Bags Of Style: 4 On Trend Styles

I have selected 4 different bag styles which are on trend at the moment and then picked my favourite 6 bags for each trend. All these bags are available now.

Fringe With Benefits

Leather Rucksack

Pastel Envelope

Drawstring Bucket Bag

Which is your favourite style?

Phillippa x

Milan Fashion Week A/W15 - Top 10

Prada

Ladurée pastel colours and 60's silhouettes were the order of the day at Prada. "Sweet...but violent", Miuccia explained of the collection backstage. One of my favourite Prada collections from the past few seasons, I much preferred this collection to the SS15 show. A dress made from green ostrich was one of my favourite pieces. We also saw; woven tweeds, Perspex embellishment and a molecular print. Overall this collection packed a serious punch and I can't wait to see how it translates onto the red carpet and in editorials.

Emilio Pucci

It was announced shortly before the show started that this would be Peter Dundas' final collection for Pucci, so all eyes were on the runway. 60's style black and white prints and a whole lot of astrology motifs. Large scale hand-rendered zodiac signs featured prominently: a lion, a scorpion and a ram. These illustrations were beautifully detailed and splashes of orange and hot pink gave this collection real flair.

Giamba

'Instagram Lolitas' was the title of the collection. Feeling more Spring than Fall, this collection featured some pretty floral prints that were very commercial. It was a fun collection that felt young at heart. Adding a black leather harness over a dress seemed quite McQueen, but I liked the hint of attitude it added to the collection.

Just Cavalli

Again we saw 70's silhouettes on the runway, long billowing dresses and A-line mini skirts. The colour palette was appropriate for the season, a beautiful Bordeaux and a statement mustard. Bauhaus inspired woodblock style prints, fur and ostrich feather trims completed the collection.

Dolce and Gabbana

#dgmamma set Twitter alight when this show took place. Dolce and Gabbana A/W15 was a celebration of mothers. Models walked the runway with their children. Of course the collection had all the signature elements that we love about the brand - red, black, roses, gold crowns, exquisite embellished purses. Roses were both embellished and printed. The final looks featured prints of children's drawings.

Alberta Ferretti

Always stunning, A/W15 was no different. The Italian Renaissance was the starting point for the collection. Materials included: velvet, jacquard and Trapunto quilting. It was a very rich, luxurious and romantic collection, with striking sophistication. Just wonderful!

Tods

This collection had an almost flawless feel to it. We saw lots of leather and wool in soft blush tones, but I also liked the injection of Bordeaux and teal. Simplistic geo prints added dimension to the collection Natural hair and makeup with a bright red lip completed the look. I would wear everything from this show.

Sportmax

The collection was very 'organic'. Raw edges on dresses and knitwear, textured florals on an oversized wool dress. Eastern influences came from the asymmetrical silhouettes and knotted belts. I loved the cut out floral print.

Giorgio Armani

It was classic Giorgio Armani. Elegant, fluid tailoring, cropped jackets and soft pearl colours. A beautiful brushstroke print was particularly sophisticated, which also translated well into embroidery.  My favourite look from the collection was a stunning pink dress with exquisite detailing and pleats on the bodice.

Versace

Would you expect anything less from Versace? The entire collection was largely made up of bold primary colours, which gave the garments such a strong identity and plenty of attitude. Symbolism was key: Hashtags, Emojis and @Signs. It was a collection for the consumer with their pulse on social media. Daring cutouts, crystal embellishment and statement fur completed another signature Versace collection.

Phillippa x

On Trend Now - Suede Styling

Back in January I posted on my blog about the huge Seventies trend set for S/S15. Seen on the runway at Gucci, Chloe and Alberta Ferretti, there's no denying that this is one trend you won't be able to escape this summer. The main fabric of choice related to this trend is suede. I have put together 4 very different outfits based on this trend, using a suede garment as the starting point for each outfit. Let me know which outfit is your favourite.

Phillippa x

London Fashion Week A/W15 - Top 10

Burberry

Always the highlight of LFW, Christopher Bailey presented his latest Burberry collection titled 'Patchwork, Pattern and Prints'. Indian inspired mirrored-embroideries on chiffon dresses were particularly beautiful. Suede was a go to fabric of choice, reinventing the trench coat with whipstitched floral patches. Traditional Yorkshire quilting was a joy to see and the loose wood block style prints are set to be a huge print trend for A/W15. The embroidered, quilted and printed poncho with suede fringing is sure to be a season must have. 

Matthew Williamson

Inspired by horoscopes, Williamson looked to the colours of  zodiac birthstones as his starting point. Prints, as always, were exquisite and rich. I also need to mention some of my favourite accessories seen so far this season: Suede fringe boots by Biona Castana, Eyewear by Linda Farrow with metallic flowers on them, fur trimmed collars in dreamy colours and the most beautiful satin jewelled bags I think I have ever seen. Stunning from start to finish, this was another standout show from my favourite designer. Thank goodness for Matthew Williamson!

Julien MacDonald

With a jewel toned colour palette and metallic macramé, this was MacDonald doing what he knows how to do best - red carpet worthy fashion. Sheer panels, cut outs, fringing, lace - all the right components were there. The collection was dark and daring.

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi

Vibrant floral and paisley prints with 70's vibes were highlights from this collection. My favourite runway look was the paisley dress with lace and eyelets, quite Pucci-esque. Patchwork and wool embroideries also featured heavily. Overall I loved the full collection.

Roksanda

Wow! Electric blue, orange, hot pink, fuchsia and aubergine, such a great use of colour. Signature colour blocking, this time in irregular swirling stripes. Oversized fur coats and scarves made a further bold statement. The metallic belts were consistent throughout the collection as well.

Christopher Kane

One of the most talked about collections seen at LFW this season. The sexual undercurrent that ran through this collection was clear to see. A largely blue and red colour palette, and materials including: velvet, chainmail, chiffon and leather, it was all very seductive. The final key looks in the collection were made from entire panels of Swiss lace, and were derived from sketches made in life drawing classes.

Peter Pilotto

Pinball prints, check. Chutes and Ladders print, check. This was such a fun collection. The silhouettes remained consistent and quite simple throughout - high necklines, cinched waists.

Erdem

Jacquard, tweed and lace were the main fabrics of choice, however my favourite look from the collection was a purple leather dress with embroidered cut-out details. All looks were teamed with riding boots designed by Nicholas Kirkwood.

David Koma

I loved the flared sleeves and skirts, circle waist cut outs and baroque inspired mesh panels. David Koma has been sticking to this formula for the past few seasons and I am enjoying watching the brand grow.

Antonio Berardi

Sculptured silhouettes, printed panels, neon pink, this was my kind of collection. I liked the abstract floral print on metallic fabric, very red carpet ready. Seriously killer boots completed the look.

Phillippa x

87th Academy Awards - Red Carpet

The biggest award show of the year took place last night in Los Angeles - The 87th Academy Awards. As promised here is my review of the red carpet style. I have also included a few red carpet looks from the Vanity Fair after party.

Felicity Jones - Alexander McQueen / Lady Gaga - Alaia

Anna Faris and Chrissy Teigen - both wearing Zuhair Murad Spring 15 Couture

Laura Dern - Alberta Ferretti / Naomi Watts - Armani Prive

Chloe Grace Moretz - Miu Miu / Keira Knightley - Valentino Spring 15 Couture

Zoe Saldana - Atelier Versace / Kerry Washington - Miu Miu

Lupita Nyong'o - Calvin Klein / Jennifer Aniston - Atelier Versace Spring 15

Olivia Munn - Zac Posen Fall 15 / Scarlett Johansson - Atelier Versace

Emma Stone - Elie Saab Couture / Nicole Kidman - Louis Vuitton

Anna Kendrick - Thakoon / Gwyneth Paltrow - Ralph & Russo Spring 15 Couture / 
Amy Adams - Atelier Versace

Behati Prinsloo - Armani / Rosamund Pike - Givenchy Couture / Dakota Johnson - Saint Laurent

Solange  - Christian Siriano Fall 15 / Suki Waterhouse - Burberry / Diane Kruger - Donna Karen

Poppy Delevingne - Emilio Pucci / Hailee Steinfeld - Andrew Gn Pre Fall 15

 Marion Cotillard - Giambattista Valli Spring 15 Couture

Gigi Hadid - Versace Spring 15 Couture / Cate Blanchett - Maison Margiela

Sienna Miller - Oscar de la Renta Fall 15 / Margot Robbie - Saint Laurent

Julianne Moore - Chanel / Reese Witherspoon - Tom Ford

Jenna Dewan   - Zuhair Muard Spring 15 Couture / Marion Cotillard - Christian Dior Couture

My Best Dressed : Gwyneth Paltrow, Rosamund Pike, Sienna Miller, Felicity Jones and Lady Gaga

How about you?

Phillippa x

Independent Spirit Awards - Red Carpet

Last night the annual Film Independent Spirit Awards took place in Hollywood. This is the final award show before the main event, the Academy Awards, which takes place tonight. I spotted some notable runway favourites being worn on the red carpet, so here is a review of who attended and what they wore. Unlike the Academy Awards, the accepted dress code is more relaxed. This means we see more varied use of colour, print and length.

Marion Cottilard - Valentino Pre Fall 15 / Cate Blanchett -  Schiaparelli Spring 15 Couture

Olivia Munn - Prabal Gurung Fall 14

Jenny Slate - Mary Katrantzou / Rinko Kikuchi - Chanel

Emmy Rossum - Oscar de la Renta SS15 / Jena Malone - Ulyana Sergeenko Spring 15 Couture

Aubrey Plaza - Suno Pre Fall 15 / Gillian Jacobs - Preen Resort 15

 Julianne Moore - Christian Dior Spring 15 Couture

Carmen Ejogo - Roksanda Pre Fall 15 / Emma Stone - Monique Lhuillier Fall 15

Kerry Washington - Balenciaga Spring 15

Best Dressed: Cate Blanchett, Emmy Rossum and Emma Stone

Phillippa x

New York Fashion Week A/W 15 - Top 10

Rodarte

Rodarte put their own mark on the theme 'disco'. Sequin striped dresses added the glam element to the collection whilst standout pieces were constructed using plumes of feathers, lace and embellishment.

Proenza Schouler

With several red carpet worthy dresses, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough showed a more technically advanced collection than previously seen. The slashed knit dresses will be a figure flattering go to dress, whilst the dresses with multi-fur fringes and black/white eyelets look set to be a red carpet and editorial favourite.

Altuzarra

Altuzarra's collection featured great use of fur, tweed, lace and leather. The final devore dresses were beautiful. The colour palette was very appropriate for the season.

Milly

Over at Milly, Michelle Smith's collections go from strength to strength each season. This time I adored the jewel colour palette, the neon pink being impossible to miss. Sculpted cocoon coats added volume to the 80's/Grace Jones inspired collection. I also loved the origami pullover.

Delpozo

Delpozo has been one on my most anticipated shows for the past couple of seasons. High-volume pieces were key to the collection, as were the pops of bright colour. The structured looks still remained feminine. The styling and the show setting had an almost Dior-esque feel to it.

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang showed a predominantly black collection with plenty of edge. Japanese Lolitas, heavy metal and Goths were points of reference, as was the 90's. The collection had plenty of attitude, contributing factors of this included the use of hardware; silver chains and metal studs. The quilted skirts and velvet bodice were amongst my favourite looks.

Jason Wu

Jason Wu presented a beautiful collection of waist focused silhouettes. The pieces were streamlined and effortless using luxury fabrics including fox fur and matte crocodile.

Jonathan Simkhai

This season saw Simkhai make the move from presentation to runway. A bold move like these needed to be worthwhile, and it was. Signature mesh fabric was cut into interesting silhouettes, creating some of my favourite dresses as shown in New York this week. It was all very pretty and delicate, with some soft powder shades and caviar beading.

Herve Leger by Max Azria

Always built around the now instantly recognisable 'bandage' dress, each season the brand pushes this concept further and explores new themes. Gaudi was a major source of inspiration following a trip to Barcelona. I love the clashing colour and brave print.

Zimmermann

Clear 70's references were present at Zimmermann: the long billowing dresses, the vintage inspired paisley prints, the use of rust and merlot as colours of choice. Macramé inserts added boho vibes, as did the keyhole cuts.  I loved the overall feel of the collection.

I will be posting my LFW review at the end of next week. 

Phillippa x