Tying a knot (DIY knot chain necklace)

I saw this Lisa Freede knot and chain necklace on Revolveclothing and was this close to buying it when it occured to me that I could probably do it myself and save some money. Also, I wanted it to be black and silver instead of black and gold. So I purchased five chains of different shapes and colors and simply tied a knot at the bottom et voilá!

Surface 2 Air

I came across this label through a google search for another label and I thought I'd feature it here as it's a great concept in my opinion.

SURFACE TO AIR is a unique group operating in contemporary fashion, communication and film

Here's how everything started which was basically in Paris in the year 2000:

At the beginning in the late 90’s Surface To Air consisted of a group of friends who wanted to work on projects they liked. Year after year, the team has grown into a multidisciplinary company spanning across creative domains such as fashion, graphics, photography, design, music, films… Today each company develops its own activity but always within the Surface To Air vision.

I think the graphic and music influence is pretty dominant. I'd describe the collection as well-tailored basics like jeans, shirts, dresses but with a twist. All items seem very wearable and easy to match with other pieces from one's wardrobe. I fell in love with those shoes but they already sold out.

The line is available via their online store www.surface2airparis.com as well as in their own stores in Paris and Sao Paolo as well as in selected luxury department store like Barneys or Le Bon Marché.

Ann Demeulemeester lace up boots

Are they sandals or boots? The answer is both. Great for transitioning from spring to summer but I can see myself easily wearing them until late fall. Very easy to style too. I wore them with J Brand skinny jeans when they arrived but I actually prefer them worn with leggins or simply a dress/skirt and no hoisery at all.

Seems like every fashionista in the world wide web has these boots now. I must admit I'm a little bit behind the trend but it's mainly because these boots sold out so fast that I had a hard time finding them. And I wasn't prepared to pay the high mark ups on ebay at all. I saw antonioli had them in a while ago but not in my size. So I emailed them asking if they'd get more stock in but was told there won't be another shipment. When I randomly chcked their web site again I noticed that there was one pair in 37.5 back in. Must have been a return, I guess. So without thinking twice I had to order them. Sometimes you have to take the plunge.

If the weather hadn't been so unpredictable over here lately I'd probably never have taken them off except for sleeping. They are surprisingly comfy. I've seen a couple of knock offs floating around on the net. I guess laces are very in right now. I'll certainly keep wearing my boots long after the trend dies.

The return of the knuckle ring

Bold jewellery and too much bling have been associated with gangsta rap and hip hop style for quite some time. I guess that's not the case anymore as celebs like Rihanna are starting to wear ghetto jewellery for fun. While I don't like knuckle rings with messages like "pow" or "bad" (too corny imo) I do like the simple version by Olsen twin's Elizabeth & James. It comes in both silver and brass. I think it's a statement piece without being too flashy but it can add a little something to a plain outfit.

I was looking for cheaper alternatives as the E&J ones are a bit too pricey for my taste - even though they are probably worth it when you tend to wear them often. However, I managed to get the silver ring (vintage from the 80s) off ebay for $30. I love it as it's not too big. The gold one I just came across in a German drugstore for like $7. It doesn't look as cheap though.

So mission of finding a good alternative for the E&J knuckle ring for less succesfully accomplished.

That was (only) acceptable in the 80s?

Ok, first of all, I have to admit that I was born and grew up in the 80s. So I kinda remember the fashion from that decade very well (even though I was too young to actually wear most of it back then). Maybe that is one reason why I'm probably the only person who embraces the 80s revival in fashion instead of condemning it. Well, leggins have somehow become acceptable by most people - that's because they are affordable and easy to pull off.

Another trend that was very popular 20 years ago are shoulder pads in blazers and jackets. I have a feeling that they won't be around for long but I'm drawn to big shoulders at the moment. Think Balmain and Maison Margiela. While my taylor is currently working on my Balmain inspired blazer with big shoulders I went looking for some Margiela items and found this sweater for super cheap on the Yoox sample sale. I probably wouldn't have bought it if it had been super expensive because I don't know if I'll get a lot of use out of it but it's worth a try.

Even though it is a sweater I can wear it as a mini skirt. I'll probably add leggings out of laziness though. I think I'll layer a tank or bodysuit under it because the cleave is too revealing for my taste. I feel like a footballer with those pads btw. Unfortunately they keep slipping down my shoulders a little. It's a fun piece and will most certainly not become a mega trend which is why I like it. That, and the fact that it reminds me of my youth ;-)