Marc by Marc Jacobs’ patent wheely makes us want to book that last minute holiday now! [The Purse Blog] Kate Moss for Topshop is still going strong. Sept 9th will see the launch of her AW08 collection. [The Cut] Alexander McQueen is all for sandals and socks. Are you? [My Fashion Life: For Him]
Read MoreSearch Results for “topshop”
Key Items for AW08: Bowler Hat
Ever since spying one of the new Topshop ‘on the buses’ ads, I am suddenly harbouring an irrepressible urge to buy a bowler hat. They’ve been creeping in for a while of course, a quaint and charming replacement for the over-exposed trilby or ubiquitous headband, but I’ve always admired them in a vaguely detached “yeah-they-look-quite-good-on-Clemence-Poesy” kind of way rather than as a viable style choice for my own particular head.
Read MoreDesigner Profile: Steve J and Yoni P
Who: Steve J and Yoni P – Korean-born and London-based duo who have carved a reputation as fashion’s newest prodigies in the space of three short seasons. Why: The pair already have a ‘Best Menswear Award’, obtained at the CSM BA graduation show in 2006, Samsung Fashion Design Fund in 2007/2008 and diffusion range at Topshop under their charming belts. What: After the exuberance of their S/S collection, the A/W 08 show I attended in February was decidedly more wearable, but managed to retain their joyful charm.
Read MoreThe Vintage Lace Dress
Having already written about, and fallen achingly and unashamedly in love with, the A/W lace trend way back in February, it is with a gleeful (and slightly territorial) heart that I watch the fabric start to trickle into the high street shops. Of course, vintage stores and markets will always be the best place for lace that looks like a spiderweb of stories and secrets, for scraps, ribbons and accessories that will give any outfit that hint of lace-spun dreams.
Read MoreTrends: On the fringe
For some time now, I have been trying to curb a creeping desire to adorn myself in fringing. Not so ridiculous as it sounds, really, when you consider that it dwells in the same oh-so-desirable-if-slightly-hippy realm as festival girls, pale denim and the saturated colours of 70s postcards.
Read MorePeach vs Coral. You Decide?
Many admiring words have been spoken, of late, of the countless joys that coral can cast over one’s life. Words that I entirely agree with (perhaps I wrote them?) and, yes, I am in the midst of a passionate love affair with my new coral lipstick but if we are going to be fussy (let’s), I must admit I prefer peach. It’s like coral’s bookish cousin, with a gentle aura of antiquity as opposed to visions of club Tropicana and leathery skin. There is something about coral that will always recall to me visions of 80s fashion shoots in Miami. Which really isn’t me at all. Far better to be draped in a world of antique beaded lamps, silk slips from China, and dimly lit dancing. This is the colour of drinking bitter coffee on a blustery afternoon, a cameo brooch, tarnished and secret in a dusty old chest. In fabrics of velvet, silk, and lace, especially, there is something seductively historical and romantic about the colour. And whilst peach seems to whisper autumn to me, these silk dresses from Topshop are the perfect way to float through summer, light as air, leaving the scent of rose water, old books, and coffee in your wake……
Read MoreNew Gen Awards: And the winners are…
Its nearly that time again. With London Fashion Week round the corner, we’ve been keen to find out which designers were lucky enough to receive New Gen sponsorship this season. The announcement has been made and in total, twenty talented designers made the cut and will get the opportunity to show their SS09 collections either in the BFC New Gen exhibition area sponsored by Topshop or on the catwalk at London Fashion Week in September.
Read MoreTrends: Addicted to Accessories!
I have, I must admit, a bit of a jewelry addiction. I’m like a cat with a little bell around my neck – my friends can always tell exactly where I am at any given time due to excessive charms and bangles jingle jangling. Despite said addiction, I rarely buy into jewelry
Read MoreReader Q&A: What is going to be the trend for sunglasses this season?
I have a question. What is going to be the trend for sunglasses this summer and early Fall? – Michael (June 2nd, 2008) Sunglasses are a funny thing in terms of trends because there are only so many ways to remodel a pair of spectacles. But, somehow, there is always some new utterly covetable style. The most obvious trend of the moment, for boys and girls, are the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. Not exactly new, they have been hanging around on countless celebrities long enough to be completely ubiquitous but somehow still desirable. Fairly universally flattering and understated (so long as you steer clear of the nu-rave coloured variety) you can pick up a pair to match any price range from ASOS right through to the original brand. One sunglasses trend that I know I will be embracing in some shape or form is tortoiseshell frames. Seen in every style from wayfarers to oversized, they remind me of dusty bookshelves, 60s film stars, hippies in Morocco and gin and tonics in the garden all at the same time. Karen Walker has some great chunky ones that look pretty good on boys and girls, while Topshop have countless tortoiseshell frames in more subtle styles. Head there, also, for some pretty great Hockney-esque round frames (different versions for different sexes) to wear with summer’s florals, to channel Paul Smith’s Hockney-meets-Bloomsbury group aesthetic. For more outlandish styles, round frames in general seem to be having a bit of a moment. Go for Dries van Noten-esque combination frames for an intellectual look that is far less faddy but still bang on trend (check ASOS for boys and girls). As a lifetime lover of all things Lolita, I must admit I am drawn to Topshop’s heart-shaped frames like a moth to an ill-advised flame although […]
Read MoreMust Have: Statement Necklace
This season, fashionistas have not held back when it comes to wearing bold prints, bright colours and loud accessories, so much so that outfiits are playing second fiddle to big, chunky, sculptural necklaces. To make your own statement, opt for a whimsical charm necklace.
Read MoreMarks and Spencer has a Field Day
Marks & Spencer have done their best to shake off their dated image in the past few years, what with Supermodel Erin O’Connor and fashion icon, Twiggy acting as the face of their brand. But their latest collaboration will put even the fashionably-forward Topshop to shame , and that’s not an easy feat, you know.
Read MoreSummer Jacket Time: Blazers
With the first rays of real sunlight creeping in my dusty window comes the faint but enchanting prospect that summer might be just around the corner. Whilst sandals and bikinis might not be quite on the cards, I will settle for the temperature creeping up just enough to cast off my winter coat and begin gallavanting about in a little summer jacket.
Read MoreEthical Fashion: We are Eco-Warriors!
Going green might be old news in the fashion world, but it’s having an effect on high-end designers and British high street brands as we speak. More than a year after making headlines in the tabloids and broadsheets, Eco-Fashion is still a very hot topic. Only recently, weekly glossy, Grazia, and monthly fashionista favourite, Elle, have dedicated full spreads to becoming Eco-Warriors, saving the earth one ethically (but fashionably) clad foot at a time. The question is, can you be ethical, yet fashionable at the same time?
Read MoreWishing you a Happy Easter!
Happy Easter guys! Hope you have a good one. We’ll be back on Monday but if you’re in need of a fashion fix while eating lots of yummy chocolate eggs, check out our top stories this week! xXx Eva Mendes is the new face of Calvin Klein underwear Editors Picks: Kate Moss for Topshop Spring 08 Distinctive Dresses: Vintage Couture by Karen Zambos How to: Walk like a Supermodel
Read MoreSteep vs. Cheap: Cocktail Shorts
This Spring/Summer, shorts won’t only be a staple with flip-flops for day at the beach, but a trendy alternative for hitting the town for cocktails at night. Some people might have problems with mixing casual attire with evening wear, but when paired with sexy sandals or stylish wedges and a cute loose-fitting button down or a drapey top, the new breed of shorts stand a chance in giving minis and party frocks a run for the money.
Read MoreI wanna be Kate Moss or rather I want her Tuxedo Jacket!
It’s become pretty clear that whatever Topshop.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week AW08: Emma Cook
After being away from LFW for two seasons in a row, Emma Cook made a comeback that was much anticipated. Champagne and canapes were served prior to the show courtesy of Topshop and everyone was feeling bubbly and excited to see what Emma had cooked up (no pun intended). Just as it was all about to kick off a photographer screamed “Get your bag off the catwalk, everyone turned, only to discover the culprit was an embarrassed Philip Green (Topshop boss)…cringe!
Read MoreInterviews: Fashion Editor, Hadley Freeman
I’m an avid fan of award winning fashion journalist, Hadley Freeman, she isn’t afraid to say exactly what she thinks and I either find myself in full agreement or total disagreement of her opinions (there’s never a grey area). As Deputy Fashion Editor at The Guardian and contributing editor for British Vogue, Hadley knows fashion like the back of her hand. Her latest book That extra half an inch“… but we won’t hold that against her!
Read MoreReviews: The Meaning of Sunglasses by Hadley Freeman
I’ve had a review copy of fashion editor, Hadley Freeman’s new book for a while now but only just recently managed to sit down and have a proper read of the fashion bible that’s being dubbed an A-Z of fashion and style. It’s titled The Meaning of Sunglasses and in it, Freeman dissects everything fashion-related – from Topshop to low slung belts to drugs and of course sunglasses. No major trend, personality, or irony goes uncovered. For the fact that I can completely relate, my chosen topic had to be “Fashion shows”. Here’s a favourite quote, “Fashion journalists like to think that they are the most important people at the show and the sit on the sidelines like Roman emperors while the designer waits with bated breath to see if their manicured thumb will point up or down. They are disabused of this illusion when they are kept waiting for two hours……because front-row guest Tori Spelling hasn’t arrived yet.”
Read MoreParties: Susan Redstone’s Book Launch at Henri Bendel!
We had a fabulous time Tuesday night at the book release party for Susan Redstone’s newly published fashion bible aptly titled “JUST TRY IT ON! A Month by Month Guide to Shopping and Style. The soiree was held at the Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar in the style guru’s favourite department store in NYC, Henri Bendel, and the venue was packed and absolutely abuzz in celebration of her new book. With years of experience in fashion journalism and as a stylist, and a self-declared thrifty shopper at heart, Susan has been a go-to style expert for fashion mags like Elle and In Style and has appeared on major network TV programs as a guest fashion commentator.
Read MoreInterviews: Celebrity Stylist, Zoe Lem
In the world of fashion, Zoe Lem does it all. Whether it’s styling the stars for the red carpet and participants on the UK version of “What Not to Wear, or flying off to the Middle East to work with the English language version of the Al-Jazeera news network, she’s been there, done that, and with a certain je ne sais quoi. Lem trained as a designer before deciding to focus on styling, and now her work can be seen on A-list celebs, magazine covers, music videos, and a myriad of other places. So, the favourite question to ask stylists and designers: who would you consider to be your biggest influences? That really is a difficult one to give a one word answer, I am very inspired by vintage clothing and the 20’s through to 50’s there was such beautiful style. If it’s who rather than what, then there is no one person. But my mother was really so into clothing growing up, even now her favorite shop is Topshop and she has a very funky style. I was brought up on charity shops, markets and finding great bargains in unusual places, a long while before it was cool to go for second hand chic!
Read MoreShopping: Red Hot Clutches
Get it while it’s hot. We can’t get enough of red at the moment (It’s dramatic, fiery and sensuous!) or clutches for that matter. So we went on a hunt to find the crème de la crème of red clutches in a range of prices, shades, and textures. Enjoy! Zac Posen Iconic Apple Clutch, $795, available at shopbop
Read MoreOpinions: Shopping U.S vs U.K
When shopping blog Racked reported that Topshop might be coming to New York, there was much excitement over the prospect that the trendy British chain could soon be gracing American shores. But with stores like Zara and H&M already here, is American shopping still so bad that we need another European import? Granted, shopping in the U.S has its drawbacks, but anyone who has lived abroad knows that Europe is not the shopaholic’s paradise it sometimes appears to be. Here are some of the pros and cons I discovered when shopping across the pond…
Read MoreFashion Rocks 2007: Music meets Fashion
Fashion rocked its Prada socks off last night at the Royal Albert Hall as music met fashion for one of the most anticipated dates this year. Samuel L Jackson along with Uma Thurman played hosts as top artists from the musical arena collaborated with top runway designers. Line ups included The Gossip for Christopher Kane, Dame Shirley Bassey for Marchesa, Rosin Murphy for Gucci and Lily Allen for Chanel. Highlights of the evening: Whitney Houston making a comeback to remember and Uma Thurman leaving hardly anything to the imagination in a see-through Valentino gown embellished with Swarovski crystals More pictures after the jump.
Read MoreExciting Times
I know I’m probably aligning myself with the minority when I say this, but not only am I looking forward to Roberto Cavalli for H&M but I believe the line will be a success. Let’s hope I’m not forced to eat my words when the collection hits the stores in November! But seriously… judging from these preview pics I do think we’re in for a treat. In fact as far as collaborations go I’d say we’re in for a lot of treats this season.
Read MoreHave you got that fashion feeling?
Texture is what it’s all about for autumn and with the new season will come an array of new ‘it’ materials and fabrics. Leather is definitely going to be central for this season, with designers like Prada and Moschino, creating beautiful, feminine designs. Just avoid the leather bomber, and opt for a biker jacket or a fitted coat, or if you’re brave, a tight dress. In addition to leather challenging its habitual image, Patent has resurfaced and has established itself as the must have look for accessories this autumn while this wet look blouse, £32, from Topshop proves that it is indeed chic to shine!
Read MoreRich and Frugal
Kate Middleton loves her some Topshop. Angelina Jolie adores her vintage bargains. And Chelsy Davis was seen in a gorgeous dress from high street store Warehouse. Everybody loves a bargain and we do too, especially these high waist jeans from Earnest Sewn. While we may not be brave enough to do the high waist shorts we definitely can have a go with the jeans, $240, available from Shopbob.
Read MoreRain Rain Go away….
With the British weather currently in chaos, we may be trading our bikini and beach bag for thermals and a ‘Kag-in-a-bag’. With flood warnings and wind speed dominating the forecast, and little hope of a full repeat of last years glorious weather the Summer’s trends appear to be going to waste. That said here are a few fashion pieces that will reign in the rain: Glastonbury’s barely over but the festival look is still a go; this electric blue parka, £70 from Topshop is loud enough to brighten up any dreary day.
Read MoreStylebubble takes on the turban
Still debating whether to try out the turban? Stylebubble experiments with Topshop’s take on Prada’s most talked about contribution to accessories and discovers its actually quite wearable.
Read MoreWhat’s next for Henry?
Being the excitable person that I am, I was completely struck with delight during a chance encounter with designer Henry Holland last Friday on Oxford street and even more so as I thought it’d be a great opportunity to snap a street style picture to share with you guys come Monday. Now I completely understand when the other party in these type of situations decline photographs, I mean it can be overwhelming and some people are shy, busy etc….and I hate to be pushy. But it was the way in which he rejected my request for a picture that was incredibly disappointing…he didn’t smile once and his response could easily have been interpreted as standoffish, in fact his friend was so much nicer and almost apologetic. Anyway…after relaying the story to a friend over dinner, I began thinking what’s next for the House of Holland? With Topshop churning out copy cats of Holland’s 80’s inspired t-shirts emblazoned with catchy rhymes, the novelty is bound to end soon if it hasn’t already. But it looks like Holland has anticipated the possible backlash and confirmed a future collaboration with best friend and model Agyness Deyn. The pair will work on a jewellery collection together to be launched some time soon…. “We’re going to launch a line of jewellery together. You can expect a bit of House of Holland in it and a bit of Aggy too – she’s got a strong sense of design.”
Read MoreSpread the word in silence
Making a ‘fashion statement’ has reached new and inspiring heights. I’m not talking about Britney Spears exhibiting her inner feelings and darkest secrets across her chest and on her trucker caps, I’m referring to the new fashion craze where style has taken on a political and charitable front. In the past celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Sharon Osborne have produced personalised t-shirt designs for Dorothy Perkins in support of Breast cancer care, more recently endorsements from the likes of Angelina Jolie and Stella McCartney have heightened eco-awareness and the development of fair-trade organic clothing has boosted public consciousness. And now high street and online clothing stores like Topshop and ASOS have jumped on the bandwagon with collections of tees with not so subtle political undertones. Vibrant colours and bold prints help to convey statements such as ‘Choose a Smile Not a Missile’, ‘Drop Beats Not Bombs’, £20 and ‘Make Love Not War’. They’re available in as many different colours as there are issues in the world!
Read MoreDo you dare?
More than being the hot accessory for the summer, the turban demonstrates the power of the catwalk. Re-introduced by Prada during Milan fashion week for spring summer 07, the turban has since been featured heavily in the fashion mags and experimented with by fashion loving celebs forcing the high street to sit up and take notice.
Read MoreCharity Fashion Sale
Topshop organises the world’s biggest ever charity fashion sale [CatwalkQueen]
Read MoreCelebrity Labels: Enough is Enough
Actress SARAH JESSICA PARKER has launched a crusade to cover up young America with her new cheap-chic clothing line Bitten. The former Sex + The City star’s new Steve + Barry line of affordable womenswear features only conservative attire – because the actress is tired of seeing young girls baring almost all…….”There’s not going to be any inappropriate midriff showing, regardless of your age. I really don’t care for it. I feel like, as a culture, we have seen enough damage done by it. It’s provocative in a way that I just don’t feel comfortable with.” Erm o.k… this revelation comes after Sarah Jessica Parker enjoyed a high level of success from a show which was far from conservative. I’ve gnerally tried to stay away from the SJP for Steve and Barry’s relationship and try to avoid posting too often about the other celebrity lines which keep cropping up mainly because I have no interest in them. I believe what is actually damaging for us as a culture are all of these damn celebrity collections! Designers for the high street I can somewhat understand, we’re buying into the design which is good enough for me and as much as I sometimes have my reservations about some of the partnerships, I fully accept the argument for them and I’m willing to accept that my qualms are based on unreasonable emotion. But celebrities for the high street and celebrity labels in general, need to be stopped. I’m all for affordable fashion, my wardrobe would be empty without it, but what I find distasteful is the mass hysteria that surrounds the idea that a collection of clothes is only as worthy as the celebrity attached to it. I pity the next generation who soon enough will only associate and make their fashion choices […]
Read MoreAre you sure that’s Maternity wear…
Preparing for motherhood and dressing for both comfort and style hasn’t always been easy, but with the help of Topshop’s chic range of maternity wear, elasticised waist bands coupled with a craving for style are now a thing of the past! The discovery of the line was somewhat of an accident, whilst out shopping a friend and I found some gorgeous dresses and subsequently headed for the fitting rooms. It was there that the sales assistant asked if we were aware that the dresses were maternity wear…to avoid any further embarrassment my friend said that she was expecting and bought said dress, and why not, the loose fit and print was perfect for this seasons must have trends!
Read MoreLets hope it doesnt catch on
My heart nearly stopped when a friend of mine sent the image above with the subject line How Long before its here? My response? NEVER! Apparently the Jeans Bikini Pant is a trend instigated by the Brazilians that is now infecting teen girls in Japan, which is a shame seeing as the Japanese are usually so on point when it comes to fashion. I seriously can’t see the appeal and this is one trend I do not wish to see on the high street. I only just about managed to survive the whole “thong showing above a pair of hipsters and don’t think my heart can take this travesty. And to think all it’d take for it to become a regular sighting on the streets would be for Kate Moss to be pictured in a pair which would promptly be added to her collection for Topshop…what is fashion coming to?
Read MoreDaily Mail: CopyKate
Copycat Kate: Haven’t we seen her new Topshop collection before? [DailyMail]
Read MoreJojo & Malou
I often turn to Urban outfitters and H&M for my basics. However since I was dragged by a friend during London Fashion week into the Topshop branch in Oxford Circus I’ve completely re-evaluated by shopping options. I was unusually impressed with everything, and actually spent a good two hours perusing before purchasing a hefty amount of clothing and accessories! My new found faith was further confirmed when I found out that Jojo & Malou, had brought their brand to Topshop. The Swedish design duo has produced a great capsule collection incorporating lots of colour combined with bold prints. I have my credit card at the ready….as soon as I recover from my last spending splurge….
Read MoreSpring Trend Alert: Feeling Fruity
Spring must definitely be in the air as we’ve been seeing a more light-hearted, colourful approach to fashion of late. Sharp blues and pillar-box reds have been fresh new flashes of colour amidst the nudes and greys, lifted only by a flash of gold till this season. Now colour-lovers can have their cake and eat it as colour and gold are finding a perfect partnership in fruit-inspired jewellery. It’s everywhere, and I for one love it. Strawberries and pineapples are strung around necks, whilst green crystals form the shape of apple earrings, in fact, some charm bracelets are a veritable fruit salad of juicy gems! Some of the best pieces come from the high street, but rest assured, should you feel the need to splurge you’ll find plenty to whet your palate at Browns Fashion and Net-a-Porter. Here are 6 of the best… 1. Pineapple pendant, Urban Outfitters £24 2. Blue Crystal Fruit snap bracelet, Butler and Wilson, £58 3. Cut-out cherries pendant, Topshop £6 4. Strawberry pendant necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane at Net-a-Porter, £80 5. Grape cluster earrings, Miss Selfridge, £6 6. Gold necklace with Fruit pendant, Daslu at Browns Fashion, £370
Read MoreComing out in the Nude….
Soft nude shades seem to be a permanent fixture in the stores at the moment and have a very delicate almost romantic look about them when combined with silky fabrics, frills and lace as illustrated by this baby doll dress from Christopher Kane at Topshop. Lose the accessories and dress up with heels for a night out or for a more casual approach pair with skinny jeans, pumps and an effortless hair do.
Read MoreDarimeya…..Have you got yours?
Who knew that ‘happiness’ was but a click of a button away, or that it only cost £54…well, maybe a little more if you want ‘happiness’ in all available colours!! I wouldn’t have believed it myself had I had not witnessed the squeals of joy first hand as my flatmate finally managed to secure her purchase of the Darimeya, floral jersey tunic dress from asos.com, in both black and blue! As shown here on Kate Moss herself (in brown), this spectacular design, available in both short sleeve and jersey style, can be worn with pretty much anything. But if you want to get your hands on at least one of these dresses then you need to act fast and be prepared to go to all lengths necessary. Asos.com sold out in only minutes of displaying the Darimeya number, as have Topshop, so GOOD LUCK and GOD SPEED!
Read MoreWedging your bets – which wedges are the best investment?
The only way to balance the proportions of a swing coat, high-waisted flares, or a mini-shift are with wedges and platforms, both are here to stay (for the summer at least). Not only are they chic, add height and make your legs look fabulous, but they are comfortable enough to wear all day and party all night thanks to tougher, wider heels and platform soles. So where should one start? What colours should we be buying and where can we find them? The answer is everywhere, but these are my top five: Dorothy Perkins: Grey suede round-toes with a wooden wedge – they’re a bargainous £25, and are the perfect way to bring high fashion into a working wardrobe. www.dorothyperkins.co.uk
Read MoreWarm Up!
I love the winter, I do, but it’s so hard to maintain a chic and elegant exterior when you’re shivering from your very core, and all your efforts are spent trying to stop your teeth from chattering. Staying warm during this cold snap couldn’t be better. From the trench to the jacket, there is a coat out there for all of us…. The Trench: Versatile, timeless and classic
Read MoreRimmel to drop Kate?
How strange…..Rimmel were willing to stand by Kate Moss through her drug scandal but god forbid they stick with her through the aging process. The rumour mill is spinning again with reports that Kate may be dropped by Rimmel in favour of a younger model. According to the News Of the World, the cosmetics brand have been holding secret castings in the hope of finding a younger model to replace Kate and give the brand the fresh approach needed for the younger market. So what does that tell us? As a model, get caught taking drugs and you still have a job. Get old and you can kiss your career goodbye. Although Kate is thought to be considering getting botox (please don’t!) its unlikely she’ll be too bothered, aside from her numerous modelling contracts and her line for Topshop on its way, Kate is apparently negotiating a make up range and possibly a perfume of of her own.
Read MoreAll will be revealed
Could this be one of the pieces from Kate’s new range for Topshop? It may just be possible as British Vogue seems to have bagged the rights to give us an exclusive sneak preview of the collection in their April issue, which of course features Kate on the cover. Only time will tell if the dress she’s posing in is actually from the line….on another note I hope they go for the cover on the left. [Image:Fadedyouth]
Read MoreA Shift in Season
As hemlines continue to rise, the shift dress is finding it’s home as a wardrobe staple, replacing skinny jeans as our favourite garment. First revisited on the runway six months ago the sixties trend looks set to run and run, especially with the impending release of Factory Girl, the film about Edie Sedgewick that’s set to make Sienna Miller an even bigger star than she already is. Burberry’s sexy Spring/Summer 07 campaign by Mario Testino took inspiration from the 1960’s photography of Cecil Beaton, and saw Kate Moss leading the troupe of beautiful people dressed in cream and silver trapeze-shaped coats with oversize buttons.
Read MoreWinter Sun Beach Chic
In preparation for my own escape to the sun this winter I have been searching London high and low in pursuit of the perfect holiday wardrobe – no mean feat whilst still in the depths of winter. Ever the fashionista I am, taking inspiration from the Spring/Summer 07 catwalks, coveting neon brights teamed with creamy caramels a-la-Christopher Kane, whilst shimmery pale gold and light-as-air chiffons will come into their own with a golden tan. Braving the changing room after a Christmas season of serious indulgence is never a pleasant task, so the shopping destinations need to be all the more special to ease the struggle. For pure ambiance and experience, I head to Notting Hill, where my favourites are top-end boutiques Heidi Klein and Pistol Panties. Pistol Panties bikinis never fail to make you feel and look like a fifties starlet , concealing and revealing in all the right places. The appropriately named ‘Kate’ style is top of my wishlist – the sparkly gold is very Princess Leia, especially when teamed with a Melissa Odabash kaftan from Heidi Klein. This one-stop holiday shop’s style is more pared-down beach chic, but the experience is no less spoiling. As well as a magnificent selection of bikinis by the likes of Missoni, the in-house beauty salon will buff manicure and tan you so that you’re well and truly ready for the sun. If you can’t make it to Notting Hill my best advice is to shop online where websites like www.figleaves.com have an infinite selection and www.Cocobay.co.uk has a free returns policy and stocks hip Aussie brands Seafolly and Moontide. For those on the other side of the Atlantic, www.shopbop.com is the only way to go – snap up a hot pink Diane Von Furstenburg Beach or printed Marc Jacobs bikini whilst they’re […]
Read MoreNeu Years Rave-olution
With neu rave or nu rave -as it’s also spelt – fever at a high, the trend is set to be one of the biggest of the year. Emerging from the music scene are glow-stick-waving bands like the Klaxons and Shitdisco, who are pioneering the trend while Christopher Kane, who graduated from Central Saint Martins early last year showed his official collection at London Fashion Week last September using all the bright acid colours that are associated with neu rave in his S/S 07 collection. Up and coming label Cassette Playa by designer Carrie Mundane is the biggest hit on the rave scene and its eye popping designs look as though they have stepped out of a world filled with retired video game stars such as Pac Man, Sonic the Hedgehog and Donkey Kong.
Read MoreOnline beats instore
Truth be told, I’m not the biggest online shopper and have yet to become addicted to ebay. I do prefer to touch and feel and try on. However I never thought I’d say this but when it comes to Topshop, shopping online beats trekking to my nearest store. Each visit to the famous retailer has of late been a disapointment as I never find anything decent, I become sick from seeing a mish mash of black, beige, dark green and grey and I leave thinking “Topshop really isn’t that great! Ultimately I find Topshop, reminiscent of McDonalds, their ads are enticing but the actual products don’t live up to the images promoted in the glossy pics. However after scouring their website I have for the first time in a very long time managed to uncover some cool finds……. Funnel Necked Swing Coat – £75.00 Coco Faggot Ruffle skirt – £50.00 High Waist Short – £35.00
Read MoreMoss employs England
So it comes as no surprise that Kate wont be designing her collection for Topshop, however what is interesting is the appointment of Katy England (creative director at Alexander McQueen) who’ll create the collection on Kate’s behalf. While the prospect of seeing what England has to offer is extremely exciting, it seems such a shame that Kate, a style icon of our times, either lacks the confidence or can’t be bothered to be fully involved in the project. Even Sienna Miller, who’s faced a lot of criticism in her time for being an imitation of Kate, has taken an active role in her new label and Milla Jovovich who teamed up with Carmen Hawk, has stated in the past that she is always busy sourcing materials and finding inspiration for new collections. If Kate has decided to lend her name to the project she should also lend her talent rather than take the credit for what will be Katy England’s finished product.
Read More