2010 January | Fashion For Lunch

Archive for January, 2010

Put on your dancing shoes

It’s probably been unearthed long before now, but dance is an office passion (or partial office passion, depends on whom you ask), and we’d put our money on Bloch’s slippers as the best around any day of the week. Founded in Sydney, Australia in 1932 by Jacob Bloch, the brand has been the footwear choice of ballerinas for decades. This spring LynkU has Bloch’s pretty slippers in every colour of the rainbow to suit your moods.

Coggles is stocking our pick for spring, Bloch’s midnight blue suede slipper. With a soft fleece lining, cushioned heel and a ruffled bow for good measure, we’re sure this is set to become our very favourite pair of flats. The sparkling blue colour is just right for day or night, and would look Parisian chic with a pair of skinny trousers or dressed down with a simple skirt and cardigan. We’re partial to the elasticised trim, as we cannot stand those flat that dig into your ankles (firm patent, we’re talking to you!).

Treat your toes to a pair of Bloch’s ballet flats, because after all if it’s good enough for a dancer’s feet, it’s good enolugh for ours.

27.01.2010 / no responses / Category: S/S 10 Runway
Givenchy couture

Not all spring fashion has to fit the trending pastel colour scheme, in fact we applaud the dramatic turn Riccardo Tisci has led in breaking the mold. Tisci picks up right where he left off with Givenchy’s spring 2010 collection. A duel of black and white produced exaggerated ivory ruffles and billowing chiffon as well as deeply sensual black lace, feathers, and jewelled embellishments. The models were styled with dark eyes and blood red lips and looked as fiercely focused as matadors, especially equipped with high-waisted trousers and curvaceous boleros moulded to their shoulders.

Eroticism was ripe at Givenchy this season, with Tisci drawing inspiration from 1970s Paris. Nude hues, lacy cut-outs and sheer silks were tantalising. With an acute attention to detail, the designer’s mosaic sea blue and green pant suit was electric, whilst a dose of violent purple and midnight blue accented the line. Our favourite gown–above centre with a shimmering beaded bodice bubbling into wavy ruffles of violet– helped soften the moody hue.

Tisci’s vibrant take on couture offers another options to the extravagant gowns of late. Tisci’s brand of extravagance however is apparent particularly in embellishments. He rebels against safe, but we’d say it’s a safe bet this line will continue to amaze.

Take a closer look:

Shop all Givenchy on LynkU.

27.01.2010 / no responses / Category: S/S 10 Runway
Be My Valentine?

Why wait around for cupid’s arrow when you can treat yourself this Valentine’s day? When you think of the holiday that surrounds love you probably day-dream of chocolates, roses, hearts and flowers– good thing this season’s fashion trends incorporate all of these luxuries.

We suggest you indulge in some rich chocolate…and by that we mean of the cashmere sweater variety. As delicious as candy, this Bottega Veneta cardigan is sure to make anyone feel love struck with its soft texture and hint of shimmer. As for the flowers, Cath Kidston provides us all with moisturised and scented hands and lips. You won’t need a dozen reds when you use these rose scented hand creams and lip balms.

If you feel like showing your Valentine’s spirit you can find a wide range of chic styles with a heart motif. Your feet will scream ‘love’ with these Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon Heart heels that add a funky flair to this romantic time of year.

Not that daring? Show the colours of the season with a Diane Von Furstenberg floral print dress. Whether you have a Valentine or not, you can still dress like a hopeless romantic this season and treat yourself to some love.

Shop all products at LynkU.com

26.01.2010 / no responses / Category: Haute Holidays
Juan Carlos Obando on red carpet

You may have spotted this little number above ambling down the red carpet during the Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles this weekend. Sasha Alexander shined in this Juan Carlos Obando dress, introducing a new designer to the fray. Sure, we love the Armani/ Alberta Ferretti/ Marchesa / ’sub-any-designer-to-the-stars in here’ lineup just as well as the next, but you have to a appreciate a designer who does things a bit differently.

Whilst perusing the web for the best and worst and somewhere-in-the-middle/not quite memorable looks of the SAG awards, we stumbled on Alexander alongside Edoardo Ponti and his mum, the ever-so-glamorous Sophia Loren. Even still, our eyes went straight to Sasha Alexander. Who is she wearing? Where can we find more of his/her designs?

Look no further than below, for a quick recap from the designers last few seasons.

These are the significant chapters from Spring 2010. Interestingly these separates are not decorated with dirt (thank you), but with smeared make up (is it removable). Obando utilises old Colombian sewing techniques in his designs, which is evident in the smartly tailored jackets and silk pleating. Obando’s strength in hand-crafting is evident in jewel-coloured serpents that twist along the body in an array of dresses.

Obando described this season as a collection for women who love fashion. Carefully crafted and ladylike fashion it would seem. He dazzled New York with a mostly ivory lineup of twists and knots, dabbing a brushstroke of violet or sky blue or grey along the hem. His models, cropped with a poodle infused bob, looked sophisticated and fierce even with a head full of curls.

Finally the last collection in our brief synopsis, Juan Carlos Obando’s SS09 collection, where he first introduced trousers. This line has an effortless, breezy quality to it, whilst still retaining Obando’s excellent craftsmanship. Taking care to sew every pleat, detail and seam, the designer is truly connected to his work.

26.01.2010 / no responses / Category: S/S 10 Runway
Military Season

Just like the cold winter months, the military trend is here to stay. Don’t bundle yourself away in frumpy outerwear just yet, this style isn’t meant to make you feel as though you are on a battlefield.

Whilst we have seen the army attire done before with clean tailored jackets, baggy olive pants and big brass buttons, this season’s combat is taking a whole new twist. Think sequins, distressed denim and leather mini skirts.

This spring, military is still all about fatigues and lace ups, but with more risks. Instead of covering up with outerwear, staple pieces are being tied in to softer, sexier styles. Try a classic military blazer with a flowing feminine top; or for a more edgy, grunge look, pair a distressed tee with your favourite military style skirt. Accessories are even equipped for battle– you can try this trend for yourself by matching a frilly dress to an industrial belt.

Balmain is leading the new twist on military with an army of looks that are both trendy and chic.

The military look may be here for many seasons because it seems it’s combinations and styles are endless.

26.01.2010 / 1 response / Category: S/S 10 Runway
The sale to end all sales

We love high style even more when it is on sale. Net-A-Porter has just announced that on top of their after holiday sale, they are taking an additional twenty percent off all already reduced items. Brands like Paul & Joe, Alexander McQueen, Theory and Citizens of Humanity are seeing discounts of more than 70% off. Yes, you read that right, seventy percent! Some styles may be “so last season,” but would make great wardrobe staples. Plus, why not stock up on classic pieces and essentials, like that cocktail frock you have been eyeing, whilst the prices are low?

Our favourites? This Preen Line band dress, with an exposed zipper and asymmetrical ties– a bold party piece that feels even better with a discount. We love the Chloe lace up leather pumps which were part of the Autumn/Winter 09 line but would look great at the office or shopping around town. And how can you resist this gold Kenneth Jay Lane stud ring that is a great edgy edition to this season’s frilly feminine trends.

These prices will only last until January 31. We suggest you shop soon because with brands and styles as chic as Net-a-Porter offers, who knows when a sale this big will happen again!

Shop all Net-A-Porter on LynkU now.

26.01.2010 / no responses / Category: Deals we Love
Galliano’s couture confections

Yesterday John Galliano unleashed Dior’s fantastic couture collection on the runways of Paris. Whilst last season saw the extraordinary designer drawing from Monsieur Dior’s New Look of 1947, this season’s equestrian influence was undeniable. But this is stable style as only Galliano could conjure and create–maginificently manipulated and whipped into confections of pure fashion fantasy.

Top hats, long leather gloves, and buttery smooth leather boots accessorised cinched blazers and full-length skirts. Like poised thoroughbreds, models sauntered along a backdrop of pale pink roses, riding crop in hand, with porcelain perfect faces and crimson-coloured pouts covered by delicate black veils. Fitted equestrian separates melted into lacy rose and lavender chiffon ruffles, followed by silky satin skirts and extravagant gowns. Painted in the same romantic hues as the floral surroundings, Galliano’s spring couture–with all of its intricate jewel embellishments, scalloped chiffon skirts, and detailed tailoring–is unforgetable.

26.01.2010 / no responses / Category: S/S 10 Runway
Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana

We are really willing on spring’s imprending arrival. This is wishful thinking, of course. We know, we know. What could be better than a bright sunny day, warm weather, and a brilliant cotton frock full of flowers to match? Not much in our book, though winter doesn’t look quite ready to push off quite yet. Leave it to the lovely Scarlett Johansson to makes florals appropriate for the howling winds. The actress is performing in Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge on Broadway, and Johansson’s bracelet sleeve Dolce & Gabbana silk dress is sophisticated and feminine to brave the winter winds of New York.

In honour of Scarlett’s cerulean and jade blossoms, here’s our pick of bold bouquets…this week. The floral trend has already permeated the high street after all, it’s here to stay.

26.01.2010 / no responses / Category: Celebrity Style File, S/S 10 Runway
Nautical but nice

It’s that time of year again, when the first whiff of spring is in the air and we finally feel brave enough to shed our woollen layers and slip into something a little prettier. But if summer’s fashion forecast of wispy chiffons and barely there silks send you running straight back towards your snuggly parka in a frenzy, then good news is on hand: the nautical trend is set to sweep the nation once again.

Bold stripes, clean lines and crisp cuts were all over the spring/summer catwalks, with everybody from Gaultier to Burberry Brit reworking the timeless look that oozes sophistication and old fashioned charm. It’s a look that is reminiscent of icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel, and even formed the inspiration behind Karl Lagerfeld’s 2010 resort collection, Coco on the Lido, which connoted 1930s café society and relaxed Venetian glamour.

This year the key is in classic with a little additional detail, such as basic pieces reinvented for the season, and standard accessories overhauled to ooze laid-back chic whether poolside or on British soil. Think blue and white, rope and brass, with gold detailing and the occasional little anchor for added cute factor, and you won’t go far wrong.

Shop the nautical trend on LynkU.

25.01.2010 / no responses / Category: S/S 10 Runway
A ‘Choo’ in

Tamara Mellon’s latest project for Jimmy Choo, “Choo 24/7” is designed to equip shoppers with a stylish shoe selection morning, noon and night, seven days a week. We like the sounds of this already. Only Mellon’s very favourite shoes made the cut, in a variety of heels sizes and colours. Those elected comprise Jimmy Choo’s perfect shoe wardrobe. Ranging in price from £250 to £725, the Choo 24/7 line will premiere in stores alongside the SS10 collection, meaning more Choo to love.

Above we have selected our Choo-cravings for a night on the town. Glenys is undeniably hot, whilst we love the way Lance winds around the ankle and Lewis’ coy leopard spots would be perfect to wear at the office or for after-work-drinks. We’ve saved Lace for last, as we’d gladly strap a pair of these on for a night dancing til dawn. From classic styles (see below), to more extravagant heights, Choo 24/7 makes it too easy to justify future shoe shopping sessions. ‘I need to own these, because I can wear them here, there, everywhere.’ Sold.

Shop all Jimmy Choo products on LynkU.

25.01.2010 / 1 response / Category: S/S 10 Runway