Many current season trends are Russian-inspired, writes Bronwyn Williams.
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THERE is something seriously desirable about Russian women, or our idea of them at least.
To us, they are either pouty- lipped supermodels, KGB wives or seductive spies; stunningly beautiful, fierce tempered and dangerous.
Whether or not real Russian women actually carry pistols in their handbags, they certainly act like they do. Their impeccable and mistakable sense Best Movado Watches Online of style only reinforces their untouchable air - a perfect mix of icy practicality and sex appeal.
We can take a few tips from our Eastern cousins when it comes to winter dressing, and it just so happens that many current season trends are Russian inspired. Military coats, cossack-style hats, leather gloves, froufrou skirts and tall boots are all on the cool list right now, and who can forget the fur? Both real and faux, it's positively inescapable.
Everything a Russian woman wears screams elegance. She wouldn't be seen dead in a goose-down puffer jacket, but she'd happily don a woollen pea coat and sleek leather gloves.
Also on the blacklist are baggy trousers - in fact anything that is baggy is inexcusable to a Russian. Oversized, yes; but ill- fitting, no.
When wearing anything oversized the trick seems to be balance. A Russian woman may wear a huge fur coat, but she'll Cheap ARMANI balance it out with narrow trousers and high heels. A Russian woman may wear a gigantic hat, but it will be balanced by a perfectly-fitted jacket.
The straightforward way into Eastern territory would be in an all black outfit. Glassons currently has a military jacket in stock, which is a perfect starter to the look.
Its lines of buttons and embroidery give it a distinctive Russian flavour. As the jacket is slim fitting, one can get away with a skirt that has a bit of volume - and we love the Auckland designer Lara Parker's silk version. Nude's thigh-high suede boots may seem a bit too Pretty Woman for some, but when teamed with an elegant outfit they will go from whore to phoar.
If you're one of those Wellingtonians who always wear black, then experiment with bold colour and interesting textures, or jazz up your modern utilitarian outfit with some of the fantastic prints that are about. Stolen Girlfriends Club's loop knit hat is a fun way to add a bit of bulk without donning a fur hat. We love blush- coloured leather as a nice change from traditional black and brown - spot it about town in the form of belts, gloves and shoes. And if you're brave enough to try fur, there is plenty to choose from. Diesel's faux fur is a great entry-level jacket, while Lonely Hearts Club does one in real possum (available from Area 51).
Buy it and you're doing the environment a favour - it's "green fur" after all. South Island label Four Peaks have also produced a possum fur cossack-style hat, ($229.95 from Gordons), which will keep you cosy and Russian-esque.
Another great way to buy fur is from vintage stores - by wearing something that has been dead for years you can sidestep the guilt of contributing to the demand for slaughter. Whether to fur or not to fur is Replica Juicy Couture up to you, but be warned - it's seriously snugly, so once you've gone there you'll be hooked.
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