Stylish Latte

Friday 17 June 2011

Christopher Kane Neon Clutch

Any bright coloured lace item now reminds me of Christopher Kane's summer collection. While the neon laser-cut leather and lace pieces make a bold statement and look great with contrasting brights or neutral tones, there's no denying that they don't hold much staying power for future seasons to come.

These colourful clutches make a much more sensible fashion investment and were big fashion news this week with getting featured in top fashion weekies.

For £295 you're getting a beautiful stand-out pop colour clutch that could double up as a stylish iPad case and will bring a smile to your face on the cold and rainy days when you'll wear it against your dark winter clothes.

Buy them from Net-A-Porter.com £295

TOM FORD Fall 2011/12

During fashion week my most visited website is STYLE.COM to see the latest runway pictures just hours after the shows. Some designers even broadcast their collections live on their website and you can always rely on fashion insiders to 'twitpic' the main looks. All this is bringing the front row experience to everyone that is interested.

This idea is not shared by Tom Ford whose presentations are famously exclusive with only a few fashion editors invited. Photography is not allowed and it's very limited what the attendees can reveal about the collection..

..4 months later we can finally enjoy the lookbook of the fall collection.

5 rules according to Tom Ford this winter:

FUR! - Colored, long, big chunky fur collars
Bin the leopard. Zebra is the new animal print.
Multiple textures in one look - lace/feather/fur/leather/velvet/satin
Let you waist do the talking - cinch it in with a belt or opt for sharp and skintight tailoring
Victorian lace eveningwear - high necks, long sleeves but sheer lace makes it sexy

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Vera Wang Inspiration at TOPSHOP

2011 is the year of weddings - mostly due to the Royal Wedding - so it's not surprising that elements from bridal wear make their way to our high street shops. The designers at Topshop were aiming high as they picked THE go-to label for wedding gowns Vera Wang to take inspiration from.

I recently walked past the Browns Vera Wang salon opposite Claridge's and this dress made me stop for a closer look. I love the structured bustier-looking bodice softened with a layer of tulle and the ribbon belt just ads the perfect touch.

Unfortunately I don't need the gown just yet but I'm tempted to get a 'reminder' of it for £50.

Vera Wang at Browns - Brook Street, London W1K 4HS

Monday 13 June 2011

Amber Fashion 2011 - as it happened

The weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix is always much more about the parties and social events than the race itself. The three nights at Amber Lounge are definitely the first on the list of places to be for the VVIPs. The weekend kicked off with a Matthew Willaiamson charity fashion show attended by everyone who's anyone.

Helping with the organisation of the event was a great experience. Here's how it all happened in pictures.

The line-up of the fashion show with all the looks mostly from the Spring/Summer 2011 collecton.

Looks I was responsible for. (from SS2011 Collection)

Getting a closer look at the gorgeous garments

The models taking photos - all the time and mostly of themselves

Jumping in as a seamstress to fix some ripped trousers

matthew williamson fashion show monaco

The line-up

Matthew Williamson adding finishing touches before the catwalk

And the products that were used to make the gorgeous girls look catwalk-ready...

Want some more funfacts about the show?

the hardest part about working with models is to make sure they are where they need to be - they always wondered off (just like F1 driver Adrian Sutil who also had a catwalk appearance that evening)
The champage served backstage was just as popular among models, presenters and make-up artists as the pasta with tomato sauce
All the Matthew Williamson showpieces were packed up in two large suitcases and flown back to England on Easyjet.
The models wore shoes from Matthew Williamson and Giuseppe Zanotti - and surprisingly NONE of them went missing after the show
When Kim Kardashian showed up all we could focus on was her huge rock (and her beautiful Lanvin dress)
Matthew Williamson was just as excited to see Taio Cruz perform as I was - moving instantly closer to the stage

Sunday 12 June 2011

Pleated Skirts - Keira Knightley

There's no question that the pleated skirt is a 2011 staple that will last beyond the summer season. There's plenty of choice on the high street, you just have to decide on the colour and length to go for. Keira Knightley wore a lemon midi similar to the one from River Island.