Category: Fashion

Some are palatial tablescapes with Technicolor blooms others are essentially dream birthday set-ups with presents, cake and candy. Aerin Lauder knows the epitome of perfect hospitality from al fresco dinner parties to romantic holiday occasions and everything in between. And as flowers are in full power amid the most colorful season of the year, this illustrious hostess is lending her expert tips on how to refresh a space with new, surprisingly fun items that are soft in color palettes and bring sun-tipped arrows from the outside in.  Between switching out throw pillows as a passport to warmer weather to incorporating cane, bamboo and straw to mimic the spring season, Lauder knows just how to elevate a home with warmth and heart as we leave the colder months.

Premiering her Spring Edit along with a collaboration with Williams Sonoma, Lauder is re-writing the guidelines for stylish entertaining that’s neither difficult nor expensive but manifests a touch of quiet decadence in an elegant manner. With coastal designs layered on top of dinnerware to pretty floral prints faceted on hair mist, there is no decorative accessory missing from this pleasure-filled, ultra-playful collection.

Ocean Blue World sat down with Lauder to hear more on creating memorable occasions that are simple with a glamorous ambience, refreshing a cozy winter room with spring aesthetics and how to become inspired in our personal spaces during self-quarantine.

OCEAN BLUE WORLD: Aerin, currently premiering your Spring Edit, tell us about curating this playful collection that’s filled with an impressive range of pastel aesthetics.

AERIN LAUDER: I inherited my creative passion from my grandmother Estee. She liked to make everything around her beautiful. She saw beauty as an extension of herself, her home, wardrobe and family. She used to say, ‘Everything can be beautiful if you just take the time.’ This concept has not only inspired the way I live day-to-day, but it shaped my philosophy behind the AERIN brand – that living beautifully should be effortless. I am always inspired by art, travel, fashion and design which serves as a focal point of inspiration for each collection.

OBW: Evoking the spirit of warmer months, you created a gateway to a new world where flowers bloom and al fresco dining moves outdoors. What is your favorite piece in this collection for a dinner outside on the terrace or in your own backyard?

AL: I always like to incorporate colors and textures that mimic the season. A few of my favorite materials to use are cane, bamboo and straw, which can always be enhanced with a ton of flowers. New for our spring collection, I really love the AERIN Caleen Plates. Available in a range of sizes, the plates have a bamboo border and are a beautiful addition to any table.

OBW: You recently collaborated with Williams Sonoma. What are your “must follow” tips for creating understated elegance for a dinner party?

AL: When entertaining, my goal is for guests to feel as comfortable as possible. I always consider incorporating elegant, unexpected touches to do so. One entertaining trick that I learned from my grandmother is to serve gourmet potato chips or nostalgic candy in decorative bowls. What’s more inviting than candy and chips? I also like to use a beautiful tray to create an instant cocktail party. It quickly becomes a portable bar space that can move with your guests.

OBW: Family is key. Do you have one memorable occasion that you continue to return to for inspiration?

AL: Birthdays are always a special tradition in our home. No matter the age, we celebrate with presents, cake and candy in the morning. I love how such a simple tradition can continue to inspire me year after year.

OBW: We often connect spring to cleaning out our homes with new, surprisingly fun items. How do you recommend refreshing your home this spring season?

AL: There are many simple things that can be done to make your home feel fresh for spring. Switching your throw pillows from season to season is one way to easily and effectively upgrade the aesthetic of any space. When it comes to spring, I start relying on softer color palettes and natural elements that bring the outside in.  There’s also nothing better than the smell of fresh cut flowers in any season, but especially at this time of year.

OBW: Today, as we practice social distancing, how can we be inspired in our own personal spaces, whether if it’s cooking, re-decorating or cleaning out our closets?

AL: I’ve been doing my best to keep busy and remain positive while staying at home. I found that there are little things I can do each day to maintain a sense of normalcy and calmness such as cooking dinner for my family, working out at home, going for a walk in the fresh air and setting aside a few minutes for me to just relax. Whether it’s calling a friend to check-in or taking a bath, it’s important to do these small gestures to make myself feel good during such an unsettling time.

OBW: Building a lifestyle brand that’s reached consumers across the globe, what are your plans for the future? 

AL: There are many exciting things happening for the AERIN brand. I look forward to developing new products, continuing to collaborate with like-minded brands and conceptualizing new pop-up and retail ideas.

Landmark Gucci fashion designer, Alessandro Michele, presented a wildly outspoken Spring Summer 2020 collection at the Italian luxury brand’s runway show which closed Milan fashion week earlier this fall. Drawing inspiration from French philosopher Michel Foucault’s ideology of biopolitics, discussing the impact of political power over all aspects of human life, Michele sent a parade of 21 silhouettes down the runway on the backdrop of a laboratory setting with lights falling dark immediately after.

A cinematic prelude of change.

Motivated by the dressing of confined clothing and the urge to try something new, Michele presented a palette of strapped uniforms, white coats and straight jackets which sent the model community into disarray, many whom have undergone their own struggles with mental health including supermodel Ayesha Tan-Jones. Walking in a staged protest at Milan Fashion Week, Tan-Jones described the fashion house’s decision to use the designs of a straight jacket as “unimaginative” and “offensive.”

But Michele saw this opportunity to show fashion as a modern world of possibilities. Where anything goes.

And when showcasing shoes and his second act of ready-to-wear, the Italian Fashion House did just that, presenting a vivacious imagery of color, touching on the creative splendor of unisex sneakers all of a different hue for each foot. Accessories varied from audacious glasses chains to latex gloves and lace exposing a juxtaposition of vintage looks and S&M bold pieces breathing a new antidote into Gucci’s accessory closet.

Neutral suites, color blocking silhouettes, and valiant chokers allowed for a time capsule of Gucci’s 1970’s glory days, combining color with minimalist patterns thus offering a new platform that screams freedom in stream of thought, design and silhouette.

Cara Delevingne Returns To The Runway With Her New Collaboration With Oliver Rousteing

Hollywood royalty and English born actress, Cara Delevingne, most known for her starring roles in the films Suicide Squad and Paper Towns, is returning to her breakout roots as a supermodel, with a new collection of high fashion handbags in collaboration with creative director, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain. Joining Rousteing’s design team as part muse and adored friend, Delevingne is influencing this haute couture fashion house with a vision for bold lines and impulsive hardware.

Paying homage to the rip-roaring era of charged bikers and motorcyclists, Rousteing and Delevingne are channeling distinctive designs that are audacious, in synthesis with patterns reflecting modern architecture. Their new collection, coined “The Choice,” is a one stop shop for all things intoxicating, featuring a set of three handbags anchoring the line including The BBag, The Romeo, and The Twist.

The collection mirrors Balmain’s 2019 ad campaign where Rousteing and Delevingne first joined forces to welcome in their new collaboration, after paralleling Janet Jackson’s iconic cover shoot in Rolling Stones with Rousteing covering Delevingne’s breasts with his hands, in an all black and white photo. And this season, onlookers and shoppers can expect the same sense of provocative and unapologetically thrilling style.

Bringing novel style choices to Balmain’s design team that are nothing but adventurous and rebellious, Rousteing has become an inspiration for daring couture, thus dominating the social media mecca. And with Delevingne as his new muse, Rousteing is showing women that it’s okay to take chances, with a fresh batch of strong silhouettes that are uncontrollably invigorating.

The BBag is available online for purchase now with The Romeo and The Twist available mid-July.

Haute Couture Swimsuit Trends For Miami Swim Week

Jet off to Miami for the hottest weekend of the year filled with haute couture runway shows and top supermodels boasting this season’s sexiest on the beach looks. Between high cut bikini bottoms taking you through a time capsule back to the groovy 1980’s and animal print swimsuits donning zebra and tiger prints, you’ll be ravishing at all the new trends to test and try before heading onto the sand. So just in time for Miami Swim Week, we’re rounding up the top three fresh and wildly cool trends to pick up on before heading down to the Magic City.

Underwire Tops

This season, jump into a suit inspired by the silhouette of your favorite bra. Making lingerie wearable and highly retro to wear outside of the bedroom, this latest swimwear trend brings sultry to new heights with an ounce of elegance that undeniably classic, while suiting everyone’s swimwear desires. We recommend indulging in Megan Balch and Jaime Barker’s New York based line, Flagpole, for a minimalist designed bikini that’s ideal for posting up at the pool while sipping on a glass blushing rose. Our go to is the Electra & Celine for a perfect fit that screams all things nonstop cool.

Animal Prints

Dominating the catwalk this season is the oh so sensual animal print bikini. A one stop shop swimsuit for an in style look making its revival, animal print suits aren’t only made for the wild but for Miami Beach with a double tap trend that’s classic and in fashion. And this summer, there’s no better bikini made for the jungles of the beaches better than Caldezonia’s new collection of animal print swimwear. We suggest splurging on the Ilaria v-neck one-piece swimsuit patterned with edge frills on the back.

High Cut Bottoms

Photo Courtesy by maheliheli.comA look that was all the rage and sported in neon during the 80’s is making its righteously deserved comeback with bold designs that are a closet staple and Miami must wear. A welcoming design for the risk taker that’s looking for a flattering silhouette, this leg-lengthener bikini bottom is a daring look that’s vintage inspired with a twenty first century twist. And in the spirit of Miami Swim Week, look no further than Miami local swimwear line, dbrie, for an effortlessly chic suit that’s adjustable, reversible, and easily worn wet. Our favorite is the Meli Bottom In Red Ribbed wearable all season long. Pair this signature essential with an accessory that’s ultra- luscious like Melina Cespedes lash extensions available at her downtown boutique coined Lash Society Miami.

The Hottest Colors for Summer 2019

The 2019 Spring/Summer Designer Collections showcased ahead of the season promised a wardrobe of easy-to-wear neutral shades. It’s interesting to see how this has carried through as summer arrives. Living Coral – the color of the year for 2019 – has featured strongly through spring and will remain a favorite through summer. It’s status as a “neutral” is based on the fact that it goes well with so many other colors while being able to stand alone in dramatic single-shade ensembles.

Rihanna’s collaboration with LVMH in new luxury fashion house Fenty has undoubtedly embraced the neutral trends. The brand debuted recently in Paris with a line-up of blazers, wide-leg trousers, and structured pieces all in lightly baked hues, soft whites and black denim.

Mention neutrals and everyone’s first thought is beige. Beigey shades range from oatmeal to cream, biscuit and tan and work well on their own or layered with just about anything. A safe choice for suiting and outerwear, beiges will stick around and support your wardrobe for decades. But there’s more … think sage green – a softer, more earthy tone that brings a woodland vibe to the party; or limoncello – more flexible to wear than lemon or butter yellow.

Classic white makes a noteworthy appearance this season. From snowy bright to gently kissed with colour, white makes everything look stylish and polished. Pair it with soft pastels for a beachy feel or contrast with stronger neutrals such as black, charcoal and midnight blue in the boardroom.

Mid shades – think cornflower blue – or more intense shades such as magenta, princess blue, and turmeric will take you from afternoon to evening by merely adding a little shine at the wrists and hairline.

Still on trend, seek out some dainty florals and ditzy patterns in bold colors. Don’t be afraid of going head-to-toe, but if you want to keep it more conservative, just pick out an accent color and add some mono-color layers. Leopard print never seems to be out of fashion, which is probably just as well – we all need to connect with our inner feline, and real furs are officially off the table now.

Finish off your summer wardrobe with a handful of barely-there strappy sandals in sandy neutrals, chic black, or matte gold. Your pedicurist will be your best friend this season!

Stay up-to-date on all the trending news with Ocean Blue World!

Go From Barre to Brunch with these Luxe Activewear Styles

Most people would say that the whole point of working out is to make sure you look good. But getting there involves hours of hard work, lots of perspiration and often a rather unglamorous outfit that creeps up in the wrong places.

Choosing the right workout gear is a very personal decision. Comfort is essential, of course, but there’s more to it than that. Your outfit should offer support in all the right places, allow your body to move freely, and be tough enough to maintain its form through months of frequent training sessions. There has been so much advancement in fabric recently. Most top brands have moisture-wicking technology to draw dampness away from your skin, keeping you cool and dry no matter how hard you train.

California based Superfit Hero believes that fitness is for every body, no matter what shape you’re currently in. Athletes (from size XS to 5XL) have tested and approved their ethically made range, making Superfit Hero the most inclusive premium activewear brand available. Yoga Pants with pockets (yes please!) and a new relaxed-fit Flow Tank Top are game changers.

Natural fibres such as cotton, merino, and bamboo are always popular but are making way for something new and more sustainable: synthetic fabrics. Now you can take your passion for fitness, coffee and sustainability to the next level with OORR’s high-performance range. Made from recycled plastic bottles and used coffee grounds, this super cool gear is fast drying, with permanent odour control. OORR (Out Of the Rat Race) launched their range of gym and cycling gear on Kickstarter just two years ago and now ship worldwide from Australia. As a bonus, a portion of their profits goes to support Velokhaya, a sporting organization assisting children in South Africa.

Another brand focussing on sustainable and eco-friendly fashion is prAna. With activewear styles designed to keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle, their cute yoga tops and pants are good looking enough to wear anytime. Throw on a jacket, and you could go from the office to gym to drinks with just a change of shoes.

For a broader range of fun, unique activewear head over to Lululemon. Bestsellers include tank tops, crop tops, tees, shorts, joggers and anything else you need to work out in style. Their now-famous Naked Sensation yoga pants lay flat against your skin for a distraction-free fit… if the feeling of being naked at the gym doesn’t distract you, that is!

Bonus – check out this wearable tech:

Nadi X smart yoga pants from Wearable X have sensors that provide haptic feedback to help you perfect your posture. Nadi X uses Bluetooth Low Energy to connect to your smartphone. The integrated app lets you choose between various workouts and includes audio guidance to make sure you’re making all the right moves.

It’s time to awaken your inner Southern Belle and make your way to the 145^th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The first Saturday in May brings 170,000 people to Louisville, Kentucky for races, fun and fashion. The Derby offers a unique opportunity to get dressed to the nines for a sporting event, turning a two-minute gallop into a day known for glamorous outfits and a profusion of over-the-top headwear.

Hats have been the quintessential fashion item at the Kentucky Derby for most of its history, although the extravagant flourishes now associated with the Derby only became popular in the sixties. Whether you’re a celeb walking the Red Carpet in a designer creation, or a resourceful DIY hatter, what you wear above the shoulders should be the focus of your outfit. There are no rules when it comes to your Derby hat – as long as it’s comfortable and turns heads as you breeze past, you’re doing it right! Feathers, bows and flowers are always popular in the boxes, but down at the Churchill Downs Infield, you will see all sorts of innovative designs and oodles of humor.

Last year marked the first time that a featured hat maker was selected to be involved in the official Derby festivities. Milliner to the Stars, Christine A. Moore already has a long history of creating hats specifically for horse racing events, so her creations are well-known and loved by those who appreciate the difference a custom made hat can make to your look. Christine’s Spring Collection features compact fascinators and exotically colored wide-brimmed hats, expertly trimmed with oversized, hand-painted silk flowers. You don’t need to be famous to show off one of Christine’s elegant pieces but – wearing one in the Kentucky Derby hat parade – you will undoubtedly feel like you are!

Whether you choose your dress first and then have a hat specially designed to complement your outfit, or find the perfect hat first, there are a couple of things to bear in mind. The Derby is primarily an outdoor event, and the Spring weather can be unpredictable. It’s best to dress in layers even if you’re spending most of the day in the seated areas. It can be a long day at the races – make sure your heels offer style as well as support to get you through all the events and down to the Winners’ Circle.

This is one event where the gents get to dress up too. Blazers in bright, fun prints with bow ties or neckties and smart-casual trousers will make sure you stand out in the crowd. Appointed “official style” of the Kentucky Derby, Vineyard Vines, has an excellent selection of Derby Day extravagance for everyone.

Place your bets, sip your Mint Julep, and cheer those colts and fillies to the finish!

The wildly cool and seductive fashion line, Style Mafia, is making new moves this spring with a brand makeover, newly renamed as Simonett. Designed by Simonett Pereira, the eponymous brand will now be focused on meeting the wardrobe needs of women across the globe with a twist. Featuring affordable prices and nonstop trendsetting looks, this women’s ready-to-wear and accessories line is taking on a life of its own, jumpstarting a preliminary partnership with Jesse Bon Giovi of Hampton Water, son of acclaimed rock star Jon Bon Jovi, for their initial Miami launch this past month.

Set on the backdrop of a sunset soiree upon Biscayne Bay, this inaugural celebration stole local fashionista’s eyes with Simonett’s artfully crafted and beautifully designed garments. Designed to dress the new modern women with haute couture pieces that are ecofriendly and environmentally conscious, Simonett is an innovative brand that’s upping the ante on creativity and sustainability, making it the ultimate collection to keep close on your radar this summer.

We attended this waterfront dinner at Amara at Paraiso, the new-to-Miami, Latin-inspired outpost from James Beard award-winning Chef and restaurateur Michael Schwartz, and got a sneak peak of what shoppers have to look forward to this upcoming season.

Our favorite? The Martina Dress – available in Black or White, for a romantic outing with a special someone this spring. A lightweight sheer lace dress, this below the knee loose fitting midi dress is sexy but practical and can even be dressed to fit over a pair of high waisted jeans.

But our most wanted item is Simonett’s Ezri top in purple. A fashion forward blouse that’s tweaked with 80’s inspired balloon sleeves, this must have piece is elegant, dynamic, and itching to get into your closet.

Ruling these desirable items a go to summer splurge, we recommend to take a walk on the runway and choose Simonett for all things spring uniforms. A-list approved.

It’s set to be a hot, colorful season! The Spring/Summer 2019 shows held towards the end of last year featured vibrant collections and hard-to-ignore trends. While the fashion houses create ranges heavily influenced by current socio-political happenings, the rest of us merely want to express ourselves and enjoy our clothing. The prescribed theme of “you do you” allowed much room to play, with most designers focusing on ways to assert female empowerment.

The faces and bodies gracing the runways were as diverse and inclusive as the garments they displayed. There is still a divide between how designers envisage women, and how women see themselves. The secret is to pick out the trends that reflect your truth so that you can do you.

NYFW’s colour palette featured a range of intense shades grounded by a handful of neutrals. Festive reds, turmeric and coral contrast with theatrical pinks, vibrant yellow-green, and majestic royal blue. Intense golden yellows frolic beside toffee browns and mossy greens, tempered by gentle lilacs. Neutrals include a midnight blue, buttery corn, and brown granite.

Look out for these favorites on your local high street or spoil yourself with a timeless classic direct from your favorite house.

Some of us hoped that the Biker shorts trend would be short-lived, but this season Chanel, Stella McCartney, Prada, and Fendi – among others – have teamed them with blazers and structured jackets, adding an element of summer sizzle to the brightly hued and finely tailored suits that are popular in the office corridors for Spring.

The likes of R13, Nicole Miller, and Tom Ford included animal prints in bold colors, in everything from party wear to formal. Leopard spots will be a popular choice for street fashionistas this season. Over-sized tartan print, tie-dye (yes, believe it!) and patchwork are fun options if leopard print is not your thing. Check out the R13, John Elliott, Prabal Gutung, Eckhaus Latta, and Stella McCartney collections for inspiration.

Boiler suits are in – brights, prints and neutrals; tailored or flowy; in fabric weights for every kind of weather – its never been easier to pick an outfit than with this all-in-one trend. Add a bucket hat in this season’s neon “highlighter” colors and finish off your look with a belt-handbag with pouches for all your must-have accessories.

Brock Collection, Rodarte, Saint Laurent, and Mara Hoffman have gone big with puffy shoulders and loads of tight pleats. Hopefully, the weather co-operates because wearing a jacket won’t be an option. Playing with dimensions, throw on an enormous floppy-brimmed hat to keep you cool, and carry a really tiny handbag. The Jacquemus Mini Le Chiquito bag that made such an impression at the Paris Fashion Week may be just a little too small to be practical, so find one that can hold your phone and a credit card, and you’re good to go.

Amid the fiesta of tutti-frutti colours brightening the streets this season, marigold yellow is a firm favorite. Carolina Herrera, Pyer Moss, Oscar de la Renta, and Brandon Maxwell lit up the runway with their cheerfully-bright creations. We can’t all carry off a pure yellow, so look out for a shade – from turmeric to ginger and anything in between – that suits your skin tone.

Find your favorite look from among these trends, or throw caution to the wind by combining pieces to create something that shouts “This is me!” Add sequins, feathers or fringing for a dramatic swish. Anything goes for Spring and Summer 2019.

From Meghan and Harry to Perry and Bloom, the rich and the famous spare no expense when it comes to marking their engagements with some pricy talked-about stones. But for the coming year, move over clear-cut diamonds in traditional settings, the trends for 2019 come in all colors, shapes and styles. Here are five fun ones to look out for.

Colored Stones

Colored engagement rings are having their day in the sun, thanks to celebrities such as Katy Perry, Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde and many others. So, which stones are the real stunners? Canary diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires are a few noteworthy head turners. Colored stones are a great way to make a ring uniquely you. But, you don’t have to shun the white diamond altogether. Colored stones look great surrounded by a sea of sparkly support. Kate Middleton’s ring is one that comes to mind.

Three Stones in a Modern Setting

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry can take credit for the single stone supported by two diamonds or gemstones on either side. This represents a couple’s past, present and future. The trifecta lends an element of the unexpected, with timeless looks and appeal.

Yellow Gold

If there’s one metal that comes in and out as often as jeans change styles it’s yellow gold. In the 90s, gold was definitely out in both pop culture and the fashion world. But since then, it’s enjoyed staying power and versatility as it works well with diamonds and brightly colored gemstones in just about any kind of setting, from contemporary to classic.

Stacked Rings

An engagement ring is the ultimate starting point to stacking multiple bands. And designers such as Marrow Fine are perpetuating this trend. With a stackable look, the engagement ring is the star, and the bands the supporting cast. Stones can be pear, round, oval, rectangle—even octagon. To call stacking a trend isn’t totally accurate, as the look appears to be here to stay.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Millennials are all about lab-grown diamonds, particularly because they are sustainable and have very little impact on Mother Earth. They’re definitely not fakes and considered every bit as real as the mined variety. In fact, lab-grow diamonds carry the same grades and certifications as minded diamonds.

So, whether you’re popping the question or giving out hints to that special someone, perhaps one of this year’s trends will end up on your wish list.