WHAT TO WEAR THIS SEASON: TEN FALL/WINTER 2018 TRENDS.

Although the weather is still feeling quite summery, Autumn is fast approaching and with it, the F/W fashion trends. What will we all be wearing this season? I've done a shortlist of the current trends in this F/W 2018?

1) ANIMAL PRINTS:

embrace your animal instinct. The animal print has made a huge comeback this F/W and several designers have totally embraced their wild side. Although this is a huge trend, most of us have been a little wary of the animalier trend. Developing in the early 90's,animal prints had their past glory, and we grew up associating any revival with crazy 80's hairdos and women over-indulging in over the top eye makeup, which made us slightly sceptical of this trend. However, I've learnt that although every single fashion trend may not be for me, there are infinite ways of incorporating them in a subtle, much more wearable way. Although I'm not going to go full blown animal instinct, I quite enjoy playing around with combinations of an animal print coat with black heeled ankle boots + black outfit, or else an animalier bag and shoes + a camel outfit.

2) WESTERN TREND:

This is going to be a great opportunity for high-street brands to come out with staples such as western-style belts, cowboy boots, prairie-style dresses, lots of rodeo-ready fringes, and some of them have been doing a great job representing it now.

3)PLEATS:

Pleats, please – If your wardrobe is a little pleats-empty, to me this trend feels quite summery and I think that it is actually pretty easy to transition the pleated dresses or skirts into your autumn winter wardrobe. Style your skirt/dress with a woollen jumper with a mini half-tuck, knee high boots and a dark coloured bag: job done.

4) TWEED - GIRL BOSS:

I'd probably consider this as one of our favorite trends at the moment. Tweed never seems to go out of fashion and perhaps because it's such a wearable trend. Dress for work in a pair of flats, jeans, a white shirt and a Tweed jacket. Feeling fancy? Dress this trend up with a 60's inspired mini dress, a pair of ankle boots, a black oversized suit jacket and add a silver clutch. I'm totally crushing over these pieces... 

5) TARTAN: 

Plaid, Prince of Wales heritage or tartan, checks in all their many forms are key for the new season. When we hear "tartan", we tipically think about school uniforms. But as proven by the trendsetters, it can be also incredibly stylish and there are some solutions we will certainly want to copy all fall long.

6) SCARF PRINTS AND SILK:
The sixth trend is silk, and not the beautiful delicate ones you would wear in Spring/Summer. Breathing new life into the well known print trend, this elegant version is "oh so chic" and totally wearable. Although the retro prints with bold colours, something that your grandmother would wear (!!!) may not be your thing, I do love the idea of pairing a oversized plain cosy jumper with a midi scarf printed skirt, or adding a beautiful bold silk pattern scarf to my hair or bag.

7)LEATHER TREND

The next trend is leather. Last season the catwalk was full of them. I am really intrigued to see how the highstreet is going to interpret this trend, and I advise you to be keeping a close eye on Zara’s new in section as undoubtedly they will be the first to adopt the trend! The dresses and skirts range from ankle length to short dresses and my favourite ones have to  be beautiful brown cinched waist dresses and midi skirts.

8) PATENT LEATHER TREND:

Kind of related, the next trend is patent leather and inspired by this, we're going to see lots of shiny fabrics. There are staple pieces already all over the high-street. Whether its your outerwear or accessories, patent leather and shiny fabrics is definitely going to be a trend to look out for and can easily be injected into your wardrobe through affordable accessories.

9) HOODS AND CAPES:
Dare we say that this trend feels very Parisian and perhaps a little "Assassin-Creed" inspired? this trend seems like the ultimate way to keep warm this Winter, without compromising on your style. wearing an oversized cape may seem a little tricky to wear, but I think that I might stick to a comfortable shorter version, perhaps with a hood; plus, this is a great trend to protect me and my mane from the weather elements this Fall.

10) BROWN, PURPLE, CHINA BLUE: 

These typically Fall colours have made their appearance again on F/W 2018 catwalks, after several seasons' absence and they're going to provide an alternative to other dark colours in the not-very variegated palette of our Winter wardrobes.

Now, it's up to you to do the most you can from these trends, with the addition of a few targeted purchase to your closets!

SEVEN NEW BAG TRENDS EVERY FASHION GIRL WILL BE CARRYING NEXT FALL.

The seasons officially change, this weekend, and every fashion girl is focused on Fall trends. When transitioning your wardrobes from Summer to Fall, clothing is often the starting-point, with a new dress here, a warm sweater there. Then, accessories, from footwear (pumps and boots) to jewelry, and of course handbags. New trends aside, the main point of owning seasonal pieces is to distinguish your look as the weather changes. Summer is all about easier vibes, while Fall inspires us a more polished frame of mind. Actually, the latest trends allow for an easy transition into the cold-weather months, and we can't deny our wish to update our look with pieces that are quintessentially Fall. 
In the handbag department, Fall runways have shown us rich textures, deeper colours and fresh shapes, whether you're shopping for an updated everyday bag or a new silhouette to freshen up your evening assortment. 

1) If you are strictly interested in a luxury-brand purchase, logomania has been an ongoing trend for several seasons and for Fall it's all about new versions. From Fendi to Gucci, to Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Dior, the mood includes modernised emblems and cool details.

2) If you're the pragmatic type that shops for a neutral-color bag at the top of the season (ahaha! my favourite ones), brown is the resounding shade: while variations of chocolate, tan and taupe shades made their appearances on the runways, warm cognac brown is the hue "du jour" in both timeless and modern shapes, especially at Chloé and Hermès.

3) Croc-effect bags ruled the runways of Hermès, Céline and Chloé. With a luxurious effect, sleek shapes are what truly take this trend into elevated territory whether it's with a modern cross-body silhouette or polished shoulder bag / tote. It's the perfect trend to try if you're looking for a smart and elegant bag that works for both daytime and evening affairs.

4) The mini-bag trend is hardly new, especially at Chanel, but for Fall, it's all about vintage influences, from small structured top-handle styles to compact cross-body bags, opulence is the key, whether it's via seasonal croc or shimmering metallic fabrics. A worthwhile look for both day and night, it's the modern update your after-hours bag collection needs, if your assortment consists mostly of clutches.

5) The saddle bag / crossbody is entirely reclaimed for Fall, including the return of the Dior silhouette. From Chloé to Loewe, the newest versions come with a sophisticated  spirit, featuring clean lines, high-shine hardware and croc-effect fabric.

6) The backpack will help you to relive school days that have come to an end, but in a more sophisticated way with elevated versions of our dependable childhood favourite; and it'll take you from work to play and far beyond this season.

7) The shopping bag is back. After a timid appearance at Fendi S/S 2018 catwalk, this evergreen has been reinterpreted and even used as a clutch at Chanel catwalk.

Now, dear readers, it's up to you to choose the bag trend that is most inspiring for your late-Summer → Fall mood...

BACK TO OFFICE: LATE-SUMMER WEAR.

Thanks to an unusually long ‘heat wave’ here in Europe, before a sudden drop in temperatures will have us all more or less excited for the upcoming Autumn trends,

let's still get the most of our Summer outfits as well as of the benefits from our recent holidays, and let's wear trendy, cheerful and comfortable looks for our coming back to office, so that the stress will be minimised. Here are some tips I've been following during these weeks:

1) PURE WHITE.White outfits such as white jeans and shirt or a white light dress will extend the carelessness and lightheartedness of our recent holidays. Comfortable tan or brightly coloured block-heel sandals and maxi bags, together with golden jewels are ideal for a back to office look, without forgetting the "city chic" requirement.

2) COLOUR YOUR DAYS.

Pastel colours, turquoise and coral shades will stimulate your creativity and of course they will remind you the long days on the beach. Choose pattern silk or chiffon for your dresses and bright shades for your jackets and accessories to stimulate good humor.

3) PERFECT BEAUTY AND MAKE UP.

The lifting and toning effects of the balmy air of seaside resorts together with natural tanning make miracles on our complexion and look, so only a few touches are needed to a perfect makeup: hydrating anti-age cream, eyeliner, extra-dark volume mascara and coral or golden lipgloss to channel your inner "California-girl" mood. Let's not forget scrub and after-sun cream on the whole body for a long-lasting sun-kissed look.

4) DRESS CODE AND ETIQUETTE.

Let's not forget dress code and etiquette in the office: no matter how hot it gets, this is not the time to take a vacation on professionalism, even when we're still under the spell of the Summer-holiday mood. Your image is twelve months a year. So let's abandon flip-flops, plunging-necklines and mini-skirts, since, unfortunately, we are no longer on the beach. Anyway, the weekend is still to come!

And smile! This is a must-have for well-being of both ourselves and our colleagues as well as to create a relaxed atmosphere in the office. And let's not forget to ask our colleagues about their holidays: this will help to bring some cheer during our long days at work. 

And above all, let's not forget to get the most of the last sunny Summer weekend!😄😎🌞

BACK TO OFFICE!: INTERIORS.

Do you think that renovating the work area in your office can help to relieve some of the "back to office" stress? I think so! Because renovating a room at home or at work helps to stimulate your creativity, good spirits and boosts new projects to come.

Here are some personal pieces of advice to soften your coming back and give your office a more personal touch, getting inspiration from the offices of famous style icons.

1) The desk:

"Organisation first!" should be your mantra. Actually, it's easier said than done, but it's easier  when you choose a large desk, where you can keep all your documents and electronic equipment on hand. Office organisers are very useful, since they are available in different sizes and materials, so that you can choose the models that best suit your office style. Personally, I prefer the transparent models, with lots of dividers, since they match perfectly the glass and gold style of my desk and have a less obtrusive look. Anyway, I prefer to keep them on a cupboard behind to get the most of my desk area, where I only keep my Macbook, iPad, planners, telephone, pen-holder, and the documents I'm using at the moment, together with a lampshade, some flowers a decorative box and a pretty change tray for small objects. The most important requirement: avoid messiness! It's the best way to keep your mind clear and concentrate better.

2) Colours:

New beginning, new colours! Also the library and shelves are important in the cromatic composition of your office, to create a pleasant visual effect in your work area. So, green lights to the colours that suit best your mood: red and orange stimulate positive energy, light blue and green helps armony and relax, yellow enhances your self-esteem. But don't exaggerate in quantity, just add some balanced vibrant touches. Personally, my favourite colours are neutral/pastel shades, which suit best the palette of walls and furniture in my office.

3) New small additions:

Clear up your office form old and useless objects. Getting rid of old things to make room for new stuff, opens up your mind to new horizons and provides you with new ideas about a new re-organisation and optimisation of your office space. Personally, I try to surround myself with new objects that are meaningful or revealing of my personal taste to transform the work area in a cozy corner where work will be pleasant and less monotonous. Since I'm a huge fan of golden objects that add an elegant and feminine touch to my desk, I choose scissors, pens and clips and other office supplies in this warm metal shade. I never forget a reed diffuser with a signature scent to add extra comfort.

4) Design lamps and Lighting:

Everybody knows that a well-lighted office helps psychological and physical well-being and increases productivity, so the choice of efficient but stylish lighting solutions is very important. Of course, natural light is the primary need, so if you have the chance to work in an office with large windows, add only some packet/sliding curtains to ensure your privacy, only when needed. The most creative professionals will certainly prefer coloured fabrics, while more technical offices, like the office in which I work, more neutral shades will be the most suitable choice.

Spotlights in the ceiling will help to create a pleasant and natural lighting in the office, also in the darkest winter months, but a lampshade on the table as well as a floor lamp in a corner next to a sofa will add some personal charm to the office.

5) Relax area:

Create a "zen" area for your relax in the office, especially if you are used to overwork, with aromatic candles, cushions and plants, to take care of yourself also at work. My personal tip: arrive at work a bit earlier or find some time during lunch-time to meditate at least 5-10 m/d. It will boost your motivation and help concentration in the following hours. Also a coffee-table in a corner, with a design coffee-machine, pretty coffee cups and some refreshments available, instead of the common ugly and boring hot-drinks machine will provide your office with a warm welcoming atmosphere.

Now dear readers, it's up to you to make the best of my advice; meanwhile, I wish you a successful and stress-free back-to-work week! Looking forward to the weekend...