Blue jeans are not over

Jeans - 811 J Brand

Blouse - Equipment

Tweed jacket (seen here) - Zara

Sandals (seen here and here) - Zara

Nails - Dior waterlilly

In a sea of printed, neon and pastel jeans, it feels good to go back to a pair of plain dark rinse skinny jeans. When I had to choose between the Current/Elliott flower jeans and the J Brand coral jeans, I finally decided for a more timeless and classic pair: J Brand's 811 dark blue skinny jeans and I'm not regreting it. I'm sure that this will be my go-to jeans for some time.

I don't know if this is the end of the season and the sales coming up soon but I'm currently prefering classic pieces to trendier ones. I wonder if you feel the same or if you're still looking for Spring and Summer trends. Are you boycotting a trend for a classic piece ?

xx Marta

ps: If you're not doing it already don't forget to follow me on Instagram @fashion_caramel, I loved twitter but I adore Instagram and if you also believe that a picture is worth a 1000 words you should too !

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Zebra print - the new leopard ?

Looking at how celebrities and fashionistas are adopting zebra prints and the way big names have been inspired by this animal print I can't help but wonder if zebra will dethrone the king leopard...

SS 12 Gucci, Giambattista Valli, Michael Kors (source: style.com)

On the runway names like Gucci, Giambattista Valli and Michael Kors, to name a few, preferred zebra to leopard this season which is at least a sign that something is happening.

Now celebrities and fashion bloggers are sporting more and more zebra prints which only confirms what was seen on the runway. A special mention for Nicole Richie wearing two trends in one sweater with her Proenza Schouler mint zebra sweater.

sources: Frassy, Getty, Celeb buzz

I am a leopard girl myself and I'm usually not unfaithful with other animal prints but I have to admit that the zebra print is pretty cool. I specially love the mix of black and white which is really easy to match with anything, just throw a bright colored item for the contrast or keep your outfit black and white. I'm loving these three outfits, what do you think ?

sources: mywardrobe, shopbop, net-a-porter

Only time will tell if zebra has the potential to replace leopard as the go-to animal print in fashion but in the meantime there is no harm to experiment with it. Here are some items for inspiration.

From top left: Current/Elliott stiletto jeans (netaporter), tank top (mango), tee-shirt (iro), work dress (oasis),
Ice London iphone case (harrods), cuff (asos), espadrilles (topshop), peplum top (newlook), stilettos (jimmy choo)

My favorite zebra print itemt is by far the C/E stiletto jeans. I already I have the grey leopard version of these jeans which I wear all the time. I almost bought the flowers version recently but I wasn't sure about them (too many flowers in my wardrobe lately), now I'm thinking that the reason why I wasn't sure is because I knew something better was coming up, I think this is fate...

How about you, will you be falling for zebra soon ?

Thanks for reading and have a great week !

xx Marta

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Majorelle blue - Color crush

When I discovered YSL's majorelle blue nail polish it was love at first sight. If you tried it already you know what I'm talking about, if you haven't, try it and you'll see. On top of having the most perfect electric blue color for a nail polish (I know from experience because I tried several ones after seeing Beyonce's blue nails some months ago) this polish reminded me of our trip to Marrakesh back in 2010 and only for that it's worth it.

source: jardinmajorelle.com

Once you visit Marrakesh and the Majorelle gardens you will never forget the intense blue and bright yellow covering the house and contrasting with the green plants in the garden, it is spectacular. And how cool is it to wear these memories on your nails ?

But majorelle blue (= electric blue) is not only nice on nails, it's perfect to add some color to an outfit. My preference goes for combining it with neutrals (grey, beige, taupe) or with black and white for a super chic look. I'm less fan of color blocking with bright colors.

sources: what do I wear, momongamon,  whowhatwear, stylebistro, planetblue, streetstyle aesthetic 

Of course, if you're obsessed with fashion you're probably going to tell me that this color has been around for years and is far from being a new trend. Ok ok miss know-it-all, you're right, but just in case majorelle blue becomes the new black (yes, please !) I should prepare you to hear more and more about it

For the moment I'm completely obsessed with majorelle, I have it on my nails and I've been day-dreaming about a pair of trousers and shoes and basically everything that I have selected here.

From top left: Stella Mccartney trousers (netaporter), earrings (sportsgirl), Arty ring (ysl), suede clutch (zara), my majorelle blue nails, leather slit skirt (stylebymarina), Jimmy Choo sandals (savannahs), shorts (pullandbear), suede heels (zara)

How about you, have you fallen for this gorgeous blue yet?

xx Marta

ps: some weeks ago I did a post on shades of blue where I talked about electric blue. I'm sorry if you felt that I was repeating myself (I probably was) but majorelle is enough color to be mentioned (at least) twice.

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The yellow blazer

Yellow blazer - Zara

White jeans - Citizens of Humanity

Grey tee (already seen here) - T by Alexander Wang

Ballet flats - Repetto (2011)

Nails - Majorelle blue YSL

There is nothing better than a blazer to complete an outfit, specially in the morning when you're late for work (right, working girls ?). This morning I was again very late and quickly put on a pair of white jeans and a loose t-shirt. After that I wanted something to make my boring outfit pop but I didn't have time to experiement. I tried a colorful cardigan but it didn't work. Then I remembered my yellow blazer (bought last week but already forgotten, oops) which ended up being the perfect piece to complete my grey/white outfit. In less than 5 minutes I was done and once again I was saved by "the blazer". This time it was the yellow one, I wonder which one it will be tomorrow... How about you, what item saves you in the morning when you're in a rush ?

To tell you the truth, I bought this blazer because I loved the color but I didn't think it suited me. Strangely today I got so many compliments that I realized that maybe yellow IS my color. I always thought that blue was my color but I can be wrong. Anyway, I will definitely experiment more outfits with yellow this summer, just to check.

From top left: Rag & Bone blazer (mytheresa), Les Petites sweater (famousbox), chiffon dress (topshop),

Essentiel sandals (famousbox), Mavala Lemon Cream polish, chain & thread bracelet (wanderlust), clutch (zara)

If you think that yellow is (one of) your color(s) you might like what I have selected here. I am personally in love with Rag & Bone blazer, a perfect mustard yellow blazer for autumn (yes, it's coming !).

How about you, what is YOUR color this season ?

xx Marta

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The printed shoes

Do you remember when I talked about nude shoes last week? Nude shoes that make your legs look longer because they create a seamless transition between your skin and shoes ? Nude shoes that perfectly match outfit as they are completely neutral ? Well, printed shoes are the total opposite, bold, colorful and not so easy to match, this season's prints will (also) be on our feet.

sources: Sally, Michelle Koesnadi and Elin

I have to be honest and say that I was only convinced when I saw the gorgeous Elin wearing an all black outfit with colorful flowers shoes. I'm not such a big fan of mixing prints like the fashion world is telling us to so for me the only option is really to wear printed shoes with a monochrome or neutral oufit just like Elin.

From the (now) classic flower prints to modern artsy patterns, the choices of printed shoes are endless. I have selected just a sample but you will be able to find many others, don't hesitate to share your findings with me.

From top left: Dolce & Gabanna flower pumps (harrods), Dr Martens flower boots (topshop), Tabitha Simmons

sandals (thecorner), flower pumps (nine west), flower wedges (zara), flower pointed pumps (asos)

From top left: Nicholas Kirkwood pumps (thecorner), Charlotte Olympia wedges (matches fashion), printed sandals (zara), peep-toe pumps (new look), Gianvito Rossi sling-backs (thecorner), Nicholas Kirkwood lace pumps (harrods)

From top left: Manolo Blahnik navy/white stripes pumps (saks), yellow/white stripes (barneys),

Miu Miu red/white and blue/white vichy sling-backs

Even though I am a fan I'm not sure that I will fall for this trend just yet. Not because I don't like it but because between nude shoes, cool summer sandals and printed shoes a girl (unfortunatley) has to choose. However, if I do fall for them I'll probably go for an affordable version of Nicholas Kirkwood multicolor pumps, my favorite ♥.

How about you, what are YOUR favorites ? And more importantly how would you wear printed shoes ?

Have a great week my lovely readers ! xx

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The new jogger shorts

If you think that jogger shorts are only for running and doing sports, think again. I bet you will be wearing these to do anything but sports...

Sources: Sandy, Oysho, Vince on Shopbop, Mango and India Rose

Wearing jogger shorts is probably my favorite way to rock the sporty girl, they are easy to wear for a casual look and are perfect to be dressed up for a night out. Having said that, I'm not feeling the jogger shorts trend here in Brussels where we have a constant mix of autumn and winter throughout the year (ok, I'm exaggerating but it seems like it for the moment). Jogger shorts breath summer and temperatures higher than 25°C, so as for me I'll wait for my next holidays to finally try them.

I selected my favorite styles, if you're looking for jogger shorts cool enough for a night out I hope you will find your happiness here. My preference goes for the leather and faux-leather shorts as these seem to be the perfect alternative to the leather mini skirt... ideal for winter !

From top left: silk shorts (topshop), denim shorts (mango), Vince leather shorts (shopbop),

faux leather shorts (general pants), silver shorts (oysho), yellow terry shorts (netaporter)

How about you, is this a trend you will wear ? What's your favorite ??

xx Marta

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The gold jeans and the black tweed jacket

Black tweed jacket - Zara

Gold jeans - Zara (FW 2011)

Ecru top - Zara

Ambush Boots - Topshop (old)
bracelets and rings - ASOS

I always love a good deal and when I found these gold jeans at Zara for 7,95 € at the end of the winter sales I couldn't leave the store without them. A pair of metallic jeans is definitely not a must-have in a wardrobe but I have come to realize that they are very useful when you're lacking outfit inspiration to go out. I like to dress up to go out even when it's only for dinner, and with these gold jeans I just need to wear a relaxed top and a white or black blazer and I'm good to go. And to tell you the truth I always receive tons of compliments so I'm guessing that they make quite an impression. I also like combining these gold jeans with silver jewelry, long gone were the days when mixing gold and silver was tacky, now everything is allowed !

Here I'm wearing the gold jeans with my favorite jacket of the moment, a Zara black tweed jacket very much inspired by IRO's Agnette jacket (shown here). I paired this look with boots to be more casual but if I'm going for a night out I usually wear gold jeans with pointy-toe black pumps.

As you have guessed, I can only recommend you a pair of gold jeans if they fit your style (and if they don't, you should try them too !!), I'm sure that you will not regret it. If you're interested, here are some of my favorite styles.

Topshop jeans, Rag & Bone jeans and Rich&Skinny jeans

Now, I'm curious to know what you think about gold jeans, please share !

xx Marta



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The simple nude shoes

I'm going to be very direct with you, I need a pair of simple nude shoes in my wardrobe ! And for simple I mean a classic stiletto in a shiny patent leather with no platform or any other trendy feature. A plain and simple pair of nude pumps which I will be able to wear with anything, on any occasion and hopefully for a long time.

pictures: Wendy, Evangelie, refinery29

Following Christian Louboutin's opinion that every woman needs to have a pair of nude shoes, I decided some months ago that I needed to find mine (yes I know, I'm weak !). I wanted mine in patent leather (vernis) because normal leather will get dirty and ugly after the first wear, and I wanted them in the perfect color to match my skin tone (this is though because my skin color changes every time I get a tan...).

I can only advice you to do the same, if of course these suit your style and if you don't already own YOUR perfect pair of nude pumps. I'm with the king of shoes here, the nude pumps are probably one of the most versatile shoes you can have, and as with other classics like the Equipment blouse or the perfect skinny jeans these will be a safe option when you don't know what to wear.

Here are some affordable designs if you want to start looking for yours...

Fromt top left: Sam Edelman pumps (mywardrobe), Michael Michael Kors pumps (netaporter), Nine West pumps (nine west), Calvin Klein pumps (piperlime), Aldo pumps (aldo), Asos shoes (asos)

And some designer styles to dream...

From top left: Alicia pumps (jimmy choo), Gianvito Rossi pumps (matches), Manolo Blahnik pumps (barneys), Rupert Sanderson pumps (mytheresa), Prada pumps (prada), Pigalle pumps (christian louboutin - sold out online)

To be honest, I still don't have my perfect pair but be reassured, my hunt is finally over and if everything goes according to plan I'll soon show you my very own nude shoes. I chose one of the option on this post, any guesses on which one I picked ? (tip: it is not the obvious choice !). The answer will be on the blog very soon, be patient.

How about you, have you found yours ?

Have a great week ! xx

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The scarf print - L'imprimé foulard

Prints are one of the biggest trends this season and scarf prints seem to be on their way to becoming the most popular of them. A scarf print is a print which you would typically see on a classic scarf, like an Hermès scarf. This season your entire wardrobe could look like an Hermès scarf and who can say no to that ?

(To snob your friends call it a foulard print, scarf in french, the new trendy word to describe a scarf print)

sources: Style me Romy and Vogue





D&G SS 2012

H&M SS 2012


The scarf print... scarf

The easiest way to adopt this trend is to wear a silk scarf (yes, that easy !). You might already have one in your wardrobe so there is no spending involved to be right on trend which is always a good thing for our credit card.


Sources: Chiara and Hermes






The scarf print blouse

Wearing a silk blouse with jeans seems to be the winning combo amongst fashion bloggers, wear a silk blouse with destroyed boyfriend jeans to be super trendy or with white jeans for a chic look to the office.

Soraya, Charlotte and Camille



Maria, Krystal and Blair




The scarf print shorts

Shorts are probably the most versatile way of wearing the scarf print. As you can see on the pictures below the scarf print shorts will look good with anything (if you style them right, bien sûr !). They are perfect with a simple white men's shirt as Rumi, with a sporty twist like my dear Jen or with a simple blazer as worn by E.

Rumi Neely, Jen and E



The scarf print shorts are definitely my favorite, and the options are endless. If you're into DYI projects you can easily transform an old scarf into a cool pair of new shorts. Check out how to do it by following Geneva's tutorial here.



The scarf print trousers

I have talked about the silk trousers in the blog a few months ago so I don't need to tell you how much I like these. Wear them with a simple top and a leather jacket and you're good to go !

Jennifer, Charlotte and Audrey

The scarf print total look

The scarf print total look seems too risky in real life but on paper nothing can beat the head to toes foulard outfit worn by Kristin, right ?



Sources: Glamour FR (younglington) and Kristin in D&G



Now, if you are falling for this trend, I would recommend that you go for affordable pieces unless you're going for the scarf. I'm not sure that foulard print trousers and shorts will still look  very cool a few years from now so it's better not to invest your month's rent on a pair, right ? 

From left: silk scarf (topshop), green blouse (fleur b), silk trousers (goodnight macaroon),

scarf print shorts (river island) and studded slippers (river island)

What's your verdict, are you into this trend ?

As for me, I think I'm going to pass, or maybe I should use this as an excuse for splurging on an Hermès scarf which has been on my wishlist forever... Any thoughts ?

xx Marta

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The leather peplum top

Leather peplum top (also worn here) - H&M

White blazer - Zara (similar)
Mint jeans - Zara

Black heels - Christian Louboutin

Mini-bag - Stella Mccartney

If you read my post on peplum tops some weeks ago you might remember that I fell in love with the leather peplum top from the H&M Trend collection. You probably also recall that at that time I didn't think that I was going to be able to find it. Well, lucky for me I was wrong. Thanks to the best reader a blogger can ever have (♥Caroline♥ I'm talking about you ) who got it and mailed it to me, I received my most-wanted top last week.

When I saw it in real life I was even more convinced, the combination of the peplum style and the leather makes this top really exquisite. I think this is one of those pieces that will stay in my wardrobe for a very long time.... Can you tell I'm in love ?

Now, I'm curious to know if YOU have fallen for the peplum trend. This is a trend that we see everywhere on magazines, runways, fashion blogs, etc, but in real life I have personally never seen a peplum piece so I wonder how popular it really is. Please share your thoughts !

xx Marta

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The fringed skirt - La jupe à franges

If there is something that I will be able to wear inspired by the 20s trend is the fringed skirt. I personally don't think that this trend is very wearable unless you are attending a black tie event or a "great Gatsby" themed party, but the fringed skirt worn outside the 20s context can be quite cool and spice up a simple skirt and sweater outfit. Here is how some fashion bloggers are wearing this trend.


Thássia, Floortje and Sanny

Nelia and Elena

I haven't fallen for this trend(yet) but if I do I would wear this skirt with very casual neutral pieces, like a loose sweater or a denim shirt and oxford shoes for a casual and relaxed look.

From top left: loose sweater (topshop), Theory fringed skirt (theoutnet), denim shirt (topshop),

straw hat (newlook), studded bag (massimodutti), brogue shoes (topshop)

If you are looking for a fringed skirt, I think you should start by checking out Zara as they probably have the best selection out there. It seems that our spanish friend is rightly in love with the fringed skirt trend.

From left: orange single fringe skirt (zara), 4-tiers leather skirt (zara), white long fringe skirt (zara),
leather fringed skirt (zara), dusty pink fringed skirt (zara), multi-fringe jade skirt (zara)

My preference goes to the 4-tiers leather skirt  (also worn by Nelia and Elena above), what is yours ?

For more fashion information on fringes, chek out fashionbYeba, the blog of my dear friend Yeba. She has just published a great post on fringed fashion, a must to read. Another reason why you should check out her blog is because she has been nominated as best fashion blog in the belgian Weekend Blog Awards. A very well-deserved recognition for her great work just after 5 months of blogging which shows how good she is. We will know the results very soon and I'm crossing my fingers for her !! (sweetie, if you're reading xx).

xx Marta

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The 2012 stripes

Stripes are not new, but in 2012 we will wear stripes differently. Forget about pairing your striped tee with blue jeans, ballet flats and a dark blazer, the 2012 stripes are worn with bold prints. And for bold prints, I mean big flowers, polka dots and anything bold enough !

10 Crosby Derek Lam SS 12 (source: style.com)

Essentiel SS 12 (source: http://www.essentiel.be/)

I wasn't sure about this trend at first but the mix of prints is really getting to me and stripes are really a good simple basic to start a "mixed prints" outfit.

Celebrities are also lovinng this trend, just look at Diane Kruger and Dasha Zukhova sporting flowers and stripes, how cool are these mixed prints ? (Ok,if you must know, I hate the "skirt over dress" on Diane's outfit as I really think this is a stupid mini-trend, she would have looked so much better with just a striped skirt and a flower blouse ).

Diane Kruger in 10 Crosby Derek Lam (source: nylonblog) and Dasha Zukhova (source: fabsugar)

And of course, fashion bloggers are also doing things right, look at my girl Jane right on trend pairing a striped tee with a flowers blazer and the lovely Wendy pairing her striped blazer with a polka dot blouse.

Jane and Wendy

And here are some cool striped pieces ready to be combined with bold prints. I personally love Mango's double print dress, the perfect two-in-one piece. Now, I just need for Summer to arrive in Brussels to be able to wear it...

Double print dress (mango), ballet flats (jcrew), Voeu jacket (sandro), Kain tee (netaporter), striped jeans (topshop), 10 Crosby by Derek Lam skirt (lesnouvelles),Tory Burch striped trousers (mytheresa)

How about you, what's your pick and how would YOU wear stripes ??

xx Marta

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The flowers blazer

Flowers blazer - Zara

Destroyed skinny boyfriend jeans - 7 for all mankind (different wash)

Grey tee - T by Alexander Wang

Ankle strap heels - Zara

I bought this blazer in March and hesitated for a long time if I should keep it or not. I finally didn't return it but I'm still not very sure. I don't think I will wear it very often but today for someone reason it felt right.

It seems that this year I'm obsessed with flowers, I just realised that this is the fifth time I mention flowers in the blog, I have talked about flowers last winter, flower jeans, flower trousers, flower shorts (just last week) and now the flower blazer. After the blazer maybe I should give the flowers theme a rest for a while !

And you, have you fallen for flowers this season ?

xx Marta

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