When haute couture sparkles

It has been a while since I wrote a style post – or even longer a fashion post. So how best to pick it up than with Paris Fashion Week? From FROW, merci!

Don’t they say Paris is always a good idea? Turned out to be a great one got treated to a plethora of amazing shiny designs. 

In total, we covered about 10 shows in 2.5 days under mainly freezing in snow and, trust those 55k steps taken, hectic. But boy, would I do it again? Hell yeah!

I will start with what makes my heart flutter: whimsical sparkle. And there as a fest for my eyes!

Alin Le’Kal brought in wearable glamour to the catwalk with Reflective Elements. And reflect it did, as it shone its way past me.

So close I could (wanted, but didn’t) touch the fabulous creations, the heavily embroided evening gowns walked had in had with very party friendly versions.

These gold numbers are an example of the versatile core design translated into different styles and occasions.

The black numbers didn’t disappoint and again, seeing something I could wear straight away was a delight.

Also alluding to princess dreams, some of my favourite designs had a classic full skirt, and the mix of materials is just dreamy – crystals, feathers, beads.

The lines are sensual and feminine, and very relatable.

Regal. That is what Ziad Nakad‘s Orion collections says to me. I am not going to lie that every time a model came down the long staircase into the double runway, it did take my breath away.

The craftsmanship was almost palpable and the whole collection looked like a magical fairy tale, with flowy and extravagant styles.

Dazzling in pastels, champagnes, silvers and black, the collection did allude to vintage royal styles, heavy on stone work, Nakad created his own constellation that afternoon.

The above, my favourite, mainly for the combination on the ombre colours, neck line and the exquisite use of feathers and crystals, was a just breathtaking – I let out a huge gasp when it came in and when i went out.

Finally, not as amped up but also shining bright, La Metamorphose brough some classic (and classy) lines into their Eden Gardens collection.

Having a woman in bloom as its theme, the pastels and whites call for purity and light – in design and personality.

Again, vast skirts did take my fancy, and I was again taken aback by the prettiness of it all.

A huge thank you to all of the amazing people at MÉPHISTOPHÉLÈS Productions – Romain, you are a gem and everyone working at the shows made me fell so special!

Stay fashionable – I will soon be dropping more fabulous brands in!

Alin Le’Kal and La Metamorphose images by imagetree, prss release by Mephistopheles Productions.

written by Dani

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: stripes incoming!

It’s been so long since I actually published a style post, but I am hoping to get back into it. What better way of getting back into it than this little gem, shot in the beautiful Spencer House over London Fashion Week?

If you haven’t noticed (I am sure you have), stripes are going to be everywhere for spring/summer. It suits me fine as for me, they are always welcome. However, even though I like trends, I will only adopt what I like, twisting and tweaking to make them suit my personal style.

This is a super budget outfit that turned out to be quite fun, quirky and cute, which is just the kind of style I love!

This New Look cropped red wool jumper, currently on sale for £6 (a bargain!), comes in 7 colours and also looks amazing layered.

The sac, tie waist trousers, also from New Look, has a great fit for its shape and it seems to come quite large – this is a size 6, while I am usually a 10 for trousers. It costs a reasonable £19.99 and I feel it will be a staple on my spring wardrobe.

Boots are from H&M – another great bargain at £29.99, and the cute hearts from IPHORIA on the laces add extra cuteness to the ensemble and break up the rough edge of the boots.

And I was wearing my favourite clutches ever: Lulu Guiness lips, this time in black, which was the first one I got.

A couple of years ago I started building a solid handbag and shoe base. Since then, I haven’t wasted money on high volumes of cheaper shoes and bags.

I currently have 4 lips, in black, gold, red glitter and nude, to cover most outfits!

Finally, to top it off, you know I like making stuff, eh? I made this cute hair piece with a little gem encrusted whale keyring, also from New Look at £4.99 (now on sale for 2.99). I cut the keyring bit and added a little bow to the loop at the top of the happy whale’s head.

I then scrunched some net I had home, to channel a bit of SS18 Chanel, and all was duly hot glued onto half a fascinator hair comb. Suddenly my side ponytail is a load more fun just by sticking the hair piece to the base of it.

Makeup was simple: a long feline flick, a little bit of nude matte eyeshadow on the crease, and 3/4 lashes, a good measure of highlighter and a killer red – he almost electric Charlotte Tilbury Tell Laura on my lips!

You all know I love a monochrome with a splash of bright, so no wonder I like this outfit so much. I am very excited to have FINALLY posted a style piece – and that is comes ahead of the new season!

What are you looking forward to wearing when the weather is warmer?

And huge thank to Kat for shooting me pretty. Check her out on Insta!

written by Dani

We are better together: Carol Aquino for So Many Lovely Things

Wow. That’s how I am opening. I never thought I’d get someone other than my selfish and picky self to write on So Many Lovely Things.

The day, however, has come. Welcome Carol Aquino *all clap*.

Our paths crossed randomly a few years ago but just recently we realised we may have more in common than previously accounted for. Add to that the fact Carol, originally from Rio but a good old London soul like myself, has enviable credentials and boom.

In all honesty, I am over the moon (surprised and a bit incredulous, tbh) she agreed to become a collaborator on So Many Lovely Things. I cannot say enough how ecstatic I am to get a bit of her shimmering sea of knowledge, professionalism and fun over the blog.

Ms. Aquino brings extensive fashion, style and communications expertise, plus a ridiculous gift for seeing the future (she works in trend forecasting) to the little blog, to make up for some of my shortcomings, mainly in knowledge, but also in, erm… lazy assness time to create more posts.

The low-dow:

  • MA in Fashion Journalism (London College of Fashion)
  • Extensive experience on international trend forecasting (she worked for Stylus and trendwatching.com)
  • A background in economics, mainly providing poignant research for politics.
  • An undying love of glitter and dancing (hello! <3)

Some of you may have already seen her on my Instagram or at an event, so will not be surprised to see her face (and wise words) ’round here too.

Carol will be covering fashion, trends, style, lifestyle and to be honest, anything she wants, gracing us with her fabulous flair and that eye in the future!

Catch her on Instagram (@carolaquino), Twitter (@querouaquino) and of course, here real soon.

The Christmas jumper edition 2016

I’ve been a total bah-humbug this season; I love Christmas but many factors in my life this year somehow don’t make me feel like being suuuuuper festive.

Yeah, well done universe from stripping the Christmas spirit from one of the biggest Christmas lover.

Having said that, I cannot resist a good Xmas jumper, so here is my selection, just in time for the last leg of office parties and of course, Christmas jumper day, the 16th December.

primark-treePrimark always delivers on the Christmas jumper (and great price tag) front. Although there are many great ones (even a little santa/elf dress), I have to go for this little black jumper. With a Christmas tree. WHICH LIGHTS UP. £16.

topshopTopshop keeps it stylish with this pretty metallic star jumper which won’t look out of place after Christmas. £55.

missguidedI love a naughty jumper and Missguided always have one. This is £18.

The selection at Boohoo is fabulous – from naughty to nice and going through the quirky, I could not just pick one – so here is this adorable reindeer (£15), the loved up emoji (£12) and Festive AF (£15).

asos-kissA few cute ones over at ASOS, including pretty pastel plus size ones. My pick goes to the mistletoe (£18 on sale).

nextIf you are looking for classy Xmas jumpers, head to next; I picked this Christmas pudding (£26) one, which is just too adorable!

river-islandTalking about classy ones, how about this polar bear (£25) number from River Island in non-christmassy black grey and pink? So cute!

F&F for Tesco has jumpers for the whole family, and the prices are good too. My pick? This #Elfie (£14) that comes with a headband, pointy ears and all. Had to be done.

matalanLove? I’ll have my share in wine, thank you very much. Matalan (£15) said it!

peacocksThis Peacocks number is telling us exactly what we want to hear: calories don’t count at Christmas (£22). It is a long line jumper so can double up as a dress.

And conceal the bulge from the multiples Xmas meals and drinks. Just saying.

amazonI could not resist adding this pretty nerdy fox one from Whispering Smith & Bravesoul at Amazon (£18.50-20).

newlookAlso too cute too pass is this loved up reindeer jumper from New Look (14.99). Everyone: aaaaaw <3.

asdaFinally, George at Asda has come up with this sparkly fairy festive jumper (£12). So popular that is only available is larger sizes now, but I would probably buy and wear oversized!

Personally, although the options are very lovely, I think last year’s Christmas jumper game was stronger….

What about you? Found any Xmas jumper you love?

signature1

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: You shall go to the ball

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-5What’s better than a fabulous little black number for a ball? Well, not much really.

I was lucky enough to wear the stunning Peggy Hartanto Aegean dress in black, kindly lent to me by The Apartment at London Fashion Week.

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-1And yes, I went to the fabulous China Ball at the stunning Natural History Museum. I was honoured to be dancing with Dippy, the Diplodocus, which will be retired from the grand hall at the end of this year.

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-6This dress has very classic lines; a full A-line skirt with some modern twists, like the deep neckline and tied at the waist, for extra definition. The quality and finish are superb!

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-3The satin fabric is heavy and thick, making it fall perfectly but also nipping in to the right places for a structured, clean silhouette.

Peggy Hartanto is an Indonesian designer who studied fashion in Australia and her beautiful collections are indeed based on clean lines, bold colours and innovative use of fabrics and construction.

I accessorised it with my Lulu Guinness black lips clutch, Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies Python Mika, Christian Louboutin lipstick and plenty of gold accessories.

There was downside to wearing this gorgeous dress: I had to give it back the day after. Cry.

signature1

 

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: the wide-legged trousers

so-many-lovely-things-7-of-11Recently I became obsessed with these wide legged trousers. When I say recently, add around 6 months.

After years constricting ourselves into skinnies, my pins welcome the freedom and breeze of these babies.

so-many-lovely-things-6-of-11This particular pair is a fantastic cut for my body shape: high waisted, flowy and skimming the bum. It doesn’t pinch too much at the waist, just the right amount. Just flattering and perfect.

These Forever 21 bargain trousers are so versatile it’s not even funny – they do day, evening, flats, heels, summer and winter without any effort. I always feel elegant on them.

so-many-lovely-things-1-of-11Here, I paired them up with a netted (super) crop tee from Topshop, which add a bit of informality to the attire.

so-many-lovely-things-9-of-11These silver block heels are amazing. Also very versatile, a manageable heel height for every day and super comfortable leather from Kurt Geiger.

The shoes are a very easy way to add some metallics to the outfit without being too out there.

so-many-lovely-things-10-of-11Statement sunglasses were in order for this hot day in London – and Le Specs does it effortlessly, for a pocket friendly price.

so-many-lovely-things-5-of-11I wore a basic day makeup (escaped from the office to  do the shoot), red lips, plenty of rings and my Mulberry Lily bag.

And I had the best time with the wonderfully talented Sarah Bacchus, the photographer from 2Boxes Photography.

She made me feel so comfortable, was fabulous at directing and getting the best shots out of me.

so-many-lovely-things-3-of-11She was also very speedy, making the lunch break shoot a fun and smooth reality!

2Boxes does styling sessions, but also amazing photography of all types – wedding, children, events, fashion… name it and it will be done in a magical and professional matter.

My wide-legged trousers joy was captured brilliantly!

signature1

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: a, well, fashion affair

lfw-1

Photo by @JoinComb for The Apartment

It’s early, I’ve had little sleep, I’ve been so tired I refused champagne. Yes. That. It must be fashion week.

Honestly, I don’t even do that much for it and it is rather tiring. On my day 1 (actually day 2), I was lucky to watch Rohmir frow with Crabtree & Evelyn.

lfw-1

Photo by @JoinComb for The Apartment

They were an official Fashion Scout sponsor this season and created beautifully illustrated special edition packs of their fabulously classic hand creams to celebrate; I had a divine hand scrub and massage, which all Freemason’s Hall guests could have too!

Their #HandsOnFashion hashtag was all over!

Rohmir show was entitled my English Garden and, quite appropriately to Crabtree & Evelyn, had a its share of flowers! A pretty, flowy collection and very wearable. I could certainly do with some pieces.

I also visited the fabulous The Apartment, a space I am very lucky indeed to be invited to. The atmosphere is fantastic, Abi, the founder behind the concept is a joy to be around and she gets it beyond right every season.

lfw-2

Photo by @JoinCOmb for The Apartment

This season’s star had to be the concept room, full of pink balloons. In love.

I had my hair done – a small side plait and some waves and a photo shoot with the amazing guys from Comb. As I mentioned, The Apartment has some fabulous partnerships every season!

I decided to go a bit girly-goth on Saturday. Cats seem to be a recurring LFW theme for me – this season it manifested itself with a Karl Lagerfeld tee, with Choupette illustrated by Tiffany Cooper.

lfw-6

Photo by @JoinComb for The Apartment

Add my little Karl phone cover to it, a dinky cat necklace from Forever 21 and voilá: a theme is re-born.

I also threw my Karl Lagerfeld for Riachuelo jacket in for good measure (it’s London after all).

lfw-5This magnificently full voile skirt, bought from Amazon, was Primed over in 24h for a ridiculous £8.95.

Little dotty socks (I freaking love little socks) are from Primark, these chunky sandals from New Look have been with me forever, handbag is my beloved Chanel, of course, which completed its first birthday with me.

lfw-4

Photo by @JoinComb for The Apartment

Nails were painted grey with Essie Now and Zen, lipstick is the fabulous Di La LA from MDMflow, a cleaner eye with fierce eyeliner and the pretty Eylure Rosie Bea Kitsch lashes.

I loved this look so much! And it worked with flats too, to run around, although I was lucky enough to be ferried around in style (and comfort) by Hyundai – another great Apartment partnership!

I also visited the Pandora lounge and they had Mii makeup, Nails Inc Paint Can nails and the most amazing Pandora treats vending machine!

Lookfantastic also has a fab lounge; when I went, I had a makeup refresh and a fab lip done by Lord & Berry and I also popped to the Perrier Jouët L’Eden in London, which is a gorgeous lounge and bio-responsive garden by Bompas and Parr, part of the London Design Festival (well worth checking their activities this week).

Perrier Jouet L'Eden

I mean, anywhere you can pick your pretty flute from a tree, I am totally in. Glam and gorgeous!

And that was just Saturday…

signature1

 

 

 

Looking ahead: AW16, anyone?

dani's little book of fashion shoes - somanylovelythings.com

Oh, yeah, gimme red!

As Alanis Morissette would say: Isn’t it ironic? The weather is only just warming up (use that with caution) in almost mid-August but my ever wandering eyes cannot stop ogling over AW16.

I may even have bought a couple pieces… and GOSH kicked out the vibe providing me with amazing makeup for the season… So what do I have my eyes on?

Well… read on…

Cherry, vibrant red, I am looking at you. Yes. Not that I stopped wearing you, as you are my classic fave colour… but you are so in. Updated the sober autumnal look with that cherry pop.

Another colour you’re gonna have lots of for the season is pink. I don’t need to say how much I love that.

Sandals. Yes, sandals. I have just fallen in blind love with pop socks and it looks like they will stay with me with my winter sandals.

For the more conservative ones, pick less delicate sandals with block heels, and a counter. But those strappy ones you abused of in the summer are also in.

Socks, tights or both. Gucci AW16 lis the inspiration. Learn.

Matchy match bags and shoes was huge in the late nineties/early noughties. Well, it’s back. Live with it. My OCD thanks you, AW16.

Still on shoes, boots. Of course boots, for winter. Doh-oooh. But I am talking kinky books. Detailed, over the knee, tied-up, high-heeled statement boots.

vb-woolbustier

I’ll take the cut-out, thank you.

British heritage fabrics. Now, I find them hard t wear, being from Brazil and all… but with the re-vamped silhouettes this season, I think things will be easier. VB bustier anyone? Thanks.

slip-dress

Probably around 5 of those in my wardrobe right now…

The slip dress doesn’t seem to be going anywhere… especially when the silks are back with a revenge. Suits me right: slip dresses are easy to wear and dead comfortable.

08 Jan 2001, Los Angeles, California, USA --- Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, arriving at the 28th annual American Music Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium. --- Image by © Frank Trapper/Corbis

Hold on….Not going *that* far…

And while we are at the 90s, let’s talk about denim: I’ve been dodging it; bought a pair of jeans here, a shirt there…. but it’s already everywhere.

I am not going to discard the possibility of pulling a Justin and Britney. Ok, I will NEVER touch it *cringe*.

As we are talking denim, let’s not forget embroidery and badges. Huge. Still. Get sticking!

mcqueen-coat

DREAM COAT ALERT!

Talk about coats for AW is a bit silly. Of course there will be coats. Think trenches, capes, puffas… the usual suspects. But also pretty (embroided, hello!), shiny… Love.

Oh, and don’t forget the military.

I talked about this Alexander McQueen coat before. God, it’s dreamy.

velvet

Growing on me this velvet business…

Finally, velvet. I am torn when it comes to velvet: the texture is undeniably delicious, but it is quite unforgivable on the bumps.

Still, the opulence is undeniable. I think I like the vampy vibe. Might start slow, with a little crop or something. In black or navy. For now.

Like the bling? Well… spread the family jewels around. Hair, face jewellery, shoes, handbags… aplenty!

jewels

Crown me… crown me!

Embellishments are huge for AW16 – jewels, embroidery, badges, as already mentioned, but sequins, stones, crystals… Sometimes altogether. GO big or go home never made more sense.

What have you got an eye on for the new season (and I am hoping it takes a little while to arrive, honestly!)

signature1

 

Making shopping easier

octer (4 of 11)Imagine finding everything you need to buy in one place – think shops, designers, fashion, home… From high street to high end.

Octer does just that. And a bit more. It actually compares different retailers so you can find the right colour, size and price.

And what’s more, you complete your transaction with the retailer itself, so you’re safe.

You can browse by category or store and you can see similar products to your selection – you never know when you’re gonna find a very similar item which is a bargain!

octer (5 of 11)

I was set on a wrap skirt for my holidays and after using the search to find them, I fell in love with this beautiful flowery one from New Look.

As I am already registered with New Look, the last part of my transaction was quick and smooth and I got it delivered at my local store, within the shop’s usual delivery conditions.

I teamed it up with this pretty peach frilly, off the should Forever 21 top, even though I bought the top to match the skirt too, and nude wedges I bought in Brazil a while ago.

While browsing, I was taken aback with the amount of products available; to make your life easier, you can browse by style once you’re in a category and styles are also split so you can browse bodycon dresses only!

A suggestion: maybe it would be nice to filter by brand too. But there is always the search box!

octer (10 of 11)You can then filter by price, store and choose to see sale items only!

But beware: the sheer volume of information in the site, which is amazing, can be a bit overwhelming at times.

I have to say, I was quite impressed to see Louboutins next to Linzi?! Octer does have something for everyone!

Go on and have a browse at Octer. Ah, you can also download the app!

signature1

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Walking into the spring with metallic shoes

Shoes are loved here in any finish: box leather, patent, snake, cow, goat, croc… but there is something indulgent about metallics that just keeps ticking the right boxes for me.

Luckily this season, a metallic pair is a great update to any outfit. Paris SS16 catwalks cemented the trend for this season and now it’s high time to shine, from our feet up.

Here are my picks:

Silver and fun, with its winkey eye, it’s ASOS Posey. I love classic court shoes, but when they come with a twist… oooh…. How pretty is this?

asos-posey

On trend, tie-up, ASOS Lordship, in pretty rose gold. So delicate! asos-lordship

Topshop Juliette retro pumps with block heels are also very on trend. A staple!

topshop-juliette

I can’t even tell how much Topshop Coconut tickles my fancy! Slingback, squarish rounded toes and a very warm gold. And oh yeah, this season’s sweetheart, he block heel in a super comfy height!

 

topshop-coconut

ASOS moral brogues are fun in blue and made for walking.

asos-moral

Dune gives the classic court Azzra that metallic twist: can’t decide between gold, silver or rose gold? No problems, you can have it all!

dune-azzra

All stars, no stripes. It’s the super quirky bootie from ASOS, Radio

asos-radio

 

Pewter in this strappy, feminine and lovely Office number, Anchor.

office-anchor

Nine West Tarragon is another classic shape in a muted gold, a discreet way of adding some shine to a going out number.

ninewest-tarragon

Pretty caged sandals with a very manageable heel: ASOS Skyline.

asos-skyline

For trainers lovers, a very affordable number from H&M.

hm-trainers

Kurt Geiger Dolly’s comes with pretty ankle straps, block heels and a croc finish.

kurtgeiger-dolly

Miss KG Audrina is a flat dream Mary Jane with pointy toes.

misskg-audrina

These Next slingbacks are lovely and super in for spring in rose gold.

next-slingbacks

Devious, these flatform brogues from Office ticks many boxes for me. Love the metallic and cork contrast.

office-devious

Another classic retro with block heels: Mia, from Office.

office-mia

Boyish with a block heel, Topshop’s Jean adds metallic to an outfit in more restrained way.

topshop-jean

And trust me, there are many more out there, waiting to be snapped. And let me tell you a secret: loads on sale!

What’s your favourite?

signature1