AW15 Fashion Week Round up

Well... The parties have been thrown, champagne has finally stopped flowing (for now), Blue Steel is back with a vengeance and the street style fashion pose has been put away for the season. The AW15 show season is over; what a whirlwind it has been! 

LFW via W

I have trawled through the statics, shows and photos for my pick of my favourites so you don't have to.   

From New York & Milan to my Hometown (and my spiritual Home) I have picked my best of the week to help with with my winter wardrobe. 

New York brought us The 70s and the cold; London was all about 'a motorway restaurant', Milan brought craft to the forefront and Paris was all about new beginnings. 

#WantItWednesday (14/01/15)

It's cold, it is miserable, and you've a right to cheer yourself up. 

This wonderfully witty and fun tote bag from Anya Hindmarch is the perfect present to you, from you!

#WantItWednesday (17/09/24) NYFW/LFW Breakdown

I have been rather preoccupied for the last few weeks or so as I have been up to my neck in fashion week, amongst other things. So I thought, in lieu of my usual #WantItWednesday I would look at and review my comprehensive list of #Wants from NYFW and LFW.

I love this time of year. Summer is over and you are inundated with parties, trends and most importantly fashion! You find out what in your wardrobe you can carry forward to spring (because, SAVINGS!) and what you will need to quietly retire for a throwback in a couple of seasons' time (or throwaway).

I'm happy that overalls, dungarees and loose fits were a firm favourite at NYFW a particular favourite of mine is this beauty from Alice + Olivia. Prints were bold and striking. Co-Ords are (thankfully) ever present; 

I am not yet ready to give mine up yet either.

Pastels (especially coral) will continue to run through from AW to SS, which will help you to save those all important pennies.

The comforting and chicest of fashion colours; browns, camels and creams (not particularly summery, but whatever) were all over The Row.

Silhouettes were loose and almost medieval, a look that perfectly encapsulates the Olsen Twins aesthetic and I think that's probably why I love it so much! This was a particular favourite of mine. 

I was a huge fan of the details seen on Proenza Schouler. The handbags were prim & proper and the sandals were a strong look, one I just might copy 

(as a non sandal wearer, this is a REVELATION!) 

As a born and bred Londoner, I think I am most impressed with the offerings LFW had to offer. 

Stripes were EVERYWHERE and I for one, could not be happier. This cape from Giles is certainly on my want list, I would make this an casual masterpiece with a pair of light skinny jeans and a pair of plimsolls. 

Pastels were ever present in this excellent and I am surprised that I love this rather grown up collection that exudes fun and frolics in the brief moment of summer we get here. 

One of my faves, Mary Katrantzou stepped away from the bold and striking patterns is best known for this season and produced a sombre collection that better reflects the incliment weather we have become accustomed to. The collection was a rather moody affair, which I for one, loved. There were definite elements of the Pastel Goth that I have yet to get my head around, but no doubt will be covered in soon. A particular favourite of mine were the trousers seen here. I would love this with a pair of (my) nude heels and a slouchy, white T-shirt

While at Burberry Prorsum it was a much more light hearted affair. The skirts were ruffled and light and were edged up with denim and cropped jackets. 

The trench came in an array of fun and citrusy colours; a particular favourite of mine is the yellow that is 100% on my want list

Anya Hindmarch continued on with her irreverent charm and a wonderfully tongue in cheek collection. Tassels were ENORMOUS (I do love a big tassel :))  and the appliqués were graphic and eye catching that is all you could ever want in a handbag in my opinion.  

This was by far my favourite as it was chic enough to make you feel like you were being a good pretend grown up to others, but with enough sass and humour to make sure you didn't take yourself too seriously. 

I had been very impressed with what I have seen so far, and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on some (in my dream world all of them!) 

I'm off to submerge myself in MFW now... until next time! 

"Two Wrongs Can Make a Riot": 2014 Wedding Season Picks

It's cold and rainy outside. That however is not stopping the on coming juggernaut that is 'The Wedding Season'. 

The ever pressing spring/Summer battle of what to wear on those long, often drunken weekends of celebrating the joyous nuptials of dear friends and family. I panic EVERY time. 

So I thought I would trawl through the best styles and outfits; fit for any possible occasion. To help you wade through 'The Wedding Season' without breaking a sweat. 

The first look is an easy & stylish fix if you are really in a sartorial bind. Lifted from the Man Repeller but on a slightly more affordable budget. I suggest accessorising with big, chunky jewellery to make this look more formal than a birthday lunch or dinner.

A maxi skirt and a plain shirt can work wonders. I am a particular fan of this look as you can kick off your heels towards the end of the night and still look as elegant as ever. Contrasting heels work well with this as you would occasionally flash your interesting shoes as you kick back at the reception table while shamelessly flirting with the male guests.

This works best with both a sleeveless shirt or an over sized button up, both are formal, yet relaxed (unbuttoned) enough to make you not look like you have just hopped out of bed and into the church.

The next look is an established, all round and well received wedding choice. The shift dress. It is always goes down well with the older guests who will always judge the Bride & Groom's choice of friends. This look allays their fears that their pride and joy is not fraternising with someone (relatively) unwholesome, without making you feel frumpy or dressed like your grandmother.

Go all out with this, Beehive, Cat's eye eye-liner, pale & slightly glossed lips. You will look great in the photos (if you are in any) and will make you look like a timeless beauty when you kick back and start doing 'The Twist' (You can't have a wedding WITHOUT that song!)

The final look is a little more Avant Garde for a traditional wedding but will work just as well if you are going to a rather modern urban wedding. It is sometimes said wearing white to a wedding is a bit of a no-no (out of politeness, I would consult with the bride) however I think this look is far too amazing to leave for yet another cocktail party.

If you want to look as sexy as hell to pull the attention of that grooms-man you've your eye on this will certainly do the trick & you'll feel as chic as aforementioned hell.

The humour of this wonderful (and well received) clutch from Anya Hindmarch will tone down the vampish-ness without you having to do without the red matte lipstick that this is begging for.

This look is not for the feint at heart and you will be noticed, for good and for bad (there are just too many rules for weddings - they should just be fun!) but if you are confident to go for it; this is the outfit that will outshine all others.

Pair beauty regime down for this look; the dress does enough of the talking for you. But a red lip is an absolute must. 

So there you have it. I hope you enjoy this 'Wedding Season' and hope you've the best time celebrating it. I know I will!

Just as an aside, I have found the best pieces of modern confetti 

(because, CONFETTI!)

Enjoy!

      Horse-Shoe News Print Confetti       Diamond Cut Confetti                Vintage Map Confetti

                                      Pipii                               Modern Confetti                                             Etsy

     
     

All Looks can be found here.

#WantItWednesday (05/03/14)

Liberty of London Pochette

There are few things more versatile than a pochette. An essential piece of kit seen everywhere during for the fashion season from the super busy buyers to fashion bloggers. This versatile, and useful little pocket of fun can hold your phone, make-up and your ever important notebook and pen, while looking effortlessly chic and ready to note down those important trends for the seasons ahead.

These little pouches of useful goodness also lend themselves quite well to the 'new' way to hold onto your possessions; clutching on to them for dear life.  Some are also gifted with an ever handy (see what I did there) wrist strap across the front to help you carry this with style.

My personal favourite is the fun, bright and completely beautiful Liberty of London version. Best paired with a neutral palette (all black with a 'pop' of colour) this is an accessory that defines 'day to night' without even breaking a sweat.

We should all be advocates of the 'pochette' it is here to stay!

Here are the best of the rest:

(L-R) Burberry, Givenchy, Anya Hindmarch