Fashion Stylist, Hair & Makeup

Circular Knit

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Fashion Design/Haute Couture in Barcelona

STUDIO - La Poderosa Elborn 

Working as a team at the studio La Poderosa in el born, Barcelona. Great work chicas!

PHENSON Designs

HINGE - Designs by Karina Stephenson

PHENSON Designs 

Sophisticated & Sassy & all things Classy.

High Heels & Haute Couture in Barcelona

So people are always asking me ‘how’s life in Barcelona?’ so I thought I would share with you all the best-kept secrets of this captivating city. I want to tell you all about the great places you can visit and what to wear.

Barcelona is a great City. If you like your high heels and baby doll dresses, you might be slightly disappointed, since BCN has a slightly more laid back feel to it.  I love casual but I also like classy. In BCN the average Joe would be wearing a T-Shirt, trainers, Jeans and a hoody. I’m talking both men and women alike, but right now I want to tell you about the places that are screaming fashion and style in BCN.

BOCA CHICA! Literally translated, as ‘small mouth’ is luxurious and decidedly hip. This without a doubt has to be one of the most beautiful bars to either enjoy a delightfully, delicious creative cocktail in the lounge bar or to enjoy a more relaxed feel with a Cerveza on the beautiful tropical feel terrace, which doesn’t necessarily give you a great view of the BCN skyline but it is bustling with that party fever. Whichever your seating preference ‘an over the top’ dress code is positively encouraged and appreciated in this specious place to be, any night of the week. 

Oozing sophistication, this bar doesn’t stop there. While your enjoying the sumptuous decor or the glamorous scenic views, wait until you have to visit the ladies room. This could possibly be the best room in the entire multiple story lounge and cocktail bar. Decorated with countless, 1950’s style hanging and hand held mirror accessories for you to keep checking you look the part, this room truly has an especially opulent ambiance, where you will also find the mixed toilets hosted by a DJ and fab sound system playing a list of soulful classics from Miguel Migs to Joe Negro. (A Photo booth has now replaced this).The girl’s room is seen as a socialising hot spot for the dressed and the better dressed city slickers not to mention the desperately need-to-go’ers.  You never know which A List stars you might have the chance to be standing next to for that next available cubical.

So now you have heard all about this magical wonderland of sophistication and strictly come elegance. The big question has reared its familiar head and crept upon us once again…as to what to wear?

The vibe in Boca Chica is a mix of high heels, headscarf’s and a hint of haute couture, prêt-à-porter evening dresses. For the men, if your shirts not on, you’re not coming in. Apart from the decadent feel reflected in the dress code, Boca Chica still has a laid back stamp on it, so if its not your style to be a glamour puss then casual/ smart is also acceptable and welcome. Please remember boys that, this doesn’t mean trainers.     

Ok, so not really knowing what could top the beautiful Boca Chica, I went on a mission to try and find something better, if not better than Boca Chica, then something on par and I found different! 

Another great venue to visit whist wearing your best party outfit would be OneOcean Club, Port Vell. Here you can enjoy a creative cocktail or follow the BCN trend and order a delicious Gin and Tonic on the terrace. Within close proximity to the most beautiful yachts within the port, this really is a relaxing and elite setting for the most demanding of people. However, this in a members only club and for the individuals that love exclusivity and that special VVIP service. This is a costly place, so expect to pay around 5 euro for a Beer on the terrace. Prices vary from the bar area and terrace. Situated in Barceloneta this is a must see luxury, if you manage to sort out an entry or share a locals name on the membership. We’re in Spain, so trying the name Pedro Sánchez might work at a guess.

Strangely on the OneOcean Club website the guests are asked to be dressed ‘clean and tidy’ Being a member myself I can tell you that the dress code is elegant and dress to stand out. It’s definitely not the place to be seen wearing the same outfit as someone else. Exclusivity is the key to this beautiful lounge bar, terrace and fine dining restaurant.

Another majestic venue for you to explore and be stylish in is Eclipse. This is the name of this luxurious Roof top Bar, situated on the 26^th floor of the W Hotel.  The spectacular setting over the Mediterranean has views over the city of Barcelona and makes this place one of the top elite places to visit while your here on that weekend city break to one of the best places to visit in the world. http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/worlds-best-cities/3

I have to say for the money you pay for the drinks, it could do with a much needed revamp to it’s decor, as it looks slightly dated with inspiration from the 80′s. Missed opportunities can be seen of the high rise seats, to which you can’t actually see the beautiful sea view.  Either way, despite the furnishings this still has to be one of the most presumptuous places to be seen wearing high heels. Girls, it’s time to get out that most extravagant dress you have in your wardrobe that you love but never had the chance to wear. Now’s the time for glamour, glossy and gorgeous and leave the casual and cheap for another weekend.  

What ever your night, enjoy it!  You’re in Barcelona!!!!!

And if you’re on your first date at one of these excitingly fabulous nights out girls, before freeing up your weekend for him, don’t forget to read my blog on ‘What to wear on your first date’

What to wear on your first date?

Girls, we all know that style is important and first impressions count. We seriously consider what we wear for work, for a job interview or to attend a wedding or a funeral but what about that first date????????

The things that we forget are; what you wear, is a visual representation of your personality. Are you quiet, timid, flamboyant or are you just simply the girl next door? Whatever the case you want to be noticed and this start’s with one thing, which is what you choose to wear. Just like a job interview first impressions count and what you choose to wear could be the deal or no deal for that 2nd date. 

Listening to my friends talk about that first date, my first question always starts with ‘what did you wear’? And I have to say 9 times out of 10 us girls either go OTT or OTC (overly too casual). With todays trends casual is the key but if you get it wrong, please explain you got lost on the way to bed. The PJ trend has been misunderstood by many individuals and if this style returns, I think it should come with instructions on how to be worn.

This is my first blog, so I decided to give you an example of my visual style. What I suggest could be the perfect outfit for that perfect first date. I have to tell you girls that, even though we love leggings and oversized jumpers ….our men do not! Sophistication is the key and the casual is that individuality you want to add. This can been shown off with a nice suit jacket with a pair of skinny jeans. This is timeless and will always look fabulous, just as it did for Julia Roberts in Pretty Women, look at who’s still rocking this style today. Jessica Alba, Katie holmes and Miranda Kerr are looking effortlessly stylish in this getup!

Katie Holmes

Jessica Alba

OK, so I can hear some of you rakish girls saying ‘this isn't anything new! 'What if I want to show my style with my own individuality’? well…Accessories along with your choice of colour are the key. This way you show sophistication with a BOLD or a crazy flair. Remember this way you haven’t over powered them with that style your friends love and adore you for. With just a hint of your style, this may have enticed your new date or intrigued them as to what you are about, rather than overpowering his idea of what your already about before getting to know you.  Intriguing ensures wanting more!

Visual Style

My visual style displayed above shows a coherent look of sophistication, effortless elegance a good choice of colour and that little extra sassy detail to show that you have your own style. Jaw dropping ankle boots, feathers, beads, scarfs, earring’s, a BOLD single ring and glasses are all great furnishings to make your outfit stylish and you! Don’t forget that womanly touch with a spray of your favourite perfume. I recommend Paco Rabanne, ‘Lady Million’ or Coco Chanel ‘mademoiselle’ to kick start that date on entering the room and before having the chance to say ‘Bonsior’. Remember to match some small detail or colo colour with the outfit. This shows that you have a creative flair and pay attention to detail. 

Good luck on your first date girls……..be yourself!