SO TOTALLY

Monday, 4 October 2010

Timeless: Military Cape

Another timeless classic for AW 10/11 is the cape. Utilitarian and ultra sheek, I am thrilled it has made a come back. In the seasons must-have camel shade, this Topshop option has been so popular that it sold out and is back in store due to such high demand. I am guilty to say I have snatched myself one and will be shamelessly be fashioning it's 60s sophistication. If only I had the deerskin Prada tote handbag to accessorise it with...still dreaming...

Sunday, 3 October 2010

Fashion Temple & Prada Love

It is a shameful confession that my first visit to Westfield, London, was only earlier this year. Normally I would go straight into the hub of the capital, hitting Oxford Street and spending a lifetime in Topshop. Having worked with the brand for 4 years now, I have become somewhat loyal to the high-street label but of all people, I should know that most of the gorgeous items they bring out season after season will be out the next. That is the way in fashion - it comes and goes in a flash.

Yesterday I found my dream haven, an unmatched fashion temple for all woman (and men). The Village. Located in the midst of all our high-street regulars, this gem of luxury brands is found clustered in their own pristine corner of Westfield. Glass fronted and lit in a dim pink glow with cascading glass chandeliers overhead, I felt like a child in a sweet shop with only a penny in to her name. Burberry, Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton...

Quite dangerously, I left there with a new love - this deerskin Prada tote handbag.

An absolute dream and so unbearable gorgeous, this is a piece that will never go 'out of fashion'. It's timeless and classic. If ever I will be so lucky to own a genuine Prada bag, I would live out of it and wear it 'till my last living day, passing it down for the next generation to cherish.

For a hefty price tag of £1460, I think it may be a while before I grow up from that little girl to the woman who can carelessly walk free with a Prada purchase. Still, a girl can dream...

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

Armour Ring & Damson Jam

Autumn is my favourite month. Out come warm palettes of berry reds, velvety greens and rich caramels mimicking the turning of the leaves. Damson Jam by Collection 2000 is the perfect colour for nails this season. I've bagged mine already!

Referring back to a few style shots from London Fashion Week, I've noticed that amour rings are becoming a bold trend of the moment. Moulded to fit perfectly around the bends of the finger, these statement rings mimic medieval body armour with flexible overlapping metallic plates. Not exactly your most delicate of options, but certainly one which would bring out your inner rebellious nature.

The amour ring featured in these photos is from ASOS for only £10 (shown above) but of course those with a more indulgent nature may go for this Vivienne Westwood creation (below) RRP £170.

McQueen Memorial

It was one of those moments in time you will always remember. Of when and how you heard the news. The death of Alexander McQueen.

Whether or not you are a fond follower of the fashion world like myself, his creations couldn't have gone amiss. Each encapsulated a uniqueness and edge that many designers seem too narrow-minded and conscious to attempt with any amount of matched vigour and passion. McQueen was able to translate his visions through his garments, that when showed on the runway, became much more than your ordinary parade. He would put on a show in which he would create a world that expressed the nature of the collection, down to the very characters that modelled them. Without doubt, an Alexander McQueen show was the one to watch with each being so unique, controversial and unpredictable.

On Monday 20th September, while I was busying about Somerset House, some took a brake from London Fashion Week to remember this fashion visionary. Located at St Paul's Cathedral, 1200 adorned in black took their seats to pay their respects to the late Alexander McQueen who took this own life in February of this year.

"He taught us that the runway was a place where dreams become reality" - Anna Wintour

"He was an artist who just happened to be working with clothing" - Suzy Menkes, fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune

In honour of McQueen's Scottish heritage and love for tartan plaid, bagpipers led the mourners back onto the steps of the cathedral once the service had ended. A truly royal and touching farewell for such a great name.

Anna Wintour, one of the most powerful women in fashion, arriving in an Alexander McQueen coat embroidered in gold blossom flowers.

English model, Kate Moss, attended wearing a black leather skirt and blazer - simple and classic.

Not perhaps your ordinary pick for a memorial, but the late designer sure had his impact on those who attended.

Also sporting an Alexander McQueen ensemble was one of his dearest friends, Sarah Jessica Parker.

"He was one of a kind. The service was bitter-sweet. Perfect." - Sarah Jessica Parker.

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Manolo's New Shoes

As part of my 21st birthday gift from the family, I received this beautiful collection of Manolo Blahnik sketches. Designing since 1971, Blahnik is synonymous for exceptionally crafted shoes that are unique and objects of pure desire. Each design starts with these colourful sketches, that have become as sought after as the shoes themselves.

Homing in on his current inspirations and desires, the volume is organised under such titles as 'Africa', 'Architecture' and 'Botany'. It really is intriguing to see how such a talent translates outside influences into their work, and it is something that I would love to pursue.

For anyone who appreciates art and fashion, this really is a gorgeous book to own.

Of course, to see the best of Manolo, we only need to turn our attention to the Sex and the City girls. I really do need to train myself to last in heels. Second to that, I think I need to go shopping!