Friday 22 October 2010

The Row Spring/Summer 2011. I am in love.

"Always with the mentality of refined, minimal luxury that was wearable."

Watch the video to preview the latest collection from The Row and hear Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen talk through the thought process behind it. I really love the round sunglasses and the natural hair and makeup!



For me, The Row is perfection. I am a huge fan of minimalism in fashion and The Row has been doing it best for seasons now (sorry, Phoebe Philo). It manages to be simple and elegant without ever being bland. The Row offers classic staples with a modern twist, perfect cuts, and a wearability factor that no woman could say no to - all in neutral colours. What's not to love? These are pieces that will stand the test of time, they are season-less, they are an investment. I am in love.

For proof of just how season-less The Row really is, check out this fashion film they released back in 2007 which is still just as relevant in fashion today as it was 3 years ago.


More soon.
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Tuesday 19 October 2010

Spark!

If you follow my twitter you might have heard me mention the wonderful Spark once or twice.

Spark is a young'un. Taking her name from her actual middle name, 'Sparkle', this girl is headed for big things. Having only graduated from the Brit school in May, the very next day she was off supporting fashion favourite, Marina and the Diamonds, on a full tour of the UK. Now signed to Marina's label (Warner/679), Spark is making magic of her own. This week alone saw a full page feature in the NME and her new single, Revolving has been garnering lots of Radio 1 play from the likes of Nick Grimshaw. Spark is definitely one to watch.

Check out her debut video for single, Revolving:



For more music or upcoming tour dates (Spark will be supporting Diana Vickers as well as Pete Wentz's side project, Black Cards on dates across the UK) check out her myspace. You can also follow her on twitter.

More soon.

Lanvin for H&M sneak peek!

A little over a month ago you might remember me mentioning a little something that was in the works.. Lanvin's Alber Elbaz and Lucas Ossendrijver are designing an affordable line for high-street mega-brand, H&M! Of all of H&M's designer collaborations (Jimmy Choo, Sonia Rykiel, Karl Lagerfeld) this is by far the one that has caused the biggest stir within the fashion industry, as Elbaz himself put it, "I think I loved the idea that H&M was going luxury, rather than Lanvin is going public." And so with the promise of the full collection's unveiling on November 2nd, fashionistas the world over started crossing off the days on their calendars. But those lovely people over at H&M know us all too well and know that we can't wait that long! So the first images of the collaboration, shot by David Sims, have been released early!

It's hard to believe that this is an advert for H&M, the beautiful, understated elegance screams Lanvin! With the gorgeous ruffles, cinched waists, and asymmetric necklines - all in fashion's favourite colour - this collaboration is guaranteed to have girls worldwide trampling over eachother to get their hands on an affordable piece of Lanvin come November 23rd. Better start queuing now then..

More soon.
Follow the twitter for by-the-minute updates.

Friday 15 October 2010

Spring/Summer 2011 trends: marabou accessories!

It's no secret that I'm not a big fan of 70's style, so a lot of the Spring collections have been a little disappointing for me. However I am really getting into one apparent Spring/Summer 2011 trend; marabou accessories! In the spirit of Marc Jacobs' most recent Louis Vuitton show; I'm embracing camp tastes, and loving it.

House of Holland

Yves Saint Laurent

Giles

feathers at Chanel

From earrings and belts at House of Holland to neck pieces at Giles and Yves Saint Laurent; marabou (the material often used to make feather boas) was rife on catwalks across the globe and is an undeniable trend set to sweep the high street come Spring. In the kitsch-est possible interpretation of this, I want to channel a bored 60's housewife and am lusting after some fluffy shoes, very Mad Men - or Carrie in Sex and the City (season 6, episode 2).

shoes from a burlesque website

Apparently Christopher Kane is way ahead of me and has already shown these marabou masterpieces in his 2011 Resort collection. WANT!

Christopher Kane

More soon.
Follow the twitter for by-the-minute updates.

All runway photos are from Style.com

Tuesday 5 October 2010

"I think that accessorising makes or breaks an outfit."

I don't know about you, but it always seems as though I can never find decent unusual jewellery anywhere! So I was thrilled to learn of newly-launched online jewellery boutique, Studded & Stoned, that brings cool, edgy brands that are hard to find to UK customers.


Founder, Charli Brown, first came up with the idea when she noticed that "there is a serious shortage of the particular style of designer jewellery in the UK that I'm trying to bring over," such as Leviticus, Pamela Love or Erin Wasson's LowLuv that were featured on the American fashion blogs she loves. It's easy to tell how passionate Charli is about her new venture through her extremely conscientious buying, valuing designers for "their quirkiness", as well as their individuality and affordability; "so many designer pieces are all about the safe, over-the-top glam factor, so you're only really left with highstreet brands if you want something a little quirky. I mean Dior and McQueen are awesomely quirky, but who the fuck can afford them at our age? I've tried to find affordable quirky pieces that have been made in small quantities, with love and effort - minus the epic price tags over at YSL/McQueen/Dior. I think I'm trying to cater to jewellery lovers who love individual pieces, are prepared to pay a little more for a uniquely designed piece, but not shell out 2 months' wages on a high-fashion piece."

Studded & Stoned founder, Charli Brown

"I think that accessorising makes or breaks an outfit."

I've been obsessing over the rings..

Bijules Bone Knuckle Ring, 14ct Gold, £120
Leviticus Talon Ring, sterling silver, £70
Bijules Mini Curved Bar Ring, solid silver, £140

Low Luv by Erin Wasson Hinged Armour Ring, silver-plated, £53

I've completely fallen in love with the entire concept of Studded & Stoned, right down to the 'community' where they encourage a completely interactive experience with their customer base - you can also follow them on twitter. With it's intelligent, eclectic mix of hard-to-find edgy designers and unusual UK-based designers such as Mawi and Lara Bohinc; I think Studded & Stoned is definitely fast becoming one of my new favourite boutiques!

More soon.
Follow The Sculpted Heel twitter for by-the-minute updates.