Calling All Independent Designers

There is a change coming to Xwalker. We are making the move from Affiliate Ecommerce Website, to a Marketplace for Independent Designers, and we need you!!

Inspired by the Winter Olympics – Outstanding Outerwear

Wrap up in style with this Avec Les Filles Faux Fur Jacket.

Have you been keeping up to date with all the goings on at the Winter Olympics at Pyeong Cheng? I have been glued to the coverage – I’ve just been watching luge doubles i.e. two guys hurtling down the ice track at 130km/h on a tiny sled (or luge). It is absolutely insane; you must need nerves of steel to give that a go. It is entertaining to watch, and I must applaud those athletes, they are incredible.

The commentator mentioned that the temperature was zero degrees, and claimed that it was tropical by Pyeong Cheng standards. Well someone hasn’t told the crowd of spectators, who were all bundled up in a fabulous variety of outerwear. I must say their enthusiasm and snug ensembles definitely gave me some inspiration. When it is cold outside, you can do something exciting, you can have some fun, and you can look and feel good whilst doing it.

Olympic Standard Outerwear

I have had a good look through Xwalker and found some olympic worthy outerwear, in a number of different categories. So let’s start with my favourite…faux fur. It is chic, stylish, super snuggly, and guaranteed to be produced without any cruelty to animals. A winner in my book.

1. Coloured Faux Fur Coat, NA-KD; 2. Faux Fur-Trimmed Patch Parka Jacket, Vintage Havana; 3. Leopard Print Faux Fur Jacket, Kenneth Cole; 4. Faux Fur Star Coat, Aqua.

For those more casual days, your’e going to want something a bit more relaxed. So since we are talking Winter Olympics, how about some sporty outerwear.

1. Cadet Cutie Army Green Camo Print Faux Fur Puffer Jacket, Lulus; 2. Satin Puffer Jacket, Sage Collective; 3. Shawl Collar Coat, Cole Haan; 4. Reversible Puffer Jacket, Adidas Originals.

Fashion Trends 2018 – Ice Cream Dream

Creamy Vanilla Shades are Popular at Victoria Beckham.

I’m not lucky enough to live in a tropical climate, so I have to suffer through a cold, grey and miserable winter. It won’t be until towards the ends of March, when I will get to see a significant improvement in the weather. When I will actually want to get out from under the duvet and go outside. So, since I have at least 6 weeks before I can shed my layers and emerge from by padded cocoon, I have been looking to the fashion trends of Spring/Summer 2018 to get myself prepared.

When I shed my layers and reveal myself for Spring, I want to do so in something light and happy. This drew me to the Ice Cream trend that set to be big in the warmer months. It was a big feature on the Spring/Summer 2018 catwalks, with the likes of Michael Kors, Tom Ford, Victoria Beckham and Hermes, including it in their collections. The ‘Ice Cream’ trend is all about head-to-toe colour blocking of dreaming gelato shades – think pistachio, lavender, lemon sorbet and creamy vanilla. It is one of those super easy trends, all you need are some super cute pastel pieces, and wear them all together…accessories included.

You may already have the pieces you need to create the ‘Ice Cream’ trend in your wardrobe. Just pick out all the pastel items you have, and see how they will work together in an ensemble. You would be surprised how well soft yellow works with airy lavender. If you don’t have any yummy ice cream colours in your wardrobe, I’ve got all the inspiration you need, courtesy of the hundreds of brands featured in the Xwalker catalogue.

Ice Cream Dream

There was almost too much choice when it came to ice cream colours to rock in the Spring. I chose some of my favourites, and I can guarantee whatever tasty ice cream-inspired pieces you choose, you will look good enough to eat.

1. Be Mine Sage Green Maxi Dress, Keepsake; 2. Zosia – Strapless Wrap-front Maxi Dress, Reiss; 3. Scattered Pearl Cardigan, Karen Millen; 4. Moira Pink Knit Top, LK Bennett; 5. Alleyoop White Off-the-Shoulder Jumpsuit, Lulus; 6. My Little Pony Skirt, Moschino; 7. Jacket in Silver Rose Glow, Blank NYC.

Make yours a double scoop, by adding some super sweet accessories in ice cream hues…

1. Painterly Prints Watch, Olivia Burton; 2. Devina Drop Earrings, Baublebar; 3. Cameron Street Lottie Saffiano Leather Satchel, Kate Spade New York; 4. Light Blue & Pink Foul Flash Orbs Print Silk Wrap, Vivienne Westwood; 5. Mint Green Canvas Sneakers, MM6 Maison Martin Margiela; 6. Pink Small GG Marmont Wallet, Gucci; 7. Lillian Leather Loafers, Donald Pliner.

Who else feels like a big bowl of ice cream?

Love Hearts – Valentine’s Themed Fashion

Gorgeous Alviero Martini Heart Shaped Handbag

Now, I know the last post I wrote, was all about forgoing the traditional and trying something a little but different when it comes to Valentine’s Day. But, some people like the traditional, and that’s okay. When it comes to the Day of Love, what is wrong with sharing a little bit of that joy in the literal sense, with a great little red dress, or some pretty hearts anywhere and everywhere.

So, I’ve decided to let go of my slight cynical reaction to Valentine’s Day, and look through  Xwalker for the loveliest heart printed fashion and accessories I can find.

Fashion with a Heart

If you love a heart print, I highly recommend you check out Commes Des Garçons, as they have so many fantastic casual basics, with their signature super cute heart logo. I have found a few other cute pieces of apparel with a heart print, and I think I may be coming around to this whole literal Valentine’s Day ‘thing’. I mean how fantastic is that ‘Feminist’ sweater?

1. Heart Printed Jeans, Glamorous; 2. Feminist Heart Patch Crewneck Sweatshirt, Private Party; 3. Heart Tee, Sundry; 4. White Half Heart T-Shirt, Comme des Garçons Play.

 

Accessories are a great way to give a little nod to romance, with a few subtle heart-shaped touches to your outfit or home. I need that cushion….

1. Etched Golden Silver Heart Link Bracelet, Stefano Patriarchi; 2. Heart Cotton Tote Bag, Love Moschino; 3. Floating Love Phone Case, Edie Parker; 4. Heart-Shaped Calf-Hair Coin Purse, Neiman Marcus; 5. Allyson Johnson Hello Beautiful Heart 16″ Square Throw Pillow, Deny Designs; 6. Heart-Print Giant Check Cashmere Scarf, Burberry; 7. 62MM Mirrored Round Heart Sunglasses, Miu Miu.

Do you think you might give a playful nod to Valentine’s Day, with some cute little hearts? How do you celebrate the most romantic day of the year?

Quirky Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Adorable Cat Ear Headphones by Brookstone

I have a little bit of a reputation as being a Scrooge with it comes to love. I can often be seen with my face twisted in revulsion, when anything overly soppy or romantic is before me, be it on TV or in person. Where most people think the speech from ‘When Harry Met Sally’ is adorable and sweet, it just makes me cringe.

It isn’t that I’m a total cynic that completely hates love – I am myself in a wonderful relationship – I just have a different perspective on what it means to me. I would rather have an insulting or pun-based novelty card for Valentine’s Day, than a huge bunch of roses. And I would definitely prefer to sit in my ‘fat pants’ and eat loads of snacks, whilst binge watching ‘Band of Brothers’ (we are a little late to the party on that one) with a mountain of snacks, than sit in a crowd restaurant, forcing some romance.

And if I do get a gift, I want something that makes me smile and laugh. Thoughtful and loving gifts for Valentine’s Day, do not have to be in giant bouquet form, or adorned with hearts, or in a heart shape. If the special person in your life loves hearts and flowers, then by all means, gift them hearts and flowers. But, if your other half likes things a little bit different, why dot go for a quirky gift this Valentines Day.

I’ve had a super fun time scouting through the Xwalker catalogue for the cutest and quirkiest gifts I could find. I love them all…I guess I do know how to love after all.

1. No Season Solar System Phone Case, Edie Parker; 2. Gone Bananas Statement Earrings, Elizabeth Cole; 3. Adalyn Owl Leather Bifold Wallet, Kate Spade New York; 4. So Cute Decorative Pillow, Madura; 5. Bulldog Slip On Sneaker, Soludos; 6. Mickey and Friends Minnie Mouse Character Heel Pump, Irregular Choice.

1. Sterling Silver Bird Pendant Long Necklace, Origami; 2. Flame Socks, Palm Angels; 3. Unicorn Intarsia Sweater, Coach; 4. Camo Print Scarf, Veronica Beard; 5. Hand Decorated Murano Glass Enamel-Capped Perfume Bottles, Due Zeta.

A little bit more original than chocolates and flowers, don’t you think? What would be your ideal quirky gift to receive for Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day – Put A Ring On It

Raw Stone Stacking Rings from Free People – $48

The most romantic day of the year is coming up…Valentine’s Day. Whilst it is not a big deal in my little love nest (the other half manages a restaurant so he will be working), I know that for some couples it can be a really wonderful time. A day where you don’t have to feel guilty about spending some quality time together, when you should maybe be catching up on chores, home improvements or other life commitments.

It could even be the perfect day to take a relationship to the next level…the gifting of jewelry. This doesn’t necessarily mean an engagement, it could just be a sign of your dedication or commitment to someone. The gift of a ring is a symbolic one – the circle signifies that the love shared between giver and recipient has no end. Even if you are not very romantic person, you must see how beautiful that sentiment is.

Gifting a ring to your other half, you are saying: “like our love, the circle has no end.” Lovely. So I have picked some of my favourite rings that are available through xwalker, and I’ve kept the budget under $200. It isn’t the size of the stone that counts, it is the size of the heart (I’m getting good at this romantic stuff).

Gorgeous Rings Under $200

You would be surprised at the amazing finger bling you can purchase for the modest budget of $200. You could buy rings for multiple ladies in your life…I don’t judge. Here are some of my favourites, and I would love to know which piece of sparkle catches your eye.

1. Triple Threat Ring, Sorrelli; 2. 14K Yellow Gold Small Wishbone Ring, Zoe Chicco; 3. Liquid Gold Armor Ring, Alexis Bittar; 4. Diamond Tiara Rose Gold Ring 1/20ctw, Reeds Jewelers; 5. Genuine Oval Halo with White Topaz Halo and Diamond Sterling Silver Ring, Reeds Jewelers; 6. 14K Yellow Gold Pineapple Ring, Bang Bang NYC; 7. Fantasmania – Crystal Black Heart Ring, Gis Le St Moritz; 8. Sterling Silver Red Rose Ring, Dolci Gioie; 9. 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Cultured Freshwater Pearl, Zoe Chicco; 10. Boulevard Stone Rhodium Over Bronze Ring, Rebecca.

Top Ten Women’s Backpacks

Blow the budget with this Alexander Wang creation.

I’m not sure where I would be without my little backpack – I have dozens of bags, but it is my backpack that goes everywhere with me. It’s roomy enough for me to fit in all the rubbish I take with me – purse overflowing with old reciepts, gloces, random bits of makeup, the book or two I am currently reading, and treats for my neice that I hoard until I see her.

 

Not only is my backpack spacious, with plenty of handy pockets, it also is a hands free bag. I don’t have to hold on to it. It doesn’t slip off my shoulder, or from out under my arm and I can use both my hands for whatever I like – carrying a rug under each arm, snuggling armfuls of puppies…all the great things.

Backpacks are not just functional. The humble backpack has had a big of a revamp over the past few years, and now they are one the most stylish bags you can own, the functionality is just an added bonus.  Every woman and girl needs a backpack.

So, to give you guys some serious backpack inspiration, I have compiled a list of the top ten backpacks that are available through Xwalker.

10. Double Flap Color Block Eco Leather Backpack, Love Moschino; 9. Palazia Pearl Gray Suede and Leather Small Backpack, Le Parmentier; 8. Biker Wavy Spot Printed Backpack, Marc Jacobs; 7. Off White Large Leather Backpack, Kara; 6. Watson Lane Hartley Nylon Backpack, Kate Spade New York.

 

5. Double Pocket Faux-Fur Backpack, Sunset & Spring; 4. Star Gazer Avery Backpack, Foley and Corinna; 3. Downtown Kane Mini Metallic Backpack, State.

2. Dakota Backpack, Dagne Dover; 1. Dina Mesh Backpack, Kendall and Kylie.

I chose those backpacks as my top two, as I love that they have a sporty style, but are stull chic, cool and contemporary. That’s totally my own personal style…I am a sports luxe kinda girl. But, I encourage you to have a browse through the hundreds of backpacks available through Xwalker, to find one that matches your own personal style. Have fun.

Trending: Winter White

La Maison Talulah Eyelet Midi Dress.

Another weekend has went by, and with it another Award ceremony, this time the 2018 Grammy’s. It was probably no surprise that Bruno Mars left with an armful of awards, but something that did grab my attention was the white roses that many of the women walking the red carpet, had pinned onto their glamorous dresses or sharp tailoring. The white roses were worn in solidarity of the Time’s Up and #MeToo movement, a big change from the black gowns women wore at the Golden Globes several weeks ago.

Recording artist Kesha – herself a victim of sexual abuse within the enterainment industry – went one step further, delivering an emotional performance of her song ‘Praying’. Her performance was particularly relevant as it is all about coming through adversity, and moving on from those that hurt you with forgiveness. She was joined onstage by the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello, Julia Michaels, and Andra Day, all of which looked angellic in head-to-toe white ensembles.

After last weekend’s Grammy ceremony, winter white is definitely a trending shade. If you want some stunning white pieces to add to your wardrobe, I have found some beauties that are available through the Xwalker website.

White is such a fresh and beautiful shade for the Winter months, but it is a trans-seasonal hue. It will be just as stylish in Spring and throuh to the summer. Anything white, will be a worthwhile addition to your wardrobe…just steer clear of the tomato ketchup.

Let’s start with dresses shall we…

1. Make Way for Wonderful Off White Lace Maxi Dress, Ark & Co.; 2. Chic Goals White One-Shoulder Skater Dress, Lulus; 3. Blazin Black and White Striped Long Sleeve Dress, Amuse Society; 4. Melina White Lace Maxi Dress, Dress the Population; 5. Hidden Talent Backless Ivory Lace Dress, Lulus; 6.  Michelle White Sequin Maxi Dress, Dress the Population.

1. Metallic Accents Bell Sleeve Shift Dress, Shoshanna; 2. Scuba Off-the-Shoulder Bell Sleeve Dress, Aqua; 3. Floral Pattern Dress, Nanette Lepore; 4. Paneled Overlay Midi Dress, Diane Von Furstenberg; 5. T-shirt Dress, Milly; 6. Pretty Belle Cold-Shoulder Dress, Nookie.

How about some more fresh and crisp winter white.

1. High Waist Skinny Front Slit Jeans, NA-KD; 2. Trois Leather High Heel Booties, Sjp By Sarah Jessica Parker, 3. Scuba Hadley Jacket, Veronica Beard; 4. White and Red Heart Patch T-Shirt, Comme des Garçons Play; 5. White Leather Bucket Bag, Mansur Gavriel; 6. White Leather 1460 Boots, Dr. Martens; 7. Lexi – Pin-tuck Mini Skirt, Reiss.

Do you think there is some room in your wardrobe for some lucious white? There is definitly some room in mine. I’m in love with the white Dr. Martens…so cool.

Inspired by Valentine’s Day – Red Dresses

Stunning Lavish Alice Waterfall Dress

Yes I know, Valentine’s Day is not a celebration for everyone. I am in a long-term relationship myself and we don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day – I hate overcrowded restaurants and he thinks its all commercial nonsense. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a little swept up in the spirit of things, after all, love is a wonderful thing and it comes in so many different forms.

Why does Valentine’s Day have to be just about romantic love? Why can it not also be about the love you have for your family, or the love that is shared between friends, the love you have for your pets, or even just the love you have for yourself?

So, whether you in a wonderful romantic relationship, have another meaningful relationship, or just want to treat yourself to something nice because you deserve it, celebrate the love in your life with a red dress. Red is considered to be the colour of love, and a gorgeous dress is sure to make you feel sexy, powerful and beautiful.

I have had a good look through the women’s dresses available through Xwalker, and there is a great selection of red dresses that would be perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Red Dresses for Valentines Day

Whether you like maxi, midi or mini, or a gitted of flowing silhouette, there is sure to be a red dress perfect for you.

1. Ruffle-Hem Crepe Bustier Dress, Aqua; 2. One Shoulder Bodycon Dress, Wow Couture; 3. Italian Cady Cascading Ruffle Midi Sheath Dress, Milly; 4. Sistine One-Shoulder Dress, Saylor; 5. Pebble Georgette Crepe Dress, Betsey Johnson.

And, since you can never have too much of a good thing (that’s the saying isn’t it?), here are some more great red dresses.

1. Abrianna – Wrap Lace Floral-detail Dress, Reiss; 2. Tuscan Fling Ruffle Dress, Lioness; 3. Frill Dress, Glamorous; 4. Malena Dress, Motel Rocks; 5. Miranda – Strapless Bodycon Dress, Reiss.

There are so many great red dresses available through Xwalker, I just had to share a few more. If bright fire engine red is not the colour for you, why not choose a deeper, darker red, like a burgundy.

1. Midnight Hour Red Velvet Knotted Bodycon Dress, Mink Pink; 2. Gathering Glances Burgundy Bodycon Dress, Blue Blush; 3. Best is Yet to Come Burgundy Backless Dress, Lulus; 4. Swoon-er or Later Burgundy Long Sleeve Lace Dress, Lulus; 5. Enchanted Wine Red Midi Dress, Lucy Love.

With all that red loveliness, I don’t think I could choose a favourite. COuld I just have them all?

Trending: Floral Prints

Brie Larson in Gucci (Image via Daily Mail)

Fantastic Florals

Leaving behing the black gowns that dominated on the Golden Globes red carpet a few weeks ago, it was floral prints were strongly represented at the 2018 SAG Awards  on Sunday evening, with many of Hollywood’s finest leading ladies, opting for femine, floral gowns. Vanessa Kirby wore a gorgeous blush gown with floral embroidery by Valentino, and Gina Rodriguez looked fantastic in a beaded floral gown with corsetted top.

Oscar winner Brie Larson wore my favourite look of the night, mixing the shimmer trend with florals, in a stunning sequin gown by Gucci. She kept her hair and make up, fresh and youthful, and accessories simple, which worked perfectly with the heavily embellished dress.

Thanks to Brie Larson – and  some of the other beautiful women that walked the SAG read carpet  – I have fallen in love with floral prints once again. They are pretty, flirty and feminine, but can be edgy too, when teamed with black leather and biker boots. Plus, in a pretty miserable January (well it is where I am right now), it is a great way to add a little bit of colour and brightness to your life.

I could certainly do with Spring coming a little bit a little bit early – is it just me, or does it seem like January has lasted forever? So, I have had a good browse through the Xwalker website, and found some great pieces that are sure to give you serious floral inspiration.

I can’t wait to add some to my wardrobe. Their bold brightness are sure to get me through the rest of January…I hope.

Fabulous Floral Prints

Get ready for some serious blooming loveliness…lets start with floral dresses.

1. Avenue Floral-Print Mini Dress, Likely; 2. Floral V-Neck Midi Dress, Adrianna Papell; 3. Maje Floral-Print Silk Mini Dress, Parker; 4. Floral Maxi Dress, Rocco Sand; 5. Floral Print Fit-and-Flare Dress, Aqua.

1. Queen of Hearts Black and Burgundy Floral Print Midi Dress, Lulus; 2. Strike a Rose Black Floral Print Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, Lulus; 3. Heather Mauve Floral Print Long Sleeve Dress, Astr the Label; 4. Kiss and Pastel Light Blue Floral Print Wrap Dress, Lulus; 5. Whispers Navy Blue Floral Print Skater Dress, Keepsake.

How about some floral separates? Some great pieces to mix and match into your wardrobe. Have you ever wore florals and stripes together? It looks awesome.

1. Floral Wrap Top, June & Hudson; 2. Kikimu Floral Embroidered Blouse, Johnny Was; 3. Khali – Floral Printed Shirt, Reiss; 4. William Floral-Print Pant, BCBGMAXAZRIA; 5. Sasha Floral-Print Skirt, Alice Olivia; 6. Floral Pleated Full Skirt, Karen Millen.

And what about some accessories to finish off your new floral look?

1. Parker Floral Print Shoulder Bag, Tory Burch; 2. Floral Printed Silk Square Scarf, Roberto Cavalli; 3. Jordaan Floral Brocade Loafers, Gucci; 4. Black Floral iPhone X Case, Richmond & Finch; 5. Signature Floral Watch, Olivia Burton; 6. Pointer Floral Jacquard Ankle-Strap Pump, Charles by Charles David; 7. Beaded Floral Stud Earrings, Nakamol; 8. Amaryllis Floral Backpack, Draper James; 9. Floral and Geometric Print Twill Silk Square Scarf, Emilio Pucci.

What prints are you loving at the minute?