Denimy

The theme for this week is cool casual. How can you rock a pair of jeans and still look fabulous? This collage tells it all...

Denimy by andiva featuring Superfine jeans

Items in this set:
Lace halterneck top, $1,035
Ashish Top with Spiked Shoulder Pads, 595 GBP
Embellished satin and tulle top, $550
Beaded sleeveless jersey T-shirt, $295
Newbreed Girl Kung Foo Panda T-Shirt | Gothic Clothing | Emo clothing..., 20 GBP

The skinny denim! I have chosen to neglect other forms of denim and focus on this one because it is so form fitting and gives the legs the best silhoutte denim pants could offer! And nude is a simple makeup for a casual, everday look.

x

Last week.

It was quite a week. Busy week. Fulfilling week. I am now working on collagees for this week and the next three weeks and to fill in the gaps of the past week. The consistency of my blog posts will return to normal I promise. And I leave you with the video of the song that's on repeat on my ipod... I have been waiting forever for this video. Enjoy! Acapella by Kelis.

xoxo

Andiva

under construction

brick by brick you know you build up a pretty big bridge

Little J

I have been staring at my computer all day, literally. Working hard. Really hard and now i present you, the grungiest (permit the word) gossip girl character that evolved before our own eyes and came to her own. She is still a little lost but not afraid to dabble with the dark side:

Little J by andiva featuring Juicy Couture tops

Items in this set:
NOTTE BY MARCHESA Ruffle silk-blend mini dress, $795
Opening Ceremony Over-sized Striped T-shirt, 135 GBP
Juicy Couture T-Shirt Don't Talk, 79 EUR
Black leather drape front jacket, 170 GBP
American Eagle AE Women's Painted Denim Shortie Dark Antique, $35

Okay, what to say, what to say. I love black, I really really do, so I like this one and tended to select just black items even though not-so-little Jenny adds some colour to her outfits... Okay not really, just her red lipstick but the look suits her perfectly. Me likey!

Little Miss Blair

The queen bee herself, always dressed to the nines... the beautiful Blair Waldorf. The one person she seeks to always please is her man, Mr Chuck Bass who is just as much of an impeccable dresser as she is. Perfectly suited for each other, they are.

Little Miss Blair by andiva featuring Dior bags

Items in this set:
Diane von furstenberg dresses, 275 GBP
Blair Column One Shoulder Knee-length Cocktail/Homecoming/Gossip Girl...
Women's Lipsy Vintage Sleeveless Blouse | Shop Online | Style Compare, 30 GBP
Blair Ruffle Sweater Cardigan, $18
Double-layered jersey mini skirt, $450

Some of the pieces in this collage, the yellow dress for example, were actually worn by Blair onscreen. In sharp contrast to her bestfriend S, she is a perfectionist and is only satisfied when she gets her way... a true power dresser she is.

Effortless Chic

I hadn't thought out my theme for this week and I had an epiphany... seriously, I did: Gossip girl characters... So we start off with my style fave: Serena van der Woodesen :-D

Serena van der Woodsen by andiva featuring T

Items in this set:
Beaded jersey maxi dress, $255
Vanessa bruno dresses, 205 GBP
Crea Concept Long Sleeve Chambray Linen Crop Jacket, Grey, 10, 160 GBP
Grey Racer Back Vest, 90 GBP
3 Pocket Knit Short Short, $20

Fresh and laid back and sexy all at once. I don't know how she does it, but she does. Easy going and very understated and well put together. She loves layering and neutrals and it's done so well that I can forgive her for hardly wearing jewellery. The vest and blue leggings with brown accessories was a look taken from the most recent episode and I loved how it came together. Think I'm gonna try it out :-)

R is For RED!!!

Fun Fact:

* In Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries heels on shoes were always coloured red; 

* In China one of the bride's red shoes is tossed from the roof to ensure happiness for the bridal couple.

R is for RED by andiva featuring Onitsuka Tiger shoes

Items in this set:
Couture patent leather pumps, $745
Jimmy Choo Quiet patent-leather pumps, $665
Flower ballet flat, $610
Studded Thong Sandal - Red, $550
Christian Dior red patent trim rubber logo rainboots, $355

A red shoe is essential in every girl's wardrobe. In whatever shape, style of form, red shoes are a staple item. I will confess, I have no red shoe in my entire shoe closet...  *Altogether now* : "SHAME!!!"   From the collage I would probably pick the black shoes with the red detail or if I'm feeling feisty, the Valentino red appropriately situated in the middle. Such a bold colour that promises to brighten every outfit, even the drabbest dress. Caution though, be careful when you try to match red accessories, better still don't bother matching red. Too much red can equal a red hot fashion disaster.

Sneaky Sneak

Fun Fact: 

Sneakers were first made in the year of 1800 with a simple rubber sole design. They were originally called keds. The shoes are given the name sneakers because the soles are so smooth and they do not make any sound on the ground. The Keds was the first company during the early decades to produce the  sneakers.

Sport It by andiva featuring Converse shoes

Items in this set:
Converse Sneakers Studs, 800 EUR
PUMA - SERGIO ROSSI - NYLON FABRIC SNEAKERS, 435 EUR
DSQUARED - FADED PATENT STRIPE SNEAKERS, 220 EUR
PRADA SPORT Women Sneakers, $215
CONVERSE BY JACK PURCELL - TEXTILE OX SNEAKERS, 140 EUR

Saturday has to be the most casual and laid back day of the week, so I decided to create a collage of the most casual shoes... sneakers!!! No more excuses for fashionistas that have refused to be fit. There are tons of fashionable and glamorous options for sport shoes and sneakers out there. So get off your lazy bum because that excuse has now been rendered invalid. You can look good in sneakers. And there are even options of lace up heels too for you die hard heel wearing addicts.

The Shoe Boot

Fun Fact:

The first lady's boot was designed for Queen Victoria in 1840.

Booties by andiva featuring Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

Items in this set:
Boots Market, 6 155 SEK
Lace Bootie, $1,785
Studded Ankle Boot - Khaki Green, $1,595
Quito snakeskin shoe boots, $1,295
JO NO FUI - CANVAS COTTON WITH PINS BOOTS, 1.240 EUR

This was done in a hurry because I was still searching hard for a good shoe fact 30 minutes to my deadline. Boots have transformed through the ages and some styles of booties can actually be worn in warmer climates, I haven't dared to do that just yet though. Booties are such adventurous shoes and I need to invest in a pair really soon. Isn't it funny how we come up with a new excuse to but more shoes than we need.

The Symbolic Shoe

Fun Fact:

In the Middle Ages a father passed his authority over his daughter to her husband in a shoe ceremony. At the wedding, the groom handed the bride a shoe, which she put on to show she was then his subject.

I knew I was right about the importance of shoes. Their value can never be overemphasized! A wonderful shoe might actually beat a Harry Winston or Tiffany & Co. ring any day! I see heads shaking and tongues wagging in disagreement, no? So if a shoe rather than a ring was to be handed to you during your wedding, what shoe would you want? Here are some options:

The Symbolic Shoe by andiva featuring Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

Items in this set:
Lady Claude 120 pumps, $3,175
Studio 120 - Black, $1,895
Embellished Ankle-Wrap Sandals, $1,395
GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI - MULTI COLOR STONE EMBELLISHED SANDALS, 1.145 EUR
Embellished leather sandals, $1,075

So I did a very mini survey and asked what kind of shoe would be preferred. I got very interesting feedback :-) Some wanted everyday shoes because you wear your wedding ring everyday: flats or black pumps; some wanted dramatic beautiful shoes; and someone even wanted a cinderella shoe...yes, a glass slipper! And most ladies wanted Christian Louboutins! What shoe would you like to receive? I saw a number of Giuseppe Zannoti shoes I would love to own (some of which are featured) but it seems Christian Louboutin won hands down for most ladies!

Redefining the Caliga(e)

Fun fact:

Caliga(e)... the name given to the military sandals used by the Romans.  The caliga exposed the toes and had a lattice-patterned upper. Other styles included the calceus and the gallica, both with a closed toe- a style more suited to service in northern climates such as in Britain.

Caliga by andiva featuring Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

Items in this set:
CHRISSIE MORRIS - PYTHON AND SUEDE GLADIATOR BOOTS, 1.145 EUR
Gladiator Sandal - Black, $940
Studded gladiator heel sandal, $790
JIMMY CHOO - STUDDED BRIGHT GLADIATOR SANDALS, 510 EUR
Gladiator Sandals in Metallic Pietra, $650

The Romans were a very fashionable people (to me). Fashion will always be about recycling and redefining. The caliga or gladiator sandals as we know them now are a perfect example. I put the Alexander McQueen pair in the middle, not because I love it but because that is the closest looking example of a redefined caliga. These military sandals have become a staple in every fashionista's wardrobe and is perfect for the warm weather and you have a massive range to make your selection. From sexy to practical, it's available in whatever look you are going for. Viva la Caliga!

The Stiletto

Fun Fact:

Stiletto originally means little dagger in Italian. It had a strong period of popularity in the 1950s after replacing the chunky styles of the 1940s and complementing the postwar 'new look' in clothes. Competition between fashion and common sense was brought about by problems with carpet and flooring caused by the 'little dagger'. I think we can guess who won that war ;-D 

The Stiletto by andiva featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set:
Lady Claude 120 pumps, $3,175
Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100 studded pumps, $995
Fernando - Black, $925
black agate stiletto, $840
Roberto Cavalli Spider-web suede sandals, $700

This week I couldn't care less about clothes, it's all about shoes, baby! The collage is an ode to the stiletto though I sneaked in a chunky one that I adore, it can very much pass for a dagger too :-p. I had an extremely busy day and didn't have access to the internet for a while today, no thanks to sky *eyes roll*, but i was still able to put this together in the end. Of course, this had to feature Mr Guiseppe Zannoti and Mr Christian Louboutin, master shoe carvers in... (private joke!) I know I neglected a couple of other notables, but we have all week to blab about "Shoes, glorious shoes!!!"

x 

Let the Shoes Do the Talking

Well you can guess the theme for this week: "Shoes Glorious Shoes!" Alexander McQueen created these beautiful babies! For this one, I will let the shoes speak for themselves:

Let the Shoes Do the Talking by andiva featuring Alexander McQueen shoes

Items in this set:
David Koma Strapless Dress with Beaded Detail, 1,295 GBP
Long-sleeved bandage dress, $1,150
Alba Black & White Cocktail Dress, 510 GBP
Siren dress, $495
Asymmetric silk mini dress, $355

Let your shoes guide what clothes you wear and not the other way around. Alexander (yes, we are on a first name basis...lol) definitely made his best creations just before he died, a grand exit indeed. I guess he knew what he was doing and these yellow and black geometric pumps are definitely proof. A little black dress and the right accessories are perfectly suited for these shoes.

Rock Princess

So this one's late... :-( My internet decided to act a fool at 11:18 p.m. I was already running late and working with a deadline and that just had to happen. Anyway, the collage for my last portrait of a lady is ready and she's a rock princess. I love this one because... just because. Okay, maybe because black is my favourite colour. A rocker chic that's 'bad to di bone' and still a f***ing lady... Pardon my French ;-) 

Rock Princess by andiva featuring Just Cavalli jackets

Items in this set:
Bullet For My Valentine T-Shirt - Monumental Rock & Rebellion Ladies -..., 17 GBP
Just Cavalli Lederjacke Rock, 1.150 EUR
Faux fur gilet, $245
MADISON MARCUS 62437 BLACK COTTON/SPANDEX BUCKLE MINI SKIRT, 240 GBP
Womens AE Painted Denim Shortie - Dark Antique, $35

Rayban Wayfarers, to me, are a classic for this look and the red lipstick would adds some femininity and fierceness and I really like the buckle mini skirt, I think it's rather interesting. Putting this piece together was a bit challenging but I hope I did the look justice. Okay, I'm rather exhausted and won't be saying much on this one (not that I ever do), but I hope you like it all the same.

x

The Belle of the Ball

One word you can never use to describe this lady is 'cheap'. Sophisticated and classy, every gentleman's dream. Today, she on her way to the opera to see 'The Phantom of the Opera' (how convenient) and this is what she opted to wear:

Belle of the Ball by andiva featuring Manolo Blahnik shoes

Items in this set:
Hangisi - Black, $945
Miss ChaCha - Black, $945
Bottega veneta bags, 710 GBP
Ladies Long Leather Gloves, $205
Harry Winston Jewels: Colored Stones Necklaces - Magnificent Color...

With her dress, she's gone for a less typical ball gown and is wearing something unusual and exciting, a blue animal print evening gown. But with everything else, she stays true to opera fashion: glasses, gloves and stunning jewelry. "Harry, oh Harry Winston! When shalt thou be mine?!" Yes, the big blue sparkly thing you see in the middle (for 'unsharp' people, the diamond neclace) is a Harry Winston master piece calling out to me: "Andiva! Andiva!" What can I say... Shiny, sparkly stuff make me happy :-)
Make-up? Nude with bronze highlights to give her skin a natural glow and her scent? Chance by Chanel... Moving on, don't you just love Bottega Veneta knot clutches? I long for the entire collection of them... the perfect arm candy. Okay, I will stop the madness here.
I couldn't leave without pointing out the shoes, the shoes... especially the Manolo Blahnik hangisi heels in black :-D

Bye!

x

Bohemian Beauty

The lady that almost didn't happen. So from my sick bed, I took my time to think and she finally came to me. Easy going as she always is, her spirit in all of it's iridescent splendour has a blitheness to it. The tinkle of her tambourine releases enthralling music, keeping your mind at ease... Do not be fooled for beneath her visage lies a fieriness like no other:

Bohemian Beauty by andiva featuring Monsoon

Items in this set:
Monsoon Accessorize - Butterfly Maxi Dress, 55 GBP
Diane von furstenberg swimwear, 415 GBP
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG - LONG LUREX JACQUARD SKIRT, 310 EUR
White button linen trouser, 15 GBP
Bohemian Style Guide – 2010 Bohemian Style Clothing for Women on ELLE

Iridescent splendour is all she is to me.

x

Brain Freeze

Itchy throat + clogged nose + body aches = I am under the weather today and it seems my brain is too. Can't come up with a 'portrait of a lady' for the day. Still thinking...

Andiva

x

Über-fly Lady

For her, the sidewalk is her catwalk. She makes it her mission to look good day in day out and can definitely rock the same outfit day and night. This collage shows one outfit and 2 ways to wear it: a day in the life... and the night out in town. This look is all about accessorizing:

Über-fly Lady by andiva featuring Disney Couture jewelry

Items in this set:
Elizabeth and James Parachute Peplum Sleeveless Top - Chartreuse, $225
Antique Studded Knit Vest, $23
True Religion Billy Straight Leg Jeans - Montgomery, $240
Womens Make Up & Beauty Products, 12 GBP
Studded Court By Louise Goldin, $310

A studded knit vest with a large leather tote and tribal flat sandals comprises the day with a dash of NARS' red lizard lipstick (which I have tried and tested and love!!!!) and chunky ring and brown bangles to complete the look. I absolutely love the leather tote and the lady in the background agrees... See that side eye...lol. And for her night out, she switches to a glam mode: jeweled clutch, killer studded heels (I want!!! they are from topshop... impressive), chunky necklace, a classic cuff and simple earrings. She dares to go the extra mile with her make-up opting for false lashes, drawing attention to her eyes... This lady isn't playing games!

The African Lady

With her bold unapologetic fashion sense, style must have been implanted in the African lady's DNA. Unperturbed by gazing 'fat' eyes, nothing gets in the way of her insatiable thirst for attention, style, her flair for fashion, colour and vibrance. I present to you, The African Lady:

The African Lady by andiva featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set:
A Quest Called Tribal: African, Native American and Boho Inspired...
Ulona 140 platform sandals, $1,695
Christian Louboutin African print high heel, 240 GBP
Steve Madden Strappy Shoes, 49 GBP
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Alma GM Handbag, $295

Complete with 3 styles of tying the 'gele', all I can think about when I look at this collage is skentele, skontolo and bold! Naturally, the African lady is a bit of a show off. So, jewellery is important in her wardrobe... gold and coral. I would have loved to feature traditional dress styles like the iro and buba, unfortunately, I couldn't find any in webstores. So my collage features African inspired fashion as well as works from African designers including an Ituen Basi purse designed my dear friend Odiri of T.W.O, who interned with Ituen Basi. Yes, I dare to market my friends on this one. It's my blog :-D. Moving on... To complete her outfit, she clings to attention grabbing arm candy like the Louis Vuitton Alma bag.

x

P.s: The dresses featured are by Ghanian designer Christie Brown available at Myasho and American designer Boxing kitten and TIBI

Lady Vintage

This collage was exciting to create because I had to learn a few things about vintage fashion. There's vintage fashion for every era and people seem to forget that and jumble it all up, which isn't such a bad thing actually. But I needed my collage to be cohesive so I did a little study on fashion eras and came up with this:

Lady Vintage by andiva featuring Monsoon accessories

Items in this set:
50’s Dresses | Vintage Style Files
SOLD Vintage 50s SUZY PERETTE Black Chiffon Full Skirt Dress Medium..., $345
Better than Beauty: A Guide to Charm-Mod Retro Indie Clothing &..., $16
Vintage Darkblue Floral Cotton High Waist Skirt - Bows & Bandits -..., 34 EUR
Repetto Juliet Mid Heel Ankle Strapped Sandal, $250

According to my homework, along with this era came the beehive hairstyle... something more glamorous than Amy Winehouse's reinvention though. I have a more casual and 'modern' day look on the left. I know modern contradicts vintage, but that is how I do! :-p And on the right is the evening look complete with make up and accessories to work with. To complete the look/feel/... nothing oozes vintage more than Chanel No. 5. Just about a whiff should do, tres fort parfum (pardon my elementary french). So can you guess the era? Did I do it justice?

x

Powered Up!

Finally, I am launching my little big blog about fashion and style. And here comes the cliche speech about my passion for fashion: Fashion and glamour is something I have always brooded over... And that's the end of my speech. ;-)

The theme for this week will be portraits of a lady.

la·dy

n. pl. la·dies

1. A well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior.
2. A woman regarded as having the characteristics of a good family and high social position; female counterpart of gentleman

Powered Up! by andiva featuring Chanel

Items in this set:

Crepe pearl-embellished jacket, $2,495

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD RED LABEL Women Womens' suits, $660

Patent Platform Pumps, $450

Wanted Shoes, Heels, PARASO - NATURAL MULTI, 300 AUD

Medium Elise Shoulder Bag: Black, $1,395

This set is what I imagine a working class lady, who is her own boss, would wear. What kind of job do you reckon the short skirt suit would be perfect for? Public relations maybe? ... I don't know! And what better companion could she ask for than a Blackberry for business on the go. Not that there are no other phones out there for the same purpose, but a Blackberry is very much my definition of a power tool. :-D I know the price tags on most of the pieces are pretty hefty, but hey, we could also work the same look for less. So to make this blog a bit more interesting, leave your comments and requests for any of the looks you'd like me to recreate for less.

x