Shopping For: An Update on the Colour Blocking Rules

April 3, 2013

Shopping For: Colour Blocking
Shop The Edit: 1. Colour block shirt from Uniqlo // 2. Tomato red mid-heels from ASOS // 3. Blue nail polish by Nails Inc // 4. Stripe and spot jumper from Topshop // 5. Silk colour block dress by Roksanda Ilincic // 6. Aztec print trousers by MSGM // 7. Pleated skirt by Carven // 8. Leather bowling bag by Clare Vivier

Colour blocking is still a fashion favourite, and for Spring/Summer 2013 designers are focusing on a single colour palette: tangerine, cobalt, black, red and white. Roksanda Ilincic confidently mixed the shades at her London show, presenting a hit collection of bold, patchwork dresses. Centre your look around Roksanda’s slick shift dress [above], or pull together a selection of standout separates for a modern take on the trend. My favourites include Uniqlo’s neat little shirt, MSGM’s printed trousers and Clare Vivier’s red bowler bag. Are you still a fan of colour blocking? How do you wear the look?

Trend Driven: Zoe Saldana Rocks a Cut Out Dress

March 18, 2013

Cut Out Dress Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana isn’t one to miss out on a trend, and last week the Avatar actress was spotted in one of Spring/Summer 2013′s hottest looks: the cut out dress. Celebrating The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “25 Most Powerful Stylists” issue at a luncheon hosted by Jimmy Choo, Zoe wore a cut out Carven dress. The safari print design was a great choice, as it’s fun and flirty without being too revealing. And Carven isn’t the only brand experimenting with cut outs, this season. Torso baring styles were the surprise hit at Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, Alexander Wang and many more.

Stella and Alexander favoured sheer inserts, which added an element safety to the playful cut out look; whilst Nicolas Ghesquière and Carven’s Guillaume Henry played with bold, cheeky fabric slices. Their influence is already being felt on the high street, where cut out dress designs line the walls of every store. Here are some of my favourite options:

 

And, although you don’t need abs like Gwyneth Paltrow to work this trend, I would suggest using a tinted moisturiser the night before. It’s definitely a look best suited to sun-kissed summer skin!

Are you a fan of Spring 2013′s cut out dress trend? Would you wear the look? Do you like Zoe Saldana’s Carven design?

Images style.com and courtesy of Jimmy Choo

Shopping For: Kitty Sweaters, Panther Skirts and Hydrangea Jeans

March 13, 2013

shopping cat sweater
Shop The Edit: 1. Cat print sweater by Issa // 2. Printed camisole by Topshop // 3. Heeled sandals by ASOS // 4. Fluro shoulder bag by Miu Miu // 5. Hydrangea print jeans by J Brand // 6. Twist top jersey dress by Carven // 7. Panther print skirt by Topshop

The moment I spotted Issa’s grey cat print sweater it was love at first sight. Not only is it completely adorable and totally wearable, it’s also a talking-point piece. Wear this knit and people will complement you all day long! That’s a guarantee. The Issa design is my top choice on this week’s shopping wishlist, and is complemented by Topshop’s fun panther skirt. Pair them together for a fabulous feline fashion look and accessorise with a burst of bright yellow.

Carven’s twist top jersey dress shows there’s no better colour combination for Spring/Summer 2013 than marl grey and fluorescent yellow, so I’ll be working the colour contrast throughout the season. What’s on your wishlist, this week? Do you like my shopping selection? Which designs are catching your eye? Let me know…

Posted by Filed Under: ASOS, Carven, Fashion, Issa, J Brand, Miu Miu, Shopping

Shopping For: Chic Workwear for the New Season

February 6, 2013

spring summer 2013 workwear

As I don’t have an office job I can pretty much wear whatever I like to work (although I have a strict rule about staying in pyjamas when writing from home – it must never happen), but I miss out on the fun of putting together a work-wardrobe. So I’ve compiled a selection of my favourite Spring 2013 workwear pieces, to stop me from feeling left out. Although it’s slowly starting to get warmer, I still think Topshop’s cobalt blue boyfriend coat is a worthwhile buy – it’s such a classic shape and you’re sure to wear it for years to come. I’m also tempted by Joie’s pretty pointed-toe loafers, which will look fantastic paired with cropped skinny pants and a classic white shirt. Which workwear pieces are you loving?

Shop the Edit: Blue boyfriend coat by Topshop // Floral print trousers by Nina Ricci // Wrap-effect pink top by Carven // Glasses by Elizabeth and James // Stripe court shoes by Dune // Print loafers by Joie // Navy handbag by Topshop

Cash, Credit, Debit… Flared Hem Mini Skirts

January 21, 2013

Carven flare hem skirt resort 2013 After what feels like half a century, peplums are finally over. O-V-E-R I tell you! Wear a peplum top/skirt/dress now and you’ll look like you’re stuck in summer 2010. If you were a big fan of peplum waists then I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but luckily there’s a chic new alternative ready to take centre stage… the flared hem mini skirt.

Carven’s Resort 2013 collection [left] first brought the flared hem mini skirt to popular attention. They feel fun, fresh (kind of like a reverse peplum) and look fantastic dressed up or down. I promise it’s one Spring 2013 buy you won’t regret investing in – especially as early trend adopters like Man Repeller Leandra Medine and Moda Operandi’s Taylor Tomasi Hill have been championing the look for a while now. In a few months’ time expect to see Hollywood’s top “fashion stars” prancing around in flared mini skirts too!

So, where can you buy into the trend? Currently Carven and Miu Miu are leading the way with their block-colour, flared skirts. And on the high street Topshop are really investing in the look, producing a wide range of options. I’ve narrowed the search down to three of my favourites, and there’s something for every budget. Take a look…

trumpter flare hem skirts carven topshop miu miu spring 2013
Cash: Topshop lime jacquard skirt, £38 or £$76 USA
Credit: Miu Miu cotton-garbardine skirt, £540
Debit: Carven stretch-cotton mini skirt, £180 or $275 USA

Are you a fan of flared hem mini skirts? Do you plan to wear the trend this season? How will you style the look?

Posted by Filed Under: Carven, Fashion, Miu Miu, Shopping, Topshop

The Best in Show at Paris Fashion Week: Carven, Balmain and Nina Ricci

March 2, 2012
This morning I checked the Paris Autumn/Winter 2012 collections for the first time and I really liked what I saw. It looks like a brilliant week of fashion is heading our way! My favourite shows so far include Carven and Nina Ricci. Plus the Balmain collection really impressed me this season too. Here’s a look at my Paris highlights so far…
Who doesn’t love Carven? I can’t imagine anyone has their hand up right now, as the French fashion house makes the kind of clothes girls go weak at the knees for. Fashionable but not too trendy; eye-catching yet still wearable; and cool enough that someone will compliment your skirt/dress/jacket, but not so cool that they’ll instantly know where you bought it from. My personal favourite from the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is the lace cut-out red skirt. 
It’s been a while since I’ve got excited about Balmain, and I’m probably not the only one. That “dress like a Vogue Paris editor” thing quickly got tired; but with Olivier Rousteing settling into his new role at the house I’m starting to get interested in Balmain once again. This season it was the mix of blush pink leather, baroque prints, gold studs and leather lacing that won me over. It sounds horrible, but the coat dress above is simply magnificent. 
Just like Olivier Rousteing at Balmain, Peter Copping is bringing a new lease of life to Nina Ricci. When Olivier Theyskens’ left the French fashion house I lost interest in Nina Ricci, but after a fantastic Spring 2012 collection I’ve been counting down the days until Copping showed his Fall designs. And he didn’t disappoint. The collection was moody, sensual, feminine and very wearable. I love the combination of silky slip dresses and oversized coats – especially when a fur collar is involved (although I’ll take mine in faux). Plus that raspberry shade is simply delicious!
Which Paris collections have you liked so far? And which shows are you looking forward to?
images style.com