Kate Bosworth aka Coachella Queen

Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the last few years, you'll know that Kate Bosworth is the queen of Coachella style. With an enviable wardrobe of Isabel Marant boots and signature Ray Ban sunnies (there's a distinct lack of rain at Coachella), Kate always sets the bar high in the festival style-stakes.

If you've ever been to a festival in England, you'll know that wearing short skirts and ankle boots is about as practical as using a chocolate teapot; it's almost always guaranteed to rain and even if it doesn't, the fields are usually so waterlogged you'll need waders to get anywhere. With that in mind, us girls love to ignore the severe weather warnings and follow Kate's lead when it comes to festival fashion. I sadly won't be attending any major Summer events this year but that hasn't stopped me thinking of what I would wear to Glastonbury or Latitude:

From top left: Gianni Versace rucksack from Nines Vintage, denim shirt by Bella Dahl from Spotted on Celeb, For Love and Lemons dress from Spotted on celeb, Maven cuff from neony, Jean Paul Gaultier sunglasses from Nines Vintage, Jalan Jalan silver cuff from neony

This vintage Gianni Versace rucksack is great for keeping the essentials safe (vodka, lipstick, wet wipes) and it looks pretty darn cute too. I'll be the first to admit that a maxi-dress isn't particularly festival friendly but it would look fab, especially with the silver cuff and Jean Paul Gaultier sunnies. Are you attending any festivals this year and if so, are you more of a practical Paula or fashionable Flora?!

Spotlight: Mara Hoffman

I'm a little bit obsessed with US designer Mara Hoffman's prints. A native New Yorker, Mara Hoffman first caught my eye a couple seasons back in 2012 and I have since fallen in love with every one of her collections. I'm probably the last person you will see wearing head-to-toe print but there's something about Hoffman's designs that makes me want to embrace the trend; from the bold, acid colours to the effortless silhouettes, there's something about Mara...

Mara Hoffman SS13

Mara Hoffman

The AW13 collection is quite literally to-die-for though it's probably more suited to the English summer rather than winter. Regardless, I'm super excited because Spotted on Celeb stock her designs which means that I can now indulge in my print obsession without the expense of international shipping!

If you're a fan of celebrity style and LA designers, I'd thoroughly recommend you check out Spotted on Celeb - a UK website dedicated to finding the latest celebrity fashions (think ASOS but with real designers, not copies). Not only do they stock Mara Hoffman but they also have great brands like Wildfox, LNA and exclusive to the site, For Love & Lemons.

In an attempt to coax the sun out of hiding and in honour of Mara Hoffman, I'm going to make it my mission to whip-up a head-to-toe print look for work this week so I'll let you know how I get on. Do you know of any great shopping sites? I'm always open to suggestions!

Shopping for: Statement Jewels

Beautiful jewellery means the difference between a good outfit and a great one; it's always worth investing that little bit more because a) the chances of it making your hands/neck green are minimal and b) you're going to have it for the rest of your life. I've been dreaming of these little beauties for a while now...

1. Origami at neony.co.uk 2 & 3. Kat&Bee 4. Christian Lacroix at Nines Vintage 5. Smith/Grey at The Label Line

Kat&Bee creates some of the most eye-catching, unique jewellery I've ever seen and this ring with turquoise beads and gold skulls is incredible - I have an unhealthy amount of rings in my jewellery collection but a girl can never have too many!

Are you a fast-fashion, green-fingered jewellery wearer or an investment buyer? I think it's safe to assume that most of us are both but it never hurts to have a little splurge!

Model Off Duty

I officially have a girl crush on Frida Gustavsson. There are few people whose personal style I'm interested in keeping up to date with but Frida consistently looks amazing; last week she embraced classic tailoring and looked super chic, this week she's whipped out the Air Max and denim shorts and still looks incredible. What a babe.

From left to right: Jil Sander sweater, Kenzo sweater, Thom Grey varsity jacket, vintage varsity jacket from Rokit, Nike Air Max 1 trainers, Adidas Zx 500 trainers

I absolutely adored Kenzo's AW12 collection and have been dying for an excuse to post about this sweater - isn't it amazing?! Varsity jackets are fairly unknown territory for me but I'd really like to invest in one - Frida's jacket is a New York Yankee's jacket but there are millions of vintage options about, it's just finding one that fits! I'm a huge trainer (sneaker, whatever you want to call them) fan and bought several pairs when I was in New York so this whole look appeals to me massively; whack on a decent pair of denim cut-offs and you're good to go!

What do you think of Frida's look; are you more of a 'classic tailoring' or 'sweater and sneakers' kind of person?

photo from Altamira

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?

Wednesday Weakness: Cobalt Blue

Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Mary Katrantzou and Preen

To some, it might seem rather odd to have a colour as a fashion weakness, however, if you've been paying attention to the catwalks for Fall/Winter 2012, you'll know that cobalt is set to be a massive trend. Along with tangerine and fuchsia pink, cobalt-blue is one of those colours that Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada (aka Anna Wintour) would rave about until it went into the sale. The best way to invest? Buy something now, especially if it's in the sale!

From left: J Brand waxed skinny jeans, Alexander Wang striped sweater, Rimmel eyeshadow, ASOS clutch, Urban Outfitters platform brogues, Swatch watches. 

What colours will you be wearing next season? 

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

Fashion Week Favourite: The Friendship Bracelet

Friendship bracelets are one of those things that come and go within fashion on a regular basis. There's no telling who sparks the trend each season because it changes so often: Madonna sparked a red-string frenzy with the Kabbalah associated bracelet whilst fictional character Ivy from 90210 spurred every bohemian teenager to pile on as many woven and leather variations as the wrist would allow.

It's nice to think that friendship bracelets are slowly acquired by means of actual friendships but more often than not, they were bought in Topshop because someone saw Abbey Lee wearing some. You get the picture.  Either way, whether you genuinely want to offer someone a symbol of your friendship or if you just want to look insanely popular, there are some really great options on the high-street at the moment:

From top: woven bracelets with silver detail, Lucy Folk. Cobalt Keepsake and Jade Keepsake, Mia Lia. Skull bracelets, ASOS. Silver skull bangle, Alexander McQueen.

Though the term 'friendship bracelet' usually evokes imagery of little girls weaving string hooked around their toes, it doesn't mean they have to be traditional. Mia Lia has some really gorgeous designs that don't cost the earth - these adorable beaded bracelets come in a variety of colours and would make the perfect Mother's Day pressie, no? I usually wear my own friendship bracelets until they break and to be quite honest, the idea of having to take them off scares me a little! 

What do friendship bracelets mean to you: are they simply a fashion statement or do they have a greater meaning? 

Photos by Tommy Ton, from style.com

The Kids Are Alright...

On Friday, I was invited to don my wellies and attend the Underage Festival in East London, courtesy of Claire's Accessories. Although I'm definitely not underage (the festival is only open to 13-17 year olds) I went along to check out a few bands and get style-envy from some of the girls there; seriously, when I was that age I was so un-stylish it's not even funny - these girls are really on it! I didn't have the chance to go to any other festivals this year so I was actually rather excited (despite being about 4 years too old).

They had everything on site that a regular festival would have (although I think they slightly underestimated their target age with a mini-carousel) but Claire's really upped their game and whacked a styling caravan in for good measure. Now, I haven't set foot in a Claire's Accessories for years, but after visiting the store and checking out the quirky little style-mobile, I have to admit I'm rather impressed.

The lovely Amy from Wolf Whistle and myself we're well on the obligatory festival uniform of hair-plaiting/face-painting that took place in Claire's caravan; I mean, when else is it acceptable to regress 15 years and actually have an excuse for drawing a butterfly on your face? Some ass nicked my favourite pair of vintage sunnies (sorry mum) from the VIP area so the Claire's girls came to my rescue with the bad-boys from the middle picture - how fun are they?? 

I only really saw a couple of bands (including an intriguing trio whose lyrics "she must be a lesbian" made us all cringe/laugh quite a bit) but the day was massively fun either way. Sadly, the sunnies aren't available on the Claire's Accessories website so I've pulled 3 of my favourite things instead, what do you think?

What has been your favourite festival style this year? Mine was (and probably always will be) the whole crop-top/denim cut-offs/Dr. Martens and coloured hair look - it never fails! On to other news, I paid for my apartment in Williamsburg today so if anyone has any 'must-see' tips for when I'm in New York then please share!

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?

Silver Fox

Don't worry, I'm not going to go all comic geek on you (google Silver Fox if you're a little baffled), instead, after my somewhat prolonged absence from the world of blogging I decided to get back into the swing of things with a rather beautiful photo of Ashley Smith. If you've read Bang Bang You're Dead before, you'll know I became kind of obsessed with Ashley about this time last year and I'm still fascinated.

I know Ashley splits opinion across the board - I've even heard people say she's too big/short, but I think she's gorgeous and am glad to see she's still going strong in fashion. This photo is from Muse Magazine's summer issue and although I'm still not 100% on the whole metallic thing, I think this editorial is stunning.

Now, I wouldn't usually condone the wearing of metallic jackets, or anything metallic for that matter, but having scoured the internet I have come to the conclusion that it isn't actually so bad - well, silver isn't anyway. These 3 bags are as far as I'd go with the trend (I'm still stuck in a colour rut) so I'm kind of intrigued how everyone else would do it? Accessories are always the cheats way out but unless you want to look like some dodgy 80s throwback, then it's probably also the safest.

From left to right: Miu Miu, Ralph Lauren Collection, Stella McCartney @ net-a-porter.com 

What do you think? Hopefully I'll be able to get back on track with blogging (I blame too much beer and not enough sleep for lack of posts), I'm currently waiting to hear back from an interview I had last week so fingers crossed people!

photos from fashiongonerogue.com 

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

Lara Bohinc for Turning Leaf

Things have been a little stressful at the moment, it's all deadlines this and essay's that, so when the lovely people at Turning Leaf invited me to a wine-tasting evening at The Assembly near Spitalfields, I couldn't say no.

Turning Leaf is a premium Californian wine brand and one of their wine makers Stephanie, was on hand to answer any questions (I'm known for turning into a bit of demon after drinking wine so I was glad to learn more about the stuff!). The evening was in aid of the Turning Leaf Lara Bohinc collaboration, how beautiful are these bottles?!

We sampled 5 of Turning Leaf's wines and considering I'm not a massive wine drinker, I really enjoyed each and every one. My favourite was the Turning Leaf Chardonnay - it had these lovely sweet aromas that I've never noticed in a wine before; it's amazing how much you notice when you know what to look for!

To accompany the wine was an array of yummy food's - a girl can never turn down a good chunk of Wensleydale.  Below is just a smidgen of the tasty goods on offer...

The limited edition bottles have been designed by Queen of luxury Lara Bohinc and have been laser-cut - they look really impressive on the table and we all agreed that they'd make great candle holders when the wine had been devoured. If you're still stuck for present ideas then these would make a great gift for someone a bit trickier (think in-laws or your sibling's other half).

The Turning Leaf Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Edition bottles are both available to buy now from Lara Bohinc's store on Sloane Street for just £35. Whether you wanted to drink the wine or not, they'll undoubtedly become a collectable in their own right so snap yours up before they sell out!

photos by Patricia Niven and Turning Leaf

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

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

Paris Fashion Week: Anne Valerie Hash SS11

It's pretty depressing seeing so much flesh on the runway when it's pissing it down 24/7 and the mere thought of wearing shorts gives you goosebumps. However, thanks to Anne Valerie Hash (and Fendi, of course) I'm actually looking forward to next years summer wardrobe.

Don't get me wrong, I love the sun but up until now the winter wardrobe has always been my favourite. However, Hash has pretty much banged the nail on the head, the layering is there (an essential during winter) as are the neutral shades, loose-fitting shirts and super short skirts.

The hair and make-up are spot on too: messy ponytail + natural face = summer ready. Seeing as camel has been tipped as 'the colour' for AW10, you could get the essentials for next season now - just check out Topshop's range of goodies...

Whether you try it now or next year, make sure you're wearing enough layers to clothe an army. What have you loved/hated about this season? I'm still rather out of the loop but London seems to be the best out of all the cities so far, then again Paris is quite an opponent...

photos from style.com and topshop.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

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