London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week – The Highlights

What can I say about London Fashion Week except that I am really excited to see the high street interpret some of the catwalks on display, we’ll definitely be seeing a more demure silhouette with lines getting much cleaner and shapes more understated. I for one love the elegance of these new collections with something of the current economic climate being reflected in the fact that the designers are holding back from the extravagance that characterised the boom years of the nineties and noughties.

This is very exciting for those of us out there who want to look amazing on a budget as these shapes are going to be easier to replicate and channel.

My personal highlights and what I am going to be looking out for when shopping for next a/w are based on two catwalks which I think are going to inspire my collection: Burberry Porsum and Orla Kiely. I love the lego-like colours which appeared on the Burberry catwalk and I will definitely be on the lookout for a new coat in a bright colour to jazz up next winter and keep the sun shining, my model is going to be this bright orange bubble coat, I love the classic Burberry shoulders with this new understated shape, please please please make me one Topshop!

From Orla Kiely I love the cute little dresses, skirt suits, and as always the magic trousers which are back to make our legs look endless! I can’t wait for these to appear in the high street and I am placing my bets on Zara or maybe Mango to come up with some pretty good versions of them. I will also be watching H&M who will no doubt be teaming up with an exciting designer to bring us all the right clothes for a cutting edge understated wardrobe.

It’s what everyone is talking about this week, Friday is the start the fest of London fashion shows which is LONDON FASHION WEEK (that needs to be read as said in a loud screech-y slightly manic voice!) and I am insanely jealous of every one who gets to be there for the event of the season, so to cure my green eyed monster I am having my own little fashion week. Here’s how you can do the same –

Step 1

Start planning and preparation the week prior to your fashion week, scope out the season’s trends, find a couple of looks you fancy trying out and organise some fun social events with friends, colleagues and anyone who will cast an appreciative eye on your efforts.

Step 2

Scope out your wardrobe: what key pieces have you got that could contribute to your looks? What do you need to add in? What items have you got that you haven’t worn in a while (or ever) that you can rejig to fit your looks.

Step 3

This is my favourite step, time to get shopping, but don’t get carried away, check items out online and work out how they fit in to your week’s look book and budget. Then go out and shop till you drop! Make sure you only buy pieces you will wear again but be adventurous, this is a good opportunity to be a bit daring with your wardrobe. And don’t forget accessories, they can make or break a look.

Step 4:

Get a haircut, mani/pedi and facial so you look and feel the part.

Step 5:

Enjoy! Parade your new looks and make the most of your week of fashion experimentation! Note what feels good and what doesn’t and rework your new items to fit into a few different looks so you get maximum use out of them!