Wardrobe Investments

Okay so every season there are a few key investments that will upgrade your wardrobe significantly and if done right you can look in style all the time. I had a bit of a mishap myself when I attempted to recreate in my own image a top designed by opening ceremony it was basically a sweater tee with its back cut out interesting I know however this rock star look was a disaster. I pride myself on being artistic but it was most definitely a failure so for the ripped trend I have learnt to either keep it minimal or leave it to the pros. What I am going to prescribe in this article are some trends which are going to be hot this year and some which given the right tools can be a DIY project… FUN!!!

So I am going to list some of the trends that I have noticed are going to be blazing on the fashion scene and some which are already here.

Zippers: Yes zippers. They are going to be all over this season I even had the pleasure of seeing an E! News commentator sporting this trend. With this trend there is no limit and best of all it is budget friendly if you know how to sew. If you don’t here is what you can do purchase either skirts, jewellery or handbags with this statement accessory. The reason why I say to invest in these items is that even when this trend has been rocked all the way out it still can be user friendly to add vintage appeal to any ensemble. So as always you can refer below for some ideas on great buys.

Pyramid Studs: If you love fashion you would most definitely have to be blind not to notice this is soon going to dominate the fashion world. Natalia Brilli bags, C.Viviani for DKNY necklaces and Christian Louboutin shoes for 3.1 Phillip Lim have all been sporting these statement pyramids. These metallic studs can be both rock star chic or super sophisticated but either way they are super stylish. Be&d has some really cute belts that can update those jeans you have not worn in ages. Go for clutch purses, rings and shoes bearing this signature accessory. I know your wondering why invest in these items …hmm fact is fashion always makes a full circle and what’s in today is out tomorrow and back in again, thus, there are items that you can invest in now and store for later. For me I have seen this trend once before in my lifetime and it will return again. Please note be wise with your investments and invest in a solid colour that way you can avoid the ‘one hit wonder’ syndrome.

Crystal Clear Jewellery: Love this and kill this! I say this because this is going to go with everything you own and it is going to become your most favourite staple in terms of jewellery. I can say this because it has most definitely become mine. I can wear these clear jewels with my dresses, jeans, tees, cardigans, blazers, boyfriend jeans, boots… I guess you got the point. Fact is it a great investment once your going to get into this trend get the earrings because you will be able to wear these forever. The earrings are an investment where as the bangles, bracelets, necklaces and rings will change with time and may suffer the axe after a while so invest wisely.

Hope you enjoyed your fashion lesson for today and stay tuned for the next closet investment article coming soon…

Investment Pieces

The time of year has come again when the line ups for this summer’s Musical Festivals are being released and all of us festival go-ers are starting to plan our wardrobe for what is set to be a summer to remember. The most popular of the music festivals in the U.K such as Glastonbury, V, T in the Park and Isle of Wight Festival are boasting acts such as Kings of Leon, Kasabian, Jay–Z, Florence and The Machine, Pixie Lott, Paloma Faith and Cheryl Cole – all fashion icons in their own right. So if you want to be in the know of what to wear this summer at the festival of your choice, then please, read on.

The staple items for any festival this year (apart from a tent and copious amount of cider) most definitely include the partially dabbled in Maxi Dress of last year. Whilst people were testing the water with Maxi Dresses last year, this year is the year. Now people have found their feet with Maxi dresses there is set to be a mass array of choice this season with shops like Topshop and designers like Vivienne Westwood jumping feet first into the Maxi trend for this summer. For festivals, a fun loving approach to the Maxi dress trend is unquestionably the style to go for this summer with pastel colours galore and asymmetric block colour patterns.

But, if you fancy showing off your Wellington Boots a bit more than you would in a Maxi Dress then there are plenty of other options for you. Another staple item for this year’s festivals is Denim – denim shorts, denim shirts and denim jackets. All very 70’s you might think, but it fits perfectly with the bohemian ambience of the festival spirit. And if denim isn’t your thing then there is a great assortment of alternative on the high street and from designers – the ‘ditzy flower’ shorts set to be a grand success this coming summer also.

Accessories are also key to the festival look, you name it, you should wear it. Sunglasses choice is personal, but for me, bigger is better and a vibrant frame set the festival look off flawlessly. Big and bold necklaces can set a perfectly plain outfit into the festival feel, which can be topped up with a fringed bag – also adding to the 70’s festival feel. So whichever festival you choose to go to this summer, be sure to own the staple pieces to make you stand out from the music-loving crowd this summer.

Celebrity Festival Fashion

Festival Fashion Picks

Bohemian Dresses

Tops

Shorts

Sunglasses

Are You Fur Real?

With the coldest winter in 30 years, it should come as no surprise that fur’s revival is here to stay. Until the 90s and PETA’s ardent campaigning, fur had never gone out of fashion. However, the runways were awash with fashionable fur creations last season, with everything from neon coats, to fur trimmed dresses and even shoes. Without a doubt the original fabric of choice, fur symbolizes luxury, prestige and wild sensuality. It has been worn by prehistoric cave dwellers, Hollywood royalty and 80s power women. More recently, fur has been used in more innovate hues and shapes and as seen on the guests of all the recent fashion shows and parties, a little bit of fur goes a long way in the style stakes.

Fashionable fur is no longer limited to the floor length variety of old. For spring, designers used a variety of classic furs on outerwear, accessories and trims. The hottest looks right now are short, voluminous and structured – it’s all about the style and cut Burberry Prorsum’s pastel furs were shrunken and ribbed and so not only stunning, but bang on trend. Dennis Basso and Roland Mouret opted for dramatic fur shoulders. While Isabel Marant’s fur had an almost painterly effect, mutli-coloured in shades of rust, honey and white. Judging by the AW10 shows so far, fur will still be a definite must-have next season. You’d be wide to invest in something fabulously furry.

It looks like the recession is not going anywhere. So, what better way to feel luxurious and irresistible then with a bit of fur in your wardrobe? Now we all know, real fur is not produced in a nice way. However, there are lots of alternative options out there that look and feel pretty close to the real thing, without the guilt. Celebrities, such as Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie and even Victoria Beckham, in addition to a wealth of designers, including those on the high street, have shown us just how good faux fur can look. Go for accessories, like scarves and hats, as well as shaggy jackets, gilets, boleros and even skirts. To avoid looking beastly, during the day time, dress your fur down with jeans, biker boots and floral dresses. At night you can vamp it up with thigh-grazing minis and stacked heels. This is all about everyday, effortless glamour. So, when you’re rocking your knockout faux fur you can purr with style satisfaction and know that no, you are not fur-real.

Faux Fur Picks

Hot Pants

I am not a in love with this trend because sadly I don’t possess the perfect derrière or the legs that extend forever like Giselle Bunchen. But for those lucky readers who do this is the trend for you. To wear these derrière exposing hot pant you need to have confidence. Spring 2010 runway inspired trend has been the hot pant though it is a different variation from the ones’ displayed on sex and the city, they now come in mid-rise to high rise, short shorts and tap pants, basically, it is a very short look.

These pants (once you possess the ability to pull it off) have become some what acceptable in the fashion world. Instead of the recent Hollywood trend of looking like you forget your pants home, you can wear these pants and still maintain some level of comfort and dignity. So how do I wear these pants? Hmm well you can reference the looks of Marc Jacobs, Missioni or DKNY Spring 2010 runway. But, to make life easy, there are many ways to pull off this look Topshop has many variations to these pants as well as net-a-porter.

For a daytime look these pants can be worn with a boyfriend blazer and a v-neck tee with stocking or tights. Now your already out there with the pants don’t go for black stockings or tights go for one that has character like an embroided pattern or a stand out colour. Additionally, for daytime appeal one can pair these derrière hugging pants with a feminine billowy top for a cute day time look. For those who prefer a less hugging feel go for the tap pants which are short but give a great almost mini skirt like fit. When wearing these pants go for texture don’t go for the boring black version try those with ruffle hems or a lace overlay for a cute daytime look, pair with a sheer top for added drama or try a wrap structured top with a front bow for some added character.

At night these pants can truly come alive opt for the sequin version with a fitted camisole and a belt for a cute and sexy night time look. The most important word of advice for this look is to always wear heels unless your a supermodel and you legs extend forever or your going to the beach, heels would bring this look together in an ultra chic way giving it a more dressed up appeal.

Get on Trend

Pair with:

Doing it for the Sisterhood

Hollywood history has been made with the incredible Kathryn Bigelow announced as the first ever woman to scoop the Oscar for Best Director. Much as I’m sure you’d love to hear me wax lyrical about what a proud moment this is for women and the film industry, I know what we really want to get down to is the nitty gritty of the dresses.

I can’t remember a year with as many red carpet hits as this year, and after much deliberation and research (all in the name of journalism), here is my definitive Top 10 list of show stoppers. In no particular order:

The Winners

1. Sandra Bullock
Sandra looked every inch the Best Actress winner in her metallic Marchesa gown and 50s-siren hair and make-up. The simple accessories were perfect, letting the intricately embroidered bodice steal the show. Sandra is also a shining example of how to give an Oscars acceptance speech with style: we laughed, we cried, we tried to forget Speed 2.

2. Kathryn Bigelow
Simple and elegant, this silver-grey column dress is everything you’d expect: chic and glamorous, but understated enough to not detract from the enormity of Kathryn’s achievement. Frankly, her super-toned arms deserved an Oscar all of their own.

3. Mo’nique
Mo’nique wore a royal blue Tadashi Shoji dress and a gardenia in her hair in honour of Hattie McDaniel, the first black woman to win an Oscar (for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind). The colour pop was a formidable choice in a sea of metallic shades, and we do love a frock with meaning.

The Rest

4. SJP
There is always one dress which moves me to tears with its devastating beauty, and this year it was SJP’s. Can this woman do no wrong? Apparently, she spotted the pale yellow charmeuse stunner on the Chanel Haute Couture catwalk a few weeks ago and knew she had to have it. Just look at how it drapes, and the way the silver detailing compliments the delicate shade and makes her glow.

5. Dame Helen Mirren
Each year, Helen Mirren gives a one-woman lesson in age appropriate glamour. The silver Badgley Mishka dress teamed with super-elegant hair and make-up makes her look like an ethereal fairy queen. There ain’t nothing like a dame…

6. Nicole Ritchie
50s-style glamour featured heavily on this year’s red carpet, so Nicole Ritchie’s stunning, 70s-inspired Reem Acra gown stood out for all the right reasons. I adore this dress, look at the glorious flared sleeves and the shimmering little train! The hairstyle is so unbelievably spot-on that she’s forgiven for any outfit she ever wore on The Simple Life.

7. Jennifer Lopez
I hope Jenny doesn’t go teetering around the block dressed like this. J-Lo looks like an absolute goddess in this white Armani Prive number with matching accessories. Rumour has it she reserved an entire collection in order to avoid a red carpet faux pas; her love may not cost a thing, but her diva demands know no bounds.

8. Kate Winslet
Our Kate just gets better and better. As if the Yves Saint Laurent dress and glamour-choice hair weren’t dazzling enough, check out the magnificent Tiffany & Co. jewels. Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend.

9. Cameron Diaz
You just know Cameron feels like a princess in this glittering Oscar de la Renta gown. I love the ruby lips and nails; proper, no-messing-about glamour.

10. Demi Moore
You can’t really tell where the dress ends and Demi’s skin begins, but she still manages to look magnificent in this Atelier Versace number. The cut is classic high-octane glamour, but the ruffles and blush shade make the dress current. Regardless of whether or not the plastic surgery rumours are true, when I grow up, I want to look like Demi.

11. Penelope Cruz
OK, this makes my top 10 ‘11’, but I just couldn’t write about a red carpet ceremony without mentioning my ultimate style crush. The burnished red shade is utter perfection on Senorita Cruz, and I adore the asymmetric neckline on this Donna Karan Couture gown. The diamond jewels are faultless, and loving the seriously glamorous feathery black clutch.

Overall, Hollywood played it safe this year, but this is no criticism: there is a time and a place for draping a swan’s head around your neck, and the Oscars is not it. Good, old-fashioned vintage-style glamour is what we in the cheap seats want, and suffice to say, this year, our red carpet dreams came true.