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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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Silver Leather & Half-Moons: Paris Fashion Week Day 3 with Marine Serre and Barbara Bui in Le Marais

The edgy insiders of Paris Fashion Week

Our last fashion presentations at Paris Fashion Week were all in Le Marais. This is a very hip area of Paris – a neighborhood filled with free-spirited artists, where the cool cats of the city reside.

The last day in Paris was absolutely freezing with an icy wind cutting through the streets. We would be out and about most of the day so I forfeited heels and opted for my almond-colored Hogan sneakers. I paired them with forest green palazzo trousers, a silk green shirt, and my trusted bottle green trench coat. Topping off the look with a black bucket hat. After seeing just how cold it was outside I decided to add an extra layer under the coat – a checkered blazer from Coster Copenhagen. This said, I actually ended up purchasing an oversized green hoodie in Uniqulo from the menswear halfway through the day because I was absolutely frozen. The art of layering on another level here as I had 2 jackets on, a hoodie and a silk blouse. My fashion freezing solutions aside, let’s talk about the last day’s presentations and designers.

About the Marine Serre Hard Drive Exhibition

First, we headed to the Marine Serre’s Hard Drive exhibition with Lafayette Anticipations (which is the Foundation Galleries Lafayette’s contemporary art center). For those who don’t know, the Galleries Lafayette is one of France’s most prestigious fashion department stores.

As we were staying in the 16th Arrondissement, and all our appointments that day were in the 3th or 4th arrondissement, it was a little too far to go on foot – so we hopped in a cab and headed to our first appointment in Le Marais. The Marine Serre Hard Drive exhibit was an exclusive 2-day exhibition that took place on our last day of Paris Fashion Week. Tucked away in the streets of Le Marais in Paris, the two-day exhibition was spread across 3 sprawling warehouse floors. Each of the floors had a specific theme linked intrinsically to the brand Marine Serre.

The first floor focused on Marine Serre’s pioneering production methods for their collections. With on-site team members creating the pieces from up-cycled textiles such as denim and tartan into unique pieces. It was really nice as we were able to speak with the team and understand their process for the different pieces.

Then you could head up to the second floor which presented the pieces an immersive environment. By that, I mean to say that multiple mannequins were placed in instillations pieces and fully dressed in the new Marine Serre collection. This reflected the different elements that make up the crux of the collection.

There were walls lined with wooden desks mounted with glass that also showed the process of upcycling for the Marine Serre jewelry pieces. Taking a single fork and moulding it into a unique piece of jewelry.

The new Marine Serre AW22 collection was made from up-cycled materials to create edgy ready-to-wear pieces for both men and women. The fashion collection featured the brand’s iconic half moon with panels of tartan, denim and Toile de Jouy. Contrasting classic fabrics with sharp silhouettes and punk elements.

Last but not least, there was a staircase that led up to the third floor. This was the final room of the Hard Drive exhibition. It showcased a series of Marine Serre’s original artwork paintings that reinterpreted iconic 15th and 16th-century Dutch oil paintings, incorporating the AW22 pieces that we had just seen on the floors before.

When exiting the Marine Serre Hard Drive exhibition, you could go to their Pop Up store. Here you could purchase fashion pieces from the fashion designer. Another extremely creative and unique aspect of thr pop-up was that Marine Serre offered visitors the opportunity to reinvent their own favorite items (anything fabric-based) with a screen print of the brand‘s signature half-moon logo. The line was very long for this unique opportunity and whilst waiting one could admire the beautiful selection of Marine Sere’s ready-to-wear & accessories available as well as a curated selection of books, vinyls, and objects.

Barbara Bui: The Epitome of the French Rock Chic

We stopped for a spot of lunch and then we headed to our next presentation: Barbara Bui. This is a purely Parisian fashion brand that totally captures the essence of the rock chic in each of their pieces. I first discovered the brand when I was in my early 20s, whilst working at Bongenie Grieder as their Art Director and Social Media Coordinator. It was THE bestseller at the Swiss luxury department store when it came to leather jackets. And of course, the piece which stole my heart this season was a stunning silver cropped leather motorcycle jacket. The collection’s key colors were bright and bold: sunflower yellow, royal purple, and blue.

Conclusion

The last day of Paris Fashion Week included edgier, cool girl brands such as the rock chic icon Barbara Bui and the urban aesthetic niche of Marine Serre.

Overall the whole trip was an amazing experience and I absolutely adored it. I cannot wait to head back this September for the Spring Summer 2023 collections.

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Lierac Premium: Be your own kind of beautiful

I got back from work to find a beautiful surprise waiting for me: the Lierac Premium serum and cream tucked in with a gorgeous flower. In honour of International Woman’s Day, Lierac had sent this wonderful gift to me. It was such a nice attention to detail. The Lierac Premium is the French beauty brand’s luxurious range. The products contain hyaluronic acid and black flower extracts to help combat the visible signs of the passage of time.

The packaging of the Lierac Premium cream was so regal, with black and gold details – I absolutely loved it. The cream was nestled neatly inside a velvet lined box which also contained the smallest little black envelope I had ever seen. Tucked inside this envelope was a small spatula to apply the cream with and a detailed explanation of the cream’s benefits. The formula is inspired by regenerative medicine. The cream treats deep wrinkles, loss of density, dark spots, skin slackening, uneven complexion and pores.

It contains 8.5% of the Lierac registers patent Premium Cellular Complex as well as 5% hyaluronic acid. The Lierac Premium cream also has a nutritious concentrate that deeply nourishes the skin. It includes shea butter, botanical glycerine, and botanical oils. The texture and smell of the cream are ultra-luxurious as well with a velvety soft finish.

Whilst the Lierac Premium Serum Booster contains patented Black Tulip and Kombucha (which is fermented black tea).

I can’t wait to introduce these two Lierac skincare products into my daily routine. Combining the Booster Serum with the cream together.

Click here for more skincare and beauty articles from Anna, A Stylish Story. Your Swiss Beauty Blogger from Geneva.

Wishing all the ladies a wonderful day filled with self care and love.

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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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Guerlain: Golden honey nectar – Beauty Talk

If you missed my Instagram Reel, I posted my current favorite G Rouge lipstick from Guerlain. You can use it to create a full-on Hollywood glam look or to add a pop of color to your everyday makeup.

In late December, I came back home and I found waiting on my table a little brown box. I was so excited once I opened it because Guerlain sent me a selection of their new product releases. I am very happy to share all these fabulous new products with you in this special Guerlain beauty post. Are you ready?

BEAUTY POST

I opened the wonderfully wrapped white and gold package with my eyes sparkling with joy and fascination. Guerlain is a French brand that is world-renowned make-up, perfume, and skincare brand. I am and have always been a big beauty nerd and in my opinion, Guerlain is one of the best beauty brands on the market. So I was very excited to discover these new products.

Did you know? Guerlain is the oldest perfume house in France. It is the only perfume house in the world that still retains a full-time “Nez”, the handful of world-class fragrance experts who design our perfumes and colognes. Moreover, practically every fragrance from Guerlain has been created by a small number of Nezs.

So first of all, let’s start with their new sent Nettare Di Sole. This is part of their Aqua Allegoria collection by Guerlain. Bearing in mind Guerlain’s heritage as a fragrance house, I was delighted to discover this new scent which reminds me of thick honey perfectly balanced with fresh floral notes almost as if one were to stroll through honeysuckle on a hot summers day, whilst a cooling breeze tickles your skin. Together, Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jelk created this succulent scent combining fresh bergamot with sweet, white honey.

Did you know? Guerlain’s Nettare Di Sole can even be combined with other Aqua Allegoria scents, so you have a truly unique fragrance blend. To create your own scent signature, you can choose from Guerlain’s suggested duos of Aqua Allegoria fragrances. I personally love this concept, as I truly believe that one should have a signature scent that compliments your mood, the seasonality, and reflects your personality.

Another Guerlain product that is new is their two-step anti-aging skincare ritual. The Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil and Double R Renew & Repair Serum. The collection is the fruit of more than 10 years of research dedicated to honey and its repairing powers. The beauty oil’s formula is enriched with microbeads, which look like tiny flakes of gold suspended in the bottle and add an extra aesthetic appeal to the product. The oil plumps, smoothes and illuminates the skin due to key active ingredients: including Guerlain’s Royal Jelly and Black Bee Honey from the Island of Ouessant. Whilst the Abeille Royal Double R Renew and Repair Serum has a double peeling and lifting effect.

In the pictures, I have a subtle glow on the cheeks, created with the legendary Terracotta powder by Guerlain. A subtle sweep on the cheeks instantly is absolutely essential in the cold winter months for me! Guerlain’s Limited Edition Terracotta in Light Bloom is what I used here has a beautiful combination of gold, delicate pink and warm brown. The colors may be mixed and matched to bring warmth to the complexion and enhance it naturally.

Finally, I received the iconic new LE ROUGE G. During this time of year, I love wearing a bold red lip like this absolutely beautiful one from Guerlain. The new Rouge G is called Luxurious Velvet. The name inspires both the formula and the case which comes with a handy mirror that is perfect for touch-ups on the go.

The lipstick is infused with nourishing mango butter and mattifying silkwood extract. The Guerlain lipstick glides onto lips like velvet and is super long-lasting (it lasts up to 16 hours!). What is more, it is a refillable case. Depending on how many coats you wear, you can make the color more intense. How great is that?

I hope you guys will enjoy those couple of pictures featuring the new Guerlain products!