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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.

28.10.2009 / 1 response / Category: Fashion Newsroom
Lola Rose spring scarves

Whilst snooping around the Somerset exhibitions during London Fashion Week, I came across these lovely Lola Rose scarves for spring. I have always been, and will always be, a faithful scarf lover, and now I’ve got my eye on Lola. Lola Rose was created by Nicola Gewirtz in 2000 in answer to our prayers concerning affordable luxury accessories. Nicola/ Lola aims to make shoppers feel “wonderful” and emphasises the importance of splurging every now and then. Ah, a girl after my own heart. Retailing from £65 to £195, the Lola Rose scarves are breezy and sweet–perfect for spring!

What we all need is a bit more l-o-v-e. The Love scarves let you wear your heart on your neck in a mix of soft pastels and bolder tones. Chocolate/pink and sky blue/fuchsia are favourites. I would knot this around my neck with a crisp white button-down and pair with jeans, or just leave it loosely strung around with a cardi. If you’re going to go the route of message T’s or accessories, spread the amour.

Moving on with a new scarf for a new day. It’s impossible to go wrong with paisley, and this bright blue and white number is fresh for spring. Mix with other prints for a more eclectic look. And then we have the paint chip print scarf. Similar to Henry Holland’s autumn 09 collection of Pantone colour-block come-to-life, Lola Rose takes swatches of pigments and arranges them neatly in a geometric pattern. When I look at it unravelled, the urge to paint my flat keeps gnawing at me; however, when swished around the neck it allows you to wear all the best shades of violet at once.

Shop the current collection of Lola Rose accessories on LynkU, and keep your eye out for scarves come spring!

27.10.2009 / 1 response / Category: S/S 10 Runway
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.

21.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
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.

20.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
Zoe & Morgan, and a good cause

I love the piercing blue eyes, the skull nestled in hair above, and especially the exotic lion perched in her heart . This is the image on Zoe & Morgan’s exclusive t-shirt for My Wardrobe to raise awareness for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the leading breast cancer charity in the UK. Artist Nadia Flower drew inspiration from Zoe and Morgan Sibbald’s ‘Who Loves Wins’ collection, which features lions– among other animals– representing bravery. The Lion Heart Girl shirt (£46), along with gold (£125) and silver (£108) mask necklaces with pink sapphires are limited edition for the month of October, and 20 percent of sales will be donated to the charity.

“Our aim is to design a small collection for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in collaboration with my-wardrobe.com that is extremely wearable and fashionable. We are proud to be involved in delivering a product to a fashion conscious and compassionate customer,” according to Zoe.

This season sees the brother-sister team fusing Gothic and romantic elements into a truly modern interpretation. All with a rock-and-roll edge of course. Victorian charms and lovely cupid pendants are intertwined with skulls and spiders, and you must look closely to see these intricacies. Zoe & Morgan’s jewellery feels very mysterious, cloaked in deception (like delicate golden butterfly earrings reveal a skull in the centre) and oozing with style. In the designers’ bio, the two are described as “children of the Silver Fox,” who learned their way in their father’s workshop, “Moonbird.” I’m intrigued. I’m not sure how all of this adds up, but the result is stunning jewellery with an interesting edge.

Shop the collection today.

19.10.2009 / no responses / Category: Charitable Fashion
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.

19.10.2009 / no responses / Category: S/S 10 Runway
Stella McCartney sample sale

I know I said I would try to give a few days planning notice for sample sales, but I literally just found out about this one. So here are all of the important details: Stella McCartney is holding a sample sale Friday 16 October (that would be tomorrow–so you see, this is urgent!). It takes place at 12-13 Kingsley Street, near Oxford Circus, and it runs until 18:00. No, the above looks from spring 10 will not be included, but there is plenty to love about McCartney’s past collections. What we can look forward to are the sportier, more urban looks, as well as the sexy slip dresses and suits that make a Stella collection so in-demand. Enjoy!

Click here for more information.

15.10.2009 / no responses / Category: Sample Sales
Fashion finds

It’s probably crystal clear to all at this moment that I am thoroughly enjoying making magazine collages. But this one’s very important. I promise. Your wallets will rejoice. The latest product page –sprinkling some publishing lingo in there–features items that retail under £200, and none are sale items! I scoured LynkU to find dresses, knits, bags and jewellery that I need to own, and then cut-and-pasted to my little heart’s delight (oh the wonders of Photoshop). I had planned to wrap this all into a neat little story entitled ‘look great, without breaking the bank,’ in which one product description would flow naturally into the next, but alas those were lofty aspirations (and with a title like that there would be no need for words). Instead I’m opting for a list, because when decent deals are the order, a succinct run-through is required. Happy Thursday and happier shopping!

Vests of every shape and size just seem to magically appear in my wardrobe–these are surprises I like. Day Birger et Mikkelsen sequined vest and All Saints shredded lambskin leather fringe version put the chic into ‘Rock Chic’ fashion that’s rolling through autumn. Dress up your outfit with a little armouring or go relaxed boho. £180 and £170, respectively.

Malene Birger’s studded bowtie belt is a great finishing touch for an over-sized cardi, fitted dress or even your basic LBD, and it combines brown and black. This is controversial, I realise. Some style lovers swear against mixing black and brown–these are usually the same people who refuse to wear silver and gold at once (the horror!)–but Birger’s belt is too good to pass up regardless of your bias. £120

Ash lace up quilted boots are awesome. I was searching for another word, but that’s the only one that sums up this style sentiment. Biker glam, yet practical (yes, a wedge is practical) tied up and belted for extra security. Quality footwear at it’s best. £157

La Perla’s lacy satin bra, because every girl needs some gorgeous lingerie. From £157. It’s the same principle as building a sturdy foundation for a house, you feel like you look better from the underwear out. Too much information? Jump across to Nanette Lepore’s bustier-inspired top in dusty rose chiffon and satin, which you can dress up or down. Grab it quickly, because it’s already marked down on the Outnet. Originally £174, reduced to £87.

VIP jewelled heart dress on Lipsy epitomizes delicate femininity, strapped with a studded belt to prove you’re not too sweet. This dress is the fashion equivalent of a cupcake–sugary loveliness. £175

Diane Von Furstenberg rich purple leather gloves would look great with a bracelet length or full length sleeve. Substitute the usual black or brown with a new classic colour for autumn. And who doesn’t love longer leather gloves? The feel very Audrey, but in a new hue. £156

Melissa Ultragirl + jewelled slippers are absolutely brilliant. I never liked those jelly sandals a few years back, or really anything related to plastic footwear, but these flats remind me of a modern Cinderella and I have to have them. The slippers are offered in clear (fairy princess style) or black (grown-up city girl) and both are perfect. £200

Accessorise with these beauties: Lola Rose carved rose necklace £60, Kenneth Jay Lane studded bangle set £185, Gara Danielle Ruby ring £120, Ted Baker Elley bag £99, and Balenciaga’s over-sized ombre sunglasses £185. Little treats to update any outfit for autumn.

All Saints sparkly sequin shorts will start a party. In fact, they will ignite one. Dancing required. Shop, shop, shop. £110

And because we all need a solid cardigan, or in this case, one with a print, I give you Burberry for under £200 (just). I’m shocked, but it looks cozy and warm, so I’m also wanting it right now as I type. I also have a weakness for v-neck knits. I don’t know why, but they just look good. £195

So there you have it. Installment numero one that I will be updating (hopefully) weekly for your (and let’s be honest, my) benefit. Click on the collage to shop all of the looks on LynkU.

15.10.2009 / 1 response / Category: A/W 09 Runway
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.

14.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
I love Lowie

The cold weather is a-coming, and with luxe knitwear by Lowie, winter is set to look a whole lot prettier this year. Established in 2002 by Bronwyn Lowenthal, Lowie has already been embraced by a stylish celebrity crowd, including Luella Bartley and Erin O’Connor, and caught my attention just in time for scarf season. The whole Lowie collection is sweet and cozy, and is perfect for layering. Lowie’s winter wonderland is making we wish for all things snow. Now.

I’m seriously loving the rose details on, well, just about everything, but especially the tunic and beret above (though the ice skating skirt with matching shawl and legwarmers below are equally brilliant). After all, a well-placed rosette improves most patterns. The Lowie look book is styled with lovely access0ries–wraps, scarves and beanies to name a few–that have a one-of-a-kind vintage feel. Lowie’s yarn-spun specialties add a personal, almost crafty touch, making the look distinctly unique the more you layer up. Take military coats for autumn–there’s thousands of them available, and even more coming in spring’s forecast–but Lowie’s divine peacoat is enhanced with a crochet headband and leather bow belt. I can not get enough. I’m not usually one for ponchos (I like the faculty of using my arms), but this tasseled ivory number looks perfect for curling up in front of a fire with friends.

And here’s another plus, Lowie is produced as ethically as possible, which means using locally-sourced and recycled cotton yarn from the UK, incorporating in vintage scarves, and vegetable dyes for colouring. According to ilovelowie.com, the designer is even committed to delivering all London orders via bicycle from their Brixton-based HQ!

When it comes to knitwear, you can never have too many options (I usually spend most mornings wishing I had more layers to stay warm). Shop Lowie’s winter wonderland on LynkU.com.

12.10.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway