You don’t have to head to the seaside to embrace the beach-inspired collections from the spring 2010 catwalks and this draped, mesh number proves it! Take a tip from Topshop Unique’s sportswear theme by working the asymmetrical trend with this surfer girl meets rock chic mini dress. The eye-catching aqua and orange shark print is a playful addition to the relaxed style, which includes a racer back cut and bikini style tie. We’ve been waiting for this one since London Fashion Week but luckily for us all, the waiting is over. Create your very own JAW(s)-dropping (sorry, we couldn’t resist) moment by donning this laid-back number. $310 from Topshop.
Read MoreSearch Results for “beach”
Lunchtime buy: Jimmy Choo Bazli raffia and leather tote
Rafia bags were popular on the spring 2010 catwalks, seen everywhere from Bottega Veneta to Badgley Mischka. Not ones to miss a trend, Label of the moment Jimmy Choo were the fashion house behind this smart day bag which has just arrived online at Net a Porter. Mixing natural rafia and leather with gold detailing, the Bazli tote combines these fabrics to create a statement look for your beach arm candy. £595 from Net a Porter.
Read MoreDaisy Lowe’s body issues
She’s one of Britain’s best young models, but despite having stints at Agent Provocateur, Mango and Vivienne Westwood, not to mention becoming the face of Louis Vuitton’s spring beachwear collection, Daisy Lowe still battles with her body image.
Read MoreBeauty Road Test: Front Row by Charles Worthington
I’m used to testing ‘miracle’ products from big-name, leading brands only to find them a disappointment. Many just don’t work. It’s a simple as that. So when Charles Worthington contacted My Fashion Life to tell us they were sending some rather special new products our way, I approached with the usual caution. High-performance they said. The result of countless years of experience collaborating with some of the fashion industry’s most notable names, they said. Tested at editorial shoots and fashion shows, the Front Row collection of nine styling products are suitable for both use on the catwalk and for re-creating the looks at home.
Read MoreDesigners’ Christmas wish list
Still stuck on what to ask for this Christmas? Take a note from a fashion insider or two. Contemporary designers from across the globe have compiled their wish lists for the festive season, and some are quite surprising.
Read MoreHouse of Fraser SS10 press day
In our opinion, House of Fraser is one of the UK’s top department stores for fashion. From designer brands to high street labels,
Read MoreDaisy Lowe for Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is really doing its bit to embrace younger models lately, isn’t it? After announcing Lara Stone as the face of the luxury label’s S/S10 campaign, replacing Madonna, no less, it has now enlisted British model and all-round cool girl Daisy Lowe, too.
Read MoreSelena Gomez to launch collection
Move over Miley Cyrus, there’s a new tween in fashion town; Disney star Selena Gomez is launching her own line. Best known for her lead role on the Disney Channel’s ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’, the 17-year-old has been busy designing her own eco-friendly fashion collection, Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, set to launch for A/W10. “Growing up in Texas, I was sort of close-minded and kind of a tomboy, but as I’ve travelled, I found such a love of clothes, said the young beauty, who, like Miley, looks far older than her age. “It’s really always been a dream of mine to have a line. Created with a team of industry experts, including Tony Melillo, former Generra designer and creator of his eponymous menswear label, and Sandra Campos, business brains behind Polo Ralph Lauren, Gomez’ line is “pretty, feminine and bohemian, which is reflective of her own style. “She has such a good sense of what she likes and what she doesn’t like, Melillo, creative director for the Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez line, told WWD. “It was surprising as I’ve never worked with someone so young, and never really expected her to be so smart. She has a desire to be involved, and nothing is sent out there without her approval. Planning to launch a full sportswear collection for A/W10, the line is made up of Boho dresses, floral printed tops, jeans, skirts, jackets and accessories including scarves and hats. It probably won’t be our sort of thing, but it looks as though Gomez could take the tween fashion world by storm.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week SS10: Avsh Alom Gur
Avsh Alom Gur’s Spring 2010 static installation was a busy affair and the fashion pack were eager to view Gur’s first solo collection since leaving the now defunct Ossie Clark earlier this year. After a short drinks reception, the curtain was drawn back to reveal a model wearing one of Gur’s latest creations. The black and white two-piece consisted of a sleeveless, loose fitting top and high waisted, wide leg trousers. Sat on a platform like the mannequins behind her, she handed out the 2010 lookbook before wandering the crowds and posing for photographs. Gur’s decision to use a model alongside his static collection was a smart move, as it breathed life into the outfit and allowed onlookers to imagine the fluidity of the fabric used in the designer’s other pieces.
Read MoreFashion Week Survival guide: Get 20% off top brands and food
London Fashion Week is fast approaching. And if the stress of trying to nab the goody bags from the front row without security noticing gets too much, or your pretty but impractical shoes are rubbing then it may be time to take advantage of the various discounts on offer around the shows. Retailers at Seven Dials, the shopping area between Soho and Covent Garden, are offering up to 20% off between September 24 to 27.
Read MorePaulina Porizkova’s not dumb
Paulina Porizkova is desperate not to be viewed as “a dumb model”. The outspoken supermodel – who recently made some scathing remarks about US TV show ‘America’s Next Top Model’ after she was not asked to return as a judge on the latest series – is keen to overturn the stereotype that those in the fashion industry are stupid.
Read MoreDonna Karan proud of daughter’s figure
Donna Karan designed her daughter a short wedding dress to show off her legs. The US fashion designer was only too happy to make a gown when Gabby announced her plans to wed several years ago, but was determined Gabby should make the most of her assets. Donna explained: “Gabby and Gian Paolo married on a beach at Parrot Cay on the Turks and Caicos Islands, where we have a family home. It’s one of our favourite places in the world.
Read MoreInterview with Creative Director at Harper’s Bazaar UK Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou
Highly respected as one of the world’s top fashion editors, Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou, who takes up her new role at Harper’s Bazaar in September, is also Editor-in-Chief of renowned luxury fashion quarterly 10 Magazine and will simultaneously continue both positions. As both Editor-in-Chied of 10 Magazine and creative director for Rouland Mouret and Antonio Berardi, Sophia has pushed the boundaries of fashion with her incredible creativity and ground-breaking editorials. Named “one of the most influential and respected creative forces in fashion” by The Observer’s Life Magazine and having worked as Fashion Director for a number of luxury brands, including China and Russian Vogues and Sunday Times Style, Sophia shows no signs of stopping: “I am incredibly excited to be taking on this new opportunity at Harpers Bazaar. It is a truly iconic title with global recognition and to be Creative/Fashion Director is a huge honour.
Read MoreFive minutes with Melissa Odabash
Looking for swimwear? Look no further than Melissa Odabash. A former model, Melissa launched her eponymous label in 1995 and has since become synonymous for designing “must have bikinis. Most famous for her Zebra print swimwear Melissa’s creations have been worn by top celebs such as Rihanna, Chloë Sevigny, Kate Moss and more. We caught up with Melissa for a little insight into her life and loves..
Read MoreSteel vs Cheap: Hot headgear
With summer just around the corner (we hope) and our holidays booked, we are all getting into the spirit of summer shopping. No-one can deny that little rush of joy we get as we purchase another pair of shorts or a fabulous bikini to add to our collection. However, we sometimes forget the most fabulous treats, our accessories, perfect for dressing up or down anything. This year the accessory that has been making the biggest impact is the hat. The style in question is the trilby. Available in various colours and textures you’re practically spoilt for choice. But in our opinion your best bet is to keep it simple. You want it so that it goes with near enough every outfit you choose and therefore faithful black is always a good option. The Eugenia Kim is so gorgeous, £240, available at
Read MoreBar Refaeli: she’s no dirty girl
Bar Refaeli loves cleaning. The Israeli supermode, who recently split from actor boyfriend Leonardo DiCaprio, loves nothing better than dusting and polishing her apartment because she finds the tasks relaxing. She is quoted as saying: “I like to put really loud music on, clean the house and dance in between. I bet I look silly, but I don’t care because I love it.” The 24 year old model doesn’t just stop at cleaning her house.
Read MoreSteep vs Cheap: Summer Stunners
Denim shorts are a firm choice when it comes to Summer. They’re perfect for beach to bar and whether you’re a girly girl, die-hard fashionista or like to give off an effortless vibe, you can work denim shorts to suit any style. We like to pair them with loose vests and gladiators for that “I really haven’t bothered laid-back chic look. These distressed cut-offs by Citizens of Humanity, £155 available at Net-a-Porter are a superb selection. But if you’re looking for something with a cheaper price tag then why not opt for these scorchers courtesy of Renewal Denim, available at Urban Outfitters at a cool price of £28.
Read MoreSteep vs Cheap: Ripped Boyfriend Jeans
Jeans are the fail-safe option for any fashion forward female, but which option do we choose? 2009 saw the returning trend of the
Read MoreDolce and Gabbana to venture online
Dolce and Gabbana are set to launch their online store next Tuesday. The Italian fashion house’s site, dandgstore.com, will sell clothes, accessories, beachwear, eyewear and jewellery, which will be available to 31 countries worldwide. Speaking about the website, Stefano Gabbana told WWD.com: ‘The online boutique is like a game. It’s a fun and immediate way to shop, without space or time limitations. We are confident it will get people even closer to D and G’s dynamic universe.’
Read MoreBar Refaeli eats her way into bikini
Bar Refaeli doesn’t like seeing thin girls wearing bikinis. The Israeli-born model, who recently created a $120 swimsuit with surfwear brand Hurley, insists you need a curvy shape to looking stunning in two-piece swimwear. When asked for advice on getting the perfect beach body, Bar replied: “Eat. Skinny girls in bikinis are not nice. My guiltiest pleasure is French fries.”
Read MoreRosa Cha Leather swimsuit sells out
New York’s fashion elite have flocked to buy an £800 leather swimsuit. Boutique beachwear emporium Rosa Cha has sold out of the unusual one-piece, which is made out of butter-soft meshed brown leather that must not get wet. Other best-selling items at the store include a £2,000 Swarovski crystal-encrusted swimming costume and a £1,190 kaftan. Shop manager Christina Delice said: ‘The people that buy these pieces are people who can definitely afford these kinds of items.’ The animal skin creation is not the only expensive swimsuit that is flying off the shelves this summer.
Read MoreThe style comeback of the Panama hat
God I’m hungry. On the count-down to bikini-gate, and that one thought keeps dancing around in my brain waving beef burgers and two chocolate fingers at me. Despite the crop tops and the very short shorts the shops are taunting me with, there is at least one summer trend that mercifully requires you to cover up. Panamas. It’s a garment with a lot of history, one that’s practical and that can rightfully claim to be a fashion classic. Yes, I’m about to parade those two words out again, sorry- the city pages have their credit crunch, but we fashion writers have ‘investment purchasing’. For the Panama, that’s certainly true.
Read MoreThe Clothes Show comes to London
It may have taken numerous forms of transport to get there, but I managed it. I did note another disgruntled Clothes Show-er moaning that a trip to the Birmingham one would have been quicker, and sadly they were right. But back to the show, I was greeted by hundreds of young want-to be fashionable things, and their mums. This is fashion week for tweens, with lashing of pink hair-straighteners, fake tans and a sprinkling of boyband hysteria. I am not however slating the Clothes Show, for I too was one of these girls, well without the fake tan that had yet to be properly invented. But I dragged along my begrudging parents to its’ original home of Birmingham on two occasions as a tween. For me it was wonderful, my favourite high street brands which I could spend my well saved pocket money on. And ten years on, has it progressed? No it’s exactly the same except that I am now a fashion savvy shopper and reporter.
Read MoreEva Herzigova works a retro one-piece in Cannes
Whilst the likes of Paris Hilton & Co. are flouncing around in barely-there bikinis, Eva Herzigova was spotted looking every inch a Hollywood starlet in her one piece swimsuit. She looked almost like a slender Marilyn Monroe and those white Ray Bans are fab. I love the one-piece look but it’s only really suited to moderate temperatures, otherwise you end up with strange tan lines. It is a great suit, the monochrome panel is perfect for slimming, not that Eva needs that, and I like the ruched detailing. But as with everything it’s all in the details and a pedicure is a must for any beach bound fashionista.
Read MoreChanel cruise collections come to Venice
Last night Karl Lagerfeld presented the Chanel Cruise collections in the Italian city of Venice. It was of course the most beautiful of settings, and is probably the most suited city to the elegance and romance that surrounds the Chanel brand. The catwalk took place on the boardwalk on the Lido beach, a true dream setting and again perfect for cruise. The invitation had an image of Coco sitting on the Lido beach. On the perfect setting Lagerfeld said: “Venice has a genuine dark and mysterious side to it that fascinated me. I really like the Italian spirit and the Venetian lifestyle, and let’s not forget that Coco Chanel came back to Venice for 10 years.
Read MoreFashion for 1p at M&S
No this is not some weird belated April Fool but Marks and Spencers will be selling two million products off for one penny each, yes 1p! Back in 1884 M&S was a Penny Bazaar and so to celebrate their 125th birthday, the retailer will be selling off a range of products for literally loose change. Products on sale include jewellery, scarves, purses, underwear, cufflinks, luggage tags, tea towels, mugs, sweets, drinks, beach toys amongst others. One of the scarves normally retails at £12 whilst the underwear is usually £4 for a pair of knickers. Customers can choose up to five products and every single penny will got to the M&S 125 Charity Challenge, which aims to raise 1.25m for charities between now and September.
Read MoreSteep vs Cheap: Reiss gives Herve Leger a run for his money!
The trend for body con dresses keeps evolving season after season. Now that we’re finally close to summer, there is no better way to adorn your glowing beach body than with an apparent second skin dress. We thank the greats who have pioneered this look – Marios Schwab Roland Mouret and Herve Leger. Just take a look at this royal blue Herve Leger bandage tank dress, a guaranteed sensational outfit. Yet if the £705 price tag is a bit too much of a pinch for your purse do not fear! You can still champion this sexy style all thanks to Reiss. Their Luca band dress is practically identical to Leger’s yet available at the bargain price of £135. Which do you prefer?
Read MorePeaches Geldof… She’s a lingerie model?!
So that’s what she does! We’ve been wondering for a while now what it is Peaches actually does everyday of the year, well except for looking rough at 3am. But following in the footsteps of pal
Read MoreZandra Rhodes takes on M&S!
Oh we do love a collaboration, and one that combines one of the most flamboyant designers and a British institution is a recipe for fashion bliss. Zandra Rhodes’ kooky prints are just what the doctor ordered. Marks and Spencer really are onto a winner with this one. We’re already drooling over the rose-swirl jumpsuit. There’s a great swimwear and beachwear line, that is so Zandra Rhodes you be hard pushed to know if it were from her mainline or not. The once rebellious designer, seems very excited about her collaboration with the straight-laced high street brand:
Read MoreFashion Fix: You can Kaftan!
Channel your inner hippie! A kaftan is not only super wearable and practical but also bang on trend too. This beaded beige beauty is brought to us by quirky label Antik Batik. The delicate beading on the front panel throw us back to memories of the last heat wave and have us dreaming of our next holiday in the sun. Simply throw on to add glamour on the beach or team with chunky wood heels to take your look into evening. The hemline sits about above the knee, which allows enough coverage for the body conscious, but provides enough exposure to essentially keep cool. £185 available at net-a-porter.com. Not bad for a summer staple!
Read MoreCindy gets soapy for Allure
Yikes, if you’ve ever worried about getting older, or have been contemplating anti-wrinkle nonsense then check out Cindy Crawford in Allure magazine first. She looks phenomenal and at 43 she is a perfect role model for aging gracefully/hardly aging at all. The sexy shoot is for an anti-aging issue and it definitely gets its point across. The article also offers insights into her beauty regime. “Basically, I take care of myself, but I don’t want to be obsessive. And I don’t want to not like who I am today. I’m all for fighting the good fight, but I don’t care how much you work out or how much cream you put on—things change.”
Read MoreHot swimwear trends for summer 09!
Thoughts of sunshine and escaping to somewhere hot this summer do two things to a British girl. One, they keep us going and make life at work in the lead up to the warmer months just about bearable. And two, they put us in a flat out panic about what we’re going to look like in our swimsuits. Well, put all those fears at bay and face your fears head on. Ladies, let’s see what we have to contend with and check out the trends for summer 09.
Read MoreThe shade of spring? Electric blue. It’s electrifying!
Armand Basi One, Gucci, Michael Kors, DKNY. All have one thing in common: their prolific use of the shade to be seen in this sprin – electric blue. Fitting in fabulously with fashion’s current obsession with all things 80’s (without being as garish as the neon shades saturating the revival), the colour adds a classic intensity to any summer ensemble and will suit all skin tones. Wear head to toe, a la Michael Kors or mix with black for striking, 80’s glam. Feel like injecting some print? Stick to animal print as seen at Lanvin.
Read MoreEtam heats up thanks to Natalia Vodianova
How many of you ever shopped in Tammy Girl? It was the place we all headed to as young teenagers to end up looking like rejects from Blossom, or the long lost cousin of a Spice Girl. Yes Tammy Girl was for a time a British Institution, and Etam was its’ big sister. Etam, is nothing to write home about, it was a fashion shop, not cutting edge, not terrible. It eventually fell into difficulties and was bought by our favourite fashion tycoon Natalia Vodianova has become the face of the Etam. In a star studded catwalk show at the glamorous Ritz in Paris, Natalia’s line ingeniously titled Natalia pour Etam, was witnessed in all it’s glory by the likes of Eva Herzigova and Charlotte Casiraghi. The collection includes swimwear, lingerie and nightwear and is reasonably priced with top end being around $80. The line will launch in store from April and a further collection is expected later. The collection is wearable and stylish, with a gorgeous beach maxi dress and silk pyjamas stealing the limelight. It is still quite bizarre to see Etam connected with such high glamour. But one thing I do wonder, when are the celebrity fashion links ups going to end? When will designers take back the reigns under their own names? I’m finding the constant
Read MoreJennifer Connelly steals the show in Balmain
The movie premiere for He’s Just Not That Into You was always going to be a stylish affair. And we were all eager to see who would upstage whom and who should have just stayed at home. With such a glamorous cast I’m surprised it wasn’t handbags at dawn over the premiere frocks, but it would seem only one of them managed to get it right… Jennifer Connelly.
Read MoreOrigins Modern Friction Body Scrub
Origins Modern Friction is a gentle body scrub that exfoliates with rice starch to rejuvinate tired, dry skin. The product promises to refine, whilst calming the skin with a touch of Aloe. Well it all sounds good to me, and things only got better when I opened the cap to take a whiff.
Read MoreCr̬me de la Mer РThe Ultimate Hand Treatment
This particular Crème De La Mer experience is described as the most luxuriously indulgent hand treatment around. Specially tailored to strengthen and fortify nails, leaving them with long-lasting, healthy shine. I wasn’t disappointed.
Read MoreRussell Simmon’s ventures into menswear
Right o.k. So this might explain Russell’s appearance at London Fashion Week last month. Last Friday the 51yr old hip hop mogul launched a collection of menswear for the over 25 crowd at the Setai Hotel in South Beach.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: SADO
SADO presented their Spring/Summer 09 collection this week to much applause. The utterly wearable line had strong influences from tropical art deco Miami with a colourful palette of blues, pinks, salvia green and brick orange. Combine this with a geometric pattern inspired by the Egyptian pyramids, add a dash of 1950s and 1980s influence, and you can be sure that I was wanting to transport myself to a warm and sunny beach resort, Pina Colada in hand.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: Vivienne Westwood Red Label
Even standing in the queue for this show was an event; it was a who’s who of celebsville, from Pamela Anderson to Mischa Barton to Kate Moss to Erin O’Connor and Dita Von Teese, yes they were all there en masse. Oh, and I must add that Dita really is flawless. So, on with the clothes and the curiously long catwalk (the models must have been exhausted). To say I was excited is an understatement but I am very pleased to report that the Grande Dame of fashion did not disappoint.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: Olanic
The show started with a rainstorm, ok it was lighting and but this was to set the theme of the quirky weather girl. The collection was certainly quirky but entirely wearable. A truly consumer friendly collection, every piece could be worn time and time again. With an 80s feel, jersey mini dresses and graphic prints looked surprisingly fresh and interesting. Jumpsuits also made an appearance and looked beach friendly and chic.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: Spijkers en Spijkers
In a frenzied mix of lace, silk, satin and chiffon there was a sense of Stepford Wives meets Barbarella. This is not to say that it was bad, but it was not all good. Known for their futuristic looking creations, this collection followed on nicely from last seasons, however I found that some pieces were over fussy and would have been stronger left simple with an edge.
Read MoreAll Hail The New Man-Bag!
We all covet that elusive one-of-a-kind couture piece, something which provokes envious stares, lustful glances and jealous whispers. Well ladies, I’m here to tell you that most of us already have one at our disposal but aren‘t showcasing it to its true potential; the newest accessory that with a little bit of effort can match every outfit in your wardrobe seamlessly, is the boyfriend.
Read MoreDegaine: High Waist Flares Jeans for Any Season
The world isn’t full of skinny, tall super models. In fact, I kind of think most of you are like me- a little on the shorter side and like many roads, somewhat curvy. My one sore spot, when it comes to fashion, is finding the perfect jeans – meaning jeans that will transcend me from year to year and from trend to trend. The search has been going on for many years and I have yet to find the perfect pair to match my curvy bod- until now.
Read MoreFrom Charlotte Ronson and Shoshanna With Love: “Made With Love” Swimwear Line
You can tell that we love Charlotte Ronson here at My Fashion Life so we’re pretty chuffed to announce that Ronson has teamed up with Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss—a childhood friend of Ronson—to launch a beach/swimwear line called Made With Love. The collection, which is set to hit high-end department stores and Ronson’s own Soho store in February, will cater to both women and young girls.
Read MoreGQ Style Guy Speaks on Flip-Flops
“But seriously, folks, flip-flops are for the beach or maybe washing the car or spaniel. They are not the next big thing. They are the last sad thing on the road to stylistic surrender.” – GQ Style Guy, Glenn O’Brien in August 2008 GQ
Read MoreTry Something Different: Smudged Style
Although the perennial make-up look for summer is, of course, ‘fresh-faced’ beauty I’d like to venture a painterly alternative. Wild, I know, but as anyone who has actually ventured out of said ‘fresh-faced’ beauty will know from bitter experience, this is an elusive look that seems to mysteriously occur solely in the forbidden realm of supermodels (a magical place of flawless complexions, flashing bulbs, cigarettes and leather jackets….).
Read MoreOde to NYC: My Shopping Stomping Ground
Alas, the time for me to leave New York City has arrived. With a move to sunny Southern California in the works for next month, I am totally excited to explore a new city and to have access to incredible beaches and to bask in perpetual nice weather…but it’s no secret that there are a list full of things that I will dearly miss from the place I’ve called home over the past eight years. Great food, great friends…and yes, of course, great fashion. As a tribute to one of the most stylish cities in the world, I will leave you with some of my favorite shopping haunts that I’ve frequented over the years that have helped to shape my closet from season to season.
Read MoreShopping: Floppy Hats
With all of my summer travel plans (most which revolve around a beach of some kind), I’m in the need for fun hat to help shade myself from the sun , especially since I’m getting more paranoid about premature aging. Straw hats can look a little too rustic looking in my opinion, but a hat made of light-weight fabric, like this one by Helen Kaminski are much more elegant. Made of breathable cotton organdy, this floppy-brimmed hat will keep you cool while adding an element of resort-chic glam. I love that the hat is very stylish and delicate and doesn’t overwhelm the face and body as some of the “Kentucky derby-esque alternatives.
Read MoreThe Nautical Look: Trend or Staple?
Every year at around this time I see four or five articles exclaiming over the nautical trend of this summer. It’s hard not to think beachy, oceanic thoughts when the weather is warm and sunny out and the summer holidays are fast approaching … but I repeat, I see this every year—so at what point does a trend became a wardrobe staple that simply goes into hibernation for a few months out of the year?
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