.

Swim WITH the UNDERCURRENT

2013-05-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been on the hunt for a collection (and a designer) whose pieces never fail to surprise and delight in equal measures, the trail stops here. Jane Bowler is known for her innovative, creative approach to design, and her collections consistently showcase her ability to transform inexpensive and mundane everyday materials into traffic-stopping ensembles. Flaunting everything from hand-dyed plastics to exotic fluoro sequins, and exhibiting injections of heat forming techniques and other unique processes – this is a collection not to be ignored. Stocked internationally in the UK, Japan, Milan and LA and regularly borrowed by the likes of Rita Ora, Jessie J and Azealia Banks – it’s not like I have to big this collection up for you. It’s already out there, making one LOUD statement in the industry.

For Spring/Summer’13, Bowler’s UNDERCURRENT collection pulls on a surreal jacket. Sewn into the seams of these pieces is the underlying concept of the Universal alliance of sea and sky – ‘where sci-fi meets in a harmonious clash of bygone and future titans.’ Constructed out of shimmering layers, sparkling plastics (a key trend for this season) and arresting prints, this is a collection that brings statement-making pieces to the table in a rush of vibrant colour and fabrics. Featuring decadent floor-length dresses, textured crop tops and structured capes, a captivating silhouette is always on hand.

‘1920’s Hollywood glamour meets synchronized swimming in this seasons fun yet sophisticated lookbook shoot, shot by the fantastic Holly Falconer and styed by Coline Bach.’

CREDITS

Photographer | Holly Falconer

Stylist | Coline Bach

Hair and Makeup | Stephanie Stokkvik

Model | Charlie at Lenis Models

Collaborations

Knitwear | Victoria Bulmer

Crochet dress | Heather Orr

Bags | Lauren Moore

All quotes are sourced from the Jane Bowler SS13 Press Release

All images are sourced from Jane Bowler

COSMOPOLITAN BLOG AWARDS 2013: Nominate me

2013-05-15T13:59:00.001-07:00

If you're loving TheFashionAche and you've got a spare five minutes, please do nominate me for the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards

HERE

VIELMA LONDON: SS13

2013-05-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Meet Vielma London, the label that brings delicate, graceful silhouettes with an off-the-cuff, dynamic edge to the table. Somehow, the designer behind the collection, Gabriel Vielma, has mixed an unconventionally pretty, whimsical vibe with a seriously cool edge, that - paired with a statement necklace or two - creates a FRESH, alluring collection I can't wait to get my hands on. This season pair Vielma's decadent, nude adorned jacket (that just hints of a bomber style) with his beautiful a-line skirt showcasing sheer panels. Flaunt bronzed bare legs beneath with simple black (or nude) two-strap sandals - the shoe du jour for SS13. Or, if the serene white trend isn't floating your yacht this summer, opt for the gothic twist with his decadent, sheer and silk pieces.

All images are sourced from Obsession PR/Vielma

Get SUMMER ready...

2013-05-14T12:47:00.001-07:00

Planning that beach getaway? Or packing even (and struggling to close the suitcase?). These bright, print-alicious pieces, hot off the press release from Quiz, are brimming with vibrant hues and cute florals - perfect for throwing on over your two-piece on the beach and working through from beach to bar. And, folded neatly, they can squeeze almost invisibly into an already over-flowing suitcase.

All images are sourced from SNOW PR/Quiz

MET BALL: Punk it up!

2013-05-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Since seeing the pictures from the Met Ball and its wardrobe-stirring punk theme (organised by the one and only Anne Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American VOGUE) I can’t stop thinking about the trend. If, like me, you were totally swept away by Cara’s Burberry studded gown, Nicole Richie’s ice blue, painted chignon and Florence Welch’s decadent fringed number from Givenchy, then take the theme further and on into your own SS13/AW13 wardrobe with these punk-inspired pieces...

No.1 on my wishlist? The Kat & Bee jewellery pieces. Shame they're not available until August/September 2013...better write it on the calender...

Kat & Bee Jewellery

Christian Lacroix printed top from Nines Vintage, £68

Zephyr Hats skull hat and leopard hat from ASOS, £25

Torn by Ronnie Kobo 'Alice' dress from SpottedOnCeleb.com, £290

D.Lo London socks, £18

All images are sourced from Emslie Creative

H&M: the latest drops...

2013-05-11T02:54:00.001-07:00

I've got some serious love for H&M right now. Every time I click on to the website there's something fresh, new and alluring that I want to buy. In fact, it's become a rather dangerous site to surf especially when it comes to my bank balance. Check out the latest drops...BOY do I want those earrings...

All images are sourced from H&M/H&M Press Site

This week's HOT LIST

2013-05-11T01:58:00.001-07:00

HOT in at number one on this week’s HOT LIST? FRINGING. It’s one of the key details to avoid skimping on this summer. There’s just something effortlessly boho about tasselled detailing, whether you’re working it on an accessory or as Love Label suggests with these gorgeous Fringe Bandeau Tops, £14. Pair them with your favourite bleached denim cut-offs for Glastonbury or use it for that bit of beach cover-up on your summer getaway.

In a number two? It’s got to be the latest pieces from Cuchara’s Fall 2013 Collection. You’ll have already recognised from my last Cuchara post, that I’m going hell for leather when it comes to CRUSHING on CUCHARA. The statement necklace is the accessory du jour for SS13. Pair it with that House of Holland –style dip-dye maxi skirt, a slogan or logo tee (I believe mine would say GEEK, as I was one back in high school…a cool geek of course) and some simple thongs – for your feet of course. Underwear choices are completely up to you.

Hitting in HARD at number three is the global superstar, Beyoncé, for H&M’s SS13 swimwear campaign. You’ve already seen the campaign images on here, but have you seen the campaign film and behind the scene’s video, courtesy of H&M? No? Well get on it! Click HERE for the campaign film, and HERE for the behind the scenes video. Now, where do I get that bikini-kaftan from she’s wearing? GORGEOUS.

All images are sourced from:

Lee Publicity/Love Label

SUCCARRA/Cuchara

H&M

Carmelo Donato: ROMANCE AFRIQUE

2013-05-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

If you haven't come across the genius photography by Carmelo Donato, fear not - you can discover it here. Simple shifts, detailed jewellery pieces and model's glossy locks come to life in the pages of the magazines with Donato's skillful manipulation of light and movement from behind the camera...

All images are sourced from Carmelo Donato

HOOLA SS13

2013-05-09T13:52:00.001-07:00

HOOLA it this SS13. If you’re looking for swimwear with a difference, then this sumptuous boutique label has it all. Specialising in luxe D-plus cup-sized swimwear, this is a brand that doesn’t skimp on style when it comes to larger sizes. A graduate of London’s prestigious Central St Martins, Lena Shawa is the designer and driving force behind the brand. And, with hidden underwire support and a seamless streamline finish – these pieces are not only sexy, they’re comfortable and practical too.

All images are sourced from Brightlight PR/HOOLA

The HEMLINE: SS13

2013-05-09T13:18:00.001-07:00

Behold the hemline. Depending on the season, depending on the trends - this little tinker just keeps on rising and lowering, and at times, it's difficult to keep track of whereabouts it should be. This season's high? Culottes are calling. This season's low? The maxi hem - or be it - the mini/maxi hemline - a cascading waterfall of material that looks like a mini from the front but works as a maxi from the back. The perfect compromise for those of us who are a little indecisive, no? Check out the above and the below from SELFISH - a fabulous, affordable arm off the brand Forever Unique.

For more of an oriental take on the trend, turn to Maya's Closet, where the likes of the fluoro, one-shoulder following will work effortlessly with gold goddess sandals and statement cuffs, for beach to bar style.

Or, if it's the thigh-skimming, flesh-peeping, Rihanna-style maxi skirt you're after - these little beauties from Own the Runway are bound to pop your cork. Just pair them with a logo tee and be gone with yourself...

All images are sourced from SNOW PR

OWN THE RUNWAY

SELFISH

MAYA'S CLOSET

Poppy Delevingne for VERO MODA

2013-05-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

VERO MODA has finally released their THIRD campaign with the fabulous model and face of the campaign, Poppy Delevingne. Shot in the vibrant, buzzing city of Miami, the high summer collection will work wonders for your SS13 wardrobe. Within each shot, the brand has captured that true summer feeling and laid-back attitude that the tropical metropolis of Miami exudes. One just DREAMS of summer and long lazy days in the sun when looking at these images – and that’s what I really love about a good campaign. It’s got to make you feel like you WANT to be there, WEARING the clothes. And BOY do I WANT to wear these clothes. Work the inspiring jungle prints, beautifully simple tee's and key wardrobe staples with style this summer. I ~~want~~ need first dibs on that mirror shard skirt...that's for sure. Race you there.

All images are sourced from Bestseller PR/Vero Moda

THEN AND NOW SHOWCASES: Peter Lang

2013-05-03T14:04:00.002-07:00

It may be one of THE hues this season, but the clean, seamless shade of WHITE has always been top of my trend list. There’s something luxe about a clean white shift dress, or a soft white t-shirt. It’s fresh, and it works with any colour you pair it with – be it tan, orange or a simple marl grey. It works effortlessly with the sports luxe theme, playing flawlessly to its simple lines and cool movement, while creating the perfect canvas for this season’s POWER COLOURS: fuchsia pink, zesty orange and acidic yellow. Peter Lang’s ice white jewellery collection is therefore BANG on the money for SS13. Every piece is cast, enamelled and assembled by hand, often finished with startling Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones (creating a glittering accessory, fit for teaming with any look this summer). Have you fallen? I know I have. All the following pieces can be found at THEN AND NOW. Hit the website now to find that piece that will quickly MAKE any ensemble in your wardrobe.

All images are sourced from THEN AND NOW

'Ten years in 24 Hours'...GERARD DAREL

2013-05-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

GERARD DAREL. The brand behind the divine, SUMPTUOUS, lust-worthy ’24 hour’ bag. Their most infamous, well-loved design that’s hung from many fabulous arms (including the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Olivia Palermo and Jessica Alba). So sit back and relax in the glow of 10 years of the ‘24 hour’ bag…and bask in it’s glory.

Above quote sourced from the Gerard Darel Ten years in 24 hour's press release...

All images are quotes are sourced from Gerard Darel/Gerard Darel 10 Year Press Release/Goodley PR

FESTIVAL STYLE: on the highstreet

2013-04-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Festival season is coming up and we're already stocking up on the appropriate SS13 wardrobe for it. Think fluoro, think print, think LOUD and OUT THERE. This is literally the one opportunity (excluding the likes of abroad/the beach) that fringing will work effortlessly against clashing print, neon, animal print, monochrome, faux leather...whatever. Where you can wear it all WITH decorative face paint and still manage to somehow make it work. Festival style - a time when dressing in the dark comes in handy (not just because most of your clothes are neon/glow in the dark) but because the more you mix it up the BETTER. Turn to your fave high street stores for some of the coolest festival style pieces out there...

H&M...

All images are sourced from River Island/ASOS/H&M/Topshop

Lifestyle images: H&M

LA MATERIAL GIRL

2013-04-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS: Madonna launches her US Collection ‘Material Girl’ in the UK exclusively to LOOKAGAIN.CO.UK. Created by Madonna and her daughter Lourdes, the collection is young, cool and affordable, perfect for mixing things up this SS13. ‘Material Girl’ has arrived in the UK, after already being a hit in the US with Kelly Osbourne and Taylor Momsen fronting the collection. Over here, our own lovely Georgia May Jagger will be showcasing the brand, working her cool modelling vibe and style. The music legend and her daughter have brought two themes to the spring/summer’13 collection, ‘Riot Girl’ and ‘Rock Egyptian’ with printed skinny jeans, fluoro crop tops and vests and other cool accessories. This is the perfect collection for the urban student.

All images are sourced from Brightlight PR/Material Girl

WHITE NOISE

2013-04-30T13:35:00.001-07:00

ICE WHITE. It's one of the hottest trends this season and as stores like Debenhams and Isme prove, you can get serene white affordable pieces HOT off the high-street. It may not be that red-carpet worthy Gucci dress or sleek Haider Ackermann trouser suit with oriental twist that you've been dreaming of, but these pieces are just as clean and beautiful (especially when you consider they lack the hefty price tag). Affordable, show-stopping and slick - I'm hitting the high street.

All images are sourced from Debenhams/Isme

FASHION EVENT: Déjà Vu Boutique

2013-04-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

I recently dropped by Déjà Vu Boutique, Ipswich for one of their fashion events. With bubbly on tap, an array of delectable nibbles and vintage and designer brands to browse through – it was the ideal place to spend an evening, especially if you’re hoping to stumble across a designer gem for squeezing into that (already packed) wardrobe. I caught up with Déjà Vu Boutique owner, Mandy Errington, for a quick Q&A…

Q. What made you start up Déjà Vu Boutique?

A. ‘I was exploring my wardrobe, which is filled with beautiful but notably unworn pieces, and I realised that it was about time that Ipswich offered a new type of shopping experience. Déjà Vu offers customers an array of designer, vintage and pre-loved clothes in excellent condition – some are specially sourced from vintage fairs, London and independent designers. It’s a boutique that appeals to those of us who still want to feed our designer habit, but at a cost-saving price. We also sell new lines and fashion accessories.'

Q. Why the name Déjà Vu?

A.‘Its meaning is relevant because of the pre-loved/vintage element of the business. My clients can often relate to something that they may have seen before. As it's a French word, it naturally gives the feeling of being chic and being up-market - which is reflective of the Déjà Vu brand and shop surroundings.’

Q. How did you get involved with Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics?

A. ‘A beauty professional recommended Youngblood Cosmetics. I wanted a mineral product that was able to cater for all skin types and colours! YB is free from all chemicals and animal testing - it’s an award-winning brand that's totally natural. The decision was easy as the product ticked all of the boxes and coincides with my business's ethos - plus their branding is great! It's also unusual for a boutique to have make-up, hence giving us another point of difference.’

Q.What designers do you stock on a regular basis?

A. ‘As many desirable names as possible... the favourites are; Gucci, Calvin Klein, Versace, Armani, Prada and other respected labels such as; Fenn Wright Manson, Betty Jackson Black, etc. Items are generally one-off and subject to availability.’

Q. Explain the experience you offer at Déjà Vu.

A.‘We pride ourselves in offering a personal and professional service - giving styling and fashion tips to our ladies who value an HONEST opinion! Also, if we don't have what someone is looking for, we'll source it or arrange for our very own tailor to make it or even design it. We're already renowned for being the 'Top-to-Toe' boutique in the area, with our one-off individual inspirational fashion, shoes, jewellery and accessories. The make-up is perfect for providing the finishing touches. We offer an introductory FREE make-over to any customers that spend in store, alternatively there's a modest charge for this service. Regular clients are entitled to a Déjà Vu Privilege Card - which gives additional benefits and invitations to our in house fashion events.’

Q.Where do you hope to see the boutique in a year or so?

A.‘Hopefully expansion into other regional (and potentially national) locations, using the same business model.’

For more information and for a sneaky peek at the boutique - check out the website HERE.

360 degree image is sourced from Déjà Vu

DIA Boutique: GO FOR GOLD

2013-04-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

Fall HARD for this season’s GOLD craze. Rock liquid gold on your neck, wrists, fingers and most importantly, ears. It’s the perfect hue for pairing with the serene white trend that’s taking over our wardrobes one statement piece at a time. Turn to DIA BOUTIQUE for their incredible array of architectural earrings, from the modern to the refined, these elegant pieces will instantly lift your ensemble whatever the trend, whatever the look. All pieces are 18K gold (prices begin from £180).

All images are sourced from Obsession PR/DIA BOUTIQUE

YMC & Liberty London

2013-04-27T13:37:00.001-07:00

I love a good collaboration – and we’ve had a whole series of them recently. The latest to hit stores is from YMC and Liberty London prints. Beautifully pretty and startling unique, the collaboration perfectly compliments the casual aesthetic of the You Must Create spring/summer’13 collection with its delicate prints and patterns inspired by the natural world. The capsule collection of accessories showcases hero rucksacks, this season’s cute slip-on sneakers and trucker-esque style headwear. Each piece is available in either the iconic floral (Katie & Millie) or paisley (Felix & Isabelle) Liberty prints.

The collaboration is available now online HERE. Get your slice of the collaboration now.

All images are sourced from Goodley PR/YMC

JEWELLERY CRUSH: Bottica.com

2013-04-27T13:11:00.002-07:00

How can I put this in the most concise way? Oh yes, that's right: Bottica.com? You ROCK. I'm a sucker for statement jewellery, and can fall HARD for a piece there and then in a showroom or outside a shop window (the eyes glaze over and I get a weird kind of concentrated look). With everything from lace, fluoro earrings (just perfect for the new season) to edgy ear cuffs and dynamic studded necklaces, the brand showcases everything and anything you could be looking for, whatever the occasion. AND, it's not just jewellery the website delivers - oh no. Luxe bags and scarves also a-line their digital shelves. Forget popping to the gym at lunchtime - you'll need that hour to decide which piece you're buying first.

All images are sourced from PRShots

H&M: AW13 Press Day

2013-04-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

There was something very elegant and romantic about the AW13 Collection from H&M - faux fur, beaded capes, embellished Victorian-style velvet slippers and belts to nip you in at the waist. Everything took on a very dark and decadent edge - an edge of luxury and style. It was quite something to come away from (especially as you were met with the blinding neon and clashing prints of SS13 back outside on the street). I was very much drawn to the faux fur collared gilet, the heavily chained evening bag and most of all? The alluring jeweled cape. GET IN MY WARDROBE!

THE INDUSTRY: an interview with Paula Reed

2013-04-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be invited to The Industry event: an interview with Paula Reed at the gorgeous SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™ boutique off Regents Street opposite Liberty, this week. With a packed guest list, Harvey Nichols gift bags and an endless supply of bubbly it was set to be quite the evening - and one thing certainly didn't disappoint - the lady herself: Paula Reed. Industry advisor, fashion business expert and brand consultant working with Harvey Nichols, Frances Card, led the interview with the ex-Style Editor of Grazia Magazine (a weekly favourite of mine, of course). Paula Reed, through her own words, described her path into the fashion industry, from working with a PR Agency, to InStyle to Style Editor at Grazia and the way in which she helped build a weekly magazine that was to make a huge mark on the industry - to her current position as Fashion Director at Harvey Nichols. It was an insightful, inspiring evening to say the very least...

All magazine spread images are sourced from the Harvey Nichols Magazine

High Street Fashion Week: THE LAUNCH

2013-04-23T02:14:00.001-07:00

This evening it was all about the launch of High Street Fashion Week at The Penthouse in Leicester Square. The lovely Annaliese Days from America's Next Top Model British Invasion was there rocking her socks (Frills by AD - check them out) amongst The Holiday Boutique, LOTA and much, much more....

The lovely Annaliese Days striking a pose with her FABULOUS Frills by AD socks...

Beyoncé for H&M - SWIMWEAR

2013-04-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

Beyoncé for H&M's SS13 swimwear collection? BOY was that a good choice. The superstar seriously knows how to work beach glamour, and as the weather heats up (finally) we can actually start to indulge in some decadent beach wear (and not just dream about it). Top of my list? Why it's H&M of course.

All images are sourced from H&M PR/H&M

HIGH STREET FASHION WEEK: the beauty brands

2013-04-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

So, the countdown’s ON.

HIGH STREET FASHION WEEK is literally mere days away and BOY can we not wait. I’ve got the patience of a kid on Christmas morning when it comes to waiting for these things, so for the time being – get a load of what beauty brands are sponsoring the event, in association with Vanity Van.

First up? BATISTE. The UK’s No 1 Dry Shampoo brand that’s packaging not only gets you in a delirious tizzy but brightens up the old bathroom cabinet no end. This is the stuff women turn to in their hour/morning of need – when it’s a choice between arriving at work late with fresh hair and a pair of knickers stuck to your skirt Bridget Jones-style or just plain arriving at work on time with fresh-looking hair (that may secretly not be so fresh) – it’s clearly a no brainer. BATISTE is the way forward. Use it to your advantage if you’ve got a serious bout of ‘flat hair’ and go from limp and lifeless to FAT fabulous in a mere spritzing. VANITY VAN expert hairdressers will be using (and GIFTING) Batiste’s award winning dry shampoo, while the brand will be unveiling their brand-spanking new range of styling products. These include XXL Plumping Powder – a little pot with BIG ideas to help you achieve gravity-defying styles. BOOM. You can also pick up your own Cherry sample (head over to BATISTE for further info).

One for the girls, fashion-inspired Miners Cosmetics are perfect for feeding our cosmetic needs for those of us with a little make-up obsession (okay, BIG make-up obsession). The brand brings us everything from the latest looks to the hottest trends hitting the runway – VANITY VAN’s skilled make-up artists will be conducting Miners Cosmetics makeovers and gift bags will include samples of their fabulous NEW high performance water-proof Maxi Mascara (perfect for those of us planning those hot summer getaways and who don't want to appear from the swimming pool looking like an extra from a KISS video). Find yourself smitten with their show-stopping eye-shadows, pencils and liquid liners (not to mention their mouth-watering lip colours, glam glosses, nail lacquers and award-winning Tin o’Tint). Hit up MINERS COSMETICS for further information.

The luxe Red Carpet Manicure has transformed the professional gel manicure into an easy, affordable and effortlessly top quality home system. In three easy steps you can showcase high-shine, long-lasting, catwalk-ready nails for instant style. VANITY VAN nail technicians will be demonstrating the new system on site, showcasing the brand’s array of colours and shades. You can even work some SERIOUS nail art for the new season with their delectable jewel nail kits. For more info find them online at RED CARPET NAILS.

To book in for your complimentary Batiste hair styling, Miners Cosmetics make over or Red Carpet Manicure appointment with the Vanity Van team during the High Street Fashion week at Aura Mayfair between 7pm-10pm Fri 26th, Sat 27th and Sun 28th April simply email press@vanityvan.co.uk or visit their website www.vanityvan.co.uk

All images are sourced from HIGH STREET FASHION WEEK PR

PRshots/VanityVan/TOPSHOP