Tag Archives: Accessories

Ted Baker For London Fashion Week

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I went to see Ted Baker’s new Hunger Games inspired collection at the One Aldwych Hotel. Firstly I devoured a cake on a stick, which was absolutely delicious. As I rifled through the rails I was very impressed by the clothes. There were lots of beautiful Autumn colours and textures.

The menswear was inspired by being outdoors and fishing, as Ted Baker loves fishing. In the womenswear there was beautiful snakeskin accessories, prints were in, bold colours and fake fur. It was day five at the Handpicked Media suite. I also got my nails done by Teds Beauty Spot therapists. It was the first time I got Shellac nails. Shellac nails look amazing and last two-to-three-weeks. I got a beautiful coral shade that doesn’t even have a chip yet. I also loved their swimwear and hats. Ted Baker’s new collection is gorgeous. Full marks.

Accessories Showcase: Katie Rowland ‘Ishtar’ S/S13 and more

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I headed over to the Canon Cinema at Somerset House on Monday to view the Fashion Films playing inside.

Mondays features was an accessories showcase staring Katie Rowlands ‘Ishtar’ S/S13 film. It was a short advert of a tattooed girl running through an old building, body adorned with the collection. The pieces were edgy and sexy with Egyptian style headdresses and armlets added something a little bit different.

Everything in the video I would have worn myself and Katie Rowland is defiantly a great brand for young women looking for some exiting, modern jewellery. However it would have been nice to see more as the film itself was quite short, so a trip to Liberty’s to check out the collection is defiantly in order!

http://www.katie-rowland.com/

 

Other designers showcasing short films were Zoe Lee, a British shoe designer of whose collection turned out to be cool, fun and funky. Previously tutored by Manolo Blanhik, in January 2012 this year she launched her own collection of luxury woman’s shoes. Zoe Lee clad feet were seen dancing and walking, each shoe having its own name and  personality. Really enjoyed watching this video as the brand was portrayed well and each shoe shown clearly. Will be purchasing a pair of Zoe Lee shoes as soon as S/S13 hits the shops!

http://zoelee.co.uk/home/

 

My favorite short film, which made me laugh was the Mawi “Heiress” video which marks a 10 year landmark for the London based brand.

The film shows a young woman sitting at a dinner table, dressed up as if for a party. Her butler brings over her first dish and she begins to eat.

The camera zooms in on what is thought to be a just a plate of soup, but it turns out a pair of earring is floating inside. Dish after dish is brought out, necklaces in the main course, bracelets in the jelly. The woman goes on the eat each piece of the collection ignoring the food entirely.

The Jewellery itself is luxurious but would be perfect for a younger woman as they were not too over the top or extravagant.  Each piece is modern and elegant and would be perfect for a dinner party or event.

Check out the past collections bellow

http://www.mawi.co.uk/

Although I much prefer a good old catwalk show, the Canon Cinema is a good place for small brands to get across their brand aesthetic and portray a mood or feel. It was also nice to sit in the dark away from the hustle and bustle of Somerset House and kick back and relax.

Get smart for hearts with Alfa Romeo charity pocket squares, support Heart Research UK

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–          Alfa Romeo and fashion house PPQ create limited edition charity pocket squares for Heart Research UK

–          The Italian-made silk accessories were designed by Alfa ambassadors, including Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones, Chris Tomlinson and fashion label PPQ

–          On sale for £14.99 each from www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares and participating Alfa Romeo dealers

–          Tweet this: @AlfaRomeoUK & @PPQClothing with @DragonJones design pocket squares to support @HeartResearchUK bit.ly/P3utV8 #GetSmartforHearts

 

Alfa Romeo has launched a new campaign in aid of Heart Research UK, encouraging fashion conscious members of the public to ‘get smart for hearts’ by wearing one of six specially designed pocket squares to support the charity’s fight against heart disease.

 

The limited edition pocket squares, priced at £14.99 each, are handmade in Italy using 100% Italian silk and designed by some well-known faces from the worlds of sport, business and fashion.

 

Design contributions have come from Dragons Den star and entrepreneur Peter Jones CBE; Team GB long jumper Chris Tomlinson and actor Tom Ellis,  together with fashion label PPQ and 2012 Alfa Romeo Young Designer of the Year Janine Clark.

 

Marking a landmark anniversary for Alfa Romeo, a sixth pocket square design celebrates 50 years of the Giulia. Launched in 1962, the Alfa Giulia was renowned for its style, performance and innovation, selling over a million examples during its 15 year production run.

 

Pocket squares, the fashion accessory à la mode among the sartorially inclined, have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to the likes of the Mad Men wardrobes and dapper Brit style icons such as actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Matt Smith, and musician Tinie Tempah. Major fashion labels including Dolce & Gabbana, Dunhill, Hermes and Louis Vuitton have all produced pocket squares as part of their recent collections.

 

Percy Parker, co-founder and designer at PPQ, says; “Pocket squares add colour and individuality to any formalwear. From business suits to black tie, they’re a must-have accessory for any well-heeled gentleman. With these limited edition Alfa pocket squares, now you can look the part, whilst benefitting a great cause.”

 

Just 6,000 Alfa pocket squares have been produced, going on sale from 3 September and available online from www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares in participating Alfa Romeo showrooms. September will also mark a dedicated month of fundraising for the campaign, with nationwide support from Alfa’s dealer network.

 

Peter Jones CBE says; “This is a great project to be part of and I’m delighted with how my design has turned out. These accessories are beautifully made, stylish, sophisticated and they benefit a fantastic charity. So ‘tailor your ticker’ and show some heart for the great causes being helped.”

 

Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK says; “Alfa’s brand strapline is ‘Without heart, we would be mere machines’ and that’s a poignant message for this campaign. We’re delighted to be supporting Heart Research UK’s important cause with a project that raises money and awareness through fashionable style. So get smart for your heart and wear a pocket square with pride this year.”

 

For more information on Alfa Pocket Squares, visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares

 

To find out more about Heart Research UK, visit, http://www.heartresearch.org.uk/

Sonia Rykiel – Uprooting 70's Glamour!

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Paris Fashion Week paid homage to one of the most sought after and vivacious lines in fashion. Sonia Rykiel is known for her carefree charm and chic ‘no mess’ attitude, and as one of la Mode’s most experienced and knowledgeable designers, her approach to fashion is quirky, independent and extremely fun.

This S/S Season is treading the roots of 70’s fashion glamour in a big way. Illustrations of bold palates are everywhere we go. Rykiel‘s collection voiced the welcoming of sophisticated 70’s runway glory, by capturing the effects of geometric, colour-refined fashion.

Inspiring designs and vivid colour were all in the range at her Paris catwalk show. Sharp designs, playful – embedding a chic, youthful vibe.

A mix of jersey prints and skinnies. An application of heavy cotton-layered trench cuts, cute slimline dresses, stripe-inspired georgettes, silks and satins on show, along with an array of  beautifully designed tassels – in company of outrageously divine accessories.

Top Hats, eccentrically, oversized mid way strap bows, block-colour tees and open-toe wedges. This was creative 70’s characterisation taken to the max.

Rykiel took to the skies with her illustration of handbags, clutches, casual totes and stunning bucket bags – mid length to long straps,  soft fold flaps, hip length falls, in luxurious leather. Colours were bright and striking – a multi array of tan, yellow, blue and black, finishing with the dainty decor of two tone tassels – in theme with the exuberance of tassels in her top hats collection.

Beautiful and chic. Definitely a bookmark for this season’s 70’s-inspired fashion trends.

A Peak into A/W 2011 – Part Three – Accessories

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So here we are, on the brink of S/S 2011 – engaging our enthusiasm on what’s hot for this season’s primary looks and trends. Fashion is forever changing and reinventing itself. After looking at this A/W’s main Looks and Trends, it’s time to take a little peak into the merging accessories.  Ladies, the aim of fashion is to stay one step ahead!

Hats – BIG this year, and let’s face it, the latter part of the year plays happy to cute knits and a warm palate of colours. From warm woollen in bright welcoming colours, to boyfriend peaker caps, it’s all in fashion. Checks and vintage marked pieces are all splendour, combined with gloves and woollen detailed scarves – it’s all in the mix.

The Eccentric and Bold Hat Statement: We’ve paid homage to last year’s flappy ear inspired hats – so individual and characterised, an illustration of how A/W accessories don’t need to be minimal in mirror of the weather! Russian inspired, these hats will be ever present this A/W. Turn down ears, in sync with vibrant multi colours, embedded with fur and button detail. Fun and chic.

The Chic Downtown Girl: The Cap Accessory – Boyar Mink Cream and dyed jet black winter caps are all dominant this year. Look to Oscar De La Renta‘s line for inspiration.  Feminine, cosmopolitan and eye-catching. Perfectly combined with monochrome scarves from Soft Angora.

P for Pom pom!: The Pom pom hat. Distinguished and adorable – for all women. Presented in a range of colours, the bolder, the better! A reminder of yesteryear trends – the pom pom hat was more than likely worn by most of us at some point, but this 2011 makes the stage for a large pom pom comeback!

Jewellery – Making a figurative fashion statement all year round, jewellery can be effortlessly accessorised from season to season. This A/W, look out for vintage-inspired rings and necklaces. A divine accessory to wear along with patterned, graphic autumn prints, tuxedo jackets and long knits. Think bohemian meets fall chic.

Tangled necklaces, heavily encrusted in a mix of dazzling reds, mustards and greens, in spirit of the Autumn season, as well as browns, silvers and reds for the winter.

Tassels – Remarkably popular through this S/S 2011, tassels will be making their mark this A/W, but unlike the fusion of tassels on handbags, this year will see tassels making a standpoint in jewellery. Delicately derived choker necklaces and bracelets. In addition, the featuring of tassels on ethnic gold and silver mused jewellery.

Knitted Headbands – I’m not talking slim line headbands. More thicker, striking coloured bands – perfectly accessorised with trench coats and printed scarves, again, perfect boho allure.

Knit Legwear – The chunkier, the better. Worn over your simple Osbornes’ or ankle boots, this accessory makes for a brighter statement to any footwear, and equally as comfortable without footwear.

Top handle Bags and Satchels. The trademark cosmopolitan look. Leather enthused, in a mirage of cream, black and mustard palates. For the more adventurous satchel lover, check out the line by Ed Hardy, for creative, illustrated inspiration.

The Skinny Belt – A favourite for most fashion followers, the skinny belt is a great accessory to have in your wardrobe. Versatile and easy to wear – from day to evening. Worn with Navy, Military jackets or longer collar fuelled coats, the skinny belt adds that simple edge to an outfit.

One of my personal favourites – Craft fair inspired bracelets and scarves. If you love vintage shopping, you will love this. Woollen flowered and patch-enthused scarves and bracelets. You can find these individually charactered pieces in vintage stores and markets. If you want to keep your collection exclusive this year – this is a must!

Rainbow Stripes {Style}

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Stripes have been around for decades but this summer they are hitting the shops hard and in their masses. Whether your guilty pleasure is jackets, shirts, skirts, shorts or trousers, there will be no struggles in finding something suitable within this trend. If you find bold or subtle stripes, bright or muted colours appealing, there is plenty on offer. The best part about this trend is that you can work it into any outfit because if the clothing isn’t your thing, there is even a huge range of accessories readily available.

John Lewis Stripe Shoulder Bag, Plaited Handle

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John Lewis has some nice women’s bags like this women’s fabric bag shoulder bag with plaited handle. £20, John Lewis.

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Paul Smith Strips BagPaul Smith has a stunning range for you gents, plus Paul Smith also has a great range for this look overall with their signature stripe flaunting the style.

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Fendi Nautical Striped Dress

The current stripes have heavy nautical influences encouraging the boundaries between stripe directions to become blurred with some diagonal stripes emerging.

The varied nature of stripes means that every person will be able to find something appropriate and complimentary to them. Those who wish to make a statement might go for a full outfit, more on the girl side with a dress perhaps; Fendi has an interesting and unusual nautical striped shift dress currently available.

If you wanted to be a little more reserved perhaps a scarf would do this trick, LemLem has a nice nazret cotton striped scarf which is available from www.net-a-porter.com, £65.

There are some great trousers and shirts which fit in with this trend, Kitsune has my personal favourite in both these with a decent selection of stripy wear.

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The great thing about stripes is that the garments you buy can be easily layered in to your other favourite trends such as with your shorts or blazers and can be mixed and matched with other easily for a more unique and outgoing look. This fabulous trend can even be carried over into your interiors,  striped wall paper or sofa even striped bedding from Lulu Guinness are all readily available and are there to bring that added extra to your love of fashion.