COLORLESS COLOR

If there's one color I wouldn't mind living in for the rest of my life, it would be white. White has been associated with purity and peace in many religions aside from its strong relation to weddings in the Western tradition and funerals in the Asian culture. Did you know that the white lab coats that physicians and scientists wear also actually symbolizes authority?

Fun facts aside, because white serves as a clean, blank canvas, the focus of the outfit is directed right to the elements that make up the outfit itself. With the many different shades of white, you can even layer them on altogether to create different looks for different occasions.

While most of us prefer its contrasting counterpart - the colour black - due to its style flexibility, we fail to realize that white also never goes out of style. For some pointers, I've put together a couple of visual representations of outfits to help inspire all of you to put together your own variations of "white-on-white" themed outfits and with pieces from BoutiqueLaFleur, no less.

Wear this eggshell white long-sleeved top under this white wool sweater with the sleeves folded up so you'd have some eggshell white peeking out from under as a contrast. Pair them with a pair of suede scalloped-edge shorts for some texture.

Tuck in this basic crew neck tee into a white embellished maxi skirt. For an edgier style, strap on a studded belt.

Less is more? Not with white! Go texture crazy and pair this silk-blend shirt with a lace miniskirt. 

White plus white in office/formal wear can be achieved by pairing this white ruffle neck tank with an off-white blazer and a pair of off-white trousers. 

If you're undecided about what shoes or bags to go with, keep it simple and choose nude and go crazy instead with layers, different textures and fabrics as well as embroideries and embellishments all in one outfit. Whatever you do, remember that just because the color blends in well with anything, it doesn't mean that you can't stand out.

STYLE-SPIRATION: DIANE KRUGER

Diane Kruger might have made some fashion faux pas on the red carpet but her fashion sense is no less than safe or boring. With everyone wearing almost the same dresses in Tinseltown, this German-born actress is her very own stylist and picks pieces that are different yet interesting. Menswear, flirty sundresses, sultry gowns, retro-chic frocks, you name it, Diane Kruger has got it covered and her outfits have definitely turned heads. Love her look or hate it, we can agree that she leaves us waiting to see what else she has stored up her sleeve.

Her willingness to experiment with style can be attributed to the fact that the Inglorious Basterd starlet started out as a model. From having been a finalist in the Elite Models Look of the Year competition in 1992 to the current A-lister she is now, Diane Kruger has been stealing the style limelight on the red carpet and as a front row guest at the world's most exclusive fashion shows.

Always sticking true to her personal style - chic, cool and understated - it's no wonder she has become a favourite with designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli and Georgina Chapman
at Marchesa. Some designers even consider her to be their style muse. She has been seen stepping out in Atelier Versace, Chanel and Marchesa but you don't need to spend a fortune just to emulate this style-meister. Read on to see how you can piece together some of your favourite Diane looks; all of which are just a click away!

Allison Parris Cream Bow Blouse / Short Story Shorts / Wells Lazer Cut Pump / Deux Lux basket-woven cross body flap bag

Lemon Strappy Crop Cami / Karen Walker Classic Pants / Fedora-ble Hat / Mathilda Black Suede Leather Sandal / Ecote Blanket Messenger Bag 

Grey faux fur gilet / Allison Parris Crochet Trapeze Dress / Michael Antonio Red Glison Pumps / Fire Flowe Slub Silk Clutch Bag 

TIME TO WRAP UP

If there's anything else you should be adding to your wardrobe, it's the poncho. Basic tees, trusty blue jeans, comfy flats and signature bags aside, the poncho is making a comeback as the essential item this season.

We all know comfort is key and nothing spells comfort better than the warmer sister of the kaftan-like top. If you're worried about looking like a walking potato sack or having people make the unfortunate mistake of complimenting you on your "new child", don't be! The key to mastering this boho-chic look is to let your poncho be the centre of attention. Lest your poncho happens to be of a monotone palate, keep other prints, bright colors or statement pieces at bay unless of course, they compliment your technicolor dream coat. It's also best to keep your bottoms fitted and dark in hue; be it skinny jeans, leggings or even a mini skirt with or without a pair of tights. While ponchos may hang loosely, most wearers do not find themselves drowning in too much cloth. However, if you have chosen something with more material, belting it at the waist will do the trick in maintaing your shape. Accessories-wise, minimal is the way to go.

While some might disagree on this must-have closet piece because of its ability to have an uncanny resemblance to a baby blanket, newer and more fashion forward designs are coming out and they might very well tempt your sartorial taste buds.

For starters, click away and check out these beautiful pieces from BoutiqueLaFleur and be prepared to get wrapped up in the hunt for your perfect poncho.

      Amill Cashmere Poncho by Velvet / Ulla Johnson Anouk Sweater Poncho / Graham & Spencer Stripe Fringe Poncho

LUSTWORTHY SHOES 2011-2012

I've gone through many "pack rat" phases in life. Collecting vintage jewelry before moving on to outerwear, navajo pieces, cotton totes and how could I ever forget my one true love, or loves rather: shoes. If there is a item of clothing or accessory I believe worth splurging on, it would be a pair of shoes. However, it wasn't long before I started reassessing this obsession during my rare spring cleaning moments and came to realize that my trusty pair of black flats were the ones that I relied most on, aside from my red converse sneakers and studded slip-ons. No matter how interesting or beautiful the shoes I have amassed over the past few years are, they tend to find a rather permanent place on my shoe rack after a couple of wears. Sadly, they don't see me through my short attention span and the ever-changing trends which is why, after hours of sole-searching, I've concluded that a pair or two out of the following shoes shall suffice for myself, and for the benefit of my wallet.

With metallics, color blocking, menswear and retro-chic ringing in high on the trend alert scale this fall, I believe these shoes deserve a form of recognition of some sort.

source: www.net-a-porter.com

TREND ALERT: METALLIC MADNESS

The fall runways have offered a huge range of style options to see us through Fall 2011. Polka dots, graphic prints, floor-sweeping hem and even flashbacks to the 60s with Peter Pan collars, shift dresses and double-breasted pea-coats all making an appearance - reminiscent of the decade's Mod styles.

If you're one to stand out - well even if you're not, I assure that you'll fall in love with this fall trend as have I - then get ready to embrace your inner glamour queen. This fall, we're talking high shine and loads of metallics.

The trick to embracing this liquid-like style is to ensure your pieces flow languidly, as if they're about to drip right off you thus creating the impression of a perfectly laid-back yet glamourous style. Don't limit yourselves to metallics clothing only but accessories as well. Keep an eye out for metallic totes, flats, belts, headbands or even nail polishes to accent your everyday looks. The best thing about metallic colors is that they go well with other colors. You can say that they're somewhat like neutral colors, but with the volume amped up of course.

Stella McCartney / Calvin Klein

Rodarte / Alexander Wang

Haider Ackerman / Oscar de la Renta

Source: Harper's Bazaar

With the right picks, the looks you can create promise to bring you from the day well into the night. Pair a boyfriend blazer with a metallic top and your favorite trousers to play it safe. Or choose to go all out and pair your favorite shiny stilettos and clutch with a slinky shiny number; with all that glitz, there won't be a need to fret over jewelry.

*Get the LBD here! 

Get inspired and create your own take on this up and coming fall trend. Just remember not to pile on too much metallics so as to avoid looking like a walking ornament.

CHANNELING VINTAGE MUSES

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and while fashion shines its spotlight on individualism, we still turn to our own muses to derive inspiration to piece together our own outfits which eventually leads to our own signature styles.

These style icons have however managed to not only capture the hearts of designers (read Jane Birkin and the coveted Hermes Birkin Bag) but have had a steady following of fashion fans since the swinging sixties. Albeit their different fashion sense, they all have one thing in common: an eternal spot in the world of fashion and beauty.

Read on to find out how you can mix pieces from BoutiqueLaFleur with those of your own to recreate these style queens.

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ALI MACGRAW

Famous for her portrayal of the impossibly stylish Jennifer Cavalleri in The Love Story, Ali MacGraw is in real-life a flower child at heart. Her long shiny hair was her favorite accessory and it complimented her Bohemian-meets-American-Prep style to perfection. Still being referred to by stylists such as Rachel Zoe, the American born actress and model has certainly earned her rightful place as the Boho-queen of all time.

Get the Look:
Thigh high boots plus a white tunic top makes for the perfect laid-back combo

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DEBORAH HARRY

This rocker chick not only rocked it out on stage as the front-woman of punk rock and new wave band Blondie but has blown the socks off her fashion groupies with her iconic dressing. Leather jacket, check. Boots, check. Studs and graphic tees, check. Killer vocals, check. Deborah Harry sang in I'm Gonna Love You Too: "You're gonna say you'll love me" and with such a distinct style, how could we say otherwise.

Get the Look:
Graphic tees are a staple in every punk rocker's closet and you can't miss out on the leather either!

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FRANCOISE HARDY

Her chiseled cheekbones, cool girl image and beautiful voice made Francoise Hardy unforgettable. In photos, the French singer and actress was hardly ever seen without her guitar and her pared-down mod style. Mick Jagger called her the perfect woman and Nicolas Ghesquiere, head of the couture house, Balenciaga, derives inspiration from her. This statuesque French beauty has certainly gotten it all going on.

Get the Look:
Pair a modest silk blouse with a mini skirt to bring this mod girl's quintessential style from day to night

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JANE BIRKIN

It's not everyday that you get to sit beside the chief executive of Hermes and have a bag created for and named after you a few years later but that was what happened to Jane Birkin. The iconic bag is now toted around by the rich and famous and coveted by many worldwide which isn't any wonder why the English model/actress/singer's status has been sealed in the fashion world. The epitome of sex kitten back in the 60s and 70s, Jane Birkin's style is still as magnificent now as it was back then.

Get the Look:
A sweater dress and a pair of pumps are all of you need to recreate this understated beauty's dressing

UL-LA-LA!

Sitting in front of your closet and undecided about what to wear before realizing that you're running late for that important meeting or a brunch out with friends or even a planned trip to the shops? Most, if not all, of us can attest to this scenario. Stop scratching your heads and start clicking away.

BoutiqueLaFleur's New Arrivals section currently plays host to some of the latest designs from Ulla Johnson. Born and raised in New York, Ulla derives inspiration from its busy streets and thrives on creating pieces that will empower and inspire women. Hailed for her impeccable designs, which are known for their clean cut lines, custom prints and intricate detailing, Ulla provides us with a whole array of choices that are guaranteed to quench our sartorial thirst.

Elements such as practicality, quality, fit and simplicity are key to her creations which is no wonder Ulla has a dedicated and growing celebrity fan base. If that is not enough to prove her reputable force in the fashion industry, Ulla's collections have also garnered the attention of the press and has been featured in a long list of fashion publications – Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Instyle, just to name a few – in not only New York, but across the world.

So whether you're going out for a party or just a simple brunch or even going about fulfilling your mommy-duties, Ulla's coveted staples and stand out pieces will fit right into your everyday wardrobe and promises to provide you with options that will take you from day right through to the night so you'll spend less time thinking of what to wear and more time wearing these stand out looks.