Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
TRENDS - Sweet Sorbet Shades
Aqua, lemon, jade, lilac and pink. According to Vogue magazine, Galliano and Dior's frocks were full of the heavenly hues. Somewhere between pastels and brights is where you should be aiming. The colours take inspiration from the block colours that have been key to trends for the last few months, but these shades are toned down and sweeter.
Saturday, 19 July 2008
VIDEO - Festival Fashion Sorted
There are still a few festivals before the end of the summer, so take some tips from this video and dress appropriately!
Saturday, 5 July 2008
EVENT - Memory Lane Retro Fair
The whole world's going retro!
The demand for vintage fashion has been overwhelming for sometime but it seems that retro fashion is not enough. Not only is it trendy to be seen wearing a look from days gone by but nowadays nothing is more 'de rigeur' than to furnish one's home in a fashionably retro style and you know when a style is "in" when Ikea try to copy it! From shouting "chuck out your chintz!" Ikea have recently been seen to not only embrace chintz once more but also a myriad of other retro designs from "antique" monogrammed cushions to 60s-style moulded swivel armchairs.
But why buy modern Scandinavian copies when you can get the original items with all their attention to detail and design? There is no need to trek to a vast warehouse on the outskirts of town to pick up a cheap imitation when the real thing is available in the heart of Chelsea. Memory Lane retro fair will have fifty dealers selling everything from fifties furniture to fab lighting as well as more vintage fashion and accessories to compliment it all.
Memory Lane retro fair
Chelsea Town Hall, King's Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5EZ. Tel. 020 7254 4054
Nearest tube: Sloane Sq., South Kensington
Sunday 13th July
Open 11am - 5.30pm Admission £4 (students with valid ID £2) Accompanied under 16s freeBut why buy modern Scandinavian copies when you can get the original items with all their attention to detail and design? There is no need to trek to a vast warehouse on the outskirts of town to pick up a cheap imitation when the real thing is available in the heart of Chelsea. Memory Lane retro fair will have fifty dealers selling everything from fifties furniture to fab lighting as well as more vintage fashion and accessories to compliment it all.
Memory Lane retro fair
Chelsea Town Hall, King's Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5EZ. Tel. 020 7254 4054
Nearest tube: Sloane Sq., South Kensington
Sunday 13th July
Visit the website for more details
Sunday, 29 June 2008
THE GRAPEVINE - Shopping on your mind?
What are you thinking about right now? Shopping perhaps?
A survey conducted by Cosmopolitan.co.uk has revealed that women think about shopping every 60 seconds. This equates to around 960 time a day! Cosmopolitan analysed the thoughts of 770 women between 19 and 45 for the study and the results seem to suggest that ladies are as obsessed with shopping as men are with sex.
90% of women would sulk, get stressed and angry if the couldn't find what they were looking for on a shopping trip. Some would even cancel evening plans as a result. It does seem that the thrill can be short lived though, with 13% of women getting bored of a new purchase after just two weeks.
2 in 5 women say they are obsessed by shoes and bags and 49% would prefer to go shopping than spend time with their partner. Even the credit crunch cannot 'stop the shop'. The average woman spends around 30% of her income on clothes.
Anyway I must dash... TopShop calls...
Sunday, 22 June 2008
THE GRAPEVINE - Recession Dressing
It is becoming ever more apparent that living in this country is about to get tougher. The rising cost of fuel, food and utilities is going to hit all but the wealthiest people hard. I for one, don't intend on compromising my style for the sake of inflation. Read on for a great article on how to be stylish and save pennies - Courtesy of handbag.com.
Ten ways to tackle the credit crunch………..
Photo Credit: Mrs Magic on flickr.com
1. EBay
Perhaps the most obvious way to fund a lavish fashion lifestyle is to trade in stylish seconds. EBay was every fashionista’s best-kept secret long before the rest of the world discovered it (along with www.fashionexchange.co.uk and www.clothesagency.com).
2. Swapsies
This can only work with friends or family who trigger ‘wardrobe-envy’. Sisters, friends, and mothers and daughters, have been borrowing each other’s clothes without thinking for years.
3. Factory Outlets
“But, I Reeeeeeally Neeeeed It!” you shriek about the latest Jimmy Choo ‘Ramona’/Marc Jacobs ‘Casey’, like a demented six year old with a new Bratz doll. Factory shops are for people like you.
4. Make Do And Mend
Have you ever laughed out loud at the latest catwalk looks and thought you could do better? Your moment has arrived. Invest in a sewing machine (www.singerdirect.co.uk) and start creating your own fashions.
5. Go Gothic
Get with the latest trend for Autumn/Winter 2008/9 and give yourself a new look whilst you’re at it. ‘Nu Grave’, as they are calling the all-black romantic vibe, is a bit Johnny Depp (but thankfully not Helena Bonham Carter) in Sweeney Todd with a romantic dollop of the original Rocky Horror.
6. Think rich and Royalty
Even if you are broke, if you dress like a princess people will treat you like one.
7. Go Retro
There’s a reason Kate Moss wears vintage when she could afford couture. It’s not just because she can’t be seen to favour ‘mates’ amongst contemporary designers. Wearing pieces from bygone eras (when clothes were made to last by trained craftsmen and not in Far East sweatshops) somehow raises you above the ceaseless trend-treadmill fashion has become.
8. Be a trend-setter not follower
Spend a weekend going through your wardrobe pulling out anything you know suits you and that you love, regardless of how old or new it is, and whether or not it’s in fashion.
9. Hire don’t buy
Where to start with this trend? It’s going to be so huge. Websites like www.handbaghirehq.co.uk and www.fashionhire.co.uk have educated us on the sense of renting, not buying, “it’” bags.
10. Pretend you are a STUDENT
This season fashion actually gives a nod to Uni chic. Style yourself on Ali McGraw in Love Story, with flares, preppy knits and polo tops, long hippy scarves and hats. Everyone will assume you are wearing Marc Jacobs, founder of grunge, who uses Ali as a constant source of inspiration.
For more fashion top tips to get you through the credit crunch go to www.handbag.com
Sunday, 8 June 2008
INSPIRATION - Ode to Chanel
Or you could say, Eau de Chanel! Coco Chanel was a very clever lady, and her words will inspire every budding fashionista. I have included some of them below...
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”
“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
“As long as you know men are like children, you know everything!"
“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.”
"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!”
“A women who doesn't wear perfume has no future.”
“A woman is closest to being naked when she is well dressed”
“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”
“A style does not go out of style as long as it adapts itself to its period. When there is an incompatibility between the style and a certain state of mind, it is never the style that triumphs.”
“Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.”
"Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions."
Monday, 19 May 2008
MOST WANTED - Eiffel Tower Bag
Carrie Bradshaw is seen with this bag in the new Sex and the City movie, so of course everyone now wants one. The bag is by Timmy Woods in Beverly Hills and can be yours for $450. The ultimate cute and quirky accessory, you would have to agree that this little taste of Paris would not look out of place on the arms of the A list. If you ever get fed up of it, it would make a pretty good ornament!
Or how about the Swarovski encrusted version, at a mighty $3000. With over 6000 crystals this is a showpiece that is sure to stop traffic or at the very least, make you the envy of every woman around you.
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
TRENDS - Natural Nouveau
Straw hats, basket bags - Natural materials are where it is at when it comes to accessories this season. I must admit I am not a huge fan of the traditional straw bag, but things have moved on since they were first popular. You can get straw clutches and the perfect straw sun hat not to mention a little bit of raffia here and there for good measure. Some of the best on the web...
Raffia Bangle - French Connection - £8
Silver Michelle Clutch by Felix Rey - My Wardrobe - £150
Burberry Prorsum Multi-Strap Gladiator Wedges - NET-A-PORTER - £295
Jute Elastic Tan Belt - Miss Selfridge - £18
Silver Michelle Clutch by Felix Rey - My Wardrobe - £150
Burberry Prorsum Multi-Strap Gladiator Wedges - NET-A-PORTER - £295
Jute Elastic Tan Belt - Miss Selfridge - £18Tuesday, 6 May 2008
TRENDS - Love Leopard
I am trying to remember a time without leopard print being 'in' fashion wise and I must admit I can't. This is one trend that has been sticking around for a good few years now and as long as designers keep adding the look to their collections, we will keep it in our wardrobes.
Mix a little bit of leopard and other animal prints into your 'safari' and 'tribal' trend pieces and no one will ever know you are wearing clothes from 5 seasons ago. D&G and Dior love it, Christina Aguilera never let it go, so here are some inspired choices for you...
Leopard Print Trapeze Dress - Sara Berman at Mywardrobe - £270
Leopard Lurex Cardi - Miss Selfridge - £32
Friday, 2 May 2008
THE GRAPEVINE - Mend and Make do
Sales of Sewing Machines are booming in comparison to previous years. Figures revealed by Argos and Woolworths showed that Singer and Brother models were up by 50% during 2006 and 2007 and some cheaper models have increased by as much as 500%.
So does this mean a 'mend and make do' culture is back for good, or is it that there are a lot of wannabe fashion designers about. Perhaps consumers are getting fed up with high street clone clothing and want to create a more individual look. TV shows like Project Runway could be having an positive effect on the attitudes towards making and altering clothes.
If our economic climate really is getting as bad as the media would have us believe then it might not be a bad idea to get stitching and ditch the throwaway culture of recent years. That said, I am not a dab hand with a needle and thread and I can't see that changing soon, not as long as Primark is in business.
If you are interested in learning how to adapt your wardrobe then I recommend this book;
Monday, 28 April 2008
MOST WANTED - Michael Kors Scarf
This is more than I could stomach to spend on a scarf. But if money were no object I would snap it up. It is very 'global traveller', a trend that is hot on the catwalk and red carpets. Tie dye hippy with a bit more class is what would call it, plus celebs have been wearing orange at every opportunity lately.
Available from Net-A-Porter.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
TRENDS - Skirts go Full Circle
'full' and 'circle' are the best way to wear your skirts this season. A development from the prom dress trend that was everywhere recently this takes the look to a more casual level, and takes far less effort. Make the most of the waist and opt for something that starts there. Hide the hips and thighs with a voluminous skirt, but keep the fabric lightweight to avoid adding too much bulk.
Lantern Skirt - TopShop - £28
PEONIE PRINT RUCHED SHORT SKIRT - Laura Ashley - £27
Daisy Print Full Skirt - ASOS - £28
Blue Short Full Skirt - Dorothy Perkins - £25Indigo Lampshade Skirt - Miss Selfridge - £30
Sunday, 20 April 2008
THE GRAPEVINE - Best Dressed Women
Glamour Magazine's May issue featured the annual 50 best dressed females. Lets take a look at the top 5 and see if we agree...
1 - Kate Moss
Great because: the success of her TopShop range has been huge and is pretty wearable for the average woman. She almost single-handedly elevated 'stars' to become the biggest trend in ages after adopting the theme for her birthday celebrations.
2 - Sienna Miller
Great because: she is bringing back boho with a twist. Red carpet glamour is as easy a look for her to carry off, as the laid back hippy chic she is famed for.
3 - Scarlett Johansson
Great because: she flaunts her womanly curves and steers clear of the twig thin image that many strive for (yes that is you Posh!)
4 - Rachel Bilson
Great because: she keeps it natural, and looks absolutely effortless. Her look is not too contrived or over done.
5 - Jennifer Aniston
Great because: she looks amazing in jeans and a t shirt. She goes for simple comfort over faddy fashion trends which is quite refreshing.
The Verdict
There is no denying that these are all stylish ladies. I personally think that a lot of the clothes that Kate Moss wears would not suit the average person. She is an industry icon rather than a real fashion role model and for that reason she would not be my number 1. Yes she helps set the trends, but there are others that look better wearing them.
Who I would have liked to see in the top 5
Lucy Liu - this year she has looked absolutely spot on, hitting all the trends but never at the expense of style. She picks garments that flatter her body perfectly.
Katie Holmes - her grown up and extremely polished persona is one that I just love. She has had a few mistakes over the years, but has stepped up her game and should be much nearer the top of this year's list.
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
TRENDS - The Cold Shoulder
One shoulder tops and dresses are bang on trend this spring but be sure they suit you before you invest. This look is a necklace no no, as the detail on the neck is your accessory. Don't forget your strapless bra, and if your boobs can't be supported by one, then perhaps this trend is not for you. Make your skin shimmer with a moisturiser with some added shimmer powder or sparkle. Versace represented this trend on the catwalk and Jessica Alba and Paris Hilton have been spotted in their one shoulder frocks. That is good enough for me to follow suit.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
TRENDS - Bright Shoes
The right shoes can make or break an outfit, but at the moment it seems the right shoes are bright shoes! Yellow, blue, orange, pink and green or any colour of the rainbow will do. Bold block colour works best, but also try clashing primary colours. It will lift an otherwise plain ensemble and make you stand out for all the right reasons. If you have open toes I think it is best to go for a nude nail polish or a different colour, don't match shoes and nails. Wearing brights on your feet is a great way to wear a colour that wouldn't usually suit you head to toe. Get inspired with my options below...
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
TRENDS - Fluoro Florals
Have you noticed the recent colour explosion! Big, bold floral prints are back. Because this look is such a statement, it really needs nothing else. Keep accessories to a minimum and go for plain a shoe and bag. Colleen McLoughlin was spotted at the Races this week wearing her floral mini dress, a great trend for the coming months. So get brave and inspired by my picks below...
Friday, 28 March 2008
VIDEO - 1930's Futuristic Fashion Predictions
Well they were right with the Harem trousers (unfortunately) I wonder what we will be wearing in another 75 years...
Thursday, 27 March 2008
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - Cath Kidston
With ditsy print tea dresses being a huge spring trend, it only seems right to spread the florals to other parts of your home and wardrobe. Cath Kidston prints are ultra cool whilst having that retro feel too. Plus, check out the sale items as we all could do with a good bargain. I love the umbrellas and kitchen accessories especially in the new star print, which is particularly on trend. 
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
TRENDS - Alice in Wonder-Band
Alice bands and headbands are popping up all over the place and work with the most casual of outfits right up to red carpet events. Paris Hilton, Peaches Geldof and Lily Allen are all fans. Wear with your hair in a messy 'up do' for laid back glamour, or with hair down and some root backcombing for style that others will envy. If you don't have a headband to hand, why not try a tied ribbon or scarf which can have the same effect. Here are some ideas for you...
Sunday, 16 March 2008
THE GRAPEVINE - Perms Making Waves
Latest figures from retailers such as Boots have suggested that the perm is the nations fastest growing hairstyle of choice. Women all over the country are dashing to get their home perm kits in an 80's revival.
I have nothing against perms, but home perm kits are not really the best way to go curly. It is always best to ask a professional, and although you will pay more, you may be able to avoid a hair disaster. Of course the best curls are natural curls, so if you are lucky enough to have them you will be the envy of girls everywhere, or so it would seem. If you are not sure, try curlers or tongs, that way you can change your look with ease.
Bad Perm
