Diamond Brights

In honour of the Jubilee weekend and that extra, much appreciated, day of holiday, it seems the perfect time to celebrate the very best of british designed occasion wear. From weddings to garden parties to miscellaneous merriment, team Britain have got it covered in an array of diamond hued ensembles.
Where better to start than with the great Dame of fashion, Vivienne Westwood, who brings us this marvelous brocade taffeta dress.

Contrast this off the shoulder piece with minimal but edgy accessories and sky high heels for the most fitting fashion nod to the Dame.

Alternatively, channel yellow diamonds in perfectly pretty Jonathan Saunders.

Arguably the Queen of cocktail dresses this full skirted print dress is a ladylike winner for all manner of summer soirees. I would wager Her Majesty would approve.
Personally I look forward to the chance to rock the royal brocade look in Christopher Kane blush toned separates.


Play them up or down by matching with off-duty wear and flats or together with these sparkling embellished McQueen heels.

From the woman behind the very latest royal wedding dress, why look further than Sarah Burton for royal diamond inspiration! Of course this catalogue could hardly be complete without an offering from the eponymous Brit designer, Matthew Williamson.

For out and out glamour choose this glittering, embellished silk georgette shift dress. With semi sheer sleeves and 60s styling, you can hardly fail to strike a regal note in this hand embroidered number. But for the final touch to any ensemble this summer, make sure to lay your hands on Anya Hindmarch’s limited edition bespoke Jubilee clutch in shining silver satin.

Available to be personalised with your own monogram or initials, this commemorative clutch is a sure fire classic. Now all you need is a tiara.

Aisha
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Love of the week: Chunky bangles

Chunky bangles are a great accessory for 2012, and are so beautiful in their simplicity that they can match almost any outfit you put together. In particular, fabric bangles are in fashion, and a mixture of silk and gold is sure to make you look elegant and well-dressed. Try earthy colours such as greens and browns if you prefer a more neutral look, like these lorenza and grace bracelets:

or, if you plan to make a statement, why not try rich and royal purples, blues and reds.

 Gem studs look great for something a little more edgy, making your outfit simultaneously chic and classy.

Try pairing any such bangle with a dress such as this:

for a great look. If you choose the richer colours, you enhance the dresses potential to look regal and dressed-up, whereas if you utilise something a little more natural, you can create a much more causal look. In particular, a gem-studded bangle will look great with a full-length dinner dress, as it adds a little danger to your style!
Bangles can look great alone or as a part of a group, and it's a good idea to vary thick bangles with slimmer ones if you want to wear more than one. Thick bangles with a little gold detail look great paired with a couple of slim fully gold ones! 

The legendary Dontella Versace, has designed some of the most exquisite collections in history cementing her brand as one of the most luxurious lines on the designer market. Although I have often dreamt of having my very own Versace number hanging in my wardrobe, I was convinced this could not be a reality any time soon. But from November 17th a reality it is, due to a greatly anticipated collaboration with high-street brand H&M, allowing Versace's creative genius to be accessed by a wider audience.

As H&M have just released a few select looks from the H&M 2011 collaboration range (which will be quickly followed by a pre-spring collection in January 2012) i thought i would chose a few of my favorite looks to get you just as excited as me! 

‘Versace is one of the most important brands of recent times, and their collection for H&M will be glamorous and flamboyant—everything Versace stands for,’ H&M Creative Advisor commented in the release.; these three colourful ensembles definitely represent Versace's 'flamboyant' creative input. 

Another extremely eye-catching outfit is this orange sequined dress. A beautiful design with a pink sunset this dress hangs loosely; flattering without clinging to your curves. The gold accessories compliment this outfit to perfection bringing out the lovely warm colours of the dress. 

Not as show-stopping but a must-have, none the less is the little black dress. This corseted black dress paired with a feisty pair of heels and a bright statement clutch, is an essential to any fabulous collection.

“Versace’s collection for H&M is a moment in fashion. It is full of strong pieces that stand out, with colours, prints and cuts that are clean and precise"

So clear your calendar on November 17th ladies, because these looks will sell out quick!
 



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Sexy Santa bring me a present from Notting Hill (please)!

Every year I fall in the trap of buying all my Christmas presents the week before Christmas. It is one of the things I try to avoid: packed shops, tourists everywhere and the feeling that you are about to faint because of the excess of perfume that certain people tend to wear.
Nevertheless, I repeatedly end up on the 22nd of December with a long list of "to buy".
If instead you'd like to be considered, organised and extremely generous, you can buy me any of the following pieces of lingerie (*Hint... ;-)) :

Mimi Holliday Nonnettes Navy Plunge Bra (51£)

Mimi Holliday Nonnettes Boyshort Brief (40£)

Mimi Holliday Macaroon Peach Slip (86£)

The lingerie is from a brand called Dolci follie and You can also go and visit their Notting Hill shop at 28A Hereford Road. The boutique has been created specifically for lingerie lovers housing contemporary designs within a lavish setting reminiscent of a Venetian Palazzo. What more would you like?



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The Dress Factor

Finally the X Factor UK is back, and the live shows have commenced - giving me a great excuse to spend my saturday evenings in! The nations sweetheart Cheryl Cole and Aussie-born fashionista, Danii Minouge, have left the panel and since Simon Cowell has jetted off to the States, we are introduced to the new generation of X Factor judges; Gary Barlow (a bit of eye candy never hurts), Tulisa, Kelly Rowland, and Louis Walsh. 

One of the definite highlights of last year's X Factor series was Cheryl Cole's and Danni Minouge's extravagant fashion parade! But rest assured that Kelly and Tulisa are going to do a fabulous job of filling their (designer) shoes.  

With the panel intensely judging the remaining contestants, I thought it was only fair to turn the tables as I critique four looks the glamorous Kelly and Tulisa have worn so far!

Working this season's hot dark gothic trend, Tulisa wore a fabulous black monocrome dress with cutout detail. This statement outfit cements Tulisa's new inner fashion goddess! As she plays around with quirky materials that effortlessly flatter her body. The plunging neckline remains classy and elegant as it is cleverly balanced by the quaint cap sleeves. This dress also nods to the mullet trend (where the dress is short at the front but long at the back) a new season fashion that is being rolled out on catwalks that belong to some of the hottest names in fashion right now, such as Mary Katrantzou.

Standing next to Tulisa on the X Factor stage was Miss. Kelly Rowland in a figure-hugging, simplistic, yet stunning red draped dress by Todd Lynn. This deep red compliments her beautiful skin tone and the short cut makes her legs look as though they go on forever. Not to mention the bling that Kelly brings to the outfit, which make this a perfect evening dress that could have also been worn at work during the day - not that I'm suggesting for a moment that Kelly Rowland would wear the same outfit on the X Factor that she had done all day.

Another look that the ladies sport is leather - the perfect illustration to rock week.

Tulisa wears a full-length leather and chain gown, which a lot of people commented was too old for her. I, on the other hand, thought that she made it work (however sitting down in that can't have been comfortable). How refreshing and unique - a rock outfit that is also elegant and with a classy hairstyle to match.

Kelly, on the other hand, went for the plunging neckline on her leather frock - much more common to the rock chic trend. Having said that, Kelly still looked fierce and radiant, and both ladies rock their designer dresses, showing heaps of potential in the weeks to come.

London Fashion Weekend: Cleo B Shoes

So Vodafone are trying to up their reputation following years of bad customer service (really not my fault that some Albanian who stole my phone in Florence decided to call his friends and family over there as much as humanely possible in 24 hrs)and apparently I won two 'VIP' tickets to the opening night of London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House, of which they are headline sponsor, entailing a host of boutique stalls to shop in, as well as seats at the catwalk show plus a goody bag.


The catwalk show was 5 different shows - with designers including Jaeger and Bryce Aime amongst others. I was really mesmerised by the innovative cool hairstyles - a sidebun with loose, long hair on the other side...teamed with fierce red lisptick and in some cases just one slicked back bun. Each show was interspersed with singing by Emeli Sande, who was incredible with such an amazing voice. The lyrics to the tunes were really beautiful also.





After the show, there wasn't long left to peruse a few stalls. I made an immediate beeline for the shoe zone, as I had spied the Cleo B shoe stand. Cleo B is a high-end young upcoming shoe designer with a boutique based on Ebury Street. I absolutely adore her designs and had been lusting after a pair for ages and so I indulged my desire for them together with that for an autumn winter pair of wedges (easier to walk in). I chose a black pair which have an elegant jewel dangling from a central strap across the foot and a zip up the side. They gave me that real feel good factor of elation as soon as I'd bought them. Now I just have to plan an outing for them!

Cleo B http://www.cleob.com/

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Vauhall Fashion Scout: New talent from the block

I was browsing through the stands of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout last Friday with a Stylist friend of mine, when I saw this new cool brand called Ekaterina Kukhareva. I am always less than impressed with the new talent of London fashion scene as many of them lack the "commercial sense" so needed to succeed in today's economic climate.

 My fears were wiped out in one second when I met Ekaterina's new collection. Ekaterina Kukhareva is a Ukrainian born designer based in London  and her knitwear collection is fun, exquisitely executed and really sexy.

The quality of her dresses and knitwear is extraordinary and prices are quite affordable (average price is 300 pounds).

I particularly love this skirt (image below) which perfectly embodies this AW's pencil skirt trend. What more do you need to add? Of course, if you have a bit of courage you could wear it as per the model's picture of Ekaterina photo shoot but for more ordinary types like me a normal silk shirt will do just fine.

The brand also incorporates some headpieces in the AW11 collection (but I did not see any in the SS12 collection)

and if you are around Notting Hill, Ekaterina is stocked at wolfandbadger. How convenient!

Happy shopping Trisorers!

Stylishly Warm This Autumn

Autumn is here, and one of the lovely things it brings with it is the wonderful fall fashion. This can mean tight black dresses with big zips that nod to the 'fetish' trend, or even block, platform shoes that scream 70s, but for me it means cosy, comfortable, casual, after all, the worst part of the day has to be the commute and why make it even worse by being unbearably uncomfortable.

With that in mind, and credit card in hand, I set out to get my autumn wardrobe well and truly sussed - which, after a bit of research, includes these wearable, cosy and chic must-have autumn items:

The Cashmere Jumper: Hush, a brand I continually rely on for all my trendy, snug wear, never fails to create luxurious clothes that look as good as they feel. This cashmere crew neck is a favourite of mine from their new autumn range - navy blue with a metallic edge; a great tone for flattering pale skin like mine. Nothing keeps the cold out as much as a cashmere jumper - perfect for the chilly autumn days to come. £120

The Boots: The comfortable Uggs that have been warming everybody's feet for the last few years, have come back with a vengeance. A collaboration with Jimmy Choo, has got given them a new lease of life and the quality is better than ever! With their unique studded patern these shoes are one of a kind. Buy a pair of these, and your fashion cred will fly beyond belief! £347.50 (currently half-price)

The Snood: What is a snood I hear you say?!! I had been asking myself that very same question, and it wasn't until I bought one that I realised what a revolutionary wardrobe item this is. A round scarf that you loop over your head, silly as it sounds, not only keeps my ears and neck nice and toasty but it looks fantastic too and goes with almost everything in my closet! This Paul Smith Cable Knit Snood, is a definite must-have this season. £110

The Statement Trousers: For comfort or for street cred- I think these Jersey Cuffed Trousers are a perfect autumn purchase. Baggy and loose, they show off your figure without leeching on to your every curve. This statement harem cut has not left the building just yet. Asos do a great pair and for only £20.

Special Socks: For socks this season there is only one place you should look - Toast. They do what they say on the tin: keep your feet warm and toasty and, boy, do they do it in style. Instructions: put on immediately upon entering your lovely home for best cosy results. £59

Happy shopping!

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Personal Shopping in Topshop: Warning - Once you've had it you'll never go back

For my sister, Saskia's, birthday she got given a session with the wonderful Personal Shoppers at my all time favourite store, Topshop. And the best part? She was allowed to bring a friend, and out of moral duty, she picked me!

Topshop launched in 1964, and since then it has gone from strength to strength - now forming more of a fashion institution rather than a clothes shop. Its huge range promises something for everyone and I, for one, can lose the best part of an afternoon scanning their flagship Oxford Circus store.

We met in Tophop's accessories department. Sass was late, so I was head to toe in Tophop's finest jewellery by the time she arrived... as you do. After removing all the bits and pieces I had been trying on while waiting for her, we headed straight to the Personal Shopper department, which is in the far corner of the lower ground floor. Walking in is like finding an oasis in a desert, and you soon realise that this is the first class of shopping experiences. I am a huge fan of Topshop but one thing I find hard to handle is the hustle and bustle of it's shop floor. It makes me stressed and tired within minutes of arriving and don't even think about trying anything on with those cues!

The Personal Shopping area is a world away from that. On arrival we were met by a very pretty shop assistant who offered us both tea (yes please, no sugar) before going to our own, personal changing room. Equipped with two rails of tailor-made looks and a big, comfy armchair, your whole body instantly relaxes. We were then introduced to our two, very own, personal shoppers, both tall and beautiful and perfect adverts for the store's clothes.

Playsuits, coloured jeans and sparkly tops adorned the changing room walls and we were then given a run down of each individual outfit. I could see my sister's eyes light up with each item she pulled of the rail. But there were some 'no-no's' of course, too; like a woolly jumper that had a picture of a sheep on it and a pair of multi-coloured metallic leggings that had more place in a 1980's music video than on my teenage sister's legs. 

Once left to our own devices we quickly established the 'no's' from the 'yes's'. The first item she tried on was a big hit; an elegant, black playsuit that had daisies made out of gems sewn on to it. Next up, another playsuit, although this time floral, instantly made the cut too, as did a pair of the navy blue 'Jamie' jeans - that are so deliciously comfortable that i'd wear them in bed.

With our YES's firmly decided upon and after 1 hour spent in this shopaholic's paradise, we paid for our goodies and left. We then decided to have a quick whizz around the shop floor, just to check that we hadn't missed out on anything else... and that was when I realised. I realised what an absolute luxury it was to have your clothes chosen for you, to not have to battle with the girl next to you for the last size 10 on the rail and the heavenly piece and quiet of our own personal changing room. It is rather like first class on an airplane; once you have had a taste of it, you'll find it very hard to go back to economy ever again.

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Cabbages and Roses are a brand perhaps best known for their association with Jigsaw, but did you know they have an online store as well?

Distinctly British, their clothes and homeware items evoke the style of how you imagine Beatrix Potter might have lived.

Perfect for summer picnics or a day spent languorously on a boat, their beautiful dresses are casual enough to be ‘every day’ but special enough that you would be forgiven for crying if you accidently spilt some jam down the front of one! And their cushions add the perfect country touch to any urban home.

This blog is more a feast for the eyes rather than being anything useful or informative, as I just had to share the beautiful photography of Cabbages and Roses, online site – so wonderful I would rather like to live in it. They make me want to run off into a wood full of bluebells, barefoot, with a Roberts radio playing Corinne Bailey Rae…. What do they make you want to do?

They have a sale online right now so check it out… it would be rude not to. www.cabbagesandroses.com

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