2013 Disco Diva

Have you ever wanted to try something new but been too scared? For instance, trying a new sport or a new restaurant? Well how about a new style? Its the new year, therefore, its a new you. We all have pointless resolutions which we stick to for an average of three weeks, so why not stick to something for good this year? If you don’t think you can hack a whole new you for a year, at least try one season, by then i assure you won’t be looking back.

So where to start for 2013? (Just a quicky- Its completely shiny & pastelicious). Here in the UK we are still completely loving the midi. Whether that be a skirt or a dress, we can’t get enough. Now I know I always ramble on about the midi, so I’m finally bringing something new to the table. Embrace these bad boys with welcoming arms (or legs)…. it’s time for the revelation of the disco pant. Yep, yep, I said it. Shiny, sleek, skin tight pants. So when I said new year- new style, I’m expecting you to totally embrace these shiny stinkers.

Perfect for day AND night, these are totes worth the value. Perfectly paired with a printed statement jumper or a jeweled collared shirt, these can not miss out on a space in your wardrobe this year. Its a disco frenzy year, don’t let the matte pants take over.

Hollie, xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

De La Renta Goes Crazy For London!

 

After a tiresome three year search for the perfect De La Renta location, we can finally announce the brand new flagship store is due to set up camp on the very famous Mount Street in Mayfair at the end of November. The New York based designer is rumoured to be paying just short of £1million rent per annum for the glam location!

With years of experience dressing the New York elite, it’s now officially time for his biggest challenge yet- dressing the lovely ladies of London in his dreamy designs… aye aye aye!!! Obviously it wouldn’t be totally luxe without having a few naughty neighbours, such as Christian Louboutin and Marc Jacobs. Not only does he stock some of the most desirable designs in the industry, the new store will also be stocking his bridal collection, which is perfect for all you budding brides.

The store will be taking over Nicky Clarke’s famous salon on the street and is predicted to be a huge success. Alex Bolen, chief executive officer of Oscar De La Renta, has said; ” Our arrival on Mount Street has been a well-considered process in terms of cementing the brands flagship store in the best location, and we are delighted with the outcome.”

In the business of Fashion

It’s almost here and London is stir-crazy for Maison Martin Margiela’s full collection for H&M. We can expect the clothing and accessories to be true to the avant-garde designer’s signature style – or so they say.

These garments definitely embody the classic oversize silhouettes, and deconstructed styling the house became famous for. But while prices for original Margiela can reach thousands of our British pounds prices for this collaboration run from a slightly less harrowing £13 to £399. 



 With the collection set to hit the stores later this week I think it’s time we make some sort of stand against fast fashion collaborations – simply for the sake of fashion!

 

It’s been eight years since Karl Lagerfeld for H&M, the first collaboration between a high fashion designer and a mass retailer. Since then, a retailers like Topshop, have launched designer collaborations of their own with the likes of Proenza Schouler, Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen etc. And the success of this formula shows no signs of fading.

Yes ‘cheap and chic’ collaborations are extremely popular with the public, and yes they generate the media equivalent of millions of pounds in advertising just by driving people into stores, it’s basically celebrity endorsement. ‘Fashion’ used to mean designer fashion; something made by a creator who puts care and thought into they are creating. It means carefully crafted designs made with attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility.

But somewhere along the line, the definition of ‘fashion’ has shifted.

 I invite anyone to argue that fast fashion brands produce ‘fashion’ in the original sense of the word. They may sell decent clothing at affordable prices — but it’s just not the same thing. We used to care about objects that surround us but the cost of clothing has been on a constant downward spiral and today the majority of people can’t help it but gorge on disposable clothes. But it doesn’t even seem to matter how cheap the clothes are, because alone they are just not cool enough. It’s the idea of high-end ‘Fashion’ that lures people into stores, which is the raison d’être behind these designer collaborations. But make no mistake, this is all just taking a designer’s best-kept ideas and watering them down for mass consumption.

By all means, if you are willing to buy into this collaboration, please do, just don’t think that you are buying a real part of Margiela’s legacy. 

Image Source: Fashionologie

Black Magic.

Welcome to the dark side! We can officially announce, black is back. And we couldn’t be happier! This Halloween, forget the cat costume, and just stay classy. Like a true fashionista! This week it would be totally against all things holy not to bring out those leather look bike trousers! What better week to wear them than Halloween? Obviously we can’t just wear trousers, we need shoes, tops and jackets. Lucky us!

There are countless tops we could pair with our leather looks, but why not opt. for a lace number this week? Maybe a black lace peplum or a thin strapped cami? Chains and military suds are still bang on trend and totally perfect for pairing, but lets try something a little more daring on this witching week! Black embroidered mesh tops are simply sleek and chic and look just the part with our LL’s. If you want to make the day time look a little more.. ‘Sex in the City’, you could wear a velvet cut out bodice with a black boyfriend blazer, totally oozing high fashion glam.

 

 

 

 

Here’s the best bit… shoes! If you’re a flats kinda gal, I’d be heading towards black ankle boots. Obviously, a minor heel, studs, chains, buckles… the bigger the design- the better! Or if you’re going out for a cocktail or two, I’d definitely wear something between pointy studded courts, and high black platforms. Cast a little magic on that wardrobe of yours and be devilishly daring this week! Halloween has become one of the biggest events on the calender, therefore it would be social suicide not to make the up most effort this week.

So its that start of ‘black is back’, and we just cant get enough!!

Happy Halloween dollies,

Hols, xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you dare

When the Halloween weekend is around the corner, London goes the extra mile and gets that touch quirkier.

However, as trends take off, retaining an element of individualism remains more and more challenging. Hair stencilling is something that is really gathering momentum late in 2012. Copied from the Avant Garde catwalk, stencils are often combined with interesting shapes and colours that lead to a limitless level of creativity. This may be one trend that is not so easy to knock-off or get right, but it would give a hot new look to the over-done vampire princess. No?

Here’s How:

1.   Wash hair a day before you create this  style. A little oil in the hair makes it easier to  work with.

2. You will need one sleek surface to apply the stencil, so brush hair flat. Stencils can be found in a general art shop, or design one yourself to be ultra unique.

3.   Place the stencil onto the area of desired hair and apply body paint or wetted chalks.

4.   Before lifting the stencil, you can also dust the area with a coating of glittler powder – it should stick to the wet paint.

5.   Remove the stencil carefully – You don’t want to smudge the outline!

6.   Finally spray your stenciled style with hairspray to prevent smudging, and your style is complete!

Text by Emma-Louise

Images found by Fashion156

Mid-month swap.

Ditch the maxi, and pull out that midi! This season we are loving the midi dress here in London. The mid calf dress is perfect for an every day shopping spree, a day in the office or something sexy to slip into before you head out for the evening.

The selection of dresses is endless this season, whether its bold colours, mono colours or prints, you will find your perfect midi! Now I know what you’re thinking, but no, the sunshine does not have to be out to play for it to be socially acceptable to wear a mid length dress. The midi actually looks incred. with a pair of Jeffery Campbell high boots and a military style jacket. Both of the dresses below are featured in http://www.cocobooloves.co.uk .. who are the queens of Midi’s. All of the midi’s would be perfectly paired with S&C’s beaut Rockee garms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, not all midi’s have to be day time and simple. A lot of midi’s have incorporated the peplum, or sequins and Aztec onto their designs, which are more than perfect for the evening. Since the rise of the midi, I haven’t stepped out to an evening do with out one. They ooze sophistication and give out the ‘independent woman, with out even trying’  look that we all dream of. The best thing about the midi is that they are so comfortable to wear, easy to accessorize, easy to match up with a great pair of shoes and even look amazing for an every day trip to the shops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is imperative that you treat your wardrobe to a midi. I think the very best part of the midi is the price. No midi will break your bank, which means more spare cash for some accessories. The choice of midi is endless, we have; plunge necklines, scoop necklines, cross straps, backless, high necks, peplum, sequins, drape backs… wowza i’m tired even typing that list! So before you get caught up in deciding what to wear this weekend, try a midi and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Send me pictures of you and your midi’s to;  holliewilkinson1@hotmail.co.uk … & the best ones to be featured very soon! eeekk..!
Love Hollie, xxx

 

 

Winter’s street – c’est chic

As I’m sitting here with cold fingers and numb toes I think we best turn our attention to the autumn/winter wardrobes ASAP. I can no longer deny the arrival of fall ’12 and so I have compiled a gallery of must-have outerwear. Whether it’s a tailored peacoat or an exuberant fur, keep the shape of outerwear simple and tailored, but make a statement with leather trim or textured fabrics.

The big trend to emerge so far in outerwear is a big cozy blanket coat, as seen at Rag and Bone. Altuzarra, might have been looking to Morocco when he designed Fall 2012, but he didn’t let go of his sleek, urbane silhouettes.

Rag and Bone’s Fall collection had a nomadic vibe, and at Southern & City, we love this leather-trimmed blanket that looks mega cozy and super chic layered over skinny jeans.

 

 

New silhouettes with a flawless edge would define AllSaints’ attitude to outerwear this year. The use of oversized fabrics and construction methods create essential layering pieces that mirror Russian Military while remaining true to British tradition. The Tula Coat (£275) as shown below has a stand-up collar and pocket welts cut in contrasting black leather to add style to any winter look.

 

 

 

Zara’s coat with quilted sleeves (£139)  is my top buy of the week so far. As shown below, the stark contrast between biker leather and soft shearling body plays this winter’s texture clash trend to the full; as epaulettes and a high stand-up collar dramatise the military theme once more.

 

 

A good parka has been on my wish list for a while. This one looks great and it can be easily dressed up paired with a luxe top. Parka, from  ASOS Collection (£180) has been crafted from a wool blend with leather-look panelling.

 

 

Independent  label Religion roots a firm belief in public self-expression with an experimental and fearless approach to design. Below, this draped leather jacket (£280) includes an oversized collar with a draped cut and an off centre zip with a self-tie belt.

 

 

The duo behind Bitching & Junkfood find their inspiration in the streets, bars and back alleys of East London. As shown below their Pearl Faux Fur Jacket would suit the playfully rebellious giving an edge to any outfit. Plus it looks snug as hell!

King Julien & his crown jewles!

Seriously, who need’s a catwalk when your one-on-one appointment book is bursting at the bind? This British designer need’s only a small intro. Say how’d you do to the king of Saville Row; Mr Julien Macdonald.

“I always start with asking myself, who is the woman?” and luckily for us, JM’s SS13 collection has been inspired by Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, so it would be safe to think of Aladdin’s Jasmine, in an Arabian mystery drama. Each divinely detailed piece is named after an exotic destination,  adhering to the tag line of the collection; “Island Life”. Obviously it would be totally rude not to take our dresses to the exact island it’s named after, so pack your cases. It’s destination Aruba!

 

With this collection, the more I lust, the more I want. Julien has added his own personal perspective of elegant into this line, by ensuring that complete attention to minor detail is imperative. (No wonder he’s previously won “British fashion designer of the year”). Each of the pieces ooze a certain va-va-voom. With jewel’s so shiny they could blind you, sequined sheath’s, fringe and spikes, there is something for every woman, for every occasion, or, just to add to your on-going collection that’s keeping your other half out of retirement.

I can’t promise world peace, but I can promise you that all heads will be turned if you’re supporting one of the thigh high slitted dresses. Nothing screams ‘Yes, I am independent, but, also very… sexy’  better than a full length dress with a sneaky, thigh slit. JM has also ditched the accessories, and welcomed embellished necklines and shimmery bead work into the line. This is more than just sequins, this is soft, embellished, glistening jewels, that’ll make your butterflies tingle.

Spring/Summer 13 is giving you the chance to show off those beautifully toned shoulders in a tiny halter. Sizzle on down that beach in a flaming, red-yellow toned chiffon mini. Or even better, in a cut out swimsuit, perfect for showing off that side curve.

If cut outs aren’t for you, feast your eyes on the cream, wrap swimsuit with a flattering plunge neckline. This particular swimsuit is just screaming...”Get me on a plane to Dubai”. We have also seen a total tribal re-vamp on some of the shorter pieces, its all fiercely, flipping, fringetastic!

Fringed halters in red and purple, all over cut outs in green and nude, floaty tassels, head-to-toe chiffon, spiky embellishments, flowing slits, blinding jewels, sequins, and beady bead work have all clambered together to create a huge ball of complete and utter wowza! Let me tell you, the JM SS13 collection is one not to be missed. Once again, excelling in evening wear, the Saville Row studio is bursting with nothing less than class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hollie, xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Photo credits-Harpers Bazaar/Vogue]

Oscar De La Renta.

There isn’t many high fashion collections where I am completely gob-smacked by every single piece, but this my Queens, is a completely different story. The 80 year old, Dominican Republic designer has still got that hot-to-trot look on that runway. Oscar De la Renta has excelled once again with a collection to absolutely die for! Hardly surprising he’s so fabulous seen as he was trained under the watchful eyes of Balenciaga in the 60′s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

De la Renta was the only designer to showcases an impressive 60 pieces (the biggest collection at fashion week). All of which have been crowned; Timeless sophistication. During the show, we were presented with; White linens, navy wools, nautical stripes, peplum and plunge. The collection is every frilly girls heaven. From cream, to candy-floss pinks, to latex. Yes I said it. Latex. Not forgetting the ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ beehives! All of the pieces are precise with detail and ooze ‘high-octane glamour’. De la Renta’s spring 13 collection speaks to women of all ages. Not just the youth. Slit pencil skirts, lacy ruffles, scalloped edges, tweed cardigans, tailored slim-fit cream suits and streaky bouffants are all a glorious combination of whats to come into store straight after the festive period. Every great designer knows that variation is the key to a successful collection. And variation we have. If Cara Delevingne stepping out in a hot pink, ostrich-feather, trimmed peplum dress isn’t variation. I don’t know what is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bold coloured day dressing seems to be the way forward. As does that hour glass 60′s silhouette. Both of which give off an elegant yet youthful impression. No outfit is complete with out a bit of statement around the neck or wrist, now is it? Still, never failing, De La Renta presented us with the most sparkly, embellished jewels. All of the jewels were chunky and completely desirable. All of the ‘day time, office wear’ i.e, slit pencil skirts with crisp shirts, were matched with a shiny brooch, which basically completed the outfit. The outfit without the brooch is kind of like a Louboutin with a scuffed sole…’Not quite the same’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To finish off the collection, De La Renta stayed true to his background by adding some Caribbean spice into the works! With patterned, fragile embroidery and buttercup yellows, the collection was made effortless to wear. No wonder he collected a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Couture Council. Oscar De La Renta is nothing less than the king of elegance.

 

Hollie, xx

Stars and street corners

For the best part of the last week I have been playing catch up on all the highlights of Fashion Week parties, front row attendees and surprise catwalk appearances.

But for all the inspiring, jaw-dropping things of a fashion show I think we should really turn the spotlights to the sidewalk every once in a while…

‘Because, let’s be honest — it’s easy to look magical when you’re a model.’

From front row to curb corner fashion did not cease to look awesome. In fact, hands up for all who brought their A-game to NYFW, and that’s without the makeup entourage! So with editor, intern, celebrity and model in mind I want to share what we all missed when we couldn’t quite peel our eyes away from the runway.

Images Found at Nastygal.com

Kelly Osbourne worked the colour-blocking trend, and accessorized with a houndstooth clutch and so did you! Colour was in full force on the street of NY, anything from vibrant colour blocking to bold and clashing prints as all rules of the paint palette were abolished.

Images found at Nastygal.com

We were wearing Winter white – as was  Alexa Chung, in a chic  Carven dress at the Elle Fashion Next Show. Monochrome clad accessories were teamed with matching suits to strike the pose the white way!!

So, we’ve all dug through our closets, even peeked into each others’ wardrobes for a little borrowing and came up with a handful of outfits worthy of NYFW ’12 and its runway on the streets!