Search Results for “coats”

What to wear on Valentines Day?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Dreading February 14, least because you haven’t yet got your beau a bow wrapped present, but because you don’t know what to wear? Since when did something so small turn into a full-blown, breakdown-inducing incident? Our Valentine’s Day style guide is here to, well, guide you through your wardrobe problems on the mushiest day of the year (do we sound like romantics?) and ensure all the focus is on canoodling post-candlelit dinner, rather than worrying about whether that black dress is too passé to impress Peter. Let us begin with what you’ve got planned for Valentine’s Day; an intimate dinner for two? Party central? Or maybe you’re celebrating all day and expecting a surprise from your other half, and so want to play it safe with a day-to-night look? However you choose to celebrate on February 14 let out style guide help take the load off your fashion-burdened shoulders, so you can concentrate on playing star-crossed lovers with your lover. And for the singletons amongst us; who needs an excuse to dress up anyway? Just join in for no-strings attached fashion fun! Romantic dinner Dress, clutch and heels all available at My Wardrobe Day-to-night date Top, jacket, skirt and boots all available at Reiss Party central Dress and sandals available at Topshop

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Dress for less in our top 10 (sale) wardrobe essentials

by on 25th January 2013 0 comments

With the sales approaching their final stages, snapping up stylish bargains has never been more important. High-end pieces come at pocket-pleasing prices, so it’s the perfect time to click home that investment piece you’ve been eyeing up for a while. And the same goes for the high street: fine knits, luxe leather wares and statement footwear accompanied by a low-end price tag are perfect for adding to your high-low mix style. Sale essentials on our radar include a lust-worthy and ultra practical Victoria Beckham shopper tote, statement Kurt Geiger flats for days heels just won’t do and a stunning printed Carven dress definitely worth modestly splashing out on! A classic coat, look-at-me knits and an after-hours perfect embellished clutch are other hot favourites, so we’ll race you to the shopping basket! 1. Camerucci scarf, £85, £70, available at Zalando 2. Carven tribal jacquard one shoulder dress, £710, £143, available at my-wardrobe 3. J Brand Denim Minx mid-rise skinny jeans, £560, £280, available at Matches 4. Reed Krakoff Leather-trimmed suede ankle boots, £610, £305, available at Net-a-porter 5. Mirror stud clutch, £35, £15, available at Miss Selfridge 6. Caro fluffy jersey top, £120, £72, available at Reiss 7. Liquorice flats, £95, £35, available at Kurt Geiger 8. Obvious Intentions coat, £220, £88, availanle at French Connection 9. Victoria Beckham zip panel shopper tote, £1,050, £525, available at My Theresa 10. Breton stripe jumper by J.W. Anderson for Topshop, £49.99, £15

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BARGAIN BUY: Reiss Myla nude funnel neck coat

by on 6th October 2013 0 comments

[noskim] We’ve found something better than indulging in a bit of chocolate when we’re having the day from hell…something better than waking up to breakfast in bed…. What could be better than all that we hear you cry? A bloody good bargain of course! And we’ve found the best bargain of them all. Now we are the biggest advocates of investing in great coats during the sale season. We’ve said it time and time again…the best time to snap up a fab winter coat (or two) is during the sales. Not only are you spoilt for choice but the markdowns are fantastic and Reiss have an excellent selection of coats at brilliant prices if we do say so ourselves. This time around however we’re being extra savvy and opting for a nude coat that’d be perfect for those cold days that often occur during the spring months and ideal for next winter. This funnel neck coat ticks all boxes (was £325 now £162). We love the shape, the colour, the length and we have no doubt it’d keep us warm while ensuring we look uber chic. The verdict? Yes please! If this coat just isn’t doing it for you, head on over to Reiss, we guarantee you’ll find a coat that ticks all your boxes. [/noskim]

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10 of the best trends of 2012

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

We can’t believe 2012 is drawing to a close so fast, and with festive prep in full blast, we’ve taken out a little time to help you reflect on the trends that defined the runways of 2012. From ornate embellishment to luxe leather; gym gear gone glam to shirtless collars – 2012 brought several lasting pieces and styles to our wardrobes. To refresh your memory, as next season creeps upon the ever-moving world of fashion, here’s to a trip down trend memory lane to refresh your fashion mindset, and cleanse the mental palate to make way for next season’s stunning wares. Sports luxe: Olympic fever gripped the globe this year, and with so much fitness apparel, fine abs and Tom Daley in full view, designers couldn’t help but take gym gear up a few chic notches; off the treadmill and straight onto the runway(with a few modifications, obvs). Embellishment: The SS’12 shows marked the beginning of our obsession with festooning everything from cardis to clutches and slippers to socks. Even for a/w’12, Lanvin and Balmain delivered heavy smatterings of crystals and beading to their fashionable wares, whilst Christopher Kane’s embellished clutches and jeans became summer staples. We approved. Collars: Dismantling the shirt, a firm wardrobe staple, left us with a collar and free reign to do anything to it! What started out as a pretty and prim game of peek-a-boo atop cosy knits Alexa (yes, she) wore with dresses and shirts underneath became a full-blown global phenomenon. Encrusted with stones; crisp white; metallic; printed or Peter Pan versions, the collar did pretty well at pushing the statement necklace of its pedestal. Candy shades: Probably the biggest summer trend to slip into our wardrobes, pastel shades were everywhere! We blame the house of Louis Vuitton for getting us unhealthily hooked on shades of […]

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Our top 10 sale picks

by on 24th December 2012 0 comments

The arrival of Christmas Eve can only mean one thing: a major splurge on festive calories. With so much indulgence going on, the only way to truly compensate would be to look ahead with the temptingly brilliant January sales that have already kicked off, and bag a few brilliant bargains in the process! After all, we can’t think of a better way to fight off the painful thoughts of gorging on calorie-laden mince pies and one too many glasses of mulled wine…! Can’t bear the thought of a Boxing Day brawl to get your hands on a last pair McQueen heels reduced to a ridiculous price? We’ve rounded up the best price – busting bargains to kick off you Christmas sale shopping, and even better, you just have to click these beauties homes. Shopping hawk eyes and loaded credit cards at the ready; it’s time for a serious retail workout with our top 10 sale picks below.  Oversized leather and suede jacket, £180 £100, available at Warehouse By Malene Birger Niliao Milk Blazer, £245 £171, available at My Wardrobe Clutch Bag With Firework Beading, £35 £21, available at Asos Jonathan Saunders Anya quilted dress, £840 £504, available at Matches Arrow Drop Collar, £14 £7, available at Topshop Daphne Contrast Fabric Shirt, £139 £97, available at Reiss Leather skinny trousers, £99.99 £79.99, available at Mango Stella McCartney Molly faux-leather ankle boots, £610 £305, available at Selfridges Alexander McQueen Haircalf Flap-Over Messenger Bag, £1,395 £837, available at My Theresa 3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Skirt with Neoprene Lining, £880 £350, available at Browns  

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Get Amanda Seyfried’s Hollywood Walk of Fame look

by on 17th December 2012 0 comments

Welcome to the luxury edition of our popular Get the Look feature. We thought Amanda Seyfried absolutely killed it on the red carpet as she and Les Miserables co-star Anne Hathaway helped Hugh Jackman celebrate his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Amanda looked warm, cosy and totally luscious in her cream trench coat with chic red piping, which she teamed with a stunning black Alexander Mcqueen bag and matching shoes and tights. It was just the right amount of glamour to show that she made an effort for the special occasion without looking like she was trying to upstage Mr Jackman. This is a wonderful look to try and emulate in the British winter weather. And even though there are plenty of similar trench coats and black totes knocking about, it’s nice to indulge in the originals every now and again right? Especially now it’s Christmas. A gift from you to you! Piped trench coat, £970, Burberry available at Stylebop.com Black medium heroine tote, £1525, available at Alexander McQueen

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Five minutes with Isabella Oliver’s Baukjen de Swaan Arons

by on 17th September 2023 0 comments

Founder and Creative Director of Isabella Oliver and the fashion brand Baukjen, Baujken Swaan Arons set up her company in 2003 out of sheer frustration, caused by the lack of stylish maternity wear available on the market. Nearly a decade later, and with a cult celebrity following, Isabella Oliver is bigger than ever and every discerning fashionista’s go-to name for comfortable and stylish pieces. My Fashion Life caught up with Baukjen to talk party season style, fashionable mums and wardrobe staples. Your womenswear brand was called Isabella Oliver 365 before being reintroduced as Baukjen. Tell us what inspired this change in name? Originally, our womenswear collection evolved from the Isabella Oliver maternity line. It grew so much faster than we’d ever imagined and we felt it needed its own space to live and breathe. Separating the brands gives them both the space to grow to their full potential. Name three wardrobe staples you cannot live without. A leather biker jacket is an essential and a modern classic; our Agyness Leather Jacket has jersey inserts so its gives a great fit. I wear it over day looks but also over more dressy evening outfits. Black ankle boots work with everything – leather leggings, jersey dresses, jeans and t-shirts – I’m constantly wearing mine. I love stripes and this season I’m wearing them in jersey. Our caramel and black striped dress is great for quick and easy everyday style. I wear it over leggings, ankle boots and pop the black Maryna Blazer over it and add long necklaces. Isabella Oliver Maternity was set up to provide stylish pieces for expectant mums; what experiences led you to specifically choose this market? When I was pregnant with my first child it was very difficult to find stylish maternity wear that reflected my usual style. […]

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Jenny Packham wants you to help find a home for Colleen the Husky

by on 27th November 2012 0 comments

We got a lot of positive feedback from you guys about the Collars and Coats Gala in aid of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home that took place earlier this month. If you can remember, 17 designers form the likes of Henry Holland to Jenny Packham created coats or collars for man’s best friend, which were then modelled on the runway. Or dogwalk, if you will. Jenny Packham made a gorgeous colorful coat for Colleen the four-year-old Siberian Husky, and the designer is now looking for a permanent home for her four legged friend. “With her David Bowie-style brown and blue eyes and her luscious locks, Colleen made the perfect model, and as a dog-lover I was honoured that she wore my dog coat,” the designer said. “She is a beautiful dog with a wonderful personality, so I’m hoping she will find a home soon, as she will make a fantastic pet for the right family. “Colleen is one of many dogs needing a new home, but she’s now one of their longest-standing residents, so she really deserves to find the perfect home soon.” Colleen has been under Battersea’s care for 145 days and is looking for a new home with experienced owners who can keep up with and entertain her. Do you know anyone who might be up for giving this gorgeous girl a home? Click here to find out more and watch a video of her in action. [Image c/o David Baird/Battersea Dogs & Cats Home]

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10 Parkas to keep you warm and snug

by on 16th November 2012 0 comments

‘Tis the season to wrap up warm and we can’t think of a toastier addition to our wardrobes than a practical parka. Super-snuggly and stylish, a parka is the perfect off-duty cover up and fantastically versatile when it comes to styling. Perfect for pairing with skinny jeans, sneakers and a soft knit, or, for breaking the rules with by wearing over a heels-and-dress work uniform to keep the look toned down; the parka won’t fail you in your hour of need! But don’t go all PC and snap up the standard khaki, fur-trimmed hood version! Look for exciting prints, shearling-lined hoods and belted styles for an interesting spin on this wardrobe classic. Need a little help choosing the perfect parka? Check out the 10 styles we’re digging to keep the Arctic temperatures at bay… 1. Penfield Hoosac moutain parka, £275, available at Selfridges 2. Mongolian lined camo parka, £155, available at Topshop 3. Meteo shearling lined cotton twill parka, £950, available at Harvey Nichols 4. Rhumba parka, £190, available at French Connection 5. Burberry Brit fur trim parka, £795, available at My Wardrobe 6. Black And White Tweed Parka, £70, available at Next 7. Sophie Hulme parka coat with removable sheepskin lining, £886, available at My Wardrobe 8. Woolrich/W’s Byrd Cloth parka, £779.95, available at Nelly 9. Antik Batik Kasia rabbit-lined cotton-twill parka, £475, available at Net-A-Porter 10. Weekend by MaxMara Alpaca parka, £585, available at Matches

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How to wear the futurism trend..

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Fashion’s gone back to the future. Well, for Autumn/Winter’12 it has, anyway. Sharp shapes, metallic tones and frosty faces (we’re talking makeup, not expressions) were scattered across runways like stars in the Milky Way, and if the aliens wanted to be seated front row, well, who could blame them? But the futurism trend didn’t take the predictable Nasa-inspired route of astronaut chic. No. Designers, instead, looked to the likes of sexy sci-fi siren Barbarella for inspiration, giving us the end product: a mesmerising, alien-esque beauty with exhibitionist features (bejewelled eyebrows at Chanel, anyone?). The Fall 2012 futurist wouldn’t be out of place working in a high-rise office building, according to Balenciaga’s corporate/ otherworldly offerings, including sculptural padded sweaters, stiff A-line skirts and the biggest high-end hit this season: the satin sweatshirts with Battlestar Galactica-style logos. At Alexander McQueen, sci-fi visors paired with shaggy fur coats had us at hello, whilst Mary Katrantzou’s emphatic 3-D prints and exaggerated cuts gave us galatica-inspired goose bumps. How to translate the trend into wearable form, we hear you ask? Add sci-fi inspired accents to your look, such as a silver metallic collar or belt, or pile on sharp-edged, statement jewellery such as chunky stone bracelets or an ear cuff. Wear a mash up of monochrome with slices of silver, and keep makeup minimal, with just a slick of graphic liner for impact. Check out our top pieces oozing sexy sci-fi appeal above. 1. Nowhere Peek shoes, £39.95, available at Nelly 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic Bib Blouse, £310.54, available at shopbop 3. Mildred Boxchain Bracelet, £30, available at Kurt Geiger 4. Quilted Triangle Skirt by Boutique, £68, available at Topshop 5. Balenciaga Executive Acrylic Silver Birch Dress, £895, available at Matches 6. Silver Perfecto Jacket, £59.99, available at Mango 7. Mawi Earrings, £225, available at The Corner […]

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First look at the Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins

by on 9th November 2012 0 comments

Rihanna isn’t the only American babe to come and take over our British high street. The Bajan singer may be working on her own clothing line with River Island, but Kourtney, Kim and Khloe, otherwise known as the Kardashian sisters, are bringing their style to Dorothy Perkins. And it’s now time to take a look at some of the pieces in the rather aptly named “Kardashian Kollection”… This is a really diverse and versatile collection; Kim Kardashian and her sisters have been very smart about ensuring that there’s something in there for everyone. From stylish coats and jackets, to statement bags, to Christmas party-ready dresses to all else in between, this collection seems to have it all. The clothes reportedly reflect each of their characters and their own personal styles, although we know that none of the girls can resist a bit of glam , which is evident in all of the pieces! What do you think of some of our favourite items that we’ve highlighted? We think the dresses are particularly stunning, and we predict they’re going to be pretty flattering too. We all want to achieve that famous Kardashian silhouette! Are you tempted by anything? If you’re a massive fan and want to meet the girls, they will all be at Westfield this Saturday doing signings; the first 500 people to arrive will receive a numbered wristband to be eligible to enter the queue, so set your alarms and head down there early to make sure you don’t miss out! The Kardashian Kollection will be available in selected Dorothy Perkins stores and online from the Thursday November 8th. Shop the Kardashian Kollection now! [Images] 

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Your Bonfire Night style quick fix!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Remember, remember a fashionable 5th of November. Yup, we’ve reworked a classic rhyme to suit our stylish needs (natch), because the fash pack have a well known tendency to do such things! Apart from the obvious safety rules (come on, they’ve been drilled into you since your first sparkler-waving experience aged 5, so no forgetting them), it’s important to have fun, too! Toffee apples, treacle toffee and Cognac-splashed hot wine aside, you’re wardrobe needs to be bang-tastic, too, and ensure you’re the Bombette of the party. Prioritising when it comes to outdoor events is key and given the current climes, keeping warm is unsurprisingly at the top! Because nothing is more démodé than shivering in your thins when the barometer hits the ground, we’ve rounded up the perfect Bonfire Night wardrobe that’ll keep you stylishly snug. Luxe shearling and suede ear muffs will help keep ear frostbite at bay (we hope it isn’t that cold!) whilst helping to muffle out some of the loud explosions from the firework display, and a trusty, chill-blocking coat is a must. A chunky knit should already have acquired staple status in your wardrobe, and add splash of colour for night with some bright jeans. Low-heeled ankle boots will ensure all that standing around is comfortable, whilst embellished accessories, in particular fingerless gloves (great for the ongoing snacking!), ensure essentials are given a stylish twist! A firecracker outfit for an explosive night (all puns intended); now all that’s left to do is to locate an equally impressive Bonfire party before Monday. 1. Karl Donoghue Shearling and suede earmuffs, £100, available at Net-A-Porter 2. J Brand Lipstick red Zoey mid-rise jeans, £265, available at My Wardrobe 3. Tweed biker coat, £110, available at Oasis 4. Knitted tweed cable jumper, £45, available at Topshop 5. Sonia Rykiel […]

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Fun, glamorous autumn/winter pieces at Wallis!

by on 26th October 2012 0 comments

Yesterday we headed to Arcadia HQ to check out what fab new clothes, shoes and accessories Wallis had in store for us for the autumn/winter 2012 season, and have to admit that we left with a wish-list as long as both arms combined. Great for Wallis and Britain, (which is reportedly no longer recession-hit, wahoo!) but bad news for our bank accounts. There’s an abundance of fun and glamorous jumpers available, which would be great to wear over the Christmas holidays over anything from skin-tight leather leggings to cute pencil skirts and more. Everyone needs some sparkle in the winter months! The coats are also particularly striking this season too, with lots of faux fur pieces that are a surefire way to get you noticed. And don’t even get us started on the Christmas party dresses and ultra-sparkly, attention-grabbing accessories! We even got to take part in a fun photoshoot with some of our favourite pieces and some very cute props (I personally had to go for the bold red lips and Kanye West style glasses – couldn’t resist!). What do you think of the gorgeous oversized black and white print coat? That’s definitely a piece of clothing that will keep out the winter chill! Head to Wallis right now to check out the rest of the new-season pieces and get your credit and debit cards lined up!

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Winter Jewels: How to stand out with Next Season’s Style

by on 29th October 2012 0 comments

The world might be turning all kinds of grey as winter descends, but you don’t have to. The upcoming season’s fashion trends are all about opulence, decadence and luxury, and jewel-like colours have been creating kaleidoscope patterns on the catwalk. The great thing about this winter’s trends is that you don’t have to give your entire wardrobe a makeover. A few bright, bold accessories and one-off items can add some serious accent and attitude on their own. Here’s how to transform your wardrobe into a veritable jewellery box this winter: Kaleidoscopic One of the most exciting brands to emerge in time for winter are Urban Lab, a design team who are boldly breaking down the barriers between art and fashion. Their range of silk scarves features bright and beautiful images of street art graffiti from across the world, from the backstreets of Lisbon to the train tracks of Budapest. Only sold in a three boutiques across the UK (Arkangel & Felon, Luna & Curious and Fidji Couture), here’s your chance to stand out from the crowd with something truly unique yet right on trend this winter. Ruby Accent your outfit with some fairytale-fabulous shoes this winter. It’s all about the sparkle and statement, and there’s never been a better time to treat your tootsies to something extra special. Vivienne Westwood’s Melissa range includes some heel clicking beauties that perfectly capture this winter’s look. Red suede skyscraper heels? Yes please! If red’s not your colour then I’ve got three words for you: Midnight glitter shoes. In a pair of these dazzling beauties you certainly shall go to the ball, and you’ll be the sparkliest thing there. Turquoise It’s all about luxury colours and fabrics this season, so if your winter coat is looking a bit tired then why not splash out […]

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Runway to Real Life: Get these catwalk looks for less

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Want more fash for your cash? As cringe-inducing as this one-liner may sound, the thought of bagging a designer look for less sure excites the hell out of us. And you, too! Autumn/winter 2012 brought with it many a covetable catwalk look; all blissfully beautiful but painfully pricey. But instead of sitting around racking our brains about how to possibly fund another expensive-looking season, we decided to search high and low to bring you our favourite looks from this season’s runways at a fraction of their price! Prada will always remain the trend trailblazer every fashion season, and this season was no exception. Her geometric printed suits and uber-desirable embellished platform Mary Janes had the fash pack at hello, so it’s only natural for those whom aren’t blessed with a fashion fund of Wintour proportions to want Miuccia’s looks for less. Here’s how to rock that suit without breaking the bank… Co-ord Premium Geo Tweed Jacket and Trousers, £345, available at Topshop; Ladea Mary Jane Pumps, £210.26, available at shopbop; French Connection Lurex Waisted Belt, £16, available at Asos; Michelle Black Doctors Style Bag, £28, available at Boohoo. Military influence swept through the world of fashion like a trusty British shower for A/W’12, and Altuzarra, amongst other top designers, put out the most desirable coats paying homage to this trend. A pea coat with military-inspired details has been at the top of our lust list since February, and here’s how you can bag one without depleting your entire fashion fund. Mango Wool Mix Peacoat, £114.99, available at John Lewis; Marrakesh Black Velvet Mid Rise Kick Flare Jean, £174, available at My Wardrobe; Gambit Metallic Detail Courts, £55, available at Topshop. Does a fashion season ever go by without Christopher Kane sending our hearts aflutter? A firm favourite with fashion editors; the likes of Kane […]

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2 ways to style sneakers

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Sneakers, it can be safely argued, are a gloriously stylish godsend. Well, that’s in a studded, printed, embellished and metallic kind of way; some of the many ways we’re looking to slip into these comfortable alternatives to painful heels! But styling sneakers doesn’t have to mean referring back to sorry school sports days for a spot of inspiration. Thanks to Parisian fashion goddess Isabel Marant, sneakers have been at the receiving end of a cool-over, making them suitable to be paired with anything from a dress to a suit. In need of some sneaker styling inspiration?  We’re a little bit (OK, a lot) in love with the Lima Sneaker from Kurt Geiger, and here’s how we’re styling ours: Look 1 With its embellished toe cap detail and standout white colour, it makes for the perfect partner to go with this tailored-to-nonchalant-perfection Knight suit by Nowhere. Just swap the blouse for an oversized tee to bring a sport-luxe edge to a traditionally heeled look, and guarantee to get the critic chatter going. Talk about a refreshing sartorial twist! Michael Kors Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch, £209, available at Selfridges; Knight Blazer, £119 and Salomon Zipper Pants, £69.95, both available at Nelly. Look 2 Or, for those not feeling too brave, stick to the casual-cool side of sneaker dressing: Team the Lima with a leather trouser, cross body bag and this lust-worthy statement knit from IRO. Channelling a painfully chic, not to mention, comfortable off-duty vibe, you’ll definitely have the best of worlds! IRO Cream and Black Merino Knitted Jumper, £275, available at My Wardrobe; Leather Trousers, £110, available at Next; Alexander Wang Printed Lizard Marion Bag, £451, available at shopbop. Lima Sneaker, £140, available at Kurt Geiger

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Do new season Goth the right way!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Much like the sartorial fairytale we endured last season, autumn/winter’12 brought with it a tale of its own. But there were no candy cotton hues and floral appliqué-dripping pieces in sight, as this season demands a more serious, moody and darkly romanticised palette.   Enter the new season Goth, but not as you’d imagined it. Forgo traditional gothic stereotypes and imagine a romanticised take on the dark subculture, as designers the likes of Givenchy and Rick Owens sent sharp black looks down the runway with supernatural details and an eerily ethereal quality about them.    Confused about how to channel this new season trend? Ditch all Marilyn Manson references and take your cue from Winona Ryder in Dracula, or maybe imagine Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’s Lisabeth Salander walking down the runway after she develops a soft spot for journo Mikael Blomkvist, having undergone a high end makeover. Phew! Got it?   Soften up a leather or PVC heavy look with lace, silk and plenty of embellishment to ensure you look more Mina Murray than Morticia Addams, and don’t forget to check out our 5 key Gothic trend must haves below to get your wardrobe into gear for the new season!       Sienna Waistcoat, £64.95, available at Nelly     Carven Box Pleat Satin Skirt, £305, available at my-wardrobe         Thakoon High Heel Boots with Stitching, £756.52, available at shopbop     Lace Trim Cami and Short PJ’s, £32, available at Topshop Gothic Prom Dress, £95, available at Asos

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Stella McCartney, Giles Deacon, Matthew Williamson and more design dog outfits for charity

by on 10th October 2012 0 comments

We admittedly get very excited when our favourite designers give back, and this is no exception! A host of some of the biggest and best designers in the world have lent their talents to the Battersea Dogs and Cats home, and will each create a couture outfit fit for a dog to raise money for the charity. Stella McCartney, Giles Deacon, Matthew Williamson, Vivienne Westwood, Julien Macdonald, Henry Holland, Mulberry and Philip Treacy are just a few of the big name designers who will be creating an item for man’s best friend. “I am extremely proud to support the dogwalk,” said Henry Holland. “I have always been a dog lover and this initiative is such a brilliant way to use fashion as a way of highlighting such a great cause.” The finished pieces will then be showcased during the Collars and Coats gala on November 8th, and then auctioned off to raise money for the cause. We can’t wait to see what they come up with! Whose design are you looking forward to seeing the most? [Vogue][Image]

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Oversized outerwear! 3 styles to suit every budget

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Upsizing your look was the key message conveyed by fashion heavyweights for autumn/winter ’12’, as the runways were awash with roomy wardrobe favourites.   Coats took form in desirable cocoon shapes, whilst jacket shoulders were drooped to give an oversized look and the ever faithful skinny silhouette on our bottom halves gave way to billowing trousers and voluminous skirts.   Setting our hearts aflutter with oversized offerings in the outerwear department was Jil Sander, where minimalist maestro Raf Simons took a rather maximalist approach to dressing us for this season. Simons reimagined our most important winter buy in the palest pink, roomy, collarless and cut from the softest cashmere.   Over at Proenza Schouler we were presented with with lust-inducing louche jackets in crisp white, sporting layered angular folds and rounded shoulders. But it was the jumbo-sized, drop-shouldered coats at Céline that sealed the oversize deal, rapidly transporting them to the top of every major editor’s lust list.   To celebrate the return of the silhouette that’s set to conceal a multitude of sins (nipped at the waist versions remind us of extra cakes blindly consumed) we’ve selected three of our favourite  oversized outerwear buys to suit every budget.   1. High end   Double Breasted Oversized Herringbone Coat with Wool, £95, available at Marks & Spencer

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Midweek Moodboard: Chanel-inspired tweed

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

We got a fresh dose of tweed at the Chanel spring/summer 2013 show yesterday, which has made us fall in love with it all over again. For those of us who cant afford to stock up on Chanel separates (and let’s face it, that is actually most of us – sob!) there are other alternatives out there on the actual and virtual British High Street – hooray! And, as Karl Lagerfeld has shown us season after season, we know it isn’t just about the tweed jacket… no matter how iconic it is! If you want to mix it up a bit, there are other ways to embrace the tweed trend too so the options are virtually endless! Take a look at some of the tweed pieces that we are currently lusting after. Our autumn/winter wardrobes wouldn’t be complete without a piece of tweed or two! Grey tweed pleated skirt, £30, available at Topshop Pink tweed collarless jacket, £39.99, available at New Look Tweed print skinny jeans, £165, Marc by Marc Jacobs available at Far Fetch Tweed capri pants, £150, J Crew available at Net a Porter Stud tweed cardigan, £42, available at Topshop Wool and leather tweed print top, £294, 3.1 Phillip Lim, available at Far Fetch

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Amber Valletta becomes new face of Marks and Spencer’s ‘per una’ line

by on 2nd October 2012 0 comments

After Rosie Huntington Whiteley did such a good job of modelling underwear for Marks and Spencer, it doesn’t surprise us to learn that yet another model has been snapped up to showcase what the brand has to offer. 38-year-old model and actress Amber Valletta has become the brand new face of the popular Marks and Spencer line “per una”, posing in everything from chic blouses and jackets to toasty coats to dresses for those all-important Christmas parties. “It’s a real honour to work with such an iconic British brand like M&S,” Amber said. “I’ve loved modelling the per una collection, it’s great to see the quality and attention to detail that has gone into each piece, yet it’s still so reasonable. “The idea of affordable luxury is something that’s unique to the British High Street and something that M&S does very well.” We like what we see so far! The autumn/winter 2012 per una collection will be available in stores and through the M&S website from October 11th. [Daily Mail]

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Website Loving: Bogner.com

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Let’s face it – we all still have Olympics fever! That’s not something that’s going to go away any time soon. So with that in mind, it should come as no surprise to learn that we’ve sparked an interest in sporting clothes  – and we’ve found the perfect place to get sporty attire that’s uber-stylish too. And its name is Bogner! Bogner comprises of great quality sporting goods and ski wear with catwalk qualities… in other words, fashionable, catwalk-ready but Olympic-worthy sporting clothes. The best of both worlds! “What started in such a modest yet committed way in 1932 as a small production site in a back yard in the center of Munich, has developed over the decades into an international label with the large B as a synonym for top-quality sportswear inspired by fashion,” reads the website. “As successor to the founders Willy sr. and Maria Bogner, Willy jr. and his wife Sônia now manage the company, which has a global reputation.” Take a look at some of the pieces on offer and if you think you recognise the ‘B’ logo, it might be because Bogner has dressed the German winter Olympic team for a mega 17 years! And for the first time ever, the summer Olympic German team got the Bogner treatment too! You don’t have to be an Olympic wannabe to get in on the action though. If you’re planning a winter holiday to the slopes or anywhere with a bit of a chill, there are plenty of big, snug and snoozy coats available to keep you toasty. Happy Anniversary to the Bogner brand – 80 years and still going strong!

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Why we can’t get enough of French label Sandro!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

A French label always gets us excited: Gallic charm; insouciance in the way the clothes carry themselves, and above all, that just-arrived-from-Paree feeling we get every time we slip into something of francais heritage. Sandro is that label. A Parisian fashion house whose clothes radiate insouciance with a razor sharp edge. It’s Emanuelle Alt, after she’s spent a week living with Rihanna; sharp, sleek tailoring with contrasting, outstanding street detail that has us wanting to devour the entire collection as if it were fashion chips. Working with a palette of electric blue, grey, bottle green and Bordeaux for autumn/winter 2012, Sandro offers style and pocket-conscious shoppers the perfect, mid-market sartorial antidote to the pricey, high end Fall collections that are oh-so-desirable, yet financially destructive! Denim has been fashioned in delectable variations, ranging from shock-inducing block colours, to leopard print and boasting eyelets lace and zip details to add an interesting edge. The Sandro girl doesn’t compromise style for comfort, instead merging them together and wearing it in the form of an oversized chambray shirt, or a cosily chic lambswool, angora and cashmere mix sweater. Blouses, shirts and vests come emblazoned with circus prints, tiger heads speckled complementarily amongst polka dots and a russet coloured silkscreen top that has us drooling at its high end look, high street price! Outerwear and accessories are hot Fall favourites, too, as the Sandro girl embraces an uber-luxe fur-trimmed leather jacket, coats boasting military details and leather-trimmed mannish coats in melange tweed, whilst accessories take a functional turn in the form of zipped, wristlet clutch bags and roomy, embossed leather satchels in want-now hues. Shoes for Fall, you’ll be pleased to know, don’t fall into the blister-causing category. A moccasin suede studded slipper touches on the super-comfortable slipper trend, while Sandro’s classic sneaker, the Albatross’ […]

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Autumn/Winter 2012 review – Façonnable womenswear

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Promising a ‘sensual and functional’ womenswear line-up for autumn/winter 2012, French brand Façonnable have offered just that: pieces with allure and a sense of wearability, that’ll see you through the fashion seasons. Employing four different sources of inspiration in carving the autumn/winter 2012 collection – Legionnaire: The English Patient; Downtown Fisherman; Englishman in Grasse and Sartorial, – the new season Façonnable woman is allowed to pick and choose her ideal pieces from each style category to create a wardrobe that spans trends, function and a modern elegance – the ethos of Façonnable. Military influences, thanks to the French Foreign Legion (Legionnaires), introduce clean lines in neutral hues such as olive drab, tobacco, and stone, taking the form of structured trenches, a funnel neck belted coat and layering essentials, including cropped slouch sweaters and delicate button down shirts. Bringing an updated edge to outerwear, the Downtown Fisherman collection promises rugged pieces with a touch of luxe. Think leather-patched and shearling fur lined pea coats, and silk and jersey dresses – definitely a collection for the outdoorsy fashion maven who loves to undertake an adventure in style. An Englishman imagined in tweeds and prince of Wale jackets finding his way in the hamlet of Grasse translates into womenswear as houndstooth wool and cotton blend, and classic cocoon-shaped outerwear that exudes femininity through print and definition with cinched-in waists. The Sartorial collection for women introduces cashmere, fine wools and luxe silk blend pieces into the wardrobe – perfect for refreshing your core wardrobe with pieces that evade replacement each season. The autumn/winter 2012 collection is classic, well-crafted and wearable, offering something for every taste and delivering functionality with just enough femininity. Hero pieces: Tie Print Silk Shirt (£122.45); Crew Neck Back Buttoning Cashmere Sweater (£391); Bold Striped Pea Coat (£470). Check out the complete […]

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Autumn/Winter 2012 review – Massimo Dutti womenswear

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Ah, the delicious Fall 2012 campaigns are here, and we’re pretty sure fashion bodies are busy poring over lookbooks stacked high on their desks right now! The Massimo Dutti Autumn/Winter 2012 collection was perfectly in tune with the hues, textures and cuts we’re lusting after for the new season. For womenswear, Massimo Dutti offered up moody shades of navy and deep green, accented with soft grey, silken ivory and sky blue for a ladylike touch. Fall 2012 is all about embracing the masculine side of dressing without raiding your boyfriend or partner’s wardrobe, (yes, it’s not strict, A/W2011 androgyny). A plated yarn jumper paired with a jacquard loom pencil skirt, and a second skin silk blouse worn over tailored leather trousers for the perfect, rich-textured, tough-luxe intermix is a stylish vision of things to come. Hero pieces from the collection we’re championing for the season ahead, we hear you ask? Well, apart from needing the entire lustworthy lookbook in our wardrobes right now, we’re particularly digging the mannish shaped coats – the double breasted beige coat with mother of pearl buttons has our name all over it – and the Mulberry silk wide printed trouser and silk shirt with pockets are absolute staples – perfect for your core wardrobe. An overall wearable, ultra-modern and, to some degree, season-transcending collection with serious style impact; we love that our love affair with the collection will continue long after Autumn/Winter. Browse the Autumn/Winter 2012 lookbook here, and check out the complete Massimo Dutti womenswear collection here.

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Top Womenswear Trends for Autumn 2012

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The fashion catwalk shows previewing autumn 2012 collections, from Milan and Paris to New York, all signalled certain key trends in womenswear that are likely to make their way to the high street for the coming season. Jackets Its all about androdgeny next season. Womenswear inspired by traditional menswear was arguably the defining trend of the catwalk shows for autumn 2012. From 1920s-style dandy-esque smoking jackets and tuxedos to the more masculine straight lines of the 1970s, retro menswear was the evident theme in collections from everyone from Gucci, Emilio Pucci and Miu Miu to Victor & Rolf, Max Mara and Isable Marant. Such jackets are often combined with countryside-chic fabrics such as plaid and tartans. Check out some of the best high street examples of women’s jackets we found from Crew Clothing, and River Island. Gothic One of the key trends to emerge for Autumn 2012 from the catwalks was gothic fashion. Mining the darker seams of fairytales and gothic romance fiction, capes, riding boots and ruffled blousons combined with tuxedo-esque jackets were highly visible. Leading the way was Frida Giannini’s collection for Gucci, where the theme stretched from day to evening wear. All-black outfits are an option, although teaming them with a brown belt or white shirt can make a pleasing contrast. Oriental Embroidered dragons and flowers adorned short-cut jackets and full-length dresses in Dries Van Noten’s catwalk collection, while Issa took inspiration from the Orient for wraparound robes and tight-fitting dresses. Oriental prints will be a feature of the high street this autumn, while more intricate embroidered designs will be all over the high-end stores. Ripped Denim Daisy Dukes with ripped edges and visible pocket linings have been the key trend in summer shorts this year. The theme of distressed denim has been taken over into the […]

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5 investment-worthy pieces to ease you into Fall

by on 13th August 2012 0 comments

Struggling to step into autumn style? Fear not, we’re here to help! We’ve picked out 5 key pieces that’ll help you ease into Fall 2012 without the pressure of committing to a frighteningly experimental wardrobe! Mannish coats and jackets were all the rage on the autumn/winter 2012 runways, with YSL, Proenza Schouler and Christopher Kane giving us a taste of what to be seen in come September. Berry hues were a major hit in line with autumn’s moody attitude, while printed trousers are well and truly here to stay, thanks to the psychedelic versions we witnessed at Prada. Purple is the SS’12-sorbet-Louis-Vuitton-lemon of Fall 2012, and set to be splashed across every possible item of clothing this season; covet the colour in a pair of ultra-feminine, easy-to-wear courts. And finally, the finishing touch is an uber-desirable bag, naturally. But we’re not talking ‘It’ bag material here. For Fall handbags have undergone a chic-over: stripped down to the essential parts, with a minimal but polished feel. The Pashli satchel is the perfect accessory addition to any discerning fashionistas wardrobe. Black Origami Collar Melton Wool Coat by Vivienne Westwood, £578 Clem Sweater by DAGMAR, £134 Cream And Black Dani Printed Trousers by By Malene Birger, £101 Anette High Pointed Court Shoe by Diane Von Furstenberg, £215 Petrol Green Pashli Satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim, £830

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What to wear…for a Summer BBQ

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Got the summer wardrobe every girl dreams of, but still in a pickle about how to put together the perfect outfit for all those upcoming parties? Well, that’s where we can help, because this week we’re kicking off a series of ‘What to Wear’ features to help put to rest all your style dilemmas for the key summer occasions. Invited to a hip summer BBQ and don’t want to be grilled on your outfit? Or, maybe you’re headed to Ascot, in which case don’t forget the style rule book! Summer weddings, garden parties and formal dinners, we’ve got them all stylishly covered; all you have to do is tune in every day of this week to get sartorially sorted for your occasion. Kicking off the ‘What to Wear’ week with a sizzling style lesson in BBQ appropriate chic, we’ve opted for an easy-to-wear, printed romper. A light jacket is a must, in case the weather turns slightly cooler, and a look-at-me bag and comfortable flat sandals will complete the look. Wardrobe sorted, now to enjoy the burgers! Zimmermann Ocelot Rebel Bound playsuit, £208, available at Matches Luca Straw Wide Brim Hat, £55, available at Reiss Houpla Leather Strap Sandal, £18, available at Topshop Sarah Round Sunglasses, £60, available at Kurt Geiger Sara Battaglia Mochila Hand-woven Tribal Bucket Bag, £655, available at Browns Theodore Summer Jacket, £295 £147.50, available at French Connection

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Think like a man: 10 androgynous pieces we can’t get enough of!

by on 10th June 2016 0 comments

If upon reading the title you have a slightly worried expression of your face, and visions of a lazy, jogging bottoms and stretched t-shirt clad, potato couch version of the opposite gender in your mind, mentally refresh, please. We’re not talking comfort menswear; we’re talking style-laced, androgynously beautiful pieces with enough of a feminine spin to warrant being worn without being accused of stealing your boyfriend’s clothes! The androgynous trend was huge for autumn/winter 2011 and hasn’t really left our fashion closets since! Think crisp white shirts, oversized coats, sharp blazer jackets, ankle-grazing tailored trousers; mannish accessories, including braces, masculine watches, flat loafers and brogues – all worn with a compulsory bright lip and messy, hand-styled hair for a sexy, yet serious look. Taking style inspiration from the androgynously appropriate character of Julie Andrews in Victor and Victoria (above) (cue: YSL’s Le Smoking inspired black suits; deeply side parted cropped red hair and the most perfect white bow tie), we’ve picked out our favourite masculine-inspired pieces vying for a place in your wardrobe. Take your pick from our top 10 boyishly beautiful pieces below! 1.  Simply silk classic shirt £77 £39.50, French Connection 2. ‘Callas’ shawl collar lace jacket, £295, Reiss 3. Maxmara ‘Madison’ trouser, £190, Matches 4. Lightweight tweed boyfriend coat, £75, Topshop 5. Carvela ‘Mariner’ loafers, £110, Kurt Geiger 6. Chloé silk necktie, £42, The Outnet 7. Silver Bracelet Watch, £85, French Connection 8. ‘Leone’ relaxed waistcoat, £159, Reiss 9. Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Ellis’ striped cotton shirt, £64.75, The Outnet 10. Maxmara ‘Babele’ brogues, £350, Matches

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Has Kanye turned Kim into a demure goddess?

by on 1st June 2012 0 comments

“Where have they gone?” I euphemistically and, rather rhetorically, ask myself every time I lay eyes on a post-‘Kimye’ Kim Kardashian. As the world became aware of the blossoming love between the blatant romance-deniers, I’ve become aware of Kim’s increasingly demure and understated wardrobe. A monochrome palette (similar to her beau’s); sleek cuts; ladylike peplums; below-the-knee dresses; sensible fashion choices at Cannes; copious amounts of uber-expensive-looking leather and cleavage concealing necklines have all made the rounds; and I’ve decided that I actually quite like the stylistically ‘born again’ Kim. Regularly seen in barely breathable, bust-enhancing, waist-reducing Hervé Léger bandage numbers, post divorce; Kim’s comeback as the Rapper’s Girlfriend hasn’t entirely been put down to personal effort. This is not to say I disliked Kim’s previous barely-there style, but I wonder if claims that dating Kanye West has improved her wardrobe actually hold any truth. Well, to figure that out, let’s begin with Kanye’s personal approach to style, his fashionable affiliations and, of course, his venture into fashion. Partial to a blazer, slouchy leather pants and eye-hurting sneakers, Kanye’s love of Givenchy, a blossoming friendship with creative director of said fashion house, Riccardo Tisci, and an eponymous fashion label with a rather dismal debut at Paris Fashion Week two seasons ago prove his fashionable inclinations. Given that, Kanye rather famously attended last month’s Met Ball sans Kim – a warning of sorts from the God of fashion, Anna Wintour, and the fact that Kim’s less-than-credible celebrity status – described in W magazine as the ‘fine art of playing herself – (a perfectly money-spinning method, may I add); does Kanye feel inclined to help bump up his beau’s credibility through influencing her style? Does he feel she’ll be taken ‘seriously’ by the inner circles of super-stardom if there’s more monochrome than major-boobage on […]

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How to do Queen Chic…minus Buckingham Palace!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

With the nation in the grip of Jubilee fever, we couldn’t think of a better way to get to grips with our celebration wardrobe than to take direct inspiration from the very lady at the centre of our extra holidays, good old Queen E! Celebrating 60 years of reign, Her Majesty must surely be in a pickle picking her outfit for next week’s celebrations. But as we all know, Liz never lets us down in the style stakes – she was championing ladylike bags and pastels way before SS’12, didn’t you know? Looking to the past and present, we’ve taken two looks from Queen Elizabeth’s fashion archives we think define her style, and, can also me translated easily into a modern version for all you pretend-ladies-in-waiting to try out! Check out our style tips on how to enjoy regal glamour without marrying into royalty…   Neon coat, £99, Cos; Vanessa Bruno Athe Printed cotton and silk-blend dress, £160, Net-a-porter; Formed handheld bag, £36, Oasis; Erickson Beamon Barbie gunmetal-plated Swarovski crystal brooch, £545, Net-a-porter; Platform pumps, £39.99, Zara Alice + Olivia Rozzi Lace Sleeveless Dress, £410, Oxygen Boutique; Fallon Jewellery Classique Triple Gold Pearl Necklace, £132.27, shopbop; T Bar sandals, £49.99, Zara

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The High Street Sale Edit!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The sun’s had its hat on this week, and we’re sure many of you have been blowing your weekly budget on after-work drinks, mingling in the finally-out-of-hibernation sun! So, we decided in order to make whatever is left of that budget stretch to fullfil your sartorial needs, we’d pick out top sale picks from the trusty high street! Looking for the perfect lady-like heels to pair with your summer dress? Or, maybe you’re looking to update your sunglasses collection with something a little off-spectrum and bright? The High Street Sale Edit is your saviour! Never ones to miss a good fash-bargain, get stuck in and stock up for hopefully more sunnier days!  1. Silk Butterfly Dress, £45 £35, Oasis 2. Blazer, £29.99 £7.99, H&M 3. Elderflower heels, £120 £79, KG Kurt Geiger 4. Selima Sun for J. Crew Belle Sunglasses, £99.74 £74.38, J. Crew 5. Mustique Paisley Scarf Silk Blouse, £50 £35, Warehouse 6. Yellow Print Belted Jacket, £50 £25, River Island 7. Cleopatra’s Box Ring, £12.50 £6.25, Topshop 8. Callie Devore Jersey Top, £49 £30, Reiss 9. Bag, £29.99 £14.99, H&M 10. Fang Tiger Print and Metal Sandals, £30 £20, Miss Selfridge

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Top Friday fash-bargain buys!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

We’re winding down a rather long week here at My Fashion Life HQ by picking out the best fash-bargains from one of our fave shopping destinations for stylish staples, Isabella Oliver. City-chic separates in muted tones of rich olive, stone and dusted violet are equally perfect for office and off-duty, and bring a refreshing, trend-free edge to your wardrobe. A girl can never have too many essential pieces in her wardrobe, and at such bargain prices, we want to snap them up even faster! Tailored jackets, city coats, basic tees and comfy knits are all in the mix; perfect packing partners for that much needed weekend city break! 1. Breton Button Dress, £89 £53.40 2. Relaxed Merino Jumper, £95 £57 3. Herringbone Blazer, £199, £99.50 4. Print Silk Shirt, £149 £126.65 5. Satin Detail City Coat, £279 £139.50 6. Loose Fit Vest, £69 £34.50 7. The Circle Necklace, £79 £39.50 8. Modern Lace Dress, £189, £94.50 9. Luxe Bucket Bag, £275 £233.75 10.The Luxe Biker Jacket, £369 £313.65

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Why we need to stop interfering with The Skinny People

by on 3rd May 2012 0 comments

Reading the title of this post may make you want to scream abuse at me, and indeed label me a blind-eyed bat who has no regard for those wasting away under their J Brand leather trousers and Burberry trench coats. But let me clarify that I do care, just not enough to intervene by shoving an angel slice in a waifish companion’s mouth. The recent spectacle surrounding Alexa Chung’s Instagram picture that showed the fashion darling looking painfully thin has given rise to many question and arguments. Well, in my head, anyway. For I ask: why the tirade of abuse against someone who is actually, successfully making a living from her apple-slice-thin fashion status? And what of other famous posers in similar physical situation, who are thrust in the limelight (well never out if it) and regularly applauded for every itsy-bitsy (expensive) achievement, even though they’re withering away (yes, you, Victoria Beckham)? And what about the other end of the appearance spectrum? The Lauren Goodgers and Kim Kardashians who bemoan every inch of their bodies; with the former boozing and crying over holiday pics, and the latter taking up sports such as dating a foul-mouthed, sneaker sporting rapper, and regularly visiting the gym with her water bottle stuffed in a Hermés birkin. OK, rant over now let’s get back to Alexa. We know the fashion front-rower has become increasingly slimmer since she first came on the scene circa 2007, and, anyone who looks at that Instagram picture cannot shy away from the fact that Alexa’s never ending legs do look skinnier than your average glossy editorial model’s. But here is my argument: we instantly spit out against slim women, and fire off every rule in our healthy living book collection to defend our slightly meatier thighs, but what about those […]

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3 ways to wear the spring-fresh shirt dress!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Your spring wardrobe doesn’t need to be bulging at the seams with trend led fads. Instead, insert a wardrobe staple into the mix, easily, with only a touch of SS’12. The shirt dress is a versatile number: part shirt, part dress (the clue’s in the name really!), it’s a fabulous and essential wardrobe addition that can be transformed from pretty to preppy in no time! Because we’re such spring/summer geeks, we couldn’t resist a splash of faded power-flower print, and who better to add some grit to an otherwise ditsy dress than street-girl saviour, Alexander Wang. Pale petrol blue fading into black with a gathered waist detail ensures this is the pretty dress for hard fashion girls. We love the crisp white collar and the versatility of this botanical print shirt dress when it comes to layering. And here are three ways to style this piece of 100% silk perfection!     Look 1:  Teah Blazer, Reiss; Alexander Wang Emina sandal, Shopbop Look 2: Waistcoat, H&M; Dolce & Gabbana Silk-mesh and satin sandals, net-a-porter Look 3: Clutch, Zara, Brandi heels, Kurt Geiger Alexander Wang Botanical Print Silk Shirt Dress, £498, Liberty

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MFL Most Wanted: The Want-now List!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

We love Thursdays because we can pour our hearts out when it comes to our shopping desires and racket on about drool worthy items we’ve so carefully kept our eyes on! This week’s Want-now list is a sure-fire winner with the office and features some super-covetable, bang on trend pieces we all need in our wardrobes. Take a biker jacket, soften it and splash in a lemon yellow, or, maybe a high street floral dress with serious high-end appeal is what you’ve been searching high and low for. Sick of round dial watches and want something a little uncommon? Maybe a shape-swap in the form of a rectangular face watch by Michael Kors is the answer, and what of head turning head gear; Givenchy’s printed cap maybe the perfect attention-seeking addition to your hat collection. Whatever you’re after, we’re sure to have it covered in this week’s Most Wanted list, so shop up a storm and dress up in delight! You can thank us later. 1. Malene Birger Callinga Dress, £335, my-wardrobe 2. Bralet, £12, Topshop 3. Givenchy Printed Cap, £303, LN-CC 4. Mauricio Stein for ASOS Sunglasses, £70, ASOS 5. Lizzie Fortunato Mirage Earrings, £64, Stylebop 6. Hard Clutch, £24 Miss Selfridge 7. Bowie Trousers, £79, Reiss 8. MICHAEL Michael Kors Rectangular Tortoiseshell Watch, £219, Harrods 9. Aliza Print Dress, £70, Oasis 10. Soft Biker Jacket, £65, Warehouse 11. Camilla Skovgaard Woven Leather Sandals, £376, Matches

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Paris Fashion Week: Day 9

by on 8th March 2012 0 comments

Oh, to have been on board the literal Louis Vuitton train! In what was one of our favourite concepts of Paris Fashion Week – and fashion month in general – Louis Vuitton’s presentation took place in a makeshift train station, with very dapper looking train staff toting the models’ luggage along the catwalk.

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Paris Fashion Week: Day 7

by on 6th March 2012 0 comments

Given how Katy Perry enjoys dressing lately, we think she’ll be very pleased with the Stella McCartney collection, as most of it comes in her current favourite hue! Check Karlie Kloss out looking all demure in that dress – that girl can pull of everything! Tailored coats were in abundance in Stella’s latest collection, as well as oversized jackets, pleated trousers, and a hint of sportswear towards the end (which was probably a nod to the Olympics uniforms she created for the British teams). 

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Paris Fashion Week: Day 2

by on 1st March 2012 0 comments

On with Day 2 of Paris Fashion Week! Dries Van Noten presented another typically print-tastic collection, with coats, dresses and all else in between receiving the signature pattern and panel treatment that has become a staple for the brand over the seasons. Gareth Pugh fancied him a runway show this season as opposed to his usual video presentations, and his dramatic collection certainly reflected and accommodated that. It was all very gothic, as black leaves dropped from the sky as the models made their way down the runway in sharp, sculpted, exaggerated, high-collared garments with an abundance of fur, fringe and zips to boot. And speaking of boots, thigh highs were an essential on the foot of every catwalk model! Who would wear this collection then? Our money’s on Lady Gaga, Rooney Mara and Daphne Guinness (seeing as she was sat poised and pretty on the frow). Another instantly Gaga-approved collection was Mugler, as her stylist and best pal Nicola Formichetti debuted yet another collection for the label. Another sharp, edgy and defined collection with a predominantly monochrome palette – the only splashes of colour came from a few of the more instantly wearable dresses and the red soles on the Christian Louboutin shoes. We loved Formichetti’s take on the classic peplum too! See by Chloe was a bit of a mixed one where you could find sheer and muted looks among the bold, bright and printed. Then again, it had to be a special show seeing as the brand debuted the collection online for the first time ever. Overall, it was modern, romantic, poetic and surprisingly understated. Hair and make-up was fuss-free and natural, which complemented the nature of the collection well. What will the third day of Paris Fashion Week bring, we wonder?

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Milan Fashion Week: Day 4

by on 27th February 2012 0 comments

As it was his last collection with Jil Sander, Raf Simons definitely made sure he went out with a bang; it may have been a subtle and quiet bang, but he definitely left a lasting impression. We adored the pastel pink coats and dresses that made their way down the runway, which is a huge contrast to what we have been seeing the past few Jil Sander seasons. Emporio Armani presented what Giorgio himself called the “Little Winter Follies” collection, which was sultry, sleek and undeniably striking. Velvet, fringe, floral, polka dot, chiffon, leather – it was all there, and all teamed with cute, flirty short shorts; not very wintry on paper, but paired with predominantly monochrome shades, tights and flat shoes, worked a treat! Bottega Veneta joined the likes of Gucci and Alberta Ferretti with the dark and moody theme, offering a minimalist but edgy autumn/winter 2012 collection. The evening gowns were a huge highlight for us; there was an abundance of flesh on show, and lots of feathers, peplums and fine embroidered detail to boot. Last but not least on our favourites list was Emilio Pucci, who offered sheer, slashed, sensual designs in wintry and seductive shades. Peter Dundas apparently sought inspiration from his Norwegian heritage, and also dabbled in the masculine meets feminine theme that many designers have been playing with this season.

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Whites with a spring summer 2012 slant!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The purists will know that spring summer 2012 offered up white as the delectable new black. Usually a major no-no, for fear of staining your blanc wares with the remains of your brightly coloured lunch; white came in interesting guises for the new season. Celine opted for a structural angel in white – retaining all the innocence of this heavenly hue, but with a sharper edge in the form of razor-edged collars on button-up shirts, knife pleat knee length skirts, sculptural jackets and the sure-fire accessory of the season: a chunky white belt. Louis Vuitton opted for a frothier version of white, with organza-sealed broderie anglaise dresses, giant white buttons and adorable lace collars. Don’t be fooled by the prettiness though, as an injection of drama came in the form of heavy black eyelashes and princess tiaras that helped curb the angelic vibe of the collection. Even though white may prove a difficult trend to pull off, sport this season’s sister of pastels with bravado, and opt for white pieces with an offhand air about them. Play with texture and layering; opt for a sculptural jacket with interesting lapel detail or, a perforated shift dress for girlish charm with a twist. Whatever trend you champion this season, ensure a whitewash is on the cards with our top picks to invest in right away.   Alexander McQueen Leaf Crepe Skirt, £495 available at Matches   Diane Von Furstenberg Harper Clutch, £355, available at Matches Connie Crepe Jacket, £155, available at French Connection Knitted Stem Hem Vest, £32, available at Topshop Valentine Embroidery Anglais Shirt, £120, available at Reiss Theyskens’ Theory Racer Back Metallic Braid Dress, £550, available at My Wardrobe Raoul Perspex Belt, £68, available at Matches

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London Fashion Week AW12: Backstage at Todd Lynn, plus the main show!

by on 20th February 2012 0 comments

BACKSTAGE: The lovely people at Toni & Guy invited us to see all the backstage action at Todd Lynn before the show kicked off! The Toni & Guy stylists were listening intently to every word Cos Sakkas, International Art Director for Toni & Guy, was saying – as well as watching every movement very closely to be able to recreate it with accuracy and precision. You can tell Cos is one hell of a perfectionist! It was clear to see that the team were creating a wet look for the model, the secrets of which were later explained to us by none other than Cos himself. And what’s the secret to maintain that wet look? Shine spray as an undercoat, with lots and lots of gel on top! “Really head-hugging and really reflective,” Cos said about the look as a whole. “And then you’ve just got the front hairline which is slightly webbed, and it just sits around the ears so you have the madness around the head, but the structure inside. Low ponytail in the nape, worked with a really strong centre parting with loads of gel, which keeps it small and shiny… and then what we’ll do later on is pull the hair apart with the fingers so it looks like the hair has been shaved underneath.” Although Cos has worked on Todd Lynn’s shows for over five seasons, he admitted he still found it challenging… “It’s quite challenging because it’s creating two textures in one but still using the same products. When things are wet it all clomps together so it’s about pulling that apart which kind of goes against what it’s supposed to do if that makes sense. But we got there in the end.” That they did. After we left, the team then added metallic Todd […]

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New York Fashion Week: Day 4

by on 13th February 2012 0 comments

Day 4 of fashion week is when things really start to heat up, with all the hottest designers coming out to play. It must have been a jam-packed day for the New York Fashion Week attendee, as they had the likes of DKNY, Victoria Beckham, Zac Posen, Derek Lam and Diane von Furstenberg (among countless others) to head to. 

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Best of 2011: 5 trends we loved

by on 23rd December 2011 0 comments

2011 has certainly been a year for experimenting: there must be something about living in a bleak economical climate that’s made us all a bit more dreamy and creative, and all the better for it, we say! This year, we’ve donned all manner of lengths, fabrics and patterns (to many a varied response, probably), but creating, experimenting and borrowing styles is what keeps fashion exciting and meaningful, right? And besides, it’s always fun dressing up to try out a new look, whether it works or not. So, without further ado, here are our five favourite trends that we loved from 2011… Sixties Mod Our favourite era; what’s not to love about short A-line dresses and a sleek monochrome palette? This year we’ve channelled Jean Shrimpton, Jane Birkin and Twiggy all at once, we’ve flicked our eyeliners and we’ve donned every Peter Pan collar going, and do you know what? We loved every minute of it. Peace, Love and Mod Dressing? Yes, please! Prints 2011 was undeniably the year of the print: never before have we seen so many bold and beautiful patterns sported all at once. Mixing your fruit print shorts with your breton stripe T-shirt was officially how we wore print this year – it doesn’t sound like it should work on paper, but in practice, it’s brilliant. Fur Fluffy, furry, faux and fantastic: fur had a real moment in 2011. The fur coat came into its own at the beginning of the year in the UK, when us Brits experienced our first proper snow fall in years. Warm and glamorous, fur became the snow-challenged girl’s best friend. Then, once we saw the Gucci fur stoles on the AW11 runway, the fur stole literally stole our hearts, trimming our camel boyfriend coats with a glorious dash of fluffy femininity. […]

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Our top winter picks from Cheshire Oaks!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Outlet shopping has suffered its unfair share of negative bias for long enough, but if we’re honest, we really don’t understand why. Luxury labels and big name brands with up to 60% off? Your fave high street stores at pound-saving prices? And all under the same proverbial roof? Frankly, what’s not to love? And, dare we mention it, in the current doom and gloom of the economic climate, it’s one of the most sensible ways to shop, too. And so it was that we took a trip to the UK’s largest – and Europe’s first – designer outlet, Cheshire Oaks, to put it to the trend test and see whether we could snap up some seriously stylish garbs for the season. Since opening in 1995 as part of the McArthurGlen group (Europe’s leader in designer outlet retailing), Cheshire Oaks attracts 8.5 million visitors a year – something tells us those savvy shoppers know they’re onto a good thing – to its 145 stores. And what do you know, with 1.2 miles of style, the ample stock that’s been expertly-selected to work with the season is especially impressive (and amazingly affordable). We hunted out the hottest 10 items for winter, from classic coats to crepe-soled shoes, that we reckon will knock your lurex Falke socks off. See below for our pick of must-have pieces (you won’t believe they’re from an outlet, either). Nicole Farhi Chunky Wool Monochrome Jumper. Carvela Suede Berry Lace Up Shoes, £91 (RRP £130). French Connection Fast Lucky Lace Dress, Outlet £84. Ted Baker Damask Print Hard Clutch, Outlet £59 (RRP £89). LK Bennett Black and Grey Tweed Jacket, Outlet £110 (RRP £165). Nicole Farhi Camel Wrap Neck Coat, Outlet £715. Hobbs Black Patent Croc Print Brogues, Outlet £99 (RRP £149). Ted Baker Lace Detail Leather Top. Reiss […]

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