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Sweet satin slip dresses for Spring

Spring Fashion Outfit Ideas with NA-KD.

Firstly, Happy First Day of Spring! So it finally the sun is out and the flowers are beginning to bloom which makes me so happy. I caught the nasty flu after traveling to Paris for Fashion Week and completely lost my voice. So I was extremely happy when I became healthy again to see that the season change was in full swing here in Geneva.

About NA-KD Fashion

With the shift into spring, I usually take time to do my Spring Cleaning and look for fashionable staples that I can wear through spring into late summer. Which is why I want to share with you may latest spring shopping haul from NA-KD. With the temperatures rising it means that it’s time to bring out those traditional transitional pieces such as classic trench coats and lighter layers. So today I wanted to share with you how I combine them with three Spring looks I styled from the Scandinavian brand NA-KD.

NA-KD is one of my favorite fashion brands when it comes to shopping online. They always have super cool collaborations with big Danish and Dutch fashion bloggers and influencers such as Claire Rose Cilteur, Hanna Schönberg, Josefine H. J., and even the ever so stylish former Victoria Secret model, Romee Strijd. What’s more, I have a discount code for -20% off the whole NA-KD website: AnnaSwissMermaid (valid for 48 hours as of today).

  1. Baby Blues: I love the cut of this blue slip dress in satin from NA-KD’s new spring collection. The waterfall neckline is so flattering and easy to wear in the warmer months. What’s more, the back is open with very thin straps that crisscross into a bow and are adjustable. This is a detail I find so pretty and feminine as well as being very practical. I really like the of cornflower blue with the tiny printed white flowers. It reminds me of classic Norwegian textiles in blue and white. I paired it with white boots, my Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace, and an oversized cashmere coat in blue from Maje. Which was an easy, fresh weekend look. Ideal for grabbing a mocha at my favorite local coffee shop and strolling around in the sunshine.
  2. Satin cream: Then there is this luscious lace-up slip dress in off-white with a small blue floral print all over it . It reminded me so much of the English Rose, Cottage Core Aesthetic, and the Netflix series Bridgerton, with the puffy sleeves, romantic empire waist, and soft cream color. I love the slit leg detail as well which is very practical for walking with ease. It feels like the perfect picnic dress for spring. I styled it with a pair of white leather high-top converse shoes and a light cream-colored suede coat.
  3. Pink Paradise: Lastly, I opted for a satin pink printed skirt. This is actually part of a set. I will probably get the matching top as I love Co-ord sets so much. The pink and purple circles are so cute and girly, and I like that there is a bit of white and black in the print so you can combine the skirt with either color. For this final outfit, I went for a simple white top to make sure the satin pink skirt remained the focal point and paired it with my white Chuck Taylor’s and super 90’s square shaped black sunnies.

So there you have it, three easy spring looks for the weekend with NA-KD fashion.

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, I definitely recommend checking out their website as they have super stylish springtime looks, from uber-trendy styles to timeless wardrobe staples. Also if you do find something you absolutely love from the website don’t forget you an enjoy -20% off the whole NA-KD website with my discount code AnnaSwissMermaid (valid for 48 hours as of today). Wishing you a wonderful start to the new season.

ABOUT NAKD CIRCLE

Another great thing about NA-KD is that they have free climate-compensated shipping and returns. The fashion brand has a large variety of sustainably sourced clothing. To top it off, customers can sell their old clothes directly on NA-KD.com by clicking the “pre-loved” menu at the top of the website. Integrating the circular fashion economy. This is a marketplace for pre-loved fashion. On part of the NA-KD website you can find all available second hand items. I find this super cool because sometimes there are pieces from older collections that you wish you had gotten and NA-KD circle ensures you don’t get shopping FOMO. Plus the way it is set up, you just shop as usual. Simply put the item in your basket and check out just as easy as buying new products. How cool is that?

Click here to read more about how to style loungewear with NA-KD.

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Feathers & Leather at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week: Day 2

A green tweed twist on the swinging 60s

Combining my two favorite fashion eras (roaring 20s and the swinging 60s) in one. This tweed green set with knee-high boots is what I wore to the Global Fashion Collective fashion show in Paris as well as the Indonesia – Collective Show that took place at Hôtel The Westin Paris Vendôme.

Although Bella, Stephanie, Julia, and I, all got back to Switzerland last night (super late with our mega huge luggages!) after an intense weekend of traveling for Paris for Fashion Week. I found it really fun and rewarding, so I wanted to share with you some of my favorite moments from this season’s Fashion Week in Paris. Our days were pretty filled up with shows, presentations, meetings, and events. I really felt like we made the most of the days we had and once again the fashion capital captured my heart.

MY PARIS FASHION WEEK LOOK

So I opted for a green tweed suit I found it the weekend right before Fashion Week when I went to Lyon. As Lyon is famous for its textiles I was truly delighted to take home this set with me as a souvenir from the trip. I paired it with a bright green feather-trimmed shirt to add a playful twist and movement to the structured silhouette and a pair of white leather boots. Green and white leather, feathers, and tweed with gold detailing sounds a bit crazy but it tied together nicely I stuck to 2 colors for the whole look. I rocked this outfit for 2 fashion shows (we had zero time to change and were basically on the go all day). I did switch up the sunglasses and my hair between the shows but apart from that, the change was super minimal.

Tweed green set from Zara with feather trim gold details fashion outfit for Paris Fashion week worn by ANNA Blachut A stylish story Fashion style Swiss blogger
Photo: Michael Foust

I am not used to wearing bright colors in my day-to-day and tend to gravitate to a more sober color palette (especially in Geneva), but this bright green tweed set caught my attention. The immediate association one makes between tweed sets and the French fashion house Chanel, was definitely a factor that lead to my instant crush on it, as well as the fresh green which reminded me of springtime. I framed the tweed green set with a long bottle green trench and white boots. Topping it off with my favorite part of this outfit which was the beautiful deep green handbag I was gifted from the Parisian brand THALIE. The “Livia” shape is so unique and incredibly practical (I managed to fit so much in it!) whilst remaining extremely chic. THALIE is a French brand that creates beautiful sustainable & vegan luxury handbags. They have bags made of cactus, a low impact alter leather, and the one I am wearing here is made of ICTYOS Squama Luxe, a French marine leather made of recycled salmon skin. The brand was present at Premiere Classe – the biannual leading hub for the fashion accessory market for over 30 years organized by WSN Development.

Green feather tweed outfit at Paris Fashion Week ANNA Blachut Swiss luxury blogger
Green feather tweed outfit at Paris Fashion Week ANNA Blachut Swiss luxury blogger missguided green leather coat white boots style fashion week outfit
Photos: Michael Foust

ABOUT THE FASHION SHOWS

The location of the first show was tucked away in a passage in the 9th (which is actually the area I had my fashion illustration classes back in the day!). Once past security, and several flights of stairs we found ourselves in LE SALON DES MIROIRS, a large space filled with photographers, press (including Vogue!), and fashion industry insiders. The show opened with the designer IANN DEY followed by MUVEMENT and BLUE TAMBURIN.

Next, we ran to The Westin located in the 1st Arrondissement where we were invited to the the Indonesia – Collective Fashion Show. It was a fabulous selection of 12 up-and-coming designers from Indonesia and Singapore. In association with Fashion Division Paris and supported by the minister of culture and ambassador of Indonesia the show was punctuated with speeches from each of the respective parties. Aiming to empower creative South East Asian talent into strong responsible brands of the future. It showcased their AW22 collections which included Harry Halim, AKSU, PURANA, VAR ERTE, Carol Chen (my personal favorite), Adisza Kahanasty, AM by Anggia, Hanyutan, Adraworld x HMNS, and Elima.

Afterward in the hotel corridors, we bumped into Marta Sierra, a Barcelona-based blogger who is one of my absolute favorite fashion influencers (1M on Instagram and often works with Coco Rocha) who had also been at the same show. A little later on, we also ran into the whole Valentino team. The iconic luxury Italian fashion brand had a corporate internal brand summit taking place that same day at the Westin hotel. The cherry on top for me that evening was when one of the Valentino team members nodded in approval, before complimenting me on my outfit. A definite pinch-me moment.

Marta Sierra and ANNA Blachut a stylish story fashion bloggers at Paris Fashion Week official show backstage jacquemus cult Gaia feather and leather look

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

  • BAG: THALIE
  • TWEED SET & SHIRT: Zara
  • SHOES: Marni
  • TRENCH: Missguided
  • MAKEUP: Urban Decay
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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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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.

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Will you be my Valentine? 4 Date Night Outfit Ideas

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. So I wanted to share with you 4 easy, fashion-forward date night outfits to wear on this romantic day…

Outfit ideas for Valentine’s Day can be tricky. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to what you should wear, there are some fashion guidelines when it comes to combining clothes, especially for a romantic date. The key is to find an outfit that you love, feel comfortable in, and also flatters your figure. Give yourself the boost of confidence you need with an outfit that will make you feel effortlessly at ease all evening.

So here are 4 head-to-toe Valentine’s Day outfit ideas to help you plan out your look, no matter what you have on your agenda. What is more, you can put together a sweet yet sexy look which you probably already have in your wardrobe.

So, whether you want to have the perfect look for date night with your significant other or a cute night in with the girls, here are my 4 favorite date night looks for Valentine’s Day 2021:

  • The Blazer Dress Look

Sophisticated, a well-tailored blazer dress Is fun yet formal enough to look polished for an evening. It is understatedly sexy and ever so flattering on every figure. It’s a bit of a blank canvas, so you can really play with accessories. You can add a pop of color with a pair of brightly colored heels or glam it up with statement jewels. Versatile, you can layer a pretty lace cami underneath or paired with high boots or a statement pair of glittery boot heels

  • The Dressy Denim Look

This is a bit of a K.I.S.S. Look (keep it simple stupid) – effortlessly chic and is super easy to create. You more than definitely have in your wardrobe. Dress up your jeans: All you need is a white shirt, blue jeans and a bold pair of red high heels. Simple, sexy, and timeless, it’s an easy look that takes you from day to night. Top off the outfit with luxe accessories, like a chunky, statement necklace or earrings.

  • The Classic LBD Look

A little black dress is a go-to romantic night outfit. You can make it cute or sexy depending on the cut and length of the dress. An iconic look that is ideal for an evening date, you can finish the look with a pair of simple gold hoops.

  • The Lady in Red Look

This is the most daring of the four Valentine’s Day date night ideas. It’s really for a special occasion and if you want to get amp up that “wow” factor. Instantly eye-catching, I love red for date night. It instantly makes a strong statement.

SHOP THE LOOKS:

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Valentine’s Day Date-Night Outfits Tips:

  • Plan your date-night outfit based on the activity involved and its location.
  • Always opt for sophisticated and structured styles for formal dates and relaxed silhouettes for more casual occasions.
  • Contrast and ensure a balance: with masculine pieces, such as a leather jacket or pants, add more feminine elements, such as high heels or a ruffled top to the outfit.
  • Be sure that you’re comfortable with what you wear.
  • Express your personality through the details of your clothes, be it glam glitter, ladylike lace, or cool girl studs.

Whether you’re awaiting an array of flowers, chocolates, love letters, a girly night in, a delicious dinner, or who knows, perhaps a romantic getaway and a shower of gifts too – stay true to your style and on top of your game with these easy outfit ideas.

Whatever your plans, I hope you have a fantastic time filled with love and fun.

Wishing you a wonderful and very happy Valentine’s Day!