Thursday 26 September 2013

Head Over Heels

Yes, shoes are essential in life and a practical item to get you from A to B. But that in no way means they should be ordinary. If your aim is to always step in style, a fabulous heel or killer pair of pumps is the way to do it.

It may give you chronic neck pain, but walking around looking at what shoes the people around you are wearing is fascinating. From one person to the next, you may witness heavy, leather biker boots encrusted with studs and various weapon-like details all the way to dainty ballet flats complete with bows and feminine jewels. They may be worn on your feet, but they’re still a great way to make a statement and attract attention.




These Dolce&Gabbana mosaic shoes are on the top of my current hit list. They are walking pieces of art, beautifying the ground they walk on with each and every step. There is such detail and glorious design, they'd be worthy to hang on a wall let alone wear on your feet. With such vibrant colours and delicate artistry, you can't help but fall in love for this pair. (Photo courtesy of: flannels.com)

I'll be saving up every penny out of the student loan to try and fund these heavenly heels. It may take some time, but let's face it - they're so worth it.

Sunday 22 September 2013

Fashion Week Favourites

London Fashion week was, yet again, a huge success. With a total of 58 catwalk shows over 5 days, it was a fashion-filled week of modern creations and emerging talents. Over 5,000 visitors were expected to attend, creating an energised and exciting atmosphere for all fashion lovers to unite and indulge in the fresh new offerings to the industry.  

The pair of designers who caught my eye were the fresh-thinking and award winning, Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff. The Meadham Kirchhoff catwalk show was something of a spectacle, with a feeling of almost Downton Abbey thrust in to the 22nd century.

























These pieces from their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection are certainly talking points. PVC was a clear key material in their garments, and never before have I seen a piece made from such a fabric which I've then seriously considered wearing. It may be a little more difficult to find an occasion in which to wear the apron, although I would love the opportunity to turn as many heads as you know that piece surely would! The PVC ruffled crop top, however, but be an amazing statement garment to wear on a night out. Bravery would most definitely be required, as well as an attitude worthy of pulling off such a piece, but I think it could look no less than incredible if worn in the right way.

If the likes of Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus don't already have this daring designer pair on speed dial they had better move fast. You can see this collection being worn by attention grabbing celebs everywhere. Their garments are a sure fire way to cause a stir, and life's too short to stick to fashion boundaries. 

So here's to breaking those unwritten fashion rules and long live PVC!   

Wednesday 18 September 2013

What You See Is What You Get

Another sheer blouse? Yes please!

You can never have too many in my book. They are the perfect addition to a pair of jeans to transform an outfit from daytime casual to sassy afternoon chic. They can suit any number of figures and shapes too. As a self-deprecating ironing-board chested woman, I embrace the beauty of the chiffon shirt and its ability to make me feel feminine and girly. It's such a fresh fabric which flows over any unwanted lumps and bumps, as well as being so luxurious that you can't help but feel fabulous.






















This Miu Miu plaid silk-chiffon blouse is the perfect example. It works really well paired with a basic black a-line skirt, but equally thrown over a pair of dark blue jeans or worn with a pair of simple high-waisted shorts and it would cause a stir. (Available at net-a-porter.com)

Half the fun of a sheer blouse is the visible bra/no bra debate. I'm pro bra all the way! If you're young and stylish, why not add that little cheeky element to your outfit? As long as you consider the underwear as closely as the blouse that is, ensuring the 3 year old elastic-less comfort bra is left at the back of the drawer!

So button up your favourite blouse, and dare to bare this winter!

Sunday 15 September 2013

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

When the rain is pouring down outside, it’s hard to ever convince yourself that leaving the house would be a wise decision. However, sometimes you just haven’t got the luxury of the choice and you need to boot-up, wrap yourself in the biggest coat you own, and brace yourself for the elements.

It’s a daily battle I have with myself when back at university in the not-so-sunny Scotland. I love the city of Edinburgh, but with the amount of wind and rain it throws back at me, I’m not so sure it’s mutual. However, when the weather is like that, fashion can fight back.

I love the opportunity to wear a good pair of solid boots and wear a coat fit for sub-zero temperatures even in September – the usual rules of seasons just don’t apply in this part of the UK!



This Paul Smith Prince of Wales check double-breasted coat would be perfect for any suave man about town. It’s sure to keep you snug against those bitter winds yet seamlessly keeping any man looking sophisticated and dapper, even if he is soaked through!


For the girlies, I adore this gold wool-blend Herringbone Coat. It has such a simple, subtle and understated air about it, yet it’s super glamorous and chic. I would love to head off to lectures wearing this, although it would seem a shame to risk even a drop of rain touching such a beautiful piece of tailoring.


I tell myself, it may be miserable out there, but if you’re dressed right you can bring that missing bit of sunshine to the streets with a knock-out overcoat and a killer set of boots. When you’re prepared, no weather can get in the way!   

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Loving Leather

It may be a material most conventionally used for handbags and purses, but leather should never be constrained to just our accessories. It’s classic, clean and seriously stylish. It’s not the most comfortable or practical of fabrics, but who cares when it looks great? No pain no gain could not be a more appropriate mantra when it comes to fashion.





















I am loving Michael Kors’ leather cropped zipped pants. They ooze sleek style and sophistication, and can easily be paired with simple white contrast-collared shirt to complete a fabulous look. The funky and young feel of the cropped leg adds something unique to the piece and help it stand out from other leather pieces in the market.
  

I just love how throwing on a pair of leather trousers makes you feel. It’s fundamentally sexy and adds an effortless air of stylish seductress to even a casual outfit. It's so easy, yet so successful. So in the future, dare to risk having to peel off your trousers after wearing them - it's so worth it!

Monday 9 September 2013

Space Age Style

I may not be a believer in the paranormal or any extra-terrestrial beings, but that does not mean that I’m against a space inspired style. Any opportunity to add a modern metallic element to an ensemble and dazzle with a piece which isn't seen too often on our Earthly the streets, I'll grab it. 

I’ve channelled my inner galaxy explorer with this silver skirt. Paired with one of my favourite multi-coloured ‘star-explosion’ shirts, I love the fun and bright futuristic vibe of this outfit. It's so simple to put together, but I think creates a rather strong statement which few would feel daring enough to wear.


This simple silver spacey piece is a great new addition to my wardrobe, transforming easily from day to night. Teamed with a basic tee it works as a casual chic but very contemporary day look but then, with a quick change, and worn with a cute red cropped tie top you’re immediately ready for a night on the town. It's all about ease paired with style with my wardrobe. I love to make an effort and dress up, but if it requires hours of thought and being constrained by only a couple of pieces working together, it's not a piece I would buy. With today's economy, you want maximum wearability out of every single item you own, ensuring it can be transformed with the simple addition of a different necklace or colourful pair of jeans.  

Despite the very specific style of this intergalactic metallic skirt, it really does work well in a huge variety of looks and outfits. It just has to be wisely styled and then can work for almost any occasion. Who knows, maybe this is the look of one our neighbouring planets? Maybe I’m not so original after all!

Thursday 5 September 2013

What Women Want

As a petite woman of a meagre 5’3” I often struggle to find clothes which fit me perfectly, especially on the rare occasions when I can glam-up and am grabbing at the chance to wear a floor length gown.

It’s no revelation that all women come in different shapes and sizes and that we each have our own issues when it comes to finding clothes which we feel comfortable and confident in. When you find that one dress which slips on perfectly and sits just right, showing off the right curves (and hiding the others!), it’s a dream and you can’t let it go without buying it in every colour available.

A friend of mine passed on the name of this designer, recommending her as the brilliant creator of both, gorgeous figure enhancing pieces at reasonable and accessible prices. The moment I looked at her collection I was wowed by the variety of garments, able to appeal to a diverse audience of women, with items which are classic yet modern.


I particularly love this herringbone 60s inspired dress by the wonderful designer Nadine Merabi from her Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Her entire work truly reflects her talent in knowing how to dress women and compliment their figures in glamorous and classic silhouettes. 





















This stunning black floor length gown similarly portrays her ability to tailor to the needs and wants of modern women. The dress is uber-glamorous, gliding over the female figure and keeping it young and fresh by subtly revealing little flashes of skin. Not too much, but just enough to keep it fun whilst maintaining a clear air of class and grace.

(photos courtesy of http://www.nadinemerabi.com/)

Next time I hit the red carpet (possibly in my next lifetime?!) I will certainly be looking at Nadine Merabi's collection and making a much anticipated purchase.

Monday 2 September 2013

Student Suitcase Stress

Heading back to uni is an incredibly exciting time. Escaping the constant vigilance of overly-caring parents and returning to complete independence to do as you please, and eat 4 times the recommended salt and fat levels – bliss!

Amidst all of the excitement and anticipation, looking forward to being reunited with friends you haven’t seen for months and the freedom to ditch clothes-hangers and employ the floor as the most practical wardrobe, comes the panic of “What clothes do I take?!”

You have one suitcase in which to fit an entire year’s worth of clothing - quite a feat. That means covering all bases of practical, fashionable and wearable with just a handful of items. This means serious fashion business! Being in Edinburgh, I can’t just throw in a casual summer smock and sandals hoping I’ll get a chance to wear them. I know it will be sub-zero temperatures within weeks and I just don’t have the suitcase space to spare for such optimism. It’s important to stick to staples which can be worn limitless times and can be re-worked in to several outfits.

 


This fabulous ACNE Vera leather-trimmed shearling biker jacket would be the perfect addition to my wardrobe. Versatile and chic, it's ideal to wrap up warm on the bone-chilling winter days and eluding a clear sense of style and sophistication. 

(Jacket available and photos courtesy of net-a-porter.com)

With pieces that transform effortlessly from day to night, and tick both the comfort and style boxes, you'll be able to dress well with just a few key pieces.

So pack clever to ensure you can always look great without suffering the cold and concentrate solely on enjoying student life.