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Showing posts with label Autumn Winter 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Autumn Winter 2010. Show all posts
Statement shoes, bags and accessories are back with a bang for this Autumn/Winter, and nowhere on the high street is there a better collection of designer influenced accessories than at Dune. Their forthcoming Venetian Masquerade collection features opulent velvet fabrics and jewelled details, perfect for the party season. Starlight Express evokes a tougher edge with high shine buckles and chains on sky high leather boots all in a functional colour spectrum of blacks, taupes and nudes. Finally, The Aviator taps in to the key military trend of the season, as seen on the Burberry catwalk. This collection is all about the functionality of footwear, from shearling lined worker boots evocative of the 1940's working girl, to the classic brogue in a nod to androgynous style. On the bag front, leather satchels and industrial style buckle details are big news, as is the ladylike tote and statement clutch. Dune's collection of jewellery for this season also features adorable statement necklaces and bracelets adorned with charms, as well as dazzling cocktail rings, the perfect finishing touch to any party outfit. Here are my picks from their Autumn/Winter 2010 lookbook:

Petrol Boot, £85.
Jerica Shoe Boot, £99.
Banish Shoe Boot, £110.
Paddie Brogue, £55.


Pollie Tote, £65.
Cate Satchel, £95.
Laurent Clutch, £55.

Scarlet Cocktail Ring, £25.


Sandy Charm Braclet, £45.

The Pollie tote has gone straight to the top of my shopping list!

What do you think of Dune's latest collection? Anything you're tempted by? And what will you be investing in for the Autumn?

(Image credit: Dune.)

26.09.2010- These boots are made for autumn

It seems that summer has well and truly been and gone in the U.K, and for the last week or so I've been wrapped up in woolly cardigans and scarves, armed with a brolly every time I've gone out. However, the beginning of September is just around the corner, and brings with it the official (well, official to my mind) start of autumn, when it is perfectly acceptable to buy jumpers, coats and hats a plenty (I really can't bring myself to buy knitwear in August!) Although I'm still clinging on to hopes of an Indian Summer, it's looking more and more unlikely by the day, so what better way to get inspired for Autumn than by looking back on this now iconic shoot from the September 2007 issue of US Vogue. I fell in love with this spread, shot by Steven Meisel, when I first saw it, and after watching The September Issue and seeing what a labour of love it was for Grace Coddington, I loved it even more:


Do you love this shoot as much as I do? And what are you most looking forward to over the next few months?

(Image credit: livejournal.)

25.08.2010- In Celebration of September...

Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway in Mad Men.
One of my best friends and I were traipsing around Oxford Street's enormous branch of TOPSHOP at the start of the week, trying to pick up some autumn inspiration. The conversation steered to the midi- next season's most desirable skirt length, which I think will be pretty tricky to pull off without looking like you've raided your mum's wardrobe. The midi is causing such a revolution at the moment because for the first time in what feels like ages, high fashion (and, thanks to Mad Men, television) is embracing the fuller figure. Indeed, the designer behind 'midi mania', Marc Jacobs, recently announced plans to produce his designs in plus sizes, making him the first contemporary designer to cater for, rather than shun the fuller figured customer. Jacobs' most recent collection for Louis Vuitton was a celebration of curvaceous proportions, cinched in waists and the 1950's silhouette:

'And God created Woman', Louis Vuitton Fall 2010.

For me, the key to the midi will be how to wear it and still keep it youthful. Although I love the shape, it does create a very mature look, which will be tricky to master without looking like you've been caught playing dress-up. With this in mind, we turn again to Marc Jacobs and his own Fall 2010 collection:

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010.

Jacobs here keeps the midi feeling young by styling with ankle socks, basic tops, and unkempt hair, in contrast to the chic, swept back ponytails at Louis Vuitton. Bright young things Kirsten Dunst and Alexa Chung also demonstrated how to wear the midi at the opening of the Louis Vuitton Maison in London back in May:


Alexa's ankle tie espadrilles and sequin blouse keep her ensemble looking fresh, and Kirsten's hair really pops against the dark blue of her dress. If like me you are a bit reluctant to embrace the midi, the best thing to do is, as always, try before you buy. You never know, you might just find the perfect shape for you. I've just spotted this one over at MANGO which I'll be looking for when I'm next shopping:


What do you think of the midi? Will you be investing in one? How will you wear it? Or will you be avoiding it at all costs?

11.08.2010- Tricky Trend: The Midi

Roksanda Ilincic for Whistles, SS10.
As a staple of the British high street, Whistles has been on my radar for a good few years now. I've always loved their approach to fashion, but since Jane Shepherdson took over as the chief executive in early 2008, Whistles has been transformed into a cutting edge brand which delivers sophisticated, high quality and wearable fashion forward pieces season after season. More recently, they collaborated with Roksanda Ilincic to create the Whistles collection, consisting of elegant cocktail dresses with couture details and cementing themselves as true nurturers of new design talent, having previously worked with designers such as John Galliano, Dries van Noten and Jean Paul Gaultier.

For the coming season, the folks at Whistles have struck gold again by creating a collection which pays homage to the catwalk collections, but which is also timeless in terms of quality, sophistication and style. Featuring the wardrobe staple of the winter, the shearling jacket, elegant dresses and the beautifully cut trousers which Whistles have become famous for, the collection looks set to further cement the brand as a high street gem.

Here's a look at some of my favourite pieces from their Autumn/Winter Lookbook:

Celeste Tailored Coat, £225. Silk Trousers, £110.

Shearling Trim Twill Flying Jacket, £225. Selena Skating Dress, £195. Andrea Bag, £120.
Virginia Sheepskin Coat, £595.
Nives Toga Dress, £250.
Christie Sheepskin Jacket, £395. Knot Front Trousers, £125.
Sheepksin Parka, £595.
I know the pieces are a tad on the pricey side, but they are all wardrobe classics in their own right, and the quality of the materials used shines through in these shots. Also, the Whistles end of seasons sales are generally very good, with reductions of up to 50%; currently everything in their online sale is £65 and under:

Lala Marble Print Dress, was £85, now £50.
Bumble Girl Tee, was £25, now £15.
Oversize Classic Sunglasses, were £80, now £25.

As well as these sale bargains, I've got my eye on this gorgeous dress, which I'm determined to save my pennies for!

Paula Pebble Dress, £125.

What do you think of Whistles? Are you a fan of their latest collection? Will you be saving up for anything special or snapping up a sale bargain?

(Image credit: whistles.co.uk.)

10.08.2010- Label Love: Whistles

It's only the second of August, but already some of the Autumn/Winter collections are hitting the high street. As usual, the British Summer weather isn't really up to much, and I'm already anticipating what I'll be buying to see me through the autumn and into winter. With that in mind, here's my list of top five must have pieces for your Autumn/Winter 2010 wardrobe:

The Burberry Prorsum show, where Christopher Bailey showcased a flock of shearling jackets, is surely the show that has launched a thousand high street copies. I've already seen a few good imitations online and on the high street, and the Topshop flying jacket, despite its hefty price tag, sold out in a flash online. I'm loving the look of the Warehouse aviator jackets, and the ASOS version has a really authentic feel to it, with functional zips a plenty.

Trousers are having something of a resurgence at present. Whether they be hareem, high waisted, chinos or peg leg, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Either stick to the neutral tones seen at Chloé, the sophisticated blacks á la Celine or, if you're feeling bold plump for a pair in a bright colour or with a printed design.


What better way to spend a winter's evening than curled up with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate whilst snuggled up in a chunky knit. From a practical perspective, if our winter is anywhere near as cold this year as it was last, I'll be investing in many a wooly jumper to keep the cold at bay! Whether worn with jeans, trousers, a midi-skirt or over a dress, a chunky knit is an extremely versatile way to see you warmly through until the spring.


The dress. A wardrobe staple that never goes out of fashion. This season's dress shapes paid homage to the 1950's (think the costume department of Mad Men), and baroque styles made a reappearance, as seen at Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Balmain. Go for embellishment, beaded details and bold hues for a welcome escape from the winter blues.

The Mulberry Alexa, a sell out when it was first launched, has set the trend for Autumn/Winter's must have bag- the satchel. Whether you plump for a vintage bag, are lucky enough to be able to afford a Mulberry original, or pick up yours from the many available on the high street, the satchel is the key accessory for the coming season.

What do you think? What pieces will you be looking to pick up on the high street for Autumn/Winter?

(Image credit: style.com, TOPSHOP, WAREHOUSE, Rokit, mulberry, instyle.co.uk, ASOS, riverisland.com, Oasis and frenchconnection.com.)

02.08.2010- Heading for the Fall...

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