Berlinale weather, cold. No worries! Being prepared in style is part of the fun. Pringle of Scotland’s cashmere and wool looks have been PERFECT for this occasion.
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Prepared For All!
Tag: ootd
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-1C Prepared!
The weather forecast for Berlin during the 68th Berlinale is a low of -1C. No Worries! We are prepared. Scottish luxury fashion brand Pringle of Scotland is our styling partner. Cashmere, woolen sweaters, coats, and scarves will keep us warm from day one of international the film festival.
Coverage starts on Feb. 15th.
Shopping for a bargain is always an adventure. I call these outings “Fashion Expeditions”. My latest expedition took me to the Ingolstadt Village in the south of German, located in this center are over 130 stores from many top designers and brands. 
The center is architectural fairytale kitsch painted in soft pastel colors designed with a simple one trail layout of stores on both sides. Europeans may find it a bit plastic but being an American, I felt at home.
When shopping for bargains or at outlet centers it is important to do a bit of research. Check prices at local sales outlets then make a plan. Buying the first thing you see is not what I recommend, explore first to see what is on offer. I usually go from store to store for a first round venture to check out what store has what. For me, 
50% off the retail price is minimal incentive to shop at an outlet center because they are usually outside city centers, meaning the savings have to be worth the travel.
My Store Experiences:
Ralph Lauren– This store had a large selection of men’s and women’s fashion.. Were the prices good? On some items, yes, I bought t-shirts and underwear. The prices were comparable to TK Maxx but with many fashion choices from the designer label, a shopper could not go wrong. The customer service was excellent. I spent 72 euros.
Bally-The Swiss luxury brand outlet store had great discounts up to 70% off, but sadly for me, nothing in my shoe size. I really wanted a pair of leather trainers at 75 euros in blue or black.
Tod’s-I was hypnotized in the Italian luxury shoe wear brand’s store. Blue leather hi top trainers or round toe suede ankle boots 70% off. I decided on the round boots, classic style for only 125 euros but there was a bit of remorse about leaving the hi-tops.
Trussardi Jeans-This brand’s menswear collections was on hit for sweaters and jackets. A button down wool sweater and slim cut pants were on my menu at 70%. The fit was perfect. The sales staff was very patient to say the least. How many sweaters did I try on? A LOT! I am sure I drove the sales people to the nearest bar at quitting time.
Sunglasses-I wandered into this small store on the corner by accident, a nice selection of brands and styles. The sales lady was welcoming telling me the store had a reduction on many designer frames. I ended up buying a pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses for a steal at 65%.
Gant-A spacious store divided by one side for womenswear, the other for menswear. The premium brand had many items at deep discounts. I was looking for a gift. I found the perfect outerwear in the form of a 100% wool poncho at 80% off.
Gucci-The top luxury brand retained its status even at a discount. The boutique was first class all the way from service to clothing on hand, temptation on every shelf. I wanted a bag. I saw a jacket all at a major discount. I had to walk away on blow my budget. When a person says, “GUCCI AT A BIG DISCOUNT” it is hard to walk away without feeling shaken.
A very productive shopping outing at the Ingolstadt Village, my fashion needs were met without breaking my wallet. If you are planning a “Fashion Expedition” in Europe put Ingolstadt Village on your list.
For more information go to: Ingolstadt Village
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Stay Warm, Look Cool!
Black and Paper Christmas List
Stay Warm, But Look Cool!
Luxury outerwear brand Moose Knuckles sets a high bar for jackets and parkas with many details including Duck Down for insulation against the hardest weather conditions.
Moose Knuckles is available in fine stores worldwide.
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BE Stylish, BE Comfortable.
Inspired by the Spanish lifestyle of classic refinement fashion designer Silva Lago created a shoe brand for the modern woman appreciating comfort but wanting style.
An exclusive Black and Paper interview with Silva Lago.
Why did you want to design shoes?
Silvia Lago was born out a personal need. I couldn’t find shoes that were both stylish and comfortable to wear all day. I had to choose between sophisticated but uncomfortable stilettos or more wearable but less stylish high heels. I moved to Alicante in Spain, one of the world’s regions of luxury shoemaking, to learn the art of shoemaking and start a new shoe line that offered both elegance and wearability. With the help and advice of a team of shoe experts, podiatrists, last artisans and biomechanical experts, we have developed the first high heel shoes that improve comfort without sacrificing a sophisticated look. Our shoes feature a reinforced structure, cushioned insoles with high performing materials, anti-bacterial leather linings, stable heels with shock-absorbing heel caps, etc.
Is the collection a reflection of you roots?
I try to reflect Barcelona’s cosmopolitan style in all of my collections. Also 
the 40’s and 50’s fashion style of Spain’s aristocratic women is also a constant inspiration, always so elegant and stylish dressed by couturiers such as Cristobal Balenciaga. My designs blend the vintage chic style with a more modern aesthetics reflected in updated materials and colors. I also like to use a very bright and shiny color palette -fuchsias, yellows, bright blues..- as a reflection of Spain’s lively atmosphere.
Why do you think women love having so many pairs of shoes in their closets?
Shoes are a “magical” fashion piece and, as such, they have the power to elevate any outfit. Shoes are our weakness, and that’s why we love to have so many pieces. Sometimes we fall in love with a pair and we have to have it, even if it’s uncomfortable or it doesn’t fit well. And that’s what we are trying to change! All of the shoes in you closet should be both comfortable and stylish. We design for the modern cosmopolitan women who need to be polished, comfortable and confident in her shoes.
Should women’s shoes be more practical?
Absolutely! Our brand was born with that idea in mind. There shouldn’t be beautiful shoes that are not practical or uncomfortable. We are women on the go and we need our shoes to accommodate our busy lives, not the other way around. We need fashion pieces that make us be more beautiful and comfortable in an effortless way, and comfortable shoes are a must.
Do you follow other shoe designers?
I am very inspired by other designers and their successful stories. I admire the timeless elegance and chic style of my fellow Spaniard Manolo Blahnik. I also feel very inspired by the story of Stuart Weitzman, he is a great designer and businessman as well! I also follow Sarah Flint, an emerging shoe designer from NYC, who is doing some great work.
Are your shoes more for the day or night?
My collection is a reflection of my customers life, ranging from office day wear kitten heels to more elevated embellished night stilettos. Most of our styles are very versatile and easy to transition from office formal to off-duty style. All of our shoes are designed with the modern women in mind, to make her feel comfortable and beautiful at the same time. Note the stylish block heels for all day wear and the thin but stable stilettos to enjoy comfortably for evening events.
For more information go to:Silvia Lago.
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Don’t Walk, Look Fabulous!
Indulgence can be a good thing. These boots are not meant for walking but for looking FABULOUS! While in Paris I walked past the Chanel Boutique, saw them in window and said, “WOW!”
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Chic Unusual
The Unusual chic style of Borbonese Bags from Milan Fashion Week.
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Bally Retro
The setting for the Bally presentation was a 1970’s New York apartment set. It was fitting because the collection was all about Retro, even the logo on the bags was from a past era. I would not say this was the brands strongest collection but it was fun.
Images were shot using the Canon G7X.
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Paris Fashion Week from France 24
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A “GUCCITASTIC” Tour
Alessandro Michele showed 107 looks this season inspired by gender fluidity, cartoon characters, Joan Collins shoulders pads, and Elton John. All of these elements made for an electric collection crossing many lines.
Black and Paper went to the Gucci Hub in Milan to get an up close and personal showing of the collection and pieces. Beautiful jacquard fabrics with quilted linings that tell a story.
The connections to Elton John were up front and center, jackets s with musical symbols and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” album cover sweat suits.
Signature Gucci Bags were made of strong leather but Python skins stood out. Everyone will want one next year.
Sweaters were printed with Bugs Bunny and Snow White. Coltish shorts matched with mid length feminine and masculine jackets were crafted for the athletic form.
Prominent in the collection were the sheer fabrics and terry cloth used for suits. Lavish fur pelts details were intricate. Each piece was an inch wide all sewn by hand.
The standouts of the season were the wrinkle and embroidery looks. Gucci employed special techniques resulting in dazzling effects. The dress (see below) is pure and simple opulence.
Black and Paper Associate Editor Leah Ahuja is based in Beverly Hills, California. She was given a one on one presentation of the Gucci Collection during Milan Fashion Week.