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!

Pretty in Pink

Katy Perry is one of those celebs I just can't get my head around; sometimes I think she's really great (her music definitely falls into the so-bad-it's-good category) but then others times I think she's a right idiot (the whole comment about Lady Gaga being blasphemous in her Alejandro video is a bit rich coming from someone who 'kissed a girl and liked it'). Anyway, recently, she's kind of just fallen off my radar - until I saw this photo...

And so, Katy Perry has jumped on the crazy-hair-colour-bandwagon and is currently sporting this washed out pink look. If you've been anywhere trendy recently (East London/Williamsburg/Berlin - you get the picture) then you'll already know that coloured hair is so last season; however, I'll give Katy brownie points for trying because I actually think it really suits her. 

Having coloured hair is great (mine is currently red, original I know) until you realise how much maintenance it requires. Obviously, this isn't an issue for the super-rich but for the rest of us, well, we can't all afford to go to the salon every time we have a fading dilemma. My advice then, is to invest in bright accessories that you can wear without fear of staining your white top every time it rains. Here, ladies and possibly gents, are some fun pink things to stop you from doing a Katy the next time you get bored...

Clockwise from bottom left: Balenciaga Paper A4 bag, Alexander McQueen clutch, Swedish Hasbeens, Selima Optique glasses and Topshop blush in Pinch.

It's fair to say that colour-blocking isn't going anywhere fast so mix-and-match for the best 'end of Summer' looks. For something a bit tougher, I'm absolutely obsessed with these adorable pink Dr.Martens - how great would they look with lacy white socks and denim cut-offs??

Not so long ago I mentioned that I had some very exciting news and so, on the 4th September I'm moving across the pond to New York to build up my CV within the big bad world of PR; I'll try and blog when I'm out there so keep checking back! What do you all think of Katy's new hairstyle; does it suit her or should she leave the pink locks to trendy hipsters?

Look of the Week: Leopard Print

Leopard print is one of my favourite fashion statements. This gorgeous photo from a recent editorial in Elle Turkey is a great example of how to wear leopard print...

To me, this outfit is near perfection: casual yet chic. Not wanting to go all Gok Wan on you, I've put together a couple of looks incorporating a leopard print harem from Motel; what do you think?

Parka from Rokit, bag from Topshop. Leather jacket from Topshop, shoes by Burberry. Top from Topshop, shoes by YSL

These particular trousers are a little bold for my liking but you get the idea. Look 1 is my take on the Elle editorial - finding a decent parka proved rather difficult but they definitely are an investment, I've worn mine all winter! Look 2  is more of a going out look - a decent pair of black heels and leather jacket will never let you down. Look 3 would see you through day, night and even the office (depending on your tolerance for wearing 5 inch heels all day); seeing as fashion week is fast approaching, I think it's time I tried some of these looks out!

Is anyone else as excited about Fashion Week as I am? Obviously seeing the collections is amazing in itself but I can't wait to check out the model's street style this season too. What will you be wearing over Fashion Week?

photos from fashiongonerogue.com and individual store sites

Swinging

Whilst catching up on the latest season of America's Next Top Model (and procrastinating from dissertation hell) the postman delivered my latest purchase. Feast your eyes on these little delights...

I wish I could say I bought all of the above but the slinky trousers are in fact the only thing I purchased. Still, I'm quite impressed with myself. As you may (or may not) be aware, anything colourful or with legs scares me a little so these are quite a treat and also a bargain at £15! I am posting this because I have a conundrum and I know all of you wonderfully fashionable people can help me out. 

How the heck do I wear them?! I don't want to mimic the 70s and yet I don't want to step into the realm of colour, it's a toughie. I figured the hat and fur vest would look nice but maybe that's a bit too safe...I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you think would look best. 

For now it's back to the dissertation but please, if you have any advice - hand it over!

All clothes from topshop.com

Tis The Season To Be Jolly

Ok so Christmas is just a stone's throw around the corner (19 days, to be precise) and if you're anything like me you won't have even thought about it until now; don't get me wrong, I love giving people presents, but finding great gifts is one of the most traumatic things in the world. This year however, things are going to be different because being in London, I'm surrounded by amazing boutiques and gift shops - all selling perfect Christmas presents waiting to be bought.

Here is a small selection of some of the things that have caught my eye so far, how cute are the Stella McCartney Days of the Week knicker Set?!

Days of the Week knickers by Stella McCartney and playing cards by Lanvin @ Matches. Silver bag by Topshop. i-D Covers book and cat plate by Donna Wilson @ Magma. Red Fisheye camera by lomography.com. Moustache brooche by Tatty Devine. Pom-pom mittens by ASOS. Crossbone ring by galibardy.co.uk. Christmas Cookie candle by Yankee Candle.

All of these beauties would make great stocking fillers or secret-santa pressies as they're all within a reasonable price range. It also helps that I'd be more than happy to receive any one of these for Christmas so if anyone is stuck...well, you get the idea.

What will you be asking for this Christmas and what are the best and worst presents you've ever received?

photos from individual web pages

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

Back to Basics: Mary-Kate Olsen

It's been coming for some time, but Ashley Olsen move over - Mary-Kate has officially taken over in the style stakes. I didn't want to admit it, but she is definitely the more fashionable twin these days and their recent trip to Paris proves just that...

Sticking to what she knows best in black layers, MK came out on top. I know I've been talking of experimenting with colour recently but until there is a need to do so (summer isn't until next year, after all) I'm going to make like Mary-Kate and go head-to-toe black. Predictable? Yes. But you can't say she doesn't look smokin'.

There's a million and one black pieces out there just waiting to be bought - my winter coat included - but here are just a few pieces you could start with, I'm especially taken with the YSL heels...

Coat, Alexander McQueen. Heels, YSL. Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs - all at Net-a-Porter.com. Felt Hat, Topshop. Silk Blazer, Issa at TheOutnet.com.

Do you have a favourite item in Mary-Kate colour of choice? I'm looking for the perfect black winter coat, so if you know of anything particularly special, let me know!

Photos from the fashionspot.com

Rachel's Short Love Story

Rachel Bilson is one of those amazingly consistent celebrities that you can always rely on to be stylish, but not too stylish. A bit like Kate Bosworth or more recently, Jessica Alba. Her style isn't outrageous and it doesn't push any boundaries, but she always always looks great.

After being scolded by all the fashion magazines this summer, I was a little worried about the fate of the denim short. Rachel clearly didn't get the memo (or just ignored it entirely) and I'm so glad; my denim short's are my summer staple. High street denim can be a little tacky (think obligatory studs/rips) therefore I generally opt for second hand or vintage - teamed with a cute shirt and killer glasses, you've got a perfect summer outfit for both day and night...

Top and middle row - all clothes from Rokit. Bottom row - all clothes from Topshop.

I guess another reason I love her is because she's tiny like me, it's hard knowing what kind of styles would suit you when you're looking at girls that are 5ft 9+, so thanks Rachel.

What do you think of Rachel, ok so she's not Rihanna or Lady Gaga, but you can't say she doesn't look fab?

photos from justjared.com

Hello Sunshine

You know it's summer when you can eat breakfast outside and not be cold; I'm so glad the sun has remembered us Brits, the whole Arctic April scenario was getting a little bit ridiculous. 

With sun (or summer in general - England isn't exactly known for it's warm climate) comes the onslaught of music festivals; what better way to spend a weekend than drinking beer and watching bands as the sunsets? Last month, it was Coachella that really raised the bar for festival fashion - forget denim cut-offs and straw hats, this summer it's all about vintage pieces, floppy hats and super-cute accessories. 

Of course, not everybody has access to showers, clean clothes (three whole outfits, for that matter), a bed, a hair-dryer or make-up therefore Kate's killer Coachella look is more aspirational than anything. Aside from the obvious - beer, tent, sleeping bag, food, more beer - here are a few of my festival essentials that will see you through this season.

Dress, Playsuit, Hat, Orange Sunglasses - Topshop. Barry M Nail Varnish, 

Dry Shampoo - Boots. Wipes - Witch. Wellies - Hunter. Lipstick - M.A.C. 

Leather Shorts - Rokit. Glasses - Alexander Wang. Rucksack - Eastpak

If you've ever attempted to wash your hair under freezing water whilst a queue looks on, you'll know its best avoided - at all costs. Get on the dry-shampoo bandwagon or invest in a floppy hat, with a dash of lippy and a coat of pastel varnish you'll be festival-ready in no time. Swap the denim cut-offs for a floral maxi, sounds impractical but just think, jeans under maxi = incognito. 

If it's forecast to rain, don't think you'll be able to get away with pumps/Converse, chances are they'll be swept away in a torrent of mud, so invest in a pair of decent wellies - I've posted these Hunter wedges before but I can't get enough of them!

I've already bought a couple of maxi-dresses and a load of lipsticks for the festival season, wellies and rucksack here I come! What will you be wearing to the festivals this season, are you trading the denim for a dress or sticking to the traditional festival uniform?

photos from justjared.com

Time-Traveller

If there were ever a model born in the wrong era, it'd be Abbey Lee. Of course Freja Beha Erichsen could give her a run for her money as she regularly looks as though she's time-travelled from the 80's, but Abbey's in a whole league of her own.

"Hey Abbey, the 70s called and they said they want their clothes back!" The furry coat seems to be a particular favourite of hers (although personally I think it looks like old carpet) as do the beaten lace-ups but all joking aside, its pretty refreshing to see a model whose clothes have personality.

I love black clothes, infact I rarely wear anythig but black (unless I'm feeling adventurous in which case I'll probably wear a red scarf or something) but if I was nearing on 6ft and had the pins of a super, I'd definitely venture into colour. Monochrome is just so....plain.

Of course there are the Sasha Pivovarova's, Magdalena Frackowiak's and Abbey's of the world and black is arguably the most practical colour for a model to wear, but it's so exciting when you get a hint of the real them. I'd like to think that Abbey is some free-loving hippy lass with not a care in the world, rather than a serial mourner or nun - god forbid.

I'd also like to think that she'd wear everything from this selection I've put together, not all at once of course - well she could but people might think she's on day release or something...

Severe apologies for the notable lack of newsworthy posts, it seems I'm not so great at time management as I once thought! What do you think, should models stick to the all black uniform or should they mix it up like Abbey? Also what is your favourite era? Mine used to be the 90s but right now I'm really feeling the 70's vibes, maaaaaaan.

photos from altamiranyc.blogspot.com

Cream of the Crop

A few of my favourite shoes were made somewhat redundant over the winter due to the ridiculous weather, it was either a case of wear Dr Martens or get wet feet and clearly, wet feet wasn't an option. Because of this I got stuck in a rut and solely wore skirts or leggings - trousers were altogether out of the question.

Now that the weather's being a bit more reasonable, I can venture back into trouser territory or more dauntingly, the land of jeans. I've always been a bit scared of jeans because they're so hit and miss and the perfect denim usually is something of a myth to me. BUT with the help of my trusty brogues (think Ashish AW10/11) I'm on the hunt once more...

I recently had a look at MiH's AW collection and I couldn't believe how soft their jeans were - I'm literally in love with the panelled Vienna and The Paris is such a beautiful cut. One Teaspoon is another brand I came across on my hunt and OH MY GOD I wish I'd discovered them earlier - their jeans/clothes are to-die-for. I want everything from their online store, check it out - you'll understand why!

My brogues have already had an outing with my Levis 501's but this bunch tells me that they're going to see a whole lot more of London in the near future. What are you looking forward to wearing and what do you think of the whole panelled/coloured jean trend?

Photos from www.mih-jeans.com, www.net-a-porter.com, www.oneteaspoon.com.au, http://asos.com, http://www.topshop.com, http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/

Accidents Happen

Everyone gets the whole 'fashion' thing wrong sometimes; however, doing it more than once tends to raise eyebrows. Collectively, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have my dream wardrobe - there was Mary-Kate's Balmain phase in 2007 which I would kill for, and Ashley's amazing red carpet ensembles.

Saying this, they don't always get it right. In fact, Ashley (usually the more preened of the two) got it horribly wrong at the Art of Elysium/VERSUS event on Friday night.

The shoes, the lace/jersey combo, the leather jacket tied around the waist? It's all wrong. Mary-Kate on the other hand looks amazing - I'm loving the cobalt blue dress teamed with the leopard print jacket. (an MK and A staple).

At first sight Ashley doesn't look that bad, but when you examine the outfit as a whole it just really doesn't work. At all. I said a month or so ago that I wished Ashley would step up her game, because at the moment, Mary-Kate is steaming ahead in the style stakes - and this doesn't exactly help her cause.

I'm optimistic because this is clearly just a phase, she will start dressing better soon; and when she does, I'm willing to forgive and forget. In the spirit of positivity, I've put together an outfit with my new essential, the khaki short, and Ashley's downfall - lace. Will you be wearing the khaki short this summer?

Shorts, Wedges, Crop - Topshop. Glasses - Rokit. Shorts - Urban Outfitters. Bag - Net-A-Porter.com.

I was a bit scared of trying the lace-cycling-short-under-khaki-short trend because I've got short legs but all this sun has given me the confidence. What do you think, has Ashley lost her style or is this just a bad fashion moment? 

Photos from net-a-porter.com, Topshop, Rokit, Urban Outfitters and thefashionspot.com

Airport Chic

I never used to like Victoria Beckham's style (although I don't know anyone who actually did) but I've been converted to the Posh side.

I absolutely loved her AW10 collection at Fashion Week and think she's really emerged as something of a style icon over the past year or so. It's very much a love/hate thing with Victoria and you either get it or you don't. Even though that whole WAG phase (circa extensions, tan, boobs) was horrendous, you can't deny that it created a following - mainly of gypseys but a following nonetheless.

At least her latest phase is generating a stylish following, myself included (I'm not really a Victoria girl, but that doesn't mean I don't think she's cool - which she is, by the way).

Here's my interpretation of Victoria's airport look - notice how airports bring the best out in her?

Leggings, Shoes: Topshop. Balmain Jacket, YSL Cuff: Net A Porter, T-Shirt: French Connection

Admittedly the t-shirt isn't great (I'd wear a plain American Apparel V-Neck with this outfit) but the rest is something I'd definately wear. Well, who wouldn't wear Balmain? I've developed an irrational fear for wearing trousers but Victoria (and Rachel Bilson) have made me re-think my phobia, sort of.

What do you think, Victoria Beckham: stylish or not?

photos from justjared.buzznet.com, topshop.com, frenchconnection.com, net-a-porter.com

Look-a-like

I know, I know, I know - I need to post about someone other than RiRi, Lady Gaga, Freja or Abbey. I just can't help but love their personal styles. Freja always looks the part in band-tee's, skinny jeans and combat boots (black of course), Gaga in something amazingly crazy, Abbey in maxi-dresses and biker jackets and Rihanna in whatever's hot.

Since the SS10 shows last September, Rihanna has really emerged as someting of a fashion-powerhouse. It seems that most of what she wears, with a few exceptions, looks really incredible; and she has been known to look a lot better in outfits than the catwalk Size 0's - an achievement considering she's not waifer-thin.

I've rummaged around and found a couple of recent 'street style' shots which I think look great on her and that can be replicated at a reasonably decent price. Admittedly, I would never wear Look 3, but it just reminds me of her Pon De Replay days - though I doubt that was the look she was aiming for.

Blazer, jumper, bag - Topshop. Glasses - ASOS. Boots - All Saints

Leather sleeveless jacket, long sleeved top - Topshop. Gloves, necklace - ASOS.

Top - Elizabeth & James @ Net-A-Porter. Jeggings - Topshop. Necklace, ring - Asos.

I will start posting about different people, it's not fashion ignorance - I promise! Who are your modern style icons?

photos from justjared.buzznet.com and thefashionspot.com

Best Dressed...

I've really become more of a dress girl this past year. I used to live in jeans and only ever wore dresses for occasions because I thought they were too girly. However, recently there have been so many dresses that I LOVE, its hard to avoid them any more.

I'm never going to be a prom dress kinda girl because I'm too scruffy and just can't handle the idea of having to keep something clean. I've just ordered myself a basic black jersey maxi-dress from ASOS which I'm sure I'll have fun accessorizing (I'm thinking boots, leather jacket and rings). Here are just a couple of outfit ideas I thought were cute - I'm pining for a nice mac and this one is lovely although I doubt it's an outfit I'd realistically wear.

The second outfit is definately something I'd wear and I love that burgandy colour with grey and black.

all clothes from TOPSHOP

Alexander Wang dress, Marc Jacobs leather jacket, Fendi ankle boots,

RayBan glasses, Miu Miu leather bag, all from Net-A-Porter.com

What outfits are you loving at the moment and how would you change my choices?

SANDAL LOVE

As summer is fast approaching, we can finally leave the house without 2 pairs of socks and a snug pair of winter boots. However, this presents an entirely different problem in that a good pair of sandals are hard to come across. If you've paid over the odds for a pair that slice your toes, heels and any other part of your foot, they're not good. No Matter how 'pretty' they are.

I have bought the mission of finding a comfortable, affordable and 'pretty' pair of sandals upon myself as I can't walk around Barcelona with bleeding feet this summer. My all time favourite gold Kurt Geiger wrap-around-the-leg gladiators are on their last legs, so I've found some potential replacements for under £75. Although it sounds a ridiculous amount of money for a sole and straps of leather, if it means reducing the amount of unbearable blisters I usually contract over summer, then it's worth it.


TOPSHOP (both £40)



OFFICE (black and silver 'Hold Me Back' £65, white Lux Gladiator £40)







ASOS (£75 by Steve Madden)





Now all that's left is the comfort test. If anyone knows of any hidden gems from the sandal world, then share the love.

ps. If you know any incredible, amazine, fantastic, musn't-miss shops to visit in Barcelona, pass it on. I leave June 7th and I can't wait!