Hot Pink Is The New Black

P-I-N-K.

P for Pretty, I for Intelligent, N for never sad and K for cool. It’s time to go pink.

Who doesn’t not like any of these things?

Funny how things change (or not) over time. As I perused through my draft blog posts today, I noticed something. Back in September last year, I had intended to write you about a particular hue that holds a special place in my heart. Almost a year later, the phenomenon of #BarbieCore has taken the world by storm. This is still a very relevant topic.

In case you don’t know what I am talking about, it’s the color pink! And goes with everything.

Since fashion powerhouses Valentino and Versace launched their hot pink collections in 2022/23 , I’ve been pretty much obsessed with the color, and so should you. Cause it’s pink, and goes with everything.

I firmly believe pink can suit any gender. Its striking color is not only flattering but also a very versatile. Beyond aesthetic qualities, pink can also offer an emotional uplift. In times of dreariness, a mere touch of pink within your wardrobe can work wonders to brighten your spirits. Color therapy is no joke, careless readers.

For those who’ve followed my journey over the years would have noticed that colour is an essential piece in my wardrobe. Incorporating pink into my ensemble was an inevitable choice. Alas, I underestimated the extent to which it would dominate my choices!

It wasn’t until recenly when a friend asked about borrowing something pink for an upcoming soiree that the abundance of pink choices in my wardrobe struck me. If there was ever any doubt , there isn’t one now: I love pink, and it goes with everything. So let’s max it up for today’s outfit? It’s giving Barbie, and I love it.

TCB xx

WHAT I AM WEARING:
Infinita es Infinita Shirt
ASOS Medusa Style Platform Shoes
ZARA Pink Linen Suit

PINK SHOPPING INSPIRATION

HURRay for HURR, the AirBnB of Fashion

As I parade through the London canal in yet another gray day, I thought I would share with you what’s been cooking on my side lately.

You know a grey day won’t stop me from wearing colourful outfits so when I stumbled upon the beautiful Rainbow puff dress from Selkie, I was instantly in love. However, I had been postponing getting anything from Selkie because despite its gorgeous dresses would save animals, their garments do not save the planet. And as part of this years’ resolution I really have been trying to reduce my shopping consumption and living by the example of Reduce, Recycle and Reuse. We need to help our lovely planet!

So, when I heard about Hurr, the self-proclaimed AirBnB of fashion, was renting these pretty dresses (and many other luxurious items), I thought it was about time to test this out.

I have just returned two of my first HURR rentals and I must say: I am in love.

From the customer service to its delivery, this is one hundred percent a service I will be using again. Why should you use it? You may be asking. I know that every fashionista loves buying new clothes. However, it’s time to love fashion with a passion and care for our planet at the same time. Only if we act together we will see real results. And I am here for it.

Let me tell you some added bits that made me fall in love with the concept:

• I rented a Giambatista Valli gown for 5 days and it only cost me 80£ - That dress alone is one, SOLD OUT; and two: more than 80£ worth. That Selkie puffer dress you see on my pics? That was 30£. I felt like a princess, didn’t take unnecessary space in my closet and now it’s gone to somebody else’s sweet home

• Hurr allows its members to rent from other people’s wardrobes as well as lending your own so it’s kind of a win-win for all

• By renting other people’s wardrobes we are giving those clothes another use, avoiding further sales from unnecessary and wasteful high-street fashion and monetizing from it. Plus, you are engaging in the circular fashion economy :)

• To top it up, customer service is beyond fab and the delivery comes in eco and reusable packages. Shall I say more?

HURR, HURR, my friends!

TCB xx

Bright Yellow, Color of The Year

As we all bowed Amanda Gorman’s poet ‘The Hill We Climb’ at Inaguration Day, all fashionistas were also thinking: Is she wearing the Prada Puff Headband? We thought it was dead! And where is that yellow coat from? It’s also Prada. And most importantly, how cool is bright yellow?

2021 has already come with many highs and lows and Pantone has clearly picked up on it by choosing not one but two colors of the year: Bright Yellow and Pandemic Grey. How adequate! I’ll keep the yellow.

Now we now that yellow is not a new thing per se. It was already picked as the trend color SS19, but as Haute Couture is now on us, we wanted to provide you with some shopping essentials for 2021.

TCB xx

Colourful Ladies We LOVE

Every girl has a set of fans,
and they are my colored dream.

Lirika Matoshi

Makes dresses of Dreams

Based in New York City (though Lirika is originally from Kosovo) and fully-run by Women, this fantastic studio makes what I call the ‘dresses of dreams’. Since I got my eyes on their strawberry and heart-shaped dresses I couldn’t stop imagining myself wearing these to my wedding (one for the ceremony, one for the party). As I write to you, I can attest I’m still in the savings process (cost is~400$ per dress) but I’ll get there!

Think of a Disney princess with an edge and lots of color, and this is exactly what you’ll get. A rock and roll princess, unapologetic, sweet but rascal. WE LOVE IT.

Miranda Makaroff

Is an unspoken and multifaceted artist

This crazy and unapologetic Spanish girl drives me mad, madly in love. She is genuine, spreads good vibes everywhere she go, tells you her feelings and thinking process humbly through her own instagram and on top of everything she is an artist. A painter, a creative, an amazing stylist (you just have to look at her own style!) and fashion designer. You’ll find her recent projects with Desigual (though unfortunately all her garments are not sustainable, boo) and I am a big fan of her art, which is now on sale at her own site

Mira Mikati

Brings Colors Alive

Lebanese-born and Paris-raised, Mira has that je ne sais quois that makes us fall in love with her. Except that I know what it is that makes you love her: COLOR. As most have described her, her style is a Colette-meets-Dover Street Market of the Middle East. What does that mean? Luxury clothing with a funky twist. WE LOVE IT.

It's Bikini Season

It’s that time of the year again. Time to take your bikinis and swimsuits out of the closet, cause not even COVID-19 will stop us from swimming in the sea! As a good fashion victim (like moi), I am sure that despite having a variety of swimwear options to choose from at home, you’d like to rock up to the beach with a new ensemble. Fear not, here we provide you with our absolute faves this year

TREND ALERT: Gingham

If there is an evergreen fabric (and trend) in my life and the life of a good fashionista, that has got to be GINGHAM. Queen of checks, this pattern flatters everybody and grabs the eye of anyone looking, there is no season that goes by that I don’t get a gingham piece. That’s gotta mean something, right?

Traditionally seen in tablecloths and primary school uniforms, this fabric could be perceived as a #manrepeller by some, but if you love as much as we do, then check out the luxurious and high-street styles we’ve picked up for you.

Lots of love,

TCB xx

Our Favorite Shoes

Fab Dresses

For Every Budget

…And The Most Fun Accessories!

TREND ALERT: Tartan, Stars and Sequin

OH JEEZ. It’s been a whole year since we last talk about shopping. Can you believe it? Between work, travel, and the new boy in my life, I must have passed by my fashion updates a little. Worry not, like a Christmas Miracle, TCB is back with her #musthave favorites. Just in time for the winter shopping season.

You must have notices that a lot of my outfits have few things in common, or that there are certain patterns that I absolutely adore.

TARTAN. STARS. AND SEQUIN.

They don’t have to go together (though I’d like to see how that would pan out?) but these three patterns and fabrics are definitely my all time favorites. Lucky me, they are also IN SEASON.

Tartan

Remember clueless?

LUXURY EDIT, for those fancy-goers

AND

STREET FINDS, a more approachable fashion.

Sequins

Let’s go Disco!

SEQUINS, Cause why not party like a queen? I dislike the idea that you can only wear sequins when you are on a night out. Mix and match and you’ll succeed in any occasion. Fabulous day and night, please!

Stars

To the moon and back

Call my a romantic, but I love a good night in the desert (or up in the mountains) falling asleep watching the stars. Also, I am a little obsessed with the moon. I am a firm believer that it can affect your behavior/ mood!

Given all of this, I guess it comes as no surprise that stars will feature a lot in my outfits! That and the fact that it resembles the American flag, and anything American related I love. TA-DAAH!

Feature Feed: Wear Carbs

Wearing Cyber Barbie Skirt from Wearcarbs

I LOVE CARBS, what can I say.

Ice cream, potatoes and bread are my biggest weakness, and to be fair I don’t want to stop eating these naughty treats, because they are freaking delicious! As delicious as the badass English brand WearCarbs.

Vibrant, fun and eclectic. That’s what I think of when I see any of Jessica’s pieces. I also want to go out to music festivals everytime I wear any of these, but I also managed to mix & match some of her key AW18 items to make an everyday outfit, believe it or not 😊

Meet Jessica, the creative behind the WearCarbs, and get a taste of what her unique brand is about!

Tell us a bit about yourself (brand/ creative director). Where are you from? How old are you?

I’m Jessica, 28 and from a quiet farm in Leicestershire (which is where I moved back to start CARBS). I’ve always been a huge fan of glitter and arts & crafts, something that my family always thought I would grow out of, but here I am!

When was “Wear Carbs”, the brand, born? What drove you to start?

After I graduated I did a few internships (some good, some bad!) but no one would hire me so eventually after a couple of years I decided to start CARBS as my last resort before finding an alternative job not in fashion.

Where do you get your inspirations for your designs?  

Fun! Everything must be fun, bright and colourful. It always makes me smile when I see someone wearing a bright and colourful outfit so that is what inspires me. I try to wear as much colour as I can (especially in Winter when so many people wear dark or muted clothes, I try to counteract it) and usually when I wear pieces from my collection strangers will come up to me and comment on my outfit. I like how clothes can create interaction and bring that out in people.

How would you explain the style/ motto of your designs/ collections? Is there a specific personality that fits best in your designs?

I don’t design for a specific age group or gender; my best customer is in her 60s and surprisingly a lot of middle aged men wear my clothes! CARBS are for those who are maybe a little bit mischievous and want to have fun with what they are wearing.

What’s the hottest item this season/ upcoming season?

The faux fur jackets have always been the most popular but I’m working on some super cute colourful sequin dresses for Autumn.

In your opinion, what works best to make a brand like yours more successful? 

Determination and hard work. The first year was hard because no one knew about my brand at all and so I wasn’t making many sales. I sew from the moment I wake up at 8am to around midnight when I go to bed again and I work every day of the week, so it can be very disheartening when you are working so hard, but nothing is really happening. I almost gave up completely two- or three-times last year and the only thing that stopped me from quitting was having a DM from a stranger saying how much they loved my brand. Tiny bits of support like that make a huge difference. Collaborating with talented models and photographers was also a great way to network and show my brand to a whole new audience and as soon as I started to do more of that my brand’s audience started to grow.

Feature Feed: Khyeli

London based brand founded Ahmed Alkhyeli, who sees the Khyeli woman as POWERFUL. Just how we like it! 

I must say I got hooked by the idea behind his designs at LFW, a collection that explored the boundaries of cultures, combining traditional British heritage and the current situation of Syrian refugees who once lived luxurious lives. 

The S/S18 collection follows the same patterns, and I can't help but notice that despite being a sucker for colour, this monochrome palette has got really into me. 

Let's get to know the designer and the brand a bit more together!

Where did you learn your trade?

I’m self-taught. I studied architecture for my bachelor degree. I was always drawn to
fashion, and architecture helped me develop more than an appreciation for the beauty of it
but also an appreciation for the craftsmanship and thought that goes behind it. By the last
two years of my studies, I started teaching myself how to drape and construct garments
through books and any video tutorial I can find. My curiosity grew the more I learnt and so
did my hunger for knowledge not only in the creative aspect of the job but also the business
aspect of what it takes to build a successful fashion house. When I graduated from
architecture, I took a short course at Instituto Marangoni in Paris called ‘the business of
Fashion’. I realised throughout that course that with all its challenges, I had a curiosity and
love for the fashion industry that I would not be able to give to any other profession and
that the accumulation of knowledge and discovery did not feel like work but was something
I did out of a natural desire to know more. In turn, I knew that this would be the career I
would want to pursue.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Describe your aesthetic …..

It differs from when I’m working on a collection to when I’m working on a bespoke design
for a client. For collections, I start with an idea I would like to express. This idea serves as a
source of inspiration. For example, my previous collection was about the openness to
possibility and liberation from limitations of convention. This directed me towards the focus
on conventional, classic pieces of clothing with traditional ways of construction that
transition throughout the collection from very constructed garments made of heavy weight
fabrics, to a much lighter weight transparent fabrics which seem to be effortlessly wrapped
around the body and incorporating feathered dresses so light they float on your body to
symbolise liberation. Whereas when it is a bespoke design, the client is the source of
inspiration. I like to learn about them, their culture, the occasion they are dressing for to
deliver something truly unique and personal.

Ultimately, the most important thing for me is to frame the woman. I believe she
should be the center of attention not the dress she wears. I think the biggest compliment to a designer is for a woman to be told today you look exceptionally beautiful rather than that dress is beautiful. Often a dress that has a lot going on can
take over and end up being a distraction from the true reason it is worn, which is to
compliment the woman wearing it and draw attention to her inherent beauty. As for
my design principles, I derive a lot of them from my architectural background. I put a
lot of emphasis on materiality, form and construction. We only use the highest quality
of fabrics, we always try to have form be dictated by the way a dress is constructed.
Most dresses will look like they were not touched very much and drape organically
when in fact a lot skill and craftsmanship went into the pattern cutting, and
construction of the garment.

Who is your customer?

My customer can be of any age, and can come from any part of the world. She is confident,
educated and powerful while retaining a strong sense of her femininity. In her fragility, she
finds compassion and in her strength she finds the power to defend what she believes in.
Above all she understands that her value doesn’t lie in what she wears, but that what she
wears expresses a sophisticated sensibility and a love for fine fabrics and details of cut that
emphasise her individual beauty. She understands that garments are meant to frame you
rather than be framed by you.

Don't miss out guys, Khyeli is fierce.

Featured Feed: REO Jewels

 Meet Rebecca Ellis Onyett, better known as the creative behind REO Jewels. A 27 year old british gal spreading her badass jewels amongst East Londoners.

Tell us a bit about yourself (brand/ creative director). Where are you from? How old are you?

My name is Rebecca Ellis Onyett which is where REO comes from. I am 27 years old  born and bred in England. Studied my degree in silver and goldsmithing at UCA Rochester Kent.

When was “REO Jewels”, the brand, born? What drove you to start?

I always knew I wanted to be my own boss.

After my degree finished in 2012, I began working for the jeweller Shaun Leane; who taught me a lot about running your own business. In my spare time, I was still making and doing the “odd road-show” here and there. Sometime in 2015 I felt I was ready to take the plunge and I became self-employed. I have never looked back.

Where do you get your inspirations for your designs?  

Nature is my biggest inspiration, I love organic shapes and textures.

Having said that, I do get inspired by anything.The first thing I look at when I meet someone is how they wear jewelry, how its arranged and placed on their body. I also love antique jewelry and going to antique fairs or museums to look at pieces that have survived the age of time. I’d like to think one day maybe one of my works might end up in a museum.

How would you explain the style/ motto of your designs/ collections? Is there a specific personality that fits best in your designs?

I like my pieces to have a vintage feel and for them to be timeless. I really love how nature is beautiful but also deadly, kind of like a women not to be reckoned with, this idea plays in some of my woodland collection with the rose thorns and brambles.

I also love the idea of adorning pieces that mean something personal to the wearer. Different bones or teeth from various animals depict certain feelings or emotions for different people. It’s like wearing your spirit animal, which again goes back to our tribal ancestors who would wear jewellery as a way of showing their status. 

What’s the hottest item this season?
Definitely the new sea urchin and opal ring! Part of the new beach collection, ta-dah 😊

In your opinion, what works best to make a brand like yours more successful? 

You must be super driven and super passionate about it. I literally live and breathe my work. It’s a huge part of who I am. My pieces are like my babies that I’ve nurtured, watch grow and flourish. 

We know that you showcase your pieces at Broadway Market on Saturdays and WE LOVE it. What’s next? What are your future plans for the brand?

Broadway market is so great and for now I am super happy just selling via there and online. However, I do now live in Margate and would love to have a summer pop up shop here and in the future a permanent spot. 

Featured Feed: Sarah's Bags

OUTRAGEOUS OUTERWEAR, my favorite kind. 

It's been a while since TCB has spoken about new talents, but this one is worth lots. Sarah Beydoun, the brain behind Sarah's Bag is a Lebanese gem. 

Dynamic, energetic and passionate about beauty and art, she decided to create her business after working at an NGO that rehabilitates women at risk and female ex-prisoners. And what's best, she employed the women she met there. 

Launching Sarah's bag in 2000, she brought to live hip, luxurious and hand crafted statement pieces that are always fun and playful. Her collections vary each season, but there's certainly boldness in all of them. From discoteque to tropicana or retail therapy vibes (one of our favorites along with the retro videocassetes), you'll find a variety of options.

Sarah's idea is to explore new materials and techniques with each collection, using embroidery, sequins, crochet and fabric manipulation, which makes her bags unique. It takes up to 25 hours to work on a single piece!

Definitely one-of-a-kind. Don't you think?

TCB xx

Christmas Shopping You Shall

In need of Christmas shopping? I’ve got you sorted in one word: Debenhams!

I’ve never been a fan of department stores (ok, Selfridges MIGHT be an exception) BUT I must say I’ve pleasantly surprised this time around. Debenhams is the perfect fit for all your shopping needs. Soo many secret Santa options on the beauty hall or the dedicated Christmas section on the LG floor. My favorite was definitely the Baylis & Hardling #treatyoself alley, or the amazing beauty advent calendars from Clarins, Beauty Box or L'occitane. I may have bought more than a few...oops!

Need presents for kids? Worry not. On the first floor you’ll find a Mr Men & Miss Little stand personalizing all sort of items for the little (and not so little) ones! If that does not convince you, there's the Sweet Shop right next to it.

I am not one to buy for men’s these days (all treats go to moi!) but my male friends tell me you can find great clothing here too.

So, what are you waiting for? Shopping #YouShall, and Debenhams has you covered. Also, have I mentioned is affordable for most budgets? Winning Bells.

TCB xx

Is Winter Coming? Seasonal Must-Haves

As the new season walks upon us, there are certain trends that you'll be seeing everywhere you go...

Here some hints at what to expect for the next season (and what should you be investing on!)

RED AND PURPLE ARE THE COLORS

PRINCE OF WALES/ GLEN PLAID IS HOT RIGHT NOW

SOCK BOOTS ARE KILLING IT

TEDDY BEAR WILL BE YOUR BEST COAT FRIEND