Style Envy: Frida Gustavsson

I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to off-duty model style: I'd quite happily spend hours looking at street-style websites ogling at images from various fashion weeks. Stockholm Fashion Week doesn't officially kick-off until Monday but the brilliant Craig Arend from Altamira has already captured this gorgeous photo of one of the most stylish models around, Frida Gustavsson.

From top to bottom: Prada, House of Harlow 1960, Miu Miu, House of Harlow 1960 and Thierry Lasry

The black tailored jacket and cropped trousers are a models style-staple - the statement necklace and oversized sunnies just add that certain je ne said quoi that us ordinary folk don't always pull off so stylishly. With Stockholm and then New York Fashion Week just around the corner, we're going to be seeing a lot more images like this and I for one can't wait. Do you have a favourite model and are you excited about Fashion Week?

Photo from www. altamiranyc.tumblr.com

Shopping for: Gothic Glamour á la Vogue Paris

The whole 'gothic' trend has been bubbling up from the streets for quite a while now; Underground brothel-creepers, upside-down crosses, ripped t-shirts, fishnet tights and a healthy dose of purple lipstick  recently infiltrated the wardrobes of every cool-kid on the block. However, it all got incredibly tacky and cringeworthy as soon as Rihanna and Topshop jumped on the bandwagon; think Courtney Love meets Hannah Montana. Scary, right?

Saying that, the brilliant Katy England (along with a whole host of talented stylists) has managed to take the trend back into fashionable territory. Gone are the 90s platforms and dodgy dye-jobs - gothic glamour is all about an inventive use of texture and shape, death-defying heels and clever accessorising.

Mert and Marcus photographed the stunning Saskia de Brauw (above) and Kate Moss for the September issue of Vogue Paris and I think the editorial perfectly encapsulates what the gothic glamour trend is all about. There are so many incredible pieces around and the moment, both designer and on the high-street that it's hard to pin down any one look. Always one for a challenge...

From left to right: coat by Mandarin & General, jeans by Nok Nok, sunglasses by House of Harlow 1960, top by Preen, scarf by Beta Fashion, heels by Alexander McQueen, ring by Kat&Bee, bag by Christian Laboutin and necklace by Topshop.

This is definitely a safe look compared to what the East London kids are championing right now but then again, there's a very fine line between looking 'cool' and just looking like you're in fancy dress. I know which one I prefer...what trends are you loving for Autumn/Winter 2012?

Shopping for Pastels with Vogue China

 

I often find that international issues of Vogue are much more exciting than the British version, and this beautiful editorial from Vogue China's March issue is no exception. I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore 50s fashion and think that modern interpretations can frequently be a bit too 'fancy dress'. However, the stylists at Vogue China have done an amazing job at modernising the era; the leather jacket, the pastel shades, the hairstyles - all exude 50s connotations but aside from the props, the clothes are contemporary. 

If you've ever met me, you'll know that I'm probably the least likely person to embrace pastel shades for Summer; mainly because I just don't suit them. With that in mind, using the 50s as inspiration is a great way to flaunt pastel shades without looking too 'sugar and spice'. I'm not suggesting you go out in a head-to-toe 50s look but instead, take a key piece or colour and work from there:

Top row: Jaspar cropped trousers by A.L.C, printed bustier by McQ Alexander McQueen, pleated skirt by Topshop, sequin collar shirt by Miu Miu, Chelsea sunglasses by House of Harlow 1960, perspex clutch by ASOS. Bottom row: geometric clutch by DKNY, silk-satin trousers by girl. by Band of Outsiders, floral pencil skirt by Marni, socks, glasses and shoes all by Topshop.

 Cropped trousers are one of the best items to invest in this Summer because they can literally be worn with everything; bright colours and great prints will carry through brilliantly to next season. If, like me, you're quite scared by wearing too much colour, accessories are the next best thing for trying out pastels - shoes, socks, sunglasses and bags are all super easy (and cheap) to integrate into your wardrobe.

Will you be investing in pastel shades this season? Now that Paris Fashion Week is coming to an end, I'll be posting some trend-reports for Autumn/Winter, let me know your thoughts!

Photos from fashiongonerogue.com

London Fashion Week AW12: What I Wore (In My Head...)

I'm not actually attending any Fall/Winter London Fashion Week shows, nor am I going to any after-parties or events - I won't even be going down to Somerset House to have a gander at all the fashion peacocks. However, if I had a limitless bank account, if it wasn't absolutely freezing and if I was in attendance, you'd probably find me wearing something like this:

From left to right. (Top row): KARL Sachi faux-leather skirt, Topshop denim shirt, Alexander Wang cropped sweater and Diego ponyskin bag. (Bottom row): Vintage military jacket, Eddie Borgo cone bracelet and bear-trap bangle, Topshop ankle socks, Acne Pistol boots, House of Harlow 1960 Armour Claw ring and Linsey sunglasses

Everyone loves a bit of imaginary shopping, right? Unfortunately for me, this outfit costs in the region of about£2500 so I'd have to sell an arm or something to even consider being able to afford it. If you were given the chance to buy that designer piece you could never realistically afford, what would it be? I hope everyone is having a great time at fashion week!