#fashioncommentary

[thevelvetedit]

What I’m Loving for Fall & Winter: Color, Kitten Heels & Gingham Dreams

You know what I’m loving heading into this fall and winter? Color.

I know — fall is usually reserved for muted tones, all those beiges and browns that seem to cycle through our closets year after year. And sure, those earthy shades have become staples, but lately? I’ve been craving something softer, sweeter, and honestly, more fun.

Think soft baby pinks and pastel blues. Think accents of burgundy so deep it flirts with wine red. These shades have been giving me life this season. There’s something about unexpected color in colder months that feels fresh, joyful, and maybe even a little rebellious in the best way.

The (Kitten) Heel Obsession

Another thing I can’t get enough of: kitten heels.

I’ve been on a borderline obsessive hunt — refreshing online marketplaces, wandering secondhand stores, praying the thrifting gods bless me with a pair of Miu Miu heels. I am, and will always be, a Miu Miu girl. The mix of elegance with that signature playful twist? Chef’s kiss. There’s something so effortless about slipping into a low heel that still makes you feel dressed up without trying too hard.

Scarves That Make a Statement

Let’s talk scarves — and not just any scarf. I’m talking chunky, funky, borderline obscene scarves. The bigger, the better. Something cozy enough to drown in, bold enough to turn heads.

Here’s my take: if we’re going to stick with the neutral color-washed outfits (and let’s be real, we probably will), then our accessories — shoes, bags, scarves — should absolutely pop. There is nothing better than a wildly colorful knit scarf on a cold day. It's giving style, it's giving comfort, it's giving “yes, I actually planned this outfit.”

And Then... Gingham?

Here’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming: gingham.

I know. I didn’t think I’d love it either. But here we are. Gingham dresses, gingham mini skirts — especially when paired with lace details or scalloped trim? Adorable. Chic. Unexpectedly fall-appropriate. There’s something a little retro and romantic about it that I just can’t resist.

So yes — I will absolutely be rocking gingham this fall. And probably into winter too.

TL;DR: My Fall/Winter Style Moodboard

Soft pastels + rich burgundy tones

Kitten heels (preferably Miu Miu, forever Miu Miu)

Maximalist scarves that double as fashion statements

Gingham everything, especially when trimmed with lace

Fall and winter fashion doesn’t have to be dull — it can be soft, colorful, and full of personality.

[lovedvra]

Soca music has always been around me. Even though my parents didn’t want it anywhere near my little ears, the radios, school events, and neighbours gave me a secret gateway in. It felt like watching a show past my bedtime. A forbidden thing that I stumbled upon that piqued my curiosity and called to my ancestral connection within. I needed to know more, and I didn’t mind gaining some of my parents’ ire to get there. DVRA’S SOCA TO CARNIVAL JOURNEY My first formal introduction to soca came through dance. I danced with a Bajan and Jamaican flag to Drstra Garcia ft. Machel Montano’s song “It’s Carnival,” before I knew I could travel to that island. It’s still on my list to go there, along with my other sister Caribbean islands. Many Machel Montano songs found their way to my feet before I could stop them from moving to the beat. Too bad for my church background, the soca bug bit me early. Soca was in my veins and in my blood. Then high school introduced me to another level of carnival, Sunday Road March. It seemed like only a certain caliber of people were allowed to jump, and my high school was filled with them. I was intrigued. My art class added to that as I still have an artist statement about the history of carnival in my artist journal from 2010. The hair, the makeup, the boots, the costumes. A part of me wanted to be in it. I’d stay up all night waiting for the photos to be uploaded on FaceBook, and they didn’t disappoint. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I always wanted to know why people said, “Carnival is woman.” CARNIVAL, A MINI CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL INSIGHT There is an entire culture and language in the carnival space that I’m still learning as I go along. Bands or bandhouses are basically the design house like in the fashion world. Sections would be the different looks offered under the bandhouse, like ready to wear versus couture and avant garde. Jump Mas or play a mas is the term used for dancing a.k.a. jumping, or saying you’ll attend. People tend to do a dance walk on the road to keep in time with the music and the trucks. The entire thing began as a form of liberation for enslaved Africans in the Caribbean to celebrate themselves and their freedom. Some researchers say it began in Trinidad, but others say Brazil and Spain erred the originators from their Catholic Masqurade festivities after fasting during Easter. Carnival, as we know it today, began in Trinidad and Tobago. Most of the prominent designers, soca musicians, and DJs are from Trinidad. In Barbados, it is called Crop Over, and in Antigua it is called Spice Mas. It happens at the end of Spring or the end of Easter here in Jamaica. Other countries with Caribbean disapora like Canada and the United Kingdom have created their own versions, but unfortunately, the cultural relevance was lost in translation, with many assuming it is a sexual free for all event. It is not. There are rules and cultural importance. Please learn and respect them. There are several parties leading up to the penultimate day and a few cooling down events afterwards. I’ve yet to attend them all, so I’m challenging myself to give it a try this year. Let me immerse myself in the full experience to really give a more in-depth review of the festivities. There are foods, outfits, drinks, and many songs to learn and love. There are paint, water, holi powder, and foam parties to choose from. The aim? Fun, frolicking, and freedom. FASHION Monday wear. I don’t understand this aspect as yet, but Caribbean Lookbook on Instagram and TikTok shares some really cool insight on what it is and some pieces to admire as well. What I do know is that it’s an entire production to get your look ready for de road. Last year, I created a collage for my hair, makeup, and shoes inspirations, yes my shoes too, for my 2025 Azula costume by GenXS Jamaica. To help with that, there is a service called GlamHub where ladies can get their hair styled, makeup done, costumes on, and photos taken all in one location. For the men? Never forgotten. They can ge...

[thevelvetedit]

Butter Yellow: Consider Me Brainwashed

Some people join fitness cults. Others get obsessed with niche conspiracy theories. Me? I fell hard for a color.

Ever since KitchenAid announced butter yellow as the 2025 Color of the Year, the internet’s been in chaos — think love letters, hate rants, and a truly alarming number of “hot or not” TikToks. But for me, the second I saw it, I was gone. Done. Fully indoctrinated into the Church of Butter Yellow.

Butter yellow with baby pink? Be still my heart. Butter yellow with red gingham? Peak summer picnic aesthetic. And yes, we’ve already established my unshakable devotion to gingham. This shade is soft, warm, a little nostalgic — like sunshine filtered through a vintage Polaroid.

Do I know she might be the tacky, overexposed trend of 2025? Absolutely. But that’s the thing about brainwashing — you don’t question it, you just lean in. I wore butter yellow all summer without a single ounce of shame, and I plan to keep her around for as long as she sparks joy… or at least until the next color cult recruits me.

Okay, I know I’m a little late to the party talking about butter yellow — like, who waits until now to confess their undying love for a color? But hey, trends don’t have expiration dates, and neither does true devotion.

So here I am: fully converted, standing at the altar of pastel perfection. And if loving butter yellow is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

What do you think? Are you ready to join the Church of Butter Yellow, or watching from the sidelines? Drop your color crushes (or color crashes) in the comments — I’m all ears!

[thevelvetedit]

❌ So, What’s Out?

Let’s retire a few things, shall we?

✖️ Minimalism (sorry, quiet luxury girls)

If your outfit could be described as “clean girl at an accounting firm,” it’s time to spice it up. The era of stealth wealth has quietly bowed out. We want layers, texture, dimension — feeling, not just form.

✖️ Sad neutrals with no personality

A beige outfit can be iconic — but only if it’s intentional. If it’s giving “leftover cardboard,” it’s a no. Add a pop, a clash, a twist. Neutrals should never be boring.

✖️ Dressing for “practicality only”

Yes, it’s cold. Yes, you’re just running to the store. But that’s no excuse to abandon the fit. Throw on a wild scarf. Swap the puffer for a structured coat. Fashion should be fun, not just functional.

✖️ Let the Fit Speak, Not the Label

We’re done with the walking billboard vibe. Giant designer logos? Over it. This season is about style, not status. You don’t need to scream “this was expensive” to serve. In 2025, subtlety is chic — and confidence doesn’t need a logo.

✅ And I’ve Been Seeing It Around, So I Must Make It Known: Combat Boots Stay

Docs and their punky siblings are not going anywhere. Let’s be clear. The key? It’s all about how you style them. Pair them with something unexpected — soft knits, girly silhouettes, babydoll dresses. It’s the contrast for me.

[thevelvetedit]

Fall 2025 Trends That Are SO In...

— The Velvet Edit

As we breeze into August, I find myself, once again, turning to the fashion gods and asking the eternal question: what am I wearing this fall?

Every year, it’s the same story. We pack away our pastel-filled summer wardrobes, mourn our linen days, and re-enter the world of winter boots, knitwear, and fifty shades of beige. And honestly? I’m calling it — I am SO over brown and beige.

Fall fashion deserves better. So let’s talk about what’s actually in this season — the trends that are making me excited to get dressed again.

🍒 1. Burgundy, Wine, and All the Juicy Reds

Move over camel — rich reds are taking over. From glossy oxblood boots to structured burgundy coats, these deep hues are adding drama in the best way. They’re moody, bold, and honestly? Way more interesting than another oatmeal-colored sweater.

Style it: Go tonal. A wine red midi paired with a darker red lip and matching bag? Fall perfection.

💗 2. Soft Pastels, Still Holding On

Pastels… in fall? Groundbreaking — but really. Baby pinks, lavender, and powder blue are sticking around, just reimagined in thicker knits and cozy textures. It’s like your spring wardrobe grew up, got a little chilly, and layered on the cuteness.

Style it: Try a baby pink wool coat over a neutral base. Or pastel tights peeking out from under a gray mini.

🧣 3. Chunky, Funky Scarves

If it doesn’t look like it could double as a small blanket, do I even want it? Big scarves are back (were they ever gone?), and this time they’re LOUD. Bright colors, weird knits, unexpected textures. Wrap yourself in something that sparks joy — even if the rest of your outfit is simple.

Style it: Throw a ridiculous scarf over your neutral trench. Instant personality.

👠 4. Kitten Heels & Femme Footwear

The girlies are done with lug boots (for now). Fall 2025 is all about femininity: dainty kitten heels, Mary Janes, ballet flats — all making a big comeback. Miu Miu reigns supreme here (as always), and I, for one, will not be mad about it.

Style it: Mix with menswear-inspired pieces for contrast — kitten heels with tailored trousers? Yes please.

🧵 5. Gingham, Lace, and Vintage Romance

A surprising player this fall? Gingham. Think schoolgirl meets Sofia Coppola. It’s everywhere — dresses, mini skirts, coats. And when paired with lace, scalloped trim, or delicate accessories, it feels nostalgic in the best way.

Style it: Gingham mini + oversized knit cardigan = peak “I just stepped out of a European indie film.”

💼 6. Maximalist Accessories

If the outfit is simple, the accessories are NOT. Oversized bows, sculptural bags, statement belts, funky jewelry. Fall’s mood is add one more thing, not take one off.

Style it: That huge rosette choker you weren’t sure about? Now’s the time.

[passionforfashionuf]

Happy Belated Birthday, Marilyn Monroe!

Happy Belated Birthday, Marilyn Monroe!

Anyone who has ever entered into my bedroom is aware of my obsession with 3 things: Paris, Adam Levine and Marilyn Monroe. Monroe was such a beautiful soul and was taken away from this Earth far too early. Monroe was born on June 1, 1926 and produced some of the most iconic films in the industry including Some Like it Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itchuntil she passed away at a…

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