Odi et Amo: The Beckett Sneakers issue

With this post I want to inaugurate a new column, that will officially start from next jenuary: Odi et Amo. I think that the title says all: it will be dedicate to all those "stuffs" related to fashion world that you can just love or hate. This is a little anticipation.

Do you know when you look something and you don't have other choice but love or hate it? Well, this is how I feel when it comes to one of the highlight of F/W 2012-13: the Beckett, the sneakers signed by the french designer Isabel Marant, that seem to have become a true must have of season. Everywhere I look, there's someone wearing a pair of Beckett! I was undecided about writing this post, but then I said to myself, why not?

Awful ancestors, in the beginning were the Y-3, the heel sneakers signed by Yohji Yamamoto for Adidas, followed by Nike, Superga (maybe the most obscene ones) and Puma which shoes, after an ephemeral launch, ended up in the pitch black of oblivion from which, I hoped they would never come out. But you know life is unfair, so we have to see the rise of Isabel Marant's Beckett!

Few months ago they conquered the fashionistas of whole world. The first was Beyoncé in the music video of "Love on top", closely followed by the super models Chanel Iman, Irina Shayk and Miranda Kerr.

Beyoncé - Love on top

Chanel Iman, Miranda Kerr, Irina Shayk

Gloryfing by both celebritiesand the most common fashion addicted, presented in many different colors, the secret of these shoes is the little internal wedge, capable according to a lot of people, to slim the figure of every woman, that is combined with the classic compfort of sneakers. At the cost of attracting to me the dislikes of the most fierce fashionistas, I have to say that I don't like them at all: I think they are ugly, unfeminine and hard to combine them with other garments but jeans, leggins or tracksuits, despite on the street I saw girls wearing them with nothing short of preposterous outfits! For me, then, used to treat heels like a natural prosthesis of my feet, is unthinkble to wear sneakers outside of their charge area! Rather than staying on the treadmill with a pair of Beckett, I prefer to run with a pair of 12 cm Louboutins!

But beyond personal opinions, the question to ask is just one: are they really suitable to everyone? The answer is yes, if your name is Gisele Bundchen, you're 180 cm tall, you have a perfect body and your legs are tapered and mileage. If, instead, you are an ordinary girl with an ordinary body and an height in the average, the asnwer is absolutely no! They may be comfortable, they may lift you a little off the ground, but certainly they don't do miracles! And this is the proof!

Well, these girls are not exactly super models and I'm pretty sure that they know that, so what I wonder is: why?

Okay... I will not even comment these ones!

To facilitate the spread of these abominable shoes around the world (don't be mad those who have already bought them with love) are the cheap imitations, often even more ugly than the originals. Here a roundup of low cost versions proposed by brands like Manas, Promod, Buffalo, Zara, Bershka and Topshop.

And you, what do you think about? It's love or hate?

Trends 2012: Asian style

Among the hottest trends proposed for f/w 2012-13 season there's, for sure, the one influenced by the East atmospheres, made of opulence and exoticism. Distant and fascinating countries, each of them characterized by suggestive views and surrounded by an aura of mystery and full  of fantastic stories, myths and legends.

The secret chatter of Golden Monkeys - Vogue Japan (October 2012)

The timeless charm of the Far East had already conquered the fashion world at the begin of the twentieth century, when the historic designer Paul Poiret used it as  inspiration for his collection, characterizing the f/w 2009-10 collection of Dior, Basso & Brooke and Erdem and the s/s 2011 ones of Kenzo, Givenchy, Dries van Noten and Louis Vuitton.

Basso & Brooke, Christian Dior, Erdem f/w 2009-10

Givenchy, Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti, Kenzo s/s 2011

Dries van Noten, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo s/s 2011

Asian style, with its waelth of floral prints, precious fabrics and  luxurious gold inserts couldn't not be noted, especially in a moment of austerity like this and, this year, is brought on catwalk by brands like Proenza Schouler, Antonio Marras, Etro, Aquilano Rimondi and Jason Wu that show off to us all its cool androgynous look that astonishes and inspires.

Proenza Schouler, Aquilano Rimondi, Balenciaga f/w 2012-13

Antonio Marras, A Détacher, Cacharel f/w 2012-13

Jason Wu, Marni, Ralph Lauren f/w 2012-13

Dries van Note, Etro, Sportmax f/w 2012-13

Fendi, Paul Smith, Louis Vuitton f/w 2012-13

I've always liked asian style so much! It makes me think to a a time so far but at the same time so close,  full of charm and glamour. It also makes me think to Mulan and the traditional asian clothes: from the amazing kimono dresses to the traditional umbrellas. Everything in it is so rich, sophisticated and elegant and it meants to be a must for this f/w season. If it's worn with moderation, this is a style that can be suitable to everyone.

The August Issue - Vogue Russia (August 2012)

If you like it, you can wear this style taking inspiration by the outfits worn by celebs like Katy Perry  Dakota Fanning and Solange Knowles. Check it out:

Katy Perry at MTV VMAs 2011

Dakota Fanning at CFDA Fashion Awards 2012

Solange Knowles at Mulberry's 40th anniversary

My fashion tip? You can opt for a total look, particular and characteristic, or mix it with some casual pieces, like a kimono jacket matched with a pair of jeans, for example,  or combine an origami dress with some asian accessories, without loose that oriental touch so modern and glamour, just like that:

Fuga al Sol Levante - Ladyfairy's polyvore

J.Lo - Miu Miu's polyvore

Crystalline - Miu Miu's polyvore

Asian inspiration - Miu Miu's polyvore

To complete the look take inspiration by the trend makeup seen on Zac Posen's show f/w 2012-13 or check out the Lavish Oriental collection by KIKO or Cherry Blossom by Essence

Cherry Blossom Girl by Essence

Lavish Oriental limited edition by KIKO

 If you like this style, here some low cost proposes by brands like  

Promod, Zara, Oasap and Topshop

What do you think about?

Halloween is coming!

'It was a long time ago, longer now than it seems,

In a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams;

For the story that you are about to be told

Took place in the holiday worlds of old.

Now you've probably wondered where holidays come from.

If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun.

(The Nightmare before Christmas)

 

A cold wind blows and the pale moon dominates the dark night. Death and orror  are coming. The banshees shall herald the arrival with their screams. Buried monsters wake up, werewolves howl, vampires and harpies fly over the towers of the desecrated churches, while witches ride their brooms darting in the sky. Wild creatures, gnomes, goblins and trolls, elves, fairies and leprechauns will come out from the enchanted forests.  
Halloween night will be haunted by the creatures of the night...

And you? Are you brave enough to go down the street?

Creepy? Maybe! But Halloween is not only the night of terror and fearful creatures, it's also an occasion to let you go and be someone else for a couple of hours. The disguises are so many that there's the pently of choice!

In Italy to celebrate Halloween returns to the theaters, just for two days, October 30 and 31,
The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 

Party and disguises will animate October 31 night.

Have you already thought about what costume to wear? Not yet?

Here some tips for you more ...

If you like tradition, you can copy the creepy costumes chose by celebs like Christina Aguilera, Kate Beckinsale and Hilary Duff...

 To complete your disguise, check some make up tutorials like these...

Are you looking for some bizarre costume, not related to Halloween tradition? Well, you can take inspiration from the costume worn by celebs who assume the role of several and unusual characters: from Poison Ivy to Brangelina, from Katy Perry to funny bee, from sexy mermaid to heros! Check it out...

Naturally has you now there is no end to worst: some celebs are the perfect proof of that like Gwen Stefani in the unlikely role of the egg and Headi Klum in the not handsome clothes of Ann Darrow turning in to a monkey. What we are asking is: why?

Little gem: if you want to celebrate halloween in style, take advantage of the special offers by brands like Asos, Youngrepublic, Topshop.

Don't forget to join the contest promoted by e.l.f. for the best halloween make-up. Click here!

And remember, trick or treat? Happy Halloween!