Trends

2008-05-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

At last Sex and the City style can truly be ours! The latest of many, many collaborations to be announced will surely cause a huge stir on the high street. Well known retailer M&S has teamed up with SATC and Devil Wears Prada stylist, Patricia Field. Although I am already eagerly awaiting the launch I have a few mild reservations. I love her styling but when it actually comes down to past design collaborations and her own label, (both below) I'm not so sure, her stuff seems to be trailer park trashy, with just a hint of Carrie.

As long as M&S have enough of an input to keep the collection wearable to all, I think it could really work. I am imagining structured, pretty dresses, classic coats and quirky accessories, not spandex leggings and crops tops!
The 35-piece collection, 'Destination New York' will be in stores in October.

ASOS Soars

2008-05-19T08:19:00.001-07:00

We all know about the current economic conditions affecting our spending budgets, and the hit the high street retailers have taken due to this; however one particular retailer continues to maintain sales despite it. ASOS, the popular online retailer has reported an increase of 80% in sales over the last four weeks! All this in a money spending crisis era?

So what is it that they are doing soooo right, aside from the fact they are an online retailer, which means shopping anytime, anywhere (with Internet of course)?

Perhaps it is the HUGE number of popular brands all under one roof (so to speak)?

Or maybe it's the great range of premium brand, with the recently acquired dVb by Victoria Beckham?

Could it just be the lure of the promise that you will be dressing 'in the style of' your fav celeb, making you that bit closer to looking like them?

Even Britain's Next Top Model has got in on the hype and featured the company on its latest show, with ASOS being so impressed with one of the models they snapped them up on the spot.

Whatever it is, this retailer has got it right and it looks like there's no stopping them!

The Newton Experience

2008-05-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

Helmet Newton seems to be the man of the moment- which is quite an achievement since he is no longer alive! He is the inspiration for many of the looks seen on the Autumn 08 catwalk (including Lanvin) as well as award winning student, Sophie Cox, and if this isn't enough he is entering our high street too.

Student of The London College of Fashion, Sophie Cox, has used Newton's iconic images to create a stunning collection of footwear which went on to win in the student sector of the Drapers Footwear Awards 2008.

Topshops latest collaboration is not just a clothing line, but a homage to the photographer with the introduction of Newton inspired interiors and the 'Newton Machine' in their flagship store. The machine allows the shopper to become the photographer, stylist, lighting designer and the model all at once, creating self-styled photos which will be displayed in store.

So if you fancy becoming a model for Topshop (even if it's only for a minute!) get down to the store on the 10th of June.

LC V. Heidiwood

2008-05-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Not only are Lauren and Heidi rival friends, but recently they have become rival clothing designers- although I'm not sure either of their lines are actually that great!

LC's clothing line apparently 'reflects Lauren's upbringing in Southern California, embracing the laid-back lifestyle', offering 'timeless pieces that are sophisticated and chic'. Hmm this could be translated into 'reflecting a lack of style and a laid-back attitude to fashion, offering boring pieces that will never go out of style because they have never been in style'.
Well there's nothing wrong with it, it's just a bit boring. And cheap-looking. Shame, I always loved her style in The Hills.

And as for Heidi's collection Heidiwood (yes, really), there is a LOT wrong with this.

Zebra stripes? Check. Hot pants? Check. Black satin? Check. Boobs and bum? Check. Cheap? Check.

It has supposedly sold out in some stores; maybe this is because of the ridiculously cheap price tags- not the actual clothes. Heidi, complete with new boobs and new nose, models the collection and shows just how skanky (oh yes) she really is.

Have a look at this one, purely to laugh at it!

Terry's Heels

2008-04-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

If you, like me, were watching another great episode of Britain' s Next Top Model last night you may remember the famous Terry de Havillard heels, as worn by the likes of Kate Moss and Amy Whinehouse.

His shoes are usually made to order and only for the celebrities or very rich among us BUT try out these high street ankle breakers to get the look:

Or buy the real deal HERE

2008-04-28T04:12:00.000-07:00

Florals are everywhere- and not just on clothes. Flower power is hitting summer style hard, so accessorize with these beauties and you will be bang on!

2008-04-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

It's nearly summer and time to bare those toes!

White shirt = Fashion must have

2008-04-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows you need to have at least one good white shirt in your wardrobe, but now with the help of Gap you should have eight that you love! They've never been the most exciting purchase, but definitely an essential especially for summer 08. Gap has collaborated with the US's up and coming young designers as part of its design collections, turning the white shirt into a fashion statement.
My favourites have to be the over-sized man shirt (having recently purchased a similar one in H&M) by men's clothing label Band of Outsiders and the cut-out tunic style dress by ThreeAs Four. Not only will you look good but you will be supporting the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund for new talent!

H&M go all artistic

2008-04-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

H&M has released details for its autumn collaboration, even though I have yet to discover the spring/summer collection! Working with Japanese designer Comme de Garcons, H&M will release a collection which embodies the designer's strong artistic style.

The collection will be launched in Japan along with the opening of the new Japanese store in late November.

Summer Denim

2008-04-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

The paler the better- denim that is. This summer, put your indigo skinnies to the back of the wardrobe and make room for this seasons pale denim. Worn with floral prints, shorts, skirts, jeans, dresses are all bang on trend. Best for a dressed down day look, team with bright accessories BUT keep it simple or you will risk looking like an 80's throwback- that means saying no to big hair!

Marimekko at H&M

2008-04-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

This summer H&M goes bold and colourful- finally! I have had enough of all the greys and neutral shades of winter. The sun peeking through threatening to arrive has got me in the mood for some bright summery fashions and H&M's collaboration with bold, graphical design company Marimekko is delivering exactly that.

Marimekko is known for their exciting and vivid prints, drawing on the 50's, 60's and 70's for inspiration, combining this with H&M fashionable looks should be a winning combination. Maxi dresses, pinafores and tunics are only part of the collection, along with accessories and a kids range.

The collection hits the shops this month so keep your eyes open, this amazing collection is set to be popular.

Lovely Luella

2008-04-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hot designer of the moment Luella has picked up on the floral trend in her spring/summer 2008 collection with her pretty tea dresses and ruffled skirts. The liberty print adds to the already amazing clothes and the structured silhouettes gives them a wearable edge.

Luella's fun English style is loved by celebs such as Kelly Osbourne and Lily Allen. I love, love, love this floral tea dress and would do anything to get my hands on one- except to pay the £325 price tag. Topshop and New Look do some good floral Luella inspired pieces, and I for one am hoping that Luella does a Kate Moss and brings out a high street range very soon!

Cropped Jackets

2008-04-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

This week I have been on the search for the perfect summer jacket. Chanel have been at the front with the short sleeved jacket trend, but if like me you can't afford the designer price tag, here are the best from the high street:

Now is the time to start toning those bingo wings!

Prada Wonderland

2008-04-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

It's been around for a while, but it hasn't lost its impact yet, Prada's new collection that is.

Even though the clothes are amazing, it is the artwork that stands out. As other designers are opting for painterly strokes in their Spring/Summer collections, Prada has taken it one step further and enlisted the help of artist James Jean to create the wonderful new collection.

Cheap Frills

2008-04-02T02:32:00.000-07:00

The must have shoe of the moment is the Para La Cruz courtesy of Christian Louboutin. The iconic french designers new creations have been seen on the feet of Gwen Stfenai, Anne Hathaway and Mandy Moore.

If like me you don't have a spare £515 knocking around the house, Topshop sell a slightly quirky version for a fraction of the price.

I have them in purple and I LOVE them! The block heel adds to their quirky feel and takes them away from the look of sophistication the Christian Louboutin's have gone for into a younger, fresher style for shoes.

Skirts, skirts, skirts

2008-03-25T06:36:00.000-07:00

It's all about the skirt, one of the best pieces of clothing, whether it be the bubble skirt, the mini, maxi or midi, the pencil skirt, fifties style skirt......the list could go on. The fail-safe piece to make you feel instantly feminine. You actually take notice of the way you are sitting, and the effect can make you feel more girly, sophisticated, sexy.....As a jeans person I feel the benefits of the skirt more than a self-confessed skirt lover. I do love to wear a skirt, but it takes a lot to summon up the effort of having to worrying about where my legs are going for a whole day. Tights are of course a safety-blanket when it comes to taking the risk and a necessity unless the skirt in question happens to come to the knee (unless you are gifted in the legs department). But still the role of the skirt needs praise. Past the age of about twelve years old, skirts are no longer acceptable cute and frilly, and the days of rolling up your school skirt begins. As females we have all had a long term relationship with the skirt, whether you love it or hate it. This season the skirt has come out on top, and although the skirt of the season threatens to be the prim and proper midi, whether worn girl like Miu Miu or grown-up like Fendi, I have chosen to start with the short cute, ruffled floral printed style- worn with tights of course. And yes, I instantly felt more feminine- but it still won't take me too far away from my jeans.