LARA BOFFA
BIO Hi. I am Lara Boffa, blogger and columnist, and I like to believe I was born in Paris. It’s how I justify my undying obsession with the French capital and its sense of aesthetic. I started blogging in April 2011 and after few months I started writing for local and international magazines including Femme Magazine, Manic! Magazine, Pavli Mag, First Magazine, The Times of Malta Wedding Supplement and Platinum Love Magazine. I had the opportunity to be a member of the judging panel for the Wella Trend Awards 2012 and I was the first local blogger to host two episodes for New Look TV. I’ve learnt to deal with companies following frequent collaborations with names including French fashion giant La Redoute, OASAP, German cosmetic brands Essence and Catrice, Miss Selfridge, New Look, PUPA Milano, and Vouchercloud. I’ve also written for Malta Fashion Week and Runway Malta, the island’s most important events on the fashion calendar.
CONTENTS CATWALK
TREND
Underwater Chic
The A-Z Guide to Summer 2012 Trends
For Manic! Magazine
For Manic! Magazine
CATWALK
TREND
The Core Four
The A-Z Guide to Summer 2012 Trends
For Manic! Magazine
For Manic! Magazine
STYLING
TIPS
The Budget Queen’s Guide to Thrifting Mix, Don’t Match For Femme Magazine
TREND
Hello, Neon
For Femme Magazine
TREND
In Gilded Glory: Going Baroque on a Budget
For Manic! Magazine
For Femme Magazine
CATWALK
REFERALLS
Mulberry Autumn / Winter 2012 For Platinum Love Magazine
TIPS
What the Bride Wore For The Times Wedding Supplement
NEWS
The Glamour Games For Manic! Magazine
STYLING
How I Style Midi Pencil Skirts For Boffism
CONTACT
CATWALK
UNDERWATER CHIC Designers are artists. They live on inspiration. They spend their endless hours, days, months looking for a muse. They need their Beatrice. Lately, one of the world’s most acclaimed designers, Karl Lagerfeld, from French fashion house Chanel, has dipped his head beneath the ocean looking for inspiration for his new collection. His latest saltwater flavoured collection has given rise to a movement which the Fashion Blogosphere is referring to as the ‘Underwater Chic’: a fancy term denoting anything underwater-inspired in the world of fashion.
The Blogosphere has not stopped discussing Chanel’s underwater extravaganza, praising the each and every minute detail of this submarine fantasy. For Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection, Karl Lagerfeld has admitted to being inspired by ‘the movement of seaweed, its lightness, and by certain fish that have very modern shapes, like sting rays.’ Only Chanel could have set up such a legendary subaquatic scenario to match Karl’s main source of inspiration. The Grand Palais in Paris, host to Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show, was transformed into an underwater kingdom of giant white coral reefs, alabaster fish and plenty of other undersea creatures that drove bloggers, journalists and yours truly insane! Models graced the ash-white sand covered catwalk, beneath soft lights that worked so well with the fabrics used for this collection. Lagerfeld was so keen on emphasising the softness and radiance of his collection, that he made sure the Grand Palais was also adorned with soft drapes of polythene, so that the light would achieve the refracted characteristic of sunlight hitting the water surface! Someone likes to pay attention to details, it seems. Oh, and cherry on the cake? Florence Welch emerging from a giant clam to perform her haunting single, appropriately called, ‘What The Water Gave Me.’
Many were stunned at the way Lagerfeld interpreted the ocean theme, choosing to steer clear from a literal interpretation: there were no sailor stripes, sailor hats or anchor details in this collection. He did not want to be inspired by mermaids either. ‘There was everything but mermaids,’ he said, after declaring his profound love for the ocean and the mysteries it conceals. Instead, Lagerfeld opted to focus on the effect created by the sunlight on the ocean surface. His interpretation was a play of shine, reflection, and last but not least, radiance. Models walked on this dreamy sea-bed clad in soft tones such as coral pink, sea green, and most predominantly, crisp white. Some of the slightly subtler submarine-inspired aspects included a gorgeous variety of iridescent and translucent fabrics, which looked very much like fish scales shining in the sunlight. Other dresses had shredded black ribbon details, which many compared to black seaweed. An exquisite parade of chiffon trimmed dresses and frothy, ruffled hemline items reminded us all of sea foam and the flowing movement of tiny waves hitting a sandy coast. Quite less subtle were the conch shell handbags models clasped as they walked down the runway. We all want those bags now! Make-up could not have been simpler, and hair was left intentionally wetlooking, yet slick, in order to match the entire theme behind this collection.
CATWALK The genius behind this collection, Mr. Lagerfeld, asserted that in this new collection, he distanced himself from the traditional Chanel codes and stereotypes. His choice of fabrics and cuts does, in fact, signal a very stark divergence from the usual tweed numbers we are used to seeing in each and every Chanel collection. Yet, fret not, fellow Chanel followers and lovers of the classic tweed jacket, Lagerfeld also confirmed that he is only moving away from the conservative Chanel codes in order to make his way ‘back to them’ at a later date. So, Lagerfeld wants to explore uncharted territories, granted, but it’s also true that he does not mean to shun the heritage of class and sophistication that the Chanel fashion house has acquired over the years. This collection can be seen as a moving away from Coco Chanel’s staples, yet at the very same time, it hangs on, more than ever, to one of Chanel’s most traditional emblem, the pearl, which also happens to be the underwater accessory par excellence. Haven’t we all seen a picture of Coco Chanel, in her typical little black dress, playing with a string of pearls? That same photo is an iconic emblem of the Chanel house, of its designs and of all that it stands for. It all revolved around the pearl. It was the true star of the show. It was not Florence, or the new fabrics, or Lagerfeld himself for all that
matter. It was the pearl, and the countless way in which it was used, that stole the limelight at the Chanel Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show. The collection incorporates numbers with pearl embellished pieces, as well as numbers with pearls encrusted on the spine. Models had little pearls stuck to their noses and their bottom lips and multiple pearls on their ears, details which many claimed were added by Lagerfeld to poke fun at the overdose of piercings and tattoos on the runways in recent years. My personal favourite? It has to be the string of pearls transformed into a belt. It’s more than fascinating how such a small detail can add so much sophistication to an outfit. Sebastian, the little crab from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’, sang very convincingly that ‘everything’s hotter, under the water.’ Most of us now understand why.
It was the pearl, and the countless ways in which it was used, that stole the limelight at the Chanel Spring / Summer 2012 fashion show.
CATWALK
'September is the January of fashion!’ This particular quote from the now cult movie ‘The September Issue’ perfectly describes the feeling of novelty that surrounds the fashion industry at that time of the year. Whilst most mortals would be scavenging around the shops to try and stock up on their new Autumn wardrobe, fashion editors, buyers, fashion insiders as well as bloggers like myself who live Fashion Week vicariously through their Twitter feeds, flock to the four fashion capitals to see what designers have in store for the Spring season. Fashion Week season opened in New York with a series of shows from established fashion giants as well as new-generation designers. Whereas I try to be as open-minded as possible and to appreciate every single garment being showcased, I am inevitably drawn to some works over others. These, ladies and gentlemen, were my favourites.
THE CORE FOUR The roaring applause as Michael Kors walked out on the runway following the final look modelled by the ever-so-stunning Karlie Kloss can hardly be misinterpreted. The crowd liked it, and well, so did I. Michael Kors presented an exquisite collection of largely unembellished numbers, a perfect marriage between mod and nautical with a very Palm Springs and Los Angeles feel to it. The star-studded front row, including the likes of Olivia Munn, Camilla Belle, Michael Douglas and Catherine-Zeta Jones, were treated to a collection with obvious, palpable sixties influences, filtered through a much subtler, yet still present, nineties aesthetic. Models adorned with perspex accessories and futuristic sunglasses, walked out in heavily striped pieces and elongated silhouettes. The predominant stripe pattern was interestingly explored by the particular designer: he toyed with different proportions, alignments and thicknesses in order to maximise its use whilst still making it look fresh.
The colour palette was mostly derived from basic, primary colours, yet there was a sizeable dose of a bright yellow hue which I am strangely drawn to. Whereas I would instinctively reach for my sunnies to shield myself from the eye-popping hue, I found myself being fixated with it. It’s official, yellow is set to be one of the ‘it’
CATWALK colours next season! Kors himself described his own colour choices as very ‘Beverley Hills’.
is sectioned by an eye-catching golden zipper that allows it to be magically transformed into a two-piece bikini! Many appreciate how Michael Kors always seems to include that sense of ‘here and now’ in his fashion aesthetic. Take, for instance, the way his collection also included a gorgeous belted red coat with a very hard to miss rounded collar. ‘When Spring hits the stores, it’s still cold’, declared Michael Kors before moving on to explain how you would want to wear those new pieces ‘now’. It’s like he altruistically thought of the fashion A-listers planning to attend his next show in February! All in all, the Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2013 collection was truly a lesson of pure American glamour.
It took me approximately 0.3 seconds to single out my favourite item in the entire show. The collection featured a striped swimsuit that I am head over heels with! Oozing confidence from each millimetre, the piece is a delicious combination of green and blue stripes at the bottom and red and blue stripes at the top. To make it even more unforgettable, the swimsuit
Equally worth a mention is Victoria Beckham’s ‘Victoria, Victoria Beckham’ line. I don’t know why exactly, but there’s something about Lady Beckham that is increasingly intriguing lately. Irrespective of whether it’s her recent snaps with baby Harper – who, according to Victoria, already learned how to catwalk! – or my perception of her following the way she outshone all the other Spice Girls at the Olympics Closing Ceremony, fact is Victoria is quickly earning herself a well-deserved place in the Fashion Acropolis. Beckham’s VVB diffusion line is at once sporty yet restrained, boxy yet feminine. For those who are lucky enough to be as slim and lean as Queen Victoria, the collection comprised quite a few stunning, form-fitting bodycon dresses. I can hardly think of anything more Victoria than that! However, for all those ladies who can’t as yet describe their relationship with carbohydrates as ‘on the rocks’, there were also looser and more forgiving garments. In fact, the Spring/Summer 2013 collection featured a fantastic selection of billowy shirts in the finest of silk fabrics tucked into breath-taking floor-length skirts that totally stole the show! Fashion insiders were surprised at Beckham’s choice of shoes. Did Victoria, Stiletto Empress, pair her designs with flat shoes? Brogues,
CATWALK even? Strange as it may sound, we cannot deny that the final look worked nonetheless...and how! As I watched the VVB models strut their stuff to a vibrant soundtrack of 80s hip-hop remixes, I couldn’t help but notice the simplicity of the colour palette. Personally, I always get the impression that simple hues tend to accentuate the clean lines of a structured collection wonderfully. Victoria’s reliance on basic shades of black, white and red allowed for a better appreciation of details like pointed collars and the undeniable architectural cut of her jackets. Oh, and speaking about those jackets, I can’t wait to see how the high-street is going to emulate those particular silhouettes come the warmer Spring months! Marc Jacobs’s tribute to mod was an unexpected move that gave us yet another reason to refer to the talented designer as the industry’s ‘alchemist’. His Spring/Summer 2013 collection marked a complete shift from what he showcased last year. His new collection, in fact, has nothing to do with the poetic, romantic, pilgrim-inspired collection he presented us with in the preceding season. His blanket of stripes and the strong sixties influence had me sold in a matter of moments. Jacobs’s stripes, zigzags and swirls had Andy Warhol written all over them in bold, italic and underline and his inclusion of mini-skirts, ultra-long pants and midriff-baring garments added that little touch of welcomed playfulness. Apart from the mod vibe, I also love how Jacobs played with silhouettes we’ve been seeing for a while. His figure-hugging pencil skirts, for instance, lay lower on the waist, revealing a teensy-weensy bit of skin below the navel. Following his show, Jacobs stated that his collection should confirm that ‘sexiness isn’t about being naked’. Agreed. In order to leave the very best for last, I chose to conclude with Ralph Lauren’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection. This is one of those shows I find easy to classify in my ‘fashion moments which made me hyperventilate’ category. On the final day of New York Fashion
Week, Lauren unveiled his Latin-American-inspired collection that included suede jackets, toreador-inspired leather garments,
Romantic poet blouses and cloth wrap shirts. Hobo bags, crochet sweaters, tank dresses, rose print chiffons and fan-shaped clutch bags sealed the overall exotic, folk, bohemian element of the show. The mood was also appropriately reflected in the collection’s predominant colours – amethyst, turquoise, tomato red, black and white – and even though it bears a stark resemblance to the Moschino’s Spring/Summer 2012 show, the former is much more light-hearted when compared to the theatrical, melodramatic sentiment of the latter. As far as I’m concerned, I’m all for Ralph.
STYLING
MIX, DON’T MATCH. Print clash, a fancy word describing the mixing of multiple patterns in one outfit, is by far this season’s most budget-friendly trend. Why? Well, unlike neon and pastel pieces, we are all bound to have accumulated a great variety of printed items over the years. I, for once, did not even have to purchase a single item to give this trend a go. To make matters even more favourable for all recessionistas out there, there is no such thing as the ‘it-print’ this season! You name it, and it’s in! Whether it is stripes, polka dots, florals, Aztec, fruits, Baroque, avian and at least a dozen more animal prints! Identified by many fashion bloggers as the ‘fun’ trend of the season, one cannot deny that it also lies on the ‘daunting’ and ‘crazy’ side of the scale as well. It can either go wrong or right. You must experiment with pieces, most times coming up with unexpected combinations, until you grasp the underlying technique of this bold trend. These are the tips I have picked up along my almost scientific experimentation with my patterned numbers. They should ensure that your print clash outfit is like pineapple on pizza: it should not work but it does somehow!
TWO, THAT’S IT In pattern-mixing, two is company and three is a crowd. I tend to stick to two patterns, because that is pretty daring already, and you don’t want to go overboard right? The key to rocking statement trends is not to bite off more than you can chew!
YOU NEED SOMETHING IN COMMON Find a common denominator. Even the most unlikely pair of items can co-exist if there is something in common between them. Keep your eyes open for common colours or colour families. Think about hues that usually work well together, like black and red. You might also want to mix two items from the same pattern family! Floral on floral is all the rage right now. Why not give it a try?
VARY YOUR WEIGHTS One of my personal favourite tricks in pattern-mixing is what we refer to as ‘weight variation’. This seemingly esoteric notion is very simple in nature. Pick a bold printed top and opt for a more muted patterned piece for your bottoms. You can also apply the weight variation technique by choosing to pair two numbers that slightly differ in the pattern’s physical make-up. So a top with prominent polka dots looks great with a smaller polka dot skirt. Wide stripes work magic with narrow striped pieces!
WHERE’S YOUR BLOCK OF COLOUR? A must in pattern clash is to add a block of colour. It acts as a sealer. A block of colour ties the look, merging together the differences in your print mixed combination. At the same time, a block of colour emphasizes your patterns: it makes sure they get the attention they deserve! If you are feeling particularly inspired, then go for a neon or pastel colour to ace two trends in one outfit.
STYLING ACCESSORISE! Don’t forget your accessories! Why should pattern-mixing be restricted to clothing? We all know the immense power of accessories. They sometimes make or break the outfit! Scarves, shoes, jewellery, hats‌these are all worthy contestants in the patternblocking show. After all, known fashion icon Olivia Palermo sported one of the most admired pattern-mixing combinations during London Fashion Week. Her animal print shoes and floral trousers outfit earned her a great deal of attention, the good kind.
THE MAGIC STRIPE If there is one thing I am glad I learnt early on, it is the fact that stripes are like the black of the printed world. Most times, whenever I feel like trying pattern-mixing, I start out by putting on my favourite striped top, like the Breton striped top in this outfit. If you are a print clash beginner, then start with some stripes and work your way from there.
TREND
It is a truth universally acknowledged that every season brings with it at least one statement trend in the world of fashion. This winter, most of us were trying to grasp the dynamics and tame the the season’s ‘bad boys’, namely faux fur and leather. This spring, we are going to face a blinding new reality, literally! Put your sunglasses on, we are about to climb on the neon bandwagon! The catwalk has spoken. Whereas the pastel colour palette reigned over Paris Fashion Week, with designers like Louis Vuitton and Chanel sticking to pretty light shades, neon hues were treated like royalty at New York, London and Milan. One can hardly forget Sass and Bide’s eye-popping collection, with bright tangerine details and hot pink flashes. Nor can we ignore Jason Wu’s work who applied the glowing palette to red carpet frocks. Rag and Bone shone in their eclectic turquoise numbers and the Mulleavy sisters, from the Rodarte label, relied quite heavily on a bold, electric green for some of their designs.
HELLO NEONS Worth a particular mention is Nanette Lepore’s neon-themed collection: a traffic-stopping mix and match of neon shades that cannot go unnoticed. The collection, definitely not for the fainthearted, featured extreme neon colour-blocking, mixing hot pinks with blinding yellows, toxic greens and glowing turquoises. My personal favourite were the neon tie –dye dresses and an interesting turquoise lace number layered over a sleek bright orange bodycon dress. Who would ever thought ot pairing the two?
TREND Are the eighties back? Well, not really. The neon palette is strongly associated with that particular decade, but somehow the neon trend is walking down a slightly different road this time. That might come as a relief to some since, in terms of fashion, the eighties seem to be the decade that many would rather shun into absolute oblivion. So where does the difference lie? Whereas the neon bonanza used by most designers is extremely reminiscent of the times of George Michael and Cyndi Lauper, the collections were based on cuts, lines and shapes derived from other decades, if not centuries. Peter Sam’s bold neon numbers were inspired by the silhouettes from the sixties. Heidi Middleton and Sarah Jane Clarke, chez Sass and Bide, opted for Edwardianinspired details, amongst which the famous Edwardian collar. This merging of fashion aspects coming from different times not only created an added dimension, but also brought back a trend without that ‘been there done that’ feel. Take a look at your favourite stores and you will not be able to miss them. Neons are everywhere already! From bright pink blazers to striped neon block skirts, these pieces are already on the shelves waiting for us to purchase them. Just when we thought that the trend has only limited its reach to clothing and accessories, we saw extreme neon make-up on the runways as well! World famous makeup lines took the queue from our favourite designers, and released neon-based collections including bold orange and pink lipsticks and lipglosses, and a couple of eyeliners and eyeshadows in shocking neon brights. Nail colours did not fail to catch the neon flu either. Have you noticed an increase in neon-shaded nail varnishes as of late? I know I have. Interestingly, latest street style pictures reveal that the trend has already caught on even on the streets! The weather may not have warmed up yet, but fashionistas have already turned their neon
switches on. Probably the neon item that pops up in nearly every recent street style snap is the neon satchel. During the past few seasons we have seen the satchel return to the limelight, but this season it is the lime (even orange, pink and yellow!) satchel that is stealing the light! Its popularity can be attributed to its ease of wear, given that it is a detail that you can easily add to a plain outfit for that attention-grabbing pop of colour. Bright coloured trousers are equally as widespread on the streets and in the stores. In a similar way, neon-coloured trousers are on the wearable side of the scale. Bold neon dresses or tops might be overpowering especially with certain complexions. Bottoms, however, tend to be less problematic to tone down. The million dollar question: how should I wear neons without looking like I am all set for an eighties costume party?
The most important decision that needs to be taken on the matter is whether you would like to restrict yourself to a few neon details or else whether you would prefer to go for a more statement outfit. If your preferences are closer to the first option, then you are practically spoilt for choice. Look out for garments with neon piping, buttons, cuffs or collars. You could also opt for the neon satchel which, as already mentioned, is quite ‘in’ right now. Last but not least, consider buying a brighter lipstick than the one you usually go for. Just make sure you go easy on the rest. You are not Nicki Minaj.
TREND If details do not tackle your fancy and you would rather try the trend with a bang by, for instance, wearing a flashy hot pink dress or a bold tangerine orange top, then mix it with neutral, subdued colours. Neon trousers look exquisite with plain white tees and black flats. Attention-grabbing neon frocks are way more flattering if paired with nude or black pumps. Do keep in mind that your favourite neon piece is a loud number in itself, so the rest should be relatively ‘quieter’. Are you ready to down some mind-blowing neon shots? Looks like everyone is.
CATWALK
MULBERRY AUTUMN / WINTER 2012 Just when we thought Mulberry couldn’t serve a better collection than the one we so much enjoyed for SS2012, Creative Director Emma Hill put forward a series of jaw-dropping numbers for AW2012//2013. Even the starstudded front row, with fashionistas including Azealia Banks, Pixie Geldof and Lana del Rey, seemed astounded as they sat on their warm goat-hair seats. Should we also point out that Lana bagged herself – literally – a Mulberry bag named after her? Some of us are that lucky.
This collection, inspired by Maurice Sandale’s Where The Wild Things Are, is a wild dream for texture lovers. Emma Hill showed us how to battle the Winter elements like it is truly meant to be done, with heavy layering, fur, chunky knit jumpers, fur, silk, fur, knit scarfs and more fur. Did we mention fur? Models, the beautiful monsters of this divine collection, walked down the catwalk like fairytale characters wandering through a dark forest. The collection’s predominant colour choices were earthy and neutral, in line with the overall mood of the show. There were, however, a couple of numbers in brighter oranges and other pleasant pops of colour that broke the overall earthy palette very nicely. The fur vest, cinched in with a skinny belt, paired with a sleek pencil skirt was one of our favourite combinations from the entire collection. Also worth a mention is the gorgeous layering of knits and silk on the one side, and knits and lace on the other. The fantasy element was appropriately preserved with a handful of dreamy prints and highly textured pieces. Oh, and there was a furry little dog who strutted some Mulberry style down the catwalk too. Emma Hill declared that she strongly believes that ‘a Winter show should actually be for Winter’. We cannot help but concur. After all, we all love a good furry tale!
TIPS
WHAT THE BRIDE WORE Every woman has spent a considerable amount of time meticulously planning the details of her wedding attire, however it can still be tasking for the bride to look for the perfect wedding dress in between sampling food and choosing flowers. These are a few tips that can make saying ‘yes’ to the dress a little bit easier…
A. DRESS FOR YOUR SHAPE
square or sweetheart neckline will work wonders.
Every woman deserves to make her childhood wedding dress fantasies a reality, irrespective of what size and shape that child grew up to be! The key idea here is to find a dress that flaunts your best assets and tones down those areas you’re not proud of. PEAR-SHAPE: Brides which carry weight in their middle section should go for an Aline shape! This will attract attention to the narrowness of their waist as well as to the length of the dress, distracting the eye from the hips. Sturdier fabrics like taffeta are ideal because they don’t cling to the body. You could also opt for necklines that balance your overall shape, say wide or puffy shoulders or off-shoulder necklines. Both place emphasis and widen the upper body. APPLE-SHAPE: The V-neckline is your friend. It slenders down the upper body and draws attention towards the vertical and not the horizontal. Apart from finding a gown with a corset bodice, you could also try to look for a gown with a waist that begins under the bust. That’s how to minimize your stomach! BUSTY: You need something that is not too revealing, so a gown with a scooped,
Avoid straight-across necklines unless you want to make your chest look larger. Steer clear from sheen and ruching: both add volume and guarantee uncalled attention on your chest area. SMALL-CHESTED: Contrary to largerchested ladies, small-chested brides should keep an eye out for ruched bodices
TIPS and vertical cut necklines, as well as the addition of extra fabric to the bodice to fill up the upper body. Try sheen fabrics. Sheen is to bodices as lipgloss is to lips. It makes everything look bigger! TALL: A simple, minimal dress ensures to avoid distractions from your statuesque body. You need a floor-sweeping gown so as not to seem like you borrowed your dress from your shorter sister! Pick a sheath or column dress to emphasize length. PETITE: The key word for you is ‘elongation’. It’s all a game of vertical proportions. Find a dress with a waistline above your natural waist, so as to make your legs look longer. No dropped-waists, huge bows, strapless gowns or calf-length dresses. Those drown you and make you look frumpy. Make sure that any details are on your upper body to draw the eye upward and make you look taller.
any dress style, from the classic to the contemporary. Round/full faces look better with a tiara with some height or a peak, whereas long faces should opt for tiaras that extend of the entire head with an even height. No peaks for oval faces! Silver, diamante and white pearl tiaras are fit for white dresses. Gold and ivory walk hand in hand with ivory and champagne gowns.
both formal and semi-formal styles, elbowlength veils go well with full skirts. Works like a charm, works every time.
HEADBANDS: Headbands can serve a functional purpose, that of keeping hair away from the bride’s face, but they can also be tilted forward to mimic a tiara. Additionally, headbands can be wrapped around the bride’s up-do for some extra glamour.
CATHEDRAL-LENGTH: Dramatic and difficult to maneuver, cathedral or floor length veils tend to be the most popular with brides. Accompanied with a cathedral or semi-cathedral length dress, these veils are sure to turn the princess vibe on.
BRIDAL COMBS: A minimal bride’s best friend. Combs look like tiaras but are significantly smaller, making the overall look less dramatic and formal. Combs can be worn on different parts of the head.
VEIL IT RIGHT! IT’S ALL ABOUT HEADWEAR! After finding the perfect dress and making up your mind on the hairstyle you want on your bid day, it’s time to start thinking about headwear. There’s more to it than simply finding a matching headpiece. TIARA: Tiaras are the most dramatic headpiece that add a gorgeous detail to
It’s imperative to choose a veil that complements the bridal gown without taking too much attention from it. As a general rule, veil lengths should be cut just above or below the dress’s focal point. ELBOW-LENGTH: This veil length goes well with train-less dresses and tends to enhance the waist area. Appropriate for
FINGERTIP-LENGTH: Whereas these veil styles are not recommended for brides opting for a train, a veil flowing gracefully to the fingertips looks gorgeous with a fulllength gown!
TIPS AND THE JEWELLERY? Choice of jewellery largely depends on personal taste and the rest of the bridal outfit, yet there are other considerations to make apart from the obvious ‘does this match my dress?’ CONTRAST: Never pair an overly embellished dress with substantial jewellery! Keep that statement necklace for a simple dress, especially if it has a plunging neckline that lends itself nicely to the extra bling. VEIL STYLE: Detailed veils should always be juxtaposed against softer jewellery. However if your veil is of a more traditional nature, you can afford some flashier gems. HAIRSTYLE: Up-dos as well as high necklines are just meant for dangling earrings that extend the neckline! Keep away from chandelier earrings if you are keeping your hair down. You don’t want your hair to get tangled in them! FACE SHAPE: Face shape is equally important. Button-style earrings look forgiving on round faces and dangly pieces can serve to widen a narrow face. Long faces should consider square earrings
NEWS
Two hundred and five nations. Thirty-one competition venues. Five hundred thousand spectators per day. Twenty six different sports. All is set as stylish London hosts this year’s edition of the Olympic Games for the third time in the British capital’s history! The Olympic Games have never attracted so much attention from the fashion industry. Could this fashion interest be attributed to the fact that London may be this year’s Olympics host, but let’s keep in mind that the city is, first and foremost, a widely loved fashion capital. With designers flocking to imprint their names on the athletes’ kits and fashion royalty like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Rosie Huntington Whiteley confirming their attendance to the Games’ closing ceremony, the Games are looking more stylish than ever! London is officially a sartorial battlefield.
At the very forefront of this year’s Glamour Games is British fashion designer Stella McCartney. The fashion god is sponsoring Great Britain’s official Olympic kits as well
The Glamour Games as a separate collection for the athletes to wear off the field at the very much discussed Olympic Village. The kits, designed by Stella but produced by German sportswear giant Adidas, is sleek and tight-fitting. The numbers are impressive to say the least: a total of nine hundred British athletes shall be sporting nearly six hundred different items! It definitely takes no genius to notice the prominent Union Flag motif, with red and blue being the predominant colours of the British kits. Stella confesses her love for the British flag, describing it as an ‘emblem’ and ‘one of the most beautiful flags in the world’. McCartney’s interpretation of the flag is modern, with red being shifted to the kit is trim and two shades of blue making up the flag instead. Red and blue, confirms the designer, are the colours of a couple of
other nations’ flags, so the Union Jack motif helps to make the British Olympiads easily identifiable and, most importantly, look like ‘one voice, one nation’. The British designer, very excited for the Games themselves, declares that she placed equal emphasis on both form and function during the design process. Making the athletes look good was as important as ensuring that the kit maximised their performance. British athletes appreciated the interplay between the two aspects, admitting that not only do they have confidence in the technology of their kits, but they are also sure that if they look good, they’ll perform better!
Italian fashion label Armani must ring a bell to most of you. Giorgio Armani shall be
NEWS waving the Italian flag at the London Olympics, having designed a collection of more than fifty items, including trolleys, portable wardrobes, shoes, bermudas and tracksuits for the Italian athletes participating in the Games. Unlike McCartney, Armani did not opt for the colours of the Italian flag, choosing to go for nation’s traditional competition colours, namely white and midnight blue. In a very patriotic nature, Armani’s designs include words from the Italian national anthem, the Mameli hymn, written on the insides of garments like jackets, polo shirts and sweatshirts. Armani declares to be more than honoured to have been chosen for the task, saying that this was a sign of recognition for this work. The kits of the Italian national sailing team were trusted to fashion front-runners Prada. Having previously sponsored four America’s Cup campaigns, Prada seemed like a natural choice. The label is not only behind the athletes’ uniforms, but it also took care of the uniforms of all technical staff members! Uniforms are blue, slimfitting and feature a prominent Prada logo on the kit is sleeves. President of the Italian Sailing Federation, Carlo Croce, says that he is more than proud to have Prada on the team. He believes the fashion label became synonymous with the sport and also mentions that their previous
sponsoring experiences have granted the brand with priceless knowledge of racing apparel, especially in terms of textile research, manufacturing techniques and fittings. Ralph Lauren unveiled his two Olympic collections exactly a hundred days before the start of the Games in London. The eight hundred members of the American Olympic team were spoilt with a collection for the closing parade and yet another one for the Olympic Village. The garments created for the closing parade have an evident tennis club vibe to them. Women shall sport white button-up blouses and knee-length skirts, whereas the men’s white button-up shirt shall be accompanied by a sleek pair of white pleat trousers. In order to stick to the colours of the American flag, Lauren added a silk stripe belt in a stunning red, white and navy pattern as well as a matching scarf for the ladies. The collection also includes a selection of re-issued Ralph Lauren numbers from the thirties and forties and accessories like tote bags, hats, towels and sunglasses. The American designer also worked on collections for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, making his Olympics 2012 collections the third of their kind.
On a much smaller scale, another Olympics collection that garnered significant attention is the one designed for the Jamaican team by Cedella Marley, daughter of reggae king Bob Marley, in collaboration with Puma. During the launch of the collection, Cedella Marley explained how her father was always incredibly influential as a father but also as a musician. The collection does, in fact, pay tribute to the singer, with song lyrics embroidered on the inner part of garment collars as well as Bob Marley patches attached to some of the jackets.
With the enthusiasm spreading to a number of high-street fashion brands, including River Island amongst many others, we cannot help but wonder why the fashion industry is putting so much effort into this year’s edition of the Olympic Games. River Island teamed up with sportswear sponsor Adidas to create the ‘Team GB’ collection in the iconic hues of red, white and blue. On their part, Adidas also worked
NEWS with the British Fashion Council on a student design competition. The winner, Alexandra Gardner from Nottingham Trent University, saw her Olympics themed collection launched in Adidas stores in midMay! Undoubtedly, as these same designers remarked, the Games are an excellent outlet for some good natured patriotism, however we cannot deny that the event has an enormous audience as well as formidable media coverage. Four million event followers are bound to bring significant commercial potential and income, so it is more than understandable to see designers wanting to leave their mark on the Games. It is a good move. The Olympics are good business.
Will the same unprecedented fashion hype surround the Games four years from now? Who knows? The only thing I am sure about is that I never saw myself as an Olympiad, but now that designer-wear
STYLING
HOW I STYLE MIDI PENCIL SKIRTS
In my world, midi pencil skirts are equated with sophistication. They can make everyone look instantly dressed up in a matter of seconds. It's like becoming the First Lady for a few hours (only without the fancy pomp and responsibilities, parfait!)
PENCIL MEETS PEPLUM Peplums were everywhere last season. Everywhere except my closet, that is. I never found the silhouette too tempting until I considered it paired with a midi pencil skirt. This kind of combination would work particularly well for those ladies who don't exactly adore their love-handle area: it's a really good disguise! I chose a pencil skirt in one of my favourite prints for this season, namely dogtooth, and a plain peplum top in a gorgeous burgundy colour. You could go for sky-high heels, but I tend to prefer midi-heels with these type of skirts. Midi meets midi, a love story.
STYLING
PRINT HEAVEN
LENGTHENING PENCIL
Due to recent trends, people are definitely becoming more adventurous in the print department. I couldn't omit a heavily - and less conventional - printed midi skirt! As I always say, these types of prints attract a lot of attention, so unless you're okay with the idea of setting your lower body as the focal point of your outfit, stay away from them! I went for a plain sheer shirt on the top part and some coloured midi-heels to break the monochromatic look without being too 'out there'. This kind of outfit is ideal for all those who are quite self-conscious about their upper body.
One of the biggest concerns with midi pencil skirts - excluding the 'will it bring out my humps and bumps?' issue - is whether it'll look swamping on those who aren't the tallest lady in the village. My answer, yes. They can shorten those of us on the smaller side of the scale. Fret not though! As usual, there's something called 'optical illusion' that is here to save the day. The trick is to create the illusion of longer legs by either opting for a print that roots downwards or by going for a smooth, uninterrupted block of colour at the body's lower end. For the first, choose skirts in vertical stripes or chevron patterns. For the second, make sure you wear black opaque tights and black shoes, preferably pumps, and maybe even a matching black skirt. In
STYLING this set, I tried to merge both options by going for a vertically striped skirt and black tights and shoes. If you want to lengthen even further, tie your hair up in a top knot. Sorted!
DRESS IT DOWN Earlier I highlighted how these skirts are very sophisticated, but that doesn't imply they can't be dressed down. When I'm truly head over heels with something, I want to wear it on a daily basis so I try to find a way to sport it more casually. Midi pencil skirts are usually high on the waist - well, I make sure they are! - so I want to pair them with a crop top for a more laid-back feel. You could also mix it with a cropped jumper or something similar I guess. You know me, I'm a big sucker for polka dots, so I added this Minnie Mouse style scarf to the combination for either the head or the neck. I must try this out before it's too cold for such an outfit!
TREND
THE
A-Z GUIDE TO
SUMMER 2012
TRENDS A is for Aztec: Forget the Mayans and their calendar, this season it’s all about bringing out your inner Navajo! Aztec-inspired clothing is bright and interesting, usually presenting some of the most exquisite and unusual colour combinations around!
Aztec style tunics, in particular, are great for BBQs or for the brave stroll to the shops during summer: their lightweight nature allows you to breathe and look fab as well! B is for Baroque: This trend lies somewhere in between Marie-Antoinette’s ‘Let them eat cake!’ fashion and the classic, vivid Versace print. The swirls, scrolls, ropes and chains of baroque prints add that much needed bust of life to anyone’s wardrobe! C is for Crop Tops: The midriff is back with a bang. The trick to rocking the trend is not showing too much skin, so pair with your favourite vintage high-rise jeans, shorts or pencil skirts for that true rockabilly feel!
D is for Dip Hem: Forget your midi skirt. Forget you maxi skirt. This season the ithemline is the dip hem on both skirts and dresses. Whereas some are set to shy away from the trend, others have already embraced its versatility. Available in a myriad of colours, dip hems can be paired with combat boots for that edgy feel or with wedges for a girly combo. E is for Eighties: This season sees the return of probably one of the least loved decades in fashion. Love it or hate it, the eighties are back around and so are their close friends the peplum and the rucksack. F is for Floral: Hardly a surprise right? Florals tend to distinguish our Winter attire from our Spring one. A must-have item this season is floral trousers. Oh, and a floral blazer. Floral blouses too.
TREND G is for Gold: Again? Gold was all over the place last Winter and we can’t help but be slightly bored of it already. Try buying a pair of gold sandals, you surely did not give those a try in the cold weather! That should definitely re-ignite your metallic passion once again. H is for Headpieces: Hats, headscarves, headbands! This Spring and Summer, you must add something on your head for that extra little detail. Headwear always completes an outfit and it’s the best solution when you look in your mirror and think ‘My hair has had better days!’. I is for Ikat: What a fancy term to denote anything related to tribal wear! Definitely not a newcomer to the Spring and Summer fashion world, this trend is taking over some of our favourite high street stores already! Everything in the shops seems to shout ‘This time for Africa!’. Have you spotted a pair of animal print wedges that you like? You need a pair of those. J is for Jumpsuit: These numbers may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Granted. However, with the immense variety of jumpsuits out in the shops already, there surely must be one for everyone. Remember, shopping for a jumpsuit is like looking for your soulmate, you have to try a few wrong ones before slipping into the
perfect one. Don’t forget to emphasise your waist with a skinny belt, especially for those ladies with a lovely hourglass shape! K is for Knotted: Meet one of the most accessible and wearable trends of the season. Whereas you could head out to the shops and buy one of those knot-detail dresses, shoes or bags, you could simply knot your top or denim shirt as an alternative. It takes seconds and it costs nothing. Perfect! L is for Lilac: Lilac is one of the prettiest candy colour shades ever! From lilac nails to lilac denim, this powdery hue looks divine with other pastel shades and as well as neutrals. It’s so sweet it gives you cavities! M is for Mint: You could say ‘mint’ is my middle name right now. Mint and pink, mint and cream and mint and salmon are amongst the most delicious combinations trending at the moment. The softness of mint lace and the relative sharpness of mint tailored pants are staples this year!
N is for Neon: Eye-catching, trafficstopping, almost blinding fluorescent pieces are all the rage this season! Pair with white or denim to tone the colour loudness down, or go for accessories to
avoid overwhelming your skin tone with brights. P is for Pleats: I’ll have a plate of pleats, pretty please. This season, open your fashion buffet with a pair of pleated palazzo pants as a starter, then move on to a pleated skirt for the main course and end with a delicious pleat-detail blouse. Whether it’s knife, box, or accordion, pleats are in. And how! Q is for Quirky Prints: Who would have ever thought we would be hunting the shops for banana print or monkey print? These are just two of the eclectic prints available this year, and together with sunflower, fruit, avian and geometric patterns, there’s bound to be something that tickles your fancy. Print clash is pretty big right now as well, keep it in mind! R is for Ruffles: Is it me, or are girls dressing as girls again? After a predominantly androgynous season, we welcome back the ravishing realm of femininity! The catwalks were pretty much one big ruffle bonanza, with ruffles on swimwear and wedding gowns alike. S is for Stripes: Have you ever noticed that stripes never seem to go out of fashion? They’re always here! Not that I’m complaining anyway. It’s unbelievable how
TREND designers always manage to revisit and reinvent the same trend over and over again. My personal favourite stripe reinvention this year was Fendi’s. I swear I could watch that show ten times a day!
W is for White Out: A trend we inherited from last Spring and Summer, head-to-toe white outfits are the best backdrop for a tan! If, like myself, you are not keen on white shoes, then opt for nude pumps or pastel shoes. You’re sorted!
T is for Tangerine: According to the Pantone Fashion Colour Report – the authority we trust to answer ‘which is the most popular colour this season?’ – tangerine is by far this season’s colour! There’s a tangerine lipstick that suits every skin tone. Your job is to find it!
X is for X-Ray: Can we ever own too many sheer shirts? No, obviously. Take the opportunity to combine multiple trends by wearing mint pants and a white lace bandeau with your sheer shirt! Three trends in one outfit. Score.
U is for Underwater: We knew the seas would be a major source of inspiration when we first glimpsed Karl Lagerfeld’s collection for Chanel! Think of pearls, mermaid dresses, different shades of blues and gill-like textures for a true adaptation of what the fashion blogosphere dubbed as ‘underwater chic’.
Y is for Yellow: This sunny colour may not be everyone’s preferred colour, but let’s face it, it looks gorgeous set against a black and white monochrome background! All shades of yellow, including pastel variations and brighter neon versions, are set to take over our streets during the coming seasons.
V is for Vertical Stripes: I sleep and I dream about vertical leggings. I wake up and rush to my wardrobe to check of my vertically striped jeans in intact. I am officially obsessed. Vertical stripes do not only add that edgy flair to any look, but they also elongate the body that struts them. Vertical stripes are easily my favourite trend this year.
Z is for Zigzag: The last letter of the alphabet reminds us of one the biggest seasonal trends. Zigzag patterned clothing, very reminiscent of the classic Missoni print, looks great on dresses in particular. Just like vertical stripes, horizontally placed zigzag prints are extremely flattering on all body types. Give them a try, you’ll be surprised!
TIPS
THE
BUDGET
QUEEN’S GUIDE TO
THRIFTING If I had a euro cent for every time someone asked me ‘Where do you get your vintage clothing?’, I would have already bought myself a Chanel flap bag. And if I had another euro cent for each shocked expression I received whenever I answered ‘mostly charity shops’, I would have bought a couple of other designer goodies as well.
It is okay to buy clothes and accessories from a second hand outlet, a charity shop or a thrift store. Actually, it’s quite in at the moment. Rumour has it all the cool people are doing it.
compared to Spring and Summer pieces. So be realistic, that is just the way it works.
On my part, I think charity shops are a godsend. They are where I find most of my unique vintage pieces that help me stand out from the crowd. Some of my current favourite items are thrifted. And you know what? They are great places to shop on a low budget. Since I am a seasoned thrift-shopper, I figured that passing on some tips might be useful, especially since thrifting is quite an overwhelming thing for beginners. I know it was for me. First and foremost, make sure you don’t enter a charity shop with too many high expectations. Keep in mind that these stores rely on other people’s donations, so they host horrors and beauties alike. You might exit the store with bags full of items one day, and walk out barehanded the next. I also find that it’s easier to shop for Winter clothing at thrift stores when
Another thing I recommend is to visit charity shops often. I noticed that these stores update their stocks very frequently. Probably not daily, but definitely weekly . Personally, I go to my favourite thrift shops once a week, just to make sure I don’t miss out on any new pieces. The more often you
TIPS go, the likelier you are to find something you like! Keep an open mind! Is it really worth it to leave that rock-bottom priced blouse behind just because it is slightly wide at the sides? Can’t you use a belt to tighten it or maybe use your sewing skills to cinch it in? When something just doesn’t look right, imagine what it would look like if you altered it. Yet, try to make sure your alteration costs don’t exceed the actual price of the thrifted item.
Two final tips which tend to be overlooked are the following. Ensure you have cash on you before stepping in a thrift store. These shops hardly ever accept credit card or cheques, and you don’t want to leave your pieces behind just because you couldn’t pay it right? Dressing comfortably is as important as having cash. I have never visited a charity shop with a changing room, so make sure that whatever you are wearing allows you to try things on in the shop itself. Happy Thrifting!
The average thrift-shopper is similar to an archaeologist: she or he must look beneath piles of irrelevant material to find a hidden treasure. Even though some thrift stores are better kept than others, most of them can be quite confusing and you do have to dig in to find something worthwhile. So roll up your sleeves and get looking! Last but not least, being the daughter of a clean-freak, I can’t fail to mention how important it is to clean any thrifted pieces thoroughly. Wash them in antibacterial detergent, maybe even twice, and leave them out in the sun to dry. Squeaky clean items look a million times better than before!
The average thrift-shopper is similar to an archaeologist: she or he must look beneath piles of irrelevant material to find a hidden treasure.
TREND
IN GILDED GLORY GOING BAROQUE ON A BUDGET Undoubtedly, the Baroque trend is a challenging trend to pull off if you happen to be a minimalist like myself. Its theatrical and opulent nature stands miles away from the simple, clean pieces that usually inhabit my comfort zone. However, since I tend to like challenges and I also have an innate fascination with 17th century Versailles, I decided to explore uncharted territory and channel my inner Marie Antoinette.
With its heavily ornamental style and luxurious textiles, the Baroque trend is not only a feat for a minimalist, but also for any fashionista that is struggling to makes ends meet. Baroque is all about exaggeration, excess, exuberance and decadence: aspects that hardly live harmonously with the average budget-concious bank account. Hefty prices are a given when purchasing quintessential Baroque fabrics like brocade, velvet or jacquard. How can you dress like royalty without paying a royal price? Both minimalists and budget buyers should start easing themselves into the trend by opting for Baroque-inspired accessories. As I always like to say, accessories are godsends if you are trying to be austere with your purchases! Think of adding a pair of statement gold earrings, preferably with a luxurious, gilded feel, to a plain monochrome outfit. You can also scout your handbag collection for a tapestry print bag or else you can always try and look for a pair of tapestry print loafers. I have seen so many of these out in the stores recently and most of them are below the twenty euro mark! Are you in a particularly playful mood? Then add a pair of lace socks to your everyday skater dress and brogues outfit. If you want to draw inspiration from the
runways, then look out for embellished headbands – or make one yourself! – and wear them with slicked back hair like the models at the Dolce & Gabbana Autumn / Winter 2012 show. Accessories are investment pieces that can help you add that extra accent without breaking the bank.
TREND A second suggestion is to play with the typical Baroque colour palette. Jewel tones, black, gold and dark metallics are basic Baroque hues that can be easily mixed and matched to turn yourself into the ultimate Baroque masterpiece. A favourite with people like myself, the pairing of classical Baroque colours ensures that you make use of pieces that you can already find in your closet. Remember that black skater skirt you bought last year? I would pair it with an oxblood-coloured turtleneck and a gold belt for a good dose of decadence. You can also break these dark shades by adding a pop of crisp white, especially if it’s in lace! One of my guilty pleasures is playing with textures and fabrics, especially during the colder months. As I mentioned earlier, typical Baroque fabrics incline towards the more expensive side, but that doesn’t mean you cannot work your way towards snatching a jacquard or velvet piece! The trick is to prepare your best puppy eyes and ask one of your older relatives for one of her vintage velvet or brocade dresses. If that fails, hit your local charity shop, you are bound to find something along those lines. Just make sure you combine your Baroque piece with modern tailoring and 21st century details to ensure you aren’t being too outdated or costumey. I was really surprised to find out that I didn’t even have to spend a single penny to try the Baroque trend. Everything was in my closet already. Who said ‘Baroque’ and ‘broke’ were synonyms?
The trick is to prepare your best puppy eyes and ask one of your older relatives for one of her vintage velvet or brocade dresses.
REFERALLS Lara Boffa has a style which is uniquely her own. I started following Lara’s Blog ever since she set it up, intrigued by her take on fashion and life in general. Her quirky personality is reflected in her blog, making it a showcase of the beautiful and the unconventional, ideas wrapped up in flowing and effortless English. The nature of her posts spring up from the need to express her creativity and she manages to capture the essential without beating about the bush. Indeed, one never gets tired of reading her posts and I for one await them eagerly. Topics are highly interesting and of relevance to the intended audience and manages to charm the readers by being nothing else than who she truly is. -Roberta genovese, BOOK BOX FOUNDER
Lara is a highly descriptive blogger. Fresh and vivacious. She has always demonstrated great narrative qualities and her articles are very much relatable to her readers. -Sef Farrugia, DESIGNER Lara is a big personality in the blogging world, not only because her passion for her subject shines through each post, but hugely down to her beautifully written articles. Lara is creative, succinct and relatable in her writing. Her blog is a favourite of mine and one I truly look up to. -Rhi Burns, BLOGGER Boffism is as fresh as it gets in terms of fashion blogging. Lara's dedication, youth and enthusiasm, together with her frank, relatable writing style make the blog an essential daily read. -Mariel Sacco, STYLIST AND BLOGGER
Lara’s work never ceases to engage me as a reader. Her writing? Honest and intelligent, yet highly approachable – it’s almost as though we’re having a chat over tea and a croissant. She has a certain talent for bringing ‘the fashion world’ one step closer to her readers – she is, after all, the one who sparked my interest in fashion and helped me to discover designers and appreciate personal style. Boffism opened a door to the beautiful world of Lagerfeld, street style, and all things inspirational. -Kelly Dent, BLOGGER AND PHOTOGRAPHER Ms. Boffa was one of the independent bloggers we had covering Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Malta 2013. She consistently delivered highly detailed and informative reviews of the main events she was assigned to cover and her work was always delivered well within the set deadlines. - Pierre Mizzi, MEDIA DIRECTOR - MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK MALTA Lara is one of the most creative fashionistas I have ever met. . She can always capture the very sense of fashion and express it in her only unique way. I am always inspired by her words and shoots. I never regretted subscribing to her blog. It’s a breath of fresh air. -Vanessa Xing, LA REDOUTE PR REPRESENTATIVE
A very inspiring fashion blogger with an ability to charm you with her way of words and opinion. Her amazing sense of style always keeps you anticipating the next post. -Dyna Spiteri, BLOGGER Lara is a very current, cultured and influential blogger. She is relatable and comforting in her writing, which is what a blogger, journalist, or writer should aim to be. All of this together with well thought out wit and humor- I believe Lara has got it all. -Ellie Cutajar, PHOTOGRAPHER
CONTACT
BLOG: www.boffism.com EMAIL: lara@boffism.com TWITTER: @boffism PHONE: 00356 9923 3344