27.11.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #9: Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst has long been a fashion inspiration of mine. I've loved watching her films (Marie Antoinette is one of my all-time favourites), and, after randomly bumping into her in the shoe department of Selfridges a few years ago, I've been an avid follower of her style. Whilst I'm yet to catch her performance in Melancholia, it was great to see Kirsten on the red carpet again during the promotion of the film over the summer, wearing stunning dresses by Chanel, Chloé and Rodarte. If I had to summarise her look in one word, I'd probably choose romantic- pretty details, classic shapes and a touch of whimsy all come together to create a much-coveted signature style:

My interpretation of Kirsten's style is all about taking classic pieces and adding to them- this shirt from Miss Selfridge is a perfect wardrobe staple with an added element of sparkle thanks to the embellished collar. The same goes for the Oasis skirt- the lace overlay captures the sense of romance which makes Kirsten's look so recognisable. The embellished touches on this Topshop dress evoke a couture feel at a fraction of the price, and I think these shoes from Zara could be mistaken for a Miu Miu pair. Finally, these earrings from Whistles are both simple and cute, capturing the essence of Kirsten's approach to fashion.

What do you think of Kirsten Dunst's style?

(Image credit: Look, Miss Selfridge, Whistles, Oasis, Topshop, and Zara.)

The Velvet Underground

Hello beauties, how're you all this morning? 

After a beautiful day yesterday consisting of Christmas Shopping (a.k.a buying for ourselves under the guise of hunting for others) with the lovely Laura, who now more than likely despairs of ever beleiving I'd be a good tour guide, followed by lovely outdoor food and stall browsing with my boyfriend - very romantic until your hands freeze solid - I'm feeling full of festive good will and happiness. 

Ah the cheesiness overwhelms.

Today I have for you another little peek into the land of luxury with an insight into one of the most fancy fabrics around:

Velvet

The fabric of long-ago Kings and Queens - Velvet possesses that instant ability to create a look that resonates luxury with the most minimal of efforts.

Thankfully, nowadays the beauty of a velvet frock is no longer restricted to monarchy and word would have it that it's availabilty has now even reached the high-street:

Topshop £46.00
H&M £7.99
Topshop £30.00 

 Aldo £20.00

New Look £27.99
Dorothy Perkins £42.00

 

Enjoy a little regal glamour.
<3

Sparkly Stocking Fillers

Hello lovelies, hope you're all well on this utterly freezing Thursday! The chill in the air definitely serves as a sharp reminder that Winter is right around the corner and we all know, that with Winter comes... Christmas!

Oh yes, that festive time of year is fast approaching and with it the frantic frenzy of hunting down those all important stocking fillers for your loved ones.

Fear not though, over the next month (cannot beleive it is just a month till the big day) I'll be showcasing some gorgeous gift ideas for you all to get ordering.

Today, we're having a peek at the beautiful independent jewellery range 'Vintage Princess Jewellery'

Now, if you're anything like me even the name of this gorgeous brand will have got you excited! Let's find out a little more about it from the lovely Laura - the lady in charge herself :

Hi Laura, big thanks for agreeing to showcase your gorgeous sparkles on fashionismyh2o can you give us a brief introduction to Vintage Princess Jewellery? 

Hi lovely! You’re very welcome, thank you for having me!  

I’m Laura and I set up Vintage Princess Jewellery in May 2010. It’s a world of prettiness and girlyness! I make jewellery that is limited edition or one of a kind, through reworking broken, unused and unwanted jewellery with new materials- to make it extra special and unique, just like those who wear it. 

Where can we find your gorgeous goodies? Do you have a shop we can visit? 

I do have a shop! It’s in the centre of Durham, upstairs in the gorgeous home ware shop City Attic which is on North Road. I hope you can visit- it’s my ‘haven of gorgeousness’! If you can’t get to Durham though I do have a website with lots of gorgeous jewels on for sale! It’s www.vintageprincessjewellery.co.uk. Vintage Princess Jewellery is also for sale in other selected boutiques too, you can find them all listed on my website. 

How did you get into making jewellery? Have you always been crafty or is it something that suddenly appealed? 

I’ve always been arty and crafty and I’ve been making jewellery for a while, but only for me really. After university I decided to start making jewellery again, I put a bit on Facebook for people to see and people started buying it! Making jewellery is just so much fun, I really love it! 

What would you say is your current favourite piece of jewellery in the shop? (So sorry to make you choose between your babies!)  

Haha, you meanie! Well, the Swarovski set I’ve made really stands out. It’s a simply gorgeous, elegant jewellery set made of Sterling silver and Swarovski crystal that glistens and catches the light just beautifully!  

Oh but I do love the pieces I made for the Constance Peach photoshoot collection too! With all the feathers, pearls, ribbons and crystals!

Photos Taken by the fabulous Katelizabeth who you can find
Here And Here

Why would you say a piece of Vintage Princess Jewellery would be perfect for a Christmas gift? 

Ooooh, because it would be a gorgeous piece of girly sparkle in your stocking! It would be a unique gift, making it extra special- if you get my one of a kind pieces no one else in the whole world will have the same piece of jewellery as you! 

What would you like to find in your stocking this year? 

Well I would really like a unicorn! Or if that’s not possible, unicorn related gifts will do! Hehe.  

What are your plans for the New Year? Both for Vintage Princess Jewellery and on a personal level. Anything super exciting planned? 

My plans are to make Vintage Princess Jewellery bigger and better than ever! As well as keeping my shop looking beautiful and my website up to date, I’ll be working on more gorgeous new collections, collaborations, I also support Samaritans so I’m planning to raise lots of money for the charity, oh and lots and lots more!

Big Big thanks to the lovely Laura! I'm sure you're all dying to see some more pieces and I'll be more than happy to oblige you :

1. 2. 3. 4

Absolutely stunning right? And with prices starting from jus £2.00 (yes - Really!) I'd hurry on over there right away and get stocking those stockings!

22.11.2011- Fashion Week Top Five: Milan SS12

I realise this post is very overdue by now, but what better way to brighten up a gloomy November evening than with a look back (or forward, depending on how you see things!) to the SS12 presentations from Milan:

Antonio Marras' collection incorporated a selection of stunning prints and androgynous touches such as turn down collars and oversized shirt dresses. Bold prints contrasted beautifully against plain fabric backgrounds, and loose fitting swing shapes sat alongside more classic hourglass silhouettes.

The Marco di Vincenzo presentation oozed Italian glamour- side swept hair, waspish waists and optical illusion style prints made this a Milan highlight for me. 

Moschino Cheap and Chic's presentation was a riot of colourful dresses, showcased against an equally vibrant market-style backdrop. Sea greens, mustard yellows and bold graphic prints made this collection a perfect vision of summer, and sat perfectly alongside softer, more feminine touches such as tiered ruffles and brocade details.

Versace. The definition of sun soaked Italian glamour. This collection instantly reminded me of the beach- seahorses, shells and mermaids came printed in an array of sorbet shades, and the signature gold studs featured throughout made this presentation unmistakably Donatella.

The looks showcased by the design team at Piazza Sempione were sophisticated and effortlessly chic. Layering, loose tailoring and a sprinkling of sequins combined with quirky floral patterns gave this collection a cool, modern and relaxed feel- perfect for the summer.

What did you think of the Milan SS12 presentations? Which shows were your favourites?

(Image credit: style.com, vogue.co.uk and fashiongonerogue.)

Monday Must Have 21/11/11

Hi dolls, how're we all feeling? I hate Mondays but today I've tried to be a bit more pro-active - all my work is out the way before 10:30 am - not bad right? Hope you are all well and not feeling too maudalin, if you are though fear not...

Because following on from yesterdays Autumnal toned theme I have some gorgeous outfit builds for you, based around this utter beauty:

 

 River Island £28.00

The perfect antidote to a bitter and bleak midwinter landscape, no? I feel warmer just looking at it.

Here's how you could style it:

Outfit One

 

 Outfit One definitely screams 'fall fashion' to me. You have the colour scheme for one - the mix of the rich leaf life reds and browns make this the perfect autumn time ensemble. Then the layers, the soft chiffony style skirt, drapey floral top and thick fur vest - you never know quite what you're going to get with Autumn, but this outfit has it all covered anyway. Then the  luxe gold jewellery adds a little glam touch, brightening like a ray of winter sunlight. Oh. And I'm obsessed~ with the boots.

Outfit Two

 Outfit Two is again very 'fall friendly' burnt oranges, golds and deep reds - what other colours could possibly come to mind when you plan your perfect Autumn outfit? The luxe layering of this outfit ensures it is cosy yet oh so effortlessy chic, this ensemble could take you from shopping, to cosy pub lunch via a very glamorous stroll in the park. Stick to the paths though, wouldn't want to get any mud on those beautts boots!

Outfit Three

 Outfit Three reminds me of something you might see on an Olsen. It's incredibly casual yet somehow manages to look quite expensive (it's not - the pieces are ALL high-st).The Bretton style long sleeved tee teamed with he slouchy teal scarf create somewhat of a delicious mash up between prep and grunge. I might call it 'Prunge' for the purpose of this elaboration. Taking gorgeous pieces and 'throwing' them together with more than a hint of the rock n roll side of life is a passion of mine and I'd quite like this outft in my life. 

Thankyouplease.

Outfit Four

 Lastly, we have the complete juxtoposition to Outfit Three. Outfit Four is something that just grew out of nowhere. I get a massive Carrie Bradshaw vibe from this - the slight sugariness teamed with the more spicy clash of colours? And then, the very 'Sex and the city' style heels - delish or what? All you need to go along with this outfit is a cocktail, a splash of lippy and either your best best friends or a wildly unsuitable man.
Your choice ladies. Either way - enjoy.

As per usual, all items are high-st priced and if you'd like to get your hands on any just tweet or leave a comment and I shall find you a link.

Happy Monday babydolls
<3

Sunday Snapshots 20/11/11

Hello my loves, how're you all today? Thankfully I managed to avert the dreaded sickness bug I feared I was coming down with yesterday and am feeling much brighter now. Appologies for yesterdays mini post - I could barely keep my eyes open.

To make up for it, allow me to lavish you with an array of delicious images that have brightened up my week:

Happy Sunday.
<3

 

20.11.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #8: Zooey Deschanel

I've been a fan of Zooey Deschanel's style for as long as I can remember. She's perfected a look which is unmistakably her own, consisting predominantly of cute, vintage inspired dresses, often with a nod to a classic 50s silhouette. As well as having a serious case of hair envy, I love her approach to fashion as it's unashamedly girly- she's a big fan of cute accessories, flowers and bow details, and her style borders perfectly on the conservative side of kooky...

 

This look is all about the dress. Anything that emphasises the waist and incorporates an A-line skirt is a sure fire way to evoke some of Zooey's sartorial charm. Colours are simple and sophisticated, and a cute flower detail here and there keeps things youthful and fun. And, if you're a fan of Zooey's music, be sure to complete the look with a copy of A Very She and Him Christmas!

What do you think of Zooey Deschanel's style? Are you a fan?

(Image credit: Look, Google Images, Topshop, Accessorize, Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and Rokit.)

Cinderella Shoes

Hello girlies, currently feeling a very sickly girl indeed (nothing to do with naughty cocktails either -boo!) worried I've come down with a delightful sickness bug that's been doing the rounds - yum!

As a result of this, short and sweet post for you today - A little bit of sparkle injected into your saturdays.

Here's to feeling like a princess on the dancefloor :

All items Missguided

1. 2. 3. 4

Enjoy
<3

18.11.2011- Weekend Wishes

This weekend, I wish I had an invitation to this very stylish party...

Upstairs Downstairs by Karl Lagerfeld, Harper's Bazaar US September 2011.

What have you got planned for the weekend?

(Image credit: NOIR FACADE.)

17.11.2011- F&F at Tesco SS12

On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to be invited to a preview of the SS12 collection from Florence and Fred at Tesco. After hopping on the train with my partner in crime Sarah, we met up with a handful of other lovely bloggers who were attending including Hannah, Emma, Sophie and Jazmine at Waterloo, before meandering along the South Bank to the OXO Tower, where the event was being held. The beautiful SS12 collections were a literal ray of sunshine on a freezing cold evening, and I was really impressed by the quality of everything I saw. Here are a few of my highlights:

The long line of mannequins which greeted us as we arrived.

 Vibrant colours and classic cuts made up the Modern Graphic collection...

...and there was an array of beautiful blouses on display.

My favourite selection of looks were found in the Great Gatsby range- loose fitting shapes, romantic details and pretty patterns all promised a touch of the 1920s for next season. 

This stunning lace midi dress caught a lot of attention too- a classic, simple and really sophisticated piece.

There was an amazing variety of swimwear on show- tropical prints and retro inspired shapes evoked perfect poolside chic (and made me really want to book a holiday!)

We also glimpsed a sneak peek at the range of party wear on offer for this year, including this shimmering flapper dress and this monochrome design with a classic peplum detail.

The accessories and shoes on offer were just as impressive as the clothing- I need a pair of the smoking slippers in my life!

We were also given a tag to attach to our favourite piece from the new collection, and I chose this limited edition polka dot blouse after falling in love with it as soon as I saw it. I think it's really versatile and I adore the gold buttons!

Of course, no evening would be complete without cake...

...and a snap of the beautiful view we had as we began our journey home.

Finally, Hannah, Emma, Sarah and I had a good old giggle in the Say Fromage photobooth which was installed for the duration of the night...

Overall, it was a brilliant evening, spent in wonderful company. I had a great time nattering away to the lovely girls who Sarah and I are beginning to christen our 'blogging family', and I was really impressed by the stunning (and fantastically affordable!) collections to come from Tesco for SS12. Thanks so much to Tesco and We Are Social for the invite!

(Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission and Say Fromage.)