2009 October | Fashion For Lunch

Archive for October, 2009

Fright night: accessories

Whilst I was shopping around for prospective weekend purchases, I kept coming across skulls and crossbones glaring hauntingly at me. Cue shrill witches’ cackle. As any Alexander McQueen fan can attest, the skull has long been a relevant accessory item. So in honor of Halloween, I give you some very menacing holiday accessories.

Nuit N° 12 bronze skull and bow bracelet is the stuff nightmares are made of. Not fashion nightmares, mind you, the scarier real kind that disturb your sleep. The bronze lace-like bow mixes spooky and sweet and definitely makes a statement, as do the crossbone Vivienne Westwood cufflinks. Gift that to your partner this season and see how he reacts to two glittering skulls staring up at him.

Bex Rox’s bangles and Patricia Nicholas’ savage drop earrings both have a tribal feel. Rox’s glowing red skull is eerily illuminating and surprisingly chic.

Zoe & Morgan’s arachnid earrings are startling and stunning, with a soft side (love the heart hidden in the middle). And what would a mix of haunting Halloween accessories be without a little McQueen? These fold-over leather ankle boots are completely glam rock with a morbid twist. Have a happy/haute Halloween, my fashion friends and score some treats.

30.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
Military fashion madness

The burgeoning trend in military gear is unavoidable for autumn, and we’ve all hopped on the grand Hummer bandwagon. Fortunately for the fashion faithful, this doesn’t require grubby camo and combat boots. This season is all about how you wear your structured peacoats, slouchy khaki and of course some fierce footwear, ready for battle.

The collective fashion-conscious of the high street has already consumed army attire, with All Saints and Whistles displaying loosely draped variations. A jumpsuit is spot on, whilst harem pants tie in another fashion movement of the moment. Givenchy’s peep-toe lace-up boots toughen up the soft folds of fabric, and take high-low dressing to a new level.

What combat unit would be complete without ideal outerwear? French Connection’s double breasted Tempest jacket reworks the classic knobby button closure, angling up to one shoulder. Ok, so Clements Ribeiro’s knit cardigan isn’t exactly going to armour anyone against the cold like a goose down jacket, but the ribbed trim and toggles on cashmere are super luxe. This would definitely jump to the front of my winter wardrobe.

You certainly won’t blend in wearing Diane von Furstenberg camouflage leggings. Trawl the city’s concrete jungle with your new killer legwear. Pull on a tunic, cinched at the waist with Chloe’s skinny belt and don’t forget Zagliani’s shiny croc bag, and you’re ready for combat.

There are variations of green to match a range of skin tones. Let’s face it, green is not the easiest colour in the rainbow to wear; however, Maison Martin Margiela offers up a softer shade in a sweater dress. Wrapped at the waist, this knit is great for day-to-night dressing.

There you have it, fashion warriors. Have a tasty lunch, and shop these ready-for-battle looks.

30.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
Style wish list

If I ask nicely, do I get to keep them? Whilst choosing products for autumn collages and designer-focused boards, and still more collages, I have formed a pretty lengthy list of the latest fashion pieces that I must own. Collectively this lovely compilation totals more than a paycheck… or three, but fashion is fantasy after all so enjoy.

I began by throwing everything I want/need/have to have on one slide– tah-dah! Fortunately, I decided to get a little more organized and somewhat creative and now we have four outfits. A camel coloured coat is essential for autumn and Jaeger does a fancy funnel neck that you could wear alone or with a knit Missoni tucked under. Don’t keep this fitted frock covered for long, I love the folded-over neckline and ribbed pattern. Pair with a pewter cuff and YSL wedge boots (take a look at that heel!) and you’re set.

I would wear this Antik Batik Mogolian vest out for a stroll in the city. I love the ribbon tied at the waist, which lets you make the furry vest a little more fitted. Fendi’s knit looks warm and sumptuous (the only ample way to describe a knit) and Current/Elliot’s casual skinny jeans make for a cozy trip. Naturally I need to throw in a bit of Balenciaga, and these suede grey wedges are gorgeous.

Number three is a favourite, I especially adore this RM by Roland Mouret cranberry tunic– for the office, for after work, and for a night out. This structured mini reminds me of a frock we saw Cheryl Cole prancing around in during X Factor auditions. Of course it’s short, but it’s also all business and sophistcated. Add in Christian Louboutin’s a-mazing Ostrich lace pumps with studding to give the look a little more edge. I’m drawn to feminine/fierce combinations and these courts are beautifully delicate, yet still make a strong statement. A lightly studded Ungaro clutch can be worn over your shoulder or held in hand. I cannot get enough of Marni’s accessories this season, and this ribbon flower choker is chic and fun.

Dress up for a night dancing in Paul & Joe’s silk floral kaftan or Alexander Wang’s asymmetrical fitted chiffon dress. Two you ask? I couldn’t choose, plain and simple. I love them both, so now you have a loose wrap and a structured corset option. The Louboutin fluro pink seashell clutch is non-negotiable, clasped with courts. It is a perfect accessory–a bold pop to define your outfit. Just in time for Halloween, throw on a pair of Zoe & Morgan’s rocking butterfly earrings (can you find the skull amidst the wings?) and a pair of Kurt Geiger peep-toe ankle boots.

These are four basic outfits to work into your closet or for an exciting evening. So I’m throwing my autumn wish list out there with hopes to attract them to my wardrobe. Have LynkU for lunch, and shop these looks here.

29.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
Westfield London’s birthday soiree

Westfield London, the ingenue of the London shopping scene, has made it through its first year of business (despite that nasty recession threatening to spoil the shoppers’ paradise) and is feting the event in grand style. It seems like only yesterday that the west London fashion heaven opened its doors for the first time, and now there’s reason to celebrate just in time for the holiday season. With a Halloween performance by the cast of Wicked, dance troupe numbers and dinner deals, it’s easy to forget about the shopping (which would be so unlike us). Let’s peep the style exclusives to purchase this weekend.

First up, Aspinal of London’s exclusive Biker bag created especially for this event. I have already expounded the importance of a classic handbag (of the Aspinal variety), but the traditionally British brand has upped the ‘Wow’ factor with this slouchy snakeskin leather bag. Equipped with patent detailing, gold chains and studding, the bag is super-vamp rock glam and perfect for autumn. Get your hands on it fast!

Warehouse is offering a limited edition runway-ready dress to celebrate the shopping centre’s soiree. Loops of chain form a tribal pattern with glittery diamantes and metallic geometric beads (see the oh-so-creative zoom detail to the right). Leave the accessories at home, black patent booties are all you’d need to rock this dress, and you’re ready to roll (get it/got it).

Another first to honor Westfield’s first birthday: Mimco, the beloved Aussie accessories brand, introduces the first shoe in its busy lineup of style. The heeled Faro sandal is a lesson in patent snakeskin seduction. The T-bar strap is dressed with several studs (you can’t escape this trend) and perfect for a night out. The creation of a footwear range is definitely a major brand addition to launch in-step with Westfield’s birthday, which will surely delight the Mimco-faithful and curious mall crowd.

Admittedly, the prospect of throngs of fanatical shoppers rushing around sounds about as appealing as the Oxford Circus in December, but if you’re going to have a go, this weekend will be packed with plenty of entertainment to divert the crowds. With a healthy variety of designer and high street shops, mixed in with the best food court around and some tasty restaurants all under one roof, I think Westfield is the way to go.

28.10.2009 / 1 response / Category: Fashion Newsroom
Lola Rose spring scarves

Whilst snooping around the Somerset exhibitions during London Fashion Week, I came across these lovely Lola Rose scarves for spring. I have always been, and will always be, a faithful scarf lover, and now I’ve got my eye on Lola. Lola Rose was created by Nicola Gewirtz in 2000 in answer to our prayers concerning affordable luxury accessories. Nicola/ Lola aims to make shoppers feel “wonderful” and emphasises the importance of splurging every now and then. Ah, a girl after my own heart. Retailing from £65 to £195, the Lola Rose scarves are breezy and sweet–perfect for spring!

What we all need is a bit more l-o-v-e. The Love scarves let you wear your heart on your neck in a mix of soft pastels and bolder tones. Chocolate/pink and sky blue/fuchsia are favourites. I would knot this around my neck with a crisp white button-down and pair with jeans, or just leave it loosely strung around with a cardi. If you’re going to go the route of message T’s or accessories, spread the amour.

Moving on with a new scarf for a new day. It’s impossible to go wrong with paisley, and this bright blue and white number is fresh for spring. Mix with other prints for a more eclectic look. And then we have the paint chip print scarf. Similar to Henry Holland’s autumn 09 collection of Pantone colour-block come-to-life, Lola Rose takes swatches of pigments and arranges them neatly in a geometric pattern. When I look at it unravelled, the urge to paint my flat keeps gnawing at me; however, when swished around the neck it allows you to wear all the best shades of violet at once.

Shop the current collection of Lola Rose accessories on LynkU, and keep your eye out for scarves come spring!

27.10.2009 / 1 response / Category: S/S 10 Runway
Ioannis Dimitrousis’ Naughtica collection and beyond

I just received these images from Ioannis Dimitrousis’ Naughtica collection for S/S 2010, and I’m intrigued. Remember that Sex & the City ‘Fleet Week’ episode, with all of the sailors swarming midtown Manhattan joined by a throng of excited girls? (Carrie realises she doesn’t really belong amongst rowdy 20-somethings any more… I’m heading down memory lane with the box set and a Cosmo in hand). Well this is the fashion equivalent of Fleet Week/ Paul Cadmus’ paintings depicting the same scene. Guess which one inspired the designer. Cadmus’ version of sailors flocked by floozies translates into Ioannis Dimitrousis’ Naughtica collection seamlessly in splashy blue plaids and understated ivory. Though this is my first introduction to Dimitrousis, I rifled through pics of autumn 09 after finishing with spring, and am anxiously awaiting to see how this line develops.

The designer and his mum (I love that!), have returned for spring with smartly tailored jackets and floor-length gowns, enhancing designer’s signature silk crochet. I like how paillettes are woven throughout the yarn in Ioannis Dimitrousis’ Naughtica collection, it’s pure craft luxe. There must have been something in the air for spring, as we saw embroidery, tassels and patchwork cropping up all across spring runways. This home-spun flavour certainly adds a one-of-a-kind feel, like you picked the best bits from grandma’s wardrobe, strategically tugged the yarn across your body, while working in some subtle beading when necessary. If only it were that easy. Thank you Ioannis and the like (I’m talking Mark Fast here, London’s master of crochet) for translating this in a way that makes sense and looks fantastic.

Beyond the loom, Ioannis Dimitrousis’ Naughtica collection featured silk separates and a dose of plaid for him and her. Plaid has to be just right for my eye (I’m not sure exactly how to describe this, but I know that more than six colours = a mess), and I am definitely keen on Ioannis’ deep sea blue cut with crimson. Tying back into his marine theme, the designer interjects dabs of ocean blue into his white and black palette.

I’m throwing in some autumn 09 images so it is pretty obvious from where spring has developed. Focusing on yarn and chain mail for autumn, I have a clearer idea of where Ioannis Dimitrousis is headed with his autumn collection. In the photo below, Dimitrousis cuts shapes with fabric and colour block for autumn. This collection has a decidedly more sophisticated feel to it. Despite the gaps of material, these crocheted minis would be fantastic for a night out as the weather gets cooler. Don’t shrug off your knits for day-wear just yet, Dimitrousis is certainly doing his part to advance yarn in the fashion hierarchy.

26.10.2009 / 1 response / Category: S/S 10 Runway
Not Just A Label boutique (round 2)

I visited Not Just A Label’s first ever pop-up boutique at Beach Blanket Babylon Friday night after work. This was the perfect time to stop by as it wasn’t too crowded yet and I was able to snap away to my heart’s desire. The NJAL staff was very helpful and walked me through the various designers, though I was definitely moving in slow-mo feeling all the fabric as I went (I’m sure they loved that!).

Lara Stone’s personal collection was gorgeous as expected from the pictures leading up to the event. I especially liked Emma Slack’s spinal dress and Imogen Belfield’s amazing jewellery. Despite Ms. Stone’s dark colour palette, I still managed to find some colourful cocktail dresses (love)!

First of all, BBB is stunning– where else would 80s-inspired fluro head bands look so pretty draped on an antique French candleholder? There had to be an atmosphere shot– the ambiance showcased the new designer talent perfectly.

Awash of colour! Not Just A Label featured some mighty pretty frocks that were not just black. I loved the tribal-esque print on this strapless cocktail dress. The embroidery on several other tops and tunics (see top photo) created some very interesting textures as well.

So Lara’s spine dress by Gemma Slack also had a cropped leather jacket counterpart at the Not Just A Label boutique. The exposed spine, shall we say, is a bodily translation of exposed zippers, which are fastening up dresses in every store! I love Slack’s interpretation, as the backbones remind me of the skeletal dinosaurs in museums–a very fashion-forward dinosaur, naturally. The jacket epitomizes this season’s obsession with peaked shoulders and studding, but in a way that feels organic to the design not just included for the sake of style forecasts.

Imogen Belfield’s rings formed a collection of little craters of porcelain and gold,angular stone jutting out into multi-faceted shapes. Belfield’s nature-inspired designs are certainly one-of-a-kind wonders that look as though the wearer has uncovered a jewel in the rough.

Auschka Hoevener’s padded waistcoat was another personal favourite. This piece from Ms. Stone’s collection looks futuristic–and adds a bit of protection–with a medieval twist. The padding weaves around back as well, creating a distinct silhouette. I took roughly 103 photos of this vest, because it is so intricate and developed.

26.10.2009 / no responses / Category: Fashion Newsroom, Fresh Faces
Shopping for lunch

Lunchtime shopping is a favourite hobby of mine, a-ha! now the name of the blog makes sense, and trolling LynkU for products under £200 ranks highly. I said I would make this a weekly feature, and I’m sliding it in today just barely, but really what better day than Friday? This week we have some high street highlights and a few luxe options. Whether you prefer the cardio workout of shop-to-shop purchasing, or like your wears just a click away, start (multi-) window shopping here.

I’m starting with Dorothy Perkins military jacket, because it is on-trend and light on the purse fortunately. I love that it’s double-breasted and sits just below your hips. Pair that with Fendi’s (slightly pricier) chain metal cuff, the snakeskin print skirt by Maje, and Linneah’s sling-back booties and you’re set. The way this is going, I probably should have collaged a few different outfits and called it an afternoon.

Shop the cosmetic colour palette of fuchsia, lavender, maroon and rose to add a feminine touch to your wardrobe. French Connection’s glittery sequin dress needs no accessories nor does All Saint’s beaded twisted kaftan. I was a huge Bloch-follower in my ballet days, and I’m sure these rouge patent ballerinas are ever so comfortable. Balenciaga does a gorgeous brick red silk scarf (that’s on sale- get.it.now.), and Malene Birger’s sheer rosette blouse is loose and lovely.

We always need a solid knit option in there with autumn in full swing, and Sonia by Sonia Rykiel’s striped number is oh-so-pretty, especially loving the bow at the neckline. Wear with Eugenia Kim’s rose cap and Balenciaga’s skinny jeans (are we seeing a trend here? I love me some Ghesquiere).

For a finishing touch, grab Anya Hindmarch’s Deer tote–sweet and casual– and add Kenneth Jay Lane’s feather plume necklace or a blue topaz ring. I love shopping Fridays, and this has kick-started my weekend full of clothes. I will be heading to Not Just A Label’s pop-up boutique tonight in Notting Hill and then popping in and out of stores all Saturday. It’s going to be a good couple of days!

23.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
Peter Pilotto print paradise

Peter Pilotto is what’s for lunch to day my friends. I’ve mentioned the London-based designer in several posts, so it’s about time we take a look at his collection for autumn (spring will follow eventually, because at the moment we’re trying to stay season-focused. Trying). From the legs up, Pilotto works the over-the-knee trend with loose pseudo heels and heads straight to the minis.

What I love best about the London-based designer is, you guessed it, his extraordinary use of prints. Sometimes prints can be garish (ahem, fast-fashion machine, losing the plot along the way), forcing me to run for cover under subtle solids. Not the case with Pilotto. No, these colourful prints have been manipulated by Pilotto and his partner Christopher De Vos to develop a range of silky draped dresses this season. You can see in the snap above the way the duo integrates colour into their prints, transitioning from muted mauve to bright orange and cobalt.

According to the fash-lit (the only satisfactory term for the ongoing supply of PR pamphlets), Pilotto and company were intrigued by the big bang theory, creating images that erupted onto the fabric. The dresses are chic and easy, and the one-shoulder cut is it for autumn. I adore this silhouette, there’s delicate drapery after all, and the gold cuffs accessorise the looks perfectly. Peter Pilotto’s prints are just plain pretty, there’s no two ways around it. If I had a close up image, I would definitely post it so you could see the chunky fringe embellishment around the neckline of the last dress. It looks like rows of soft feminine frills, but Pilotto and De Vos put a lot of work into textures this season as well.

Peter Pilotto’s print paradise has sold–and is selling–like crazy. You can shop the autumn collection on LynkU.

22.10.2009 / 1 response / Category: A/W 09 Runway
Metallic wash

From the office to after-work drinks, metallic clothes and accessories are perfect for day-to-night dressing this season. I was originally looking at Richard Nicoll’s A/W 09 collection, hence there are two shiny looks from Mr. Nicoll in the collage, and that got me thinking about the prevalence of all things shimmery for autumn. Shine is no longer reserved for the on-stage likes of Beyonce (or Sasha Fierce given the circumstances), no, metallics can be worked in to vamp up your style. Though the thought of sparkly sequins and lacquered accessories initially made me run for cover under a grey cardigan (because too much shine turns into an 80s prom–fact), some gold and silver could do us all good.

Go glam in head-to-toe metallics or mix with a neutral tone for a more sophisticated feel. Richard Nicoll’s glossy panels look gorgeous on cream, and Vivienne Westwood’s stunning lame dress is twisted and chic. I would parade about in that embellished blazer with skinny jeans and some ankle boots, and pull the beaded shrug over an LBD. The Ashish tiger tank is stunning. There’s your outfit (plus some trousers or a mini), but seriously, that metallic ombre is fantastic.

Gold and silver accessories are perhaps my favourite way to wear this trend, adding just a dash of shimmer. I absolutely adore Marni’s flower collar necklaces–perfect for date night– with just a touch of femininity. I’d wear the gold across-the-body bag out for day shopping that turns into dinner, whereas the jewelled clutch would be perfect for a holiday party (how is Oxford Street partially decorated already?!). Cinch Burberry’s pale gold belt around a high waisted skirt of your choosing, add an over-sized cocktail ring, and you’re set.

21.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway