Lovely in Lace

Lately we've been feeling a little dark and romantic, a common side effect of Edward Cullen overload, something that we are continuously suffering from.  If you want to look the part of the future Mrs. Cullen, then you have to don the fabric of his time... and it's not cotton.  Lace is elegant, mysterious, childish, sexy, and innocent all at the same time, it just depends on how you wear it.  Here are some ways that you can incorporate this glorious fabric into your wardrobe:

This is the dress that started it all. We both fell (separately) in love with the Lady Jane dress available at ModCloth.  It is sweet and understated, with a bit of a Gothic feel due to the lovely lace overlay.  So of course, Saira bought it, and we can confirm that it is just as beautiful in real life as on the website.  The lace is a bit on a rough side, but it helps keep the adorable bell shape of the skirt. Just don't all buy it at once, it'll be a little awkward to show up at the next wedding in the same dress -- unless you're a bridesmaid.

If you liked the Lady Jane dress, but black lace is a bit too much for you, then dry this lovely cream lace dress from Anthropologie. The textured fabric gives it a nice, rich look which is perfect for the cold weather. We can just picture you wearing your black tights, Mary Janes, and adorable winter coat on your way to Christmas caroling... or whatever.

Need a great tote bag to carry around all your school supplies, work papers, or just general every day items?  We love this lace embellished tote because it's casual, but the diagonal lace dresses it up, adding an element of modern, romantic style.

Looking for a casual but stylish shirt? Try this cropped lace top from  Hot Topic. It's on sale for $5...  need we say more?

We love lace leggings to wear with pretty much anything... except an oversized top, as pictured above, because tights are not pants.  Nonetheless, these lace stirrups from American Apparel are solid quality and has just the right ratio of lace to nylon. But if stirrups aren't your thing, then just grab a pair of lace hose from Target and call it a very sexy night!

 Of course, all lace everywhere can be a little much, so how about a little lace embroidery on an otherwise muted cardigan? Dress like Emma from Glee, and pair this cardigan with a cute little pencil skirt and matching accessories.

We love this wine color for the fall, and think it looks fab in lace form as well.  This dress from  Free People is a bit Gothic coffeehouse meets 12-year old ice princess, but in a good way! It comes in a few different colors and the flared skirt makes it extra feminine.

When we saw this dress, of course we thought Serena van der Woodsen!  Very sexy and fitted, this black lace dress from Top Shopis definitely something our favorite Upper East Sider would wear, and we think it's perfect for cold weather occassions.  Just remember to lay off the black eyeliner, or you'll be more Little J than S.

Lace pumps are very in right now, and can be very pricey! These pumps by Steve Madden are the perfect fit for the frugal fashionista.

A real lady wouldn't be complete without a lovely little clutch for special occasions.  Here is a lace bag, by Natalie Gerber, that we think is so girlish and gorgeous.  Plus, the colors are neutral, perfect for the bride in need of a stylish bag for her big day!

And, of course, we can't leave out the most glamorous of all lace apparel, the lace wedding dress!  Show off your figure in this ultra feminine, super romantic gown.  The delicate pattern, intricate beading, and sexy shape are the epitome of modern elegance with vintage charm.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Wedding Style: Hauntingly Gorgeous Goth

It's finally here!  With Halloween just two days away, this post concludes our creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky series.  When planning for your Halloween event it is not always necessary to include ghosts, pumpkins, witches and the like. If those things seem a little too silly and childish for you then the best alternative for you would be to think in terms of Gothic style.  Instead of ghouls and spider webs you get roses and lace.  The key players in this motif are black and dark, blood red, candles, ornate damask prints, and lace.  These may not be the most traditionally beautiful spaces, but there is something eerily enchanting about this type of decor that we just can't seem to resist.

Horror movies always take place in the dark, which means you need candles! Candles are a great way of adding light and ambiance to your venue, and the type of candles you choose can really shape the theme of your wedding. You can opt for heavy pewter candelabras with tall, thin candles, or large pillar candles to give it a Gothic feel.

We truly believe that your choice in flowers really sets your wedding theme, which is why we think these black calla lilies are perfect if you're going for a dark, Gothic theme.  Lilies are often related to funerals and death, but traditionally they signify innocence and purity! Regardless, they are beautiful. If you're not into the lilies, however, then opt for black roses as a nice twist on tradition.

This Gothic wedding cake proves that beauty is in the details.  Seriously, how gorgeous is this cake?! It simple, but so detailed! Covered in swirls, vines and flowers, this cake really helps evoke the feelings of love and passion and it just looks too good to eat!

Or, for something even more dramatic (did you think that was possible?) check out this bloody masterpiece.  It's gorgeous in that American Beauty meets True Blood meets Twilight kind of way.

The first thing you think of when you think of horror and Gothic style are skulls, and we agree with that sentiment.  However, as far as your wedding goes, you may want to hold back on the skulls, as it can be a little too kitschy and Hot Topic for our tastes.  With that said, we think you can use skulls in your decor to add a subtle and interesting look, without coming off as too Avril Levine. Try this silver skull place card holder, for example. It's small, discrete, and tasteful (as far as skulls go), plus it's practical!

Antique rings are both unique and beautiful!  This antique Edwardian ring is an intricate little work of art and would be a perfect engagement ring for the off-beat or Gothic bride.

Sexy & sultry, the birdcage veil is a must have for a modern Gothic wedding.  There is something about it that is just so mysterious and alluring.  Plus, the feathers on top really help to give this a costume-y Halloween feel.

Unique guest books are always fun!  This ultra eerie book and feather pen are a beautiful and unique way incorporate the Halloween theme into your event.  The torn pages are a nice touch and create an aged look and the matte finish on the frame and table certainly add to the drama.

 The Goth bride can't just wear any old dress - she needs a dress with character, something enchanting and a little different. Luckily Claire Pettibone has such a great eye for romantic details and this dress from her 2009 Fall collection is perfect for our post today.  Having a Halloween wedding doesn't have to mean costumes and scary make-up, it can be really feminine and pretty if done the right way.

Double, double toil and trouble.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Gossip Girl Style, Part 3 of 4: Jenny Humphrey

We've watched Little J grow from being an awkward teenager to an angsty fashionista. She's not afraid of eyeliner, and there is never such thing as too much black. Here are a few ideas to help you channel your Jenny Humphrey alter ego:

 

No more Humphrey plaid shirts for Jenny, she is all about style. This drop waist dress from Top Shop is edgy enough to satisfy your inner bad girl, but still feminine enough to get the boys' heads turning. Add leggings, a chunky chain necklace, headband, a ton of black eyeliner, and voila! Jenny Humphrey is cloned.

Speaking of black eyeliner, if you want to perfect Jenny's smokey eye look, check out the Too Faced smokey eye palette, available at Sephora. With step-by-step instructions and 6 different shades to use, you will be rocker chic in no time. 

 

 For a dressier occasion like a holiday or party you could check out this dress available at Forever21.  This dress speaks loads to Jenny's more mature and high fashion style - while the tiers give it a soft look, the grommets give it that edgy look that is all Little J.

Of course, now that Jenny is Queen, she has to have her own headband! This unique piece by Etsy seller blingjewelry is dark and dramatic, just like Little J. We love the large satin flower and the delicate beading, plus it will definitely stand out in her bleached blonde hair! 

Jenny Humphrey knows that a simple white tee goes a long way. This loose, cuffed tee by Brooklyn Industries is a shout out to Jenny's past, and is both comfortable and edgy.  Add tights and heeled booties, and like Jenny, you have an effortlessly sexy and hip look. 

We know, we know -- tights are not pants! But leggings are all the rage, and American Apparel offers pretty much every color and style you can think of. These lace leggings are sure to get you on the top of the Met steps.

Every riot girl needs a leather jacket (or faux leather jacket in this case). This reasonably priced bomber jacket from Urban Outfitters is definitely a Jenny Humphrey staple, to be draped over school uniforms, vintage tees, and even haute couture.

While Jessica Simpson and Jenny Humphrey may seem like an odd pair, two blondes can make a right! We like this eclectic piece created by the pop-star-turned-designer. The bright jewels laid out on the black velvet creates a nice contrast with the heavy metal chains. And if you're looking for some more color, it's available in kelly green and royal blue as well!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Horror Show!

Hey all,

With Halloween fast approaching, and my love of dressing up in stupid costumes well documented, what better time to chat about the gothic revival the fashion industry is experiencing at the moment. I believe the music industry and all those who are 'down with the kids' are refering to the phenomena as "nu grave". The difference between this look and a halloween witches costume is....well actually, I don't know what it is! Hence the timely posting- i'm full of smarts, me!

As I apply my eyeliner fairly liberally every morning, and my favourite colour is black (for everything) this is a look i'm all for. But how far can or should you go? When does your look stop being fashion and become costume party/caberet?

I'm always full of these important life changing questions, aren't I?

The gothic trend (officially named gothic lolita) has been massive in Japan for a long time. I'm a big fan of Japanese fashion (Fruits is my favourite coffee table book) and this is the look an 18 year old Tor spent years trying to perfect.

But now it's hit the mainstream: my favourite designer de jour (and every jour, if i'm honest) is particularly into the trend at the minute: oh Betsey I love you and your bizzarre yet wearable clothes!

Betseyjohnson.com : $425




How fabulous is the yellow dress at the start of this video?? Make that in black and you and I are in business Ms Johnson. All night long!

And its not just my beloved Betsey who's given it a go! You'd have to be blind or not live near a high street not to have noticed the explosion of black lace, leather and erm, pvc all over the highstreet.

Dress and gloves by dahlia @ asos.com

Believe me as a high street addict extraordinaire (this is my new self appointed title!) I know how much cheap lace a tenner will buy you in primark! And we all know highstreet trends come from somewhere. Namely:

Chanel

Givenchy

Alexander McQueen

So what do I think? I think my ass would look like two fighting fat puppies in PVC leggings. I think chiffon is an often underestimated fabric. And I think the subtle nod to the gothic trend is fabulous. (I even wish I had the balls to dress up as a fully fledged gothic lolita) I'm just scared if the trend goes too far, the boyfriend and I will end up looking like this;

Scary!

Love Tor x