MY FASHION FLIRT

Style Spy: Will you be ditching Ebay for The Closet Bureau?

2009-09-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

When you get tired of that Dior bag of three seasons past and fancy a new addition to your collection, ebay is probably your first port of call, right? Well your selling habits may be set to change, because there's a new savvy website that promises to take your once coveted items and sell them on to a discerning buyer, with no fuss and minimum hassle.

It goes by the name of The Closet Bureau, a fashion-led re-seller concept that eliminates the tedious process of selling designer items on eBay. It's soon to be a must-visit site for fashionistas and unseasoned shoppers and the website will provide a new platform to sell on your behalf, making you a decent profit from those bits and pieces that are clogging up the closet.

Founded by former fashion PR agent Sophia Greene, the team behind The Closet Bureau will list your items through ebay and carefully research the key selling points of each. A professional photograph and expert descriptions will also be added make your pieces stand out and increase maximum selling potential. If your item is extra special, the re-sellers will enlist the keen fashion eyes of their private clients through exclusive trunk shows.

Will you be ditching ebay for The Closet Bureau?
Visit: www.theclosetbureau.com

Style Savings: 20% off Matches Summer Sale

2009-08-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

The Matches Summer sale is now on! Of course, I couldn't let you shop the sale without this nifty discount code to save a further 20% off. The offer code: SALE20 is valid until the Monday the 31st August. Enjoy!

Label Watch: KOKONTOZAI

2009-08-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

This is the eccentric and downright exciting new brand causing a ruckus on the celebrity scene right now. R&B divas Rihanna and Lady Gaga are already huge fans, having worn plenty of Kokontozai (KTZ) pieces on tour. The website is still under construction and the online boutique will be launching come September, but in the meantime, the AW09 look book is available to download. The label presents a tirade of vibrant colour and textures with futuristic tribal designs. I think the looks are so, so hot. KTZ is fast becoming my new designer crush. Are you feeling the love bug too? Here's a sneak peak at the collection to help you decide:

Web: www.kokontozai.co.uk

Trend Alert: Jeggings... Love them or Loathe them?

2009-08-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

When I first heard of jeggings, I shuddered. It sounded so wrong, both in terminology and style. But this mini trend is taking definitely off and predictions are that it will be here to stay throughout the year. Already endorsed by Sienna Miller and Beyonce, the comfort wear is fast becoming a casual staple.

I have to admit that I'm starting to warm to the idea; surely they have to be more comfortable than skinny jeans and they should hopefully minimise fashion faux pas like muffin tops. Whilst I don't own a pair myself, I can certainly imagine the benefits both in style and wearability; ideal for dressing down a shift dress or teamed with low leather boots for a great weekend look. Plus, they would work well under oversized tees and sweaters. I would love to know - do you love or loathe jeggings? Do you own a pair, and how do you wear yours?

Weighing up the pros, I've decided that I might invest in a pair and give in to the jeggings craze. I've been researching the best online site to buy a pair and by far, the collection on ASOS surpasses others. Here is a selection of a few I have my eye on:

Get the Look:
1. ASOS Kate Acid Wash Knitted Jegging - £30
2. ASOS PETITE Indigo Knitted Jegging - £30
3. Vero Moda Ripped Denim Leggings - £40
4. ASOS Kate Mid Wash Knitted Jegging - £40
All available from ASOS.com

Next Season: Sneak Peak at Primark's AW09 Collection

2009-07-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Shoulders at the ready ladies! Primark is packing a serious punch with these power dressing pieces. The wide shoulders on the grunge dress and blazer are just the right balance of strength and femininity, and what's not to love about the faux fur coat? No doubt it will be perfectly snug for the cooler temperatures ahead.

I've always been a bargain hunter, and with the recession still putting a choke hold on our purses, I'm impressed that this budget retailer is stepping up its game. Primark's forthcoming collection a strong style contender on the high street. The Autumn/Winter pieces are due in store mid September.

Get the Look:
1) Grungy wide shoulder floral tea dress, £15.00
2) Power shoulder jacket, £19.00
3) Exposed zip fur coat, £30.00

Find your nearest Primark store >> Click Here

Fashion Illustrated: Laura Laine

2009-07-04T04:50:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you've come across the work of Laura Laine but I've been itching to showcase some of her illustrations on the blog. I think you'll agree that her pictures are hauntingly beautiful, amazingly detailed and pretty much speak for themselves. I'll leave you with a few of my favourites. For more information visit: www.lauralaine.net Enjoy the weekend!

Summer Style: The Statement Dress

2009-07-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

How truly sexy is this Multi-Coloured Knit Dress? The thigh skimming kimono meets mini is the epitome of sunkissed style. Wear it bare legged for a night of cosmopolitans and dancing, make it edgy with wet-look leggings, or dress it down with skinny jeans. I do love a versatile piece like this that can be playful all Summer long. Keep the jewellery simple, the dress makes a statement all by itself.

Get the look:
Multi-Coloured Knit Dress, £110
Jazzy Patent Shoes, £100
Available from French Connection.

Web: www.frenchconnection.com

Michael Jackson: My first music crush

2009-06-29T13:00:00.001-07:00

The legendary Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) - what can I say. I'm very sad by the news. The man who had me trying to do the moonwalk and the gravity defying lean (from the smooth criminal video) the summer of 1988 at the tender age of 7.

The man who had me mesmerized by his videos that were like mini movies every time I watched. His life has been cut short in such unfortunate circumstances but MJ is and always will be my first music crush. So I couldn't let the news pass without paying tribute.

Presenting my all-time favourite MJ videos that were such a huge part of my childhood (especially summer holidays). Mr. Jackson, I salute you!

No.1 - Smooth Criminal

No.2 - Dirty Diana

No.3 - Do You Remember The Time

Elementary Ms.Watson: All grown up and the face of Burberry

2009-06-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this: The Harry Potter star Emma Watson has gone from geek chic to smoldering high fashion in Burberry. I learnt in April that she'd be stepping out as new face of their AW/09 campaign and after much anticipation, here are the preview photos. I have to say, I'm quite impressed, she seems to have made the transition from actress to model effortlessly.

I was reading the interview with Creative director Christopher Bailey in WWD and he explained, “I wanted the images to represent both the rich history and the modernity of the Burberry brand, while at the same time reflecting a quiet beauty, timelessness and strength that is particularly significant today.” I think he's cracked it.

Images credit: Pop Sugar

Summer Style: Graphic Brights

2009-06-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

Whilst browsing online today I found these two arty vest tops on sale at Dorothy Perkins. Both are a steal at just £11.20 each. I love graphic design and all things creative, so these prints are right up my street. Don't you think that they would look great with faded skinny jeans and some colourful Nikes? Or if you're really daring, the top can be worn as a cool mini and fluoro high heels? Well, I'm not sure I'd be brave enough for the later, but I'm loving the idea of wearing a statement top with simple denim and bright kicks. Sure feels like Summer.

Get the look:
1) White crowd scene vest, Sale Price: £11.20 - Dorothy Perkins
2) White New York vest, Sale Price: £11.20 - Dorothy Perkins
3) Nike Dunk High Supreme Spark retro basketball shoes, Price: $119.99 - sneakerhead.com
4) Roberto Cavalli Patent open-toe slingbacks, Price: £464.90 - net-a-porter.com

Check out the 20% off sale now on at Dorothy Perkins for more graphic tops:

Boutique Chic: Fifi Wilson Tunes Into Festival Season

2009-06-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the festival fun this Summer, fashion boutique Fifi Wilson has an eclectic window display of jewellery artist Miranda Amapola's embellished acoustic guitars. Adorned with semi precious stones, jewels and fabrics the guitars are a fitting way to showcase Fifi’s latest festival inspired collection which includes beautiful dresses from designers Manoush and Disaya. The guitars are designed to be works of art rather than fully-functional instruments and retail at £750 each. Located in Seven Dials, London, Fifi Wlson is a gem of a shop stocking coveted collections by labels such as Cacharel, Bella Freud and Sonia Rykiel.

To learn more about Miranda’s embellished guitars visit: www.mirandaamapola.co.uk.

Fifi Wilson
38 Monmouth Street
Seven Dials
WC2H 9EP
Web: www.fifiwilson.com

Boutique Chic: I Heart Brittique

2009-05-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to this online boutique by fellow blogger, Dream Sequins last month and I've finally got round to sharing this fantastic revelation with you all. We all know of the success of Matches Fashion and Net-A-Porter, well these giant online fashion retailers now have a little bit more competition in the style stakes...

Introducing Brittique - an uber stylish and fresh online shop with the very best of new, fashion-forward designers bred from British soil. Think Hannah Marshall, Biona Castana and Katie Tailyour, all cleverly collected under one virtual roof.

The website has the magazine edge of MyWardrobe.com but Brittique is far more minimal and intimate than those aforementioned. I absolutely adore it and my wish list is completely out of control, I dare you to visit the site and not fall in love.

Web: Brittique.com

Image Credits: Brittique.com

Style Savings: £20 off Matches Fashion

2009-05-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

My all time favourite shopping boutique sent me this lovely offer and I couldn't keep it to myself. Enjoy! xoxo

Summer Style: The Smart Maxi

2009-05-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

Maxi dresses are truly this Summer's staple, so for me finding a dress with versatility is the key. This 70s inspired number from Marks and Spencer is just the kind of Maxi that you can wear for an interchangeable look.

This dress has gorgeous draping detail at the top and the draw-string belt helps to nips in the waist nicely. I especially love the bare arms for added sex appeal without cleavage overkill - great for those of us who aren't big busted.

In the right shade, grey can be a fantastic hue for Summer - I'd match it with sassy lime green to liven the look or pair the dress with soft metallic greys to add depth. Plus with this colour choice, the dress will work just as well in Autumn. Now that's a smart way to wear the Maxi dress this season don't you think?

Like the look? Here's where to get it:
1. Garden Party Pleated Shoulder Bags by Karen Millen in Lime and Grey
£89.95 available at ASOS.
2. 70's grey maxi dress, Marks and Spencer, £59
3. Late nights platform grey patent shoes, Office, £80
4. Leather Beaded Star Flat Sandal, ASOS, £24.75

Fashion Illustrated: Emily Blunt in Vanity Fair

2009-05-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Emily Blunt is a very lucky girl, the British actress who starred in The Young Victoria and The Devil Wears Prada just oozes sophistication in Vanity Fair's May edition. This photo shoot is absolutely stunning; it's so 19th century indulgent with adorning garments from haut couturers Gaultier Paris, Chanel and Christian Lacroix, not to mention plenty of handsome gentry. Jealous? Moi? Well, Yes.

Here are my favourite shots from the feature published last month.

Web: www.vanityfair.com

Image Credits
Image 1: A Gaultier Paris corset and blouse
Image 2: Chanel Haute Couture
Image 3: Dior Haute Couture

All photos by Michael Roberts

BODYAMR: Ready to Wear - Sale Now On

2009-05-08T03:59:00.000-07:00

The deliciously vibrant fashion label BodyAmr starts their spring sale this weekend, with reductions as low as £30. Their spring/summer offering includes Grecian goddess dresses, Arabian night pieces and sultry accessories to match. Quite simply, their collection is swoon worthy. If you can't make the sale, get your fashion fix online at www.bodyamr.com.

Dates:
Friday 8th May, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday 10th May, 12 p.m-5 p.m.

Address:
BodyAmr Studio,
7 Coptic Street
London
WC1 A1NH
UK
Tel: 020 7691 2085

Label Watch: Cleo B Footwear

2009-05-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! Cleo Barbour, the footwear designer who has created shoes for the likes of Georgina Goodman and Nicholas Kirkwood is launching her debut collection entitled Cleo B.

How amazing are these designs? Majestic colours, stylish adornment and fabulous shape. Her collection already features 20 different styles that are bang on trend for next season and the uber sexy Blue Bird is at the top of my Autumn/Winter wish list.

Ms. Barbour promises her collection will balance comfort and practicality with a fashion forward edge and distinctive style. Looking at these beauties, she's certainly got the style part down, only time will tell whether she pulls off practicality too. Stockists will be unveiled at the official launch date in June, everything else is a bit hush-hush at the moment, but I'll keep you posted.

It was so hard to choose my favourites, but I've managed to narrow it down to my top three.
Below is my pick of the best:
1. Blue Bird
2. Paradise
3. Saxony

Visit www cleob.com to see more of her designs.

Label Watch: Eyola

2009-04-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

Introducing a new British luxury womenswear designer that you definitely need to watch out for - Aloye is new to the scene having recently completed an internship with none other than Alexandaer McQeueen and her new fashion line ‘Eyola’ presents a fresh take on cutting-edge fashion. Taking influence from the likes of Parisian fashion designers Charles Worth and Paul Poiret, the first collection features elements of Victorian fashion, a splash of couture, finished with modern twist. I simply had to showcase her work because it is so inspiring.

There's already a growing celebrity following for Eyola, Songstress VV Brown has been spotted wearing the brand and word has it that her designs will grace the new Florence and the Machines album cover. You can catch the latest Eyola designs at Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg this June and see Aloye at the New Designers show held in London where she'll be exhibiting in July.

See more of her amazing pieces online at: www.eyola.com

Nautical Style: Smart-Casual Cruise

2009-04-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

There's one classic spring/summer trend that always manifests itself on the catwalk and the high street in some shape or form - I'm talking about the nautical look. The classic colours of red, white and navy is constantly being recycled and reproduced.

Last year's take on the nautical theme was to incorporate plenty of navy and red patterning, mostly stripes and polka dots. This year, it's all about glossy blocks of colour and bold statement accessories accented with traditionally delicate, classic stripes. Personally, the way I like to wear nautical is smart-casual, dressed up with luxe accessories for a look I like to call 'smart casual cruise'.

Today, I've been putting together must-have investments for this season and I came across Viviene Westwood hi-gloss navy pumps and the Miu Miu white bow bag. These are just the kind of accessories that pull the look together. So here's my wish list for this season; the following pieces are versatile enough to work perfectly as part of any nautical ensemble and they're right on-trend.

Credits:

1. Red Dorothy Shift Dress, Yarnie by Shin Choi - £166.00
Available at my-wardrobe.com
2. Navy and Red Stripey Scarf, McQ Alexander McQueen - £58.00
Available at my-wardrobe.com
3. New Petite jacket, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania - £322.98
Available at net-a-porter.com
4. White Leather Strap watch, French Connection - £93.00
Available at asos.com
5. Bow detail tote, Miu Miu - £617
Available at net-a-porter.com
6. Navy Ultra Girl Pump, Vivienne Westwood Accessories - £59
Available at my-wardrobe.com
7. Red Wide Stripe Elastic Belt, Wallis - Was £12.00 - Now £7.00
Available at wallis-fashion.com

Watch: Gucci SS/09 Campaign - Behind the scenes

2009-04-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the big names like Prada, Louis Vuitton and Versace, I'm so used to seeing their spreads in the glossy mags and I tend to day dream about what went into creating those key shots, wishing I were there to see the magic happen!

Thanks to the genius of YouTube, we can now get a sneak peak behind fashion campaigns. I love this Gucci video showing showing the models of the latest campaign doing what they do best - look effortlessly fabulous...not that I'm jealous or anything!

Fashion Illustrated: David Zuker

2009-04-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

I've been browsing fashion art and illustrations today, taking inspiration for my own work (comin soon!). I came across the work of David Zuker, his style is really eye catching and strong.

Zuker has been a professional illustrator since 1996 and his technique consists mostly of mixing vectors with digital airbrush. There's something quite 1980s pop meets modern-day Andy Warhol about his work don't you think?

Here are my favourite illustrations from his website:

View more of his illustrations at: www.davidzuker.es

Lady Gaga - Retro Futuristic Glam

2009-04-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to be going completely gaga for this Lady - the singing sensation, style icon, and officially every glossy magazine's new crush. Where hasn't she been featured? Yes, the leather clad, oversized bow wearing, architecturally tailored pop diva is representing what I like to call 'retro futuristic glamour' and she certainly holds her own in the style stakes.

Fashion Flirt term for today: Retro Futuristic Glamour - Exaggerated artistic, architectural fashion styles carried off with a classiness that only Gaga seems to know how.

No doubt many will try to match it but will end up looking ridiculous. But for us sensible folk, we won't try to emulate her look, instead we'll simply flirt with it, adding a little GaGa inspired fashion into our wardrobes.

1. Lipsy Futuristic Prom Dress - £60.00
2. Black Nappa fingerless gloves - £59.00
3. Striped Edge Sunglasses - € 125.00
4. Eamz Pump Red Patent Leather - £135.00

Tribal Trend: Actually I do like it...

2009-04-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

In my last post I expressed my pretty humdrum attitude towards the s/s09 Tribal/African theme I saw at the London Fashion Weekend last month. And my main concern is that the whole tribal thing can often get a bit cliché and OTT - that's something I just don't do. However since exploring the idea further, I've been won over by the tribal inspired pieces from the likes of Marni, Monsoon, Miu Miu and ETRO. They're working the 'African Queen' theme like a dream and I am literally having to eat my own words.

Check out the inspired looks below and you'll soon see why!

Credits:
1. Marni Stone embellished metal necklace - £260
2. ETRO Tribal print silk kaftan - £595
3. Miu Miu Ruched shoulder bag - £755
4. Marni double platform peep-toe sandals - £357

Credits:
1. Philippe Audibert Spiked gold bracelet -£370
2. ASOS Large Stone Cocktail Ring - £10.00
3. Marks and Spencer Aztec dress - £39.50
4. Tamaris Saffron Antic Nappa Sandals - £34.99
5. Monsoon Adana Top - £45

Retro Housewife meets Ethereal Nudes at Principles

2009-03-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

Last week, I attended London Fashion Weekend and watched the S/S09 catwalk. According to the fashion experts we should all be dressing with a hint of 'trailer park glamour' and bring out the African Queens in us. Hmmm, I'm not so sure. However, there were a couple of looks from the show that did catch my fashion eye; the new ethereal nudes ( bringing back Grecian chic), and the retro housewives (a combination of 80s power dressing and today's body con meets sport luxe shapes).

Since then I've been browsing the net to see what shops have those looks on sale now. Principles have some fabulous pieces matching the description rather well. All the key components are there; graphic dresses and block colours with ethereal neutral tones and floaty fabrics. Both looks are matched with chunky or gladiator sandals to harden and add edge. Above all, they are totally wearable.

Image Credits:
Principles Spring Summer 2009 Campaign Images
Web: http://www.principles.co.uk

The High-Heeled Gladiator

2009-02-14T04:05:00.000-08:00

It's official. The gladiator sandal remains a firm fixture of spring/summer fashion. How do I know? Well when Christian Louboutin designs a shoe reflecting the trend, that's all the endorsement I need.

So this season we can expect a fresh offering of the warrior footwear - but unlike last season when heels were subtle and the emphasis was on comfort - this time it's all about the bold, high-heeled, ultra glam with plenty of drama.

Personally, I'm relieved that gladiator sandals have had a bit of a refresh. It's not that I didn't enjoy them before, but now with the added height, we get the benefits of elongated legs, shapely feet and a more sophisticated finish.

Check out the new designs from Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti and Balmain - by far my favourite choice from what's out there right now.

Main image:
Pammy Sandals
- £85, www.dune.com
1. Paquita Crepe Satin Sandals by Christian Louboutin
- £547,00 , www.mytheresa.com
2. Moda In Pelle Marrianne Gladiator Sandal
- £85, www.vivaladiva.com
3. Strappy leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti
- £342.55, www.net-a-porter.com
4. Urban Gladiator Sandals by Balmain
- £670,00, www.mytheresa.com

Vintage Floral - Stepping into Spring

2009-02-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

I'm so bored of winter. I can't wait for spring sunshine and blossomy breeze to banish winter and last season's wardrobe. And in much anticipation, I've been scouring the shops to find the best floral dresses to kick-start my spring/summer collection.

I have to tell you, I've been rather impressed with what's on offer. You see, I'm big on vintage dresses and I'm pleased to find that most dresses for spring/summer are reminiscent of 1940s hollywood glamour and 1960s hippy chic. Bring on the sun!

Here's my pick of the best:

Main image:
Garden floral print bow dress
- £15, Primark
1. Rebecca mini dress by Luella
- £238.50, www.net-a-porter.com
2. Claresta bustier dress
- £20, www.boohoo.com
3. Cotton Satin Sheen Party Dress
- £36, www.goddiva.co.uk
4. Vintage floral prom dress
- £44.03, www.riverisland.com

Wetlook Leggings: Sport Luxe Style

2009-02-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thinking about wetlook leggings... You either love them of loathe them. Whatever your stance on them, the fashion world is flirting with them. Endorsed by Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and the Olsen Twins, I have a good feeling that they will be around for most of the year.

Personally? I am under no illusion that just about anyone can wear these. Unless you have legs like Agy or V. Beckham, these will almost certainly look unflattering. That said, I probably will NEVER own a pair but I can see their appeal, especially as a staple piece for the sport luxe look.

Fashion Flirt term for today: Sport Luxe - The mixture of luxury fabrics with sporty shapes.

Anyway, here's how I would opt to wear them - a luxe tunic top, seriously sharp shoe boots, a boyish little cropped leather jacket and a few statement accessories thrown in for good measure.

Like it? Here's where you can get this look:

1. Two-Tone Clamp Bangle - £8.00, ASOS
2. Gold oversized top - £25.00, Dorothy Perkins
3. Box clutch by Bottega Veneta - £602, Net A Porter
4. Wetlook Leggings - £18.00, Topshop
5. Cropped Trench Jacket - £130.00, Warehouse
6. Black Helga Peeptoe Shoe Boot by Georgina Goodman - £322.00, My Wardrobe
7. Striped Ring Set With Glass Stones- £3.00, ASOS

Image credit: Ashley Olsen embracing sport luxe style courtesy of Fashionoa

Katie Holmes: The face of Miu Miu S/S09

2009-02-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

Did you hear that Katie Holmes is the new face of Mui Mui?

When I heard, I was not convinced but here she is modeling the S/S09 collection. Truth be told, I never had her down as someone versatile enough to carry off such an edgy campaign. However, judging from these images, the girl's done good. Don't you think?

Speaking of good, I LOVE this collection. It's so rural, tribal, nomadic and cultured. To match batik and ethnic inspired fabrics with gorgeous sculptured shapes with such ease is a triumph in my book.

www.miumiu.com

Image Credits: www.miumiu.com