FashionHap: "Antique" :) Fashion - April '18, Pt. 1

When is the next James Bond movie being filmed?  In this black jumpsuit from Australian brand Nookie, Barbie is a Bond-girl-in-the-making! The slim, bodycon silhouette gives it plenty of sass, while the square neckline is sexy, but more importantly, super unique! The hardware accents on the straps and high neck give it just the right shot of attitude. Barbie completed the look up upping the sensuality factor with black strappy sandals.  I’m also drooling over her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders in gorgeous waves! This 70’s-inspired styling looks incredible on her! Next up, she gives us a pair of sporty looks, which continue her love affair with black. One pairs a crop top with killer leggings that feature torn patches filled with fishnet fabric.  Ogh…so hot I can’t even! Her high half-pony gives a bouncy, 80’s positivity to the look that I just love – it makes an effervescent counterpoint to the seriousness and focus of the black set. Black sneakers complete the monochrome look. She then adds white to the equation in this set from Missy Empire which pair a cropped tank with high-waisted leggings. The set gets a dose of streamlined sportiness from bold white striping on both pieces. I especially love the central positioning of the leg stripes and the way they flow into an additional horizontal stripe that highlights the hips. It creates a fun and versatile alternate waist visually and gives a sexy twist to this clean, straightforward set. Barbie rounded out the look with a cute black ski cap and white sneakers. Her next look heads into sweeter territory as she uses a satin floral robe as a topper for a white knit piece. The angle of the snap unfortunately makes it difficult to identify whether it is a pencil skirt (my first guess) or shorts. I love the idea of a robe over a skirt – it’s such a pretty and softly sexy alternative to a top! I could see it paired with an A-line midi skirt or denim as well. The one thing that niggles at me here is that the knit looks to be quite lightweight and possibly see-through. I hope that’s just an illusion created by the lighting because the appearance of poor quality material can drag a look down. From the sensuality and beauty of this look, Barbie moves to a highly experimental combination that collects a lace bustier bodysuit, cut-off denim shorts, a hooded robe and clear plastic OTK boots. The boots are the standout piece in this eclectic look and they’re so wrong they just might be right – they immediately make me think of the clear pieces shown at Chanel for this spring. With such a high-drama choice, my instinct would be to tone down the rest of the look, but Barbie goes full out and, even as much as there is going on here, it comes very near to rocking the heck out of my world. One small swap to a plainer bodysuit and I’m thinking I’d be here for it. And I’m in shock that I’m saying that about plastic! :)  Props to Barbie – there are very few ladies who could make me a believer on that!

After that high-fashion-meets-high-street moment, we got to delve into Barbie’s festival style as she attended Stagecoach with Danielle Moinet. Her first look was a gorgeous foray into ivory crochet, with the suitably bohemian touches of a fringe belt and black suede lace-up ankle boots.  I’ve never thought of Barbie as a boho girl, but she nails this look and totally sells me on it! She returned to the high half-pony hairstyle that I adored on her previously (and still do). Her sun-kissed peach lip provides a summery exclamation point for the look. She then moves to the cleaner, sportier pairing of a cropped halter top and lace-up shorts. Barbie topped the all-white look with a carefree denim jacket and added heeled beige ankle boots for an appealing, earthy vibe. A low pony with a braided hairband gives polish to this laidback ensemble. The next snap sees her go back to crochet, this time in black, via a sweater draped coquettishly off of one shoulder. It tops a black bodysuit (and I assume shorts of some description? Angles, angles, ladies! :)). She adds a fun textural contrast via a plaid shirt knotted at her waist – I always love the juxtaposition of cozy, practical plaid or flannel with more delicate fabrics like crochet or lace. She reprises the suede lace-up ankle boots from her first look and adds an on-trend backpack to complete the styling.
We also get a peek at Danielle’s fashion choices:  a simple cami in a gorgeous sun-baked terra cotta shade, tied to bandeau-height, paired with blue denim cut-off shorts. A tan leather belt and wide wristlet bring additional personality to this girl-next-door look. I especially love how she finished it with western boots – they’re a trend that has been strengthening in fashion throughout the year and is continuing for fall/winter. I’m not often a fan of pigtails, but they’re a perfect accompaniment to this outfit: practical, super-cute and effervescent!
From the desert to the city: Brooke slayed in this bold combination of a white wrap top and leather shorts. She topped it with a neon lime jacket with a cropped boxy silhouette that – especially with the leather – gives this outfit a strong 80’s nod. Bold multi-hued earrings and bright nails give this look a lot of super-fun color that comes together flawlessly for a look that’s joyous and powerful. I’m wild over the ankle strap sandals that finish her look – the curvy cut of the vamp is one of my very favorite styles. They provide the perfect sexy subtext to this retro-mod ensemble. (PS Congratulations to Brooke and her husband. Geez – I’m away a few months and look what happens! ;) )