Burberry | Fashion For Lunch

Posts Tagged ‘Burberry’

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
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
Christopher Bailey talks Burberry, chavs, checks and Tom Ford

Says it all, don’t it? I was lucky enough to get a ticket to The Sunday Times evening with Christopher Bailey, hosted by style writer, Colin McDowell. Squeezed into a dark, unbelievably crowded room in the bottom of Selfridges, we (myself and a throng of eager listeners–mostly female) sat listening to Colin and Christopher (we’re on a first name basis now, naturally) run through the designer’s humble start in Yorkshire to his gradual rise up fashion’s Mt. Olympus. I’m going to use chapters, well because it’s an organized approach, and also because last night felt sort of like story time with a super famous fashion designer. So here it goes.

Chapter I: “This is Christopher by the way…”

Far from the flashing lights and pounding music of Burberry Prorsum’s impressive fashion show days ago, last night’s discussion was casual and relaxed, and made me want to have Christopher Bailey as my best friend/ big brother/1st cousin…you get the point. Turns out, that though he had always had an interest in craft and achitecture, he never really saw himself in the world of designerwear. Things changed after Christopher started working in a wedding boutique, where he listened to what women really wanted in clothes.

Chapter II: Life in the Big Apple and beyond…

(This sounds supernatural, and I like it). Bailey first headed to the States to work for Donna Karan. “New York was everything I hoped it would be: tall buildings, steaming streets, and everyone walking around saying the F-word.” Yup, sounds about right. The fashion scene in NYC is a “slick operation,” and Bailey says it taught him how to develop a collection season after season.

On his departure to Gucci, the designer says Tom Ford “seduced” him into sharing his dream of rehabing the floundering Italian line. With Ford, every day was different, and Bailey was told he could live wherever he pleased, though he admits he spent most of his three years in hotels, following Ford from city to city.

Chapter III: “Here’s the question you don’t want to answer” (Can’t stop McDowell)

Most things in Chrisopher Bailey’s life have seemed to unfold organically, including his arrival at Burberry. Though he was initially wary of returning to England, he had a eureka moment, when he realized that Burberry was “like a beautiful diamond that had been forced into the ground, and just needed to be dusted off.” And then McDowell hit him with a zinger: explain how you overcame Burberry’s past reputation of er, chavs and checks, and well, uhm, how do you cope? Apparently no dramatic boardroom meltdown here, Bailey says he just stuck to his vision and the line’s heritage. And there you have it.

For the fashiony details: Bailey doesn’t do themes, he starts each collection with a certain attitude in mind and builds up the colour palette, adding fabric to the mix. He said the key is to remain “sensitive to the moment you’re living in.”

After the Q&A, I skipped the “invitation” to shop the AW09 collection on 4, and went to view the new spring stuff again, naturally. Here are some faves just for you (and a little for me):

25.09.2009 / 2 responses / Category: Fashion Newsroom