Something New

Image Source | Instagram
Mansur Gavriel SS16

This fashion season so far has been about discovering new designer talent. Yes we all love the classics Chloe, Burberry, Chanel. But I don't think you can beat finding something new! 

Today it's all about shoes shoes shoes! A few days ago whilst scrolling through my Instagram feed I saw the most incredible pair of blue suede mules. I instantly double clicked the image and carried on getting my lunchtime Instagram fix. A few days later with those shoes still on my mind I knew I had to find them. About an hour later (after scrolling through the feed of all those I follow) I found them!! 

It turns out there by handbag designer Mansur Gavriel - a designer I've never heard of until now, but one I hope to hear more about in the future. 

His designs are simple but unique. The bold colour and strong structure will give any outfit a modern twist. His designs are all about colour and shape - he has truly let the shoe speak for its self. 

I feel a high street replica coming our way next SS, or at least I hope so!

Straight off the runway

Image Source | Instagram

It's that time of year again when the fashion elite pack in to this seasons must see shows and take a peak into what Spring Summer 2016 has to offer. This seems strange considering its SS15 and I'm currently wearing sunglasses and sandals on a very busy (warm) train commute home. But we all know fashion is always one step ahead of us - or should I say 12 months. 

I'm not always particular to the SS collections (I'm a true lover of winter at heart) but it's only day two of New York Fashion Week and a whole bunch of designers have grabbed my attention, in particular bcbgmaxazria.

I loved the multicoloured, oversized, layered knits, especially the pink marl knitted vest - perfect for layering over a bikini in summer and layered over a knitted jumper or dress in winter.  

The guys at WGSN gave the collection the title of 'Venice beach vibes' and they couldn't be more right. 

Fashion season has only just begun and I can't wait to see what else it has in store for us. Keep posted!!!

Alice Archer an eye for detail

Design Inspiration - Alice looks to the brush strokes of Henri Fantin - Latour's flower paintings.

I love finding new, up and coming designers to love and the most recent addition to my ever growing list of designer talent is Alice Archer. Discovered whilst flicking through my monthly copy of Elle uk - Alice has an eye for detail when creating the most intricate and beautiful embroidery designs.
Alice says ' I really like creating labour intensive things' , labour intensive being the operative word as each embroidery stitch takes two days to programme into her computer.
Archer states her inspiration is taken from 19th century paintings and her design approach is that of a forensic one.

For me her designs are unique, intricate and beautiful to look at, my favourite piece has to be the denim jacket with the embroidered floral motif. It's not something you see everyday and that's what makes Alice one of London's most talked about young designers. 

Richard Nicoll, decades of fashion and Jack Wills

 

Image Source: i-d.com 

I cant' say I been a avid lover of Jack Wills, I never purchased the famous gillet or queued excitedly for hours in the boxing day sales - I actually thought it might somehow fall off the radar when the nostalgia trend was over (how I was wrong). The brand has recently been brought to my attention as Richard Nicoll (their new creative director) releases his first SS15 collection for the 'preppy British brand'.
"Jack Wills is not just about creating wardrobing for young adults. It's for anybody with a youthful spirit," comments Nicoll, "The clothing can be worn by a wide variety of ages. Mixed together, they create an irreverent image of British youth culture and a celebration of the individual in the gang." (i-d.com)
His collection, released in stores this week makes references to a variety of fashion decades and pop cultures - including, the ever so popular nineties and sixties. Think candy pinks, bright reds and bold stripes mixed with patchwork denim, tweed and leather.

Richard Nicoll has created a collection perfect for the brands loyal followers and those (like me) who knew so little.

Stripe-ing

 

 

       

Image source | style.com

From top left - Louis Vuitton

DKNY

Paul Smith

Yigal Azrouel 

Topshop Unique

Preen

 all SS15 RTW 

As seen in my last outfit post - I'm a fan of stripes! It looks as if we'll be holding on to our favourite print next season and  donning our stripes come SS15.

Yes, that seems many moons away *dashes to put wolly socks on. But before we know we'll be leaving the hats, scarfs and layers behind in place of something much lighter. 

The SS15 catwalks paraded stripes in every way possible. I personally love the A-line patent stripes at Louis Vuitton and the high waisted trousers at Topshop Unique. 

Lets get stripe-ing!! (see what I did there).  

New Loves

Image Source | style.com

I just LOVE finding new fashion designers and this week it happened whilst flicking through The Sunday Telegraphs fashion and lifestyle installment 'Stella'.

Mother of Pearl, a London based fashion label who has created an amazing collection inspired by the prints of textile designer William Morris. The designs by Mother of Pearl have a somewhat historical influence - frilled midi sleeves and pussy bow blouses. The collection has modern yet feminine elements and the William Morris prints make the collection aesthetically perfect. A definite new designer I will be keeping a close eye on in the upcoming season.

University attire

Bag and T-shirt | Topshop. Jeans | New Look. Coat | H&M. Trainers | Nike (JD Sports)

Considering I spend a large amount of my time at University I figured why not share my university apparel. For me everyday items have to be effortless, casual and comfortable - but with a little added twist. At the moment these Nike dual fusion trainers make an appearance on a daily basis giving my outfit a splash of colour. Teamed with some blue jeans, an oversized coat and tartan scarf - I'm ready for lectures and the cold weather.

Happy November!

It's a (faux) FUR thing!

Shrimps A|W14 Image source | vogue.co.uk

Fur Clutch | Zara

 

Fur Scarf | Zara

 Fur Coat | Topshop  

Everywhere I look I see FUR. Coats, bags, shoes, scarfs the list goes on. This months ELLE even dedicated a page to the fast growing trend. Fur shoes have even become a topic in my university class room (mixed views were expressed.) All this brightly coloured Fur is making me want to jump on the band wagon and join in the fun. Ever so many hours have been spent trolling my favourite shopping apps trying to find the perfect piece. However much I love this trend I'm guessing it could be another fashion fad (a few years ago I was mocked for loving a pair of fur strappy sandals!) On the other hand this year has seen many new emerging designers dedicating their entire collections to fur - Charlotte Simone, Shrimps and Helen Moore. Only time will tell.....fingers crossed! 

New York SS15

 

 Image Source | style.com 

Thakoon SS15

Palm tropical prints and loose silky soft pieces were all seen strutting down the runway at the Thakoon SS15 show in New York. Thakoon found inspiration from the 1959 movie 'Black Orpheus' the designer said this about the collection "exoticism through the eyes of a tourist." (style.com. 2014) 

The show's mood was set with slanted blinds that cast what looked like an early evening sunlight on the runway.

This collection reflects a beach wear vibe with brightly coloured tropical palm prints and loose silhouettes seen throughout. The perfect sartorial for any tropical location.

London SS15

Image Source | style.com

Mary Katrantzou SS15

Mary Katrantzou delivered an embellished, embroidered extravaganza this SS15. This collection Mary dared to be even more creative - gaining inspiration from the earth millions of years ago. This is seen in the delicate and exquisite embroidery, cut-out silhouettes and beautiful sheer fabrics. All which give that much needed nod to the Spring/Summer season.  

Mary often creates simple pieces but by adding print, embroidery, embellishment and a beautiful range of luxurious fabrics, each design becomes individual to her.

I love the emerging 'trouser trend' seen this SS15. Mary has re-designed two of my favourites - the wide leg and the slim leg but with a spring/summer twist. 

(I just LOVE the blue ones)

Lets talk TRENDS (Part II)

Image Source | vogue.co.uk

 Sportmax A|W14, Prada A|W14, Tom Ford A|W14, Valentino A|W14

As I glance through my colour coordinated wardrobe, I notice the lack of colour there is. This is partly brought on by how large the black and navy sections are-there's just something effortless and simple about darker colours. (That coupled with the fact I'm not too sure that I can carry colour off.) I would love to be one of those people who wears beautiful bright coloured clothing and look amazing. When I've tried wearing colour in the past I've felt overdressed and fussy. Okay, this post is getting rather cynical so I should definitely get to the point. 

 

RED

Autumn|Winter is a great time to add colour to an outfit. It not only brightens up your look but your mood too, right?

RED was all over the A|W14 catwalks with a variety of shades to choose from-ruby, scarlet, crimson...the list goes on! I think the trick to wearing colour is to keep it simple, mix with darker muted tones and make use of clean, classic lines. Or if you dare take the Sportmax route and wow with an all red number. Textured red is also another way to go. I love how Prada and Tom Ford have created beautiful bold red pieces in luxurious silk and velvet fabrics.

Here's to a colour filled Winter! (one's hoping)

Lets talk TRENDS!

 Image Source | style.com

Fendi a/w14, Balmain a/w14, Saint Laurent a/w14, Isabel Marant a/w14

At the beginning of  every month, I wait excitedly for my post man to deliver my favourite fashion glossy - ELLE! I usually race to the street style pages but not this month as my favourite fashion 6 monthly moment has arrived. The Autumn/Winter 2014 trend reports!
If you've been reading my blog for a while now you will know that the autumn/winter season is my favourite, in fact I spend most of the summer months dreaming about winter walks in my favourite parka and scarf. This could have something to do with my English pale skin not coping well in the summer, so much so that factor 35 sun cream is needed even in England (yes SPF does go that high). Saying all this sunny summer mornings do make getting out of bed much easier.
I'm thrilled to tell you this a/w14 that MILITARY is back, but with a very modern 2014 twist. Yes this may be a predictable winter trend but it seems very relevant for the times. Military was seen at Fendi, Isabel Marant, Balmain and Saint Laurent in a mixture of shapes, styles and colours. I'm particularly in love with the camouflage fur ankle length coat at Fendi, they also showed some beautiful knee length bombers and wool bell skirts. Details included patchwork fur, large buckles and satin boots. It was all about fitted leather styles at Balmain, short layered leather jackets with large lapels teamed with satin military inspired trousers.
However, to make these catwalk looks more wearable think giant fur hooded parka's at Saint Laurent and neutral coloured shirt dresses at Isabel Marant. According to ELLE, we should head to H&M for highstreet military pieces. Now all we need is to wait for those colder months to arrive, or simply jet off to a colder climate ourselves. Happy Monday.

Superga Love

 Shoes | Superga 

So I finally got my hands on a pair of Superga's and I have to say they are even better than I imagined. Such a simple yet stylish shoe, something like this could have only been designed in Italy. There's something about Italian style, relaxed and comfortable but effortlessly cool and I'm pretty sure they would look even better perched on the back of a Vespa.