Introducing: The Chicest Degree

Hello readers of Walking In Heels,

I'm so happy to announce that my new blog The Chicest Degree has launched! Many thanks to all of you who've been following Walking In Heels, it's been an amazing 3 years! Please follow and view The Chicest Degree for the chicest daily dose of fashion news, street style, and outfit inspiration. 

Cheers to new beginnings!

Shellshock

Studs rule our world. We can't deny it. Shiny, spiky, silver studs are some of our favorite fashion details and the more, the merrier, as far as we are concerned. Luckily, the designers behind The Ragged Priest feel the same way-this cult brand is famous for its reworked vintage pieces in amazing tie-dye prints with a healthy sprinkling of studs and spikes. By designing trend-focused collections using core vintage product, The Ragged Priest has quickly established itself in the UK and here in the states as one of the most popular new brands around. Their dedicated team of dreamers set the trend and continue to create unique pieces of clothing that will toughen up any wardrobe. From camo jackets to customized sweatshirts, jumpers and the coolest denim cut-offs around, the beauty of The Ragged Priest is that their clothes suit girls with different styles, because they can be worn so many unique ways.

Nikicio: Mixté Autumn/Winter 2012

Upon conceiving Nikicio:Mixté, the first and notably the most idealistic of the house, contradictions and individuality were the elements at helm. Subversiveness, on the other hand, is developed through growth. The signatures provide a blank canvas to the collection; tailored jackets and trousers welcome the monochromatic picture titled “Ocean Waves”. Silk blouses adapt the deep, magnetic authority of the print with contradictive lightness, blackened suede vests and studs induce strength. The present state of Nikicio, however, proposes clash. Fall/Winter 2012 marks the collection “War” for the house, which has cemented its androgynous virtues. This season, Nikicio renounces it and consumes herself with femininity. A puristic and almost clinical selection of leather jacket, asymmetrical tank and knits in whites and ivories expound further fragility of the collection. A sense of Venus in Nikicio’s private point of view is now completely revealed. The women are willing to go to war, in defense of stance and romance, but most importantly of existence. 

Style Doppelgänger - "Clarissa Explains It All"

Whenever anyone mentions '90s fashion trends, Clarissa Explains It All comes to mind. Clarissa's eclectic, fearless style was a breath of fresh air — and much sought after. She was a total expert at layering, mixing patterns, and pushing the sartorial envelope while staying age-appropriate (she even wore printed leggings under her ripped jeans). Her oversize button-downs, funky accessories, and Doc Martens were the epitome of cool — and though it was never clear where Clarissa shopped, I like to think she was a Goodwill kind-of girl like myself. 

INSPO

As per usual while drooling over the Stockholm Street style achieve, I stumbled upon a few in the moment trends that I've been obsessed with as of late and re-created outfits with some of my favorites summer pieces in my closet. From ladylike heels, chiffon neon tops, monochromatic layering, pattern clashing, denim on denim, peplum bralettes , and pencil skirts. Leave it to the stylish ladies and gentlemen in Sweden to get you heavily inspired and your creative juices flowing.  

In the moment: Kitten Heels

Just over a month ago I was featured in "The New York Times" for street style! Kitten heels are like the ugly step-sister of the heel family; they don’t lengthen the legs and define the calf, or generally make you feel like a million dollar sex-bomb. Separate them from the ladylike elegance of the ’50s and ’60s and all you are left with is a stunted and somewhat unattractive piece of footwear. Whether you like it or not, you’ll be seeing plenty more of the kitten heel. Let's be honest, with the kitten heel being the perfect accompaniment to ladylike 60s dressing, you might even decide to jump on the bandwagon yourself. 

Celine Resort 2013 Collection

Since Phoebe Philo's run at Celine, there's no question that her accessories have become a status symbol for the mobile woman. Whenever I'm frolicking around New York City you can't make it a block up in both the Upper East and Upper West Side without spotting a luggage bag. Oh the glory! This time around for resort she is introducing a new fold-over ladylike tote that adds a little edge with the more structured silhouette. Favoring the Celine signature staple "leather" which continues to be the most important piece to complete each look in this collection. It was cut into stripes for t-shirts and used on coats with horizontal panels that would unzip to create different silhouettes. Python, leopard, and polka-dots featured as patches on cashmere sweaters, chiffon trousers, coats, and scarfs appeared wrapped around shorts or veiled into white fabrics. The must have piece for the Celine gal that lives in us fashion insiders are the wide legged trousers with the deep striped color blocked hem. Those in the know will instantly peg them as Celine. And now the drooling and swooning begins!