Olivia Palermo x Aquazzura

Next month sees the release of Olivia Palermo’s collaboration with shoe label Aquazzura. The capsule collection comprises just 6 pieces inspired by designer Edgardo Osorio’s archives along with favourite pieces from Olivia’s own wardrobe; most notably a vintage Victorian necklace which manifested as the ankle embellishment on jewelled sandals.

The collection seems to feature something for everyone’s wardrobe, from thigh-high suede boots, metallic leather sandals, suede and leather courts and an ultra-soft pair of suede boots; made from Aquazzura’s signature cashmere leather.

My favourite piece is actually the gladiator lace-up sandals as I am yet to own a pair similar (and of course cheaper) than these. Plus they look great with both dresses and jeans.

The collection is available to buy from Net-A-Porter.com from September 12^th.

Style: Suki Waterhouse

British model Suki Waterhouse is definitely someone I've been drawn to in recent months for style inspiration and someone I've been meaning to dedicate a post to for some time now. The twenty-year-old is known for being the face of Marks & Spencer lingerie and has also had experience in acting, starring alongside Agnes Deyn in movie Pusher. In more recent months you will have seen her fronting the latest Burberry campaign's, helping launch the brand's latest fragrance.

Her lively Instagram profile is a great source of inspirational (and enviable) photos from a number of events. While the numerous close ups showcase the best hair and beauty looks from the model who's style plays homage to the 60s mod era. 

Editorial: Vogue US September Issue

Ever since watching The Hunger Games I have loved Jennifer Lawrence, and then seeing Silver Linings Playbook just re-affirmed why she’s one of my favourite actresses. (Oh and then there was that Oscars moment where she slipped up the stairs in her enormous Dior gown, showing that she’s just like one of us). Well, for those reasons along, I’ve becomes a fan of hers, so it’s good to see her on the cover of US Vogue for the September issue. The cover photo was shot by renowned photographer Mario Testino, with Jennifer wearing a look from the fall 2013 Calvin Klein collection.

Editorial: Esquire September Issue

Image source: fashiongonerogue.com

I wasn’t actually aware that Kate Moss had not covered a guy’s magazine in 17 years; I guess it’s because I’m used to seeing the supermodel grace the covers of a number of high end women’s glossys over the years. But the September issue of UK Esquire magazine is in fact her return to men’s publications. The photo leaves little to the imagination with only jewels covering her modesty, along with a masculine cream tuxedo jacket. I do love this shoot, but that’s not really surprising because in my eyes, Moss can do no wrong.  

Editorial: LOVE #10

For the 5^th Anniversary of LOVE magazine, renowned photographers Met Alas and Marcus Piggott photographed British models Cara Delevinge, Georgia May Jagger, Edie Campbell and Rosie Huntington-Whitely, as well as Japense model Chiharu Okunugi for a set of covers featuring the iconic Minnie Mouse ears.

Runway: Elie Saab Haute Couture A/W 13/14

Like Elie Saab’s couture collections, eveningwear was the sole focus for this season. Inspiration for the colour palette was taken from jewels, as ruby, emerald and sapphire gowns were encrusted with the label’s trademark elaborate beading. Silhouettes were mostly soft, creating elegance and sophistication, while intricate lace upheld the feminine aspect true to Saab’s signature style.

Runway: Maison Martin Margiela Haute Couture A/W 13/14

Maison Martin Margiela took a very artistic approach for his latest couture collection. Mixing old with new, vintage fabrics were restored and reworked giving a new lease of life to the clothes. One of the standout pieces consisted of an embroidered Art Nouveau curtain which was placed over a pink satin gown. My favourite look of the collection was a voluminous jacket which was recreated from a powder blue fifties prom dress with vintage fabric flowers stitched to the hem. The brand’s signature face masks continued the decorative approach and were adorned with sequins and beads.

Runway: Chanel Haute Couture A/W 13/14

For Chanel’s latest Haute Couture show, the infamous Grand Palais in Paris was transformed into a derelict theatre with crumbling walls and disintegrated curtains which when pulled back, revealed a futuristic backdrop of somewhere in the Middle East. The idea behind the set was to blend the old with the new, using fashion to do so.Shapes and styles were seen in the form of dropped waists, layered flared skirts, and slim jackets. While traditional periodic silhouettes that evoked Victorian and Edwardian times, were seen alongside ultra futuristic fabrics.Other features included micro chequerboard detailing, an abundance of sequins and wide waist-clinching belts, not to mention the thigh-high boot/legging with accessorised every outfit. Above are just some of my favourite looks this season.

Runway: Dior Haute Couture A/W 13/14

Image source: telegraph.co.uk

Dior’s Haute Couture show for A/W 13/14 had a whole lot going on, with Raf Simons drawing inspiration for the collection from “woman from different continents and cultures who wear couture.” These continents consist of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Before the show, Simons explained how the basis for the collection was centred around the idea of freedom, and most importantly freeing couture. This notion of couture being restrictive and only for special occasions is something Simons does not agree with; believing that “it can be approached the same way as ready-to-wear: out there for women to enjoy and to wear.” He went on to say “it’s a psychology of how clothes can look in relation to a modern woman and the way she is living her life and experiencing the culture.” (WWD.com)

With a strong focus on Parisian Chic, American sportiness, Asian architecture, and African decoration & Masai inspirations, the collection was eclectic and dynamic, if not slightly disjointed. A key aspect of the show was that sibori binding and drying technique that was applied to various garments, creating a spikey texture. Other standout pieces included architectural satin kimono coats, a shiny strapless dress featuring bands of tribal colours, a sleeveless floor length gown, embellished with all over Masai beading, and an ombre fringed dress with waist clinching belt.

Carey Mulligan for Harpers Bazaar June 2013

My favourite magazine cover this month is by far Harper's Bazaar. Not only because it features English actress Carey Mulligan, but also because of the faded colour scheme and overall aesthetic of the cover. A very etheral theme is explored with soft lighting and sugar candy pink hues, seen in Carey's jacket, the coverline font and the florals adorning the page. As June's issue coincides with the release of The Great Gatsby film (in which Carey plays Gatsby's love interest, Daisy Buchanan), it's no wonder she was picked as this month's cover star.
I'm quite a fan of Carey already, after watching her alongside Ryan Gosling in Drive, and of course the fact that she is married to Marcus Mumford (of THE Mumford & Sons) helps. She always looks really elegant, including even, when she wore a masculine tuxedo style suit to the Tiffany & Co Blue Book Ball. I think it's her petite frame and small features, as well of course, her etiquette, that helps portray this elegance. 

Shoe Obsession

I'm not usually one for buying lots of shoes (normally it's clothes and jewellery I can't say no to), but right now I'm going through a pretty major shoe obsession. Seriously, there are so many amazing ones to choose from! I've actually bought a few pairs in the last month so I'm having to slow down now, well at least until pay day! But I thought I'd share the latest ones which have caught my eye. As you can see, there's a pretty similar style/colour scheme on my mind, but why do I still feel like I NEED all of them?!

Clockwise from top left: ASOS; Dune; Topshop; ASOS; Carvela; Topshop, Topshop (inset)

David Bowie Is

Image Souce: www.vam.ac.uk

On Monday of this week I took my mum to the David Bowie exhibition at the V&A museum in South Kensington. The exhibition titled "David Bowie Is" is the first international retrospective of the artist and his career. Being a big Bowie fan, I was naturally really excited when I first heard about the exhibition, and after visiting the museum, I can see how it has easily become the V&A's most popular and successful exhibition to date.

Within the walls of the museum you are given the chance to see a number of authentic memorabilia including handwritten lyrics, set designs, instruments, album artwork, and of course those flamboyant costumes Bowie is renowned for. To accompany the exhibition you are given a head set which picks up where you are at in the exhibition and plays running commentary of Bowie talking, along with clips from a number of his songs.

I bought the most amazing book as well, and for £25 quid - a bargain!  

The Great Gatsby

   

I've been looking forward to The Great Gatsby's release when I first heard it was being made a couple of years ago, whilst working at Mudpie. With Miucci Prada heading up the design side of things, it's not surprising that its release has been highly anticipated by the 'fashion crowd'.

I went to the movies with Josh to see it and both of us were glued to the screens for the entirety of the film. In fact, I could have watched more after it ended which is rare for me, as usually after two hours sat in one of those cinema seats I'm ready to go home.

I've heard that Baz Luhrmann's remake of The Great Gatsby has had a fair number of bad reviews from critics, and while I loved it, I guess I've nothing to compare it to as I never watched the original film or even read F. Scott Fitzgerald's book. I think it was a combination of wonderful cinematography (the scene where Gatsby and Daisy first meet again, with those hundreds of flowers and French macaroons), along with the ultra modern Jay-Z produced soundtrack, and of course beautifully breathtaking costumes, that fed my concentration the entire way through. Oh and of course, I cannot review the film without mentioning Leo Dicaprio, Carey Mulligan and Toby Maguire - all of who I couldn't imagine the film without.

Honestly, everyone please go see this film, I promise it does not disappoint.

London Fashion Week A/W 13 - Mulberry

 

Image Source: vogue.co.uk

Mulberry is always the most anticipated show at LFW, partly because of their fabulous 'FROW' and partly because of the model pup that is sent down the runway each season. For autumn/winter 13, sophistication was given a contemporary feel with oversized puff sleeves, leather cape jackets and a pastel pink longline tailored jacket. Layering featured heavily along with proportion play when cropped trousers were teamed with above the knee dresses and skater skirts.

London Fashion Week A/W 13 - House of Holland

Image Source: vogue.co.uk

Psychedelic prints in vibrant colours of pink, teal and lime, made for a strong 70s inspired collection at House of Holland this season. Throughout the show the 70s theme was contrasted with the year of 1989 with stonewash denim, martini-glass prints, all over embroidered knitwear and boxy silhouettes. Another playful collection from Holland.

London Fashion Week A/W 13 - Burberry

Image Source: vogue.co.uk

So happy Chrstopher Bailey went own a wilder and sexier route for autumn/winter 13. Of course the signature trenches were there, however this year they were adorned with metal embellishment, fringing, and seen in neoprene fabrics with belted waists, giving the audience a more futuristic take on the staple garment. Pencil skirts were seen in metallic snakeskin, and sexy transluscent rubber - something Cara Delvigne models only too well, with a leopard print t-shirt and high-waisted heart print briefs - my favourite look from the collection. With a collection entitled "Trench kisses", it's only right that all over love heart prints featured on a number of garments, from the previously mentioned briefs, to bags, to skirts, to dresses and of course the trench coat.

Rihanna X River Island

I'm not a huge fan of Rihanna anymore or River Island for that matter, however I adore the 90s, so I'm in love with her collection inspired by the decade. Simple spaghetti strap dresses with thigh-high splits, black bralets worn as tops, a denim dungaree-style top with matching jeans - I want it all! Rihanna's own style obviously influenced the collection with high neck tops and maxi skirts, baseball jackets and of course mesh. Hoping I can get my hands on some of these products when the collection launches on March 5.

London Fashion Week A/W 13 - Issa

Well I'm a little bit in love with Issa's new collection. With a palette comprised of navy, mustard, brown and burnt orange, and with fringing, feathers and embroidery - the native American feel was impossible to miss. Not the mention the bhoemian style spotted on the hottest supermodel right now - Cara Delvigne, in the form of a sheer maxi in coffee brown and black tones.

New York Fashion Week A/W 13/14 - Rodarte

Image source: vogue.co.uk

During Rodarte's A/W 13/14 show we were taken through the Mulleavy sister's person story with a collection inspired by their home town Santa Cruz in California. Kate & Laura Mulleavy's collection showed gorgeous tie-dye prints, cut out swimsuits and contrasting sheer and matte panelling. Staple winter knitwear was seen in the form of a matching two piece jumper and skirt in a multi-colour pattern with crystal adornment and black fringing. 

New York Fashion Week A/W 13/14 - 3.1 Phillip Lim

Image source: vogue.co.uk

'Biker' and 'grunge' are key themes for Phillip Lim's latest collection. With an abundance of leather in everything from pleated mini skirts, oversized sweaters and loose-fit trousers, in shades of buttery toffee, jet black and olive green - this collection is without a doubt my favourite show from NYFW so far. Multiple layering ensured practicality, while badges handmade by Lim adorned light wash denim jeans and a matching jacket - proving to be the standout piece from the entire collection.