The Return of Monogram and Logos Everywhere…

So it turns out the 90s and early 2000s has returned in full force. I have seen many of the major fashion houses return to their signature monogram on accessories, shoes and ready to wear. Obviously it never really left Louis Vuitton as their monogram bags are some of the most affordable in their line and classic to boot.

I am talking about the Dior monogram that adorned the classic Saddle bag. First I can’t believe they re-released the Saddle bag with their signature monogram, I’m all but drooling all over my keyboard for this pic.

I’m not sure I can justify the Fall 2018 version but there are plenty of vintage bags on the market that you can pick up for a steal. I might be in fact doing that right now in my second tab trying to find the bargain of the century…😆

In other brands Gucci has been rejuvenated under the leadership of Alessandro Michele. They not only make me want to buy Gucci but want me to dive back into their archives waiting for the return of one of their classics. This can be seen in the Ophidia line and I’m particularly fond of this one. It has a vintage feel and a classic camera bag shape which lends itself to ease of wear and accessibility.

The other brand that has brought the monogram back in a bag way is Fendi with their beloved Zucca print. As far as I’m aware this print has been a part of Fendi since the 60s and has had a huge resurgence in the last two seasons. Everyone I know who loves fashion is after the Zucca print in the Kan I and Peekaboo styles. Personally if I had to choose I would pick the Kan I in the leather and velvet combination…😱

Fashion is cyclical and all the trends that existed in a particular period are in one way or another reinterpreted for a new era and generation. Fashion is fickle one minute the logo is too much and the next; bloggers and celebrities alike are adopting the monogram back into their wardrobes. This creates hype for these styles and then they sell out making us want it even more now that it’s not readily available. I’m not just saying this is applicable to only bags either because in clothing we are seeing a love of all things monogram. This is evident by Kim Kardashian West who wore head-to-toe Fendi with the double F logo. If you haven’t seen it get onto it ASAP!!!!

This is how the fashion industry sets the trends and ultimately creates the look of the season or year which will then filter down into the H&M, Topshop and Zara of the word who present the logo trend on a friendlier budget. I can only say this is a trend and who knows how long these classic monogram pieces will stick around for but at the moment the monogram logo is here to stay.

the expat

 

 

 

Clear PVC is BACK!!!

Hello everyone,

I’ve noticed a trend over these last couple of weeks, the return of clear PVC accessories. This trend has come back as my 12 year old self rocked a clear smiley face backpack from either Wet Seal or Limited Too. Much like this one…

But this time around much more high end designers are taking on this PVC clear trend. Chanel released these bags which to be honest I really like but would I pay $2,000 for PVC, absolutely not! I’m not sure if the quality from 90s backpack has improved. I can still remember that it was not the best and would kind of stick together. I would hope you wouldn’t have that problem if you were buying from Chanel or any other brands now.

I do see myself jumping on this bandwagon as wouldn’t it be easier at festivals and other large events to have a clear bag to go through security rather than having them rummage through it. Also, airports it would make sense to have a clear bag, I’m sure you have to still put it through the scanner but still everyone can see yes you are only caring a wallet, phone, passport, a few makeup items and your iPad for travel.

I do like Chanel’s use of the green and blue PVC so as to give a green or blue tinge when you see the items in your bag plus differentiating yourself from the overuse of all things clear is a bonus!

Not only are big design houses going for this, the mid-range brands are doing it too. This is in fact where I see myself rocking this trend again. This Staud one is perfect and if you don’t want all your handbag contents viewable there is a pouch which is removable to hide your things in. It is available in white and tan faux croc. Either colour would do me but leaning towards the tan croc one. Hold your horses everyone this is SOLD OUT everywhere! I’ve been trying to get this for ages and I’m on the wait list for it on Net-a-Porter and the Staud website.

Aside from these options I am sure the High street will no doubt come out with their version shortly. I managed to order two online for cheap prices so you can check them out here…

Shop Girl LA transparent Tortoiseshell bag

Cozy N Chic LaRue Clear Tote

Also, if clear bags are not your thing how about clear clothing. I don’t mean you go walking down the street in a clear t-shirt! More along the lines of clear outerwear. I’m particularly fond of the Miu Miu transparent raincoat!

The Burberry take on the classic trench is also worth looking at as well.

If you don’t want to invest that much money into this trend check out what Topshop has to offer.

Much like the bum bag there are many options for all budgets. Once I get my bags I might share how you can style this trend.

Until next time… xxx

The return of the bum bag..

Hi Guys

Apologies for the time between posts. I am back now stronger than ever.

Fashion is a fickle thing one minute something is in, the next it is out. But it is also cyclical with trends from one era returning 20 years later. The 90s was always an interesting era to me as I grew up in it and I knew what I liked at the time. Yes, I was that girl with butterfly clips, chokers and overly wide pants and accessorised with an inflatable bubble backpack.

I look back at that with great fondness…now as I look at the trends that have dominated 2017 – 2018 I can’t help but feel I have been sucked into a vortex back to 1996. There are some things that I am glad are back such as chokers and wide pants but nowadays I style slightly differently. This has clearly come with age and more wisdom about what actually suits me

I have seen the bum bag or fanny pack show up in bits and pieces in street style blogs and if you follow anything related to street style of Korea or Japan these have been on trend from 2 years ago. It is only in the last season that I have seen it filter into the Aussie & US markets. No longer, called the bum bag it is now a belt bag. Big designer houses such as Prada and Gucci have all released versions themselves with the high street market flooding with their own versions.

I personally don’t see myself purchasing a Prada belt bag (never, say never) but I can’t say that I haven’t thought about adding a version to my wardrobe. I don’t want to wear it just because it is on trend so my view is to make sure it all sits within my personal style. Personally, if I were to do this trend I would do an Adidas version…maybe!

I am in awe of the way that the average Japanese or Korean man/woman and boy/girl have such sartorial flair and are so ahead of the game. Also, I feel like they don’t need to wear the big brand names and if they do it is mixed with the likes of Adidas, Supreme, Stussy; and many other great street style brands that are easily accessible here. For the this is refreshing.

It goes to show that the West has a lot to learn from the rest of Asia on what fashion is and becomes. They are becoming so innovative that we are adopting the trends a few seasons later. Also, brands here are starting to take notice with the likes of Off-White raising the standard of what is considered high fashion.

Can I tell you, I am feeling much more inspired about what is to come…