30 And Fabulous

I’d like to start this post by wishing my fabulous sister a Happy 30^th Birthday.  There are 8 years between the two of us and it is strange but whilst she is like a mother figure, constantly steering me in the right direction and nagging me about my mistakes, I still feel sometimes likes we are the same age, in sense of humour at least.  She doesn’t hesitate to lead the jokes about our Mothers cake eating skills, or doing the waltz around the front room with the dog to entertain her two year old son.

I always thought that turning 30 would be like a life changing and emotional thing, think back to Rachel in ‘Friends’, but Samantha has shown that it is not big deal, and that it is perfectly possible to reach her 30’s with the grace and elegance she has maintained all of her life.

We have very different senses of style, I’m a fashion student who works at Topshop, so to her, I’m overly quirky and have a much messier fashion sense.  She always teases me for my funky styled shoes or tops with random prints, as I always tease her for being boring and not having a very good colour palette in her wardrobe.  In fact she is actually one of the most stylish women I know.  Half the things she buys I hate on site, then she puts it on and it just looks, excuse me for the cheesy word but I can think of no other, fabulous. 

She is one of these people, when we were younger, if she wanted something for dinner, we would get home and Mum would be making it, and it is still the same today.  She’ll see something she likes, and all of a sudden it is the next big thing, for example the Superga trainers she requested two months ago, that this month have been in Vogue and Style magazine, or Issa, the dress she purchased last summer for her wedding reception, that is now on demand due to Kate Middleton’s engagement announcement.

She has this ability to pick up even the plainest dress and make it look spectacular, just by adding the right shade of lipstick or wearing her hair in just the right way. She’s the one who taught me the importance of the LBD, she taught me how to do my own make-up and hair (literally, I moved up here three years ago and didn’t even know bronzer existed), even back in the 90’s she always had the latest Moschino or Versace piece before any of her friends knew it existed.

Whilst I made goad her for her boringness with regards to fashion, she is still the first person that I thought of when I heard Versace were doing the ‘Iconic Collection’ for H&M, and, as much as I hate to admit it, she is actually the one who informs me about all the new up and coming designers, I just nod along and pretend I already knew.  She’s taught me a lot in life and got me to wear I am today, but the one thing I have learnt is that as time goes one, you just get more stylish.

Skirt - Reiss

Shoes - Miu Miu

Dress - Dolce &Gabbana

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Dress - Diane Von Furstenburg

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Dress - Stella Mcartney

Gold Cuff - Monsoon

Sunglasses - Chanel

Dress - BCBG Maxazaria

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

You Are Handsome

We Are Handsome....yes you are.  How I have not discovered this brand before now, I do not know.  I am thoroughly ashamed of myself.  And I'm supposed to be a fashion student....

When you hear the words ‘Australian’ and ‘Beach’ in the same sentence, you automatically think of surfers, baggy shorts and bright, bold colours, right? Wrong.  We Are handsome is the go to Australian label for swimwear, think Melissa Odabash meets Christopher Kane.Beginning in 2009 by duo Indhra Chagoury and Jeremy J Somers, We Are handsome is a swimwear collection that is motivated by the need to capture the image of ‘beautiful things’ and create something no other swimwear designer has done before them.Each piece is more original than the last, and the stunning prints and bright palettes presenting the problem as to which should be added to your holiday bag.  Already seen on the likes of Rhianna, Tyra Banks and Diane Kruger, WAH may only be two years old, but they have a bright future ahead.2011 collection ‘The Memoirs’ launch instore next month.

 http://wearehandsome.com/

Shop online now at

Alaia Turns Down Dior

There's been much speculation for the past few months over who is to replace Galliano after his uncerimonious departure from French fashion house Christian Dior.  Many names where thrown around, such as Riccardo Tisci and Alber Elbaz, even Sarah Burton.  Today the Financial Times reported that the name that was on NOBODIES lips has already declined the position - Azzedine Alaia.

I remember the first time hearing his name - in Clueles when Cher is being mugged and told to lie on the floor she protests 'but this is an Alaia' about her dress.  Around the same time he stopped showing his collections the way that most designers do, instead preffering to showcase them privately to buyers in his own showroom, much the way that designers such as Tom Ford does now.

With celebrities such as Victoria Beckham announcing him as their favourite designers, it is no suprise that he was selected for the job.  It appears that he has turned it down partly due to his age (the tunisian designer is in his 70's) and the fact that his company is part owned by Richmont (rival of CD parent compan LVMH).

Whilst it has come as a suprise that Alaia selected the job, it makes people all the more curious as to who will eventuall come to replace Galliano

Versace For H&M

In 2008 she said that a high street diffusion line wasn’t Versace’s way, and that because she works very hard to put the Versace brand in the ‘luxury section’ a collaboration with H&M would confuse the brand.  Today however, websites have gone crazy with previews of Versace’s collaboration with H&M.  Confused much?

Donatella has turned it around, and unlike Lanvin and Jimmy Choo, who created diffusion brands for the High Street retailer, Versace will instead launch an ‘Iconic Collection’ which will be inspired by Versace collection since 1978, when the brand was launched by the late Gianni Versace.  The collection will include menswear, womenswear and homewear and will launch instore on November 17^th.

I don’t know if I’m more excited for the studded dresses or the bright prints, but after the Lanvin debacle (I’m ashamed to say I came away with nothing) I will be camping in the Trafford Centre the night before.

Who Says Pregnancy Cant Be Fashionable

So I’m about to turn 22, I’ve taken the next year off Uni and plan to spend it learning French, taking cultural holidays and working as hard as I can to save as much money as I can so that I can travel the world with my friend Karen in two years time.  Back home however, my school friends are planning their weddings and are having their first or second children.  Even my best friend has recently told me she is about to begin a family. 

This is the girl who I’ve spent the past ten years of my life with, from getting detention for back chatting teachers to that fateful night with the apple schnapps where Kelly woke up sprawled across the bottom of her staircase (I won’t elaborate as it isn’t strictly PG)

Initially I was ecstatic for her, what best friend wouldn’t be happy at the idea to have a gorgeous little baby to spoil without the worry of sleepless nights.  However, as time has gone on I’ve found Kelly and I have less and less to talk about and I cant keep pretending to be interested in details of the latest midwife appointment, and its felt though we are drifting apart as she discovers new friends who will gladly discuss the difficulty of breast feeding or the pros and cons or finding out the sex before the baby is born, where as all I want to talk about is clothes.

So, after a few weeks of feeling like a useless friend, I realised that whilst I may not be good for discussing how traumatic ‘baby hospital’ is, I can actually help her in one way, with wardrobe tips, as even those of us not interested in children know how difficult it must be to cope with dressing ourselves for those 9 months.  So Kelly, this ones for you.

Normally, up until 16 weeks your can easily adapt the clothes in your wardrobe as your body wont noticeably change.  Try teaming a blazer with flared jeans and flat pumps or converse and use an oversized scarf to conceal your stomach.  Topshop currently have a great range of scarves in beginning from only £16, such as this black floral snood, that will last right through to the winter.

I know from previous friends stories that maternity jeans aren’t exactly the most popular item in the maternity section.   For the first half of the pregnancy normal jeans can be worn and secured with hair band and safety pin then covered with a long top – no one will notice the difference – although you should be careful not to pull anything too tight over the stomach.  Once into the second half of the pregnancy, most retailers offer fashionable options in their maternity sections.

Jade Maternity Leigh Jeans £38 Topshop

Low Rise Straight Leg Maternity Jeans £178 Jbrand

Cup sizes grow rapidly in the first few months so it is important to get fitted properly at a store.  This can be done at any good underwear retailer – from La Senza to Selfridges.  I’m one of those girls who is not obsessed with handbags or shoes, but underwear.  So i know the importance of a decent set.  Just because you are pregnant, that’s no reason to stop making the effort.  Jojo Maman Bebe even stock Elle MacPherson Intimates for pregnancy.

Elle MacPherson La Mere Maternity and Nursing Bra

£35, available online and from Jojo Maman Bebe

If you're full-figured, borrow shirts from your partner. Wear them slightly open but with a jacket for a sexy, comfortable, basic look that goes well with jeans or dresses and makes the most of the naturally enhanced cleavage.

Everyday Biker Jacket, £369 Isabella Oliver

The empire waist dress has a form-fitting seam above the stomach, just under the breasts, that helps give your body shape. It doesn't hide your stomach, and it's not supposed to, unlike most maternity dresses, which drape shapelessly over the body as much as a potato sack. The empire waist dress is elegant and simple and should be a part of any mother-to-be's wardrobe.

South Maternity Lace Bow Dress

£38 very.co.uk

South Maternity Floral Printed Dress

£29 very.co.uk

Limited Edition Sequin Dress

£299 Isabella Oliver

Working in Topshop and having been given the task to dress the maternit wall on one eventful nightshift, i know all too well that maternity clothes can be a bit basic and boring in terms of colour.  This, however makes these pieces perfect for showing off new jewellery.  Large pendents and diamond (or cubic zirconia, depending on your income) studded cuffs are the perfect way to accent any simple garment.

Square Filigree Bracelet

£14 Oasis

So Kelly, forgive me if I seem uninterested on the best way to breast feed the baby and unable to help you.  But I promise I'll be here the whole way to make sure you look stylish when your looking for someone who can. XOXO

Prada Menswear Spring Summer 2012

“When you look at how many professional players actually dress they are actually pretty weird and wonderful. Maybe the very pressure of playing big matches creates this excess. But these men can really dress pretty bizarrely, and I love that” Miuccia Prada after she presented her Spring Summer 2012 Menswear collection, on a catwalk of artificial grass.  The players she is referring to – Golf, yes Golf players.

The show kicked off with simple tailoring; see the double breasted suit in a neutral and safe colour, and just a hint of youth in the printed shirt and colourful brogues with the oversized tongue.  The statement floral prints made it clear that it was the bigger the better, and Rhinestone studded cowboy shirts and western boots made it clear that the James Dean look was back with a bang and an undated twist.

Accessories included golfing caps, printed scarves and colour blocked brogues, Miuccia Prada once stated that she is inspired most by things she hates, it seems clear that she has no time for Golf.

See the full show below.

Burberry Prorsum Menswear Spring Summer 2012

So, in all honesty, menswear is not something I have ever really taken too much of.  I mean obviously I’ve been shopping with boyfriends and brothers and helped them pick out clothes to suit them, but in terms of high fashion, I’ve only recently become aware of what is on offer.  I know, shame on me, the fashion student.

So, signalling the end to the oblivion that is my knowledge of high fashion menswear is the Burberry Prosum Spring Summer 2012 show.  The mustard and the blue bobble hat seemed to be a popular piece in this collection, showing that colour and prints and accessories will be big for males next summer.

Christopher Bailey described the aptly named ‘Handcrafted Heritage’ collection as the ‘digitalisation of modern culture’ which is evident in the tribal patterns and printed linen.

The colour clash trend that is deemed so on trend right now is carried through to next season with this collection, showing that anything females can do, men can do better.

Not only has the Burberry Creative Director gone for clashing block colours, but has also layered the same colour on top of itself, using slightly different shades.  A technique employed to ensure maximum impact of both pieces.

Finally – the trims, detachable faux fur collars and chunky wooden buttons to go with the chunky wooden knits.  Whoever told me menswear wasn’t interesting has clearly never seen a Burberry Prorsum show 

How Not To Imitate Kate Middleton...

She spun into our lives wearing a ball gown and Nike air max – so we’ve known since the beginning that Lily Allen was a quirky dresser.  But there is a time and a place for ones kooky fashion sense to make an appearance, and the wedding day is NOT it.

The Lucy in Disguise store owner surprised us all, not only by choosing her wedding day to announce her pregnancy, but by having her dress made by French designer Delphine Manivet , who was recommended to her by a friend, as opposed to Karl Lagerfeld – whom many had assumed would be behind the dress for Lily’s big day. 

The imitation of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress was said to be inspired by the 1970’s. It was made of an under dress covered by a lace overdress with lace sleeves and a sweetheart neckline, whilst from the waist up it was a perfectly nice dress, from the hips down it proved to be much less of a success than the Duchess of Cambridge’s dress.  Then there was the veil, a 3 ft (1 metre) long floral tulle creation.  When I was a little girl my parents bought me a canopy to hang over my bed, I remember losing one of the floral pieces that held back the sides of the canopy.  It seemed that Lily Allen, or rather her dressmaker found them and used them to make a veil in tribute of Princess Leia.

Whilst it may be cool to show your unique taste (or perhaps lack of) in a teenage pop video, I’m not so sure it was appropriate to wear what looked like someone’s net curtains on her head for her nuptials.  I hear that Lily did, however go with original choice and BFF Karl Lagerfeld’s creation to wear for her reception.  More news to follow.

2011 CFDA Awards, New York

The Council of Fashion Designers of America awards are a prestigious event held annually too award Americas leading fashion and accessory designers and exists to promote the fashion industry as more of a form of art and culture.  In addition to this the CFDA helps nurture and further the career of future designers, this is doe via the Vogue Fashion Fund and the Business Service Network. The award itself is known as a Trova.

This year (2011) marks the 10th year that Swarovski has underwritten the event, something for which Nadja Swarovski was presented her very own Trova by CFDA president Diane Von Furstenburg.

With the CFDA Awards being the ‘oscars of fashion’ celebrities really have to up their game when choosing their outfit to wear to the ceremony, and this years guests did not disappoint.

Any blog post about the CFDA awards would not be complete unless it began with Lady Gaga.   The 25 year old, who picked up the Trova for the Fashion Icon Award, wowed critics and fans alike in her Thierry Mugler gown which consisted of a spike corset and sheer covered decolletage was finished off by 12 inch plat formed heels and a turquoise wig.

Following suit and looking dapper in black were the like of Lucy Liu and Miranda Kerr.  Lucy Liu wore a stunning floor length black dress by Moniique Lhuillier with a corset bodice and a full feathered skirt.  Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr showed off her post baby body with a Michael Kors skirt and top ensemble, the top with cut out panelling on the torso.  She accessorized with a gold belt and gold gladiator bangles.

On the other end of the colour spectrum, wearing white, was Whitney Port, Sophia Copolla and Kerry Washington.  Whitney Port wore an asymmetric Pamella Roland gown with a subtle tan and tousled, sun kissed locks.  Director Sophia Copolla presented Marc Jacobs with his lifetime acheivement award wearing a simple knee length bandeau dress with a white belt made by the designer she described on twitter as her ’brother from another mother’ and snakeskin heels.  Kerry Washington opted for the simple shift dress with a strong a-lined skirt with a little extra added detail by Calvin Klein.

Mixing it up with the traditional monochrome look were Anna Wintour and Chloe Sevigny.  Anna Wintour wore a black and white Marc Jacobs ensemble, a black knee length skirt with a white shirt.  Chloe Sevigny wore one of her own designs for opening ceremony.

Shenae Grimes went for the feminine yet male inspired trouser suit by Rebecca Taylor, minus the jacket, with a black and white corset top and chunky black heels, whilst Kristen Dunst has made fashion headlines by appearing in a Patrick Ervell shirt and Tuxedo with Prada pumps and a sleek up do.

Gold was another popular colour at the awards, with Naomi Watts going for a pale gold Calvin Klein number and Estelle wearing a longer, darker shade.

Injecting a bit of colour into the evening with their various shades of green were Judith Light, who wore a beautiful dress by Pamella Roland, Chanel Iman who wore a stunning shade of turquoise with a high thigh slit, and Victoria’s Secret model Karolina Kurkova wore a green sequined Diane Von Furstenburg dress, accessorised with Swarovski jewelley.

Dazzling in Red were (yet another) Victoria’s Secret model Doutzen Kroes wearing J Mendel and Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu, who also accompanied her up the red carpet.

Liv Tyler looked beautiful in her multi coloured Proenza Schoeler dress with simple black accessories.

Ashley Green made a statement in a neon pink number by last years winner of the lifetime achievement award, Michael Kors.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen looked every bit as stunning as usual, both dressed by their own label The Row, Ashley in a simple Blue dress and Mary Kate in a brassy gold blazer and simple black skirt, both with matching bags.

Finally my favourite - Jessica Alba.  Whilst she might be pregnant, and typically trying to hide her bump, she looked stunning in her orange and purple Diane Von Furstenburg dress.  The same colours and by the same designers that caused Cheryl Cole to come under intense scrutiny by the American public, Jessica Alba looks nothing short of glowing.

Finally, The Winners

Womenswear Designer of the Year - Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schoeler

Menswear Designer of the Year - Michael Bastian

Accessory Designer of the Year - Alexander Wang

International Award - Phoebe Philo for Celine

Swarovski Award for menswear - Prabal Gurung

Swarovski Award for women swear - Robert Gellar

Swarovski Award for accessories - Eddie Borgo