Stilettos & Substance

May 7, 2013

Style Post: Passport Chic

Travelling in style isn’t just about what you pack with you, but also about what you come back with. Markets and boutiques in exotic locales are full of unique fashion gems that you won’t find anywhere else, so take advantage of the style potential of your travels and pick up a few items to inject some worldly chic into your wardrobe.

This embellished ivory kaftan is a great example of how a cultural item of clothing can be worn in a contemporary fashion forward way. Multifaceted sparkling rhinestones embellish the neckline and upper portion of this elegant Middle Eastern piece, giving it an element of glamour and eliminating the need for bold jewelry and accessories.

The beauty of this kaftan lies in its versatility; it can be worn to a low-key event such as a beach party or an upscale affair like an outdoor summer wedding. The airy, loose-fitting silhouette of this kaftan gives it an effortless and simple feel that looks just as striking dressed up or down.

-Reem Buhazza

Photography by Mona Al-Marzoqi Jones

Styling and Modeling by Mona Hamid

Writing by Reem Buhazza

Outfit Details:

Kaftan: Jumeirah Market, Dubai UAE
Shoes: Karen Millen

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April 12, 2013

Style Post: To The Races

Dressing for a formal event doesn’t have to be intimidating; while you absolutely should respect the dress code (if there is one), there is no reason why you shouldn’t let your own personal style shine through and have fun with your look. This colourful outfit is a fun take on something you would wear to an outdoor society event such as a horse race. Formal separates are given a Spring-ready twist with vibrant colours and fun prints, and bright accessories give the look a playful, tongue-in-cheek element.

No matter how formal the occasion, pairing a pencil skirt with a shirt and jacket is a great alternative to wearing a dress. This knee-length multi-coloured floral print skirt was paired with a collared beige shirt and topped with a pastel yellow tuxedo jacket for spin on high-society dressing that is both refined and whimsical.

Fascinator hats are weird and wonderful fashion favourites that can instantly add a quirky element to an outfit when styled correctly. This bright pink fascinator picks up on the colours of the skirt and the fun Perspex embellishments keep everything from being too stuffy and serious. A vibrant turquoise bag adds an additional a pop of vibrant colour, and a pair of nude peep-toe platform heels finish off the look.

-Reem Buhazza

Writing and Modeling by Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Sara Al-Banna & Editing by Mona Hamid

Outfit Details:

1. Yellow Blazer: Ted Baker.

2. Floral Skirt: Ted Baker.

3. Nude Blouse: Versace.

4. Bag: Tods.

5. Shoes: Christian Louboutin.

6. Head Piece: Mumure by “Spirit” (Bloomingdales).

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March 28, 2013

Style Post: Spring Bloom

Fashion shifts as the seasons do, and Stilettos and Substance is making its first foray into spring style!

The possibilities of spring dressing are virtually endless; layers and neutrals have been replaced with lashings of bright shades that span the colour wheel, fun prints that make a big statement, and a sunny style outlook to match the warmer weather.

Get inspired for the new season with these fun, spring-ready looks that experiment with a variety of colours, textures and patterns. The models were styled using a mix of different prints, materials and colours to create vibrant, youthful looks that are fresh and perfect for spring.

Along with your wardrobe, spring is also a great time to get creative with your makeup bag and create fun beauty looks. Big beauty statements such as the big lashes, bold eye looks, bright lips, and colourful nail art seen here can bring an element of fun to your look and are the perfect fun accompaniments to spring dressing.

-Reem Buhazza

Styling by Mona Hamid

Modeling by Johannah Zacharer & Charibel Jimenez

Makeup by Tai Charles

Photographys by Carolyn McMorran

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March 15, 2013

Personal Style: Reinvention of the LBD

The little black dress is a style staple that has been around forever, and for good reason. The style merits of this highly versatile wardrobe essential are endless; it is a piece that can look good on virtually anyone, and it can be transformed instantly with the help of the right styling. Here, a variety of statement pieces were used to create a look that is both chic and youthful.

When it comes to style basics like the LBD, the cut and fit is of paramount importance. This Ted Baker babydoll dress has a superior fit, and has a figure flattering fit-and-flare silhouette that is fitted on top and flared out into a pleated skirt. Its mid-thigh length elongates the leg, and the zipper detail in the back gives it some edge.

The brown and black tights give this look some visual interest by putting an unconventional colour spin on the classic houndstooth print. When it came to accessories, the ladylike look of this outfit called for the addition of something a little more unexpected to keep things interesting and unique. The Perspex neon-orange necklace is the perfect choice as it adds unexpected colour and texture and also channels this season’s futuristic trend.

The outwear you select to layer over your LBD can make or break your look, especially in the colder months. The unusual arm cutouts on this fur cape give it an elegant vintage feel that adds a luxe element to the rest of the look. A royal blue bow belt was added to cinch in the waist and give a fun pop of colour to the outfits predominantly neutral colour palette, the gloves co-ordinate with the earth tones of the outfit, and the classic black pumps echo the black of the dress and keep things simple.

-Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Azza Gadir

Styling and Modelling by Mona Hamid

Writing by Reem Buhazza

Outfit Details:

1. Vintage Fur Cape: King of Kensington (Kensington Market, Toronto).

2. LBD: Ted Baker Dress (Kipp), available here.

3. Blue Bow Belt: Arrogant Cat.

4. Houndstooth Brown Tights: HUE.

5. Black Patent Platforms: Kurt Geiger.

6. Neon Pink Necklace: H&M.

7. Striped Clutch: Mimco.

8. Gloves: FRATELLI FORINO.

2 comments

February 25, 2013

Personal Style: The Female Karl

Winter layering doesn’t have to be frumpy and shapeless when it’s done right. When you put thought into how you layer your clothes in the colder months, you can ensure that you will look just as chic out and about as you do when you peel off your layers indoors. This Karl Lagerfeld inspired outfit illustrates how you can layer stylishly and smartly (and still keep toasty while you’re at it!). This ensemble is a sartorial fusion of the antique and the contemporary, and a stylish juxtaposition of masculine and feminine.

The ruffled collar of the white blouse is a contemporary nod to the menswear of the 1800’s. Along with adding a facet of drama to the otherwise basic white shirt, the high neck is also a practical aspect as it keeps your neck shielded from the cold. The androgyny continues with the addition of the vintage embroidered waistcoat over the shirt, which compliments the white with its muted shades of cream and grey. The light grey military coat is the perfect topper to this winter outfit, as its neutral colour is a refreshing substitute to winter’s default black.

Black leggings are a trans-seasonal wardrobe staple that never goes out of style and can be teamed with virtually anything. Here, they balance out the heaviness of the multiple top layers and cut a fashion-forward sleek silhouette. The black patent riding boots are the ideal choice of footwear for wet and snowy climes as they are waterproof and comfortable. The burgundy gloves, maroon brooch and purple bag are finishing touches that add a rich a pop of colour to this otherwise neutral ensemble. These standout accessories also balance out the masculine elements by adding a distinctly feminine feel to the look.

-Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Azza Gadir

Styling and Modeling by Mona Hamid

Writing by Reem Buhazza

Outfit Details:

1. Military Coat: Sisley.

2. Collared Blouse: Zara.

3. Waistcoat: Mom’s Closet (vintage).

4. Horse Riding Leggings: Zara.

5. Jelly Bag: Furla, available here.

6. Patent Boots: Burberry.

7. Blue Shades: Camden Market, similar here.

8. Suede Gloves: Primemark.

5 comments

February 11, 2013

Personal Style: Goth Chic

Combining complimentary separates in different textures and fabrics can help you create a striking custom-made evening look that you wont find on the rack. Experimentalism is the key to creating a high-impact look, as this darkly glamorous look illustrates.

Collar necklaces are an easy way to instantly transform the mood and tone of any outfit. This yellow and black baroque print top is given a Victorian-esque feel and an additional element of interest and with the detachable black and white lace collar accessory.

This theatrical maxi-length skirt is embellished with rhinestones and provides a goth contrast to the girlie top. The dark tulle functions as the focal point of this outfit, injecting additional drama into this ensemble.

A strong look such as this calls for minimal accessories as to not overpower the theme or make it seem contrived. The small black clutch and pointy black pumps are the perfect choices to top off this girlie-goth look; their colour ties in with the look’s dark undertones, and the clutch’s velvet material keeps things texturally interesting. Additionally, the dark lipstick is a great example of how you can include your makeup look in your sartorial endeavours.

-Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Mona Al-Marzoqi Jones

Styling and Modeling by Mona Hamid

Writing by Reem Buhazza

Outfit Details:

1. Lace Printed Top: Karen Millen.

2. Tulle Skirt: France Haneva (via Green Bird Boutique, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E).

3. Embellished Collar: Global Village, Dubai, U.A.E (Chinese Market).

4. Shoes: Dune.

5. Velvet Clutch: Banana Republic (Style: Anna Karenina jasmine box clutch).

6. Bracelet: Karen Millen.

2 comments

February 1, 2013

Beauty: Our Makeup Bag Essentials

We Stilettos and Substance girls aren’t just obsessed with style – we love beauty too! For our first ever beauty post, we’ve each compiled a list of 5 favourite beauty products from our makeup bags that we just can’t live without.

MONA’S TOP 5

1. Clinique Intense Eyeliner in Instense Midnight  “This is my favorite black eyeliner at the moment! I love that it’s long lasting so I never need to re-apply.”

2. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC45  “I needed a concealer that was long lasting and didn’t look cakey. This does the job – it’s a new favorite.”

3. L’Oreal True Match Compact Makeup in Soft Sable  “Perfect for when I am on-the-go and I don’t want to carry too much makeup in a cute tiny purse.”

4. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm  “I rock this all day, every day. My favorite product of all time – I cant live without it!”

5. Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple  “This beautiful mint colour surprisingly compliments of all my outfits and is and great option for all seasons.”

REEM’S TOP 5

1. Urban Decay Baked Bronzer in Gilded “I’m a huge fan of bronzer, and I love the golden shimmer in this one. I use it as a highlighter too!”

2. Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk “I’m obsessed with lipgloss, and this one is my favourite right now. The nude colour is gorgeous and it has a minty tingle to it.”

3. MAC blush in I’m The One “I can never seem to find a shade of pink blush that suits me, but this one does.”

4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Deep “I cant live without powder. I really love this one because its lightweight and the minerals in it are good for your skin.”

5. Sephora Liquid Eyeliner in Black “I’ve been wearing liquid eyeliner every single day for years! This one is really easy to apply and it stays on all day.”

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January 16, 2013

Personal Style: Lady Wears the Blues

Monochrome dressing can be just as fun and visually striking as colour blocking. However, it is not as simple as throwing on different items in the exact same shade and calling it a day – it takes thought and creativity to strike a perfect balance when using different shades of the same colour to put together an outfit.

An assortment of blues was used to put together this ladylike ensemble. The key to successfully putting together a monochrome look is to create contrast by choosing shades that compliment each other and to create variety by using different materials, patterns and textures to break up the look and make it interesting.

The geometric black pattern on this royal blue shirt is an example of how patterns can add visual interest to a monochromatic look. The darker shade of blue of the high-waist skirt creates colour contrast, and its bandeau panels add texture. The dark blue long leather gloves and indigo fur scarf are elegant accessories that keep in with the colour theme of this outfit as well as add textural interest.

The handbag encompasses contrasting shades of blue and is made up of different materials, making it the perfect accompaniment to this monochrome outfit. To finish off this look, black tights and black booties make for a leg-lengthening combination that echoes the pattern of the shirt and doesn’t overwhelm the outfit’s blue colour palette.

-Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Ayah Amin

Styling and Modeling by Mona Hamid

Writing by Reem Buhazza

Outfit Details:

1. Sunglasses: Ralph Lauren. Similar here.

2. Fur Scarf: KYI KYI at Bloomingdales. Similar here.

3. Blouse: Amanda Uprichard at Bloomingdales. Available here.

4. Gloves: Barneys. Similar here.

5. Bag: Charles & Keith. Available here.

6. Skirt: Reiss. Similar here.

7. Booties: Franco Sarto, available here.

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January 4, 2013

Personal Style: Winter Wonderland

This Alice in Wonderland inspired ensemble illustrates how a playful pattern such as the polka dot can easily add a kick of whimsy-chic to dreary winter palettes.

The polka dot patterns of the statement tights and round cross-body bag are great examples of how you can put separate polka dot pieces together, as the prints are different yet complimentary. When wearing more than one polka dot piece, avoid taking the matchy-matchy route as this can make your look seem dated and contrived. Artfully combining polka dots of different sizes, colors, and spacing looks much more chic and fashion-forward.

The belted navy trench and angora-collared powder blue sweater tie in with the delicately feminine theme of this look, and black round-toed booties add an innocent touch. The polka dot fun continues with the purple umbrella, a great example of how practical everyday items can also function as a stylish extension of your outfit.

- Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Josie Cooper

Styling and Modeling by Mona Hamid

Writing by Reem Buhazza

Outfit Details:

1. Raincoat: Poleci, similar here.

2. Vintage Sweater: The Garment District (200 Broadway, Cambridge, MA).

3. Bag: Kate Spade (style: Normandy Park Dot Bag), available here.

4. Tights: Primark, London, UK, similar here.

5. Booties: Franco Sarto, available here.

6. Gloves: Corder London.

1 comment

December 25, 2012

Personal Style: Vivid Winter

When putting together an everyday winter outfit, practical and comfortable doesn’t have to translate to boring and dull. With the help of just a few colourful touches, your winter basics can be elevated to vivacious new heights. Winter dressing tends to err on the dark and dreary side, so be adventurous and lift your mood by incorporating some colour into your wardrobe.

The asymmetrical hem and gathered sleeves of this ASOS cape makes it stand out in a sea of dark winter jackets. Its neutral beige color instantly uplifts the outfits color palette and creates an ideal backdrop for colorful items.

The vibrant eggplant fur scarf is a fun statement piece that adds an unfussy element of casual-luxe to this relaxed look. Colorful fur is de rigueur this season, with designers from Diane Von Furstenburg to Jean Paul Gaultier all partaking in the trend. The scarf is also a fabulous day-to-night accessory; the tips of the fur are lighter than the base, making it catch the light and look brighter during the day and appear darker and more muted at night.

The waxed maroon trousers are a stylish alternative to standard black. They add an unexpected pop of color that co-ordinates well with the beige cape and eggshell top, and their skinny cut also balances the cape’s roomy silhouette.

When it comes to accessories, utilize your creativity and maximize the style payoff of items you already own; the wraparound bracelet in this look was created with the help of a waist belt! Flat black ankle boots add a stylishly masculine touch to this ensemble and are comfortably casual enough to run around all day in.

-Reem Buhazza