.........Skinnybelts.

I'm back

2013-10-03T23:18:00.004+01:00

After a summer off, I'm coming back, starting with this

The best bows from the best shows from the best of the best of SS14

Dries Van Noten, Givenchy & Dior Homme

2013-06-30T00:27:00.000+01:00

3 absolute powerhouse shows from Dries Van Noten, Givenchy & Dior Homme. All complete polar opposites of one another, each stunningly executed, definitely confirming how exciting Menswear is at the moment.

Dries Van Noten

Florals.

Florals for Men for Spring for 2014, it's officially happening

Where Gucci used bright bold florals and Burberry used small ditsy florals, Dries have opted for a darker, moodier floral but on a similar relaxed block to the rest of SS14 we have seen thus far.

Also heavily inspired by military wear, the collection had maturity and precision, whilst celebrating a clash of floral prints, soft fabrics and silhouettes.

I particularly loved the above looks, the long coat or cardigan thrown on with nonchalant ease.

The message of the show was that there is no such thing as too much print, a message I love to hear.

And it was so cleverly done, from mixed panelled shirts and coats and fluid low-slung trousers and wide cut shorts

I love the tapestry element to the print as it progressed, adding in animals and wallpaper-esque inspirations, but with great great cuts and modern styling.

An impecable show

Givenchy

Citing his inspiration as 'Nerd Africa', Riccardo Tisci's collection blew my mind, hurling him back into the limelight as one of the best menswear designers around, having slipped back of late with some weaker, overly nostalgic collections.

But this. OHHHH this

Prints that looked like the love child of Mary Katrantzou, SBTRKT & Tommy Hilfiger (circa 90s), overstuffed layering that was innovative and still wearable, everything about this show was stunningly realised.

Meggings under shorts or Meggings under skirts or Meggings under Skorts, Tisci is pushing the Megging (I don't know if you picked up on that).

Futuristic as the prints were there was a massive hint of star trekky naivety. The show glistened with direction and pace.

We will be layering for Spring, that appears to be the message.

also, the trend to watch; the see through coat

It's here, it's versatile and it's taupe.

What was fantastic about this show is that nothing dropped, nothing fell short, every single look was crucial to the collection. even the All White looks held their own in this sea of print

Snaps for Tisci.

Dior Homme

Kris Van Assche chose colour blocked paneling for SS14.

A runway complete with chopped mirrors making a maze from the waist down, the men Marched through with determination and ease. And with Leather details and a boyish silhouette, the show went off without fault for 49 looks

Fair amounts of Oxblood and Pacific blue, especially in leather (a colour combination that always reminds me of Celine SS2011)

It was all very utilitarian and all very practical; big pockets and easy cuts, strong sturdy bags and lace up shoes

The show then motioned through Dior Grey and ended in layers of panelled black.

Easy minimal, but powerfully layered and styled.

P.S. I'm off Interrailing for 2 1/2 weeks so won't be posting for a few weeks, but I'll be sure to bang up a post about Couture!

The Paris Shows

2013-06-27T21:31:00.001+01:00

The Paris Menswear shows have been monumental for menswear design.

The Walter Van Beirendonck show was beautiful and stunning executed, and the Raf Simons show literally blew me away.

Raf

2 days on and I'm still obsessed with this show.Everything was beautifully realised, conceptual and ultra-modern.

Colour blocked panels and a vintage inspired print led the way for a collection that moved mostly in black and effortlessly blurred the lines of androgyny.

Even putting a handful of models in a reworked idea of a Pinafore, they still masculine and strong.

Most of the prints were based in geometry (subsequently inspiring my entire travelling wardrobe to be geometric

The whole collection was strong and modern, toughening skorts and tunics into masculine garments and pooling a lot of design attention on to footwear; dip dye leather shoes or primary coloured spacey-trainers.

I think this is my favourite colour I've ever seen on a menswear show

A lot of new silhouettes, with short leg lengths, old style black socks and colour popped shirts and accessories. Definitely a trend to watch.

The Walter Van Beirendonck collection was equally as great. Creatively eclectic, it celebrated innovative panelling and new silhouettes.

A huge focus on Trompe l'oeil prints/panels, the show was futuristic but classic

I really liked the contrasting use of pastel colours with the one pop of bold brights, it gave the outfits direction, with a strong linear eyeline.

I think it would be defamation of character to say this collection is typically Walter, but it's so innovative that it could only really be his work, definitely not that it is a tired repeat. Am i making sense?

and whilst the collection strikes its own trend chords, it nods to the relaxed silhouette which we have seen so much of in the Menswear collections.

Milan round-up

2013-06-25T09:40:00.000+01:00

A good handful of Menswear SS14 collections are out, so here they are, reviewed.

I was blown away by the Prada show. Season after Season after Season Ms Prada astounds me, she takes an idea and makes it new and different and energetic. Take this season, with Hawaiian prints. Largely overdone, but by teaming them with Jewel toned tailoring and some stunning high waisted wide leg flowing trousers, Miuccia has blown freshness into them

She also showed Shirts under Tshirts, which we've seen a handful of times at the Menswear collections now.

There was so much movement and fluidity in the trousers/shorts, it hits home the oversized, relaxed silhouette that we will be wearing in 2014.

also in love with the glimpse at womenswear

One note about the show is that it feels very one dimensional, normally there are a whole manner of influences and ideas that inspire Ms Prada. I noticed a similar feel at Dolce & Gabbana, who were directly inspired by Ancient Rome.

Striped, single-faced print trousers (representing columns) teamed with tshirts with illustrations of ancient buildings etc. etc.

It just felt very flat and uninspiring, a mainly monochromatic colour palette, that wandered occasionally into brown.

That being said, they produced some gorgeous suits

but beyond that, a very beige show.

The Gucci show, however, was stunning.

It had elements of everything, Florals, mix prints, sharp lazer cuts and more.

Every one of the 30 looks were well placed, well thought out and inpsiring.

Most of the trousers were inspired by riding pants, with thicker panels around the knees and ankles, whilst accessories were practical, with bags fixed tight into place

With a neutral palette to begin, silhouettes were oversized and languidly cool, with a casual ease that will befit next summer's travellers and sartorialists.

ending in mix prints, the Gucci show, was cemented in my mind as a show to remember and in the library of SS14 as a definitive reference point, absolute power performance from Gucci.

The Versace show was another one that both shocked and impressed me.

Kicking off in relaxed, utilitarian tailoring, a printed coord and leather trousers, the show collection was instantly cemented in the fore of next seasons' trends.

The most interesting aspect of the show was the colour swatches that were splashed disordered across the catwalk were reflected both in prints but also on the actual models themselves-

Which paved the way for an explosion of acid colours and prints which felt so old 90's Versace that you couldn't help but smile with a strong hint of nostalgia.

I NEED THIS jumpsuit. I NEED it.

A great, strong, trend leading show. I just wish Donatella had been brave enough to put this colour swatches onto leather. It could have been incredible.

Can you tell

2013-06-17T15:01:00.001+01:00

that I like Fringed Leather?

(Christopher Shannon x Cambridge Satchel Company and Prada Reformed Golf Shoes)

London Collections: Men

2013-06-17T12:15:00.000+01:00

I wasn't going to blog about the London Collections yesterday in alphabetical order, but Agi & Sam and Astrid Anderson moved me so much they're the first two I'll be blogging about.

What is interesting to note is that Agi & Sam used a similar colour scheme to their recent collaboration with Topman. Whilst this shows quite steadfastly where their minds are at the moment, it may work against them in a few months when they want to move on schematically.
That being said, the collection is spectacular. There are some really interesting silhouette, with a longer, wider silhouette than we normally see for Menswear.

And whilst the collection was experimental, it still celebrates functionality.

Half Sleeve Blazers, lots of layering and bold prints.

I really enjoyed the layering of different shades of the same colour, see here-

It looks modern and expensive.

Also this cut and sew panelling is really now, a lot of the Pre-Spring Women's collections were showing that.

Sleek, chic, magnifique.

Astrid Anderson led her collection in a very neutral, natural colour scheme; whites, camels and a handful of verdent greens. Focussing on panelling and a relaxed aesthetic on some incredibly muscly models, the collection flowed effortlessly through from the first look to the last.

The use of lace softened the collection, but it was used in a sporty, practical way

The use of really masculine models legitimates the lace and femininity of the chiffons.

Everything from the collection is wearable and once dissected there are so many pieces that will no doubt be Spring 14's favourites. The whole show felt cool and understated, it's a really really strong offering from Astrid.

Lee Roach's spring summer was equally as languid and cool, taking direct influence from the Dior Homme Fall/Winter 13 collection. A monochromatic collection with relaxed tailored looks and kilt/belt/strap details that pulled in the waist or tied around the hips to retain the relaxed aesthetic.

The collection moved progressively through casual daywear, to smart eveningwear.

The whole collection reminded me of an early Prada show, then ended with a splash of tan camouflage print

Smart and wearable and clever, Kudos to Lee

Topman Design.

Whilst A&G and AA moved forward in direction, Topman Design went backwards, taking reference from the American Wild West to inspire their latest collection.

Featuring stunning floral-embroidered yokes on western shirts and a near bootflare, pleated trouser, the silhouette was elongated and casual.

Never one to miss out on an accessory story, the show featured metallic accessories (which the stylists ensured were always visible) and toe-capped western boots

It's rare that they offered no suits, and I was dubious about an embroidered bomber (i have a feeling that by Spring 2014 the bomber trend may have fallen away) but the collection was cohesive and wearable, cute.

Fact of the Day

2013-06-15T09:44:00.001+01:00

Burberry Prorsum

I've always accepted the Prorsum of Burberry without questioning it, but this morning, after a quick research, I found out that Prorsum is actually Latin for Forward.

Burberry, moving Forward since 1856. Incredible.

John Galliano's Return and Sales

2013-06-14T10:51:00.000+01:00

John Galliano has dragged himself back into the Fashion News again, with an in depth interview with Charlie Rose. He speaks about his anti-semetic comments, his creativity/emotional instability and, most jarringly, the late Alexander McQueen.

See it here for yourself

I am an unquestionably devout fan of JG, his work at Dior was incredible, and one of the chief reasons I became so interested in fashion.

That said, I feel he is using the memory of McQueen to evoke emotional attachment and to justify his mental breakdown as being the same as McQueen's but only dealt with differently.

I am not quibbling over the pressures Creative Directors are under, there is tremendous weight upon them, restrictions and compulsions that must drive them crazy, but here John is completely admonishing himself of ANY blame for what he said.

The reality is he turned to drink, thought he was above the law and above morality and acted irresponsibly. I do not empathise with this video AT ALL.

(Rant over, promise)

The Sales have STARTED! With Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Harvey Nichs and Selfridges (among many others) all starting yesterday, there are hundreds of pounds of savings and beautiful investments to be had.

I opted for this -

Genuinely astounded that any of the Christopher Shannon x Cambridge Satchel Company collection went into sale, but I picked up this beauty for a magnificent £155! So so happy.

It was available at Selfridges but I think it has sold out now!

Also, Harrod's sale goes live today, so make sure to check that out. Definitely some serious finds on there.

Also, little insider knowhow that TOPSHOP is going live on Thursday, so look out for Boutique, Shoes and Accessories probably going in on Wednesday, and the rest on Thursday. We've held off Sale for quite a while so I imagine there will be quite a cull!

Agi & Sam, Aloha from Deer, Styled.

2013-06-05T15:52:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was my final ever University exam! I am officially no longer a student!!!
Marked also as the day of the Agi & Sam Collection AND the hottest day of the year, it's been a good one!

The Agi & Sam collection is a real tour de force. Strong, Masculine and Wearable, the separates are inspired by football kits, with a very unique Agi & Sam twist that comes from great fabrics and incredible prints; owls, egg shells and paint splats all seem to come into the fore here.

There are 3 great suits, and every single item is easily interchangeable with others, giving the opportunity for great great styling.

I bagged the Paint Splodge Two piece. I'm really feeling Turquoise at the moment, so I was instantly drawn in

Styled with a turtleneck Tshirt, black Melton hat white socks, I've basically set this as Parklife day 1.

The short are so beautifully beautifully tailored, if anyone wants a new pair definitely head in the direction of Agi & Sam. This is a really great step for the designers too as they often fall just under the radar but hopefully this will place them a little more firmly on the London Fashion map, since they are definitely a force to be reckoned with!

There is still a handful available online, check it out here

As you know, My Aloha from Deer order finally arrived! I'm so happy with it, (another Turquoise, I know!)

Styled here with some Zebra/Leopard Scuba leggings from Topshop, and JW Anderson Flatforms. The jumper is casual and oh so so so beautifully comfortable.

Definitely check them out (Aloha From Deer), they've got some incredible prints that are definitely worth investing in.

The Lips still mesmerise me, and the print is glossy and expensive looking. I LOVE IT THANK YOU ALOHA!

I ordered a Large because I wanted it really really big, but they're fairly true to size if you want something closer to your size.

Finally, I bought a Floral Organza Tshirt by Boutique

(i could only find this teeny tiny picture!)

But I really wanted to style it like this from the moment I saw it. Dandy-esque, with a Topman Lux shirt undeneath, Dark Green Liquid Blazer, Navy Shorts and Black Necktie.

It's like Saint Laurent meets Lanvin.

Slightly more formal than the last two outfits, but definitely a smart summer outfit for all these gorgeous days of freedom ahead!

Printce

2013-05-31T10:14:00.000+01:00

So my Aloha from Deer order finally arrived! It's beautiful BEAUTIFUL, completely worth the wait, styling is on its way so watch this space. Also, I've decided that they are definitely Lindsey Wixson's lips, they fit perfectly to so many of her photos.

The fabrics are really luxe and the jumper is everything I hoped it would be!

In the photo you can also see an Adidas Originals Leopard print shirt, and behind that an Adidas print that I screen printed myself last night at Urban Outfitters.

They were having a print workshop with Adidas (and free beer), it was really nice to get inside the inner workings of a brand so iconic. If only I could wear the poster when I wear the shirt. I'll find a way!

I'm still immersed in exams (2 more to go) but then by Tuesday I'm a free man so I'll be seeing you!

KENZO SALE

2013-05-24T10:04:00.000+01:00

Why are there always flash sales when I have zero money?!

Kenzo are having a 2 day sale (Today and Tomorrow)

Private Sales! For 30% off our Summer Collection, use code KENZOVP at checkout on kenzo.com's eshop twitter.com/kenzo_paris/st…
— KENZO (@kenzo_paris) May 24, 2013

Use the code Kenzo VP and let me bathe in jealousy as I can't afford to buy anything I want!!

Old Sport

2013-05-17T13:35:00.001+01:00

We went to see the Great Gatsby yesterday, it's a beautiful film. Baz Luhrmann has accurately captured the pace and Electricity of the 20's, whilst Carey Mulligan's effervescent Daisy and di Caprio's Gatsby are filled with passion. Definitely recommending it to all, it's brilliantly done.

Today I was filled with Sartorial inspiration thanks to Gatsby's great costumes.

Shirt, Topman Luxe

Tie, Alexander McQueen

Trousers, Vintage

Shoes, Topman

Only a quick update post, I'm immersed in revision for my exams (start on Tuesday), so I won't be posting much but after, I've got some exciting things lined up for you!

NB. Don't forget there's still 10% off Sunglasses Shop with SPRING10 until the end of May!

Today

2013-05-12T20:39:00.003+01:00

became an Unexpectedly Suave Day.
I woke up for work, and in my head was planning something very casual, a tshirt and jeans of some description, but it somehow escalated to a full suit and boot day. No complaints, actually a fair few compliments.
Loosely inspired by the Kenzo-animal print colour blocking and the Givenchy green of the moment, this happened-

Clockwise from Left: UltraSkinny Liquid Suit, £150 Topman,

Leopard Burnout Sweat, £38 Topshop

Marni for H&M Polka-dot Scarf (unavailable)

Shirt- £80 Gant, (the one I'm wearing is a few years old from Topman)

Brogues, £65 Ben Sherman

Blue Curb Chain, £12.50, Topshop

Then it all got ruined getting caught in the rain. Party for one.

AlohafromDeer

2013-05-02T13:22:00.000+01:00

just came across this website, ALOHA FROM DEER

Basically the greatest sweatshirts I have seen in my young young life. Forget the Kenzo Tigers and the Balenciaga Egyptofunks, all you needs is one of these. They're so perfect because they use prints that continue all over the front, back and sleeves. This makes them look expensive and just so so beautiful.

The Santi-Donna. A stunning Rafael inspired sweat, and it's only €59 (about £50)

The Dome sleeves read so modern and the print is reminiscent of the Givenchy Madonna prints.

The Godsmack.

Can't help thinking they're definitely Lindsey Wixson's lips?

Anyway, want that too. (Basket expanding rapidly)

There are so many, definitely check them out.

This is their signature, which would definitely see you through a few seasons or 8

Planning Festival Wear

2013-05-02T11:19:00.000+01:00

Festivals are coming up. Another long exhausting weekend of tassle bags and navajo inspiration.
Here's to the girls (& guys) who break the mould.
Obviously the biggest BIGGEST trend of the season and next season is vehemently inspired by the 90's. I would highly recommend taking it onboard.
Shirts tied around the waist, Dungarees and acid washes will all see you through cooly, fashionably, well.

At work we had a competition to see a 3 day Bestival outfit set, the winner (who will be announced next month) will win free tix. Here's my entry.

Day 1, Safari/Kenzo inspired. A burnout leopard print sweat, with elephant dungarees and a panther shirt tied around the waist. Flatforms & Neon orange backpack. (All Topshop)

Tie Dye Sweat, with Bleach dungarees, and boots (All Topshop)

Day 3-humour- Burger & Chips tshirt and leggings, with big comfy socks and flatforms

This is inspired by Ashish and most of the fun NewGen fashion designers, who never tire of playing with fashion, something that shouldn't be discounted, fashion should always have an element of fun.

(all Topshop except the leggings, £22.99 www.truffleshuffle.co.uk)

There's humour, comfort, ease, style. WINNER.

Let me know what festivals you're going to and what outfits you're planning.

Also if you're going to Parklife, I want to see your sunday best! x

How to shoot an incredible Couture spread

2013-04-23T14:27:00.000+01:00

and make a film about it.

Dazed & Confused's Couture edit is simply incredible.
Featuring a topless woman painted pink and 4 nymph-like boys all scantily clad whilst the stunning Catherine McNeil models Dior, Valentino, Maison Martin Margiela and others.

Snaps to Robbie Spencer for incredible styling.

I love the grunge, yet aristocratic background that looks like the day after the night before of a party I'd seriously like to attend. Beautiful.

Here's the video

Beautifully done. I love the Maison dress coat, it's possibly the best couture I've seen this season.

Speaking of Couture news, if you haven't already heard Christian Lacroix is returning to couture!! To do a line for Shiaparelli, inspired by her most classic looks. Also, Viktor & Rolf will be returning to Couture after over a decade, it's going to be a beautiful beautiful week in the Summer when they roll out.

xx

Holy Chic

2013-04-14T18:43:00.005+01:00

little Fash jokes are everywhere now, since the explosion of the Comme Des FuckDown tshirt/beanie trend

Urban's got this beauty

&& LDN Fashion have a sale on theirs,

most of them are £7.50 now with free delivery using the code SPRINGSALE

i've got this one,

and I hink i need this one!

Check em

Not only are they monochrome, but they're high qual too, feel good/look good!

Shady Dealing.

2013-04-13T09:01:00.003+01:00

Although April has thus far been very grim, we all have it on good faith that the sun will be out soon.

As such, Sunglasses should be climbing everyone's wishlist, and where better to look than the Sunglasses shop. Boasting a whole host of luxury designer brands, Sunglasses shop offers free delivery for all UK orders and should be your new port of call for your summer eyewear.

Sunglasses are an investment. They can be the bold accessory in an outfit, luxe-ing your summer cool, or an everyday staple that merges seamlessly into your wardrobe. Either way, a beautiful designer pair offers you both exclusivity and durability.

The Celine Zz top sunglasses blur the lines of Timeless classic and Fashion forward statement. The heavy monobrow top shows modernity but eludes being gimmicky. Really chic, and for £215 it's a pair that you will use time and time again and still look undeniably fashionable. I'd suggest you wear them with a leather tshirt and flatforms, and really play up Celine's minimal aesthetic.

Get them here

Linda Farrow is the queen of Eyewear, and these fun little yellow round cat-eyes are youthful and fresh, pushing more of a statement but in a classic cool shape

They're on offer for £229 and are this season's key colour and will forever be your Summer Statement. You could put them with a bold printed skater dress and big wedges, just keep it feminine and with as much movement as you can.

You can always count on Miuccia prada for an avant garde shade. The explosive fame of her Prada Baroque sunglasses in 2011 has pushed Ms Prada to put increasingly more focus on eyewear and these Miu Miu 06OS hexagon shades are no exception

All at once retro and modern, the shape and colour reference the season's obsession with the Honey Bee, and there is just enough colour that they are fun and not dowdy. A fashion steal at £185. I'd put these with everything!

I have the exclusive offer to Skinnybelt readers of

10% off between now and the 31st of May.

Use this code-

SPRING10

Just pop that code in at the checkout and the discount will be applied.

Get buying NOW !!!

(promo code can't be used with any other offer/ T&C's apply)

And not to forget any male readers-

These Kris Van Assche KVA8s are beautiful for Men's sunglasses. The retro glasses outline is quirky but timeless; the shape is reminiscent of Tom Ford glasses, but they still have their KVA edge with metal details and translucent arms. Buy them!

And these Prada gradiated sunglasses are classic and on offer at £143

The more you shop on the website, the more great styles and shapes you'll find.

and don't forget the 10% off with SPRING10 until the end of May!

If you do pick some up from there let me know, I love to hear back from you all!

Send me pictures too, it's nice to see what you've purchased! xx

Soulland X Babar the Elephant

2013-04-11T08:12:00.004+01:00

To celebrate the 80th Birthday of arguably the loveliest and most universally adored Elephant, Babar

SOULLAND, the creative and pioneering Menswear brand are launching a collection to be sold in a select few stores across the globe.

Feauring well placed prints on shirts and coordinating shorts, there will also be tshirts available showing off everyone's favourite Proboscidea.

What is brilliant about this capsule collection is how youthful and fantastic the print is but mostly how impeccably it has been executed. Each look avoids feeling childish or costumey, but overrulling the collection and the prints is a masculine strength and wearability.

There's also a whole load of accessories and mugs to buy exclusively on Colette.fr

Check it out, who wouldn't want Babar in their wardrobe? In a non-creepy, non-kidnap, fashion kind of way.

59Strings.com

2013-04-10T20:53:00.002+01:00

The leaders of Personal Luxury, 59strings.com is a fashion company that focuses on individuality.

Boasting dresses that are relentlessly feminine and beautifully constructed, they are available either to Pre-order, Ready to Ship or Made to Order. Their website is whimsical and fun, and all the garments are selected for their unique beauty and gorgeous one-of-a-kind nature.

The Victoria in Green is an investment £2,125, but I love the soft delicacy of the lace tiers and the sporty yet feminine top, definitely a Carrie Bradshaw dress if ever I saw one.

They also put focus on quirky, fun accessories that will shake up any outfit and make you the focus of any party.

This jazzy little party bag is only £165, a steal. It is made from polished bottle tops and red leather tassles that will add movement and whimsy to any outfit.

If you get a sec, check it out! They've got a whole range of creative accessories and gorgeous dresses.

59Strings

My life is now all about

2013-04-05T01:01:00.000+01:00

This Gosha Rubchinskiy Sweater Overall (£200 from www.ln-cc.com)

Season Hit colour, great shape, just everything I need right now!

Saving. Saving. Shaving.

Heavy Metal.

2013-03-28T11:11:00.003+00:00

We have a predilection with metal. Like magpies drawn to anything that catches the light, like it or not anything metallic catches our eye, so it's only a natural occurrence when fashion takes a shine to all things metallic.
Burberry Prorsum presented us with a full rainbow of metallic trenches, Maison Martin Margiela showed us an array of silver plated garments, and Givenchy gave us frilled dresses with metal clad panels metals have been thrown into the forefront of our obsessions once more.

It's easy to shy away from metallics because they're so statement or they lack versatility, but it's really easy to wear it in ways that are understated but still nod to the trend in the right way.

(Tshirt, Marc Jacobs www.farfetch.com

Gold notebook, Urban Outfitters

Heart of Gold Nails, Topshop

Flat Clutch Bag, ASOS)

Team the tshirt with a Biker jacket or a blazer so it's not the main focus of your outfit, or hold your notebook alongside your clutch so you're showing you're aware of the trend but not trying too hard. The nail varnish is beautiful, and it's not too glittery so you wont look like a drag queen, always a ben.

Obviously there are ways to play it up, like Maison Martin Margiela's Silver Blazer or ASOS's teal foil trousers, and they'll make amazing, timeless statement additions to your wardrobe. I find that teamed with leather, metallics look even more expensive, and really clever layering also helps.

Clever layering tip; try a White Shirt under a Foil Tshirt with a cropped jacket over the top, it's modern but really really easy.

it references a Saint Laurent luxe cool, but there's also a grunge modernity there!

Chic as mate.

Hungry?

2013-03-16T10:46:00.000+00:00

So I've just ordered this Tshirt from Topshop, it has a Burger on it, and to complete the look I've been trawling the internet for a french fries print on ANYTHING, and who'd have thought it was this impossible?!?! I'm going to go fabric shopping now and see if I can see anything but so far the only thing I can find is these Leggings

(Tshirt £25, Topshop.com)

(Leggings £23.99 truffleshuffle.co.uk)

YUMMMMMM

wish me luck!

Praying for Rain

2013-03-15T12:48:00.000+00:00

The weather is starting to turn, heading into Manchester's eternal rain season. Just because it's raining does not mean you should abandon style for practicality. When looking for rainwear, you should consider your personal style before making any purchases. Inspired by the pastel watercolours and oversized silhouettes of Topshop Unique, I picked up a beautiful coat from COW in Manchester

It has huge shoulder pads but a real 90's silhouette so I love that it's a mix of both eras. Think it was like £25 (www.wearecow.com)

You could easily opt for the huge plastic trend which has exploded onto the fashion consciousness. It's everywhere, making bags and accessories and used for panels and full outfits. The Clear option is always cute, but hard to pull off (your outfit underneath has to be immaculate), but this Canary Yellow ASOS Rain Mac hits up the colour du jour (loved by Dior) and won't break the bank

Its girly and cute but indefinitely practical. £60

Or head up a trend that will be all over Fall/Winter: leopard. Love it or hate it, but it was backed by Fashion Houses across the globe such as Burberry Prorsum and Saint Laurent.

This Topshop Parka is a great ovoid shape and will see you through fashionably till Fall. (£65)

The Rains are coming, you may aswell prepare for them. Or just get a beautiful umbrella that you can show off to the world

This adorable birdcage umbrella is by Fulton and is £16 at Selfridges.

But the real lusty items are the metallic Burberry Macs from this season and the Laundry Bag-esque Boyfriend Coats from Celine next season. If anyone finds any way that we can get our hands on these beauties, let us know!!!!

Beautiful

McQueen and Valentino and Miu Miu

2013-03-07T12:34:00.000+00:00

The Alexander McQueen show was beyond beautiful. a 10 look show that was haunting and beautiful and, whilst maybe not as daring as anything Lee may have produced, a really gorgeous collection.

Entirely black, white and gold, the collection was rooted in historical costume, with impeccable corsetry, quilting, and a head covering that was like a ruff with a quilted, embellished cage around the face.

Everything about the show was embellished and pristine and perfect, between the delicate fabrics and tough aesthetic and the casual saunter with which the models took to the runway, which took place in a Parisienne Opera Comique.

The looks were inspired by religious figures of power, particularly poignant due to the recent papal and cardinal resignations. And whilst the glorious collection was only short but sweet, what we saw was glorious and effervescent and perfectly realised.

Valentino produced a youthful collection for fall winter, with cute flirty silhouettes and shades of blue, pink and red (plus monochrome, definite trend again). Like a softened Wednesday Addams, there were lace collars and 60's inspired shapes and great panelling

There was even a jumpsuit (a rare surprise from a house that is so in favour of a simple dress

Everything was fresh and vibrant, but with an underlying romanticism that the pair absolutely love to produce

Beautiful.

Normally Miu Miu is the playful version of Prada. This season, however, Miuccia presented a tough set of girls, with heavy, richly textured coats and metal plated (highly covetable) heels. The coats sometimes veered intentionally off the shoulder, echoing the sentiment from Prada.

The flashes of stripe and polka from neckties and midi skirts that flirted out under the hems of the jackets and coats kept the show youthful and playful, which then culminated the the end of the show with jackets made from stripes and polka dot, but still pulled in with a tight nylon belt. strong, yet feminine. A Miuccia Special

nb, the normally modest shyaway designer bowed out the show in a gorgeously brown fur stole, cheeky minx