Search Results for “topshop

Stella McCartney and other brands pull angora products after viral video

Stella McCartney, H&M, Topshop, Primark, and Whistles are just a few of the brands that have stopped stocking angora products, following the circulation of a video which shows the ill treatment of rabbits in China. “In light of information released about the widespread despicable treatment of angora rabbits, we have decided to stop all future use of angora in Stella McCartney products,” a spokesperson for Stella McCartney said. “Although we have always guaranteed that our angora wool mix fibres come from a cruelty-free source in Italy, we are no longer willing to encourage the use of angora in luxury fashion.” The footage found in the video was filmed as part of an investigation for PETA; the animal rights organisation is encouraging stores and brands to not only refrain from buying angora in the future, but to also pull existing angora products from the shelves. If you think can handle it, you can see the video below but we warn you: it isn’t nice. [Telegraph] [Image] 

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Next season’s NEWGEN recipients revealed!

The verdict is in, as the seven lucky designers chosen by the NEWGEN committee for sponsorship – including one very recent addition to the board who goes by the name of Mary Katrantzou – have been revealed. And they are, in no particular order… 1205, Marques’Almeida, Lucas Nascimento, Simone Rocha, Ryan Lo, Claire Barrow and Danielle Romeril. “Everyone who enters NEWGEN knows that this scheme, with all its unique benefits, can set them on the same road as Christopher Kane, Nicholas Kirkwood, Mary Katrantzou or JW Anderson – in other words, to be top names in international fashion,” said Sarah Mower MBE, a spokesperson for the selection committee. “I would like to thank Sir Philip Green for paving this astonishing British path to the top – Topshop’s sponsorship of NEWGEN really is held in awe by many a nation.” Ryan Lo will receive presentation sponsorship, Claire Barrow and Danielle Romeril will receive exhibition sponsorship, and 1205, Marques’Almeida, Lucas Nascimento and Simone Rocha (whose design is pictured above) will receive catwalk support. As a NEWGEN recipient herself, we have every faith that Mary Katrantzou helped the group make an informed decision. Congrats to all the designers – we can’t wait to see what they come up with for the autumn/winter 2014 season! [Vogue] 

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What to wear on Christmas Day

Everyone’s Christmas Day is different, but the one thing we all have in common is wanting to look good while staying comfortable at the same time. Tight dresses and Spanx are not acceptable on Turkey Day! Here’s what we will be wearing on Christmas Day in case you need some inspiration… 1. This will smarten up any outfit; perfect for going to a Christmas church service, meeting the in-laws or just helping you get into the sparkly Christmas spirit. Oh My Love sequin jacket, £55 2. Only stretchy trousers will do on Christmas Day – how else are you going to eat all your Christmas dinner with all the trimmings? Dorothy Perkins soft jeggings, £20 3. Keep those legs warm with some totally on-trend over the knee boots. New Look black suedette boots, £29.99 4. Look smart in an effortlessly casual way. Oasis heart and PU collar top, £45 5. Say “thank you” to Santa for filling up your Christmas stocking with these cute, festive socks. Dorothy Perkins Mr and Mrs Santa socks, £2.50 6. Give the Christmas tree sparkly decorations a run for their money with this bling-tatic Swarovski ring. Kaleidoscope pink crystal ring, £44.73

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10 Christmas jumpers to get you into the festive spirit

We’ve officially started opening the windows of our advent calendars, which means it’s perfectly acceptable to get into the Christmas spirit. Besides, if you spend your money on a nice Christmas jumper, you want to be able to wear it for at least a month before you tuck it away for the next year, right? Here are ten of our favourite Christmas jumpers currently available. Which one takes your fancy? 1. Make sure you’re always standing near a reflective surface because you’ll want to stare at this adorable pug’s face all day! ASOS Christmas jumper with pug, £35 2. Thank you Stella McCartney for making the Christmas jumper as stylish as can be! Stella McCartney owl Christmas sweatshirt, £170 3. Mmm, we’re getting hungry just looking at the picture on this jumper! Topshop knitted gingerbread man jumper, £42 4. Loud and proud, it doesn’t get more festive than this badboy, surely? Jolie Moi penguin knitted Christmas jumper, £24.99 5. If you can’t wear bedazzled reindeer prints at Christmas, when can you, eh? BHS grey sequin reindeer jumper, £25 6. The ultimate winter wonderland design, is it not? Kudos Ted Baker! Ted Baker Maysi Fairisle jumper, £99 7. Who better to wear on your chest than the main man himself? Cath Kidston Father Christmas jumper, £70 8. You can always count on jumper-guru Markus Lupfer to pull out all the stops for Christmas! Markus Lupfer black snowman jumper, £340 9. We don’t mean to be blunt, but we can’t pretend we aren’t all secretly thinking this! Miss Selfridge Dear Santa Christmas jumper, £25 10. Another cute and relatively subtle design as far as Crimbo jumpers go. New Look cream light up tree Christmas jumper, £29.99

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Kate Moss to get Special Recognition at British Fashion Awards

We think next week’s British Fashion Awards are going to be bigger and better than ever – especially for our home girl Kate Moss who will be receiving the Special Recognition Award to celebrate her 25-year career in the fashion industry. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving! The supermodel has had more magazine covers than we have had hot dinners, and been the face of countless ad campaigns – as well as her own collections with Topshop and Carphone Warehouse – so to say she has been busy these past 25 years would be a bit of an understatement. Kate will collect the award on Monday December 2nd at the London Coliseum; journalist Suzy Menkes will also be receiving a Special Recognition prize, so Kate is in great company! Oh, and we know we told you a few weeks ago that David Walliams would be hosting the event, but he has been forced to pull out due to ill health, so Jack Whitehall is stepping in instead. He has some big shoes to fill but we are confident Jack will do us proud. And get well soon, David! [Image]

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Meadham Kirchhoff coming to the V&A!

We can’t go anywhere these days without the subject of Meadham Kirchhoff popping up. Design duo Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff have recently unveiled their latest collection for Topshop, but now they have something just as exciting planned… they’re heading to the V&A! The designers will be part of the V&A’s Fashion in Motion series, whereby fashion is brought to life through movement (funnily enough.) “We are very pleased to be involved with the V&A’s Fashion in Motion series,” the boys said. “When approaching every collection or garment we secretly hope to make something worthy of being seen in a museum, so for us it is an honour to present a show comprised of hand-picked pieces from our favourite collections.” Four free catwalk shows will be held on December 6th, where highlights of their womenswear collections will be presented. Exciting stuff! [Telegraph] 

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Steep vs. Cheap: Cut out sneakers

With the holiday season set to be a party-led heel marathon, sneaking in as much ‘comfy time’ as possible is called for. And, we can’t think of a more fashionably acceptable way of doing ‘comfortable’ than in a pair of too-cool-for-sports sneakers. Rihanna’s a fan, so is Miley Cyrus. Heck, even the God of leather pants, Kanye West, isn’t seen without his beloved sneakers, convincing even the missus to slip into a matching pair! And thanks to these taste makers, the humble sneaker’s sporty vibe has been elevated to a whole new level of wearable cool. Unsure how to channel the luxe sneaker trend without being mistaken for a gym bunny? Why, with our Steep vs. Cheap sneaker picks, of course! In at the steep end this week, Maison Martin Margiela’s cut out sneakers in black suede are making us want to ditch heels for good. Featuring a soft suede hi-top outer, contrasting white laces and all the padded comfort of a cotton cloud, are you sold on the £441.72 price tag? We are. (Sorry, landlord) But, hold fire if you fear your fashion fund depleting, because we’ve tracked down an equally wardrobe (and pocket) friendly version of the mighty Margiela sneaker. Head to Topshop, and snap up the Ashton cut out sneakers for a very reasonable £52. Win win! Will you splash the cash or curb the urge? Steep: Maison Martin Margiela suede cut out sneakers, £441.72, available at Shopbop Cheap: Ashton cut out trainers, £52, available at Topshop

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Winter Trends: Top three boots we love!

When the colder weather approaches, we all must make the change over from our summer wardrobe to our winter one. Despite having a complete collection of winter clothes just last year, there’s always some essentials you’ll need to go out and buy to see you through. Boots are a must when the weather turns wet and slushy, and every year they always reappear in stores, as they’re a constant trend that will always stay fashionable. Braving the unpredictable weather in your summer pumps can leave you with wet and soggy feet, never mind ruined shoes. Even your favourite pastime, hitting the shops, can become something of a challenge! So why not do what many women are doing now and buy your shoes online? Online stores such as Spy Love Buy are a fantastic way to shop till you drop without carrying all the bags! Here are my top three boots from the site that are bang on trend this winter: Chelsea ankle boot, £32.95 This classic style which was a staple on the high street last year is still as popular as ever. With its small feminine heel and great grip, this boot is the perfect mix of practically and style during the winter months. Paired with a fitted tartan blouse, like this one from Topshop, the boots add a tough-girl twist to a sophisticated look. Cut out western ankle boot, £26.95 If you’re a fan of the Heritage trend, these tanned ankle boots are the perfect choice for you this winter. The cut out section underneath the ankle and the crossed gold buckles add a girly touch to a classic look. Combine with a pair of skinny jeans, which you can purchase for £9 from New Look, and tweed jacket to set this look off perfectly. Knee high boots, […]

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Steep vs. Cheap: Perfect winter coat

If you haven’t yet invested in a snug winter cover up (if not, why not?), then we guess the recent chilly spell would’ve pushed you to do so. After all, a chunky knit pretending to be your coat just won’t cut it anymore, not on those crisp, wintry mornings! So, to make the task of choosing a suitable (read: stylish) coat a lot less mundane, we’ve picked out two options to suit all pockets, not to mention up your fash cred a few notches. A mannish coat with throw on appeal is the way to start your love affair with chill-blocking this season, and this week’s Steep vs. Cheap picks are guaranteed to please your inner tomboy. If you’re looking to splash some serious cash, then turn to online shopping haven Zalando, where you can snap up this fuzzy short coat from René Lezard for a meaty £400! Boasting a cosy alpaca, mohair and wool mix exterior, you’ll stylishly sail through the winter months in this coat. But, if your coat fund doesn’t stretch so far, then head to every fashion girl’s ultimate destination for a quick fashion fix: Topshop. Here, you’ll find the equally boyish notch neck coat for £85 – a snip of the price! That’s a happy wardrobe and smiley pocket, then. Steep: René Lezard Short coat, £420, available at Zalando Cheap: Notch neck throw on coat, £85, available at Topshop

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Kate Middleton’s stylist revealed, Nicolas Ghesquière in at Louis Vuitton, and Victoria Beckham moves to New York

Has Kate Middleton’s secret stylist been revealed? Apparently so – and it’s said to be none other than her close friend and godmother to Prince George, Emilia Jardine-Paterson. [Refinery 29] Nicolas Ghesquière has officially been confirmed as Marc Jacobs’ successor at Louis Vuitton! [Elle] Topshop has joined forces with Pinterest for a technology-tastic holiday-inspired campaign. [Style Blazer] Victoria Beckham’s got herself a 4,500 square foot office, which her team will be moving into in January next year! [Vogue] PETA has hit out at Anya Hindmarch for using stuffed ducklings in her Bond Street window display. [Fashion Foie Gras] Burberry has released its holiday campaign, With Love, and the pieces are just as covetable as ever! We want everything! [Coco’s Tea Party] Cara Delevinge’s really getting her acting career on track; her latest role is playing Amanda Knox’s sister in The Face of an Angel. [Metro] Fake goods are out, and spending money on the real deal is in! According to a recent survey, anyway! [Telegraph]

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Six lust-worthy lace dresses we love!

We lo-lo-love lace! Ever since we laid eyes on Kate Middleton’s luxurious Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding gown, we’ve been pretty obsessed with it. And we aren’t alone either, as our favourite high street stores and designers keep them coming season after season. Here are six that we are currently lasting after: 1. Inject a bit of subtle yet bold winter colour into your winter party wardrobe with this teal hued beauty. Miss Selfridge teal lace bodycon dress, £35 2. So regal and romantic, this dress does all the talking – no need to overload on accessories! Untold lace dress with sleeves, £108 3. A strapless, seductive party number that looks like it has a place on the dance floor as well as the bedroom floor. Kinky! Jane Norman embellished lace bandeau dress, £37.50 4. The perfect infusion of grey and white in this silky, sexy three-quarter sleeved dress. Joe Browns luxurious lace dress, £48 5. Sometimes simplicity really is key; go back to basics with this casual chic white dress from Topshop! Topshop lace panel skater dress, £20 6. Have you ever seen a more seductive, Dita von Teese reminiscent dress in your life? LK Bennett Lavine lace shift dress, £221.25

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Burberry’s Christopher Bailey receives Fashion Hall of Fame award

Gosh it really has been a good month for Christopher Bailey hasn’t it? A few weeks ago he was given a huge promotion and became the new Burberry Chief Executive Officer after Angela Ahrendts left the brand to go to Apple, and now he’s just been awarded the Hall of Fame gong at the annual WGSN Global Fashion Awards which were held at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Congratulations to a very well-deserving man! Previous winners of the prestigious accolade include legendary photographer Rankin and Biba founder Barbara Hulanicki, so we know he’s in good company. Other designers who won big on the night include Nicholas Kirkwood who picked up the award for Footwear and Accessories Designer, while Topshop won the Best Multi-Channel Retailer Award. No arguments there! Click here to check out the full list of winners.

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Kate Bosworth stuns in Alexander McQueen crepe dress

She may have just debuted her second collection for Topshop by way of a fun and fan video directed by her husband Michael Polish (check it out right here in case you’ve been living under a rock and missed it), but Kate Bosworth definitely left all signs of the British high street behind when she attended the SiriusXM Studios in New York yesterday to promote her new film Big Sur.  The stunning actress and fashionista made all heads turn as she arrived for her promotional appearance in a striking cobalt blue cap sleeve crepe dress by none other than Alexander McQueen. It was clean, sharp, simple and sophisticated; definitely one of her best looks of the last few months which is quite an achievement considering she has been on fire (sartorially and figuratively speaking of course) of late. Do you love Kate’s latest look as much as we do? [Image] 

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Mollie King joins Oasis for ‘Loved By Mollie’ collection

It’s all about celebs and high street at the moment; Kate Moss for Topshop, Rihanna for River Island, and now Mollie King for Oasis. The Saturdays singer has been named as celebrity style ambassador for Oasis, and has curated a 45-piece edit of her favourite pieces from the autumn/winter 2013 collection. The edit is rather aptly titled ‘Loved by Mollie’, although we have a feeling it’ll be loved by women across the nation, too! “I went into the Oasis office and there were rails and rails of clothes that I could dive through. It was like every girl’s dream,” Mollie said about the process. “I picked out my favourite bits, but it was really hard to narrow everything down because obviously I couldn’t pick the whole collection! I wanted a mixture of evening wear and casual pieces.” We’d have that problem too – the Oasis collection is stronger than ever this season! Still, we think Mollie did a really good job and we think she looks gorgeous in the campaign images too. Head over to Oasis to see all the pieces in the Loved by Mollie edit. [Grazia] 

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Halloween inspired pieces to get you into the spooky spirit

Yes Halloween is once again upon us, which means it’s time to start carving the pumpkins and stocking up on the sweeties for yourself the trick or treaters. As well as prepping your costume (it doesn’t matter if you go spooky or slutty a’ la Mean Girls) ahead of the big party you’re attending, we know you’ll want to get into the Halloween spirit with your everyday-wear too. So, here are some Halloween inspired pieces that are totally acceptable to wear in the day, night, or even to the office if you so choose. 1. Trick or treating at the end of October can be chilly business, so what better way to keep warm than to snap up this pumpkin jumper? Topshop knitted pumpkin face jumper, £38 2. This skirt would look great at Halloween, but wouldn’t look totally out of place on any other day, either. If Alexander McQueen can make skulls work all year round… Topshop skeleton print tube skirt, £22 3. Keep it simple and literal in this white tee that gets straight to the point! New Look Trick or treat Halloween tee, £6.99 4. This little guy doesn’t look like he would scare anyone, but we’d love to wear him on our wrist the whole year round as opposed to just on Halloween. Pandora silver ghost charm, £25 5. One of the many Halloween inspired socks in the Topshop range this season – a nod to the holiday the subtle way! Topshop purple all over ghost socks, £3.50 6. Forget hair extensions and spraying your hair ghost white, these hair clips are all you need to jazz your barnet up! Matalan pumpkin fake hair clips, £2.50 7. Charlotte Olympia’s Halloween collection is simply to die for; whether you want heels, slippers or even a pumpkin shaped […]

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Kate Moss named Contributing Fashion Editor of British Vogue!

Kate Moss just doesn’t stop, does she? We thought she’d be busy beavering away on her new Topshop collection, but it looks like she’s found time to fit editing British Vogue into her busy schedule too. Mossy will be joining the British version of the fashion Bible as Contributing Fashion Editor, and will have a very hands-on role, working with her choice of photographers, models and more. “I am absolutely delighted that Kate is going to work with us in this new role,” said British Vogue ed Alexandra Shulman. “Her undoubtedly brilliant sense of style, depth of fashion knowledge, and understanding of what makes a wonderful image will be exciting to see used in the pages of British Vogue. I am really looking forward to working with her on ideas.” We’re looking forward to it too; we can expect to see Kate’s first store in an upcoming spring issue of the magazine. Our eyes are well and truly peeled!

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7 essential winter wardrobe basics!

Time to start tucking away the bikinis, short shorts, flip flops and sun hats as the new season is well and truly here. That means the hats, scarves and gloves are ready to make another appearance, but don’t fret if your wardrobe is somewhat lacking. Here are seven essential wardrobe basics to get you through the winter season in one stylish and fashionable piece: 1. Don’t fret about a bad hair day – a cute hat will not only keep your head warm, but will also fix any hair troubles in no time! Juicy Couture leopard print beanie hat, £44.29 2. If you want a coat to go with absolutely everything that will keep you toasty, make you look super chic and will only set you back £59, look no further than this beauty from one of our fave high street stores. Dorothy Perkins navy faux fur collar coat, £59 3. Not ready to say goodbye to your pencil skirts and lace dresses? Do a Kate Middleton and wear your favourite spring/summer outfits with a sheer pair of tights. Or go for a black or even a patterned pair to make things more wintry or to liven things up! Pretty Polly barely there tights, £5 4. Kate Moss swears by them, and we do too. You can’t go wrong this winter with a sleek, simple, sexy and totally stunning pair of black Stuart Weitzman boots. Definitey worth every single penny! Stuart Weitzman knee high boots, £495.45 5. Feel the love and feel the warmth with these chic, cute and cosy gloves from Moschino Cheap & Chic. What’s not to love about them? Moschino Cheap & Chic gloves, £49 6. Another winter essential that will allow you to wear with some of your summer favourites. Adding a cable knit cardi to […]

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JUST SAY NO! 5 SS14 trends we could do without!

Along with the good comes the bad, and that was the case for some of the trends of the spring/summer 2014 collections that we saw during Fashion Month. While there are more than a few trends we can’t wait to channel next season, there are also a few that we could definitely do without. Here are five trends we won’t be in any hurry to wear: 1. Exposed bra straps and visible underwear. At the risk of sounding like our grandmothers, underwear is supposed to be worn underneath your clothes. The clue is in the name. So we won’t be in any hurry to start sporting bra shapes outside our clothes or letting everyone see what we wear underneath our eveningwear – sorry Jason Wu. 2. Cropped tops. Another trend our grandmothers won’t be too keen on either is crop tops, as displayed on the BCBG by Max Azria and DKNY catwalks, among others. We spent too much time in the gym and not enough time having calorific tea parties this past season, so we definitely don’t want a repeat of it. We think we’ll stick with the looser silhouettes. 3. Teddy bear hats. We love Moschino, and the label sure loves to put on a good show, but we’re not sure where teddy bear hats would fit in day or night. Unless there was a Lady Gaga themed party, then of course it would be highly appropriate 4. Bare backs. Great in theory, and even on the catwalk as demonstrated by the models at the Topshop Unique show, but somewhat impossible to wear by normal folk. We can’t even count how many celebs have had red carpet disasters and near-misses when it comes to tit tape and backless bras, and opting to not wear a bra at all isn’t […]

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Two fab ways to wear loafers

Loafers – a firm favourite footwear choice (try saying that really fast… quite tricky, no) of some of the most stylish celebs out there. Style maven Alexa Chung of course being one of them! The best thing about loafers is that they are not only incredibly comfy, but they are super-versatile, too. You too can channel the stylish celebs by incorporating loafers into your wardrobe – smart, casual, winter, summer – the possibilities are endless. Here are just two ways which you can wear Topshop’s Mardi Snaffle black and gold loafers: Option 1 Current/Elliot distressed skinny jeans, £235 || Black Mango crepe blazer, £39.99 || Equipment Nelly sleeveless silk blouse, £230 || B-Low The Belt Giselle belt, £126.76 Option 2   Topshop autumnal floral tea dress, £45 || Topshop Pork Pie hat, £25 || Coach brass/copper Penny shoulder purse, £195

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7 super chunky cozy cardigans

Hooray for autumn/winter! Not something you’ll often hear as the sunshine is well and truly gone and we can kiss goodbye to that dream of catching a natural glowing tan here in Blighty for another year, but the new season has its perks too. We love a good chunky, comfy, cozy knit – one of the sartorial perks of colder climes – and here are seven (because we couldn’t quite narrow it down to five!) of our current favourites: 1. Tartan was a trend on the autumn/winter 2013 catwalks, and it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere for the brand new spring/summer 2014 season either. Tartan is hot property, and this cardi from Miss Selfridge is a winter must-have! Miss Selfridge fluffy check cardigan, £39 2. Granny chic at its finest – we love everything about this cardigan as it will keep you warm throughout the winter and will go with just about everything! Joules Chelmer chunky cardigan, £99.95 3. Long cardigans are not only great for keeping out the chill, but they’re also super slimming and figure flattering too, And this one from Paul Smith has the added bonus of brightening up your look, too! Paul Smith long chunky cardigan, £195 4. Another bright piece to get you out of a monochrome winter colourless style rut. Turn heads in this Yumi knit all season long!  Yumi chunky knit cardigan, £60 5. If Gisele doesn’t convince you to head to H&M for your new-season threads, this knitted cardigan sure will. It’s one of many comfy cosy selections in the high street store; head to your nearest one or the website if you don’t believe us! H&M knitted cardigan, £24.99 6. An autumn/winter essential for so many reasons; wear it indoors, as a coat, or underneath your stylish new raincoat, this will probably be one of the […]

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Reflecting on London Fashion Week…(Spring/Summer 2014)

The hub of all excitable activity, and displaying a manner of dressing that even those residing across the Atlantic strongly envy (yes, those polished NYC queens), London is a melting pot of acceptance and crazy, annotated flower diagrams in the name of Christopher Kane. But given the shows are essentially work affairs, where buyers behind affluent retail names come to place hefty orders, and editors come to coo at what they’ll be instructing Testino to shoot in seven or so months’ time, was fashion week on point? Did the runway looks deliver and meet expectation? Here’s what we thought: Translatability Tom Ford’s show during London Fashion Week had us, for the first time, sitting up and thinking about how a shattered crystal dress arranged in a mosaic-like effect was ever going to appear on the red carpet. Or, would we see It mademoiselle Alexa Chung rocking a teardrop cut-out dress from Christopher Kane’s spring 2014 collection at some high profile shindig? Some of the clothes worked – like Emilio de la Morena’s relaxed-but-city-slick separates and even Topshop Unique’s impressive line-up of printed spaghetti strap dresses and curved, cropped shirts – when it came to mentally visualising them on ‘real’ people in the ‘real’ world, but the goth cyber chick at Mark Fast made it hard to maintain that focus. Out of touch? In a rather interesting piece rounding up the shows in London, Cathy Horyn made a very valuable point: “As I went around London, to places and streets filled with ordinary people, I had the sense, more than ever, that fashion here was taking place in vacuum. Do they care about Christopher Kane’s naïve drapes and twisted flower dresses? If the public doesn’t appear to be even remotely listening, whom are we talking to?” With street style running the gamut at […]

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Beautiful bodycon dresses for a purse-friendly price!

Bodycon dresses are always there for us when we need them. When we have a cocktail party or just want to glam up for a night on the town with the girls, they never let us down. Mini, midi or maxi, bold or understated, long sleeve, short or strapless, we can’t seem to get enough of them regardless of their shape, size or form. We can totally justify spending hundreds of Pounds on a good bodycon dress, but we don’t always need to. Here are five that will leave you looking and feeling fabulous without breaking the bank: 1. Saying goodbye to the summer doesn’t mean waving goodbye to bodycon dresses altogether; add some sleeves and some tights and you’re good to go! Glamorous 3/4 sleeve monochrome Aztec bodycon dress 2. Is it a dress or is it a chic and sexy top and skirt combo? Keep them guessing with this stunning dress that will surely turn heads wherever you go! TFNC Gilianna bodycon dress, £45 £35 3. Ah, the bandage bodycon dress – a staple for a reason! This dress has it all – the bold colour, the lace, the bandage detailing, the sex factor… we love it all! Topshop lace bandage bodycon dress, £49 4. Need to get ready in a flash? Throw this on with some fierce heels and you’re all set. Want to accessorise to your heart’s content and go all out? No problem, this dress works both ways! A true wardrobe must-have! New Look black jacquard paisley bodycon dress, £19.99 5. Bodycon dresses shouldn’t just be reserved for nights out; this midi daytime dress will have you looking and feeling great all day! Plusb Beyonce’s been seen in an Aztec bodycon or two lately, so if it’s good enough for her… Nina brushed knit Aztec […]

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Last minute holiday essentials

Squeezing in one last sun-drenched holiday before reluctantly waving goodbye to the British summer? (Gosh, it has been good to us this year) The rush that ensues post holiday-booking can often mean jetting out with an overflowing suitcase, sometimes forgetting to pack those holiday essentials you couldn’t otherwise imagine vaycay-ing without! So, to make the packing process that bit easier, we’ve rounded up a selection of last minute holiday essentials you shouldn’t even think about departing without: Flip flops. OK, so they’re not the most flattering of the footwear lot but, undoubtedly, holiday essentials. Pack a good quality pair you’ll feel comfortable strolling around in, on and off the beach. Lined with soft padded satin, flip flops don’t get more luxurious than this Reef Dream Prints pair. Bikini. Possibly the first item you’d fling into an empty suitcase when holiday packing, don’t jet off without a show-stopping bikini in tow. Mixing bold colour with a quirky digi-print, this flamingo-print bikini set wouldn’t look out of place in the glam surrounds of South Beach. Kaftan. The ideal beach-to-bar candidate, you can’t go wrong with a gorgeous kaftan. Breezy, and perfect for balmy evenings beachside; this dip dye pelican kaftan may quickly become your best beach bud. Pair with sandals and shorts for a relaxed evening look. Beach bag. How else would you carry your latest holiday read, sun protection and all other manner of beach essentials? Why in a trusty beach bag, of course! Splashed with statement embellishment, this Liquorish beach bag is guaranteed to clock up secret glances from fellow sunbathers! Just don’t forget to do the obligatory round of the beach to show it off! Also, check out this beach tote tutorial for a fun summer DIY! Sunglasses. Keeping your peepers protected from intense sunlight is important, so why […]

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London Fashion Week SS14 Day 3 highlights

As always, the highlight of the day, nay, London Fashion Week as a whole, was the Mulberry show at the swanky Claridge’s hotel. We received a very sneaky preview of what to expect from the spring/summer 2014 collection via mood board (check it out here in case you missed it) so knew we were going to be in for a summery, floral treat. And the mood board certainly didn’t let us down! Emma Hill definitely made sure she went out with a bang wit her last collection at the helm of Mulberry. We even got a new, never-before-seen piece of arm candy too – the Kensal bag! This obviously won’t be the last you hear of that name, so watch this space! The Topshop Unique front row was probably the most star-studded of them all, with the likes of Kate Moss, Samantha Barks, Alexa Chung, Daisy Lowe and of course Miss Anna Wintour among the famous faces looking on adoringly at the new collection. The nineties were back with a vengeance if Topshop has anything to say about it, as are bare backs, loose-fitting tops and shorts, mirror-detailing (which was reflected – no pun intended – in the mirror invitations we received) and fun prints. Jourdan Dunn’s look above was definitely our highlight of the entire collection! Over at Kate Middleton fave Emilia Wickstead, block pastel colours were the obvious runaway theme in the collection; clean yet exaggerated cuts and silhouettes dominated. Another favourite of the Middleton family is Alice Temperley, who presented a show-stopping Temperley London spring/summer 2014 collection, which was reportedly inspired by a recent trip to Sicily. Regal, embroidery, crystal embellishments, structure, precision and intricate attention to detail – we wouldn’t expect anything less! Elsewhere in London, Mary Katrantzou presented another bright, colourful, intricate collection in her […]

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5 autumnal ankle boots you can’t live without!

Ah ankle boots – our saviours come September when it’s just a bit too chilly to roam the streets of London in ballerina flats but not quite arctic enough for the thigh highs. Plus they’re a tad edgier too which is always a nice bonus. We can’t get enough of ankle boots; here are five that we are currently coveting: 1. – What’s that you say? Staple black ankle boots at half price? Well, don’t mind if we do! Office neptune stud boots, £70 £35 2. – If you’re after ankle boots with attitude, these babies are the ones for you. Stand out from the crowd and wear them with pride! Aldo Mikusova leather and pony hair boots, £100 3. – An edgy design that will urge your inner rock chick/Agyness Deyn to come out and play! Kurt Geiger low heel ankle boots, £170 4. – This is the ankle boot that will complement virtually any autumnal outfit while making sure you stay dry and comfortable too. Faith tan scalloped trim ankle boots, £75 5. – After something for Fashion Month or any other kind of event where making a style statement is your goal? Then snap these beauties up pronto! Topshop Abigail Neoprene ankle boots, £80

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Get Ellie Goulding’s multi-weather look

Only in England can you get away with wearing teeny tiny shorts and a cropped wool jumper. That’s exactly what Ellie Goulding did last week when she visited the Kiss FM studios in London, and she completely worked the summer meets winter look with ease! If you too want piece of the multi-weather action then you’re in luck as recreating the look is pretty simple!  Here’s what you’ll need to channel Ellie this September: Kitted fluffy crop jumper, £34, available at Topshop Polka dot shorts, £198.41, Thakoon Addition available at Saks Fifth Avenue Peeptoe open back heels, £20, available at Boohoo.com

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Feel free and fabulous in the maxi skirt

We know how good it feels to be in a nice, long, floaty maxi skirt. You feel so feminine, so free, and so fabulous when you’re in one, and as a result, you look totally gorgeous at the same time too. Long skirts are great for the summer season but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock them during the autumn either. They’re a great wardrobe staple to help you cling onto warmer and sunnier times. Pair with a simple tank top in the summer, but add a chic, fitted jacket and some wedges or booties when it gets a little bit colder. There are no excuses for not buying one! Here are five fab maxi skirts that are currently on sale on the virtual Great British High Street: 1. Bright, bold and totally girlie – a head-turning, attention-grabbing skirt that can be dressed up or down. Lashes Edit maxi skirt, £40 2. A great selection if you want to embrace the likes of Florence Welch and Vanessa Hudgens and go for that ultimate boho chic look. It even comes with its own belt too – how kind! New Look brown ditsy floral belted maxi skirt, £12 3. This one is for all us girls who don’t have catwalk model height as it’s a petites exclusive! No need to wear painful sky high heels as this skirt has been tailored for anyone 5’3 and under. Miss Selfridge lace insert maxi skirt, £18 4. This is essentially a two for the price of one maxi skirt, and an interesting take on the popular mullet style. Get all the benefits of a maxi skirt but turn up the sex factor by flashing your pins too. Perfect! H&M long tulle skirt, £29.99 5. A sleek and sexy maxi skirt for the body confident, empowered […]

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The British Fashion Council’s September Fashion Showcase in Oxford Street

Somerset House might be the official home of London Fashion Week, but Oxford Street is getting pretty stylish in September too thanks to a brand new September Fashion Showcase by the British Fashion Council. In a bid to make Fashion Week for “everyone”, no fewer than 15 flagship stores will bet taking part in a great fashion showcase, hosting some ultra fab events throughout September – the most fashionable month of all. “People are much more aware that fashion week is going on,” said Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council. “It’s aspirational, exciting and diverse – and this Oxford Street initiative is about going one step further, being much more inclusive and celebrating our talent. “This event gives retailers the opportunity to be more proactive, and it also shows our international visitors that we take the fashion industry incredibly seriously in this country.” Three cheers for fashion! Highlights include personal styling sessions with Fashion East founder Lulu Kennedy at Topshop, the launch of River Island’s collaboration with Eudon Choi, designer Ben de Lisi talking about his new Principles range at Debenhams, complimentary manicures at Wallis, trend talks at Marks & Spencer and much more. Click here to check out the full schedule – see you there! [Image]   

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Steep vs. Cheap: The black backpack

Officially too cool for school, the backpack is back with a vengeance. Sans heavy biology and French textbooks, the style set have taken to rocking the backpack in the fashion playground, even making it their best carry-all buddy during a demanding fashion month schedule. Thanks to easy-on-the-eye formations, ranging from leather to print and luxe hides; forget grey uniforms and pigtails, and stick to sporting the backpack with the coolest, sleekest of ensembles: pair with a mesh vest, light knit, skinny jeans and wedge sneakers for the gym-girl-gone-haute look, or add a tougher edge to a feminine dress, by mixing a leather backpack with a chunky boot. However you choose to carry the backpack let this week’s crave-worthy steep and cheap options inspire you. Cashing in at a wholesome £748, the Alexander Wang Marti leather backpack is set to be a certified sell-out piece! An easy option to incorporate in to your wardrobe, thanks to a go-with-everything colour; we love the street vibe, buttersoft leather and plenty of storage space to carry all your essentials – zips galore! On an equally stylish footing (although with a far more sensible price tag) is the Snake zippy backpack from trusty high street haunt, Topshop. The faux snake textured upper, equally practical roomy insides and wear-with-everything appeal makes this backpack a sure-fire addition to our (ever increasing) bag collection! So what will it be? A designer crush, or will you go for the equally stylish yet pocket-friendly option? Steep: Alexander Wang Marti leather backpack, £748, available at My Theresa Cheap: Snake zippy backpack, £36, available at Topshop

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Unleash your animal side with these fierce printed blouses

Rawr! Printed blouses are all the rage right now, but nothing screams “look at me!” quite like animal print does it? So, unleash your animal side and stand out from the crowd with a fierce printed blouse this autumn/winter season. Here are five of our favourites to get you in the mood: 1.– You can always count on Topshop to bring out a fierce yet affordable animal print shirt. This cow print beauty ticks all the right boxes! Topshop cow print shirt, £38 2.– The ultimate indulgence – make this blouse your investment buy of the season as the accessorising opportunities are endless! Burberry silk animal print blouse, £386 3.– Love leopard print but want something a little bit different? You get the best of both worlds with this refreshing, vibrant take on a true sartorial classic! Moschino Cheap and Chic leopard print blouse, £145 4.– If you’re not brave enough to rock this with the matching trousers, tuck it inside a chic pencil skirt and some knee-high boots for a fierce office look! Joseph multi snake print blouse, £219 5.–There’s something a bit Peter Stringfellow about this blouse but given the right styling we think it could ear you some serious style brownie points! Planet zebra print blouse, £29

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5 glam trans-seasonal skater skirts

Last week it was all about shorts, but now it’s time for skirts to have their moment. And not just any old skirts, mind – skater skirts! They come in all shapes and sizes and can be dressed up or down, but today we’re focusing on glamorous skirts that are fit for the finest clubs, bars and parties. Here are five of our favourites: 1.– If you want to instantly make a statement, donning a fierce print is the way forward – and prints don’t come fiercer than leopard! Quiz animal print skater skirt, £14.99 2.– Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but we wouldn’t snub gold, either. This gold skater skirt is a perfect example of why we love the metallic trend – team it with a simple black top for maximum effectiveness! Boohoo Grace metallic PU skater skirt, £15 3.– Can’t decide what colour to wear? With this skirt from Asos, you really don’t have to make a choice! Perfect for those parties with a “go big or go home” dresscode. Asos foil print skater skirt, £18 4.– The weather may not be what it used to, but that doesn’t mean we have to shy away from bright colours. Defy seasonal conventions with this ultra bright skater skirt! River Island pink textured skater skirt, £18 5.– Two textures for the price of one; this skirt is as playful as it is edgy. Team with some tough talking booties and your “don’t mess with me” transformation is complete! Topshop blue contrast hem skater skirt, £38

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5 of the best evening shorts

The hot spell we briefly had this summer probably made you fall in love with shorts all over again, and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably going to have a hard time saying goodbye to them. Worry not though, as shorts are a chic, on-trend and totally acceptable alternative to skirts and mini dresses when it comes to getting dressed up for an evening out. Here are five pairs which prove our point: 1.– We all need a bit of sparkle when we hit the town and that’s exactly what you’ll be getting if you step out in these attention-grabbing shorts. Accessorie to your heart’s content – there’s no such thing as OTT when you wear these babies! New Look pink and mint green tile sequin shorts, £8 2.– Versatile but wow-worthy, these black laser cut shorts have it all. The attention to detail is exquisite considering you can get them on the high street for a mere £40. Bargain! River Island Black leather look laser cut shorts, £40 3.– One of the chicest pairs of shorts we’ve ever laid eyes upon – are the bows at the bottom not the cutest things you’ve ever seen? Red Valentino crochet cotton blends shorts, £265 4.– Instantly elongate your stems with these high waisted, wide legged shorts that will earn you serious style brownie points from the second you enter the room! Karen Millen snake print shorts, £50 5.– Pastel pretty, feminine and totally on-trend, these scallop hem shorts are a must-have! Acessorise with a lace cream top and layers of costume jewellery for the ultimate girly look! Topshop duck egg scallop hem shorts, £32

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Twiggy! Fashion icon of the past and present

Still every bit as relevant in the year 2013 as she was in the 1960s, Twiggy is undoubtedly a fashion icon of the past and present. Twiggy, i.e. Lesley Lawson, was the one who said it was ok to wear dresses and skirts with barely there hemlines. She was the one who said it was ok to have both gravity defying and elfin cropped hair. She was the one who said it was ok to have over the top, almost unnatural looking eyelashes. And she was one of the first girls to prove that you can make it as a model without Kelly Brook style curves. Even if she wasn’t even born back then! Fast forward 50 years and several seasons of The Only Way is Essex and Keeping up with the Kardashians later, and those trends have come back with a vengeance… which just goes to show how ahead of her time she really was. Here are just a few reasons we love English fashion icon Twiggy: Where it all began; the Daily Express named her as The Face of ’66! Beautiful dreams; Twiggy records her first single Beautiful Dreams Twiggy Dresses; Forget Kate Moss for Topshop and the Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins… Twiggy beat all the celebs to it back in 1967 when she presented the first collection of her highly successful clothing line. Everyone wanted to look like her, and with the launch of her clothing collection, they could!  If that doesn’t scream “fashion muse” we don’t know what does! The cover star; akin to the year 2013, you knew you had made it if you found yourself on the cover of all the fashion glossies – and that’s exactly what happened to Twiggy in 1967. That iconic haircut and that doe-eyed face speak volumes! Life […]

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Top stories this week: September issues, court battles and new campaign faces

September 2013 issues land We’ve already seen a host of September issues land from the likes of British Vogue, Elle UK, Harper’s Bazaar UK and more. Read more here! Rihanna wins Topshop legal battle Rihanna has won her legal battle against Topshop after the store used her picture on one of their tops without her permission. Read more here!  Rita Ora for DKNY Rita Ora has replaced BFF Cara Delevingne as the face of DKNY! Read more here!  Tamara Mellon’s new project We finally learnt what Tamara Mellon had been working on since leaving Jimmy Choo – and it’s pretty exciting! Read more here!  Miley Cyrus strips for Marc Jacobs Miley Cyrus has become the latest star to bare all for Marc Jacobs’ popular Protect the Skin You’re In campaign. Read more here!  Nicola Formichetti quits as Gaga’s stylist Nicola Formichetti has quit as Lady Gaga’s stylist after admitting he couldn’t keep up with the demand! Read more here!  Ex Tiffany Employee found guilty of theft Former Tiffany & Co employee Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun pleaded guilty to stealing over £1.3 million worth of jewellery. Read more here! 

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Get Selena Gomez’s embellished look

We would copy Selena Gomez’s look every single day if we had the funds, fashion contacts, resources and, let’s face it, body. Selena turned 21 earlier this month, and you can definitely tell that her sartorial style is evolving as she is maturing. See above for proof! There’s nothing we don’t love about the look above, especially because it’s a perfect mix of high end and high street which means it’s pretty easy (read: affordable) for us to copy her look. Thanks, Sel! Here’s what you’ll need to channel Selena: Embellished crop top, £54.99, available at Missguided Quilted PU shorts, £36, available at Topshop Nude patent cage sandals, £824.13 £370.34 £277.75, Alexander McQueen available at Neiman Marcus Silver hoop earrings, £5, available at Wallis

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5 trainers worth ditching your heels for!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock on a far-flung island somewhere, you’ll be aware of the heelless situation currently taking over the fashion landscape. Doused in everything from ditsy Liberty prints to acid brights, trainers – or for want of a more stylish term – sneakers are in. Yep, heels are officially out, whilst the non-sporty sport shoe is making us fall that bit more in love with the notion of comfortable fashion. But, wait for it. The current trainer trend isn’t one to transport us back to the dingy gym hall at school. No. Ditch your spotty teen self, and instead master the grown-up fashion mash-up the fashion sneaker has made du jour. Make like the athleti-cool (yep, we totally just made that term up) creatives and sport trainers with a suit to dress down a formal look, or stay true to your off-duty persona and slip into a pair of leg-elongating wedge trainers with a classic jean and tee ensemble. Rounding up our top five trainer picks that’ll send those heels on a well-deserved hiatus, here are the kicks your wardrobe needs right now. Put a leg-lengthening spin on a classic trainer style, and you’ve got the perfect fashion kicks! Nike Dunk Sky High Prm Silver Wedge Trainers, £90, available at Asos Budget Marants, anyone? Add a shot of eye-popping colour to a muted ensemble for an instant lift. Acid Concealed Wedge Trainers, £68, available at Topshop Need a high-end hi-top hit? Yep, that’s a mouthful, and these beauties are an eyeful! Giuseppe Zanotti Lulu Ponyhair High-Top Trainers, £700, available at Harrods Bright sneakers are perfect for punctuating a formal look with a bit of fun. Nike Lunar Flyknit +1 Sneakers, £140, available at Net-A-Porter Want to do trainers the chic way? A smattering of sequins complemented by leopard print and you’re good […]

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10 must-have pieces for autumn you can shop right now!

It may concern you that at the tail-end of July we want to discuss all things autumnal and chill-blocking, but fellow fashion girls, you know you’ve gotta plan ahead! With freshly arrived pre-fall wares waiting with your name on them, and being the (sartorially) impatient lot we are, its only fair we round up the ten must-have pieces you can shop right now, to be one step ahead for the new season. Although we’re in no hurry to wave goodbye to heat wave temperatures, the prospect of wrapping up in cosy knits; wearing smarter-than-your-boyfriend coats and sporting prints we never want to take off is getting us excited. Check out our must-have pieces to kick-start your autumn shopping, and let your credit card do the rest! 1. Hitting two major autumn/winter 2013 trends with one stylish swipe: the mannish coat silhouette, and a luxe, shearling trim, this coat is the must-have investment for the new season. Cédric Charlier grey shearling collar coat, £1,380, available at Avenue 32 2. Biker jackets have more bite for next season, and we can’t get enough of this firebrick-red wool one. Maison Martin Margiela wool biker jacket, £715, available at Matches Fashion 3. When new season punk met the sensible Oxford shoe, this happened: Studded Oxford shoes, £89.99, available at Mango 4. Thanks to Matthew Williamson, Valentino and Mulberry, it’s all bloom, not doom and gloom, as winter florals reign supreme for the colder months ahead. Preen poppy red stretch cotton blaise pencil dress, £687, available at My Wardrobe 5. For the new season, the statement sweater becomes ever more desirable with a smattering of sequins. Markus Lupfer sequin fox jumper, £310, available at Harrods 6. Make your new season bag work double time, with this office-and-off-duty tote rolled into one. Joyce leather tote bag, £285, available at Reiss 7. Put […]

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Would you wear ‘mom’ jeans?

Feeling like painfully embarrassed teens, whose parents revelled in showing them up for want of being cool (but miserably failing), we relived our red-faced nightmares when we came across a pair of ‘mom’ jeans recently. Yes, you heard right. ‘Mom’ jeans; those jeans your mom wears. Or maybe Simon Cowell likes to wear during a particularly bad X Factor audition round. OK, so we’re pretty aware of the 90s comeback, but try to picture the expression on our faces when we spotted high street hot spot Topshop championing the style! Styled online with a white camisole, the vintage wash, high waisted ‘Mom’ jean features subtle tapering at the leg to give it that ‘nostalgic’ feel, but we’re not sure fashion’s venture into the past is so great. Since when did dressing like your 25-years-older-than-you mom become du jour? Often, the cool kids who frequent vintage stores are seen sporting similar bygone styles by Levi’s, but does attaching the ‘vintage’ label to ‘mom’ jeans take away the fact that they’re not as desirable as the current boyfriend jean, even tough it is trying to be? But wait for it. Moms aren’t the only ones bent on turning the way we dress! Enter the ‘dad’ jean; a high waisted, loosely fitted vintage wash, and reported by The New York Times as being favoured by the likes of Barack Obama and Kanye West, not before making waves on the street-style blog circuit. We’re all too aware of the cyclical nature of fashion, having pained over Hedi’s AW13 ode to outright punk. But for the love of fashion are you willing to play it ugly? Would you brave a pair of ‘mom’ jeans? But more importantly, will Kate Middleton tap the trend? Jeans featured above: MOTO vintage wash Mom jeans, £40, available at Topshop

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Your work wardrobe dilemmas solved!

Starting a new job and fretting over your wardrobe woes more than the workload? Or maybe you’re in need of a little fash-spiration when it comes to getting ready for the office every day? Whatever your work wardrobe dilemma, we’re here to help you kick it stylishly. From office-appropriate footwear to cleaver day-to-night staples, check out the stylish solutions to the most common workwear dilemmas below, and prepare to become the envy of your colleagues on Monday.  “Are sandals appropriate for the office in summer?” Well, this depends on your workplace and the industry you work in, but in effect, yes. Working in the creative sector, where rules on dressing are often lenient in comparison to corporate companies is a plus, but most workplaces require a certain degree of smartness. Mid-heeled sandals are a great way to do summer footwear: chic, thick ankle strap sandals in neutral tones such as nude and black work well with dresses and ankle-grazing trousers. A medium, block heel or mini wedge is perfect if you’re blessed in the height department and ideal if you fear sore feet at the end of the working day. Check out our top three options below. 1. £30, available at Next; 2.£95, available at Kurt Geiger; 3. £69.99, available at Zara “I have to attend a lot of after-work events and need transitional outfits without looking too dressy.” Day-to-night looks are getting easier to shop for, as elements such as print, embellishment and cut begin to seep into the boardroom. Post-work networking has, luckily, overhauled work wear, pushing out dull colours and unflattering cuts and replacing them with wardrobe staples that scream wow. We’ll forever be grateful to the hard working women at the top of their game who don’t forget to mix Fendi with fiscal reports! Start by picking out one […]

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Down to a T: 5 statement t-shirts and 3 distressed jeans you need right now!

Much like wondering at Proenza without Schouler, at Felder without, well, Felder and at Dolce without Gabbana, we can’t imagine a better pairing than the ultimate wardrobe essentials: jeans and a t-shirt. Although this heavenly mix may be your go-to kit for casual dressing, don’t underestimate the power of a statement t-shirt paired with trusty denim. The recent tee-volution (as we like to call it) has seen these afterthought pieces being afforded a new and improved status, thanks to upgrades in the form of sparkly embellishments, luxe fabrics and to-die-for textures and fits. Gone are the days of bland, silhouette-hugging, v-neck t-shirts, making way for print-emblazoned, sequin soaked and more louche forms. But how to up the glam ante with such elementary pieces, you ask? We’ve picked five fabulous statement t-shirts above that’ll get hearts racing and heads turning, but not before being paired with the perfect pair of distressed jeans. Go pretty in a silk floral tee from Topshop, or make waves in Markus Lupfer’s embellished number, and inject the fun back into dressing down. When it comes to denim, distressed jeans work to the best effect, and we’re digging the super slim, relaxed and boyfriend cuts of these Paige Denim, Mango and Warehouse beauties, respectively. Slip into comfy flats and accessorise with a roomy tote for day, or stack up high in a pair of vertiginous sandals and add a clutch for laid-back evening look. 1. Balenciaga Glitter Girl-print t-shirt, £165, available at Matches 2. Embellished print t-shirt, £38, available at River Island 3. Markus Lupfer embellished t-shirt, £185, available at Net-a-Porter 4. Être Cécile zebra stray print staple t-shirt, £75, available at My Wardrobe 5. Silk floral tee by Boutique, £60, available at Topshop 6. Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy Skinny distressed denim jeans, £255, available at Browns 7. Mango distressed super […]

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Rise of the luxury basics

Forming the foundations of a well-honed wardrobe, basics play an important part in everything from outfit recycling to look-building. Those vital pieces we return to repeatedly, without the fear of being accused of the ‘same outfit’ by fellow fashion friends, are crucial to making our wardrobes work that bit harder. But the recent return to comfort and causal cool in fashion has inevitably seen a rise in demand for these basic clothing items, marking them out as something of a luxury product. Take our current sneaker obsession, for example; upscale department store, Liberty has reworked the classic Nike Air Max 1 trainer with its iconic print, and now we’re keeping them on our feet post-work commute. Isabel Marant’s continuous stream of reworked £300+ wedge sneakers are instant sell-outs on luxury e-tail sites such as Net-a-Porter and Matches, and a plain cotton tee is no longer a snatch-and-grab lunchtime buy at Topshop, but rather a well thought out James Perse or T by Alexander Wang affair, cashing in at £60 and above. Whatever happened to keeping basics basic (pardon the pun)? In a time where print and maximalism overload seems to reign freely, are we all scurrying back to the neutral nonchalance of the Nineties, minus the grunge factor? A clean style slate is always a winner, especially if you don’t want to conform to a particular trend tribe, but are the upscale prices and luxe labels automatically attached to plain garments that don’t look much different to their high street alternatives justified at all? (Cue: £11,000 diamond skinny jeans.) We guess the runways are partly to blame, thanks to the likes of Balenciaga, Alexander Wang and Céline championing the minimalist movement, making us want to ditch our Mary Katrantzou prints. But if the fashion gods are dictating this newfound love […]

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10 Essential basics under £100

If you turn to the style mavens of the industry, a common thread runs through their style and shopping habits (except for, maybe, Anna Dello Russo); curb the clothes hoarding, and mix and match more. The foundation of a stellar fashion wardrobe is simple: basics, and plenty of them. Those trusty pieces you repeatedly visit in your wardrobe; the ones that you throw on and don’t give a second thought to, because they do just what they’re supposed to. Crafted to perfection cuts, luxe fabrics and multi-look, flattering tones are key when building a winning basics wardrobe, because these pieces will form the basis of your look, to which you can add accoutrements and up the glam ante. But looking ‘pulled together’ doesn’t have to mean a belief defying budget, and that’s where we come in. Rounding up 10 essential basics under £100 (yes, you can be stylish on a shoestring budget) here are the pieces your wardrobe needs right now, and forever. 1. The lightweight knit, £79.20: Ease into a day-to-night look with a stylish sweater in classic grey. Wear with jeans and sneakers to hit daytime errands, or swap the casual separates for leather leggings and heels for night. 2. The all-rounder sunnies, £99.87: The evergreen aviator-style sunglasses are a must-have in every discerning fashionista’s basics wardrobe, and a style that’s ultra-flattering for most face shapes. 3. The multi-tasking tote, £40: Carry it by the top handles, or sling it over your shoulder – we couldn’t ask for a better bag really! 4. The silk dress £39.99: That easy number that oozes office-to-cocktails charm, and doesn’t break the bank? This silk high street beauty is, well, right up our street! 5. The classic, off-duty blazer, £39.99: The ultimate piece in basic wardrobe-building, we love a jersey blazer for […]

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5 of the best blouses under £50

Sleeveless, long-sleeved, bold, sparkly, subtle, chic… blouses come in all shapes, sizes, styles and colours. The best thing about blouses is that they never go out of style, can be dressed up or down, and are appropriate for all four seasons. How many items of clothing can you say that about, hm? So, whether you’re after a chic blouse to wear to job interview or to the office, or you want to pair one with jeans and a seriously high pair of heels and rock it on the next girl’s night out – you can! Here are five of our ultimate favourite blouses around. Oh and did we mention they’re all under £50, too? 1. – Is there anything more chic and elegant than this perfect, pastel hued, lace detailed blouse? In short: no! This blouse is Downton Abbey meets Gossip Girl meets any other show with a kick-ass dress code. A wardrobe must-have! Topshop geo lace rolled sleeve blouse, £38 2. – We can’t decide what we love more about this blouse – the oh-so-pretty bow hanging down from the collar or the gorgeous on-trend shade of peach it comes in. We don’t really need to decide; we love it all and we want it now – snap yours up before it sells out! Oasis tie neck blouse, £40 £12 3. – If you’re heading to a job interview, an important work meeting or just want to look hot in the office, look no further than this magical monochrome blouse! Sister Jane ribbon blouse, £48 4. – We can’t seem to get enough of this ultra-bright colour these days. Team this blouse with a bold Peter Pan collar necklace for a chic, fashion forward day-and-night look! Dorothy Perkins lime sleeveless shirt, £22 5. – Who needs layers of accessories […]

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10 blazers under £100!

Reincarnated in so many guises, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep track of the sartorial power the humble blazer harbours. From the sharpsuiter (geddit), I-damn-well-mean-business types, to the more casually inclined, printed versions; blazers have, well, trail blazed the way for everything – from making outerwear appropriate on the dance floor to taking the boardroom staple out of the office and into our off-duty lives. But slipping into a well cut blazer needn’t cost the earth. Searching high and low (as we do), we’ve tracked down 10 of the best blazers available in stores right now, and all under £100! From preppy prints at Topshop to shots of bold, tropical hues at Debenhams; sleek whites at F&F and subtle nudes at Missguided, here are the 10 blazers worthy of your hard-earned cash, that won’t leave a gaping hole in your fashion fund! Boohoo, £30: A fun and smart way to add florals to your wardrobe this summer, this floral-print blazer is perfect over an easy summer dress, or a casual jeans and tee ensemble. Next, £32: Turn summer’s favourite offering on its head, by snapping up a blazer in candyfloss pink – and lace! We’re wearing ours with a flippy summer skirt, blouse and ballerina pumps. Debenhams, £45: Unleash your colour-loving side in this bold Butterfly by Matthew Williamson blazer. A great office-to-after work drinks option. River Island, £60: Tread the futuristic trend path in this sleek, leatherette detail blazer from our favourite high street haunt.  Marks & Spencer, £55: Don’t let black become boring. Instead snap up this Limited Collection bird print blazer, and give all the boardroom bores a run for their money! Topshop, £65: Prints with the pizzazz factor? This patch print blazer has got it nailed. Pair with all white separates for a chic office look. […]

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2 Ways to wear the denim jacket

We all know the perennially cool status of the humble jean, and how every single denim piece in our wardrobe is worn to within an inch of its indigo existence. From the denim shirt to those go-to skinnies and that can’t-dress-without-it short; these are all cult classics we couldn’t possibly imagine donating to the nearest charity shop. But there are a few denim guises that may have, what you call, slipped the net, and one that particularly comes to mind is the denim jacket. An afterthought for many denim lovers, the infectious double denim trend has pushed aside this ideal summer cover-up (with the denim shirt taking to the throne), and we’ve since seen it make a come back in a more novel light (see: J Brand for Christopher Kane, and more recently, Mary Katrantzou x Current Elliot). So, to revive its rightful status as a summer wardrobe staple, we’re celebrating the easy cover-up in its most desirable form: the J Brand 403 Destructed Jacket. And it’s not so difficult to style either. In fact here are two easy and super-stylish ways you can wear the denim jacket from day to night. Just add a slouchy black tee to both looks, and you’re good to go! am look: Punctuate an off-duty look with a dose of denim, by pairing the 403 Destructed Jacket with bold skinnies, and statement boots. A gold watch will finish the look nicely. pm look: Add a dash of dancefloor-appropriate glamour, by teaming the 403 Destructed Jacket with a printed mini and metallic heels. Just add a boxy cross-body bag for carrying essentials. J Brand 403 destructed denim jacket, £233.57, available at J Brand.

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Wimbledon weekend outfit inspiration

We’ve had Wimbledon fever all week, but there’s no reason that should stop at the weekend. Au contraire, time off work means it’s perfectly acceptable to head on down to tennis town in your Wimbledon inspired finest (something chic and relatively white should do the trick), sit on top of Murray Mount and munch your strawberries and cream while catching all the on-court action. 1. – Wimbledon white shouldn’t just be reserved for the players battling it out on the courts; spectators regularly embrace the colour (or lack thereof), so whether you’re heading to Wimbles for the tennis or are just having a little party in your back garden, this white dress is sure to get you in the mood regardless! Miss Selfridge stripe ribbon dress, £45 2. – Gone is the big platform shoe, and in its place is a dainty, elegant lady-like shoe instead. We love these blush pink courts; we think they might very well be the new nude! Topshop Gwenda pointed courts, £58 3. – We love clutches as much as the next person, but attending a sporting event means you’ll want your hands vacant for applauding, hyperbolic hand-to-mouth gasping, and drink holding; therefore a good cross body bag is a vital, hands-free accessory! Marc by Marc Jacobs cross body bag, £200.81

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5 petite dresses under £50

We all know that a lot of good things come in small packages – just go to Tiffany & Co for conclusive proof. The same can also be said for small and petite ladies, and we love how the British High Street is embracing the fact that we girls come in all different shapes, sizes and heights. So, if you’re a petite lady and are after a fun, flirty, sexy and stunning dress for the summer, you’re in luck, because we’ve selected five of the most gorgeous dresses that cater to petite frames. And best of all, they’re all under £50! 1. – Never be worried about sweeping the floor and getting your dress dirty with this maxi that was catered for pint sized fashionistas. Miss Selfridge petite pink cutout maxi dress, £28 2. – We love this elegant, ultra feminine dress that would be perfect for summer weddings, Christenings and cocktail parties alike. A party must-have! New Look petite pink star embellished dress, £29.99 3. – Fed up of bodycon dresses that sit at that oh-so-awkward knee length? Well this fabulous floral creation is perfect for hugging your body, accentuating your curves (yes, petite ladies have curves too!) in an expertly tailored fashion. You know, without the expensive tailor! Topshop petite botanical floral dress, £45 4. – No longer will you drown in an ill-fitting prom dress – this jacquard prom dress will flatter your small frame perfectly! Miss Selfridge petite jacquard prom dress, £45 5. – The key to this dress’s sartorial success is the cut-out waist detailing, so it would be a shame for it to sit wrong on your body. Luckily, it’s been made especially for petite girls, so the only thing you have to worry about is perfecting your summer tan and choosing your matching […]

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Midweek Moodboard: Wimbledon whites

Anyone want to take a guess at where this Wednesday’s Midweek Moodboard inspiration came from? Yes we are a little bit obsessed with Wimbledon, but why shouldn’t we be? It’s local, there are some great Brits still in the competition, and the fashion on and off the court is simply splendid. We’ve decided to take sartorial inspiration from the official colour of the competition: white! Just look at Caroline Wozniacki in action in her gorgeous white adidas by Stella McCartney AW13 gear for proof of how wonderful the colour can be! But instead of going all sporty, we’ve decided to lust after some glamorous party pieces instead. Here goes: Embellished playsuit, £75, available at Miss Selfridge White embellished top, £28, available at Dorothy Perkins White belt buckle bangle, £49, Ted Baker available at House of Fraser Wedged sandals, £85, Dune available at John Lewis Floral peplum dress, £12.99, available at New Look Applique skirt, £48, available at Topshop [Image c/o adidas by Stella McCartney AW13]

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Emma Watson is fresh-faced and fab for her fourth Teen Vogue cover

Teen Vogue can’t seem to get enough of Emma Watson, as her August 2013 cover is the fourth time she has posed for the magazine. We think we see the appeal! Emma was shot by Boo George, and is looking fresh faced and fabulous on the cover and throughout the editorial. The 23-year-old Bling Ring actress (and former Harry Potter actress, but that goes without saying, right?) is wearing an enviable selection of clothes in her shoot, including Isabel Marant houndstooth skinny jeans, a Saint Laurent coat, and a bold 3.1 Phillip Lim top. Well that’s the wardrobe that was selected for her, but what about her personal style choices? Where does she like to shop herself? “I shop at Aritzia and Topshop, and I also love A.P.C. and 3.1 Phillip Lim,” she told the mag. “Chanel is amazing, and I wore a really beautiful black Dior dress recently that I thought was really cool. And I love Christopher Kane, Peter Pilotto…I’m always keeping an eye out for people who are new or up-and-coming.” We definitely don’t have the funds to fill our wardrobe with Chanel, but it’s nice to know she loves the British High Street too! Emma’s Teen Vogue issue is out July 2nd. Get it before it’s gone! [Fashion Gone Rogue] 

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10 Essential pieces for your summer wardrobe

A new season or climatic tendency doesn’t have to mean reducing your bank balance to a massive red dot on that dreaded paper statement. In fact, it’s about incorporating those key pieces into your wardrobe that’ll politely nod to the season you find yourself in, without selling your fashion soul and un-friending the bank manager, so to speak. So, to make the summer months ahead a little easier, sartorially speaking, we’ve rounded up 10 essential pieces for your summer wardrobe. And no, we’re not talking beach babe gear, or how to work the Bey bikini (yes, you, H&M) on a scenic beach in the sweltering Bahamian heat, but rather a round up of trusty pieces that’ll ensure your summer wardrobe is comprehensively packed (not overflowing), and allows you to put your best style step forward. So, without further ado and detouring into beach cocktail and tanning territory, here’s our line-up of the summer staples you need to be snapping up right away! The Denim Dress Forget flippy dresses and reach for a denim option, that’ll become your staple summer go-to. Dress, £45, Topshop. The Summer Flat Pretty flats in a candy floss hue are perfect for Season Sun. We love the Chloe-esque feeling these high street beauties have! Pointy ballerinas, £22.99, Zara. The Dinky Bag Forgetting lugging big totes! All you need is space for essentials and a classic colour – like this cross-body! Rebecca Minkoff Mini Blake bag, £131.41, Shopbop. The Cover Up Avoid the evening chill in this summer-perfect, pastel biker. Pretty atop a dress or jeans. Jacket, £75, Oasis. The Summer Hat Summer isn’t complete without the obligatory hat. This one in black with seriously stylish monochrome detail will see you through nicely. Hat, £16, Asos. The Leather Short Pastel leather = summer perfection. You’ll be wearing […]

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