Need a New Coat? Need Some Advice

If there is something that makes us hardly enthusiastic is searching for a new coat, why? because as far as fashion investments go, a new coat is one that needs to tick way too many boxes.

It needs to be trendy, yet classic – because let’s face it, good coats do not come cheap, so we are aiming to find something we can wear for a few seasons until it falls to pieces.

It must flatter our figure – and this is tricky, very much so. There are so many gorgeous-looking coats out there that on the wrong frame can end up looking frumpy, will make others think you are pregnant, or could in an instant make you tiny and practically disappear under a sea of fabric.

Good quality is key – go extra cheap and you will pay for it. After a couple of months you will be wishing for spring to come along and save you from the rubbishy material awkwardly wrapped around you, giving you a hunch and suddenly fatter arms.

Thick or thin? rainproof? wind breaker? – You are hardly going to come across the all-in-one coat, as climate-related criteria will also dictate your choice. Be realistic, if you live somewhere with harsh winters don’t be tempted by light fabrics, check for warm inner layers, and if rain tends to occur, avoid suede or anything that cannot get wet. There is nothing cool about having a coat only to hang in your wardrobe.

Picture: DKNY via Net-a-porter

Look of the Week – Natural and Sexy

The woman pictured above is responsible for our latest obsession (see post below), and she sings the tune we are listening the most to in our iPod. Natalie Imbruglia does the natural yet sexy look for her Want video. With those eyes and sultry brunette locks, you would need little more – just some black mascara, a natural and light foundation, finish off with some transparent lip gloss.

Picture: Universal

We are coveting…THOSE Boots

It’s happened, we are in love (yes, I hear you say, again) and already heartbroken at the price tag. Fashion Limbo is in dire need of a rich husband, or new adoptive parents? We have been ignoring this Balmain boots for a while, telling ourselves “it’s no for us” or “they wouldn’t make us happy” and even “we will forget about them and find something better”. However, my dears, it hurts, and even when we look at some cheaper versions… brace yourselves, it’s just not the same.

Oh Balmain buckle-embellished boots at €1,440 at Net-a-Porter, we covet you.

PS: We blame Natalie Imbruglia for looking so hot in them, in her new video, Want.

Picture: Net-a-Porter

Cardigans for Men – Not For Geeks, or Maybe…

One of the best things about the colder months is we get to layer, layer and layer to feel snug and comfortable. However, doing this in a cool and presentable manner may not a simple job. When it comes to guys, they have had it easy these last couple of years with the great amount of cardigans that have appeared.

Featured above, we have a great example by Pull and Bear, which is a thick cardigan great to combine with shirts and, take note, a thin scarf. It will keep you warm and worn open it keeps its edge. No grandfather look.

Below we have one of many possibilities H&M; is offering. Thin cardigans in brown, grey and even black. These look better if worn closed. Upping the geek factor is key, if you think you are looking like a geek, you have nailed the look.

Cardigans look best on guys with narrower frames, but if that is not the case, simply choose one that is not too fitted. It will add movement to your look, and layers, when properly done, can make you look trimmer.

Right now? Cardigans are everywhere: high-street versions, designer, with stripes, checks, even fun prints. We cannot say it any clearer, get one, now.

Pictures: H&M;, Pull and Bear

When Leopards Eat Too Many Berries

Not so long ago, a girl we know (hey Kate!) was looking for a red leopard dress she spotted someone wearing. While this jumper/dress by Dorothy Perkins may not be the same thing, it would surely look stunning on said girl.

To buy the dress click here.

Picture: dorothyperkins.com

A Small Guide to the ManBag

If there is one thing Fashion Limbo likes, that is a man with a good bag. Let’s face it, we are quirky creatures and adore guys who carry a good book around (not for show, but to actually read), or a change of shoes for the way home, anything… A man without a bag is a man who relies on his pockets and that simply does not work for us. So let’s hear it for the manbag and it’s many possibilities.

A great bag for the attractive guy comfortable with his own persona is the below pictured Nevada Duffle Bag by Fossil. Perfect to carry books, notepads, notebooks (kind of the same thing), diaries, etc.

Knomo is one of those brands you all have to try at least once. They offer great bags of all shapes and purposes. The one pictured here is the brown and blue Bristol bag, great to carry your laptop, PDA, iPod or whatever gadget does it for you. There is no need to be a geek with no style, or a boring executive, my friends.
Last but not least, a handy bag that can fit very few essentials, but is still too gorgeous to ignore, this black bag from Hugo Boss is certainly stylish yet practical, for those of you who need little more than a pretty girl/guy next to you.

Fake Fur – Right or Wrong?

We recently treated ourselves to the faux fur leopard-print jacket pictured above (by Pull and Bear). We are in love with it. It’s great to team with jeans, it’s warm, the most comfortable jacket we have worn in a long time… should we go on?

However, doubts have now arisen regarding the political correctness of said jacket. At Fashion Limbo we like to respect nature and would never wear real animal fur, no mater how farmed or how many cruelty-free guarantees we get. Prior to purchase labels were checked and we happily saw it was all 100% fake: acrylic and polyester.

It is now up to certain acquaintances of mine (interestingly, mostly men) to point out that by wearing it we are indeed saying we agree with the use of animal fur in fashion.

Fashion Limbo sees it this way: fashion like any visual form of expression is inspired by everything around, including nature. Certain animal textures and colours are going to appeal to us: we paint them, photograph them, copy them. Let’s face it, people are not going to stop wanting to wear fur. By wearing our jacket we are saying “check it out, it looks real, it feels great, it’s nice, but NO animals were killed for it, why can’t everyone else do the same? stop killing to wear“

What do you guys think?

Picture: Pull and Bear

Look of the Day – Leighton Meester

One of the things we are enjoying a lot lately is all the coverage fashion shows are getting, focusing not only what goes on up and down the catwalk, but what occurs around it. A mostly anticipated show at Paris this week was the Marc Jacobs collection for Louis Vuitton, and celebrities appeared in their dozens.

Our favourite starlet was Leighton Meester (pictured above) absolutely stunning in a flower-print dress, clinched to her waist in the most feminine manner. The sandals impeccably finish off a sexy yet sweet girlie look. Whoever styled this, got it completely right.

Picture: Justjared

Supermodels’ Beach Stroll

Featured on the cover of US Teen Vogue, supermodels Chanel Iman (left) and Jourdan Dunn make us want to drive to the beach right now… and stroll around with the same endless legs and genuine style. However, as that is simply not going to happen we will have to settle for this glamorous photo shoot for the teen magazine. The printed edition will hit US newsstands on October 13th.

These supernatural beauties are surely making us stick to our diet!! This picture is going to get printed asap and placed on our fridge door 🙂

Picture: Teen Vogue

Hot Trend – Add a Cape

A simple way to add some quirkiness to your wardrobe can be done with one of the hottest pieces of the moment, the cape. Featured in Glamour UK, Natalie Portman wears a small cape perfect for this crazy weather. Team with skinny jeans for true effortless cool.

The best capes can be found at Dorothy Perkins, Marc Jacobs and Burberry.

Picture: PA Photos via Glamour UK