Friday 30 September 2011

Christian Dior

Image sourced from Vogue.co.uk

Just a quick one tonight, it's been a busy few days now I'm back in lectures and the weather is unseasonably warm! I just wanted to share this divine create with you all; from the Christian Dior show in Paris. I love the different thicknesses of fabric and the perfect combination of the heavier top with the softer, floatier bottom. I'm dreaming about strolling down the street in Paris with the Seine as my backdrop in this beautiful dress swishing around me...

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Maxed Out

Whilst minimalism has been a strong focus during fashion month, maximalism is also having a moment too. It's all about making a statement and if you're going to do this look then don't do it by halves. Unless you're going to go the full whole hog, don't consider this trend. Think colour and interesting textures such as glitter, sequins and embellishment; an attitude where you want to be noticed is also a must. 
There are loads of great pieces out there that are just adorned with all things sparkly and they're perfect for the upcoming party season. Trying mixing up these various pieces and it's great to bring in other fabrics too. 
I'm in love with these Dolce and Gabbana trousers and, had my bank account allowed it, I'd be wearing them with a simple silk blouse and black fur gilet. I also think its great to wear a simple, all black outfit and then layer on the accessories such as these Asos shoes and jewellery from Kurt Geiger, Miu Miu and Pret-a-Portobello. Don't be afraid to bring colour into this trend either. The green skirt from Asos is a perfect example of how to do this, keep all other items neutral colours whilst using sequins or embellishment of the same hue. I hope you all like this trend as much as I do, it's definitely one I'll be buying into this season.

Monday 26 September 2011

The People The Parties

(From top left: Florence Brudenell-Bruce, Anna Wintor, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Solange Knowles, Olivia Palermo, Heidi Klum, Rose Byrne)
All images sourced from Vogue.co.uk

It's safe to say that whenever fashion month is occurring, there are going to be copious amounts of fabulous parties in all four of the fashion capitals. This season was no exception. 
Fresh from her break up with Prince Harry, Florence Brudenell-Bruce looked young and quirky in all black with sharp shoulders and simple accessories at the Nicole Farhi store launch.
Anna Wintor was our usual style suspect in printed dress with full skirt and cinched in waist at the Downing Street reception. Did anyone else notice the lack of sunglasses? 
Sienna Miller sported her boho chic style at the Burberry Prorsum show in superfine leather trousers. She looked relaxed and elegant with minimal hues and accessories. 
Kate Moss smouldered in a vintage dress at the Rimmel party in her honour showing us why she's the original queen of the catwalk. It was refreshing the see her in something a bit more glamours instead of her usual uniform of skinny jeans, fine tees and fitted blazers. 
Solange Knowles looked like a true diva at the W magazine party in New York. Totally coveting her huge hair and mini Mulberry.
At the Marchesa show Olivia Palermo was looking her usual polished self in a voluminous dress and retro sunglasses. With hair so glossy I'm so surprised that no-one has given that girl her own hair ad yet?!
Heidi Klum was a total yummy mummy in a skin tight leather skirt and simple tank. She looked so chic and classic at the QVC runway and cocktail event.
Finally Rose Byrne looked seriously cute in a gold pleat front babydoll dress at Mulberry 's 40th Birthday Party. Does anyone else definitely want to get their hands on one of these mini alexa's? I certainly do.

Sunday 25 September 2011

Limited Edition

Image from Topshop.com

Topshop are doing an amazing range called Limited Edition at the moment consisting of some serious party dresses. Think sequins, embroidery, lamé, and plenty of luxe. I've looked through the collection and I just had to share this beautiful dress with you all! I totally adore it and I'm so tempted to buy it although at £125, it's hardly a steal. However, it's seriously pretty and, being white, its trans-seasonal. It'd be perfect during the Christmas party season with all it's sparkle but also ideal for those long summer evening parties. So maybe I could convince myself that it's worth the money after all. I'll let you know what I decide...

Friday 23 September 2011

Super Style

Caroline Sieber
Image courtesy of Topshop

How great does super stylist Caroline Sieber look? This photo was taken at London Fashion Week and she just oozes cool. I LOVE the Topshop polar bear jumper. It's so fun and and shows that fashion doesn't always have to be serious to look good. I also adore that Caroline can wear such a festive item in the middle of September and totally get away with it.
The mini leather skirt maximises her amazing legs; definitely her best asset, and the ankle boots keeps the whole look quirky and innovative. Topshop are doing some amazing pieces at the moment and I've just seen an amazing party dress from their Limited Edition range; more on that over the weekend!

Thursday 22 September 2011

London Fashion Week

All images sourced from Vogue.co.uk

Sadly, London Fashion Week has now come to an end and we have moved on to the sophistication and the glamour of Milan. It's interesting to look at the trends that have emerged from London and compare them with what came out of New York and moving forward to Milan and then Paris.
I think there was quite a 'sexy' vibe coming from a lot of the London shows. Shown here at Julien Macdonald and Emilio de la Morena, the look is sophisticated and not at all trashy. The look is kept sleek by using a lot of black and kept interesting by using various textures such as lace.
In contrast with this look we also saw something that was very flirty and feminine. This look was very fresh with lots of pleated skirts coming down the runway. At Emilio de la Morena there were side slits flashing an occasional thigh keeping the look fresh and young.
As in New York, one major trend at LFW was minimalism. As always, the looks is chic and timeless and transitional for all seasons. Both Marios Schwab and Burberry gave the look a feminine edge by cinching in waist and using volume.
The last major trend to emerge from London was prints. Prints were all over the New York catwalks and London has followed suit. Where as New York went for a more tribal vibe (this was also seen at Burberry), London went for something a little softer. Christopher Kane used soft silver and gold hues for subtle prints and embellishment. Houses such as Jonathan Saunders and Erdem also used soft prints with subtle sheens.
London Fashion Week is always so exciting and it's so interesting to see the vast amount of talent and the trends that emerge. Now I'm looking forward to seeing the glamour coming down the catwalk at Milan.

Friday 16 September 2011

I Don't Know How She Does It

All images sourced from Vogue and Grazia

A little later on today I'm off to see Sarah Jessica Parker's new film, I Don't Know How She Does It. I'm very excited. I've heard the clothes and accessories are just to die for (apparently the Mulberry Alexa is involved). I was a pretty big Sex and the City fan, as I'm sure many of you were too, so it's great to SJP back on the big screen. 
What I really adore about Ms Parker, though, is that she always get it right off camera as well as on. I love it when she choose a long flowing maxi dress in a sumptuous colour or daring print; I equally love it when she goes for the shorter alternative and flashes a pair of a.m.a.z.i.n.g shoes. Also, boy does she know how to work this camera?! I'm so looking forward to seeing her in a working wardrobe and I'm hoping for some sharp tailoring and plenty of neutral hues. I think perhaps we'll see a slightly different side to her in this film and, whilst I have always adored her in the past, I am eagerly anticipating a whole new side to the world that is, Sarah Jessica Parker's closet.

Wednesday 14 September 2011

New York Fashion Week

All images sourced from Vogue.co.uk

New York Fashion Week will very soon be coming to a close for yet another season. So, before we move on to the excitement of London, here is a brief summary of all the trends I've picked up on over the last week. The shows at New York have been amazing and we can see there has been lots of different inspirations and trends emerging from that. 
First off is the preppy look. This is basically a given trend for brands like J.Crew and Tommy Hilfiger but other fashion houses are jumping on the band wagon for S/S12. Think cool and classic, with shirt dresses, trench coats and knitted jumpers. This is quite a relaxed look but one that always looks good on everyone, there's plenty of different styles and colours to choose from.
Sorbet colours are also making a return for spring with many houses choosing this soft and feminine look. Preen has used the colouring with soft tailoring combining two trends in one. Other brands such as Carolina Herrera have gone for a softer and more womanly look with pleated midi skirts and silk blouses. Many brands have also combined sorbet colours with a variety of prints bringing the look to life. If you do decide to buy into this trend make sure you pick the right tone for your colouring as there's a danger it will wash you out.
Other brands have focused on prints and whilst paisley prints were certainly on the run way it was the digital print that seemed to be the main focus. This is a great trend to buy into as it's always fun to wear and usually involves some great colours which is perfect for spring and summer. As the print is quite linear it looks great on tailored pieces.
Donna Karen took inspiration from her recent trip to Haiti and there were strong influences of that going down her catwalk with bold tribal prints. Gwen Stefani's brand L.A.M.B was clearly in the same mind set and both designers softened the look by putting their prints of flowing maxi dresses and large circle skirts.
Moving away from prints, many designers such as Jason Wu and Victoria Beckham went for the minimalist look. Always classic and timeless, there were so many covetable items in these collections. The colours were neutral and the silhouettes were simple and sharp. This look is great if you like no fuss and want to buy pieces that will last a lifetime rather than buying into seasonal trends.
Lastly, it seems that colour blocking shows no signs of going anywhere. A strong trend for the current season it seems if you have bought into this trend then you'll be able to translate it into next seasons wardrobe too. 
There's still two more days of NYFW left and I'm excited to see shows such as J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Proenza Schouler. Let me know what trends you're most excited about...

Tuesday 13 September 2011

The Week in Photos

All images sourced from Vogue.co.uk

Well, it was a busy week last week with Vogue's Fashion's Night Out and the start of New York Fashion Week and the fash pack were out in force. There has been a whole array of outfits and trends this week and here I have picked the best of a very good bunch.
Jacquetta Wheeler went for simple sophistication at the Monica Vinader boutique opening with this perfect little black dress. It's such a feminine shape and I love how the short hemline and studded heels give the look a sense of fun.
Kate Bosworth dazzled in Chanel at the Deauville Film Festival in France. A cut out back is the perfect way to look sexy in a sophisticated way and Kate's demure manner is the perfect compliment.
Over in New York Olivia Munn took grown up glamour to a whole new level at Fashion's Night Out. Neutral hues and classic silhouettes were the order of the day with a pop of colour from matching orange shoes and lipstick.
As usual Olivia Palermo looked radiant at the Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco Montblanc presentation in Monte Carlo. Her Valentino dress was pretty and chic and, as always, her accessories were fun and quirky.
Finally, we saw Sarah Jessica Parker, also at Fashion's Night Out, making leather look polished and timeless. She teamed it with lace and a simple up-do for classic look.
Don't forget to pop by tomorrow to read all about the trends from New York Fashion Week. 

Thursday 8 September 2011

A Little Inspiration

All images sourced from vogue.co.uk

So, Fashion Month kicked off with New York yesterday and so far we've seen shows such as DKNY menswear, BCBG and Tim Hamilton to name but a few. You could be forgiven for thinking we we're still in the height of summer with models going down the catwalk in pastel hues, subtle prints and flowing midi skirts. However, today I'm going to talk more about pre fashion week as oppose to fashion week itself. 

As I was browsing the Vogue website yesterday I came across these treasures. They had done a little article where they had spoken to some designers about their inspirations leading up to NYFW and had managed to get these drawings. Basically they're design sketches from designers such as Jason Wu (third from left), Jenny Packham (third from right) and Suno (far left). Don't you think it's amazing? It's incredibly rare that you get to see such personal insight into the thought process of some of the worlds top designers; to actually see some of their design ideas ahead of the shows is just incredible. I'm sitting on the edge of my seating waiting for their shows to see if similar designs will be walking down the catwalk! 

It also made me think about the vast amount of talents these designers have. To actually find the inspirations and have the visions is one thing, but to also be able to draw to such a high standard as well as making the garments, put together a fashion show and, essentially, run a business; well, that's a lot of talent to have. I think we are very lucky to have such able people across the world who bring to us such amazing fashion and with such fervour. I don't know about you, but I'm waiting with bated breathe to see what will evolve over the next four weeks.

Wednesday 7 September 2011

A New Knit


I was going to do this post quite a few days ago but seeing as the weather has been surprisingly nice for September, I thought I'd wait until some colder days were upon us (is anyone else starting to get a little scared of being blown away?!). 

So, this is my new piece of knitwear for Autumn. Granted, this is probably just one of many to come but I love it. As soon as I saw in on Asos I just had to have it; although its actually by River Island. Its such a perfect colour for the coming months and the crisp autumnal leaves are going to be the perfect backdrop as I stroll down the street. It's also thick, but not too thick that it adds about a stone to your entire upper body It also isn't one of the those jumpers that's so thick that when you wear it you actually break out into a sweat in the middle of November, who knew it was possible? 

I also adore the little pockets on each side, it's such a cute little touch and perfect for carrying sweets in come Christmas! Wear it now with skinny jeans and ballet pumps or with boots and plenty of layers come winter. 

Tuesday 6 September 2011

A Lively Choice


I came across some of the first released photographs from the Gossip Girl set yesterday and I have to say, I got rather excited. I adore Gossip Girl; story line aside, the clothes are just to die for! Blake Lively as Serena Van Der Woodsen really does have the best wardrobe, possibly ever. What's more, because of her endless legs, flowing blonde hair and super pretty face she makes everything and anything look totally covetable. This first look it so simple but so chic and elegant. I love the quirky accessories like her sun hat and how the bright blue Chanel bag adds a pop to the outfit.
This second outfit (below) is a totally different look but still, Blake looks amazing. I love how she has mixed three different textures and three different patterns as well as plenty of accessories but somehow, it doesn't look like fashion overkill. I think by keeping a fairly neutral colour palette and different prints that are all quite subtle is what makes the outfit work. I'm absolutely in love with that feather gilet Blake is wearing (it's tan suede around the body) and it's the perfect partner to Blake's honey coloured hair.
So, now we know the clothes all we need is a never ending smile and perhaps a few more inches to our legs!


Monday 5 September 2011

The 68th Venice Film Festival

Once again there has been another fabulous event, this time in the form of The 68th Venice Film Festival, and as usual all the likely fashion suspect have graced the carpet in some amazing outfits. 
It is the oldest and one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and so its crucial for said fashionistas to get their choices right. The festival in continuing to September 10th, so hopefully there will be even more fabulous clothes to be seen. 
I've picked out some actresses/songstresses who, to me, have been the best dressed so far. 

 Diane Kruger in Elie Saab

Diane is always so flawless and she always gets it right for the red carpet. Generally, she tends to go for more structured and tailored pieces so I love the fact that she has gone for something more feminine here. The colour of the dress offsets her perfectly and the embellished detail would make anybody swoon. I love the relaxed feel of her hair and make-up juxtaposed with the sophistication of the dress.

 Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada

Gwyneth has her legs out once again but with legs like that, who can blame her. I adore the colour of this dress and it's perfect for adding a pop to the end of summer. The pleated shoulders steer the dress away from boring and as she's so slight, she gets away with it. The print on the shoes gives the whole outfit a lift; maybe a few more accessories would be nice.

 Kiera Knightly in Valentino Couture 

I don't even know where to start with how divine Kiera looks here. I totally adore her red carpet style and she is always elegant and feminine. Despite having almost her entire body covered, the look is not prudish due to the see-through nature of the fabric. Her dark hair and eye make up are the perfect contrast giving the look a slightly more vampy feel and making sure she doesn't look too much like a fairy tale princess.

Madonna in Vionnet

Generally, I actually quite dislike Madonna and often feel her look is too extreme. But I had to include this photo of her as I don't think I've ever seen her look feminine and soft. I'm not a huge fan of the dress, but it's nice to see her in something a bit more womanly and I really do like her hair and make up. She looks like a 50's starlet and I love the aspect of fun the sunglasses brings to the outfit.

Hopefully, these images will suffice until next year but if not, see what the other celebs wore here http://www.look.co.uk/pictures/venice-film-festival-2011-celeb-fashion-highlights/gwyneth-paltrow-does-it-again-the-actress-looks-stunning-in-prada-in 

Thursday 1 September 2011

Knocking About


One major accessories trend for the coming season is door knocker earrings. So called due to their enormous size and clear resemblance to a door knocker, pretty self explanatory really. I've noticed that Asos are doing a pretty good job at providing us with plenty of options with a wide variety of styles and colours. I've picked out the best of the bunch for you here and I love them all, especially the blue ones. 
It's pretty simple to get on board with this trend and there are just a few simple rules to follow.

1) Make sure that you never, and I mean never, wear a statement necklace with these earrings. In fact, it's probably best to avoid any sort of necklace at all and keep all other accessories simple.
2) Try to avoid looking too much like Pat Butcher by staying fresh faced with minimal make-up and an understated but elegant outfit; let the earrings do the talking.
3) If your hair is long, always wear it up. There's no point in wearing such a fabulous pair of earrings, and probably enduring some pain, if you're not going to work it to it's best advantage. 
All you need to do now is get shopping and decide which pair you're going to wear!