• New In: dark romance

    NewInaug31

    Yes, we realise this is the season of camel coloured everything, but it would be impossible to count out fashion’s perennial favourite in any trend consortium.  Thus we present to you black, in all it’s dark, moody, sensual glory in autumn’s hottest styles.

    First up, the poncho.  There’s a never-ending outerwear debate and this September the poncho is in prime position pitted against the cape and military-inspired peacoats.  We’ve cast our ballot in favour of French Connection’s grey wintry knit version, best suited with Swedish Hasbeen’s take on the clog available at Urban Outfitters for £150.   Lace is not going anywhere even in cooler weather, which is why a drop-waist flapper dress by Oasis is the best bet for eveningwear at only £55.  Can’t get enough of this sexy style?  Try a pair of tattooed tights from Emilio Cavallini to up the stakes.  Sexier than lace with a tougher bite, animal prints are here to stay.  Joanna Louca’s zebra print pouch is ready to disco with sparkly sequins, tassels and patent lining.  Sign us up!

    Shop all New In on LynkU.

    31.08.2010 / no responses / Category: New In

  • Save or Splurge: floaty trousers

    floatytrouser

    What with festival season not altogether behind us yet (V this weekend folks!) a bohemian piece here or there still won’t hurt. Especially when, bored of the usual bouts of fringing and denim- until next summer obviously, minds wander to an altogether new hippie relic: the floaty trouser.

    Silk and chiffon are perfect fabrics for breezy clothes which are never fully in or out of style. At the higher end of our Save vs. Splurge feature today are a grey pattern pair spun by the intricate hands at Missoni. These beauties are for the serious flare fans, who’s vintage bell bottoms need a bit of a rest by now.

    The there’s Roberto Cavalli, with a pair of off-white peasant look trousers. For some reason we can’t help but smile when we see them: delicate fashions are always welcome in a world so often dominated by tough dress codes.

    And finally, Topshop has created a budget pair of floaty trousers in three colours- all pushing the concept of fare as far as it can go. We’ve tried them on and believe us, the ‘is it a skirt or bottoms’ stares don’t end all day. Nothing wrong with keeping fans on the street curious.

    Shop Save or Splurge on LynkU.

    Read related posts here:

    Penny Lane

    Flare for style

    16.08.2010 / 1 response / Category: Deals we Love

  • The great debate: Trapeze vs A-Line

    trapeze

    In an effort to further probe and dissect the latest looks, as well as try and avoid boredom with a bit of healthy afternoon debate, we are wondering- A-line or Trapeze? You decide (dun dun dun).

    You may be thinking well, actually aren’t they the same thing, and isn’t this a pointless feature filler? Aha! But we’ve done our research, and Trapeze fashion is actually a branch of A-line style (bear with us), both of which do involve a graduated flair in clothing. Simply put, A-line is a narrow upper body with the flare starting at the waist, whilst trapeze shapes begin to flare directly beneath the shoulders.

    Ok pattern cutting lesson over, the point is there’s a lot to consider here. Louise Vuitton, Prada and Marc Jacobs all achieved those fab fifties looks by plumping for a feminine A-line shape around which to base their entire collections. Flirty yet demure, A-line cannot fail to flatter even the most boyish of curves.

    aline

    Marc Jacobs played it both ways however, and for his own label included a more wide set trapeze shape. Pheobe Philo at Celine struck a chord with the fash pack through, in part, a commitment to simple and refined tailoring, of which the trapeze played a big role (showing up on dresses and coats alike.) Stella McCartney took up the same mantle, as did a more darkly cast show at Giambattista Valli.

    So forget all the apple/pear talk, only one shape really matters this season..which one are you?

    Shop A-line and Trapeze shapes on LynkU.

    Read related posts here:

    Horrockses frocks

    Fifties throwback

    Stella works

    04.08.2010 / no responses / Category: Autumn Winter 2010, Fashion Newsroom

  • Cleavage is front and centre

    Wonderbra

    Long gone are the days when breasts were hidden away and concealed, as autumn 2010 sees the eagerly awaited return of the cleavage. Prominently displayed busts were seen throughout Louis Vuitton’s autumn campaign, offering a prime example of this year’s curvy revelation.

    This trend began subtly emerging back in spring/summer, plunging belly button necklines were a common fixture throughout Julian Mcdonald and Altuzarra’s collections. Curvier silhouettes were also featured throughout Charlotte Ronson and Cushnie et Ochs’ springtime outfits, alongside Cavalli and his campaign for cone bra underwear as outwear.

    Think Marilyn Monroe not Mariah Carey to nail this look. Class is always high on any fashionista’s mind and let’s face it looking trashy is never going to be in vogue is it.

    Shop all Wonderbras on LynkU

    Read more posts on underwear:

    Underwear as Outerwear

    Summer laid bare

    Bustier beauties

    15.07.2010 / no responses / Category: Fashion Newsroom

  • Daring denim

    denim dresses

    Forget acid washed or ripped denim, this season the everlasting fad has been given a design overhaul. Restyled into cute fashionable dresses, denim can do no wrong this summer.

    Perfectly crafted into structured bustiers, ruffled tiers and spaghetti strap dresses there’s a style jean for everyone. Loose fitting versions from Topshop and French Connection are perfect for day time, while gorgeous bone structured dresses from Roberto Cavalli represent a more glamorous choice. Combining denim and lace is bound to be a winner and House of Holland has created its very own version certain to get you noticed. But for creativity, the award has to go to Marc Jacobs for his multicoloured denim shift dress, so intricately designed it’s certainly worth its weight in gold.

    So when you think dresses this summer, think denim. These reinvented light-weight delights achieve the perfect summertime balance of sweet, casual style.

    For all denim dresses shop at LynkU

    08.07.2010 / no responses / Category: Spring/ Summer 2010 trends

  • Bed of roses

    Bed-of-roses

    We should thank the beautiful weather we’ve been experiencing of late for the abundance of full blooms cropping up all around. But don’t let Mother Nature have all the fun—you can wear your favourite blossoms on your fingers. And like we remind our partners, there’s no flower more lovely than the rose. The petals burst open in romantic hues of red, pink and ivory. The best part about these rings is you can bring them out to play by day and dress up your hands with brilliant bejewelled cocktails rings by night. Of course if luck (and a hefty bank account) were in our corner, than Lydia Courteille’s white gold coral petals would be our pick (a few diamonds, rubies and sapphires never hurt anyone), though Roberto Cavalli’s lacquered resin and Swarovski crystal ivory bud is a close second. Topshop has produced an uncanny replica of this ring, with small violets and green leaves to fill out the bouquet. Go Goth with New Look’s black rhinestone option, outlining the flower petals.

    Roses represent many emotions (I love you…I’m sorry…you see where this is going), so wear your heart on your hands, and shop all rose rings on LynkU.

    05.07.2010 / no responses / Category: Spring/ Summer 2010 trends

  • Summer laid bare

    Roberto Cavalli

    Without a shadow of a doubt, as soon as the first glimmer of sunshine peeps through the cracks in the clouds, the English are guaranteed to strip off down to their bare essentials.

    With this in mind Roberto Cavalli has recaptured the essence of underwear as outerwear in his S/S collection, making 2010 a time for women to select their best undies and flash the flesh! Not a trend for the faint hearted, encouraged nudity can only be displayed by those of us with enormous amounts of confidence, (not to mention the rock hard abs to go with it!) but it’s still a rather sumptuous style statement in keep with the sweltering, summer climate.

    Opting for design replicas of the 1950s cone bra, Cavalli has reprogrammed the way 21st Century women see their underwear. Think Madonna during her Blonde Ambition tour, think glamour model Betty Page, think Marilyn Monroe and your there! Reminisce the evolution of padded silk bras, because in fashion, what goes around comes around.

    For more Cavalli goodies shop all at LynkU

    24.06.2010 / no responses / Category: S/S 10 Runway

  • Cocktail party

    Cocktail-party

    You can never have too many rings, but a cocktail ring shines brightest of all.  The style itself is a little ambiguous, some prefer carved floral designs that arc across the fingers, whilst others opt for one shining gemstone to add a bit of sparkle.  Whether big or small, scattered stones or neatly designed, a brilliant bauble makes a statement.  A conversation starter, if you will.  Pass your friend a drink, look down as your hands meet and take notice of the rock shimmering away on her finger.  The outfit is instantly invigorated by one gleaming jewel.  For ultra luxurious rings, shop Astley Clarke, Mawi and king of costume jewellery, Kenneth Jay Lane.  For something a bit more imaginative, try Yves Saint Laurent’s Arty metal rings and Roberto Cavalli’s serpent stylings.  Tempt yourself with Cavalli’s carved resin rose, and pick up Topshop’s more affordable option.  Shop all rings on LynkU.

    24.06.2010 / no responses / Category: Spring/ Summer 2010 trends

  • Yoox on LynkU

    Yoox-on-LynkU

    The FFL team is very excited to announce that Yoox has officially launched on LynkU. We may be preaching to the choir, but Yoox is a clothes lover’s paradise.  The online fashion portal has become a virtual boutique for the most luxurious designers including Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana and Vivienne Westwood.  The stock is a limitless mix of past seasons designer wear and vintage highlights.  There are literally 50,000 products, so we are making a mental note to extend today’s lunch break–indefinitely.  Prices are discounted to about half of the original retail price–unless of course there is a sales promotion, and then we imagine the site really gets cooking–and usually there are only certain sizes available for each piece.

    With the return of the sun and warmer temperature today, we’re feeling a bit more summery (oh why couldn’t we have a Bank Holiday this weekend?!), which has led us to our latest search for flirty party dresses and costume bangles.  It’s impossible to miss a Pucci print, and the lavender, pink and seafoam design above is breezy and sweet for summer. Looking for something a little more cocktail party appropriate?  Try a strapless jacquard dress by Armani Collezioni or a ruched jersey stunner from Blumarine.  For a style that is more beach-chic, Roberto Cavalli’s loose crepe mini with embroidery is the perfect choice.  Bracelets from Rada, Kenneth Jay Lane and Emilio Pucci are our pick for decorative accessories.

    What ever style you desire, the Yoox stock is full and as fashion-forward as ever.  Get clicking, girls, it’s going to be a truly delicious lunch.

    02.06.2010 / no responses / Category: Deals we Love

  • Cheryl Cole’s Cannes debut

    cheryl-cole-cannes

    Cheryl Cole made an appearance in Cannes last night performing at a luxurious dinner hosted by jewellery house de Grisogono.  Cole looked simply stunning in a strapless black tulle gown by Roberto Cavalli worn with a matching Swarovski clutch and de Grisogono jewels.  We are more than happy to resume our frequent What Will Cheryl Wear Next posts that have been simmering on the back burner since the singer’s tour with the Black Eyed Peas, and Cannes seems like an ideal locale to start. Cole sang for 30 minutes at the Hotel du Cap, before changing into a splashy red dress by Julien Macdonald and joining Peas’ Will.I.Am in the DJ booth for his 2-hour set.

    It was a nice change to see Cole in Cavalli’s sultry gown with black tulle ruched down the centre of the bodice.  Whilst the Macdonald mini wasn’t exactly a surprise–after all, the singer has made no secret that he’s one of her main go-t0 designers–we do love the dress, and who better to wear it in then Cheryl?  Cole jetted off from Cannes to Antwerp where she will perform again with the Black Eyed Peas, but the singer is due back in the South of France on Friday, which means we will be prepared for more delicious fashion this weekend.

    19.05.2010 / no responses / Category: Celebrity Style File