Loving This Week...

Vivienne Westwood's Kenyan Campaign

Regular readers and anyone who knows me in real life know of my love of Vivienne Westwood. So it'll come as no surprise that I love the recent campaign for her Gold Label celebrating her work with Kenya's Ethical Fashion Programme. Shot by Juergen Teller, the shoot includes Dame Westwood alongside some gorgeous African models.

Image from The Vine

Lottie's Finishing School L is For...

When you hear the word 'ladylike' what does it make you think of? Does it make you think of an out of date image of women from a bygone era, or do you see it as something stylish and still very relevant? 

The lovely Lottie, is a firm believer in all things ladylike and for me is a fabulous example of   someone who manages to be modern and ladylike. And once again her finishing school posts have got me thinking...should I be more ladylike? 

Fashion wise, I am a very eclectic person (or greedy depending on your point of view!) and whilst I love skinny jeans and a rock t-shirt, I am also a lover of floaty and feminine pieces that make me feel girly and pretty. The ladylike look is definitely something that I like, and still makes it mark on the catwalk.

L-R: Miu Miu AW11 (Image from Marie Claire UK), Christian Dior AW11 (Image from

  Elle UK), Chloe AW11 (Image from Fashionologie), Yves Saint Laurent AW11 (Image from Style.com), Bottega Veneta AW11 (Image from Fashionista)

But beyond the visual side of being ladylike, do I think that I should act more ladylike? When thinking about the idea of behaving more ladylike I found it was like peeling an onion. I had to stop and think about what how I actually defined being ladylike before I could even decide whether I fitted into that category, or whether I even wanted to fit into that category. 

Style Steal - Jessica Hart

When I saw this picture of model Jessica Hart rocking the off-duty model chic I thought it was a perfect look for the bank holiday weekend. She does casual cool better than most and I have a total style crush on her at the moment...*swoon*

Image from Elle UK

Turn up sleeve slouch blazer, £28 - Boohoo

Converse white hi tops, £40 - Schuh

Light drop pocket hot-pants, £28 - Miss Selfridge

Snake arm flat top sunglasses, £16 - Topshop

Red Herring cross body bag, £24 - Debenhams

Crafted vest top, £16.99 - Republic

Splash Out or Save the Pennies - Star Print Dresses

I love star prints, so this season I am a very happy Nikki. Thanks to the likes of Dolce & Gabbana I'm seeing stars everywhere for the AW season. 

Whatever your budget, a great way to grab the trend is with a sexy strapless star print dress...

Short star print dress, £975 - Dolce & Gabbana

Star print dress, £30 - AX Paris 

Get Bootylicious this AW

Ankle boots are an absolute Autumn Winter essential purchase. Find your perfect pair to team with trousers, your favourite pair of jeans or a thick pair of winter tights and a winter skirt. 

Black fold over lace up boot, £25 - Matalan

'Genista' wedge book, £90 - Aldo

Deena & Ozzy oxblood three buckle boot, £75 - Urban Outfitters

Faith black 'Soloman' leather ankle boots, £60 - Debenhams

Tan lace up collar boots, £60 - Dorothy Perkins

Outfit Pick N Mix - Monochrome

Whilst colour popping brights have been huge this season and the craze for colour will continue into the next season, I wanted to pay homage to the classic chic of monochrome. The colour combo loved by CoCo Chanel is timeless and whilst you only have two colours to work with, there are endless possibilities.

1. Image from Cosmopolitan

2. Topshop Unique AW11, Image from Elle UK

3. Alexa Chung, Image from Telegraph Fashion

4. Clemence Posey, Image from Look

5. Image from osoyou

1. Anne Hathaway, Image from InStyle UK

2. Zooey Deschanel in Moschino, Image from Marie Claire UK

3. 'Zombie Gal',Image from Chictopia

4. Michael Kors AW11-12, Image from InStyle UK

5. Dolce & Gabbana AW 11-12, Image from Fashion Gone Rogue

Shopping Lust

Item of the Week - 

Pink Bengaline Mesh Dress, £39.99 -  Miss Selfridge

This dress is the perfect way to tap into the fetish trend without feeling like you are at a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It will definitely give your wardrobe some va va voom. 

Loving This Week...

Agyness Deyn for Dr. Martens

I love it when two things that I like come together so the new Dr. Martens' ad campaign with Agyness Deyn is a hit with me. Regardless of seasonal trends, DMs are always 'in' with me. I have had my DM boots since I was about 16 (I'm now 27), and they are still in amazing condition and in regular use!

Image from Telegraph Fashion

Book Review - ‘Blow by Blow: The Story of Isabella Blow’

‘Blow by Blow: The Story of Isabella Blow’ – Detmar Blow & Tom Sykes (2010)

Image from Amazon.co.uk

Isabella Blow was a legendary figure in the fashion world. She was a writer, style icon, muse and had an amazing eye for spotting up and coming talent. She is credited for nurturing the likes of Philip Treacy and Alexander McQueen and thrusting them into the fashion limelight. Her career in fashion spanned thirty years and she worked for American Vogue, Tatler and The Sunday Times Magazine.

But Isabella’s life was one of extreme tragedy and drama. Whilst she was a powerful force of creativity and eccentricity in the fashion world, her own personal happiness and the deep depression that plagued her ultimately lead to her tragic suicide in 2007, aged 48.

Style Steal - Beyonce

Jump suits are not going anywhere this season. Learn how to rock one and look effortlessly stylish like Beyonce in this black Roland Mouret piece. And with the added bonus of not tripping over yourself a la maxi dresses, you can add some killer heels.

JUMPSUIT, £25 - DOROTHY PERKINS

LARGE ROUND SUNGLASSES, £18 - TOPSHOP

LOVE LABEL PLATFORM SANDALS, £23 - ISME

Beyonce image from Celebrity Fashion

Take 5 - The Fashion Bible

Online shopping is one of my favourite things so I love it when I stumble across another site where I can get my fashion fix. I recently started following The Fashion Bible over on twitter and popped over to visit their site. I really like their purse friendly range and decided to pick my five favourite items...

1. Frankie Purple Lace Pleat Dress, £15.99

With lace detailing and a rich on trend purple colour, this is a great buy that will take you through to the next season and at £15.99 it's a total bargain!

Trend Special - AW Jewel Tones

The AW catwalks were full of luxurious jewel trends in every imaginable shade. This Autumn/Winter is not the time to shy away from colour, embrace the the chance to leave drab winter colours behind and get glam in your favourite shades...

Emerald

LR: Gucci (image from Style.com), Marc by Marc Jacobs (image from The Style Agenda), Emilio Pucci (image from ASOS), Diane Von Furstenberg (image from Textile Global)

Outfit Pick N Mix - Biker Jackets

As we head towards the strange transitional time of year weather wise it can often be tricky business trying to find the right thing to wear. The leather jacket is a great way to layer up over your summer style to give you that little bit extra protection from the elements without ending up having to carry a big coat around with you when the weather suddenly changes. 

1. Lou Doillon, image from Glamour

2. Freja Beha Erichsen, image from Harper's Bazaar

3. Styled On

4. Liverpool Echo

Poppy Valentine at ASOS Marketplace

I am so happy that one of my favourite independent fashion sites Poppy Valentine is now available at ASOS Marketplace. As ASOS Marketplace is a great way to tap into a wider audience, I hope that more people will discover this unique label.

Vintage fabric faithful skirt, £39.95

Loving This Week...

Things that have made me smile this week...

Rizzle Kicks - Down With The Trumpets

Just really loving this song this week. It makes me feel like it's summer even though we haven't been having much of a summer the last week! The only thing is though, the title reminds me of the sweet advert that Matt Berry did when he shouted 'bring on the trumpets' and I giggle to myself...

Kelly Osbourne and 'that' Duchess of Cambridge comment

Recently, Kelly Osbourne commented on the fact that Catherine Duchess of Cambridge wears things more than once, and was met with a lot of negative response. Whilst a guest on the Jay Leno show, Osbourne commented:

“In England they’re like, ‘Look how thrifty she’s being, showing the British public that the Royals are in a recession as well, only in this country they call it a faux pas...If I had that job I would only wear it once”

Kelly Osbourne

Image from Zimbio

I know that Kelly has a right to air her views and I don't think she deserves the full extent of the backlash, but her comments got me thinking. Even in jest, are these kind of comments helpful? I know that Kelly has since backtracked on the comments, saying she was not being critical of the Duchess of Cambridge, but was saying she deserves a new dress every day. But is the idea of wearing something only once a good one?

What's in my bag - IFB Project #9

I have been so busy lately that I have only just caught up with myself and a couple of really interesting things have slipped past my radar! One of those things is IFB's posting project, which is up to #9! I really like the idea and it is always fun to post about things that other people have set for you, as it can bring something different. 

So better late than never, here is my IFB Project #9: What's in Your Bag?

Kim Kardashian's ShoeDazzle comes to the UK

Kim Kardashian is a very busy lady and one of the many strings to her bow is being co-founder of online styling service ShoeDazzle. Founded in the US in 2009, it is finally landing on our shores in September.

" I couldn't be more proud to bring women in the

UK the fun and fashion of having their own personal stylists."

Kim Kardashian

Ethical Fashion with Annie Greenabelle

When you hear the phrase 'ethical fashion', what comes to mind? Do you recoil away at the thought of dresses that make you look like an art teacher from the 1970s? Do you worry that you'd have to sacrifice your style to wear ethically made clothing? Well Annie Greenabelle should put an end to any of your fears. 

Open back bow dress, £60

Shine on You Crazy Diamond

Metallics and glitter are a great trend to tap into this season. Take inspiration from the likes of Stella McCartney and Richard Nicholl's Autumn/Winter collections and get your shine on...

Metallic T Shirt, £20 - ASOS

Bronze Beaded Vest, £60 - Wallis

'Bremseth' metallic pumps, £70 - Aldo

Tori metallic look jeans, £15 - Boohoo

Sequinned clutch, £75 - French Connection

Lux gold turban, £10 - Miss Selfridge

Diagonal bow clutch bag, £28 - Accessorize

Metallic Jaquard one shoulder dress, £60 - Liquorish

Lurex stripe top, £14.99 - New Look

Metallic bucket bag, £69.99 - Zara

Paul's Boutique Maisey large zebra bag, £60.99 - BANK
Multi coloured sequinned dress, £45 - Rare
Sequin front T-Shirt dress, £80 - Warehouse
Wizard bow peep toe wedge, £90 - Dune
CIEL gold tulip skirt, £80 - Fashion Conscience

Metallic triangle necklace, £16 - Urban Outfitters
Platform peep toe shoes, £149 - Reiss
Glitter ankle boots, £90 - Schuh
Love Label metallic gold playsuit, £30 - Very
Alexon metallic contour dress, £65 - Debenhams

Outfit Pick N Mix

Keeping up with the return of my regular features, it's time for Outfit Pick N Mix. 

This week's theme is the LRD, Little Red Dress. Whilst the classic LBD will never go away, the LRD is one that you should have in your wardrobe for a head-turning and bold alternative.

1. Daisy Lowe, Image from Marie Claire

2. Fabusugar

3. Olivia Wilde in Antonio Berardi, Image from InStyle

4. Weardrobe

1. Chictopia

2. Dita Von Teese, Image from Posh24

3. Mila Kunis, Image from People.com

4. Mary Kate Olsen,  Image from fabsugar

Liquorish AW

Since it's beginning in 2009, Liquorish,  known for their gorgeous prints and contemporary cuts, have been a favourite amongst celebrities and fashionistas alike. 

Their autumn/winter collection looks as though it could well be their best collection yet, with a great colour pallet and some strong prints. I can't wait to see the full collection!

The full collection will be available from the first week in September, prices range from £65-£150.

Loving This Week...

Back on track with my posting after a difficult few months (promise this time!). Kicking off with a reshuffle of my regular features.

Loving This Week is going to be on Sunday's. If you are a new reader, Loving This Week does what it says on the tin. I share 5 things that I am loving each week...simple as.

Free People's Knitwear

I know, I know it's summer still but I do have a love of knitwear and it's never to early to stock up for the next season! Plus, being British always involves having a cardigan in Summer 'just in case'. I am totally loving the knitwear on offer at Free People at the moment, as it's so versatile and will take you through the end of the summer and beyond.

L-R: Dursoduro Maxi Cardigan - £103.08, New Romantics Crochet Cardigan - £103.08, Open Stitches Pullover - £78.54, Fairisle Knit Back Cardi - £182.85

All from Free People

Masato Jones AW 2011/2012

Back in April I wrote about designer Masato Jones,  a fabulous up and coming designer. He is now showcasing his Autumn/Winter collection and it does not disappoint! 

With stunning choices of colour, beautiful timeless dresses and the signature Masato structure, the designer has done it again. The collection is elegant and feminine and manages to balance influences from the past with a refreshing modern take on glamour.

(Image courtesy of Masato Jones)

Man V Fashion

When you go shopping for clothes what are your considerations? Do you think about getting key items for the season that you have seen in magazines? Do you go for your own unique look? Do you go for comfort?

Do you think about whether your other half will like what you buy?

I look forward to each new season with excitement at the prospect of flirting with the new trends of the season and pondering how I can incorporate them into my existing wardrobe. But whilst us women may love riding the wave of new trends, the men in our lives may not always ‘get’ it.

Let’s face it; there are certain trends that men just hate. You could spend a life time explaining why Lady GaGa is a fashion genius, or why you are coveting your friend's new jumpsuit and they still wont understand where it is you are coming from style wise. To this day I still don't think that my other half quite understands why I am totally hot for Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe.

 

Image from Fashion Style