Tuesday 31 August 2010

Online Flagship...

Some designers are totally against the movement to e-commerce, believing the move will cost them the connotations of luxury of their brand yet some designers are totally for it. DVF spoke of how important she believed e-commerce was to her brand, and it seems Gucci is thoroughly enjoying the move to the internet. After launching their e-commerce site in 2002, Gucci are now taking their shopping experience to a new level, by creating what they call a 'luxury digital flagship store'.

The team have been working on the creation for the past 18 months and CEO Patrizio di Marco said; "The destiny of the gucci.com digital flagship store is that it will become our highest volume store in the world".

They're also planning to launch gucciconnect.com where they will stream their live show from Milan on 22nd September and users can sign up for an 'e-ticket' which apparently will have the same benefits as actually being at the Milan show by assigning virtual seating. Through the power of technology virtual guests will be mixing with press, buyers and hot 'It' girls. It was bound to happen first it was live screening with an RSVP requirement by Marc Jacobs, now this. It's good that it's somebody like Gucci to make that further move towards the digital world. It may just be a PR tool, but I'm sure it's going to work!

Topshop no more...

Since 2007, Kate Moss has been designing her line for the Kate Moss for Topshop range but it seems as though things are coming to an end. Her 14th collection, available in stores from October 25th will be her last for the highstreet mega store. No doubt this is going to disappoint thousands, as after working at Topshop on the day of the launch of her previous collection, we were faced with round the block queues and girl warfare as each dived and scrambled for the last of their size. To ease the blow, it has been decided her final collection will include some of the most popular pieces from her first collection which were very much in demand, ensuring the collection goes out with a bang.

Sources close to the model have said that there's no bad feeling involved with their parting of ways, it has just naturally come to an end. Big boss Philip Green said; "Kate has done 14 collections with us. It has been fantastic for us and fantastic for her, but they take more and more time and she cannot do this full time anymore."

Earlier this year, the number of collections were cut back from six a year to two, showing that her collections were beginning to run out of steam. And it seems that its better to cut it to an abrupt end rather than let it trickle out slowly...

Monday 30 August 2010

Emmy Awards 2010...

The award winners included Mad Men for best drama series, Jane Lynch for the part of our favourite gym teacher Sue in Glee and Claire Danes for her role in the miniseries 'Temple Grandin'. But the true hysteria surrounding the event is because of the dresses. Who looked best is the question on everybody's lips. And for me, it was certainly Glee's Lea Michele who looked absolutely breathtaking in a navy Oscar de la Renta gown with cascading ruffles. Set off beautifully with a statement necklace. Co-star Jayma Mays kept in with the colour scheme and opted for a navy Burberry Prorsum gown with divine ruffles, complimented by gold jewels her stunningly porcelain skintone and strawberry blonde hair.


Emily Blunt opted for a asymmetric lavendar Christian Dior dress which I thought was absolutely stunning, understated glamour at it's best. The Mad Men girls Christina Hendricks and Elisabeth Moss also looked fantastic. Christina Hendricks stayed true to her role as 50's glamour puss Joan Harris in a lavender Zac Posen with plunging neckline and ostrich feathered sleeves, while Elisabeth Moss showed off her curves in a stunning crème Donna Karan with ruched waist and bust line. January Jones's look was a failed attempt for me. I prefer her in her Betty Draper 50's style dresses but in her electric blue Atelier Versace dress missed the spot for me. Too retro which clashed in comparison to her co-stars.

Sunday 29 August 2010

Grand Street and a new addition...

The rumours were circulating for a while, will he won't he? And yes he will! Alexander Wang has confirmed that he is to open his first boutique in Soho, NYC by the end of the year. Set within the fashionable Soho distrcit (just across the street from my favourite store - LF) no details have yet been released on what the boutique is to be like but with those beautiful windows surrounding the store, there's more than enough space for Wang to show off his designs and lure you inside.

Saturday 28 August 2010

Geek Chic...

Marni, Nina Ricci, Balenciaga and Prada were all hot on geek chic for AW11. Lots of plaid, loafers plus a 5inch heel, knee high socks and geek glasses are to be topping every fashionista's most wanted for this autumn. Personally, I think it's a look that is very adaptable, you can incorporate capes, lace dresses, knits and trousers. Pretty much anything works. Go all the way with some 'cat eye' geek glasses like Prada or play it safe and stick to loafers, knitwear, knee socks and a satchel like bag, think Marc Jacobs AW10. Think back to school days for hair and makeup, less is better for this look.

Tuesday 24 August 2010

Angels for Vogue...

They are notoriously the sexiest ladies on the planet. People visit the Victoria's Secret megastores all over the US just to catch a glimps of a 8ft image of Alexandra Ambrioso, Miranda Kerr and Adriana Lima. The Victoria's Secret vixens are proving they can do high fashion again by appearing in the all important September issue of US Vogue looking very much so like high fashion models. Although they are a beautiful set of images - shot by Peter Lindbergh,I can't help but picture them as fun and flirty as opposed to serious high fashion. The pictures are beautiful and the girls look stunning but for me it's those bubblegum colours, flirty cut pieces, feathers and strutting that suit them better.

Sucker for something that sparkles...

I'm like a magpie. If it has a sparkle, I love it - especially if it's a Marc Jacobs creation. So as you can imagine, I see a sequin embellished wool blend cardigan and my heart goes all aflutter.


It has a kind of school uniform gone wild - Gossip Girl style, to it. Preppy chic at it's best. Worn with a demure dress, wool tights and black boots for a look that even those Constance girls would be jealous of!

Fashion's Night Out, Part 2...

I don't think I done London/Paris Fashion's Night Out justice in my last post. But London does have some wonderful things organised for all those attending Fashion's Night Out. You can drink cosmopolitans with Alexanrda Shulman for example at the Emporio Armani store on Bond Street, learn ballroom dancing at Rupert Sanderson's Bruton Place store as it gets turned into a dancefloor for the evening. Maybe even pop along to Urban Outfitters and catch the Arctic Monkeys playing live or get yourself a beautifl origami piece of art made from pieces from Vogue magazines by origami artist Fiona Lee and there's even the chance to get a pair of signed Manolo Blahniks while sipping on champagne at the Old Church Street store.

New York or London not your thing? Then off to Paris we go. Around 60 stores in Paris are taking part in Fashion's Night Out, but what is what and who is where? Catch a 3D Dior fashion show at the Avenue Montaigne store or mingle with French Vogue fashion director Emmanuelle Alt, while the Gucci fall show is screened at the Gucci store. Still not enough? French Vogue editor in chief Carine Roitfield and Celine creative director Pheoebe Philo at the Celine boutique presenting the Fall 2010-2011 collection.

Sounds just perfect to me...

Fashion's Night Out...

A perfect way to celebrate all things fashion and shopping. A girls dream. September the 10th sees Fashion's Night Out hit New York City with designers and celebrities from the fashion world milling around some of the city's most iconic stores. Henri Bendel will accommodate the wonderful Olivia Palermo who will be on hand to give out her styling tips and advice. While just two blocks up at the iconic Bergdorf Goodman, Victoria Beckham will be mingling with the likes of Jason Wu, Gossip Girl favourite Kelly Rutherford and overseeing a 'face off' make-up artist competition.

Saks 5th Avenue will be party central with the likes of Donna Karan, Victor & Rolf and Zac Posen. Watch them dancing, join in with them dancing or await the unveiling of the 'Cachet' pumps by Franseco Russo which are to be sold exclusively at Saks. Bloomingdales will have Michael Kors as their guest for the evening as designers and VIPs battle it out in a 'spin ping pong' match. Macy's Herald Square will host a summer evening BBQ with Mr Tommy Hilfiger himself in attendance. Witness the launch of the new Gucci Guilty fragrance, meet Joss Stone, Jessica Stam and Rachel Roy. Stay uptown and head to Barney's to mingle with the Olsen twins, the Proenza boys, Rodarte, Alexander Wang and more! With a typical party theme there will be ping pong, musical chairs and karaoke.

Stop by at MAC, Broadway to stock up on make-up goodies from the Fabulous Felines Fall 2010 collection and be entertained by funny girl Sarah Silverman. Caroline Herrera will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of her stand alone store on Madison Avenue with a special photo boots to capture the moment and classic American cocktails.

Chanel have gone all out for the event. At the East 57th St store you can colour customise the iconic Chanel ballerina flats - choosing from a selection of iconic Chanel lambskin colours and linings. While at their Spring St store you can get a mini manicure and have your nails painted in 'Les Khakis De Chanel' which has been created especially for Fashion's Night Out. Or kill two birds with one stone and head to their Madison Avenue boutique and customise your own ballerinas while getting your nails painted.

Fancy playing some Wii with Chris Benz? Head to Saks 5th Avenue to grab a game of tennis with the designer between 6pm and 7pm. Or want to clap your eyes on supermodel Naomi Campbell? She will be at the D&G boutique on Madison Avenue celebrating 25 years of her career with a special performance choreographed by iconic Laurie Ann Gibson.

Need your sugar fix? Dylan's Candy Bar will be hosting the sweetest of parties with sweet music, sweet candy flavoured cocktails and Candy Couture dresses designed by the students of Savannah College or Art and Design. Downtown at the Billionaire Boys Club store, Pharrell himself will be on hand to meet and greet customers as a number of specific items are released, especially for Fashion's Night Out and will be available for this day only.

If like me, your dream of New York City on Fashion's Night out is unachievable, London are also taking part in the event. Celebrate the launch of the Manolo Blahnik's Liberty pop up store, fire your questions at Peter Pilotto at Selfridges and get your nails painted in the Chanel Fashion's Night Out colours on September 8th. What a night for fashion!

Friday 20 August 2010

Wish List...

I found myself trawling multiple websites looking for a lovely winter coat but couldn't help get a little distracted. A few items to add to my ever expanding wish list;

Mulberry is my absolute favourite at the moment. I love how every design has a sense of traditional grandeur that's mixed with contemporary fashion, which can be seen in the two first dresses in my image above. The Swan dress has a beautiful 50's feel to it with beautiful organza ruffles paired with chic bodice. Picture perfect. While the Casino shift dress in a magnificent purple colour with embellished neckline has festive season written all over it. My next favourite it a full leather Alice + Olivia skirt. Again it has that 50's feel to it (think new Louis Vuitton campagin), but with a contemporary twist. Perfect for chill Autumnal days with wool tights and boots or of a winter evening with sparkly tights and decadent top. The Rachel Gilbert 'Trixy' dress is stunning. Playful by baring some skin with cut outs across the shoulder/back area. I've definitely had winter nights in mind while I've been browsing, as everything seems to have a festive feel to it - especially the J.Crew 'Joey' sequin embellished skirt which can be a day to night skirt - black tights and sky scrapers at the ready! Finally, the Erdem 'Vittoria' patchwork silk dress. Classic Erdem, quite a busy print but has Autumn all over it. Add a pair of boots and a faux fur coat and done! I just need a lottery win now to ensure all of these find their way to my wardrobe sharpish...

Thursday 19 August 2010

Draped in Valli...

I've had a thing for Giambattista Valli after those super short shorts in his SS10 collection, and thought his forte was just short playful lengths. Yet I stand corrected after seeing this beautiful draped satin gown (pictured below). The delicious deep red colour and intricate ruffle and asymmetric detailing on the upper body makes the gown irresistible. Beautiful enough for minimal accessories - maybe just a delicate diamond bracelet and classic clutch?

Baby Bloom...

Yes those rumours are true! After weeks on end of speculation - is she, isn't she? Miranda Kerr has finally announced that she is fact pregnant! The Australian model and Pirates of the Caribbean actor Orlando recently tied the knot only a couple of weeks ago. Speaking to Spanish Vogue, the Victoria's Secret model said; "Yes, I'm pregnant. Four months along." Aaaw congratulations. What a beautiful baby that will be...

Wednesday 18 August 2010

New York we love you, but we're moving Downtown...

After residing at number 4 Times Square for fourteen years Conde Nast are on the move again, this time, Downtown. The publishing giant have announced that they will set up home at number 1 World Trade Centre (aka Freedom Tower) - the new 1,776 ft sky scraper currently under construction at Ground Zero. Those swanky magazine editors are rumoured to take up one million square foot of the 2.6 million square foot building sometime in 2014, and are hoped to work their magic on that area like they did when they moved to Times Square in 1996.

Combining those suited and booted bankers and fashion's hottest can only turn out to be a good thing right? Michael Moss, professor of urban planning at NYU said;

"We will have the best paid bankers and best dressed editors across the street from each other, what young ambitious person would not want to be downtown now?"

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Jewels from Palermo...

She tried her hand at PR at DVF then moved on to features/accessories editor at Elle magazine. Neither of which seemed to fit in with her glossy lifestyle or ways. But now it seems Olivia Palermo has found her calling in life - for now anyway. Teaming up with jewellery designer Robert Freymann (probably another close friend of hers) to create 'Roberta' they have created a range of statement necklaces that are named after Olivia's favourite cities in the world. They could be quite iconic, with no severe ties to any particular season they could stick around for a long time. Prices start around £190 so 'Tribeca' could be an investment...

Monday 16 August 2010

Pretty Miu Miu...

Their swallow print of last season had everyone in a tizz. Everyone wanted to get their hands on a delicate swallow print blouse or pretty swallow print chunky heels. And it seems as though Miu Miu are continuing to sit pretty with their ready to wear AW10 collection. My style can sometimes resemble that of a little girl, I love peter pan collars, bows and pastels so the dress pictured below is an iconic piece of the collection for me. I love the vibrant lilac contrasted with the nude coloured collar (which by the way is detachable - genius!) It's playful and chic and sets the tone for a lot of the collection which features pretty silk blouses, frilly cable knits and flower appliqué handbags. Pretty as a picture in Miu Miu.

A Mad Auction...

If you're a Mad Men fan like I am, then you will certainly be aware of who Betty Draper is - the icy, glam wife of main man Don Draper. Well after watching her swan around with her beautifully tamed hair, bright lipstick and stunning dresses you can now own a Betty Draper dress for yourself. To raise money for US charity 'City of Hope' a variety of most loved Mad Men props are going up for auction on Ebay for the next 6 days! Do you want a walk on role? Pete Campbell's desk? A Betty Draper dress? Don's sofa? You choose.


Katy Perry...

She's a little edgier than your usual pop princess, but she churns out deliciously sweet songs that are impossible not to like. She's moved from kissing girls to living the teenage dream, been a 'California Gurl' along the way playing in a pastel coloured wonderland and now she's awaiting the release of her second album on the 30th August in the UK.

Rumour also has it, she's to make her film début in the 2011 production of The Smurfs. I wonder if it was her bubblegum blue hair that got her the part?

Sunday 15 August 2010

Winter Warmers...

As sad as it may be, I am actually excited for winter. Summer is all well and good, but it is definitely hard work. So much skin on show means so much moisturising, shaving, waxing, tanning. And I tend to think that winter clothes are so much nicer than summer clothes anyway. Magical colours, sparkles, boots and fluffy coats, woollen hats and mittens. Perfect. I've already spotted a few things that will be perfect for crunching through autumn leaves and the possibility of a white winter again.

Hat; Topshop, Coat; Barbour, Jumper Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Boots; Mentor.

Proenza Schouler...

The highlight of their SS10 collection for me was the flippy green, yellow and black skirt and coordinating jumper, same skirt in blue white and black, the casual streamlined navy blue trousers which hit the runway with a plain white top and a pair of sunglasses to complete the laid back nature of the look. Then there were the tie die dresses - which made everyone remember the 90's. Flashes of green, yellow, blue and white which made the catwalk come alive.

But for AW10 Proenza Schouler have gone dark. Think preppy America school girl gone bad with thick knits, wool coats, gym class style pleated skirts, daring thigh high socks, mauve lips and casual messy hair. The collection is very UES private girls school but it screams winter and has made me excited for the colder months.



Have a peek at the behind the scenes video below of twins Kirby and Ann Kenny and Tati Cotliar in action on their website...

Saturday 14 August 2010

Causing a stir at the traffic lights...

Men salivate over Kelly Brook when she is fully dressed. So a giant picture of her naked is definitely going to produce a bigger reaction. The new ad campaign which has been launched this week can be found at busy junctions and traffic hotspots throughout England. What on earth were the creative directors thinking? Safety campaigners are already on on their case, slamming their choice of location and describing the ads as 'a deadly distraction' as men bend over backwards to catch a glimpse of Miss Brook while behind the wheel.

Friday 13 August 2010

Grazia and my-wardrobe.com...

Last night I was lucky enough to attend the my-wardrobe and Grazia trunk show at the Malmaison Hotel in Liverpool. An intimate gathering of no more than 50 guests enjoyed canapés in the shape of miniature fish and chips, burgers and goats cheese croutons. Moving onto the next room, cosmopolitan cocktails awaited with my-wardrobe.com gift bags filled with O.P.I nail varnish, opulent chocolate and a £50 my-wardrobe.com gift voucher. The trunk show began with a friendly introduction by the hostesses and then came the clothes...

We were talked through a range of key trends for AW10 with a detailed explanation of each item. My favourites were the super skinny Nudie jeans with Mini Market black zipper wedged boots, a glamorous purple Halston Heritage dress and magnificent Love Moschino leopard print, unbelievably soft cropped coat. Not forgetting the gorgeous Mentor suede wedge ankle boots worn by one of the my-wardrobe girls.


Nudie Long Skinny Jeans
Available at my-wardrobe.com; £89


Mentor Suede Chunky Zip Wedge Ankle Boots
Available at my-wardrobe.com; £210



Love Moschino Leopard Print Cropped Coat
Available at my-wardrobe.com; £467

NOTE: Houlihan fever is most certainly sticking around (with new shades for AW10) and we were able to get up close to the sought after Grazia ignited mega trend.

It was a lovely evening with the girls from my-wardrobe and Grazia willing to answer all of our burning questions - how do we get your job? With patience they answered each of us, thanked us for coming and made the event personal which is why it was as successful as it was.

Wednesday 11 August 2010

Joe Zee seals the cameras...

Yay! Elle's creative director and sweet but straight talking The City star has landed himself his very own television show (again!). Named 'All On The Line', the show will follow designers who are teetering towards disaster until Mr Zee steps in to work his magic. The eight episodes of the show will be shown on the Sundance Channel.

M&S...

You would hear the name Marks and Spencer and think cable knit jumpers, tweed ankle length skirts and uncomfortably low heeled shoes right? Once upon a time maybe. But it seems as though Marks and Sparks have most certainly replaced the old with the new - to some extent anyway. You can certainly find their traditional collections but there is now something for all. Their new styles are still classic, nothing OTT or too 'on trend' but the influence of Prada, Marc Jacobs and Mad Men's 50's glamour has made M&S more shoppable for the under 50's.

A full leather skirt that has a 50's feel with a contemporary twist. Chic, easy to wear and oh so Prada and Louis Vuitton. And at £99 it's practically a steal. Wear with lace gloves, a pretty blouse, essence of tweed and a broach to complete your Betty Draper/Louis Vuitton AW2010 inspired look.


Keep an eye out for M&S's collaboration with ELLE and RCA.

Monday 9 August 2010

Emily does Elle...

The September 2010 issue sees Emily Blunt take to the cover. In a stunning lace Valentino piece, black lace tights and smoky eyes she looks every inch the cover girl, yet she says that feminine isn't really her style. Speaking to the magazine she said she's not a frilly girl and very rarely wears dresses - shock horror! The down to earth beauty then goes on to talk about her dislike of airbrushing, she said;

"I don't like it when they stretch you out and make you look all long and skinny. It makes you look like a Barbie. Who the hell looks like that?"

AMEN!

Bubblegum goes Pop!...

We're used to seeing her in sickly sweet colours - pretty pinks, lovely lilacs, beautiful blues. But at the Teen Choice Awards last night the future Mrs. Brand went all gothic. With a knee length black leather dress, patterned fishnets, wedged boots and a waist length black wig Miss Perry's bubblegum colour run has certainly popped. Not a look that we're used to seeing on the pop princess. Even when she was kissing girls she was as pretty as a picture. This queen of darkness look is just not her.

Friday 6 August 2010

From E! to Elle?

Khloe, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian have teamed up with Australian designer Bruno Schiavi and his clothing company Jupi Corporation to launch a line of ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, swimwear and shoes.

The collection will be available throughout department stores worldwide and is said to consist of 'classic Kardashian staples' - jumpsuits, one shoulder dresses and blazers. Not only designing but the Kardashian girls will be starring in the ad campaigns which will cover all mediums. Designer Schiavi estimates that the collection would rake in $20-$40 million in it's first year.