#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! 

#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

LFW AW14 Round Up

The AW14 season is nearly over and I have been completely swept up with the glamour of it all, apologies for my delayed round up. It has just been far too exciting.

Fashion Week, was muted this season, but nonetheless a brilliant one. There was a definite ‘Scandi’ aesthetic, clean silhouettes and monochromatic palettes, punctuated with Oranges, Mustards, Crimsons and Canary Yellows. I had a wonderful time discovering new labels, being refreshed on the Shopcade bus (all such lovely people!) new obsessions and new colours for my wardrobe. It was also heartening to discover, my love for black, grey, and beige will not have to be out of vogue for the colder months to come.

My Ones to Watch (of course) did not disappoint.

 

Daks, celebrating its 120^th birthday kept true to its traditional edge, and its distinctive check was threaded throughout the entire collection. Colour blocking was strong with this; separates matched in wonderful shades of buttery camel, soft blacks and sumptuous wines with a hint of gold threaded throughout. There was (unsurprisingly) a military theme with their beautiful warm wool outerwear selection; all which I could happily crawl into and live in forever. Overall, it was a wonderful collection from a truly British institution.  

Hunter’s First foray onto the catwalk also proved to be a very British affair; gumboot greens and useful khakis were updated in modern, water repelling fabrics that make you wish the unwholesome weather of late would be an all-year round affair, just so you could wear the signature cape all day. Traditional, functional garments are updated with a sartorial twist, Fisherman’s jumpers are given open backs, minis are updated with waxed fabrics and jackets are relaxed with neoprene touches. A very solid catwalk debut in my opinion!

My love for Preen has not abated after their glorious collection. I am a fan of layering. I always have been and this collection seemed to be made specifically for me. Belted coats with thick, warm fur collars, colour blocked separates with a hint of a rather intriguing heavy pattern and ORANGE, I have just gone dizzy from the excitement of it all. The coat, the glorious orange wool coat, I lust for it and want to layer it with black in differing textures. I am a particular fan of the screen prints found throughout the collection (as I am of course a not so secret Star Wars super fan) and will try my best to get the white button up in my personal collection before everyone else!

The reigning kings of pattern also were a wondrous occasion. The acidic coloured furs and geometric crimsons prove Peter Pilotto is here to stay. Stripes and angles incorporated into the silhouette of dresses are nearly always flattering and the complimentary colour scheme demands you attend all the cocktail parties in these outfits. I am a particular fan of the knitwear offering which was intelligent, bright and fun; all the things you need when it is painfully cold outside!

There were of course the big hitters, Burberry with their rather slouchier silhouette this season, I have no doubt monograms will be everywhere now and I do really, really want one of THOSE Capes with my initials on, who wouldn’t? Mulberry’s announcement also provided a jump for joy. Quilted leather and cute backpacks are here to stay especially if the model du jour has helped to create the collection. Another reason to ‘want, Want, WANT!’

This season also provided me with a few new favourites, ones I will be keeping my eyes firmly on. Flavia La Rocca. AMAZING simple, structured garments in a neutral palette, with zip details. This is THE one to watch if you are looking for chic, casual work wear. I want it all! Buba London is also on my radar of wonderfully eccentric accessories. Wonderfully detailed, vintage aesthetic of the label are perfect, an Aztec/Art Deco theme here that is inescapable and perfectly suits a simple palette or loud ones alike. Another Quirky and fun label I spotted during fashion week was Liz Black. A tongue is firmly planted in cheek with a label that is interesting, beautifully cut and fun. It is easy to forget that fashion should be fun and this brings it right to the forefront. A particular piece that makes me smile is, of course the Lip Dress. You cannot go wrong if you’ve a giant pout in your mid-section!

So there you have it. That was London Fashion Week in a nutshell. Bring on SS15 in September, I am ready for you! (clad in my Peter Pilotto button up and Preen coat!)