Plenty of events fit either side of Fashion Week, but none more intriguing than London’s City Cycle Style, which takes place Friday September 17th (the day sartorial proceedings kick-off) for an evening of all things bicycle in London’s Smithfield market.

We know what your thinking, between those cocktail drenched after-show parties and the latest ‘wheels and frames’ show there doesn’t appear to be much competition. But what with the city’s recent bike hire scheme now fully under way (well done Boris), plenty of us are considering dabbling in, if not already participating in, a spot of cycling. The event intends to celebrate fashionable bike fashion in cities all over the world, not just London, with displays, collections and performances – particularly looking at cities such as Amsterdam, where looking chic atop a bike saddle is effortlessly practised.

All this has got us planning our best biking get-up for when we eventually hit the road. Sans helmet (we’re still browsing), we think we’ve mocked up our best pedalling gear. Comfortable chino trouser leggings and stay put trendy black flats form the core, along with the all-telling rucksack for safe storage. Then, to glam up proceedings, were forgoing delicate jewellery for a show-stopper motif t-shirt by Tom Binns. Forget hanging around Somerset House, this really sheds new light on the term ’street style.’

All proceeds from City Cycle Style go towards Re-Cycle, a charity providing bikes to rural Africa.

Shop Cycle chic on LynkU.

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Go cycling?

Elizabeth Emmanuel at London Fashion Week

London Fashion Weekend

It’s a well known fact that Diane Von Furstenberg never fails to disappoint in the style stakes, our love for her bold prints and flirty cuts is endless, and with her recent charitable collaboration our heart just grew even more. The Whatever It Takes campaign is one of those organisations lucky enough to have a whole host of impressive house hold names on board their unique artwork campaign, and DVF happens to be its most recent.

Lending her exquisite eye for fashion and style, Miss Furstenberg has designed a truly stunning piece of art work for the charity, in the form of a tote bag of course. The limited edition shopper features a printed pop art image, complete with feminine sultry smoky eyes and plump blood red lips. Rather impressive don’t you think?

But the American designer isn’t the first mogul to lend her talents to such a worthwhile cause, as Vivienne Westwood, Claudia Schiffer, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney have also donated unique one of a kind contributions to this particular fund raiser.

The bag is available online here at £14.99 and all proceeds help to fund worldwide charity projects.

For all D.V.F products shop on LynkU

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Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington Vogue dolls

A designer cause

Trekstock loves

Here at FFL, Christmas has come early. And why may you ask, well thanks to designer Andrew Yang, one of us can now own a little slice of American Vogue. So move over Barbie and make way for the new toys in town, Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington to be precise.

In celebration of Fashion’s Night Out, Mr. Yang actually hand made these little rag dolls from scratch, stitching and sewing every itsy bitsy little detail himself. But ladies, these dolls are strictly special editions only and go on auction TODAY! So if you fancy taking your chances at owning one of these iconic caricatures then start placing your bids now at charitybuzz.com. We’re pretty sure the Anna and Grace dolls will be raking in the cash rather quickly.

Now we know what you’re thinking and trust us we’re thinking the same: we don’t know why these dolls haven’t been mass produced either. Just think of the accessory possibilities, little mini Chanel handbags, Louboutin shoes, Alexander McQueen ball gowns…We could go on all day but we shall distract you no more and let you get down to some serious bidding.

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Stylish spectators: Anna, Blake and Grace

The September Issue

Barbie celebrates 5-0 in Louboutins

A week ago we took note of Emma Watson’s People Tree catwalk debut at the Prince of Wales’ eco-friendly festival. Now, as of yesterday, the new A/W 2010 collection for the label has been released and is available to buy online. If you needed any more convincing to buy fair trade, we’ve gladly posted the new ethical entities above.

A red and blue checked shirt remains the staple item for any festival go-er or outdoor adventurer this season. Plus the cut is ultra feminine, creating the perfect figure flattering silhouette. Chunky knits are bound to be a huge trend this autumn, so why not wrap up warm in this stunning guilt free Cumbria Fair cardigan, or perhaps an oversized beige Canterbury design is more to your liking. But if you’re anything like us and simply adore BB 10’s winner, Josie Gibson, then you’ll agree this Plymouth pinafore dress sums up the farm yard favourite to a tee. It sounds like this spells the beginning of country girl classics.

For all ethical products shop on LynkU

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Emma Watson’s People Tree debut

Matt by Matt & Nat: vegan handbags

A Lot to Say

This September, Emma Watson will showcase her spring/summer 2011 collection for People Tree in her debut catwalk show. However, it’s not at London Fashion Week, (that was our first assumption to0) but rather the Prince of Wales’ eco friendly festival- A Garden Party to Make a Difference.

The actress turned model, first designed a collection for the label last year to introduce a wider variety of ethically produced clothing for people her age. Now, her clothes have the chance to be seen by many other like minded eco-fashion lovers throughout this twelve day festival. Emma is set to showcase her range on September 12th at the Friary Court in St James’ Palace to highlight the importance of helping third world countries. And good for her we say!

For all ethical products shop on LynkU

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Matt by Matt & Nat: vegan handbags

A Lot to Say

Emma unwinds

This sunny Monday morning we were surfing the web for new reasons to shop (though we never seem to run out of reasons to spend), when we discovered Same Sky bracelets listed under Refinery’s hot new products. A little research proved that the glossies have already adopted these divine African bracelets this summer, but a few more words can’t hurt the cause.

Same Sky aims to empower women worldwide, by introducing them to the entrepreneurial tools they need to become successful. Initially launched in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, the organisation employs survivors of the 1994 genocide and teaches them to crochet Rwandan fabric and hand-blown glass beads into intricate bracelets that can be worn around the neck or as a hair accessory. With names like Born to Run, Soul Rebel and Material Girl and priced at $40 each, we suggest you match these brightly coloured threads to your mood and stock up quick!

Shop all Same Sky bracelets here.

A vegan handbag is guaranteed to send a shiver of delight down the spine of any eco-fashion lover. So here at FFL we’ve picked out the best of the best from the reigning champions of all things ethical, Matt by Matt & Nat.

Beautifully designed, ethically produced and oozing in style, these bags certainly cater to the needs of every fashion conscious female out there. A black drawstring bag is, lets face it, an everyday essential. So when it comes down to it wouldn’t you rather opt for an environmentally friendly version? Or perhaps you’d prefer something a little more bright and colourful for the autumn months, if so then a pink muse handbag can solve all your problems.

Evening bags are a wardrobe must have for females, so getting the right style is essential. Tassels and studded detailing are a huge trend for this season, so why not dress up your disco outfits with a vegan inspired handbag or clutch. It doesn’t matter which one you go for because, if we’re honest, they are both as gorgeous as each other.

For all vegan products shop on LynkU

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It’s easy being green

Not just a t-shirt

A Lot to Say

It’s a well known fact that global warming is destroying our planet. But newly launched eco-minded company alottosay.com aims to kick people into action and change their unethical ways. The clothing company has ingeniously combined the world of fashion and the power of words to create hard hitting messages to match.

Everyone loves a feel good buy and when it comes to eco fashion who can resist? But at AlotToSay the team are not satisfied with your average logo tees, oh no, they have a lot more to add. Take the ‘Hot’ printed vest, it seems innocent enough but a further read shows the true meaning behind this attention grabbing tactic, ‘Hot and getting hotter. Global warming has caused the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere to increase by 1 degree Fahrenheit in recent years. Ouch.” Brutal, but it certainly hits home.

But that’s not all this company offers. AlotToSay also produces its garments to the highest green standards, boasting a collection made entirely from recycled PET bottles and non-toxic prints. Fashion that feels good for the environment and in our wardrobes to-bravo.

For all ethical products shop on LynkU

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It’s easy being green

Lowie’s luxe knitwear

Not just a t-shirt

Trekstock, set up in 2006 by fundraiser Sophie Epstone, has gone a long way in raising cash for, and greater awareness of, teenage cancer sufferers. And it intends to go further still- with continuing collaborations in the fashion and music biz alike.

Mark Ronson is patron and festival presence is pretty high for this charity who work closely in association with Cancer Research UK. The ‘Trekstock Loves’ clothing line launched at London Fashion Week in 2009, and has proved mighty successful too.

This season, popular designer Richard Nicoll has created a fringed scarf which could have been lifted straight out of his Tahitian Spring catwalk showcase. Henry Holland has done a tongue-in-cheek burlesque interpretation, and PPQ have a nifty t-shirt dress which looks perfect for pulling on when you just don’t know what to wear that day.

Easy fashion, and an easy to support cause. To read more about Trekstock and it’s upcoming ventures click here.

Shop the latest Trekstock collection on LynkU.

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Colour me beautiful

End of the rainbow

Label to watch: PPQ

Kylie, Claudia and Sienna have stepped up and taken the reigns as front women for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.  The fashion trio, who are recognised on a first-name basis globally, are aiming to raise £1 million throughout the course of the year.  A pretty impressive and commendable goal if you ask us.  After battling the disease five years ago, Kylie Minogue seemed a natural choice for the role to help raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

U.S designer Ralph Lauren first launched Fashion Targets Breast Cancer in 1994 simply selling t-shirts.  Two years later the movement arrived on this side of the pond, and has since raised £10.5 million for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.  This season features designs from high street favourites Topshop, Whistles, Warehouse and M&S, as well as contemporary designers Olivia Rubin and Melissa Odabash among others.  We adore Rubin’s one shoulder black frock, which is right on trend, whilst Coast’s black and white strapless dress is timeless and flirty.  Logo-emblazoned vests or printed tunics are perfect for summer, whilst Whistles’ stripie cardie is the ideal cover-up.  30 percent of proceeds go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, making the decision to purchase a cinch.  This is fashion conscience, and we love it.