Looking back/Looking forward

By Neslihan

Looking back:
I was 12 when I 'discovered' fashion magazines. It was pretty obvious, I had moved to the middle of nowhere and felt often alone. I didn't have a computer or internet back then and I had to find something to keep me busy with. My mum bought an 'economy pack' of 5 magazines and I stole the one on fashion. I remember its name vividly: Avantgarde. It sounded so promising, almost bigger than life. That moment was really magical, I turned the pages and almost felt this surreal tingle in my brain. The luxury, the drama, the creativeness: this was a way of living too. I read about brands like Chanel and Viktor & Rolf and collected everything there was to collect on their name. I had become a fashion junky. Later, I'd go to my aunt's house and watch full length runway shows on the internetz and even blog about it on social network sites. I felt as if I was part of this world. My contribution was and still is so very small but I liked my place in fashion jungle. I was the biggest fashion lover but also its biggest critic. I literally idolized Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld. And my heart also broke in a billion tiny pieces when she left Vogue Paris, which had then become my fashion manual.

This period is marked by staples of Vogue Paris issues. I'd buy it monthly and always looked forward to their amazing covers. I loved Roitfeld's sexy, luxurious Parisian style but also the more edgy and rock & roll vibes Emmanuelle Alt was sending me once she replaced Roitfeld. I would spend 25 % of my pocket money on fashion magazines, the other 75 % would go to clothes/ accessories. I couldn't care less about meeting friends and going to the movies. I'd rather be alone in my room and create fashion articles. That truly made me happy and I felt as if I was gaining knowledge. As I grew in fashion facts, I felt an amazing urge to share it with other people. I was hyper cocky and wanted to educate people. But now, as I look back on it, I realize I didn't want to educate anyone. I just desperately needed to connect with anything. I think I wanted to belong and be good at something, so I chose fashion. But somehing had changed along the way. Anywayz I had.

As I tried to keep up with the industry's pace, I realized this was not what I wanted. I didn't want to have an opinion on every fashion brand. I didn't want to blog about the ones I didn't find significant. I didn't want to spread negativity because I knew every designer put his heart and soul in his collection. I knew they worked 24/7, season after season and figured I didn't want to reflect my disappointments onto them. Taste is so personal and culturally but aslo socially determined. Who are we to criticize anything at all? That's when I started to criticize 'the industry' instead of the collections. There was heart in the clothes but there was envy and filth in the industry. Back then I loved Lagerfeld's aesthetics but hated his body-hating self. And that was not all. I hated the underrepresentation of coloured models, sexualizing children, 21st century imperialism/superiority (scroll to "It's all about refinement..." and feel your toes cringe) and lack of realism. The industry is all about unachievable beauty ideals. I figured I didn't wanna feel un-whole or mediocre just because I wasn't fit to be a girl next door. I searched for my own voice and discovered feminist bloggers like Celia, Annabeth and Laci and blogs like RookieMag. I realized I didn't have to spend a fortune on magazines to be part of this world. I could just start a blog and freely share my thoughts. That's when things began to feel comfortable again. I blogged about more personal topics like sexuality and body image. I think at a certain moment the curtain falls and all you have is yourself and then it becomes very important you can relate to something/someone. That curtain falls daily, it's when the glamour/pretending stops and you comfort yourself in joggingpants and a box of chocolates. That's what I wanted my blog to be: a safe haven for every single soul in doubt because doubt can be very creative. (This sounds so christian, omg.)

So, here I am, still blogging, still overthinking things. As fashion constantly evolves and my taste changes during the years, I'm still searching for my own voice. I'm still learning and hope to be more accurate one day. Everything has changed, even 'Avantgarde' has stopped (read: it's Dutch) but my strong wish to share is still burning fiercely. And I'm here as long as it burns.

Looking forward:
Every once in awhile I still buy magazines. Yesterday I was down that lane again and spent 14 fucking euros on 'Elle Collections A/W 2014'. I always wanted to have an 'Elle Collections'. I know you can find the same information for free on the internet but it's not the same. A magazine is there forever and it feels different because you can actually turn the pages and feel the texture of the paper. On the internet you have to collect the pictures on your own but when you buy a magazine it's already done for you. Not to mention the fabuous layout. It just reminded me of my blog. And since it rains more often now and we're saying goodbye to tropical temperatures, I can finally find peace in sharing some of my favourite items of the past autumn/winter collections.

1) PRADA:

All I can say is: I want all four of the coats. I feel like a fine coat sets a statement. Some are long, others are short. Some ar made of wool, others of leather and some others are made of fur but they all tell a story. That story can be laid back, classy, vampy or sporty. It's a mood, it's a uniform. Autumn starts with a quest for the perfect coat. One that suits your personality. I love the coats with the big pockets. They remind me of the coats I used to draw when I was a kid. Big ass pockets for big ass junk. And if I were to be a diva I'd certainly go for the long red goat hair coat. It just screams Miranda Priestly.

2) DRIES VAN NOTEN:

I love how you recognize Van Noten's trademark. You see it because of the prints, because of the male-female balance, because of the fits. A Van Noten has a (hi)story to tell. It's intellectual and quirky and -eventhough you might doubt it- it's above all timeless. The corsages and bold prints of exotic flowers are inbetween pretty and kitschie but it works so well when you look at the collection as a total. There are metallics, stripes, geometric illusion and dazzling glitter. If someone else did it, it would be tacky but Van Noten knows how to keep it wearable.

3) CHRISTOPHER KANE:

There a few designers I still follow season after season and Kane is one of them. I just feel like our aesthetics click. He's so brilliant, funny and just smart. With Kane you know a collection will be totally different than the one he did before. It feels like he's up to anything but one thing always remains: he's witty as hell. This collection sometimes feels like I'm watching a sculpture exhibition as Kane wants to mold his clothing in certain forms. It's excentric, yet it looks so comfortable for every day wear and I think that's Kane's strength.

4) CHRISTIAN DIOR:

So there was this huuuge criticism when Raf Simons took over Dior. He was too minimalist, too simple, too everyday to be the artistic director of one of the world's leading fashion brands, Dior. He had to prove himself during that first collection and so he did. Now the world has accepted he's fit for the job and looking at his last rtw-collection, I still agree. He knows how to keep the brand young and luxurious but also how to stay true to his own minimalist style. I just love the popping colours. Also in looove with the colourful cords on the waists (3rd picture), what a divine detail.

5) PAUL SMITH:

If I had the money, I'd probably wear nothing else but Paul Smith (and some occasional Van Noten) but I don't so I stay true to highstreet coppies. I love his paistly X baroque prints so much. I just feel like this was the only collection that was strong as a whole. Every piece is interchangeable and it feels as if everything fits with everything. Sir Paul Smith makes my boyish heart pound faster and stab my eyes out from sadness (cuz I'm a peasant).


PS. not sorry for the length of this blogpost since I felt like I had to make up for the lack of posting lately

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 there be a game without rules

By Neslihan
I feel like I'm becoming more consistent on this blog. As if I've reached my temporary destination. Notice how I consciously said 'temporary' as I don't believe a person can have ONE eternal style, unless your name is Anna Piaggi, Karl Lagerfeld or Rei Kawakubo. Unless you've become a cult figure. But I do believe one has a thing in his/her outfit that keeps on appearing. My thing for example is this sort of uncoordinated childishness, that laid-backness and tamed quirkiness. Lately I've been obsessing over a pair of sporty trainers (see previous post) and I discovered they really are versatile. You just have to think out of the box and experiment because the new casualness demands a dash of sportiness. And you choose how to fill that up; whether it's a pair of trainers or a T-shirt, anything goes. It creates this amazing clash between the chic and the sportiness. As if you're saying: "Hey, lighten up, it's only fashion." Just the way I like it.

And that easy laid-backness is exactly what I found in Ashish Gupta's S/S '13 collection. He translated lazy quirkiness into grey sweaters, sweat pants, white trainers, oversized withe shirts and lots of denim. But he also added some tule and glitters to make the totality look a little feminine. Maybe 'feminine' isn't the right word though, maybe I should've said 'girly' because the models remined me of rebellious school girls, you know the kind that leads a whole army of girls and smokes in front of the school gate . Her hair looks messy but she works it anyway. She's effortless, as the unbuttoned shirts are telling us, she's playful but above all she's a ruler.

Moschino Cheap and Chic's collection on the other hand had this childish naiveté with a sparkle of classiness. There were pineapple prints, bright pinks, shiny embellishment and sky high platforms but there was this kind of sporty balance, hence the trainers, the see-through tracksuit and the fishnet shirts. I love how the trainers break the elegance in the last outfit but also how they contribute to this classy, nerdy style. Can we also take a minute to admire that pineapple-shaped bag? This collection is very 'Lolita meets tomboy' but the emphasis lies on 'Lolita' of course. 

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.