MNO.logie

MNO.logie is one of those brands that you spy all over tumblr. As well as being really cool, their perspex clutches just happen to look amazing in photographs.

The brand started as a simple DIY project: Nike Adinata came up with the original clutch design as an accessory for herself, but quickly demand escalated until she developed her own brand to meet it.The signature style has stayed the same, but been reinterpreted with fresh twists and new details. Each design is still based on the original perspex box, but the inner pouch now comes in a myriad of different colours, with new slogans, chains and clasps to choose from.

Every bag is meticulously hand made, so has that one-of-a-kind feel, especially as you can have them engraved with your own name:
 

This (above) is my personal favourite - I love the limited edition mint green pouch that rests inside. But there are loads of equally covetable options if you're not so keen on that particular colour: channel Brian Lichtenberg with one that says Celine Me Alone or Ain't Laurent Without Yves, get a larger name plate on the side rather than the top, or go for some beaded detailing on the pouch. You can even buy extra pouches if you want to switch them around inside the perspex case, making it more like two or three clutches in one purchase.

As far as I know, MNO.logie is only available to shop online, which can be frustrating if you prefer to make a decision after seeing a piece in person and getting a feel for it yourself, but luckily Nike's website is full of beautiful photography. She manages to show the bags as they'd be styled in real life, rather than sticking to standard product shots, so it's easier to imagine how they'd look with your outfits in real life.

It's one of my personal new year resolutions to add one of Nike's clutches to my collection. I think they make a simple, powerful statement that I won't get bored of, and will see me through the year in an exceptionally stylish way. Which one is your favourite?

All images from mnologie.bigcartel.com

Top Fashion Moments of 2013

1.       The Met Ball goes Punk

This Year’s Met ball theme made for some of the more interesting outfit choices that we have seen for a while. The punk theme inspired Miley to don a transparent fishnet dress and Sarah Jessica Parker to rock a huge faux-mohawk. 

2. H&M x Isabel Marant

One of the most anticipated collaborations from H&M, Isabel Marant was one of the most popular designers to work with the Swedish retailer. There was everything you would expect from the Parisian designer including 2013’s most popular jacket, needless to say the entire collection sold out within mere days.

3. Nicholas Ghesquière leaves Balenciaga

One of the most surprising revelations of the year was Nicholas Ghesquière’s decisions to part ways with Balenciaga after 15 years at the helm. He stated in an interview with Vogue that the fashion house sucked him dry. 

4. Alexander Wang for Balenciaga

As surprising as the news of Ghesquière’s departure from Balenciaga was the news of his successor. The 29 year old New York wunderkind was appointed the Creative Director of Balenciaga to critical acclaim however his first collection in February managed to floor critics and convinced the industry of his design aptitude. 

5. Marc Jacobs leaves Louis Vuitton

After 16 years as the Creative Director of one of the biggest design houses in the industry, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton parted ways with a particularly spectacular final show.

6. Models call out industry over racism

Naomi Campbell, Iman and BethAnn Hardison call out the industry for its lack of diversity on the runway in an open letter that was sent to the CDFA.  

7. Prada Casts first black model in nearly 20 years

19 years after Naomi Campbell was appointed the face of Prada the second black model, only 19 herself, was appointed the face of the design house’s A/W campaign.

8. Harry Styles wins fashion icon of the year

Harry Styles is this year’s most stylish person; it seems that he is styles by name and stylish by nature. The 19 year old One Directioner scooped the accolade which was presented to him by three time winner Alexa Chung.

9. Rick Owens A/W show

With diversity being a particularly hot topic in the fashion world this year, Rick Owens went against the grain and showed his collection not on waif-like models but on a step dance troupe, a fierce dance in which you use your whole body as an instrument.

10. The Rise of the Logo

This year Kenzo proved that with some simple and instantly recognisable prints you can make yourself an empire. They struck sartorial gold last year with their tiger head logos and continued to be one of the most popular designers with their lotus eye and cloud prints.

Top 5: Christmas Nail Art

Whether you get creative with nail art all year round, or are just feeling inspired by this year’s Christmas lights, a festive manicure is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The problem is that they can all too often veer into very cheesy territory: cartoon reindeer don’t really cut it past the age of thirteen.

With this in mind I’ve trawled through a few of my favourite beauty blogs, to find the best ideas for Christmas nails that still look really cool. Expect lots of gem stones, texture and tiny details. For more pictures, tutorials and information about which products to use, follow the links!

Reindeer, Glitter and Snowflakes, by The Nailasaurus

Image from http://www.thenailasaurus.com/

The Nailasaurus is one of my absolute favourite sources for nail art inspiration, and she definitely did not disappoint with this Christmas-themed post. I love the mix of different patterns and designs; it looks intricate without becoming too try-hard. Using green glitter on her little finger really offsets the fair isle snowflakes (created on using Nails Craze Plate NC03), but my favourite is the teeny tiny reindeer galloping across a solid red base. Get the look yourself by following her tips over on thenailasaurus.com

Ciate’s Very Colourfoil Manicure, Beauty Blogging Brunette

Image from http://beautybloggingbrunette.blogspot.co.uk

For nails that are suitable festive looking for Christmas (and New Year’s Eve parties), it’s worth revisiting Ciate’s Very Colourfoil Manicure set, as reviewed by Beauty Blogging Brunette here. Although she says she’s not much of a nail art fanatic, she does a great job explaining how to get the look step by step, and I love the end result. It can be easy to go over the top with this kit, and that’s great if it’s the look that you want, but I prefer the understated combination of nude nail polish with flecks of silver, gold and pink foil. Definitely one to see you through the entire holiday season, and keep you happy in the New Year!

Green Zig Zags, Raq Star Nails

Image from raqstarnails/Instagram

I wish these came with a full tutorial! They’re seriously cool, and are obviously Christmassy without getting too cartoony or predictable. The green zig sags and red gemstone are like a cubist, deconstructed bough of holly, and show that you don’t need to have every detail the same on every finger to make a real impact with nail art. I like that all the attention is focused on the middle nail and, handily, this means less time messing around with tiny embellishments, since you only need to fix one gemstone and one row of studs per hand. Definitely follow raqstarnails on Instagram to see more of her designs! Hopefully she’ll have a blog soon to explain how she gets looks like these.

White Christmas Fairy Lights, by FingerFood

Image from http://fingerfoodnails.blogspot.co.uk/

I love the 3D effect of these fairy light nails: not easy for typing on your laptop or cooking up a Christmas Day feast, but pretty nonetheless. The ‘lights’ are rhinestones, applied quickly and carefully while the top coat was still drying, with a glimmering silver base behind them. Check out the full instructions on fingerfoodnails.blogspot.co.uk.

Grace Humphries for Farfetch

If you’d prefer a video tutorial to help you along, check out Farfetch’s google+ hangout with nail artist Grace Humphries. She gives some great times on using gemstones to create these blinged-out nails, which look like crazy, tripped-out Christmas trees. They might seem a little tricky at first, but with a pattern like this the exact placement of the gemstones isn’t so important, it’s more about experimenting and figuring out how much embellishment you can handle on one fingertip! Once you’ve watched the video make sure you follow Grace on Twitter here, to keep up with more of her designs.

Hopefully these have inspired you to get creative with your nails this Christmas – I’d definitely recommend following any of these amazing bloggers and nail artists to keep up with new ideas all the way through 2014.

Céline Bags

Why is it you see something you like and you have your heart set on buying it, and then everybody who is anybody as that very same thing? And yet again this has happened to me with the infamous Céline Handbags, which I remember also happened to me with Ugg boots, it almost put me off ever buying a pair with all the fake knock offs that bend down at the back giving the shoes a bad rep. However I can’t be turned off by the chic sophistication of Celine’s garment and accessory line, the brand oozes a stylish quality that demands the attention of a sight worth be holding.

Céline is a French luxury house which was founded in 1945, the brand is now owned by LVMH. Celine originally launched as a made to measure children’s shoe business. The ready to wear line did not debut until 1960, which has grown into the chic sophisticated brand it is today.

I have to say that I am a bit of a handbag snob. Not because I want to be one of those girls that poise an 'it bag' on their lower arm but for the mere fact that I’m a real fashionista that likes to keep my style fresh and unique, and the last thing I want to see is someone even rocking the same pair of socks as me. Designer bags are always made with the upmost care and precision when it comes to the craftsmanship of each piece. The designs of designer bags are always impeccable oozing with the maximum quality. Granted these bags will set you back two thousand pounds a pop but these bags are timeless, classic pieces that you can team with multiple looks season after season. I really don’t mind investing in designer handbag like a Céline because it’s a real investment, and I tend to buy a designer bag every two years, which seems reasonable to me because let’s face it we can’t all buy designer handbags like water, and be like Tamara Ecclestone with Birkin Bags lined off in cabinets in wardrobes. Besides designer bags last far longer that your high street counterpart, that designer piece could be even be worth money as a vintage in years to come, that’s if you look after it. I also like the fact that Céline is not even sold on the internet let alone in sale’s at the end of the season. There is nothing worse than paying full price for a piece and the next thing you know; two months later it’s reduced by 75%!

The last bag I brought was from Louis Vuitton which is a brand just as prestigious but more commercialised compared to Céline. Like Céline, Louis Vuitton is one of the most copied bags of all time, which quite frankly disgusts and frustrates me. I guess I share the same kind of feeling as Tom Ford feels about Zara and the way that they re-interpret their high-end designer collections.

Of recent years the Céline has become much more commercialised with the likes of A- list celebrities finding the Céline bag as there next Best friend. The Kardashian’s are especially in tune with the brand, so much so the two younger sisters of the family Kendal and Kylie got bags from the brand gifted. Like how lucky?

With Christmas around the corner, I’m hoping all my good deeds and handwork will land me a Céline bag from Santa. Yes, you may call it wishful thinking but neither the less I’ve listed my top 10 styles I wouldn’t mind unwrapping this Christmas!

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Which one would you like to have this Christmas?

Top Five Christmas Party Dresses

Tis the season to get in the party spirit! Christmas time and the parties that come with it is drawing ever near and to help us get in the festive spirit we’ve scoured the internet for our top five favourite party dresses. So whether you’re off to a swanky charity ball or heading to the local bar with your workmates then make sure you’re wearing the perfect dress! We have something for every budget…

Zara - http://bit.ly/18wDFMo

If there is ever a time where glitter and sequins are acceptable then December is that time! So indulge your girly desires with this super cool sequin slip dress from Zara. Dress up with courts and a simple necklace or toughen up by wearing with heeled ankle boots and an oversize blazer.

Topshop - http://bit.ly/1cwdWZa

A leather dress is really an investment item as it will never go out of style, this amazing leather and lace dress from Topshop is the perfect combination of understated and sexy. Keep accessories minimal and wear this with a slick of bright red lipstick.

Peter Pilotto - http://bit.ly/1fdi1Ss

Peter Pilotto is the king of the statement dress, opt for this amazing eye-catching dress, the asymmetric cut at the bottom is super flattering and can be dressed up or down depending on how formal the occasion.

Warehouse - http://bit.ly/1hIlBY5

Channel one of this season’s biggest trends with a hyper-feminine silhouette from Warehouse, this cool brocade dress is an ideal party option and the cut out detailing on the shoulders gives it a cool modern twist.

Markus Lupfer - http://bit.ly/1fdixQu

This amazing dress from Markus Lupfer ticks all the boxes, with the perfect amount of sequins but is also super comfy and warm – it’s the ideal Christmas party dress!

Self-Portrait

There’s been a definite buzz surrounding new label Self-Portrait. It’s from the former Creative Director of Three Floor, which has quickly become known for girly but directional party pieces that have been favoured by the cast of both Made in Chelsea and The Only Way is Essex.

Self-Portrait has roughly the same price points, with Han Chong, the founder, telling Vogue that “If they are too expensive it takes the fun out of it. I want to create clothes that make women feel special. They’ll appreciate the thought that has gone into each piece and feel like they have bought something unique without breaking their bank balance.” It’s affordable but not cheap, at up to £250 for a dress. But it’s worth spending more than you would in Topshop or Zara, where you know you’re going to run into other girls wearing the same outfit. Self-Portrait has individuality, and the collection is full of statement pieces with interesting details.

“Most mid-price labels are based on rather minimal designs, so Self-Portrait is different in that perspective. It dares to be feminine and detailed. I gather my inspiration not only from the current trends and what’s going on right now, but also from historical references and sources outside of fashion.” That translates to a lot of leather, lace, and intricate detailing.

This patchwork dress has been picked up on by the press as one of Self-Portraits star looks, and it’s easy to see why. Those mesh panels could almost be from the Rodarte archives, while the flared skirt is both flattering and effortlessly cool. Wear it with the leather-collared shirt, complete with lace panels, and a casual camo jacket.

And it doesn’t stop there. Flick through the Self-Portrait look book and you could easily mistake it for a designer label. Satin trousers come with deep side pockets, perfect for tucking a relaxed tee into the waist, while this double tiered skirt reimagines ruffles in the most sophisticated way.

And for a sophisticated take on cocktail hour, this scarlet brocade dress has a demure, below-the-knee hemline and high neck, paired with wide pleats and daring cut outs at the waist. Tie your hair up and add a pair of mannish loafers, to keep the look simple and elegantly androgynous. That’s every Christmas party outfit sorted for this year.

Grill's: Teeth Jewellery

When I was about five I used to desperately want a gold tooth, on growing up and learning that it was a permanent style feature, I quickly dismissed the idea. I’ve always been a fan of mouth jewellery it’s a great extension in the way you can accessorise your look. I remember when tooth gems came out; I was totally obsessed and used to have a tiny gem constantly adorned to my incisor tooth. When I talked or smiled the tooth gave a sparkling glimmer, which I’m kind of ashamed to admit I loved.

Since then a new type of teeth jewellery has become the latest trend, a huge development from the tooth gem, teeth grills have become a worldwide epidemic. Grills were once only worn by hip hop artists during the 80’s but the trend has transpired into mainstream fashion where the likes of A-lister celebrities like Madonna, Miley Cyrus and Beyoncé have all joined the grill brigade.

Grills are essentially jewellery for the mouth; they are removable and are generally made from metal in silver and gold finishes. They come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Grills can be adorned to both the top and bottom set of teeth and if you choose you can wear them singularly.

Grills will give you an urban style aesthetic, while taking your style into new blinged out dimensions. I've lised the top 5 grill styles around…

1.      Top Row of Teeth Fire- Hip Hop ring gold plated rings- £12.99

2.       Mixed Combination-£945.00

3.       Gold polished shiny teeth- £15.87

4.       PlatinumHip Hop Grill set “Nelly”- £30.50

5.       Grillz Gold-Big ice bling clear diamonds- £24.00

There you have it, are you going to give grills ago?

Christmas Jewellery Wishlist

Everyone knows that this time of year is about giving and receiving (but mainly about receiving). And so to help you decide what you might like to give (or receive) this Christmas we’ve put together a little list of some of our favourite jewellery items of the year. 

1.       1. Zara Triangular Studded Necklace - £22

We love a statement necklace here at the Hero Piece and this amazing offering from Zara is no exception, wear it with a feminine winter knit to toughen up the look!

2. Logo Disc Stud Earrings in Yellow Gold – Marc by Marc Jacobs - £26

Marc Jacobs items rarely go out of style and you can see why with these timeless simple stud earrings in yellow gold, perfect for that subtle every day look with a cool designer edge.

1.       3. Zara Pack of thin Rings - £10

Think rings have been one of the biggest jewellery trends of the year, we love these delicate charm rings from Zara, great for a stocking filler; wear them stacked up on top of each other, on separate fingers or round the top of your knuckles for a more modern take on the trend.

4. Michael Kors Pyramid Stud Hinged Bangle –£51

Michael Kors is well known for his use of sumptuous rose gold, so if you can’t afford to invest in one of his sought after watches then this pyramid stud bangle is the perfect accompaniment to a tongue in cheek Christmas jumper!

1.       5. Coach Mini Boyfriend Gold Plated Crystal bracelet watch - £170

We love the oversized boyfriend style watches that are knocking about but rather than actually stealing your boyfriend’s watch why not get one of these mini Boyfriend watches from Coach, the perfect mix of masculine and feminine style.

1.       6. Vivienne Westwood thin lines brass pendant necklace - £65

Why not ask for something instantly iconic such as this amazing Vivienne Westwood pendent necklace, the perfect item for any occasion, this really is the perfect item for any fashion lover.

1.       7. Kenzo Tiger Bracelet - £131

Add a little of this season’s most sought after designers to your jewellery box this year with this amazing Kenzo tiger bracelet from Farfetch, both delicate and statement, it’s the best way to add a little designer style to your everyday repertoire!