Good old fashioned fashion

Firstly, sorry for not posting recently!

So I've been wanting to write something on this topic for ages now - it's a trend that I've been loving for a while now. It's fair to say that fashion takes some strange turns now and again, but sometimes, going back to the old classics is so needed in a world of oversized masculinity and minimalism (which, don't get me wrong, can be amazing as well but not for the purposes of this post haha!)

Without rambling on too much, the trend I'm talking about is the imitation of ball gowns from the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 40s and 50s. I love this period of time - the postwar spirit of using extravagant materials (and lots of it), after years of practical utility clothing, along with corseting creates the most beautiful silhouette I think.

Dior

Charles James for Vogue

I started noticing this reinvention when Raf Simons came to Dior, with his first couture collection in 2012 scattered with many vintage inspired creations! Also, thanks to Anna Wintour, this year's Met Ball was also a good opportunity to see some serious ball gown action. 

Natalie Portman for Miss Dior

Some modern takes on the classic ball gown silhouette can be seen at Dior and Elie Saab who add floral effects to add to the statement:

Elie Saab

Zac Posen has also contributed massively to the trend with these five beauties:

Liu Wen at the Met Gala 2014

And finally this amazing dress by Topshop on Toni Garn at the Met Gala. Her hair is just incredible and the dress perfectly compliments her complexion in my opinion!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my overload of pictures - trust me this was the shortlist!

Chanel in Dubai

Yes, it's my second post, I know, but I'm already breaking the rules - today it's CHANEL DAY.

Now I'm not a massive fan of modern Chanel, but I have to admit I was mightily impressed with Karl Lagerfeld's work on the Pre Spring-Summer show in Dubai. 

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2015/ready-to-wear/chanel-pre/full-length-photos/gallery/1171071

The collection has all the Chanel classics intertwined with so many middle eastern influences - so apt for Dubai! The traditional elegance of Chanel mixed with a hint of Aladdin-esque style creates some astounding combinations which are actually quite wearable (surprisingly).

Chanel (left); Dior (right)

This Chanel look really reminded me of some of the Dior looks from the SS14 Couture show - the big mid length sleeves are very similar, as well as the big silhouette. Also the partially sheer material on the Chanel reminds me of the futuristic material of that Dior show.

You can also see from that picture the return of statement jewellery which adds to the whole extravagant air. 

Chanel also paid homage to the classic Arabian princess harem pant many times throughout the show, you definitely can see the couturified Princess Jasmine look here:

And here:

I find these two looks incredible: I think it's the long, loose top layered over the breezy trousers - it's so classy and I could picture someone wafting round on a balmy evening in this!

My next favourite look is this:

 The print is to die for I think! The colours are amazing and it flows amazingly, so it's light and breezy yet bold as well, the perfect combo. And the beaded sleeves and neckline add that all-important glitz and luxury you would associate with Chanel. The print also reminds me of some intricate detailing on a mosque maybe...?

However, the crowning glory of the show was this:

Such genius from Karl here! I love the fact there is the traditional silhouette with billowing trousers and long top, and then covered in the glamour that is the Dubai night skyline! Old meets new at its best here! 

And the hair and makeup needs to be appreciated: it sticks to Chanel's usual heavy-on-the-eye look, and the hair definitely emulates Princess Jasmine with her voluminous, sleek locks. Maybe the two bold looks together are a bit much? I don't know. The headpieces just add a final bit of opulence to this classy yet lavish show.

Past, present and future

Even though my mum has been wearing CK one for years now, I still associate it with an old family friend - that is how much of an effect scent has on the memory and nostalgia! I really think you find out a lot about a person from their perfume, and seeing as this is my first post, I thought I'd share some of my preferences lately! 

When I was 15, I got my first proper perfume - Dior's J'adore (eau de parfum). After 2 years it has pretty much ran out, that is the 50ml version. It is quite an expensive one to start off, coming in at £65 but it was a present, so I'm excused!

Here's the almost empty bottle (cry):

It really has a classic smell, and no doubt in the floral category with its main scents as Rose and Jasmine. Also, what is really good is that I find it can be worn both night and day: I don't think it really fits into either category - it's a great all-rounder.
Here's how Dior describes it:

"The eau de parfum is the great Dior floral for women with a generous and well-balanced bouquet, and its richness is a source of inspiration. By celebrating Ylang Ylang from the Comoro Islands, Damask Rose and Sambac Jasmine, J'adore Eau de Parfum unites the noblest of flowers from the garden of ingredients.

The flowing and sensual curves of its amphora shaped bottle have made it a legendary fragrance. A sensuous and refined fragrance that has become a legend"

Halfway through my J'adore love affair, I discovered Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. On a whim, I bought it duty free on a plane in April. I love it at the moment, it's a great one for the summer if you're thinking of getting a new one.

I have the 50ml eau de toilette so I'm expecting it to last a little shorter than Dior. This one is definitely more 'fun' than J'adore. You can probably tell from the packaging! The bottle is great I think, shaped like a grenade (it also reminds me of Jimmy Choo's Jimmy Choo parfum?). 

The scent itself is also floral, and similar to Dior has Jasmine and Rose notes coincidentally! 

"Flowerbomb Eau de Toilette is an antidote to reality, an expression of our dreams. The fragrance lies in a bottle cut like a multi-faceted diamond, the hardest and most indestructuble precious stone in existence. The Eau de Toilette is a millefleurs around the freesia, Centifolia rose, osmanthus and Sambac jasmine, supported by a background of patchouli"

The next perfume I really want is Acqua di Parma's Blu Mediterraneo. Annoyingly, there are 5 versions of this and I can't remember which one I loved. It's even more expensive than Dior, so it'll have to be another gift haha!!

It has fruity notes, mainly the typical Mediterranean Orange and Lemon, so it would be interesting to see if I liked it as much as the other two floral perfumes.

I would really recommend all three perfumes, not too sweet and sickly and they brighten up your day as soon as you spray them! Comment below with any of your favourite scents.