Search Results for “paris fashion week

Meet Margaret de Heinrich Co-Founder of Global Beauty Brand Omorovicza

We’ve previously raved about our love for beauty brand Omorovicza, especially their amazing deep cleaning cleansing mask and gold sugar scrub which have both become firm fixtures in our weekly beauty routine, so naturally we jumped at the chance to interview co-founder of the brand Margaret de Heinrich. Founded in 2006 by Margaret and her husband, Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza, the formidable husband and wife team have grown Omorovicza into a successful global company adored by beauty insiders whom can’t get enough of their line of luxury skincare products. Here we get to know more about the woman behind the brand. What’s a typical working day like for you? Typically, I wake up at 5:45am and do meditation and work out, trying to get a bit of clarity before the chaos begins of getting 4 young children up and ready for school.  After drop off, I head to the office and my work day is filled with meetings ranging from new products, distribution, creative, marketing, PR, HR….  At around 4, I leave to pick up the children and then it is homework, and getting them sorted with dinner and bedtime.  I travel a lot for work and there are often lunches or dinner with our clients. Most enjoyable and challenging aspect of your job? I absolutely love building Omorovicza – helping to shape and grow our brand from the ground up is exciting especially the variety of things I get to work on, making every day unique. The challenging aspect of this is trying to balance work and family – as an entrepreneur and mother – there are lots of things pulling on my time and heart. Top tips for maintaining a work/life balance? This is really difficult and I wish more women spoke up honestly about these challenges. There are sadly no short […]

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Would You Dare To Wear Thigh-High Ugg Boots?

O.k before we get started, we’re just going to put this out there; we wouldn’t be seen dead in these! That said, we can easily see thigh-high Ugg boots being a thing by next winter. So whom do we have to thank for this monstrosity? French label Y/Project that’s who. As seen on the runway during their AW18 show in Paris for Men’s fashion week, these new generation of Ugg’s have taken ugly to a completely new level. Speaking to Vogue, Y/Project’s creative director Glenn Martens said of the collaboration, “putting on Uggs is like putting your foot in a warm pot of butter, and I thought why not elevate that and immerse your full legs!” Martens continued, “so we decided to design an Ugg boot that climbs up to the crotch and covers the whole leg.” We absolutely do not dispute the comfort of a pair of Ugg’s, but this is taking it a bit too far, no? [Image]

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Mothering Sunday: The English Way to Celebrating Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special occasion held in tribute to motherhood and maternal figures in the family. Each country has their own way to commemorate Mother’s Day. The origin, the date, and the custom are all different. In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is more commonly referred to as Mothering Sunday. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent or three weeks before Easter Sunday. Consequently, the exact date varies every year but it typically occurs between the second half of March to early April. For example, Mothering Sunday on 2017 was celebrated on Sunday, March 26 and will occur again on Sunday, March 11, 2018. The Origin of Mother’s Day in the UK Though today’s Mother’s Day is mainly a family event, initially it started out as a religious event in England. On this day, Christians and Catholics would return to their “mother” church, which is the church they were baptized in or attended mass in as a child. Thus, many people would return to their hometown and reunite with their family. The link between Mothering Sunday and family grew from there. But it wasn’t until Anna Jarvis, a social activist from America, demanded the US government to have one day dedicated to honoring mothers that Britain’s own Mother’s Day became official. It was said that after reading a newspaper report regarding Jarvis’ campaign, an English vicar’s daughter named Constance Smith began to start a movement to officialize Mothering Sunday. Smith’s movement began in 1913. By 1938, Mothering Sunday became a popular celebration of many Christian and Catholic parishes across Britain. By the 1950s, the custom spread throughout Britain and celebrated by all regardless their religion. Traditional Mothering Sunday Celebration Simnel cake is the symbol of the English Mother’s Day. It is a fruit cake covered with marzipan frosting […]

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Wrap Up Warm In A Duvet Reminiscent Puffer Jacket

We’re not quite sure when it happened, but at some point the weather went from zero to hundred real quick. We’ll give it to summer, it hung on for dear life, for as long as it could. And then all of a sudden the temperature dropped and we’re now left wondering, where autumn went to?  Rather than enjoying cool autumnal breezes, it feels like we’re in the early stages of winter. And whereas usually when we’d use this time of year to show off our transitional outerwear, e.g blazers and oversized cardis, we’re now seriously considering busting out the heavy duty puffer jacket. Not that we’re complaining too much – being one of this season’s major staples, the puffer jacket has had a lovely makeover and it’s bigger and better than ever. As seen on the AW16 catwalks oversized puffer jackets were the norm…and there’s only one way to wear it – slightly off the shoulder as seen at Balenciaga and more recently on RiRi during Paris Fashion Week. Impractical? Yes. Sexy? Hell yes! And therein lies one of this season’s biggest fashion dilemmas – how to wear the puffer jacket while still remaining impeccably cool and collected as we navigate through our daily lives of commuting and school runs?! But hey, it’s “fashun”, we’ll work it out… In the meantime here are some slightly less oversized puffer jackets that’ll make braving the wintry winds, pure pleasure. RAF SIMONS oversize down jacket available at FarFetch.com Moncler Sotiria down jacket available at mytheresa.com Monki Oversized Padded Jacket With Fur Collar available at ASOS.com Satin Puffer Jacket available at Topshop.com Puffa Oversized Padded Jacket In Angular Camo available at ASOS.com

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Air Flight Health: How To look After Your Body When You Fly

Are you a frequent flyer? Do you like jetting off on weekends away here, there and everywhere? Or maybe you have to regularly catch overseas flights for work? If so, you’ll be acutely aware of the rigmarole that goes along with air travel – being cooped up in a plane for several hours, forced to consume fairly unappetising food as you cross time zones. Do you find you’re exhausted at the end of a long flight? Do your legs and joints feel constricted? Does your skin dry up? Does your breath even seem to smell? If so, you’re encountering the negative physical effects of air travel. This blog post’s all about addressing them – and suggesting tips (including some handy supplements and probiotics you might consider trying) to combat them… Bad breath One of the big reasons why air-flight can be momentarily bad for your health is because it forces some bodily functions to slow down – the change in air-pressure the body experiences encourages it to prioritise some functions over others. An example of this is the salivary glands producing less saliva than normal, aiding more bacteria to grow inside the mouth and resulting in bad breath (or halitosis). Moreover, by consuming fast food and sweetened drinks – as many of us do on a flight – you’re only likely to help bad breath develop further as the bacteria feasts on sugar. To combat halitosis then, be mindful of what you eat and drink (water’s highly advised) and brush your teeth after meals, whenever possible. Leg-swelling You’ve doubtless heard of deep vein thrombosis (DVT); owing to poor circulation, a deep vein in the body develops a blood clot. Statistics suggest as many as one in every 1,000 people in the UK suffer from the condition and one of the […]

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The luxurious connotations of the “Audrey Hepburn” dress

These days, it’s somewhat difficult to define what “luxury” is. Our parents and grandparents used to have some idea; “luxury” was anything you bought that wasn’t an essential expenditure like food, basic clothing, electricity, heating costs, and so on. We used to define luxury as anything we bought which we wouldn’t suffer from a lack of. However,, we can usually have a thing as and when we want it. And we’re often impatient. Our daily lives contain luxury, lots of luxury, even and especially luxury that we haven’t paid up front for and have bought on financial credit. The BBC journalist Alistair Cooke, who travelled between Britain and America through his whole life, used to tell the story of Frederic Tudor, one of the first pioneers of consumerist ambition in the new nation of America in 1784. Tudor “became a merchant, and an inventor with so many mad ideas that didn’t pay off, that a whimsical brother wondered why he didn’t break up the ice on the Boston ponds and ship it to the tropics”. “The youngest Tudor”, Cook tells us, “ignored the crack and seized on a brain wave.” “He shipped one hundred and thirty tonnes of ice to Martinique.” Tudor “made ice a necessity, even – at the end of the Second World War – in England”. “Luxury” isn’t about fulfilling a need; it’s about creating a need which people never even knew they had inside them then fulfilling it. There’s a big difference. There’s also a difference between luxury and excess, especially in a recession. If you don’t design a product with a certain elegance in mind, then it’s just ostentatious. And that’s a square that designers are always trying to circle. We have two criteria for a luxury product —  it needs to activate a need […]

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4 Ways To Stay Healthy This Summer

Let’s be honest, staying fit and healthy during summer can be quite tricky. From munching on tasty burgers at BBQ’s to yummy treats and copious amounts of cocktails on holiday, we can find ourselves, eating more and working out much less during the warmer months. But, this doesn’t have to be the case. Despite all the many temptations, of which there are many, with a few tweaks to your routine staying healthy this summer and all year round, needn’t be too hard. Stay hydrated. We can’t stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated. Not only is water essential for our body to function but it also plays a major role in obtaining a flawless complexion. With the recommended drinking amount of 1.2 litres per day, consuming bottled water can get a tad expensive and the taste of tap water admittedly can be quite awful. For better tasting water, give your wallet a rest and add a limescale reducing filter to your tap. It’s inexpensive, removes impurities and with a wide range of aqua filters available from Kinetico, you’re guaranteed to find a filter to suit your budget. And if like us, you’d rather have a fruit juice than water, you must download their fab water recipe book. With contributions from top bloggers and chefs there’s a ton of ways to make your daily water intake as exciting as possible. Our favourite? The refreshing citrus infused water recipe! Ditch the gym and exercise outdoors. It’s a fact, exercising outdoors produces better results in comparison to working out indoors. From increased energy to sleeping better at night, there’s no competition. With the weather at its absolute best, get your trainers on and go for a run or head to your nearest park and incorporate circuit training into your fitness routine […]

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Halle Berry does lingerie now!

Halle Berry, i.e. she with the killer curves and all-round enviable bikini body, is branching out into the world of lingerie. Well, if the likes of Britney Spears, Penelope Cruz and Abbey Clancy can do it, why can’t Halle Berry? The actress has invested in Parisian lingerie label Scandale, and she and her business partner Erik Ryd each own 50% of it. Halle Berry hasn’t just put her name to it and left it at that, as she has been involved in absolutely everything from endorsing to designing. And we definitely think she’s done a good job of getting people interested in the brand… just check out the ad above! “I decided for my own evolution as a woman and an entrepreneur, it’s time for me to step out and really be part owner of something that I believed in and not just lend my name to a brand,” Halle Berry said. “I understand that women want to feel sexy and beautiful but they want to have undergarments that are very functional. That’s really important and that’s a way to make women feel sexy and validated — all the ways we as women need to feel. This is a very important endeavour that feels very in line with who I am.” Halle Berry’s lingerie collection will be available at Target from next week. We hope it’ll be a huge success and come to British shores too! [Harper’s Bazaar]

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A touch of Klass! Our favourite pieces from the Myleene Klass & Littlewoods collaboration

As the long lenses, catwalks and flashbulbs were packed away to close another Paris Fashion Week, one face will be appearing more than most in the highlights. Myleene Klass, the reality TV star turned top-rated fashion designer, has hosted CNN’s coverage of the event, DJ’ed at the swankiest parties and promoted her latest clothing line for fashion outlet Littlewoods. Who could have thought that Klass, one of the few reality contestants to break into mainstream success, would become one of the most talked about fashionistas of her time? Speaking to Littlewoods, Klass said, “I could never have dreamt any of this. The last time I had my name in my clothes, it was my school uniform. “Now my name is on my own range and hanging in women’s wardrobes around the world. How could you dare to dream that up?!” How has she become such a wide-reaching success in the industry? Partly thanks to her keen eye for unique but affordable designs, and partly thanks to the specific looks she’s tailored to suit her hourglass frame. Her designs have merged the two elements that have made her famous – a sense of effortless style combined with a complete lack of pretension. Here are a few of our favourite designs – and they’re all top of the Klass! Rose print prom dress Klass has always had a penchant for 50s’ designs and patterns, and this rose print prom dress epitomises her love for the era. These bright floral patterns are the perfect way to combat the autumnal blues of the season, with the cheerful colours contrasting perfectly with the dress’s black background. Draping over your body with ease, it’s ideal for looking casual but classy at a party. PU mini dress Offering a spot of minimalist 60s’ kitsch, this PU mini […]

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John Galliano confirmed for Maison Martin Margiela!

The fashion world is about to get even more exciting, as one of its biggest players has returned to the scene. Yes ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, John Galliano is back! The former Dior creative director has been confirmed as the creative director of Maison Martin Margiela – and we don’t thin k we’ve ever been so happy on a blustery Tuesday morning! “Margiela is ready for a new charismatic creative soul,” said Renzo Rosso, president of Maison Martin Margiela controller OTB. “John Galliano is one of the greatest, undisputed talents of all time — a unique, exceptional couturier for a maison that always challenged and innovated the world of fashion. “I look forward to his return to create that fashion dream that only he can create and wish him to here find his new home.” John Galliano will debut his MMM work in January during Couture Fashion Week in Paris. To say we are looking forward to his first collection at his new home would be one of the biggest understatements of the year. Congratulations on your new job JG – and welcome back. We’ve missed you! [WWD]

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Barbie at Moschino, Lauren Conrad’s wedding dress, and was Kendall Jenner bullied at NYFW?

Jeremy Scott takes his Moschino spring/summer 2015 inspiration from Barbie at Milan Fashion Week! [Glamour] Stefano Gabbana’s love letter to Domenico Dolce is the sweetest thing you’ll read all month! [Marie Claire] Kate Middleton cancels her trip to Malta due to morning sickness! (Get well soon, Kate!) [Vanity Fair] Was Kendall Jenner bullied by the other models during fashion week? [Huffington Post] Cara Delevingne lands her biggest movie role yet! [Vogue] Pics of Lauren Conrad’s Badgley Mischka wedding dress are here – and it’s even more beautiful than we imagined! [E! Online] Audrey Hepburn’s granddaughter Emma Ferrer is due to make her catwalk debut during Paris Fashion Week! [Grazia] Did Beyonce have another Photoshop mishap? [Telegraph]  

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Jean Paul Gaultier is stopping his ready-to-wear!

We’re a little bit gutted to announce that Jean Paul Gaultier is putting an end to his ready-to-wear line. That means no collection, no catwalk show at Paris Fashion Week, no relatively affordable garments. Someone pass us an entire box of tissues… According to WWD, the designer has made this drastic and heart-breaking choice due to commercial constraints and the pace in which collections need to be churned out every season. JPG will, however, continue to work hard on the Haute Couture collections, and will of course be keeping his fragrance and accessories ranges. Phew! “For some time, I have found true fulfilment in working on the haute couture and it allows me to express my creativity and my taste for research and experimentation,” the designer said. “At the same time the world of ready-to-wear has evolved considerably. Commercial constraints, as well as the frenetic pace of collections don’t leave any freedom, nor the necessary time to find fresh ideas and to innovate. “This is a new beginning, I will be able to express again my creativity fully and without constraints.” We’re looking forward to seeing these fresh ideas for ourselves! The last ever ready-to-wear show will be on Saturday September 27th during Paris Fashion Week. We predict it’s going to be emotional! [Vogue]

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Everything you need to know about Robert Pattinson’s rumoured new girlfriend

If we are to believe the rumours that are currently doing the rounds in the tabloids and on the internet, Robert Pattinson has officially moved on from Kristen Stewart. And his rumoured new girlfriend is 26-year-old singer FKA Twigs – real name Tahliah Barnett. “It’s the real deal between Rob and Tahliah,” a source reportedly said. “They had been able to keep their relationship secret until recently, but they’re already smitten. He’s been taking her on dates for the last month or so, and has even flown her out to stay with him in New York. He also loves going to her gigs. “The main thing for Tahliah is that the relationship remains low key. She wants to be known for her music, not just as ‘Robert Pattinson’s girlfriend’. She’s worried about being bogged down by constant comparisons to Kristen.” We don’t know about you guys, but she wasn’t on our radar until these R-Pattz rumours surfaced, so maybe she should see the silver lining. After all, world-wide recognition that could do wonders for your career and a shiny new boyfriend all in one week isn’t too shabby, is it? [Glamour] [Image]

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Kristen Stewart covers Elle US September, explains why she never smiles

Kristen Stewart has been hitting the headlines lately for her rumoured relationship with Jennifer Lawrence’s recent ex Nicholas Hoult (it might have something to do with them starring in a film together – you know how fast that rumour mill turns!) but that’s not why we’re talking about her today. K-Stew has only gone and bagged herself a September cover – the Elle US September cover to be exact. What do you guys think? Whoever thought up the concept for the photoshoot must have been a fan of the Karl Lagerfeld/Chanel supermarket scene during Paris Fashion Week, as Kristen’s took place at the Fields Market in West Hills, California. As well as posing in front of some canned goods and produce, Kristen opened up about that pipe smoking pic, why she never smiles for photos, and why she doesn’t really have a career plan… “Never at any point have I sat down and plotted how I should proceed from here on,” she said. “As soon as you start thinking about your career as a trajectory – like, as if you’re going to miss out on some wave or momentum – then you’re never doing anything for yourself anyway. “Then you’re truly, actually, specifically working for the public. You’re turning yourself into a bag of chips.” Interesting. You can read the rest of Kristen’s interview and see more non smiling pics in the Elle US September issue when it hits newsstands.

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Cara Delevingne poses in a boxing ring for Chanel autumn/winter 2014 ad campaign

Despite being noticeably absent from the Chanel Couture show in Paris last week, Cara Delevingne is the main star of the French fashion House’s autumn/winter 2014 ad campaign. And the tomboy at heart model couldn’t look more chic, elegant and ladylike if she tried. The pic above might just be out favourite Cara Delevingne ad campaign pic of the season so far; it’s going to take a lot to top it! Although the autumn/winter 2014 runway show took place in a “supermarket”, it doesn’t look like Karl Lagerfeld and the Chanel team have continued with that theme, as they have favoured the setting of a boxing ring instead. Interesting… but the Chanel clothes and Cara D certainly make it work! We don’t think we’re going to take up boxing any time soon though, as we don’t think classic pearl-embellished Chanel sweaters are part of the recommended sporting attire. If that changes in the near future, we might have to reconsider…

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Kim Kardashian and her cleavage attend the Valentino Couture show

Couture Fashion Week in Paris is still going strong, with no shortage of star-studded front rows. The Valentino Haute Couture autumn/winter 2014 show was no exception, as it boasted a super A-list front row with the likes of newlywed Olivia Palermo (who definitely had that wedded bliss glow about her), Emma Watson, and Kim Kardashian all in attendance. Olivia and Emma were sartorial perfection – we wouldn’t expect anything less from the style mavens – but it was Kim Kardashian who got most of our attention. Whether this was because it was her first sighting of the season and we were excited to see her, the gorgeous Valentino dress she chose to wear, or the two boulder-like things sticking out of it – or a combination of all three – remains a mystery. Although Kim has one of the most famous derrieres in the world (alongside Jennifer Lopez and Pippa Middleton) it was her front assets which were the focal point of the outfit this time round, thanks to the plunging neckline. Additionally, the dress hugged her curves perfectly, and the cololur complemented her skin tone and raven hair wonderfully. We stand by the “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” mantra and don’t think there’s anything wrong with it… Do you love Kim’s look as much as we do, or should she have covered up?

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Love or hate Kendall Jenner’s risqué Fausto Puglisi dress

We’re going to start the week with a bit of a controversial celeb style feature, thanks to Kendall Jenner and a very risqué Fausto Puglisi dress. Kim Kardashian’s little half-sister attended the MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto, Canada last night and decided to wear a very attention-grabbing double-slit dress from the Fausto Puglisi autumn/winter 2013 collection for her red carpet arrival. But whether it was the right attention is a different matter altogether… Some might argue that the dress, which featured waist-high slits on both sides and make Angelina Jolie’s Atelier Versace Oscars 2012 dress look tame in comparison, was a little too much for the 18-year-old. Others however, might see it as a bold and brave fashion statement from a successful model. Which camp are you in? We definitely think she rocked the dress just as well as the model from the designer’s lookbook thanks to her never-ending legs and flawless hair and make-up, but don’t think it was the right thing to wear for the occasion. Put her and that dress in a fashion glossy editorial page on the other hand…

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“I have yet to produce my best collection” – John Galliano, Le Point

Although John Galliano knows that his infamous anti-Semitic rant will never be forgotten, he has spoken out about wanting to put it all behind him, because there are bigger and better things to come in the future. We haven’t seen the best from him yet, and that’s possibly one of the most exciting thoughts ever! “I have yet to produce my best collection,” he told French weekly magazine Le Point. “The new Galliano will be bigger and stronger.” Inside the magazine, he also reflects on what happened on the now infamous night of February 24th 2011… “What happened in the Parisian café La Perle was a defense mechanism,” he said. “I repeated a pattern I had known so well as an adolescent, and I was under an explosive mix of alcohol and drugs. I don’t want to make excuses for myself, but I want to explain what addiction can do to a person. I was no longer myself. I felt provoked, and I said the most horrible, the most intolerable, the most terrible thing there is to say.” “I’ve stopped being the victim. What I did will never fade away, but I regret it.” The interview was reportedly requested by John Galliano himself, as part of his ongoing recovery. He currently sees an addiction specialist three times a week and continues to apologise for those hurtful words whenever and wherever he can. Although he doesn’t discuss his new project with Russian perfumery L’Etoile, he does promise a bigger and better Galliano; sounds pretty exciting so watch this space! [Fashionista]

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Kim Kardashian parties the night away in Balmain

There’s no doubt about it, France is the place to be this week. While some of the world’s biggest A-listers attended the Cannes Film Festival and, more specifically, the amfAR Cinema Against Aids Gala, Kim Kardashian had something else on her mind last night. The future Mrs Kanye West and some of her closest gal pals were spotted out in Paris last night, partying and making the most of Kim’s last few days as a single lady. And a fabulous night out with the girls wouldn’t be complete without a show-stopping outfit, and that’s exactly what Kim gave us! She stepped out in a glittering Balmain dress, which hugged each and every one of those world-famous curves beautifully and ensured that everyone knew she was the main attraction. Is Kim’s Balmain dress a not-so-subtle hint that she’ll be wearing an Olivier Rousteing original on her big day? Only time will tell – not long ‘til we find out! [Image]

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Steep vs. Cheap: Gingham trousers

From Wizard of Oz-inspired looks at House of Holland, to intricately embellished, cut-out creations at Balmain; gingham rocked the runway this spring, and it’s not about to take a back seat as the pretty, prairie print. Forcing us to part with our hard earned cash this week is the perfectly tailored gingham trouser. From the tapered cut to the formal-yet-fun print, it’s the perfect option for those looking to introduce a little print into their work wardrobes – especially if floral prints aren’t your sartorial cup of tea. Searching for both ends of the budget spectrum, as we do, this week’s steep vs. cheap options are guaranteed to up your smart pant game. Making it in at the steep end this week is the Michael Kors cropped gingham stretch-cotton Samantha trouser. At £405 a pop, you’ve got to be in a spendy frame of mind when contemplating clicking these home; but paired with a crisp white shirt and killer heels for work, you’ll be hard-pressed to refuse their prettifying effect! In the mood to splurge? Shop our steep option now: Michael Kors Samantha cropped gingham stretch-cotton pant, £405, available at Net-a-Porter. Not keen on splashing out half your rent on some trews? Fear not, because high street saviour Topshop has come to the rescue with an equally stylish pair, for a mere £42! The flattering cigarette cut makes this trouser ideal for pairing with a casual tee, blazer and slip-ons for polished off-duty style, or dressed up for work with a block colour blouse, statement necklace and heels. Feeling frugal? Cheap option this way: Petite gingham cigarette trouser, £42, available at Topshop.

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Louis Vuitton Resort 2015 is heading to Monaco!

According to reports and a very interesting tweet from Financial Times fashion editor Vanessa Friedman, Louis Vuitton will be heading to Monaco in April to showcase its Resort 2015 collection. Pretty exciting, isn’t it? Nicolas Ghesquière made his ready-to-wear debut last month during Paris Fashion Week, and we don’t have long to wait to see what he has up his sleeve for Resort, either. And apparently Louis Vuitton Resort is going to be a little bit different from now on… While the Louis Vuitton Resort and Pre-Fall collections were usually designed by the women’s studio director as opposed to former creative director Marc Jacobs, it looks like Nicolas Ghesquière will actually be designing the in-between collections himself. This is pretty huge as it means the designer will be getting behind four collections a year, which means twice as much inspiration and twice as many runway shows. Can he handle it? We think so! We can’t wait to see what Nicolas and the team have in store for us; watch this space! [Fashionista] 

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Spotlight on…Lie Sang Bong

WHO: Dubbed the “Korean McQueen,” Lie Sang Bong is one of the most highly regarded fashion houses to hail from Korea. With a twelve-year Parisian tenancy under his belt – having been a firm  fixture on the fashion week schedule there – Mr. Lie decided to mix his flair for beautiful clothes with commercial sense for autumn/winter 2014, with a debut show in New York. WHY: The Seoulite, revered for his dedication to couture-like techniques and breathtaking gowns has taken a plunge on the more wearable side of fall, sending out practically dressed girls on the runway. Playing on the theme of extreme contrasts for next season, Mr. Lie sought inspiration from powerful images of nature’s fury, such as volcanic eruptions, lava spilling into the sea and Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Prismatic Spring. With a winter-proof mindset, Mr. Lie lined the runway in an array of striking molten rock reds and oceanic blues, taking everything from the cosiest of cover ups to exquisite layering of fur, lace and leather in his stride. Standout pieces included a modified houndstooth coat with oversize lapels; a blue lamsbwool coat realised in a deliciously textured ‘tech fabric’ quickly acquired must-have status, and even the designer’s signature gowns made a surprise appearance. On his decision to show in New York for the first time, Mr. Lie said: “My goal is always to design in a way that pays respect to tradition while providing something that is relevant for the present, marrying art and commerce, craftsmanship and innovation. The confident, intelligent women of New York have an innate understanding and appreciation for this balance.” OUR FAVOURITE AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 LOOK: We couldn’t really betray our weak spot for gorgeous dresses with a hit of practicality, so topping our favourite look list is the striking kick-flare dress in […]

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Ruined: Runway to High Street looks that were destroyed in the process

Imagine something you hold so close to your heart taken away, replicated a million and one times (substandardly), then force-fed to the masses? Something like this, sadly, happened to the inimitable Isabel Marant. In an article by Fashionista, Marant reflects (read: complains) on the effect of her reigning wedge sneaker being replicated, rather recklessly, by the High Street and other designers. Referring to the rip-offs as “super-ugly,” the designer said: “I don’t wear them as often as I [used to] because I see too [many bad copies] in the street. I’m not saying mine are the most beautiful shoes, but they have a certain [style]. And on the weekends, I’m so happy to have them because I feel so good in them. I don’t want to throw them out.” Sad times for Bobby et Betty, non? After all, she’s the master behind that Parisian cool-girl aesthetic every fashion girl and her mother seek to emulate. And, although she’s still “selling a lot,” the far-reaching consequences of High Street copies is a heavyhearted tale – even for seasoned designers, whom all know the fate of a bestseller. So, as an aid to soothe Madame Marant’s heartache over her beloved leg-lengtheners being cloned by the dozen, we’ve picked out five other runway hits that exploded onto the high street, took over our wardrobes, and left a bad taste in their designer parents’ mouths. Read on, High Street lovers. Slogan tees: We blame the Acne and 3.1 Phillip Lim spring/summer 2013 shows for planting the seed of slogan tee addiction in our minds. After their runway debut, the likes of New Look and ASOS got in on the action, too. The result: more ‘meh’ than look-at-me Leopard print: Oh, this is a fine animal-print line to tread. Running the gamut from doable to […]

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Atlanta de Cadenet vs. Allison Williams…Who wore Valentino better?

Another week, another dress double-up. And don’t we just love to weigh in on a one dress, two girls kinda situation! This week, making us look twice (and hard) is DJ and model, Atlanta De Cadenet, and Girls star Allison Williams (yes, Marnie). Both ladies slipped into a stunning Valentino autumn/winter 2013 dress and, it’s safe to say, we were equally bowled over. Giving the thigh-grazing white number its first outing was Allison, who took to the red carpet at the 2013 MTV Music Awards looking resplendent. Pairing the embellished lace dress with simple black Louboutin pumps, enviable pins, strong eyes and a softly sweeping up-do, that beaming smile sealed the deal. But then, chasing Allison to the winning post was Atlanta de Cadenet, who sat pretty front row at the Valentino spring/summer 2014 show in Paris wearing the same dress. The super-hip daughter of Amanda de Cadenet gave us a punch of colour to go with the angelic white dress in the form of a crimson lip and killer red, strappy Valentino pumps. A glowing complexion, loosely tied back hair and box clutch completed the look. But, who wins in the style stakes this week? We’re going to ditch the prim and proper approach with a Valentino dress and go with Atlanta on this one. One thing a white dress desperately needs is a dash of eye-opening colour, and that Atlanta certainly did well. Although she looks great, Allison’s look just came off a little too vanilla for our liking. What are you thoughts? Whose look wins for you? [Images: Zimbio]

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Couture beauty looks, Ralph Lauren Olympic uniforms, and Keira Knightley’s pout

We’ve seen the fashion, now let’s get a closer look at some of the prettiest beauty looks from Couture Fashion Week in Paris. [The Cut] Prince Charles doesn’t want us to obsess over what Kate Middleton wears anymore! [My Daily] Go behind-the-scenes of David Beckham’s upcoming H&M Super Bowl commercial! [Marie Claire] Marc Jacobs loves going matchy-matchy with his fave fashion editors! [Fashionista] The Olympic uniforms Ralph Lauren designed for Team USA aren’t going down too well with everyone! [Styleite] Diane von Furstenberg scrutinizes her own style over the past four decades; a great analysis! [Grazia] Not everyone is a fan of Keira Knightley’s signature pout; Karl Lagerfeld however, is not one of those people! [Telegraph]

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Chanel’s couture trainers aren’t as accessible as we thought…

Were you one of the many excited fashionistas who jumped for joy when Karl Lagerfeld swapped heels for trainers in the Chanel Couture show in Paris earlier this week? Well, if you thought you could get your hands – and feet – on some Chanel Couture trainers that you could wear every single day without feeling any pain then we have some bad news. Unless you’re an A-list celeb or someone with a bank account to rival the Kardashian klan kombined (sorry!), it’s going to be a somewhat impossible task to get a pair because they aren’t actually on sale individually. This means you would have to splash out on the entire couture look, which as you can imagine, is going to be pretty pricey. However if you are still determined to get your hands on a pair of Chanel trainers, don’t despair as Karl Lagerfeld has assured us that some non-Couture trainers will be on the market too in the commercial and ready-to-wear collections. Non couture Chanel trainers are better than no Chanel trainers at all, right?

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Manolo Blahnik swaps London for New York

Looks like Manolo Blahnik’s time in London was short lived, as the designer is boarding a plane for the Big Apple next month. Despite showing on schedule for the first time at London Fashion Week in September, the designer will now be heading to New York Fashion Week to debut his new season collection. “Last season’s presentation in London was an experiment for us as we have never been on schedule before,” he said. “We had a very positive response, so this season we decided to give a chance to the New York audience to get an insight into how my imagination works. Next season we might take it to another city – who knows? I would like to directly communicate what I do and my inspirations to people in different cities. “I adore London, it’s my home,” he said. “I am not abandoning London and definitely will be back in the future.” We should hope so, too! Do we think he will head to Paris or Milan in September for the spring/summer 2015 season? Only time will tell! [Vogue] 

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“Following a trend does feel quite oppressive” – Erdem Moralioglu

With Couture Fashion Week hitting Paris later this month, the autumn/winter 2014 collections making their runway debut next month and the current spring/summer 2014 a campaigns still doing the rounds, we will totally forgive you if you’re a bit overwhelmed with trends. But don’t worry too much, because Erdem Moralioglu doesn’t think they’re as important as they used to be! “It’s impossible to escape the idea that there are certain movements in a season – the same as there are with architecture and art – though I think the idea of simply following a trend does feel quite oppressive,” he said. “I’ve been obsessed with the way women looked since I was very young and was always either making dresses for my sister’s dolls or drawing them,” he continued. “I thought, ‘Can this obsession of mine become a job? Is it something you do?’ Eventually I discovered it was.” Erdem has dressed everyone from Alexa Chung to First Lady Michelle Obama, and certainly knows a thing or two about making women look and feel good, so we’re all too happy to listen to what he has to say. Not only is the proof in the aesthetic of his designs, but he also has a shiny Red Carpet accolade that he picked up at the 2013 British Fashion Awards at the end of last year. Do you agree with him re trends? It’ll certainly make updating our wardrobes easier and cheaper if we weren’t so influenced by the current trends, right? Let us know your thoughts! [Fashion Times] 

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Hussein Chalayan named Vionnet’s demi-couture designer

2014 has already got off to a great start for a lot of people; Olivia Palermo got engaged, Kaley Cuoco got married, and now Hussein Chalayan has an epic new job as Vionnet’s demi-couture designer. Congrats! “I’m extremely happy about this collaboration because I think that Hussein is a supertalented, forward-thinking designer,” said Vionnet creative director Goga Ashkenazi. “He is a true artist, very conceptual; he thinks out of the box and has a strong architectural approach. He represents what Madeleine Vionnet represented in her era.” High praise indeed; we can definitely see where Goga was coming from if Hussein Chalayan’s work at his eponymous label – which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year – is anything to go by. We’re excited to see what the new collection brings; it’ll be unveiled on January 21st during Couture Fashion Week in Paris so keep your eyes peeled! [WWD] 

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Rosie Huntington Whiteley wows in plunging Balmain mini

Although Rihanna was announced as the brand new face of Balmain a matter of days ago (click here to check out the spring/summer 2014 ad campaign images in case you’ve been living under a rock all week and haven’t seen them yet!), we can’t help but think Rosie Huntington Whiteley would make a good spokesperson for the French brand too, especially if the pic above is anything to go by. The stunning British model wore a sexy, plunging black and white long sleeved mini dress from the spring/summer 2012 collection (seems like ages ago we saw that collection debut on the runway, doesn’t it?) while attending The AEM Association Children of the World for Rwanda in Paris earlier this week. Although we weren’t in attendance, we would bet good money that she turned heads wherever she went! She teamed her dress with some edgy black boots and a freshly blow-dried voluminous hairdo, not to mention some feline-esque eyes that Alexa Chung would no doubt be very proud (or maybe even jealous) of. Sex goddess, much? [Image] 

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David Koma in at Mugler!

David Koma has been announced as Mugler’s new artistic director, following Nicola Formichetti’s departure earlier this year. “I am deeply honored to take up the role of artistic director at Mugler – a house for which I have the utmost admiration and respect,” David Koma said. “For me, Mugler is the most extraordinary fashion house with an undeniably audacious heritage.” No arguments there! David Koma will start his new job at the beginning of the year, and will make his debut with a pre-collection in June, with a full spring/summer 2015 collection in September during Paris Fashion Week. He already has a huge celebrity following, with Beyonce, Cheryl Cole and Miley Cyrus among his famous fans, so we have every faith that the brand is in good hands! Congratulations to David Koma; we can’t wait to see what he has lined up! [WWD] [Image] 

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Cartier’s new Christmas video is just as adorable as ever!

We’ve been watching Christmas adverts on repeat for the past couple of weeks now, but that doesn’t mean we are getting sick and tired of them. Au contraire, the more we see (and the more times we see our favourites) the more excited we get for the big day next month. So without further ado, we bring you the Cartier Christmas video – the fourth instalment of the Winter Tale film series – directed by Bibo Bergeron, which once again features those adorable Cartier cubs. No ad from the brand would be complete without them! The story of the ad is about a magical winter walk through the streets of Paris with an adorable and enchanting panther cub, with the added bonus of covetable Cartier goodies in those signature red boxes. Cartier paints the perfect Christmas picture, don’t you think? So sit back and enjoy the magical Cartier winter tale in the video below. You’ll get a nice warm tingly Christmas feeling, we guarantee! http://youtu.be/_fWSx10SHlA

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Anna Dello Russo vs. Lily Collins…Who wore Givenchy better?

Along with ‘It’ bags and must-have heels, cult sweatshirts and jumpers have gained serious traction in the past months. From the Kenzo eye sweater to Brian Lichtenberg’s collection of ‘Homies’ imprinted beanies and tops, logo mania has well and truly taken over. And now, this week’s fash-off contenders, Anna Dello Russo and Lily Collins, are also doing their bit for branding by sporting the same sell-out Givenchy Bambi print jumper – at the same event! Attending the spring/summer 2014 Givenchy runway show in Paris, the editor famed for taking “fashion showers” was spotted outside the show venue, aptly in said sweater. Needing no introduction to the camera, Anna Dello Russo teamed hers with a waist-cinching belt, black clutch and statement ankle boots. But, not too far away (on the opposite side of the front row, we presume), Lily Collins was also wearing the same printed sweater, albeit with a very un-ADR spin. Going for more glam goth than golden glamazon, Lily went with a sheeny vampish lip, black ankle strap sandals and matching clutch. A selection of bracelets gave the final finishing touch. So, who wins in the battle of the Bambis? Oh, we do love you ADR, but that tan and accessory overkill just isn’t working for us. Fashion shower detox, maybe? Lily, you’ve got this one hands down. Agree with our style verdict? Whose look wins for you? Tell us in the comments section below! Givenchy Bambi and female form print jumper, £853.51, available at Barneys. [Image: Anna; Lily]

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Steep vs. Cheap: Lace cami top

Thanks to the sexily sleepy Louis Vuitton  AW ’13 collection, the style set were all over the idea of sleepwear as outerwear. Lace-trimmed camisole tops and dresses, worn beneath oversized coats and completed with a dark stain on the lips is the look du jour for the new season, and we’re in. Not content with just being a day-to-night option, the lace camisole is enjoying its newly acquired wardrobe staple status; worn with wide-leg trousers and a tuxedo jacket for a refreshing slant on Le Smoking, or paired with skinny jeans, a cashmere knit and boots for an easy day look. Had trouble tracking down the perfect camisole to suit you budget or style? Don’t fret, because we’ve done the legwork and picked out two gorgeous styles that sit either end of the spectrum. Up first at the steep end, the lace-trimmed silk camisole from Antonio Berardi (£600) is a winner for those looking to make a luxe investment. Delicately crafted from pure silk, we love the skinny shoulder straps and sheer black and beige lace detail. The perfect high-end option if you’re after a fail-safe evening look; you’ll be wearing this camisole for years to come. But if your purse strings won’t stretch that far, then fear not! Luxe lingerie brand, Myla London, has the perfect mid-range offering. Coming in at £135, the Isabella camisole is an equally stylish (and cheaper) alternative to its high-end sibling, and features similarly delicate lace detail and adjustable straps. Sleepwear as outerwear doesn’t come better than this! Will you splash the cash, or will you play frugal fashion body? Steep: Antonio Berardi lace-trimmed silk camisole, £635, available at Matches Fashion Cheap: Isabella camisole, £135, available at Myla London

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Wining and dining a loved one in Champagne

There are few things in life more romantic than a glass of Champagne. Whether it’s the elegant glasses, the lightness of the bubbles, or the sound of the popping of corks, Champagne has entered the public consciousness as being synonymous with the glamour and romance. So to show your loved one how you feel, why not plan a trip to the Champagne region of France? Planning ahead can get you some excellent champagne deals, saving you money to spend on wine and food while you’re out there. A region rich in vineyards, famous for its world class cuisine and only a stone’s throw from Paris – Champagne is arguably the most romantic destination in the world. Food According to the Michelin Guide, Champagne has a multitude of fine dining options. Restaurant Chez Max is a small, local restaurant in Epernay, which serves seasonal food and changes its menu every week to ensure that everything is as fresh and in season as possible. If you want to get a sense of how the locals eat, then restaurants like this are the best place to do it. The quality of food throughout Champagne is so high that one of the best options is to simply allow yourself to get lost in one of the towns or villages in the region. Find somewhere off the beaten path and let yourself get swept away with the charm of the welcome and the food. Adventure is the key to romance. Drink Of course, there’s no way you can travel all the way to Champagne without trying the wares that made it famous. The locals refer to the region as ‘La’ Champagne, and the drink as ‘Le’ Champagne. It’s simply not possible to get a bad glass of wine in the region. A brilliant setting for […]

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Is Rita Ora the new face of Chanel?

If we are to believe the speculation, Rita Ora may very well be the brand new face of Chanel… news which is making us very giddy with excitement indeed. This news doesn’t really surprise us considering she was on the front row for the Chanel spring/summer 2014 show during Paris Fashion Week. “Taking a midnight stroll with the man who inspires me to be glamorous at all times without a hint of doubt. Love you uncle Karl,” she wrote on her Instagram while posting some pictures of her antics with Karl Lagerfeld and Cara Delevingne. She also captioned another picture with the following: “HORNS ON HORNS ON HORNS….#CoCoBaby #KL #secret #surprise” The words Karl Lagerfeld, Coco, Secret and Surprise all point to good things so we can’t wait until someone lets the cat out the bag and lets us know what is officially happening. It would be a great addition to her already very impressive fashion CV which also boasts ads for DKNY and Material Girl, among others. We would love to see Rita Ora star alongside BFF Cara Delevingne in a Chanel ad… wouldn’t you? [Metro] 

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Is gold the new black?

Is gold the new black? Well if the collections displayed on the New York, London, Milan and Paris spring/summer 2014 catwalks last month were anything to go by, we’re going to say a big fat yes! Gold is always going to be on-trend; there’s something about the rich and luxurious colour that we can’t seem to get enough of regardless of the reason. We were very pleased with what we saw during Fashion Month, as gold was very prominent on the catwalks of the world, as designers from Dries van Noten to Versace to everyone else in-between opted for the colour in their collections in some shape or form. However, the biggest display of gold came courtesy of the Dolce and Gabbana boys during Milan Fashion Week – not only were there gold infusions filtered through the whole collection, but the all-gold finale displayed above was a big hint that gold was a key trend of the season. No one can accuse Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana of doing things by halves – if they want to showcase a trend, you’re definitely going to know about it! The catwalk isn’t the only place that has displayed a keen love of gold though – gadget geeks may recall that the Apple iPhone 5S which was debuted to the world last month now comes in gold for the first time ever– and it’s proving quite a popular colour choice! Quite a bold statement when you consider that the Apple iPhone 5C (marketed as being “for the colourful”) is also being released… Queuing up at the Apple Store isn’t the only way you can get your hands on a gold handset though; we know that the iPhone isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if you want to get in on the very popular […]

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Steep vs. Cheap: Embellished mini skirt

Afraid of an unflattering midi skirt? Worried your derrière won’t be up to scratch, squeezed into a leather pencil skirt? Let us introduce you this week’s Steep vs. Cheap option, and your go-between sartorial saviour, the mini skirt. Upping the glam ante, this updated autumn staple (who said minis were the reserve of hot summer days?) comes decorated with beautiful embellishment, and we can’t wait to pair it with our cosiest knit and an on-trend pair of ankle boots. Coming in at the pricey end this week is the Loop Studded Twill mini skirt by Isabel Marant (£630). Low-slung on the hips, this mini promises a healthy dose of Parisian cool with a rock ‘n’ roll edge – the flattering wrap front detail is a total winner! But parting with a hefty sum of £630 may leave your bank balance feeling as ‘mini’ as this pretty skirt! But if you want in on the thigh-grazing skirt trend and can’t justify forking out your rainy day savings, just turn to high street haunt Zara for your fix. Cashing in at a pocket pleasing £39.99, the Jacquard Beaded Waist mini skirt also features a wrap front, whilst the bead detailing gives the illusion of an embellished belt – the perfect piece to take you into autumn. Will you splurge or save?

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Rita Ora vs. Ciara…Who wore Emilio Pucci better?

We can always expect dresses with serious style bite to stride down the Emilio Pucci runway. And this week’s Who Wore it Better contestants are battling it out in a dress by none other than Mr. Peter Dundas –  a man who knows how to make maximum impact with minimum length. Parading their gorgeous bods in a striking, barqoue-print studded mini dress this week are Rita Ora and Ciara, who both wore the same dress from the autumn/winter 2013 collection, albeit months apart. First up, Rita Ora slipped into the printed mini at the Chime for Change after party back in June. Pairing the dress with Casadei gladiator heels; her icy blonde barnet was styled into a retro-inspired, curly up do, accented by strong brows and her signature red lip. But giving the dress its second outing was Ciara, who wore it to the Emilio Pucci store opening on Avenue Montaigne during Paris Fashion Week. Replicating the runway look, Ciara wore the dress with over-the-knee boots, keeping her hair and makeup pretty subdued. Now, who to choose as this week’s fash-off champ? Well, given both ladies put their personal spin on the dress, we’ve fallen head over boots in love with Ciara’s take on the runway piece. Neutral makeup, Frenchie bed head hair and THOSE boots are true winners for us, putting Rita’s more is more approach firmly in the no-no pile. Agree with our style verdict? Let us know your thoughts below.

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Zooey Deschanel fronts Marie Claire UK November issue

It’s been a few weeks since we saw the last episode of the second season of New Girl, so it’s safe to say that we’re having serious Zooey Deschanel withdrawal symptoms. Sad face! Luckily for us, we can get our Zooey fix in Marie Claire UK’s November issue, as Jess Day herself is posing pretty in Saint Laurent on the front cover. Result! You might be having a bit of a case of déjà vu, as the cover image is a reprint from the all-important Marie Claire US September issue, but that shouldn’t make it any less exciting. Especially if you never managed to get your hands on the original. The magazine is packed with glorious Zooey Deschanel pictures, as well as wonderful inspirational quotes from the lady herself. Add the exciting features advertised on the cover – we’re particularly thrilled about the big, voluminous hair article – and you’ve got yourself an un-missable November issue for sure. Marie Claire’s November issue is out today!

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Former Rochas designer Marco Zanini appointed at Schiaparelli

Congratulations to former Rochas designer Marco Zanini, as he has just been appointed new creative director of Schiaparelli. “My mission is to make the name of Schiaparelli resound in both the present and the future,” he said. “The emotional link to this project is very strong for me and reflective of my admiration for the intelligent and innovative personality of Elsa Schiaparelli. “Through her designs she was able to anticipate the trends of her time but with a relevance to daily living, approaching creativity from a different point of view. One which is still significant today. My wish is to revive the incredible aesthetic of this iconic Couture house.” We can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve for the timeless fashion House, especially if his work at Rochas is anything to go by. His first show will be during Couture Fashion Week in Paris next year; watch this space! [Vogue] [Image] 

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Gwyneth Paltrow vs. Rose Byrne…Who wore Erdem better?

Ah, a floral ensemble we do love! Nothing beats the usual summery thrill associated with slipping into a sartorially acceptable bouquet, but this week’s fash off contenders make the case for winter florals all the more stronger. Sporting a same-but-different look from Erdem’s blooming floral-printed autumn/winter 2013 offerings, A-listers Gwyneth Paltrow and Rose Byrne took to appearing at red carpet events with the sole intention of turning quite a few heads. (naturally) First up, Gwyneth took to the Iron Man 3 Paris premiere red carpet, back in April, in the matching, sharp shouldered floral-printed top and trouser ensemble.  The lithe limbed Hollywood royal looked radiant, with straightened glossy locks and neutral makeup, allowing her flowery look to take centre stage. But looking equally bloomin’ gorgeous was I Give It A Year starlet, Rose Byrne, who attended a special screening of the film in New York in July, wearing the dress version of Gwyneth’s look. The pretty frock features black chiffon inserts and chiffon overlay on the skirt, which suitably amps up the darker mood of her look to perfection. Pointed pumps, soft curls and nude make-up rounded off Rose’s look nicely. Although it’s a tough one, as the different takes on the same base print are equally desirable, there can only be one winner. And this week, we’re crowning…*drum roll, please*…Rose Byrne our fash-off champion, because we love the moody edge her otherwise twee dress exudes. Gwyneth’s look is striking, too, but a bit too much to take in at once. Do you agree with our verdict? Whose look do you like?

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Isabel Marant Scarlet Wedge Boots: Yay or Nay?

On the agenda this week: boots. We’ve already discussed the possibility of slipping into thigh-highs this winter, but we just can’t stop contemplating what our boot collection will look like come September! While we wait to see what our favourite high street retailers and discount websites will have to offer we also have our eye on the latest new arrival from the cult-creating Parisian power femme, Isabel Marant, whose latest wedged offering has left us somewhat baffled. Is it a boot? Is it a snoot (sneaker-boot)? Or maybe it’s a French glamour-oozing wedge hidden behind camouflaging straps to give it a du jour sporty slant? Whatever it is, it’s called Scarlet, and its here to stay. Taking a fashion week-appropriate approach to the notoriously stylish Isabel Marant sneakers, the a Scarlet boot (£815) comes with a hazard warning: Goes with anything. Addiction is a major possibility. Encased in leather, suede and calf hair, the Scarlet boot brings a serious meaning to the chunky Velcro strap, whilst keeping an air of French nonchalance about it. Tempted to touch? We don’t blame you, but do rationalise your decision with our Yay and Nay pointers below, before sending your Amex in to the abyss of fashion expenditure! Yay Comfortable heel: Ahh, the comfort of a stable wedge heel is unmatched. No more hobbling for the sake of fashion. Sporty-smart mix: If you’re a fan of the sport-luxe trend, but don’t want to translate it too literally when dressing, this boot-trainer hybrid is perfect for dipping into Isabel Marant’s sneaker trend without selling your soul to gym-appropriate footwear. Universal colour: Is there really anything in your wardrobe that couldn’t possibly go with this colour?  Nay Poor weatherproof upper: Although leather gets better with every wear, suede and calf hair can prove a textured disaster […]

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5 of our favourite autumn/winter trends

Now that spring/summer shopping has well and truly entered the sale phase, and you’ve probably spent a day crying over those full priced Wang heels you nabbed the minute they hit Net-a-Porter, only to see them go into the sale a few weeks later – and in your size, too – it’s time to move on. Well, there’s only one way to get over the pain of parting with your cash like that, and in fashion speak, that translates as autumn/winter. Remember when we picked out the top 10 autumn/winter trends you could wear fresh off the runway, without actually having to wait for the season to hit the fashion scene? Now that new season wares have started to land in stores, we’ve decide to whittle our previous top 10 down to our five favourite fall 2013 trends to covet come September. Oversized coats The strong, masculine silhouette doesn’t seem to date, with a stronger presence every season, making us want to ditch our belted trenches. From boxy to sleeveless and oversized, the new season coat is a shapely affair, with softly gliding contours in a palette ranging from ashy grey to pillar-box red. Pink Sugar spun shades of candy floss pink are back in all tones; from dusky pink skirt suits at Jonathan Saunders to bubblegum pink vinyl finishes at Roksanda Ilincic, the rosy hue is the colour of choice to lighten up fall’s dark mood. Take the frothiness associated with wearing pink off by accenting with black separates. Fur The staple fabric for colder months (the faux variety, of course!), fur dominated the new season runways; but we’re not talking in it traditional guise. Think multi-layered, three-colour looks; acid green and electric blue stoles and eye-popping patterned furs. J Mendel and Vionnet went as far as incorporating the […]

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Top 5 classic sale picks you’ll regret not buying

For some of us, sale shopping is akin to an atmospheric Christmas family gathering. Dodging fellow shoppers to snag the last pair of Choo’s you’ve just spied in your size isn’t much different to avoiding Auntie Mary’s awkward questions about your non-existent love life. And that’s where we come in. Trooping around to get the low-down on the best sale bargains, we like to bring the wardrobe candy to you, so all you have to do is click them home and revel in the fact your wardrobe looks good enough to turn your friends a certain shade of green! Sprinkling a healthy dose of stylish charm over your wardrobe this week are our top 5 sale picks – which we frankly think you’d beat yourself up for not buying – screaming to be snapped up. From the perfect summer cover-up, to zingy prints and the ideal day-to-night dress, here’s a fashionable line-up you won’t want to miss! Ankle-grazing skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple, and worn with pointy black pumps, the perfect way to master Parisian style. Slim fit 7/8 jeans, £110 £44 We love the digi-print burst this delicate chiffon vest delivers and, worn with jeans and heels, would make the perfect alternative to a going-out dress. Chiffon vest, £195 £98 The go-to piece for off-duty cool; we love the eye-catching tile print and flattering waist tie detail. Wear with pumps and a well-cut jacket for work, or sandals and a clutch for night. Silk t-shirt dress, £210 £126 Every accessory addict needs a statement necklace or two in their collection, and we think this would make an easy on the eye (and pocket) addition to your jewellery-drobe! Brass self-tie necklace, £75 £30 Living in Blighty, coats in summer are commonplace. But don’t get bogged down with a dark, […]

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Stuart Vevers explains what he has planned for Coach

It was announced earlier this week that current Loewe creative director Stuart Vevers will be heading to Coach to replace Reed Krakoff, but what does the brand’s new recruit have up his sleeve? “My style is to take that heritage and to play it against modern references, youth culture, references that take things to a different place and make them relevant now,” he said. That’s what I’ve always been known for in my work.” “Everything should reflect the values of the brand, and it’s about bringing uniqueness and it’s about bringing differentiation. The product comes from the soul of the brand. The product speaks to the brand. The relaxed aesthetic, I think, is a big opportunity. I think that it’s unique in the luxury market today. That ease, that functionality, that cool feeling that you get from a beautiful soft leather bag is a strong part of the DNA.” Nice! As well as chatting about the brand’s DNA, he hinted that we could expect some higher price points in the future (the price “$5,000” might have been mentioned) which is all very well and good for those with a Paris Hilton sized bank account, but maybe not so good for the rest of us. We hope the Coach prices we know and love right now will still remain with the added higher price points for those who are in the market for even more luxurious luxury leather goods. [Vogue] [Image]

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The $68,000 dress: Saint Laurent’s golden shot, or just plain ridiculous?

OK, so we’ve discussed the $35,000 backpack and gawked at the £160,000 nail varnish, but when a certain designer with a habit of irking many in the industry gets in on the action, you begin to question the ‘normality’ of your lifestyle against the lifestyle of those for whom these extortionate products are created. Well, what we’re trying to say is: who needs a $68,000 dress? It’s not an intricate wedding gown, nor is it a couture piece, so why the horrifying price tag? Said dress is an embellished baby doll dress from the Saint Laurent Fall 2013 collection, and modelled by face-of-the-moment, Cara Delevinge in the accompanying campaign. But we sniff an ulterior motive, one that’ll only help escalate Brand Slimane (not Saint Laurent) higher. After giving us a $61,000, predominantly polyester jacket (sacrilegious coming from a purveyor of luxury), we thought Slimane would calm down the flamboyant antics, and carry on quietly battling the voices in his head advising him who to ban from his spring/summer 2014 show. But instead, he upped the annoyance ante with a dress to match, and now we’re left wondering whether we’ll ever take the creative director seriously again. His fall 2013 show sparked heated debate in the industry, given his knack for earth-shattering change, but we feel his most recent ploy seems set to alienate people from the chic French fashion house. For many of us Yves Saint Laurent was the epitome of Parisian glamour, giving us iconic, uncompromising looks that have stuck. But it seems Slimane is bent on overhauling the smoky, decadent mystery we’ve always associated with the fashion house, and, along with the ostentatious dress, nothing proves this to more true than the opening of the new store in Soho, New York; a stripped back abode for a more […]

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Rooney Mara vs. Penelope Cruz: Who wore Givenchy Couture better?

Fash-offs, to a certain extent, can be seen as form of fashion recycling. As soon as a celebrity is out of a particular look, another’s already jumped into it, ready to put their own spin on it. This week’s fash-off is quite an interesting case of fashion recycling, and one we couldn’t wait to include in a frock-off! Looking striking in Givenchy Couture, Rooney Mara made quite the entrance at this year’s punk themed Met Gala, in a white lace dress from the Fall 2010 Couture collection. But this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this near-angelic look on the red carpet. Penelope Cruz gave said dress its first outing back in 2011, when she wore it to the London premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Penelope went down the vanilla route when it came to her entire look, opting for sleek hair and a box clutch. On the other hand, Rooney had a touch of the rebellious Lisbeth Salander about her look – which was slightly modified to add lace inserts at the shoulders – going with a dark lip and slicked back hair; almost sinful (pardon the pun) in comparison to Penelope’s angelic take on things. Whose look do you prefer? We’re going with Rooney’s suitably harder look on this one.

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Highlights from the Chanel Resort 2014 collection in Singapore

Premiering the new Once Upon a Time… film at the Singapore Film Festival wasn’t the only thing Karl Lagerfeld was doing in the beautiful country, oh no. There was a little matter of the Chanel Resort 2014 show to go and stage, and as with all Chanel shows, it was really something quite spectacular. The Chanel we know and love was back for the Resort 2014 collection, leaving behind the darker side that was introduced to us during the autumn/winter 2013 show at Paris Fashion Week. (That’s not to say we didn’t love the pieces that made their way onto the catwalks earlier this year though!) We – along with the rest of the world – wondered why Kaiser Karl chose Singapore as the destination for the show when it was first announced, and speculated that there might be some Asian influence within the collection; after all when Karl has a theme, he likes to run with it! However, it wasn’t so much a case of being influenced by the Asian culture, but rather, a collection that is fit for all who live in sunny Singapore and the surrounding equally hot areas. Hence why the both fabric and colour was kept on the light side. We did our homework and found out that Singapore is actually the world’s fourth leading financial center with a host of different cultures, which was all reflected in the collection rather nicely. Coincidence or not, everything tied in together beautifully and we are once again left in awe!

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