Search Results for “x factor”

Lunchtime buy: Madeline Thompson asymmetric cashmere roll neck jumper

by on 18th November 2011 0 comments

The roll neck has long had a ‘frump-factor’ reputation. Until, that is, knitwear supremo Madeline Thompson got her hands on it! The Hong Kong born designer worked at Lane Crawford before she launched her career as a jewellery designer and then eventually became a cashmere design specialist just over four years ago at the impressive age of 26. This roll neck jumper is a prime example of why her work has been so well received: with its totally modern cascading asymmetric finish, we can now enjoy the warmth of a roll neck without looking too practical and boring! Plus, a pop of electric blue will be just what the doctor ordered on those dreary winter mornings we have ahead of us. Of course, one of the main reasons that we love Madeline Thompson is the fact that she only uses cashmere, and we’re big believers that you just can’t go wrong with this sumptuously soft, super luxe fabric – especially in winter. And with Agyness Deyn and Sienna Miller fans of the label, we’ll be in good company! Madeline Thompson Asymmetric Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper, £253, available at my-wardrobe.

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Lunchtime buy: Rag & Bone Grayling Fair Isle wool blend scarf

by on 18th October 2011 0 comments

U.S. label Rag & Bone is never far from our lust-list. Designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville first started designing menswear in 2004 before branching out to women’s apparel a year later. So it’s no surprise, really, that their pieces carry a strong tomboy style – something which has earned them front row fans such as the original tomboy turned fashionista, Alexa Chung. The androgynous trend is still reigning again this season, and with this Fair Isle knit looking like its come straight out of the boyfriend’s cupboard, you’ll be both snuggly and on-trend. In a rich forest green with colourful pom poms, this scarf has definitely got the fun factor – but the sophisticated mix of cashmere, wool and angora is guaranteed to keep you wonderfully warm all season. Time to wrap up! Rag and bone Grayling fair isle wool blend scarf, £135 £40.50, available at TheOutnet.

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To boob boost or not to boob boost?

by on 27th September 2011 0 comments

Looking down at my excuse-for-a-woman’s-pride of a chest, I feel particularly apologetic about my lack of wholesomeness.  The very assets that are the pinnacle of womanhood; the prominent markers of motherhood – as they expand rather noticeably in size and appear as if waiting to burst – are missing from my upper torso, replaced by a mid-priced ‘boob boosting’ bra and a lame late developer excuse. I envision a sign: ‘BOOB JOB’ complete with surrounding flashing bulbs. But wait. Formerly from a legal background, where there’s a wrong, I’ll be vying to rectify it but in the case of cosmetic surgery and in particular breast augmentation, I’m a bit of a backseat taker. If presented with the opportunity, I’d ponder and pedantically deliberate over the ifs and buts and the possible side effects of having two gigantic silicone slabs stuffed into my chest area; but that’s not to say it’s a bad idea, or an aesthetically unsound one. Just like veneers to an unsightly smile or pinning back prominent ears, the confidence boost breast augmentation provides – albeit on a more intimate level – is immense. For me, gargantuan. But as with most transformations, there exists polarised preferences. Drastic cup size increases as witnessed in the form of bewildered bosom owner Chloe from TOWIE, a mismatch of botched cosmetic enhancements including a pair of recently rectified veneers, or yo-yo cosmetic surgery addict Katie Price who underwent extreme augmentation during her glamour heydays, carrying a painfully hefty 32FF pair, only to downsize to a more natural looking 32D in 2007. Enter a rather swell-looking Heidi Montag, too, after The Hills star became bosom pals with the plastic surgeon’s scalpel (pardon the pun) and decided to envision an ‘upgraded version’ of herself by taking her A cups to a 32C. But depending […]

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Tried and tested: Simone Pérèle Aura invisible control briefs

by on 12th May 2017 0 comments

It’s back to the trusty control wear I go as soon as I begin to feel, well, out of control. This time, I treated my tummy to some Parisian T.L.C. when I decided to spend the day in Simone Pérèle Aura invisible control briefs. I started the day dreaming of a Halle Berry-esque flat tummy, as I removed my flab saviour from the candy pink tissue wrapping it arrived in. Sampling the Aura invisible control briefs in white, their microfibre material and lightweight feel proved an instant scorer with me when it came to comfort points. Embellished with a touch of satin and a Swarovski butterfly, and looking rather pretty considering the granny-like connotations slimming undergarments are usually associated with, I wasn’t entirely convinced by their slimming potential. The lightweight material almost made the briefs feel too soft against my tummy and seemed to be missing the ‘constricting’ factor. That sucked-in feeling I’m usually promised by miracle briefs wasn’t delivered and, after a day of parading around in them, the Berry-esque tummy I had desired was definitely missing. It was much like wearing normal underwear, and above all, the briefs don’t envelope the tummy, instead sitting on the naval line causing that slightly uncomfortable overspill of stomach flab I unashamedly sport – and one so ridiculously evident in a body con dress. Sadly, the Simone Pérèle Aura invisible control briefs bought a sense of uncontrollability, and after initially opting for a snugly fitted top, I decided to swap this daring wardrobe choice for my trusty billowy Topshop blouse I have relied on in several tightly squeezed situations before. Simone Pérèle Aura Invisible Control Briefs, £40.95, available at Simone Pérèle.

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Highlights from High Street Fashion Week, pt 2

by on 12th September 2011 0 comments

This is a guest post by Daisy Jeffery, one of our (frankly brilliant) competition winners. In her first-rate role as fashion reporter, Daisy’s been hitting London’s Oxford Street every day this week to sample the best of High Street Fashion Week and all the fun it’s offered. Find out how she fared as an adopted MFL girl when she took on the task this week… While Charlie may have won the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, I struck fashion gold when discovering My Fashion Life would be sending me all over London to cover High Street Fashion Week.

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Tried & Tested: Debenhams Triple Boost bra

by on 30th January 2024 0 comments

Some things just need a boost: my shoe wardrobe, the ailing economy and the weather, to name but a few. So we decided to boost something closer to home and put the Debenhams Triple Boost Bra to the test. Promising me a (much needed) ‘boob job in a bra’, the padded push up bra boasts the latest cleavage enhancing technology in the form of a three-step cleavage revolution. If it’s all sounding too technical, I’ll break it down for you. The ‘miracle-working’ bra came with a mini diagram explaining how I could achieve the ample bosoms I’ve longed for since my teen years. Step 1: the soft foam cushion enhances the overall shape. Step 2: the medium foam cushion lifts the bust. Step 3: the firm foam provides a mega side push and lift. And though the three foam inserts inside the cup resembled large pebbles, they worked nonetheless. The Triple Boost bra felt comfortable and didn’t give that ‘compressed’ feeling I generally get when slipping into bust boosters for the entire day.  Immediately after wearing the bra, I looked in the mirror to assess my newly ample bust area and instantly noticed an impressive difference: my bust had visibly been lifted as promised by the three-step technology. I wore the Triple Boost bra with a deep v-necked dress – the type of neckline I usually avoid due to a lack of sufficient cleavage to do it any justice – and lasted the whole day thanks to my new found confidence (in a bra!). Although the Triple Boost Bra is comfortable, I would say it’s better suited for wearing under an evening look, rather than in the day. For someone like me, who needs a boob job pretty much all the time, it was fine, but for the slightly bigger-busted […]

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Chic Shoegasms: Nicholas Kirkwood self-tie platforms

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Every girl has a go-to designer that makes them fall head-over-heels, literally, for a pair shoes. Be it that lick of red sole from Louboutin, Carvella’s colour-popping designs, or Jimmy Choo’s beautiful creations – but for me, it’s between McQueen and Nicholas Kirkwood. There’s just something about their innovative designs that bring a fresh, new breath of air to not only my feet, but my entire wardrobe. And these self-tie platform sandals from Kirkwood definitely don’t disappoint when it comes to the ‘wow’ factor. These beautiful nude patent leather sandals with metallic self-tie sash make for a key statement piece for next season. The Mary Jane is back on the fashion radar for AW11, and these Nicholas Kirkwoods work an innovative structure with just a hint of that old school, Mary Jane magic. I completely adore the round capped, peep-toe fronts (just perfect for showcasing the new metallic nail varnishes of next season) alongside their strappy accents and cut-out detailing. Plus, nude will bring that added touch of glamour to your chosen ensemble, while effortlessly elongating those pins. And though the shoe’s accompanying price tag is a little, er, large, when such a beautiful accessory is combined with such an iconic designer, it’s rather impossible to say no. Nicholas Kirkwood’s Self-Tie Platform Sandals, £779, available at My Theresa.

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Handbag Hunter: Valentino Rockstud leather bag

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Say hello to Valentino’s Rockstud leather bag. With its delectable curving silhouette, black leather top handles and gold-toned pyramid-shaped studs, we should be falling head over heels for this little number. However, I’m not quite there yet. Perhaps it’s because I’ve already spotted the price-tag? At £1,235 you’ve got to hope that those studs are actual gold, and somewhere hiding in the depths of the bag there’s the keys to a small convertible. For this money, you’ve really got to fall for a bag – not feel slightly guilty about it being shoved to the back of your cupboard. And, when it comes to studs, I’m the kind of girl who likes to go all out. I’m talking something along the lines of Christian Louboutin’s studded bag a certain Cheryl Cole was working earlier this year. Now that was the epitome of rock and roll – it made my heart beat quicken at an intolerable rate and could be used as a suitable weapon if someone attempted to mug me. And so it goes that though this tote may be Valentino, it just doesn’t have the ‘it’ factor. Valentino Rockstud Leather Bag, £1,235, available at MyTheresa.

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Who wore it best? Kelly Rowland vs Terri Seymour in Aurelio Costarella

by on 21st August 2011 0 comments

By now we know how hard it is for a celebrity to wear a unique dress that no one else on the planet will ever wear (unless you’re Ginnifer Goodwin in a one-off Topshop dress!). So it must be even harder for a starlet when someone younger and with more star power than you dons a  identical dress a few weeks after your debut. This scenario happened to Terri Seymour, model and TV presenter, but mostly known for being one of Simon Cowell’s ex-girlfriends. She opted for the ‘Paris’ dress from Aurelio Costarella on the red carpet in LA. Her younger counterpart, in the same stunning one-shouldered dress, was none other than new X-Factor UK judge and former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland. Kelly wore the dress to celebrate the release of her new album ‘Here I am.’ In an odd twist, both women styled the dress in pretty much exactly the same fashion – nude heels, a subtle bracelet and dark flowing tresses. Both beauties could have opted for a colourful pair of heels to make the beaded blush dress really pop against their skin tone The only question that remains is who wore this blush ‘Paris’ Aurelio Costarella dress best?

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John Galliano: Excuses of a fallen angel

by on 6th August 2011 0 comments

As I pick up yet another issue of Vogue, filled with uncontrollable excitement at the thought of feasting my eyes on rich editorials, I feel a sudden rush of sadness as I look closer. It’s the September fashion issue and naturally calls for a day to be dedicated to reading it, but it’s also the issue which brings to light one of this year’s most catastrophic events: the demise of fashion legend, John Galliano. Although demise may be a strong word for someone so deeply ingrained in the fabric of twenty-first century fashion, it felt as such for those in the industry closest to him. Charlotte Sinclair’s The Turbulent Life of John Galliano (Vogue UK Sept issue) explores the eccentric designer’s meteoric rise and catastrophic fall from grace, and aims to examine the underlying reasons why, on that fateful night in a cafe in the French capital, did the man so recognised for his composure and dedication to fashion, drunkenly pounce on an innocent couple with racial and anti-Semitic slurs. Why did he declare his affection for the human root of racial evil Hitler? Although in great admiration of Galliano’s work and what he has done at both Dior and his (ex) namesake label, I was disappointed by the justifications given for his xenophobic behaviour. Sinclair’s lengthy feature voices the opinions on Galliano’s downfall  from a range of sources, including past assistants; Galliano’s muse and long-term friend, Amanda Harlech, and the Dior house amongst others. Some of the views expressed were striking. Listing factors out of Galliano’s control: an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and prescription drugs; his hedonistic clubbing lifestyle and the untimely death of his father and Steven Robinson – his ‘”soul brother” and right hand man for 17 years, similar reasons Galliano addressed in his defence in court. […]

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How to look polished, poolside

by on 12th July 2011 0 comments

So it’s that dreaded wardrobe-assortment time of year again. You want to ensure you look sartorially slick, even if it means doing so in 45 degree heat with hungry shop vendors tugging at your newly-bought Missoni kaftan. But hey, all seems well when in holiday spirit!

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Love or Hate: YSL leather Tribtoo pumps

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

In the female population’s never-ending quest for the perfect high heel, few can confidently say they have found their dream shoe. This means we spend years traipsing around the high street, and even dabble into designer, in search of that elusive footwear. They have to possess the wow factor, combined with unparalleled comfort and vertiginous height. But a big A list following? Even better.

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Five minutes with Mulberry’s Emma Hill

by on 20th October 2013 0 comments

Mulberry’s Emma Hill is one of those seldom stars who’s huge success hasn’t hindered her humility one bit. Before she joined the luxury British label in 2008, the brand was going from strength to strength under the creative direction of Stuart Vevers. Many thought he’d be a tough act to follow, but Emma’s distinct Brit-girl twist has brought the cult brand to a whole new bed of roses. Once celebrated solely for its iconic accessories, Mulberry’s ready-to-wear is now as sort after as its ‘It’ bags thanks, no doubt, to Hill’s hawkeye vision and inherent understanding of what women want to wear. But enough about the past, Mulberry’s – and Hill’s – future is getting more exciting by the minute. With the help of regular contributor Venetia Dearden, the designer’s spent the last three years putting together the brand’s latest venture: a photography book giving readers unprecedented access to never-before-seen images of Mulberry’s factory, of flame-haired models having a sneaky cig before fashion week, and of its many famed parties. We caught up with Emma at the book’s launch last week for a (very) quick chat about the book, her favourite holiday reads and what she’s got in store for the brand’s big 40th birthday… Tell us a bit about Mulberry the book… It was something we decided to do two years ago – well, over two years, because we were already thinking about the 40th [anniversary] – and we’d been working with Venetia Dearden. She’s such a great photographer and we love working with her so it all started from there, really. And also I think we’re quite a visual brand, we like to tell stories and we’re quite a mouthy brand so she [Venetia] became like a Mulberry and followed us round and came to shows. She’s gutted […]

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Lunchtime buy: Jaeger ruffled pink pleat dress

by on 8th May 2011 0 comments

Got the Monday morning blues? Turn that frown upside down, or rather, turn your blues into punchy pinks with Jaeger’s pleats. This bold babydoll dress from Jaeger has the kind of delicious detail to make us swoon – the soft silky fabric will cascade over your curves while the ruffled pleated hem adds real wow factor. We’d happily don this statement dress in the office, but we reckon it’s just too cute to be kept inside so we’ll be wearing ours to garden parties and summer soirees with towering heels, simple jewellery and ample attitude. And if the promise of the spotlight isn’t enough to sway you, maybe this will – if you spend £200 at Jaeger you can get a free black clutch worth £160. Sold? We think so! Jaeger ruffled pink pleat dress, £399, available from Jaeger. BUY NOW!

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Met Ball 2011: best dressed

by on 3rd May 2011 0 comments

We’ve just about recovered from the excitement of the Royal wedding with its vast array of stylish guests and, of course, Kate Middleton’s breathtakingly beautiful McQueen gown – but the weekend hit us with more star-studded events as the Met Costume Institute Gala landed in New York last night. The Met Ball brings the best of the fashion, film and music industry together for a night of fabulous fashion and exhibitions, and this year’s gala was hosted by none other than Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who honoured the late Alexander McQueen with an exhibition called Savage Beauty. Naturally, the prestigious event is harder to get into than Wonka’s chocolate factory, so we’ve cast our sartorial eye over the fashion elite who bagged a Golden Ticket and strutted their stylish stuff on the red carpet. Here’s our top 10 best dressed from last night’s Met Ball…   Ashley Green She may play a vampire in Twilight, but Ashley Green managed to look positively angelic in a custom Donna Karen strapless gown. The nude voluminous tulle was adorned with silver sequins that trailed into a wedding-like train. Teamed with a sleek up-do and touches of sparkle in her ears, clutch and cuff, she looked positively radiant. Jessica Alba Always one to look utterly fabulous on the red carpet, Jessica Alba didn’t disappoint at last night’s Met Ball dressed in a custom Ralph Lauren platinum strapless bustier gown covered in a sparkly crystal-encrusted overlay that highlighted her growing baby bump. Blake Lively Being the face of Chanel has been a dream come true for this Gossip Girl starlet, and last night she was joined by Mr Karl Lagerfield himself. Naturally, Blake opted for Chanel couture by means of a nude embellished dress covered by silver-lilac a chiffon sash to flaunt her fabulous figure too much. Beyoncé […]

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Deal of the day: Reiss Julio double wrap belt

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Now that the sun’s come out, so has the colour in our wardrobes. The rising temperatures have made us say goodbye to winter tones once and for all and wave hello to colour popping brights, and luckily for us, neons and crayola colours are everywhere right now. And that means we can wear this Julio double wrap belt from Reiss with cool colour confidence. Featuring a contrasting silver buckle and eyelets and complementary red stitching, this leather belt is the easiest way to add a rainbow piece to your outfit. Wear it to break up colour blocking separates or with statement stripes for real wow factor. We’ll be sporting the red version for top fashion marks, but we also love the tan for a smarter look. Head over to Reiss now for today’s style injection for just £45. Julio double wrap belt, £45, available at Reiss. BUY NOW!

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Deal of the day: Cheap Monday skinny cords

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

One of our favourite trends right now is coloured denim. Seen on countless celebs, you get all the comfort of your skinnies with a fresh spring update (plus admiring glances from fellow fashionistas) – what’s not to love? These skinny cords from Cheap Monday are just the thing to lighten our mood and our wardrobe this Easter Monday – the cool rusty colour isn’t too big a splash but still has a high fashion impact and will go hand in hand with spring’s obsession with the Seventies. But of course it wouldn’t be a deal without an amazing price tag to match the style factor, so you’ll be pleased to hear these jeans come with a massive 70% off, now just £56.67 £17. Plus, if you visit farfetch.com before 26th April you’ll get free shipping – even better! Wear with a floppy Seventies hat for off-duty chic, or dress up with layers of luxe necklaces – you’ll just have to race us to the checkout for these on-trend lovelies (our collection of bright jeans for summer starts here). Cheap Monday sky blue skinny jeans, £17, available at farfetch.com. BUY NOW!

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Deal of the day: Jaeger amethyst cuff

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

We’ve seen a lot of gold and brass hammered jewellery this season, and we love its luxe look and versatility, which is exactly why we love this amethyst and brass cuff from Jaeger – perfect for playing dress up. Cuffs are the jewellery du jour for effortless elegance, and this one’s the real deal, with the glam gold effect base giving real wow factor. The chunky amethyst stone detail provides a unique touch and gives it that little something special, and, if purple isn’t your colour, you can also pick up the same piece with a natural amber stone. At £75, this cuff is well worth it for its wearability. Wear at the office to jazz up workwear staples or keep it in your bag and slip it on in the evening for easy summer glam. Jaeger amethyst and brass cuff, £75, available at Jaeger. BUY NOW!

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Top stories this Week: Burberry rocks Beijing, John Galliano sacked from own label, Topshop’s Dress Up launch and MORE!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Burberry in Beijing: Tackling fashion with technology has been taking over the minds of the fashion gods lately. Luxury British brand Burberry landed in Beijing on April 13 – all gadgets and contraptions aboard – to create an extraordinary visual and sensory experience. The event staged on the 2000 square metre stage at Beijing Television Centre marked the first of its kind, introducing virtual image technology, live models, animations and life-like holograms to the fashion world. Read more here! John Galliano sacked from namesake label: It appears, since John Galliano’s racial mêlée, he is continuously being ousted from the very fashion clique that made him the couture success he is today. News has been confirmed of John Galliano’s sacking from his eponymous – and 91 per cent Dior-owned – label, with much concern surrounding the future of the brand. Read more here! Valentino and Elle launch ezine partnership: Luxury fashion label Valentino launched its second ezine partnership this week with Elle magazine – along with the help of three leading style bloggers. The recent gossip circulating fashion bloggers’ roles in the industry has attracted much attention, so featuring the ezine on the successful sites spells guaranteed success. The three chosen bloggers include Susie Bubble of Style Bubble, Leandra Medine of Man Repeller and Catherine Kallon of Red Carpet Fashion Awards. Read more here! Angelina Jolie launches jewellery line – Style of Jolie: Angelina Jolie certainly is the real-life Lara Croft. Perfectly balancing an ever-growing family and empire, Ange has added a luxurious line of fine jewellery to her already overstretched list of entrepreneurial achievements. The line, called Style of Jolie, boasts semi precious stones and glittering diamonds, and has been created in collaboration with jeweller Robert Procop to raise money for Jolie’s charity, Education Partnership for Children in Conflict. Read more here! […]

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Diane Kruger’s dated double denim

by on 11th April 2011 0 comments

We’re so used to seeing Diane Kruger looking nothing less than perfect that we were quite shocked to see photographs over the weekend of the actress looking… well, not so perfect. A close friend of Karl Lagerfeld, it’s very rare that she puts a foot wrong. From her red carpet Chanel gowns to her dressed down, indie chic ensembles, the German beauty has always been high up on our best dressed list – but she was clearly having an off day last weekend. Arriving at LAX airport, undoubtedly after a long flight, means we can overlook the flat booties and oversized knit. After all, comfort is an essential factor when travelling.  But it’s the double denim combination and yellow sunglasses we can’t forgive. Sure, we’re all for mixing and matching denim, but this is so last season, Diane. This is the woman who bagged our teenage crush Joshua Jackson, though, so we’ll let her off with a casual warning this time… What do you think of Diane’s double denim? [poll id=”79″]

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Deal of the day: French Connection Dakota clog

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

We love a good flat shoe. Cute ballet pumps, pretty sandals – who doesn’t need versatility? – but in this often fast world of fashion, we could never turn our back on heels. As such, we’re totally digging French Connection’s Dakota T-bar platforms for their stylish on-trend feel and comfort factor. Perfect for summer, these platform clogs are the ideal day-to-night shoe. Channelling all things Seventies, these chunky heels could be straight out of your mum’s D-I-S-C-O loving wardrobe if it weren’t for their contemporary twist. In hot to trot tan with buckle ankle straps and stud detail, these spring-ready clogs are a bargain buy this season for fun, flirty footwear. Wear with a floaty maxi for summer days to channel your inner hippie chic, or dress up for the dancefloor, safe in the knowledge that you can last all night. French Connection Dakota platform clog, £65, available at French Connection. BUY NOW!

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More Blake Lively Chanel ads

by on 10th March 2011 0 comments

Everyone knows by now that Gossip Girl star, Blake Lively, is the face behind Chanel’s latest campaign ad for its range of Mademoiselle handbags – so just as news is rife, we give you yet more pretty pictures to ponder over. Having already showed you a quick glimpse into some of the previous pictorials, it looks as if the second batch is just as exciting as the first – with Blake looking positively stunning, naturally. Complete with tousled blonde hair and an absent smile from the American dream girl’s face, Blake homes in on the seductive glam factor Chanel simply love – making way for a set of truly stunning images. But wait, the fun doesn’t end there – thanks to Fashionista we can catch an exclusive behind-the-scenes shot of Karl Lagerfeld and Ms Lively having a good ‘ole chin wag. Oh, to be a fly on the wall, eh?

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John Galliano could face imprisonment

by on 3rd March 2011 0 comments

After news broke that John Galliano was heading to rehab in order to help treat his alcohol problem – a factor that contributed to last Thursday’s events – the situation now seems far worse than once thought, as the former Christian Dior creative director could now face imprisonment for his alleged racial crimes. Last night, Sky News announced that the Paris Prosecutors Office has decided to put Galliano on trial to face the alleged racial accusations made against him. The formal proceedings are set to take place in the second quarter of the year, which means the outcome of the trial won’t be known for at least a few more months. But if the designer is subsequently found guilty, Galliano could face six months imprisonment or fined €22,500 (£19,085), reports Vogue UK. Either way, the end result doesn’t look good.

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London Fashion Week AW11: Mary Katrantzou

by on 24th February 2011 0 comments

Who: Mary Katrantzou What: Electrifying prints, structured skirts and separates. Thoughts: Mary Katrantzou received rave reviews last season so she was under a lot of pressure to deliver with her latest offering. She needn’t have worried, though, because once again her beautiful use of prints came up trumps.  In rich, jewel shades with patterns ranging from birds to florals to mosaics she threw caution to the wind, adorning everything from slim trousers to pencil skirts in exquisite detail. Although she reissued the structured lampshade and peplum skirts she’s becoming synonymous with, she compounded her collection for autumn/winter 2011 and made it more wearable than in previous seasons by introducing separates. Sleek, knee-length skirts, trousers and leggings were all key parts of Katrantzou’s look, mixing and matching them her eye-catching prints. Surprisingly, the collection finished with an entirely different angle – floor-length dresses with loose billowing silhouettes introduced a more feminine, if utterly regal, side. Not for the faint-hearted but if you want to stand out, Mary Katrantzou’s got the wow factor.

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London Fashion Week AW11: Meadham Kirchhoff

by on 23rd February 2011 0 comments

Who: Meadham Kirchhoff What: Eerie Pagan school girls, shrines, and sinister dark layers Thoughts: We’re not sure if what we witnessed was a runway show or a ritualistic march at Meadham Kirchhoff yesterday, but we’re rather fond of what we saw. Starting with a finale, the designer duo put on what must be a record short show of about four minutes with all models storming the catwalk at once in army-like precision – they appeared again, briefly, before Ben Meadham and Edward Kirchhoff popped out with a thanking wave, alerting the audience they should’ve clapped at the second stomping. It was actually very effective, and very clever. With shrines to the designers in the centre of the runway and a piercing Psycho soundtrack, the label’s autumn/winter 2011 collection is signature-sinister with models that look part Pagan, part peasant, part school girl hitting the ground in heavily layered looks. Black pinafores were layered over white ruffled shirts and smocks were worn with white collars tied with black velvet ribbon; peasant blouses had ethnic-looking embroidery, exaggerated puff sleeves and frayed, fringed edges; demure white lace dresses peered out of black slit coats or were layered over black versions. Vibrant red interjected the macabre monochrome palette in little woollen jackets, shapely smocks, knits and hits of lace. Long-hanging crucifix necklaces on black and white beads added to the religious-like effect, while models’ hair, coiled into two bunch-like halves, came tied with black lace or velvet bows. It was dark, decadent and, to be honest a little confusing, but its shell-shock factor is a resounding success, especially at second glance.

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Jessica Alba in Valentino

by on 17th December 2010 0 comments

Whilst attending the New York premiere for her latest comedy flick, Little Fockers, actress (and all-round superstar) Jessica Alba wore a stunning Valentino frock for the special occasion. Looking rather angelic dressed in all white, the mum-of-one effortlessly pulled off this teeny-weeny micro number, while the signature Valentino tassel and frill detailing gave this red-carpet dress that all-important style-stealer factor. Sporting a new-found shorter hair ‘do, the Hollywood star certainly bumped up her high fashion credentials with this barber shop choice – not to mention those stunning silver Louboutin stilettos – an all-round winner in our eyes. Does she ever ever look anything less than flawess?

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