by Sarah-Hayley Owen

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Trend - Check Mate: Squares for SS13

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Louis Vuitton's SS13 Checkerboard collection was one of the new-seasons most talked about catwalk shows. Therefore it isn't surpr...

Louis Vuitton's SS13 Checkerboard collection was one of the new-seasons most talked about catwalk shows. Therefore it isn't surprising that this graphic trend has already made its way onto the red carpet, as Kristen Stewart chose the monochrome squares for her Twilight tour and since then countless celebrity's joined in, a particular favourite was Jessica Alba wearing a sequined checkerboard dress for the Golden Globes After-party.

Soon this recogniseable print will find more prominence in the SS13 high street collections, although until it hits the shops fully, I have found six perfect pieces to start your new Spring/Summer wardrobe!

Shop the Page

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The Willow Collection by Mulberry for SS13

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Named after Mulberry's second factory, opening in Somerset in June, the Willow Tote is a dual-function bag with a detachable envelope...

Named after Mulberry's second factory, opening in Somerset in June, the Willow Tote is a dual-function bag with a detachable envelope clutch which un-zips from the front! Why buy one bag when you can have two within one! Genius!

The new Willow collection embraces simplicity, practicality and elegance. Three components which added together separates a good bag from the perfect bag!

Readers who follow me on twitter will know I recently felt let down by Mulberry. With two of the newer style handbags breaking within years of buying them, a complete contrast to my Roxanne, Emmy and Bayswater which still look as good as new!

Covetable or not, when a bag costs near to a £1000 and breaks soon after a year, I questioned whether the demand for Mulberry was paying the price on the recent quality.

I have decided to give Mulberry a final chance and hoping that the new Willow collection will prove to be as enduring as the design. My new dilemma is what shade to choose!

For updates on the launch of The Mulberry Willow Tote, click here.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Crumpet Cashmere - The Destination for Stylish Cashmere

Monday, January 28, 2013

I found Crumpet while shopping online last year. I was searching for a cashmere cardigan that was smart and stylish. I was attracted to t...

I found Crumpet while shopping online last year. I was searching for a cashmere cardigan that was smart and stylish. I was attracted to the more modern aesthetic offered by the Crumpet collection. I bought a v neck black cardigan with silver buttons. When the delivery arrived and I felt the oh-so-soft texture, Crumpet became a regular brand in my wardrobe.

Crumpet launched in 2006 by, husband and wife team, Dana and Zara Juricic, the small British cashmere company is the destination for the softest cashmere with a contemporary feel. The collection blends luxury cashmere with classic shapes and lines. The finished pieces become the foundation of a sumptuous staple wardrobe.

Shop the Page

Blush Botanical Scarf

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Trend - Stripe It: Take a linear approach to SS13 Pattern

Thursday, January 24, 2013

For SS13 stripes and checks are carried forward from AW12, building on the optical geometric trend. Seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, M...

For SS13 stripes and checks are carried forward from AW12, building on the optical geometric trend.
Seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Sportmax and Dior these lines vary in thickness, direction and colour. Don't limit yourself to straight lines, use Marc Jacobs as inspiration and combine different thicknesses and directions in one outfit. If you want an element of catwalk styling to your look but unsure if you want to make such a bold statement, keep it simple and opt for vertical stripes which flatter and elongate the body.

Shop the Page

MSGM, luisaviaroma.com
Camilla and Marc Paris, austique.co.uk

Electronic Sheep, boticca.com

Inwear, okeefefashion.com

Charles Philip, shoescribe.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs, net-a-porter.com

Sportmax, matchesfashion.com

Sergio Rossi, farfetch.com

Issa London, stanwells.com

Chianti & Parker, miminoor.com

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Trend - Opposites Attract: Black with White SS13

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander and Celine, to name but a few, this wonderful wearable trend , whether in patterns or bloc...

Seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander and Celine, to name but a few, this wonderful wearable trend, whether in patterns or block colour, will make a modern statement for your work or evening wardrobe. I have selected my favourite pieces from the first batch of 'new-in' products online!

Shop the Page

ATELIER-MAYER
BARBARA BUI at thecorner.com
LULU GUINNESS
BY ZOE at Nelly.com
BY MALENE BIRGER at mytheresa.com
ALTUZARRA at matchesfashion.com
CEDRIC CHARLIER at farfetch.com
EDITION de LUXE
JIMMY CHOO at net-a-porter.com
TIBI at shopbop.com

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Chanel Couture SS13 - A Gothic Fairytale

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Karl Lagerfeld filled the Grand Palais with a forest of trees for the SS13 Couture show in Paris. The collection was eclecti...

Karl Lagerfeld filled the Grand Palais with a forest of trees for the SS13 Couture show in Paris.

The collection was eclectic. Black dresses were heavily embellished with layer upon layer of texture, while white tweed dresses and twin sets drew attention to the shoulders, Lagerfeld framed them with stole like capes adding an extra dimension. The beauty look albeit not conventionally beautiful was definitely striking. Feather fascinators were worn in the side of a tussled hair-up style, with one stark gothic smoky eye, adding drama and impact to the collection.

The emphasis on the shoulders continued throughout the collection, with off-the-shoulder dresses left bare or covered with lace.

Peep toe boots were worn with each look as lace or skin-tight silver leather followed the line of the whole leg or skimmed the ankle.

The colour came in a set of dresses in red, black and white sequins adorned with flower motifs.

A uniformed theme throughout SS13 couture is the idea of nature, with trees seen at Dior and Nicholas Oakwell including Chanel.

Lagerfeld presented a mythical and mysterious collection with models reminiscent of ethereal fairies. I loved!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Dior Couture SS13 by Raf Simons - A Secret Garden

Monday, January 21, 2013

Raf Simons opened up a secret garden this afternoon for his second couture collection, since taking the helm at Christian Dior. The magica...

Raf Simons opened up a secret garden this afternoon for his second couture collection, since taking the helm at Christian Dior.
The magical catwalk setting in Paris' Tuileries, was arranged with a flowing maze of hedges and trees. The models walked out with pixie cropped hair, pale skin and deep red lips, some which were crystallised.
Raf Simons - or any Creative Director who replaced John Galliano - had the ultimate task this season. Although as I watched the online stream it was clear that Simons certainly rose to the challenge offering the perfect combination of romance and modernity, with clever references to the Dior archive, namely layering, peplums, and volume. A noticeable difference was between the Simons and Galliano style. Simons is more relevant and contemporary than Galliano's theatrical collections.
The colour palette was beautiful with aubergine, burnt orange and yellow ochre brightening an otherwise pastel collection.
I fell in love with the Silk bustier cocktail dresses and signature Dior voluminous skirted ball gowns, worn with delicate balletic bonnets.
Overall Raf Simons presented a soft and enchanted collection with a feminine charm, accentuated by the pastel colours, embroidery and textures. I cannot wait to see what is in store for his ready to wear collection!

Monday, January 21, 2013

ebay Fashion Gallery - Six Pieces from the Karen Millen Official Store

Monday, January 21, 2013

If you are trying to save the pennies after the luxuries of Christmas allow me to introduce you to an online style secret! ebay Fashion Ga...

If you are trying to save the pennies after the luxuries of Christmas allow me to introduce you to an online style secret! ebay Fashion Gallery offers high street stores at discount prices. Each month I will be picking my favourite fashion and accessories from the official online stores, this month I have found six fabulous pieces by Karen Millen. Quantities vary therefore shop quickly by clicking the links at the bottom of the page!

Shop the Page

Woolen Trench Coat
Twisted Cable Knit
Graphic Decco Dress
Bold Check Shirt
Black & White Bag
Sleeveless Shirt

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Something for the Weekend - A Fashionable Crossword

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Test your style, beauty and accessories knowledge with my 'snowed-in-on Sunday' Fashionable Crossword! Click here to email for t...

Test your style, beauty and accessories knowledge with my 'snowed-in-on Sunday' Fashionable Crossword! Click here to email for the answers.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Something for the 'Snow Covered' Weekend - A Fashion Word Search

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Due to the snow, I hope you, like me, will be at home relaxing. To add a fashion element to your day I created a fashion word search, wit...

Due to the snow, I hope you, like me, will be at home relaxing. To add a fashion element to your day I created a fashion word search, with some of my favourite design houses and brands listed! I hope you enjoy!

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Vivienne Westwood collaborates with the English National Ballet

Saturday, January 19, 2013

The English National Ballet collaborates with Vivienne Westwood, in a creative brand campaign. The campaign intends to capture through im...

The English National Ballet collaborates with Vivienne Westwood, in a creative brand campaign.

The campaign intends to capture through imagery how the English National Ballet is coming together with photographers, stylists and designers to interpret themes of individual shows.

The couture garments were selected from the Vivienne Westwood SS13 collection including the extensive archive. This was to reinforce the theme of combining modernity with tradition. Not only do they reference historical dressing and British culture, they also celebrate the human form with seductive yet elegant qualities.

Friday, January 18, 2013

First Look - Primark's Pretty Spring Collection (SS13)

Friday, January 18, 2013

Take a peek at some of the items already in store and others which are due in throughout February! The SS13 season is one of my favourites...

Take a peek at some of the items already in store and others which are due in throughout February! The SS13 season is one of my favourites from Primark, not only is the quality improved yet again but also the collection is expansive. As stock is updated weekly look out for an updated feature soon!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

January's Jewellery Notes - Arabel Lebrusan

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Arabel Lebrusan , a Spanish jewellery designer and previously Creative Director at sustainable jewellery brand Leblas, now designs under h...

Arabel Lebrusan, a Spanish jewellery designer and previously Creative Director at sustainable jewellery brand Leblas, now designs under her own name creating statement jewellery combining trend-led designs, fine jewellery and bespoke collections.

Graduated with a MA in Jewellery Design from Central St. Martins, Arabel is a trained gemologist which is apparent when you view her extensive collections.

With inspiration taken from her background and travels, Arabel made the choice of using Ethical and Fairtrade metals and stones, allowing beauty on the inside and outside of her jewellery.

My favourite collection is the 'Filigree' which use an artisan technique. Silver is translated into lace like patterns, delicately curving into the prettiest forms. These stunning pieces, all handmade, are made by Spanish artisans who were taught this special trade from their fathers and grandfathers before them.

My favourite piece is one of the most striking necklace. Hand assembled from over 60 pieces, the 'Lace Necklace' has fabulous movement and fluidity. Fragile in appearance this flattering necklace is guaranteed to add a dramatic touch to any outfit, especially when worn with a scoop neckline or strapless evening outfit. I would also style the Lace Necklace over a roll-neck jumper to add interest.

Arabel also offers a bespoke commission service, allowing you the opportunity to combine Arabel's design flair and your personal brief.

You will see my other picks by Arabel Lebrusan, below. You can 'shop the page' with the usual links at the bottom.

Shop the Page

Anaconda Ring - Part of the proceeds to the Water Project.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Label Love - Happy Birthday By Malene Birger

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I fell in love with By Malene Birger nine years ago, while working at Foundation , a designer boutique in the Cotswolds, who stocked the ...

I fell in love with By Malene Birger nine years ago, while working at Foundation, a designer boutique in the Cotswolds, who stocked the brand. At this time I was also studying for my degree in Fashion Womenswear at London College of Fashion. With pattern and textiles at the heart of my specialism, I admired how By Malene Birger featured embroidery and surface pattern in all collections.
This year the brand is celebrating their tenth birthday! The SS13 collection, aptly named 'The Celebration' contains many covetable pieces, whether printed silk dresses, textured fabrics or beading! I have featured, below, a few of my favourite 'new in' pieces!

Shop the Page

Nanutia Silk Pants

Neveah Lace Skirt

Mansona Silk Sandals

Earrings Not Yet Available

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Handbag Crush - Modalu London

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

I discovered Modalu during London Fashion Week in September. My eye was drawn to a style of bag now named the 'Pippa'. The s...

I discovered Modalu during London Fashion Week in September. My eye was drawn to a style of bag now named the 'Pippa'.

The style previously known as the 'Bristol' was renamed to Pippa in tribute to Pippa Middleton after she was spotted using this style of handbag on the day after her sisters wedding.

The 'Pippa' bag is Modalu's most popular style and it is not hard to see why Miss Middelton favoured it. With multiple compartments and pockets it is the perfect bag for the modern woman.

I have other favourites from the Modalu collection, take a look at the page below to see other styles by my latest Handbag Crush!

Shop the Page

Monday, January 14, 2013

The Golden Globes 2013: Best Dressed on the Red Carpet

Monday, January 14, 2013

See what the stars wore to the Golden Globes, the first red carpet fashion event of 2013!

Newer Posts

Older Posts