Must haves for spring/summer- Trainers/sneakers

Finally summer has arrived, the time has come to conceal those sharp overcoats and rich burgundy plaids and open the doors to preparing the wardrobe for the forthcoming months. This week we shall be searching the shelves for one of the hottest, sportiest items; trainers or sneakers. Having been thrown down the catwalks, from Chanel Couture to Christian Dior, they have brought a new refreshing, youthfulness to modern day Fashion.

1. Chanel Couture Spring/summer 2014- We were wooshed away by Karl Lagerfeld's sporty twist on sophistication. Leaving his mark on the current trend of street sportswear. In the show every girl wore a pair of the unique Chanel trainers. However staying close to the brand's DNA by using the famous textured tweeds, he was able to create 'sports tweed'. 

Picture obtained from thesnobette.com

2. Adidas ZX Flux in leopard- I love these, because of the animal prints and that boost of colour, also more affordable than the Chanel.

Picture obtained from the sneakersaddict.com

3. 'Totem' by Jeremy Scott for Adidas Originals- to all those people who hate these, I ask you why? They are literally the most amazing shoes I have ever seen before! Seriously who doesn't want to buy these? I love Jeremy Scott's work and always have done, he brings some serious fun to fashion. These are just what you need to brighten up an already sunny day.

Picture obtained from kicksonfire.com

4. 'Rainbow Hologram' by Jeremy Scott for Adidas Originals- Yes I know what your thinking, but I love a bit of OTT. I love everything, the colours, the metallics, the wings, everything about Jeremy Scott's work is perfection. 

Picture obtained from sneakernews.com

5. 'Wings' by Jeremy Scott for Adidas Originals- I am sorry readers but i have to end with these. They are less out there, but still in keeping with the classic Jeremy Scott trend of 'wings'. I love the patent black, its just so chic, modern combined with a sophisticated edge.

Picture obtained from sneakernews.com

Alexander Mcqueen Savage Beauty Exhibition comes to London

Mcqueen's Savage Beauty is finally coming to London! The exhibition is being hosted by the V&A from March 14 to July 19 2015.

The exhibition is a timeline through Mcqueen's career, it includes the most stunning works and pieces from when Mcqueen first started out with his 1992 MA show right to his last ever unfinished fall/winter 2010 collection, just before his passing. Previously the collection was being held at NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art since 2011 and has been incredibly popular ever since.

Fashion journalists are saying that this will be the cultural talking point of 2015, for sure. Tickets are already on sale, so I would advice you to buy soon as it will be a Fashion marvel.

Picture obtained from fashioneditoratlarge.com

Picture obtained from lazylipstick.com

Picture obtained from fashion.telegraph.com

The British model takeover

The Brits are back bigger than ever, as a new generation of models swoops in, bringing the cool and edginess factor to the catwalk.

Over the years we have seen the likes of Twiggy, Kate and Naomi, Cara and jourdan rise to stardom, all bringing the essential elements that make up the British Fashion industry today.

Let us take a look at some of the fresh faced beauties dominating the industry at the moment:

1. Cara Delevingne- the IT girl of 2014, she has the look, the personality and that sense of glamour a Brit model brings. No one can get enough of her, she is the people's princess. Brandished as the 'new Kate Moss' and a young model 'icon', she has ruled the runways from Chanel to Burberry, DKNY to Fendi. In my opinion she is Fashion royalty and always will be, you can't get bored of Cara, shes timeless.

Picture obtained from thecitizenoffashion.com

2. Jourdan Dunn- scouted in a branch of Primark in 2006, then signed with Storm model management; has been the centre of attention for a long time, recently she has taken the position of spokesmodel for Maybelline New York, opened a number of shows at PFW last season eg: Balmain and appeared in two Beyoncé music videos. In 2008 she made history by being the first black model to walk in the Prada show since the Naomi Campbell years. She is also one of the may Brits in the 'Burberry family'.This girl has done everything.

Picture obtained from celebrityredcarpet.co.uk

3. Edie Campbell- This dewy skinned beauty, famous for her black mullet style haircut, popular with the likes of Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton. She has gradually worked her way around the fashion week circuit; from starting out it was Burberry, but then it increased to Mcqueen, Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Chanel. Edie opened Marc Jacob's most spectacular (yet last ever)show for Louis Vuitton last season, covered in Louis Vuitton printed in black paint all over her body.

Picture obtained from capesandcakes.com

4. Malaika Firth- new face of Spring 2014, signed with Premier model management, made it huge, internationally during her first season, booked for over 40 shows. Favourited by Valentino and Christopher Bailey at Burberry. She has also been in the Victoria Secret Fashion Show and in campaigns for Valentino, Burberry, Prada and numerous others. She is a star.

Picture obtained from thefashionspot.com

5. Sam Rollinson- another up and coming star, popular with Burberry. Famous for her short bob hair cut and classic British look. A couple of months ago she made her debut in a shoot called 'petal pushers' for American Vogue and therefore started her journey as a 'Vogue girl'.

Picture obtained from styleminutes.com

The ultimate bag list

Whether you want a timeless, classic or fresh and spicy; a bag will give you that. Infact it will give you most things in life, something nice, some fashion sense and make you feel powerful.

So this is my list of best bags that i have seen or heard great things about:

1. The Céline bag- 'THE' Céline bag, has been the IT bag for a long time now. Phoebe Philo (creative director at Céline), managed to design a bag so true to the brand's DNA, that it took off internationally and has been rated as the 'best' bag since 2010. The bag itself is avaliable in many different colours and fabrics, from calf hair to Python, neon pink to the classic black, its timeless and will never go out of fashion.

Picture obtained from spottedfashion.com

2. Mulberry Bayswater- Probably the most classic bag in this list, full of character, strong, a must have I'd say- a wardrobe staple. I particularly like the black crocodile pictured below.

Picture obtained from precision-cast.co.uk

3. Chanel Classic quilted flap bag- Quintessentially a French classic. Designed by Lagerfeld, who re birthed the house of Chanel only recently, creating pieces which have remained close to the roots of Coco herself but have been somewhat modernised.

Picture from upscalehype.com

4. Hermès Birkin bag- This has got to be one of the most famous, most attractive, dare I say it, most expensive bag on the list (you even have to go on a waiting list, in order to purchase), The Birkin. Named after British actress Jane Birkin, this bag has sky rocketed to fame, favoured by celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and the Kardashians. Something about this bag makes you fall in love with it, maybe that vintage Hermès shape or the material. Whatever it is, its stunning!

Picture from becauseiamfabulous.com

5. Givenchy Antigona- Chic, Sharp and that general sense of effortless modernity. The Antigona has the feeling of passion and power behind its patent leather folds, almost as if it has a dark side. 

Picture obtained from ricardotisci.blogspot.com

6. Lady Dior- Without a doubt, a bag packed with luxury. The compact shape and patent quilted fabric screams of high-end French elegance. Love it.

Picture obtained from theluxurycloset.com

7. Louis Vuitton Speedy 40 Bag- I have no idea why, but I have always loved this bag. I just love that classic LV monogram, and I know people will disagree and call it tacky, but I love the rich colours of the monogram and its just so chic to me. However if you dont like it there are other alternative monograms, like Damier etc. Also I like the way it stands, sort of reminds me of when LV did a collection based on the oriental express, the rich colours and bold silhouettes.

Picture obtained from lvpopular.com

8. Prada Pyramid- this bag has a very 50s vibe about it, avaliable in a wide range of pastel colours. I can picture Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys holding one of these in her Givenchy dress. It also has a very sporty vibe running through the collection, a sense of relaxation and simple vintage.

Picture obtained from upscalehype.com

9. Saint Laurent Sac Du Jour- As we saw Heidi Slimane take over the house of YSL a couple of seasons ago, he brought a brand new modern cool take to the house. The first few seasons he brought us bohemian chic and 70s mixed with deep grunge. I have to say I love a bit of grunge. The first time I saw this bag was in Vogue, I was pleasantly suprised because this bag has come away from the original YSL and branched out to the cooler, edgier, sleek look of Mr Slimane himself.

Picture obtained from lyst.com

10. Alexander Mcqueen Heroine- There is something darkly romantic about this bag, I like the longer shape and the way it mimics the classic designer bags. This bag to me represents a piece of artwork, since Mcqueen was such an artist, I think his team explored that by creating a masterpiece as a bag.

Picture obtained from coolspotters.com

Quote of the day

'What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No.5 of course.'- Marilyn Monroe

Look of the day

I'm wearing,

A shirt from H&M,

jumper from Primark,

Pendant my own.

Happy Birthday Emma Watson!

As the young style starlet turns 24, let us take a look at her most memorable fashion triumphs.

1. Golden Globes 2014- When I first saw this I thought it was a perfectly pleasant dress, but then when she turned around, woah she was wearing trousers, is this a fashion risk? I asked myself. Yes, but one she totally pulled it off and I applaude her. 

(Wearing Christian Dior couture)

Picture obtained from fashion.telegraph.com

2. Burberry fall 2009 show at LFW- Emma wears a truely stunning gold embellished dress by Burberry. This has to be one of my favourites.

Picture obtained from fashionflood.com

3. Cannes film festival 2013- Emma looks like a statuesque beauty in Chanel couture. I love the black sequin bodice.

Picture obtained from thinkrunway.com

4. David letterman show March 2014- Emma wears a sharp, chic suit by Saint Laurent. That red lip and the red from the soles of her Louboutins bring a powerful, strong air to her outfit.

Picture obtained from reveal.co.uk

5. Noah premiere, London March 2014- Emma wears a bespoke Ralph Lauren gown, in a plush colour which is perfect for the Spring season.

Picture obtained from glamour.com

Look of the day

I'm wearing,

Shirt from Asos

Blazer from Forever21 

Pendant from own

http://instagram.com/p/mzlHOTopDJ/

Kate's New Zealand tour fashion diary

Kate graced the New Zealand scene in style, pulling pieces from her favourite designers with of course a wide range of colour, because let us not forget, it is Spring.

Day 1, having stepped off the plane, we were hit by the boost of colour she repelled from that pillarbox red, double-breasted coat dress (by Catherine Walker), that brought colour to a somewhat miserable day. She reminded me of an Emirates air hostess with that hat. 

Picture obtained from express.co.uk

Day 2, at Prince George's first public engagement, Kate wore a chic black and white print dress from Tory Burch's Resort 2014 collection, matched with Jimmy Choo Vikki black pumps. 

Picture obtained from uk.eonline.com

Day 3, was when she and Prince William went to visit the war memorial at bleinheim. Her outfit was a custom Alexander Mcqueen Coat Dress (retails/ed at £2,435). I love the powder blue colour and how she teamed it to match her Stuart Weitzman pumps. This is probably my favourite piece from the tour so far.

Picture obtained from ok.co.uk

For the evening, Kate sported a bespoke midi dress by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham, with an embellished fern on her shoulder, this just added something more special to the dress. She paired the dress with some Jimmy Choo Cosmic heels and lots of diamond accessories.

Picture obtained from glamour.com

Day 4, where Kate showed us a more casual, nautical inspired look wearing a military style blazer from Zara, a striped top, a navy fitted trouser and Stuart Weitzman wedges.

Picture obtained from express.co.uk

Coachella 2014 Fashion

Coachella started off our festival season and boy are we excited to see what everyone's wearing. Coachella is essentially the Californian version of Glastonbury, full of celebrities and that jolly festival vibe.

Festival season came at the perfect time this year with the arrival of Kate Moss' collection for Topshop, which channelled the festival chicness. I am impressed with the stars I have seen, bringing the class to classic festival dressing, fringes, crop tops, hard boots. Love.

Here are the stars I think stood out for the most:

1. Beyoncé- on stage with Solange wearing a Topshop tropical print number.

picture from graziadaily.co.uk

2. Kendall Jenner- bringing us a darker side, with a lace cape.

picture from hollywoodlife.com

3. Selena Gomez & Kylie Jenner. Selena wears a mesh floral dress and biker boots. Kylie wears a top, hot pants, studded bun bag and boots.

picture from hollywoodlife.com

4. Ellie Goulding- who performed on the first day, wearing a black leather bondage number + waistcoat.

picture from hollywoodlife.com

Look of the day

Today I'm wearing,

a vintage Prada coat,

Jumper from Primark,

Shirt from Asos.

Look of the day

I'm wearing, 

Shirt from H&M

Pendant from Own

Leather jacket + hoodie from Zara 

Look of the day

I'm wearing,

Bomber jacket from River island

Shirt from Asos

Pendant from Own

Happy birthday Marc Jacobs!

Today we celebrate the birthday of one of the most influential American fashion designers to date, Marc Jacobs. For it was he who re-invented the house of Vuitton, created an internationally successful brand of his own, discovered the British beauties of today, (Edie Campbell and Lily Mcmenamy) and who we wished had continued as designer at LV. 

Spring cologne for men

I have decided to go a bit off the topic of Fashion and discuss men's fragrance. This is my list for a perfect spring/summer odours for men:

1. Burberry Weekend- (I have this) A very pleasant citrus based scent with strong notes of grapefruit and tangerine. Perfectly subtil and lovely male cologne.

2. Calvin Klein ONE- This was the scent that kicked off the hype of unisex perfumes, and I have to say it is a good one. It is very fresh smelling, equally balanced tones of citrus and a certain spiciness. I definetly recommend it.

3. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver- This is quite an up-market scent, well it is Tom Ford. It is a very masculine, buisness like and contains a generous quantity of luxury. Notes include, vetiver (an oil from Indian grass, smell varies), subtil citrus and spice. 

4. Prada Luna Rossa- A very rich Italian scent, aromatic yet with a fresh spicy ambiance. It has a very intense note of lavender also.

5. Armani Code Sport- Extremely aromatic, and citrus based. It screams action and adrenaline with hints of a darker side to the Armani man.

Some may not consider them very spring-like but I'd wear them any day, if I could.

Top shoes for Spring

Its all about flats this season from masculine to sporty, from chic to casual, from patent to pastel, everyone wants to get their hands on some.

1. Skate Shoes- the epitome of modern day fashion. Bringing comfort and that urban edge to the streets. Even if you can't skate, they're still great. Designers have really made them popular with the prints, metallics and audacious detailing.

2. Ballet flats- the classic yet most chic shoe of them all, mixing class with comfort. For Spring try livening it up a bit with a bold colour or a subtil pastel. Definitely a wardrobe essential. Timeless.

3. Espadrille- quite the beach accessory, from what people say, not particularly comfortable, but pain is fashion. Chanel do some to die for, recently seen on Kourtney Kardashian.

4. Pointy Flats- not everyone's favourites, but nice when worn properly. They scream elegance and sophistication, very 50s and I always think of Audrey Hepburn when I see them.

5. Slippy Sandals- creating more masculine and a sporty vibes to the new season. Not forgetting the comfort of the flat shoe. Last year, Celine did some amazing fur soled sandals, which was a must have.

Look of the day

I'm wearing, 

Bomber jacket from River Island,

Scarf from Jack Wills,

Shirt from Asos,

Skinny black tie from Asos

Kate Moss for Vogue

Kate Moss is considered a legend in fashion. She brings glamour to the world and she is the 'it girl' of this generation. 

Appearing on the cover of Vogue this month, her 35th for those who are counting, not just modelling but advertising her new Topshop collection (in stores 30th April). In the mag, model Freja Beha Erichsen wore a few of the pieces in a shoot styled by Kate.

Kate said in a video that "this collection is a bit more sophisticated. Everything in the collection is something I would definitely wear". From what I've seen in the magazine, the vibe she is creating is more hippy, festival chic. This couldn't of come at such a better time, as we are pre-coachella!

Look of the day

I'm wearing,

Leather jacket from Zara

Sweatshirt from Hollister

My own pendant

Trend report- Rainbow luxe

Spring was here no time at all this year, along with the rush of colour sent through the spring/summer collections. The catwalk was transformed from the rich leathers and plaids of fall to the audacious primary colours and intense technicolour of spring.

One designer who showed probably the most extravagant yet bright collection was Miuccia Prada. The collection was a rainbow, infused with sportswear (tube socks featured widely), jewels and beading, luxury and pure Prada cool. She showed a range of textured coats with portraits of women printed onto them. The finale piece, was a strapless dress, covered in embellishments and half a rainbow.

This was a beautiful and playful show.

Other designers followed the trend such as Chanel and Fendi, who incorporated a couture feeling to the clothes. Fendi using ombré effects with bright blues and corals.

Cara does YSL yet again!!!

Anyone who knows me well will know about my massive obsession with Cara Delevingne! The first time I saw her grace the Burberry catwalk, i knew she would be a star, for sure-(The perfect Cupid-bow lips and bold eyebrows). And now look at her a year or so on, it girl, face of Chanel, launching her own bag collection for Mulberry, star of numerous fashion and beauty campaigns, 2 British Vogue covers and given the title of 'supermodel' at just the age of 21, I think that is amazing!

Cara has worked with the house of YSL a lot recently, she has starred in about 3-4 of their renouned beauty campaigns, including this one for Baby doll blush, pictured-with American model, Ondria Hardin.

I know that one day she will be the next Kate Moss! 

Yves Saint Laurent Film Review

YSL, one of the most influential fashion couturiers, and also subject of this incredibly stylish biopic.

Set in Paris, it shows brief episodes from his upbringing in French Algeria on preparation for his first show to his roller-coaster rise to fame, first at Christian Dior then to his own brand. It also showed us views into his private life, his relationship with his buisness partner and lover, Pierre Bergé; who braved Saint Laurent's numerous amount of gay affairs and stood by him through depression and stopped him from ruining his career.

Towards the end, all the events came together, the drugs, the depression, the affairs, and ended in a way that we weren't so suprised would happen. However I did enjoy that they used the authentic vintage pieces from the Saint Laurent archives, such as the 'Mondrian' dresses, which were shown at every possible moment.

Overall I think this is not a film everyone should be running to go watch, I think their aim was to reinvent and publicise the house of Saint Laurent, but what Yves did over the years, with reinvention could never match up.

            

 

'Mondrian' dress 

Vogue Festival 2014 Review

The moment I found out that the tickets had been booked for Vogue Festival, I nearly cried. Me being me, the preparation leading up to the event was certainly fierce, I felt in need to dash out the cash and go for a Spring online shop and oh boy it was worth it.

If I'm honest, I was pretty shocked when I found out the ticket price was a good £40, seemed a bit extortionate for a one hour talk, but when I entered the foyer, it was truely enchanting, like all the pages of Vogue come together to create a small but extensive fashion bubble, full of Vogue nic-nacs that you would've dreamt about but never thought it would be a reality,such as the Vogue shop, Vogue café, kerestase hair bar, Harrods juice bar and champagne bar, not to forget the freebies! I was actually a tiny bit dissapointed with this, even though I was in my own little world, because I think the Vogue team should of made it more friendly for men, and I know Vogue is directed to women, but some men enjoy fashion too, like myself. Maybe a suggestion for the future?

The talk I went to see was 'Want to work in fashion?', the reason why i chose to see this is because A) I want to work in fashion and it seemed almost practical for me B) I wanted to catch a glimpse at some of the fashion icons. The talk was delivered, panel style, by Alexandra Shulman, Lisa Armstrong, Sarah Burton (OMG), Daniel Marks and Louise Wilson. It was truely mind blowing to sit in the same room as Sarah Burton. The talk was chaired by the deputy editor of Vogue Emily Sheffield. I found the talk ok, most of it was cliché, but that was kind of expected, it wasn't the most amazing advice, but I did learn some things. I just loved being there, in that place, surrounded by the fashion world.

At the end of the talk, we all tottered through back to the foyer to enjoy the rest of the Vogue treats, and then there she was, KARLIE KLOSS, the 6ft 3 supermodel and Victoria Secret angel, handing out her newly famous 'Karlie's Kookies' to people. Of course I was like a squealing mouse when I saw her, so were thecrowd of a thousand people assembled around her. Overall this day was literally the best experience ever. THANK-YOU VOGUE<3