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

Milan Fashion Week: Jil Sander AW11

My personal style isn't exactly what I'd call 'polished' therefore I often struggle to relate to the Milan shows; however, there are a couple of designers that I couldn't miss (Prada, Fendi, D&G and Gucci - although this season I was supremely disappointed). Jil Sander is one of those labels that has minimal-chic down to perfection although maybe this is because Raf Simons is at the helm - either way, there's always something really great from every collection. Here are my favourite looks from AW11 that carry on nicely from last seasons simple maxi-skirts...

The first thing that I noticed were the black, pointed, heeled wedges which have been styled brilliantly with bare legs and unstructured dresses. I love the outsize silhouette, especially on the pale grey maxi and teal bubble-dresses - Raf is the master of making something simple extraordinarily beautiful and this collection is no exception. I've noticed quite a few low ponytails on the catwalk this season but I think it's a really difficult style to pull off unless you have the bone-structure of a skeleton. 

This collection isn't for everyone but then not everyone could wear it - you need great legs and even better shoulders to not be drowned by these looks. What do you think, would you be able to wear these looks as they are or would you mix it up with black tights and a pair of statement boots?

Photos from style.com

If You Only Have Love For Your Own Race...

That's right, I just used a Black Eyed Peas lyric for a title post. I do, however, find it very apt in relation to this gorgeous editorial from Vogue Italia. Beautiful, isn't it?

When I look at these images, I don't think 'Vogue are really wonderful for using black models'. I think 'this is a great editorial' and 'I really love the styling' so what is it about using all black models that is so shocking/empowering/contemporary because forgive me for being ignorant, shouldn't we be past that by now? I think there's something very sad about using 'all black' models as a statement as it only highlights the inequality still evident in society. Racism is obviously still a massive issue and Vogue should have made this beautiful editorial about showcasing the clothes - nothing else. 

Sadly, it seems, this still isn't possible, even in the open-minded world of fashion. What are you're thoughts on this subject? Also, having seen that incredible Jil Sander crop-up twice now (Drew Barrymore wore it on the red carpet and looked fab), I really hope an affordable high street version appears because I love it!

photos from thefashionspot.com