Rachel Roy's S/S 2012 collection received loads of praise in the SheBreathes offices. Why, you may ask? Because, it's the type of collection that brings beauty and wearability, while keeping it sexy. From the draped jackets, cuffed trousers, jacquard knit pieces, to the black and white printed beauties — all with an Asian influence — colonial Vietnam circa the twenties to be exact. There is so much to love in this collection that I don't have a favourite, because I want everything! 

Ms. Roy topped off the collection with a bevy of beautiful accessories. Many of which are on trend and several notches above what many others are offering for Spring. From the nude leather chunky heels that give a raw hide appearance, thick belts that mold to the waist, sculpted nude leather clutches, and leather cuffs with saddle stitch details, trimmed in neon green and yellow — you'll want to rock everything.

Above and below are several pieces from the collection. Be sure to click over to Ms. Roy's space and stock-up on these lovely spring offerings, and stay tuned for her Fall collection!

I love looking closer at the details of the pieces and her delicious accessories.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com

There is a level of intricacy that goes with Jeremy Laing designs that can be missed if you're not paying attention. He knows how to drape a woman's body like no other. Laing's sensuous clothes gather, drop, open, and glide in the most unexpected ways, thus allowing the wearer to become one with the fabric. You have to pay attention to the multitude of shapes each piece can take on. One minute it hangs ever so slightly and exposes a thigh, and the very next moment it flutters behind in the wind. Add mud-dyed silks, hammered satins, and a neutral colour palette; with pops of olives, reds, burnt oranges, pretty prints that add a textural effect — which was born from a collaboration with Toronto-based artist, Niall McCleeland, and you have a beautifully crafted collection that bolsters the ease of each piece into an edgy balance that few can master.

It's this continous journey which keeps me firmly behind Laing. He never falters where his design aesthetic is concerned. When you see a Laing piece you know it. And, with each collection he pushes forward in the most understated and consistent ways. Laing's S/S '12 collection is a perfect example of a designer who continues to give his customers exactly what they need.

Fotos © SheBreathes | In-house Photographer Franklin Thompson.

London-based, Zimbabwean shoe designer, Liam Fahy's take on the classically shaped shoe has me coveting his S/S '12 collection. It's filled with a style for every occasion. From the ribbon-tie-up satin pumps in dusty rose and violet, creme suede mirrored heels, suede burgundy booties, to the strappy deep brown Mary Janes — I can't get enough.

I can only imagine slipping your feet into one of his beauties would be like experiencing a bit of heaven, because Fahy offers-up a perfect balance between sexy and practical. Above and below is a glimpse into what you can expect in stores in a few short months! Do visit to explore all his collections.

Fotos © SheBreathes

It's Friday and I couldn't think of a better collection to leave you with, than that of emerging London-based shoe designer, Victoria Spruce. Lately, Ms. Spruce has has been on the lips of plenty in the fashion world. So, when I was invited to see the LFW Graduate Collections up close. I couldn't resist seeing hers.

While, some are screaming that platforms are out, that towering shoes with architectural leanings are "monstrous". This doesn't seem to faze Ms. Spruce and her design process — she believes that the upper and heel should be one — (designer quote to NJAL). And, while I've been a critic of said designs. I've never been a critic of innovation. I know it's hard to come-up with new shoe designs — especially those that don't borrow heavily from Muicca Prada or Pierre Hardy . It's one of the last places in fashion that sees any real progression. But, Ms. Spruce offers her take on what the future of footwear can be.

The Royal College of Art MA graduate's slickly designed shoes — with their smooth surface and sculptural shapes are fantastical and should be celebrated. They look like nothing out there and that is no small feat.

I will be keeping a close eye on Ms. Spruce, because her vision of what we should be rocking is something I can get behind. Above and below is a glimpse of what was on display, do visit her space to see the same styles unencumbered.

The designer, Victoria Spruce, in front of her graduate collection.

Fotos © SheBreathes.

We're back and we come baring goodies!

One of our favourite jewelry collections during London Fashion Week was from London-based jewelry designer, Fiona Paxton. Her aztec inspired and royal gold pretties for your arms, neck, fingers, and ears, had us wanting to scream her name around the showroom tents. From the geometric shapes on the gold pieces, to the over abundance of beads topped off with gold chains, and the leather studded cuffs — we just couldn't get enough of her creations. Everything in this collection is eye-catching and sure to have tongues wagging.

Some of our favourites are the cascading beaded necklaces, the chain and beaded earrings, and the gold rings fit for an aztec queen. Above and below is a glimpse into what we fell in love with. Click to enlarge and do tell us if you're diggin' Ms. Paxton's designs.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com.

Jeremy Laing S/S '12 runwway show © SheBreathes.com

Oi, darlings!

I know there haven't been any updates on here for a few weeks, and this was done on purpose. I wanted to have the new site design up before anymore updates, but what I will do over the weekend (mainly Sunday) is start to upload some of our favourite shows from New York and London. So, no, we're not shutting down. I just really need to get us off this platform and onto a new one, so this place can really breathe (smile).

I'm currently in Milan and then off to Paris, and back to New York — woosah. We have many, many, amazing collections to share with you, so stay tuned! Thank you for your patience, and I hope you enjoy a glimpse of the Jeremy Laing's S/S '12 show during New York Fashion Week!

More site announcements and expansions to come, but still the same 'ole me and team!

One of my favourite high street brands in the UK, is Aqua by Aqua. They continuously offer beyond trendy pieces that for now, not many folks rock stateside. A few months ago we got the chance to see their Psychocardiogram collection up close during the press days in London. The collection is filled with just as many body-con pieces as astro-inspired flowy and maxi printed pretties, with a few over-sized jackets thrown in for good measure. My favourite pieces being the one above, and the stoned-hued Finsk for Aqua leather wedges.

You see, Aqua by Aqua doesn't have seasons, but they do create up to twelve thematic collections a year. Above and below is a mix of what we saw and how the pieces look on the models. Do visit Aqua by Aqua to explore more of this collection.

Showroom Fotos © SheBreathes. Lookbook Fotos Courtesy of Aqua by Aqua.

Croatian-German jewelry designer, Vanessa Baroni is truly one to watch. Her S/S '11 collection is full of beautiful pieces that have been created with knotted suede strings, twisted silk cord, satin, and smooth sufaced multicoloured plexiglass, with many wrapped in gold rings and chains, with her brand's circular signature to top them off.

Her A/W '11 collection is equally delectable, but it's the lush orange, reds, greens, yellows, and deep blues of the spring collection that have me enamored. I'm so inspired that I plan to break a few so called rules, and bring them into my fall wardrobe. I never say never where colour is concerned, and I rarely follow whatever trend is going on. So break some rules with me and visit to see more from both collections. And while you're there don't forget to indulge, because Ms. Baroni's creations are sure-fire goodies that deserve a global audience.

Fotos Courtesy of Vanessa Baroni | Edited for SheBreathes.com

Berlin-based Bulgarian designer, Vladimir Karaleev's S/S '12 collection was one of our favourites during Berlin Fashion Week. There was a conceptual ease to the entire presentation, which was suited for his expertly cut skirts and cut-out dresses, which were paired with breezy blouses, vests, and cropped blazers. The colour palette moved from lush mustards and yellows, soft greys and purples, to electric blues and blacks with a dash of burgundy. All which added to the beauty of the angled pieces. This is the type of collection that I can get lost in, because the styling options are plentiful.

Above and below is a glimpse into what you can expect in stores next spring, and as always peruse Karaleev's website to see more of his designs.

Fotos © SheBreathes.com

My newest obsession is with Jewelry designer, Lucy Hutchings. I was first introduced to her work in 2010, but I've been waiting to see what she would create next. The University of Brighton graduate intertwines wood, ceramic, metal, and plastic to create her designs, and her S/S '11 collection is filled to the brim with all these elements. She creates a smorgasbord of awe-inspiring pieces that keep you guessing on the inspiration front, while pushing her brand's design aesthetic forward. The bold earthy tones next to softer ones, to the mix of fabric used — all look amazing around the neck or wrist.

Above and below is a glimpse into her world. Do visit Ms. Hutching's space to see all her collections, and peruse the stockist, because she's definitely one to rock and watch.

Fotos Courtesy of Lucy Hutchings.

I've read your emails and thanks to all of you I've decided to bring back the weekly links, which are always certified breathable! I tend to share most of these links on twitter, but I have to remember not all of you are plugged into my daily, sometimes hourly musings. So, it's back, and I hope you like.

Can I tell you how happy I am over the return of the pointy heel? Please allow me a moment to fawn over it. As much as I love a good wedge and towering shoes that sometimes look like furniture. I remain smitten with the pointy pump! My current obsession is with Givenchy's felt covered metal mesh beauties. Aren't they absolutely delish? You can find them at SSENSE, which is seriously killing my budget.

I've got a serious hair crush on style blogger Danielle of Everybody Dies. The Fashion Informer gives us a glimpse into Ruben Toledo's Fashion Almanac.

I gave these ladies a shout-out on twitter weeks ago, but I wanted to share their amazing food blog and web series, Food Heaven Made Easy with all of you.

I'm diggin' some of the looks by model Liya Kebede's Lemlem label, which is handmade in Ethiopia. My friend Jeanine of Aphrochic is launching a book, and you can learn all about it here. The lovely Cassandra of Coco + Kelley is sharing some pretty details for you to be inspired by.

I love when one of my favourite beauty blogs, Into The Gloss, features women like this one. I'm also loving The Glow, a new twist on featuring stylish women, which now includes their offsprings.

Brasilian songstress, Izzy Gordon has been filling-up my speakers with her lovely voice. My good friends, Rucyl + King Britt of Saturn Never Sleeps, has a new album Yesterday's Machine. it's available as a free download, but if you find yourself falling in love like I did, then do support them with a purchase from itunes.

Do check-out our in-house photographer's website. Franklin is the kindest photographer you'll ever meet. And he has the cutest baby in the world, and I'm not just saying that because we work together.

You can always find me on instagram sharing a small collection of beautiful things under shebreathesdotcom. And of course it's always fun to play catch-up with the goodies of the week on here.

Thank you all for allowing me and the team into your daily reading schedule. We truly appreciate all of you. And if you have tips, suggestions, or just want to say hello; feel free to send us love notes at exhale {at} shebreathes {dot} com. We look forward to sharing more goodies with all of you next week. Have a great weekend!