Womens Clothing

Summer 2011 trends

by Nao.

Right so I’ve been talking a lot about spring in the last few articles and now that spring is here, as it is in the fashion world it’s time to start thinking about next season and preparing our wardrobes for it! So summer it is! The advent of the warm weather is the best excuse ever to revamp your wardrobe and add just a few more key pieces… in other words: a new season is always a great excuse for a shopping spree! Time to bundle away those woolly jumpers and black dresses, send that coat to the dry cleaner and hide away those big boots, once all that is done say hello to our new trends for this season!

Following in the footsteps of spring, anything 70s and block colour is a good bet. The surprise trend for this season is definitely chic sportswear, traditionally the niche domain of labels such as Lacoste and Sportmax, in the S/S 11 season the likes of Versace, Marni and Nicole Farhi are joining the party. To copy this look, think heels and lycra rather than trackies and trainers! Go for detail, hoods, zips, new fabrics, boy shorts and so on but keep it all very glamorous – try American Apparel for a great source of high street inspiration.

To wear or not to wear – Palazzo Pants

Mar 20th, 2011

by Nao.

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This spring I have decided to be inspired by the likes of Joseph, Fendi and Dolce and Gabana and go for the 1920s French Riviera look. It’s so sophisticated and looks so effortless. I’ve just bought the cutest little boating style flats to go with my cropped trousers and I already have an Audrey Tatou style jumpsuit (you know that Chanel No5 advert, I bet you’re obsessed with it too! – FYI if you want the real thing, YSL do a lovely jumpsuit circa £1,500). My next purchase after some flowing shirts and silk tops is a pair of Palazzo pants. These wide legged, almost skirt-like trousers are super flattering and feel amazingly luxurious. I can’t quite cope with the idea of patterned pants yet but I love these burnt orange ones from TFNC a steal at £37, bright enough not to be boring but easy enough to wear. This is a difficult style to wear when you aren’t tall so if you aren’t 6 foot tall but more of a modest 5 foot something like I am, ASOS do a Petite version as well so you’re not cleaning the floor with the bottom of your trousers.

If you still think it might not be the style for you but want to try a flattering wider leg trouser in a cool colour, these chestnut-coloured tailored wide legged pants from ASOS will be just the thing to get you on the way to wearing wider legs.

Happy shopping!

London Fashion Week – The Highlights

Mar 2nd, 2011

by Nao.

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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.

Get the London look!

Feb 18th, 2011

by Nao.

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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!

Work your wardrobe

Jan 29th, 2011

by Nao.

3 comments

After the hectic party season it’s back to work and winter wear for the New Year and I have to say I feel like my work wardrobe needs a bit of jazzing and brightening up, it just seems dull and grey after the sequins and glitter of Christmas. The sales were an ideal opportunity to do this and I have to say I did bag some bargains both in Next and Zara which has made me feel a bit better. But that hasn’t been quite enough for me and with the catwalks shining full of the colours and brightness of the spring summer collections I haven’t been able to resist the pull of some retail therapy to lighten up the dark winter months. I’ve been perusing some of the best high street collections and have found them to be full of great bargains to update your workwear. My favourite spring summer collection is from Next, I am loving their Amalfi range which mixes muted beiges with pinks and yellows to give you a real spring in your step. Check out their great high waisted trousers and block colour dresses which will take you seamlessly from work to wine! I also love the light chiffon blouses making an appearance at Topshop and Newlook, a great way to add some colour and class to you day wear without compromising on coverage if you want to keep warm. This bird print blouse is one of my favourite.

The trick to feeling like spring is finally round the corner really is layering and investing now in those cross season pieces that will carry your wardrobe through till the summer. Now is also the time to start looking out for the inter-season coat or trench that will get you through those cooler spring days and warmer winter ones.

Womens Clothing

Summer 2011 trends

To wear or not to wear – Palazzo Pants

London Fashion Week – The Highlights

Get the London look!

Work your wardrobe

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