Tag Archives: fashion

The Fashion Clinic #6: Fall Essentials

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Autumn Collage

One of the best things about Autumn has to be the clothes – cosy cashmere jumpers, lots of colourful scarves, thick ribbed tights and ankle boots. Don’t get me wrong, I love balmy summer days when you can just pull on a sundress and slip on a pair of flip flops but unless you can afford to escape for the whole summer, how many outings is that strappy dress really going to get?

A quality piece of knitwear on the other hand will see you through until April or even May (at least if you live in the UK). If my past experience of the English weather is anything to go by, a light jacket or heavy cardigan will usually suffice as a cover-up until mid November. I’ve had my eye on the Fortuna cardigan (8) by Swedish design trio Dagmar since I first spotted it in a store in Gothenburg two years ago, but the hefty price tag forced me to walk away. So when I saw it reduced by 30% on Farfetch I was quick to snap it up and it’s now hanging in my closet waiting for the temperature to drop.

Odd Molly’s Knit Jacket (6) is another design that I never tire of. The fit is universally flattering and it looks great teamed with skinny jeans or an A-line skirt which are two of my Fall/Winter staples. When it comes to denim, I tend to stick to the shapes that I know suit me and these Skyline Ankle Peg jeans by Paige (5) have been my go-to style for the last couple of years. With a 29″ leg measurement they’re the perfect length for a shorty (5′ 2″) like me.

“Any colour as long as it’s pink” proclaims the cover of this month’s Vogue and who am I to argue? I love this pale pink sweatshirt by Clu with feminine ruffles along the bottom (2). H&M’s take on the dressed-up sweatshirt (1) is a snip at £29.99 and the imitation leather skirt (9) from the same store is one of those versatile day-to-night pieces.

Also on my wishlist this season are these fab go-with-everything black ankle boots from Whistles (7) and a checked shirt with crochet detailing on the shoulders from high street fave Topshop (10). And let’s not forget the accessories – I already own about a zillion scarves but this neon pink one by Becksondergaard (3) would brighten up any dull winter’s day. I discovered Stella & Dot last year when they had a stall at my son’s school Christmas fair and their jewellery is amazing and not too pricey. At the moment I’ve got my eye on this Renegade Cluster bracelet (4) which is apparently a favourite of singer Katy Perry.

What’s on your shopping list this fall?

Flicking through the September issues of the fashion glossies for inspiration is an Autumn ritual for me. Above: British Vogue, Swedish Styleby and British InStyle

Flicking through the September issues of the fashion glossies for inspiration is an Autumn ritual for me. Above: British Vogue, Swedish Styleby and British InStyle

Currently Coveting #8: The Perfect Autumn Knit

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Anthropologie is hands down my favourite store to visit and have a browse around. It’s like a treasure trove full of lovely clothes, accessories and homeware, all beautifully displayed in an old building where every nook and cranny reveals more hidden gems. At the moment, however, as I don’t relish a shopping trip into town with three children in tow, the online store will have to suffice.

This lightweight sweater by Knitted & Knotted is perfect for early Autumn days when a chill is just starting to creep into the air. The cream colour makes it wonderfully versatile while the cute ruffles stop it from being another boring basic. Add a statement necklace (as in the picture above) and it’s smart enough to wear for evenings out. What’s not to like? And yes, I have already ‘clicked to buy’ so I will let you know if the real thing lives up to the online promise.

Sunny Sunday and Outfit of the Day

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OOTD 2

One of my favourite outfits this summer is this white shirt from River Island teamed with a pair of ‘Sexy Boyfriend’ (their words, not mine) denim shorts from Gap. Loose and comfortable enough for daytime but add a pair of metallic wedges and the whole ensemble is suitable for casual dinners out too.

OOTD 1

Still lots of packing to do, but we took some time out to play in the garden and I took some snaps of the boys having fun in the sunshine. I’ve realised that I don’t have enough pictures of them in the blog, as they’re usually at school all day, but I’m hoping to rectify that over the summer holidays.

My handsome first born. Can't believe he will be ten this autumn!

My handsome first born. Can’t believe he will be ten this autumn!

Staying in PJs until lunch time is one of the perks of being on summer holiday

Staying in PJs until lunch time is one of the perks of being on summer holiday

A very English game of cricket

A very English game of cricket

My husband took this shot of one of the many bumblebees currently residing on the lavender in our back garden

My husband took this shot of one of the many bumblebees currently residing on the lavender in our back garden

Falling for Odd Molly’s new collection

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Despite the sun beating down outside I’m already getting excited about the fall collections that are starting to hit the shops, both on the high street and online. Today it is the new AW 13 collection from Swedish brand Odd Molly that is throwing temptation in my way.

Here is a selection of my favourite new arrivals. Unbelievably, the Absentee dress in Almost Black has already sold out on the Odd Molly website but I managed to snap one up in my size from online boutique Get my Fashion. The Canna cardigan (in either Indigo or Almost Black) and the Shane saddle bag are also high up on my wishlist.

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From top: Lovely Knit jacket, Absentee dress, Shane saddle bag, Canna cardigan (x2) and Teatime blouse. To see the full collection go to the Odd Molly website (link)

Currently Coveting #7

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Michael Kors

I know we’re still in the middle of summer, but the Naomi clutch by Michael Kors is definitely on my wish list for this fall. The zipper detailing adds a tough edge to the sleek leather bag and stops it from looking too dainty. The perfect accessory for both day and night time, it is big enough to hold all your essentials. Find it here.

Issa launches High Street version of Duchess dress

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You may not be able to get your hands on the custom-made Jenny Packham dress that Kate Middleton wore to debut Prince George, but another of the Duchess’ headline grabbing outfits is hitting the high street next month.

Issa London is reissuing a new version of Kate’s engagement dress in its forthcoming collaboration with US clothing chain Banana Republic. The British brand has created a daywear version of the blue wrap dress, which sold out after the Duchess wore it at the announcement of her engagement to Prince William in November 2010.

The new version, which has a wrap waist and ruched detailing, is made from jersey and comes in both blue and plum, while another similar style features short sleeves and a deep V-neck. Best of all, you don’t need a Royal budget to snap one up, as prices range from £65 to £75 – far less than Issa’s original price of £565. The 40-piece collection also includes light knits, tops and accessories, with prices starting at a purse-friendly £30. Destined to be a sell-out, the capsule range will launch online and in 700 Banana Republic stores across the globe on August 8.

Elbows at the ready ladies!

There are several versions of the sell out engagement dress in the collection including a £75 sleeveless style (left) and a £65 short plum piece (right)

There are several versions of the sell out engagement dress in the collection including a £75 sleeveless style (left) and a £65 short plum piece (right)

Currently Coveting #6

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Despite often seeing its trend-led pieces on the fashion pages of various magazines, River Island is not a store that I normally frequent. When I shop on the high street (which I have to admit is not that often, I much prefer the ‘click to buy’ approach from the comfort of my sofa) I tend to stick to department stores where all the brands are in close proximity to each other. But on a trip into town today I ventured all the way down to Primark and on the way back I decided on a whim to pop into River Island.

Like most other stores it was at the tail-end of the summer Sale and not necessarily looking its best, but at the back of the shop I managed to locate some real gems including these jackets. While it may be too hot to wear them at the moment, I think any of them would look great teamed with a simple T-shirt and skinny jeans on the cooler days that are no doubt coming our way soon.

 

River Island Collage

Clockwise from top left: Pink and orange tweed jacket, £60; Cream marl contrast trim biker jacket, £45; Orange embossed peplum jacket, £35; Beige structured cropped jacket, £50.

The Fashion Clinic #4: Summer in the City

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So the sun is beating down and all you want to do is stretch out on the lounger next to the pool with a good book and chilled glass of rosé for company. Sadly for most of us this scenario only becomes a reality for a couple of weeks a year (if we’re lucky!) when we jet off on holiday. The rest of the time we have to contend with our normal routine regardless of the weather – whether that’s running after the children or braving the tube to go to work (or both!) – so here’s my guide on how to stay cool and look hot (but not frazzled) when the temperature soars.

Smart Collage2

Clockwise from top left: Dress by Hobbs NW3; Top from Zara; Shorts by Asos; Bracelet by Monica Vinader; Shoes by Whistles; Dress by Asos; Jacket by Asos

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Clockwise from top left: Bracelet from H&M; Dress by Free People; Vest from Topshop; Shorts by Vero Moda; Sandals from Oasis; Dress by Asos

Miu Miu’s Fall/Winter 2013 campaign – Simply stunning!

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Call me strange if you must but, even though the sun is beating down outside, when the preview of Miu Miu’s new F/W 13 campaign landed in my inbox this morning I found myself dreaming of buttoned-up coats, stripey tights and structured dresses with a hint of flirty polka dot. Sartorially, autumn is my favourite time of year and, if these pictures are anything to go by, next season will throw plenty of temptation my way…

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Evoking a spirit of adventure and daring, the Fall/Winter 2013 campaign captures the passage of girls in a twilight cinema-scape loaded with intrigue, imagination and femininity. Set at the end of a seaside pier, their stories unfurl against a mysterious cityscape and vanishing horizon, brought to life in an up-tempo quirky dance video where the models move harmoniously with the rhythm and mood of the music. While standing on the dock of the bay waiting for a ferry, they dance away the fun of the night before returning home in the early morning.

In a fabricated reality of noir optimism, Inez & Vinoodh capture a diverse and exhilarating cast of characters including Katlin Aas, Emily DiDonato, Daphne Groeneveld, Georgia May Jagger, Adriana Lima, Marina Nery, Hind Sahli, Anne Verhallen and Lindsey Wixson. From these curious rendez-vous materializes the idiosyncratic sense of adventure that encapsulates this collection.

Music: “Hand Clapping Song”, performed by The Meters

Click here to view the video in full

I only popped in for a quick look…

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…and out I came with a new summer wardrobe for Clemmie (and a pair of shorts for Casper).

Benetton2

Our local Benetton store (in Esher, Surrey) always comes up trumps with its kidswear selection. Even my increasingly discerning nine and a half year -old can usually find something to suit his taste (and mine!) The Sale is on at the moment so there are lots of bargains to be had both for grown-ups and little ones. I saw a shirt I really liked which would look great with jeans or cropped trousers but, as is often the case for me, it was part of the new collection so I decided to leave it for now. But as you can see I did not leave empty-handed…

Benetton Collage2

With the weather forecasters promising sunshine for the beginning of next week, I bought a new summer dress for Clemmie to wear to her birthday party. So pretty I wouldn’t mind one myself!

Birthday dress