Winter Dressing

Perfect winter dressing from Christine. Nothing feels cosier than throwing on a sweater that swallows you whole, so you can hibernate in it all day.

Image: Fash n Chips

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The Fashion Industry's Favourites Become Disney Characters

It can't be a random occurrence that Harrods are featuring Disney Princess dresses designed by the world's leading designers in their Christmas window display this year, while over in the US, Barney's have collaborated with Disney to create a short film featuring some of the fashion industry's favourite insiders as animated characters. I'm yet to work out the link, but I've nothing to complain about - I love it!

The short animation titled Electric Holiday features editors, models and famous fashion personalities including Lady Gaga, Anna Dello Russo, Naomi Campbell and the wonderful Alber Elbaz. At the moment, a sharp bob and sunglasses clad figure is yet to be revealed, but surely it's only a matter of time...

Image: Daily Mail

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Chic Weekend

Sorry for being a bit MIA these last few weeks. I really want to get my blog back on track and start posting outfit posts (how many times have I said this), but living in Devon is starting to bring on a strong bout of claustrophobia and I'm currently working on an escape plan. This could involve commuting to London everyday, so that I can complete an internship, which will be far from ideal. If anyone knows of any marketing/writing/social media jobs in the fashion or beauty industry, let me know because I'm your girl!

In the meantime, when I'm not working, my internet time is spent dreaming up lovely outfits that I'd wear on my imaginary life adventures in London.

Speak soon!

Designers Recreate Disney Princess Gowns For Harrods

A small dream of mine was made a reality today when Vogue released an array of sketches by some of the fashion industry's leading designers. Nothing special about that, apart from the designs were recreations of Disney's most loved princesses. As someone who longed to be Belle as a child (she's the best one and I still do), it's a happy day to see the iconic dresses of my childhood dreams be brought to life as an adult, by the people I now admire. The dresses have been designed for the iconic Christmas window display of Harrods' and will include designs by some of my favourites including Elie Saab, Valentino and Marchesa. Saab's looks like it will be exquisite! 

For real Disney fans there is also a pop-up Princess boutique now open on the fourth floor of the store and the dresses will be revealed on the 1st November.

Are you excited to see these designs? Which is your favourite?

Image: Vogue UK 

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Getting Dressed for Halloween

Every single Halloween, without fail, I dress up as a cat. Despite the fact it's become pure habit, I still go through the rigmarole of deciding what costume I might wear before arriving back at my old friend, which allows me to unleash my inner cat lady. It's as much a part of the tradition for my best friend and fancy dress aficionado, Laurie, to tell me that I simply cannot dress up as a cat again. This year I plan to defy her on the grounds that I've never been a 'fashion cat'. Just what is a fashion cat exactly, you might ask. Well, I'm not entirely sure myself, but I know it will involve wearing this Maison Michel 'Heidi' cat headband from Motilo. It reminds of the lace face covering that was seen at Jason Wu a few seasons ago, as well as the Olsen's matching animal ear headbands I loved. I'd dress as a cat every day if it looked like this.

What's your go to fancy dress costume?

Image: Motilo

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First Look: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Lookbook

It's here - the first look at the Maison Martin Margiela collection for H&M. I've looked forward to this a lot more than any of the highstreet store's previous collaborations, largely because Margiela is one of the last brands that I'd have thought would team up with H&M. I was intrigued to see whether the innovative designs of Margiela could ever be translated to a highstreet budget form without diluting and losing the magic of the brand entirely. Have they succeeded? Probably more so than any other brand who have collaborated with H&M previously. It was a smart move on the part of Margiela to present a highstreet collection that allows an overview of the brand's development to both current fans and those for whom this will be their first introduction. Pieces from recent collections haven't been reinvented on a highstreet budget, which will feel outdated as soon as the hype has died down. Instead, there are an array of items that reference previous collections, which will be labelled with the corresponding season that their original inspiration was created for.

So what's made it onto my shopping list? The voluminous cream jumper dress is right at the top, along with the padlock bow necklace. The perspex wedge heel boots are also a favourite, but I think they are an original from a few seasons ago. The jury's out on the hand handbag, but an oversized box coat might just make it too.

What do you think of the collaboration? Will you be buying? It hits stores on the 15th November.

Image: Vogue

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Getting Dressed for Winter

The days are finally getting dark early, which means winter is almost upon us. Let's face it, we had rain pretty much all throughout summer, anyway. I know come December I'll be sick of the cold (I already have the heater on in the office, which is driving everyone crazy), but for the moment I'm quite content to start piling on layers of knits and swapping a night out for a night in with X-Factor on the sofa...

Some post summer indulgences might see me face a bit of a struggle getting into Mango's leather leggings, but I hope I'll be able to offset that with an oversized knit. Go and take a look at my current obsession: 5 Inch and Up's collection for Nelly.com. If you haven't seen it yet, be warned because you will want it all. I also can't wait to get my hands on some pieces from Carine Roitfeld's collaboration with MAC. I've got a problem with continually buying not so varying shades of dark red nail polish and nude lipstick, but I wouldn't feel bad about adding theses chic versions to my collection. The Givenchy boots are on the dream list, but the Sophie Hulme bag could be a realistic investment. Her minimalistic designs manage to tread the line between being both modern, yet timeless, so I see it as being a 'sensible' treat...

Getting Dressed for Milan Fashion Week

Fashion Flashback: Red Velvet in Autumn Winter 2010

There was a trend back in 2010, which caught my eye, that didn't seem able to transcend the numerous runways upon which it was showcased. These included the collections of designers such as Alexander Wang, Antonio Berardi and Altuzarra to name just a few. The trend was red velvet. Although velvet, generally in black, was reincarnated in various forms across the high street, I didn't see a red version crop up anywhere and I can see why. While I was instantly drawn to it on the runway, I struggled to envision myself in any form of outfit comprising red velvet that didn't draw up connotations of an unusually modest Mrs Santa. Red velvet on the catwalk or the red carpet looks tricky enough, but on the high street? It's less than doubtful.

Alexander Wang Fall 2010 and Altuzarra Fall 2010

Backstage Altuzarra Fall 2010

However, scouring the web today I came across a red velvet item that launched me right back to those collections of Autumn/Winter 2010. New in to Topshop this week is a burgundy playsuit with full length chiffon sleeves, which really play up to red velvet's more Medieval associations. It seems to be only the playsuit style which draws it back to the present day.

Topshop Burgundy Playsuit £45

I also recalled some celebrities who have tried and tested red velvet with varying levels of success. Katy Perry typically went all out with a fifties style dress that made me run a little further from the idea. However, just as Jason Wu accessoried a look with a simple burgundy velvet scarf back in 2010, the best styles take a 'less is more' approach. If I decide to try this out, I'm going to be looking to Chloe Moretz in McQ or Emma Stone in Chanel for my inspiration.

Chloe Moretz in McQ and Emma Stone in Chanel Resort

What do you think of red velvet? Would you or do you wear it?

British Supermodels at the Olympic Closing Ceremony 2012

I'm not sure about anyone else, but I greatly preferred the Olympic Closing Ceremony to the Opening Ceremony. That 'modern day love' scene with the guy and girl texting each other ruined it for me - wasn't it all a bit cheesy? The Closing Ceremony, however, was a thoroughly well done celebration of Britain's greatest successes and achievements. Reading the comments on last night's events, it is a shame that so many people seem to be baffled by the appearance of our finest model exports, which included Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Lily Cole, Lily Donaldson (in Vivienne Westwood), Karen Elson, Stella Tennant, Jourdan Dunn (in Jonathan Saunders) and Georgia May Jagger (in Victoria Beckham). Each wore a stunning, Olympic gold dress designed by some of our most innovative designers such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Christopher Kane and, my favourite, Erdem. I still can't quite get over just how phenomenal Kate Moss looked. She was really working that stage like it was still the supermodel era of the 90s. 

L-R: Stella Tennant, Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn, David Gandy

The British Fashion Industry is one of the greatest contributors to the UK economy and our designers continually remain at the forefront of the industry with their cutting edge creations. I'm so glad that this was acknowledged on the world stage, but it's a shame that the value of the industry seems to be so vastly underestimated and lost on the majority. Admittedly, it didn't help that the credits for the designers were tuned out on the television streaming in order to comply with zero-branding rules. Similarly, although I quite liked the appearance of the billboards to a soundtrack of David Bowie's Fashion, I'm sure more could have been done to make this part a modern spectacle in accordance with how fashion has changed since the days when supermodels simply stormed down runways; amidst everything else that was going on, it's no wonder that this part seemed a little throwaway in comparison.

What did you think of last night's ceremony? Did you enjoy the fashion feature?

Shopping For: Summer Yellow Shades

Considering yellow is one of my favourite colours, there's a noticeable lack of it in my wardrobe. I don't know if this is because I wear a lot of black and am subconciously trying to avoid all similarities with a bumblebee? Regardless of the reason, things are about to change as Nicole Richie was recently spotted wearing a yellow tee with her all black outfit and looking fantastic. It's a surprisingly chic combination and the yellow really freshens up the look.

Shop It: Lace Bra by Calvin Klein | Clutch Bag by Zara | Lemon Meringue Nail Polish by Models Own | Break Up Jumper by 3.1 Phillip Lim | Pointed Game Heels by Topshop

I'd use yellow to add a statement to my outfit; the yellow Zara clutch would be perfect. The 3.1 Phillip Lim jumper is a stand-out piece in itself, or you could opt for a soft lemon manicure for a more subtle approach.

Do you have much yellow in your wardrobe? Will you be adding some in?

Autumnal Shopping at Zara

With the weather being as unpredictable as ever in the UK, I haven't really bought into a summer wardrobe this year. I always prefer autumn/winter dressing anyway, so I'm more than happy to see bikinis and maxi dresses in the sale pile, making way for warm coats and knits. New collections have been dropping into high street stores over the last few weeks, but I've been biding my time for some Zara pieces that were featured in their August woman lookbook. 

My brother is trying to encourage me to invest in a Chanel tweed jacket. I don't think he understands that it's a dream jacket for me right now. In the meantime I'll happily settle for Zara's version.

Leather Peplum Dress £89.99

How chic is this simple military look? It's one I've not tried before, but I'll definitely give it a go this season.

Quilted Leather Sleeve Coat £139.00

The coat is obviously the key buy every autumn and the best ones come into stores this month - the most organised shoppers will be snapping them up soon, so get prepared! I missed out on the Zara leather sleeve trench from a couple of years ago, so I will be getting my order in for this quilted leather sleeve version asap.

What do you think of Zara's August Woman lookbook? Have you started buying your winter wardrobe yet?

My Fashion Alter Ego in Flare Magazine September 2012

Quite in love with this editorial from Flare Magazine's September 2012 issue featuring Hannah Glasby and Melie. The styling of some of the most outstanding pieces, which hit the catwalk back in February by Alexander McQueen and Dolce and Gabbana, look incredible and my deeply repressed, inner Anna Dello Russo would definitely sport the wild, exaggerated bird's nest hair if I released her.

You can watch the behind the scenes video of this shoot on my Facebook page.

Do you have an inner fashion alter ego waiting to come out? What are they like?

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Zara Fall 2012 Campaign Featuring Freja Beha

Zara's campaigns are often my highlight of the high street's seasonal offerings, but their autumn 2012 campaign is easily their best to date. Not only do I want to own all of the clothes featured, but their choice of model is perfect - the stunning Freja Beha Erichsen aka the epitome of effortless, cool dressing.

That black dress will be a staple in my autumn wardrobe...

You can watch Zara's Fall 2012 campaign video over on my Tumblr page.

What do you think of the campaign? Do you think Freja is a great choice for Zara too?

Source: FGR

Prada's Fall 2012 Campaign Video

How Prada’s Fall 2012 collection has managed to bypass me is a mystery. If only on a personal level, the collection is a huge success based purely on the fact that Miuccia has managed to reinvent the skirt-over-trouser style that up until now was somewhat of a nineties nightmare for me. Not only that, but she’s alerted me to the fact that maybe two layers of clothing that are otherwise worn singularly are not enough. Why wear only a dress over your trousers when you can add a sleeveless coat-dress into the mix too? For all, this collection is a lesson in layering – a concept which sounds relatively simple, but requires much more skill than you would ever want an admirer of your outfit to be aware of.  

Whether you remain scarred by memories of yourself in a skirt-trouser combination that was truly awful, or you just weren't entirely convinced by the collection on first sight (I'll allow that the mesmerising geometric prints used added another dimension that could terrify the minimalists among us), allow Prada's Fall 2012 video to convert you. There is no denying that the outfits look fantastic. 

Richard Nicoll Designs a Bridal Collection for Topshop

Unfortunately, when you think of bridal ranges on the high street, very little -  if anything - more than the frill-full corner at the back of BHS or the softly lit section of your local Monsoon springs to mind. It's for this reason that Richard Nicoll's bridal collection for Topshop has really got me excited. Don't get me wrong, I have no intention of going down any aisle other than the one at my local supermarket, but I, like many other women, will hold my hand up and confess:

I am a fantasy wedding addict.

With prices ranging from £75 - £300,  the 7 piece collection is ideal for both budget conscious and fashion conscious brides alike. However, if you're certain (and you do have to be certain) that the bride is following a more traditional dress route, I think the dresses would make great choices for the stylish wedding guest. The collection is a combination of marshmallow pinks and creams. Both options are lovely, but I'd opt for a pink style to avoid stepping on the satin shoes of the bride. 

As the UK is currently devoid of summer goodness, the soft, pastel pinks offer a much needed injection of warmth to your wardrobe. I'd fully embrace the girlish sweetness and wear the the lace mini frill dress with a simple Chloé clutch and statement Charlotte Olympia heels. The bonus of the entire collection is that you'd easily be able to wear the dresses again to less formal occasions. I can imagine wearing my choice of dress on a cool, summer evening abroad too...

What do you think of the collection? Would any of the dresses make your fantasy wedding dress list?

Fashion: Festival Style Inspiration

I recently came across the Fall 2012 lookbook for Mango, which surprisingly offered me outfit inspiration for festival dressing this summer. Even though the weather has recently been amazing in the UK, it's usually a tad more unpredictable, with a tendency to rain devastatingly hard just when you've prepared for sunshine. Cue the following outfit modelled by one of my favourites, Anna Selezneva.

Minus the long, gold necklace and the too formal bag, this look would be festival perfection for me. That wool lined coat would have been the answer to my prayers at last year's Glastonbury Festival, when I had to cower under one of those tarpaulin-like, plastic ponchos that looks like the full-size version of the hair coverings Grandma's wear to protect their perm. And you could always have the jumper layered over an Alexander Wang tee in case the sun decides to make an appearance. The only real danger zone of this outfit is the denim shorts. I've almost come to the conclusion that finding a flattering pair and looking good in them is a fine art accomplished by very few. Much like the weather, the chances of British people achieving this is very hit and miss. If you've visited the seaside this past week, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about....

Fashion: H&M's Red Carpet Conscious Collection

For me, 'ethical' clothing unfortunately struggles to conjure images of truly covetable clothing that doesn't scream, 'I AM ORGANIC, FAIRTRADE, MADE FROM A SUSTAINABLE SOURCE' from the starkness of its uninspiring simplicity. Which is why it surprises me that I've found H&M's latest Conscious Collection, which features red carpet focussed items, their most anticipated collection yet (yes, I want this more than the Versace collaboration). In my experience, ethically made clothing on the high street tends to be based around wardrobe basics, rarely reaching beyond the offer of an organic tee. Although the demand and desire for 'green' products has increased rapidly in popularity in recent years, I'm yet to find an ethically made item of clothing that becomes a wardrobe staple. Enter H&M's 'Exclusive Conscious' collection, which launched yesterday.

Not only does this collection practice what it preaches in terms of the sustainable materials used to produce it, such as organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester, but it is truly worthy of the red carpet glamour it has been branded with. Before its launch, the Conscious range was the red carpet choice of both Michelle Williams at the BAFTA's and Amanda Seyfried at the premier of In Time, as well as being the designer of choice for Viola Davis and Kristin Davis - no small feat for the fusion branch of a high street store. 

 

It is incredibly refreshing to find clothing that I want for both its genuine desirability and its ethical sensibilities. For once, being 'green' does not feel like a conscious mission, but something that you can easily buy into without having to be all too aware of it. This is enhanced by the fact that the Conscious range is actually affordable, with prices starting from just £19.99 (the most expensive piece is £199.99).

Do you find it difficult to find clothing that is not only environmentally friendly, but also truly desirable and affordable? What are your favourite 'green' clothing labels? And do you think H&M's achieved it?

You can buy the H&M Conscious Collection here.

Images: Fashion Gone Rogue, Fashionologie