Earlier this year, I introduced you to Niko, the creator of Modern Lusso Marka, who has launched a clothing line based on his beautiful homeland of Greece. As he prepares for the his fall collection, I sit down to chat with Niko to see what Modern Lusso Marka has been up to and what are the next projects for this up and coming Greek-American company.

Modern Lusso Marka is making its mark in the Fashion world; they were invited to the 2017 Gabby Awards in New York, where they were got to partake in the honoring of the Greek American Foundation. What an incredible opportunity to be invited to celebrate Grecian history, culture and achievements while supporting the dreams and projects of fellow Greeks. Modern Lusso Marka celebrated by being a part of the goody bag; they offered 20% off your online purchase of a the uniquely designed Greecian tees, which caputures a Spirit of Greece.  With such an amazing opportunity, Modern Lusso Marka is just making its imprint in the world of fashion.

The mastermind of Modern Lusso Marka has visions for this budding brand. Currently, the tees can only be purchased via the website. However, Niko plans for the brand to make it’s tangible  debut in pop-up shops around Annapolis, MD (where there head quarters is currently located) in the immediate future. After pop-up shops, Modern Lusso Marka invisions collaborations with local boutiques here in states along with the various antique shops in the many islands of  Greece.
I have told you the aspirations of  Modern Lusso Marka; now allow me to about the product and quality of the tees. These graphic tees are the softest tees that I have ever felt and only seem to get softer with each wash. This may be the perfect blazer and/or lounge around tee. Each collection is based on various aspects of Grecian life. One in particular that has captured my eye is the coordinates tee. I love how it is complex and simple at the same time.

Launching a brand in these precarious times of retail…is genius because it is an opportunity to take the big risk as a brand, set a trend and create your own look that is not being represented on the market. Look out for future post out Modern Lusso Marka and Style by Syraluna.

Fashion has a way of taking looks of yesterday and making them modern and popular once again. Sometimes the trend is just that a trend and other times a trend can transcend to that classic “it” piece of the every woman’s wardrobe. The Off the shoulder look  may be that piece that will make the cross over.

Now, I’m not sure of “the off the shoulder” looks made their  debut into the fashion world, but this is the first time that I am wearing this trend and I have to say that I am a fan of the look.  The off the shoulder look can be romantic and sexy; with the right material, print and length; it is a look that any woman can wear with confidence.

Material: Many of you that follow me and have shopped with me; know that I preach the importance of material; it affects how clothing will fit and lay. I have found that off the shoulder blouses fit best with lighter materials like cotton or a cotton/linen blend. I have seen silk off the shoulder blouse, though they are very elegant, silk is not a giving fabric.

Length: The body part that is being highlighted are the shoulders. Hence “off the shoulder” This means that you should not show your midriff, lower back or décolletage in addition to your shoulders; the shoulders are the only part of your body that should be highlighted. Now,  if you decide to don an off the shoulder dress, please beware of the length. Note: if a dress hits mid-thigh, it is a considered a  tunic and you need to wear it with shorts, jeans or as a cover-up.

Prints and Colour: I love, love ,love, colour and prints and I don’t shy away from either. My rule for colours are that they should be bold and rich. As for prints; they need to be proportionate to your body shape. For example, chicas with boobs, you should avoid thin lines or small prints. Small lines and prints can make you appear larger. Instead go for medium sized lines or prints, which is flattering for the ladies who have a full bust. The same can be said for women who are petite; larger prints give the appearance of the garment wearing you and you not wearing the garmnet.

Fabric and material: Those of you that that may have shopped with more or regular readers of the blog, know that fabric is an important element of how a garment will fit. This season, I purchased an off the shoulder in linen and cotton this season.  Linen is a fabric that I love in theory.; it is light and perfect for hot summer days especially as we reach triple digits. However; it is a fabric wrinkles very easily which can make your ensemble look unprofessional. One way around this, I ‘ve discovered in my years as being a stylist,  you should opt for linen-blend garments or bright coloured linen garments. Picking one of these linen combinations will help the linen garment appear more crisp and polished.   Cotton and Cotton-blend: In my efforts to explore the off the shoulder trend, I have found that cotton has made the best fabric for this trend just because it is a more breathable and accommodating fabric for various body types. More importantly, cotton is a versatile fabric which makes it easier to transition looks from season to season

Off the shoulder looks have exploded this season and have implemented a romantic look to every woman’s wardrobe. I don’t see this trend fading away any fashion season soon, so if you decide to rock this trend please keep in mind that body part that is being highlighted is in the title of the garment “shoulders”. I should not see cleavage or belly buttons. If you decide to don an off the shoulder dress, please beware of the length, explore multiple fabrics and silhouette of the off the shoulder look… not all are created equal.

Jcrew off the shoulder blouse

Growing up in 90’s we had great smooth R&B, questionable fashion and of course the Spice Girls. Yes, I was fan and you guessed it… Posh Spice was my favourtie Spice Girl;  I loved her classic and innovative fashion sense. Watching her transform from Posh Spice to fashion icon, has been incredible for the fashion world and now for my closet!

Now, you all know that Target is one of my favourite pastimes and I was beyond excited when I heard that Victoria Beckham was collaborating with Target. Naturally, I was stalking the website daily until the 9 April release date. From the first picture of her collection, I was hooked. I loved the scalloped trim in the skirts and tanks. The classic black and white to bold pinks and organges. Let’s not forget the spring themed prints of bunnies, bees, calla lilies daisies and mulitfloral prints that captures the classic English style. Her collection is sized from 00-26, which allows women of truley different size to expereince her collection

Now, I’ve been working in fashion for almost a decade and I have seen many celebrities create collections that have been less than successful due to many elements of from sizing to pricing. Victoria Beckham’s Collection for Target seems to have mastered those two elements. I have ordered two pieces from her collection and I find that her sizing is generous and the  price is ideal with the average price point of $45. I persoanlly love Victoria Beckhams’s style and really excited about this collaboration and the variety that exists within the collection. The three pieces I purchased, the black and white scallaped skirt,  fuchsia trousers and a beautiful white bib blouse have been fabulous additions to my wardrobe.  From the first announcement of her launch, I tagged the skirt in my favourite section and of course it sold out immediately, so I had to order it and patiently await its arrival.

I was impressed with the structure of the skirt, the fit and how it moved on me. The skirt has a side zip which fasted and laid nice and flat and did not bunch like some skirts I own. The skirt was the one piece that sold me on her collection; it is bold, dramatic and classic. I’ve paired it with a black cami and sweater for a very classic English look and then I paied with my signature pop of colour to make the look my own.

The perfect white blouse. I’ve been, along with many others, in search for the perfect white blouse, which I any have found in her collection.  It is collarless bub style blouse with detailed buttons. It has become my go piece for black pants of distressed denim and heels.  The blouse is a perfect fit for those who struggle with a blouse that doesn’t pucker at the bust. I have received so many compliments on this blouse, that I have  invested in another( yes I did, girl yes I did lol)

The trousers, I’ve had to try a couple of sizes, they are a generous fit and longer than most of my pants that I own, but they are worth the purchase and for a few dollars more, I will have them hemmed for the perfect length. I’ve seen a couple of more pieces that I will add to my wardrobe and I am anxious to see how many seasons Victoira Beckhma will collaborate with Target.

I, Syraluna, approve of this collaboration. Victoria Beckham and her team were smart to introduce her collection the way they did. She introduced her brand to an eclectic group of consumers ranging fro product to her sizing. Though some criticized  her sizing for being too big, I think she truly captured English style for the American fashionista who understands and appreciates that true style can evolve while being true to the foundation of the brand