Things I never got

On the Spring/Summer collections

By Neslihan

Let me sum up Dolce and Gabbana in a couple of words for you: boring you with one print which is being used for three kinds of clothing pieces. Because re-using this print for a midi dress, mini dress and midi skirt totally refreshes things. NOT. I am so damn bored of the classy, stiff, Sicilian mater familias theme. "Hey, we're Italians and we like to create the stereotype of the southern woman: which is sexy, sophisticated and a bit stiff." Upperclass boredom. And aren't you hating those chunky golden earrings already? Fuck your sophistication, Domenico and Stefano, we're all up for the next phase.

I used to worship Karl Lagerfeld until he totally started to hate on women being women (read not a size 0). He's just puking tweed in everything he does for Chanel. Okay, we get it, it was Gabrielle's signature but damn, man, can we move on now? Tweed aint no rock and roll. Tweed aint young. And tweed definitely aint an all year material. Who the hell wears tweed when it's 40°C out there? Exactly what I thought. And looking at his last collection I decided that I didn't wanna look like my grandmother's curtain.

Hey, it's Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy before he went totally hipster cool with his Disney deers and sensual orchids. But this is not Riccardo, it's that other motherfucker. The motherfucker named Marc Jacobs creating his last collection for Louis Vuitton. And this kind of breaks my heart because boy, have I enjoyed Marc's designs for the French luxury house blossoming since forever. It was a symbolic collection but not as touching as Raf's last collection for Jil Sander. Marc had created this powerful atmosphere of mourning, or that's what we, bloggers, make out of it. However I'd liked it more if Marc dearest would've gone all quirky on his last one for Vuitton but he didn't and that's a lost cause, my friend.        
    

   
Elie Saab is one of the things you can't hate. It's beautifully elegant and perfectly tailored but I always feel so out of place when I'm looking at his clothes. Also I always kind of feel like he creates the same dresses over and over again with adjusting minor details like colour, sleeves and split. It's crazy classy but so-oh boring. Perfect for bridesmaids and brides but we girls are more than only fragile. Give me some dirt to plunge my trainers in.

All fashion journalists write about Dior is the decor. Like seriously am I reading a fashion magazine or a DIY garden section in some lousy hobby magazine? Ofcourse it looks magical and touching but it's bad when the review on the decor is bigger than the review on the clothes. And I think that's a pity since I was so excited on Raf's take over at Dior's. Give the man some credit, and by the man, I mean his fashion and not on his roses, peonies et cetera.

You only hate on Kenzo because you're not part of the cool gang. So there is no legitimate excuse on hating Kenzo except one: the tiger sweater, which was literally on every blog that could afford one. But you got to be fair in your confessions: I'm totally in love with the shark theme but I'm totally gonna hate it if the sweater above appears on every blog like earlier the already mentioned tiger sweater.

2 is for Greed

By Neslihan

Once upon a chaotic time, in a capitalistic kingdom far away there lived this narcistic girl with tons and tons of selfish and greedy aspirations. Her selfishness was absolutely loathsome and her desires were unsatisfiable. She wanted everything, everything she layed her eyes upon had to be hers. And this was certainly the case when it came to clothing. Oh countless unsatisfied fantasies, where are you? Her greed was a sly as her personality. It was omnipresent but she repressed it. She had to. One day she would own her own Chanel 2.55 and her very own Paul Smith brogues. But until that day she had to settle with High Street made in China rip offs. And she was doing just fine until a very peculiar thing accured yesterday. It evoked her desires all over again and at once she knew what she was capable of. This is what happened: it was one PM and she entered her humble palace. As she went upstairs she saw a note on her desk. And black shorts. The note was from her old, very old roommate. It said: "You can keep the shorts if they fit." And yours sincerely knew immediately that those were the shorts she saw hanging in the bathroom. The Chanel shorts!!! A heavy thrill invaded her body and she began to sweat. Oh sweet Lord Jesus, was this real? "Pinch me!" she said. "Pinch me real hard! Wake me up from this false dream." But yes, this moment was real, but an unexpected destiny was still waiting to strike.

(Don't mind the freaky hand pose)

She decided to fit the shorts because the impatience made her shake all over her body. She wore them and was about to zip up her shorts, which went quite well but the majestic buttons caused some trouble. Or was it her post-winter tummy bleus? She could cry her eyes out. And a rage took control over her body. There were two ways: keep the shorts or... No, there was only one way, whether the shorts fitted or not. Keeping is the only way. And maybe one day, when she had three children, a fulltime job and a demanding husband, she'd be so stressed that she wouldn't find the time to eat. "One day they'll fit", she concluded. Fucking Parisian 38!

Inspo: Eastern nights

By Neslihan
First of all, I'm sorry for the lack of posting. It's not gonna get any better, and I'm sorry for that too. I'm drowning in work and when I'm not, I'm relaxing while watching my favourite series in my huge sweater. Or I'm being down on Lana Del Rey (this sounds so wrong, but whtvr) and my Lana Del Rey expressions are getting better, I assure you. I've got tons and tons of selfpics on which I'm being like flawlessly unhappy. I guess I've accomplished my mission.
But there's something I'm stressing about: we got this '100 DAYS' thing at our high school, which basically means we're celebrating the last 100 days of high school. And in order to do so we dress up according to a theme (it's 60's this year) and we put together a show for lower year students. The 60's are a pure blessing for every fashion lover, like seriously but there's so much to pick from. I feel like I'm being overwhelmed with hundreds and hundreds of icons imposing their style on me and I don't know whom to choose. It feels a little frustrating. That's why I've created a collage. I'm trying to get it structured and pick out which style fits me the best.

1)This dress is probably the most amazing thing I've seen lately (here)
2)Elizabeth Taylor in 'Cleopatra' (1963)
3)Chanel Paris-Bombay Pre Fall (2012)
4)Songul Cebaci look from her A/W 2013 show during Istanbul Fashion Week
5)No print screams 60's like a paisley print
6)90's galore with Gwen Stefani, in love with her bindi look
7)Arabic writing: 'Ishq' meaning 'love'
8)Abbie Hoffman quote, a bit overrated maybe but true in a way

Sophia Loren and I have the same haircut (straight bangs). The only thing I'm sure about is using fuck loads of eyeliner and fake eyelashes.

Jane Birkin has got straight bangs too and eventhough I love her style, I think it's a bit too casual for that day.

I'M SORRY FOR THE RAMBLING POST. IT WILL GET BETTER. SOMEDAY.

Good Taste/Bad Taste

By Neslihan
Every season there are some remarkable trends/clothing pieces. Pieces that make you think: ew no, I will never wear this. You have to get used to the ugliness and/or oddity of those pieces. Once your eyes get used to it, you fall in love though. And only you get this love, you cannot explain. You cannot make others love it too. They won't understand. No one will but you don't care because the joy those pieces bring is worth every strange look you're given in the streets. It becomes your favourite piece and you wear it, you cherish it. You live it until the next season brings something else. It's time to let go. Some of us do and think: what was I thinking? Others don't and that item becomes a part of thier lives. It becomes a historical item. Something to pass on to the next generation.

Baggy luxurious sweaters

Absolute talk of the town are Balenciaga's excentric yet very cool sweaters. They have those strange 80's pictures and crazy laserish effects on them. Purple, pink, red: you name it, Balenciaga has it. Those chic sweaters were also spotted on Hakaan's runway but he went for a chilly metallic version. The sleeves were equally puffy. (Both fall/winter 2012 RTW)

Metallic patchwork

A little shimmer a day keeps the doctor away. I think sparkles, glitters, metallics certainly light up your outfit and even your mood. I like how a little bit of the previous can give your outfit this playful naiveté. As if you stepped right into your childhood again. And that was just what Huseyin Chalayan evoked in me. You cannot put Chalayan's dress as simply childish patchwork though because it's too sophisticated for that. Look at that finishing and the fit of the dress. See how he has used beige to keep the whole outfit in balance. It's kindergarten for grown-ups. The second dress is not from this season but it belongs to s/s 2013. This actually shows us that metallics are a keeper this year. Thank you, Hugo Boss.

Layering

While Marni kept it simple, A.F. Vandervorst went in overdrive. Marni was about taking 'colourblocking' to the next level. See how every piece totally 'stands' on its own and how it -at the same time- blends in with the other pieces. It's all about layers and neutral colours making the totality wearable. 'Wearable' is not a disgusting word. Repeat after me: WEAR-ABLE. Good girl/boy. We saw something else on the A.F. Vandervorst runway though. The Belgian couple played hide and seek with us and were inspired by Joseph Beuys. Google this man and you'll get the hats. Fashion was never this anonymous. (Both fall/winter 2013 RTW)

Living sculptures

You can interpret this one as wide as you want. Maison Martin Margiela never disappoints me, that's one thing I can say. When haute couture was about the amazing diamond masks, ready to wear is a little less freaky. You'd almost say 'civilian' if you didn't look past the three first looks because those skirts are divine, you've got to admit. Creating a new meaning for two previous trends (peplum and asymmetrical skirts) in only one show? I'd say genius. Look at that gorgeous fish tail/peplummed skirt. Look at the rich fabric and prints. See how this image clashes with the image underneath it (read 'Viktor and Rolf'). The Dutch duo based their collection on strong women. "Oh, how original." Stop right there. They went for femme fatales and actual female warriors (the red faces say it all). Look at the coat, it looks like it's made from shiny grey, handicraft paper. The gear wheels are murderous. (Both fall/winter 2013 RTW)

A lesson in history

Dries Van Noten had access to the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum. He used Japanese and Chinese images and mixed them with his well-known abstract prints. This created new prints of course. And aren't amazing prints Van Notens trademark? While Dries focussed on the Eastern history, the Italian fashion duo, Dolce & Gabbana, chose the Sistine Chapel as inspiration. The embellishments combined all together were at times too much but the prints are definitely something to think about. (Both fall/winter 2013 RTW)

No go?

H&M 39.90 EUR

Marc Jacob's pelgrim shoes (fall/winter 2013 RTW)

Christopher Kane's flat sandals (spring/summer 2012 RTW)

Backstage at Chanel (fall/winter 2013)

Pictures: Vogue Paris

"Let them eat cake"

By Neslihan
How obvious can your references to the 18th century be? That's what I asked myself when looking at Karl Lagerfeld's 72 amazing looks for Chanel Crosière. Will this man ever get tired of reinventing himself every season and every inter-season? Seriously, his last collection was all about the wonders of the ocean, letting Florence Welch be the upper mermaid who lead all the others to the catlwalk. Shells, scales and shimmery fabrics captured everyone's attention.
Ever since he has woken up Chanel's spirit in the early 80's, he has managed to surprise everyone and yet stayed true to the brand and himself. Even though everyone deeply adores the things he does, he says he's never satisfied and when people ask him about his favourite collection. He answers: "The one that I'll draw next." He says: "Satisfaction leads to complacency and when you got the impression that you cannot outdo yourself, it's time to quit." He is such a talented human being. He's not only a designer but also a photographer, artist and 24/7 realist. "I'm not a dreamer. I create dreams."
I've always been intruiged by his mysterious and perfect look. He's the ultimate billboard for his brand: powder white hair, black 'suit', black leather gloves, crispy white high collar shirt and the black shades. He calls the last one his "burqa". He doesn't care about what others think of him. He says he knows what goes on behind those glasses. He also doesn't care about the reviews he gets for his collections because "there comes a time that people stop being critical and start loving everyting you do." And he cannot stand that fact.
Let's talk about his last Chanel Crosière Collection though because it would be a shame not to. You know that hysterical moment you see something/someone you instantly adore and you want to scream at the top of your lungs you love it/him/her? You know, lust at first sight. Oh dear, I just wanted to write this whole post in CAPS. (woops) I had to calm myself down first because well, that wouldn't look good, would it? The whole collection was an ode to Marie Antoinette. Lagerfeld doesn't really care about conformism. He is such a delightful rebel, yet he knows to stay classy. The models wore cotton candy wigs or they went for an Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction look. And of course the show was held in the gardens of Versaille. A true fashionable history lesson. He made his models wear dresses that were inspired by 18th century underwear. Frills, bows, shiny broches, pearls, lace: everything screamed le XVIIIe siècle. The colours reminded me of soft macarons, yet it wasn't all about purple puke and pastel, because Karl wouldn't be Karl if there wasn't a tat of rock 'n' rolla. And we got some rock. Think of silver/gold creepers (I'd sell my lungs to buy those), leather studded outfits, edgy bathing suits and the crazy chanel sign tattooed on the girls' faces. J'adore!


WARNING:
1)It was so hard not to select all 72 looks and I nearly fainted when I had to pick 1/2 (read 20) of the total but I made it.
2)You will die when looking at the pictures, make sure no one is in the room when you're screaming, crying or dancing.
3)Thou shalt love it!

Sources: Weekend Knack March 2012
              ID Spring 2012
Pictures: Vogue Paris
Click to get a closer look of the make up.

And if I share with you my story, would you share your 2.55 with me?

"Oh, those plastic flowers!" she screamed with disgust as she was strolling through the mall. Even the escalators were decorated with plastic flora. She looked at the passengers with huge disgrace. All she could think was: no, wearing light blue jeans with a barbie pink tee is not ok. She looked at the older lady, who was coming closer with every step. She was wearing a straight grey dress. Classic but tasteful. She had a hard look in her eyes. As if she was registering every person who stood there. She was carrying a divine handbag, black leather, gold chain and the double c marked logo. No, she wasn't daydreaming, it was a 2.55 indeed. Perfectly stitched soft, black leather with the most amazing feel to it. The woman carried it with great pride. She looked as if she could handle the world. She came closer and walked by without even looking at her.

There she stood wondering how it would feel if she ever had this box in her hands. She'd know what was in it and how it looked like but she'd still be excited. And the excitement would multiply with every gesture she'd make. Firsty she'd remove the shiny white ribbon. Then she'd open the box and see that the bag was carefully wrapped in white paper. She'd also notice the white flowers that were spread in the box. She'd touch the paper and gently move it aside. She would take the bag out of its 'package' and smell the leather. She would inhale class and exhale style.

Then suddenly a girl walked by wearing Uggs and a pair of hotpants. And instantly she was beamed back into reality. She stared at her Ugg(lie)s and almost wanted to vomit. This reality was too real, too ordinary, too depressing. She looked around and the fake flowers, chubby girls in tight T-shirts, boys wearing their pants in their socks were still there. And she wondered when she would be gone.

* I don't own the picture