I-Spy Somthing Beginning with D

Fashion legend is not a term I think can be used frequently, but Diane von Furstenberg is just that. Her label has been successful and a must-have for glamourous jet-setters as well as power-suit workers, since 1972. No longer just the brand for incredible jersey wrap dresses, DvF is synonymous with fun, prints, colour and glamour. This delicious lemon dress is the ultimate spring piece....

Silk tie-waist dress, £338, Diane von Furstenberg at Matches



Love the Sartorialist? Check out London street photography since 19th century

Photography has become one of the most wide-spread expressions of art in the last 100 years. In celebration of it, The Museum of London, are showing an exhibition from the museum's collection of street photography from the 19th century to the present. It details the changing nature of life in London and the shifting role of photography in public places.

To see images from the exhibition click here.

Until Sun Sep 4 Museum of London, 150 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN

Why I'm Flamingoing to Smythson...



I totally love the new summer windows at Smythson - along with their new matching stationary of flamingos.

Notecards, from £30, Smythson

Stylish coat in Mayfair...

Walking around Mayfair on a daily basis, I see a lot expensive clothes, but I love it when I see someone dressed stylishly instead of fashion-y. Exhibit A - stylish lady in jeans and a gorgeous vintage looking camel coat with furry cuffs....for other vintage finds in London check out Beyond Retro, Circa Vintage, Rokit and Virginia's (98 Portland Road, in Holland Park) or online at Frock on Vintage.

The anonymous stylish coat...

In-My-Bag M&S stripy duffle

Spring = nautical stripes, but why only wear a Breton stripy top? Feel preppy with a stripy duffle bag from Marks and Spencer...


Drawstring cotton bag, £39.50 Marks & Spencer



I-Spy Something beginning with C

Carven has very quickly become a very-cool label. Launched in 1945 as a couturier, but with a recent new designer from Givenchy, it is another uber-trendy and modern French brand. This silk dress is perfect for wearing smartly to work, and can also be dressed up with heels and jewels for the evening...



Cotton gabardine and shantung dress, £270, Carven at Browns

 

Autumn Winter 2011 Fashion Forecast

The shows from New York, to London, Milan and Paris, are over. The reviews are in, trends predicted...Paris was the icing on the fashion cake; with shows from Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Celine, Chanel amongst more, they told the story of an amazing season ahead of us this year.

The majority of the fash-pack were trying to understand what John Galliano was thinking about, and what was going to come of his role at Christian Dior. As yet, his successor at the Parisian house, is still unknown (front runners include Riccardo Tisci from Givenchy) and his reputation lies in tatters, whilst he is rumoured to be in rehab in Arizona.

As usual, the shows in Paris cement the trends for each season, and most of the mainstream styles come from Paris. The season looks dark - muddy colours, rich burgundy, warm rust as well as strong AW classic monochrome. However, Burberry and Chloe also showed brights for the season, so there is room for colour.

Chloe A/W 2011

Oversized sequins, shown at Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton and Prada in Milan are appropriate for evening without being flashy. 

Prada A/W 2011

Polka dots are a key detail - Prada, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Stella showed us how to make these modern and not passé.

Stella McCartney A/W 2011



Marc Jacobs A/W 211

Menswear tailoring is strong, with looks from Dolce & Gabbana, Celine and Chanel.

Celine A/W 2011

Final words on the season - loose fluid trousers, tunic or shift dress, a cocoon coat, check or tartan and just a hint of fetish/S&M. What does that mean? It's FUN! Don't take it too seriously...

Somerset House Contemporary Art Fair

There is still time to get yourself along to the second edition of Pick Me Up, the UK’s first contemporary graphic art fair, at Somerset House. Due to popular demand after the fair’s successful launch in April 2010, Pick Me Up takes place in the Embankment Galleries until this Sunday for a celebration of graphic art.

The best, most innovative and avant-garde graphic artists, collectives and galleries from the UK and the world are exhibiting and selling artworks. Whilst you're there - check out Tom's Deli which keeps me going during London Fashion Week!

Until 27 March Daily 10.00-19.00, Thurs until 21.00 Embankment Galleries, South Wing. £7/£5

Another classic from Tiffany & Co

In the words of one of the most inflential designers of all time, Coco Chanel, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

I am fascinated by street-style and fashion influences me in different ways - shop windows, colours in a silk scarf, a chic woman strutting through the snow in high heel boots (for the hell - and style - of it). I am always looking around me, and will endeavour to share with you some things that I observe along my day-to-day life...

Tiffany window displays are always imaginative and beautiful. Previous styles have included amazing paper origami as well as tropical coral reef designs. Currently promoting their Tiffany Locks and favourite classics key pendants, their windows on old Bond Street are whimsical with a hint of Alice in Wonderland. With prices starting at £65 (top prices depend on how many diamonds you want!) and the matching keys starting at £90.


Sterling silver key pendant, £140, Tiffany & Co



"I need to buy new jeans after losing my baby weight, but I hate trying on so many in different shops. Where should I head to?"

There are amazing premium denim stores such as Trilogy and Donna Ida, but they are London-focused. They offer expert advice in terms of trends, designer brands and fit as well as gorgeous clothing to go with your newly purchased jeans. With great websites for both stores, online shopping is possible, but in order to ensure the best fit, its important to try on various styles in a few sizes (Don't focus on the size label - its all about the fit, sometimes a baggier size is sexier than skin-tight).

Next is one of the biggest names on the high street, and has recently revamped its denim shop and offers an impressive 7 styles as well as Denim x which includes denim jumpsuits, shorts and dresses. With 360 degree video footage to show fit of each style online, the website is a one-stop shop for your denim desires...with core styles starting at just £20 and top price only £40, it's impossible to buy just one pair.

Excuse me Miss, your Coach has arrived...

Coach, a major accessory brand in the States, has landed on our shores. It first store opened in Westfield yesterday, with a real New York vibe - bagels, milkshakes and glamour galore. Gorgeous accessories stand along-side covetable clothing with a classic American twist.

The store will house Coach's luxury handbags, purses, travel accessories, shoes, jewellery and clothing for both men and women. The Westfield-exclusive bag available in grey, white, orange and red has beautiful gold hardware and made of superior leather. My favourites? The sequin embellished sneakers and the clean smart cropped trench jacket...

Sequin trainers, £80

Cotton cropped trench, £475

Psst...Coach will open its second store on New Bond Street later in the year....
Coach, ground floor, Westfield, 127-128 Ariel Way, London, W12 7GE

In-My-Bag New Look 70's cardigan

Everyone knows that the 70's are the trend for this summer, but it can prove a tricky trend to wear in a worky or a more relaxed situation. This cardigan from New Look gives a nod to the trend - enough to show your fashion credentials...

Zig-zag cardigan, £26.99, New Look

Fashion for the Family at Zara

I visited the new Zara press showroom and fell in love with a new collection designed with Mothers and Daughters in mind. Aside from all the amazing high summer pieces that are due to hit the stores in the next few months, the "Mummy and Me" collection offers gorgeous matchy-matchy accessories for adults as well as children.

The boys mustn't feel left out - they also have stylish clothing for little guys to dress up with their Dad's...chicness for all of the family.

I-Spy Something beginning with B

Balenciaga is the brand of the moment, and has been for years (Cristóbal Balenciaga started showing his designs in the 1930's and Nicolas Ghesquiere now heads up the fashion house). It remains the show to rival the best in Paris, and currently in London, Browns sells the label in a very attainable and fresh way.

This pretty cherry blossom printed silk skirt screams "Spring Summer", but will also last for many seasons to come.


Silk printed skirt, £295, Balenciaga at Browns



Fortnum & Mason - for ladies

Fortnum and Mason, at 181 Piccadilly is a destination, not a shop. For over 300 years, it has treated customers to dazzling window displays of temptations within. Offering fresh food, to incredible hampers, a sumptuous beauty department full of lotions and potions and the grand gentleman's floor with grooming, accessories and leather goods on display.

I feel very quite like a silly girl when I walk through Fortnum's as it is a place that most definitely ladies shop. Not girls. The milliner section (hats to you and I) on the 2nd floor has these beautiful designs for sale, if only I had a royal wedding to go to...

On the same floor, in the beauty department, an array of scented soaps, laid out like delicious macarooons (don't bite one!)

And finally, when I was feeling a little out of my depth, I stumbled across something bound to cheer anyone up....who doesn't need a decorated shower cap? Ahh, not so scary now, I like it here, I think I'll stay for a spot of tea!

"I love wearing light silky blouses, but hate to see bras underneath - what should I wear?"

The classic silky blouse works with so many looks - it smartens up a great pair of jeans, can be worn to work meetings with smart skirt or can be layered under sweaters or cardigans for a preppy look.

However, bulging bras or unsightly lace details, can all but ruin the look. I suggest tracking down the perfect fleshy smooth bras, of which I can't really fault Bodas with its Smooth tactel range. Available in 4 colourways and in soft, underwired and padded bras, the fabric is light, but long-lasting making it comfortable to wear everyday.



Smooth tactel bra, £36 Bodas

 It is also available in sheer options...

Sheer Tactel bra, £40 Bodas

The store has so much more than underwear on offer (even though it is incredible at just that!) - be sure to check out the stylish swimwear and 100% cotton t-shirts, as well as oh-so-stylish nightwear (think men's cotton pj's ).

Bring Marrakesh home with you

I was lucky enough to travel to Marrakesh in January for work, and a spot of winter sun. We stayed in the most beautiful Villa Ezzahra where the on-site staff couldn't have been more friendly, helpful and indulgent. I personally indulged in the hammam spa (what an experience!) and we ate the most delicious home-made food for days. The decor in the house and grounds is breath-taking, as is the attention to detail.

We also spent an afternoon touring the markets - not the medina souks, but the "real" Marrakesh markets. We found a treasure-trove of furniture, accessories, decor and more. As always, I couldn't possibly bring back all the things we craved, so I was thrilled when I saw Graham and Green's summer collection with Moroccan influences...

Leather Pouffe, £129 each

Bone inlay tray, £225

White metal bed-side table, £295

Now all I need is to import the sunshine...

Feathers from Milan catwalk to the Rio Carnaval

Frida Giannini's A/W 2011 designs for Gucci signalled the house's 90th anniversary. The 1970's are still well and truly in her mind (and our wardrobes?) but referencing more Angelica Houston, with fur, colour and glamourous fedora hats. Models strutted with glossy berry lips and feathers in their hair.

Birds of a feather flew south to Rio Carnaval, for a more extravagant party vibe....

Milan Fashion Week style notes

The fashion cavalry travelled to Milan, and the designers did not disappoint. The buzzwords - "maximal modernism" meaning pared down, simple clean shapes in opulent fabrics and decorative details. Trends cover most decades of fashion from 1920's dropped waist dresses, to 1950's prim lady-like looks, to 1960 and 1970's....

- 1970's trend is staying put

Gucci A/W 2011

 

Missoni A/W 2011

- Grown-up ladylike luxe 

Bottega Veneta A/W 2011

Jil Sander A/ W 2011

- 1960's prints, buttons and details

Prada A/W 2011

- Stars

Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2011

Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2011

- Checks and quirky tartan (more to come in Paris)

Maxmara A/W 2011

Etro A/W 2011

Marni A/W 2011

- Knee high boots - be sure to expect more of these in Paris....

Prada A/W 2011

Prada A/W 2011