Spain’s Oylmpic Uniform - Created By Russians For Free?
Now the Italians uniform certainly will turn heads but the Spanish team seems to reflect a Russian era. Nothing wrong with that. What on earth has happened to Spain’s designers?  Due to the economic crises, the gear was designed for free by a Russian company, so it seems that Spain sacrificed style for affordability.
This is ridiculous considering Zara is currently the biggest retail fashion seller of the world. If not Zara, why did they not head down to the Desigual design team. Where is the loyalty to Spanish designers?  More patriotic the youth unemployment is at a record time high. They could of  asked some up and coming Spanish designers to have a go?
Where are the Spanish athlete’s?  What’s more tragic, from a marketing point of view especially revealing to the world the outfits. Is that they did not even attempt to get some Spanish Olympic athlete’s to model the uniforms?
Spanish fashion design is amazing and this is embarrassing to say the least that not one Spaniard designer, was there to create  a wicked uniform.
[notice]Spaniards everywhere have been outraged by the exhibition of mediocre design (at best), garnering such criticism as âa bad costume from a flea marketâ. [/notice]
Olympic Design Inspiration
Although Summer uniforms maybe arenât as âavante gardeâ as Winter Olympic uniforms, this yearâs designs seem to be inspired by either the 1920â²s or the 1948 Games held in London. The majority of the looks incorporate a blazer with either pants or a skirt, yet many of them have their own individual look.
I see a Russian twist here?
E-mail or write your thoughts on the final look?
Street Style Fashion - Gaudi Vintage Glasses Too Die For
The amazing thing about travel is that every now and then a unique person steps out on the streets. This fashion icon knows how to dress and present herself  in an immaculate  way. Her outfit had me in a fashion frenzy. People like this are just masters of creating their own unique style.
Gaudi Vintage Glasses
Her vintage glasses were just purchased from  a vintage boutique called BLOW in El Born, Barcelona. They  are a unique Gaudi design. Yes the Gaudi that is famous for his colourful work all around Barcelona. The colour of these eye-wear were a spectacular purple. The amazing combination of a magnetic image of Gaudi teamed with rosemary beads just gave it such a chic look. The quirky flies on the lenses are just outrageously fabulous and who cares that you can’t see where you are going?
[notice]This lady is truly an inspiration that you can buy fashion but it takes courage and positive attitude to wear what she does.[/notice]
She is a clear example you can wear the clothes, strut the image and not care what other people think. Have a look how she has teamed the whole outfit together and makes colour blocking for 2012 look average in comparison.
I know for sure that Iris Apfel would be envious just on the colour combination alone, followed by me.
This is truly fashion
How wicked are those Gaudi beads
Gaudi himself on her glasses
Barcelona - Veneno En La Piel Gorgeous Wedding Dresses
Veneno En La Piel has recently opened their store in the amazing El Born area. The shop decor is gorgeous and entices you to walk in. The collections are clearly in colour sections and instantly eye catching. The dresses are ready to wear items. You can wear them for many different special occasions.
The materials used are of high standard and the unique dress designs are chic and elegant. I adore the knee length dress at the front and the long train at the back. Very refreshing to see.
Nuria the shop manager just looked the part and represented the label in pure Catalunya style.
Wedding Dresses
If you are looking for an elegant modern wedding dress then this is the boutique for you. Some of the gowns are exclusive to the store only so it is not produced in mass production. They are constantly churning out new designs every week.
If original gowns or dresses are what you need and looking for then pop in you will not be disappointed.
Niche collections are the gowns that are short at the front and long trains at the back
The gorgeous Nuria wearing one of the collection for 2012
Wedding dress collections
Amazing modern wedding dresses
Attention to detail in all the dresses made
The boutique is gorgeous in presentation
Barcelona - Vintage Authentic Collectables
If you want to give your wardrobe some added class with a touch of vintage glamour then this chic boutique of gems called Le Swing based in the El Born area, is for you. Not to far they have another boutique called Blow selling more vintage.
The gorgeous owner Guselle is a master when it comes to vintage knowledge and has been collecting since the age of 15. I’m impressed.
The shop has so many vintage collections ranging from Dior or Chanel shoes to Louis Vuitton suitcases. They have original label bags such as YSL Hermes or Pucci. I especially love the assortment of vintage sunglasses, I bought two pairs. The dresses are very Audrey Hepburn and the colour choices available are very chic and original.
The vintage boots and bags are classic fashion favourites, the era selections are from the 50’s onwards. The hats and hat boxes on display make it feel like being in a fashion museum. Hat boxes are going to be huge collectible items this year. Their collection of vintage home furnishings are all in great condition and are very appealing.
Le Swing decor is very chic and smells nice and everything on sale is original labels and in fab condition. This shop is worth saving your pennies for to experience the opportunity to head down fashion memory lane, El Born style.
Barcelona - Holala Ibiza, Unique Vintage For Unique Poeple
Barcelona is full of quirky shops. Holala Plaza (part of Holala Ibiza) certainly grabs your attention when it comes to vintage image. The increased demand for vintage pieces in recent years has resulted in more shops opening. If vintage is your thing and vintage is your style then look no further than Holala Plaza.
The shop interior takes you back in pure fashion vintage era. The well designed store clearly displays sections of vintage attire you are looking for. Their window display is very appealing and lures you into vintage heaven. There are no boundaries or limits when it comes to vintage clothes or accessories. The quality of the clothes are of high standard and you don’t get that nasty musty smell when you walk in. The wall display near the entrance is a work of fashion art and the signs asking for vintage clothing clearly shows that vintage is in high demand.
The prices vary and it comes down to how much are you ready to pay.
[approved]Vintage tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for a reduction.[/approved]
Dior Vintage jacket
Rocka billie boots
[notice]Website: Holala Ibiza
Address: Plaza Castella 2, 08001 Barcelona, Spain[/notice]
Timmy Woods - Unique Wooden Purses & Handbags
Wooden purses? Is there such a thing? Absolutely! They were created by artist Timmy Woods Beverley Hills. These wooden purses represent fashion on another level.
You can find a wooden purse in almost any shape imaginable. Inspired by hand wooden boxes, each bag is carved from fallen Acacia trees and is hand-made, taking 30 days to complete.
Timmy sees these handcrafted wooden handbags as a fresh statement in fashion and as sculptured pieces of art. Its the cutting edge of art and fashion.
If you want to impress a women, this is an excellent unique gift that will literally cut through any handbag she has ever owned.
This gorgeous heart-shaped Timmy Woods purse is made from wood and covered with pretty Swarovski crystals!
[notice]Website: Timmy Woods[/notice]
Vintage Clothing - Back In Vogue, Prices Soaring & Define Vintage?
Bargains are rare, traders are struggling and clothes from the 90s are considered period pieces. What has gone wrong regarding vintage shopping? Defining what real vintage clothing is, has become impossible.
Here is my take on what I think has contributed to vintage prices going through the roof along side, if it looks old, then it must be vintage?
Vintage clothing has always been in vogue, no matter where you look the world now want’s to wear vintage. Online stores such as Asos Marketplace, Topshop and Ebay now sell vintage clothes, hence why the price hike. One of the difficulties that comes with selling vintage online is working out whether it’s a genuine vintage piece? I’m finding buying vintage on eBay requires you to become an expert to avoid mistaking a H&M copy for a 1950s original.
Another contributing factor is the rise of refashioning of second-hand and vintage clothing. Whilst many love second-hand and vintage clothing just as they are, refashioning them into new pieces has the benefits of creating completely different outfits. It’s still labelled as vintage clothing and therefore the prices increase.
Across Europe the vintage price recycling fashion and authenticity is also questionable. I got sold a pair of what I thought were vintage platforms. I found out later they were a distressed looking shoe bought from the same shop down the road. The difference being I paid a higher price.
[attention]Vintage caution: go with your gut instinct, I had my fashion suspicions when purchasing those shoes.[/attention]
All this aside the styles of the past will not fall out of favour. Vintage shopping is still amazing. The sheer adrenalin you get hunting for a unique piece of costume design is so much fun. Vintage clothing and accessories are irreplaceable these days.
Bargains are there if you hunt hard enough. We have to accept, vintage fashion now comes at a price. It all comes down to how much you are prepared to pay for what you dearly cannot resist. If you want quality, unique clothing then VINTAGE is the only way to buy style.
Below are my treasured authentic vintage pieces I have collected over the years. I will also highlight the price differences over the years.
2011, paid £30
Vintage wannabe shoes £40 2012,paid far too much
2006 £50
Chanel buttons, a gift, Priceless
2012 £100, the most I’ve ever paid for vintage
Vintage Mayfair label,2006, £6
2008,£40
Christian Dior 2011,Vintage £40
Oroton vintage £3
Barcelona - La Basilica Galeria, Quirky Gallery Of Jewellery & Art
La Basilica Galeria is a gallery of jewellery and contemporary art with a quirky difference. Do you want to invest in unique pieces of jewellery? La Basilica Galeria is a gallery tucked away in the Bari Gothic area of Barcelona in a quiet alley that will literally take you on a journey of hidden treasures.
It’s where art combined with fashion allows you to literally wear original jewellery, that is hidden within you. Buying into this world, clearly states you really understand style. From chandelier earrings, to feather necklaces this boutique stocks quirky gems.
Each day a piece of jewellery is published on their website. Its an enticing strategy for you to hunt for something very different. There is no on-line shop but if you contact them directly they are more accommodating to guide you in how to purchase what you want.
Let the Images do the talking.
[notice]Website:Â La Basilica Galeria
Address: Carrer Sant Sever no 7, 08002 Barcelona, Spain[/notice]
Muxart - Barcelona’s Shoe Designer To Watch Out For
Hermenegildo Muxart knows how to make heels that appeal, offering sexy, cutting-edge shoes and handbags from his Eixample shop. If you are looking for a shoe investment, Muxart designs are for you.
His 30 years of leather craftsmanship and expertise in shoe design adds such a statement to a casual outfit.
His unique approach to shoe design entails a pair of black stilettos featuring a red bead on the toe . His love for metallic fabrics such as silver or electric-blue leather always looks amazing as a hand bag or shoe. The materials are refined, and the styles are sharp, avant-garde and blatantly not designed to be hidden under a pair of baggy beige slacks.
Lines for men and women are complemented by equally creative and attractive bags and accessories.
If you are looking for a shoe or handbag with attitude this is the boutique for you.
[notice]Address: Rambla de Catalunya 47, Eixample, Barcelona, Spain[/notice]
Hermenegildo Muxart, Showcasing the last pair of Gladiator shoes, now owned by gracieopulanza
Gorgeous Staff member,Wearing Muxart Boots with chic attitude.
Las Arenas - Barcelona’s BullRing Shopping Mall
What do you do when you have an amazing historic bullring (built in 1898) in the city of Barcelona and is no longer in use? How do you retain a roof  with 76 m diameter which has a  giant dish as a  support on a huge pylons and rises only ten metres from its perimeter to the centre?  Well,  British Architect Richard Rogers, redeveloped Las Arenas into a shopping mall.
He made sure that they retained and refurbished the striking mudejar façade.  British Architect Richard Rogers, is responsible for Parisâs controversial le Centre Pompidou and London´s Millennium Dome.
Las Arenas now houses 115 shops, a cinema and Barcelonaâs brand new rock museum, Museu del Rock, adding another feather to the cityâs already brimming architectural cap. Inside is approximately 45,000 square metres of mixed activities and a 1,200 space car park in the basement. Don’t panic it’s very clear how to find your car as its coloured coded.
The ware about of  paying at the ticket machines to get out of Las Arenas, is a bit like running of the stairs. You can only pay at certain levels and for the first time this is very frustrating.
Arenas was completed in March of 2011. [notice]The one thing I love about this place are the spectacular views of Barcelona from its terrace.[/notice]
Rogers,have done a fantastic work in the restoration of this building. They have brought back life into this amazing historical building.
Arenas is close to Montjuïc, the Museo Nacional dâArt de Catalunya, and the Fira de Barcelona, one of Europeâs most important trade conference centers.
When in Barcelona you must come and explore this unique shopping experience. Las Arenas allows you to indulge on the Future of Shopping in Barcelona.
This is outside on the rooftop terrace, views too die for
Has a passion for fashion! Loves to stand out from the crowd! Has no limits when it comes to what she wears! I get so excited when styling you!
