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"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." - Coco Chanel

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Head Gear

Some of the catwalk shows were more about what was on the models' heads than what was on their bodies. Hairbands, sunglasses and hats were everywhere, and the pony-tail as seen at Louis Vuitton and Prada is the only hairstyle of the season in my opinion.

The cutest beanies at Missoni in lilac hues:



Military appeal at Louis Vuitton...



...and Prada:


The wide-brim fedora at Gucci:


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory style sunglasses at Versace:


And play-time ones at Missoni:


Goggles and a bathing cap at Prada? This look has been growing on me.


Taking things to the next level with these fur-trimmed glasses at Alexander Wang:


My new obsession, hair bands. Something Valentino and I have in common:




Hint: head over to Henri Bendel's on 5th in NYC for bands in every colour.

And lastly the pony-tail. Taking the trend literally at AF Vandevorst:



Multi-stranded at Prada:


And the sleek, classic look at Louis Vuitton:


Hopefully this compilation has given you inspiration on how to wear your most important accessory this Autumn!

Thursday 18 August 2011

The Top Ten Autumn Pieces

Every August, an assault of outfits, accessories and new trends are launched from the catwalks to the womens' fashion magazines and style pages. However, it seems to me that within the mess that can ensue, there are often a few key pieces that can update your entire wardrobe, and that become season staples. For me, the following ten pieces are the ones I'll be investing in.

1. The evening jacket


This silk, ivory evening piece is from the Topshop Boutique collection. I'll wear it over dark jeans and heels, or a 40s dress, as per the next item on the list.

2. The 40s dress


I had to mention this Miu Miu dress again, it really is the most beautiful thing I've seen on the runway this year.

3. The fur stole


Of course I had to show a pink one, courtesy of Sonia Rykiel. However, I think that these will be everywhere this year, in every possible colour. Wear over any coat or jacket.

4. The tiny clutch


Bags this season are divided between the large, bowling or tote style bags, and the smaller and unusual clutches like this one by Prada, which I find particularly stylish and almost endearing.

5. The crazy stiletto


Trust Balenciaga to come up with a shoe like this. At first, I wasn't sure. Now I am in love and need to find a something similar to wear with Everything this Autumn. But take it from me, the stiletto is back, and chunky block heels are a thing of the past.

6. The midi-skirt


This is Turquoise Pink, so out of all the mid-length skirts seen on the catwalk, I had to choose this bright turquoise and tangerine one from Jonathan Saunders. Wear with a simple and slim fitting alpine jumper as next in the list.

7. The alpine sweater


The clean-lined, minamilistic jumper will be one of the most useful buys this Autumn. I like the cool and fresh colour-pairing of this one by Chloe.

8. The face-framing sunglasses.


You may think I'm mad putting sunglasses on this list, but have you ever noticed how when the sun is lower in the sky in winter, it is actually more annoying than in the summer? Choose rounded square shapes like those above by Miu Miu, with thick frames in tortoishell or black.

9. The shaggy coat


Antonio Berardi is new on my fashion radar, but I love this coat and much of his Autumn/Winter collection this year. A textured warm coat like this will see you through all the coldest months through to Spring, and will go over anything from cocktail dresses to your favourite jeans and boots.

10. The lace dress

I am often reluctant about fashion items that I just know are going to be overdone. But this list is about pieces that will be of the upmost importance this Autumn, and the black lace dress like the Lanvin one above will be the answer for last-minute parties and evening events. Expect to see variations of these in every single high-street shop this September.

What will be on your shopping list in a few weeks time? Please comment!

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Jumpers - ahead of the game

Jumpers are about to have a moment.
When I was younger, some hot Augusts I would fantasise about the time when I would once again be able to wear them. I fear that this is one of those years. Below are some of my favourite from the catwalk, and I'm positive that come September, the designers at Topshop and co. will be rushing to bring the first copies onto their shelves. Here are the originals in alphabetical order:

Altuzarra

Possibly my favourite. I have a jumper like this from Morgan, which I bought when I was 15 years old. I refused to part with it, even though it is now so small that it looks like a doll's sweater (I used to be tiny) so last year I wore it over black leggings and a Wolford leotard. I still love it. But maybe I will invest in a new adult version.


Balenciaga

More urbane, but I like the baggy yet defined shape of this one.


Blumarine


Blumarine

The ribbed polo-neck. This is a keeper from last year, and I hope it's here to stay.


Celine

I adore the swathe-like neck of this sweater, and the clean minimalistic lines.


Givency - the 'garland jumper'

90s perfection. I shall say nothing more, other than that this jumper will be copied on the high street. Alot.


Givency

Ditto.


Givency

The yellow outfit that has been featured in every single fashion magazine I have read in the last two months.

Isobel Marant

A little different, but I love the folk quality of this sweater (and of course the fringed boots). I would wear this on a chilly autumn day whilst walking in the fields.


Jason Wu

Gothic lace adds interest to a gym-like sweater.


Jil Sander

This chunky knit puts me in mind of winter sports.


Jil Sander

More alpine fun from Jil Sander.


Missoni

I love the cotton-candy colours of this outfit from Missoni. I would wear the sweater simply over dark skinny jeans for autumn chic.


Stella McCartney

Chunky white perfection from Stella McCartney.

Comments are welcome!

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Flock of Fantasy

Birds of paradise walked the runways at the Alexander McQueen show. The clothes were exquisite, albeit extreme, but this is Alexander McQueen after all. Sarah Burton's white-as-snow dresses seemed to echo Kate's, whilst the black morned their master. Here though I wanted to focus on the former of the collection.

Ice Maiden


Snow Queen


Freja Beha Erichsen takes the lead in my favourite jacket of the season.


This dress reminds me of a tiered wedding cake.



And this one, of a fantastic jewelled bird, the train like a great feathered tail.

Which was your favourite?

And whilst I'm on the topic of fantasty, I wanted to share this photograph from the Alexis Mabille show:


Mermaid hair, no?

And for further inspiration, check out the Versace coats and catwalk from the Vogue website: http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2011/ready-to-wear/versace/full-length-photos


Pure luxury.