bareMinerals Christmas Press Launch

Christmas came early last Thursday with Cocktails and Canapés at the bareMinerals Christmas press launch held at The Aviary Bar near Oxford Circus. Showcasing this fab brands seasonal Christmas gift sets, I found plenty of products which would make the perfect gift for a friend…or yourself! 

This years Christmas theme is 'Enchantment', so expect some seriously luxurious products but at a super affordable price point. Keeping within the Christmas theme, UK based illustrator Sarah Coleman has designed the beautiful and whimsical packaging. Ranging in price from £14-£50, the full product range is available from different outlets; some gift sets will be available exclusively at bareMineral boutiques and others will be available from leading department stores and online. All the products seen here are either available now or will be hitting a cosmetics counter near you in November.

My favourite product is the Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara, with ProTwist180 spiral wand. It really does grab each lash individually and coats the lashes evenly. Not to mention the silver packaging which makes it look super stylish.

So whether you love: lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow, lipgloss, powder or makeup brushes, bareMinerals has you covered for the party season.

Phillippa x

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Paris Fashion Week - Top 10

Kenzo

With 90s references and a cool sporty feel, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon created one of the most vibrant collections that we saw in Paris this season. Bold prints that screamed 'look at me' adorned several of the looks in the collection, and pieces that were not printed were still electric in colour. Overall inspiration came from the notion of a well-travelled modern woman on a never ending summer vacation. 

Alexander McQueen

This was one of the prettiest collections we have seen at McQueen in recent years. The exceptionally beautiful collection came in a range of soft hues and featured the most exquisite embroidery and detailing. 17th Century Huguenots were a key source of inspiration, and this historic context was brought to life in the most romantic way possible: Cascading ruffles, lace, fine stitches all with couture level of finesse. The soft florals were inspired by French flowers woven onto silk and were an ethereal dream!

Dries Van Noten

Faded Hollywood Glamour in jewel tones showcased by a continued use of luxurious fabrics such as Jacquard, brocade and opulent shot silk. The collection was rich in it use of colour and in it theme, tribal and tattoo-esque motifs. Winglike prints also featured heavily in the collection. All in all, this was Dries Van Noten doing what they do best.

Valentino

The 90-strong look collection was music to my ears, with each runway look filing me with excitement. Tie-Dye has been one of the main emerging print trends, and Valentino delivered one of the best we have seen. The collection had African safari influences, which came in many forms: the colours, the fabric and most prominently the safari animal prints in a traditional woodblock style. Signature delicate embroidery and tailoring will please the Valentino clientele.

Stella McCartney

McCartney has always applied an 'effortless' approach to her collections, creating easy to wear pieces which are both comfortable and stylish. There was an air of fluidity in the silhouettes of the dresses which came pleated, with knitted inserts, and in acidic hues. There was a very strong emphasis on summer knitwear in the collection, which we saw on tunics, oversized pullovers, tube skirts and slouchy track pants. The checks were a key feature and perfect for that laid-back vibe.

Chloe

I can't recall a Chloe collection which have not fallen in love with. No brand does summer dressing better than Chloe, led by Clare Waight Keller, and this season was no different. Chloe being Chloe, we saw peasant tops and billowing off the shoulder dresses but this season there was major 90's throwbacks in the form of tracksuits, frayed denim pieces and dungarees. The colour palette was super feminine as always. The 2 colour paisley print which was constructed of small linear florals was one of the most commercial prints we saw on the catwalk in Paris.

Christian Dior

Raf Simons stated that this collection was fuss free, steering away from bold colours and embellishment opting instead for quieter pieces. Soft rainbow stripes, Victoriana style nightdresses and scalloped hemmed shorts and dresses created the perfect everyday ready-to-wear sophisticated summer wardrobe.

Elie Saab

Known for evening wear, this season the focus was more on a mix of day and night separates. Bomber jackets in wide candy stripes added a very youthful flare to the collection. Broderie anglaise, macrame lace, exquisite embellished dresses and feminine pussybow detailing will please loyal Elie Saab fans, whereas the lace pants, leather mini dresses will attract a different kind of Saab consumer. The sketchy floral print with splashes of vibrant colour was one of my favourite prints of the entire SS16 season.

Louis Vuitton

A merge between digital technology and nature was the order of the day for Nicolas Ghesquiere's latest collection at LV. The model 'cyberpunks' sported leather biker jackets, metallic embroidered dresses and some killer accessories. The standout spaceship prints featured on pants and jumpsuits. For all it's attitude, the collection still had a feminine undertone with soft pastel pink and flouncy skirts with plenty of bounce.

Balenciaga

Alexander Wang took his final bow at Balenciaga with this all-white collection. A much quieter showing than we have seen from recent Balenciaga collections, Wang made the collection his own with his signature sporty style. Lingerie dressing was the key theme, with slips and bra's featuring throughout. There was a relaxed elegant ease in the collection and the attention detail in the simple stitches and ruching detail made this one of the best SS16 collections from Paris.

So that is a wrap…fashion month is over for another 6 months. Over the next couple of weeks I will be posting a series of trend and colour reports so be sure to follow me on my other social media accounts to be kept informed. If you didn't already know, I post 3 times a week on my blog so I will have lots of additional exciting content coming soon as well.

Phillippa x

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October Outfit Wishlist

Phillippa  x

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New Brand: Hill & Friends

Former Mulberry Creative Director Emma Hill has just launched her own hotly anticipated accessories label, with her collaborator Georgia Fendley who also hails from Mulberry. After showcasing the debut collection at a presentation during London Fashion Week, the line is already available to purchase on the brands own website and Net-a-Porter. Each bag is made in England and this debut line is inspired by classic satchels with a lighter contemporary feel. Bright colours and leopard print styles offer  playful twist on the more traditional black and burgundy versions.

Phillippa x

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Exhibition - LVSeries3

I recently attended the Louis Vuitton Series 3 exhibition, which is currently on at 180 Strand in London. I have been a long time fan of Nicolas Ghesquiere since his days at Balenciaga, and since his appointment as Creative Director at Louis Vuitton back in late 2013 he has brought the brand to a new audience. The exhibition is a unique experience enabling visitors to discover the LV Fall 15 collection and learn more about the strong heritage of the brand. There are several rooms in the exhibition, each with the most incredible sets and lighting. Booking tickets is essential as the exhibition only runs until October 18th, there is no admission fee.

Phillippa x

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Milan Fashion Week - Top 10

Gucci

The 'Carte de Tendre' was the starting point for what was one of the most magnificent shows we saw in Milan. Whilst the theme was consistent throughout, each look was different from the next. The prints were inquisitive, some traditional and some off-beat, and came in an abundance of colours. The trompe l'oeil details were fascinating and created a real talking point....and of course there was the signature bow. All in all, Alessandro Michele pulled out all the stops and created an incredible collection.

Emilio Pucci

Serving up a change for the brands SS16 collection, the new Creative Director Massimo Giorgetti steered away from the bold and wonderful prints we usually see at Pucci and instead opted for plenty of embroidery. With literal references to the sea, an array of sea creatures were embroidered onto fishnet dresses. My favourite pieces in the collection were the sequin dresses layered over delicate lace tops and the multi-coloured feather dress encased in between mesh panels.

Marni

In a standout colour palette of bold primary colours and sea shell pink, this collection hit all the right notes. Asymmetric layers, plenty of tunic dresses, sporty tech mesh and modern geo's - this collection made a bold statement without being OTT. The large scale floral and leave prints were a key print from MFW.

Marco De Vincenzo

From the opening look on the runway, I was sold on this collection. An incredible coat with shredded bands of black and primary colours was a real standout piece, and this technique continued on some of the dresses. Known for his use of metallic, we saw shimmering fabrics and coloured metallic prints. There were also references to Japan, most notably on the bold Mt Fiji prints. I adored the mix of techniques, creating a contemporary collection of high interest.

Prada

Boxy silhouettes and optional layering, this collection was distinctly Prada. Skirts fell below the knee in traditional proportions and came in fabrics such as tweed, leather and suede. One of the key features of the collection was the narrow lined stripes which featured on a number of different style garments. Adding to the luxurious nature of the Italian fashion house, exotic snakeskin and beautiful transparent organza where used to create the more show stopping looks in the collection.

Alberta Ferreti

Bohemian and safari references were present in shades of brown and other earthy colours. Loose silhouettes were easy to wear and had a romantic feel to them. Strong prints and heavy embroidered dresses completed the evening looks in the collection. The fabric manipulation on the chiffon dresses was just so beautiful and made a softer more feminine addition to the collection.

Etro

An opulent collection on the runway of Etro, full of dresses which you couldn't help but fall in love with. Luxe fabrics and flouncy silhouettes provided the base for some seriously beautiful prints and embroidery. Prints were inspired by European folk costumes and came in flattering colours.

Bottega Veneta

The 'Great Outdoors' was the theme of the show this season. Classic proportions had a casual overhaul bomber jackets tracksuits. An urban camo print features prominently, as did leopard print. Grommet detailing, lace and textured embroidery made the collection sophisticated. The red python patchwork coat was pretty much summed up the highly-crafted appeal of the brand.

Fendi

Red, coral and khaki were the most prominent colours used in this collection. One of the key silhouettes was the bloomer style shorts...in leather. I also loved the high necked tops with billowing sleeves. Karl Largerfeld certainly has fun with this brand creating upbeat modern looks.

Versace

This collection had the key characteristics of a signature Versace collection: Short hemlines, daring cut-outs, bold colours and of course...sex appeal. A punchy camo/skin print echoed across several looks in the collection, which I feel is one of the most memorable from Milan. This collection was all about confidence feeling empowered.

I will be posting my Paris Fashion Week Top 10 next week, followed by a series of trend reports to analyse what we have seen this season.

Phillippa x

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A/W15 Print Trend - 80's Abstract Remix

High on your A/W15 wardrobe checklist should be some serious 80's power prints. Seen on the runway at the likes of Jonathan Saunders, Loewe, Christopher Kane and J.W.Anderson, this season prints get graphic with high voltage abstract geometrics. These prints make a real statement in bold colours with contrasting black. Forget shoulder pads, you can rock this seasons hottest trend with punchy prints instead.

Whether you want to go all out or keep it less hardcore with more basic separates, I have found some of the best 80s inspired graphic prints currently available. 

1. Escada £1650 / 2. Christopher Kane £2450 / 3. Rejina Pyo £495
4. Paul Smith Black £94.50 / 5. Vivetta £240 / 6. Ainea £380
7. Loewe £1625 / 8. Emilio Pucci £1230

Phillippa x

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