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