Fall in Love with AW12 Fashion

With autumn in the , it’s time to start embracing the styles for the new fashion season. AW12 is most definitely upon us, with the first of the collections already firmly in place on the high street (and some already in the sale)

If the thought of buying a new season wardrobe has you tied up in knots, if you’re not sure which trends to embrace, which will suit you, which have longevity or what the trends even are, then fear not! I'm here to help guide you through the AW12 maze. Follow my new season guide to keep your look stylish, on-trend and above all, fabulous!

Brocade: 

Combine baroque opulence with rich brocades, embellishment, beadwork and damask with sumptuous colours to achieve this on-trend look.

Balmain AW12

Marni AW12

Leather:

Fashion has turned to leather for AW12. Tough black leather and severe cuts were seen all over the runways, thanks in particular to Rooney Mara’s character in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

 

Gareth Pugh AW12

Givenchy AW12

 

Peplums and curves:

Designer’s celebrated the female shape for AW12, showcasing the waist and emphasising the hips, by adding peplums, pannier and padding.

Lanvin AW12

Stella McCartney

 

Great British Heritage:

Downton Abbey had an effect on the runway this season. To achieve this heritage look, think checks and plaids in rich, earthy tones and sweeping coats, which would look perfect on a windswept moor.

Burberry Prorsum AW12

 

Gothic Romance:

Silks, lace, tulle and other stunning fabrics were seen in dark yet oddly romantic colours– deep black, rich blues, lavish purples and beautiful maroons.

Gucci AW12

New Military:

Khaki, army coats, epaulettes, big pockets and gold hardware make this trend pop. Mix these elements plus shiny black boots and tailored detailing and you have the AW12 military look in the bag.

 

Maxmara AW12

 

Purple Haze:

If there’s one colour to be seen in this season, it’s purple. Glamorous and feminine, wear this colour as a block or as a print and choose to go either head to toe or simply opt for purple details.

 

Erdem AW12

 

The Lanvin Christmas Tree for Claridges has Arrived!!

You might remember a few days ago I posted the amazing news that Lanvin was to design the Claridges christmas tree this year...if not, you can read about my excitement here.

Well, the even more exciting news is that THE TREE HAS ARRIVED!!!!

The towering tree was unveiled this week, and also features a scene of signature marionettes playing out 'the Lanvin family around the tree at home'.

"We wanted to make all our Christmas dreams come true; an infusion of tradition and modernity together. That is Lanvin," explained Elbaz.

"I hope the tree brings a big heart of joy to all who work and stay at Claridge's hotel: It's my way to say a very Merry Christmas.

How cute is the mini-Alber at the top of the tree, next to the glittery Lanvin star?? Surely the xmas accessory from now on!

The tree will is on display in the Art Deco lobby until 2 January 2012. Head on over and see it for yourself at Claridge's Hotel, 49 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HR. What do you think? Will you be checking it out? Enjoy x

Lanvin Designs the Claridges Christmas Tree

So it is just over 4 weeks to go until Christmas, are you getting excited yet? The Xmas lights are going up all over the high streets and in stores, Xmas lists are being written, carollers are starting to sing, and let's just say, it's beginning to look a lot like christmas!

Now most stores, hotels and department stores have got their Christmas trees sorted, and I'm sure they all look very nice, but only one London landmark hotel can claim to have the most fashionable Christmas tree this year!

The proposed Christmas tree at iconic London hotel, Claridges, is to be personally decorated by Alber Elbaz of Lanvin himself. I can only imagine how amazing this tree is going to look, and if you cant quite picture it, heres a little illustrated spoiler! The tree, which is imagined here by Alber himself, has been described as ‘colourful and whimsical’ - bedecked, as it will be with marionettes wearing Elbaz’s take on Claridge’s staff uniforms. Elbaz said that he wanted to ‘create an installation that carries the spirit of Lanvin, an infusion of tradition and modernity at the same time.’ Thomas Kochs, general manager at Claridge’s, added, ‘It is simply wonderful to see this talented designer decorate the tree in his whimsical style.'

We,, I sure know that I will be checking this most stylish of trees out as soon as it is unveiled. What about you? Will you be going to see this years most stylish tree? Enjoy x

Frowers at Paris Fashion Week

With Paris Fashion Week comes elegant catwalks, world renowned supermodels, the most slick and stylish shows imaginable and the best fashion the designer world has to offer...but more of that soon! What everyone seems to be ridiculously obsessed with are the front row (or Frowers as they've become known) elite...those fabulous and famous fashion loving souls who are there to see and be seen. So, let's have a look at the creme de la creme of what the frowers in Paris so far! Enjoy x

Glee's Lea Michele looking divine at Hogan!

 

Salma Hayek looking tres chic at Balenciaga

Loving Kristin Scott Thomas's look at Lanvin

RnB queen Ciara shows off her goodies at Hogan

Olivia Palermo works this season's hot gothic look at Dior

No baby weight in sight on Rachel Zoe at Dior

This blue looks beautiful on Poppy Delevigne at Dior

Leighton Meester looking like a princess at Dior

Margherita Missoni at Hogan

Images from Grazia Daily

Beyonce Is Pregnant!

So readers of this blog are well aware that I am a huge fan of Beyonce...OK...slightly obsessed is more accurate!

It was amazing then to see the diva looking absolutely amazing at this weekends MTV VMA Awards, where she performed on stage in a gorgeous sequined tuxedo. Even more amazing was the news she chose to share with the world at that moment, that there is soon to be a mini-bey!! She then opened up her jacket and rubbed her belly while grinning widely. Even her husband Jigga looked beside himself with happiness...so cute!

Beyonce later looked stunning in a floor length orange Lanvin, that didn't clash at all with the red carpet. The dress was ultra flattering and showed off her baby bump beautifully.

Congrats Beyonce and Jay-Z, can't wait to see the little one shaking his (or her) booty on stage with his mama! Enjoy x

Versace Designs for H&M!!!

OK, you might want to sit down for this bit of news. There have been rumours going on for a while now, and I am thrilled to say that they are true...Versace are designing a range for high street favourite H&M! This has got to be the most exciting collaboration news since...well...since the collaboration with Lanvin!

The designer collaboration will contain collections for men, women and homewear (is it weird that I am most excited about that??)

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere,” says Donatella Versace.

“Versace is one of the most important brands of recent times, and their collection for H&M will be glamorous and flamboyant – everything Versace stands for. Donatella Versace is sharing with us iconic designs from the archives. This is such a celebratory collaboration and is perfect for the party season,” says Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M.

H&M has stated that Donatella Versace will "look back to the archives to reinterpret some classic Versace designs. The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses that fit right in with the spirit of the season, featuring studded leather and colourful prints, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewellery for men too. For the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M the collection will consist of some homeware pieces, including cushions and a bedspread."

Start forming a queue now as the collection is due to hit stores on 17th November. I know that's a while to wait, but those savvy fashion mavens out there sharpen their elbows when news like this hits. H&M also announced that are planning a pre-spring collection which will be available online from the 19th January.

The Princess Wore High Street

How much am I already loving the future Princess?

Here is a girl that has her pick of the fashion world. For her official engagement pics with her betrothed Prince William, she could have worn anything from Dior to Chanel, Lanvin to Burberry, she was after all, shot by legendary fashion photographer and Vogue favourite Mario Testino (jealous, moi??) What did our girl choose to wear? Out with her usual fave Brazillian designer Daniella Issa Helayel and in with British High Street hero's Reiss and Whistles!

Yes, Miss Middleton proved she could be equally as elegant wearing off the rail high street as with one off designer pieces.

In the first of the official pics, she wears a white knee-length belted dress with a draped collar and a curving petal skirt, by Reiss, costing around £175 and the white embroidered "scallop-edge" blouse which she wears in the more intimate photograph of the couple having a little squeeze, is from next season's collection at Whistles and costs £95.

With the way she's going, Kate is well and truly on her way to becoming a role model for British girls everywhere, and I can only hope her style and support for the High Street continues!

Oh, and William looked nice too!

OMG Lanvin Loonies!!

OK so I know I have already done a post on the Lanvin collection, but now, the collection is finally available to buy!! Collective WHOO HOO!

The collection went on sale at over 200 stores worldwide yesterday morning and there were hoards of fashionistas desperate to get their mitts on these more precious than gold pieces. Some die hard fans actually camped out overnight to make sure they got in first!

Everything in this collection (even the carrier bags are gorgeous and oh so stylish!) is brilliant. Highlight pieces include a gorgeous one shoulder ruffle yellow dress and a beautiful floral flouncy number, if you go on the website now, you'll see that EVERY item (bar one cap) is sold out! Eek! Some crafty fashion folk have already put their gubbings on ebay, selling the pieces for up to 4 x their retail price...hmmm..

Customers were only allowed to buy one of each item, and with people boycotting changing rooms, you can expect a flurry of unsuitable returns this week - so don't lose heart if you haven't managed to get your piece of fashion history just yet, and don't give into the ebay trap. Just keep checking the website and speaking to your local store to find out if there have been returns yet. Good luck and enjoy x

I Heart Lanvin

My heart is all of a flutter! Lanvin is a label that I have always coveted – designer Alber Elbaz always manages to create timeless pieces that appear to flatter women of all shapes. His soft drapes and feminine folds always entice me, and I have longed to own one of his creations for ages…well…now I can…sort of! Yesterday was the first official preview of the hotly anticipated Lanvin collection for H&M.

Now, the H&M designer collaborations have always been a bit hit of miss (let us never mention the Kylie or Madonna collections again), but they do sometimes strike gold (hello Roberto Cavalli) and this collaboration with Lanvin looks set to be the best yet! The collection hits stores 23^rd November, and with prices as low as £7.99 (OK, that’s for a lipstick) to a mere £199.99 for a beautiful bejewelled coat with detachable fur collar, this is a collection that is sure to be a complete sell out.

Elbaz has really stuck to his creative roots with this collection, and each piece looks like it could have stepped right off of the catwalk. Sexy leopard print and red patent stilettos with diamante encrusted heels compliment the black and floral print styles complete with bows. The signature appliqué t-shirts have been recreated for the H&M collection for the very reasonable sum of £29.99. However, if you want to own a piece of true Lanvin, nab yourself a cocktail dress (if you’re quick enough) which are fun, flirty and fabulously feminine.

There’s also a nice little collection for the boys, including blazers, bow ties and lace up shoes, so you can get your fella a little piece of fashion gold

(or buy yourself an extra piece from the collection!)

So get yourself down to H&M on the 23^rd or, if you don’t fancy the stampede of bargain loving fashionistas, log onto http://www.hm.com/

x