Monthly Archives: March 2010

Mar17

2010’s top four trends are revealed.

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2010’s top four trends are revealed.

They say opposites attract and the trends for this season have never been further apart in contrast.  From cyber chic and utility to pretty and a look that spells a complete white out, this season’s style is certainly oppositional to say the least!

All of these trends however share something in common in that each ensemble echoes a certain theatrical performance and vitality whilst at the same time boasts a flirty glamour.  Despite each fad offering a very different take on this season, all of these styles are on the fashionistas must-have list. 

Denim, khaki and ultimate classics such as the distinguished boyfriend shirt in a crisp white create a sharp contrast to that of the fantasy frills, playful ribbons and fairytale silhouettes which make up this season’s ‘pretty’ look.

The ‘white’ trend is just that, a contemporary minimalist look that is perfect for spring, offering both a clean and fresh palette whilst the uber cyber chic goes in a completely different direction.  This trend screams futuristic but with a modern and glamorous take on this style, with designers throwing in elements of rich dazzling fabrics and graphic motifs.

Various prestigious fashion houses including the likes of Louise Golding, Christopher Kane and Valentino have adopted this season’s pretty trend.  Oscar De La Renta, Celine and Chloe are showcasing the utility look.  The white trend is working for Bottega Venneta, Jill Sander and d Phoenza Shouler.

Mar16

Learning how to pack with Diane Von Furstenburg.

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Learning how to pack with Diane Von Furstenburg.

Packing for a trip can be extremely difficult, especially when most girls have an abundance of much-loved outfits in their already bulging wardrobes.  This has been made even more of a challenge with the tight regulations taking place regarding the weight of baggage.

The renowned designer Diane Von Furstenberg however has come up with a solution in the form of a variety of key essentials and need-to-know rules on packing.  You need to think of ideal pieces that can be worn both in the city and on the beach, through out the day and in the evening.

Other tips the designer has to share when packing for a break include a list of must-take key essentials.  These include the perfect little dress that can be rolled up snugly in your case, yet will appear wrinkle free when removed.  A sweater or cardigan that matches every ensemble, an easy-to-wear pair of trousers, a day jacket, an evening coat and of course a killer pair of heels for evenings, as well as cute statement flats to take you sight-seeing throughout the day.

Another tip is to take clever accessories; these will in fact make an outfit already worn appear different the second time around.  Colourful scarves, statement belts and lots of jewellery are the perfect items to dress up a simple look.
In order to learn the key rules of packing, the designer states you need to whittle away the nonsense items and leave behind the things you don’t think you’ll wear.

The designer’s cruise line is entitled ‘La Petite Valise” and offers various pieces that are perfect for a trip away.  Each piece works well together and will keep you looking stylish whilst away.


Mar12

Philip Lim’s intermediary thinking bridges the gap between two trends.

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Philip Lim’s intermediary thinking bridges the gap between two trends.

Philip Lim

This season has introduced an array of grey flannel, glen plaids and camel hair attire which isn’t the ideal matching to a wardrobe full of edgy studded tops and tees as well as statement rock-style leggings.

Phillip Lim’s intermediary thinking is the answer to all our prayers.  His 1983 inspired leather cut-off jacket is the perfect match to this season’s wide legged trousers and high-waist style garments.  The jacket is created in a sleek leather fabric and offers a cropped silhouette that is perfect for both the garments mentioned as the shortened length won’t hide any of the high-waisted detail. 

The New York theme is enthused through Phillip Lim’s entire collection creating an individual minimalist style that is still distinctly feminine.  His line always has a little something extra to offer, either through details such as hand stitching or personal quirky inflections.  All of his clothes have a luxurious feel and have been created in rich yet contemporary fabrics that are perfect for the chic city girl. 

His line is renowned for its simplicity and Phillip Lim seems to have the key in designing clothes that have realistic concepts in mind.  Last season showcased an array of garments with the theme strongly showing everything on the outside, this season however, the designer is concentrating on the fundamental nature of his attire and keeping in mind exactly what every girl wants and desires in their wardrobe.  This jacket for instance is just one of those investment buys that will go with outfits already owned as well as the various attire that will be purchased for next season.

Mar12

How to work a little Americana style into your look.

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How to work a little Americana style into your look.

Americana Style

The Americana trend is a laid back look with a little splash of glamour, whether this is wearing an old school style jumper, frayed denim jeans and fringed suede heels or a basic tee, cut off denim shorts and this seasons must-have wedged heels.

The key detail to work when styling towards the Americana look is fringing detail.  Bags, shoes, tees and belts are all working this element into their attire. 

Another must have investment is a killer pair of suede heels, work either fringed stilettos, lace up Cuban heels or statement ankle tie wedged shoes.

Finish the outfit with this seasons ‘it’ bag, the bum bag and again its vital that this has fringed detailing. 

Turquoise, chocolate leather, silver and brass should work there way into anything from jeans, shoes, bags, bracelets, statement neckpieces and chunky cuffs.

Take inspiration from the spring and summer 2010 catwalks and mix and match designer with highstreet.  Department stores are great places to pick up mid range jewellery and statement bags.  Mid brown antique leather style bags add an instant vintage edge to a doubled up denim ensemble and also go perfectly well with summer floral prints for a more flirty approach to this seasons Americana trend. 

Moccasin flats are a great option for day attire and those seen on the catwalk and on the highstreet all have added fringe detail as well as stud embellishments.  This trend certainly needs a pair of statement shoes, as it will finish the outfit off perfectly.

Mar12

Beauty notes for March 2010.

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Beauty notes for March 2010.

Chanel Coco Rouge Lip Colour

If you are thinking of reassessing your make up bag for this season make sure you add a statement lipstick to your beauty shopping list.  Lipstick is a powerful make up tool and has the ability to instantly update a look.  Whether you opt for a seductive rouge or a pretty pastel pink shade, applying colour to the lips has the effect of awakening the face.

Chanel’s beauty advisor goes by the name of Peter Philips and is the man behind this season’s obsession with lipstick.  He has created a line of new and exciting shades for the brand, each shade boasts to suit all and they are extremely easy to apply.  The no fuss range is entitled Rouge Coco and each one is priced at £21.  A few of the best selling colours include Rouge Coco in Cambon which comes in the shape of a hot pink colour, Rouge Noir which is more seductive and is a rich purple, Paris which is a shade in between the two and Rouge Coco Mademoiselle which offers a classic mid red tone.

Coco Chanel first introduced lip colour in 1954 and it has been a big hit with most girls ever since.  The styles created with this particular make up product has changed drastically however, both big name fashion houses, Prada and Marc Jacobs have all opted for creating the illusion of a cupid’s bow this season.  Models sported a variety of lip stains, each precisely applied to create the illusion of an extremely defined mouth.

This season is showcasing an array of bold statement lip shades and its certainly a must have item for the handbag.

Mar11

Take notes from Giambattista Valli and create the perfect dewy complexion.

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Take notes from Giambattista Valli and create the perfect dewy complexion.

Make-up artists backstage at Giambattista Valli were taking contouring tricks to new heights.  The classic make-up artist beauty contouring deception creates the illusion of extremely impressive cheekbones. 

The good news is you don’t need an A grade in make-up art in order to cheat your way to really defined cheekbones. The secret is to use a foundation  powder that is slightly darker than the skin tone, this will act as an alternative to the usual peachy or pink toned blusher you may normally use. 

The powder foundation should be applied just below the cheekbones in the concaved area, in order to create a dewy and fresh complexion that appears both flawless and even, the foundation needs to be blended in well.  The rule in achieving a perfect complexion is too keep it natural, the face shouldn’t look like it has been doused in make-up.  To really accentuate the cheekbones, add a little highlighter powder over the foundation, this again will create a more natural look. 

Models at the Giambattista Valli show finished the picture perfect complexions off with over the top statement hair dos that appeared back combed to the max and this seasons hot nude nails.

If you are planning on trying this trend make sure you choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly and you’ll need a few different shades to take you throughout the various seasons.

Mar11

How to work 2010′s urban safari trend.

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How to work 2010′s urban safari trend.

Urban Safari Girl

One key and exciting fresh look that is winding its way down the 2010 runways is the ‘minimalist urban safari girl’.  To work this trend aptly for this season, think statement aviator shades that are the height of laid back cool and caramel leather accessories such as old school satchels.

This is safari style but a highly groomed version with slick tailoring.  Adding accessories to this look will instantly add personality; this personality can be achieved through adding a statement cuff or embellished neck-piece to the ensemble.  This in turn will add an individual twist to a minimalist outfit.

This trend can be mixed and matched with items already in your wardrobe, contrast a vintage dress or pretty silk camisole and pair it with something uber masculine and tailored.  Pairing girly items with masculine attire will create a look that’s both sophisticated and three dimensional.  Try working an oversized military jacket, a preppy blazer or boyfriend jeans with sweet feminine pieces in black lace or hot pink silk fabrics.    

This trend is suitable for both day and evening attire, adding a killer pair of heels to the ensemble will instantly take this look from laid-back casual to laid-back luxe.  Statement flats, gladiator-esque sandals and suede safari-style ankle boots will keep this style simple and care-free and will create instant casual style. 

To take this look from the catwalk to the street, team an oversized cargo jacket and layer it over a leopard print shift, add some black boots and a turban for a little edge.

Mar4

Ski-style for 2010

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Ski-style for 2010

Ski-Style 2010Whether you are a pro on the slopes or you are just hitting the snow for fun, this season’s skiwear promises attire that is both professionally finished and highly technical and as these garments are being designed by well-known athletes we would expect nothing less! 
The high-tech materials these items are being created in boast to keep the wearers body temperature at a high even on the coldest of days.  Materials such as soft-shell are extremely durable and have a high resistant to water exposure, but at the same time allow for free movement.  Metallic properties and synthetic fibres maintain the body temperature whilst Polartec allows full breathability in the shape of two-way air exchange.
Designs have both been created in clean contemporary cuts as well as more casual styles, with added details such as zippers, logos and buttons.  For a more elegant twist on this seasons ski style, some manufacturers have opted for a high-fashion look in the form of cashmere accessories.
Colour is both daring and bold this season, those taking to the slopes shouldn’t be afraid to clash hot pinks with bright yellows.  The new colours range from burnt oranges and sulphur yellows to storm greys and powerful purples.
As well as this season’s ski attire playing on bold and in your face colour palettes, they are also big on print, with chessboard patterns, geometric shapes, pixel prints, micro images and herringbone adorning either a small area of the garment or the entire surface.  Camouflage and leopard designs have also made an appearance, bringing back an essence of the eighties to the slopes.
Another new addition comes in the shape of ‘Rock Chic’ style and offers garments created in wet-look materials that almost appear leather.  An element of fur added to an ensemble creates a classic look that is also set to be big this season.

Mar4

Give your feet some downtime, flats are back!

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Give your feet some downtime, flats are back!

Flats Are Back

The past seasons have showcased an array of designer footwear, all with tottering heels that just seem to be getting higher and higher.  But this season reveals a little good news for those that wish to give their tired feet a break.  This news comes in the shape of cute ballet flats, allowing the fashion savvy to swap those towering heels for some fashionable flats.  Comfort is certainly on this season’s style agenda and ballet flats are creating a stir for 2010.

From highstreet to designer, embellished creations are stepping up the style stakes.  Floral adorned, jewel encrusted, pearls, snakeskin and cutesy bows are all the rage and suitable for both day and night.

This season’s ballet flats are certainly no shy statement, the brighter and more embellished the better.  Ballet slippers have been seen adorned with an array of accessories including beads, ruffles, bows and buttons.

Fashionable flats are available in an array of colours and fabrics; monotone colours for a sophisticated look or popping shades and metallic styles to add an instant splash of colour to an otherwise low-key outfit.  Materials such as suede, velvet, leather and patent have all been showcased this season.

The classic pump is set to be a big hit this season and comes in the shape of peek toe pumps, round toe style, the classic pump and even t-strap flats.  They are certainly anything but boring and adorned with various details makes them perfect for evening too.  Take notes from style icon Audrey Hepburn, the petite star lived in elegant flats and was renowned for always being a picture of perfect grace and style.

Mar4

The Alexander Wang way.

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The Alexander Wang way.

When we think of sports clothing, images of tracksuits, tees and trainers come to mind, that is unless you are designing for this season’s catwalk shows. 

The main highlight of this trend and a must needed investment is the retro shoe boot, gone is the standard trainer only to be replaced by a revamped techno version of the original.  The shoe boot may look a little sporty in the fact it still has laces but it also has a heel.  Good news for those who refuse to wear flats but are still adamant on following the latest trends.

This season’s sports-style throws a little military action in the mix, breaking up the ensemble with a khaki edge.

This laid back and luxury look is set to big this season and all the high street shops will be stocking sport enthused garments.  The key rule in making your outfit stand out from the crowd is to accessorise.  When you opt for designer or highstreet, a bling belt or a statement neck piece can instantly add an edge to an outfit and will also make it individual to the wearer.

Pieces from the Alexander Wang collection appear both everlasting and classic so are therefore a good investment to both this seasons and next season’s wardrobe.  Despite looking effortless, each ensemble still oozed a statement edge.  Grey sports shirts were made fashionable chic with the addition of a laced up corset, ribbed sports socks became flirty by teaming them with wedged loafers or sandals adorned with zippers and the standard sports sac was completely revamped.

Garments were created in an array of fabrics including army, canvas, nylon and leather.  The good thing about this trend is that it not only looks effortlessly chic, it feels it too.