OOTD: Velvet Opulence

  As winter begins to approach, lurking just around the corner, the temperatures have begun to plummet. And this time of year always br...

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As winter begins to approach, lurking just around the corner, the temperatures have begun to plummet. And this time of year always brings with it internal conflict. See, I hate winter almost as much as I love it. I hate the cold, I hate the lack of sun hours, I hate the aftermath of snow when it becomes all compacted, icey and slippery. On the other hand, I love Winter fashion, winter fabrics, the temporary cheer from November through to December, the fact that people find it acceptable to wear shiny glittery clothes.

But my favourite thing about winter is Velvet. It oozes class and opulence as well as providing a bit of much-needed extra warmth.
 
A couple of weeks back I was scouring eBay for a velvet skirt. I could feel the days getting shorter and the air getting colder and felt like I needed something to look forward to, to help me deal with the forthcoming doom and gloom. I found a little more than I had bargained for: I found this beautiful two piece set. It's a black velvet skirt with matching top, but these are no ordinary pieces. No, the set was definitely out of the ordinary. If Topshop or Asos were selling it, it'd be sold-out in minutes.

What makes it so extra-ordinary? Well, the golden, Baroque-style embroidery that lines the bottom of the skirt and the edge of the sleeves is what truly sets this apart. I couldn't recall having ever seen anything quite like this before, certainly not on velvet. Topshop had a very nice velvet range last A/W, but in truth it was just a little plain. This though...

The skirt is one of these 'fit and flare' types, but unlike the very loose and flimsy skater skirts, the velvet feels a firmer with much more structure to it. The embroidered sleeves are also flared outwards, also quite firmly but in a wavy, frilly style. The outfit doesn't scream opulence to me, it looks down it's nose at me and says: 

"You ought to consider yourself fortunate that I'm allowing myself to be worn by you."

I've found myself just staring at it trying to figure out what could have influenced the design, but the more I look at it, the more I see! Overall the piece looked at first as if it was a Black, Velvety take on the traditional Red, Silk Chinese dress. Then the shoulder outline created by the flaring out of the sleeve reminded me of Spanish Matadors! I couldn't even begin to place the style in any era, it looks so luxurious it could fit into any era. Timeless.

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Velvet Baroque Fit & Flare Skirt & Matching Top - eBay
Gold Studded Skinny Belt - Gift
Lace Body Suit - Topshop
Gold Arrow Braclet - H & M
Bug Bites Necklace - Kenza Accessories*
 
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So, what do you think?  Also, check out that necklace! As soon as I saw this on Kenza Accessories site, I thought 'I have got to have this!' Then when it arrived through the mailbox, I was taken aback. It had this look to it, I could imagine that if the Ancient Egyptians were still around today, their style would have evolved into something a bit like this. 

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend, I'm still recovering from Vogue's Fashion's Night Out in Manchester. It was great to see an event like this happening up North, and judging by the girls I saw out, we've got every bit as much style as the girls of London!

Lima is a Northern girl who chose life. Fashion and Makeup to her are just a little bit of fun, because life is already way too serious as it is. She's all about colour, because colour breaks down barriers, opens up the mind to new possibilities and makes everything feel a bit brighter.

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26 comments

  1. Unknown13 October 2013 at 15:37

    Gorgeous outfit!
    ♥ Filthy Fashion ♥

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  2. Jenniya13 October 2013 at 15:47

    You are so unique! Love this outfit. :)

    Visit my blog: I AM JENNIYA

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  3. Anonymous13 October 2013 at 17:23

    I just came across your blog and oh my goshh your style is so unique and chic! I adore the skirt and top, the gold detail is just perfect.

    Kathryn x
    effievanity.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown13 October 2013 at 17:40

    hey sweetie
    I just found your blog and I loooove it!
    you look gorgeous, love your style!!! I am your new follower!!
    I would love it if you visit my blog and keep in touch!
    I am also hosting a GIVEAWAY these days, so you can join!
    Love
    Vicky

    WWW.FASHIONRAILWAYS.COM

    ReplyDelete
  5. Unknown13 October 2013 at 17:56

    eBay is full of surprises, this is amazing! Thanks for the camera tip on my blog, I will check the Olympus ones out (: Following your blog, can't wait to read more! xx

    mypalaceofalice.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. Love Leah13 October 2013 at 18:08

    Beautiful outfit, beautiful you! x x

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  7. Katie13 October 2013 at 18:10

    Lovely look, it's so decadent and beautiful! xx

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  8. The Dragonfruit13 October 2013 at 18:11

    Girl, you are one creative and unique fashionista! I love how bold you are with your fashion and everything else. You are pulling off this shade of blue hair beautifully :)

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  9. OrigamiGirl13 October 2013 at 18:22

    Seriously Halima, that set is incredible! You have some kind of magnet to beauty to find things like this! I love the shoulders especially. I always love clothes that make my shoulders seem strong or just interesting. And then the way you've worn it with the lace... you just know exactly how to style anything.

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  10. moon13 October 2013 at 19:21

    I love this set! Black velvet and baroque pattern is an awesome combination :) Also, the gold goes well with your hair :D

    macabre-moon.blogspot.com

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  11. Phyrra13 October 2013 at 20:35

    I love the outfit, hair and makeup! Great color placement :)

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  12. Unknown13 October 2013 at 23:07

    This is just stunning (as always). I love the gold and black. Possibly one of my favourite combos ever. I need the skirt and top! I am never this lucky on ebay! Your eyes also look so beautiful!
    Hareem xxx

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  13. Rachel13 October 2013 at 23:33

    oh wow, i think i could be in love with this look! That two-piece is gorgeous! xo

    http://prettypetticoats.blogspot.co.uk/
    Check out my giveaway to win Real Techniques and NUXE goodies!

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  14. Fiona14 October 2013 at 06:16

    eep, I just bought some bleach and blue hair dye yesterday! I'm too scared but your hair is crazy wonderful and makes me think I should get over my scaredy-ness! :)

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  15. Holly14 October 2013 at 11:53

    aw couldn't love that dress more! xx

    http://thepersephonecomplex.blogspot.co.uk/

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  16. Amy - Salt and Chic14 October 2013 at 13:27

    Wow this is gorgeous!! And your hair is AMAZING!

    xxx

    www.salted-roses.blogspot.com

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  17. Unknown14 October 2013 at 14:40

    I adore this dress on you and the necklace is incredible against it! I wish I could wear velvet, but the feel of velvet makes me cringe. LOL! Loving your blog and style dear so much and looking forward to seeing more!
    Now following as GFC follower #1086.

    xx Easy Outfits, by Pip

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  18. jennie14 October 2013 at 15:05

    Ahh you look amazing, your hair is perfection and your skirt and matching top is beautiful! <3

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

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  19. The Style Rawr14 October 2013 at 17:06

    What a beautiful twosie, it's so unusual! I also love velvet, it feels so good on the skin. <3

    Tara xo

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  20. faye14 October 2013 at 20:25

    That dress is amazing - I love it and it fits you like a glove :)

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  21. lucia m15 October 2013 at 06:41

    loving your hair dear!

    XX

    WWW.AROUNDLUCIA.COM
    WWW.AROUNDLUCIA.COM

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  22. Toxylicious16 October 2013 at 10:49

    Never been able to pull of velvet at all....but damn your rockin this outfit!! looks amazing!!
    http://toxylicious.blogspot.com

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  23. Sadie16 October 2013 at 13:26

    This is absolutely stunning!! I love velvet in the winter too :) Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog, love your blog and style, now following :) xx

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  24. Unknown22 October 2013 at 19:58

    Nothing wrong with a little Dolce & Gabbana baroque vibe! Brilliant! xx

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  25. Unknown28 October 2013 at 21:04

    your outfits are always amazing, that dress is a true gem and fits you like a glove!
    You look stunning as always!!!!

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  26. Buffalo Web Design30 October 2013 at 17:13

    Wow!! Your hair, your style - everything about you is fabulous (blue is my favorite color)
    My name is Branden can't wait for your latest blog posting

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