The catwalk was awash with ladylike trends for spring, one of the best being luxe-looking lace. As seen at Christopher Kane and Erdem, lace can be both super-feminine when paired with florals or pastels, or can check all your cool boxes when with styled with neon brights. No longer the staple of bridal parties, lace is right for all occasions this summer, and French Connection has got the trend spot on with their Sixties-inspired Libby lace top, available in cream and navy. For super sweet chic, pair with slim trousers and chunky heels and minimal make up for a modern take on the timeless material. Our favourite is the beautiful soft cream version, but we love the navy when glammed up for evening or toughened with sharp accessories. However you wear it this summer, one thing is for sure – everyone loves lace. French Connection Libby lace top, £70, available at French Connection. BUY NOW!
Read MoreSearch Results for “florals”
Deal of the day: Dune Bud flat shoes
Today’s deal of the day takes us over to Dune, where these hard-working, versatile flats are waiting to be snapped up. We all know florals are big news for summer, and these pretty pumps take the look one step further with their textured floral appliqué decoration. Perfect for nailing this season’s ballerina trend, these pumps are beautiful to the smallest detail, from the soft rose shade to the carefully crafted individual petals. In a delicately muted pastel tone, we’re pretty sure the bud flats will be your go-to-shoe this spring. We’ll rock the look at work, for lazy summer soirees, and at the inevitable summer wedding after parties. We’re more than happy to sacrifice our skyscrapers for the comfortable soft trim flat soles of the bud – these rose tinted beauties have all your sartorial needs covered. Dune Bud flat shoes, £65, available at Dune. BUY NOW!
Read MoreAW11 trend report
We haven’t even started wearing our spring strings yet and already everyone’s talking about autumn – we don’t blame them, though, good things are coming to a closet near you next season. If you want to stay ahead of the frolic (and let’s face it, it’s no fun coming last), we’ve rounded up the hottest trends from the autumn/winter 2011 runways that you won’t want to miss. Stay psyched, we’ll be wearing them sooner than we’d like to admit… Spots Marc Jacobs, David Koma, Stella McCartney Go dotty, literally, for spots and circles next autumn as anything round rules the runway – perennial polkas and Dalmatian drops included. Marc Jacobs layered spotted separates and accessories, David Koma couldn’t resist adding pom poms and Stella McCartney’s laser-cut circles became infectious. Colour Jaeger, Roksanda Ilincic, Jonathan Saunders Good news if you’re a partial to a colour pop, the autumn runways picked up where spring stopped and sent a riot of colour to rival a rainbow. Reds add a contemporary edge to classic camels while vivid primary pops break up black and brighten warm autumnal shades. Monochrome Julien Macdonald, Giles, Louis Vuitton Not braving the bold? Try black and white, instead. When colour wasn’t clattering the catwalk, monochrome was making just as much of an impact, especially at Julien Macdonald where signature jewel shades were swapped for gothic blacks and at Giles and Louis Vuitton where bondage-style straps took the darkside to the depths of dominatrix. Texture Marni, Aquascutum, Fendi If you’re partial to sequins, suede and fur, here’s your chance to wear it all at once. Texture is all or nothing next season and more, as they say, is more. Sumptuous silks, soft fur, lace and leather team together for a luxe look, tweeds and knits offer a smattering of the countryside, […]
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week AW11: Mary Katrantzou
Who: Mary Katrantzou What: Electrifying prints, structured skirts and separates. Thoughts: Mary Katrantzou received rave reviews last season so she was under a lot of pressure to deliver with her latest offering. She needn’t have worried, though, because once again her beautiful use of prints came up trumps. In rich, jewel shades with patterns ranging from birds to florals to mosaics she threw caution to the wind, adorning everything from slim trousers to pencil skirts in exquisite detail. Although she reissued the structured lampshade and peplum skirts she’s becoming synonymous with, she compounded her collection for autumn/winter 2011 and made it more wearable than in previous seasons by introducing separates. Sleek, knee-length skirts, trousers and leggings were all key parts of Katrantzou’s look, mixing and matching them her eye-catching prints. Surprisingly, the collection finished with an entirely different angle – floor-length dresses with loose billowing silhouettes introduced a more feminine, if utterly regal, side. Not for the faint-hearted but if you want to stand out, Mary Katrantzou’s got the wow factor.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week AW11: Ashley Isham
Who: Ashley Isham What: dramatic glamour, soft draping, vivid colours and, of course, dresses. Thoughts: World renowned Singaporean designer Ashley Isham is enthusiastic about opulence, and is apparently a great admirer of Galliano’s sense of the theatrical. His autumn/winter collection definitely encompasses the ostentatious and the dramatic, presenting a show that was both contemporary and glamorous. Queues down the street and around the corner proved he has a wealth of admirers and having to stand to see the show didn’t put a damper on it. New Wave drum and base with an airy female vocalist ran at parallel to the collection’s strong tailoring and signature soft draping. First we were treated to summer garden florals in fishtail gowns, the short and the fitting, and cut-out numbers all in a surprising yet lovable fabric – flannel. The palette was eclectic but the use of silks and metallic embellishment created an overall glossy finish. Emerald green and royal blue off-the shoulder evening dresses were attributed floaty sashes or finished with vivacious beaded bordering. Asian inspired head pieces made of chopsticks, flowers and mesh were decidedly playful and extravagant and worked to tie the collection together under a theme of elegant Asian fusion, whereby both head-wear and enveloping draping were comparable to the elongated and delicate crane. Isham thrives on creating “works of desire that women can actually wear,” and this collection was no exception.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week AW11: Aminaka Wilmont
Who: Aminaka Wilmont What: an abundance of signature digital prints, patent leather separates and socks. Thoughts: Aminaka Wilmont’s latest collection was a vision of black knee-high socks, rocking leather pieces and signature blurred digital prints – some dotted with snakeskin, others with softer, blown-out florals – in a monochrome palette. Silhouettes were slim – Wilmont’s trademark body-con designs haven’t gone anywhere for autumn, fans will be pleased to hear – and short, but were layered with draped fabrics or leather jackets and to add a directional shape and texture. Although the black-white-grey colour scheme was limiting and grinded slightly towards the end of the show, key pieces like the sheepskin-trimmed waterfall jacket and multi-layered biker bomber coat definitely realed back the limelight for this winter line. Image credit
Read MoreValentine’s gifts for him: Tom Ford for Men eau de toilette
Forget novelty gifts and get your man something he really wants this Valentine’s day – a refined, romantic and sophisticated scent. A reflection of the designer himself – and let’s not pretend we’re not giddy at the thought – Tom Ford’s Tom Ford for Men eau de toilette is perfect for city dwellers and guys about town alike with its strong, seductive smell spiked with unexpected florals. And it’s good news for you, too – Tunisian Orange Flower and Cypriol are ingredients for intense sexiness and sensuality, so we hear. A gift for the man you love by the man everyone loves? Sorted. Tom Ford For Men eau de toilette, £42, available at House of Fraser. BUY NOW
Read More5 ways to wear spring now
The new collections are trickling in and we’ve recapped the hottest spring trends, but how do we begin to channel SS11 style when it’s so ruddy cold outside? Don’t worry, we’ve got it covered. From cool colour statements to simple shape updates, we’ve got five foolproof ways to wear spring now that will have you looking fashionably fresh until the new season lands (without benumbing your bum). Get ready to shake up your style… 1. Anything orange Alice + Olivia Leila silk-blend tank dress, £92.50, available at theOutnet.com here; Halston crepe drawstring-waist jumpsuit, £336, available at theOutnet.com here; Monica Vinader Medina gold-plated chalcedony ring, £73.95, available at theOutnet.com here. Call it tangerine, pumpkin or peach – orange is making a zesty splash this spring. The good news? The shade looks great on everyone and everything. Channel the trend with a statement one piece or sumptuous silk shirt – or, if you want to take a more subtle approach, work it into your wardrobe via simple but striking accessories. 2. Anything white White embroidered dress, £28, available at Topshop here; Morgan white concealed placket shirt, £110, available at Reiss here; Clemens En August white kimono jacket, £187.50, available at theOutnet.com here. The key to wearing white in winter? Layering. A crisp white blazer over a sleek shirt or simple shift won’t only keep you warm, it’ll make new-season minimalism your middle name – but if clean cuts aren’t for you, luckily the shops are awash with white in just about every form. 3. Try trousers Jaeger wide leg trousers, £175 £68, available at Reiss here; Stacey straight leg trousers, £95, available at Reiss here; blue tulip print wide leg trousers, £45, available at Topshop here. Whether you love high-waisted wide-leg pairs or go soft for sleek cigarette styles, pants have come […]
Read MoreSS11 trend recap: rainbow brights and playful prints
So it’s the end of January, it’s cold, it’s miserable – but something warmer is already on our doorstep. Yep, the first signs of spring have started to show – that is, the first offerings from the SS11 collections are beginning to trickle into stores – and with bright colour pops, plisse pleats and playful prints aplomb, there’s plenty to snap you out of your end of season depression. With that in mind, we’re here to recap the hottest trends for SS11 to keep you one step ahead of the crowd – and weather – and kick-starting spring style today is something guaranteed to to brighten the dullest Monday mood… Rainbow brights L-R: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander, Christopher Kane Colour in spring is no new thing, it has to be said, but we can’t remember a season that’s embraced it in such an explicit way for a long time. From bold block-colour stripes at Marc by Marc Jacobs to off-the-cuff colour clashes at Jil Sander, rainbow brights are having their hey day – and the best part? It doesn’t matter if they’re neon-acid shades or sweet honeysuckles, so long as it makes a vibrant splash. Playful prints L-R: Erdem, Prada, Giles Never mind a hop, skip and a jump – spring’s playful prints are a whole school yard away from last season’s minimalism. Opt for feminine florals a la Erdem or go bananas (literally, if you’re a Prada fan) for loud abstract prints in eye-catching colours – anything and everything goes. Want to make a serious statement? Take direction from Giles and mix and match your prints for a cool clash that’s fun and fresh. [Images: Style.com]
Read MoreGet the look: Rachel Bilson in Chanel
Rachel Bilson arrived at the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week looking ever the understated LA cool girl with a very vintage yet contemporary look that we couldn’t wait to recreate it. The dainty floral Chanel dress sets a sixties vibe to her outfit, while her leather jacket and gladiator heels toughen up the delicate chiffon to make an eclectic mix of styles. We also love her laid-back tousled hair and natural makeup that keeps her look simple, allowing her red Chanel handbag to provide a touch of stand-out chic. If you love Rachel’s effortlessly elegant look as much as us, take a look below at our top tips for stealing her style… AllSaints Manu Leather Jacket, £325, AllSaints A leather jacket is a must-have staple for providing an edge to any outfit, and this distressed biker jacket from AllSaints does exactly as intended – ultra-feminine without losing it tough, contemporary edge. Not only does this jacket work well for Rachel, it also has the possibility to become a timeless wardrobe favourite for us, too. We love the unique waterfall lapel detailing on the front that makes it stand out from the remaining leather jackets left on the rails. TFNC Rose Print Layered Chiffon Dress, £36, ASOS Florals add an instantly feminine touch to any outfit and this chiffon dress by TFNC is the perfect piece for re-creating Rachel’s look. Though the colour and cut is slightly different to Ms. Bilson’s Chanel number, the fabric and floral pattern stays true to the sixties-inspiried design, and is guaranteed to fall effortlessly over our best assets for a flattering finish. RONNIE Twist Sandals, £75, Topshop Gladiator-inspired sandals have been a staple for several seasons now, and these RONNIE twist sandals from Topshop take the best features from the signature style. The multi-strap […]
Read MoreLunchtime buy: Luella jacquard mini dress
Ah Luella, we don’t half miss you. Just when we thought we’d definitely had enough of florals, we spot this jacquard mini dress and everything’s different again. New to the Outnet this week, this corseted number is the pretty dress we’ve been lusting after for so long. Not only does the jacquard effect update flower prints for autumn, it’s delicate enough for this season’s ladylike trend – just check out that signature sweetheart neckline and the bow-shaped pocket further down. We want to wear it with brightly coloured shoe boots to do the designer proud – after all, quirky accents were in the Luella DNA, wouldn’t you say? Luella corseted jacquard mini dress, £198, available at the Outnet. BUY NOW!
Read MoreLunchtime buy: Something Else Shattered Print Short
Painterly prints have evolved from cutesy florals to something tougher this season, and we think these Something Else shorts, new to Urban Outfitters, wouldn’t look out of place at a Christopher Kane show where galactic-style prints are a signature. These culottes look positively kaleidoscopic and are just right to pair with a basic t-shirt or body to breathe new life into staple separates. Add to that your thickest opaque tights when the weather drops, and Something Else’s high-waisted shorts will show exactly what monochrome dressing can do. We just can’t decide wheter we’re looking at a vision of space, a cloud formation or er, a burst ink pen, but either way, we like what we see. Something Else Shattered Print Short, £65, available at Urban Outfitters. BUY NOW!
Read MoreLunchtime buy: Dolce & Gabbana balloon skirt
Two trends for the price of one is always a tempting buy. This Dolce & Gabbana skirt not only manages to nail the ladylike look in cute overblown florals, it’s also made of mohair. That’s right, we said a mohair skirt. Bet you weren’t expecting that were you? Any furry accents on clothes are going to be really popular in the coming months, as are demure feminine separates – although somehow, we doubt you’ll be seeing many skirts looking like this on the high street. Be a little different and have the ultimate conversation starter in your wardrobe; we want to add low courts and a lightweight knit to really make the fashion grade. Dolce & Gabbana Balloon Skirt with Floral Embroidery, £645, available at Browns. BUY NOW!
Read MoreLunchtime buy: Joe’s Jeans Diva platform sandals
These almighty platforms from Joe’s Jeans are sure to get you noticed this summer. The leather – almost-6-inch – heels feature bandage-like straps, an unusual hexagonal heel and an exposed zip at the back. Invest in these for an alternative nude look, adding a bit of oomph to feminine pastels and florals. $195 from Shopbop.
Read MoreLunchtime buy: Made Her Think Lizzie bag
Throw this pebbled leather, across-body bag on over summer florals and romantic nudes for a tougher, more casual edge. The drawstring pouch makes the Made Her Think Lizzie bag the ideal daytime accessory for times when you just need those essentials with you. With a spacious main compartment yet being relatively compact in size, this is a great option for the festival season, with those antiqued metal discs and brass studs along the strap adding unique touches. $598 from Shopbop.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: the best bits
You may have noticed we’ve taken a back seat in this season’s London Fashion Week , but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been casting our eagle eye over the collections. Now that it’s well and truly over, let’s round up what we’ve seen , and loved , in London this season. Oh, the wonders of live streaming.
Read MoreNicola Roberts in Meg Matthews
What is that adorable thing draped around Miss Roberts’ neck I hear you ask? No, it’s not her suspiciously like-its-owner pug dog pet, but rather it’s her wonderfully stylish printed scarf from Meg Mathews’ collection for Liberty. Following the success of her iconic wallpaper prints, Matthews has created a range of beautifully printed silk scarves for Liberty. Available in blue, pink and purple, the Russian Doll scarves make use of micro florals and skulls to create a truly rock-chic accessory.
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 MoreArcadia SS10 press day: Topshop
As one of the UK’s biggest retailers, the Arcadia spring 2010 press day was bound to be a busy affair. Victoria House was packed with fashion insiders including Susie Lau of Style Bubble and the Arcadia man himself, Sir Philip Green, all sneaking a peek at the latest offerings from Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Evans, Topman and Burton. We popped down for a preview and a couple of tiny bowls of sausage and mash. Delish. Topshop: While the other Arcadia stores had to share floorspace, Topshop – undoubtedly the shining star of the business – was given a more exclusive feel, with a much larger, separate room for their spring 2010 collections. Topshop shone in the accessories department and we were particularly drawn to some romantic, suede and lace ankle booties, which are perfect for tricky transeasonal dressing. Neutral was key for Topshop, adding detail with buckles, tassels and in one worrying case, espadrille wedges. They’ve also done a pretty good version of the Ray Ban Clubmaster… Topshop have gone down the predictable route of distressed denim once again – but, they do execute well. This season sees rolled-up, lightwashed jeans teamed with striped crops as well as loose denim jackets having been given the late eighties, early nineties ‘cool’ with their badged effect. With denim being a popular fabric choice of spring 2008, Topshop have sensed the need to update current trends in this time of financial difficulty. Spring 2010 at Topshop is definitely more of a casual affair. Cutesy ladybird prints and florals appeared briefly in tailored shorts and t-shirts, as did comfy, jersey basics in that straight-out-of-Fame look. The stand out pieces however, were the more elegant items in neutral lace and unusual, digital print. That said we love the laid-back layering of jersey and […]
Read MoreH! by Henry Holland launch party
So we’ve been pretty excited about Henry Holland for Debenhams for a while, but never more so than now. We popped down to his H! by Henry Holland launch on Tuesday evening for a sneak preview of what’s to come next spring. Full of high hopes though we were, we had our anxieties , Debenhams may well have a roster of big name designers (Betty Jackson, Matthew Williamson, John Rocha), but Henry Holland’s a little different , he’s younger, quirkier and, dare we say it, a tad cooler , would it really work?
Read MoreDries Van Noten at FIT
Following his acceptance of the 2009 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion, Dries Van Noten joined Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at FIT, for an intimate question-and-answer session with students at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I have never seen an interview with the Belgian designer so I eagerly made my way to FIT’s Kate Murphy Amphitheater on the morning of New York Fashion Week’s first official day.
Read MoreThe Brogue, back in vogue.
The brogue has subtly stepped back into style. Offering an easy way to adopt the androgynous look, brogues carry connotations of old school uniforms – traditionalist and full of heritage. Pair your brogues with simple jeans and a t-shirt, to update your look, or experiment with skirts, dresses and socks, (hint: wear with florals to recreate the English country rose style!) We simply can’t resist these Rupert Sanderson laura leather brogues, £395 available from Net-a-Porter. The chocolate leather is simple irresistible, along with the modish structure and detailing, makes them all worth the price tag. However low and behold trusty Faith have provided us with a cheaper, monochrome alternative – The Achardon brogue, at £35 £14.40. Thoughts?
Read MoreIs Anne the new Posh?
Oh fashion is a fickle world. One minute a designer is declaring his undying admiration for you and the next he’s moved onto the next ‘new hot thing’. Well this is the tale of woe for Victoria Beckham. It wasn’t that long ago that Vicky and Marc Jacobs were BFFs, all hugging and strutting and of course climbing out of paper bags. But now rumours are rife that Anne Hathaway is the new Marc Jacobs muse.
Read MoreFashion Fix: Bloomin’ Marni!
What a way to make your wardrobe bloom in compliment to the spring season!
Read MoreKate Moss for Topshop: It’s all about the Liberty print
It’s the 9th season for Kate Moss at Topshop. We’ve had rock chick style, leopards pawing, the shortest hotpants ever seen as well as a number of floral tea dresses. But this may well be her best season yet, Liberty prints are the base for this great range and you know there’s going to be a stampede.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: House of Holland AW09
Henry Holland is a bit of an anomaly, a fashion journalist who made some t-shirts and happened to be best friends with the ‘It’ model of the moment, who then ended up with his own fashion line.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: Betty Jackson AW09
This year marks the 25th anniversary of London Fashion Week, a celebration of British designers which began in an Olympia car park and included a presentation from the legendary Betty Jackson. A quarter of a century later Jackson told London Fashion Week Daily that the British Fashion Council’s event “wasn’t all slick and fabulous like it is now.” These days however, Betty Jackson’s show is both slick and fabulous. Her AW09 collection was a dream from start to finish and the lyrics drifting up over the transfixed crowd echoed my sentiments exactly: “I’m in love.”
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: Peter Jensen AW09
Peter Jensen is the king of kooky style. There is always a grown up cutesy feel but without being sickly. This was a very unusual collection and felt slightly more spring/summer than autumn/winter. The theme was ladylike folk. A mixture of textures including crochet and knits were set against ladylike structures and knitted hats. There was a sense of optimism throughout and I am loving those over-the-knee boots.
Read MoreMost memorable moments of 2008!
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on 2008. Here are the highlights… 1. Carla Bruni
Read MoreCredit Crunch Friendly: Orion London
Who: Orion London was officially founded in 2005 but has really begun to establish itself as a fashion favourite this year thanks to glowing press attention and a few famous customers; a frequently photographed Sarah Harding in their beautiful peacock dress for example.
Read MoreHats off: Helene Berman
As winter steadily approaches a good hat can easily become ones best friend; great for keeping you cosy on those bleak wintry days as well as providing a convenient disguise for bad hair days and late-night eyes.
Read MoreBalenciaga Lights Up the Catwalk at Paris Fashion Week
The show I look forward to the most during Paris Fashion week? Without a shadow of a doubt it’s got to be Balenciaga. Nicholas Ghesquière single-handedly breathed new life into the blazer and brought florals back into the forefront of fashion. For Spring/Summer 09 Natalie Vodianova opened his indescribable collection, which in Ghesquière’s own words “played with textures to see how they reflect or absorb light.
Read MoreLondon Fashion Week: The Round-Up
The Trends: Stepford Wives , Ladylike glamour with a sexy edge, think form fitting dresses and pencil skirts. Playschool , A childish trend to embrace the sun, think primary colours, childlike prints, dinosaurs, trapeze tops and tent dresses. The Orient , Grace and elegance are seen in Obi belts, silk prints, florals, feathers and birds. Barely There , Sheer almost invisible chiffons, nude coloured laces, SS09 is all about baring all. Space Age , With a strong emphasis on tailoring exaggerated shoulders and hips created a futuristic look found in leathers, cottons and playsuits.
Read MoreFashion Fix: Fashion Week Special!
And for the show we’ve all been waiting for , Marc Jacobs! Racked.com live blogged the show and Fabsugar gives us a full rundown of the clothes. Jourdan Dunn’s having loads of fun at fashion week! [The Cut] Celebrities take over at DVF [Fashionista]
Read MoreHenry Holland Does Polka Spots For Levi’s 501s
What comes to mind when you hear or see the name Agyness Deyn? Most likely. Polka dot jeans? Um, not so much. Well, having collaborated with Levi’s 501s, spotty denim is just what you can expect from Mr Holland next. For this limited edition of customised jeans, think laser cut spots, printed florals and the aforementioned polka dots, turned up at the ankle to reveal a suitably contrasting pattern. And despite this collection, made up of six different styles, forming an integral part of Holland’s S/S 09 line, fans will be able to get their hands on a pair on the very next day after they are showcased at London Fashion Week on 18th September!
Read MoreLust of the week: Topshop Floral Print Corset
I try and I try and I try to be good and save my pennies but Topshop is a bad place. A bad, bad place that wants to see me fail. For, why else would it throw such a physical incarnation of temptation into my otherwise thrifty gaze? Alas, Topshop knows that I am weak and defenceless and so there is nothing left but to succumb…
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 MoreTrends: Head Scarves
When
Read MoreColour me summer!
If countless magazines are to be believed, it seems it may be time for me to wean myself off my standard issue colour palette of neutrals and muted jewel tones in favour of block printed summer brights. Not that British summer is actually here yet (will it ever be…?), despite what the magazines would have us believe. But in the absence of real sunlight and actual warmth on my little white shoulders, perhaps wearing bright colours would be an optimistic alternative? A self-conjured vision of summer colour and joy. As much as I appreciate the simple impact of block colour by the likes of Jil Sander, I am a detail junkie through and through; a girl who likes her patterns dense and her layers clashing. Perhaps simplicity would not be the best way to approach a trend of which I am already decidedly wary?
Read MoreGlove Love!
As part of my inherent love for any modern take on ladylike style, the kind of details that recall a time when gentlemen tipped their hats on cobbled streets as the ladies sprayed their love letters with rose water and petals, I give you the glove. Well, gloves.
Read MoreDress Lust: Mint Jodi Arnold Colour Block Dress
This season, is full of so many options. Colour blocking. Bright colours. Sheer. Ethnic prints.
Read MoreShopping: French Sole “Season” flats
While I love spring and the warm weather it brings, I haven’t managed to find the time to get a pedicure. By this, I mean that my toes are staying hidden in ballet flats until I get myself over to a salon! But just because my tootsies haven’t caught up to this season doesn’t mean the rest of me has fallen behind, which is why I was delighted to find these super cute French Sole “Season flats.
Read MorePretty Ponies: Playing with Pastels
In an attempt to temporarily escape the stress and reponsibilities of adult life, I am turning to a most beloved childhood toy. Not for some kind of twisted juvenile comfort, but for style inspiration, of course. Yes, I intend to drift through the monotony of grown-up life this spring in a colour palette derived entirely from My Little Pony.
Read MoreSummer Buys: Leotards take to the stage
The lights have dimmed, the trumpets begin to play and the red velvet curtains get ready to part as spring’s travelling troup of circus performers tumble out of an oversized magician’s hat. Adorning all from pierrots to ballerinas, underpinning the dizzy heights of fashion’s stage is the staple of all performers – the humble leotard.
Read MoreWhere the Wild Things Are: Emma Cook for Topshop
With the impending onset of summer (ha!) comes the inevitable announcement of those annual summer trends that will never go away (nautical stripes or ethnic prints anyone?). Lets take the ever-present ‘safari’ trend – predictable and a little bit tired if you go down the old khaki jacket route; far more exciting if you take a walk on the wild side with all those beauties of the animal kingdom.
Read MoreNatalia Vodianova: A Determined Brow
If the cover of May’s British Vogue is anything to go by, my much ridiculed but determined quest to grow out my eyebrows has been totally and absolutely validated. Ha! There is Natalia Vodianova, poster girl for the beauty of a bushy brow, peering out from florals and frills as if to say, “LOOK AT MY OVERGROWN EYEBROWS DON’T THEY ADD TO MY INTOXICATING CHARM?” Why yes, Natalia, they do. And while her extraordinary beauty might have something to do with the allure, I reserve the right to add her to my list of arguments to support my cause. Other, less persuasive, issues include my spectacularly low pain threshhold and inherent British scruffiness when it comes to personal grooming.
Read MoreFighting Talk: Let the battle begin!
Fashion is a fickle creature; her moods are fleeting and her tastes volatile. Not too difficult to predict, then, that there would be an autumnal backlash against spring’s romance and florals. The fragile flower who floated through spring and summer has been challenged, attacked and all but trampled upon by winter’s army of warrior women. From the armoured tailoring of Yves Saint Laurent to the sheer sequinned chain mail at Christopher Kane, the
Read MoreTrends: Blooming Gorgeous!
Pretty florals for Spring. Predictable, right? Not, so much. For Spring ’08, designers such as Balenciaga, Prada and Stella McCartney have taken an otherwise obvious trend and pushed it to new limits. Oversized flowery prints in bright and startling colors, molded and cut into interesting shapes make this coming season’s floral pieces anything less than mundane.
Read MoreA brief look at the Pre-Fall collections.
After sifting through the pictures of the pre-fall 08 collections we can’t help but feel excited at the prospect of fashion week. And If Zac Posen’s presentation is an indication of what’s to come then we literally can’t wait. His remarkable attention to detail is visible throughout! If you like your clothing pretty and cute then Posen’s collection is for you. Like us, you’ll adore the beautiful black mini-dress (above) and his gorgeous baby-doll dresses complete with romantic bows (a sign that the “bow” trend is not going anywhere, anytime soon!).
Read MoreNew York Look: A New Magazine Fresh off the Runways
An entire magazine covering the ins and outs of Fashion Week? Sign me up! When I got my hands on the new semi-annual
Read More