Street Style

Posted on March 15, 2016

My Burberry Heart Scarf or how to recognise a fake

In London, wearing my Burberry scarf and Sicily Bag

Burberry is a remarkable British success story, especially as the tale possesses all the elements of a true drama: Fallen from grace, only to then re-emerge stronger like a phoenix out of the ashes:

In the early 2000s, Burberry’s image started to rapidly fall due to a lower price strategy, counterfeit goods and it’s association with hooligan and “chav”, low class culture.

New CEO Angela Ahrend and Christopher bailey, Chief creative officer, were appointed in 2006 to turn around Britain’s most recognisable, ailing brand. They re-invented the brand by concentrating on the core strengh: The outerwear, including the iconic trench coat. By shaking up the company through a new vision, leadership changes and factory closures, Angela faced a lot of adversity but stood by her vision and managed to turn the company’s fortunes around.

After living in the UK for more than 11 years, I decided that its time to treat myself to one of Burberry’s iconic basics: The checked scarf. Rebel invested in a trench coat and scarf back in 1998 (!!!!), and she still wears both today as they are in mint condition!

After spotting the GORGEOUS giant check scarfs with adorable heart design, I knew I had to have one! It’s basically a Romantique version of the classic tartan scarf. The price tag of 395 GBP seemed prohibitive so I had the ingenious idea to browse Ebay and scout myself a bargain. After some searching and bidding, I was thrilled to win an auction for the scarf for half of the retail price.

After a few days, I received the scarf (see below) and whilst I was ecstatic at first, I noticed a few irregularities which raised doubts in mind as to whether this was a genuine Burberry article. Making the most of my lunch break, I trapsed over to Burberry’s flagship store in Regent Street, London, where to my horror, my doubts where confirmed; the manager telling me that despite it being one of the best replicas she’s yet seen, that the scarf was indeed a counterfeit. I have to say that the professionalism shown by this lady impressed me; she took the time to point out the main differences between my replica scarf and the real deal:

Spot the fake…it’s the one on the left. Note the replica is more tan hued, not camel/beige

Material:All Burberry scarves are made of 100% Cashmere. My ebay scarf was soft, it was almost too soft, and it was pilling noticeably, despite being ostensibly brand new. My black skirt was littered with white fuzzy bits. Did this scarf skip quality control? No of course it didn’t. The material is the tell tale sign of authenticity. It has to be of the highest quality. No pilling, no fuzzy graphics, no flimsyness.
Packaging:The scarf came in a cardboard roll, embossed with the Burberry knight and adorned by a bow. Whilst this was an elaborate attempt to duplicate the Burberry packaging, the bow wasn’t made of gerbadine (like all Burberry bows) and the two parts of the roll didn’t seem to fit. Again, would Burberry really sell a 400£ scarf and then skimp on ill-fitting packaging with non perfect design? No!
Label:When you look online for help on how to spot a replica Burberry product, you will find many tips pointing to the clue which lies in the “R” in “Burberry”. Apparently it has a “rats tail” at the end. I’m not really a caligrapher and didn’t see a difference when I compared the label of my ebay scarf and the real logo. However, if you put the labels side by side, you will see that the genuine label is made of a high quality, textured label. Unlike the replica, it also contains the subline “100% Cashmere” and “made in Scotland”.
Hearts: The hearts on my ebay scarf were printed onto the original check design. Holding the scarf against the light, you can see the check pattern shining through the scarf. On the original scarf, the hearts are woven into the fibres of the scarf. They are part of the check design.

These are just a few of the differences but they are the most glaring ones which hopefully will help my beloved followers spot a counterfeit. My advice is to look at the real thing in the shop, compare and listen to your gut feel. If you are unhappy with the quality of your purchase, more often than not it’s dodgy copy.

Burberry heart scarf fake and genuine print

Look out for designs woven into the scarf, not printed on.

Posted on February 11, 2016

The Fashion Sisters Bomber Brigade

Blazer / Jackets/ Featured/ Rebel Alexa/ Romantique

Vogue is declaring the bomber jacket the new coat du jour this year! A classic fashion staple and darling of Hip Hop community in the naughties, the bomber jacket must be the coolest way to stay warm! All major designers from Gucci to Acne offer a variety of styles of the off-duty staple this year.

This uncomplicated blouson, as the bomber jacket is also know as, is easy to style and pair: Imagine unexpected combos like a sequined evening dress with the sporty jacket or do it like Romantique and Rebel, making it your sartorial choice for a day of sight seeing in London!

Rebel:

My favourite way of styling the bomber jacket is just like Mossy does it in the photo: Offset the casual bomber with a carefully ironed, crisp shirt, skinny jeans, ankle boots and structured bag and you’re good to go!

For a day of sightseeing in London’s East (check back for the full report soon), I’m wearing skinny jeans by J Crew, Breton jumper by St James, ankle boots by Jil Sander and a blue satin bomber jacket.

Romantique:

Yes I freely admit wearing bomber flight jackets is not really my forte. But now and then it’s good to mix things up, one can’t always wear Swiss lace and brocade dresses. My bomber jacket is made of wintery wool – a toned down version of the classic shiny nylon or silk. Paired with denim and ankle boots, this is an easy and relaxed look for every day.

I’m wearing a wool blouson by Closed, denim by Hugo Boss Orange, ankle boots by AGL Attilio Giusti Leombruni.

Mirrored sunglasses by Topshop and pink quilted leather crossbody bag by LCredi.

Rebel’s style inspiration: Kate Moss wearing a military bomber.

Romantique’s style inspo: Classy Karlie Kloss wearing a personalised Rag and Bone Bomber jacket.

Posted on November 27, 2015

Sisters style: One coat, two styles

Berlin/ Coats/ Featured/ Rebel Alexa/ Romantique

Romantique and Rebel are back together again for another weekend in Berlin. This time, we replicated what we always did when we were kids: Raiding our mum’s wardrobe! Oh the perks of having a stylish mother.

We chose a chic herringbone egg-shaped coat by Max and Co and decided we would both wear it, showcasing how one piece of clothing can look different depending on how you style and pair it, all based on our different personalities.

Rebel:

To ensure a curving coat looks chic, think about what you wear underneath. It is a silhouette that works particularly well if your general way of dressing is skinny-legged, i.e. slim trousers or short skirts. I paired mine with skinny jeans and pointy boots. Pointy shoes, whether they are flats, heels or boots, always elongate the leg.

Avoid wearing knee-length skirts or wide legged trousers or you will look like a marshmallow!

Romantique:

Egg-shaped coats are cleverly romantic and feminine without alluding to the traditional hourglass silhouette.

The voluminous shape of the cocoon coat lends itself to pairing it with a shorter skirt and ballet pumps.

The leopard-print pointy ballet pumps serve as an eye-catcher against the grey colour and a mini pattern clash with the herringbone coat.

Sometimes, grey can drain the complexion so I perked up my make-up with a matte, pigmented red lipstick (blue based) to pop against the coat.

I’m wearing: Coat by Max & Co. Black turtle neck jumper by Max & Co. Grey knitted pleat skirt by Stefanel. Leopard printed flats with leather bow by Kurt Geiger & navy beret by House of Fraser.

How would you style the egg-shaped coat? A la Romantique, with skirt and ballet pumps, or like Rebel with skinny jeans?

Posted on November 7, 2015

How To Dress Your Age for Autumn 2015

Blazer / Jackets/ Featured/ Rebel Alexa/ Shoes/ Wardrobe

In a world where everyone from nine to 90 wears jeans, what does “age appropriate” actually mean?

Dressing your age means feeling comfortable in your own skin and working with what you’ve got. In my case, now that I’m in my 40s, I find myself wanting to dress not necessarily younger but edgier. I want to push my boundaries, to find silhouettes that are modern and clean and have a twist – therefore I can not say goodbye to my Allstar Converse. I need a little funk. Not a lot. But enough to keep it all interesting.

My beloved Allstar Converse in Black, Bag by Moschino.

The key to successfully looking age appropriate and modern is paying attention to what feels right on you – trust your instincts and don’t get distracted by 25 year old girls with 30 million followers on instagram, that’s not helpful. Take your cue from women who do it well, like Charlize Theron, Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCartney. Age classy, not trashy and you dress your age.

I wore: Blazer by Tommy Hilfiger, Shirt and Flats by Jcrew

Posted on September 19, 2015

London Fashion Week 2015 in Soho – Best of Street Style

Featured/ London/ Romantique

The Fashion shows were screened live at Soho’s Golden Square. A quiet place to relax from the hustle and bustle of Brewer Street. Models wearing DELA ÉVA Bags. http://www.delaeva.com

For the last five years, the stately and elegant Somerset House was home to London Fashion week. This year, organisers shook things up by moving the event to a hip & trendy new venue. A parking lot in Soho’s Brewer Street is one of five venues housing the best that British Fashion has to offer.

The new venue (or should I say venues) choice is a smart one: oozing with that independant, slightly alternative London flair. The shows are centred around the densely inhabited Soho district, home to many pubs, gay clubs, sex shops & even mountains of rubbish bags (which served as sofas for some visitors).

It was great fun to immerse ourselves in that flair. As always at LFW , there were a lot of attention seeking, crazy outfits that in my opinion, didn’t have too much to do with fashion. This year, the gentleman were the true winners of London’s street style prizes. Dapper in sharply tailored suits and British evergreen patterns such as glencheck, tartan & herringbone.

These guys have swagger, right?

Smile!

Soho’s small alleys spilling over with Fashion week visitors. A great vibe.

I’m wearing:

Geometric dress by Max & Co AW2016
Silver, strappy pointy flats by Max & Co
Embellished straw bag by Sicily Bag

Head to toe in autumnal burgundy

The most seen sunglasses at LFW: Mirrored, round Ray Ban RB3447

Wearing Mr Romantique’s rose tinted, mirrored RAy Ban aviators

Posted on August 27, 2015

Simple Chic: Jumpsuit in the city

Bags/ Featured/ Romantique/ Wardrobe

MAx and Co jumpsuit and sicily coffa bag strawbag Street style London

There’s something about the casual wearability of the jumpsuit. Far from a romper, it’s a quick style fix that can be worn for many occasions, dressed up or down, appropriate for the beach as well as the board room.

I’m wearing a black (always slimming!) Jersey jumpsuit. The flowing material flatters the figure whilst being super comfortable. The pinnacle of relaxed, Italian chic!

Dress it down with flats for Sunday brunch, or with a sharp blazer and heels for work.

The simplicity of the jumpsuit screamed for one of my decadently adorned Sicily coffa bags. Making it the perfect canvas to showcase statement shoes & bags.

Street style London, Camden. I’m wearing:

Black jumpsuit by Max & Co
Sicily straw coffa bag
Pointy ballet flats nno name by TK Maxx
Sunglasses by Prada

Posted on April 28, 2015

Vogue Festival London 2015 – Best of Street Style

Featured/ London/ Romantique

Last Sunday, I spent a fun-filled day at Vogue Festival at London’s prestigous Royal College of Art, with my lovely friend Fawzia from Zibastyles. We went to see Bobbi Brown and Kate Upton speak on “Building your dream” As it often goes with these type of events, the actual, one hour long talk, was not the highlight of the day. For me, getting to meet and photograph liked minded creatives interested in fashion as weel as being inspired by their different styles is the real draw to these events.

I’m excited to share with you my Best of Street Style – gorgeous bloggers and fashionistas competed for the photographers attention and the girls were more than happy to pose!

First up is stylish Czech, London based blogger Eva from Glamazon. She hardly puts a foot wrong in the style stakes, looking elegant in her colourful statement jacket and the dusty pink Valentino arm candy, topped off with cool Ray ban aviators. Atosa, from blog mybubbandme stuns with showstopper white tassel heels by Daniel Footwear. I’m not too much of a fan of the denim culottes and the 70s jacket – but that’s exactly what makes fashion events like the Vogue Festival so inspiring – I can immerse myself in new styles and outfits.

I don’t like sneakers – probably because they just don’t suit my style. This fashionable festival-goer has the casual style nailed: The high-tech material of the Midi-skirt matches the shoes perfectly. And that pop of orange sweater? Brigthed up what was a dull April day.

The designer bag that I spotted most? Defintely the quilted Chanel bag and the Valentino rockstud bag. No doubt so popular due to their high recognition value. I love the unexpected colour of this mustard yellow Chanel bag.

A london fashion festival isn’t complete without it’s eccentric, colourful and flamboyant personalities!

Beating the weather blues with a coconut drink. I love the peek-a-boo midi skirt and the dirty sneakers. Such a London look!

Last but not least, here’s my outfit: At last years Vogue festival, I went for a colourful and summary outfit as we were spoilt with gorgeous sunshine and warm temperatues. This year, it was cold and rainy so I opted for the simple and classy Hepburn look:

Black skinny jeans “New Baxxter” by Topshop
Tweed / boucle Chanel-esque chain bag by Zara
Black blazer with puff sleeves by Stefanel
Red sunnies by Fendi
Monochrome flats by Max & Co

Fawzia and myself after restyling at the hair and make-up stations!

Posted on March 1, 2015

Best Street Style of LFW 2015

Beauty/ Coats/ London/ Romantique/ Skirts

Oh London, you are beautiful, ugly, classy, tacky, hot, cold, conservative and crazy, all of this embodied in the audience visiting London Fashion Week. For me, the trotting around the shows is the real magnet to come to LFW: To be inspired, to soak up the creativity and to meet new interesting people. Enjoy my pictures taken of best and worst of LFW Street style.

Above: Mirrored blue aviator Ray Ban: Check. Heavily pigmented pink lipstick: Check. Must-have furry coat: Check. Effortless cool. I could never wear this combo but this stylish creative pulls it off to perfection.

Wow, she has attitude. I love her expression while I’m pondering if the head mask it the new trend for 2015.

I adore this look in all it’s simplicity: Snakeskin printed loafers, cream trousers, baby blue winter coat.

LFW in February is freezing so getting a break from the chill is essential to recharge batteries. The blue Nike trainers lend the black leather pleated skirt and the thick woolen tights some edge, while the silver puffer jacket keeps this Fashion-week-goer toasty.

This skirt length is so difficult to pull off as it makes most people (including me!) look small and disproportionate. However this fashionista nailed it! Pointy heels elongate the leg and the ankle straps emphasise skinny ankles. Love the blue A-line skirt from COS.

Posted on January 2, 2015

Fashion Sisters: Happy New Year from Snowy Berlin and Sunny Sydney

Australia/ Berlin/ Rebel Alexa/ Romantique

Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year 2015!

Rebel and I have been spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve on two separate ends of the world: Rebel in wintery Berlin, Germany whilst I’m enjoying the summer in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney, Australia.

Our outifts for New Year’s day could not be more different:

Rebel in chilly Berlin

Just after Christmas, Berlin turned into a magical winterwonderland with temperatures of -3 degrees Celsius. To cover up stylishly, Rebel is wearing an egg-shaped wintercoat (great to layer up under neath) and essential winter ankle boots with a rubber sole for the slushy snow. She bought these beauties in the sale at my favourite shoe online store shoescribe. Amazing bargain!

Grey, oversized egg-shape coat by Max & Co
Black Skinny Jeans by Zara
winterboots by Jil Sander Navy
Cross-body bag bought at TK Maxx

Rebel streetstyle Berlin Max and co eggshape coat jil sander navy ankle boots

Winter Streetstyle Berlin

Romantique in sunny Sydney:

I’m lucky to spend three weeks every year in Australia to break up the grim European winter for an injection of vitamin D. For a perfect summer day at Newport beach, I’m wearing the essential Fedora hat (to shield against the aggresive Aussie sun), obligatory gingham blouse for the Southern French Brigitte Bardot flair, matching gingham flip flops and short pants. The cherry necklace adds a bit of fun too!

Pink gingham blouse by preppy specialist Gant
Navy blue hot pants with ruffle detail by Moschino Cheap & Chic
Cherry Necklace by N2 Les Nereides
Gingham flip flops by Havaianas

Sydney Streetstyle beach gingham blouse Gant

Beauty Note: My lipstick is “Annabella” by Nars.

Posted on September 13, 2014

London Fashion Week Street Style – Edit by Rebel

Current Affairs/ Rebel Alexa

Here’s a selection of Rebel’s favourite street style outfits at London Fashion Week September 2014!

Street style 1 colour-block (above):

This photo is an absolute cracker! I love her expressive eyes and attitude. Red and pink colour blocking is a great example of perennial style.

Street style 2 wearable chic:

These are classic outfits which oozes class. This is a style you can wear to the office: Comfy but stylish flats in sliver and monotone. Classic white blouse, pencil skirts and classic tote bags. Et voila, the ueber cool look is complete!

Street style 3 Man in Red:

I don’t love the entire outfit but it contains a few details I’d love to have in my wardrobe. With the red Celine bag and the pink high heels, this fashionisto is dressed to kill! Romantique loves the cat ears.

Street style 3 La Belle Italienne:

I ADORE the entire outfit of this lady. Her style represents everything that is effortless chic. Lace pencil skirt and pointy strappy heels. No loud colours, no frill. Just pure elegance. We bet this lady is not British but hails from Milan.

Street style 4: Baccara “Yes Sir I can Boogie”

These two remind me of the 70s band Baccara. The band consisted of two women, one always dressed in white, the other one always dressed in black.

This stylish duo has taken the trend into the here and now by accessorizing it with Miu Miu sun glasses (left), fur and polka dots.

Street style 5: Purple pencil and mustard teddy clutch

Two things stand out for me in this outfit: The exceptionally well fitted purple pencil skirt and the mustard yellow teddy fur clutch. A hot combination of colours and fabrics.

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