Collaboration Alert: Mary Katrantzou + Current/Elliot

This is an interesting collaboration. Mary Katrantzou is mostly known for her print work and she works well with colour, whilst Current/Elliot is an all American brand. So, you will see lots of print work, denim and blue coloured hues all combined into dresses, jeans, shorts and tops. Each piece also has clean silhouettes and flattering fits. I think the designers have worked well in combining both of their own aesthetics in this collection.

If you haven’t worn print before it’s time you started to experiment with these statement pieces and get used to individual print separates and even print on print. Overall, the collection is light, fun and great to wear this Summer!

Its Back...The Slogan Tee

They’re back, the Slogan Tees. These were spotted on the runways of Marc Jacobs, Acne and the House of Holland. The great thing about them is they can be easily styled with leather jackets, jeans, skirts, heels, flats and even dungarees with no fuss. So do you have a favourite from the High Street?

Interview with Sara Darling

Here's my recent interview with stylist Sara Darling: 

1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am a freelance fashion/wardrobe stylist, fashion editor and journalist

2. Why did you want to become a fashion Stylist?

I have a degree in journalism and started my career at The Face magazine in the late nineties. I was working on reception, hoping to work my way up, but kind of fell into styling.

3. Did you have any experience in fashion before becoming a stylist?

I have always been interested in fashion, and used to wear some crazy home -made ensembles, but I didn't realize I could make a career out of it before I worked at The Face magazine.

4. Can you describe what type of stylist you are and the work that you do e.g. Personal?
I am a working stylist- so I do whatever styling that is involved to pay the rent! This ranges from fashion editorial shoots, to brand campaigns, TV commercials and music videos. I am currently in Beirut, working with a Dubai client on their fashion brand launch shoot.

5. What has been your dream job or your dream client?

I worked with Helena Christensen on a Habitat campaign, and I shot a high fashion editorial in the middle of the Cannes film festival which was crazy but fun!

6.  Who has been an inspiration to you?

I love the eccentricity of London and the UK as a whole. People are really adventurous and eclectic.

7. What have been the most valuable lesson or challenges that you have learnt in this industry?

Remember people's names!!!

8. What are some of your favourite places to shop?

Charity shops, TK Maxx in the sticks for the best rummaging, and foreign countries for unusual local finds.

9. What tips would you give anyone who is starting out in fashion?

Get used to loooooong days and lots of running around- its not all champagne for breakfast- that comes later!

You can have a look at Sara's portfolio here

Thanks for your time Sara x

Jewellery Editorials

When you’re flicking through your pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar or Elle you normally come across some jewellery editorials. These are pages are there to promote jewellery brands from designers or the high street.

Usually the Editorials are styled to enhance or draw attention to the jewellery, which is understandable as customers will need to see the pieces. A stylist would normally style the jewellery pieces on a model or with other props. If the jewellery is styled on a model it is normally exaggerated as the stylist would use many jewellery pieces to create the look which would be perfect for an editorial and also helps to promote the jewellery brand. 

The stylists job would be to create a look which is contemporary but not over- powering. Emphasis is normally on how the jewellery pieces are styled and how well they fit together, so colour and proportions and the brief would normally need to be considered. Have a look at the examples above. These examples are all styled creatively with a theme in mind.

Here is a Chanel AD Campaign which is to promote the Chanel Brand, but the emphasis is also on the jewellery pieces that are styled to create an Indian inspired look. 

Chanel’s Metier d’Arts Paris-Bombay Collection is styled by the former Paris Vogue Editor Carine Roitfeld and shot by Karl Lagerfeld.

Paper Crown Spring 2013 Collection

This is the new SS13 collection by Paper Crown which is a label  by Lauren Conrad (you may know her from the Hills). She has kept the collection very simple by choosing a pastel colour palate. She has included various blue hues, white and a touch of peach.

You can tell that she was inspired by where she lives as the collection is full of summery laid back separates. The whole collection represents minimalism with a touch of prints, stripes, a little shimmer with feminine silhouettes. I can definitely see Lauren Conrad easily wearing all these pieces as they do represent her personal style. Overall, I think its a balanced collection. What do you think?

You can have a look at the full collection here

Add these Necklines into your wardrobe...

I think that most women forget that necklines are an important part of any piece of clothing. It can help complement the shape of your face, the neck and your decolletage  The neckline can simply influence the style of the garment that you are wearing. There are various designs that can look good on all dresses and tops.

Sometimes it can enhance a garment whilst other times it is the main feature of a garment. Next time you pick out a garment and see if you can identify the neckline. You will see many fashion designers who will opt out in trying out different necklines to help give their designs that extra something. 

Here are some suggestions to necklines that you can identify and hopefully add into your wardrobe:

• A V-neck is the simplest and the most classic neckline. This shape can be seen on any type of garment and on any type of fabric.

• The Boat neckline has a broad opening as it sweeps from one side of the neck to the other. This type of neckline reveals  a little of the shoulder area.

• A Scoop neckline resembles a U –Shape that is curved. This type of shape cuts across the neckline and dips low at the front.

• The One shoulder neckline proves to be popular on dresses. This is an asymmetrical neckline. It usually starts at one shoulder and cuts across diagonally. Usually starts, from one shoulder and across under the other arm.

• The Halter neck is popular in the summer. It has two straps from the bodice that meet at the back of the neck and creates a plunge at the front. This type of design is popular on tops and dresses.

• Another simple neckline is the Square neckline. This is where three straight lines join together to create a square. This type of neckline works well on a variety of garments and fabrics.

• The Sweetheart neckline resembles the top half of a heart. It normally concaves and meets in the middle. This neck designs also accentuates the decolletage.

There are also many other varieties of necklines that would look good on everyone. Try to spot a funnel neck, drape neck, horseshoe, envelope and a keyhole neckline next time when you’re out shopping.

Why not add some variety into your wardrobe!

SS13 Ad Campaigns

Here's some of the Ad Campaigns for SS13. What do you think?

Find The Perfect Pair of Jeans!

One of the biggest problems that all women have is finding the right pair of jeans. Sometimes they're too tight, uncomfortable or don’t complement your body shape. The best thing to do is find your body shape (apple, pear, hourglass, athletic and petite) as this can help you find the perfect pair of jeans that fit well.

Here are some tips for different types of body shapes:

Curvy Curves:  For you the best fit would be the classic or relaxed fit, which should be worn on the hips. It’s best to avoid a tight fit because it will make you feel uncomfortable.

Heavier Thighs:  For you the best pair of jeans is the boot-cut. This helps to balance out your legs as well help you to look good. It’s best to avoid high wasted jeans as they won’t do justice to your shape.

Short Waist: Try out the hipster, and simply avoid high waists.

Petite: Try out a straight pair of jeans with a long leg and it should be worn just above the hips. You should try to avoid wide legs or low cut jeans as they can make you look shorter.

Curvy but a Small Waist: Try out a pair of jeans that is straight but has a stretch. Make sure the pair of jeans is tight. Once again its best to avoid a high waisted pair, as it can make you look out of proportion.

Boyish Figure: Try out a low rise straight leg or a high waisted pair. Avoid jeans that don’t add curves to your body.

The key is to shop for your body shape and these are just small tips that can help you in choosing the right fit.

So good luck in finding the right pair of jeans, when out shopping!

The DVF Mantra iPad Case

I have just come across these cute Mantra iPad Cases from DVF. This case is available in red or metallic leather for £127. The cover of the case is embedded with a quote and signed by Diane Von Furstenberg and finished with a gold zip closure. The case from the inside is also very versatile with elasticated corners to hold the iPad in place. I also like the fact that it has pockets so you can carry cards and any documents with you at all times.

One of the main reasons that this case stood out for me was because of the quote by Diane Von Furstensberg: "WORDS ARE POWERFUL, USE THEM CAREFULLY"- short quote. I'm a big fan of accessories, so I think this case is kind of cute!

You can purchase your DVF case by clicking here.

Three Floors Fashion AW12 Editorial

I love this editorial by Three Floors Fashion. I think all the creatives involved on this shoot have done a good job of creating a visual story!

Art Director: Han Chong

Photographer: Takahito Sasaki

Stylist: Ozzy Shah

Assistant Stylist: Keena Liew

Hair: Takuya Morimoto

Make-Up: Jennifer Mika Avins

Love Fashion Sales!

Do you love Designer Clothes from your favourite brands? Then look no further as LOVE FASHION SALES is the perfect site for you. This is an on-line site that carries all the designer labels that you can think of, ranging from Topshop, Roberto Cavalli, Kurt Geiger to Michael Kors.

It's very simple to register the site for free. When you log onto the site you will have to fill in a registration form. The next step will provide you with a list of designer brands and a list of high street labels. You will then have to choose all your favourites, and will have the  option to choose from over 7,000 + Brands. Lastly you have the chance to choose the category of clothing that you would like e.g- Dresses.  

The last section is about you for example, your dress size, shoe size and lingerie size. Finally you get to choose a budget and the frequency of emails you would like on the deals. I think that this is a great idea especially if you have a budget. You will then receive deals from your favorite designers in your sizes. Then all you will have to do is choose and pay!

The Versus Watch by Versace

P.S- Also available in Black !

Pantone Colour of 2013 is...

..Emerald Green 

Animal Instinct at ASOS

Mono Tiger Jumper-£30.00

Panda Jumper-£30.00

Petite Bulldog Jumper-£30.00

Scotty Dog Jumper Dress-£38.00

Owl Jumper-£30.00

Cat Face Jumper-£32.00

Sugarhill Animal Jumper-£48.00

Sugarhill Foxy Jumper-£48.00

Cat Jacquard Cardigan-£30.00

Paw Print Jumper-£32.00

Cat Jumper-£32.00

Tiger Jumper-£30.00

I've just stumbled across these jumpers from ASOS and they're just so cute to wear this winter. They're all  made from cotton blends and so would definitely keep you warm. Each jumper has some kind of animal design on it like an owl, panda or a fox etc. I would have to say that my favourite would have to be the Monochrome Tiger Jumper...I love the monochrome aspect of it. These can be easily paired with a pair of skinny jeans or a pair of shorts for a laid back look. They're comfy and warm and perfect for winter. I think ASOS definitely have the most adorable jumpers, don't you think! 

Take your pick by clicking here

Chocolate Boutique Anyone?

Unfortunately The Chocolate Boutique doesn't sell any chocolate, however they do sell a variety of collections from Independent Designer Labels. This boutique carries a large amount of clothes, jewellery and accessories...all selected form the owner Jo. She makes her choices on brands that she could relate to, or is fond of their creations.

Personally I love boutiques which carry independent designer labels. I think customers get to choose good quality clothing etc... from labels that have limited distribution. This way whatever you choose to buy you can be sure that it's unique and it can bring something different to your outfit.

I was fond of all the accessories at the boutique especially all the jewellery pieces. See all the images of the jewellery pieces and see what I discovered at the boutique below.

The Chocolate Boutique carries a variety of Independent designer labels including: Anna Scott, Noa Noa, Peppercorn, Sandwich, Desigual, Bohemia, Heather, Lavard, Yumi, Uttam, Millie K, Girls and Pearls.

The Young Republic Xmas Collection

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present? Then have a look at the Young Republic Christmas Collection. Young Republic is an online retailer that is passionate about representing many new collections. I think it’s great to see that they represent many independent brands, labels and designers from all over the world (Sydney, NY, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Madrid etc). It’s even better that you can shop the Christmas collection online by clicking here, for great gift ideas for anyone in your life. I've searched the gift guide and I would have to say that I love the gifts for her (for the obvious reason) but also for the home. I think there's something for everyone and there's so many unique gift ideas, all under one site (Which is a good thing!) So what would be your favourite collection from Young Republic?

The Design Company

I’m really fond of intricate things for the home. So recently I visited the Design Company which sells beautiful home ware and furniture. This is a small boutique, which carry a large amount of furniture including, coffee tables, bedside tables, room dividers, decorative stools and chairs. And on top of that that they sell the smaller intricate things that make a house a home. I really loved the mirrors, frames, lanterns and the wooden quote signs.

This is a great place to order gifts from, like cuddly flora door stops or frosted filigree tea lights at reasonable prices. To have a look at the selection of furniture, gifts and home ware ideas then click here.

These are some of the collections that they carry:

     Marrakesh Blackened Silver Collection

       Funky Retro Inspired Collection (Love this Collection)
  Animal Print Collection 

Take a look at what I've discovered!