leather & lace

holla homies! long time no see!
you'll be happy to hear (at least, I was) that I finally have my computer back, and thus can begin, once again, to blog consistently.
sigh. so many interruptions. I really miss blogging! and I'm sad to have missed most of the autumn-y goodness in the blogosphere.

while I was on hiatus I received a guest post from very.co.uk, which is a shopping website based in the UK that I think is really great. disclaimer: this is a sponsored post that I did not write. but it is an article I approve of and a company that is reputable, so you should check it out!

I also did a little outfit photo shoot that was inspired by the post, so I hope you enjoy it. :)

. . .

Fashion embraces its dark side this season, with the trend defined by Victoriana-inspired necklines, sumptuous velvet, rich moiré silk, and a not-so-secret weakness for leather. The A/W 2012 catwalks were high on gothic glamour: silhouettes were sharp and clean, fabrics were glossy and sleek, and the overall look was polished… yet deeply decadent.

High-shine black leather stole the show, breaking free from its typical jackets and separates and transforming sleek gowns into something edgier and more versatile: think power-play rather than prissy.

One of the key features of this trend is that it lends itself to every style: Looking for a tough, structured outfit, or feel the need for something more ladylike? Leather can work its magic for both, giving you an elegant, goth-inspired look, with a serious dose of drama thrown in for good measure.

No outfit is complete without the make-up and accessories to match, and this season the mood is darkly glamorous. Be brave and team blood-red lipstick with a nude eye shadow, or alternatively line your lids with violet eye-paint to make a statement. Berry lip-stains with a minimalist base are a popular choice – define your features with graphite-lined eyes offset by a sheer balm, for a look that’s fiercely chic.

As for those all-important accessories, add ornate jewels to your war-paint: from glittering gemstone grips to pairing oversized pendants with
bold cocktail rings.

The delicate femininity of last season has been firmly stamped out, to the extent that even floral prints have undertaken a gothic revamp. Winter’s blooms – be they single stems or extravagant bouquets – have a sparkling, hyper-real quality. In rich, muted tones and spidery outlines, they hint at the ‘Trick or Treat’ festivities that lie just around the corner.

This season is all about dressing up to make your statement, especially after dark. And, if you’re looking to dress up (in a much more flamboyant sense) for Halloween this year, a visit to the Halloween store at Very.co.uk will help to transform you into your character of choice – plus, once you’ve picked out your costume, you can browse the latest trends in Very’s womenswear
section.

. . .

thanks for the post, Very! 
and tomorrow, readers, I return to my regularly scheduled programming. yay! come back soon.