frumpy to funky

Sorapol AW13 Collection - Immortal

2013-05-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

Sorapol AW13/14 collection titled ‘Immortal’ tells the tale of Xiaohe, a young girl given to a Chinese Emperor as a diplomatic gift.

As she travels through Asia, India and Persia to her final destination, she becomes deluded and begins to believe that she is the ruler of every land she visits, demanding the most exquisite jewels and luxuries.

Designer Sorapol Chawaphatnakul certainly succumbs to these demands with extravagant silk fabrics, lavish prints, detailed embroidery and ornate finishings.

Wooden stilt sandals restrict the models’ walk to a slow pace and elevate the models into her ‘Xiaohe’ regal persona, high above those of her lowly subjects. The ornate headpieces designed by Emily Frances Barrett, give more height and ensure she stands majestically straight.

The collection is a mix of dramatic couture creations and those of elegant and polished Ready to Wear pieces.

For drama the skirt of one heavily embroidered outfit formed a wide and exaggerated fishtail design with the contrasting silk bottom exploding in to a voluminous bubble shape and sweeping the floor with its short train.

The Ready to Wear pieces were equally stunning with tapestry design on coats,

intricate lace and embroidery and flowing silks and chiffons.

Styles ranged from tailored boxy jackets and straight skirts to smooth silk dresses and gowns. Adorned with gold rope piping, shining mirror embellishments,

and my favourite – small colourful pom poms in fluffy faux fur.

Cheer yourself up with a Danielle Nicole bright summer bag. Plus on sale at House of Fraser

2013-05-15T01:22:00.000-07:00

Neon orange Davina cross body bag on sale at £19

Also available in bright pink and yellow

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Danielle+Nicole+Davina+crossbody+bag/184708233,default,pd.html

Sydney Tote – various colours on sale at £53. The navy is available in the stores only.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Danielle+Nicole+Sydney+tote+bag/184708144,default,pd.html

Layla Tote – various colours on sale at £49. The yellow is available in the stores only

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Danielle+Nicole+Layla+tote+bag/184708330,default,pd.html

Layla clutch – various colours on sale at £34. The orange is available in stores only

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Danielle+Nicole+Layla+clutch+bag/184708283,default,pd.html

Quick preview:

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-hof-Site/default/Search-Show?q=danielle%20nicole

Maria Grachvogel AW13 Collection

2013-05-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

Titled Reflection, this collection was inspired by the quiet calm of winter woodland landscapes laid bare.

Artwork is of stark dried branches, decayed leaves and negatives of deconstructive botanical prints. On paper it sounds cold and harsh, but on silk chiffon, satin, velvet and wool it’s a warmer and softer story.

Texture was a key feature with degrade wool creating the illusion through a black and ivory mix.

This leather belted sheepskin coat will definitely keep you warm. Here paired with black sweater and black jacquard trousers. The woven jacquard pattern on the trousers creates an illusion of a vintage embroidered lace overlay and was also seen on dresses, skirts and jackets throughout the collection.

For the first time Grachvogel introduces the more casual skinny stretch pant and teams with her signature artwork print tops. The silk satin blouse is in the white on black negative graphic botanical print.

Wedge ankle boots in artwork printed leather and glossy patent are collaboration with Atalanta Weller

Photographs taken by Christopher Dadey

Stockists: www.mariagrachvogel.com

Flagship store: 18 Culford Gardens, Blacklands Terrrace, London, SW3 2ST

Harrods and Harvey Nichols (London & Edinburgh)

For the shoes: www.atalantaweller.com

Lucky Brand flats at House of Fraser

2013-05-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

Be Lucky and check out these Lucky Brand flats available at House of Fraser at promotional prices.

Annie Loafer shoes (top left and right) Was £81 now £61

Click here for direct link to Annie Loafers

Evia Ballerina shoes (top middle) Was £70 now £53

Click here for direct link for Evia Ballerinas

Bottom left to right

Emmie Ballerina shoes (patterned) Was £62 now £47

Click here for direct link to Emmie Ballerinas patterned

Dove loafer shoes was £62 now £47

Click here for direct link to Dove loafer shoes

Emmie Ballerina shoes (plain block colour) Was £62 now £47

Click here for direct link to Emmie Ballerinas

Heohwan Simulation AW13 Collection

2013-05-09T00:43:00.000-07:00

(shift dress)

May 1968, Paris saw protests and strikes on a grand scale by its young students and workers; a revolution that was cultural and sexual as well as political.

With a collection titled ‘Editorials in ‘68’ Korean born designer Hwan Heo takes inspiration from the French political and fashion editorials of that time and creates a silk collage print of the fashion magazines and photos of the social movement.

As though starting a new revolution of their own, the black and white prints spring to life with splashes of neon yellow and blue.

However it wasn’t the print that was the forefront of this rebellion, but the tailoring. Lines were clean and strong with crisp folded panel detailing. Model wearing ZanZan sunglasses from their Mizaru range

The shift dress of the 60’s was updated in leather with velvet panelling and accessorised with fur details.

The soft velvet panelling brought warmth and extra texture to the leather pieces.

Oversized jackets had seriously dropped shoulders and extra long sleeves

Large zips with elongated puller heads were both decorative and functional. The winter white jacket, embossed with a floral desing.

The polo neck, the uniform of the 60’s Beatniks, was there quietly supporting the collection revolution.

With its stunning ‘white noise’ print, and a slim line nod to Pierre Cardin 60’s style cocoon shape coats.

And for more of a dramatic entrance is this fur trimmed cape coat.

Model wearing Sunglasses by ZanZan – the Avida Dollar range. www.zanzan.co.uk

Sandals by United Nude www.unitednude.com

Photographer Christopher Dadey www.christopherdadey.com

Some pieces soon to be available online:

www.penelopeshoponline.com

Beyonce as Mrs Carter in H&M Collection

2013-05-08T04:03:00.000-07:00

"Beyoncé as Mrs. Carter in H&M” collection is now available. It portrays the idea that all women can be all things: strong, vulnerable, sensual, maternal, fun, flirtatious.

Shorts with beaded embroidery £29.99

Click here for direct link to shorts

Blouse – sleeveless in satin with pearly buttons £9.99

Click here for direct link to blouse

Short figure fit dress in slightly glossy jersey with a photographic print £14.99

Click here for direct link to dress

Bandeau Bikini top in petrol batik design. Decorative metal design at the front. £3.99

Click here for direct link to bikini top

Bikini bottoms £4.99

Click here for direct link to bikini bottoms

Yellow bikini top £7.99

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/08714?article=08714-B

DOLCE & GABBANA, ALONG WITH GIOVANNA BATTAGLIA, CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE DOLCE&GABBANA FIFTH AVENUE FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE

2013-05-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

May 4^th at 0830pm, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana celebrated the opening of the new Dolce & Gabbana boutique at 717 5th Avenue with a cocktail reception hosted by Giovanna Battaglia.

Guests attending the event enjoyed a night of traditional Italian hospitality

and mingled around the spaces of the new store that spans across three floors.

Paloma Faith, Stefano Gabbana, Constance Jablonski, Giovanna Battaglia & Domenico Dolce

Highlight of the evening was an exceptional performance offered by renowned

Metropolitan Opera Tenor Matthew Polenzani and the Soprano Ellie Dehn.

Ellie Dehn & Matthew Polenzzni

Polenzani and Dehn, who were joined by a pianist, two violinists, a violist and

a cellist moved the guests thanks to the most famous Italian Arias that were

 sung throughout the evening and that included La donna e' mobile (Rigoletto),

 Nessun Dorma (Turandot), Casta diva (La Norma), Una furtiva lagrima

(L’Elisir d’amore), Brindisi (La Traviata) and the classic ‘O sole mio.
Dolce & Gabbana supports the Metropolitan Opera thanks to the funding of

all of Met’s titles in Italian for all the Italian operas in the Met repertory

 for the current season.

Guests included:

Kylie Minogue with Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce

 

Gisele with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

 



American actress - Chloe Sevigny



British actress - Emilia Clarke



French art director & model - Julia Roitfeld

Actors Jessy Tyler Ferguson & Justin Mikita

Italian socialite & model Bianca Brandolini

**Refreshments were provided by Ca' del Bosco and San Pellegrino.

New in at Bank Fashion

2013-05-06T03:31:00.000-07:00

Red or Dead maxi dress:

http://www.bankfashion.co.uk/product/red-or-dead-nebby-maxi-dress/033850/

Ribbon ribbed skirts:

http://www.bankfashion.co.uk/search/ribbon%20ribbed%20skirt

Outcast sunglasses:

http://www.bankfashion.co.uk/search/outcast%20dunglasses

Nico Didonna AW13 Collection - The Modern Jazz Era

2013-05-05T02:16:00.000-07:00

Nico Didonna – The Modern Jazz Era

Taking the 1950’s mellow and cool style of jazz, Nico interprets the calming and rich qualities into his collection.

Sharp tailored trousers are given a fluid grace with a matching long skirt piece covering the sides and back

whilst simple silk tops drape around the body as though a just thrown on like a shawl.

Soft leathers and luxurious wools created sharp tailored suits.

Dresses ranged from the softly draped to the more structured

The stand out piece was the black and white gown with panels that twisted slightly as though hugging the curves of the body - so Audrey Hepburn chic.

www.nicodidonna.com

Laura Bailey's new Radley Capsule Collection - Travel Inspired

2013-05-03T03:18:00.000-07:00

Laura Bailey brings out her 2^nd Radley capsule. Inspired by travel, fabric used is light weight canvas in a neutral shade with a tan leather trim giving a vintage feel.

The collection has 6 styles. Here is a glimpse of three of the styles:

Brewster Mini Cross Body Bag – Laura’s favourite for picnics and boat trips. Inspired by vintage camera cases Price £139

http://www.radley.co.uk/laura-bailey-mini-round-cross-body-bag

Blenheim – Multi way Holdall. Laura designed this especially for work to hold laptop and paperwork. Also ideal for hand luggage when travelling. Price £299

http://www.radley.co.uk/laura-bailey-multiway-holdall-tan-12079

Phoenix – Weekender bag. Need we say more? Also shown in the top image. Price £379

http://www.radley.co.uk/laura-bailey-weekender-tan-12080

To view more pieces of the collection go to :

http://www.radley.co.uk/handbags/laura-bailey-for-radley

TK Maxx Silent Disco - Do Your Thing!

2013-05-01T14:28:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday 24th April 2013 the TK Maxx Charing Cross Store became a Shop and Bop 'till you drop destination! If that wasn't different enough, it was also a Silent Disco i.e. only the dancers could hear the music through their headphones.

Julian Hakes X Disney and Marvel = Iron Man inspired Mojito Sandal

2013-05-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Julian Hakes has applied his futuristic and innovative approach to shoe design with the following question in mind – If Tony Stark himself were to design a pair of shoes for Pepper Potts, what would they look like?

Julian Hakes has fitted his signature ‘Mojito’ shoe with an LED light, resembling the ‘ARD-reactor’ that powers Iron Man’s suit, to create a one-off unique pair of shoes in Iron Man’s classic red and chrome suit colours.

‘Because of my design and engineering background, I’ve always been fascinated by Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man comic books and films. The ‘Mojito’ shoe is a result of an architectural driven process’ said Julian Hakes. ‘After realising that only the heel and ball of the feet require support to maximise comfort, I created many different prototypes before arriving at the ‘Mojito’ design – perhaps even rivalling the number of suits created by Tony Stark!’

Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays Pepper Potts in Marvel’s Iron Man 3, is no stranger to Julian Hakes’ work. The movie star donated a signed white pair of Hakes’ ‘Mojito’ shoes to help raise money for ‘Stand Up to Cancer UK’ last year.

‘This collaboration with Julian Hakes is fashion-forward, innovative and really breaks the mould. This unique pair of shoes has done Tony Stark proud!’, said David Lee, Footwear Director for The Walt Disney Company EMEA.

Transitions Optical team up with Frame Designer Face-à-Face

2013-05-01T09:35:00.001-07:00

World leader in adaptive eyewear, Transitions Optical, and highly successful frame designer Face-à-Face, have teamed up to offer wearers the new Bocca style a combination of bright colours, stylish shapes, state-of-the-art technology and superior comfort. The mix of Transitions lenses and Face-à-Face is refreshingly contemporary and should be available from all reputable opticians.

Transitions lenses are high-tech prescription lenses that are designed to adapt to changing light: clear indoors, dark outdoors. Beyond visual acuity, they allow to seamlessly go from low light to bright sun light and everything in between, and enjoy an enhanced vision every day. Transitions has a range of products to fit every lifestyle. Transitions lenses are the optimal balance between outdoor darkness and indoor clarity, with a fast fade back.

Independent Parisian frame designer Face-à-Face has long been known in the optical industry for its original and atypical designs. Since the founding of the company in 1995, the collection has enjoyed enormous success on the export market, and today has a distribution network covering over 50 countries.

Helen Rochfort launches Fairytale Clutch Collection

2013-05-01T02:15:00.000-07:00

Most of us love a Fairytale with a Happy Ending.
If you do and even if you don't, you are going to LOVE these new Helen Rochfort clutches with silhouettes of three fairytale heroines. Depending on your mood or how the evening is going you can ponder on the fate of your clutch princesses:

Alice in Wonderland

Cinderella

Red Riding Hood

These silver framed petite clutches measure 18cm x 10cm x1.5cm deep.
They have a silver ribbon trim and that fairy magic diamante star.
The interior is cream with zip pockets and a card holder pocket.

Will fit your evening essentials: cash, cards and lippie

Price £25

Check them out on:

http://helenrochfort.myshopify.com/collections/hr-clutches-hr-satchel

Bernard Chandran AW13 Collection

2013-04-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Chandran’s muse for his AW13 collection was Dovima, a supermodel of the 1950’s.

This was an era when head to toe glamour was expected and achieved on a daily basis.

The ladylike style is in with cropped jackets and the longer length skirt to the knee and below.

Necklines are high providing more coverage.

But maybe these garments were not as demure as they first appeared. Some of those polo necklines revealed a low and sexy keyhole open back.

Although still covered at the front, other pieces had the added illusion of the dominatrix leather basque sculpting the bust.

Narrow skirts were given playful swishing fishtail hems.

Leather played a key role in the collection. Either as panelling to the silks, or as complete leather outfits and dresses

And did you notice the Balaclava type hats? Chandran introduced these to replace the retro 50s headscarf, updating them to a more futuristic style. An ideal choice for a windy and cold day or if you’re just having a bad hair day.

In between the bold colour blocks of orange, green and royal blue, the collection took on a dreamier softer appearance with silk cloud prints, some with a splash of sunset orange and others with a mist like shimmer.

For a touch of sparkle, intricate beading created branch like designs.

Whilst crystals surrounded the neckline and cuffs making wearing jewellery moot.

Photography by Christopher Dadey www.christopherdadey.com

Peacock Print Kaboom for the Summer from Chinese Laundry

2013-04-30T00:46:00.000-07:00

Available on

www.javari.co.uk

Click here for direct link

Picnic Plimsoles from Sorel - ideal for the Summer

2013-04-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Picnic Plimsole Price £65

Inspired by beachwear from the 1800s, this canvas shoe incorporates the classic elements of an oxford with quintessential Sorel detailis.

Colours: black, mountain (pale blue denim) and light cloud (cream with orange detail)

Click here for direct link to Sorel

Picnic weave woven canvas sneaker Price £65

Inspired by sand shoes of the 1800s

Colours Fossil ( neutral) , Firefly (pale lemon) and nocturnal (mid blue denim)

Click here for direct link to Sorel picnic weave

Caudalie - Winner of Best New Bath and Body Product

2013-04-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

Caudalie Divine oil £27

www.caudalie.com

Julian Hakes Mojito is now an approved brand for Swarovski Elements

2013-04-29T02:54:00.000-07:00

ZDDZ LONDON comes to Wolf & Badger

2013-04-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

The innovative emerging East London based womenswear brand, ZDDZ LONDON is now available at Wolf & Badger at 46 Ledbury Rd Notting Hill London W11 2AB and some pieces online.
ZDDZ LONDON is a favourite amongst celebrities such as Lianne La Havas, Rita Ora, Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud, Nicole Scherzinger, just to name a few.

The following are available online:

Red perforated biker jacket Price £550

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/perforated-biker-jacket/

Ripped Wallpaper shirt – 100% silk with a digitally printed design of ripped posters in bright red, blue and black. Price £350

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/ripped-posters-shirt/

Mixed jersey dress – silk jersey dress with long sleeves, a turtle neck and graphic print in a variety of colours. Price £350

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/mix-print-dress/

Little Mix Press on Nails and Wraps

2013-04-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Little Mix have teamed up with fashion forward nail brand Elegant Touch to create their very own range of press-on nails and wraps!

Boho rock chick Perrie goes for the romantic starry night effect for her press on nails. For the nail wraps it's a darker Gothic grunge night.

Hip-hop diva Jesy chooses the biker chick look with silver studs and chains for her press on nails. Her nail wraps have a POW effect with comic book slogans on a bold red brick design.

Glamour icon Leigh-Anne take her Jamaican roots as inspiration and chooses her favourite colour green to be included in the designs. With her nail wraps she playfully doodles with graffiti on grey brick designs..

Trendsetter Jade goes for sophisticated black tie glamour with gold hearts and cute tuxedo. For her nail wraps she goes lighter and girlie in pastels with bows and hearts.
Available from

www.newlook.com

Nail wraps price £4.99 and Press on nails price £5.99

Look Hot whilst burning those calories with Zaggora SS13

2013-04-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Zagorra has brought out their key hot products for SS13 using their patent pending fabric that burns more calories whilst you work out by raising your core body temperature.
The Coola Bra Price £30

Fast drying material especially designed to keep you cool and fresh Removable cups to protect the bust Odour neutralising sports mesh.

Colours:

Zesty lime, lemon and orange.

Calming blue and pink

Neutral black, white and grey

The Light and Flexible Hot Top Price £50

Here their new patent pending fabric targets the upper stomach and back.

Key product features:

Fast drying smart fabrics to keep you cool and fresh.

Four way stretch

Special sports mesh neutralises odour.

Colours:

Hot colours: fuchsia pink, crimson and purple

Cool colours: gray, blue and black

Hooded body blazer Price £80

Here the patent pending fabric targets the upper body, arms and stomach, but not the bust. There are special cooling panels to be sure it doesn’t slim on the bust.

Viva Hotpants Price £50

Below the knee, the patent pending fabric gets your legs hot from waist to knees .

Five vivid colours with bold contrast stitching:

Orange with fuchsia piping, and fuchsia with orange piping.

Lime with turquoise piping.

Turquoise with orange piping

Lemon with lime piping

Available on www.zaggora.com

Mar Mar Studded Jewellery From Mayas Closet

2013-04-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

What About Love pieces are by Mar Mar available via

www.mayas-closet.com

Gold plated and featuring a purple heart with edgy gold spikes.

Ring £167

http://www.mayas-closet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MC-M-R2

Necklace Was £203 sale price £155

http://www.mayas-closet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MC-M-N1

Earrings £223

http://www.mayas-closet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MC-M-E1

QVC Launches Lisa Snowdon Jewellery

2013-04-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

QVC launched an exclusive new jewellery range from British radio, TV presenter and model, Lisa Snowdon. Having had a hugely successful modelling career and now established as one of the UK’s most successful female broadcasters, Lisa has now turned her hand to designing jewellery, creating her first collection for QVC.

Set in 9ct gold plated sterling silver, the stunning new line has been designed to reflect Lisa’s own personal style; offering women of all ages a taste of the timeless elegance she embodies. The highly wearable designs, available in a choice of rose, gold and silver tones have a contemporary feel and are showcased in the most stylish of settings, embellished with quality diamonds and natural gem stones.
Here are a few pieces available to buy now:

This Diamond Kiss ring in sterling silver is already a best seller. Usually £96 but QVC has an introductory price of £79.80

Click here for direct link to Diamond Kiss ring

Another best seller are these Diamond Stud earrings in sterling silver. Normal price £69, introductory price £62.76

Click here for direct link to Diamon Stud earrrings

Feel the Luck with this Diamond Horseshoe ring in sterling silver Price £99

Click here for direct link to Diamond Horseshoe ring

Diamond Double Circle necklace in sterling silver Price £149

Click here for direct link to Diamond Double Circle necklace

Diamond 3 Colour Hoop earrings in sterling silver. Price £169

Click here for direct link to 3 Colour hoop earrings