Archive for the ‘S/S 10 Runway’ Category
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Tights? Yes please
Maybe it’s because of “Gossip Girl”, or simply because they’d been left in fashion oblivion, but the truth is that tights have had a powerful revival in recent seasons. Considering it’s still chilly out there tights are still a good spring investment.
Tights come in every possible pattern and in every colour imaginable, so it really depends on how daring you want to be and the occasion. ASOS’ snake tights are definitely for the cheeky ones, whilst Dorothy Perkin’s bow tights are sweet and perfectly discreet. Hearts and tights make a good match and Topshop has created the perfect pair. For those of you who are looking for nature-inspired pieces, Topshop’s floral tights have a pretty feminine touch, and Celeste Stein’s butterfly tights are desperately romantic.
If you’re not afraid to make a statement, Stein’s harlequin tights will undoubtedly steal the show. Unless you’re a fan of clashing prints – Agyness Dean, anyone?- we recommend keeping the rest of your outfit simple.
If your a fifties and sixties girl at heart, all you need are tights with a retro feel–pairs with a sexy seam at the back or lace and polka dots.
Never underestimate the power of bright tights. Tights can play a key role when it comes to colour blocking, especially when you’re dressed in monochromatic hues contrasting legs will make a striking outfit. If you don’t want to draw too much attention to yourself – you are likely to turn a few heads if you’re wearing bright coloured tights – then stick to black clothes, it makes just as much of a good impact.
We say don’t knock it ’till you’ve tried it, so why not give funky tights a go. But don’t worry – you can always go back to black opaque tights. A familiar favourite.
Shop for tights on LynkU.
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Simply silk
Whilst we were busy scanning celebrity shots from the Laurence Olivier Awards Nominees luncheon, we started discussing dress protocol for ladies who lunch. We imagine this would entail strenuous activity–of the coordinating, meeting and lunching variety– and thus demands a separate dress from the office set. Tea dresses tend to veer towards the predictable–throw in your mother’s pearls and the uniform is complete. Separates break up the monotony, and allow for layering in a more modern interpretation.
As you’ve probably guessed by now, silk is our solution for a sleek springtime look. By definition, this fabric is luxurious. The addition of silk instantly adds a bit of glam to an outfit, and afternoon lunch could use a little glam. To maximise femininity, try Catherine Malandrino’s flutter sleeve top or Lipsy’s rose corsage halter in powder blue. Pair with a trim pencil skirt and some wedges for something formal, or keep it simple with dark jeans and wedges. You can keep things fresh with a printed top–our favourites include Brian Reyes’ Bleeding Heart tank, Jaeger’s kimono-inspired blouse or Warehouse’s abstract option. However a solid bold colour like Ted Baker’s coral balloon hem shirt or Ben de Lisi’s royal blue twist top are perfect. Though if you’re headed to Claridges for tea and cakes, may we suggest something a little more subtle and classically sophisticated like Stella McCartney’s champagned coloured blouse. Just remember, shoulders back, chin up and glide.
Shop all silk tops on LynkU.
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If lips could kill
We know it was Valentine’s a while ago, but for those of you who feel you didn’t get enough kisses that day, sulk no more. After all, who can resist Lulu Guinness’s super kissable accessories?
Lulu Guinness’s love for all things glamorous and retro translates perfectly into her designs, which is the key to her success – these accessories have a timeless quality and plenty of old-school glamour. So it comes as no surprise to hear that style icon Dita Von Teese is a fan of this label.
We can’t make up our minds about which colour we like best from her iconic range of kitsch lip clutches – hot pink and bright red are a sure hit but if you’re looking for edgier options they also come in black, gold and silver. We like the choice of material as well – snakeskin is sexy whilst perspex is graphic and cool.
If you’re all for signing off love notes with a kiss then this coin purse is just for you. We perfectly agree with the phrase on the black purse and will be filling it with our favourite cosmetics. But there’s more to Lulu than her trademark lips and this tote bag with an illustrated florist shop is like a small work of art. The retro bicycle purse is just as sweet and who needs real flowers when you can have a long-lasting bouquet of red roses on this coin purse?
We all need a bit of glamour in our lives and Lulu Guinness certainly knows a thing or two on the matter. So get ready to feel an instant uplift with these accessories – the glam-factor is guaranteed.
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Garden Party
In the midst of fashion shows we’re secretly longing to return to some good old spring shopping. And we think we might have just found our perfect spring investment thanks to Coggles.com. The online boutique has just stocked up on bags and purses by one of our favourite designers, Vivienne Westwood.
Let’s face it: Vivienne is for many something of a queen of British fashion, the mother of all things punk-cool. Her clothes are effortlessly edgy yet incredibly flattering, rules that any sensible fashionista goes by. When wearing one of her garments, it’s an instant fashion uplift, and the same goes for her bags – they’ve got just the right dose of cool without being your average It-bags.
Since we can’t really rely that much on the weather, these beauties are just what we need to get into the feel of Spring. With Westwood’s signature Orb, they’re a great take on the on-going floral trend – the pretty print may be subtle, but it’s enough of a statement for us to let them do the talking. We do love the heart-shaped version, but for those of you who find it a tad girlie then why not stick to the big-and-beautiful version, perfect for work, travel… you name it.
We must admit that we’ve also fallen for the purse versions as well – now wouldn’t they liven up the inside of our handbags? Go find your wish list, we know you want to put these right at the top…
Shop for more Vivienne Westwood bags on LynkU.
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A case of the blues
From high street fashion to the the runways of D&G, Ann Sofie Back, and Twenty8Twelve, we are seeing denim shirts and jackets everywhere, and dreaming up endless ways to wear them.
Some designers practice ‘the more the merrier’ mentality when it comes to denim. Hannah MacGibbon featured several all denim looks in Chloe’s spring/summer 2010 show. The key to pulling off this overly blue look is variety; if you are going to do all denim you don’t want to look like the fabric swallowed you whole. Try different colours and textures: if you want your jacket to be a light wash denim button-up, pair it with a medium toned trouser with extra distressing.
Not daring enough for all denim? Try jackets and button-ups with neutral trousers in cream linen for spring, just pair with a killer gladiator heel and you’re set.
Some pieces just wow the crowd like Lanvin’s jacket with chunky bead trim or Alexander Wang’s punky denim and jersey jacket. But for a more simple jacket a brooch can add personal flair. Scarves and necklaces may get too bulky depending on the collar, but we love these little gems to adorn the lapel of any denim piece adding a rock chic, vintage or super girlie touch.
So be it a bold blue jeans outfit or an accent to your favourite spring pieces– the denim jacket is back again. Shop LynkU for these looks and more.
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Stripes vs. Polka dots
With the avalanche of fashion shows the last two weeks, we’re finding it hard to think of anything other than what we’ll be loving in a few months time. However, we thought it would be good to come back to the present and take a look at what we want right now.
One of our main Spring dilemmas is being spoilt for choice on LynkU when it comes to two classic patterns: should we go for stripes or polka dots? When thinking of stripes the first thing that pops into our heads is the Breton look: so chic, so Coco. There’s something about a striped top that simply works – there are plenty of muses to this ongoing trend, from Chanel’s founder probably being a pioneer to sixties It Girl Jane Birkin making it effortlessly sexy. But stripes come in all shapes and sizes – and they look great on scarves and shoes. So we think it’s best to give all these charming varieties a go.
Polka dots also have envious fashion credentials. With a strong retro feel, girls with a love for all things pin-up related should love them. Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page are the ladies to mention when it comes to polka dot muses – no one better represents fifties kitsch. Red and white is undeniably the ultimate polka dot combo, but we’re also fans of black and white – and naturally we’re always open to suggestions. If you’re unconvinced by polka dots on clothes, we think mugs might just be your cup of tea.
Still can’t decide if you’re more inclined towards the elegance of stripes or the fun of polka dots? We feel liking both is the best answer – find your favourite pieces on LynkU.
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Head case
Neglecting accessories is simply not good manners, especially with so many runway inspired hair bands available that can, and should, adorn your head.
The whimsical feel of Benoît Missolin’s silk bow headband is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland meets Chanel’s s/s runway show. This crafty couture varies from the traditional stiff bow hair band by giving it’s tied up look a soft silk style. This versatile headpiece adds sweetness to the little black dress, or try a boyfriend blazer and trousers for a playful look. But, if daring is the word than Missolin’s Miko Miku hair band is perfect. With a large fabric and lace rose, which looks more like a charming top hat, this piece can make an outfit go from ordinary to outrageous, in the best way.
Why not embrace an iconic designer print in your hair? Missoni has taken its well-known zig zag knit and incorporated it into a lurex headband, perfect for a casual day dress or tee shirt. Along the same lines, Marc Jacobs has created several plastic hair accessories embellished with shoelaces. These pretty lace-ups come in bright, contrasting colours such as orange and purple and are certainly in tune with the Marc by Marc Jacobs sports-luxe look.
Hair pieces can add to an outfit and mask a bad hair day, we promise not to tell. Deepa Guarnani’s crystal and feather hair band is lined with vintage fabric and has wisps of black and green feathers that frame and flatter any face shape. The small silver centrepiece on the band adds a bit of sparkle, a great addition to any outfit. Wear it with hair in a tight bun, or for a hippy chic look, let hair flow naturally and tilt the band right to the hairline, allowing feathers to skim the forehead. A veil is another great way to stand out. Topshop has a cream bow hair band with a black net veil that creates sense of mystery and romance.
Whatever you do, don’t let your hair feel left out this season. Shop LynkU for the latest must-have headpieces.
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Peep Show
There’s a new shoe in town that’s likely to become our latest obsession – and no, we’re not referring to clogs: we mean peep-toe boots. Part of the appeal is the fact that peep-toe boots are like a breath of fresh air in the fashion radar – and we always get excited about strange-but-cool combos. Plus, if designers that are synonymous with cool like Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler included them in their Spring ‘10 shows, we must be on the right track.
Peep-toe boots are more than a transitional piece: they can work the whole year round. Because they are boots, not heels, there’s no need to worry about any sort of awkwardness of matching peep-toes with tights during the cold winter days. For easy, breezy spring and summer strolls, take inspiration from Wang and add some knee-high socks or simply wear them bare-legged.
Because of the peep-toe detail, they have a more glamorous feel than your average ankle boots, and look great with dresses and skirts – but go just as well with leggings and skinny jeans. If you’re after an edgier pair, there are plenty of lace-up versions available. Similar to trainer heels, lace-up peep-toe boots are quickly becoming the new It shoes and are perfectly in sync with spring’s utility and sportswear trends.
We’ve picked a few of the hottest styles from LynkU. Just remember to get a pedicure for some serious toe cleavage.
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Fit for the boardroom
Integrating high style pieces into your highly professional wardrobe is a cinch with all of the options we have these days. Start with colour and add some shine. Even under the most professional dress codes, a pop of colour adds personal style. Try an iconic print like those from designer Diane Von Furstenberg. Or, pair a traditional black suit with a bright vest or camisole in orange or green, accessorise with earrings and you’re set.
Analyse your wardrobe from different angles. Incorporate tailored menswear separates into your wardrobe. It’s go-to style that has been invading runways for seasons… and now your desk, too. Try a feminine blouse and sleek trouser with a long, oversize blazer. Keep is classic with straight lines, but add a twist with bold bangles or a bright-coloured clutch.
Don’t forget textures. Lace is great as an accent, enhancing both dark and neutral tones. Warehouse’s black lacy blazer is chic and feminine, pair with trousers or wear over a dress. Ruffles are key this season with flowing layers of gauze cropping up all over runways. Translate this look for the office with Ciel’s silk chiffon blouse full of flattering frills.
Accesorise: jewellery, handbags and a great pair of shoes can make a simple outfit extraordinary. Why not try out some hardware like Nancy Caten’s industrial silver necklaces? Instead of simple hoops, try brushed gold or beading on earrings. Keep shoes comfortable by sticking to classic styles with subtle hints. Office has a fantastic pair of brown lace-up heels that will stand a day on the job whilst looking chic.
The most important thing is to remain professional in the way you dress but to allow your own personal taste to shine through. You can shop all of these looks and more at Lynku.
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Spring lengths
Amidst the small outbursts of snow and general winter gloominess, the sun has somehow managed to make a guest appearance this week, which makes us even more excited about spring and has us thinking about which separates we’ll be wearing.
We’re taking cropped trousers and shorts into consideration, and the usual question surrounding this tricky matter – apart from how not to look like a tourist – is “How short can you go?” Whether they are appropriate on a daily basis or not, shorts seem to be an essential separate on the Spring/Summer runways, with designers constantly experimenting with various styles and lengths.
Cropped knee-length or just over-the-knee pants, as seen at Alexander Wang and Prada, might seem hard to wear but are actually the safest option. Wang’s take has a boyish, sporty feel – perfect for relaxed weekends. If you’re looking for a more formal approach, take after Prada – a tailored style works wonders with a fitted blazer and heels.
Don’t instantly ban short shorts from your work wear, though. They’re good for petite ladies, creating the illusion of longer legs, which is always a plus. High-waisted pieces are reminiscent of the fifties and therefore a favourite of vintage lovers. Take inspiration from Phillip Lim and match them with a shirt or a ruffled blouse for a sweet and chic look. We’ll also opt for culottes, these loose shorts are very feminine and original.
For those who feel shorts are weekend-only items, we think French designer Isabel Marant has found the perfect balance between casual smart and boho-chic. And don’t forget boyfriend style cropped jeans – they were big last summer and are sure to be back this year.
We’ve picked some of our favourite pieces from LynkU. But it’s your choice: how much do you dare to bare?
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