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Power Suits & Pops of Color at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week: Day 1

We boarded the train early on Friday to be able to zip to the hotel freshen up and change before the first fashion show at 2 pm.

ABOUT THE LOOK

Bold prints paired with hot pink

The look I opted for was a modern take on power suits. A two-piece suit (the model of this suit is actually called Anna!). That featured a big checkered print all over it from the Danish brand Coster Copenhagen. The tailored suit in itself was quite a statement and I decided to add a youthful spin on it with a playful pop of hot pink accessories.

ABOUT THE FASHION SHOWS

The first show was Tiffany Brown, presented inside Palais de Tokyo, Europe’s largest center for contemporary creation. Many of the shows from big established industry players to new up-and-coming designers host their fashion shows’ each season in the Palais as it is one of the official partners of the Federation de La Haute Couture. The Tiffany Brown show was the designer’s third fashion show in Paris. It was a playful parade of diverse silhouettes in different shades of brown. The collection celebrated women, this was echoed through the styling of the models whose natural beauty, skin, and hair were enhanced rather than made up. Adding a touch of freshness and youth to the collection. Whilst Tiffany Brown insured a forward-thinking and modern take on the textiles by opting for vegan leather and fake fur as conscious alternatives for her new collection. What’s more Tiffany Brown will be opening two stores during the year, one in Soho this summer 2022 and one in Paris this fall 2022.

Paris Fashion Week at Palais de Tokyo Swiss Bloggers ANNA Blachut photo of runway Tiffany Brown fashion show
Paris Fashion Week at Palais de Tokyo Swiss Bloggers ANNA Blachut and Stephanie Olivier at the Tiffany Brown fashion show
Paris Fashion Week at Palais de Tokyo Swiss Bloggers ANNA Blachut and Bella Zofia at the Tiffany Brown fashion show

The next show we went to also took place in the Palais de Tokyo. For this one, we headed to a lower alcove where we watched the debut collection of Sheltersuit Label. Sheltersuit Label creates bold, durable, and unique clothing. Made from luxury upcycled deadstock materials, Sheltersuit Label products are designed to protect the wearer and protect people sleeping rough since a part of the revenue generated by Sheltersuit Label will support the Sheltersuit Foundation. The show opened with harrowing real-life recounts of homeless whose voices are so seldom heard. Before the models stomped around a large pile of original Shelterbags that had been stacked in the center of the runway. The Shelterbags was the centerpiece of the show as they act as a portable tent, a sheltered bed that rolls up into a bag. It comes with a built-in mattress and a pillow. The Shelterbag is waterproof and lightweight. The full collection consisted of 20 looks and over 60 pieces ranging from jeans and t-shirts to warm winter jackets.

I really loved the concept of this show, created by Bas Timmer. The designer collaborates with prestigious luxury brands including the French fashion house Chloé on this innovative fashion concept. Other notable industry members who are part of the project include RE/DONE, Lisa Konno, Gabriela Hearst, TenCate Outdoor Fabrics, Atelier Néerlandais, Cosi Tutti, Coebergh, Studio Joris de Groot, and Lucien Pages. The new Sheltersuit collection will be available in Autumn 2022.

ABOUT THE LOOK

Slinky Silver & a Pop of Green at the Ritz

After that, we rushed back to the hotel for a quick outfit change for the last two fashion shows which were to take place at the Ritz. As it was an event that would go until the evening, for this occasion I slid into a pair of huge velvet platforms, a long black jumpsuit and threw on a sparkling jacket before carefully packing all my essentials my beautiful new deep green THALIE bag.

As we whizzed over to the Place de Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement, I dabbed on some Lancôme’s mini red lipstick to add a bit of oomph to my look à la Française. I always have this mini red lipstick handy with me as it is great for on-the-go glam-ups. And let me tell you is one of those easy hacks to go from day to night in a flash!

ABOUT THE SHOW

At the Ritz, the collections presented included the designers’ Cedi Collection, Felicious, Jessica Jane, and Miashan. One of my favorite collections was Jessica Jane, which featured sequins and stripes, embroidery and flowing fabrics as well as the playful use of Toile de Jouy integrated into modern cuts such as a two-piece tracksuit.

The location was wonderful and I had never been inside the Ritz in Paris before so it was really exciting to roam around the hotel that Coco Chanel had once called home for 34 years and of which I had read so much about.

It was a lovely first day and although I was pretty exhausted by the end of it I was also so happy with how much we had been able to do in one day!

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

  • Suit: Coster Copenhagen
  • Mini Bag: Jacquemus
  • Shoes: Bershka
  • Pink Coat: Vintage from my stylish Grandma’s collection
  • Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury

OUTFIT OF THE NIGHT

  • Jumpsuit: Zara
  • Silver Jacket: Vintage
  • Coat: Missguided
  • Heels: Mango
  • Bag: THALIE
  • Makeup: Too Faced & Lancôme
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10 luxury fashion essentials

We all know that fashion is an expression of who we are and what we want to project to the world, and we all know that it can be expensive. But we also know that it’s not always possible to hop on to all the hottest fashion trends each season and nab the latest Prada bag. If you’re like me, and love the quality of hardworking fashion staples, you might want to invest in these ten luxury fashion essentials that will make you look like a million bucks without the hefty price tag.

10 luxury fashion essentials

10 fashion essentials that will make this season your best one yet.

  1. A timeless, leather bag
  2. A pair of hardworking shoes
  3. A well-cut dress for all occasions
  4. Jewelry that you never have to take off
  5. A designer scarf
  6. A statement hat
  7. A leather belt
  8. A structured jacket
  9. A Swiss made watch
  10. Designer sunglasses

Presentation is everything and in this day and age we are all constantly striving to look our best, it’s no surprise that fashion is a booming industry. There are a number of items that are a must have for a fashionable wardrobe, and they can be found in any price range. In the world of fashion, luxury is all about quality and exclusivity. Whether it’s a high-end designer, a vintage find, or a rare designer piece, these pieces are the perfect luxury fashion essentials.

Here are 10 luxury fashion essentials that are sure to have you looking your best.

1. A timeless bag 

A designer handbag: A woman can never have too many designer handbags. They’re a great way to accessorize any outfit and my personal favourites are structured classic ones such as the iconic Hermès Kelly Bag, Hermès Birkin Bag, the Classic Flap bag and the Louis Vuitton monogramed bag.

2. A pair of chic shoes

You can’t have a closet full of clothes without the perfect shoes to go with them. From the perfect pair of heels for a fancy event to the perfect sandal for a day at the beach; there’s no such thing as too many shoes. I personally love wearing Chelsea boots and in winter and opt for white sneakers, loafers and ballet flats in Spring.

3. A perfect fitting dress  

The perfect fitting dress is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. You can wear it to work, for a date, to a party, or to an interview. Personally, I love my Ganni dress which is the perfect choice for any occasion. The fit is impeccable and the fabric is luxurious and has been with me for almost 15 years. I actually loved the fit and cut so much I bought it in two colours (classic black and a bold blue).

4. Jewelry

It’s not just about the clothes you wear, but the jewelry you wear to complement the clothes. The right necklace can make or break an outfit. A bracelet can be the perfect accent to a dress, or the perfect accessory to a suit. Earrings are the finishing touch to a perfect look. From diamonds to gold, you can find jewelry items in every style and price point. Luxury fashion essentials like jewelry that I love the most are ones that become part of you. You never remove them, like my diamond necklace and Cartier bracelet.

5. A scarf

Cashmere, silk, and alpaca wool are my go-to. A high-end designer scarf can instantly elevate your outfit. My personal favourites are the classic Hermès silk scarfs and the classic House-Check cashmere scarf from Burberry.

6. A structured hat

This is a simple way to add a little edge to your daily looks. You can completely transform your outfit by topping it off with a trendy Prada bucket hat, a casual cashmere baseball cap, or a wide-brimmed Maison Michel felt hat which each all have a completely different aesthetic.

7. A leather belt

A Hermès Belt is one of the most versatile fashion accessories you can own. It can be worn with almost any outfit, from casual wear to evening wear. It can be worn with a dress, jeans, or a skirt. It can be worn with a dress shirt or a t-shirt to add dimension to your silhouette.

8. A Chanel Jacket

They are expensive, but worth the investment. Chanel is one of the most well-known fashion houses in the world. The company has been around for over 100 years and has always been on the forefront of the fashion industry. They are known for their designs and high-quality products. One of their most popular products is their classic Chanel jacket. There are many different styles to choose from, but the classic Chanel jacket in tweed is the most popular. It is the ultimate in luxury fashion, and is a must-have for any woman.

9. A Swiss Made Watch

A luxury fashion essential, a Swiss Made Watch is a must have. The Swiss Made Watch is a timeless symbol of status and timeless class for both men and women. It is the perfect accessory for any occasion as well as being the perfect gift for any occasion. They have a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. A Swiss Made Watch is a great investment as it will last for many years to come. For example, A Patek Philippe watch is a luxury fashion accessory that is timeless, elegant, and versatile. The Swiss-made watches are known for their accuracy, precision, and their ability to last for generations.

10. Sunglasses

It is always important to have a luxury fashion item that will never go out of style. A pair of designer sunglasses is the perfect choice to keep you looking chic and stylish. My personal favourites are black or brown frames and in terms of designer shades, I adore Celine, Christian Dior and Chanel. In terms of style, as I have soft features I prefer square and sharp rectangle frames – although cat-eye suits almost all face shapes and is a go-to.

So there you have it, 10 luxury essentials to stay stylish and fashionable.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful! If you want to learn more about luxury fashion styling, why not take a look at my guide to creating a capsule wardrobe.

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Purple Rain at Paris Fashion Week SS22 Street Style

PARIS FASHION WEEK Started the 28th of September and came to a close today, the 6th of October 2021. Despite the ever-present rain during our stay in Paris, it was a magical time. Bringing back wonderful memories of when I was a fashion illustration student at Parsons Paris and would run around the beautiful city and get endlessly inspired by the beauty of it. Paris Fashion Week (PFW) is one of the most important fashion events of the year when official membres of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) show their new designs. It is the final destination of fashion month for buyers, fashion bloggers and the press.

What’s so exciting about Paris Fashion Week is the prestige of the fashion shows and designer brands showing their new collections. For the brands that were born in the city of lights such as Dior, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Hermès, Givenchy and Chanel it really is an amazing moment. The fashion houses all have such fascinating and rich heritage that is deeply rooted in Paris, their creations are real works of art and impact the whole fashion industry. These collections will set the trends and the tone for Summer Spring 2022.

The past nine days clearly demonstrated how the fashion industry is now embracing technology. Fashion Weeks are back with a bang one might say, adapting to the post-pandemic era. Although many key designers remained digital during this particular fashion season, most will be back with full-blown fashion shows by the next one.

So here we go with this look that I wore during Paris Fashion Week. I played with the contrast of modern and vintage. Bold chic statement and rock grunge. Pairing a bright purple vintage Albert Nipon tailored blazer with grey stonewashed jeans and my tiny Le Chiquito handbag from Jacquemus. Whilst my dear friend Bella paired a canary yellow Chanel tweed coat with dark rinse denim.

This is actually a very “Parisian” fashion style. Unexpected twists on traditional combinations such as a beautifully tailored blazer combined with a pair of relaxed jeans. I remember I initially learned about these style tips from Ines de La Fressage’s book, “La Parisienne” (“Parisian Chic” in English). The author of the book (Ines de la Fressange) is a fashion icon and symbol of Parisian style. Indeed she was the late Karl Lagerfeld‘s muse and she is chosen as the ambassador for the House of Chanel and is the first model to sign an exclusive contract with a luxury brand. So if you are a fan of Chanel and the effortlessly chic look that Parisian girls all intuitively have, I definitely recommend picking up that book!

A Stylish Story

Your luxury fashion blogger from Geneva

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5 Facts about the Chanel SS22 Fashion Show

PFW: CHANEL Spring Summer 2022 Womenswear Collection

Before the show, several short fashion video teasers were released. Directed the iconic fashion duo Inez & Vinoodh. Shot in black and white, they featured the beautiful fashion models (and Chanel brand ambassadors) Lily-Rose Depp, Rebecca Dayan, Quannah Chasinghorse-Potts, Alma Jodorowsk and Vivienne Rohner. Each of them personified key roles in a fantasy world of fashion, imagined by Chanel’s creative director Virginie Viard.

A blast from the past

PFW: CHANEL Spring Summer 2022 Womenswear Collection

Virginie Viard recreated the glamour from the Eighties catwalk during the Spring Summer 2022 Chanel collection.

Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin’s short series set the scene for the SS22 Chanel Fashion Show that took place on the 5th of October 2021 during Paris Fashion Week.

The videos all had a retro 80s and early 90s sax playing which set the tone for the new Chanel SS22 collection inspired by that era.

Indeed Karl Lagerfeld used to photograph the Chanel campaigns himself.

So for all you fashion fanatics and Coco Chanel lovers, here are 5 facts about the SS22 Chanel Fashion Show.

  1. The Location: The Chanel fashion show traditionally always takes place in the Grand Palais, however this year, it took place at the Grand Palais Éphémère on Place Joffre (a 15-minute walk from the usual venue the Grand Palais that is currently being revamped).
  2. The Chanel Show was an homage to Fashion Photography: The creative director Virginie Viard asserted that she wished to pay tribute to fashion photographers. Calling upon Inez and Vinoodh for the teaser videos and editorials.
  3. Recreating the epic fashion show experience of the 80s: The models were smiling and winking at the crowd! As part of the early 80s / early 90s inspiration, Chanel’s creative director Virginie Viard made sure that the models including Luna Bijl and Edie Campbell who walked the Chanel SS22 show interacted with the audience. She wanted to recapture that fun aspect of the shows. She explained: “I used to love the sound of flashbulbs going off at shows in the Eighties when the models were on a raised runway. I wanted to recapture some of that emotion.” It felt like George Michael’s Freedom music video had teamed up Mariah Carey’s Butterfly Album and come to life.
  4. All the classic emblems of the iconic French luxury house were integrated into the new SS22 collection. With a playful twist, Chanel suits, classic Chanel shoes, tweed twinsets, thick gold chains and quilted leather handbags were a nod to the iconic elements of the brand’s heritage.
  5. Future Nostalgia: Early 90s monochrome, butterfly prints, plastic pink Chanel CC logo earrings, Chanel’s Mary Jane sandals, double-C monograms and square necklines were key to the collection, a nod to the past.

As always, the show did not disappoint and I can’t wait for the new Spring Summer 2022 Chanel collection to arrive in Switzerland.

For more fashion updates click here.

A Stylish Story

Your luxury fashion blogger from Geneva

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LA DOLCE VITA AT 2PINICAPRI A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Anacapri

Situated in the picturesque and historic landmark of Anacapri, 2 Pini hotel is a charming, family run boutique hotel which I was so lucky enough to discover earlier this month.

ABOUT CAPRI – A LUXURY HOLIDAY RESORT

I was so happy to take advantage of the last rays of sunshine in Italy earlier this month and travel to the beautiful island of Capri for the first time. The elitist fame of this beautiful island is intermeshed with the 1950s. Known as a haven for jet-setting stars and celebrities.

Capri Island is situated along the Amalfi Coast in Italy and is one of the most beautiful jet-set destinations I’ve ever been to. A hotspot for celebrities, fashionistas, and the “elite”. Capri has been the setting for countless Hollywood films in the 50s and 60s. Indeed there still has a sort of vintage allure to the island. Fashion and luxury is a big part of Capri. Indeed, many fashion designers create special, capsule collections that are exclusively available in their Capri boutiques (including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermès, Versace and Prada).

It is also home to the Annual Luisa Via Roma Gala, which took place in early August. In fact, the first thing I spotted when we arrived at the beautiful 2 Pini Residence which would be our home for the next few days, was a magazine with the Luisa Via Roma in Capri: Charity Event & Summer Party 2021. It really is one of THE main events of the year on the island. Indeed luxury and fashion design was definitely

Indeed, when one hears of Capri, instantly images of glamorous women on Vespas, lemon trees, blue-tiled stones, and stretches of the azure blue sea come to mind. This cliché is not for off from reality. The coastline, the colorful buildings, and the pastel-colored sunsets that we enjoyed during our stay were all real and simply spectacular. It really was an oasis of Italian glamour, secretly hidden away, steeped in traditional values, and rich with heritage.

THE ARRIVAL AT 2PINICAPRI

I visited this beautiful Italian island along with my friend and fellow travel blogger Bella in early September. We arrived midday on the island and had the pleasure of staying in the most picturesque hotel situated just West of Capri, called 2 Pini Residences. This area is called Anacapri and is located a little higher up on the island. Indeed this area has some of the finest gardens in all of Italy.

It was a truly wonderful gem tucked away and super close to the Piazza Vittoria, as well as being close to the shops and local restaurants of Anacapri. What was also amazing was that in terms of Covid-19, the hotel took all the necessary precautions and even had a special machine that completely disinfected our luggage before they were brought into our room. I found this super convenient and reassuring especially as we had taken a plane, taxi, and boat, and another taxi to arrive! I was also impressed with the warm welcome with which we were met.

ABOUT 2PINICAPRI HOTEL

Originally founded by Giuseppe (don Peppino) and his Swiss wife, today it is run by their grandchildren: the two wonderful brothers Augusto and Guido.

Since 1950, it is a family-run boutique hotel, that is perfect for a calm, scenic stay on the iconic Italian island. In fact, one of the aspects I adored about Capri, is that many of the businesses were family-owned and passed on for generations.

This was true for the boutique hotel: The 2 Pini Residence Hotel whose legacy begins with Giuseppe Ferraro. He owned a pasticceria in the Piazza Vittoria, and it was later renamed Bar Due Pini. In 1999 along with his Swiss wife Elisabeth and daughter Gulia they transformed the vineyards into what is today known as 2 Pini Residence. Today the boutique hotel is run by their grandchildren Guido and Augusto, who both kindly hosted us. They were so hospitable and helpful throughout our stay, they even arranged a private boat trip for us around the island which was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Another aspect I loved about Capri, and which I find so rare today, is that so many products on the island are actually locally sourced. It was wonderful for example to see the fresh lemons displayed at the reception when we arrived. They had been freshly picked from the lemon garden that lined the property. I loved that 2 Pini Residence was surrounded by nature, growing their own lemons, and had the most stunning roses that lined the entrance greeting guests. The 2 Pini Residence gardens also had a terrace-solarium and an outdoor hydromassage pool.

ABOUT THE 2PINICAPRI ROOM

We stayed in a spacious and comfortable apartment. Fully equipped with all comforts, including a kitchenette, bathroom, and a beautiful terrace covered in flowers. The rooms were very spacious, furnished in a minimal style. Whilst the bathroom was fully stocked with complimentary toiletries from the local brand Cartusia.

Our private terrace had a view of the sea and from which I witnessed some of the most spectacular sunsets. This is also where we had our first breakfast in Capri the very next morning. It was a delightful dolce vita moment. The table was set with fresh roses from their garden. We sipped freshly brewed coffee and soaked up the sunshine before heading into town.

Alternatively, you can also enjoy a traditional Mediterranean breakfast in the morning which was served in the adjacent bar in the main square of Anacapri.

2PINICAPRI CONCIERGE SERVICES

We were truly lucky during our stay as our hosts were true locals and knew the island through and through. What is more, they offered fantastic services, including:

A Private Boat Tour of Capri

2 Pini arranged for us a private boat tour of Capri with a skipper and we had a truly unforgettable day in the glittering waters of Capri. We set off from Marina Grande, the main port, and went all around the island. During the boat tour we got all the inside information from our super-friendly guide for the day Salvatore.

The Delicious Food from the Restaurant Due Pini Capri

Although the hotel does not have a restaurant on-site, they have a partnership with the Restaurant Due Pini Capri. Located in the center of Anacapri, it has a splendid terrace that overlooks the main square and the food is absolutely divine.

Overall, it was a truly wonderful experience and I was so thankful to be able to discover Italy a little more this year.

A SPECIAL SUPRISE FOR YOU – Discount code – Residence 2 Pini

I also have a surprise for you wonderful readers and travel friends! If you are planning to travel to 2 Pini Residence Anacapri in the future I have a special offer just for you. You can book your stay at the Residence with a 10% discount with this code: ANNA_CAPRI

This code gives you a 10% discount on the reservations made on their web site www.2pini.com

Discount code: ANNA_CAPRI

Book your trip via the hotel via telephone: +39 081 837 14 04 or e-mail: residence@2pini.com

Don’t forget to mention my discount code ANNA_CAPRI when you book.

For more information and bookings:

For more information and bookings:

Residence 2 Pini Anacapri

Via Caposcuro, 3 – 80071 Anacapri (NA) – Italy

Telephone: +39 081 837 14 04

E-Mail residence@2pini.com


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A Stylish Story

Your luxury lifestyle blogger from Geneva

Continue reading LA DOLCE VITA AT 2PINICAPRI A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Anacapri
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What to buy for Autumn before it sells out

The first of September brings back memories of back-to-school apprehension. The change in season means the introduction of light knits into one’s wardrobe. Autumn makes way for deep earthy tones of chocolate and olive green with pops of orange and pink. The perfect bases for buildable layers of leather & cashmere.

When it comes to new seasons it’s best to think ahead. Primarily because all the good stuff goes out of stock early. So to avoid any fashion FOMO I put together my autumnal essential shopping list to ensure no one misses out!  

So are you ready to plan for your autumn wardrobe?

My autumn wardrobe essentials 2021:

No. 1 PLEATED TENNIS SKIRTS

The collegiate preppy look is in, as is the subdued “old money” aesthetic. If you want to test drive this style, a staple piece to add to your wardrobe is a classic tennis skirt. A chalk-white one paired with a cream cashmere or tucked into an elegant silk blouse. You can also add an equestrian edge by adding a pair of knee-high leather boots. I recommend opting for a tennis skirt in neutral shades such as soft cream, stone, black, sky blue or navy so you can use it as a building block for your fall wardrobe.

Shop the best skirts

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No. 2 MICRO BAGS They have been the must-have accessory for the last 4 years. Since 2017 and Jacquemus’ Le Chiquito bag took the fashion world by storm, the trend has been the smaller the bag the better. The trend actually goes back further, these itty-bitty purses were especially popular in the early 1900s and were often carried by wealthy women because they were small, elegant, and held very little. They are the perfect “it-girl” accessory. Handbags remain at the forefront of fashion’s status symbol. However, there has been a definite shift towards less in-your-face logo blazing bags this season with more timeless silhouettes.

Shop the latest micro bag styles

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No. 3 KNITWEAR SETS I’m personally obsessed with cashmere and matching sets. So this trend is one I am super excited about. Twinsets also go hand in hand with the “old money” aesthetic that is becoming an increasingly prevalent trend, especially when worn in light tones and punctuated with a gold or pearl necklace.

No. 4 KNEE HIGH BOOTS My footwear of choice, year on year is a good quality pair of leather boots. They are my most versatile autumnal shoe, going from high-waisted denim jeans to flirty dresses. This is an item that really does sell out fast so I recommend stocking up on the shades you know you will wear time and time again. Be it dark grey, black, and an array of chocolate browns, knee-high boots are a must-have.

No. 5 THE PERFECT FALL FRAGRANCE Nothing tops off an outfit quite like the perfect perfume. I am always on the hunt for a scent that will compliment my outfit and I really like to switch it up with the temperature drops. Gravitating towards scents that have deeper notes such as sandalwood, musk, and oud. This said, I always have a couple of perfumes on rotation. I’m always on the look for new, slightly niche brands and fragrances so that I’m always wearing something just a little bit different, sometimes I even layer fragrances.

What’s on your Fall shopping list now?

So there you have it, those are the 5 AW21 trends that I can’t wait to wear.