London Fashion Week: Best Of British

                 

So London Fashion Week is over and done with for another season and for all us fashion bloggers it is a natural reaction to assess the collections, themes, trends and overall performance for personal favourites. Personally, London has always been the forefront winner amongst all the fashion cities, purely because of the authenticity of the designs. Unique always springs to mind and thankfully this time around it was no disappointment. British designers always just "get-it", perhaps it is the diverse range of patterns and abstract use of colours or maybe it is down to their extremely "trendy" lifestyles in the city of London, either way it results in collections that are sought after by fashionistas alike globally.

For this post I have decided to focus on three British brands that have continually over the past number of seasons have blown me away creatively.  As an Event Management graduate I focus not only the designs but the whole experience of the showcase of each brand, from the set design to the location and everything in between. These brands are Sibling, House of Holland and Holly Fulton. If this is your first time hearing of any of these designers is certainly will not be your last.

Sibling

  

The Sibling brand is made up of three designers; Sid  Bryan, Joe Bates and Cozette Mc Creery residing from Yorkshire, Leicester and London respectively. What strikes me about this brand is that it isn't traditional high fashion pieces, the approach is more "bohemian witch chic" which is especially evident is the AW14 collection, which is seen above. The speciality of this brand is the emphasis on knitted goods, a unique trait in itself and, lets face it, perfect for the colder, harsh winter season which we are accustomed to.  Sibling were recently quoted saying "expect colour, humour, sparkle and that everything will be knitted", which is not only off the beat fashion but an aspect of styling which other major designers do not play with as much, or so I have noticed anyway. In my opinion this is ery fashion at it's best and this new vibe is taking a step forward into the "trendy, east London" girl style with a realistic output. Sibling is absolutely a one to watch over the coming seasons.

  

Holly Fulton

  

Born in Edinburgh and later studying at the Edinburgh College of Art and the Royal College of Art, Fulton has recently rose to become one of the leading highlights of London Fashion Week, the spotlight beginning with the star studded front row last September which included the likes of Kelly Osborne, Harry Styles and Sienna Miller. The designer states that her signatures pieces are " graphic print, luxurious materials and hot accessories".  One of the biggest trends for SS14 was the revival of white. Other trends included sports luxe, graphic art and monochrome, and what Fulton has created so effortlessly is the cluster of all these styles in one garment. At first it would seem like this is just simply not possibly and that it would be an OVERKILL! But it works, and it works beautifully. Bright, fresh, clean tones with a hint subtle hint of graphic art, this is fashion for SS14 at it's best. Some pieces have a strong element of orange, another vibrant colour for the approaching season and one that seems to be re-occurring as times go by. The one thing I will finish on about this latest collection from Holly Fulton is that this is the next generation of top designers and this is only the beginning of a beautiful relationship for fashion lovers.

  

House of Holland 

  

Henry Holland is probably the brand with the most global success of the three mentioned. Born in Ramsbottom, Holland studied at London College of Printing  and worked as a stylist before developing his own fashion brand. When I think of HOH words that spring to mind are playful, colour, bold prints with exotic underlays and quintessential britishness. Looking at his SS14 showcase, lilac backdrops, mexican vibes and flirty textures, it not only paved the way for an exciting season of fashion but it also put an extreme amount of pressure on the next season to deliver a collection which could live up to the hype. House of Holland delivered just that. Exploring metallics and greens to the extent which this collection has shows the brand as not only diverse but not afraid to break out of its comfort zone. With the inclusion of hot pinks and orange, we are presented with an array of styles which truly stood out from the fashion haven of fashion week, period.  Holland is not one to shy away from risks and usually does so with experimenting with graphic prints, this time around we see a step back from prints and more emphasis on bolder, stronger colours and tones. My favourite from this collection is the emerald green suit, it is that perfect ensemble which can be deemed timeless.

  

What was your favourite highlight and designer from this years London Fashion Week??

Love C X 

XO

SS14: Sporty Luxe

For the third edition of trend alerts for the blog I have decided to take a look at an ensemble of outfits that doesn't necessarily scream "CiCi Jewels", but it's all in the name of research. If you read this blog regularly I'm sure by now you have established that my style is quiet the opposite of anything sports related. For the past few months I have somewhat struggled to understand the growing interest in baseball jerseys, jogger silk shorts and the comeback of Air Max with a perfectly elegant outfit, but who am I to judge? But like everything else I have learned to take certain aspects of the trend and put my own signature taste on it. For example, these days I now reach for my runners more than my black ankle heel boots which is something that I would have never considered before, think high street loafers more than Air Max. I suppose comfort has it's perks.

The one thing that we are thought throughout the countless magazines that we have read growing up is "dress for your body shape". This trend alone would contradict everything that I have believed in, personally. As a girl who is not of a model physique so I find that this look can be hard to work without looking like a sack, which seems to happen to me anyway. I've seen this look so effortless on girls who are naturally really thin and it looks great but my confidence lacks when trying it. Thankfully it seems the look has evolved a little form the old school tracksuit pants and baggy sweaters (slightly). The boxy crop top is perfect for those who do not want to whole heartily commit to this trend. Team with a high waisted PVC skirt and denier tights and you have yourself  a perfect outfit which ticks the sports luxe trend. On the other hand, if you are insecure about your upper body parts I recommend experimenting with the jogger trousers and fitted tee, another winning look for the coming season. 

In terms of make up for this look it is all stripped back, minimal and effortless, another thing that I don't know if I feel comfortable being that recently found my love for deep eye shadows again, particularly brown and gold tones. Eyeliner is also a friend of mine so I think keeping in line with this look would translate to cutting back on that which I wouldn't be able to fully commit to. I am a big fan of the luxe trousers which River Island have 100% nailed, if you haven't managed to have a look yet you can do so here. My favorite is the hot pink pair which probably wouldn't go with anything in my wardrobe but who cares! It's an excuse to go shopping. 

Love C X 

SS14: Going Graphic

In the second installment in my SS14 Trend Forecaster I am looking at the (in my opinion) most exciting look for the coming season: Art Attack. This look sees bolder, brighter and vibrant prints which are a representation of  graphic artwork at it's best. The first time I spoke about my love for this reviving look was it was first presented to us at London Fashion Week  last September and in particular the HOH collection, if you missed the post you can read about it here. Since then I have been very excited for the variation of styles and colours that can be used with the graphic theme, and now its finally time to break it out. 

I know recently I have talked excessively about my growing love for great quality Basics, and while I still stand by my earlier statements, sometimes it's essential to break out of the traditional styling and welcome a little contemporary. These bold graphics are not introduced by half, behold rich, vibrant textures in all forms such as shirts, skirts and my personal favorite of them all, trousers. During the January sales I spotted a pair of printed trousers in River Island, mainly a kaleidoscope print with pinks, creams and a hint of green. They were an absolute bargain at 20 Euro down from fifty and will definitely be making a debut over the coming weeks. 

The best way that I will wear this trend will be to mix it in with plainer basics. If you are going with a crazy graphic top match it with black skinny jeans or vice verse. Matching print combos are a great look aswell but I would more keep this for an event, a night out or dinner, not necessarily for day time practicality. 

Blue shades are also something that I have taken a keen interest in, if you missed the Blue Blood post you can read it here. Keeping this in mind I am going to look for some prints with a blue over lay to brighten up my wardrobe which is definitely needed in this terrible weather. This trend sends me to a warmer, sunnier climate which is something that is needed, especially at this time of the year. 

Love C X 

SS14 Trends: Green with Envy

Every season there is a colour that dominates the catwalk, magazines and the high street. Over the next few posts I am going to talk you through these trends and how we can style each one to suit yourself.  This  time around it comes in the form of green. Brighter tones always show their sunny selves at the beginning of spring, primarily beginning with Fashion Week and progressively more so in the following weeks. SS14 forecasts include sorbet pastels, sophisticated sportswear and  monochrome madness but with traditional summer floral prints taking a tropical makeover we are seeing green everywhere.

What I enjoy most about this fresh approach to summer brightness is that is an upgrade from SS13 trends which were more bohemian (which I loved) but this approach brings pristine to our style in a way that "Gypset" didn't. Now, I wouldn't go throwing away our maxi skirts just yet but there are many ways to incorporate the "green" way of living without doing a style-over. Khaki green has been a prominent feature in summer style for the past number of years, but the difference this time is the exciting prints, think monochrome with green replacing black. Personally I think this colour will better suit blondes and my favorite way to incorporate this into my look is with a casual jumper. It is simple but yet allows you to stand out from the crowd. 

The great thing about opting for green for the coming season is that it translates right across the trend board, from fruity flora's to art graphics to smart tailoring. So if you tend to change your mind a lot about what "your style" is you still don't have to pigeon hole your self just yet. Investing in key pieces such as one good quality jumper, a tote bag or "barely-there" sandals in green could assist you through all your various looks this spring/summer. 

For the adventurous souls who wish to attempt this trend though the form of make up my advise is to be very careful. Obviously, the best form of experimentation is on the eyes. Taupe eye shadow best suit blondes with brown hair but brunettes could easily incorporate dark green in their normal smoky eye mix, it's all about the shading! For those of you who don't tend to go OTT on the eyes can always have the subtle approach in the form of a liner pencil.  Rimmel have s great range of shadow and pencil liners for you to discover the one that best suits your skin tone. 

Love C X 

February Loves ....

American Eagle Outfitters graphic shirt
Pull Bear print top
Helmut Lang blazer

River Island cigarette skinny jeans

Topshop espadrilles shoes

Boyy leather purse

Halcyon Days bangle bracelet
ASOS diamante ring

Mac cosmetics makeup

TheBalm blush

Love C X 

& Other Stories

              

In a few weeks I am going to London for a few days and I have been doing a bit of research on different places that I want to visit while I'm there. I always try and visit as many different clothing stores as possible, particularly ones that are not around me usually. There has been lots of hype about & Other Stories recently largely due to their collaboration with H&M (another favorite of mine), so I have been glued to their website and I am hooked. Below are my must-haves which I am hoping to pick up while in London. 

               

Leather Trousers £245 

                

Square Frame Sunglasses £45

Brass Bangle Set £12 

Black leather trousers are  always a winner for me being both classic but trendy, and working with both a casual and smart style. Last year I bought a similar pair in River Island for 60 Euro but they have since began to loose their shape so it's that time to stock up on another pair and these could not fit the bill any more. 

              

Pocket Detail Jersey Dress £45 

               

Suede Platforms £69

I'm obsessed with anything grey at the minute, especially when it comes to knit wear and tops. I have scoured the internet for the perfect grey knit, that mix between wool and cotton that gives a soft, rich texture to the garment. I am still on the hunt. Once I saw this grey jersey dress on the website I instantly clicked into it, now I don't know yet if this is due to me being aware of the fact that I love grey or that I really love the dress but I'm sure we will find out when I finally try it on. Overall, my first impressions of &Other Stories is that the quality of the products looks amazing and the stock isn't too pricey where we can't afford! My next step is to go and buy these pieces and fall in love with the brand even more. If any of you have any advice on which &Other Stories shop is the best one to visit in the Central London area please let me know. 

                 

Double Compartment Handbag £145 

All about products are available from here. 

Love C X