Archive for the ‘A/W 09 Runway’ Category
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Winter knits
Though today is a balmy 8 degrees, tomorrow is set to bring more flurries. Tired of wearing thin cotton blouses, stiff trousers, and silk dresses?– none of which ever keep the chill at bay. This season, try a sweater. Thanks to the detail-inclined designs of Autumn/Winter 09, we’re left with a vast array of knits that are just as smart as a blazer but softer to wear. And who doesn’t want to look chic and cozy during the morning commute?
Some our favourite knits above are designed to take you from day to night effortlessly. A figure-conscious sweater dress is just right for the office and beyond. All Saint’s Tanzer tie-dye number is our pick to wear at your desk or with drink in hand. Equally lovely, Day Birger et Mikkelsen’s nubby wool knit would look perfect with a pair of chocolate coloured tights and flat suede boots. Add a splash of colour into your winter wardrobe with John Smedley’s cherry wrap. Like your standard warp dress, just warmer.
Our vote for casual wear goes to Rebecca Taylor’s Fair Isle print cardigan, which incorporates a dose of heritage. Clements Ribeiro’s startling chain-embellished lush blue knit is simply divine. Pair with skinny black trousers, leather booties and a printed tee (to make it fresh) and you’re set. For evening, it has to be Balenciaga. Slightly peaked shoulders frame the silhouette, and we love the shirring and mesh panel at the waist. It’s on sale from £395 marked down to £200 so grab it fast!
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Stocking stuffers
Forgive us for our lack of unison in this collage (must be one too many Christmas cookies…or more likely the Eggnog), but again we’re considering our last-minute shoppers and brainstorming stylish little gifts to squeeze into stockings. And because we have spent all our quid on weeks of holiday splurges (a few gifts for them, and a few more still for us, plus seasonal parties galore), each of these tiny treats ring in under £50.
Topshop has us covered in three arenas (huge surprise we know, we know): chunky knit palmwarmers, a shimmery cocktail ring, and a nubby tweed purse. These three certainly look more than their £8 and £20 respectively, but that’s for you to know and your friends/family not to find out.
Asos has a lovely pair of Fairisle print mittens–these crafty prints are everywhere for autumn and spring–for a tenner, whilst John Smedley rounds out the bundled trend with a camel coloured beret. And who doesn’t love a beret?
Jewellery is always appreciated whether it’s in a velvet box or hanging stocking, and we love Mirabelle’s Bola bangles and Graham and Green’s delicate dragonfly necklace.
Pretty in pink, Aspinal’s compact mirror is the perfect present for the girl-on-the-go, whilst a rose clip by Johnny Loves Rosie is ideal for ultra-femme friends.
Shopping these stocking stuffers here.
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…If you please
Velvet has seen quite a resurgence this season, what with cropped jackets and high heels, gorgeous gowns and ruched gloves, but it is black velvet that is our very favourite for the holidays. Velvet used to be tricky too wear- too dressy? too old? too heavy?– but not these days. Black velvet feels very glamorous and mysterious. We’re talking Old Hollywood screen sirens with throaty drawls and waves of hair falling seductively over one eye here. Channel this as you step into a modern cut to make the rounds of the holiday party circuit between Christmas and New Years.
The dress above is K Karl Lagerfeld and stunning. Black velvet gets the vintage treatment with a delicate lace neckline. The cinched waistline is sophisticated and chic. You will only need minimal accessories to shine.
We simply adore this shrug from Debenham’s J by Jasper Conran collection. Understated and elegant, tie this over a bold colour or vibrant pattern.
Go monochromatic–and–fabric, with this velvet-silk fascinator from John Lewis (£25), a pretty party dress with mesh insert from Miss Selfridge (£45), and a pair of velvet booties from Neon Collective (£150).Shop these looks on LynkU.
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Westwood’s shoe delight
Somehow we missed this undeniably unique collaboration between Vivienne Westwood and Melissa during London Fashion Week. Westwood unveiled the new shoe collection in her Anglomania show, and the Internet has been a-buzz ever since. Admittedly we weren’t quite sure what to make of these at first, but the shoes are kind of addicting in a way where we can’t stop clicking and zooming…and then still more zooming.
We’ve expounded on the footwear stylings of Melissa’s fairy princess pumps months ago so we were about due for an update, when we saw these vibrant fuchsia and cherry heels above. Melissa shoes use thermoplastic to form perfect shapes that hold your tootsies. We can’t exactly say we were expecting this result, but it is Westwood after all, and these heels have a quirky feel that we adore. The effect is a world of make believe where shoe fairies have catered to the little girl inside all of us (you’ll see what we mean below). Ready for the best part? You can get your hands on a piece of Westwood’s designs for as little as £70 (the beauties above are a cool £90).
Shop all Melissa and Vivienne Westwood shoes through Coggles.
Glenda the Good Witch, anyone?
Carrying on with the Dorothy theme…need we say more.
Wrapped up with wings on top
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Keira Knightley and the fake debate
No, we’re not talking about what you think. We’ve been focused on outerwear lately, especially with today’s forecast of flurries, and have noticed fur coats sprinkled throughout the celebrity set. Sure fur is warm, luxurious and chic, but it’s still an animal. We’re just sayin…So when we saw this photo of Keira Knightley exiting The Comedy Theatre after her performance in The Misanthrope in a soft shearling we couldn’t help but wonder does Keira do real or faux?
After careful fashion fact-finding, we discovered the acrtess’ coat comes courtesy of Burberry. And you better believe it’s ultra- cozy and definitely real. However, faux fur is resurfacing on the style scene, with everyone from Miss Moss to Victoria Beckham and Kate Hudson jumping on-board to fake it. We hope this faux movement will extend well past the next cycle of runway shows, and below we’ve selected our very favourite winter options.
Topshop faux fox fur coat £85.
Rebecca Taylor faux fur gilet £355.
Opening Ceremony faux shaggy fur coat £535.
Shop all faux fur on LynkU.
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Fashion Noir
It’s no secret that most of us in the office are a fan of black. We realise this can be somewhat limiting when it comes to our wardrobes, hence our hyper-focus of late on all things vibrant and colourful. But sometimes you just need to go with what works. Whether you love it or hate it, black is sleek and sophisticated–and slimming, so it’s an obvious option. But in the spirit of rich hues and holiday painted palettes we’re going to stick with a small dose of the hue for our very favourite accessories.
From bejewelled headbands to studded belts, a little bit of black goes a long way, and it’s an easy way to pull together an outfit packed with colours. For those who can never decide between leather and suede, stick to Acne’s impossibly chic gloves, perfect day or night. Jonathan Saunder’s silk printed scarf is another versatile pick. Wear with a belted trench or silk-cashmere cardigan for the office and you’re set. For something a bit more casual, try Jaeger’s scrunchy striped legwarmers for strolling around the city.
We love the floral wares of Miss Selfridge– a rose ring and hair clip bloom with gothic glamour. Want a belt built to last? Anedoti’s wide Crocodile belt is our pick. This statement accessory wraps seductively around the body, and you can secure it around your waist or sling round your hips for effortless style. Pair the belt with Alexander McQueen’s studded cuff and a jagged black bib necklace for evening.
Shop all back accessories and jewellery on LynkU.
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Fringed favourites
Fringe is for lunch today, and the office just can’t seem to agree on this fickle fashion. Like the best built-in accessory, fringe is decadent Flapper fun– drop waist not included–though too much of a good thing tends to look more like something you wore to a dance recital in year five than an article of style. So the question is this: do we leave fringe in the 1920s where it belongs or cycle it through once more with playful tassels?
Anna Friel scores ten points for the for-fringe side as she’s snapped stepping out of the Theatre Royal. Looking ever-so-lovely in pink and purple scalloped tiers over textured tights, Miss Friel’s fringe is subtle and smart. The rosey/rouge palette is on-trend for winter, and the actress’ panelled frock is perfect for evening adventures.
As we’ve come to observe–and love– Friel is a fan of Topshop, which has amped up it’s fringe factor for winter. From the high street to designer boutiques, tassels of every variety are adorning our clothes and accessories. Fringed boots are no longer restricted to the soft shapes of Minnetonka’s suede booties. This season, fringe goes glam on ankle boots and platforms. Whilst a dress is the obvious choice, Topshop is adding jagged pieces to its jackets and vests as well. And don’t forget the underwear! We’re not sure that you could necessarily wear La Perla’s balconet bra under anything, but then again we’re not exactly sure that’s the point.
Before you decide, take a look at LynkU’s impressive collection of all things fringed and fantastic.
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Winter in wellies
As the streets gets slushy staying upright in high heels outdoors could be tricky, but if you’re wondering how on earth you could slip your feet into something that’s uber chic and uber anti-slip when all that comes to mind is the word wellies, then you’ve probably not seen what Marc Jacobs and Burberry have done with rubber this season .If you thought wellies had to be clumpy boots you’re in for a surprise. Designers have created weather-wear that will keep your feet dry through the winter and guess what, they’re sleek and stylish too.
Burberry’s chain embellished black wellies are simple and striking and certainly something you’d be proud to walk into town in. And if it’s the high heels you’d miss, then Marc Jacobs’ quilted boots are perfect. They’re a country classic glossed up for city girls who love walking tall. Team them with a trench coat and a bright coloured carry-all, and you’ve got yourself a slush proof style that everyone will be swooning over.
If you love your prized Jimmy Choos too much to wear them when it’s sleeting outside, then get yourself a pair of Choo’s croc print wellies. For those looking to take a walk on the wild side, Dorothy Perkins leopard print boots have a feminine blush that won’t make you shy away. If you want to change your spots then New Look has zebra striped wellies for just 20 quid.
From the bright pinks and sunshine yellows to the sophisticated subtle hues that lace you up with elegance there’s a wellie for every woman of style.
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Tee time
T-shirts have forever been a wardrobe essential, but lately we’ve noticed a shift in the fashion world. No longer are short-sleeved cotton tops relegated to lazing about the house or gym sessions. The t-shirt has always had a hand in true rock fashion layering, but now it has become a staple of style thanks to designer lines through to the high street.
Don’t get us wrong, you can always buy three solid tops for a tenner, but why not try some of the new prints out for winter. Skulls, bones and roses twisted around in fuzzy black-and-white prints with a dash of crimson are eternal. Like blue jeans and leather jackets, there are some articles of fashion you can’t get rid of. But from winter right through to spring, shops are introducing some new feminine florals and tromp l’oeil prints that will have you layering on your tee’s every day. The worn-in, slightly faded look is always preferred so pick a few that you love and live in them!
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Frills needn’t wait until Christmas
Simply because the rain refuses to let up, doesn’t mean spirits should be dampened especially when there’s plenty of beautifully decorated umbrellas to make the world a bit prettier. The best part is you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep dry in style because the frills ring in for as little as £8 at Dorothy Perkins. The black and white dogtooth print umbrella with a black trim is timeless and classic .
It may have been a year where floods have washed out fashion retailers in some parts of the UK and purse strings ave been tightened the world over but it’s also a 125 years since M&S started adding marvels to the fashion market and to celebrate they’ve got a special line of vintage styled umbrellas that will take you back in time to the 18th century. Even top designers are considering fashionistas on a shoe string budget who still want to look chic from stiletto to umbrella top.
Celia Birtwell, whose iconic creations have become part of the tapestry of British fashion which have draped royalty to rock stars like the Beatles in the 60s and 70s, has designed a brelly for Topshop. Her frilly umbrella will keep your tresses dry in any downpour.
Looking for something a bit brighter? Colour the rainy days with ribbons of flirty and feminine hues.
Dorothy Perkins frilly dogtooth umbrella is sophisticated, and at £8 it’s a steal.
Florals and frills go together effortlessly, and Celia Birtwell’s brelly is a brilliant uber-feminine option. £10
Celebrate 125 years of M&S with their shiny gold and black umbrella.
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