• Save or Splurge: Dior or Topshop?

    vintage coats

    When contemplating a purchase comparison Dior and Topshop are rarely grouped together, which is mainly due to the luxury price tag associated with designer clothes, but nevertheless we can still dream. Or better yet, find a cheaper high street alternative. Thank you ye olé faithful Topshop.

    Now if you can afford to spend £4330 on a new coat then we truly envy your ability to own this exquisite Christian Dior coat. The elongated length and cinched waist belt make this one almighty flattering piece of outerwear for autumn, not to mention versatile considering the current colour palette. The fur trimmed neckline means this coat oozes sophistication and elegance.

    If like most of us you’re watching the pennies at the minute, then head on down to your local Topshop where you’ll find a whole host of furry vintage stealers. But this one in particular caught our attention, probably due to the leopard print collar that made us instantly weak at the knees. And at only £85 this guilt free fashion must-have would undoubtedly hang nicely in our new found autumn wardrobe.

    For all coats shop on LynkU

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    Written by Lindsey Anderson

    02.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Autumn Winter 2010, Deals we Love

  • Jessica Alba in Venice

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    Jessica Alba wearing Dolce & Gabbana at photocall for her latest film Machete is like a match made in sartorial heaven.  For one, Dolce & Gabbana do dramatic bold blossoms like no other designers around, and Alba clearly has no problem with prints (remember the train of California cool Proenza scribbles she was sporting last winter?). The actress truly committed to this runway ready style that, is in fact, apt for a sultry appearance in Venice.  And, oh! those shoes.  You knew we were going to go there.  We had to – this pair begs to be addressed.  Strappy black buckles on a sturdy platform?  Sounds like sweet style to our ears, and we simply adore the look of it paired with this floaty flroal skirt.  Well done, Jess.

    Written by Dana Karlson

    02.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Celebrity Style File

  • Natalie Portman at Venice Film Festival

    natalie-portmant-black-swan

    There are two passions we cherish equally in this world, and while one is most obviously fashion, the other would be dance–in all its forms, which means Natalie Portman’s latest film Black Swan is a must-see for this FFL writer. Along with costume designer Amy Westcott, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte designed all the outfits worn by the ballet corps in the film directed by Darren Arronofsky.  It should come as no surprise than that Portman wore a glamorous scarlet gown designed by the Mulleavy sisters to the movie’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival.  And yet, surprised we were.  Rodarte is a line followed dearly each runway season, but very rarely are its cob-web knits, moody prints and sweeping tulle –that we cannot get enough of– found on the red carpet.  And whilst Portman’s luxurious look departs from the Rodarte we know and love, its signature stlying is still apparent in the beaded bodice, wispy silk, and romantic layering.

    Perhaps Portman will stick with Rodarte for Black Swan’s wide release premiere.  We can only hope.  But one thing is for sure, Natalie would be a graceful brand ambassador if we do say so ourselves.

    natalieportman-black-swan-m

    Written by Dana Karlson

    02.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Celebrity Style File

  • Style snack: Emilio de la Morena dress

    style-snack-emilio-de-la-morena

    This dress reminds us of the sea, sparkling blue and emerald green silk swirled together in printed ruching.  Spanish designer Emilio de la Morena has been one to watch since his designs hit runways in 2006, and this long sleeved paneled dress has us organizing the next Date Night to take this out in style.  But the sea aside, the mini dress is also reminiscent of the one-off de la Morena made exclusively for French fashion icon Julia Restoin Roitfeld.  And secretly–or not so secretly if you sit near enough to us in the FFL HQ– we have been pining away for the darkly ethereal dress for months.

    With long sleeves and a snug fit, de la Morena’s dress is autumn appropriate.  Accessorize with a shiny black clutch and leather platforms, and wear ths in-the-know designer dress with confidence.

    Shop the Titan dress here, and shop all Emilio de la Morena on LynkU.

    Written by Dana Karlson

    02.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Autumn Winter 2010

  • Where has Katy Perry gone?

    Katy Perry

    Where has the old Katy Perry, who we all know and love, gone? The cupcake bras, bright orange lipstick, candy coloured tutus and diamond encrusted leotards are nowhere to be seen in this recent get up. And we want to know why, fast!

    Katy may have been attending a radio interview in Paris but that’s no excuse to put the cartoon style behind her. The knee length pencil skirt, long sleeved jumper and neutral colour scheme look more oh la la than California Gurl! Katy entertained us with the bright shimmery style we’ve come to know and love during a performance on the Today Show, reaffirming our belief that once you manifest an image it is therefore your duty to uphold it. So please Katy don’t turn into a cardigan wearing plain jane, go back to Candy Land and let us once again live in your fantasy of unpredictable fashion.

    For all Katy Perry products shop on LynkU

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    Written by Lindsey Anderson

    01.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Celebrity Style File, Fashion Newsroom

  • Leighton Meester on GG set

    leighton-in-vb

    Leighton Meester and Blake Lively get a lot of coverage on the pages of FFL, but is there a better lunch than pouring through fun, flirty and fashion-forward outfits?  We think not.  Chalk it up to a successful costume designer, because the Gossip Girl set is rife with runway designs.  And this beige beauty is a personal favourite.  Earlier in the summer you may remember we raved about Victoria Beckham’s press day– the clothing was just too good not give credit where credit is deserved.  Beckham is certainly already a hit with the celebrity set, from Lively to Ella Macpherson starlets just eat up her figure-flattering silhouettes.  And Miss Meester here demonstrates how to wear the ever-present flesh colour without looking washed out.  Paired with peep-toe pumos (while filming), an embellished clutch and a wide gold cuff, Meester looks youthful yet sleek in this shimmery drape top dress.

    Shop all Victoria Beckham on LynkU.

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    Written by Dana Karlson

    01.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Celebrity Style File

  • Diane Von Furstenberg’s charitable tote

    D.V.F

    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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    01.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Charitable Fashion, Fashion Newsroom

  • Cigarette pants for autumn

    cigarette pants

    Let’s face it ladies, anything men can wear women can wear better, especially when it comes to sharp tailored cigarette pants. The new androgynous trouser for A/W 2010 looks set to be one habit none of us can kick.

    Masculine power dressing for women became cemented in 1966 when Yves Saint Laurent designed the Le Smoking, the feminine tuxedo. The long mannish combo gave way for women to wear clothes commonly reserved for men, something that is still being reinvented to this day with the revival of the cigarette pant.

    Seen on the runways of Stella McCartney, Valentino, Balenciaga and Prada, these straight cut beauties are the ultimate in flattering leg wear this season. Cut to a skinny boyish fit these trousers look great in the office or dressed up with a pair of sky scrapers for a glamorous night out. So embrace your inner manly alter ego this autumn and opt for a pair of timeless cigarette pants, trust us you won’t want to take them off.

    For all cigarette trousers shop on LynkU

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    Written by Lindsey Anderson

    01.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Autumn Winter 2010, New In

  • Lanvin partners with H&M?

    lanvin-to-hm

    Stella, Sonia, Jimmy Who?  Stylish purveyor of affordable fashion worldwide, H&M, has partnered with an impressive roster of designers through the years, but its latest match-up might really take the cake (and how sweet a piece it is).   Truth be told, Lanvin’s press office has yet to confirm the rumours, but the Twitter-verse is abuzz this morning with the news that Alber Elbaz will be the latest designer to collaborate with the Swedish retailer.  Though some believed a teaser released from H&M suggested Tomas Maier of Bottega Veneta would fill this prime position, WWD has reported the link to Lanvin will debut 9 September.  Holy autumn, hurry up!

    In the past H&M’s runway to high street projects have been snatched up ravenously despite varying degrees of creative success.  Matthew Williamson was a no-brainer–the bold prints and bright colours were easily adaptable to a lower price point.  The same can be said for Sonia Rykiel’s multi-colour striped campaign.  But how will Lanvin fair?  It’s no secret that the French fashion house is a favourite (or more accurately a fantasy favourite) here at FFL, and whilst we’d love the chance to own a piece of its decadent luxury it’s difficult to imagine that paired down to affordable fabrics and embellishments. What do you think?  Will Elbaz’s designs translate to mass-produced must-haves or result in the same ole bling with a fancier label?

    UPDATE: Lanvin has confirmed it’s true, and the collection will be available at H&M from 23 November! “What intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world,” Elbaz said.

    Shop all Lanvin on LynkU.

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    Written by Dana Karlson

    01.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Fashion Newsroom

  • Style snack: Alexander McQueen bag

    Style-Snack-alexander-mcque

    Hello, beautiful.  Alexander McQueen’s studded Novak bag combines everything we want in a handbag this autumn.  A ferocity unmatched in most options we’ve come across, the studded bag features small and large metal pyramids marking off neat panels on the leather bag.  The framed structure and rolled leather handles pay tribute to this season’s ladylike tendencies while still maintaining a rock-n-roll bite.

    So wear with all, and wear proudly.  Out for tea with the girls?  Don’t forget the Novak and a smooth pair of cat-eye frames.  If you’re desperately seeking a bag to match all of the camel-coloured-everything filling up your wardrobe, look no further, because McQueen’s studded leather bag jazzes up the classic black and beige combination with panache.  Be warned, this is an investment piece (dig deep, ladies), but it is one that is sure to turn heads for seasons to come.

    Shop McQueen’s Novak bag on LynkU.

    Written by Dana Karlson

    01.09.2010 / no responses - Post a comment / Category: Autumn Winter 2010


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