C'est pas trop?

By Neslihan

I like how Scandinavian minimalism in fashion is always represented by sharp lines and plain fabrics. As if you can't be as tight in a floral or cubistic print. I get it, the look screams 'no nonsense' and a sort of Parisian 'je m'en fou'. It was never about ruffles, frills or femininity anyway. It's about clean lines, sleek cuts, perfect finish and modest fabrics. That truly is 'minimalism' summed up in a couple words. But we need optimism and bright colours. Let's bring in the chaos in our outfits and let us not fear dazzling prints. Let's embrace complexity and vertical lines. Don't be afraid to sport wavy cuts and push minimalism in totally different direction this season.


SIMPLICITY AT ITS FINEST:

Left: Osman Resort 2015

      Right: Chalayan Resort 2015

I feel like during summer it's way too hawt to accessorize. I sweat buckets so I can't deal with big ass chains, life size earrings and/or arm candy. I like it when my clothing speaks for itself. When you're all about simplicity and dressing down, you have to keep a number of things in mind. First is the quality of your clothes. Since you're not investing in jewelery, you might aswell pay a little more for your basics because we're talking about daily wear, so it's really important that the garment keeps its colour and shape after like you've worn it for a dozen of times. The second most important thing is subtlety. I know it's really hard not to be 'm'as tu vu' when you're about to mix your brightest shoes with your hot pink skirt but suck it in, will ya. You don't want #triedtoohard next to your instagram OOTD picture. You have to look like you haven't given two shits that day. So it's really important to keep the prints, colours and even shoes (we're talking icy metalics) down with this simple look. 

DRESSING DOWN WITH PRINTS:

Left: Stella McCartney Resort 2015

Right: 3.1 Phillip Lim Resort 2015

I know it's really hard to find simple prints for daily wear. prints are all about daring to be insanely out of your mind. When it comes to prints you shouldn't feel limited, you should feel as though polkadots and stripes do mix well together if you stay in the same colour palette. You should feel as though vertically striped clown pants really can be the chiquest thing ever if you take it down a notch and combine them with quirky shoes. While you're actually leveling down it is crucial that you do this with simple cuts, pure uni colour garments and this one's really important: NO ACCESSORIES. The only things that are allowed are a nice pair of shoes and a great minimalistic bag. No stitches, no visible pockets and no joyful details. Sacrifice your carnivalesque soul in order to become the sleek, icy queen you've always wanted to be.

HOW THINGS ESCALATE:

Left: Erdem Resort 2015

                  Right: Mary Katrantzou Resort 2015

You can tell this style report on minimalism is going the wrong way once florals pop in. The thing with florals is that it reminds be of this pure childish naïvité and it's time to get rid of that vibe. I'm not talking about wavy flower power and daisies in your hair. I'm talking business, sharp lines, clean cuts and stiff fabrics. I don't want the garment to be draped on my body, I want the garment to give me a different shape. I want the clothes to define my posture, movement and body language. I want to follow the direction it chooses for me, a kind of mechanic way of moving. I don't want to tuck in or accentuate my waist. I wanna be me without feeling like I have to be elegant and feminine. I want to wear florals and feel like a million bucks. That's why I'd totally get rid of that belt on the left picture because this look is all about a never ending couple of lines flowing into each other without breaking them by accentuating things.

Aspiration

By Neslihan
I could bitch about the results of yesterday's Belgian national elections after which a rightest, very conservative and national party has won but I won't. Because this is a self proclaimed fashion blog that has to tingle your brain out of thrill and not arise all the hairs on your neck out of frustration. So, eventhough I find it hard to spread positivity these days with the exams starting and the sleepless nights welcoming me with their frightening claws, I am still gonna try to do so.

There are still things to look forward to, you see:

1) Eventhough it's raining right now, I know sunny days are coming up. I mean literally, not in a sentimentally symbolic kind of way.
2) Sun means dresses, shorts, skirts and shaven legs. And if you're a girl, then you know the joy of just shaved legs. It's like the feel of cute little dolphins and I'm not even exaggerating.
3) Sun also/most of the time means freetime and freetime means lots of spending time with your boyfriend, friends and family. But it also means sprending time alone: READING. And I can only look forward to that since I'm planning to read lotsa Bukowski and Orwell. Yes, I like pessimist literature. There are so many happy endings already.
4) July means sales. And eventhough I'm looking forward to cheap lingerie, shoes and dresses, I am NOT looking forward to the mess, people almost killing each other for a garment and the panick of not finding your own size. That's why I'll keep an eye on online shops.
5) July also means work and therefore work means cash. Cash I wanna spend on cool activities during summer or after.
6) This one is a little precarious but July also means getting your exam results, and after passing today's exam so easilly, I'm motivated to do better for the others. There's nothing better than starting your holidays knowing your hard work during the school year has paid of.

Since there is nothing in the world that makes me happier on a short term but lingerie, Imma post some of my favourites of the & Other Stories site. They're so elegant and efortless, the kind you need for hot (literally hot, I didn't mean sexy hot) sticky days. Lingerie is the best form of self loving after all. It's this little secret you have with yourself. And you can analyze someone's character by the lingerie she wears. Mine is usually quite simple but with a twist whether it's the colour, material or form, lingerie always has a story to tell and most of the time it's more than "take it off".

 Midnight blue: 19 EUR

See-through secrets: 25 EUR

Powdery pink: 35 EUR

Black widow

Bra: 29 EUR

Panties: 15 EUR

Sexy traditionalist

Bra: 29 EUR

Panties: 15 EUR

 I think they're quite affordable. They're in the same price category like Women's Secret and Intimissimi bras but slightly more expensive than your regular H&M model. I think these bras come in very handy if you don't have big boobs since they don't look that supportive. They're pretty nothings made to show off with. I'm planning to get myself one, so I'll tell you whether they support my besties. Oh, and the bras that I haven't posted as a set DO have matching panties. Feel free to spoil yourself.

Which one do you like best?

S-T-R-A-P-P-E-D

By Neslihan

CAN I GET AN AMEN FOR LENA DUNHAM'S PERFORMANCE IN THE 'ROLE PLAY' EPISODE? Not only was she hilarious but she was also amazingly brave for putting on that bondage themed playsuit. She gave it a playful Hannah twist though as she paired it up with a blue pair of cute cotton panties. It's not the first episode in which she fysically disarms herself because she recently did the same thing in the 'Beach House' episode when she wore a bikini during the whole episode. And I admire her for that 'cause I believe she brings a whole new level of body positivity into the business. She's not a size 0, nor a size 4 yet she manages to feel comfortable taking her clothes off on screen. Not that I'm saying she shouldn't but it must be very confronting at the moment because it's all about exposing your vulnerability to strangers who are watching the series but also to your co-workers who are on the set with you. And that's why the award for 'Best Guts' goes to Lena Dunham. You just can tell she doesn't give a f*ck about comformism and she will keep on flashing her boobs and ass on HBO. And I can only support that since we need more realistic role models.

But her playsuit also reminded me of those Nobuyoshi Araki bondage photos:

Try it at home:

Agent Provocateur 

La Fille d'O

Women's Secret

Eventhough Agent Provocateur and La Fille d'O have playsuits that are slightly more edgy and daring, I'd go for the grey lace playsuit because it cheaper but also a little more classy and elegant. But if I had the money I'd just buy 'em all.

Which one would you wear?

The only way is up

By Neslihan

When I decided to blog today I thought I'd write something profound, something that keeps me busy. Something that frustrates me perhaps. I was determined to plunge into the deepest corners of my narcissistic soul but when I finally logged in I felt no urge to be connected to my negativity. I live in my mind and the activity never stops. It feels like I always have to move forward and when I don't it feels like a day not lived. But today I decided to keep myself busy with shallowness. I just wanna think something is pretty without having to justify it. Because not everyting in life is rocket science.

Renewed basics

Chique T-shirt: it's the easiest match with your pair of leather leggings or high-waist skirt. You can tuck it in or create boxy minimalistic silhouettes. It is completely up to you. But whatever you do, go for soft materials and dreamy digital prints.

Sophisticated sweater: why make things complicated if you can have it the easy way? Sweaters are for lazy days full of selfdoubt. It's okay to have coffee stains on it because although this says 'sophisticated', sophistication is the last thing on your mind.

Shop: http://fr.sandro-paris.com/

Shimmery cropped top: sport your unflat belly as much as you need to. It's not about shaming you, it's about shaming them who say you can't. That being said, I think this is the most perfect piece of garment I've seen over the past months. It's chique, it's quirky, it's girly. It has all the elments for the perfect babylicious outfit.

New white shirt: it's immortal, it's iconic and it's everything you want it to be. Sexy in 'Basic Instinct' but ridiculosly tomboyish in 'Pulp Fiction'. It's the most flexible clothing piece ever. You can't be underdressed, nor overdressed. It's a statement on its own. And from now on it's a polo, all buttoned up and see-through at the top.

Shop: http://www.zara.com/

Colour-blocking in 2014: it's not about screamy fluorescents anymore. It's about modesty and class. It's about playfulness but with the needed limits. And although it seems chaotic, there is a certain structure in its fit, design and lines. Sir Paul Smith always knows how to win my heart.

Classic black top: there is nothing as liberating as a basic black top. It seriously goes with everything. I like to pair it up with a pair of faded black jeans to get those minimalistic 90's vibes (favourite fashion decade ever). But this one doesn't only have the perfect fit but it's also the most flattering cropped top ever. Not to mention the perfect neck line.

Shops: 
http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/ (on the left)
http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Stella_McCartney/Clothing?level3Filter=&pn=1&npp=60&image_view=product&dScroll=0 (on the right)

Let me monochrome your mind

By Neslihan

'Monochrome' is probably the hottest word of the moment appearing on every blog and in every trend report. It's nothing complicated though; it's about people wearing stuff that's made of one colour only. So this means you dress in one colour, you eat one colour, you decorate in one colour, you poop one colour etc. It's beautiful simplicity wrapped in classy jargon. You probably did monochrome when you were a toddler or primary school style icon. At least I did, I remember dressing in red from head to toe feeling like one million. Nothing much changed, the rules are the same but the choices you'll make will be a lot more sophisticated than your early teen wardrobe chronicles. It's really about dressing down, staying pure and let the colours, shapes and materials speak for themself. Don't accessorize or apply too much make-up. Keep it clean and simple, maybe a glowing skin, some matte lipstick and a little mascara are all you need. It's about holding in your inner vibrant mamacita to draw the attention to the clothing. So do keep your wild hair simple, sleek pony tail or loose with a middle division are my favourite hair styles for this trend. So to get you started I've selected some monochrome white shoe delish to make you hyperventilate. I feel like white is the ideal colour to start all over, to introduce spring that is only a few weeks away. Cheers to new beginnings and shoes.

Budget Céline S/S '13

Jeffrey Campbell 71.43 EUR via Nasty Gal

Pumped up kicks

Nike Air Force 109.99 EUR via Footlocker

Toddler glamour for grown-ups

Jelly sandals 30.00 EUR via River Island

Modern day geisha

Platform sandals 49.95 EUR via Zara

Stella McCartney for the poor

Sky high sophistication 75.95 EUR via Zara

60's snobism

Mocassins 69.95 EUR via Zara

Innocense Lost

By Neslihan

source

I feel like Lana Del Rey always captures this suburban melancholia, a place between hopelessness and forgotten ambition. A place between dreaming and surviving. A place where the future doesn't excist, it's about the now and here and tomorrow's another story. It's the moment, it's an instance of youthful recklessness. It's about falling and messing up inexcusably because we're young. Because we know we can go wrong at 18 knowing we'll be conformist adults at 33. And that somehow is a sad yet comforting (?) thought.
It's like the 60's generation. They all did drugs and alcohol. They were rebellious and were almost against everything but at 40 they had a job, a house, kids, two dogs and a car. They turned into conformists and forgot about capitalism, feminism, the Vietnam war. And I think that's what Lana Del Rey tried to show us because no one's gonna take her soul away, she's living like Jim Morrison.

And I have created a couple of outfits to accompany that vibe. I tried to incorporate black in every outfit because that's just the chiquest colour to wear and because I hardly wear anything else. I also wanted gold, roses and underwear with screamy logos. I felt like staying close to the 90's vibe, hence Calvin Klein and that ying yang necklace. And deep burgundies were also absolutely necessary to create that extra dimension of drama.

The concrete jungle wakes up its own soul

By Neslihan
Summer hour has been set, which ends our winter blues partly. More sun equals a better mood. Don't you just love that feeling of having a lot of time to do the stuff you really like? It feels like an unlimitied sea of possibilities. Even though spring has arrived a short time ago, we weren't getting anything but snow and harsh temperatures. I don't know what the weather forecast is giving us for the next days but I'm hoping for the best because I'm just that optimistic. Winter definitely isn't my season, nor clothing wise, nor complexion wise. I just love the impression of having a sparkling skin when the sun appears. I might be in a springy mood mentally, I can't go all the way though because this is Belgium. And you know how Belgian weather is. Or you don't, well, let me explain. I'm talking about an amazing day filled with sun, that ends abruptly because of the angry rain gods. You have to be prepared for everything, so sandals are out of the question, you don't want them to be soaking wet. That's why I've created three looks that are based on three amazing pairs of trainers, showing you they really are varsatile.

This look was inspired by Paul Smith's spring/summer campaign. I just loved the red and the soft pink together. Since you can't wear skirts or dresses without stockings I just thought why not wear splashy red suit pants to cheer ourself up? I wanted to break the polished and classy vibe by adding up New Balance trainers and cool shades.
WEARING:
Shirt: Paul Smith
Pants: Zara
Sunglasses:  sarahaghili.com
Trainers: New Balance
Watch: Michael Kors

This look is for the casual sporty girls who don't care whether their hair's looking all neat. This dress is ideal for a walk in the concrete jungle. It's an extremely simple cut but the print adds up to this dress' amazingness. I've been dying to own a pair of Air Maxes and I've found the perfect pair yesterday, might buy that one! Since you can't leave your house without a coat these days, I've chosen for a jean jacket. The leather sleeves make the totality look edgier.
WEARING
Dress: Topshop
Jacket: Rag & Bone
Trainers: Air Max Nike
Nail polish: Nars

I'm in awe with this one because isn't it amazing how well those classic and urban pieces go together? We're talking about a 50's Dior dress and Adidas trainers, you guys! Gold and burgundy are a great duo and I like how chunky it looks with the elegant dress. Oh Polyvore, I love you.
WEARING
Dress: Dior
Necklace: Ben Amun
Gloves: Haider Ackerman
Trainers: Adidas

Rather boyish

By Neslihan
Sometimes I look at girls my age and the way they're dressed, looking all very fancy and feminine. Then I look at myself wearing my Doc Martens, old jeans and a loose shirt and I'm thinking it will take me a long time to become elegant. It will take me a long time to eat, walk and talk elegantly. It will take me a very long time to actually become a 'woman'. Maybe I will never entirely succeed (clothing wise) because I choose comfort over glamour and derbies over heels. I can't help it, I feel like I'm creating a sort of uniform, or manly second skin, call it what you want. I feel good in it, I feel like the way I dress totally connects with the way I think and I feel like that's really important: to dress as you are in daily life and not having to play a role. I mean of course we all 'play' a role on a certain level but it's another thing to behave like someone you're not. That would make me really uncomfortable.
I actually think I would do a great job if I were born a guy. I love shirts, brogues, loose blazers and ties! Today I was looking at myself while I put together a manly look and I was in awe. Simple totally works for me, straight to the point and all on the surface. Just the way I try to be. That's why I've created three little collages that embrace my fashion mottoes and unite those with a couple of my male crushes and a little story telling.

Joseph Gordon Levitt is this cute, childishly vulnerable nerd who dresses in an accessibly classy way. He's into brown velvetty fabrics, sophisticated ties and perfectly tailored blazers. That of course accompanied with a slightly smiling cute bearded face. 

See Joseph and I would make an excellent couple: we're equally goofy and nerdy. And we both have this playful naiveté. On top of that we're into refined basics and beautiful fabrics: letting the clothing speak for itself without accessorizing it. Those Paul Smith goodies do that all the same. I'm wearing the shirt and the shoes to grab a lunch at the Soup Lounge. We decide to get a bowl of pumpkin soup and share an apple because we're both incredibly cheesy.

Unusual girls

By Neslihan

There have been times during which the beauty ideal was being chosen by the media. It used to be one type of woman and she'd be hyped until another and even younger girl arrived and stepped up her scene. It was one big cycle of attention until the media and the audience would get sick of her too. She'd be set aside until another leading lady would arrive and it went on and on like that. Icons were being replaced like artistic designers are being replaced in our times but no one cared because times change and so do beauty ideals. That leaves us an amazing amount of powerful and elegant icons who have marked their time with their beauty, ideas and talents. We've put them in this little oakwood box, which we casually open to admire their beautiful pictures and then put them gently back in that box. It seems like we're trying to freeze time and are longing for glamour and pure beauty. Times have changed though because it-girls are being replaced each season instead of each year or after each new movie. And there are also different ideals of beauty now, you can be everyone you want to be and everything is inspiring. Edginess is key and statement of course because the goal is still being memorable. But what I'm wondering is: if someone asked me to sum up some of my 21st (even late 20th) century icons, who would I put in my list? I took some time and these names popped into my mind.
ATTENTION: this is a non-exhaustive list because these are the names that popped into my mind during this blog post, you can't imagine the length of the list if I actually take the time to think about some of my other feminine heroes.
1) Alek Wek
2) Chloe Sevigny
3) Zosia Mamet
4) Florence Welch
5) Robyn
6) Kristen McMenamy
7) Rossy de Palma
8) Lara Stone
9) Lou Doillon

Viva Frida Kahlo

By Neslihan

There has been written a lot about Frida Kahlo. Whether it's about her dramatic life story or her art, there's always something to tell about Kahlo. Not to mention her joyful and flamboyant style. She'd go for vibrant colours and not only in her paintings. Frida was a living painting herself. She'd wear long skirts or dresses combined with colourful scarves and enormous flowers on her head. Her way of accessorizing was also very striking: big earrings and traditional necklaces would top things off. I'm also a huge fan of her paintings: they're all inspired by a traumatic tram accident she had been through earlier in her life. Therefore you'll see lots of self-portaits. Her work is classified as surrealistic art. Painfully real and macabre but yet full of life because of the colours she uses. That's of course my impression and that's the fun thing about art: everyone can have a different opinion because it's so personal. 

But let's return to the fashion side. Frida Kahlo's style is being copied all over the world. Not all of it of course; you can leave that full monobrow and moustache behind you. Instead we're going to focus on details. Such as skulls, florals and traditional embroidery.

Ali Gulec  has already appeared on this blog because of an illustration I had used as background. I can see similarities between his and Kahlo's work: skulls in te most striking colours creating a macabre fantasy.

Bra/top with aztec print @Topshop (£25)

Image from Armando Mafud's spring (2009) collection. Look at the typical Mexican embroidery.

Edun pants 

Great summery tee (EUR 14.95) @H&M

Maybe it's still too hot to wear a thick jumper but I definitely appeciate Isabel Marant's reference to Mexico.

How perfect is this skirt? @Mango (EUR 29.99)

Let's not forget Tavi's DIY crowns!

Disastrous comeback and its disastrous consequences

I warn you for the amount of 'drama' that is on its way. Let's start with dissecting this title for instance. I have been off the blogosphere for quite some time right now. And I had my reasons. There were moments during which I just had a writer's block and there were also moments during which I had tons and tons of inspiration but I just didn't know how to write it down. And just when I had lots of ideas and topics to write about my computer crashed. And since I'm a little superstitious I thought this was a sign from above. The fashion gods just don't want me to write about 'la mode'. Now, I'm thinking: screw you! I'll write whenerver I want and what I want to write about! So here I am, making a 'comeback'. What a dreadful word. It just makes me nautious. I also have some surprises for you. I'm not going to reveal what these surprises are, you just have to follow this beacon of -let's hope- inspiration. Okey, I'll give you a hint: it involves this 'fashion friend' of mine. Curious? Stay tuned.

L'officiel Paris February 2012- Editorial/ Review
I couldn't help but post these pictures of this month's L'officiel Paris. It was a very special edition indeed. You'd almost think that it was L'officiel Afrique. What an amazing concept. On the cover Afro-American delight, Chanel Iman, starring in a fashion shoot with two other black beauties. The three models were posing in the prettiest outfits (spring/summer 2012) of huge brands like Dries van Noten, Prada and Chanel. There was also another fantastic photoshoot called 'Belleville-Bamako'. The model, Egle (never heard of her before), was white and that created an amazing contrast between the set, the colourful prints and the make-up, which was kept simple: red lips and a great skin. Tulbands, shades of brown and orange and African prints made this photoshoot super powerful. There was also a lot of hotness and sensuality in this edition and that was because of the 'Riviera Revival' photoshoot, which remembered the glorious times of the riviera during the 50's. That was a bit about this month's L'officiel Paris, if you still do not own this great piece of art: get your fat ass to your newsagent and buy it!
The cover

'Town chic' 

'Belleville-Bamako'

'Reviera Revival'

Love,Neslihan D.

Things I'm currently in love with: part one

I know the fact that I keep switching languages can get quite annoying but I just cannot help it. When I see something and get inspired I start thinking in the language that has or nothing to do with it or is connected to it. Pretty logical. Anyways I will be posting in English consistently or at least try to do so. The reason of this post is explained in the title. I have lots of pictures that I kept saving on my computer and I think it's time to share those with you.

1) Detail picture of Dolce & Gabbana RTW fall/winter 2011-2012: Okey, can we all stop nagging about the fact that it's fall? This counts for me as well! Look at those great fall/winter collections. Look and fall in love! I'm currently in love with false and tasty blingbling and yes, tasty blingbling exists. It's kitsch but I like!

2) I have a gitter obsession! I don't know whether it's healthy but my nails love it! My nails are screaming for more because less isn't more when it comes to sparkles! You may say that it's childish and proves bad taste but I do certainly not share your opinion. It's the best feeling of nostalgia I get. (These aren't my nails.)

3) This isn't something that happened currently. I had a thing for Nicole long before she got married. She has this natural grungy, bohemian style going on which I absolutely adore. These days she looks a little more ladylike though but there's nothing that wouldn't look good on her.

4) People who follow me on tumblr already know this but since Burberry has come up with this jacket I've been hit in a really hard way by its awesomeness. Thank god H&M has this too but only cheaper!

5) People who have been following me on my old blog already know this but I have a galaxy print addiction as well. This doesn't mean that I'm over my flowerpower period. It simply means I've one more print addiction. These scarfs belong to Emmanual Bousset and they're made of 100% silk.

6) Well, I do not only love her latest music video but also some of her hair styles. Right now I'm obsessed with her short hair from a while ago. I'd like to have this hairdo but the thing is I do not have the patience to grow it again. So it's still one big questionmark.

7) I just love the inspiration it provides me! Really! Follow me on: http://fashionmaniaatlarge.tumblr.com/! 

N.D.