Monday, November 30, 2009

Shake a Tail Feather

Feathers are such a great way to make a real style statement. They are opulent and luxurious. They are also a great way to add interest and texture to any outfit. As they were designed by nature to be both functional and ornamental, they really add something special to an outfit, whether they are glossy and black, neutral colours for a toned down look or bright colours like greens and purples. Their intricate structure even makes them great for jewellery

This season feathers made a big appearance on the catwalks. At PPQ feather trimmed muff bags, at Alexander McQueen, a dress made entirely of feathers, an elaborate sequin and feather trimmed dresses at Elie Saab and feather trim along one sleeve at Givenchy. There is something both theatrical and magical about feathers that makes them perfect for party dresses but also for adding a bit of glamour to an every day outfit. There are so many different ways that you can add feathers to your outfit from feather inspired jewellery or prints, to small amounts of feather trim on a piece of clothing or accessories. If you really want to rock this trend you can go for a feathered skirt or dress and for the really brave combine with feathered accessories. Get some inspiration for your feathered outfits with these lovely sets.

feather earrings

feather outfit

feather gloves

C'est Froid by Melisay

feather shoes

feather earrings

Stretch Knee High Boots by Laedanla

The Draped Dress







Ann draped dress Anne Demeulemeester draped dress


If there is one dress on almost everyone's wish list for the season, it has to be the draped dress. It was seen at so many of the autumn /winter shows including Peter Pilotto, Donna Karen, Versace and Vivienne Westwood, all of whom are considered masters of drape. The draped dress brings new meaning to the words graceful and elegant, giving a soft and flattering silhouette. It has a definite feeling of Greek goddess about it. Most draped dresses are made of a jersey material which drapes so well due to it weight, but satin and chiffon are also popular choices

The beauty of draping is the way that it skims over the body instead of clinging making it so flattering and wearable for anyone. The folds of material also hide and disguise any lumps or bumps. Finally the vertical and diagonal lines created by the draping of the material have an elongating effect make the wearer appear taller and slimmer. This look works well for all sorts of occasions including a floor sweeping evening gown, cocktail dress and even a more casual day dress.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Rock Chic is Here to Stay

The rock chic trend just keeps on coming back season after season, perhaps it just never goes away. It can be glam with heels or a more relaxed look with boots that screams "I don't give a ...". One of the key components of this look is a black leather jacket, the more worn looking the better. This look is regularly worn by celebrities and rock stars themselves but it's popularity is probably due to it being such an easy look to put together. Skin tight jeans, leather trousers, dark colours, studs and boots are also part of this trend, but you don't have to wear all of these at once. For a lower key and more wearable rock chic look, try combining just a few of these elements with a contrasting style perhaps a floral or baby pink chiffon dress.

rock chic
This outfit combines browns and chiffon for a subtle effect, but the Rick Owens zipped leather jacket adds a definite rock chic edge.


leather jacket

This is a great casual version of the look. blue jeans and court shoes combined with a denim waist coat and leather jacket with zippers and just a little be of sparkle for a bit of glamour.


haider ackermann leather jacket




Untitled by Hayxly143

This outfit is for the unashamed and completely full on glam rock chic. Those boots such a statement and when combined with skinny jeans, a black vest top and Haider Ackermann leather jacket, they rock!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Join the Save Luella Campaign

come back Luella

Luella ss09picture from http://www.style.com/

British fashion bloggers and fashionistas around the world are joining the Save Luella Campaign and pledging their support for the British designer Luella Bartley whose label Luella ceased trading on 10th November. The brands backer Club 21 which had been its global licensee for ready-to-wear and accessories since 2003, announced that it would no longer be investing in its relationship with Luella Bartley Ltd. Luella is now looking for a new backer.

The sudden news of Luella's plight has made big news on the Internet as fashion bloggers and fashionistas join the call to Save Luella. A Save Luella Facebook group and Save Luella campaign on Twitter have attracted hundreds and thousands of fans and supporters. Bloggers are posting their own individual posts featuring their favourite Luella pieces and Luella inspired outfits.

Luella is known for her pretty dresses and feminine clothes with a quirky twist. Many of her clothes feature her signature bows and floral patterns as well as bright colour combinations and innovative styles. Why not show your support for Luella by designing your own Luella inspired outfit?


save Luella campaign

Come back Luella by Cheathcote

Friday, November 13, 2009

What happened to Lily?

lily allen chanel style

lily allen dress

lily allen style


What happened to the tracksuit and Ugg boot wearing Lily that we used to know and love? Lily has gone all stylish and glamorous. She seems to have blossomed into a very beautiful young lady and is now hanging out with the likes of Karl Lagerfield and dressing in the hottest labels. I love Lily's new style, is is polished and sophisticated, a far cry from her teenage style of trainers and prom dresses. Lily's striking dark hair, which is styled so carefully into a slightly dishevelled uo do, looks great with both bold and pale colours. She is now no longer just an incredibly talented singer and song writer but also a fashion icon.

Lily's new style is both feminine and lady like. With Chanel jackets (of course) and gorgeous empire line dresses . Her outfits really inspire me to create my own feminine and lady like outfits.


chanel styl bag and jacket

Lily Allen Style by Cheathcote

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Party Time - Christmas Dresses

It is only November, but it is not to early to start thinking about Christmas party dresses. For those of us who don't get the chance the rest of the year, Christmas is a great time to get really dressed up, whether it is for a night out with friends, the office Christmas party, a new years eve party or a family do. Christmas is a time when almost anything goes from sparkle and gloss to bright colours or all over black. Christmas is the perfect time to make that style statement that you have been considering all year but never really had the chance to make. Here are some of the key looks to consider for Christmas parties this year but you don't need to stick to these, why not try creating your own?sequin party dress
Sequin - Great look by dzejla - If you really want to get noticed then all over sequins is a great way, you will really catch the light and sparkle all night.

little black party dress

Little Black Dress - untitled by 4dnyy - this is probably the ultimate in versatile party outfits to suit almost any occasion. It can be dressed up in so many different ways with accessories.


feathered party dress

Feathered or fringed - New years eve by Pahuljica20 these are both big trends for this year. A very stylish and luxurious party outfit.

maxi party dress
Maxi untitled by irenairena a great option for a more formal Christmas Party. The floor sweeping maxi dress is incredibly elegant.

floral party dress
Floral Test by h24h24 If you love patterns then a bright floral party dress is a cute option. Team with killer heels and you are ready to party.

draped party dress
Draped Nebeski Plavo.... by zeky18 this is such a huge trend for this season, it had to feature on the party dress list. It is very flattering style and has a feeling of Greek Goddess about it.


ruffled party dressThe ruffled dress untitled by irenairena - ruffles are a great way to add Christmas glamour and opulence to a party dress. Add some rich jewel colours for a really show stopping look.



Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sunbathing beauties

While one half of the world starts dreaming of long winter coats, wooly scarves, and leather gloves, the other starts dreaming of maxi dresses, shear tops and, of course, bathing suits. The changing of the seasons is generally an exciting time for all fashion lovers as there is new inspirations, colours and styles, however for some of us heading into summer the change of seasons can be a worrying time.

For some the bathing suit season is one of fun, frivolity, and flirting. For others it is an intimidating and downright scary time, full of bathing suit dread. Oh, those mirrors! Oh, those white legs! I think everyone has felt that ping of disappointment at some time.

This experience really needn't be the case though as bathing suit styles have evolved over the years, and there are now many more options for all shapes and sizes. Thankfully designers have realised that the teeny weeny suits that grace the Giselle-type creatures roaming Brazilian beaches really do not suit us all, and variety is what the consumer is after. And, where were we all before fake tan - a god-send.

Of the new and popular styles for this summer, one-piece suits are seeing a resurgence in popularity. One-piece suits are fabulous for those of us who prefer more coverage, those who wish to actually swim in the sea, and for creating a more lithe figure. There is also some great, fashionable colours that can help create interest and guide the eye gently away from those areas you would really rather the eye not focus on. Another great way of hiding some problem areas is to try the high-waisted two-piece styles now available. Australian designer "Hotel Bondi Swim" has some good examples to check out.

In addition to one-piece suits, frilly 1950s styles are also in vogue and can do wonders for those of us less endowed in the chest. One word of warning though. Beware of looking too girlie if this is not the look you are after. Opt for a more structured style, such as nautical look, to continue to enhance cleavage but not look too poolside pretty.

Colour, colour, colour is another way to brighten up your day, and just feel good. Bathing suits are one example of fashion where you can use as much colour as you like, in as little space as possible. Bright fuchsia pinks, neon yellows, and lime greens have all featured in this seasons colour palette, as well as tangerine orange and shades of turquoise. If colour is not your style, look sophisticated and poised in blocks of black, white, blue and red, for impact and confidence.

And finally, there is the question of how many bathing suits do I need? Some say one is enough… others have 20 in their wardrobe. I say, grab as many as you can to suit all of your different moods - from playful, to wild, to quiet, to taking you to that place that you want to be. However many you have, wear your suit with confidence and a smile, and you will be sure to wow any beach or poolside crowd!

Friday, November 6, 2009

A Bit of an Animal

Animal prints are back in fashion, if they ever went away. They can be a tricky look to master and it is essential to get just the right balance of vixen and sophisticated style maven. There are different ways to achieve this balance which include combining just one or two animal print accessories with black or neutral colours. Zebra prints in black and white also give a slightly quirky edge. You can also try opting for a slightly muted animal print for a more subtle effect or miniature print for a completely different look. Here are some of my favourite animal print outfits.

I love the simplicity of this one shouldered dress. It works so well with the shoes and bag for a very sophisticated outfit for an evening out.


leopard print accessories


This animal print belt really finishes and holds together this outfit with black top and tan trousers. I also love those delicate multistrap sandals.




zebra top

This quirky outfit uses a boyfriend jacket to give this look a masculine edge and contrast the vamp like shoes and ring. A daring and different choice of colour combination.