Loves Young Dream

Black and white movie stills, the beat of an old song, spine tingling quotes or just a simple photograph are one of the hundred ways to catch a glimpse of classic romance. One of my favourite photographs in the entire world, taken of the most effortlessly chic couple to exist, Jonny and Kate. So they aren’t together anymore and love didn’t conquer all, but this picture captures a special moment and to me is romance at is purest.
What makes these images, songs or quotes so special is the way that two people communicate to each other or how it connects to you. In the present day however communication is a terrible thing, gone is the nostalgia of life, the mystery, nothing is as simple as boy likes girl today. Not with toxics like the telephone, text messaging, instant messaging, email, facebook, twitter, voice notes, blackberry messenger, I could go on and on and surely we wouldn’t want to give any of these up? Not even for a chance of real romance? I’ll leave the decision to you….

‘True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights..if you hear bells ..get your ears checked’

Appeal Italia

Caroline Weinberg for Elle Italia. Fresh, sexy and playful shot by David Burton.

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Play Date

The chicest and most comfortable way to retrieve your childhood? A play suit. Since the summer months are almost upon us I felt the need to mention a play suit, and this one by Alexander Wang hits the mark perfectly. Play suits or rompers as we named them in our earlier years, are all about the right cut for your body, not many a girl can rock the skin tight look which is why todays post is pretty much universal for everyone. In slinky silk and the silver toned perfect shade of grey, this little beauty nips the body perfectly The 70's perfect sleeves would make Bianaca Jagger proud and a sigh of relief for everybody, behold the elasticated waist. Add sunnies and ridiculously sized tote and your ready to romp.

Alexander Wang Silk Romper - La Garconne £495

Instant Messaging

Its never been so cool to go back to school, or be a school boy for that matter. This year saw the return of the IT bag and most of the arm candy was in the form of a messenger bag. The cool satchel esque bags have been inspired by the uber luxe military, soft utility feel that's been all over the runways the past few seasons. Today's focus is all about the messenger bag and which ones should make it into your closet this season.

Starting with the Mulberry Alexa bag, inspired by London It girl Alexa Chung, the Alexa bag is mash up of Mulberry's iconic Bayswater and a men's briefcase, ticking all the boxes for it bag status. Messenger bags seem to be have become mock ups of the classic bags were are accustomed too, which leads us to the faithful satchel by Alexander McQueen. Looking like the birth child of McQueen favourite, the faithful bag, the satchel will win you new brownie points for the season.

Saving the best to last the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, the bag that started the satchel obsession, is my front runner for effortless chic. Available in a variety of skins from crocodile to leather and suede and a spoilt for choice selection of colours, the PS1 is,the best excuse to hit the books and go back to school.

Mulberry Alexa - £995 http://www.mulberry.com/

Proenza Schouler PS1 in smoke -£1995 http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Alexander McQueen faithfull satchel - £860 http://www.net-a-porter.com/

The Old Faithfull's

I’ve been receiving a couple of emails lately about who I think has some serious style when it comes to the dudes and today I shall do exactly that. I often find when you develop a crush (love that word) on a guy; their style is half the reason, well for me it is anyways. And even though today’s three guys are extremely beautiful and that one of them is my future husband (it’s not hard to guess). They are on this list only, for their impeccable style.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp is an instant classic when it comes to style, he some how always manages to add just the right amount of edge to something so simple and it becomes quirky. I mean this is a man who can rock feathers and doesn’t look like a drag queen. My favourite pictures of Johnny are when he is owning the red carpet, whether it’s the shaggy pinstripe suit, or the little red silk handkerchief adding a pop of colour to a slick black tuxedo, he’s instant old school Hollywood glamour.
Childhood Memories of Edward Scissorhands will always stay with me, the images of a leather clad Johnny Depp coated in eyeliner or a bearded drunk foul mouth Captain Jack, are not easily forgotten.

Robert Pattinson
Fashion draws inspiration from everywhere, music, books, people on the street and especially films. If you didn’t fall in Love with Edward Cullen in the Twilight Saga and you didn’t swoon at the cinema over Robert Pattinson, then there is certainly something wrong with your health. No questions asked, Robert Pattinson is the modern day James Dean when it comes to style, a total heart throb that works a plain white T-shirt like a nobody else. Robert is a little bit gentlemen, a pinch of boy next door and just a smidge of vampire what’s not to love?

Jared Leto
There are only three words to describe Jared Leto (and they are not I love you, for today anyways) bonafide rock star. For me the most important rule of style is that, if somebody is looking at you like you’re a little crazy, then you’re probably doing something right and Leto lives by it. Whether rocking a Mohawk in studded jeans on stage at night or classic Burberry in a pea coat by day, channelling the many different looks comes easy to the front man. But nobody and I mean nobody can work a plaid shirt like Mr Leto does, after all the name of the blog is called?

Native Queen

Since I don’t know whether there is such a thing as a female equivalent for a Native American chief, I’m just going to assume that this is what she should wear. This brings me to today’s post the, feather and crystal headpiece created by Karen Andreasson.

Karen is a British jewellery designer who makes most of her pieces for brides to be on their wedding day, though you certainly don’t have to be planning a wedding to get a piece of the action.This headpiece caught my eye immediately if it wasn’t the crystals; it had to be the feathers influencing some kind of modern Pocahontas behaviour.

You might not have been prom queen, why not join the pack and be a native queen?

Available at http://www.beyondthevalley.com/ £196

Till I Dye

As much as most of us would probably like to forget the 90’s, I’m afraid the decade is back and much better this time around. Spreading the 90’s phenomenon over two seasons thanks to many a designer and the trend erupting all over New York fashion week for the last two seasons, tye dye has made a comeback. That comeback comes in the form of the tye dye burnout cotton top by Proenza Schouler.

For me there is something just a little sexy about a long sleeve tee, maybe its that way the sleeves end just where the knuckle meets the bends of your fingers or maybe just the sheer mystery of what might underneath? Either way this is one dope way to rock the tye dye trend this season in staple black and white, you really can not go wrong in one of Proenza’s groupie esque creations.

Rock till you drop or just till you dye

Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £265

Where The Wild Things Are

There are few designers whose clothing can bounce off the pages of a magazine or grab your attention from the other side of the room, like the late and great Alexander McQueen’s creations did. Before his death McQueen created one of the most spectacular and inspiring collections of his career for spring summer 2010.

The ultimate capture of his imagination exploded on the runway in an army of tribal fusion. A rainbow of colours swept the room, prints adorned on every piece, with models stomping the runway as if the were heading to war. This leads me to today’s piece, the olindias print cape by Alexander McQueen. From the outside a simple, chic black silhouette, perfect for every day, but lift up the arms and you are exposed to the roaring, royal blue graphic print of the cape.
Turning an everyday item into something unique was something McQueen did best and this is a prime example of his extraordinary work.

Throw on your cape and release the inner wild child. Long Live McQueen.

Available at www.Net-a-Porter.com £460

In The Dead of Night

Nobody said death to florals better then Christopher Kane with his midnight biker jacket. For his spring creation Kane forgot florals and yawn worthy pastel shades and opted for dream like ethereal cloud prints, printed over the sheerest of fabrics. The jacket has such a natural airy style, it looks like it just fell onto your body whilst still being tough enough to hold its biker jacket title. The mesh sleeves a now almost signature look of Christopher Kane will give you fashion credentials all season long. A piece not to be left in the dark.

Christopher Kane Midnight Biker Jacket $1330 Available at Opening Ceremony

Whips, Chains and Cuffs

So I may not be into leather whips and chains, but its quite possible Chanel could change my mind, set your eyes upon the gold and leather clover Chanel choker. While most vintage costume jewellery is spectacular, a Chanel piece is on a whole different level, there’s something about those dangling double cc’s that gets all us excited. Chanel pieces are few and far between, instant classics and always a collectable and the choker is no exception. Developing a fetish? Do it in the act of Chanel.

Vintage Chanel choker $950 at Ressurection Vinatge

Offspring Perfect

When the Birkin bag was named after your mother, you know fashion runs in your blood. The daughter of famed actress Jane Birkin, allow me to introduce you to Lou Doillon model, actress and collaborative designer. French, quirky and smoulderingly sexy are only a few ways to describe her.
Lou says her love of fashion began at a young age (she had tattoos and a tongue piercing by age 11) she was often found dressing up in men’s shirts and eccentric top hats, a look she still sports in the present day. I adore Lou’s undone masculine style which she still manages to keep sexy in a classic Parisian fashion. Lou says she almost all the time will wear anything focused on the waist, as it just works for her, but mostly she dresses to just make people smile.

French, chic, eccentric and perfect DNA, in my next life can I be Lou Doillon please?

Your Birthday Suit

Spring is all about the word light, better lit days, lighter evenings, light jackets and probably most important lighter colours. Pastels were a huge hit on the spring summer runways but most noticeably in the form of nudes.
Christopher Kane , Calvin Klein and Burberry Prosum where a handful of the designers that showed shades fit for a candy shop, think blush roses, soft corals, frosty beiges, milky peaches and soft iridescent pinks. Bearing the trend in mind here is my take on the new pastels.

Zip Slip Dress by Topshop – The nude lingerie dress, if it looks like your wearing your underwear, on the outside your probably onto the right thing. This one from Topshop hit the mark perfectly, nude, lace, and silk, channelling your inner Gaultier.
Available at http://www.topshop.com/ £45

70’s Wash Denim Shirt by Topshop – Denim, another revival has made its way back onto the runways, this loose fitting shirt adds a little western touch to springs pastels.
Available at http://www.topshop.com/ £30

Canvas Belt by Stella McCartney – You’ll rarely find a look this season that isn’t finished off with a belt. Tan accessories are oh so summer time and great for adding a harder edge to a soft look.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Skull Pendent Chain by Alexander McQueen – Gold is usually the go to for spring jewellery and while its great, I decided to add the eternal symbolic pendent by McQueen as a quirky alternative.
Available at http://www.polyvore.co.uk/ £240

Leather Linen Ballet Flats by Lanvin – Women breath a sign of relief as ballet pumps are officially chic again thanks to Lanvin. These leather and linen ones are fabulous and come in a variety of different colours including this grey and metallic pair.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £265

Felt Fedora by Brixton Gain – What I like to call a ‘Hollywood Finish’ a fedora is just a little bit California and a little bit rock star and fabulous if not just practical for sunshine weather.
Available at http://www.shopbop.com/ $55

Small Donna Hobo Bag by Alexander Wang – The ‘off duty’ slouchy style bag is great for long summer days and is amazing in the grey sugary shade.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £750

Tilia Acetate Sunglasses by Chloe – I love these 70’s inspired cat eye sunnies and the colour just screams St Tropez.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £245

Put A Ring On it

Every girl dreams for a certain ring, to land on a certain finger, from their significant other. Until that day comes why not, decorate your fingers with treasures that can be significant to your jewellery box. Something about turquoise seems to make me go weak at the knees and even more so when it’s surrounded by gold.

If you also suffer from this symptom, I suggest you take a glance at the Arik Kastan 14k rose gold milky aquamarine ring. A perfect statement ring adorned with turquoise, set in luxurious rose gold, gives it a great vintage feel. It may not be the ‘the’ ring but it’s a fabulous distraction.

Arik Kastan gold milky aquamarine ring. Avavailble at Roseark $750

Battle Beginnings

Need a better reason to go into battle? I should think not, fight for your right to own a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood’s leather and snakeskin shoe boots. With shoes becoming more sartorial every season these kicks definitely fit the mark, not to mention the oh so on trend tribal inspired snakeskin detail. With a 5.5 inch platform heel, wall flowers need not apply.

Let the battle commence.

Avavailble at http://www.brownsfashion.com/ by Nicholas Kirkwood £540

Creature From The Deep

Lay your eyes on this sparkling creation of wrist wear by Valentino. This unique gold toned bracelet is actually brass adorned with blingtastic Swarovski crystals. Taking inspiration from the waters of the deep, the coral shaped cuff looks like it might just come to life and grow its wiry, spiral gold stems up your arm (well a girl can dream).

A beautiful Valentino masterpiece that will, sit like a crown on your wrist and in your jewellery box.

Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £255 by Valentino

Ultilise This

Utility, modern military, soldier chic, call it what you want to call it, either way it’s a big trend for spring 2010. Taking note from the military trends of winter (think Balmain and Givenchy), for this season it’s a bit more subtle and definitely more relaxed. Less embellishment and less black, with more earthy tones, like khaki, gentle greys and taupe- esque browns. Designers such as Celine and Sportsmax brought the look to life for the season. Here is my take on Utility for spring/summer 2010.

Quilt Detailed Parka by A.P.C – The Parka, the most staple item to base your look around when channelling utility. This one by A.P.C fits the bill perfectly, its olive green colour is right on trend and the adjustable sleeves mean a ton of different looks.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £285

Taupe Tomboy Tank by Sultan Wash – A tomboy tank is a great basic for any season but even better to add a first layer to your look in the earthy taupe shade.
Available at http://www.sultanwash.com/

Silk Satin Shirt by Elizabeth and James – A perfect example of the softer side of military for summer. Roll up the sleeves and loosen the buttons for a lazy look.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £230

Denim Shorts by Erin Wasson x RVCA – Great Summer investments by Erin Wasson everybody needs to own a pair of the loose, Texas ready boy shorts.
Available at http://www.lagarconne.com/ £50 (on sale)

Dorado Boots by Frye – A personal fan of boots in the summer, a great alternative to the usual summer sandals. Stick to darker tones, but avoid black which can be a little to harsh under the sun.
Available at http://www.shopbop.com/ $498

Studded Belt by HTC – Gold complements the khaki influenced season and this studded belt looks fierce wrapped around the waist of the parka.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £165

Suede PS1 bag by Proenza Schouler – The ultimate ‘it’ bag of the season, taking yet more inspiration from soldiers and their messenger bags, the PS1 is the bag to be seen with.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £1560

Classic Raybans by Rayban – Instant California cool for everybody.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £111

Stacked Rings in Gold and Rose Gold by House of Harlow – Simple and chic these rings stacked up add a touch of bohemian to the modern look.
Available at http://www.shoptrendboutique.com/ $23 each.

Oscar Gold

It’s that time of year again, Hollywood saw in the 82nd annual Academy Awards last night in Los Angeles. Staying up way past bedtime to watch the red carpet, I was not left disappointed and struggled to put together my top favourites of the night.

It looked like two teams ran the red carpet ,team nudes and team metallic, both were favourite choices worn by the starlets. There were many options to choose from the event, Sarah Jessica parker looked radiant in Chanel ,Kate Winslett was striking in Yves Saint Laurent and Carey Mulligan a triumphant in Prada, but only five ladies made my top five…..

Demi Moore in Versace – My best dressed, Demi Moore was a complete vision in the nude, drop waist Versace gown. The dress clings to her body perfectly, you almost can’t tell what is skin and what is the dress. My favourite part of the dress is where the drop waist cascades into the ruffled train, channelling pure elegance.

Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive – Mr Armani really outdid himself this year when it came to red carpet gowns, who could forget Lady Gaga at the Grammys? Jennifer Lopez looked stunning in a flawless iridescent pink gown by the designer. The gown is a modern take on classic Hollywood glamour, the bustier and dramatic train make it avant-garde gorgeous and a perfect colour for the red carpet.

Kirsten Stewart in Monquie Lhuillier – Not one to win praise for her red carpet choices, Kirsten surprised us in her midnight blue Monquie Lhuiller number. Standing out from the sea of nudes and metallic’s, Kirsten was an instant hit in the gothic ready romantic choice.

Nicole Richie in Reem Arca – I have to admit, I am slightly biased when in it comes to Nicole Richie, for me she never gets it wrong and the Oscars were no exception. Channelling vintage 70’s glamour in the grey metallic gown for her first time on the red carpet, ensues this will definitely not be her last.

Meryl Streep – A legend on the red carpet and in her own right, Meryl Streep looked ever the star she is in a crystal white, draped gown by Chris March. The padding on the shoulders commands the attention of the red carpet giving Meryl the Hollywood status she so rightly stands for.

Meet Me In The Middle

It’s to be said that accessories are like toys for grown ups, if this is true then a belt is my favourite toy in the box. Belts can change an entire outfit, change the way you look at your body in the mirror and they can also damage an outfit. Time and time again you will hear me waddle on about belts, add it to this, wrap it around that and really it always works.
Hence the Temperly London lion glazed leather belt a hard hitting extra for any ensemble. Perfect for clinching your waist in on luxurious dress, adding a soft spot to a boyfriend jacket or just a hip alternative over a tank.

Perfect for any occasion and who doesn’t want their middle looking just a little bit smaller?

White Noise

There is only one way to describe Fendi and that is fabulous. Fendi represents everything glamorous in the fashion world, everything luxe, everything polished, prim and perfect. When I think of Fendi, I think of strong, classic, powerful women. Women who embody glamour as a natural element in their lives.

Women like Carine Roitfeld and Diane Von Furstenberg, who carry themselves so strongly and set a standard for women all over the world. The Fendi peek-a-boo is made for thus kind of women, timelessly chic and undoubtedly glamorous it combines luxe and convenience. Black is the obvious choice for a classic staple handbag, but the elegance of white tells a story about the women who is carrying it, not to mention the divine gold hardware.

So set a signal with the Fendi peek-a-boo bag, look to the light and listen for the white noise.

LA Women

Meet Hanna Beth, quintessential California dreamer ,born in New York raised in Los Angeles, is a model, fashion designer and favourite LA scene queen. Most known for her angeleno social status, buzznet and MySpace popularity. The Hanna Beth phenomena was created by the digital generation, but I noticed Hanna for her off beat, impeccable, personal style.

Usually photographed in fedora and wayfarers as a staple, Hanna mixes up her look with leopard print, laddered tights, shredded denim and a siren perfect Scarlett lip. Despite her impressive wardrobe (she has a jewellery box you would fight for) she has an impressive collection of tattoo’s, my favourite being the ink on her hands, wrists and arms pictured on her many twit-pics.

A firm fixture in New York and LA, at 21 Hanna is definitely going places. Where shall we see her next?

Tell Me About it Stud

Florals, pastels and pretty little dresses, cant spring sometimes be a little dull? Looking for something to take the edge off? Look no further then Lanvin’s denim studded jacket. What better way to update your spring wardrobe then by adding a little tough love. Right on trend for spring/summer 2010 with the 80’s Madonna – esque denim, this jacket will look great thrown over girly prints, greats skirts and simple white tees. Or great with leggings and sky scraper heels by night.

So don’t go chasing summer love this year, chase Lanvin for some serious tough or rather studded love.

Off Duty

I am somebody who is not a great lover of colour, but now and again I tend to fall in love with fuchsia-tastic pieces like this Isabel Marant silk dress. This dress has a great urban ,off duty gypsy feel that will work on any shape and is perfect for spring. Work it with boots, flats and espadrilles during stylish summer afternoons. Not only is the colour the perfect electric pink, it has adorable felt detailing, paving the way for great summer accessories.

Seen here on the runway, with the infamous Isabel Marant fringed boots and belt the dress is a great season staple for Marant worshippers and colour fanatics alike. I love the early 70’s vibe I get off the dress, very Marianne Faithfull. Gotta have Faith.

Isabel Marant Dress avaialble at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £350

A Chained Melody

If the Lanvin happy snakeskin chained shoulder bag doesn’t get you singing then I don’t know what will. Once in a while a bag comes around that is so luxurious and perfect that it can be extremely difficult not to stare and that is just the case with this scaled snake beauty of an accessory.

As well as the fabulous print the bag’s taupe and gold tone colours will add just a little extra something to your daily outfits, like softening up your work attire or breaking up a sea of black. Oh and for cult Lanvin collectors the bag is sealed with the timeless Lanvin crest.

Definitely singing in the right tune.

Italians Do it Better

Italians put sexy down the runway better then anyone, prime example, the Emilio Pucci fall winter collection at Milan fashion week. Freja, Natasha, and Abby Lee Kershaw stomped down the runway in what only can be described as the lovechild of Pucci and its many groupies. Creative director Peter Dundas commanded an all or nothing attitude to his garments this season, as models slithered down the runway in floor skimming skirts or the shortest of leg bearing minis.

Opulence and glamour gave the collection a beautiful 70’s feel featuring fringed flowing bell bottoms, shaggy fur coats and fresh luxe tailored jackets. Belts, skirts, trousers and leather jackets paid particular attention to the waist making the line up ultra feminine.

Looking for attention this winter? Head to Pucci for Italian glamour that is never forgotten.

Leigh Down The Law

Taking a moment to pay tribute to the one and only Leigh Lezark model, DJ, style icon and front row darling. I admire Leigh’s tough rock and roll look from her blue black hair and porcelain skin to her smouldering dark eyes, she’s the new girl on the block.

A style that’s polished yet simple, (think ladies who lunch and caught in a corner of CBGB’s ) you’ll probably catch Leigh in leather leggings, shrunken jackets, second skin body con dresses and out of this world sequined vintage treasures. Leigh reminds me of an urban Edie Sedgwick, if Mr Warhol were alive today it goes without saying Leigh Lezark would definitely be a factory girl.

Sell Your Sole

Sell your sole to the devil you must, for these sinful shoe boots. Created by the holy grail of the high heel, Christian Louboutin for Mary Katrantzou in her fall/winter show at London fashion week, just three days ago.
This is why fall is my favourite season because this is exactly what appears on the runways boots, boots and more boots. I’m guessing price is on request or made to order so don’t expect to see them on department store shelves anytime soon. These beauties with at least a killer six inch heel, will command the attention of any room, destined to be worn by a leather clad, studded rock chick, are definitely not for the faint hearted.

The best accessory to match the shoes? One bad attitude

School Boy Error

Getting Butterflies on the first day of school? More like getting butterflies watching Philip Lim’s new Blazers flutter down the runway. I believe the blazer, just like the six inch heels and the little black dress, should be an absolute must in every girl’s new uniform.

Season after season they return to the runways, through the department stores and into our closets from Balmain’s fierce embellished shoulder pads, to Stella McCartney’s studio 54–esque little numbers, there is something for everybody. A blazer can add a number of things to ones ensemble, give you a better waistline, toughen up a girly dress, smarten up a plain t-shirt, define shoulders, not to mention hiding ‘last nights sins’ at the office. Above are some of the must have blazers out there, first day of school or not, get educated.

From top to bottom.

Philip Lim FALL 2010 black piped blazer – Straight from the runway, also available in baby blue, my favourite piece from the entire collection.

Stella McCartney shantung silk single breasted blazer – Think Miami vice, without the bad hair or bad one liner’s.

Balmain cotton canvas studded military blazer – As a self confessed Balmanic , this baby has a definite call to arms.

Elizabeth and James James twirl blazer – Affordable, chic and timeless, those Olsen girls can do no wrong.