All I Want For Christmas – 2009

T’is the time of the year. We feel merry and worthy of the most lovely gifts, and for that reason, we give you Fashion Limbo’s 2009 Christmas Wish List.

We begin with sequins (above). We love anything with a sparkle, and the seasonal editions of Lulu Guinness’ famous lip clutches are desirable and very stylish. This one comes with Swarovski crystals and will cost you around €600 (approximate price).

As our search for the perfect thigh-high boots continues, we can’t help but lust over these Cavalli beauties (pictured below). Great heel, fitted to one’s skin to elongate limbs and make us look sexy in front of all the Christmas lights. Grab them at net-a-porter for €1690.

If there is one piece of jewelry we want, is a Bubble Bear by Tous (below). In white gold, diamonds and purple zephyrs, it comes in so many beautiful versions we had trouble picking our favourite. So cute, so dazzling, we are wondering who will be the darling to give us such a precious little thing.

And, appealing to our colourful side, we love this Gypsy Mini Chandelier by Dutch By Design.

On Fashion’s Relevance – Lady Gaga

You may, like us, love Fashion. You may hate it (hardly, why would you be reading Fashion Limbo if you weren’t a tad attracted) but fashion is everywhere. Luxury and high end couture may not be in everyone’s shopping list at these tight economical times, but it’s relevance and influence could not be greater.

Take Lady Gaga. When we featured her at the start of the year, we could not foresee the effect not only her music, but her image would have on music, fashion, and every lifestyle cover this year. We also didn’t expect to like her that much. Musically, her work is anything but new. She is clearly following the steps of icons such as Madonna, Grace Jones and is greatly influenced by David Bowie amongst others.

But it is her visual side, and the work exerted on outfits worn at performances, public appearances and videos that get all the talk. Again, this is nothing new, as fashion and music videos or photo-shoots have always gone hand in hand. However, it’s exciting to see such powerful statements, and such a clear admiration for glam costumes and dramatic make-up.

Her latest video, Bad Romance, features those infamous Alexander McQueen’s “Armadillo” shoes (pictured above), Michael Jackson moves and Kubrick’s aesthetics. Another good move in music for Lady Gaga and another good step in the catwalk.

Pictures: Lady Gaga

Once Upon a Time – The Supermodel

Back in the day when Fashion Limbo was a molecule of thought in the brain of a little girl (there was no Internet then, dear Lord!) there was a breed of women ruling all magazine covers and fashion catwalks: the supermodel.

As Wikipedia defines it, the term refers to “a highly-paid élite fashion model who usually has a worldwide reputation and often a background in haute couture and commercial modeling (…) First-name recognition is a solid indication of supermodel status in the fashion industry” And so we had, amongst others, Helena, Eva and Claudia.

Helena Christensen, Eva Herzigova and Claudia Schiffer are all gracing the current I-D winter issue.
To Wikipedia’s definition we will like to add timeless beauty and supernatural physiques. What else can one say after seeing this cover? And what else can we do except keep drinking stupid amounts of water everyday (we will drown, I tell you!) moisturise over and over again, unhappily drag ourselves to yoga, and maybe pray for a miracle?
Picture: I-D Magazine

Let’s Party… In Style

It is upon us. For some, it has already begun. The party season arrives every year getting us through the lowering temperatures, preparing us for the darker months once the New Year passes. This year in terms of style we have it easy: got sequins? got it right.

This example below is by H&M;. We adore how the styling is finished off with a pair of bright tights (funny how H&M; are always so good with their campaigns and lookbooks). There hasn’t been an easier way to skip the bare-leg agenda and feel more comfortable and sexy. The great thing about this is that you shouldn’t worry about colour-clashing as the season allows much flexibility in shading. Plus, if you’re a firm believer in the LBD, you have the entire palette to add a colourful twist.

Karen Millen already showed us their take on party wear, and it’s pure sexiness and quality style. The dress below could also be worn with leggings or skinny jeans, as it feels a lot like a tunic. Adding sequins to jeans is always a good bet, whether it is in the form of a jacket, or a scarf used as a belt, or sequined accessories. It adds pizzazz and for the weeks ahead it is sheer understated cool.

Another complicated task can be what to wear on top of a sequined dress so as not to ruin the entire look. Mango suggests a trench coat and we could not agree more. It’s sophisticated and a timeless classic. If you feel your budget is being stretched, see it as an investment. You will use a trench coat forever, especially if in beige, grey or black tones. This one by Mango adds to the party vibe with it’s shiny texture, but if in doubt, grab a black one from any of your favourite outlets and you are ready to go.

Pictures: H&M;, Karen Millen and Mango

Fashion Event at Karen Millen Brussels

photo copyright Muse Communication

With the party season upon us, Fashion Limbo got to enjoy a fantastic night on the 18th, as we attended the Karen Millen Christmas Collection Preview. The night was a buzzing event, with bubbles, canapes, and models show-casting the luxurious collection. Delighted faithful customers, the Belgian press present with De Morgen, journalists from fashion publications, blogger Sabine Clappaert from Muse and more pretty people, the evening was a fun shopping frenzy with surprise discounts and prizes to be won (a lucky girl got to win a stunning blue leather bag, we were so jealous!).

The manager of the flagship store in Brussels, Samia, and her gorgeous team of style advisors were smiles all around, styling customers and mingling in style, managing to rock an evening of fashion and bubbles.

We had a great time, the atmosphere was fantastic and we wish more events like these were organised in the Belgian capital.

Our favourite outfits were so many we cannot begin to enumerate them, so head over to Karen Millen if you wish to explore their range of party dresses. You will surely fall in love with more than one.

photo copyright Muse Communication

Pictures: Karen Millen, Fashion Limbo.

Stores, Seduce Us or Lose Us Forever

Fashion Limbo is delighted to have a guest writer today, fellow blogger Sabine from Muse. An expert in branding and communication, and an avid shopper, we give you her view on how some stores present themselves, and how many get it oh-so-wrong:

While some love the thrill-of-the-chase of a good bargain (as do I), the drawbacks of the shopping experience are just too great for others to even bother. Crowded stores, the frenzied tug-of-wars over flimsy summer tops, long cues at the fitting rooms and check-out counters….It is a nightmare many are quite willing to skip!

Over the past few days I have spent quite some time thinking about what I call “fitting room politics”: how our experience in the store – and especially in the fitting rooms – can make or break a sale.

Here are my top 3 fitting room “peeves”:

1. Uncleaned floors – Nr 1 killer of a positive impression of a brand! All that shiny marble goes to waste when the floors are littered with dust, hairs and clothing fluff! The worst? 7 out of 10 stores have fitting rooms that are not clean!

2. Lazy sales personnel. The kind that expects you to return the items you’ve just tried on to the correct shelves in the stores (a favorite in Belgium stores!) instead of doing so for you (with a smile!).

3. Fitting room basics: a well-closing curtain or door, a few hooks, a stool (these days often considered a luxury, it seems), flattering lighting.

Getting it right in the fitting room is of the utmost importance: it is probably the ONLY place in which your customer thinks clearly about her purchase. The more comfortable she is here, the more likely she is to buy!


To read the rest of the article including some tips on how to “get it right”, click here.

Girls, Dresses and Rock and Roll

With the award season kicking off last September, we have been inundated with pictures of celebrities working the red carpet for many occasions. For us, the best looks have been seen on stage and many of these can serve as a good inspiration on how to wear certain key looks.

We begin with fashion icon and Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole, showing us all how to wear military cropped jackets and team them effortlessly with harem pants.

Beyonce made sure there was a guy to talk about during the recent MTV European Awards, London designer David Koma. She chose his bodycon in a futuristic style. It has since been spotted on Cheryl Cole.

At the same award ceremony, Katy Perry was also a hot topic of conversation, as whilst hosting the event she went through numerous dress changes. This one pictured belongs to one of the after-parties, in which she dons a pair of printed tights we wish we could get our hands on. Fun and sexy, a great look for the weeks ahead. Velvet is also very on-trend in luscious red.

Leona Lewis has been promoting her latest album wearing some impressive Vivienne Westwood gowns, and for the festive period ahead, it may be the look for those of you wishing to make a gothic/romantic statement.

Pictures: PA, Reuters via BBC, MTV and Telegraph.co.uk

Hot Talent – We bring you MAINFRAME

When Fashion Limbo comes across pure, unapologetic talent, we have to share it. We are so excited to feature MAINFRAME, giving a new twist to your typical sunglasses. We got the fantastic chance to talk to Alexa Demie, behind the project with Kelly Merlo. These two girls are responsible for some sexy frames recently worn by hot model (and Kanye West’s girlfriend) Amber Rose.

Who is Mainframe?

The creative minds behind MAINFRAME are two 18 year old girls born and raised in Los Angeles. I started designing  in 2008 when I was asked to style a shoot for a local LA artist. I customized a pair of sunglasses she already owned and she loved them. I enjoyed transforming a simple design into an innovative piece that uplifted the whole outfit. So I continued doing it and brought on my partner Kelly Merlo, who contributes to the designs as well. Our ideas are ever changing and I don’t think we will be running out of them any time soon, so prepare yourselves for a lot of amazingness, I know, that’s not a word, but that’s what’s coming your way.

What inspires you? 

The street, music, other artists, books. Anything can be an inspiration depending on how you interpret it.

What is the latest fashion item you have bought?

Mmmm…… let’s see, I haven’t been doing too much shopping these days, it seems this was the dress down “hustle” year, for me at least. I did purchase a vintage crew neck sweater, its sort of fuzzy. Its an amazing piece but very itchy. Oh and today I purchased vintage metal earrings that look like the beast from Beauty and the Beast. Amazing.

Picture: MAINFRAME

Silver Luxury – Thomas Sabo

We saw this cute ensemble by Thomas Sabo and we couldn’t help writing about it. Containing Disco Dog and other sterling silver and zirconia pendants, it’s a luxurious treat we will be adding to our Christmas Wish-List. To shop Thomas Sabo visit their site here.

Picture: thomassabo.com

Introducing Aaitski – Belgian Fashion à la Funski

Recently Fashion Limbo came accross Aaitski, a fun concept in fashion and design. Based in Ghent, Belgium,  Aaitski produces unique t-shirts. Simple yet eye-catching (see one of our favourites above), these funky tops are thought by and produced by Bruno Seys and Filip Vandewiele, also known as Brunowski and Flipowski. They play with three main concepts: Boys & Girls, Animals and Vehicles, and with prices from €25 there is no excuse to become an Aaitski fan.

What’s so great about them? They cater for adults, children and babies offering both all age groups the same designs, because fun must stop at no age. T-shirts for babies are made of 100% organic unbleached cotton.

What made us love them even more? the fact that they are offering Fashion Limbo readers a 20% discount on online purchases until the 12th of December. Just use the discount code LIMBAAITSKI on checkout. 


Picture: Aaitski