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Category: Fashion

I am not adopting a capsule wardrobe and this is why you shouldn’t either

This blog was born with a single core value: to be honest with my readers at all times.

As you may or may not have noticed, that’s why the site’s motto is The Honest Fashionista Diaries, why I chose to publish this as my first post ever, and why there is an entire category called The Honest Fashionista Series. Openness is important to me and that (plus a pinch of humour) cannot harm the Blogosphere.

With that said, I believe there is a big difference between being sincere and blatantly regurgitating my unsolicited opinions at the earliest opportunity. After all, we have the right to hold off-record thoughts which we’d better keep for ourselves. As my grandmother taught me when I was very young: if you have nothing pleasant to say, it is better to say nothing. In other words, you don’t need to fight every battle or give your opinion about every topic on earth.

By nature, I am a peacemaker—one of my sisters refers to me as the O.N.U. family negotiator which never fails to make everyone laugh—and I try to avoid conflict when I see no good can be done. Summing up, I might be honest but I also know when to shut my mouth.

I am not adopting a capsule wardrobe and this is why

When the capsule wardrobe philosophy became a trend, I patiently read as many articles and blog posts as I could to have an informed opinion on the subject. What I found out though, didn’t resonate with me at any level, so I took a step back and kept my opinion to myself. Usually, this would be the end of the story—and it was for a couple of years—but a few weeks ago, I received an unnerving message via Instagram. The person who sent it was reacting to one of my outfit photos and felt the need to rave about how terrible I was as a person for posting pictures of me wearing my clothes, and what an awful example I was for every young impressionable person out there. People like me were, in her own words, a total disgrace and I should be ashamed for not promoting capsule wardrobes and sustainable fashion.

You can believe me when I say my first reaction was nothing but confusion. Mainly because:

A.  My Instagram is a small account that (luckily) receives zero hate.

B.  I don’t consider my content to be exclusively focused on outfits.

C.  You can easily see I wear my clothes more than once and I am very far from a serial shopper.

Once the original feeling of astonishment left me, it was replaced by disbelief and finally, an increasing outrage. However, I blocked the person and forget about the whole thing as soon as possible. Three days ago though, I received a new DM via Instagram which contained almost the same message, sent from a sister account. Again, she seemed disgusted by the fact I kept posting my “non-sustainable” outfits and NOT EMBRACING THE CAPSULE WARDROBE TREND.

If that person would have spent a single moment to visit this blog by clicking in the link on the bio, she’d have probably learned a thing or two about my style perception and the sustainability topic.

For starts, the main reason why I’ve never written about the capsule wardrobe philosophy before is that, from my point of view, it suffers from some serious inconsistency on its base principles. The main target is reducing waste and using the whole contents of your wardrobe, which can only be a positive thing per se. However, reducing to thirty-three pieces your existing closet makes no sense from a logistic perspective.

First, the continuous rotation of the same pieces will inevitably damage even the best-quality pieces, leaving you with the urgent need to replace them at the end of the season at the latest. Potentially, this means money and waste. Second, thirty-three pieces may help you to survive for a season if the given items are high-quality but you will need to add a new set when the season changes and pack away (or dispose of) the used stuff. This means buying four new capsule wardrobes a year which depending on your budget and previous shopping habits might not be that good all things considered.

After second thoughts, there is yet another aspect holding me back: the deep existent association between capsule wardrobes and uniformity. One of the main ideas, you see, it to achieve a very defined style, with all the pieces working together. Pretty much, like a uniform.

One of the things you don’t know about me is that I studied at a religious private school for a couple of years. I could write an interesting (and probably juicy) list of the lessons I learned over there but the main and most important one was uniformity is rarely a good thing. When you make people wearing the same neutral colours every day, looking alike, there is a certain point in which they start thinking and acting alike. And I have read enough dystopian fiction to be afraid of any form of hive mind (thank you very much for the nightmares, Mrs. Atwood).

To me, fashion is all about individual expression and I think that’s something wonderful.

So, am I openly admitting I don’t give a s@#€ about sustainability? As a matter of fact, nothing is further of the truth. Adopting a capsule wardrobe is not the only way you can contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. Instead, I prefer to explore other paths including but not limited to:

  1. Taking good care of your existing pieces, so their lifespan is extended

  2. Cutting down on your shopping habits and getting only the things you love

  3. Choosing clothes that are better quality and more durable

  4. Shopping second hand or vintage

  5. Supporting ethical brands of your choice

These might not look like life-changing rules but once you have been practicing for a while, you will realize they are. I have been shopping vintage, second hand and being more selective with my shopping habits for a while now (I think about five years and counting) and in the long run, you feel nothing but satisfaction and relief. Satisfaction because you love everything on your wardrobe. Relief because you can walk outside a shop with empty hands and feel good about it, anyway.

So, the next time anyone feels tempted to judge me for posting outfit photos online, please make me a favour and just unfollow…

 

 

 

November 21, 2019November 20, 2019

Allegra Caro48 Comments

The best Satchel in all the land: Michael Kors Mercer Gallery Leather Satchel

Do you believe in soulmates? Personally, I don’t but I do believe in bag mates.

Bag love is totally a thing: when you find the one, you know it. In my opinion, it is pretty much a long-term commitment—if you are lucky enough to choose the right piece, the relationship may last a lifetime. And I am being quite literal here. This cutie is nothing but solidly made!

My love story with the Michael Kors Mercer Gallery Medium Leather Satchel began last August. During my annual birthday trip to Budapest, I went for a shopping spree at Andrassy Avenue. Once I entered the local Michael Kors boutique, I spotted the Mercer immediately. It was love at first sight. Do you know when your average romantic comedy girl sees her love interest for the first time, the time slows down and all of a sudden, she hears Tom Jones music playing in the background? (Ok. Maybe not Tom Jones. But it is MY romantic comedy, right? I shall have my sip of absurdity, thank you very much.) That’s how I felt, anyway.

 

Mercer Mercer Pebbled Satchel

Continuing with the burgundy theme I have adopted lately and which I don’t plan to put aside any time soon—if you were expecting me to stop this monochromatic madness once Fall is over, you’re going to feel very disappointed. Sorry about that…—I had to go for the oxblood colour option, obviously. It is classy, it is timeless, and it elevates any Autumn outfit instantly.

The Mercer Gallery Medium Leather Satchel is a luxury handbag specifically designed for the twenty-first century cosmopolitan busy girl. As a matter of fact, it’s one of my go-to choices for mostly every occasion: from long weekend plans to hectic working days packed with endless business meetings. In these pictures, I am wearing the middle size and let me tell you that I feel like I found the Mary Poppins bag. For a satchel of its size range, its capacity defies physics. It is THAT good. Generally, I’d never expect something this stylish to be also functional, but Michael Kors cracked the code with the Mercer bag.

 

Michael kors handbag review

Michael Kors mercer gallery leather satchel in oxblood

the mercer gallery satchel oxblood review

The interior is divided in three sections: a zipped compartment with pockets for your more sensitive personal belongings (wallet, phone, keys and the such), and two more for the rest of your stuff. Believe it or now, I usually carry a cardigan and an emergency scarf since the extra room is so generous. The zipped space includes a key leash. No more digging through your bag to find your keys! Genius.

 

the best satchel bag this autumn

Being the kind of person who will carry everything but the kitchen sink with her, I am truly amazed about how much you can fit in this bag. On a regular day out, I can easily fit my wallet, ebook, phone, keys, transport card, makeup pouch, emergency manicure set, flats, cardigan, umbrella, headphones and snacks in the Mercer satchel. Not bad for medium size, right?

Oh, and did I mention you can monogram it too? I learned about this option too late, but will definitely go for it when I get my next Michael Kors. (Hello, Nouveau Hamilton! I am looking at you, gorgeous thing…)

Definitely, this is one of the best additions to my bag collection so far, and I am sure more Michael Kors goodness will arrive to my closet soon. (But I can’t promise it won’t be bugundy too…)

What is the latest addition to your own bag collection?

 


michaelkorsreview

wearing

Blazer: Axes Femme (sold out, alternative here) / Bag: Michael Kors

Skirt: Zara (old, alternative here) / Shoes: Primark

Cashmere scarf: Thrifted (similar at Burberry)

 

 

October 21, 2019October 21, 2019

Allegra Caro10 Comments
London style lessons I learned

5 style lessons I learned in my first 5 weeks as a Londoner

Let me quote a universal piece of wisdom: Time flies when you are having fun.

Last Thursday, it was five weeks since Sebastian and I moved to London. And in all honesty? I still can’t believe it. I feel like we just arrived last night although we managed to do a lot during this hectic period: arranging our legal residence permits, unpacking all our belongings, and organizing our new apartment took some time and energy. (Please, feel free to send more ginseng, thank you.) However, I am glad to report most details are fixed and we are ready to become proper Londoners now.

Over the first few weeks, we took the chance to explore the city and start experiencing that famous London lifestyle. From trendy street food markets to majestic art galleries, and from cozy tea rooms to vintage stores—London never stops surprising you.

One of my favourite things about being an expat is discovering the local fashion style: Tokyo taught me everything about chic, while Budapest certainly deserves to be acknowledged as the new capital of shopping. It was rather ineluctable to learn something valuable from Londoner street fashionistas too.

Throughout my now five weeks of living in London, I have probably learned more lessons about style than ever before in my life. Today, I want to share them with you.

So, what have I learnt so far?

 

5 style lessons I learned in London

1. Sh#& Rain happens: Get yourself a statement trench

If you are remotely familiar with the British weather, you might know it is rainy. Like, cats-and-dogs kind of rainy. You’ll get used to carrying an emergency umbrella with you at all times and even start wondering how was life before that (or how did you look with neatly arranged straight hair, for the matter). But that’s OK because you will also learn to love a nice trench coat. Actually, I already loved them before we landed here, but my affection has gone deeper ever since: Hobbs, Burberry, Mulberry, Céline… the options are endless! You might certainly think a statement piece is expensive but here is where the second lesson hits.

2. The best fashion finds often come from charity shops and vintage stores

No, I promise I didn’t drink an entire bottle of prosecco before writing this (maybe later, but let me finish this post first). Many charity shops in London receive designer donations. Checking their branches regularly improves your chances to find a treasure in the shape of a Prada handbag or a pair of Chloé trousers. So far, my Max Azria collection—fan girl here!—has increased dramatically. I truly recommend paying a visit to stores around Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Marylebone and Kensington areas since they often receive the best stock in town.

London style tips

3. Chelsea boots are life (and you can’t change my mind)

We all know how important it is to dress sensibly, but too often we don’t pay enough attention to footwear. London is not only a city but a huge one, even with the brilliant public transport network you will walk quite a lot. No need to say wearing the wrong shoes can easily spoil your day. (Please, raise your hand if you learned this lesson after years of poor and painful decisions too. Heels on cobblestone pavement? What could possibly go wrong?) When we first arrived, I would only carry some replacement flats in my handbag but then, as the weather started cooling, Chelsea boots became a natural ally—they are comfy, they are stylish and the epitome of British style. What else could you ask for?

4. Blazers are not for office only

Look, I have been there too—limiting blazers to the office ecosystem is very tempting. But, believe it or not, they can be fun too.  One of my favourite things about Londoners and their style sense is the way they incorporate blazers on a weekend outfit without losing that effortlessly chic vibe. On a personal note, I love a good slip dress & blazer number but the options are countless: adding a nice pair of jeans, or even a knit dress can fix those Saturday brunch outfit plans. And speaking of knitwear…

5. When in doubt, just throw an oversized jumper

As simple as that. It doesn’t matter if we are speaking about a lazy at home Sunday or an office Monday morning, really: most of the days a note of wool can make all the difference and save your outfit. Reuniting a great quality collection has been in my fashion to-do list FOREVER (when I started that list back in the day, commercial transactions were still paid with wooden tokens and we used to adore volcanoes… good old days!), but coming to London has been the push I needed. Cashmere and Scottish wool are wonderful high-quality materials that may add value to your existing wardrobe. Plus, they will keep you warm during the long cold months.

And these are the five foolproof style lessons I learned over my first month in London.

Leave a comment if you have any style tips to share with me.


 

London style lessons I learned

wearing

Dress: Zara (last season, cute alternative here)

Blazer: Vero Moda (sold out, similar at Asos)

Tights: Fendi / Bag: CHANEL

Hair clip: Versace / Boots: Deichmann

 

 

October 8, 2019October 9, 2019

Allegra Caro23 Comments
must have fall skirt

Fashion Find Alert: This Must-Have Fall Skirt Is More Affordable Than You Think

The very moment September hits, I start hoarding all things burgundy.

There’s no denying my Autumn closet is mostly monochromatic: from the deepest shade of mahogany to the richest currant tone, every single burgundy hue is represented there. And while I am always happy to test other tones in the seasonal palette—mustard, forest green, and gingerbread are some of my favourites—I owe my loyalty to burgundy.

For some reason, I find this colour to be universally flattering: It looks great on almost everyone, but also looks great with mostly everything. It is the ace in the matching-outfits card game. Think a second about it—burgundy pairs well with forest greens, navy blues, rich browns, jet blacks, and even some shades of pink! To be frank, it never stops to amaze me how much wear I get out of it.

Hence, it is no shocker I fell in love instantly with this must-have Fall midi skirt.

But let me tell you the story from the beginning.

When we first landed in London four weeks ago, my luggage was packed with sundresses, perky shorts, and sandals. Unfortunately, I didn’t consider that the weather here in London was “slightly” cooler than the 35 ‎°C we were experiencing in Timișoara at the time. (And by that I mean my legs turned blue on the first attempt to leave the house in shorts. You can call me Smurfette from now on.) As a consequence and until our belongings arrived seven days afterwards, I found myself with nothing to wear. Fun times, right?

Obviously, I did the only sensible thing: Shopping!

The perfect autumn midi skirt

After a couple of hours at the closest mall, a nice pair of leather trousers and some decent knitwear made it to my shopping cart. Then, I went to Primark looking for inexpensive velvet hangers and was absolutely amazed when I spotted this glorious satin skirt (I know! Who could have guessed?). It was the perfect wine shade and the fabric felt surprisingly nice to the touch.

I have always been an advocate for stocking up on the items you know you’ll wear on repeat. Once you know your style inside and out, you can easily recognize those items you’ll wear to death. In the past, for instance, I have told you about my personal obsession for slip dresses and this totally extends to satin skirts too (I am a total sucker for delicate fabrics). In my experience, the price range for decent quality pieces goes from 30 to 60£ or more. This beauty was less than 15£ though! C-R-A-Z-Y. Since I could already predict I would restyle it countless ways (for cool Autumn evenings, I love to layer satin and silk with a good chunky sweater and ankle boots, while a nice blouse and blazer is my to-go choice for office), I didn’t give it a second thought.

Because let’s be honest here: there’s nothing that gets me more excited than finding a luxury vibe item with an affordable price tag. This perfect satin midi skirt not only delivers that decadent expensive look, but it’s also burgundy. Win-win situation here!

Fall satin midi skirt

Michael Kors Mercer bag

After a few weeks of anticipation, I finally decided to wear the skirt and guys, I am so glad I bought it. For our first visit to Notting Hill (the first of many to come, surely) I went a bit over the top by pairing the skirt with a lovely high-neck sheer top, and the most comfortable Mary Janes on Earth. To finish things off, I am wearing Dior Rouge in Fifth Avenue, my beloved Gucci belt, and the newest addition to my bags collection: the Michael Kors Mercer bag!

Once we took some pictures in the neighbourhood, we moved to Portobello market for brunch and I couldn’t believe the number of compliments I received on my skirt. In all honesty? I felt like a million dollars.

I am a firm believer in the Anna Wintour philosophy of mixing-up designer and inexpensive pieces. It gives your outfit some flavour and you prevent the risk of looking like a living brand advertisement. So now you know: when looking for a versatile skirt to add your Autumn closet a bit of glamour, pay a visit to the closest Primark shop. It will only cost the price of a Costa latte and muffin. You’re welcome!

What is the last amazing fashion find you have made?


must have fall skirt

wearing

Skirt: Primark (available in stores only, pink version here)

Sheer Blouse: Asos (sold out, similar at Nordstrom) / Belt: Gucci / Bag: Michael Kors

Mary janes: Deichman (sold out)

September 30, 2019November 12, 2019

Allegra Caro11 Comments

Buy all the 2019 fall fashion trends for less

As we slowly approach to the end of August and evening air gets crisp, we have little option but to recognize that Autumn will be here soon. The associated post-holiday blues is almost knocking on the door; however, and at the risk of sounding like a BB (Basic Blogger, in case you wonder), I shall say that Fall is probably the best season of the year. Days might be shorter, sure, but it’s a small price to pay for all the gorgeous seasonal colours popping out, cozy evenings, and even for that infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte too.

One of my favourite Autumnal activities is seasonal shopping. If you are anything like me, there is a good chance you are already checking the upcoming 2019 Autumn/Winter trends.

Although this is quite rare, I must admit most of the runway proposals caught my eye this time: 2019 will be the year when we witness a punk revival, the rise of a Neo-Rococo style (with feathers and rhinestones shoes playing major roles in the stage), and the unexpected ascension of purple to the chromatic throne. Boring was scratched from the dictionary.

Nevertheless, — and as much as we love a good old trend hunting marathon — going for an early seasonal shopping spree can leave your bank account shaking. And I don’t know about you dear readers, but I don’t enjoy feeding on can soup.

What to do then? Should we all sacrifice style at the expense of budgeting and go home, hands empty, a modern Charles Dickens orphans parody? I have written this before, and I will again — I don’t like tragedies, other than Shakespeare’s. Instead of skipping shopping altogether, I took the time to make a budget-friendly selection for you.

Now, you can buy all the 2019 Autumn trends for less.

Hurry up before they are gone!

 

autumn-winter 2019 trends
The skirt and blouse are available at Chicwish, earrings are Vivienne Westwood, bag and shoes from River Island, belt by Asos.

The French bourgeois trend

I can say without hesitation this is one of my absolute favourites this season: the 70s lady-like vibe we have seen in most European runways is classy, timeless and flattering. If you don’t trust my word, check out the evocative Fall extravaganzas by Chloé, Burberry, Balenciaga or Valentino, bringing back Chic as good as it gets. This perfect day-to-day look can be easily integrated into our existing wardrobes, as most pieces match closet basics such as trench coats and neutral palettes. (Bonus: you will probably end up looking like a modern Stéphane Audran at The Discreet Charms of the Bourgeoise.)

2019 Punk trend
The dress is on sale at Zara at the moment, all jewelry is from Vivienne Westwood, cardigan and ankle boots from Zara as well.

Posh Punk

Combat boots, subtle tartan strokes, and the return of rich purples and blacks are the main evidence of Punk gaining momentum in 2019. Current politics might be related to this but, beyond deepest reasons, the truth is we will see a refined version of the original style coming back to the streets this Fall. Personally, I am the biggest Vivienne Westwood ever, so this is a trend I will definitely adopt myself — piercings, anyone?

autumn 2019 bold dark florals trend

Bold florals

Who said florals are cheesy? This season, we will see a good deal of unapologetic flower patterns on the high street, mainly in the form of dark tones. Although it might not be a revolutionary idea (we enjoyed a similar spirit back in the 90s, with big moody florals printed mostly everywhere for a couple of seasons), it certainly constitutes a refreshing approach to classic patterns. Take this Chicwish dress as an example: it can be paired with a maxi-headband (Zara, once again) for a trendy, urban look and the jewel-toned accessories provide a sophisticated vibe for those living in big cities. Forget about the involuntary prairie look and prepare to demonstrate that the floral trend is not as romantic as you would expect.


 

And this was my inexpensive shopping guide for the top fashion trends this Autumn. I would love to hear what are your favourite trends for the season.

Buy the 2019 Fall trends for less(1)

 

 

 

August 26, 2019August 29, 2019

Allegra Caro15 Comments
Is fashion blogging dead in 2019

Does fashion blogging even make sense anymore?

is fashion blogger profitable

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for a couple of years, there is a chance you are aware of that obsessive anathema regarding the alleged death of fashion blogging.

The rumour has been written in forums, shared, and even printed in t-shirts as a catchy slogan: “Fashion bloggers are dead!”, they say, “Long live Instagram!” This tagline might sound like seasonal news material — a form of objective information, if you please —, once you come closer though, a mild vindictive flavour can be appreciated.

For a long time and as a relatively new industry, blogging aroused suspicion and a great deal of controversy. Certainly, it took some time for the public to understand that blogging was nothing but a digital version to fashion editorials, curated by anonymous people who shared their personal approach to style. In the beginning, there was nothing aspirational about it: most bloggers were mothers, students, or corporate ladies living their lives while blogging for fun.

On a deep level though, it could be argued that it turned into sort of a sisterhood, where normal women could partake of the fun and stop feeling like “Plain Janes”.

This was the starting point from which the blogging empire ascended.

fashion blogging dead in 2019

As in any other field, some bloggers started taking a more occupational direction: blog layers were endlessly edited, while outfits became more and more polished. Some started suggesting that authenticity was sacrificed at the expense of professionalisation — a topic stirring passions that would require a post of its own.

The same people (and conservative media) who criticised early authors for their lack of expertise, began resenting their new attitude. Even so, the industry was growing, with a few top bloggers gaining status as respected experts and making a six-figure income.

There was no point in denying reality anymore: fashion blogging was here to stay.

Once bloggers grew into brands and household names, blogging became mainstream. As in any popular industry, the market was suddenly saturated. Many even suggested that the cooperative spirit between bloggers vanished overnight. The same industry which gained momentum as the anti-establishment of fashion, they pleaded, morphed into the materialization of its nemesis.

is fashion blogging dead

This was the defining moment in which Instagram was introduced too: a simpler platform that would allow people to post their outfits without the nuisance of composing an entire article around it. Naturally, many saw it as the perfect way to save-up countless hours of writing and editing and dropped off their websites in favour of Instagram. After all, why to spend days working on a blog post when you could easily share your outfit in real-time?

Back in 2016, Tavi Jennison (who became famous by sitting front row at NYFW as an influencer at the age of 12) famously stated: “Yikes, what is the function of this blog anymore? Everything is basically on my Instagram…!”, a sentence that embodied a whole new worldview.

At that point, the question became quite obvious: was fashion blogging dead?

A recent study shows that the Millenial generation prefers social media as an advice resource and the decreasing number of style, outfits and fashion trends blogs seems to provide enough evidence. At the same time, the progressive abandonment of the term blogger in favour of content creator can’t be ignored as a clear indication of this process.

But then, should we all quit our blogs in 2019 and go home?

Personally, I am an optimist: yes, the market might be saturated and highly competitive, and yes, it might be hard to become six-figures income blogging royalty these days (pretty much as hard as becoming a dazzling movie star), but I do believe people are still interested. Nowadays, many blog readers value them as a way to unwind after a hard working day — a certain detachment from social media hectic pace. Maybe, the secret of blogging survival lies in this quality time dimension. Surely, only time will tell. As for now, let me close this article with a good wish:

Long live fashion blogging!


Is fashion blogging dead in 2019

wearing

Cami top: Zara / Sailor trousers: Vivienne of Holloway

Sunglasses: HM (old, similar here) / Straw bucket bag: Primark (similar at La Redoute)

Other accessories: off brand

 

 

August 14, 2019August 15, 2019

Allegra Caro32 Comments
why black colour is good in summer

Why black is a great colour for Summer

Let’s talk about fashion clichés: you are not supposed to wear white after Labor Day, florals are for Spring, and black is a big no-no in the Summertime. Classics, right?

However, that doesn’t mean they are commandments carved in stone. The thing about clichés, you know, is that very frequently, they are based on old ideas and misconceptions. Even so, some of them die hard — and no, it doesn’t matter how much you try, your aunt Mary will not change her mind.

My favourite line in the rule book is probably that one about dark colours and warm weather: we all know they don’t mix well. Except, is that really accurate?

Why black colour is great for summer

By nature, I am a curious person and, as weird as it might sound, I enjoy reading on cultural assumptions. Sometimes, from a scientific angle. (Thank you Wired for the countless hours of interesting reading!)

During one of my endless pool-side mornings a couple of weeks ago, I read an online article claiming that most of what we mindlessly repeat about colour and weather is wrong. After all, thermodynamics don’t lie (sorry, I always wanted to have an excuse to write that. Actually, this entire post is just a pretext to do so. Let’s just pretend it is not…)

But back to the topic: Which colour is more suitable for Summertime, black or white?

 

black colour in summer

is ok to wear black colour in summer

White is claimed to be the best option — not only it is chic but will also keeps us cool in the warmest season. Or so they say. Actually when we look at white colour, we are seeing the combination of all existing light, meaning that the sun’s rays are reflected. And yes, that is perfectly right. Although, it is incomplete information too. 

The heat comes both from the sun and our bodies. When all that body heat reaches the white clothing, it gets reflected right back towards the body. Hence, when we wear white, we cook ourselves.

The best color to keep cool in the heat, it turns out, is black.

Black absorbs the solar radiation, true, but it also absorbs the body heat without reflecting it back. Hence, the helpfulness of black clothes will depend on finding a fabric that is similar to those summery white clothes. It is quite logical, isn’t it? Atmospheric conditions play a leading role: once the heat is absorbed, if there’s a little wind, the tissue will radiate it away. That was unexpected, wasn’t it?

(Actually, this whole science-nerd moment was quite unexpected too. Please, don’t tell the cool fashion bloggers out there…)

 

black summer outfit

Personally, my to-go warm weather uniform on its darkest shade consists on a sheer blouse and shorts, or fine skirt that will allow air circulating. Natural fibres such as pure cotton and linen are completely awesome to keep the heat at bay. I am a big fan of investing in Summer black — actually, black for all seasons.

For this look, I went for a a boredom-proof monochromatic Summer look by simply adding an organza ruffled blouse with dramatic sleeves. The shorts, on the other hand, are quite simple which help to balance the outfit. It can be styled both with heels or flats, (which I usually carry on a tote bag in case I feel too tired after a long walk, as this was the case).

What is your personal favourite colour in Summer?

(For more articles on The Prêt-à-porter Series, you can visit this link).


 

why black colour is good in summer

wearing

Blouse (Vintage. Very similar looking alternatives available at Chicwish )

Shorts (Old Zara, current option here)

Shoes (Asos) / Bag (Deichmann, sold out)

 

 

 

August 7, 2019August 14, 2019

Allegra Caro26 Comments

Tulle skirt Summer uniform (and that ridiculous ice cream photo shoot)

Oh, Instagram! That wonderful platform where real-life physics do not operate — cities are covered in vibrant sparkling colours, there is a floral market in every corner, and you always get that perfect ice cream shot that screams Summer.

Last Wednesday, Sebastian and I went for a morning coffee break, and I thought it was the chance to make an attempt to get my own flawless ice cream photo. Because, what could possibly go wrong? (Lol. Like… everything?)

In my mind, we would reach the shop early in the morning — when the heat was still tolerable — and then happily take at least a dozen pictures of me making a pose with my flamboyant pink tulle skirt and appetizing gelato. Fashion editorial style. I could even take a couple of additional photos of my hand holding the ice cream in front of the shop placard to upgrade my Insta feed. Easy peasy, right?

Guys, if I could step back in time, I would slap me in the face.

Summer pink tulle skirt outfit

icreamparlor

Sebastian (who knows about photographic conditions a bit better than I do), tried to warn me it would not be that easy. Did I listen to him, though? Instead, I enthusiastically arranged my outfit the previous night: that new silky cami top I am loving so much at the moment, and my favourite Carry Bradshaw-ish skirt.

Yes, we left the house early in the morning. Yes, we arrived at the Italian ice cream parlor in no time. And yes, it was still closed. Apparently, for some unknown reason, you can’t get decent ice cream in this city before noon.

At that point, we started feeling that external factors were aligning against us (feel free to start calling us John Snow since we know nothing), but decided to shoot some pictures in the meantime and wait for the shop to open. Sometimes, you need to be a bit flexible with blogging after all.

Tulle skirt Summer outfit

Summer tulle skirt outfit details

And so we did: we took a few photos, made some errands too, and came back as soon as they opened. And let me tell you that, by twelve o’clock it was effing hot. Actually, scratch that — it was sun-surface kind of hot. So yeah, we felt like eating ice cream. We chose something we liked, went out and started taking phone photos of my delicious hazelnut gelato, which started melting in about one minute.

We realized we had little time before there was nothing to photograph, so Sebastian did his best to capture the moment which was… ahem… let’s say interesting.

What it should have been a flawless Instagram momentum with a chic girl enjoying a cheeky Summery treat, turned into a messy scene with a not-so-chic girl trying to do some serious damage control. The keyword here is trying.

sillyicecreamshoot

summer tulle skirt outfit
What it should look like versus what it actually looked like…

Envision a crazy fashionista fighting to get a photo, while cleaning the mess with a napkin between shots, and laughing hysterically during the whole process. Charming.

After a few attempts, we decided that the perfect shot was not happening at ALL. Instead, we started laughing about how stupid we are because, c’mon, we’ve been doing this whole blogging thing for a while now and we should know better. So, we order a second ice cream (delicious, really) and sat down to enjoy it as normal people would.

At least, no tulle skirts were harmed in the making of this post.

So tell me, people: what’s the silliest thing you have done for a blog post or Instagram picture?


Summer pink tulle skirt outfit

wearing

Cami top: Zara / Tulle skirt: Chicwish (old, similar model here)

Shoes: Asos / Bag: CHANEL

Earrings: Vintage (similar at Miu Miu)

Bracelet: Antique / Pendant: off brand

August 5, 2019August 5, 2019

Allegra Caro12 Comments

How to boost your self-confidence and feel good in your Summer clothes

Few things scream Summer quite as loudly as gingham does, an evergreen classic that comes back every June. Its sacred status quo partially originates from a simple idea: the fabric is supposed to work for just about anyone. At least, that’s what I thought when I saw these shorts in Zara last Summer.

This tale starts like any fashionista love story — a girl who falls for an item of clothing in a heartbeat and reaches for the cash desk. But love is not all wine and roses, is it? Once I  arrived home, I tried the trousers immediately (I only trust the natural light in my bedroom), and was nothing but disheartened. Those shorts totally cheated on me!

Horrified, I double-checked myself in the mirror: every flaw and insecurity, showing in every inch of exposed skin. I must admit I felt so bad, I didn’t even dare to return the trousers to the shop and simply threw them in the deepest part of the closet, banished forever. Then, I forgot about their existence.

how to boost your self-confidence is Summer

flowers

Like any other women, I frequently feel self-conscious about my appearance and Summer turns into a cyclic challenge. No matter how resilient you are most of the time, the warm season with its demands of body confidence can take its toll. I lost track of how many times my husband repeated every woman has cellulite, or freckles, or small depigmentation patches because the truth is, the only voice you can hear in such junctures, is the one in your head. And guys, that’s not a nice voice.

Over the last half a year I was in a bad place, mentally. Work stress, hormonal changes, and some insecurities related to our next destination made me feel overwhelmed at times. And I had to work my ass off to leave that dark place. Because if there is one thing I can say about myself without hesitation, it’s I am a stubborn fighter who will not give up.

So, I started thinking, what can I do to feel better? And eventually, I started applying these thoughts to my body image too. I am not going to lie — it took work and will, and I am still fighting every day. But overall? It was worth it.

 

how to boost your self-esteem this Summer

So, these are my 100% honest tips on how to boost your self-esteem this Summer.

1. Distance yourself from your body-conflict one second and analyze actual biologic factors

Is your monthly cycle affecting your body shape or perception? Are you stressed or dieting? When your hormones are out of order, this affects your mood. The reason can be found on the imbalance between Oestrogen and Serotonin. Likewise, if you’re currently dieting, there’s also a chance that your brain is in starvation mode. At that point, it conserves resources for survival which can leave you less capacity to think in a flexible and objective way about the way you look.

2. Focus on your strengths

None of us is made of flaws only. Think about your best physical qualities. Are your arms firm? Have you got a glowy skin? What about your eyes or your hair? We all have some charms and they are there, waiting for you to discover them.

3. Feed to nourish

Look, we have all been there, even the skinny type ladies: emotional eating is a fact. Instead of obsessing over the perfection of all those fitness model-like influencers out there, try not to compare yourself with them. Be generous and instead of restricting calories or food groups, try to nourish. You might know already that brain-friendly foods include coconut oil, oily fish, nuts, dark leafy greens, etc. And as I previously mentioned, most of our body-image issues are related to brain starvation mode.

4. If you need professional help, ask for it

We would never judge anyone for going to the dentist, so why to judge those going to therapy? This is certainly a taboo we need to kill. If you feel a therapist might be the solution to your problem, do not hesitate to make an appointment. Mostly everyone needs professional help at some point and that’s fine.


 

Just to finish the story, while cleaning my wardrobe last Spring, I found those infamous gingham shorts and decided to give them another shot. The patches, freckles, and cellulite were still there, but my mind was in a better place now.

And you know what? Life is too short to care.

 

how to boost your self-confidence is Summer

wearing

Blouse: Zara / Gingham shorts: Zara (last season, very similar here)

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana (old model, alternative here)

Bag: CHANEL /  Sunglasses: Zara (Old, Dolce & Gabbana option here)

 

July 30, 2019July 30, 2019

Allegra Caro11 Comments
Beachwear essentials

These beachwear essentials will upgrade your Summer game

Summer is in full swing now and by this time of the year, the endless so-called-must-haves offer out there can be a bit overwhelming.

However, if you are anything like me, there is a good chance you kept forgetting to check your holiday bucket list purposely. (Did I comment on the fact that by the beginning of the month I had bought my SPF only? Because guys, that’s how lazy I am…) Well, I don’t know about you but spending all those fragrant breeze June evenings hunting for beach essentials felt like doing homework to me. And guys, holiday and homework don’t mix well together.

But back to the topic, July is here now and for most of us, that long-awaited trip to the sands is around the corner. Before you panic, don’t worry: Whether you are enrolling a cruise in the Mediterranean or dipping your toes in the crystal blue Maldives waters, I stopped procrastinating and surfed the internet for you to find the definitive beachwear essentials to upgrade your Summer game.

Looking for that French Riviera chic vacation vibe? I have you covered.

Summer 2019 beach essentials

01. The boho girl beach style

Only few things can compare to the careless bohemian glamour – it is a bit like the fashion equivalent to instant soup allure, isn’t it? Channel your inner IT girl and voilá: ready to be invited to the V.I.P. lounge. No need to say this Camilla off-the-shoulder ruffled embellished printed swimsuit is plainly perfect.

(Rosantica beader wicker tote, Chloé sunglasses, Kenneth Jay Lane cuff, Aqquazura embellished sandals).

beachwearchic

02. The vintage film diva look

When I was a kid, I used to daydream about becoming an Old Hollywood actress. Well, I might not be one but there is always the chance to wear this Norma Kamali halterneck swimsuit and play Gene Tierney in 1942 Rings in her Fingers. Cocktails anyone?

(Bow embellished slides by Prada, tote and shades by YSL, hat available here).

Beachwear essentials

03. The ingénue in holiday wishlist

Personally? I LOVE everything Chelsea 28 produces but this Off the Shoulder Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit is one of my favourites ever. It adds a note of romance to your look and is still casual, playful and wearable. Add the the Urban Outfitters marine hair clips to complete the mermaid vibe.

(Beach towel available at Fendi. Laminated sandals by CHANEL. Raffia bag here).

And these are my favourite 2019 Summer style essentials. Have you been shopping for the beach already? Any nice finds you would like to share?

July 15, 2019August 14, 2019

Allegra Caro4 Comments

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Hi, I am Allegra!

A thirty-something Spanish expat with a love for Haute couture, books and period dramas. Way too many little black dresses in my closet. You can read more about me here.

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December 2, 2019December 2, 2019

Allegra Caro

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Trying to keep it positive with a chilled morning routine on this freezing early Winter. ❄ Being Spanish it has been difficult to me to get used to dark winters but it's a small price for living in such a wonderful place like London. ___ Today on the blog, I am sharing a normal day in my life as a Londoner. (Link in bio.) __ Leave a comment with your tips to survive Winter!
Happy Sunday everyone! 🎉 We're making some plans to go for a Christmas Market today. I can't honestly believe it's the first day of the holiday season (where did time go?) and I am a bit sad Autumn is over. 👋🍂But we will put the tree up in a couple of days and that can only be a good thing. What are your plans for this wonderful Sunday? ___ #londonbylondoners #londoninfluencer #londonblogger #londonbloggers #regentspark #londonstreetstyle #londonfashionblogger #fashionbloggersuk #ukfashionblogger #whatiamwearing #londonstyle #londondiaries #littleprettylondon #lifestylebloggeruk #londonlifestyleblogger
I am the kind of person who enjoys being super productive when the opportunity arises and—case in point—with Sebastian gone for a couple of days, working was my number one priority last week. Of course, Mr. Murphy’s Law had a different plan for me. 🤦‍♀️ ____ By Thursday afternoon, it became quite obvious I was not going to spend the next 48 hours writing without distractions. Instead, there were going to be loads of honey lemon ginger tea, countless tissues and an embarrassing number of The Spanish Princess episodes (hello Starz, could you please stop producing addictive Tudor’s period fiction? I try to have a life of my own, you know?). ____ The point is, sometimes life gets in the way: 9-5 job, children, sickness…—you name it. If you haven’t established an emergency plan or routine, the chances are you will end up stressed and with a to-do list as long as your arm. ____ HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO KEEP YOUR BLOG RUNNING WHEN YOU ARE BUSY OR UNABLE TO FOCUS? THESE ARE THE MOST VALUABLE LESSONS I’VE LEARNED ALONG THE WAY. (Link on bio!)
By now, I've spent so many days indoors while recovering from the flu, I don't ever remember how it felt outdoors. 😷 ___ It's been four endless days of soup, ginger tea and @thespanishprincessstarz (which kept my spirits high despite of the plague). Hence, I am taking Sunday easy today. How is yours going?

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