Oh, well, what could a girl wear?
I am not quite sure how I feel about getting excited about Autumn/Winter 14, when 13 is not even over and I am so looking forward to Summer – in my head, I just have all shades of pink, canary yellow and chartreuse and longing for extended daylight.
However, I just loved the chance to be surrounded by trends and so many exciting clothes, footwear and accessories at Pure London Fashion trade show. And now I feel mentally prepared (and with a list to what look out for!) for at least 2 seasons!
My first outfit post of 2014! Whoooa!
Of course, there are some that were actually worn in 2013 (don’t tell anyone!). It is that time of the year where I start to lean towards colour. I know we are not even halfway through winter and this year has been quite mild. But it id depressing nevertheless and I am spending my days dreaming of bright yellows and a plethora of shades of pink… Come on spring, hurry up!
Floral dress from In Love with Fashion, black court shoes from Christian Louboutin (Pigalle 100), necklace from Primark, bracelet from H&M, rings from Sobral, H&M and Topshosp.
And here is the last of the outfit posts for 2013. As promised, after the latest jumper fest that was my previous post, I’ll give you sequins!
Thanks for being around in 2013 – and here is to more outfits in 2014!
Black loose crop top with sheer panel from Forever 21, black, gunmetal, green and blue sequin pencil skirt from Topshop, black patent court shoes from Christian Louboutin (Rolando), necklace from New Look, rings from Accessorize, Forever 21, H&M and Topshop.
Blue, red and white blouse from Primark, full midi skirt with sheer panel from Boohoo, black and white court shoes from Viviana calçados, necklace from Accessorize, rings from Forever 21, Primark and Topshop.
White crop top from Miss Selfridge, black cigarette trousers from Topshop, black court shoes from Christian Louboutin (Decolette 100), necklace from Primark, rings from Sobral, Zena & Me, Topshop, Stella & Dot.
Floral long-sleeve playsuit from Forever 21, black court shoes from Christian Louboutin (Decolette 100), necklace from Primark, rings from Topshop and Primark.
Red Christmas jumper with snowman and leather effect skirt from Primark, black leather ankle boots from H&M, necklace from Primark, rings from Topshop, New Look and Primark.
Christmas is upon us and 2013 is almost over… I haven’t posted an outfit selection for a while, so this is a bit of a random mix of work day to day work attires and only one night out one!
I promise the next one will be more festive, and might even have sequins…..
Grey full midi skirt from Primark, black cardigan with white bows and necklace from Primark, shoes from Viviana, rings from Accessorize, Forever 21 and Topshop.
Faux leather effect plaited skirt and Mickey Mouse jumper from Primark, black ankle boots from H&M, necklace from Primark, bracelet from New Look, rings from Disney Couture, Primark, H&M.
Burgundy crop jumper from H&M, black faux leather pleated skirt from Primark,black leather ankle boots from H&M, necklace and bracelet from Primark, rings from Topshop, H&M and New Look.
Black crop knitted jumper and red tartan skirt from H&M, black leather ankle boots from H&M, necklace and bracelet from Primark, rings from H&M, Topshop, New Look and H&M.
White leopard crop box top from Boohoo, black trousers from Topshop, black leather court shoes from Christian Louboutin (Pigalle), necklace from Miss Selfridge.
Going straight to it: I was blown away by Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore exhibition at Somerset House in London.
If you can, get yourself there now and feast yourself on Isabella’s fabulous life. Well, at least the part that is shown, which I find only fair, as it is a celebration of all things Issie. Despite all the unhappiness and tragedy throughout her life, as Philip Treacy said, “Nothing about her was tragic. She was triumphant”.
Isabella Blow, fashion editor, consultant, muse and nurturer of young fashion talent was born English aristocracy and started her career as Anna Wintour’s assistant at Vogue US, only to come home and head fashion for Vogue, Tatler and The Sunday Times.
Her quirkiness, creativity and wonderfully outrageous fashion sense was more than evident in her wonderful fashion edits. Sadly, her personal life was plagued by depression, infertility, cancer and multiple suicide bids, which eventually materialised, taking her away in 2007.
Blow is credited to discovering Philip Treacy, Alexander McQueen and Julien MacDonald, amongst other designers, and also models.
It was no surprise I would love the exhibition, being the huge millinery fan I am. Treacy’s amazing head pieces are an integral part of the exhibition, dotted around all over the place, as well as McQueen pieces – and I really like that the their stories appear entwined as they were in real life. It proves it takes one talent to know one. The what I now call “Blow triad” is very palpable: head in Treacy, body in McQueen and feet in Manolo Blahnik.
From all the wonder of feasting my eyes with glorious garments, a few caught my eye, including the fabulous Deborah Milner, A/W 1997 red velvet coat with fur collar. Sigh…
Another interesting aspect is the state of her personal garments. They show wear. And tear. This is something really important to me, as although I don’t share her careless attitude to these expensive items (she famously left shoes at the back of cabs – God forbid I will EVER do that; just the thought makes me shiver!), I believe every item should be worn and enjoyed to the maximum. Yes, a scuff, a stain might look ugly, but it gives the item life and tells a small story itself. And I think that is why they didn’t restore items.
In the various areas of the exhibition, we are taken through her life, her style, her influences and the celebration of British.
***SPOILER ALERT***
And the finale almost brought a tear to my eye – McQueen’s S/S 08 fashion show, a collection in collaboration with Philip Treacy and dedicated to Isabella after her death. The pieces are breathtaking, as well as the closing with the legacy of the unique legend that was Isabella Blow.
I had great fun and learnt a fair bit. I left with a sense of sadness for the losses fashion, and creativity, suffered. But I am also grateful for the legacy, nicely condensed and exposed here, for all to see.
The Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore exhibition is on at Somerset House until March 2014 and you can book tickets via their website.
Image credits: Somerset House, Vogue UK and Design Scene.
Snow PR is just around the corner from my work and I was really glad I made it to their Spring/Summer 15 preview.
On the ground floor, they had all the premium and slightly above high street designers ranges. Beautiful prints, bold colours dominated the rails. I was particularly drawn to the stunning leathers from Muubaa – their pewter-ish holographic top, skirt and dress are to die for. Amazing pieces.
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Jewellery designer Joanna Hynes displayed a capsule clothing collection, with her signature perspex pieces. A crop top with dangly blue and black perspex shapes really caught my attention and I think is quite wearable!
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Ilse Jacobsen displayed beautiful prints – particularly like the printed suit and a colourful rose print pair of trousers, as well as a super delicate white daisy embroided peplum top. Really wearable and elegant pieces for the coming season.
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Also fond of Baum und Pferdgarten’s loud graphic prints in blue. Leopard print, which is a perennial favourite of mine feature in usual colours, but also in royal blue with sequins. Nice.
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Downstairs, they had their high street range, and the pieces on display were from the Autum/Winter 13-14 collection, so ready to wear NOW!
Quiz Clothing is very affordable and has great pieces. Their going out and party dresses are very good value for money. They also had lovely winter jumpers and separates – love the “studded” bodycon skirt and oversized cream crop top with a necklace. They also have accessories and shoes, so great for that party look on a budget. I would happily wear quite a few of their items, so it was a great discovery for me.
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Another brand I came across and really liked was Madam Rage, they have lovely dresses! I totally fell in love with an embellished jacquard dress in blue, which is part of their Frankie Essex collaboration line, and will soon be available. Cannot wait! They are also very affordable.
My favourite dress from Madam Rage!
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Also, I had to include these gorgeous Modalu handbags – look at the ombre on that. And I hear they are bringing great colours for the next season, here is a teaser!
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These events get me all excited for the next season, and for a minute, I forget I have to brave the cold… brrrrr
What do you think of the pieces?
At the beautiful Choccywoccydoodah secret garden, Chase PR has shown us some of their clients new collections for the next season.
The garden is indeed quite secret – I had no idea it was sitting at the top of their building. And yes, it is a garden, with a bright green fake grass floor, benches, plenty of flowers and my favourite spot: a romantic rope swings with roses at the top.
Fuelled by plenty of sugar and delicious coffees, hot chocolates and juices, we waltzed through the goodies.
Their clients include Elie Tahari, Julian Hakes, French Connection, Red or Dead and LaidBack London, Sebago bringing in the shoes, Transitions lenses, which were in the quirkiest frames, Chesca and Red or Dead clothes and Storm watches and jewellery.
My picks are the rose gold watches from Storm, as well as some of their rings, the French Connection black and white slingback, Elie Tahari’s metallic pink high heel sandals and a zipper stiletto and the amazing Bocca glasses frames from Face a Face with Transitions lenses (which I am absolutely in love). I couldn’t leave Hakes’ Mojito engineered shoes out – although I prefer the black to all the amazing patterns they had on show.
Thank you so much Chase PR for having me that morning, especially to the lovely Charlotte who showed me around!
And judging by the looks of the collections, it seems warmer weathers is not the only thing to be looking forward to for the next season!
Autumn is definitely upon us. Summer already seems a distant memory. although I prefer the warmer climates hands down, I enjoy dressing for autumn; there is an excitement about the new collections and it is not yet so cold you cannot even think!
So here is my latest selection of autumnal outfits. I am loving tartan. Always have, so glad it is out there. Also happy to see leather for another cold season. And animal print (for me, it is always in fashion anyway).
I am absolutely in love with this red vintage inspired dress from Hearts&Roses London from Sirens and Starlets, necklace from Forever21, black court shoes from Christian Louboutin, rings from Forever21, H&M and Topshop.
Knitted black cropped jumper from H&M, blue, green and black tartan trousers from Primark, black leather ankle boots gift from a friend, necklace from Primark, rings from Sobral, Topshop and H&M.
Midi tartan a-line skirt from Zack London, black long sleeve crop top from Primark, black cour shoes from Christian Louboutin, necklace from Miss Selfridge, bracelet from Primark, rings from New Look, and Forever21.
Black skater skirt from H&M, red tartan turtle neck crop top, fringed ankle boots, red socks and bracelet from Primark, rings from Sobral, New Look, H&M and Forever21.
Black cardigan with embroided white bows, black top with white collar and grey denim skirt all from Primark, black leather ankle boots gift from a friend, bracelet from Primark, rings from Forever21, Sobral, H&M and Topshop.
What are you loving for the new season?
Osiris glasses from Specsavers
My wardrobe is quickly morphing into a more sober autumn selection, and although I am very excited about the new season collections, I am really upset I have barely put my legs out and they already need to go back into tights… sad…
Here is my latest outfits selection:
Royal blue crop top from New Look, midi full skirt from Topshop, nude peeptoes from Jimmy Choo, necklace from Forever 21, rings from Forever 21 and H&M.
Black crop top from Topshop, beqach print skirt from a little shop in Stratford (bargain alert!), white block heel sandals from Topshop, necklace from Forever 21 and rings from H&M and Forever 21. 
Black, white and grey tartan blouse from Primark, black skater skirt from H&M, black patent court shoes from River Island, rings and bracelet from New Look. 
Black and white carton print crop top from primark, black trousers from H&M, white stilettos from River Island, necklace from Primark, bracelet from Miss Selfridge and rings from H&M, Primark and Forever 21.
Leopard print crop top from Primark, black skater skirt from H&M, black fringed booties from Primark, necklace from Topshop and rings from H&M, Topshop and Primark.
What about you? What have you been wearing? Are you also feeling thorn about the weather change?
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Here is my latest outfit selection – absolutely in love with this 50’s inspired dress – definitely my favourite outfit for a long time!
Hearts & Roses 50’s style dress (from Sirens & Starlets), black court shoes from Christian Louboutin, necklace from Forever 21, rings from Forever 21, H&M, Topshop and Primark. Lisptick is MAC Russian Red.
Outfit #2
Beach scene print dress from Primark, nude slingback sandals from Topshop, broderie anglaise bolero from Brazil, necklace form Forever 21, rings from Forever 21, H&M and Topshop.
Maxi dress from Miss Selfridge, nude slingback sandals from Topshop, necklace from Primark, rings from H&M, Forever 21 and Topshop.
Blue graphic print t-shirt from Primark, black cigarette trousers from H&M, black patent peep-toes from Ibiza, necklace from Primark, rings from H&M and New Look.
Tulip blouse from George at Asda, pleated skirt form Motel, black patent peep-toes from Ibiza, rings from New Look, H&M and Forever 21.
So Many Lovely Things 