29.10.2010- Weekend Wishes

This weekend, I wish I was embarking upon some Luella-inspired Halloween adventures:

If you're still stuck for a Halloween outfit , look no further than Luella's Fall 2008 collection; I'm sure a witch hat has never looked so stylish!

What are your plans for this weekend?

(Image credit: style.com.)

28.10.2010- Dior Illustrated

From November 10th to January 9th next year, Somerset House in London is playing host to an exhibition celebrating the iconic work of illustrator René Gruau, entitled Dior Illustrated: René Gruau and the Line of Beauty. Throughout the 40's and 50's, Gruau worked for a range of fashion magazines, including Marie Claire and L'Officiel as well as for design houses such as Givenchy, Balenciaga and Lanvin. Perhaps most famously of all, Gruau created a range of work for Dior, illustrating adverts for Christian Dior Parfums, as well as sketching pieces from the haute couture collections of the design house. He later went on to become the artistic director of advertising at Dior and, in a time where hand drawn adverts were still a prominent feature in fashion, Gruau's strong graphic style was vital in attracting attention to the brand. With Christian Dior, he also oversaw the genesis and marketing of the famous 'New Look', and undoubtedly contributed to the growth of widespread fashion advertising as we know it today.

You only have to look at the vital role that advertising continues to play in the fashion industry to see the legacy of Gruau's vision in action. In terms of his understanding of bold illustration as a tool for bringing innovative design to a mainstream audience, he remains unparalleled and his work has a unique style which perfectly encapsulates the aspirational appeal of high fashion whilst being both daring and engaging. By looking at his many famous illustrations, you really do get a sense of the vital role he played in the evolution of fashion, as his style and compositional ideas continue to be utilised today. I can't wait to visit the exhibition to see some of his beautiful work firsthand.

To find out more about the exhibition and to book tickets, visit somersethouse.org.

What do you think of René Gruau's work? Will you be visiting the exhibition yourself?

(Image credit: Google Images.)

26.10.2010- I like The Like

I've recently rediscovered The Like, who were one of my favourite bands when they had their breakthrough with the album Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? back in 2005. Since then, the band has undergone a line-up change, with new members Annie Monroe and Laena Geronimo joining founders Tennessee Thomas and Elizabeth Berg (aka Z Berg). With the help of super producer Mark Ronson, The Like have also transformed their sound; their second album Release Me, released to much critical acclaim earlier this year, showcases a collection of songs very obviously influenced by the music of the 1960's:

As well as informing their current approach to music, the 60's have also served to inspire the new image of the band, with peter-pan collars, geometric prints and cute dresses a plenty featuring heavily in their styling:

By the look of things, it's time to get hunting down those 60's swing dresses and perfecting the black eyeliner!
To find out more about The Like and hear more music, visit their Myspace page.

What do you think of The Like's new sound? And are you inspired by their 60's styling? What other music stars are your style icons?

(Image credit: Google Images. Video credit: thelikeuk on Youtube.)

22.10.2010- Weekend Wishes

This weekend, I wish I could indulge in a spot of afternoon tea!

What are your wishes for this weekend?

(Image credit: Google Images.)

21.10.2010- Luella's Guide to English Style

If your fashion tastes are anything like mine, you will have been devastated when the news broke about this time last year that Luella Bartley's fashion label was to cease trading. Have no fear though: Luella is back, this time with her Guide to English Style, a book which is hailed as a celebration of quintessentially English fashion and examines influential English style icons from throughout history, from the Duchess of Devonshire, to Kate Moss. The book also looks at significant moments in English fashion history, and explores the heritage of some of the English girl's best loved wardrobe items, including the tea dress and Fair Isle knit.

Not only does Luella's Guide to English Style promise to be a very stylish addition to your bookshelf, but I think it makes a lovely gift- I've already popped it on my Christmas list!

Luella's Guide to English Style is available from amazon.co.uk and is published by Fourth Estate.

 What do you think? Will you be buying a copy? And who are your ultimate English style icons?

(Image credit: amazon.co.uk and Stylist.)

21.10.2010- Lanvin pour H&M take two

Following on from my previous post, here's the second look at Lanvin for H&M which popped up online earlier today:

Expect more of the advertising campaign, shot by David Sims and starring Natasha Poly and Hannelore Knuts to be popping up over the coming weeks as the anticipation for the collection builds. Is it quite sad that I'm as much obsessed with the shopping bags as I am with the clothes?

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue.)

19.10.2010- Lanvin pour H&M

Today were were given a tiny glimpse of what to look forward to from the Lanvin/H&M collaboration:

I looks as though Alber Elbaz is striving to incorporate as many Lanvin hallmarks into the collection as possible; gorgeous one shouldered dresses, tailored jackets and super cool styling. The full collection will be unveiled in two weeks, on November 2nd, before landing in stores November 23rd. If this first promotional image is anything to go by, the collection is sure to be H&M's most sought after designer collaboration yet. 

Do you like what you've seen of Lanvin for H&M so far? Are you excited to see the full collection? 

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue. Video credit: Youtube.)

Embellished shoulders

Hiya Bloggers :) Lately, all I seem to see around me is clothing with gorgeous embellished shoulders - I think we have a certain Rihanna to thank for this trend as she seems to have rocked them a lot lately : 

Now her variations might be slightly extreme but this trend has definitely filtered down to the High Street and I've done my best to hunt down a couple of examples for you:

New Look - £24.99 

Also available in White which is somewhat nicer I think

Topshop £39.00

And Asos £52.00 

Just some exaples of what's available around at the moment

         In my own Wardrobe I have a few items with shoulder embellishments but my absolute favourite is this:

You can't see it perfectly on here because the details are quite small but it's a gorgeous black and white stripey T-shirt style dress with gold and silver studs and chains on the shoulder. My amazing (and generous) boyfriend brought it for me from Republic I think :) and I absolutely love how the simple detail on the shoulder makes the dress stand out soo much more :)

What's your opinion on Embellished shoulders? Too much or a nice added sparkle? 

18.10.2010- Anne does Audrey

Before I toddle off to bed like the old lady in waiting I am, I just had to share with you these images of Anne Hathaway's editorial for the November Issue of US Vogue. Shot by Mario Testino and styled by Tonne Goodman, I think that Happily Ever After sees Anne channelling rather more than a touch of classic Audrey Hepburn...

The second to last shot especially has a very strong flavour of Breakfast At Tiffany's about it, don't you think? Regardless, I think she looks absolutely beautiful here; Mr. Testino certainly knows how to get the best out of his subjects. And I can't wait to see Anne in Love and Other Drugs at the end of the year (although I suspect the fact that the film co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal has something to do with this!)

What do you think of Anne's Vogue spread?

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue.)

18.10.2010- Days of Wine and Roses

Days of Wine and Roses is an exhibition taking place at London's Heartbreak Gallery until October 31st. The exhibition showcases work by Scottish artist Jack Vettriano, whose painting The Singing Butler became one of the most instantly recognisable pieces of art in the world after being sold for over £700,000 back in 2004. Vettriano's latest exhibition features a range of paintings which beautifully encapsulate the much sought after and much copied glamour of a bygone era:

A Very Married Couple

Portrait in Black and Pearl

Morning News

Lines of Beauty

Not only do I love the composition and style of Vettriano's work, but I also really like the fact that he takes his inspiration from everyday events, such as reading a newspaper over a cup of coffee, or taking a train ride. The fact that his work in this exhibition is located firmly in the styles of the 50's and 60's also means that the exhibition is well worth a visit to pick up some ladylike wardrobe inspiration.

To find out more about the Days of Wine and Roses exhibition, visit jackvettriano.com.

What do you think of Jack Vettriano's work? Will you be visiting the exhibition?

(Image credit: jackvettriano.com.)

16.10.2010- Black Swan

Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman and directed by Darren Aronofsky isn't released here in the U.K until February next year (which I know seems an insanely long time away), but, by the look of these beautifully designed teaser posters, it will be well worth the wait:

The film centres upon Portman's character, Nina, who is competing for the lead role in a New York production of Swan Lake with another dancer, Lilly (played by Mila Kunis). On a visual level, the film looks as if it has been beautifully shot, as the storyline delves into the psychology of one of the most iconic storylines of the traditional ballet repertoire. I can't wait to see the dance sequences (Portman and Kunis received ballet training in preparation for playing their respective roles), and the costumes in particular. I'm sure you're looking forward to the film as much as I am, but just in case you haven't seen the trailer yet, here it is:

What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing Black Swan? What other films are you excited about seeing over the coming months?

(Image credit: ONTD. Video credit: Fox Searchlight on Youtube.)

15.10.2010- Weekend Wishes

This weekend, I wish I could lie in the sun all day and catch up on some much needed sleep:

Riccardo Vimercati for L'Official Russia, October 2010.

What are your wishes for this weekend? Have you got any exciting plans?

(Image credit: NOIR FACADE.)

Hey Ho Lets Go!

Happy TGIF guys :) I had to show you guys one of my latest purchases :) despite trying to be 'good' this month and not splash the (non existent) cash - I caved. On Saturday whilst I was shopping in town with my boyfriend I spotted this baby:

From River Island at £24.99

I couldn't resist it - I love the colour, the light weight material and of course it's The Ramones! 

I'm having trouble deciding how to style it at the moment so I tried a couple of options:

1)As a dress - it's definitely long enough :

Teamed with my biker boots (New Look £25.00)

2)Then I tried it with little black shorts and heels for a more 'dressed up' look:

I also tried it with Skinny jeans but that looked kind of boring so I decided against it.

What do you guys prefer and how would you wear it?

Hope you all have a great Friday <3

Photos by Nat <3

Look for less - Nicole Richie

The gorgeous Nicole Richie in London earlier this year :

And some High Street options : 

Dress Miss Selfridge £20.00

Jacket Pixie Lott for Lipsy £85.00

And shoes - although you cant see Nicole's I think they'd fit -

New Look £25.00

14.10.2010- From the people who bought you Fashion's Night Out...

...comes Fashion's Night In! My friends and I had a brilliant time at Fashion's Night Out here in London last month, and, as a celebration of all the online retailers who couldn't get involved on the night itself, Vogue has launched Fashion's Night In, which aims to bring us the best that online fashion has to offer. The aim is still the same- to raise money for the fantastic Kids Company, but instead of pounding the pavements, you can get involved from the comfort of your desk. The online event will be offering designer collaborations, styling advice, collection launches, goodie bags and competitions. Things will be kicking off on Monday November 1st from 5pm (GMT), and here are some of the events which have already been announced:

With more events to be confirmed in the run up to November 1st, be sure to keep checking the Fashion's Night In website for the latest information. I can't wait!

What do you think of the Fashion's Night In idea? Are you looking forward to it?

(Image credit: vogue.co.uk.)