Currently Coveting #10: Isabel Marant for H&M

Posted in Currently Coveting, Fashion by A Spoonful of Style

I realise that this is my second Currently Coveting post in as many days (how will my bank balance keep up?) but, with the excitement building over the forthcoming H&M and Isabel Marant collaboration, I just had to put the spotlight on my favourite pieces. Photos from the lookbook – with its impressive cast of models, including Lou Doillon, Alek Wek and Milla Jovovich – leaked online yesterday, plunging most of the fashion world into yet another frenzy over this hotly anticipated collection.

Those who, like me, lust after the inimitable Mme Marant’s ready-to-wear collection but whose budgets don’t quite stretch that far, will not be disappointed. The French designer’s bohemian aesthetic runs through the entire range, which encompasses not only womenswear but also menswear and accessories.

Some fashion commentators have criticized H&M for putting the price points too high (the most expensive piece is a jacket for £199.99) but, while the collection is dearer than the high street chain’s own brand, in my view the prices are justified as it is a collaboration with a designer whose brand of effortless chic is practically a uniform for off-duty models and movie stars in the know. In any case, the prices are still only a fraction of Marant’s mainline collection (and lower than her diffusion line Etoile Isabel Marant).

The collaboration will hit stores (and online) on November 14 so start drawing up your wishlist now as it’s bound to be a sell-out. If I can’t get my hands on the H&M version of last year’s embellished tie-dye jacket (in the main picture) I would happily settle for any of these pieces:

11Sep2013

Let it Rain!

Posted in Fashion by A Spoonful of Style

If this last week is anything to go by, we’re in for a rainy autumn here in England (yet again). About the only thing to lift my spirits on a dull day when it’s pouring outside is putting on my shiny black Hunter wellies. Style and comfort is an unbeatable combination and if you add a pair of welly socks your feet will stay toasty no matter how hard it rains.

Now the iconic British brand has teamed up with New York based cool-kid-on-the-block Rag & Bone in a collaboration that has set the fashion world’s pulses racing. The collection, which hits stores this week, includes two different styles of classic military inspired rain-boots – a tall equestrian fit and a short motorcycle boot. Both styles come in Fall colours such as burgundy, navy, black and army green and the design details are unmistakenly Rag & Bone with gunmetal rivet hardware and zips lending a tough edge to the classic welly.

Commenting on the thinking behind the collaboration, David Neville, the co-managing partner of Rag & Bone, said: “Hunter may be a quintessential British brand but we also always see so many women on the streets of Manhattan wearing their boots. Not only is this testament to the brand’s global appeal, it resonated with us as we are British guys living in New York. We are really excited about this collaboration.”

I never thought I’d say it, but bring on the rain!

Shop the collection here

29Jul2013

The Fashion Clinic #5: Red Hot Details

Posted in Fashion by A Spoonful of Style

I’ve been slightly obsessed with this picture since I first saw it on the ever-so-stylish Emily Schuman’s blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere (original image from here). I love the idea of using accessories to add a pop of red to an otherwise neutral or monochrome outfit. It’s an easy way for colour-phobics like myself to brighten up their wardrobe.

If money was no object, this would be my pick of the best red hot accessories out there:

Clockwise from top left: Miu Miu leather tote £690; Alexander McQueen scarf £165; Saint Laurent ankle boots £600; Victoria Beckham clutch £450; Repetto ballet flats £190; Alexander McQueen scarf £165. All items available from Net a Porter.

For now though, I’m content to add a splash a red to my toes with Headline Colors nail polish in Catwalk.

19Jun2013

Standing tall

Posted in Fashion by A Spoonful of Style

Before I had children I never wore flat shoes. Ever. (I also had never changed a nappy, cooked a meal from scratch or visited a branch of John Lewis but that’s another story) Since becoming a mum, I don’t seem to wear anything but flats, whether it’s ballerinas, flip-flops, Converse or biker boots, unless it’s for a night out. Being only 5’2″ I need all the extra height I can get and lately I’ve been thinking that adding an inch or two to my daytime footwear wouldn’t be such a bad idea. In my experience, wearing a bit of a heel improves posture by making one stand up straighter, slims the silhouette and boosts confidence. As luck would have it, there are some really stylish mid-height sandals around at the moment. Here’s my pick of the best:

Swedish Hasbeens, £145

Kurt Geiger, £95

Whistles, £155

Topshop, £55

6Jun2013

Save or Splurge?

Posted in Fashion by A Spoonful of Style

Those of you who follow me on Instagram have already seen my latest style crush – a pair of canary yellow stilettos from Whistles. The only reason they’re not mine yet is that I hesitate to spend £125 on a pair of shoes in a colour that is such a departure from my normal choice of palette. It took a lot of willpower to walk away when I spotted them in a store earlier this week though!

Then I came across this pair from Topshop (on the left in the picture above) for a more purse friendly £58. The colour is slightly darker and quality wise I would hazard a guess that the Whistles pair would come out on top. But I also have a feeling that these shoes are more of a one-season wonder than a future wardrobe staple so going for the budget alternative is probably the sensible option.