11.08.2010- Tricky Trend: The Midi

Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway in Mad Men.

One of my best friends and I were traipsing around Oxford Street's enormous branch of TOPSHOP at the start of the week, trying to pick up some autumn inspiration. The conversation steered to the midi- next season's most desirable skirt length, which I think will be pretty tricky to pull off without looking like you've raided your mum's wardrobe. The midi is causing such a revolution at the moment because for the first time in what feels like ages, high fashion (and, thanks to Mad Men, television) is embracing the fuller figure. Indeed, the designer behind 'midi mania', Marc Jacobs, recently announced plans to produce his designs in plus sizes, making him the first contemporary designer to cater for, rather than shun the fuller figured customer. Jacobs' most recent collection for Louis Vuitton was a celebration of curvaceous proportions, cinched in waists and the 1950's silhouette:

'And God created Woman', Louis Vuitton Fall 2010.

For me, the key to the midi will be how to wear it and still keep it youthful. Although I love the shape, it does create a very mature look, which will be tricky to master without looking like you've been caught playing dress-up. With this in mind, we turn again to Marc Jacobs and his own Fall 2010 collection:

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010.

Jacobs here keeps the midi feeling young by styling with ankle socks, basic tops, and unkempt hair, in contrast to the chic, swept back ponytails at Louis Vuitton. Bright young things Kirsten Dunst and Alexa Chung also demonstrated how to wear the midi at the opening of the Louis Vuitton Maison in London back in May:

Alexa's ankle tie espadrilles and sequin blouse keep her ensemble looking fresh, and Kirsten's hair really pops against the dark blue of her dress. If like me you are a bit reluctant to embrace the midi, the best thing to do is, as always, try before you buy. You never know, you might just find the perfect shape for you. I've just spotted this one over at MANGO which I'll be looking for when I'm next shopping:

What do you think of the midi? Will you be investing in one? How will you wear it? Or will you be avoiding it at all costs?

(Image credit: style.com, Google, harpersbazaar.com, instyle.co.uk and MANGO.)

10.08.2010- The girls with the dragon tattoos

Rapace as Salander.

When I saw this spread from the August 2010 issue of Vogue Italia, I instantly thought of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, obviously because of the focus on body art (created here by Kabuki) but also because of the  moody atmosphere and overall composition of the piece. The styling of this feature, with the pseudo-gothic touches also really reminded me of the central character of Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy, Lisbeth Salander, a figure who is already an icon of contemporary literature. In fact, the question of who is going to play Salander in David Fincher's English language remake of Larsson's book is one which has been much mooted over recent weeks; initially it was thought a relatively unknown actress would be cast, but now Emma Watson's haircut has the tabloids speculating that she could be screen testing for the part. Whoever is lucky enough to land the role will be hard pushed to better Noomi Rapace's portrayal of Salander in the original Swedish film, which I watched a few weeks ago and really enjoyed. Rapace simply is Salander; she is compels in the role as she brings the tortured soul of Larsson's imagination to life in faithful detail. And now it seems that Salander, and her unconventional sense of style is becoming more iconic than even Larsson could have imagined:

Ranya Mordanova and Natalia Chabanenko, shot by Emma Summerton and styled by Patti Wilson.

Do you think Salander is the inspiration for this feature? And who do you think should play her in the Hollywood remake?

If you haven't read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I'd really recommend it. My best friend Sarah from City Girl's Fashion Box lent it to me to take on my holiday, and I couldn't put it down. I was so gripped, I've since bought the whole of Larsson's trilogy (all three books now have pride of place on my bookshelf) as well as watching the film. The Girl who Played with Fire is in cinemas over here at the end of the month, and I can't wait to see it!

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue and Google.)

10.08.2010- Label Love: Whistles

Roksanda Ilincic for Whistles, SS10.

As a staple of the British high street, Whistles has been on my radar for a good few years now. I've always loved their approach to fashion, but since Jane Shepherdson took over as the chief executive in early 2008, Whistles has been transformed into a cutting edge brand which delivers sophisticated, high quality and wearable fashion forward pieces season after season. More recently, they collaborated with Roksanda Ilincic to create the Whistles collection, consisting of elegant cocktail dresses with couture details and cementing themselves as true nurturers of new design talent, having previously worked with designers such as John Galliano, Dries van Noten and Jean Paul Gaultier.

For the coming season, the folks at Whistles have struck gold again by creating a collection which pays homage to the catwalk collections, but which is also timeless in terms of quality, sophistication and style. Featuring the wardrobe staple of the winter, the shearling jacket, elegant dresses and the beautifully cut trousers which Whistles have become famous for, the collection looks set to further cement the brand as a high street gem.

Here's a look at some of my favourite pieces from their Autumn/Winter Lookbook:

Celeste Tailored Coat, £225. Silk Trousers, £110.

Shearling Trim Twill Flying Jacket, £225. Selena Skating Dress, £195. Andrea Bag, £120.

Virginia Sheepskin Coat, £595.

Nives Toga Dress, £250.

Christie Sheepskin Jacket, £395. Knot Front Trousers, £125.

Sheepksin Parka, £595.

I know the pieces are a tad on the pricey side, but they are all wardrobe classics in their own right, and the quality of the materials used shines through in these shots. Also, the Whistles end of seasons sales are generally very good, with reductions of up to 50%; currently everything in their online sale is £65 and under:

Lala Marble Print Dress, was £85, now £50.

Bumble Girl Tee, was £25, now £15.

Oversize Classic Sunglasses, were £80, now £25.

As well as these sale bargains, I've got my eye on this gorgeous dress, which I'm determined to save my pennies for!

Paula Pebble Dress, £125.

What do you think of Whistles? Are you a fan of their latest collection? Will you be saving up for anything special or snapping up a sale bargain?

(Image credit: whistles.co.uk.)