DETAILS THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

The way you dress says a lot about the way you are or even the way you’d like to be.

Dressing is more than just fashion: it’s a way of communicating, of feeling and expressing emotions. That’s way those tiny details are increasingly making all the difference and can help you stand out from the crowd.

Accessories have always been a way of getting yourself noticed; fans were used to transmit messages that mocked or as a way of flirting; jewellery was associated with wealth and power – the larger the jewel, the richer you were; whilst make up was used by the nobility as a sign of distinction: their white powdered faces set them apart from the poor and their weather-beaten complexions.

Today, it’s not so much a question of the number of accessories you use, but more a question of quality and knowing how to combine them. Yet they continue to act as symbols or send out messages, and can define us as bold, shy, laid-back, crazy, extrovert, simple, exaggerated and a host of other possibilities.

What matters is knowing how, when and where to use them, either as a way of adding a personalised touch to your outfit, creating a more elegant or laid-back look, rebelling against the system or simply revealing some of your hidden traits.

Today anything goes and can become that accessory that gets you noticed or gets noticed because of you! It all depends on you!

Tell us about it: we know that it’s all about those tiny details!

WHO SAID …?

Who said they’re uncomfortable, useless, impractical, small, flat and boring?

It was once claimed that they would never be trendy. How could they ever beat a real bag? After all, they’ve got no handles or shoulder straps; there’s hardly room for anything inside and they look plain and boring. How wrong could they be?

Fashion is unpredictable, which means that there are lots of trends that some wouldn’t dream of wearing, but yet which many eagerly seize and fill their wardrobes with.

An example is clutches, one of the one of this year’s hottest trends that can be in streets, stores, blogs and shop windows.

Here at w’s we grabbed the chance to express our vision of this trend: we see them more as a complement than a replacement for the traditional bag, right on trend in a rainbow of colours, with or without trims and sequins and in a host of materials – plush, denim, leather – and sizes – large, small or outsize. They come in simple or extravagant styles, dainty, delicate or grunge, bold or shiny. There are styles that everything will fit in or nothing at all; with or without prints; for evening, work, shopping or any occasion; ideal for storing your makeup, accessories, gifts and your most closely- guarded secrets.

In other words, here at w’s we’re big clutch fans…which puts us right at the top of the fashion stakes!

FASHION WITH A MANNISH AIR

As you know, fashion has a habit of turning the full circle. The 80s are back with their mannish looks – a style which in turn reflected a nostalgic look back at the golden days of Hollywood when stars such as Katherine Hepburn or Marlene Dietrich started to take control of their lives and create their own unique style.

Fashions that retain all of their femininity, yet which resort to elements traditionally associated with men’s tailoring in sober, minimalist styles, bridging that fashion gap between men and women.

Garments such as suits, blazers, shirts, pleated trousers, lace up shoes and hats are an essential part of the female wardrobe and the quintessential expression of good taste, reflecting character and style without losing an ounce of delicate femininity.

A style for the kind of woman we can find in the world of celebrities, reflected in their fashion choices. Style hunters that uncover the latest trends and inspire all the fashion greats such as Yves Saint-Laurent, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander or Dolce & Gabbana, famous for adding a mannish touch to their designs whilst also bringing out women’s innate sense of femininity.

But if there’s one style that tops the lot, then it’s got to be our ‘streetstyle’ – who better than the people we see out and about every day to inspire and make the style choices that turn fashion into something unique and groundbreaking? Today, what counts is what’s out on the streets.

So if you’ve got what it takes and yours is the image of an independent, street savvy woman, then check out the latest trends and get into this androgynous style that breaks down the gender barriers.

VOGUE FASHION’S NIGHT OUT: 7 SEPTEMBER IN MADRID AND 8 SEPTEMBER IN LISBON. WE’LL SEE YOU THERE!

Vogue Fashion’s Night Out is one of the world’s biggest fashion events which takes place simultaneously on the streets of all the major international capitals. And this year we’d like you to see you there!

It’s an evening when city centre stores will remain open from 8 p.m. till midnight. The streets will be packed with exclusive events, surprises, gifts and above all oodles of fun with celebrities and fashion professionals.

Be our guest! We’re delighted to invite you to the exclusive event that will take place at our store on Calle Serrano 29 in Madrid on the evening or 7 September, or at our Chiado store in Lisbon on 8 September. What’s more, we’re offering 25% off all our collections, plus loads of other surprises that you’ll be able to discover for yourself.

Save the date now! We’d love to share this truly special evening with you.

See the full address of our stores here.

MIX AND REMIX

We’re living in an age that’s still searching for its identity, but if there’s one style that more or less everyone is ready to sign up to and has been around for a few years now, then it’s the ‘hipster’ trend, linked directly to indie music and characterised by its fabulous concoction of remixes from past, present and future trends.

This autumn it’s time to travel back to the Britain of the 70s with a natural look (the modern touch comes from the makeup and hairstyles) with sparkling flashes of turquoise, yellow and orangey reds. Fedora hats, boots to get your feet tapping in tune with the sounds of Northern Soul, straight cut blazers, straight and wide leg trousers, layered look hairstyles…

This is a look where there’s no one single trend; mixing and matching is the key. Classic styles combined with the ultra-modern; loud colours with subtle shades; sturdy leathers with filmy silks and transparencies; busy prints with plain tones; elegant and casual combined; feminine and masculine come together.

For those of you that have seen The Royal Tenenbaums, this season’s trends will look familiar, as mixing and remixing (in all senses) is also at the centre of our plot. Suits teamed with sportswear (like the blazer worn with a tennis band; lady like coats cooled down with modern cuts; and those once much-scorned tracksuits that are now considered retro and right back on trend. And for those of you who haven’t a clue of what we’re on about, here’s a scene to put you in the picture:

Heels and platforms are losing ground to the comfort of footwear inspired by Northern Soul – an urban tribe that evolved from the Mods of the later 60s and early 70s. Originally from the North of England, followers of this trend are dance freaks, so it’s only logical that their footwear, apart from having a truly unique style, is comfortable enough to keep you on your feet throughout the day… and dancing all night long!

So there you have it, rent the movie if you still haven’t seen it or get inspired by watching it again. And have a rummage through your man’s wardrobe for his Fred Perry tennis shirts.

FESTIVAL LOOK

The good weather brings good vibes. Everyone feels like getting out and about and enjoying a drink or meal outdoors. All of a sudden, we have a strange aversion to being cooped up indoors. And if you like to be in a crowd and surrounded by some great sounds, then there’s nothing better than a summer festival.

You get together with your friends for a weekend break and the chance to see the hottest bands around – all in one place. Checking out the schedule in the hope of getting organised is a waste of time. Everything looks so cool that deciding where to go is a really tough task! So you decide to follow the crowds and discover that you’re caught up in the middle of something really trendy. And everyone’s dressed for the occasion. And don’t forget that despite the crowds, you’ll also be able to do some celebrity spotting and catch a glimpse of the hottest models and actors around! But take a long hard look at yourself – will your look make the grade? So start planning to make sure your next look will get heads turning. And what better than taking your inspiration from the festivals themselves?

This year we’ve already seen the fashion runways at some of the best in the world. But the most famous of them all and the one really worth checking out is Coachella. It’s a real favourite with the celebrities, who know that as soon as they step out of the car their looks will be analysed and torn apart, or alternatively, praised and copied the world over.

This year’s undisputed winner of the festival look is Kate Bosworth, a real favourite who has brought Brit and US pride back to the indie market. A return to garments with motifs featuring the Union Jack and Stars and Stripes, a trend that saw a boom following the events of 11-S but then faded away. It wasn’t easy, as this look was in just a decade ago and there’s no denying it got off to a shaky start. But it’s amazing how a gorgeous-looking girl in a supercool setting can dictate a fashion trend. And this wasn’t the only look that got tongues wagging; her fabulous crocheted minidress was another huge hit.

We also loved Alessandra Ambrosio, who showed that elegance and comfort can go together, without losing any of that fabulous sense of style.

Music is part of us. Working to the sounds of our favourite bands is part of our daily routine, and in our stores you’ll find the perfect styles and accessories that guarantee total comfort whilst dancing, singing, jumping and screaming at the concert by your favourite group. And will make you the belle of the festival as well, of course.
We love the cool lightweight combination of minis, accessorised with a foulard (so you can cover up a bit if it gets chilly), a long pendant and some chic sunglasses. You should go for flats or low heels that are tough and comfortable. A short dress or shorts look fab when teamed up with a pair of boots.

BRIGHTEN UP… YOUR NAILS!

This summer is packed with exciting new trends… and there are literally loads to choose from. But that’s fine, because that way everyone’s happy and can choose the style they like best.

The fact that there are so many trends out there means that nail varnish has gone multicoloured! You could literally go crazy trying to decide which colour to choose. There’s such a fabulous range of colours to choose from that it makes you feel like buying and trying them all. The choice of colours is also really wide, and for once, deep red is no longer top of the list.

The very latest trend for rockers is metallic varnishes in gold and silver. Those of you with a soft and tender side will love the wide choice of colours ranging from magenta to orange. Those who prefer the simple life will opt for nude, or shades of grey with a touch of lilac and matt browns for a chic and sophisticated look. Those who like to be right on trend will adore the bright neon tones that are guaranteed to get you noticed at parties everywhere!

Our favourite colours for this summer are turquoise and coral. These super summery colours really remind you of the seaside. Check out Mireia’s look on My Daily Style:

You’ll find both colours at women’secret, together with a pretty pale pink and yellow which, although an unusual choice for nails, is proving a real hit this season!

Have you made up your mind yet?

NATURAL & NATIVE

The company is ever more aware of the problems that our planet suffers from nowadays. For years ecology has been a minority movement; but now we have recycling, textures that remind us of nature, organic food, low fuel consumption or electric cars… We want to evolve towards a better world and this is starting to be seen in art, photography, film, design, literature and, obviously, fashion.

Do you remember the 90s when “ethnic” stores opened in every city? Some still exist and their style is not far off becoming what, will surely, be the next big thing in the coming seasons.
The almost extinct American Indian civilisation was based on a love of nature, in feeling and experiencing the earth’s spirit. Ideas that are repeated more and more around us which we should carry inside us and consequently externalise.

At women’secret this spirit pervades the Native Girl collection, with tribal motifs in brown, ochre and pink shades. Simple bikinis that are perfect for you to feel like the most natural looking girl on the beach!

THE LUSCIOUS 1950S

Retro is one of the hottest trends around. It all started a few years ago, when customising second-hand clothes became popular, turning old styles into vintage cool. Some people say that our obsession with yesteryear is the result of the current difficult times, with sectors such as the fashion industry looking back to the golden ages of the past.

And if we add one of today’s cult TV series, then we could almost be swept back to the fifties on a wave of enthusiasm. Both the stories and looks of those mad men of Madison Avenue have managed to capture our hearts. It was the early days of capitalism, consumer spending and advertising as we know them today. And women were starting to take over jobs that were once exclusive to men.

The question was how to integrate into what was an essentially man’s world without losing any of that essential femininity. The answer came with figure-cinching pencil skirts, practical swept-up hair styles, high, well-defined busts and fabulous bold, sensual and elegant curves. From top to toe, everything – from the shirts to the footwear, bags and accessories – had a statement to make about the woman inside: smart, brave, sharp, and very, very feminine.

Sunglasses were one of the iconic accessories of the day, taking on exaggerated forms: cat eye, animal print tortoise shell, thick frames, semi-transparent lenses that allow us to catch a glimpse of the eyes… and on Mad Men they’ve featured some really fabulous styles.

At women’secret you’ll find vintage-inspired eyewear: styles with thick black plastic frames with a fine feline air, casual aviator styles in shades of brown and white 50s styles that are right on trend. And how about this for a style tip? Team them up with a foulard and get ready to triumph with this summer’s trendiest accessory.

THE NAVY LOOK

Cute striped T-shirts, high-waist shorts, gold buttons, crochet trims…we love everything nautical! And what’s more, you look and feel fab dressed in the navy look for (what a coincidence!) a weekend break in a picturesque fishing village!

We wouldn’t be far off if we said that Norman Collins (known as Sailor Jerry) is one of the maximum exponents of this look. Also known as the father of the old-school tattoo, this old ‘sea wolf’ (because that’s what he looks like, and one of the original ones at that) started off by tattooing his workmates with anchors, swallows, sailing ships and show girls…check out the photos below – don’t they ring a bell?

His drawings and style have turned from a local thing into a whole new fashion phenomenon, and from there to an essential part of the pin up look.

But you don’t have to go as far as getting a tattoo to get that ‘sailor girl’ look: in fact, we all know what it takes to acquire this classic look. Your choice of footwear also counts; and in this area there’s no beating Castañer. Suffice to say that they’ve been making espadrilles since 1776. The styles range from those classic espadrilles to more sophisticated models, although they all feature an esparto grass sole and retain the essence of the original design. A classic style that has travelled the world, and been reinvented by top fashion names including Chanel and Dior. But Castañer is firmly positioned as an ‘IT’ name at the focal points of the fashion universe such as NYC’s Soho.

At women’secret you’ll find cute striped and knotted navy accessories that will help to enhance your final look:

But for those who like to innovate and stand out from the crowd, we’ve found some alternatives to the classic navy look. Examples include the clever ideas dreamt up for a feature in the Japanese edition of Vogue

Cool hunters flock to Tokyo in search of the hottest trends for the coming years. It’s the territory of countless urban tribes, each one interpreting fashion as they fancy. So it’s no surprise to discover that the magazine stands are packed with fashion journals targeting this über cool segment of the market!

So which is your navy look: the traditional classic style; rebellious Sailor Jerry or the modern look straight off the pages of Vogue Japan?