Pre-Party Inspiration

This gorgeous photo of Carey Mulligan from this evenings Moet British Independent Film Awards got me thinking, what on earth should one wear to a Christmas party?!

Prabal Gurung has been worn by every hot-young-thing in recent weeks and this dress looks as though it was made for Carey. Unfortunately Prabal Gurung is a little out of my price range (OK so it's massively out of my price range) but I really love the simplicity of this look and think we should all take a leaf out of Carey's book this Christmas. 

I've put together 9 going-out looks for the inevitable onslaught of festive parties and although I'm a creature of habit, mainly a LBD habit, I've experimented with a touch of colour. What do you think?

Topshop never fails when it comes to party dresses, cheap and cheerful is definitely going to be my motto this season and these outfits won't break the bank. Unless you've got superhuman powers then black tights are an essential this time of year and all of these looks are great with or without. 

From left to right: Antonio Barardi dress, Charlotte Olympia heels. Christopher Kane dress, ACNE wedges, Mary Katrantzou dress, YSL heels.

Matches, although on the slightly expensive side, has more amazing dresses than you can poke a stick at. I'm particularly fond of the Christopher Kane number and have been drooling over all of the shoes since I first clapped eyes on them; the ACNE wedges have been in my sights for quite some time now, early Christmas present to myself? I think so.

From left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim dress, Marc Jacobs bad. Issa dress, Valentino bag. Marc Jacobs dress, Herve Leger clutch.

The OutNet has some great party-pieces but I wasn't so taken by the shoes and have instead replaced them with bags instead - a girl always needs a good bag, right? These dresses scare me a little because they're so colourful but I'd happily wear any of them because they're so pretty. 

I definitely think its all about fun mini-dresses teamed with black tights for Christmas because everyone's so god damn depressed at the minute. If you want the designer label but not the designer prices, head over to Girl Meets Dress where you can find hundreds of gorgeous dresses to hire. You only need wear something once and they have a massive selection - perfect for partying! Check it out, you might be pleasantly surprised.

What will you be wearing this Christmas? Will you keep it simple like Carey or go the whole-hog and don all the tinsel you can find?

photos from matches.com, topshop.com, theoutnet.com and justjared.buzznet.com

LFW Issa

I'm still not really sure about Issa last night, there were the makings of a good collection but everything seemed a bit too mismatched. The alien 'cone' shaped quiff and dark lips made a bold statement and yet the clothes, well, didn't.

I loved the shoes (a recurring theme this season!) in all their beaded glory but I wasn't so keen on much else. I was indifferent about the headscarves and the dresses were just so, smart - completely out of context from the accessories. The models were unusual choices too - Alice Dellal and Eliza Cummings; more Christopher Kane than Issa.

(Abbey was an hour late for the show and was literally pounced on by hair and make-up)

Alice Dellal is so beautiful in person; she always looks quite tough in editorials but she has one of the prettiest faces I've seen for a while. 

It's a shame because last season the clothes were spot on, I think Daniella Issa Heyalel needs to find Issa's personal identity, and fast! Although I'm glad Fashion Week hysteria has subsided, this week has just been crazy fun.

What have been your favourite shows from London and who was been the best dressed celebrity?

All photos taken by me, do not copy/use without permission!

LFW ISSA

Karolin Wolter

Chanel Iman

Abby Lee

Laura Blokhina

Daisy Lowe

Naomi Campbell

Issa was, well, incredible. I was left speechless on more than one occasion and not just because of the collection. I'm a self-confessed Abby Lee addict so when she walked through the door I almost had a heart attack. The same goes for Coco Rocha, Chanel Iman and of course the formidable Naomi Campbell.

When I'm able to actually write anything useful or coherant regarding Issa and Fashion Week in general more posts will ensue. I am still starstruck / speechless.