LATEST CRAVINGS: Wallets

Even though I decided to start my new "Latest Cravings" post series with wallets, they don't quite suit the main idea, since I don't CRAVE a wallet - I actually NEED one. The reason for it being that my last wallet was unfortunately stolen just last week... Luckily it had very little cash in it, and I quickly blocked my visa card. So while I wait now for my card to be reissued and sent to me, I'm picking my next wallet - cause' you've gotta have one! My previous wallet was from Accessorize, looking a bit like the red one from Aldo below, and it seems like I might go with Accessorize once again - their wallet designs appeal to me most. My top choice so far is mustard-colored wallet. I never liked that color much before, but, I guess, there is a first time for everything.

ACCESSORIZE

ALDO

STRADIVARIUS

California dreaming

For a short Saturday post I've put together this outfit combo as an homage to the current hot trend for classic American, and especially Californian look. American flag-printed item seems to be a must for spring/summer wardrobe, so I chose those shorts from TOPSHOP. I know this may appear a bit too kitschy, and real Californians may not approve, but that's just what I'm in the mood for today: sun, colors and comfort!

California dreaming by AlexMatoshko featuring metal aviator sunglasses

STYLE OBSESSION: Dark florals

I'm not a florals girl in general, but when spring/summer arrives, I get seduced by a floral top or dress every now and then. This season I have my eyes on floral dresses in dark tones such as the ones below. All I need is to add a thin brown belt around my waist - and I've got a cool & casual summer look!

ZARA

NASTY GAL

NASTY GAL

MODCLOTH

DELIA'S

DELIA'S

Gwen Stefani fronts Elle's music issue

Gwen haven't done much lately as a musician, yet she's has appeared on a number of magazine covers, so I hope she's getting ready to surprise us with some new material - either solo or as a part of No Doubt. In the meantime we can admire Gwen's stunning looks in the latest photo shoot for Elle's May issue, including the cover where she's pictured rocking an uber cool dress from Givency by Riccardo Tisci. Wouldn't we all love to look that gorgeous at 41?

Decarnin out - what will become of Balmain?

I'm pretty sure this very question troubles all BALMAIN fans now that it was officially announced: CHRISTOPHE DECARNIN, Balmain's creative director for the past 5 years, has left the house. The successor haven't yet been appointed, but whoever he or she might be, all I care to know is how much is going to change?

BALMAIN has been among my fashion favorites these last few years. I loved brand's practical approach to chic, with its shimmering figure-hugging mini dresses, ripped jeans combined with gorgeous jackets, the punk-rock look with burned denim and studded leather offered for this spring and luxurious sweater-dresses from the latest, fall/winter collection. I loved Decarnin's Balmain for giving me a kind of high fashion that I could relate to with my own style. But what now? Which way would the new creative director want to go: keep the sexy rebel spirit or "grow up" and leave it behind? I sure hope it's the former. In the meantime here are some of my favorite Balmain looks of the last couple of years - the kind of looks that soon may become history...

Fall/Winter 2011/2012

Spring/Summer 2011

Fall/Winter 2010/2011

Spring/Summer 2010

Fall/Winter 2009/2010

Spring/Summer 2009

Just beautiful: "Iron" by Woodkid starring Agyness Deyn

One of the coolest models out there, Agyness Deyn, appears in this mesmerizingly beautiful video to an even more beautiful song - "Iron" by new French artist Woodkid. Directed by Yoann Lemoine.

Woodkid - Iron from WOODKID on Vimeo.

Micky Green for Mango

MICKY GREEN, an Australian-born musician, living in Paris, became the newest celebrity ambassador for MANGO. Quite a stylish gal herself (as you can tell from her music video below) and former model, Micky does a great job of showing off Mango's latest line, which is all about minimalism and color-blocking.