Back in the 80's

After flicking through some of my mum's photographs when she was in the 80's, I found myself loving every outfit that she had on, so I thought I just had to share. Looking at the photos, you can see many similarities to some of the items that have come back on the high street and on the catwalks for this season, so get looking at the photos from the past, as they could inspire your outfits for the future. 
-Abi

A treat for Mother's Day

In the run up to Mother's Day, everyone fretting about whether or not flowers will be enough, Vivienne Westwood has given us a helping because, no I'm afraid flower just won't cut it this year.

Boudoir Eau de Parfum 75 ml £55
Take a whiff of that because that my friends is pure perfection, what are you still doing reading this when you should be off purchasing a bottle for your mother.

Mini Bas Relief Earrings £60

Nothing says statement earrings like these babies but if the budgets tight, never fear.
The bigger the better
 

Long Angle Stud £8.50

From Topshop these earring will definitely have heads turning, if not for your mum then just buy yourself a pair.

Emerald Leopard Purse £110

Oh what a gorgeous purse, if we were your mum 'YES PLEASE' buy it if only to rob it off mother after a week and keep it all for yourself. It is a bit pricey but who cares, snap that right up! 

Happy Mother's Day Shopping

Images courtesy of:

Eloise Hautcoeur 

Press Assistant

Elizabeth Taylor

Not only an icon from her Hollywood films, but for also her fashion, Elizabeth Taylor will be seen for generations to come as one of the best actress of all time. On March 23rd, surrounded by her family, Elizabeth Taylor passed away. 

We loved her fashion and her Hollywood glamour is still around today. I have found a photo of Elizabeth Taylor looking as beautiful as ever wearing a gorgeous dress. I have looked all over the high street shops and seen how they have gained inspiration from the icon. 

The 50's skirts are back in fashion for this spring/summer collection of 2011. Named the 'midi skirt' they seem to be quite a hit. Here I have found a few on the high street shops to find not only a nice price, but also a nice style.

Miss Selfridge Camel Skirt, £22

This is my favourite skirts out of the bunch for not only the price, but also the material and the colour. This colour is perfect as it will go with most items such as a plain shirt or a simple white t shirt. Perfect for spring as it is not too heavy and it is not too long either, so I would  not mind wearing it in the day or at night. 

Topshop Pleated calf length skirt, £38

As the skirt comes in my two favourite colours, burgundy and navy, it was hard to resist this skirt. And at £38 a skirt it makes it even better! These would also be easier to wear as you can match just about any colour with either of these. As they are light, they are perfect to wear for Spring. 

Elizabeth was a brilliant and beautiful actress who will be greatly missed. 

Elizabeth Taylor: February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011

Elle: The Runway Edit

Spring/Summer collections from all the major fashion weeks.

Elle's Runway Edit is a must-have if you missed some of the Fashion Shows. It highlights the best pieces from each collection and also shows you what was best in show and different fashion moments throughout different shows. They also provide a Model of the Week for each of the different shows, which is a bonus in itself as it lets you keep on top of new-coming models.

New York

Marc Jacobs' collection was inspired by the 1970's, and this is fully shown in his collection this year. The crimped hair and the OTT style he has gone for really expresses his experimental designs. He has used block colour in just the right way and its a winner for us!

Thakoon's designs have been worn not only Sarah Jessica Parker or Rachel Bilson, but the first lady herself, Michelle Obama. Who wore one of his designs the evening her husband, Barack Obama  accepted the 2008 Democratic nomination for president. His designs have been named 'timelessly feminine' which definatley reflects in his Sping/Summer collection this year. 

We love how Thakoon's designs have a hint of vintage, due to the soft materials and lace used and also the delicateness of the way the material falls.

You should also check out:

Proenza Schouler

Calvin Klein

3.1 Philip Lim

Rodarte

Model of the week: Daphne Groeveveld

At 15 and still classed as a 'school girl', this Dutch 5ft 11in model has had more opportunities given to her than most people could have achieved in a life time. Already the face of Miu Miu, she opened the Calvin Klein show which gave her an exclusive contract and the way she looked on the catwalk shows how we will be seeing much more of this teen model. 

London

'Jonathan Saunders has always been known as master of print and pattern' This describes him well as his designs from last year reflect bright patterns. This is not a flaw however, as celebrities such as Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Sienna Miller and Michelle Obama has been seen in his clothes to name a few. Saunders has gone for the opposite for this season however as he describes his collection as 'Beauty, cleanness,optimism and lightness'. His description is spot on as his exquisite designs reflect how you can use simple colours and shape it into something much different. And with celebrities such as Cheryl Cole wearing one of his designs already, it looks like this season is going to be as successful as his last.   

Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos have out done themselves on their collection for this season. They have used screen-printing instead of last years digital printing, which seemed to go down well with imitators, so they have come up with a more unique effect for their clothing which allows them, to me, stand out more.  'cropped biker jackets, wide trousers and drawstring parkas were new additions to their repertoire' which gave their effect a ten out of ten. One of my favourites from London fashion week, and you can see why. 

You should also check out:

Richard Nicoll

Christopher Kane

Marios Schwab

Burberry Prorsum

Model of the week: Bambi Northwood-Blyth

With a name of 'Bambi' it was inevitable that she would become famous for whatever reason sooner or later, but she found her way into fame by Modelling for top brands such as Topshop Unique, Emanuel Ungaro and Loewe. Even though her real name is Stephanie, it doesn't have the same effect, so the choice of the name 'Bambi' separates her from the rest and keeps her as a firm favourite of ours. 

Milan

Dolce & Gabbana designed a collection which was named 'back to basics'. However, their version of 'basic' is a little different, (more interesting) than ours. Lavished with sequins, beads and rhinestones, this collection screamed Dolce and Gabbana all over. They had a collection filled with all the essentials (and if they weren't essential, D&G made them want to be essential to our wardrobe!) from slip dresses to skirt suits, through to corsets and lingerie, D&G made us want all of their designs for our Spring/Summer wardrobe. 

The 1970's theme seemed to be a regular occurrence for this years Spring/Summer collection, and Karl Lagerfeld was definitely on board. He has used the colour theme from the 70's that gave it a retro look, but made it relentlessly modern by the shapes the garments were made and also the accessories used. 

You should also check out:

Jill Sander

Prada

Alberta Ferretti

Gucci

Model of the week: Arizona Muse

The 21 year old from New Mexico was discovered by casting supermo Russel Marsh and booked to open and close the Spring/Summer 2011 Prada show. Arizona has also walked for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent (not to mention the campaign she has done for them) and also Dior in Paris.

Paris

After the death of the British Designer Alexander McQueen, it was left to his first assistant of 15 years, Sarah Burton, to take responsibility for his ever-inspiring brand. 'All the brilliant McQueen themes were there: Nature and beauty, romance and passion' which were powerfully translated into the Spring/Summer collection of 2011 with an added feminine touch. The collection was inspiring as it always was, and was a triumph as you can see in the clothing. 

Chanel has and will be always known for its beauty in its exquisite designs-and this seasons collection was no exception. With the never-ending parade of 80 models, we always say that 'Chanel has outdone its self this year' but they keep bringing collection after collection with the same beauty and detail as the last. 

You should also check out:

Lanvin 

Roland Mouret

Chloe

Celine

Model of the week: Caroline Brasch Nielsen

At just 16 years old, and as she only started modelling last season, Dane Caroline Brasch Nielsen is already a favourite of Steven Meisel. For this years Spring/Summer collection, she was booked for all of the big shows, opening for Valentino and Narciso Rodriguez

Lucy in Disguise

We're really interested to see what the sister duo have in store for us when we get an insight into the launch of their fashion store by the power of channel four documentaries. Lily Allen and her sister Sarah Owen's aim is to make their lovingly sourced vintage attainable for everyone and all together in one fabulous bundle. 

But it's not all about the buying, set up in 2010, LID also hires the desired pieces from all across the decades, which suits us, because who wants to wear an outfit more than once anyway!

As if a floor full of hand selected one off, vintage, and designer pieces wasn't enough, downstairs in LID yet another surprise awaits. The salon and vintage blow-dry bar offer the finishing touches to your look and nurture it to perfection.  

The name: now apparently its the name of an old romance novel that their mum Alison Owen stumbled across whilst visiting Dorset. Naturally they took on board their mother's suggestion. And what a lovely name too. Be sure to visit, next time we're in London we will be. 

Lily Allen:From Riches to Rags airs tomorrow at 10pm, let us know what you think of it. 

  

10-13 KING STREET
COVENT GARDEN
LONDON
WC2E 8HN
TELEPHONE: 0207 240 6590

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Paul Varjak: Sure.
Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name! 

If we are on the topic of fashion in film it would be positively blasphemous not to mention the lovely Holly Golightly. I got a letter in the post from my nana and grandpa the other day with a news paper clipping that offers a free Vogue dress pattern and the bonus is that you only have to pay for postage, let’s have a go for ourselves ey. We recommend ebay it's the cheapest! 

To get yourself some beautifully practical ear plugs look no further.
And the eye snooze mask, it's a little more pricey and there doesn't seem to be any British sights that sell it so off across the ocean. 

On Jessica’s 18^th birthday we didn’t go out and get drunk oh no on the contrary Abi and some other friends popped over from a good old watch of the classic ‘Breakfast at tiffany’s’ featuring the one and only extremely glamorous Audrey Hepburn! Be sure to read the book written by Truman Capote, it’s not even that long but absolutely worth it. 

(500) Days of Zooey Dechanel

After recently watching (500) Days of summer, I noticed the glorious outfits the leading lady, Zooey Dechanel, had worn throughout the film. Her 1950's summer dresses and 1960's haircut gave the film more of an edge and made it more interestingly (for me) to watch, as I loved seeing what she would be styling next. I have gathered a few photos from the trusty Google Images which show her style perfectly:

The summer dresses worn throught the film were inspired by the 1950's. This style is coming back for Sping/Summer.

I have recently encountered an online store called toast, which is inspired by vintage clothing and they provide a range of different styles and they also have a lovely House & Home range which is a must-see, also this online store is UK based.

At £199 this dress is a save-up-for, but it is worth it for the quality that you would get. This is also very similar to Zooey Dechanel's in 500 Days of Summer.

Zooey still keeps the 1950's vibe even when she isn't wearing floral print floaty skirts, with high waisted shorts and a detailed shirt, you can buy this particular outfit anywhere as high waisted shorts can be located in any high street shop or vintage store.

The film is funny throughout and is very smartly put together. It not only shows a story (not a love story) between two people, but I also found that the main male actor (joseph gordon-levitt, who might I add, isn't too bad to look at) seems to have the 'feelings' of what-a-female should have in a relationship, whilst Summer stays more at arms length and sticks to her 'casual relationship' motto:

Summer: We've been like Sid and Nancy for months now. 

Tom: Summer, Sid stabbed Nancy, seven times with a kitchen knife, I mean we have some disagreements but I hardly think I'm Sid Vicious. 

Summer: No I'm Sid. 

Tom: Oh, so I'm Nancy...  

The Sixties

To me, the sixties is one of the best eras for fashion. The revolution for women happened in this era as women were able to have the vote, and Mary Quant designed 'the mini', which expressed the freedom for women perfectly. This enabled women and girls everywhere to dress how they want, and this was also widely influenced by music. The Kinks, The Smiths, The Beatles... These are only a few of many popular bands in the time of the Sixties.

Not only the clothes were inspiring, but also the hair styles. In the film 'The Boat that Rocked', the actress January Jones, plays a part in the film, and her hair styles seemed to capture the sixties style:

Not only are the sixties hairstyles coming back into fashion, but also the clothing. Designers are always getting inspiration from past styles, and the 1960's have recently come back into fashion. On the catwalk, the sixties theme is continuous as it is shown to be bringing back the nautical theme, ruffled dresses, and also lace. Christian Dior Resort Collection 2011 is a perfect example:

Keeping the 'in style' theme of block colour, Dior's collection has added a twist to their sixties inspired collection. But keeping the dresses and skirts short and cropped trousers, the sixties is an obvious inspiration.

Ruffeled dresses is a design which has also been carried on from the sixties, and the use of the lace on the dress also shows how you can work lace in different ways.

The nautical theme and red lips show a consistent theme of the sixties, and cropped trousers work well with the grey detailed top. The hair styles throughout the show were also inspired by the sixties. 

Emma Watson models her final spring/summer collection for People Tree

Emma Watson, best known for her role in Harry Potter, is putting her fame to better causes and has helped design three collections for the Sustainable and Fair Trade Fashion line, People Tree. This seasons collection is filled with floral and check print tea dresses, denim hot pants and cotton waistcoats, and Emma Watson brings style and youthfulness that the collection needs. She makes the pieces look positively stunning, and with her crop hair cut it gives the clothing range the edge and style for this season. Take a look at the pictures from their Spring/Summer campaign: