Nour Malaeb

SS13 trends I love!

A classic feminine twist on the tux with sharp tailoring, works best if balanced with clean cut designs in skinny pants,high waist pencil skirts or fluid feminine designs and fabric to add some curves.

Graphic prints are back, love the bold look in monotone - be careful not to wear the horizontal lines where you want to look slimmer as they visually add width and volume. Wear them in a top  to balance wide hips and make sure the hemline doesn't end on your widest part!

My all time favorite in a skinny straight cut as they're great to show off those statement heels! Not so great if you're short legged though :)

There's always a certain air of mystical allure to Asian designs. A very dramatic style and certainly a statement piece.

Images lifestylemirror.com

In love with JIMMY CHOO SS13!

I am totally in love with the Jimmy Choo SS13 ad campaign - the styling, photographic style and of course the shoes and bags!

This nude number is definitely on my list - it's the perfect shoe to elongate your legs and goes effortlessly with  skirts, shorts, dresses and skinny pants in any color! A trendy classic.

Might just gift it to myself for my birthday this month :)

Great work styling the shots - Effortless glamor and right on trend chic all the way...

Watch the Exclusive behind the scenes footage here

British fashion photographer Angelo Pennetta, styled by Camilla Nickerson and featuring  models Valerija Kelava and Anders Velencoso Segura

 

How to mix & match to create new outfits

After shopping for my client last week, I did a wardrobe mix and match session to create several outfits from day to night using the same items in more than one outfit. You too can have fun recycling your wardrobe; Start by defining your individual personal style, look for styles that suit your body shape and colorings, then experiment with layering and accessorizing. The best part is that you get to create new styles using items you never knew what to pair with by shopping in your wardrobe.

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I have to admit that the best part of my job is the gratification I get when a client gives me the most honest feedback. Her saying "I can now go out to any occasion because I know what to wear and I am confident that I look great" was enough to make my day!

 

Men! Style your outfits

Work some cool layering into your daily casual outfits to stay stylishly warm this fall. Notice the interesting mix of fabrics and color. Add some interesting accessories to pull your look such as colored shoes instead of the traditional brown or black.
Vintage Salvatore ferragamo shoes, purple Topman jeans. Brown driving gloves, gray sweater with brown suede shoulder pads. Over-sized blue knit scarf from Zara
What do you think of the style? Share your comments with us!

How to create your fashion style mood board

Before meeting a new client, I always ask them to create a mood board of pictures that appeal to them. This includes generic places they'd like to visit, objects they'd like to have in their home, scents they love wearing; Looks they'd like to pull; Outfits they'd never be caught dead in and Looks they aspire to achieve only if "they were taller, slimmer, more confident, etc..." Here's some examples of their boards and how you can do the same to inspire you to discover your personal style and work on achieving it. Let the fun begin and determine if your unique style is classical, elegant, dramatic (edgy), feminine, alluring, natural (effortless, sporty) or creative (boho chic). Remember you can experiment with and always refine your style - just get some insight on how to do it and set your muse!

This client did a mix of styles but the most dominant was the creative and boho, where she picked many folklore and hippie inspired pieces, lots of prints, a mix of fabric and material from denim to leather, silk, fur and bling. You can notice the warm colors too, all of which show that she loves a unique expression of personality and is not following the crowd. After explaining what I saw and showing her ways to achieve that look with current trends and mix n match techniques, she looked at her board again and said that she is always caught in dull outfits and never thought she could dress that way although she always collects folklore items when traveling and this is really what represents her!

Here you can see a lot of movement in sports and yoga and outfits inspired from nature ( floral pints) - with colors that are mainly earthy tones. The words "leap, live, love, raw emotions" reflect her character and aspirations too. I can see that she is a person who is always in motion, open to life and new adventures and in touch with nature. I determined that she would fall in the "natural" and "feminine" style. Her outfits need to be relaxed and extremely practical and allow free movement while her style has to be feminine as not to turn into a tomboy figure.

Last, here we have a clear selection of clean, geometric lines. Very crisp and structured cuts. Bold and bright solid colors that make a statement. Stripes in full contrast. Large statement belts, handbags and arm cuffs and unique heels and shoe details. To me, she is obviously a dramatic style personality who wants to claim center stage. She will definitely sacrifice comfort for fashion.  You can achieve that look by investing in minimal style designs in neutral or monochrome  and team them with statement accessories in bold colors and size. To keep the look current, you can add pop colors from the latest trends. One statement piece of clothing is enough as your look has to be elegant and focused.

What style do you think you fall into?

#todayamwearing

Am loving sequins and I found that these pants from Zara are the prefect melange of party casual as they are a statement piece that you can easily dress up or down. No need to say that am in love with these bejeweled spiked heels from Zara too! You have probably seen them in my "for the love of studs and spikes" post and I couldn't resist going back the next day to buy them!

Tube top by BCBG Maxazria, pants and heels by Zara, Bag by Chanel, Accessories mix of BCBG, River Island and Express.

What do you think of this look? Is there any way you would have styled it differently? Send me your feedback!

Behind the scenes Koba Kochae fashion show

A sneak peak backstage into the looks created for the koba kochae fashion show at the Dubai ladies club on Thursday. Inspired by the 1940's and 1950's, the dresses were mainly classic with a feminine & elegant appeal.

Natural fabrics including various types of silk, chiffon, brocade, organza, satin and velvet were used with an array of embroidered techniques to reflect the glamor of the era. As you can see, the colors were rather discreet & mostly pastel. An elegant subtle look I would say that would appeal to feminine & classical style personalities, perfect for a dressy evening.

What intrigued me about the brand was the  fact that it offers a quality and affordable made-to-order service through its “Bespoke Studio”, meaning you could design and produce your favorite dress or outfit with the help of a designer & professional tailor. I will be visiting soon with clients to try it out!

Moreover, it is promising a complete styling consultation service through its “Styling Studio” in the near future too. Will keep you posted on that!

 

 

 

 

for the love of Studs & Spikes!

Studs, spikes and heavy metal have been around for some time but they are suddenly everywhere from runway to high street. You can't go anywhere without seeing someone wearing this trend in full swing or incorporating touches of studs and/or spikes into their look with shoes, handbags, jewelry or accessories.

I personally love this rebellious trend but won't take it all the way to punk or goth style. For me, adding one focal point element of rock chic in my outfit is enough as it is a huge statement in itself.

Below are some spike studded pieces that I shot in Zara while shopping for a client  yesterday (I wasn't shopping for this trend by the way but couldn't help the heavy metal overdose).

Studs on leather jackets are very in for fall and they are the ultimate biker chic item. For a unique "sweet girl gone bad" look, combine with flirty dresses, frills and clashing material like chiffon or any light weight fabric. For a fierce Rocker Gothic style, combine with sleek dark pants in leather, velvet or even denim and a very well fitted and tailored top. Do not go overboard by accessioning  very heavily elsewhere.

Spikes on denim are extremely fun! If you already have denim jackets, vests or shirts in your closet, try adding the spikes and studs yourself on the shoulders, collar, sleeves, pocket or back. For some DIY tips check out Iman's blog. Team with print dresses, skirts, shorts and pants in different materials to create your unique style!

Just recently have we seen studs make their way to cardigans and sweaters. I think it's a cool look if you are tempted to try the trend in a more subtle way.

Love the heels! Studs, spikes and stones make a statement here with this classical pointed feminine shoe. The look does not always have to be gangster style. I would wear these with super fitted skinny ankle pants or a pencil skirt.

Making their way to pointed toe booties, this is another unusual combination of spikes with red suede material.

And of course, the biker boots! I am tempted to get one in black soon as the flat heels are very practical to wear everyday and look amazing teamed with dresses, shorts and quirky jackets.

Last, this is one item I did buy for my client from BCBG. The spikes around this leather clutch are such a fierce statement (and weapon), and it was the perfect accessory to compliment the little black dress with silver beading on the sides that we bought earlier. I will share the full look soon after I do her styling at home!

No matter what your personal style is, you can spice up your look by with the trend, just let your imagination run wild, have fun playing and share your looks here!

 

 

 

In love with Istanbul! Style inspiration

I fell in love with Istanbul- the culture, people, food and music! Here's some place to fashion inspiration from the streets.

Sneak shot of a backyard on the streets of Bebek, Istanbul. Loved the composition and colors!

Green and white worn by celebrities: An example of how I see fashion interpreted from object to design.

Couldn't help but swoon over this little candy shop! The colors and shapes are enough to get you in for a sugar fix!

The child in you: My polyvore candy mania color blocking inspired style

I love graffiti, to me it's the purest expression of art. The mix with the natural greenery, pots and stones here made it for a great shot. Another hidden alley in Istiklal area.

Graffiti: translated into fashion too. Love the mix and match of material here.

What are your style inspirations?