1.23 // Trend: Belt It Out

Haha I don’t know why I’ve been using cheesy titles… but whatever.

To the point: big belts around your waist - that’s high waisted, mind you - are a Thing now. Marc Jacobs & Fendi are the two most noted designers to sport the huge cinched waist look, but a myriad of others have sprung up along the way.

I really love belts just under your chest - it accentuates your waist so much and gives you such a clean, streamlined silhouette, no matter what your size! Wear it over a dress, cinch in an oversize blazer or top, pair it with a great tank and high-waisted skirt and killer heels… it’s a win-win look: cute and figure-flattering.

Fendi // Spring 2009. Note the unique belt - get one (or more!) that really stand out. Of course, a basic neutral leather belt is great too.

Marc by Marc // Spring 2009

Both, Marc Jacobs // Spring 2009. Sorry, not a big fan of the straight/taper-leg floral capri… thing… but I love the kimono top (2nd) and the shoes in the first photo. His obi belts are sensational and have appeared in Vogue, Bazaar, etc… already… hit a good note with those, he did. Good news? They’re so easy to replicate!

Temperley // Spring 2009. Speaking of unique…. studs are a good way to roughen up an otherwise very girly frock. (Love the bright blue colour too - it seems to be popping up everywhere this season!)

Aquascutum // Spring 2009. Again, not a big fan of the romper/jumpsuit - although the lace overlay on the pant does set it apart from the others - but the belt helps. And is it just me, or does this model look over-tanned/just-got-out-of-a-fistfight? (Her face seems very discoloured…)

Marios Schwab // Spring 2009. Again, a little unique - the rope/chain approach. Also easily duplicated.

On the street, it’s catching on like wildfire to a petrol-soaked jumpsuit:

Love the studs + floral minidress.

Not a big fan of the maxi dress, but you see the Marc-esque obi? All you really need to do is get a swatch of cool fabric and some nicknacks/ornaments, and as long as you can tie a knot you’re all set!

Over a jacket over a dress; you can work it over a cardi too, that’s cute.

And this trend isn’t just for us girls, guys can rock it too - but you have to be seriously stylish to pull it off. Perfect example:

All street style photos via Chictopia.

If you’re in the mood to buy a fantastic belt now, check these out:

Forever21, $8.80

Forever21, $8.80

Lulus.com, $10

Etsy.com, $60. Dramatic red, I love this one - if I had $60 to drop, I’d spend it on this! PS: Etsy is a great place to find cool vintage & handmade stuff, I frequently check it out if I’m looking for something a bit out there. Great for vintage lovers such as myself.

Etsy.com, $50. A more basic leather belt, but a bit unique. This reminds me of a saddle for some reason.

Topshop.com, £25.00

Topshop.com, £22.00

So there you have it.

And random Burberry shoe that I love the heel of:

Burberry // Spring 2009

Look du jour:

Fendi // Spring 2009. So springlike and Valentine’s-y.

Ciao,

~ r