Passion for fashion: 5 looks under £200

A few days ago I heard about Passion for Fashion competition hosted by moneysupermarket and since then I spent hours and hours every evening putting together five looks each costing less than £200 in total.

When I was picking items for each look my main rule was combining the high-end pieces found on sales with high-street items that would complete the look without costing a fortune. This simple trick has always worked for me because, for some reason, a clever mix somehow made less expensive choices look more designer’y. Of course, treasure hunt would often take a bit longer, but fashion challenges are always so exciting to complete!

The results are below – please let me know what you think.

The office look began with the dress. I loved the shape so much that it clicked as a must-have. I then added a bit of energy with touches of oxblood by pairing the dress with a beautiful waterfall jacket and statement ring. The shoes were a sale’s find – you’ve got to have the right shoe to feel confident and beautiful.

Where to buy: Striped knitted wrap jacket by Warehouse (£80), Dogstooth printed dress by Dorothy Perkins (SALE! £22 was £38), Patent lock bag by Oasis (SALE! £20 was £38), Attack black leather pumps by Carvela at Kurt Geiger (SALE! £49 was £120), nude Class tights by Levante (£6.00), textured faux stone statement ring in Cherry/Gold by Forever 21 (£3.90), lipstick Made for Me in Natural by L’Oreal (£8.19)

The first date for a real modern princess who likes living on a budget. I’ve already shared my thoughts about dressing up for dates, but in case you’d rather not to read several posts, the brief is that you’ve got to look feminine, feel comfortable and, seriously, forget about jeans and trousers and wear a dress AND colour. I know we all believe in a power of LBD, but men do have an ability to appreciate beautiful colours and first date gives you a perfect opportunity to stand out and really really capture his attention (mind and heart).

The dress was chosen for its comfortable fit but very sensual look (nobody can resist silk). Then I topped it up with a classic blazer to keep my princess warm. The lace booties compliment lace details of the dress and the nail polish is to be used for your tootsies, so there’s a little touch of colour in those peep-toes.

The clutch, floral bracelet and fruity perfumes add a very romantic touch.

Where to buy: classic blazer by Mango (£34.99), floral applique silk dress by Vanessa Bruno Athe at theoutnet (SALE! £63.00 was £180), lace ankle boots  by Forever 21 (£27.75), all over pansy & lace envelope clutch by Accessorize (£32.00), flower finger cuff bracelet by Miso at Promod (£7.00), nail varnish in Shiny red by OPI (£11.00), lipstick Made for Me in Natural by L’Oreal (£8.19), perfume VIP for Women by Bjan at Cheapsmells (£11.95 was £30.70)

Oh, the good old outdoors! Perfect time to wear a bit of merino, the sweetest gloves and wrap yourself up in an adorable duffle coat. The bag and boots are found on sale.

Where to buy: Extra fine merino round neck sweater in off white by Uniqlo (£19.90), skinny jeans by H&M (£19.99), navy bonded duffle coat by Miss Selfridge (£65.00), colourblocked crochet scarf by Forever 21 (£8.90), Fox fingerless gloves by Forever 21 (£4.90), leather & canvas bucket bag by La Redoute (SALE! £22 was £55), Special white ankle boots by Carvela at Kurt Geiger (SALE! £59.00 was £160)

For a casual outfit I thought of a young Parisienne who loves classic Breton stripes, red lipstick and Isabel Marant. Since authentic Marant would never fit into £200, I just shopped around a little bit.

Where to buy: Breton striped top by Jaeger at House of Fraser (SALE! £48 was £80), skinny jeans by H&M (£19.99), herringbone coat by Mango (£39.00), Lock tote bag by Oasis (£40), dark red wedge high tops shoes by River Island (£40.00), iridescent heart charm bracelet in gold by Forever 21 (£3.15), Colour Riche Lipstick in True Red by L’Oreal (£8.69)

And now we are off to a party! Another Vanessa Bruno Athe dress that just begged me to be picked! Next stop was Zara where I spotted gorgeous ankle booties. The duo reminded me of Dolce&Gabbana baroque collection for Autumn/Winter 2012-13, so I did a little bit of browsing and returned, happy and pleased, with a pair of most perfect earrings, simple suede clutch and some neutral, but straight to the point, make-up. The hair would have to be up to open up the shoulders and show off the earrings – it’s so very sensual and playful.

Where to buy: Love & Beauty Essential Mascara (SALE! £1.99 was £3.15) + High Shine Lip Gloss (£1.65) by Forever 21 (£2.64), Strapless grosgrain satin dress by Vanessa Bruno Athe at theoutnet(SALE! £87.50 was £250), studded ankle boots by Zara (£89.99), Cut out teadrop earrings by Forever 21 (£5.65), Leather quilted & studded purse by ASOS (SALE! £12.00 was £15.00)

I must admit, I haven’t had this much fun for a long time. Playing with outfits reminded me how much I enjoy creating fantasies of my own, so I have a feeling I am going to make it a frequent feature on the blog from now on.

Photo source (main): Elle Russia November 2010

Victoria Beckham look for less

As I’ve admitted before, Victoria Beckham’s Autumn/Winter 2012-13 ready-to-wear collection was one of my favourite. The silhouettes and colours really hit all the right notes in me. The only tiny teeny problem was a four-digit number on a price tag attached to every dress, so I had to do a bit of browsing to come up with my own outfit for less. Here’s the final version made entirely of the high street clothes and accessories. I chose a tote-style bag for practical reasons – you can wear it on your shoulder or fold in half and carry in your hand with a chain wrapped around the wrist like an accessory of its own. I added the aviators because Victoria loves her sunglasses and so do I and those shades seemed appropriate for this outfit. The only luxury item is an YSL lipstick because it’s just too irresistible. What do you think?

Click to shop: Dress by Mango (£22.99), double-buckle leather belt by Jaeger (£30), wool cable-knit socks at ASOS (£6.00), Bailly ankle boots by Reiss (£195), aviator sunglasses by Oasis (£8.00), lipstick YSL Rouge Volupte #201 Red Muse at Sephora and Harrods (£23.50), snakeskin print tote bag by River Island (£40)

Photo source: elle.com

Outfit inspiration: Caroline Sieber

As I am almost giving up  on having a real summer, the idea of an outfit that looks both cosy-comfortable and chic becomes a hot topic.

I really can’t do summer clothes in cold weather. I am not prepared to bare it all just because the sun is shining occasionally – I like it when my feet are warm and I adore pumps and knitwear.

This look allows me to feel like myself, play with the summer dresses that are, sadly, spending more time in a wardrobe these days, and avoid wearing trousers and a trench – really, as much as I love a good trench coat, wearing it every day of summer when any type of coat feels odd, can become a bit depressing.

Photo source: elle.com

Outfit inspiration: Paris fashion week

With a slight delay here I give you my Paris Fashion Week inspired outfit. This time I decided to go for nudes and greys with a touch of perfect rich red courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent. The Rick Owens jacket was the last minute choice to shield my imaginary fashionista from the elements as the weather became colder and rainy. The idea is to wear it casually, unzipped or wrapped around in a manner of a scarf – a wonderful thing about Rick Owens clothes is that you can wear them in so many different ways.

Another note will be about the perfume. I know there are many beautiful fragrances, but personally Serge Lutens is my number one whenever I think of a French perfume. His Feminitè du Bois is so quintessentially Parisian and will definitely suit this particular look.

Lambs leather jacket by Rick Owens, leather & linen blend dress by Chloe (currently 70% off), lock tote by Rochas, Isabella sunglasses by Nina Ricci, Tribtoo platform pumps by Yves Saint Laurent, gold-plated cuff bracelet by Philippe Audibert, Future Skin foundation by Chanteccaille, perfume Feminitè du Bois by Serge Lutens, Nail polish by Chanel, lipstick Rouge Volupte by Yves Saint Laurent

Photo source: Chanel Ready to Wear 2011 via Voulue Boutique

Outfit inspiration: Milan fashion week

Outfit number 3 to celebrate one of my favourite fashion weeks. I know I am a day late as Milan fashion week officially started yesterday, but I am a creature of habits and Wednesday is a Stylish quote day, so the outfit had to wait.

On the other hand they say best things happen to those who wait, so I really hope that you will like my Milan-inspired look.

It all began with an Etro jacket that had amazing details and I wanted the outfit to reflect some of the most beautiful elements of the garment.

I picked the light blue dress because Italians are very much about femininity and sensuality and a combination of powdery colour, silk, elegant ruched details of the back (you can see it if you follow the link below) and delicate pattern of the skirt were absolutely perfect. Then I thought of the shoe option and my mind went back to this very Dolce&Gabbana pair made of macramé lace – sort of the same pattern as the front panels of the coat.

The rest was easy. A statement ring for a bit of diamond sparkle and beautiful Murano glass necklace, delicate enough not to overpower the dress, but to add the tiny accents with the ice-like beads circled in gold and tangerine strokes of melted glass.

And of course, a bag that’s big enough to carry all the necessities, but beautifully shaped and compact, and a pair of sunglasses for you cannot be in Milan and not wear any.

Patchwork jacket by Etro, ruched and crochet-knit dress by Missoni, Flume Murano glass chocker necklace by Antica Murina, Rita 2 sunglasses by MaxMara, Chioccia ring by Galante Visconti, Macramé Lace Ankle Boots by Dolce&Gabbana, Silvana bag by Fendi, perfume Bottega Veneta by Bottega Veneta

Outfit inspiration: London fashion week

Moving swiftly to London now and celebrating the start of the fashion week with a new outfit. Unlike the previous one, this look is a mix of high street and high end designers because that’s very British to me. “The local” high street is known for beautiful pieces and accessories, so it would be a shame not to use any.

On a P.S. kind of note. A couple of days ago yours truly bumped into a group of models rushing to their castings. Frankly, have never seen so many gorgeous girls at once. How designers manage to choose just a few? It’s seems like a very difficult task.

Felt-panelled wool dress & woven wool coat, both by Nicole Farhi, beaded bib necklace by Jaeger, Aviator Beatty platform sandals by Burberry London, Romeo quilted chain shoulder bag by Reiss, Fleur Oriental EDP by Miller Harris, lipstick in Sonnet by Illamasqua, nail varnish in La Moss by Butter London.

Photo source: lightstalkers.org

Outfit inspiration: NY fashion week

Unfortunately for the excited lil’ me, I am not one of those people who get to attend fashion weeks. Nevertheless the excitement is there and I want to celebrate the start of each one with an outfit.

Today lets overdose on all-American New York fashion worthy ensemble created by yours truly with clothes, accessories and beauty products from some the most influential US designers and companies.

I so wish I could wear it right now…

Mohair-blend coat, Tibi, dress, Proenza Schouler, shearling sandals, Halston, bag, Reed Krakoff, sunglasses, Ray Ban, cuff, F21, lipstick, Estee Lauder, perfume, Tocca.

Photo source: time.com

Outfit du jour: Miu Miu and chocolate flowers

Saturday was pretty uneventful. We had to stay at home and look after little Oscar who had a bit of trouble with his paw and couldn’t go outside for a proper doggy walk. Once the pupster was content, we headed off to the garden and played with the camera a little bit. 

This is one of my casual summer outfits that I really like. The Armand Basi silk blouse is very versatile and works nicely with jeans as a floaty top or can be tuck into pencil skirts for smart outfits. Diesel jeans are my favourite – I fell in love with Diesel a few years ago because they work well with curves and are super comfortable. The Miu Miu shoes were a lucky find back in 2008. I think the heel is absolutely gorgeous and the carved flowers remind me of the chocolate Cosmos. These flowers smell of chocolate! How amazing is that? They also have the most beautiful dark velvet petals that I can stare at forever.

Photo source: personal

Seaside Rendezvous… So adorable…

Borrowed the line from Queen’s song. Had to as it was so perfect… Summer day spent on a seaside dancing and melting in the sun, playing with the waves and totally releasing the inner child in me.

Wore DVF dress and Castaner wedges, which, shocked by the lack of weightlessness in me, sank into the rocky surface. The bag from Phase Eight that I bought about 8 years ago and recently found at the back of my wardrobe seemed to go nicely with the shoes and the La Redoute hat. Oh, yes, the sunglasses are from Topshop.

Photo source: personal

Outfit inspiration: Diane von Furstenberg

The idea of this outfit came from a picture of 20-year old Diane when she was studying in University of Geneva. It was the time when she got introduced to a jet set lifestyle where everyone was “effortlessly beautiful and rich”. The photo, the pose and the outfit, I felt, really reflected this classy and chic luxury. I found it very exciting to try and recreate the look by using modern pieces with a timeless feel to them. I decided to replace what looks like a jumpsuit with a dress because most women would probably find it easier to wear and introduced a tote bag and a pair of glamorous vintage style sunglasses to complete the look. I hope you like the result.

Shopping list: Dress, Mango Blouson Paraiso / Scarf, LemLem / Sunglasses, Linda Farrow Luxe / Earrings, Astley Clarke / Watch, Venom Roberto Cavalli / Rings, both Emotions Folli Follie / Sandals, MaxMara / Linen tote bag, Mango

Photo source: Diane: A Signature Life by Diane von Furstenberg