Posts Tagged ‘dress’
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Style wish list
If I ask nicely, do I get to keep them? Whilst choosing products for autumn collages and designer-focused boards, and still more collages, I have formed a pretty lengthy list of the latest fashion pieces that I must own. Collectively this lovely compilation totals more than a paycheck… or three, but fashion is fantasy after all so enjoy.
I began by throwing everything I want/need/have to have on one slide– tah-dah! Fortunately, I decided to get a little more organized and somewhat creative and now we have four outfits. A camel coloured coat is essential for autumn and Jaeger does a fancy funnel neck that you could wear alone or with a knit Missoni tucked under. Don’t keep this fitted frock covered for long, I love the folded-over neckline and ribbed pattern. Pair with a pewter cuff and YSL wedge boots (take a look at that heel!) and you’re set.
I would wear this Antik Batik Mogolian vest out for a stroll in the city. I love the ribbon tied at the waist, which lets you make the furry vest a little more fitted. Fendi’s knit looks warm and sumptuous (the only ample way to describe a knit) and Current/Elliot’s casual skinny jeans make for a cozy trip. Naturally I need to throw in a bit of Balenciaga, and these suede grey wedges are gorgeous.
Number three is a favourite, I especially adore this RM by Roland Mouret cranberry tunic– for the office, for after work, and for a night out. This structured mini reminds me of a frock we saw Cheryl Cole prancing around in during X Factor auditions. Of course it’s short, but it’s also all business and sophistcated. Add in Christian Louboutin’s a-mazing Ostrich lace pumps with studding to give the look a little more edge. I’m drawn to feminine/fierce combinations and these courts are beautifully delicate, yet still make a strong statement. A lightly studded Ungaro clutch can be worn over your shoulder or held in hand. I cannot get enough of Marni’s accessories this season, and this ribbon flower choker is chic and fun.
Dress up for a night dancing in Paul & Joe’s silk floral kaftan or Alexander Wang’s asymmetrical fitted chiffon dress. Two you ask? I couldn’t choose, plain and simple. I love them both, so now you have a loose wrap and a structured corset option. The Louboutin fluro pink seashell clutch is non-negotiable, clasped with courts. It is a perfect accessory–a bold pop to define your outfit. Just in time for Halloween, throw on a pair of Zoe & Morgan’s rocking butterfly earrings (can you find the skull amidst the wings?) and a pair of Kurt Geiger peep-toe ankle boots.
These are four basic outfits to work into your closet or for an exciting evening. So I’m throwing my autumn wish list out there with hopes to attract them to my wardrobe. Have LynkU for lunch, and shop these looks here.
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Westfield London’s birthday soiree
Westfield London, the ingenue of the London shopping scene, has made it through its first year of business (despite that nasty recession threatening to spoil the shoppers’ paradise) and is feting the event in grand style. It seems like only yesterday that the west London fashion heaven opened its doors for the first time, and now there’s reason to celebrate just in time for the holiday season. With a Halloween performance by the cast of Wicked, dance troupe numbers and dinner deals, it’s easy to forget about the shopping (which would be so unlike us). Let’s peep the style exclusives to purchase this weekend.
First up, Aspinal of London’s exclusive Biker bag created especially for this event. I have already expounded the importance of a classic handbag (of the Aspinal variety), but the traditionally British brand has upped the ‘Wow’ factor with this slouchy snakeskin leather bag. Equipped with patent detailing, gold chains and studding, the bag is super-vamp rock glam and perfect for autumn. Get your hands on it fast!
Warehouse is offering a limited edition runway-ready dress to celebrate the shopping centre’s soiree. Loops of chain form a tribal pattern with glittery diamantes and metallic geometric beads (see the oh-so-creative zoom detail to the right). Leave the accessories at home, black patent booties are all you’d need to rock this dress, and you’re ready to roll (get it/got it).
Another first to honor Westfield’s first birthday: Mimco, the beloved Aussie accessories brand, introduces the first shoe in its busy lineup of style. The heeled Faro sandal is a lesson in patent snakeskin seduction. The T-bar strap is dressed with several studs (you can’t escape this trend) and perfect for a night out. The creation of a footwear range is definitely a major brand addition to launch in-step with Westfield’s birthday, which will surely delight the Mimco-faithful and curious mall crowd.
Admittedly, the prospect of throngs of fanatical shoppers rushing around sounds about as appealing as the Oxford Circus in December, but if you’re going to have a go, this weekend will be packed with plenty of entertainment to divert the crowds. With a healthy variety of designer and high street shops, mixed in with the best food court around and some tasty restaurants all under one roof, I think Westfield is the way to go.
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Peter Pilotto print paradise
Peter Pilotto is what’s for lunch to day my friends. I’ve mentioned the London-based designer in several posts, so it’s about time we take a look at his collection for autumn (spring will follow eventually, because at the moment we’re trying to stay season-focused. Trying). From the legs up, Pilotto works the over-the-knee trend with loose pseudo heels and heads straight to the minis.
What I love best about the London-based designer is, you guessed it, his extraordinary use of prints. Sometimes prints can be garish (ahem, fast-fashion machine, losing the plot along the way), forcing me to run for cover under subtle solids. Not the case with Pilotto. No, these colourful prints have been manipulated by Pilotto and his partner Christopher De Vos to develop a range of silky draped dresses this season. You can see in the snap above the way the duo integrates colour into their prints, transitioning from muted mauve to bright orange and cobalt.
According to the fash-lit (the only satisfactory term for the ongoing supply of PR pamphlets), Pilotto and company were intrigued by the big bang theory, creating images that erupted onto the fabric. The dresses are chic and easy, and the one-shoulder cut is it for autumn. I adore this silhouette, there’s delicate drapery after all, and the gold cuffs accessorise the looks perfectly. Peter Pilotto’s prints are just plain pretty, there’s no two ways around it. If I had a close up image, I would definitely post it so you could see the chunky fringe embellishment around the neckline of the last dress. It looks like rows of soft feminine frills, but Pilotto and De Vos put a lot of work into textures this season as well.
Peter Pilotto’s print paradise has sold–and is selling–like crazy. You can shop the autumn collection on LynkU.
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Metallic wash
From the office to after-work drinks, metallic clothes and accessories are perfect for day-to-night dressing this season. I was originally looking at Richard Nicoll’s A/W 09 collection, hence there are two shiny looks from Mr. Nicoll in the collage, and that got me thinking about the prevalence of all things shimmery for autumn. Shine is no longer reserved for the on-stage likes of Beyonce (or Sasha Fierce given the circumstances), no, metallics can be worked in to vamp up your style. Though the thought of sparkly sequins and lacquered accessories initially made me run for cover under a grey cardigan (because too much shine turns into an 80s prom–fact), some gold and silver could do us all good.
Go glam in head-to-toe metallics or mix with a neutral tone for a more sophisticated feel. Richard Nicoll’s glossy panels look gorgeous on cream, and Vivienne Westwood’s stunning lame dress is twisted and chic. I would parade about in that embellished blazer with skinny jeans and some ankle boots, and pull the beaded shrug over an LBD. The Ashish tiger tank is stunning. There’s your outfit (plus some trousers or a mini), but seriously, that metallic ombre is fantastic.
Gold and silver accessories are perhaps my favourite way to wear this trend, adding just a dash of shimmer. I absolutely adore Marni’s flower collar necklaces–perfect for date night– with just a touch of femininity. I’d wear the gold across-the-body bag out for day shopping that turns into dinner, whereas the jewelled clutch would be perfect for a holiday party (how is Oxford Street partially decorated already?!). Cinch Burberry’s pale gold belt around a high waisted skirt of your choosing, add an over-sized cocktail ring, and you’re set.
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Not Just A Label pop-up boutique
It’s official, friends: Not Just A Label, the international aggregate of bright young designers, is holding it’s first ever pop-up shop this Friday and Saturday. If you weren’t already rearranging your schedule, Lara Stone’s personally selected collection will be available alongside the works of other innovative designers. Stone’s collection sold out (who didn’t see that coming?), but you can shop these looks and more this weekend at Beach Blanket Babylon (we’ll get to that later). Of course, the best part of all of this is that the Not Just A Label pop-up boutique benefits the new faces behind fashion, helping the young generation garner exposure across the world. It’s a deed well-done by the industry for the industry.
Each month, NJAL chooses a new celebrity curator, past personalities included Diane Pernet (of A Shaded View) and Amanda Lepore, and Stone’s recent appointment marked the continuation of my girl-crush on the Dutch model. Apparently, Stone’s first selection for Not Just A Label’s was initially all black, so the model went back and pulled out some fiery orange to add to her range. All of the looks are avant-garde, and amazing. I cannot wait to shop, shop, shop. Shopping NJAL pretty much guarantees you’re buying one-offs that look runway-ready, and now you can try the clothes on before buying (biggest gripe with online shopping). And you can make a night of it, since the shopping event is going to be held at BBB, the little fashion gem of Notting Hill, and lasts until 11 p.m. on Friday night. Champers in hand and some fashion? Ideal evening. Below are some of Miss Stone’s picks:
SCHIPPERARQUES Puffed Sleeve Short Vest £375, fashion-forward and sophisticated for a younger crowd–a perfect style combination. SEELENKLEID Mini Dress £650, I love the pleating/dripping black goo at the neckline and the overall flowy shape of the frock. SU Nuno Felted Dress £930, this was part of the designer’s attempt to “slow down” the constant churning of fast-fashion. The wool- chiffon dress is in inspiring and lovely.
AOI KOTSUHIROI 2 Hearts ring with vanadinite crystals, silk thread, and Japanese lacquer. This is so intricate and just plain beautiful, and assures me that the Not Just A Label pop-up boutique will be packed with artfully worked fashion, down to the last accessory.
STUDY_NY nylon and metal zipper cuff bracelets £35. I would add this to any outfit. It’s right on-trend for the autumn wave of Rock Chic, but without being studded (I own way too many sharp accessories at this point). -
Erdem print mini dress collection
Ok so it’s not entirely a collection of dresses (there’s a few trousers and an evening gown or two), but the Erdem print mini dresses are right on-trend for autumn, decorated with vivid swirls, florals and patterns. The colours are intense and the prints, decisive and bold, enriching Erdem Moralioglu’s legacy of superb craftsmanship. Those traits are the only viable link between this season and last, as the designer’s rich autumnal palette banished the gentle pastels and summery lace of a warmer time. This shows an innate understanding of what women want to wear from season to season, and the Erdem print mini dresses are certainly it for autumn.
Show some leg. I love this hemline, and the puffy skirt makes the models look like dolls dancing down the runway, complete with deep red lips and a messy bun on top. Whether peaked shoulders (because they are every where, after all) or no shoulders, the Erdem print mini dresses stand out. It’s this baby-doll shape mixed with such rich colours that cuts a smarter figure (if the dresses were a pale blue or light pink, we’d hear crickets–it’s been done. Overdone).
But Erdem, the designerdu jour, has used prints to help reinvent the mini empire silhouette quite nicely. Even the jutting shoulders are less Balmain tennis ball, and more properly pinched. I appreciate this. The designer has taken such a pervasive trend for autumn and has shaped it accordingly, so no one is yawning in the shops.
As is so often the case, acute detailing separates the men/women from the boys/girls in the design room. With the collection of Erdem print mini dresses, there is an emphasis on the neckline. From simple sweetheart to fluted and sprouting ruffles, there is something for any occasion. Likewise, the prints are applied is different doses, varying between heavily blurred and more tangible shapes (I see a flower print up there, second from right). The outfits are all rounded out with opaque tights, and with ornate shoes as a finishing thought.
Shop the Erdem print mini dresses on LynkU.
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Proenza Schouler sk8ter girls
1. No, I am not, and have never been, a fan of Avril Lavigne. 2. I am an ardent supporter of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, the twosome behind Proenza Schouler and that incredible skater/surfer-inspired spring 10 collection. The American duo has mastered downtown city chic, equipped with an acute technical ability to rival. Spring 2010 proves to be no less impressive, and a whole lot sunnier with Proenza Schouler’s brand of California skater style.
Inevitably I adore the roaring ’20s drop-waist (please see my contiued obsession here). Electric blue and chartreuse race up and down the silky mini into lush feathers paired with a fluro yellow bag, perfect for a warm night out under the stars. Then we have a sky blue and lemon knit with a playful flouncy skirt, cinched at the waist with a skinny belt and topped off with some shades. This reminds of Venice Beach, packed with 20-somethings roaming around the seaside. Proenza Schouler is working every bit of this so-Cal wardrobe.
From day wear we had into evening in the shape of a loose fitted tunic with fringe. Because there is never enough fringe for spring fashion. This look is effortless and breezy and would also make fun island-wear. On to evening wear, Proenza Schouler goes short and beaded. This beautiful emerald green and blue number is gorgeous and youthful (thanks in part to that hiked hemline), and would look right at home by beach of by city night. The teeny-tiny ruffles at the bottom give it an extra feminine touch. It all comes down to the detail with Proenza Schouler: minimal but perfectly executed for just a touch of luxe.
Shop the stunning autmn/winter 09 collection on LynkU.
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Bora Aksu spring 2010
I’m not over fashion month yet. I apologize. Bora Aksu’s was one of London’s gems, so let’s address his stellar spring/ summer 2010 performance. Weeks of catwalk analysis has left us with a synthesised list of ‘trends’ of which Aksu can tick off one-by-one throughout his collection. Pale ivory and taupe mixed with sheer black? Got it. Delicate chiffon details and exposed undergarments? Naturally. Of course, Bora’s interpretation is what makes the clothes interesting.
Aksu layered flowery lace over sequin-embroidered leggings, which reminds me of those optical illusion posters I had when I was ten, cut-outs swirling in and out. Check out the model second from left, where does her left leg end and right leg begin? Was this intended? Is this flattering? I can’t give you a definite on any of these, but I will say I’m impressed. The decorative legs add a shimmery and unexpected futuristic element to Aksu’s whimsical fairy tale. Ballet ribbons, over-sized capes, corsets and sheer lace overlays complemented the overall romantic tone.
But don’t write the collection off as simply sweet just yet, later in the show Aksu introduced a bit of drama with dripping cage-like vests worn over pale rose chiffon. The dress above on the far right, feels a little Rodarte to me–all ravaged beauty–and I adore it. The Turkish designer has struck my fashion chord (anything vaguely reminscent of Rodarte makes me immensely happy). I’m talking a loose translation at best, but something about the sheer black pleats pulled diagonally across the body near the end of Aksu’s show was nagging at my inner Mulleavy-radar.
Back to Bora, the Victorian era lace and web-like knits below were divine. Like dolls come to life, Bora’s girls streamed out in a fusion of black-pink-white. I try to avoid playing favourites (well, at least with colours), but I could have collaged all of these looks, if not for some editing restraint. In shades of petal and lavender, Aksu experiments with soft volume and cinched waists and a transparent trouser or two.
One of my favourite London- based designers to watch, Bora Aksu’s spring 2010 collection shines.
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Autumn brights
Though I have a small (read: extensive) black obsession, I do love to throw some brights in the mix. Mixing and matching colours intrigues me, especially when those clashing rules of fashion are broken so well. Autumn 09 is full of fluro tones charged to brighten the moody blacks, browns and greys we so often resort to come winter. I don’t believe in sartorial rules like the one mentioned above (we have all seen that girl on the Tube wearing pieces that just shouldn’t fit the pie, but all add up quite nicely), so instead here are some ideas for your foray into mega-wat colour.
Gotta love a graphic print…or four. I cannot get enough of this kaleidoscope of colourful swirls, especially Cathy Pill’s long-sleeved sheer dress and the Josh Goot mini. Both blend punchy violet, cobalt and lime from neck to hemline. Then we have the Warehouse sheath, an explosion of acid hues against black, which would look stunning with a pair of peep-toe ankle boots. Master of the vibrant palette, Matthew Williamson offers a fantastic printed silk scarf to accessorise even the dreariest wardrobe. The beauty of the brights is that they don’t require much else to shine. Stick to minimal jewellery and try a neutral beige or grey to balance out the colours, and you’re set.
The return to ladylike dressing dominated runways all the way back in February, from fitted blazers to structured dresses, and has dipped a hem in acid colours this season. DKNY’s silk-cashmere shawl sparkles in icy blue, while Giuseppe Zanotti amps up the energy with his entwined metallic booty.Working in summery lemon and orange, Christian Louboutin and Issa London illuminate autumn. Issa’s drapey jersey halter dress is minimal and chic, finished off with a basic pair of black gladiators, while Louboutin’s patent courts are a favourite. Toy Watch’s fluro strawberry jelly watch is perfectly playful and lets you try your hand–or wrist–at wild shades.
And because we all love accessories, this season’s colour-block options are essential. Dolce & Gabbana’s day bag pops with a golden yellow stripe against plum, and work quite nicely with rich hues. All Saint’s delivers a funky pseudo-shark tooth necklace, fusing shards of electric purple and coral with black, that I adore! Albeit a very loose translation of colour blocking, but nonetheless a stellar piece of jewellery. So whether you’re willing to venture a piece of arm decoration or go full out in acid colours, go bright or go home this autumn.
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Chanel hoe-down
This is the final image from the Chanel spring/summer 2010 show in Paris…and then Baptiste Giabiconi takes the milkmaid bride, with her bouquet of wheat, for a roll in the hay with the third model. And so completes–and epitomizes– Karl Lagerfeld’s delicious country romp. The clothes were fabulous (we’ll get to that soon enough), but the show, including a surprise performance by Lilly Allen rising out from under a hay stack, was a spectacle to be seen. The centre ring at Paris’ Grand Palais was turned into a designer hoe-down, with everyone radiating country-chic.
The girls came sauntering out with bag and blackberry in hand, curtsying and frolicking like naughty shepherdesses. Everything was tattered, down to Chanel’s iconic nubby tweeds, flower-appliqued clogs (yes, clogs) and handbags. Committing to a theme can sometimes appear costumey or too contrived, but Chanel’s spring collection developed organically despite the hilltop fairytale.
Uncle Karl has raised–and split–the hemline this season appealing, successfully I might add, to a younger Chanel audience. Balletic ribbons were wound around models’ thighs, and flowers strewn in their hair. Lagerfeld offered up his unique version of spring style, with gauzy tulle and variations of black, white and taupe. Lush puff sleeves and lace embroidery refined an otherwise rustic theme. I love the flouncy skirts, which add a whimsical touch to Chanel’s playful production.
There was much to see, so take a close look at the collages below. The black chiffon is stunning– especially the printed overlay and floppy hat, which are the perfect finishing touches to the centre outfit. Red and blue complemented the predominantly ivory and black collection, adding sweet rosy trims and bold separates. Despite the (valid) argument that Coco Chanel may be rolling in her grave, Lagerfeld still managed to keep the clothes centre stage in his spring hoe-down.
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