Reigning High Street Collaboration King...

They just keep getting bigger and bigger. First it was Roberto Cavalli, then it was the wondrous Lanvin  met with H&M and created quite the stir and now we have a Versace & H&M collaboration. My first response to this was a little hesitant, was the collection going to be populated by garish colours and OTT prints? And alas, I don't think it will. Talking about the collaboration, Donatella Versace referred to it as "iconic Versace pieces from iconic Versaces moments".  The collection will consist of 40 pieces for women and 20 pieces for men, plus homeware! Debuting on 17th November, the collection will hit stores (and online) just in time for the party season, so I do plan on nabbing myself a couple of pieces...as an early Christmas treat to myself.

Mad for Mad Men...

Well, aren't we all.  The fashion world can't get enough of Mad Men inspired glamour, we've seen Louis Vuitton hop on board with their Fall 2010 collection, Prada fell head over heels with the 50's style and debuted a number of 50's inspired dresses and the lady like box bags were pushed on us from every angle.  Just as we were starting to think the old school glamour was over and done with, Banana Republic have announced that they will be working with Mad Men costume designer, Janie Bryant to launch a 65 piece capsule collection launching in August 2011. The collection will have a little something for everyone, from blouses, suits, dresses and hats! Are we ever going to get over this Mad Men fashion fascination?

DIY Loubs...

I've just read about 16 year old, Tara Haughton's method of getting herself some Christian Louboutin shoes.  Yes, the 16 year old has designed stickers for the bottom of your shoes - in red, of course, that will make your shoes look like Loubs. Pfffffffffffft. There may be some things you can fake, but Christina Louboutin shoes are certainly not that...Court case anyone?

Ultimate Girl Crush...

Enter the official sexiest woman in the world, Burberry 'it' girl, Jason Statham's better half and Victoria's Secret Angel - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Opening up in a recent interview with GQ she tells of how she was bullied at school because of that beautiful pout she has.  Photographed in a stunning berry coloured dress she talks of life back in Devon before her big break moving from work experience girl at a model agency to a model and being snapped up by Tommy Hillfiger and Abercrombie & Fitch. Oh Rosie, I love you...

Catch up time...

My blogging efforts have been a shambles lately, and to those of you who read it - I apologise.  So here I am with a little catch up and I must start with Gwen Stefani at the amfAR Cinema Against Aids Gala.  She looked absolutely breath-taking.  There's something about a blonde bombshell in a black gown that just scream old school Hollywood glamour.  Not one to usually drool over her outfit choices, I was genuinely bowled over by how amazing she looked.  She wore a black halter neck L.A.M.B gown and paired it with a black feathered clutch, OTT black eye make-up and a simple, voluminous hairstyle.  She looked every inch the red carpet glamour puss. Go Gwen.

In other news, former X Factor contestant Diana Vickers is launching her own clothing line.  The line, called Dee V will be sold on Very.co.uk.  Bieber has decided to take the next step up from nail varnish to perfume. Yes, a teenage boy bringing out nail varnish and perfume, make sense. Not. I smell a money making scheme....because he obviously hasn't made enough already. And finally, 14 year old, Oscar nominated Hailee Steinfeld has been named as the new face of Miu Miu and will feature in the winter 2011 ad campaign...Some girls just have it all. 

Markus Lupfer....

One of my all time favourite designers has got me obsessing over another item again - but this time, not a stripe in sight. This gorgeous fuchsia dress has gorgeous neckline detail in the shape of rosettes, in a beautiful bright red which contrasts so well against the hot pink colour.  I am truly in love...

Royal Wedding...

Friday 29th April was the day that the world sat to watch Prince William marry Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey.  Clad in a Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen gown, Kate Middleton said those vows that made her into our Princess.  You can read my Royal Wedding article for HAUTE NYC here;

Royal Wedding article for HAUTE NYC...

Wedding Season...

The world has certainly caught wedding fever as the we wait with baited breath for the Royal Wedding on 29th April the fashion blogs are alive with the sound of "what will Kate wear".  Vogue then went on to feature a collection of simply stunning wedding dresses in honour of the big day and not one to be left out of anything bridal orientated, queen of the wedding dress Vera Wang made a little announcement of her own today.  After drooling over her White by Vera Wang collection for US bridal wear chain David's Bridal we can now drool over her contemporary yet oh so elegant line of bridesmaid dresses.  The line will consist of seven dresses ranging from $158 (to be precise) to $200 and shoes priced at $58 to $98. Talking about the collection, Wang herself described it as "very youthful" with pieces in colours such as orchard, ameythist, charcoal and champagne.  Images of the full collection haven't yet been release, however we have been given a preview which gives us a fantastic insight in what to expect...

Marc by Marc ♥ ...

I am a sucker for Marc by Marc...as you may have gathered if you are a regular reader, and I am absolutely besotted with the Bella striped silk dress.  With navy and off white block stripes and a dash of bright yellow the dress screams preppy summer chic and is at the top of my must have list for this week.

Festival Fever...

The festival of all festivals, Coachella, kicked festival season off this week and seen celebrities of all kinds flock to west coast USA to bask in some mid April sunshine and bid for leader of the fashion pack with new festival trends.

The LWD (little white dress) appears to be a 'go to' for the fashion savvy, with Alessandra Ambrosio, Whitney Port and Alexa Chung all opting for a simple white dress and piling on the accessories.  Katy Perry played with the eras and was spotted in a beautiful 50's style lace layered D&G dress, Isabel Lucas done glamorous gypsy chic and left the hot pants to Kate Bosworth, Camilla Belle and Nicole Richie.

Ball Gown Elegance...

I'm a sucker for a beautiful gown and with Royal Wedding fever catching, I selected a few I may wear for the special day...I joke, I'm not invited, but I may indulge in one of these lovelies to wear to my tea party.

From left to right; Chloe, By Malene Birger, Tibi, Lanvin and Issa. 

Katy Perry does GHD...

She's the golden girl, the sickly sweet pop princess who can do no wrong. So its really not surprising that GHD snapped her up to become the face of the Eras of Style limited edition collection.  She's versatile, beautiful and ridiculously sexy...and sells GHD so well.

The campaign, shot by the amazing David LaChapelle, sees Katy posing with three different hairstyles that epitomise styles from the 50's, 70's and 80's.  

Spring flinging for HauteNYC...

You can read my spring fashions article for HauteNYC here...

My Friday must haves...

The @Queen_UK would officially declare it #Ginoclock by this time, so I thought I'd round my week off with my Friday must haves.  Anything striped (preferably blue and white) is my weakness at the minute so there's sure to be something striped that creeps in.

Left to right; Sonia Rykiel, David Koma, Burberry, Moschino, Mulberry, Antik Batik

I ♥ Preen...

During my regular net-a-porter 'new in' browsing session I came across the most beautiful dress I have ever seen in my entire life.

The beaded chiffon and crepe dress is the epitome of ladylike glamour.  The belted waist pulls in the waist creating the perfect hourglass silhouette while the skirt of the dress billows over the hips and finishes at the perfect classic midi length.  The beading on the cream bodice of the dress gives the dress texture and romance . 

Karl Lagerfeld does Diet Coke...

What's pink, white and black and will have everyone scrambling to their nearest Selfridge's to get their hands on them?  A Karl Lagerfeld designed Diet Coke bottle.  I have an Ugly Betty Diet Coke bottle on my bedroom dressing table that would appreciate some company off one of these.

The limited edition bottles will hit shelves in June and follow on from a number of diet coke and celeb collaborations from Patricia Field, Roberto Cavalli and Daft Punk, but Lagerfeld's is sure to be one of the most popular.  Speaking of the collaboration, Karl Lagerfeld himself admitted that it was an exciting thing for him because Diet Coke is 'his' drink.  Also admitting that back in 2001 he lost 7 stone (45 kg) from drinking only Diet Coke and eating only stewed vegetables.

The bottles are sure to be a hit, anything Karl Lagerfeld touches turns to gold...

HauteNYC...

My new article on HauteNYC is all about London fashion week.  Follow the link and read here;

Jenni Fleet HauteNYC London Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week...

My ultimate favourite fashion week (yes, I have actually just admitted it).  Paris means one thing, classic designs from classic designers.  From Chanel to Chacharel, and Balenciaga, Paris Fashion Week is home to some of the leading names in the fashion industry.

Balenciaga set the tone for Thursday in Paris with a collection that had a very Miu Miu SS11 feel to it.  Looser shapes, oversized jackets and a somewhat sports luxe feel met with eclectic prints and colours and an array of textures.  Leather was used for draped skirts, knee pads on skinny trousers and trims at the bottom of skirts which made for a fantastic display of craftsmanship. Not necessarily a collection I'd wear, but a cleverly produced collection nonetheless.

From Balenciaga to Princess of Pretty, Nina Ricci. A beautiful collection in the most delicate of fabrics, sweet colours and intricate designs.  Moving from a beautiful embroidered black lace dress into chiffon draped dresses and a silk burgundy blouse worn with a sequin embellished jacket and tiered black skirt.  A 'dressing gown' esque coat in a fabulously thick cream knitted material worn with a peach high frilled neck blouse.  Iced blue suits, gathered chiffon and frilled necks moved into embellished chiffon blouses toughened up with a leather jacket and loose trousers and a beautiful tailored skirt suit with a magnificent fur hat.  It was grown up innocence created by the delicate material, shapes and ivory tights that moved into grown up glamour with the right bits nipped in at the right places.  Nina Ricci...I am truly in love.

Burberry Prorsum...

Through the true art of showmanship the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2011 collection made it's debut.  With an seemingly endless runway the show fell under the watchful eyes of Rachel Bilson, Alexa Chung, Anna Wintour, Kate Bosworth and Mario Testino (all Burberry clad of course). The collection started with a pop of colour with  a tangerine sculpted coat and moved towards a mouthwatering watermelon coloured bell bottomed coat with exposed pockets.  Chunky coats and heavy knit jumpers with toggle detailing were teamed with tremendously skinny trousers, which created an unlikely beautiful silhouette.

The primary coloured Burberry rainbow fizzled out through checked tweed coats into the Burberry trench in natures favourites; tan, brown, khaki and beige then onto an angelic closing of the collection populated by sleek shapes and a mostly monochrome palette.  Fur met with patent leather on short bomber jackets and trimmed longer 'bubble' coats.  Delicate bows clinched ivory drenched waists on the most beautiful coats I have ever seen in my life.  Fur became the shoulder pads and bled down the arms to the cuffs then there were the 'mac coats'.  In the shape of a classic Burberry mac, yet with the texture of a winter coat - patterned ivory wool was finished with a bow around the waist and a fur hat.  The collection came to a close through black and white checked tweet with the looser coats...then came the finale. A magical winter wonderland exploded as Christopher Bailey's creations took one more walk down the runway, ensuring the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2011 won't be one we'll be forgetting any time soon...

Oscar de la Renta...

A collection full of the designer's signature dramatic, luxurious touch. A collection fit for any Uptown heiress full to the brim with magnificent textures, patterns, colours and shapes.  Velvet and fur populated the majority of the collection, from fur stoles to fur hats, fur trimmed coats and velvet dresses.  With hints of velvet and silk the fur coats gave way to the dresses.  Oscar de la Renta is renown for his romantic gowns and this collection proved he is still the king of the evening gown.  From fur trims to delicate embroidery, panels of sheer chiffon and a touch of a Moroccan print, the collection was a full display of the man's ever growing talents.  Typically 'Oscar' dresses and a typically Oscar collection. I am besotted...

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011...

So I may be mixing my cities - I've reported on a couple of shows from London and now I'm hopping back to NYFW.  The reason being I really couldn't miss out Proenza Schouler.  One of my favourite designers ever expertly delivered their Fall 2011 at New York Fashion Week.  With low slung ponytails and aztec prints, the collection had a strong tribal feel to it.  Strong colours such as yellow, orange and royal blue met with the duller tones of khaki, mustard, black and white to create a fantastic mix of patterns.  Touches of silk, leather and velvet gave pieces texture, while belted waists and jackets gave pieces structure.  A strong collection that will appeal to the downtown in crowd and the Upper East Siders...

Mulberry Fall 2011...

With a fairytale Fantastic Mr. Fox theme the Mulberry show took place in the ballroom at Claridges in London.  Decorated with woodland scenery; giant toadstools, stuffed birds and drenches of foliage, the show began - minus Alexa Chung sat front row.  The majority of the collection was very earthy, with muted colours; beige, aubergine, khaki, grey and hints of tan.  Then  in-between was the classic pops of colour in a deep plum, and lilac. Styles were classic mixed with contemporary with quilted trench coats worn over dresses with a flouncy hem.  Jodpur style trousers with knee boots, box pleated a line minis and culottes.  My favourite piece from the collection was the box pleat Mulberry purple print mini skirt worn with a simple lilac roll neck, classic yet young and playful.  The blogs are alive with the sound of Mulberry....

Marc by Marc Fall 2011 ♥ ...

After the magnificence of the Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 collection came Marc Jacobs diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Proving that seventies fashion is still going strong.  With wide legged high waisted trousers, a camel, mustard, red and orange colour tone and soft fedoras the collection offered choice and texture.  From silk to fur, stripes, bold prints and block colour Marc Jacobs provided us with an endless list of opportunities to chose from  to stay chic and warm as Autumn and Winter roll round again.  A key trend noted for AW11 - midi length dresses and skirts worn with ankle socks and chunky heels - v.nice touch. Never one to disappoint, Marc Jacobs delivers again...

HauteNYC...

I have been lucky enough to have another of my articles posted on HauteNYC.  This time its all about high street giant, Topshop.  You can read my new Topshop article here.

Marc Jacobs...

One of my favourite designers who never fails to impress! Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 collection was very Parisian lady meets military chic - think petite berets, plenty of sparkle and texture and fantastic tailoring paired with tough boots, silvery rubber trousers and pronounced patch pockets. Marc Jacobs managed to keep the collection the right side of 1950's glam - nothing was too 50's and impractical to wear.  While maintaining a distinct level of sophistication, Marc Jacobs played round with it, bringing in texture, structure and a 'jewel' feeling colour palette.    Polka dots and lace were a strong theme throughout, my favourite piece being the burgundy coloured lace dress.  A fantastic collection, very strong and very wearable.

Donna Karan New York...

Following on nicely from the colour pop at DKNY, the Donna Karan New York Fall 2011 collection was in some ways the opposite.  While the DKNY collection had a very preppy, downtown New Yorker feel to it, the Donna Karan collection was quite the opposite.  This collection was more sophisticated uptown New Yorker.  Muted icy grey hues mixed among a delicate fawn and cream colour palette with a strong dramatic feminine feel throughout. The fantastically structured separates were finished with essences of fur, pretty pearl necklaces and swooping silk scarves.  Waists were 'nipped in' and elbow length gloves were worn with ballerina top knots and luxurious coloured tights.  Donna Karan proved once more just why the fashion world falls at her feet...

Dear DKNY, I love you...

Something New York can only mean one thing; #DKNYShow. Opening with some super skinny tailored trousers in a variation of colours the collection flawlessly moved through look after look.  Pink, orange and red met a royal looking navy blue and camel with stripes, sleek is-it-a-cape-or-a-normal-jacket jackets, pretty dresses and preppy jumpers.  My favourite look; the simple black lace dress with a white peter pan collar.  A sleek, contemporary young collection that will appeal to a whole range of fashion concious girls. A fabulously 'oh so New York' collection that I must own...

Alexander Wang...

From glittery lurex trousers to padded leather leg warmers and tight little ski jackets, Alexander Wang's collection was very 'winter sportswear' with a feminine touch that crept in on one or two pieces.  Not a collection that I could personally wear, but a strong collection nonetheless.  A mostly black colour palette met with pink glittery lurex trousers, cream knitted jumper dresses with hints of pale yellow poking from underneath and sheer white bib styled blouses.Very neutral and not over styled, the collection is sure to be a hit when it hits in  Autumn.

Welcome back...

Apologies to those who read my rambling, my blog has been left a little unattended these past few days seeing as nothing in the fashion world has really grabbed my attention.  But I'm back armed with my NYFW reports and insights.

So we begin with Prabal Gurung.  A very colourful and feminine inspired collection.  Lots of Victorian styled lace and lace up blouses mixed with somewhat vamps leather and fur.  A diverse collection inspired by the Parisian begger girl painting by John Singer Sargent and Miss Havesham's character from Great Expectations.  Quite peasant like with off the shoulder blouses and dresses and swathes of silk and chiffon.  My favourite piece was the nude coloured flower and crystal applique chiffon dress which oozed glamour.  Then there was the black tailored trousers with the most beautiful blouse I have ever seen in my life.  The most delicate ivory colour paired with an incredible ruffled chiffon collar with a black bow at the neck worn with a textured ivory jacket.  An absolutely beautiful collection that infused old school Victorian glamour with contemporary shapes and cuts.

Idol Time...

If you weren't already aware, Kelly Cutrone is my absolute idol. I adore her.  From her upfront, no bullsh*t approach to the way she works to the fact that she successfully manages her working life and private life all in one building.  She's a mother and public relations machine that knows what she wants and how to get it.  I think she's a fantastic role model for girls out there who know what they want but are a little too scared to go out and get it.  I remember her once saying;

"Average people love to be average because nobody bothers them.  Do you want to be average?"

I think it is a fantastic motto to live by. I came across this competition that is run by Talent House and I need 80 votes to be entered into the top 20 to go and work with Kelly at MBFW...so please vote for me!

You can vote here; http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/aee3813802443daa463bce51134e0a29/167

HauteNYC...

Article number two to be featured on HAUTE NYC, inkeeping with the 'best of British' theme, my second article is about one of my favourite brands, Mulberry.  Read about why Mulberry has got what it takes to catch on stateside.  Everyone needs a little bit of British on their arm afterall...

 

The favourite...

She's my boyfriend's ideal woman and often gets referred to as a 'worldy' (aka, of world class quality).  She's curvaceous, blonde and oozes old school Hollywood glamour.  Who am I talking about? Scarlett Johansson of course. She spent a while looking sultry and sexy as the face of D&G's 'The One' fragrance and now has found herself as the face of Moet & Chandon again, trademark red lipstick included. I'm sure said advertising campaign will make pleasant viewing for the world's male population...

OTT...

Willow 'whip my hair back and forth' Smith is the latest child star to be featured in Vanity Fair. Yes she may have caused a bit of a stir with her catchy number one hit but come on, she's ten years old.  She may have bags full of attitude and what not, but she is no [style] icon.  First it was Bieber, now Willow Smith - I find it utterly bizzare that any 20+ year old girl/woman would want to read about either of these children.

UES Dazzle...

Gossip Girl seems to be all every fashionista can think about, especially now that every fashion house is also dying for a little bit of the oh so glam Upper East Siders. First it was Blake and Chanel, their love affair created quite a stir in the fashion world, then it was Leighton and Herbal Essenses, although nothing really came of that.  Then Leighton became the face of Vera Wang's new fragrance and was spotted Vera Wang clad, leaning over a Manhattan balcony looking every inch the Upper East Side Princess. As if that wasn't enough, now it's Leighton and Missoni.  Leighton Meester is my absolute favourite, brunettes are so much better than blondes (I could never be blonde to I have to say this). She's classy, pure with that English rose look about her - and looks absolutely fabulous in the new Missoni ad campaign...

HauteNYC...

New York meets England for the wedding on the year in my article on HAUTE NYC...

Crystal Renn...

Does Jimmy Choo! The 24 year old 'plus size' model is finally making news because of an ad campaign rather than her weight.  Although looking a lot more svelte, Renn certainly looks hot in the new Jimmy Choo ad camapign. The ads are great, the colours are vibrant and Renn is laden with Jimmy Choo accessories.  How could the ad be better?

French Vogue Shake Up...

Caroline Roitfeld's sudden departure from French Vogue as editor in chief left the fashion world in shock.  Countless blogposts were pondering over who would be up to the task of replacing her, and we were kept in the dark - until now.  As sudden as Caroline Roitfeld's departure, Emmanuelle Alt has been named as her replacement and will take over the role from 1st February...

Mulberry to hit NYC...

It is the ultimate cool girl label that has attracted the likes of Alexa Chung, Florence Welch and Kate Bosworth and now it's set to make it's US presence much bigger.  Going straight for the hip and happening Soho, Mulberry's new flagship store will be setting up camp at 132 Spring Street.  How very picturesque, I think Mulberry's pastel shades and beautifully crafted handbags will fit right in in the heart of Soho. A fashionable entrance indeed...

People's Choice...

Twilight dominated (surprise surprise), Jennifer Aniston sported some kind of waistcoat ensemble and pop Princess Katy Perry beat Gaga to the post for favourite female artist.  Clad in a sugary sweet Betsey Johnson tutu inspired dress she squealed that it had been the best year of her life as she accepted her second award. Taylor Swift accepted the award for best country artist from Elton John - thank god Kanye wasn't around to ruin that moment for her too. Our favourite all singing, all dancing Glee won favourite TV comedy and the Kardashian sisters (who would attend the opening of an envelope) won the 'TV guilty pleasure award'. I wouldn't call it that. It's guilty of something but I don't think it's pleasure...

Some girls have it all...

Finally, those Chanel & Blake Lively rumours have been confirmed.  She will be the face of the Chanel 'Mademoiselle' handbag collection. She's everyone's favourite Upper East Sider, with legs that go on forever and designers falling at their feet to be her new BFF, and who can blame them? She's the girl we all want to be, even before her Chanel endorsement. I am a little excited to see the handbag collection though, Chanel do a good handbag...

Hello New Year...

December the 31st arrived and left as quickly as it got here.  My new year celebrations consisted of ibuprofen, orange lucozade, a family sized pack of tissues, copious amounts of olbas oil and my lovely boyfriend who willingly stayed in with me to eat Indian food and play scrabble. But I thought I'd use this post to show you some of my favourite pictures before I go back into all my fashiony stuff. Enjoy...