Hermione was always my favorite character in Harry Potter, the fact that she was a hero because of her intelligence and logical reasoning was what made me always pay more attention to her. I remember that the summer I read the first 3 books I wanted to be like her so bad that I started reading my school’s textbooks before classes started. That did not last long because I got too tired too fast to study that hard and well, let’s just say I was never the all As student. Harry Potter days are long over (I’m a recovering Potterhead), and Emma Watson somehow managed to almost detach herself from her 10 year old character.

She is known for being a well rounded and serious person, a very rare thing for a child star. Her style started developing over the years, Instyle has one of those transformation-over-the-years-photo-series, it’s so cute to see her during the early years. Right now she takes a lot of fashion risks, starting with her pixie cut which I was not a fan of but it did help to differentiate herself from Hermione. Her wardrobe can go from couture dresses to print t-shirts and jeans, she is very versatile.

The dress she wore for the People’s Choice awards (first picture) was tasteful, appropriate for the event, sexy and edgy (just about the perfect combo). It seems like she always gets it right, with some exceptions because no one is perfect. Ever since she got the Esteé Lauder contract she climbed the fashion ladder, though she is not one of those super exposed celebrities. I see a very bright future for her as a serious actress, though for some reason I want her to be something more since she is getting such a good education.

Photo credit: 1, 2, 3, 4

It’s summer in the southern hemisphere, while North America, Europe, and most of Asia are freezing cold, we get to enjoy the most fun season of all. But there are those few corners of the earth where summer never ends. I live in a city called Guayaquil, cold temperatures do not even exist here.

There is a pro and con to that as usual; I can’t even bear with winter, but we wear the same type of clothes all year round. We never get to wear boots, cute coats or scarves. It is hard sometimes to shop for clothes because while I may want cute and colorful summer clothes, my favorite stores only have dark colors and thick fabrics.

Browsing around the web I found this store in Amsterdam called Scotch & Soda that has a very summery vibe, this is the laid back style that I want for my beach wardrobe: a bit tribal and indie. Another discovery are these bags by african designers Lalesso x Pichulik, which I basically want to buy every single item of their store, the collection is called “The Promise of Summer” which is perfect because I live that promise all year round. The best part of these two stores is that they offer free shipping world wide (wait what?). Yup.

I have always been interested in Russian culture, I don’t know if it’s because of ballet or because I love “czar era” inspired romantic novels. That country has such an interesting history, they have never had it easy and have had drastic changes as the only pattern. I actually never stopped to think about it, but not so very long ago Russia was a country completely isolated from fashion. Perestroika came and when they were free, people started buying very flashy clothes and ostentatious furs with very tight fit, I guess that was their way to finally rebel against the monotonous dark colors that were the only thing they were aloud to wear. Fashion as always evolved and fashionistas and fashion designers are emerging with new trends getting as far away as they can from stereotypes.

I spotted Miroslava Duma (thanks to my sister), and quicky found a never ending set of street style photography that featured her. She could have her own fashion style blog and wouldn’t even have to bother finding a photographer. She did however start a magazine style blog called Buro 24/7 that is written in russian, but is projected to also have an english version along with other languages as well. Socialite, freelance writer, former Russian Harper’s Bazaar editor, founder of a fashion news blogazine, this girl is living the dream! The part about her that probably impresses me the most is that lived through the soviet times and remembers thinking as a little girl about how unfair it was to not be able to dress pretty. She has an eye for fashion and she pulls of outfits like no one, people could try to copy her but I don’t think they would ever look like her. Her looks are very high fashion, with strong structure and shape, and mostly she is a risk taker.

Photo credit: Getty Layout: thehibou

This year as you may know from a previous post, I have been transitioning into a new style. It seems to me that as each year goes by there are more and more trends, and old ones don’t seem to pass that quickly, so that leaves us with tons of styles to choose from. One thing that I am very set on, is that besides looking good and put together, I also want to look different. I hate it when one trend gets super popular and all of a sudden everyone looks like they are wearing a uniform. Here in Ecuador that happens too much, I think people are afraid to try new and different trends and that leads to them just going for the safe path. I don’t think of myself as a trend setter or anything like it, but I do pride myself on trying new things.

There are 5 trends that have caught my eye this year:

1. Peter Pan collar: I have no idea why it’s called Peter Pan, since the boy who never wanted to grow never wore anything like it, but I love how adorable and sweet it looks. There are tons of variations, and there are also necklaces that simulate the collar. The only thing that I do not agree with this trend is when they wear the necklace with a shirt that has cleavage.

2. Pastel color block: We were introduced to color block probably by gossip girl and the trend is still very much alive since then. Colorful outfits give life to clothes, I don’t understand why during winter everything is black, brown, beige and white, its enough that the weather is terrible don’t depress me also with the clothes. Pastel color block is a sweeter version, it still plays with pairing colors but it doesn’t scream like a fucsia with electric blue outfit would.

3. Peplum: This is a completely new shape that may or may not flatter everyone, depending on their body shape. Looking at many peplum outfits I have reached to the conclusion that it looks better when it is done in a top rather than in skirts or dresses. It looks sophisticated and it doesn’t make your hips look as wide as it does when its in the bottoms.

4. Crop tops: Very tricky look to pull of, you are a centimeter away from looking trashy but if you do pull it off it looks amazing. In my opinion, in order to pull it off you have to wear high waisted skirts, shorts or pants,  you shouldn’t show your belly bottom. You show just a little hint and it will look flirty but keeping it classy. I think it looks best with maxi skirts and long sleeves.

5. Chevron oversized: Ok, people might start to get tired of chevron anything because it is everywhere, I know. But the print is so geometric and interesting that it is here to stay. It is perfect for color blocking specially when the lines are very big and bold. At the same time it is a print that is easy to match with almost anything, including other prints and it will always be a statement piece.

My shopping list is ready but I am going to have to wait for spring because the absence of color in every store I look is killing me, besides we are nowhere near a winter and we will never be. Forever Summer ;).

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I’m a sucker for anything that has to do with ballet, I guess it has to do with the fact that I grew up with it. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I used to dance for a while. My mom was also a dancer, though at the same time she did track and played volley; she’s always been sporty, quality that neither my sister or me inherited (my brother did enough sports for the both of us). The main reason that ballet was always something I looked up to is because my older sister was and still is very passionate about it, so much as to dedicate her life to it by teaching it. I on the other hand wasn’t very consistent (shocker), I danced when I was 3 until I was 8 i think, and then started again when I was 11 or 12, then I quit and when my sister opened up her academy I got back at it again when I was 14 until I was 17. The worst part was that I was actually kind of good, I wish I could tell my 8 year old self to suck it up and keep on doing it, who knows I could be doing pretty neat stuff by now. I did however have a little defect on my knees that makes my leg look slightly bent even though it is stretched straight, that was what finally made me quit when I was 17, I saw a video of me dancing a solo and I just realized I was never going to be the perfect ballerina nor was I that passionate about being one. One might say that is when the quest to find that passion started. Still I never stopped loving it, you can still catch me sometimes watching ballet videos on youtube praising good pointes and hiperextensive legs, if I get the chance to see a good ballet company perform I will be there and of course I always watch my sister’s academy’s recitals.

Ballerinas have always been considered elegant and a little bit mystical (the body is not made to bend or move like that), creatives have often seeked for inspiration in ballet. This photoshoot for shopruche.com is one of those examples, but I particularly liked it because I feel like in someway it tells my story. There is this girl (the model) who is surrounded by ballerinas who are able to do amazing things. She tries to also learn to do what they do but she just can’t get up to their level, but in the end even though she leaves, ballet still follows her and is a part of her. I did not include the pictures of her attempt at ballet because the poor model clearly has never been on first position in her life and it was a bit painful to watch, but at least the story is there. The pictures that work the best are the ones that she contrasts against the ballerinas, not the ones that she is trying to be like them. I have seen many other fashion/editorial shoots that incorporate ballet, but they sometimes tend to get stiff like the recent one from Vogue Russia. This shoot is about a ballet teacher, the little students are beyond perfect (russian of course), but the model fails in her attempt to be part of the scene its almost as she is just in any regular shoot and the rest is a background. There is one picture where she holds a girl and it looks like when a guy grabs a baby and has no idea what to do. I still do appreciate the use of ballet for fashion, I just wish that the models would be actual ballerinas so that they don’t ruin the beauty with very badly done poses.

;

Photo shoot by: Stephanie Williams for shopruche.com

Changing your style is sort of a rite of passage, there comes a time when you see yourself differently, you start thinking differently and you want to portray yourself to the world differently. The clothes you wear say a lot about you as a person, some say that doesn’t matter, but haven’t they heard “dress for the job you want not for the job you have”? I have to admit I have fallen sloppy on that end, my day job requires me to use a uniform, and the lack of “emotion” to plan an outfit has also made me fall out on the beauty side. At the same time I want to shake things up and change my style, I have changed a lot over the course of these two years. I have been looking for some inspiration, and while I look for clothes I want to buy online, I find myself leaning to collared blouses, pastel colors, vintage patterns and mainly easy looking outfits. I like loose fitting clothes that at the same time are flattering, feeling comfortable has become very important for me. As a freelance designer (in the almost none existent time I have after my day job and classes), I have to portray myself as a person with good taste in design but at the same time as a serious business person. It can be a challenge to mix these two aspects but I think that this trends might hit it on the nail, now where to find it?

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3 & 4 (I found on pinterest and were not sourced right)

Photo Credit, post designed by the little hibou

Fashion week’s main event is the runway, designers all over the world present their new collections for the world to see, but the indirect show going on in the streets is a probably more interesting one to watch. The people that come watch the runway shows are always bringing their A game when it comes to the outfit they wear, and we are talking about the real fashionistas of the world. During that week the streets of New York transform into another runway filled with stylists, bloggers, fashion editors, publicists, etc. These are the people who make a living out of knowing how to pull of the trends and to know how to combine bits and pieces from every designer to put together the best outfits they can think of.

From what we can see in these snapshots, bright and bold colors are still very in, and of course accompanied by daring prints. I notice that the “doctor handbag” is very popular, and that the logo covered fabric is not (finally). I personally love the bare back trend, one of this fashionistas took it to the next level with a bow twist on the back, and I’ve got to say I am dying to have a shirt or dress that has that back. Accessories have to be statement pieces and some of them have forgotten the “less is more” rule, but I guess there are no strict rules defined when you want to set a trend as long as you pull it of as nicely as this experts do.

What do you think about the street style seen on fashion week? Do you think its jaw dropping, or too over the top sometimes? I love to hear from you, get excited with some comments!

Post designed by the little hibou

Everybody has a never ending wish list and dozens of online carts filled. I am definitely guilty of that, but I’m going to share with you guys some of the little things I found out there that are simply to die for.

1. Vintage Polaroid Camera, I always wanted one of those when I was little, I thought it was so cool to get the picture instantly. Of course, now with digital cameras we can have that, but this still makes me feel nostalgic. That’s probably why I’m so into lomography lately.

2. My Even More Wonderful World of Fashion, in a way the sequel to My Wonderful World of Fashion. Amazing illustrations by Nina Chakkrabartti and the fun of a coloring book.

3. Peas Pass the Salt and Pepper Shakers, this is just too cute to be true. I rest my case.

4. Bulky Balls, one of my friends had this and I spent hours playing and making forms. They are magnetic little balls that attach to each other .

5. Alphabet Stamp Set, very vintage looking and pretty. I have to admit it is not a very practical thing, but it will make amazing details for scrapbooking or for personal letters.

6. Candence Boots, ok so I know they just look like regular boots, but I tried them on at the store and they make my legs look very nice. Plus, this is a definite guilty pleasure. I love boots but I can’t wear them because I live in year-round hot weather.

7. Beach Blanket Bingo Two Piece, come on, you can’t say no to this one. It reminds me of “The Notebook” for some reason. And the bottom is very in right now for shorts (hot pants?) but there is no way I would wear shorts that short, although as a bikini it seems to work pretty nicely.

8.  Kindness Matters Soap Set, oh you know how much I love little owls and these are fully detailed and come in a very cute and colorful dish.

9. & 10. You are a natural life Pillow, and Live Love Pillow. If you saw my bedroom, you would know that I’m a sucker for pillows. My bed has at least 12 pillows, and then there are some more lying on the floor (I swear it does not look over the top).

11. Fortune Cookie coin purse, I don’t even know how no one thought about this before its genius.

Photo by style.com, post design by the little hibou

If you want to take your personal style to the next level, you should be looking for inspiration on the runway. Even though most of us can’t get even close to being able to afford high fashion designers, we can still take note on their ideas and apply them on our budget. When watching a fashion show, you should pay attention at the elements that make the collection unique, and the trends that it is either creating.

Let’s take Jason Wu’s show for spring 2012: It is a very colorful collection, and it incorporates strong prints. We can see he used sheer blouses and middle length skirts that are longer on the back. The main trend that pops out is the retro mod that is very characteristic of Jason Wu. It also uses high waist cuts in skirts and shorts. If you want to see the entire collection go here.

Dress like Jason Wu for way less with this lovely pieces:

Get them here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

By the way, don’t forget that Jason Wu for Target hits stores on February 2012. Mark you calendars!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

We met her as Summer Roberts on The OC, but since then she became known as the fashion junkie. She is one of the best put together girls on Hollywood, even on street shots of everyday life, no one can ever catch Rachel Bilson looking sloppy. She knows exactly how to favor her figure and how to look effortless but super trendy at the same time. Her style goes along the lines of boho chic, with a bit of vintage, never afraid to try on new trends as long as they look good on her petite frame. I don’t know what she does but she never seems to look as short as she actually is, when she appeared on project runway she said she was about 5’2”, but as you can see in the pictures below, she looks tall and with a great presence. We haven’t seen her much lately as an actress, probably because she got involved more in the fashion industry. She collaborated with DKNY jeans, to create a line called Edie Rose, which was affordable for average women. As for present projects, she is now starting in the new CW series called “Hart of Dixie” which is Everwood meets Gilmore Girls. I saw the first episodes and it seems promising, it has a lot of that small town charm. Probably what I like the most about the series, is that they incorporated her style into the character. What I don’t get, is that she is supposed to be this cold hearted surgeon who has to spend a year doing general practice because she treats patients like puzzles. But she has too much of a sweet voice and personality, so it confuses me. All in all still I did like the show a lot and I hope to see more of her amazing outfits.

Photo Credit