Women's SS13 Fashion Trends

So I woke up this morning, drew back my curtain and stopped for a while watching the sun glistening on the snow. Beautiful. I love the shimmering, shiny qualities like little jewels reflecting the light. This iridescence reminded me perfectly of the next big women's fashion trend for Spring/Summer 13; Metallic Madness.


Corrie Nielson, SS13


This SS13, the shinier the better! Which is perfect for those magpies amongst us that are instantly attracted to anything that glistens! (My boyfriend often says I need blinkers when we go shopping. I can spot a sparkle from 500m and I'm attracted to it like a moth to a flame!) So I am thoroughly enamoured with this trend. Glitter, gold, foil fabrics and iridescent jewel prints, these clothes are fun and funky and are sure to get you noticed.

Diane Von Furstenberg, SS13

What I love about this futuristic fashion phenomenon - instant glamour. The light hitting these pieces is reminiscent of a sparkling diamond, bringing a richness to an outfit in a very modern way. I'd start by investing in a pair of shiny shoes (I love Kurt Geiger's collection) or a blinding bag (I recently bought a gorgeous silver snake skin clutch from Beirn) to ease into this trend.


Anja Metallic Leather Courts, Kurt Geiger - these look great with a pair of skinny jeans and a tee for a casually-coiffed, effortless look.

Beirn Silver Snakeskin Clutch Bag

If you're feeling a little more confident work in key pieces in holographic finishes and precious metal tones.


Burberry, SS13

How will you be rocking the metallic trend this Spring/Summer?

What is your favourite pearly piece on the market?

Women's Fashion Trends - Spring/Summer 2013

Good evening my fabulously fashionable readers, and what a white evening it is! All this snow is beautiful isn't it, like a beautiful fluffy blanket tucking the earth in to bed! I do, however find all of this winter dressing rather dreary-today I even took to wearing my salopettes, ski jacket and gloves to venture out of the house (OK, I was going out for a snowball fight and thought I really ought to wear something waterproof so as not to get frostbite on my poor little fingers. Or anywhere else for that matter!) So, I've been inspired to look ahead to the upcoming Spring/Summer 2013 trends, planning outfits, picking accessories and fantasising about footwear; my next few posts will be focusing on what the trends are this season, how to wear them and where to buy. I hope you enjoy!

 
Altuzarra, Spring/Summer 2013       Haider Ackermann, SS13


It's an Eastern affair this Spring/Summer 2012. Lavish oriental patterns embroidered onto fine silks, obi belts and waist-cinching kimono jackets in beautiful brights are the order of the day. Think pretty dresses, blouses and pyjama pants, and for those balmy eves; a wrap-jacket is an easy but elegant way to channel your inner Geisha.


Pucci, SS13

Designers have definitely gone two ways on the catwalks-minimal, sleek tailoring in block colours and more ornate attire in silky, floaty shapes adorned with decadent details.

 
Gucci SS13                              Osman SS13


Personally, I love this look! Remember to keep accessories to the bare minimum-the designs are perfect on their own. Keep hair sleek and straight or try a funky origami up-do for a true taste of the orient.

On the high street - I'll be doing Whilstles for a gorgeous pair of pyjama style pants, Miss Selfridge for their perfect peach, embellished kimono (pictured below-an absolute steal at £55!). Try a metallic obi-belt to add a bit of va va voom to your outfit (think Gucci-inspired but Mango prices, which is where I found this beauty below!)

 


What are your thoughts on this Far Eastern fancy?

What will you be buying to wear the trend? An obi belt, tabi socks?

Do you prefer the sleek and sophisticated or the rich and refined look?

Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashion

There's no getting away from the fact that celebrity culture is big news! We're obsessed with the gossip and hype: what they're wearing, who they're seeing and where they're frequenting! So with the Golden Globes last night, I'm sure you, just as I, was glued to the screen, social media and the internet to see who turned; the fabulous gowns, jewels and hairstyles and not to forget the gorgeous suits and tuxedos for the gents!

So here is my pick of the best of the night:

Amy Adams- Marchesa Dress 'Ballet Pink', fishtail

Julianne Hough - Monique Lhuillier embellished gown

Clare Danes - gave birth one month ago! Gorgeous Valentino Red halter-neck red gown

Julia Louis-Dreyfus - gorgeous Vera Wang dress but what stole the show for me was the stunning art deco ring that she showed off on the 'mani-cam' red carpet! Wowzer!

Naomi Watts - Zac Posen burgundy, long-sleeved, backless gown

Jessica Chastain - Calvin Klein Collection - Ice blue halter-neck dress, Harry Winston Jewels

Nicole Kidman - Alexander McQueen - black embellished floor length gown

Marion Cotillard - Christian Dior by Raf Simmons

Ryan Seacrest - Cristopher Bailey for Burberry

Jessica Alba - Coral Oscar De La Renta gown

Anne Hathaway - white, strapless Chanel gown

So here's a brief run down of my favourites! Who were you loving on the red carpet last night?!

New Year Style Resolutions

So for today's post I have taken a bit of inspiration from Twitter, my favourite magazines and blogs, and have decided to come up with a list of New Year Resolutions that are all focused on my style, fashion and wellbeing! I'm not making the ususal 'get fit', 'lose weight' sort of deals that we all say and then two weeks down the line have nice and quietly swept under the carpet for the next New Year - these are going to be more personal, more specific and hopefully more beneficial (not to mention much more fun!).

Resolution Numero Uno.

  

Face-time. I celebrated my 25th birthday last weekend. For some of you this may seem young, for others it may seem old! For me, honestly, it was a bit daunting! I have always looked after my skin - cleansing, toning, moisturising - check. So I wasn't too worried about the big 25 in that sense, but as a precautionary measure I took myself of to the fabulous beauty department in Harvey Nics to enquire about what more I can do to keep all those dreaded lines and wrinkles at bay. I trotted on over to the Lancome counter where I was greeted by a gorgeous, fresh-faced girl, Gemma. I immediately wondered how old she was. I know I shouldn't but her skin was beautiful and I thought to myself if she's 30 and looks like this, then I'm buying whatever she's selling! After a very thorough consultation (in which I was told that prevention is definitely better than cure!) and a chat about piling on the Christmas pounds I decided upon the Genifique Youth Activator, Genifique Eye concentrate (for the morning), Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector (for the evening) and the Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream (day and night). So far I'm loving them, but the one thing that was recommended that I don't include in my regular beauty regime - facials. So resolution number one: have one facial every month in 2013.

Resolution Number Two.



Drink more water. Drinking water keeps skin cleansed and hydrated, encouraging clear, fresh skin. By drinking more water it will flush out toxins and eliminate the pour-clogging dirt and grime we all come into contact with everyday, giving a gorgeous, healthy glow. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine line, wrinkles and cellulite.

Resolution Number Three.

Undertake a major wardrobe clear-out! What did I spend part of my Saturday afternoon doing yesterday? Assembling two new clothes rails for my dressing room. Why? Because I have a stupid amount of clothes. Half of which don't fit, are a bit worn or are hidden away in  piles so I can't actually see what I own anyway! As a stylist I should know better, the first thing I ask women to do is go through their wardrobes and chuck out all of the clothes in the aforementioned categories! Well this 2013 it is time for me to take my own advice!







What are your New Year Style Resolutions?

Matthew Williamson Pre-Autumn/Fall 2013. An Outfit for Every Occassion.

I am such a Matthew Williamson girl. His theatricality with clothes: the colours, the embellishment, the gorgeous womanly shapes-I love it all! And the new collection does not disappoint. There are cute wool jumpers, graphic patterned and pretty dresses, office-worthy trousers in rich colours that scream sexy but sophisticated (personal fave-the burgundy).

A bit more grown up than usual from the boho chic God, but I for one am relishing in the change. It’s not so different that we can’t recognise the styles, but slightly more elegant, more ‘je ne sais quoi’. Williamson himself says that his pre-collections are ‘more easy-to-wear pieces’ - you could easily throw on an outfit for the office, lunch with friends or even a black tie event. The rich colours and glacial patterns this season inspired by Nordic folk culture and landscape, bringing back the boho chic element he’s so famous (and adored) for.

Model Arizona Muse for Matthew Williamson Pre-Autumn 13

Fun and flirty Williamson fans don’t fret too much! There are still the signature decadences that are so associated with the brand, such as a couple of fabulous feather-hemmed minidresses – one silver, caked in embellishment with a low cut V neck. Perfect for a cocktail party, a wedding or to make an ex die of regret.

The care and attention to detail in all of Williamson’s pre-collections is easy to see – he admitted to Vogue magazine that they now constitute a ‘part of the business that he really couldn’t do without’ (accounting for about 65% of overall sales), this pre-autumn 2013 is no exception. From draped gowns to wrap coats, all-in-all in this stunning collection there really is something for everyone.

  

  

What do you think of the pre-autumn AW13?

Do you love the signature Williamson style?

If you could choose one outfit from the entire collection, which would it be and why?

London Collections Men's AW13 - How to Find the Perfect Winter Coat . Part Two

What Other Styles of Coat do You Own? 

If you already have a smarter overcoat then maybe try something a little more casual, a down jacket to really keep the frost at bay or a stylish tweed jacket to add a certain country-gent feel to your outfit. I love Hentsch Man's AW13 look - it's the perfect mixture of Californian cool with European chic (see below).

 Look at the fabrics that you already own, a good wool coat really should be top of your list if you don’t already own one; they’re chic, versatile and so warm in these long winter months.

Hackett AW13

How is The Fit of The Coat? 

This obviously will vary between different styles but here are some general rules: Think back to the first point-What will you be wearing underneath? If you are buying a coat to wear over a suit then take the suit when you go out shopping. If it is more of a casual coat then wear a casual outfit with a shirt and jumper to try under the coat. Make sure the arms are loose enough to fit your intended outfit choice so as to avoid the most annoying issue of gathered sleeves! When wearing the coat, lift your arms above your head, there should be no uncomfortable pulling of the fabric and arms should be able to move freely. Fasten the coat over your chest, again there should be no uncomfortable pulling of the fabric and you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the lapel. 

Buy The Best Coat You Can Afford. 

When buying a coat you will most certainly be wearing it almost every day in winter, and possibly beyond knowing the state of the British weather! It is also expected that this will not be the only year that you will be wearing it. Spending a little more money on a coat now will ensure a quality of craftsmanship that will lasts for years to come. Spending £300 on a coat that will last you ten years is far more economical than spending £80 on a coat that you have to change every couple of years. Not only that, but the higher quality will look much smarter and more expensive. With this in mind stick to classic styles that can be worn year after year over a variety of different outfits. A Pea Coat is a fine example of a classic coat that transcends seasons and trends but always looks ‘in-season’.

Paul Smith London Double Breasted Pea Coat

Take good care of your winter investment and it will take care of you! Follow care instructions closely, dry cleaning where appropriate. Hang structured coats on a wooden hanger to look after the shape of the shoulders and ultimately the fit on yourself. Follow these simple steps and you will have a coat that will last season after season, year after year!

I'd love to hear your comments on this so please get in touch...

What styles have you been buying into this winter?

What are you looking forward to for AW13?

London Collections: Men Autumn/Winter 2013 - My First Post Back in the New Year!

My first post back for months! I am so sorry to have neglected my blog but I have been a super busy lady in the run up to Christmas, I started a new job, the ‘in-laws’ are moving to New York! It’s all been go my end, but I promise I’m back and I am going to give you my undivided attention once again! So for my first post back, seen as there is a definite focus on the Men right now, what with the London Collections: Men AW12 coming to a close yesterday, I would do a piece for the lads! Hope you enjoy...

Finding The Perfect Winter Coat. Part One.

Jonathan Saunders AW13

Blustery winds, dramatic temperature drops and rain storms turning roads into rivers. We are all aware that autumn is now upon us and winter is fast-approaching behind. What with the weather turning and the days becoming shorter, surely the item topping your winter wish-list must be a snug winter coat. But where to start? Without doubt buying your winter coat will be one of the biggest purchases this year, you will be wearing it over everything for the next few months and so spend some time thinking about what you are looking for in a coat this season. There are so many options out there that finding the right one may be tricky so here is my Guide to Buying the Perfect Winter Coat.

Christopher Raeburn AW13

What Will You be Wearing Underneath Your Coat? 

This is the most important part of buying your coat as it is the precursor that you will use when deciding upon style, fit, colour and many other factors involved in purchasing a good winter coat. If you are searching for something to wear over a suit, like David Gandy and Jeremy Piven (pictured below at the Tommy Hilfiger and Esquire Fashion bash) then it must be smart, classic, a neutral colour and large enough to fit a suit jacket underneath without bagging out too much. A classic woollen overcoat or trench in a reserved colour is best-suited in this situation.

If you are searching for something more casual then there are a variety of options from a parka to a hunting jacket in all manner of colours, I love the Hackett duffle, worn by Tom Webb below. Mustard yellow, burnt orange, reds and aubergines are all shining examples of colours that always make an appearance for autumn/winter, but anything in a warm hue is bound to make a perfect accompaniment to your winter wardrobe. 

Just remember, when buying a winter coat warmth is the top priority. Try to avoid shorter jackets in thinner materials as these may look good now, but it the next couple of months you’ll wish you had chosen something slightly more substantial!