London Fashion Weekend

Last weekend I went to London Fashion Weekend, and all I have to say is, wow. London Fashion Weekend is one of my favourite weekends every season because it's the only real chance of have of going to a fashion show. I know, it's not exactly the biggest deal ever, but trust me, I love it. One day maybe I'll actually get a chance to go to the real London Fashion Week but for now LFWeekend is definitely good enough for me. 

Incase you don't know how LFWeekend works, what happens is there is one fashion show with usually four different sections, two of which are 'trends' where they show a mix of different designers but portray a particular 'trend' of the season and the other two are specific designers.

The first section of the show was called 'Swan Vesta' and was a ballerina style, inspired by the pieces Rodarte created for the movie Black Swan. If you're a regular reader of my blog you'll know that I am big fan of this trend. I love the way the pretty ballet look it made a bit more edgy and less girly, giving it a darker, more daring feel. The colour palette is beautiful with camels, tans, caramels and black. And the texture is equally pleasing with lots of lace and chiffon.

Lace top by McQ by Alexander McQueen 

Skirt by Reem Acra

Jacket, top and skirt by Reem

Fur collar by Rebecca Bradley

Top and bra by Alexander Wang 

Skirt by Charles Anastase

All Jasper Garvida

The second section of the show was Bora Aksu. This collection was extremely dramatic and unique, with a lots of ruffles, texture, and a slightly dark, gothic style.

Next on the list was look that they called 'Lady Brights', and it was an interesting take on the very 'now' trend of colour blocking. With this trend, instead of showing the usual modern colour blocking look, they showed a new was of interpreting this style, with an eccentric, ladylike style. The look, however, was very playful, using neon colours and cute little tiaras, mixed in with more classic, ladylike pieces.

Vintage skirt 

Shikasuki jacket

Kandee platforms

Jasper Conran dress 

Kandee platforms

Jasper Conran Dress

Just want to say that I am in LOVE with the shoes used in this collection...

Here's the website if anyones interested http://kandeeshoes.com/category.php?id_category=5

The last collection, I have to say, was BY FAR my favourite. Mark Fast. My new obsession. His collection was one of my favourites ever, no exaggeration. His use of fabric, texture, cutouts, colour and movement are AMAZING. I actually need these dresses.

After watching these amazing shows I walked around Somerset House and looked around at all the designer clothes stalls. My favourite was American Retro

These were just a few of the items I wanted to buy, but unfortunately it's just a little bit too expensive.

In the end I just bought one thing from Buddhist Punk which is this really cool brand that makes mainly printed t-shirts and jersey dresses and I got this black t-shirt dress with a white print on the front and these tassely cut out bits at the back... sounds weird I know...but it's actually pretty cool.

Leather without the Punk

Leather. What's the first thought that comes into your head? A scary punk with green hair and a leather jacket covered in studs. Ok, definitely not the look I'm going for, but for fall/winter 11-12 leather is being used and in a softer, more fashionable way. 


A perfect example is Acne who gave us some amazing leather looks in their fall rtw collection

Their use of colour, instead of the obvious black, gives it a fresher, newer feel and mixing it with interesting textures makes it more feminine.

Another example is Phillip Lim who added leather detailing like leather sleeves to give the look an edge.

Here are some pieces on the high street with a similar style

PREMIUM TAUPE STITCH DETAIL LEATHER SHORTS - TOPSHOP

RENEWAL LEATHER POCKET DENIM SHIRT - URBAN OUTFITTERS

Cracked Leather Look Sleeve Top - ASOS

Selected Femme Leather Sleeveless Dress - ASOS

Seamed Biker Leather Skinny Trousers - ASOS

Cropped Leather T-Shirt - ASOS

Wear with brogues or high heeled boots

WHITE WATCH Soft Leather Ankle Boots - ASOS

Just remember keep the look feminine, make sure the colours aren't too dark, and stay clear of studs (although if you're going for the biker look which is also fashionable at the mo then pile them on all you want)!

White is the new Black

It seems like time is flying past so quickly in the fashion world, spring has only just begun but already the fall/winter fashion shows are in full swing. We've only just begun shedding our many layers of wooly jumpers and coats for spring and we're being told what we will be wearing NEXT winter! But to be honest I am sick and tired of thick and dull and heavy clothes and think it's time for some bright, clean and lighter items to replace it all. So that is why this post is on one colour that is SO the opposite of winter clothes... WHITE. I know I am 'so behind on fashion dahhhling' but to be honest is anyone shopping for their clothes for next winter? I didn't think so... So back to the fashion:


White, I know, it sounds seriously boring, but it is actually a really interesting colour. This season it can be worn two ways.


1. Pretty white - very romantic, layering, chiffon, floaty dresses and peasant style tops


2. Modern white - futuristic, minimalistic, sharp tailoring


PRETTY WHITE ON THE RUNWAY


Dolce & Gabbana

Ralph Lauren

Antonio Berardi

ON THE HIGH STREET

PETITE WHITE LEAF EMBELLISHED SLEEVELESS SWING TOP - TOPSHOP

CROCHET KIMONO SLEEVE DRESS - TOPSHOP

Love and Liberty Cross Over Dress - Free People

Anita Page Slip - Free People

Cascade of Ruffles Slip - Free People

Before I say anything else I would just like to declare my love my Free People. This shop is AMAZING! I found it when I was in New York at Christmas and I'd say it was love at first sight. This shop has a really hippyish, boho vibe to it's clothes with a slight vintage feel in some pieces and seriously I'm obsessed. Sadly there aren't any stores in the UK so I'll have to make do with ordering online. The story of Free People is actually a pretty interesting one but I'll save it for another post, now back to White.

Wear these pretty white looks with white wedges

And not too many accessories, we don't want to over complicate the look - the detailing should all be in the fabric texture and layering. Also wear with very neutral makeup, but add a little bronzer, white looks best with a healthy glow.

MODERN WHITE ON THE RUNWAY

Chloe

Vanessa Bruno

MaxMara

ON THE HIGH STREET

Unisex Slim Slack - American Apparel

IVORY SATIN SHAWL COLLAR TUX JACKET - TOPSHOP

Aqua Cut Out Cuckoo Dress - ASOS

Aqua Wendy One Shoulder Peplum Dress With Structured Frill - ASOS

Aqua Cc Bandeau Dress with Cut Out Sides - ASOS

I'm really sorry I keep adding on extra random notes that have pretty much nothing to do with this blog post, but, while searching for white dresses to put on here I just found the most amazing make with some seriously cool, modern designs... so here's the link if you are interested http://www.aquabyaqua.com/
Now, once again, back to White.
This more modern look can be worn with bright accessories if you want to make the look more interesting and possibly a little less clinical. It's okay to wear colours with this one because the shapes are very simple so there won't be too much going on. 

Topshop

ASOS

If you're gonna go for a bright shoe then keep the accessories to a minimum and keep the bag white. The look should always be clean and simple.