The Way To Wear it

Black and White

2011-02-15T01:18:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by this super cute outfit I spotted on a girl at Vintage Threads at the beginning of the month. This season everyone is talking about bright colours but black and white is one of those looks that doesn't go out of fashion and although it hasn't been championed as a Spring/Summer trend it was seen at runway shows such as Givenchy and Chanel.

Her look reminds me of Gareth Pugh's Spring/Summer '11 collection with her hair pulled on top of her head. I absolutely love her Office shoes! I sometimes forget what a great high street store that is and in the miserable weather we had she was brave to wear heels. The cardi was great too, with stripes on one side, blocks on the other. It was the interesting details in the shoes and the cardi balanced with a block black dress that really made this outfit work. I like how she has added just a splash of colour with her red bag. It is nothing like anything I would ever carry, with a patchwork bag there is always a risk of looking like a 1990's hippie, but she pulled it off.

Gareth Pugh Spring/Summer 11

Back to my other blog

2011-01-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

Just to let all my readers know I am posting on my other blog much more regularly at the moment. So check that one out, it's stylespotterfashionblogger . Come Feb I will be super-posting on both but for the next week or so I won't have the time!

The Way To Wear It: Country

2010-10-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

And to the second of my Britain's Next Top Model trends; Country Chic.

The high street has gone mad for this trend! Its wearable with the main influences being country pursuits. It's easy and it's practical but should be worn with a ladylike/glamorous twist. It's okay to look like you have been inspired by the queen out for a ride but you don't want to look like you're heading to Badminton horse trials.

The colour palate include shades greys, browns, greens and dark reds. If you are a print lover stick to florals or horse related ones in autumnal colours. The key pieces for this look are the Aviator Jacket, the most famous one being the Burberry but there are loads on the high street. Other items to invest in would be chunky knits and tan boots; they'll add to the look this season and are likely be pulled out of the wardrobe for next winter.

The Way To Wear It; On The Catwalk

Make your body-warmer work by styling it with something other than bootcut jeans. Make sure it's fitted and a dark colour like this one seen at Dries van Noten.

People may ask where your horse is but Ralph Lauren makes Jodphurs work by teaming them some heels and jewellery.

That famous Burberry aviator. It's warm and it's stylish; a great alternative to our leather jackets. Wear with Jeans during the day and then throw over a dress at night. Be brave and step away from black, some of the best aviator jackets out there are in greens and browns.

Wear the look to work. Stick to the colour theme but choose smart trousers and a well tailored coat, as seen here at Gucci

The weather has really turned over the last few weeks and everyone is dying to get into a chunky knit. This look seen at D&G would be made wearable and perfect for cold winter conditions if worn with some skinny jeans.

The Way To Wear It; Next Season

Hermes take inspiration from Horse Riding every season (they make great saddles, hats and whips). Through in a bit of African Safari inspiration and the look has evolved for next season.

At 3.1 Philip Lim, he put his models in white wedges, made the knits thinner and bared there legs to make the look more appropriate for summer.

The Way To Wear It, Inspiration: The Royal Family meets Country Pursuits.

The Way to Wear It At BNTM LIVE

The Way To Wear It; LadyLike.

2010-10-26T03:33:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I spoke at Britain's Next Top Model Live. The title of my presentation was 'Wear The Trend Your Way' where I spoke about key trends of the season and how to incorporate them into your own wardrobe so as to stay on trend while adapting the looks to your own personal style.

As promised on 'Style Spotter Fashion Blogger' (where I posted a general overview of BNTM Live) I am updating 'The Way To Wear It' with the looks I discussed.

Phew... anyway, for the first look: 'Ladylike'.

This Autumn/Winter fashion took inspiration from the women of the past and we have begun to want to start to look like women again! We stopped burning our bras a long time ago and have realised that sometimes it feels nice to take our jeans off (even if they are very comfortable) and wear soft fabrics and flattering feminine shapes.

With inspiration from so many eras of women there is a look for everyone; you can be an Audrey, a Dita, a Marilyn or a Victoria Beckham; each one of their looks embraces femininity in many different ways!

The Way To Wear It; On The Catwalk

Victoria Beckham knows what she as a woman wants to wear; flattering shapes and killer heels. The waiting list for these dresses proves that Victoria's Breakfast At Tiffany's style dresses are what women have been waiting for.

At Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs showed us there is a clearly a vintage inspiration. The gloves, the prints, the dress shapes. This show was aimed for women who are proud of their femininity.

Prada showed how classic shapes can be better for curvier girls. Think clinched waist, think Mad Men.

At Chloe we saw that femininity is not always about wearing a skirt. The right fabrics can make trousers and a sweater become feminine. Opt for silks and cashmere.

The Way To Wear It; For Next Season

Bring the trend forward to next Season. Bright/Pop colours are going to be huge. Miuccia showed us how to make them ladylike at Miu Miu.

Alber loves to dress women. The fabrics, the jewels, the elegance. In Spring 2010, he wanted to show how much he adored a woman with natural elegance and beauty.

At Valentino there were great shapes, soft fabrics and bow details.

The Way To Wear It, Inspiration: female icons both past and present.

The Way To Wear It; The look spotted around BNTM Live

How to make your leather shorts lady like: team with a soft blouse a wide brimmed hat and some lippy. A 70's inspired feminine look.

Pearl Earrings and Glossy Hair = an instantly sophisticated and elegant look.

This Girl shows us how to make the ladylike look young. This dress has got great detailing but teamed with a relaxed bag and ankle boots she makes it less prim and more cute.

2010-10-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Way To Wear It; Block Colours

2010-09-28T07:01:00.001-07:00

As the fashion weeks are running I have been looking at what I hope will be big for next season. There has been a lot of white (seen at Dolce, Peter Pilotto and Preen), a boho look with lots of fringing (Pucci and Roberto Cavalli) and summer blacks (Armani), but I have also noticed that block colouring has been on the catwalk of some of the most influential shows such as Prada.

It's easy to turn to black in the winter but when the sunshine comes out most of us are desperate to get into bright colours. There has been a huge amount of white on the catwalk for next season but it’s the block colouring that has got me most excited. White is very impractical - the dry cleaning bills will be enormous so I am definitely going to stick to the bright colours that have been on the runways. If you want to stay bang on trend then go for orange, blue and green; my favourites! There are so many different tones so stick to one that will flatter your skin tone. If you want to wear orange lay off any orange fake tan, you don't want your face to clash with your clothes!

The Way to Wear It; On The Catwalk

Jil Sander: Amazing modern shapes

Issa: If you're more petite be careful that the colour doesn't swamp you and opt for a fitted dress.
Halston: Go for matching colour trousers and top.. only if you're brave!

Prada

Gucci: mix up block colours

The Way To Wear It: Inspiration.

The Darjeeling limited.

The background colours in the film are magnificent. For those of us who are unable to be inspired by the colours of India by going there this is a great film to watch.

Shop The Look; Save

Armade Dress, Reiss, £129, www.selfridges.comBlue Aristocrat Patfor Shoes, KG by Kurt Geiger, £150, www.liberty.co.uk

Pleat pointelle halternect Tunic, £40, Topshop, www.Topshop.com

Wear over a light cotton peg leg Trousers, bangles and some wedges. Team the look with a turban if you're brave.
Shop The Look; Splurge

Sleeveless Knit Dress, Stella MacCartney, £545, www.brownsfashion.com

Aysmmetric Satin Dress, £755, www.netaporter.com
Patent Tote, Yves Saint Laurent, £735, www.selfridges.com
Silk Drape Top, £210, Anglomania, www.harveynichols.com

The Way to Wear It; Country Chic

2010-09-21T02:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I apologise for my lack of blogging but I am now back and on blogging form, I hope!

As winter is setting in and the fashion world is getting us excited about summer already, I have decided to take a step back and look at one of the most wearable winter trends 'country chic'. Greens and camels are all over the high street and where Barbour jackets used to be 'for country use only', in recent years they have become more than acceptable on the high street. Designers have began to think about everyday practical chic and have put an elegant twist on what would previously have been farm wear, making a sort of cross between farm-wear and granny chic but somehow making it work.

The essential for this look is to make sure you keep it feminine and fashionable. While it does allow us to be comfortable, ugly wellies, badly fitted jeans and a fleece are a definite no-no. However brogues, turned up trousers, a cape and a khaki coloured head scarf are the way forward. Keep the colour palate of greens, greys and browns, throw in a bit of tweed and wool and make the look your own. The look can be kept as classic and elegant as a twin set and pearls but don't be afraid to add some fabulous shoes or a head scarf to make the look more contemporary.

The Way to Wear it, On the Streets
Team the look with other trends of the season as seen here, to gain a quirky look to the trend, but beware stick to two trends at max or it can look less stylish and more 'try-hard'. The Way To Wear It, On The Catwalk
Burberry Porsum
Chloe
Dries Van Noten
Marc Jacobs
Celine
Even the king of urbanwear Alexander Wang even played on the country chic theme with woolen capes.
Inspiration: The Land Girls.

The Way To Wear It; Shop The Look, Save

Leather cross body bag, Topshop, £32, www.topshop.com
Cordoroy bell bottoms, £39.99, www.zara.com
Woolen Cape, Zara, £99, www.zara.com
Wooden Heel Shoe Boots, Asos, £110, www.asos.com

The Way to Wear It; Shop The Look , Splurge

Faux Fur Collar Coat, Lanvin, £3,725, www.matchesfashion.com

Grey Faux Fur Collar, Liberty of London, £160, www.liberty.co.uk

'Sean' Feadora hat, Maison Michel, £215, www.brownsfashion.com

Pleated wool knit cape sweater, Salvatore Ferragamo, £1195.40, www.luisaviaroma.com pleated wool mini skirt, Chloe, £1235, www.netaporter.com

The Way To Wear It; Edinburgh Festival

2010-08-12T15:02:00.001-07:00

Every year for the month of August Edinburgh is taken over by tourists, comedians, dancers, artists and actors for the annual Fringe Festival. There are shows around the entire city which means lots of walking is inevitable and therefore practical clothes and shoes are a necessity. The other thing that will influence what you wear is the weather, it can turn from boiling sunshine to pouring rain within minutes so don't forget an umbrella. The great thing about dressing for the Fringe is that it's multi cultural and full of creative types, so pretty much anything goes and no funny looks will be given. It is likely however that you could end up out all afternoon right through to the early hours so it's a good idea to wear something that will take you through from day to night. The best thing to do is carry a practical bag to fill with all your Fringe essentials: a festival guide, an umbrella and your jacket incase it gets chilly.

The Way To Wear It; On The Streets Of The Festival

The Way to Wear it; Where to shop.

Edinburgh has all the main high street shops and a Harvey Nichols. The other great place to shop while in Edinburgh is The Grass Market. It has a great hat shop, fabhatrix and two great vintage shops. Below is a picture of two of the stylish girls who work in Armstrongs vintage shop. I bought myself a most amazing leopard print faux fur coat there which I will show in the winter when the weather is more appropriate for it.
The Way To Wear It; Stay in Style.

If you are feeling flush there is no doubt that the most stylish place to stay in Edinburgh is Hotel Missoni.

The Way To Wear It; On The Catwalk

Follow Vivenne Westwood's quirky style. It's a culture festival, anything goes!
Be practical but colourful like the girls at G-Star.
Flat shoes are a necessity, there is a lot of walking! Find a cute pair and team them with a cute dress like the have here at Temperley London Spring/Summer '10.
Layer like they did at Rag and Bone for this Autumn/Winter fall collection. The weather in Scotland is constantly changing so lots of options are necessary!

Opt for practical Trousers like these at Marc by Marc Jacobs. They are loose and comfortable but won't trail in the ground and soak up puddle water.
The Way To Wear it: Inspiration.

Lauren Laverne of The Culture Show is both a huge fan of the festival and a style icon.

The Way To Wear It; Shop the Look, Splurge

Temperley London Canvas Pouch, £345, www.net-a-porter.com
Borsalanio Felt Vintage Trilby Hat, £165.12, www.luisaviaroma.com
1970's YSL tartan shirt, £210,www.atelier-mayer.com

DKNY Double-Breasted Wool Pea Coat, £295, www.netaporter.com
Phoebe Liberty Print Umbrella, £35, www.liberty.co.uk
Red Sunday Check Dress, Vivenne Westwood, Anglomania, www.liberty.co.uk

Alexander Wang Anouck Beatle Boots, £510, www.selfridges.com
Denim Shorts, 3.1. Phillip Lim, £155, www.brownsfashion.comKnit Dress, Temperley London, £620, www.selfridges.com

The Way To Wear It; Shop the Look, Save

Choose from a selection of vintage dresses at retro rehab's ebay shop

Leopard Print Scarf, £22, www.warehouse.co.uk
Linen Trilby, £18, www.missselfridge.com
Levi's all-in-one, £115, www.asos.com
leopard print parka, £150, www.asos.com
Leather Satchel, £38, www.topshop.com
Lace up shoes, £40 www.asos.com

The Way to Wear It; Glamour Goth

2010-07-23T06:52:00.001-07:00

Goth is a term usually associated with teenagers who listen to Mariyln Manson. Glamour Goth however (otherwise known as Gloth) is the chic version of this look. Opting for heels instead of heavy boots and no piercings is a good way to give the goth look a glamorous touch. The look is generally made up of black, lace with a spash of gold or red. It’s a high fashion look that can be pulled off but will always be mocked by a few. Some would laugh at having Morticia Addams as a style icon but wear the look well and with confidence and people who understand fashion will approve. As one gets older then the more difficult the look is to pull off; there is generally an age limit to wearing black lipstick! However, a chic black dress and fur is always going to work. It’s easiest to wear this look of an evening but to take it through to day time simply throw a bit of grunge in and take Elle’s Kate Lanphear for inspiration. The Olsen twins push this look as far as possible so let them inspire you but unless you’re seriously fashion savvy don’t push your look; being mistaken for a witch is not good!

The Way to Wear It: On The Catwalk

The look can be really sexy. Wear a sheer black blouse like this one at Paris 68. ear with a long skirt or trousers (too big trends for the winter) to make the look more fashion and less slutty.

Christopher Kane kept the look young at Versus.

Rich colours are a great way to bring colour into the look. Lanvin is always great for rich reds, greens and golds.

Keep the look easy yet effective by wearing an elegant black dress and statement lipstick, seen here at Antonio Berardi. If black lipstick is too much for you opt for a rich red.

Dolce and Gabanna are great for this look. They use lots of lace, leopard print, velvet, black and Gold!

Keep warm in the winter with fur and leather. If your legs are slim enough opt for some skinny leather trousers like these at Isabel Marant. Isabel Marant is great for very chic yet practical clothes.

Knits are going to be huge this winter, opt for Chunky black knits with your leather. Seen here at Ann Demeulemeester Fall 2010 show.

The Way to Wear It: On The Streets

The Way to Wear it: Inspiration

Morticia Addams

American Elle's style director, Kate Lanphear

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

Model and DJ Leigh Lezark

Courtney Love

The Way To Wear It. Shop The Look; Splurge

Ann Demeulemeester Blanches, Sheer Sequin Dress, £420 www.brownsfashion.com

Helmut Lang leather and stretch-jersey leggings, £515 www.netaporter.com

Givenchy Flower and Crystal Top, www.selfridges.com

Pamela Love Cross Necklace, £445, www.brownsfashion.com

Balmain Jacket, £3924.18, www.luisaviaroma.com

Shearling Boots, £799.80, www.luisaviaroma.com

Alexander Wang Sunglasses, £180, http://shop.harveynichols.com

The way to Wear It. Shop The Look; Beauty

YSL Lipstick in Rouge Volupte, www.selfridges.com

Nars Nailpolish, www.spacenk.co.uk

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, www.selfridges.com

The Way To Wear It. Shop The Look; Save.

Sleeveless Velvet pocket Coat £150 www.asos.com

Peach Lace Dress £52, www.missselfridge.com
Chiffon Topshop Boutique jacket, £95, www.topshop.com

Black Wood Heel Boot, £85, www.urbanoutfitters.co.ukStudded denim hotpants, £38, www.topshop.com

Leather and Chain Cuff, £10, www.boohoo.com Embroidered Lace and Mesh Maxi Dress £65 www.topshop.com

Henry Holland by Pretty Polly Super Suspender tights, £12 www.asos.com

The Way to Wear It: Everyday Chic

2010-07-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's very easy for us to buy beautiful dresses and sky high heels but those who are truly stylish are the ones that look great everyday. Lets face it's not very practical to follow the style of Victoria Beckham day in, day out; YSL tributes are beautiful but not the most comfortable when running errands. Thankfully, you only need a few staple pieces in your wardrobe to achieve the look.

A Trench Coat; everyone looks stylish in a simple Burberry one and the High Street do some great takes on the look (mine is a Topshop number). Breton Stripes; Parisianne chic will never to go out of fashion! Head to Cos for great striped t-shirts and sweaters. City Shorts or some great Trousers; a little bit smarter than jeans, although perhaps more difficult to style. A good Bag; Mulberry ones are a great for this look, they are relaxed, stylish and great quality. Finally, for your feet, Converse are probably the most popular option, but there are some other great flat options out there and if wearing a heel doesn't pain you then Clogs are huge this season!

The easiest way to style the look is to wear a simple striped top or plain wool sweater with jeans a simple Trench and a pair of converse. For those of you who are more adventurous make the look your own without going over the top.

The Way To Wear It: On The Streets

The Way to Wear It: My Style

The Way To Wear it: On the Catwalk

Stella McCartney is the queen of everyday chic. Every collection she designs is very wearable. Take inspiration from her Autumn/Winter 2010 and opt for a striped top with plain bottoms.
Take inspiration from Ralph Lauren and wear a navy blazer over a shirt with your jeans. It's a classic look guaranteed to take you through the seasons.

Invest in a great wool sweater like this one at 3.1 Philip Lim. A great quality knit always looks great and will keep you warm.

Take inspiration from Burberry when buying a winter coat. Opt for a classic Burberry Trench and you will always look good. They look great over little dresses and fabulous during the day when worn over skinny jeans and converse.

A Simple Safari dress is an easy simple chic option and a great option for something to wear from day to night. Wear with simple flat brogues during the day and some tan heels at night. Celine has been one of the biggest brands over the last few seasons and Pheobe Philo works wonders with making wearable clothes interesting.

The Way To Wear It: Inspiration

Blogger Garance Dore is known for her simple chic style.

The Way To Wear It: Shop, Splurge

Moschino Cheap And Chic, fine wool knit cardi, £290 www.net-a-porter.com

Church's Burwood Glossy Brogues, £190, www.net-a-porter.com

Mulberry Bayswater leather bag, £595 www.net-a-porter.com

J Brand Low Rise Skinny Jeans, £185, www.selfridges.com

Stella McCartney reversible cape, £815, www.selfridges.com

Lanvin Leopard Print Pony Skin Trainers, £425, www.brownsfashion.com

Yves Saint Laurent Gross grain Ribbon Logo Top, £255, www.matchesfashion.com

Limited Edition Cotton Trench, Burberry Porsum, £1,295, www.brownsfashion.com

The Way to Wear It: Shop, Save

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsols, £35 www.very.co.uk

Whistles Safari Dress, £110 www.selfridges.com

Paperbag shorts, £26 www.asos.com

George Cotton Striped Smock Waist dress, £8 http://direct.asda.com

French Connection Mac, £225, www.frenchconnection.com

Cos Outfit, Shirt £45, Trousers £65, Belt £25, Bracelet £12 (Not available online but they have stores based around Europe and are great for this look)

The Way To Wear It: summer prints

2010-07-01T01:25:00.001-07:00

Through the summer months (even if they are few) it helps to have a nice print to liven up our wardrobes. Summer prints can be worn in many different ways from a little splash of print to an entire outfit of clashing prints. For the print cautious opt for a print scarf or bag. The easiest way to wear the look is by wearing a floral or polka-dot dress styled with gladiator sandals or ballet pumps. For those of you who aren't comfortable unless you're in your jeans, how about brightening your look up with a printed blouse or t-shirt. If you like to make a statement go all out and wear a few different clashing prints through your outfit. Prints were huge in the Spring/Summer collections but were also seen at the Autumn/Winter 2010 shows. The look is especially great on really hot days but don't be afraid to layer it up and wear it on those cooler ones!

THE WAY TO WEAR IT: ON THE STREETS

THE WAY TO WEAR IT: MY STYLE

THE WAY TO WEAR IT: MY INSPIRATION

Lula is a very girly magazine and always uses great prints in the editorials.

THE WAY TO WEAR IT: ON THE CATWALK

For clashing print take inspiration from Dolce and Gabanna's Spring 2010 collection. When done well this trend can be great but be very very careful, it has to be worn with confidence and style.

People generally opt for floral prints but polka dots are also a great option. This look was seen at Luella Spring/Summer 2010 and is really fun and young.

Be brave and take inspiration from Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 by wearing print on your bottom half. Unless you have killer legs it's best to opt for a wider leg trouser.

For the print cautious add a splash of print through your accessories as seen at Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2010. Styling like this is a great way to give your little black dresses a summer twist.

Take the look from day tonight. This Luisa Beccaria Autumn/Winter 2010 jumpsuit would look great with some flat gladiators during the day but also looks great when worn with killer heels.

Take your summer prints through to Autumn by layering up as seen by two masters of print, Dries Van Noten Fall and Kenzo in their Autumn/Winter 2010 shows.

THE WAY TO WEAR IT: SHOP THE LOOK: SPLURGE

Mozart printed scarf, Versace, £190 www.net-a-porter.com

Leaf Print Wrap Blouse, Anglomania, £260 www.selfridges.com

Floral Print stretch satin dress, Versace, £1360 www.net-a-porter.com

Hand Printed marble dress, Rodarte, £2,515 www.harveynichols.com

Polka Dot dress, D&G, £395 www.selfridges.com

Snake print silk-chiffon Jumpsuit, Matthew Williamson, £996 www.net-a-porter.com

Good For the Older Lady

Begona wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg, £336 www.matchesfasion.com

Floral dress, Paul Smith Black Label, £325 www.selfridges.com

THE WAY TO WEAR IT: SHOP THE LOOK: SAVE

Parrot print top, French Connection £55 www.asos.com

Bow All In One, £26, www.boohoo.com

Floral print maxi dress £45 www.asos.com

Floral Layer dress, Love Label, £45 www.very.co.uk

Floral print scarf, £16 www.oli.co.uk

ETHICAL SHOPPING

Visit www.lalesso.com for a range of skirts, shorts and dresses inspired by traditional African dressing. All products are made in Kenya and the workers get over 3 times the average manufacturer's wage.

SHOP VINTAGE
Vintage shops are a great place to find some unique summer prints and are especially great for scarves and dresses.
Shop on http://shop.vintageacademe.com/ for some great designer vintage. This fabulous 1990's Comme des Garcons tea dress is £595