2018, October 15). 9 Emerging Italian Brands Everyone's Going to Be Talking About. Retrieved from https://www.whowhatwear.com/shop-new-italian-brands/slide19
    Nieves, B. (2018, December 18). Put These 4 Italian Jewelry Brands on Your Radar Stat. Retrieved from https://www.whowhatwear.com/italian-jewelry-brands/slide13
    Wang, I. (2017, June 30). 10 Italian Fashion Bloggers to Follow Now. Retrieved from https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/10-italian-fashion-bloggers-to-follow-now/

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  • Karl Lagerfeld: Fun Facts About Fashion's Greatest

    0 comments / Posted by Paige McKirahan

    Karl Lagerfeld: Fun Facts About Fashion's Greatest

    By Paige McKirahan

     

    Few designers have made a mark on the industry as emblematic and widespread as Karl Lagerfeld, the mastermind behind the house of Chanel and a close friend of all of fashion’s finest. Here at Talkingfashion, great sorrow has been felt in mourning this iconic mogul since his passing on Tuesday morning, just before his final collection with Fendi made its way down the London runway. This creative mind has worked for some of the most well-known fashion houses in the world in addition to founding his own namesake brand in the midst of it all; as one of the first freelancers in the industry, he has worked for brands in France, Italy, England, Germany, and more. The designer singlehanded breathed new life back into the Chanel brand in 1983, making it one of the most iconic fashion houses in the history of haute couture. His eye for the unordinary and affinity for art allowed him to reimagine the fashion show as a boundless concept, supersizing and minimizing it as he saw fit with no regard for outside critique. Though we all know him as one of the most prominent faces in fashion, there is more to Lagerfeld than meets the eye. In celebration of his long and runway-ready life, read on to see if you knew about any of these Lagerfeld legends!

     

    His cat, Choupette, is the heir to his wealth.

     

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    Lagerfeld’s beloved white Siamese cat, Choupette, has taken the world by storm since she was gifted to him in 2011 by model Baptiste Giabiconi. The public was almost as stunned by her as Lagerfeld was; at one point, the beloved designer even claimed that he wanted to marry her!

     

    He was team Coke.

    As the age old question goes: Coke or Pepsi? Lagerfeld's answer? Coke every time. He allegedly was so addicted to the product, he once exclaimed: “I drink Diet Coke from the minute I get up to the minute I go to bed. I can even drink it in the middle of the night, and I can sleep. I don’t drink coffee, I don’t drink tea, I drink nothing else.”

     

    His ponytail was over 30 years in the making. 

     

     

    One prominent feature of every Lagerfeld look was his signature ponytail; when the designer decided that he was tired of taming his long, curly hair, he pulled it back into its first ponytail in 1976 and the rest is history. He hated hair products and exclusively used Klorane dry shampoo to tame his silver locks.

     

    He changed his name to fit the industry.

    When Karl Otto Lagerfeldt first became a pioneer in fashion, he dropped the “t” from the end of his last name in order to make it have a more "commercial" sound. This set the tone for the rest of his life as he was constantly reinventing himself and the industry. 

     

    He used eyeshadow to create his sketches.

     

    Image result for karl lagerfeld sketches

     

    Staying true to his unconventional ways, Lagerfeld had been using pressed eyeshadows by Shu Uemura for over 20 years in his design sketches. The designer and brand shared a mutual love and he even had a custom shade of red created for his use.

     

    He had an obsession with rings.

     

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    Lagerfeld was commonly seen out and about with a multitude of rings stacked on every finger, upping his glamorous and over-the-top style in a subtle manner. He loved the accessory so much that he even released his own line of engagement rings!

    We hope that these small bits of fun from his long and colorful life bring you joy in a time when it seems fleeting. We thank Lagerfeld for transforming the industry into the thriving market it is today because, without him, we would not have the iconic Chanel logo or countless beauty collections to reflect upon.

    For more facts about Lagerfeld's life and a timeline of his career, check out this article from Fascinate.

     Sources:

    10 Things You Didn't Know About Karl Lagerfeld. (2014, December 08). Retrieved from https://www.thefashionspot.com/runway-news/492499-10-things-didnt-know-karl-lagerfeld/
    42 Fashionable Facts About Karl Lagerfeld. (2019, February 20). Retrieved from https://www.factinate.com/people/42-fashionable-facts-karl-lagerfeld/
    Cartner-Morley, J. (2019, February 19). Karl Lagerfeld: King of fashion theatre who shaped Chanel legacy. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/feb/19/karl-lagerfeld-king-of-fashion-theatre-who-shaped-chanel-legacy

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  • Presidents Day’s Presidential Jewels

    0 comments / Posted by Paige McKirahan

    Presidents Day’s Presidential Jewels

     By Paige McKirahan

    As the shortest month of the year with the most to celebrate, February is chock full of fun events worth commemorating. From fashion week to Valentine’s Day to Black History Month, it is easy to get lost in the sea of dedications and themed sale emails flooding your inbox. One of the biggest sale holidays of the year just so happens to occur during this festive month, and is approaching fast on the 18th! Presidents Day, which is a federal holiday set to honor America’s long line of presidents, is more than just a day off of work perfectly suited for shopping.

    At its conception, the holiday was originally designated to recognize George Washington’s birthday on February 22nd, 1732; when it was first initiated in 1879, it was only to be observed by Washington D.C. federal offices. Then, in 1885, it expanded to include all federal offices and established itself as the first holiday formed to celebrate a president. Though it once was celebrated on Washington’s exact birthday, the date has been changed to always fall on the third Monday in February and now aims to honor all presidents throughout history.

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    Early President's Day Posting (source)

    In addition to the celebration of our country's leaders, Presidents Day is also used as an opportunity to award those qualifying with a Purple Heart military medal. Revived on Washington’s 200th birthday in 1932, this prestigious award is commonly given out on the holiday at both the federal level and at individual military posts.

    Image result for purple heart

    In terms of executive- inspired accessories, the most common presidential motifs are primarily seen on coins integrated into a piece's design. Coins are versatile, malleable, and easily accessible so incorporating them into accessories and jewelry has been a long standing practice not only in the United States, but all over the world. From belts to bracelets, coins offer an easy way to show your patriotism while keeping it fashion forward. For more coin accessories, check out our collections and honor our country's rich history in style! For more presidential pieces, head over to the National Archives store to shop and support National Archives exhibits!

    Golden Coin Charm Chain Link Metal Belt Vintage Accessories

    Sources:

    AncestralFindings.comWill Moneymaker founded Ancestral Findings back in 1995. He has been involved in genealogy research for over 20 years. The thrill of the hunt. “The History of Presidents Day.” Ancestral Findings, 5 Mar. 2018, ancestralfindings.com/presidents-day/.

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  • New York Fashion Week F/W19 Accessory Trend Spotlight

    0 comments / Posted by Paige McKirahan

    New York Fashion Week FW19 Accessory Trend Spotlight

    By Paige McKirahan

     

    Though it may seem hard to get autumn on the mind when it feels like the season just recently passed us by, the collections that have been displayed at New York Fashion Week since February 8th have us ready for September to roll around once again. Manhattan’s sidewalks have felt a little more crowded for the past week as fashionistas from all over the world have flocked to New York City for a taste of what is to come in the industry this year. From Tomo Koizumi’s jaw-dropping gowns to Ralph Lauren’s beautiful venue, we were far from disenchanted with the designs presented around the city and are now left to reveal all of the magnificence that graced the runway!

     

    Tomo Koizumi fashion show (source

     

    In terms of jewelry design, chunkier constructions seemed to trump delicate styles across all collections; Badgley Mischka’s and Adeam’s dangling, oversized earrings sparkled all the way down to model’s shoulders with gold, pearls, and fabric taking center stage. We also saw the emblematic return of stacking with everything from chokers to bangles to rings in shows like Ulla Johnson’s trouser-centric womenswear collection. R13 put a fun spin on vintage pearls and pins when they dominated the composition of the collection’s grunge aesthetic; the eclectic mix between grandma’s closet chic and street style cool makes them a Talkingfashion favorite!

     

     Adeam - Runway - February 2019 - New York Fashion Week

    Ulla Johnson - Runway - February 2019 - New York Fashion Week

    R13 - Runway - February 2019 - New York Fashion Week

    From top to bottom: Adeam, Ulla Johnson, and R13 (source)

     

    Similar to the looks that we saw in many of our favorite Paris Haute Couture collections from last month, NYFW did not disappoint when it came to headwear. Tom Ford took a cue from early 1990s accessories trends and made an attempt to revive the bucket hat in a big (literally) way, incorporating wild colors and materials into the design of the once unpopular style. We saw Kate Spade continue showing their love for swimming caps, with patterns consistent with the ensemble that they were accompanying. R13 not only stunned in the accessory realm, but their collection also boasted headwear that is perfect for both the slopes and the runway; their Russian- style headgear is reminiscent of trooper fashion with earflaps offering a utilitarian flair.

     

    Tom Ford FW 2019 - Runway - New York Fashion Week: The Shows 

    Kate Spade New York - Presentation - February 2019 - New York Fashion Week

    R13 - Runway - February 2019 - New York Fashion Week

    From top: Tom Ford, Kate Spade, and R13 (source)

     

    Possibly one of the most interesting trends at NYFW both on the runway and on influencer feeds is that of the hair accessory. From bedazzled barrettes to velvet headbands, designers and fashion aficionado’s alike all raved over the fun pieces that are reminiscent of those seen in a private school classroom. Christian Siriano was one of the designers to take this to the next level when he incorporated chain-like strands into the ponytails of his models, making it look like her hair had a necklace of its own! The Blonds took Siriano's take one step further when they covered their model's head in a full gold chain, wig-like piece fit for an Egyptian queen.

     

    Christian Siriano - Runway - February 2019 - New York Fashion Week

    The Blonds - Runway - February 2019 - New York Fashion Week: The Shows

     From top: Christian Siriano and The Blonds (source)

     

    Of course, this doesn't even begin to break the tip of the iceberg on NYFW enigmatic street-style scene, though the ever-evolving Instagram style trends seem to be well aligned with the S/S '19 predictions that were made last fall. Keep this article on hand for some great fashion inspiration for the next cold weather season, and shop our collections for some great headwear, pins, bangles, and dangling earrings of your own! For more FW coverage, be sure to stay tuned next week for our spotlight on all things London Fashion Week!

     

    Sources:

    Decker, Megan. “Headbands, Pins, & Satin Bows: Hair Accessories Take Over NYFW Street Style.” Refinery29, Refinery29, www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/02/223965/new-york-fashion-week-hair-accessories-street-style-2019.
    Person. “The Best Looks from New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2019.” CR Fashion Book, CR Fashion Book, 14 Feb. 2019, www.crfashionbook.com/fashion/g26253394/best-looks-new-york-fashion-week-fallwinter-2019/?slide=39.
    Person. “The Best Jewelry, Sunglasses, and More Accessories from NYFW.” ELLE, ELLE, 15 Feb. 2019, www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g26147023/fall-jewelry-accessories-trends-2019/.

     

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