I HEART MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

Matthew Williamson, in my opinion, is one of the gods of modern British fashion. I particularly love how he takes inspiration from India, and is more individual than many other designers. I can't tell you how excited I am that he is designing a collection for H&M, following in the footsteps of Karl Lagerfeld, and Commes de Garcons. The collection is available from April 23rd, and is sure to be fantastic. Williamson is one of my favourite designers, and I pretty much live in H&M clothing so I will be first in line.

Matthew Williamson, favoured by youthful celebrities, such as Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley, among many others, always uses bold colours, and unique prints on gorgeous dresses, making him one of the best designers around for the summer season. I just love him - I saw Matthew Williamson once in Soho, and I was in awe, I just wish I'd talked to him.

To view Williamson's spring/summer 09 catwalk, use this link; http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/collections.php

Do you think Matthew Williamson is as genius as I think? YAY or NAY?

Emily X

'Let them eat cake'

All I can say is WOW to these amazing Christian Louboutin 'Marie-Antoinette' heels.

Inspired by the famous Queen of France, who Louboutin depicts, the heels (worth £3,975) will definitely become archived in museums in the future. I have always admired the general look from the era of Marie-Antoinette, from seeing the film of the same name, directed by Sofia Coppola, starring Kirsten Dunst, to visiting the enormous palace of Versailles.

It would take someone special to pull off these shoes, yet, as with couture, they would still be fantastic to just stare at.

Do you love them? YAY or NAY?

Emily X

Miss Newton

Thandie Newton, never ceases to amaze me with her style decisions. She always looks impeccable and is definitely one of the best red-carpet dressers around. I particularly love her use of colour, and her bold choices, such as the Jonathan Saunders dress she recently wore at the Elle Style awards;

Thandie also looked amazing in her exquisite vintage black dress with gold detail, at the 2009 Baftas. In comparison with the dresses worn by other actresses, such as Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet and Amy Adams, who all wore similar "mermaid" dresses, Thandie Newton shows true individuality. Similarly as she does with the Matthew Williamson pink dress, from his s/s 08 collection.

In my opinion, Thandie Newton is one of the best style icons from the 21st century, however, unlike the more well-known British "celebrity" style icons such as Keira Knightley, or Kate Moss, she is much less appreciated.

Do you think Thandie is a fantastic style icon? YAY OR NAY?

Emily X

What's all the fuss?

The latest items to cause an uproar in fashion are the new Louis Vuitton Spicy Sandals, thanks to Victoria Beckham, who has been getting a bit of abuse from press for wearing them...

She's actually wearing relatively normal clothes, in comparison to the more outlandish outfits she's known for.

So why the fuss over the shoes? Are they really THAT weird?

People, what say you?
Too weird?
Too fussy?

YAY or NAY?

Mei your day be great!
Sarah Mei

SisterSister

A few years ago, when I heard about the start of Twenty8Twelve, I definitely had my reservations. Though I do admire Sienna Miller's style and individuality, it annoys me when celebrities put their hand to designing, when there is so much unseen talent out there. But, I must say I am IMPRESSED with the collections Sienna and sister Savannah have created so far.

The Twenty8Twelve spring/summer 09 collection, which is available to buy, (ahh if only I could afford its relatively cheap designer prices) is a fantastic collection of designs, with particular focus on the androgynous look, with a mix of summer dresses and tailoring. The collection has a slightly preppy edge, reminding me of Blair Waldorf and the fabulous styling of 'Gossip Girl'. I particularly love the monochrome desins below, which, far from giving the Chanel vibe, that black and white normally gives, appears fresh and youthful.

Similarly, the autumn/winter 09 collection, their debut collection for catwalk is no dissapointment, with Sienna and Savannah Miller, again, presenting their fresh, stylish and versatile designs. I particularly love that they either go all out injecting colour, or stick with their monochrome favourite. I'm loving the following designs, the first due to the autumnal tones of the dress, the latter because of the fantastic draping;

What do you think of Twenty8Twelve? YAY OR NAY?

Emily X

Britney's Louboutin's

Shoes... Shoes... Shoes...
What a killer pair of heels will do for an outfit... for your legs... for your confidence...

I'm a sucker for shoes, I have to admit, and not necessarily expensive ones [come on, i'm a student! Let's be realistic here!]. I live by the rule that I can't LOOK for shoes. I usually find the ones I fall in love with by complete accident. The romantic in me would say 'they find me'...

But now I have found myself lusting over a pair of shoes that will soon come to your attention, if they haven't already...

They are RED, they are STILETTOS, and they have been spotted on the feet of Miss Britney Spears...

They are Louboutins... Need I say more?

They are called 'Dillians' and versions of these in snakeskin and metallics featured on the Phillip Lim s/s 09 runway in heeled and flat versions, but to be honest I only really love these red ones...

Oh, to be Britney...

Check them out in their full glory in her new video 'If You Seek Amy' [click title] - about 58 seconds in.
[and the x-rated word play in her lyrics...? - IFF YOU SEE K ME - It's no wonder some radio stations refuse to air it!]

What say you, people?

YAY or NAY?

Favourite versions?

Mei your day be great!
Sarah Mei

William Rast - Fall 09

Not only does this man definitely know how to make his presence known in the music industry, but now he's making waves in fashion?! And successfully, I might add.

William Rast, the wonderful, wonderful produce of Justin Timberlake, showed it's Fall 09 collection recently at New York fashion week.

Most notably, for some, were the tassled boots for men...
I'm not sure they'll catch on... but the women's boots.....???
OOOOH I think we have a winner!!

This outfit literally makes me swoon!
The monochrome look is classic, and the detailing is feminine, yet edgy. Structured shoulders are pushing their way back in, featuring widely across many catwalks over the international fashion weeks; and this shirt, pulled in at the waist by the fitted skirt balances out the sharpness perfectly. I can't admit to being a fan of the native american tassles that every accessory seems to boast right now, but those boots.... I want!

One of the things I liked most about the mens' collection was the use of length and layering for the tops and shirts. Long black tees formed the staple look, flattering the denim that Rast is quickly becoming popular for, but these long plaid shirts really did catch my attention. Checked shirts have reached their popularity peak, and are beginning to get a bit old, but what a way to revamp the style! In muted and darker tones, William Rast has lengthened the trusty shirt, and created an easy day/night piece, that would look good with most casual/smart trousers or denim. Guys, remember that blazers are making a come-back. Seen on many designers' runways, it's an EASY way to smarten up an outfit for a party or if you're just looking to impress. If you're out to buy, then invest in a well-fitted jacket that sits well on your frame. Don't be afraid to ask advisors for their opinion to see if it fits perfectly - getting a professional opinion to get the right fit is always worthwhile. If you really want to make a statement, a double-breasted blazer jacket is sure to achieve that. Don't worry about it going out of fashion - we all know it will be back in the loop in a few years time!! (just don't put on too much weight in the mean time!) Jackets will always be a necessary and well-used part of a man's wardrobe.

What think you, people?

Is JT going to become just as successful in the fashion world?

What do you think of this new collection and the items I've focused on?

YAY or NAY?

www.williamrast.com

Mei your day be great!
Sarah Mei

Beauty trends for Spring/Summer 09

The latest trends are out and circulating, thanks to the buzz caused by the international Fashion Weeks in New York, Milan, Paris, and London. If you’re one of the latest-trend posse, I’m sure you’re already channelling in some of the trends to work with your winter wardrobe, for the last of the cold weeks ahead of us.

But, in the spirit of hope (or desperation) for warmer weather, I thought I’d focus on the hair and beauty trends for the spring/summer looks for 2009.

Here’s what the catwalks were saying for what’s going to look hot when the heat arrives this year.

Paris emphasised the lips, with bold, bright colours, and muted shades on the eyes, or light pastels.Paris s/s 09 Carcharel

Teamed with wet look hair, the look is light and fresh, or accessorised with a headscarf, so chic. (Also a godsend for those days when you really can’t be bothered to wash your hair – you know it’s true).Paris s/s 09 Celine

Milan caught the 70s glamour look, favouring smoky eyes and glossy lips. Can’t go wrong with a metallic shade of bronze or gold smudged over eyelids, with well-shaped red lips. So sultry! Contouring was very prominent on the catwalks in Italy for s/s 09. Bronzer under your cheekbones and a touch of highlighter on top, and you’re on your way – practice first, and BLEND, or you might leave your house blissfully ignorant of the fact that you look like you took the animal print thing too far and painted zebra stripes on your face.

Milan s/s 09 Roberto Cavalli
Milan s/s 09 Gucci
The hair, the big blow-dried hairstyles, complete the look, but perhaps we’ll leave that to those with patience (and skill) among us. Meh, bed-hair works for me!

New York’s catwalks had my favourite looks with the classic hippie-chick centre parting, modernised with long sleek, straight or wavy hair.
New York s/s 09 DKNY

Or the asymmetric styles, reminiscent of the 80s. It looks easy to achieve, just go wild with the spray and backcombing and then pin one side back. Emphasised side-partings and volume make a statement.
New York s/s 09 Proenza Schoeler

Gloss is BACK. Apparently no more matt for the New Yorkers! Enhance natural lip colour with pinks, peaches or clear glosses and match with subtle peachy cheeks and eyes. This is The Look for your summer dresses and wedges look! ‘Girly’ never looked so fresh.

Lightly smoky eyes were popular too, with the nudes of last season rolling into this one. Mushrooms, taupes and beiges are hot on the eyelids, with nude lips, and just rub in a bit of kohl to bring out the evening glamour. Now, if only we had NY summer weather…

L: New York s/s 09 Rodarte
R: New York s/s 09 Erin Fetherston

L: London s/s 09 Richard Nicholls
R: London s/s 09 Jenny Packham
London by no means lacked punch! The vibrancy was there, with dark, architectured brows with classic red lips, matt or glossy. Futuristic lip colours, in violets and pinks are going to look hot with your florals this spring and summer, with glossy eyelids and fresh, dewy skin. I’m thinking light pink lipgloss and a bit of Vaseline on the eyelids are going to look wicked with a bikini on the beach.

The wet hair look was big on our capital’s fashion week catwalks too, as were messy up-dos (YAY for the lazy among us). The hippie plaits have faded away, to be replaced with twists, for buns or ponytails. Simple for the day; or neat for an elegant evening look.

And you and your purse can breathe a sigh of relief because the accessories you recently splurged on in Topshop can work with your summer '09 looks too. Fascinators with neon netting, bows, scarves and pins all made a show on the catwalks, so they’ll make a show on the pavements of Britain this spring and summer too.
London s/s 09 Luella

BRING ON SUMMER! (I want to go on holiday now)

Mei your day be great <3
xxS

Simply British...

Seeing next seasons' designs in london fashion week, Margaret Howell's A/W 09 womenswear collection stood out to me, as modern but quintessentially British. Howell, based in London, presented designs with a fantastic mixture of schoolgirl and country, meets luxe sportswear, all easy to wear pieces. I particularly love the looks below...

Would you wear these designs? YAY OR NAY?

Emily X

Alexandra Groover A/W 09

This afternoon I dragged my over-tired body out to the first day of London Fashion Week. Despite rounding up a nice collection of tickets for this season I have only chosen to attend two due to my severe lack of funds and the fact I hate commuting to London. One of the shows I decided to check out was Alexandra Groover's 'Black Label' collection. The press release states that the use of only black is Groover's signature as she "sees colour as a distraction from her focus on silhouette and sculptural shape making." Hmmm.....

Many people who know me are aware that I tend to live most of my life dressed nearly head to toe in black, and so I was excited to see what Groover had to offer and whether she would be able to produce an exciting, catwalk-worthy collection despite the lack of colour.

The show began, fourty-five minutes after the scheduled time, with a black and white projection of a model twirling around like a little girl before the first model took to the catwalk, slow moving with ambient music in the background. Not the type of high-energy show I usually prefer, however this gave a chance to look at the clothing in detail.

I have to say I wasn't blown away by the collection. Inspired by natural science with references to seashells and jellyfish, Groover certainly showed a different approach to clothing structure. The most inspiring pieces were a shell shaped hooded jacket, a round, puff-ball type dress and a shell shaped dress collar. I have to say the rest of the collection, although simple and wearable, did not leave me thinking 'wow' like I did with, for example, Topshop Unique last season. As much as I love black clothing, I just wanted to throw some colour into the show, or to add some more dynamic fabrics. The collection seemed a bit like a collection of toiles.

All in all, in my opinion, the show was 'so so'. Apart from a few select pieces that stood out I felt that the rest of the collection simply 'filled the gaps'. However, I loved the theme behind the collection, and the fact that the models twirled around instead of the traditional posing at the end of the catwalk :P.





Elle x