Sunday 31 May 2009

Celebrity Style Trend @ Burberry Day NYC


New York City's most stylish stars were out to celebrate Burberry Day last week. Alexa Chung and Blake Lively, both regulars on the best-dressed lists, showed up in boyfriend jackets that reached their hemlines. 

Alexa Chung flew the flag for Blighty, showing off her effortless style in a grey lace dress by Burberry (also worn to the event by model Hilary Rhonda - luckily they wore it differently!) , oversized blazer and shoe boots. 


Gossip Girl star Blake Lively showed off her pins in a Burberry skirt. I love the finishing touches: the rolled up sleeves on her blazer and the necklace and bracelet soften the hard lines of the tailoring. 

Thursday 28 May 2009

Best Dressed: Lily Cole @ Cannes Film Festival



Lily took a break from studying at Cambridge University to attend the premiere after-party of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus at the Cannes Film Festival. The model, who features in the film, accentuated her ethereal looks in this medieval-inspired powder blue gown. 


Monday 25 May 2009

The Best...Maxi Dresses


It's the answer to every girl's summertime style dilemma...A few drinks with friends? A last minute BBQ? A wedding reception? The perfect maxi dress will take you from the beer garden to the marquee, with a few thoughtful touches. The best look as fabulous with a hobo and gladiators, as they do with platforms and a clutch. Here's a selection of the best, from the high street to the catwalk.






From top left to bottom right: Folk Maxi Dress, £10.77, Primark; Zebra Maxi Dress, £20, Dorothy Perkins; Neon Maxi Dress, £42, Mango; Maxi Dress, £55, Richard Nicoll at Topshop; Ruffle Front Maxi Dress, £155, T-Bags; Butterfly Maxi Dress, £200, Monsoon; Floral Ruffle Maxi Dress, £199.99, Matthew Williamson for H&M; Chiffon Maxi Dress, £249.99, Kate Moss for Topshop; Silk Jersey Maxi Dress, £380, Issa; Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress, £970, Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti; Bead Embellished Maxi Kaftan, £995, Matthew Williamson; Fontana Print Gown, £1,762, Emilio Pucci

Saturday 23 May 2009

Bargain to Blow-Out: Floral Print Bikinis



Tropical Bikini, £26, Accessorize





Summer Lovers Bikini, £140, Zimmerman



Floral Bikini, £470, MaxMara

Thursday 21 May 2009

New In: Kate Moss for Topshop High Summer '09


Silk Insert Maxi, £60, Topshop

The Kate Moss for Topshop High Summer '09 collection launched in-store and online today. My favourite pieces include a watercolour blouse (below) and a stunning black and white silk maxi dress (above). I think it's her best collection yet. See what you think...



Kaftan Liberty Print Dress, £55, Topshop



50s Bandeau Dress, £50, Topshop (Also available in navy)

Rose Blouse, £40, Topshop


Paisley Halter Dress, £60, Topshop

Tuesday 19 May 2009

Celebrity Fashion Trend: What's your beach style?


Whether you're camping in Cornwall, or jetting off to foreign shores, feeling fabulous on the beach relies on so much more than finding 'the perfect bikini'. From bringing along a slouchy, old beach bag, to splashing out on a new printed kaftan: accessories are the perfect way to customize your beach time look

Uptown Girl

Other Uptown Girls: Elizabeth Hurley, Naomi Campbell

Holidays in: The Hamptons, South of France, Capri
Never Forgets to Pack: Her Melissa Odabash Kaftan, Missoni beach towel, bejewelled sandals

Recreate the look: Swirl Print Kaftan Tunic, £35, Matthew Williamson for H&M; Patent Jewel Sandal, £28, Miss Selfridge; Le Vernis Nail Colour, £13, Chanel; Multi Gem Embellished Bangle, £480, Erickson Beamon

Boho Babe

Other Boho Babes: Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Jade Jagger
Holidays in: Ibiza, Thailand, Brazil 
Never forgets to pack: They do...Boho babes are oh-so 'last-minute'. And you thought the mismatched bikini was a style statement.

Recreate the look: Swirl Beach Cover Up, £55, Kate Moss for Topshop; Ikat Print Bikini Top, £15, Next; Beaded Bikini Bottoms; £8, Dorothy Perkins; Filigree Feather Earrings, £15, Miss Selfridge


Vintage Queen

Other Vintage Queens: Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot
Holidays in: Mexico, Palm Springs
Never forgets to pack: Her 'Jackie O's, factor 50 

Recreate the look: Oriental Style Parasol, £5, Joy; Yellow Bikini, £39.50, Marks & Spencer; Round Sunglasses, £10, Dorothy Perkins


Surf Chick

Other Surf Chicks: Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson
Holidays in: Malibu, Bali, Newquay
Never forgets to pack: Her surf board - of course!, baby oil

Recreate the look: Metallic Green Bikini, £14, Accessorize; Swirl Print Sunglasses, £19.99, H&M; Beach to Bar Dry Shampoo, £3.49, Mark Hill


Eva Herzigova @ Cannes Film Festival 2009


Recreate Eva's Look: Strapless Dress, £195, Reiss; Strappy High Sandals, £85, Dune; Diamante Clutch, £50, Coast; Glamour Earrings, £10, Accessorize

Eva Herzigova stunned in this netted dress with cut out bodice at the Chopard Trophy party at Baoli. The supermodel accessorized with a pair of 'of-the-moment' cage heels, a simple clutch and a classic pair of earrings. 

Monday 18 May 2009

Trend Watch: French Kiss


Maybe it's The Cannes Film Festival, which began this week, the much anticipated Coco Avant Chanel, Christopher Dercarnin's breathtaking collection for Balmain or perhaps it dates as far back as February last year, when the glamorous Carla Bruni-Sarkozy assumed office as First Lady of France? Whatever the reason, we're embracing all things French. Be inspired by Lou Doillon's laid-back chic, or the flawless style of Carine Rotfield. And if Paris is but a distant dream, lose yourself in Madame Bovary, spend a lazy afternoon watching Amelie, or treat yourself to macaroons from Laduree.


Striped T-shirt, £45, Day Birger et Mikkelsen; Paris Fragrance, £39.50, YSL; Kelly, price on request, Hermes; Eiffel Tower bag, $450, Timmy Woods; Silk Top, £430, Marc Jacobs; Mon Amour Tee, £28.00, Urban Outfitters; Spotty Mini Skirt, £35, Topshop; Macaroons, Laduree; Tux Jacket, £70, Topshop; Croc Mini Grab Bag, £22, Topshop; New Destination Charm Necklace, £18.00, Stripe Sailor Cardigan, £45, Kate Moss for Topshop; Oval Holdall, £50, Topshop;  Classic Dress, £6,790, Chanel

Beauty Trend: Statement Lips

Left to right: Osman Yousefada; Alexander McQueen; Moschino; Betty Jackson

From Moschino's precise pouts to Alexander McQueen's red, clown-like mouths: statement lips are back for S/S 09. 

Copy the Look
  • Ensure you have a flawless base: A foundation with a light reflecting formula will reduce dark circles and puffiness
  • Create strong brows: Be inspired by the Osman Yousefada show and use a brow pencil to create definition and balance bold lips
  • Keep eyes neutral: All you need do is curl lashes and apply a slick of mascara, if you must add a wing of liner, as see at Moschino. 
  • Fix your colour: Apply a foundation to your lips to help keep colour in place, use a liner to recreate the precise pout seen at Moschino or be inspired by the McQueen show and treat your colour like a paint, smudging it on with a finger 
  • Define your cupid's bow: Use a highlighter to maximise your pout


Left to right: Lip Scuff, £8, The Body Shop; Softening lip Balm, £8.32, Kiehl's; Lip Injection Extreme, £17, Too Faced; Lipstick Sealer, £3.15, Lipcote


Left to right: Rouge Allure Lipstick, £19, Chanel;  Vibrant Pink Lipstick, £4.50, Barry M; Cherry Sorbet Lipstick, £16.50, YSL; Colour Fever Lipstick, £15.50, Lancome; Rouge Pur Lipstick, £16.50, YSL

Sunday 17 May 2009

Style Inspiration: The Early 90's Sitcom


When talking about the inspiration for their new lines designers have cited artists, composers, style icons of the past and the fashion archives of yesteryear, but this season it looks as if they've been watching re-runs of cult early nineties sitcoms. House of Holland's floral denim could have easily been influenced by Saved by the Bell's Kelly Kapowski. And could The Crosby Show's Denise Huxtable be behind this season's fascination with oversized blazers? I'm really hoping so...I just won't be asking my hairdresser for 'The Rachel', just yet. 

Kelly Kapowski
Sitcom: Saved by the Bell
Style Staples: The crop top, high waisted jeans, bold florals. 
Steal Her style: Lace Cropped Top, £28.00, Topshop;
Tight Fit Very Light blue Jeans, £45.00, Cheap Monday; Hairspray, £3.89, Elnett

Clarissa Darling
Sitcom: Clarissa Explains It All
Style Staples: Denim shirts, waistcoats, headscarves. 
Steal Her style: Fringe Waistcoat, £55.00, Dorothy Perkins; Lurex Scarf, £14.99, River Island; Flower embroidered denim shirt, £32.00, Topshop

Denise Huxtable
Sitcom: The Crosby Show
Style Staples: Headscarves, oversized blazers, bodysuits, pearls. 
Steal Her Style: Flower Border Scarf; £34.99, Kate Moss for Topshop; Jersey Blazer, £40, Topshop
Blossom Russo
Sitcom: Blossom
Style Staples: Bright hats, colourful knits, socks with brogues. 
Steal Her Style: Patent Brogue, £75, F-Troupe; Floral Blouse, £235, Luella; Layered Jumper, £38, Topshop; Floral Patterned Hat, £105, Paul Smith


Wednesday 13 May 2009

Silver Screen: 'Coco Avant Chanel'


Who could forget Chanel No. 5's spellbinding short film starring Nicole Kidman? The modern-day fairytale, directed by Baz Lurhmann, told the story of 'the most beautiful and the most famous woman in the world' who, for one night, escapes the trappings of her glamorous life when she meets 'the only man who didn't know who she was', played by Rodrigo Santoro. The cascading pink gown, the sparkling cityscape, the amorous strains of Debussy's Clair de Lune...every detail of the 180 second ad spelt romance. 

And to celebrate Audrey Tautou's role as the new face of the fragrance, the fashion house have created another short film. 'Train de Nuit', directed by Jean Pierre Jeunet, who directed Tautou in Amelie and A Very Long Engagement. You can view the film here.

The short film anticipates Tautou's upcoming portrayal of the legendary designer, Coco Chanel in Coco Avant Chanel, directed by Anne Fontaine. The film, based on the novel L'Irreguliere: Ou, Mon Itineraire Chanel, was conceived with Tautou in mind. 


Tautou told France Inter Radio:
Coco Chanel's personality was absolutely extraordinary but beyond her genius and talent she has everything that the heroine of any great novel has.
The film is released in the UK on July, 31 2009. Until then, here's the trailer:




Tuesday 12 May 2009

Trend Watch: Romantic


Left to right: Temperley, London; Givenchy; Valentino 

Love was in the air at the S/S 09 shows: From Giambattista Valli's chin grazing collars, to Diane Von Furstenberg's floral head-dresses. At Givenchy, rose petals were scattered over the catwalk. But it was Alice Temperley who encapsulated the trend, when she named her collection 'Romantic Odyssey'. It's classic romance, with a modern twist. Be inspired by the paintings of John Everett Millais and the novels of the Bronte sisters. Think ruffles, bows, rosettes, lace and drapes, with a touch of the contemporary: a statement clutch, well cut blazer, or a fierce pair of platform heels. 




Heart Skirt, £55, Mina; Varda Dress, £310, Twenty8Twelve; Flower Dress, £35, Joy; Paris Vest, £18, Topshop; Tiered Cotton Dress, £210, See by Chloe; Oversized Vintage Flower Clip, £10, Accessorize; Fusion Tamsin Dress, £65, Monsoon; Flower Ball Locket, £150, Alex Monroe; Great Loves Collection, £79.80, Penguin;  Girl Print Top, £40, Topshop. 

Finishing Touches:

Left to right: Leo Studded Sandal, £65, Topshop; Metallic Studded Clutch, £35, Next; Woolen Blazer, £145, All Saints



Trend Watch: Optical Prints



Left right: Jonathan Saunders; Peter Pilotto; Alexander McQueen

The S/S 09 fascination with the bold and the vibrant was showcased nowhere better than at Alexander McQueen, where models strutted the runway in shattered crystal print shifts in vivid hues of red, yellow, turquoise and blue. The trend for graphic patterns continued at Peter Pilotto, where the designer's signature prints took on a SCI-FI like quality. The colour palette at Miu Miu was more muted: earthy tones created a geological look. Whilst at Narciso Rodriguez, monochrome prints formed a stark contrast against this season's dizzying brights.
 
Left to right: Kaleidoscope Bubble Dress, £35, Miss Selfridge; All-over Sequin Rainbow Dress, £149.99, Matthew Williamson for H&M; Blurred Lily Strapless Dress, £65, Warehouse

Left to right: Miami Ruched Skirt, £25, Topshop; Spirograph Twist back Cami, £40, Warehouse; Hummingbird T-shirt, £230, Alexander McQueen


Sunday 10 May 2009

Fashion Must-Have: The Peep Toe Shoe Boot


Tassle Boots, £85, Office. 

These blue fringed beauties are the high street's answer to Christian Louboutin's Tina Fringed Boot, as seen on Christina Milian and Chanel Iman. And Office have cleverly combined three S/S 09 trends in one: brights, fringing and the peep toe boot. Overkill? Who cares! 

Not convinced?

These cut-out heels are the perfect compromise between the must-have shoe boot and this season's super high heel.

 Patent Multi-Strap Shoe, £59.99, River Island
Velvet Heels,£59.50, Zara

Friday 8 May 2009

Style Crush: Natalia Vodianova


She's one of the world's most beautiful women, has a billionaire husband, three children (she's only 27), a million-dollar wardrobe and has founded her own charity...Yet, it seems as though it all comes naturally to Natalia Vodianova. And despite having the world's top designers vying to dress her for very occasion - whether she's walking the red carpet in floor sweeping Valentino, or strutting the catwalk in Balenciaga - she always looks effortlessly stylish. 




Copy her style

Formal: Embroidered Dress, £140, Banana Republic; Beaded Clutch, £35, Dorothy Perkins; Periwinkle Court, was £55.00 now £20.00, Office
Party: Voluminous Party Dress, £69.99 Matthew Williamson for H&M; Woven Clutch Bag, £55, French Connection; Flower and Pearl Studs, £6, Miss Selfridge

Red Carpet: Silk Twisted Dress, £99, Cos; Helena Statement Necklace, £16, Accessorize; Heather Tab Detail Vintage Clutch, £35, Accessorize