Ruffled up

1. LBD | 2. Necklace | 3. Strapless | 4. Clutch | 5. Heels | 6. Matelassé | 7. Louboutins

There's something about ruffles. Ruffles spell out a certain class and complexity that make it perfect for the Holiday Season. Something far beyond the normcore that has been around lately; or actually making a big effort for the ones you love or want to impress...

*broken record*: sales sales & more sales

If you think I am made of stone, think otherwise because I couldn't leave the sales for one bikini. Matches had an awesome deal on a Athena Procopiou, a kaftan & scarfwear designer I have been lusting about since seeing a kaftan being worn on Aimee's Songs of Style. My kaftan is totally different in kaleidoscope colours & without tassles, but still love to wear these with some boyfriends & jeans, or a neutral outfit.

I'm weird about sales and often buy something that I will need in (hopefully) half a year time: I buy sweaters, mitts etc. This Lily & Lionel scarf is thin enough to be transseasonal or that perfect evening scarf. It even works as a sarong or perhaps a replacement of a towel on the beach. I love it's design of the city Portia on it and corally peach hues often bring warmth to any outfit.

I think I've been bringing my colourful (blue/white) Diane von Furstenberg dress on every travel-event ever so I guess it was time to bring in another item of this designer. Weirdly for a fashionwoman I do not go for LBD often: black isn't the best option for my complexion. But I noticed that a little black dress is supereasy on some occasions, or, when in doubt! And I can always wear colourful or sparkly accessories to bring in that extra pop of colour...

Marant's Crochet, Clements Ribeiro and Monki

This sale-season I felt more like saving for the upcoming collections than to splurge on items that are almost last season. I did buy some that are more into the neutral (timeless) category:

* Clements Ribeiro Cashmere Sweater

Originally in the €400 pricerange and discounted to a €150.
Actually, this has been a RTS (return to Sender) but I liked the cosiness of the picture that I put it on first.

The designs of (married) Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro have been on my "wanna-have" style radar since seeing his Esher-esque prints in 2011 (see here). A quirky spin on the cashmere sweater in one of the more flattering tones for my complexion would be a good buy:

Unfortunately, the cashmere wasn't so soft. I have a COS sweater that is much softer.

 

Adding to that: the size is perfect but the lenght made it a croptop. Not something I am looking for in a classic and time-lasting cashmere sweater. Also, the jewellery detailing? Kinda plastic, don't you think?

• Isabel Marant Étoile Crochet dress 

Discounted from €200 (something) to €75. 

I have been seeing quite some crotchet clothes on other blogs recently and realised it is a perfect piece of dressing during summer. Moreover, it can also work as a trans-seasonal piece to tone down the bright and tropical gear I adore to wear.

• Monki Sequin collared sheer blouse

This is not a sale but people who know Monki know it's a similar price range as H&M or Forever 21. I love this one for it's delicate sequin collar. They opened a Monki store in Utrecht this year and I am not sure if it is in Amsterdam as well.

Have you splurged during the sales or do you wait for the newer collections?

Butterfly

I got a reasonable stash of dresss and I found this Butterfly by Matthew Williamson  1920s-inspired dress while rummaging in some boxes.  

(I think I bought this one in 2007)

I don't reach often for a LBD but the amount of sparkles and crêpe texture makes it reminiscent of the Flapper era, therefore a cute little number for warm summer nights.

It's the type of dress they might wear in  The Great Gatsby. I loved that book so much so I am really looking forward if the film will have a similar aura. I like the pick of actors, though.