Refinery's finest

While getting my daily dose of Refinery29 (I'm ADDICTED to this website, by the way) this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my favourite Ukrainian designers - Sasha Kanevski - among the 7 European designers one needs to know in 2012. It is humorous to see Sasha referred to as "she", since he's one of the manliest male designers out there.

I know that this guy has been getting his global recognition in 2011 after appearing in Vogue Paris, but this casual among-top-seven-to-know-in-the-States-designers status does me proud as a Ukrainian fashionista.  

It's very interesting to watch my native fashion grow, considering its youth and - frankly - lack of experience. Can't wait until the new season's fashion weeks here. I assure you, they are worth seeing.   

Photos: http://sashakanevski.com

Reasons for hating (and loving) LV

Personally, I don't like Louis Vuitton at all. This may sound totally strange, but the brand and the whole fuss around it does nothing for me. Let's be honest, I can't really afford it just yet, but even if I had the money, I know I wouldn't buy it. The reasons for it? I can name at least four.

1. The logos. Maybe it's because Ukrainian ladies are obsessed with them, or maybe because LV  is the first victim of fake brand clothing producers, the LV logo is everywhere. It starts to become annoying after a while.
2. The  popularity. Everyone wants a Louis bag. Everyone. I can't say I don't respect the Louis Vuitton fashion house - it deserves every bit of praise for being the brand it is today - one of the most desired luxury statements in every woman's wardrobe. Yet, it being so popular deprives it of the exclusivity in my eyes. Besides, the incredible demand for LV items worldwide seems to make the designers feel like they don't have to try hard at all. Unfortunately.  
3. The age misconception. I can tell from the streets in Ukraine, for example, that our fashionistas are aiming to have something LV from the age of... well, 15. To me, this is a brand to be worn by women starting from at least their 30s. This applies to all classic luxury brands, though. You gotta earn that stuff. That's my opinion, anyway. 
4. The fakes. It seems like there are more fakes of LV than there are of any other brand. Why? Oh WHY?

There. I got it out of my system.

The only thing I'm loving about it right now is the catalogue of the 2012 Cruise Collection with  Arizona Muse. I can safely say that I haven't seen anything more tasteful in terms of campaign photography for a long time.

Photos: ilvoelv.com

    

Less is more than anything

I've already told you about my craving for all things basic. You can imagine how thrilled I was to discover Gat Rimon on the Refinery29 website. This French brand has the most amazing basic looks in its AW2011 lookbook.

Photos:  refinery29.com

On 2012, salmon and the Sydney Theater

2012 is off to a busy start for me. I spent the New Year's Eve with family and the rest of the holidays were mere relaxing and shopping. 

Last week at my shopping spree in Bucharest I realized that the most basic of things seem the most attractive. I bought a merino wool cardigan and a crisp white tailored shirt at GAP to start. There's more, but that'll come later. I literally ended up with little colour in my wardrobe - only black, white, cappuccino and ginger.

The aforementioned cardigan was immediately teamed with a salmon top, black shiny leggings and knee-high leather boots. Aaaand thus I'm off to work. 

Top - Topshop

Cardigan - GAP

Leggings - Topshop

Bracelet - H&M

Pendant - Marc Jacobs

I love this top for the sleeves, they remind me of the Opera Theater in Sydney, Australia. I so want to visit this country one day. The long flight - no matter how scary the thought of it is - is worth it, I am sure.

This sleeve design always attracts my attention: it adds structure in a slightly warrior-like way, but this cut is a more feminine alternative to shoulder-pads if you want a power shoulder look.

Photo: v-otpuske.com