The Gucci Effect

There can be no denying that in 2016 there has been one brand which has completely dominated the world of fashion - Gucci. Since Alessandro Michele was appointed Creative Director of the brand back in January 2015, somewhat of a Gucci revival has taken place and the brand is on course for a staggering turnaround of €6 billion - music to the ears of Kering no doubt! Michele's 'Gucci' is one of colour, print, texture, embellishment and making a statement. The new 'Gucci' look is very distinct: layering of textures, clashing colours, off-beat patterns, all teamed with bold accessories. Key pieces from the collections have gone on to become some of the most coveted of the season, with handbags being seriously hot property. Here are some of the most memorable Gucci looks from the past few seasons...

If you were in any doubt about the power of Gucci, just take a look at the number of famous faces who have opted to grace the red carpet this year wearing a stunning array of Gucci gowns. With excess of 60-70 looks per season, stylists have had plenty to choose from. Whilst on the runway the styling is OTT, on the red carpet styling was largely paired down showing that these seemingly eccentric dresses can actually by very easy to wear and versatile. With their eye-catching colours and standout motifs, wearing a Gucci dress ensures all eyes are on you and the best dressed list awaits your name. The biggest fans of the brand, who have worn several looks this year, include: Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Dakota Johnson, Bel Powley and Florence Welch.

Aside from the runway, Gucci has also been one of the most popular choices for editorials. Everything about Gucci is photo-friendly, with pieces lending themselves perfectly to being photographed close up enabling the exquisite detail to be seen. Being a renowned global brand, Gucci has been seen on publications worldwide. Here are a few of the best front covers...

Elle Fanning for W, October 2016 / Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Vogue Thailand, July 2016

Alexa Chung for Glamour UK, April 2016 / Lily James for Marie Claire, January 2016

Chloe Grace Moretz for Marie Claire, February 2016 / Elizabeth Olsen for Elle Canada, June 2016

Edie Campbell for Vogue UK, March 2016 / Kristen Stewart for Elle

With the huge commercial success of the runway collections, the high street was quick to jump on board with the trend for all things Gucci. Echoing the brands eclectic sartorial vibe, retailers such as Topshop and Mango have designed several key pieces which perfectly embody the spirit of Gucci. Ruffles, faux fur, metallic, decadent jacquard, embroidery, serpent motifs, snakeskin, striped knitwear, mules, loafers, chain bags - the high street  has the Gucci look covered. I have put together this edit showing you how you can get the Gucci look for less...

1. River Island £90 / 2. Topshop £65 / 3. Topshop £34 / 4. Shrimps £425

5. New Look £22.99 / 6. Office £68 / 7. Topshop £75 / 8. H&M £12.99

9. Gap £44.95 / 10. Mango £59.99 / 11. Topshop £95 / 12. Sainsbury's £28 

13. H&M £199 14. Topshop £45 / 15. Miss Selfridge £89 / 16. Dorothy Perkins £26 

 17. Mango £39.99 / 18. Topshop £29 / 19. Glamorous £90 / 20. Topshop £42

Phillippa x

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SS17 Trend Report - 50 Shades of Pink

This season there was one colour which made more appearances than any other on the runway - Pink. Coming in an array of different shades, and being seen in all four cities, pink was defiantly present. Fuchsia made a bold impact at: Topshop, Bottega Veneta, Wanda Nylon and Valentino, whereas elsewhere darker shades with purple undertones were seen at: Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Givenchy. Steering clear of 'Barbie' pink, all the shades came out looking elegant and feminine. With the exception of Issey Miyake and Peter Pilotto, pink was rarely mixed with any other colours - it was used as a solo block colour. From daywear to eveningwear, it worked well on different silhouettes. Hermes and Andrew GN opted for classic floor sweeping gowns, whilst Balenciaga and Celine went for high-necked modern shapes. So whether you like rich tones of magenta or peachy flamingo shades - S/S 17 has all grounds covered. Think pink for Spring!

Phillippa x

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Christmas Gift Guide

I have put together the ultimate Christmas gift guide. I have separated everything into 3 categories, meaning whatever your price point there is something here for you. I have also selected a mix of both affordable and luxury items. Happy Christmas shopping...

£10 and under

Under £50

Over £50

Phillippa x

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Buckle Up - On Trend Now: Hoop Bags

Metal hardware on handbags is nothing new - eyelets, zips and chains are all pretty common. However for A/W 16, the main bag feature is a humble metal hoop. Having adorned the ever so popular Chloe 'Faye' bag for the past couple of seasons, spawning a legion of loyal devotees, this simple feature sprung up on handbags across varying market levels. J.W.Anderson created the 'Pierce' bag, a somewhat genius concept for a bag and one which I have been coveting all season. Typically used as a opening/closing fastening or as an alternative to a traditional leather handle, see below for some suitably stylish street style looks to complement these ultra cool 'IT' bags. 

If you are looking to make a luxury investment then opt for J.W.Anderson or Chloe. These styles have become incredibly popular, so if you would prefer something a little more unique then I would recommend a tote from Roksanda Ilincic's debut handbag collection (see number 6 on the edit below). Coming in at a more affordable, but still luxury, price point are styles from: Simon Miller, Phillip Lim, Theory, See by Chloe and DVF. The high street has of course followed suit and produced many great purse friendly options. If you want to play on the fact that this style is a 'must have' of the season then go for a bold colour such as green, blue or red. Alternatively if you want something a little more wearable to team with your everyday wardrobe, then opt for classic shades of tan and black. I have put together this edit showing you the best selection of 'Hoop' bags currently available, showing you the wide variety on offer.

1. Chloe £1460 / 2. Simon Miller £305 / 3. J.W.Anderson £1965

4. Theory £1460 / 5. 3.1 Phillip Lim £505 / 6. The Row £3200

7. Next £36 / 8. See by Chloe £370 / 9. Roksanda £1350

10. Little Liffner £265 / 11. Diane Von Furstenberg £225 / 12. Uterque £145

13. Diane Von Furstenberg £305 / 14. New Look £22.99 / 15. Zara £169

16. Next £30 / 17. Dorothy Perkins £38 / 18. Peacocks £12 / 19. Mango £35.99

For more enviable street style looks and covetable handbags, be sure to follow my Pinterest (details below)

Phillippa x

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2016 American Music Awards - Red Carpet

The 2016 AMA's took place last night in Los Angeles...who was your best dressed?

1. Karlie Kloss - Atelier Versace

2. Zoe Saldana - Monse SS17

3. Gigi Hadid - Roberto Cavalli Couture

4. Hailee Steinfeld - Elie Saab S/S17

5. Selena Gomez - Prada

6. Milla Jovavich - Elie Saab S/S17

7. Gigi Hadid - Atelier Versace

8. Joan Smalls - Roberto Cavalli

9. Chrissy Teigen - Yousef Akbar

10. Lady Gaga - Brandon Maxwell

My Best Dressed

1. Selena Gomez wearing Prada - After taking a hiatus earlier this year, Selena made her comeback at this event and looked absolutely stunning wearing a fiery red Prada gown. Sophisticated and elegant, this look was reserved and really stood out against the other more risque dresses.

2. Hailee Steinfeld wearing Elie Saab - Hailee has been consistently nailing her red carpet looks this year and this look was no exception. The embellished star motif mini dress was perfect for the young actress/singer.

For more red carpet looks from all the major award shows and film premiere's, be sure to follow my Pinterest (details below)

Phillippa x

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SS17 Trend Report - Animal Motifs

Who said prints needed to be mainstream? Adding a high level of quirk to the SS17 runway, was the menagerie of offbeat animal motifs favoured by some of the most high profile designers. Ranging from the ordinary to the exotic, the runway was awash with animal conversational prints. Put down your Kenzo tiger sweatshirt, because this season there are plenty more embroidered, embellished and printed animal motifs to choose from. Over at Gucci, Alessandro Michele continued to dominate the fashion world with his statement prints in bold colours. You have to applause Michele for his exceptional use of a high-power print! Fur coats with zebra's and evil cat t-shirts - what's not to love? There must have been something in the water when brands were designing their S/S collections because fish motifs reigned supreme and were seen on the runway at: Dolce and Gabbana, J.W.Anderson, Sportmax and Missoni. Birds were also popular. A cutesy flamingo repeat was a focal point at Red Valentino, whereas over at Stella Jean and Fausto Puglisi placement rooster prints transformed shirts and dresses. With all these fish and bird motifs, one has to acknowledge the Asian influence. This trend also translates well into young fashion - which child, or adult for that matter, wouldn't love a playful sheep meadow print or hopping bunny motif?

Phillippa x

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Fall Music Playlist

A new playlist for Fall, with some of my favourite songs I've been listening to over the past couple of months (not necessarily all new tracks)...

Quicksand by Tom Chaplin

22 (OVER S∞∞N) by Bon Iver

Saint Claude by Christine and the Queens

Kids by One Republic
Stop Desire by Tegan and Sara
Gabriel by Bear's Den
Headlights by Robin Schulz
Elevate by St.Lucia
Find Me by Sigma ft Birdy
The Sound by The 1975
They Don't Own Me by Richard Ashcroft
Wild Horses by Birdy
Enter Lightly by David Gray
Torn Apart by Adrian Lux
Georgia by Vance Joy
Flesh Without Blood by Grimes
Leave a Trace by Chvrches
Banshee by Santigold
The Ocean by Mike Perry ft Shy Martin
Bones by Rebecca Ferguson
Pretty Pimpin by Kurt Vile
Geronimo by Sheppard
The Funeral by Band of Horses
Want U by Lo-Fi-Fnk
Blended Family (What You Do For Love) by Alicia Keys
Not Today by Imagine Dragons

Do you have any music recommendations for me?

Phillippa x

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