Search Results for “x factor”

Tried and Tested: High Rise Hunter Jean by James Jeans

by on 12th May 2017 0 comments

For someone who’s nowhere near a denim aficionado (I’m a tapered trouser kinda lady), I had my work out when it came to test driving some jeans as part of my job. Befuddled by the sheer choice of shapes, cuts and styles, after much deliberation (and research), I settled for the high rise, straight leg Hunter jean (a brave detour from my usual denim choice) by celebrity go-to brand, James Jeans (fans include Rachel Bilson, Hilary Duff and Zoe Saldana, to name a few). Highly impressed by the super-soft 9oz denim fabric, I was pleased to find that the Hunter jean was comfortably stretchy; far from the deceptive size 10 pairs I have picked up over the years that refuse to slip on without a fight! Being a high rise pair meant the Hunter jean sat quite high on my waist – I usually tend to opt for low rise styles – and I found the effect to be quite flattering around the hip area, almost ‘lifting’ my excuse of a derrière to new heights of visibility! But, my initial excitement was sadly short-lived, as when I opted for the high rise style I didn’t quite factor in the fact that the leg length would increase so much. Being an awkward 5’6.5″ tall with an inseam measurement of 27″ means I don’t have the Kloss legs needed to carry off the extra six inches of the Hunter, causing the jean to gather at my ankles. Being a straight leg cut means folding isn’t really an option, either! I also found that my chosen style gathered in an unusual way at the back of my knees. For me, a certified flats lovers, the high rise Hunter would spell disaster, as I would only be able to carry off this design in […]

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3 ways to update your office look!

by on 4th October 2012 0 comments

Looking for a way out of your work wardrobe rut? Want to add a fashionable tilt to office attire without spending a fortune? Fear not, 9-5ers, because we’ve come up with three fabulous ways to make your work wardrobe scream wow! Often, office apparel conjures up images of dated grey pinstripe skirts and badly cut blouses, but the new season’s polished look and sleeker aesthetic (fashion flashback: Celiné, Jil Sander) means workwear has invaded  Planet Fashion, and making workwear work harder (pardon the pun) is now the job du jour. So if you’re looking to pack a new season punch into your office wardrobe, it need not cost an arm and a leg. Just take on board our three trend-injecting, wardrobe refreshing tips, and you’ll be promoted to cool city chick in no time. 1.Add a statement knit to the mix A statement jumper is your go-to piece for an instant update to drab workwear. Bring block colour, embellishments and interesting textures to the boardroom table and show your boss you mean business with a stylish edge! Pair this Farhi by Nicole Farhi lambswool jumper with a black leather pencil skirt for after-work events, or wear with black, tailored crop trousers and a statement necklace for office chic with a fashion forward edge. Farhi by Nicole Farhi Daliah Yellow Contrast Sleeve Lambswool Jumper, £150, available at My Wardrobe 2. Flats are just as cool for work Hobbling to your next meeting due to heel-induced foot injuries was never deemed professional, so why not dismiss the heels for feet-friendly flats? Slippers, loafers and brogues are huge for autumn/winter 2012, and we love how these Dune Marden loafers are a 2-in-1 trend buster buy: patent and tweed-like fabric bring these loafers bang up-to-date. Wearing flats to work has never been cooler.

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Tried and Tested: Caseable iPad case

by on 12th May 2017 0 comments

Making waves in the tech-sessories sector, Brooklyn-based gadget wear company Caseable, with a ‘products that matter to you’ ethos, has been on my radar for a while.   Wanting to wilfully take a break from dressing myself and preventing further ‘investment purchases’, it was high time I clothed my shiny new iPad in something a little au courant. So, I decided to put a custom made iPad 2 case from Caseable to the test, and here’s what I thought:   Chosen design   Although there were several pre-available designs to choose from on the website, being a stickler for customisation I personalised my iPad case with a monochrome skull illusion design by Ali Gulec from the featured Artist Collection, complete with a bright coral spine to add a flash of colour and a dark blue interior. How it works The design process is conveniently straightforward and you know exactly how your design will look before you buy.   Select your device from the drop down list (Caseable caters for kindles, iPads, smartphones, e-readers, tablets and laptops) and then choose your preferred design; personalisation aficionados can even upload a picture of their choice.   Once you ‘re happy with your chosen cover, proceed to purchase and your order is shipped to you from the Brooklyn site within ten days of placing it. Yay or Nay? Almost the tech-cessory equivalent of the H&M Exclusive Conscious Collection, Caseable covers are pocket and eco-friendly without losing the look-good factor. Made where possible from recycled materials, all covers are hand-crafted in Brooklyn, and I was pleasantly surprised by the sturdiness of my case.   The protective, super-soft suede interior and ‘wake up’ function (- magnet feature on the inside of the front sleeve of the case that fires up my iPad screen each time I open […]

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M&S is shifting more nude heels than ever thanks to Kate Middleton

by on 26th September 2012 0 comments

Reiss isn’t the only high street store that has Kate Middleton to thank for a rise in sales, oh no. Marks and Spencer is reportedly shifting more nude heels than ever before thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge and her penchant for colourless footwear – especially a pair that looks strikingly similar to our future Queen’s trusty LK Bennett pair. “Nude court shoes have always been a popular style for us however, their popularity has grown by royal proportions over the last year and even more so since featuring in our September TV Ad,” said Sally Ambrose a spokesperson for Marks and Spencer. “Although celebrity influence can often be a factor to increased sales the nude court shoe is a classic wardrobe staple that every woman should own.” We couldn’t agree more. Do you have a pair of trusty nude pumps on your shoe rack? If so, was it a Kate Middleton inspired purchase? Let us know! [poll id=”372″] [Telegraph]

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5 stylish accessories every woman should own!

by on 19th October 2013 Comments are Disabled

Outfit ‘gellers’, closet completers, or wardrobe ‘uniters’: however you prefer to address them, stylish accessories are the cornerstone of an accomplished wardrobe. Fashionably educated women understand that breathtaking looks are perfectly fine and all, but stepping out sans apt accessories to complement an outfit is, well, pretty much like stepping out naked, really! OK, so this may sound extreme, but it holds true that accessories are often responsible for drawing the eyes of fashion conscious onlookers to a particular person’s style. (That conversation-starting clutch; the gasp-inducing, fashion editor-huddling statement necklace, anyone?) Fashion Week street style photography is testament to this, as are the mounting numbers of pages dedicated solely to accessories that are popping up in our favourite glossies. So, what does the perfect accessory-drobe consist of? On-trend, limelight stealing knickknacks (cue: Anna Dello Russo’s accessory-dripping appearances during Fashion Month), or a tightly edited collection of classic go-to pieces you heavily rely on when an outfit needs a little edge? Bring yourself back from accessory free-fall with our quick guide to 5 stylish accessories every woman well versed in the world of fashion should own. 1. The All-purpose Sunnies No discerning style maven is without her sunnies, be it rain or shine! No longer the preserve of sunny days, sunglasses are toys for grown ups, and so the more fun had with these, the better! Opt for a classic, all-rounder shape in a fun hue for sunnies that add instant glam to an off-duty look. House of Harlow Robyn round-frame acetate sunglasses, £110 £55, available at The Outnet 2. The Classic Bag This classic style tote is the perfect outfit hopper. Flitting between chic and functional; the roomy interior, detachable shoulder strap and minimal hardware detailing means you’ll carry your life’s contents on your arm (or shoulder) without compromising a single ounce of style. Tory Burch Robinson […]

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Get Olivia Munn’s causal Coach look

by on 18th September 2012 0 comments

You can’t go wrong with a bit of Coach when you want to inject a bit of wow-factor into your casual, everyday wardrobe… and that’s exactly what the ever-stylish Olivia Munn did on the streets of New York. Akin to the majority of Tinsel Town, we too have a slight obsession with Coach bags. Big or small, there’s always a place for them in our wardrobes, and Olivia’s Coach ‘Classic Shoulder’ bag is a fine example of the powers of a small, practical and versatile bit of arm candy. Or cross the-body-candy, if you like! Once you get the Coach bag, channeling Olivia is easy as pie… a casual stripe tee (Marc Jacobs’ spring/summer 2013 catwalk show at New York Fashion Week showed us that stripes are the next big thing!) and some ankle boots with a small, chunky heel will complete the look perfectly. Classic leather shoulder purse, $198, available at Coach Stripe jumper, £49, Dash available at Debenhams Animal print sunglasses, £17.99, available at Mango Grey ankle boots, £120, D.Co Copenhagen available at ASOS Supersoft skinny jeans, £38, Moto available at Topshop [Image]

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Blake Lively wore Marchesa down the aisle!

by on 11th September 2012 0 comments

The only thing more shocking than discovering Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds got married in secret at the weekend was learning who designed her wedding dress. The blushing bride wore neither Chanel nor Gucci and actually went for a custom Marchesa gown instead – designed exclusively for her by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. Who would have thunk it? According to British Vogue, the new Mrs Reynolds wore a one-of a-kind Couture bridal ballgown with a hand-draped silk tulle bodice covered in crystals and rose gold embroidery. We need a pic… like, now! We’re not betting people, but would have wagered serious money that Blake would have glided down the aisle in a bespoke Chanel or Gucci number. Blake and Kaiser Karl have been friends for what seems like forever, and she is of course the face of Gucci’s new fragrance so they seemed like the obvious choices. Still, it wasn’t all shock-factor, as Blake reportedly wore a pair of her BFF Christian Louboutin’s shoes under her gown. And yes, he was invited to the wedding too! As for Ryan and the rest of the boys, reports are suggesting that they all wore Burberry suits custom made for them by Christopher Bailey! Are you still shocked Blake is now a married woman? [Image] 

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Watch the making of the Mulberry Del Rey

by on 30th August 2012 0 comments

In love with your Mulberry Del Rey or just perving over the whole bunch from a distance until you decide what colour to get? We have the perfect video for you to indulge in this morning… a video which shows you exactly how the beloved Del Rey was made at the brand’s Somerset factory, stitch by glorious stitch! Ever since clapping eyes on the artisans at work at the Hermès Leather Forever exhibit, we’ve been rather fascinated with how arm candy is made, and we guarantee this video will have you hooked too. Just makes us appreciate the Del Rey – and any Mulberry bag for that matter – just that little bit more. Don’t forget, Mulberry’s autumn/winter 2012 collection officially goes on sale on September 3rd, along with some of the Del Rey bags you saw on the catwalk. Click here to see some of the highlights from the new collection that we took at the Mulberry press day a few months ago. Tempted by anything? http://youtu.be/8DShY9Hyfa8

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Alesha Dixon wears a ‘Sweet Smile’ for Impulse

by on 30th August 2012 0 comments

Last week, we headed to the swanky Soho House to see Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon unveil ‘Sweet Smile’, an exclusive new fragrance from Impulse. “I’ve been a fan of Impulse for years, so I was flattered when they approached me to be the face of the latest fragrance, Sweet Smile,” Alesha said. “I really enjoyed taking part in the shoot and can’t wait to stock up on the scent once it hits the shelves. It’s perfect for a quick fragrance boost when I’m on-the-go during the day and is guaranteed to always put a smile on my face.” We can definitely see where she’s coming from – the fragrance is one of those easy to wear scents that every girl needs on her dressing table and in her handbag. Great to have with you on the tube when you stand next to someone with less than satisfactory hygiene… we’ve all been there! Shudder! The fragrance has fruity top notes of pear, mandarin and plum, middle notes of jasmine, muguet and osmanthus, and base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood and amber. Impulse Sweet Smile is available exclusively in Superdrug stores priced at £1.99 – bargain! And doesn’t Alesha look heavenly in the ad campaign?

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Vogue Paris gets a make-over

by on 23rd August 2012 0 comments

Ever since it got a new editor-in-chief last year, Vogue Paris has been mixing it up with some subtle new change here and there. However, the magazine has undergone an image overhaul for the September issue, revamping various factors such as remodelled typography, brand new names for each section and a new fashion opinion column which we can’t wait to sink our teeth into. “In anticipation of a shift in the mentality and behaviour of its readers, Vogue has taken the decision to revisit the way it presents itself, without changing the fundamentals,” reads a press release. “A new layout, and new section organization have been designed to provide this iconic magazine with greater harmony, and better readability, rhythm and femininity, as befits the leading women’s fashion title. “Over and above the magazine, Vogue Paris is a truly international multimedia brand with influence and style, that constantly works to inspire and inform a powerful community with which it shares common values and aspirations” And to celebrate the make-over, there’s not one, or even two, but three (!!) cover stars for the September issue; Lara Stone, Kate Moss and Daria Werbowy can all be found striking a fierce and fabulous pose in the same Dolce and Gabbana dress… but which girl rocked it the best?

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Two fab ways to style the slipper

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Trends are often deemed faddish and brushed off due to their temporariness, but some fads turn into fashion favourites, and, well, stay with us for a while! The slipper is a fine example of this. Fad-turned-fashion-must-have, the slipper has made its way into our wardrobes in many guises. Take the calf hair Avec Moderation version we waxed lyrical about a few weeks ago, or the much-famed (and kinda pricey) ‘Kitty’ flats by shoe extraordinaire Charlotte Olympia. Investing in a pair of shoes that remind you of your grandfather’s footwear collection isn’t exactly appealing, especially when they cost nearly £400 a pop! But don’t despair, because we’ve found the perfect pocket-friendly version you’ll want to keep wearing season in, season out! Sam Edelman’s rock ‘n’ roll take on the OAP-esque slipper brings us sparkles, studs and a colour that goes with absolutely everything: black! How to style the Adena slipper outside of ‘lounging’ hours, you ask? Read on to find out… Casual Coolness Keep it comfortable for the perfect off-duty vibe with a hit of soft, sparkly (and spiky) glamour! Kittia Classic Touch Soft Green Wool Jumper by By Malene Birger, £209; Black Rinsed Leather Skinny Fit Trouser by Helmut Lang, £280; Spike Necklace by Anton Heunis, £137; Black Adena Satin Crystal Stud Smoking Slipper by Sam Edelman, £140. Perfect for Date Night  Who said date night dressing was incomplete without heels? We’re digging the comfort factor, too! Colour Block Intarsia Dress by M Missoni, £425; Too Hot To Handle Top Handle Bag by Marc By Marc Jacobs, £375; Loop Of Love Earrings by Phoebe Coleman, £175; shoes as above.

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Bella Thorne looks grown up and gorgeous in Ted Baker London

by on 8th August 2012 0 comments

Disney stars. One minute they’re all cute, happy-go-lucky and innocent, and the next they’re falling out of cabs, wearing next to nothing and moaning about their life to anyone who’ll listen. Most of them, anyway. We’re used to seeing Bella Thorne, from popular Disney Channel TV show Shake it Up in age-appropriate, girlie dresses when she hits up red carpet events, but she went for something a lot more grown up for the LA premiere of The Odd Life of Timothy Green.  Sometimes it’s a big no-no when young actresses dress older than their years, as they either go too provocative or too mumsy, but in this case, Bella was the epitome of perfection. The floral pattern of her Ted Baker London dress gave the look just the right amount of girlieness, while the tight-fitting skirt detail added some subtle sexiness to the sartorial proceedings. Bella’s gorgeous fiery hair intensified the wow-factor of the look, which is why we give her a perfect 10/10 on this occasion.

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Six sizzling sale items for you to snap up right now!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

It’s Friday, Friday… and as Rebecca Black would say, “gotta get down on Friday.” Except we’re referring to “getting down” to the shop so you can snap up these awesome items that have just gone in the sale. They’re all perfect to add that essential wow factor finishing touch to your outfit. Whether you’re in need of a pretty, pastel piece of arm candy or just need to pop some colour in by way of some bright wedges, this week’s sale edit definitely has it covered. We don’t imagine they will stick around for long though, so if you see anything you like in your size, we suggest you whip the credit card out sooner rather than later before someone else beats you to it. (Like us!) 1. Spot Peter Pan dress, £39.50, £22, available at Dorothy Perkins 2. Yellow pattern dress, £59, £25, Yuki available at Topshop 3. Lace blazer, £415, £168, MSGM available at The Corner 4. Brass ring, £92, £46, Fiona Paxton available at The Outnet 5. Peep toe wedges, £35.99, £22.99, available at AX Paris 6. Pink bag, £1,030, £515, Nina Ricci available at The Corner  

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Blake Lively is beautiful in blue Marc by Marc Jacobs for Gossip Girl

by on 18th July 2012 0 comments

We have to all accept that pretty soon we’re going to have to kiss a long and painful goodbye to Gossip Girl, and as a result, brand new pics of the cast on the set will no longer exist. So, we’re making the most of it while it lasts! Blake Lively was “spotted” (said in our finest Gossip Girl American accent) on Madison Avenue in Manhattan yesterday in a gorgeous summery-blue Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, which was relatively modest in length but very daring at the top by way of a plunging neckline. It really goes to show how much Serena van deer Woodsen’s style has evolved over the years, doesn’t it? Blake/Serena teamed her dress with some coral Christian Dior platform sandals, which makes a nice change from the Christian Louboutins the actress wears when she’s not on set. The giant bag also adds to the overall wow-factor of the outfit, making this another style triumph for our favourite blonde Upper East Sider. Are you looking forward to the new (and final – sniff) season of Gossip Girl? 

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6 monochrome Graduation-ready dresses

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

This post is dedicated to all you clever clogs’ who will be graduating later this summer. We know that Graduation can be a bit daunting (we’ve been there, done it and got the T-shirt diploma) and apart from hoping you don’t trip on stage while accepting your certificate, we know that choosing an outfit to wear is at the top of the list of concerns. Therefore, we’ve decided to make it easy for you with 6 failsafe, can’t-go-wrong monochrome(ish) dresses. We think it’s probably best to keep your colour palette relatively simple to start off with, just in case you haven’t seen your gown and you clash with it. Buttons are quite handy for keeping the dreaded gown on, and collars are a fab way of instantly adding the smart factor to your gorgeous dress, although neither is essential. Congrats and good luck to everyone who will be graduating these next few months! 1. Black/white collar dress, £26, available at Dorothy Perkins 2. Black embellished collar dress, £42, available at Dorothy Perkins 3. Cream Marina dress, £56, Goldie available at Topshop 4. Cream and navy lace dress,  £24, Pussycat available at House of Fraser 5. Cap sleeve tunic dress, £20, available at Topshop. (Style tip: team with a snazzy belt or detachable collar to jazz it up!) 6. Stud collar dress, £42, available at Miss Selfridge

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Diane Kruger and Dianna Agron sport contrasting looks at Louis Vuitton party

by on 11th July 2012 0 comments

Blonde beauties Diane Kruger and Dianna Agron both attended a fab Louis Vuitton party at New York’s Whitney museum last night to celebrate the brand’s collaboration with Yayoi Kusama. We thought all of the guests would embrace the loud theme of the Louis Vuitton for Yayoi Kusama collection, but Diane Kruger proved that even the most minimal of outfits can hold its own in a room full of bold and colourful decor and guests. Diane once again showcased her style credentials as she wore a sheer (but not in the trashy way, thank you) maxi skirt paired with a gorgeous brown, white and blue kimono jacket. Her up-do and gold earrings complemented the rest of her look perfectly – top marks to Diane, as usual! Glee’s Dianna Agron also ranked highly, as she really turned on the wow-factor in an embellished, printed blue, black and brown dress. Although she wore plain shoes and minimal jewellery, Dianna made up for it with her ultra-glam make-up and expertly tousled hair. She definitely embraced the theme of the collection and occasion! Both blonde bombshells looked divine at the event, but whose look do you prefer? [poll id=”357″] [Images]

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Kelly Brook models her £18 New Look dress

by on 10th July 2012 0 comments

Looks like Kelly Brook is taking tips from Victoria Beckham (we don’t mean the whole pouting thing… on the contrary Kelly is one of the few celebs who we can always count on to crack a smile regardless!) We are of course talking about the fact that she is modelling her own designs… except Kelly’s come with a far more modest price tag. £18 if we’re being exact. The cute floral peplum dress is from Kelly’s current range for New Look – and if you hurry, you can snap up items from the collection at a fraction of the price as a lot of the pieces are now on sale! Kelly Brook is living proof that the price tag of an outfit doesn’t determine how good it looks – or how good it makes you feel; check out how happy she looks! We know the weather in London has been less than ideal this summer, but that hasn’t stopped Kelly from embracing the key trends of the season.  Take some advice from our Kel and inject the summer factor into your wardrobe despite the weather. (But maybe take a raincoat with you and opt for some closed shoes just in case!) Are you a fan of Kelly’s summer-worthy street style?

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Jessica Alba stuns in Versace at Versace

by on 2nd July 2012 0 comments

Jessica Alba is always one of those actresses you can count on to up the style ante and look gorgeous no matter what, and her appearance at the Versace Couture Show in Paris (more on this later) was no exception. In fact we think she even outdid herself and exceeded all expectations. The slinky black Versace number she wore hugged every single beautiful curve and gave her an overall flawless silhouette. It’s definitely not a dress that everyone can get away with (sniff!), but we think Jess should be the poster girl for how it should look when it’s worn right. Glamorous curls in her ombre hair and Donatella-approved heavy eye make-up contributed to the wow factor. We bet some of the guests had trouble concentrating on the catwalk models if Jessica was in their eyeline…

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Five minutes with…PPQ

by on 17th September 2023 0 comments

With a client portfolio that counts Rihanna, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller as loyal fans, Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker – the dynamic driving force behind the directional label, PPQ – must be doing something right. Awarded with being responsible for ‘spearheading the drainpipe jean revolution’, Amy and Percy took this pioneering approach across the realm of fashion, marrying it seamlessly with music. The design duo run a record label by the name of 1234 Records, and host the annual sell-out 1234 Shoreditch festival. My Fashion Life caught up with the creative twosome to talk favourite holiday destinations, music, and of course, fashion. Describe a typical working day in the life of the PPQ dynamic duo. Amy: A typical day consists of designing across several collections with responses to factories or meetings with suppliers or pattern cutters. Percy: Generally coordinating show details or planning overseas trips to meet buyers and press. With what inspirations in mind was the PPQ spring/summer 2012 collection conceived? Amy: Inspiration came from one of our archive prints, so SS’12 has a retro feel to it – It’s very nostalgic yet fresh and upbeat for summer. Percy: It was great to look back at some of the iconic pieces we have made in our 10 years. Tell us about your favourite holiday destination? Amy: It’s a semi-difficult question as a lot of the places we travel to are work related – even though they are good. I think the best place I go to where I leave my drawing behind is the North of Ibiza, but you never stop having ideas or being inspired. Other highlights are Antigua and Japan. Percy: Mauritius was a great autumn break at the end of last season. No jet lag and the most chilled out staff on the planet which […]

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Why 12 magazine’s ‘Victim of Beauty’ editorial fails to shock…

by on 15th June 2012 0 comments

We’re all accustomed to seeing rather disturbing imagery and advertising campaigns that highlight the plight of victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and poverty and horrific crimes such as rape and although we take note of the message being conveyed, we rarely bat an eyelid or wail out in retaliation against what we see. Yet when a beauty spread in Bulgarian publication, 12, featured six stunning models with serious injuries to various parts of their face, including black eyes, cut lips and slit throats, certain Samaritans jumped on the ‘glamorising domestic violence’ bandwagon and did nothing but viciously, and rather ironically, attack, attack and attack. Admittedly, when I first came across the ‘Victim of Beauty’ editorial, I did indeed find the images harrowing and found myself taken aback by the graphic nature and upsettingly real depiction of what a victim of severe brutality looked like. Severe brutality, may I stress. Not just the subject of a wife-battering, or any other form of domestic violence. That’s not to say the injuries in the editorial aren’t comparable with those sustained by unfortunate victims of this sad reality, but, at first glance I immediately saw a woman who was possibly mugged, randomly attacked by a savage passer-by, or someone who had escaped something as dark as kidnap. Not at any point did it occur to me to reinforce cultural stereotypes by instantly assuming these women had solely suffered at the hands of their partners. So I ask: why so much angst for something that depicts reality? Think back to the over- airbrushed images of superstars and models such as Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington in dreamy beauty ads that make headlines because they depict unreal beauty. Yet we all aspire to look just like the impossible picture before us, and rush to beauty […]

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Five minutes with…Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou of Ancient Greek Sandals

by on 17th September 2023 0 comments

What do you get when you mix ancient mythology with contemporary style? Ancient Greek Sandals, that’s what. “According to an Ancient Greek myth, the gods and goddesses had their sandals made on the beautiful islandof Crete by a gifted sandal maker who enriched each pair with magical powers. Famous for having made the flying sandals for Hermes, the sandal maker also embellished them with his personal signature…a “golden wing” buckle.” And, with this mythological summary in mind, Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou set about realising their dream of creating beautifully feminine sandals infused with Ancient Greek historical references. Handmade by skilled, local craftsmen using centuries-old techniques, Ancient Greek Sandals was launched for Cruise 2012, and are currently stocked at some of the best stores around the globe. We caught up with the design duo behind the name to talk holiday spots, favourite spring trends and, of course, shoes. Describe your typical working day Christina: I mostly work in the mornings and I take care of my son in the afternoons.  I sit in my office to design; correct prototypes, choose colours and materials and in general organise things.  Because I live on the island of Corfu and not inAthens, where the sandals are made, I am on the phone a lot with the technicians in the factory explaining and organising everything. I travel a lot; I usually go to Paris, which is a nice break from the daily countryside routine. Nikolas: I arrive at my office by 09:00 and find time flies as I try coordinating a million things at the same time! It is overwhelming at times but the feeling of satisfaction when I get things done makes up for it. Although I try to leave work by 17:00 in order to make it for my daily gym workout […]

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Our favourite hair trends from the Met Gala 2012!

by on 12th October 2017 0 comments

OK, so we gave you a run-down of some of our personal best dressed celebs at the 2012 Met Gala, but now it’s time to go beyond the dresses and check out the all-important hair choices. We were mesmerised by some of the hairstyles on the Met Gala red carpet, so we decided to put together a short list of some of our favourites. We all know that a good hairstyle is just as important as finding the right matching accessories and getting the make-up spot on too. Coco Rocha’s pretty pink extensions Coco Rocha’s pink curls were the first thing we saw in regards to this year’s Met Gala, as she showed all her Twitter followers a teaser pic… and we weren’t disappointed when she revealed her full look either. We applaud Coco for going for something bold and daring in both the hair and wardrobes stakes, and her fashion risks definitely paid off. Elsa Schiaparelli would 100% approve of all that pink! Jessica Alba and Lea Michele’s vintage Hollywood waves Jessica Alba was one of our best dressed ladies of the entire evening… she looked the epitome of Hollywood glamour in her golden Michael Kors dress, and her loose, ultra-glam side-swept waves complemented her look perfectly. Lea Michele also went for the old Hollywood look, choosing to wear her brown locks in a loose bob, contributing to her utterly flawless look. Beyonce’s sleek ponytail We love a good, sleek, low pony-tail… it’s a great alternative to the ballroom-style bun that we see so often at these high glam events. Perfect for adding some modern elegance to an otherwise very formal look. Queen Bey works the low pony like a pro! Ashley Greene and Diane Kruger’s fuss-free tresses Even though we love it when celebs mix it up on […]

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My Fashion Life attends the Choo 24:7 Stylemakers launch

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Last week, My Fashion Life attended a press breakfast to mark the launch of Choo 24:7 Stylemakers project. Held at the stylishly apt Arts Club on Dover Street, the private preview attracted a trendy fashion set, including a host of glossy editors and a mix of well known bloggers. The Jimmy Choo team invited fashion insiders to revel in the delight of several pairs of Choo’s, delicious French pastries and fruit skewers, and to mingle with the company’s London muse, director of Tank magazine and editor-in-chief of Because magazine, Caroline Issa. Caroline was at hand to chat about the new venture , alongside featuring in a short film she shot in collaboration with Jimmy Choo and street style photographer, Eddie Newton. (Check it out below) The Stylemakers project – launched to coincide with the brand’s new collection, Choo 24:7 – is an interactive microsite ‘that brings to life the personality of Choo 24:7, the brand’s ‘perfect shoe wardrobe’ of iconic Jimmy Choo styles.’ A photo gallery of street style images uploaded by Jimmy Choo wearers around the world, alongside curated content including archive images of celebrities, ad campaigns and Jimmy Choo events, Choo 24:7 Stylemakers celebrates Jimmy Choo across time zones, day to evening, as simply as this: wear a look that reflects your personal Jimmy Choo style, take a photo of your look and upload it to the Choo 24:7 Stylemaker gallery by logging in at http://www.choo247.com/. A selection of the best pictures will then be featured on the site, and can be filtered by time of day and city. You also have the option to share your Choo 24:7 style via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#choo247) and the website will be split in different sections according to time zones, and whether your fashion a Jimmy Choo bag or […]

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How to avoid the perils of sun damage!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Aww, we cooed, when last week we came across family time pics of the Jolie-Pitt clan, happily frolicking on a beach on theGalapagos Islands. With a holiday fund large enough for such lavish retreats, the pictures showed Brangelina as the typically doting parents, tending to their sand-covered, wanna-jump-in-the-ocean brood with a watchful eye. But these holiday scenes also got us thinking about factors other than sand-filled swimsuits involved in enjoying a beach holiday; factors of the sun protection kind. With more and more people flying out to hotter countries in a bid to avoid the bitter British weather, sun damage to skin is becoming an area of heightened concern. With holiday season looming, it’s even more important to figure out what level of sun protection your skin needs in advance of jetting out to sun-scorched, far flung islands. But don’t be fooled, for sun damage to your skin won’t only come as part and parcel of a sunny break in Spain. No. Even winter sun is capable of harming your skin, alongside a whole host of other ‘burning’ activities. After natural sunlight, sun beds are the major culprits in contributing to sun damaged skin. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and tanning beds causes damage to the molecules in our skin, and prolonged exposure to UV radiation can result in unsightly visible after-effects, such as fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, discoloured areas of the skin known as mottled pigmentation, and, worse still, skin cancer. Although there is no way to effectively ‘stop’ UV radiation reaching us, we can prevent its direct effects on our skin by taking precautions. So, alongside kaftans, bikinis and cocktails, this holiday season it’s equally important to stock up on SPF’s, otherwise known as sun protection factor. SPF’s come in two forms: chemical and physical. Chemical […]

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Fashion’s Brazen Copycats: Inspiration or shameless imitation?

by on 6th April 2012 0 comments

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But I say, is it really when the imitation is so blatant that you can’t tell a difference between the imitated and the imitator? The news has recently been awash with trademark infringement stories, and rightly so, because this type of infringement is serious and spells financial disaster for the business involved. In the world of fashion, however, the existence of copycats is ten-fold that of anywhere else. Tatty Devine recently filed a legal complaint against Claire’s Accessories after several of the former’s designs, including a renowned dinosaur necklace were copied. Then, the highly documented story of Christian Louboutin, who fruitlessly dragged Parisian fashion house Yves Saint Laurent to the dock over its use of Louboutin’s famed red sole. But two recent situations of design stealing have left me, well, speechless. The first is that of Jessica Simpson taking rather direct inspiration from Christian Louboutin’s 2010-release ‘Statarata’ heel – in other words copying the shoe, renaming it ‘Evangel’, removing the red sole and selling it at an affordable price. Simpson’s $98 rip off of the $995 ‘Statarata’ heel is so obvious, even an orthodox, flat-sporting, anti-heel protestor would be able to spot the non-difference. The second scenario is similar to the first except it involves two mega-brands at loggerheads over what is effectively a poor attempt at covering up an obvious creative crime. Italian powerhouse Gucci has accused Guess and its footwear licensing company, Marc Fisher Footwear, of devising a “massive scheme” to copy Gucci’s trademarks, which include the classic square ‘G’, the diamond-shaped repeating pattern with interlocking G’s, the designer’s name in its script font, and the green and red stripe design.’ At first glance, I really can’t spot the difference between the two designer versions of the sneaker at […]

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Five Minutes with Monica & Joe

by on 5th April 2012 0 comments

At the forefront of fashion this husband and wife duo are a style force to be reckoned with. They are the faces behind namesake contemporary online boutique Monica & Joe that stocks a range of personally selected womenswear designer collections. My Fashion Life caught up with the super-busy business and life partners to talk pet hates, favourite shopping cities and wardrobe staples. What is a typical working day like in the life of Monica & Joe? We work from home so after walking the boys to school we normally have to answer lots of e-mails: PR requests, customer queries etc, plus constant liaising with our warehouse regarding deliveries and orders. Joe and I divide our roles so I look after all the buying, PR & marketing side of things and Joe looks after the logistics, operational and financial side of things. We often have meetings during the day and when it’s the buying season we have several appointments, alongside having to squeeze in trips to Paris and Copenhagen!  Best and worst thing about being in a husband and wife business partnership? The best thing is that we see each other everyday and spend lots of time together. We go through all the ups and downs of running our own business and support each other, which is amazing. The down side is that we do talk about work a lot and it’s hard to switch off.  The idea for Monica & Joe was conceived on trip to Paris, which are your top fashion shopping cities, and why? We love Paris, the cool boutiques, the buildings, the cafes and of course the cuisine. We adore Copenhagen, too. The women are so stylish in a very relaxed and cool way and the boutiques are really inspiring. We love the bars and café culture there, too. […]

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Five minutes with Allegra Hicks

by on 15th November 2017 0 comments

Heading up a luxury lifestyle label that encompasses homeware, interior furnishings and fashion is no small feat. Allegra Hicks does this and more with great panache, and that’s why it is no surprise her beautifully standout textiles and prints are world famous. Dubbed the ‘Queen of Kaftans’, My Fashion Life caught up with Allegra to talk wardrobe staples, celeb homes and, of course, fashion! What’s a typical day like in the life of Allegra Hicks, Designer? Most of my day is spent working in my studio but I make sure I pop into head office every day to touch base and brainstorm with my team. My diary fills up far too quickly, but I spend as much time as possible at home with my family. Wardrobe staple you can’t live without? My James jeans and my printed chiffon shirts. Favourite holiday destination(s)? India and Italy. Having launched your fashion side of the business in 1998, which have you found to be more exciting; interior or fashion design, and why? I find being creative exciting. I love designing in all its forms, be it for interiors, fashion or stationery. It is the variety that makes it fun! What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t be scared. True to your interior design roots, name a celebrity whose house you would like to re-decorate. I would do Julianne Moore’s house because she is interested in design and we would have fun together. You’ve previously been named the ‘Queen of Kaftans’, and, in May, are set to launch a capsule beach collection exclusively for John Lewis; name three holiday wardrobe essentials to be found in your suitcase. The perfect bikini, a beautiful kaftan and high factor sun screen! If it hadn’t been design, which other industry would you have worked in? I […]

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50s Ladylike: Channel your inner domestic goddess

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The domestic goddess is back for the spring season with a vengeance. It’s no longer about the softly dressed, apron donning 50s housewife anymore, but her sharper edged alter ego. She’s back with a doting affection for pop pastels, print and sharp primness rather than the baking kit. Think pop pastels, knee length fit and flare dresses and statement crystal jewels. We love that she takes both the fashion stakes and the kitchen by storm and has an air of rebellion about her – she won’t lift a single pan because the new season isn’t about submitting to the rules, but rather bending them backwards. For spring summer 2012, the mid century modern aesthetic ruled, and it meant a fun revival of 50s retro style, with Jason Wu, Prada and Erdem all playing to the tune of the 50s housewife with a heavenly wardrobe. For this week’s Runway to Bedroom Mirror we’ve selected pieces that exude femininity while at the same time deliver on the fun factor. Enjoy playing domestic goddess, even it it’s for a little while, without having to set foot in the kitchen!   Mulberry Harriet Clutch Wallet Bag, £350, available at Matches Bow Trim Pleat Front Top, £140, available at Jaeger Venezia8 Enzo Angiolini, £125, available at Kurt Geiger Animal Jacquard Skirt, £38, available at Topshop Alexander McQueen Freshwater Pearl Ring, £225, available at Matches Erdem Marlena Floral Printed Dress, £1,035, available at My Theresa Maison Du Posh Embellished Clutch, £395, available at Selfridges Cat Eye Sunglasses with Cut Away Detail, £12, available at ASOS Maxmara Verace Dress, £289, available at Harrods Krystal Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings, £20, available at ASOS

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Paris Fashion Week: Day 6

by on 5th March 2012 0 comments

Bill Gaytten stayed true to his friend John Galliano for his eponymous collection, proving just how in tune to each other the pair really were. Well, still are. Maybe he is the best person to replace him at Dior after all! The collection was filled with wild, sexy, edgy pieces, all about creating that all-important wow-factor and leaving a lasting impression, with a MFL-approved stamp of Britishness thrown in there for good measure. Christophe Lemaire went for a more relaxed theme for Hermès this season, with ‘wild, wild, west’ inspired pieces – ponchos and fedora hats, included – and going for slightly less feminine silhouettes than are usually expected from the brand. Riccardo Tisci slightly played on the underwear as outerwear theme towards the end of the Givenchy show, while the rest was comprised of punk-inspired designs with studs and armpit-length leather gloves and knee-high leather boots in abundance. Albert Kriemler’s vision for Akris was simple, elegant, demure… the list goes on and on. We love seeing how such an understated collection managed to hold its own amongst the vivid and even outlandish collections of Paris Fashion Week, proving that simplicity never goes out of style. Don’t think this is the last of it – we still have the likes of Kanye West, Stella McCartney and Chanel on the list of shows to look forward to. Paris Fashion Week is far from over!

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MFL Most Wanted: Exquisite Embellishments

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

We’re starry eyed this week at My Fashion Life HQ, as we can’t stop staring at the stunning embellishments the new season has to offer. The spring summer catwalks were awash with dazzling adornments, as seen at Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Emporio Armani. Embellished pieces add a beautiful edge to any outfit, and this season celebrated all things 3D with a mishmash of textures witnessed at Marc Jacobs, Prada and Chanel. Add an embellished accessory to lift a neutral day look, or go all out and don an evening dress enveloped in sequins or beads for the full glam factor. Embellishments can be subtle; around the collar or cuffs, or a high octane, all-over affair. Take your pick from our eye dazzling embellished finds that guarantee an onslaught of envious stares from fellow fashion conscious folk.     Lace Jacket with Embellishment, £120, available at ASOS     House of Harlow 1960 Val Clutch, £127.11, available at Shopbop     Daisy Bead Cami, £36, available at Topshop     Vionnet Embellished Suede Platform Sandal, £615, available at My Theresa     Malene Birger Nadiah Crystal Embellished Shift Dress, £445, available at My Wardrobe     Erikson Beamon Leather Stone Collar, £175 £80, available at Urban Outfitters     Markus Lupfer Mini Skirt with Beaded Fringing, £375 £168.50, available at ASOS

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STYLE JURY: Rate or Slate Kelly Osbourne in Georges Hobeika, Kate Beckinsale in Atelier Versace and Cameron Diaz in Gucci

by on 29th February 2012 0 comments

The biggest night in Hollywood, Oscar night on Sunday, brought with it several dream (and disaster) dresses. We fell in love some of the red carpet and after-party looks from the night, but again we find ourselves on the fence with this week’s Rate or Slate options. First up is Kelly Osbourne in a Georges Hobeika gown at Elton John’s post-Oscars bash, closely followed by Kate Beckinsale in a sequinned Atelier Versace number at the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party and Cameron Diaz in Gucci on the Oscar red carpet. We’re teetering on yay or nay territory again, and thanking our lucky fashion stars that the watchful eye of Style Jury has come to the rescue. Oscar night is a HUGE deal and so should the dresses worn by the A-Listers on the night be. It’s over to our Style Jury… My Fashion Life News Ed says: Kelly Osbourne: ‘Although I preferred Kelly’s black Badgley Mischka gown, this was the perfect choice for the after party as she looked more relaxed in it – and good job on accentuating her evaporating waist with the belt! There’s always going to be added pressure on Kelly now that she’s part of Fashion Police, but she got it right on Oscars night, so she can breathe a sigh of relief.’ Kate Beckinsale: ‘After falling in love with her hot pink Diane von Furstenberg jumpsuit at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards, I was a little disappointed with this Oscar look. The dress itself wasn’t the problem, I just expected more from such a stylish dresser on the most important red carpet day of the year. Her hair and make-up, as always, were flawless though.’ Cameron Diaz: ‘The colour was a bit safe, but the fancy detailing on the dress more than made up for it. […]

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STYLE JURY: Rate or Slate Berenice Bejo in Alaïa, BEP Fergie in Jean Paul Gaultier and Kim Kardashian in Antonio Berardi?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

With the BAFTAs and the GRAMMY awards battling it out on the same day, there were some memorable fashion moments, and some we’d maybe like to wipe from memory. (Cue Nicki Minaj’s bizarre biblical guise, with the latest in accessories to boot: The Pope!) We selected three red carpet looks: risk taker Fergie at the Grammys in an interestingly loud, cut-out orange lace Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown; Kim Kardashian’s at Clive Martin’s Pre Grammy party in a figure-hugging Antonio Berardi number, which some would say struggled to cope with one out of her two most famous assets, and Berenice Bejo at the Disaronno BAFTA After-Party in a statement making (good or bad, we’re not sure) fall 2011 Alaia haute couture gown. As we indecisively teetered on borderline faux pas and style success, we put these looks to our Style Jury: you, and our Ed! My Fashion Life Ed says: Fergie – ‘I don’t want to like it but for some reason I do. On anyone else this outfit would be a disaster but somehow Fergie manages to pull it off!’. Kim – ‘A bit too much cleavage on show but regardless Kim looks gorgeous and elegant. The dress clings to her curves in all the right places!’. Berenice Bejo – ‘Sophisticated and beautiful! Love the dress and I love Berenice in the dress. Thumbs up!’ You say: Berenice – ‘Rate!’  Fergie – ‘Slate!’  Kim – ‘Rate!’ Verdict: RATE to the power of three! We must say it isn’t often that we take sides with red carpet risk takers. In Fergie’s case however, we’re making an exception because she really has made this one work. Although the brash colour and busy cut-out detailing is a tad distracting, Fergie makes it work, and the stark bra and bottoms bring it back from the brink of plain weird […]

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Deal of the day: Topshop contrast collar playsuit

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

How sweet and versatile is this playsuit from Topshop? Sleek and sexy in a boozy shade with just a subtle flash of contrasting black on its cute peter pan collar, this is a complete do-it-all outfit for both day and night. During the day, we can see this teamed with thick grey ribbed tights, ballet flats and a pretty princess coat. Its capped sleeves and flared shorts help maintain daytime modesty whilst giving the glam factor that we all love. Then, once night time arrives and the dance floors are calling, this look can be vamped up with high platform pumps and a strong dark lip – simple, yet so effective. Plus, the sleek black full skirted shape playfully cinched with a shiny black bow belt is totally flattering. Bonus! From day to night in one playsuit, that’s our kind of outfit… Contrast Collar Playsuit, £46, available at Topshop.

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Lunchtime buy: (+J) wool cashmere coat

by on 5th December 2011 0 comments

Today’s lunchtime buy has a real ‘get it before it goes’ factor because – wait for it – we’re featuring a piece from Jil Sander’s final collection for Uniqlo. It’s been one of the most successful designer-high street collaborations of the past decade, and we so enjoyed watching the collection unfold, waiting anxiously for the expertly designed pieces to be translated into a line that we could actually afford to wear This wool cashmere coat is exemplary of the +J collection. With its sleek fit and structured androgyny, it’s clearly cut from the sophisticated design fibre that Jil Sander is known for, but for a fraction of the cost. A real hero piece, the cashmere will last a lifetime and the classic style has season-transcending, timeless appeal. Plus, its been reduced as part of Uniqlo’s seasonal reductions. Need we say more? (+J) Wool Cashmere Coat, £249 £199, available at Uniqlo.

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Love or hate: UGG Australia classic short boots

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Here at MyFashionLife, we can’t help but be fascinated by the great UGG debate. Never has a piece of footwear divided the opinion of a nation – nay, globe – so much. The Marmite of the footwear world, the UGG phenomenon really reached its high point at the beginning of 2000, and since then, many a colour, length and style has been born (Jimmy Choo for Ugg, anyone?). Frankly, the popularity of the boot is relentless. So, what’s the appeal? Firstly, it’s got to be the comfort factor. Once hailed ‘a glorified slipper’, we imagine that even the most fashionable of folk sometimes just want to throw something warm and sturdy on to go and do the supermarket shop. And when it snows, well, the sturdy UGG will get you from A to B without slipping on slush. Who can argue with that? Um, us, actually. Despite all these functional factors, it can’t be avoided that UGG boots do nothing for an outfit. Not only does wearing a pair of UGGs make you look like you’ve been too lazy to think about footwear, they make you walk like a lazy person too (squashed, slumped sides? No thanks). So sure, they might be loved by celebs, but we’re going to have to turn down the UGG this year (and forever, probably). What do you think: do you love or loathe the UGG phenomenon? UGG Australia Classic Short Boots, £209, available at mytheresa.

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Lunchtime buy: Madeline Thompson asymmetric cashmere roll neck jumper

by on 18th November 2011 0 comments

The roll neck has long had a ‘frump-factor’ reputation. Until, that is, knitwear supremo Madeline Thompson got her hands on it! The Hong Kong born designer worked at Lane Crawford before she launched her career as a jewellery designer and then eventually became a cashmere design specialist just over four years ago at the impressive age of 26. This roll neck jumper is a prime example of why her work has been so well received: with its totally modern cascading asymmetric finish, we can now enjoy the warmth of a roll neck without looking too practical and boring! Plus, a pop of electric blue will be just what the doctor ordered on those dreary winter mornings we have ahead of us. Of course, one of the main reasons that we love Madeline Thompson is the fact that she only uses cashmere, and we’re big believers that you just can’t go wrong with this sumptuously soft, super luxe fabric – especially in winter. And with Agyness Deyn and Sienna Miller fans of the label, we’ll be in good company! Madeline Thompson Asymmetric Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper, £253, available at my-wardrobe.

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