The Way To Wear it: September 2010

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

The Way To Wear It; Block Colours

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.com

Blue 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

Tuesday, 21 September 2010

The Way to Wear It; Country Chic

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'.