08.12.2011- Siren Song

I really do love Florence and the Machine. I've been listening to their new album, Ceremonials, non stop since I received it as a birthday present last Friday, and it's already one of my favourites. Florence herself has also become something of a fashion icon, recently performing at the Chanel SS12 show and wearing beautiful couture pieces by Givenchy and Elie Saab on the red carpet. Confirming that she's now firmly established herself as a style star, Florence graces the cover of the January 2012 issue of Vogue UK, captured on camera by Mario Testino:

Florence Welch by Mario Testino, Vogue UK January 2012.

The editorial, entitled Siren Song, has yet to appear online, but I can't wait to see it when it does. I'm also really intrigued by the 'multi-tasking handbag' mentioned on the cover, so might have to pick up a copy of the magazine just out of curiosity!

What do you think of Florence's Vogue cover?

(Image credit: vogue.co.uk.)

16.10.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #6: Florence Welch

Less than a fortnight after emerging from a giant seashell to sing at the Chanel SS12 presentation, Florence Welch is gracing the cover of every magazine from NME to Interview as she promotes her new album, Ceremonials, which is released next month. Since the release of her debut album, Lungs in 2009, Florence has not only become one of the most recognisable voices on the radio, but has also worked with a succession of designers including Givenchy, Valentino and Gucci to cement her status as a style icon:

From floor sweeping couture gowns for red carpet appearances and performances, to a laid back street style which incorporates lots of quirky little touches, Florence's signature looks are always beautifully co-ordinated. Embellishment, lace and metallics are all key players here, as are vintage accessories and statement jewellery. I love Florence's look predominantly because she's such a style chameleon- from ethereal dresses created by the best design houses in the world to a simple plaid shirt accessorised with a ribbon neck tie, she takes a fun, fearless approach to fashion which works so well and compliments her music beautifully.

What do you think of Florence Welch's style? Are you a fan?

(Image credit: Look, New Look, River Island, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Accessorize, Topshop and Rokit.)

04.10.2011- Under the Sea

Whilst I'm yet to get round to posting about my highlights from London Fashion Week, the sartorial circus has hurtled into Paris, which today played host to the Chanel SS12 presentation at the Grand Palais. An underwater themed set consisting of giant clams, coral and bright white shingle combined with a collection evoking all things subaquatic firmly set the seaside as style inspiration for next season:

Pearl details, iridescent fabrics and mollusc inspired accessories all brought Karl Lagerfeld's vision of Atlantis into vivid, vibrant detail. I love how clearly the concept is translated into the designs, from small details such as the just-stepped-out-of-the-sea hair styling through to shape and colour. And, as if this beautiful collection wasn't enough, Florence Welch became a mermaid for the morning, performing throughout the show from a giant clam shell:

Although I'm not confident that Ariel from The Little Mermaid was the muse for this collection, stranger things have happened, particularly when you consider the Cruella-esque stylings of the Topshop Unique AW11 presentation. Could cartoon characters be becoming unlikely style icons in their own right, I wonder? Anyway, regardless of whether Karl is a Disney fan, I can't post about this collection without including this song (and wondering whether Florence included it in her set!)

What did you think of the Chanel SS12 show?

(Image credit: style.com. Video credit: Youtube.)

28.02.2011- Oscar!

Last night's Academy Awards unfolded as expected- King Colin was awarded with the Best Actor award, Natalie Portman was named Best Actress (and wore Rodarte on the red carpet) and The King's Speech cleaned up. Also, as you'd expect from one of the most high profile events in the Hollywood calendar, the red carpet showcased some beautiful gowns and jaw-droppingly expensive jewellery. Here are my favourites:

 Mila Kunis looked lovely in this Elie Saab Haute Couture dress, the lilac really stands out against the red carpet.

 Michelle Williams wore this stunning embellished piece by Chanel Haute Couture.

 Hailee Steinfeld, in a self-designed gown which was brought to life by Marchesa. So elegant.

 Florence Welch, wearing a couture gown by Valentino. I love the tiered skirt and delicate lace detailing.

Cate Blanchett, my best dressed of the night in an incredible Givenchy Haute Couture gown. With minimal accessorising, Cate lets the dress stand out for itself. A match made in heaven.

Amy Adams, always a red carpet favourite of mine in a glittering midnight blue gown by L'Wren Scott. 

Did you watch the Oscars? Who were your best dressed?

(Image credit: style.com.)

24.08.2010- Best Dressed at V

The annual V Festival took place last weekend at two sites in the UK: Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in Staffordshire, and acts performing this year included Kings of Leon, Florence and the Machine and Kasabian. As if more proof was needed that today's music festivals are as much about who is wearing what as who is headlining, vogue.co.uk was on site in Chelmsford, snapping the best dressed attendees, including:

Alexa Chung, in lace up wellies, denim cut-offs, Kurt Cobain tee and Aran cardigan.

Drew Barrymore, looking very bohemian with Justin Long.

Florence Welch, carrying a Mulberry bag.

Gemma Arterton.

Karen Gillan.

If you're feeling inspired by the outfits of either Alexa or Florence in particular, get yourself down to Topshop. They've got a gorgeous Knitted Aran Cardigan which is almost identical to Alexa's and a Mustard Short Sleeve Shirt which I'm pretty sure is the very same as Florence's.

£48, Topshop.

£38, Topshop.

To see the best of the rest from V Festival, visit vogue.co.uk. What are your thoughts? Also, is it me, or have Topshop really hiked up their prices for Autumn/Winter? Thank goodness for student discount! 

(Image credit: vogue.co.uk and topshop.com.)

29.06.2010- Fash-ton-bury

This weekend, at Worthy Farm in Somerset, Glastonbury Festival celebrated its 40th birthday. I've got to be honest, I don't really see the appeal of festivals- I put this down to the fact that I hate camping and love showering, but there's no denying that Glastonbury is probably the biggest and best of the U.K's summer music events. Thanks to a weekend of glorious sunshine, the festival escaped the mud caked misery of recent years, and played host to some brilliant acts. For me the highlights (which I watched from the comfort of my sofa) included Florence and the Machine leading a chorus of Dog Days Are Over, Stevie Wonder belting out Superstition, Vampire Weekend performing Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, possibly the most summery song ever, and The Doctor collaborating with Orbital. However, with A-listers and fashonistas descending on the farm garbed in designer outfits, Glastonbury has become as much about the fashion as the music, amidst outcries that the festival has become 'too middle class'. Here then, are some Glastonbury looks from over the weekend:

Emma Watson, sporting an Alexander Wang side plait, was seen wearing Yves saint Laurent on Day One of the festival, with denim cutoffs and wellies.

Lighter denims and more practical footwear for Day Two as temperatures soared, top marks for casual cool. Also, on the subject of Emma Watson, how fantastic is the trailer for The Deathly Hallows, I cannot wait until November!

Pixie Geldof, black, socks, boots- maybe she has a very high tolerance for the heat?

Alexa Chung, the new face of Lacoste, in a Lacoste shirt and denim cutoffs...I'm spotting a trend here!

Florence Welch, typically kooky but that's why I love her. 

Jameela Jamil, I adore this colour! 

Alison Mosshart, rock star cool. 

Ellie Goulding, in denim cutoffs (see!)

Shakira, wearing an Alexander McQueen vest.

Kate Nash, owww my eyes.

If they could guarantee good weather and a tent with an ensuite that didn't cost the earth, I might be tempted to give Glasto a go. Until then, I'm happy enough watching on telly with my feet up! 

What do you think? Are you an avid festival goer? What did you think of Glastonbury this year? 

(Image credit: style.com, elleuk.com and ONTD.)