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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Brand To Know - ATTICO

Renowned fashion consultant Giorgia Tordini and stylist/blogger Gilda Ambrosio have teamed up to launch their fashion brand ATTICO. You will have no doubt seen these two gracing many a front row or being snapped outside a runway show, and now they are bringing their style credentials together and showcasing their personal style with ATTICO. If you follow Tordini and Ambrosio on social media, you will know that they have the innate ability to effortlessly style pieces together in a way that most could only dream of. Well lucky for the rest of us, ATTICO brings their eclectic aesthetic to the luxury fashion market. Inspired by classic negligee but made to be worn everyday, each piece in the collection is decadent in it's use of fabric and ornate embroidery/detailing. Languid gowns in luxe velvets and rich silks with archive inspired prints and dramatic ruffles all make ATTICO one of the breakthrough brands of 2016. Having only launched in February of this year, the brand already boasts a stockist list including: Beyman, Eraldo, Harvey Nichols, Luisa via Roma, Matches, Moda Operandi, Net-a-Porter and Opening Ceremony. Price Range: £450 - £1550

Whilst ATTICO gowns can be worn as stand alone pieces, they are also intended to be layered. This creates a very modern approach to styling and results in a contemporary street style look. The dresses are nonchalant in their construction whilst still maintaining a high level of opulence. 

Phillippa x

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SS17 Trend Report - Crochet

First seen during the Resort 17 presentations (Balmain, Moschino, Peter Pilotto), crochet continued to dominate the runway during the SS17 collections. Typically seen as a 70's boho fabric, and often seen worn by festival goers during the summer, this style of knitwear has major vintage throwbacks. More often than not, crochet comes in a range of sunkissed hues - think red, orange and yellow, but it can also work well in muted tones for a more sophisticated take on the trend (see Alexander McQueen for reference). For SS17, crochet was developed into pretty much every garment shape going, whether it be: dresses, tops, jackets, bralets or bikini's - the scope of this trend was huge on the runway. Many crochet garments are intended to work well as stand alone pieces, but they can be layered if you wish to only add a hint of this trend into your look. On the runway we also saw varying size crochet, ranging from large openwork patterns to smaller scale tighter knits. Key Designers: Adam Selman, Tanya Taylor, Red Valentino, MSGM.

Phillippa x

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Esthechoc - The Review

Last month EBWPR invited me along to the Debbie Thomas skincare clinic in Chelsea for an evening celebrating all things health and Esthchoc, alongside chef Tess Ward. So what is Esthechoc you ask? In 2015 Dr Ivan Petyaev and Dr Marek Orlowski founded 'Cambridge Chocolate Technologies' and subsequently went on to launch 'Esthechoc' - "The worlds first youth boosting 'smart' chocolate". I, like many others, was intrigued to learn more about this brand and try it for myself. Clinically proven to improve skin health in just 3 weeks, the product as seen below comes with 21 x 7.5g bars and is priced at £42.50. Esthechoc contains 2 very important antioxidants: Astaxanthin and Cocoa Polyphenolic Epicatechins - setting this brand apart from other brands of dark chocolate. It protects your skin from ageing, as well as promoting radiance. I have just finished using this product and I genuinely enjoyed incorporating it into my diet. I found having one bar on a morning alongside my breakfast worked well for me. Like any other health or food supplement, it is of course important to maintain a healthy diet alongside using this product. To read more about the science behind this product visit the Esthechoc website. Available from the Esthechoc website and Harrods.           

Web - www.esthechoc.com / Twitter - @esthechoc / Instagram - esthechoc_official

Phillippa x

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Karen Millen - A/W 16 Trend Edit

Last month I was invited to a fabulous evening at the Karen Millen store in Covent Garden hosted by the ultimate blogger babe, Victoria from InTheFrow. On an evening filled with champagne and stylish chats about fashion, I was so inspired by the brands A/W collection that wanted to put together a trend edit for my blog. Drawing inspiration from some of the biggest runway and street style trends for Fall 16, I have selected the best pieces from the Karen Millen website to create a number of great looks. Every item in this edit is available now from Karen Millen.

Animal Instinct - Street Style

Leopard print is a timeless classic and no wardrobe should be without a hint of animal print. Team a faux fur jacket with classic separates such as: a grey marl tee, skinny jeans and a simple tote bag for a super wearable everyday Fall look. Perfect for work, college or a day out.

The Statement Mini - Street Style

Use a statement mini skirt as the focal point of your outfit and build your look around it. Opt for accessories which bring out the colours in the skirt and add an extra pop of colour. A classic leather biker jacket in a Fall colour will add an extra level of interest to your outfit.

Gothic Glam 

Seen on the A/W 16 runway at the likes of: Rodarte, Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang, this trend is all about mixing luxe fabrics and textures together. Metallic pleats, fur, lace, leather and metal - this is the ultimate high fashion glam Fall trend and is perfect for party season!

Winter Boho

Bohemian fashion need not just be for Spring. Following in the footsteps of Chloe, base your look around a billowing silk dress with pussybow detailing. Team navy and black together for a sophisticated take on this trend and accessorise with a felt fedora and lots of plush suede.

Modern Victoriana

Make like Alexander McQueen and find the ultimate lace and embroidered evening dress. A high neckline means there is no mistaking the reference to the Victoriana trend. A structured black blazer and ultra feminine accessories complete the look.

Sport Luxe

The athleisure trend has been around for a number of seasons now and it's popularity shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. A cobalt skater-style dress will not only look great for Fall but will carry you through to Spring as well. Pair with a bomber jacket and trainers for a relaxed vibe. 'Yves Klein' blue was also a major colour trend for SS17, further fueling why this dress is the perfect investment piece.

Metallic Jacquard

A staple Fall fabric, jacquard was the main fabric of choice on the Fall runway. Seen at the likes of: Burberry, Prada, Gucci, Erdem, Mary Katranzou and Marco de Vincenzo - this is one trend you cannot avoid for Fall. Adding richness and depth to any outfit, a jacquard dress is a great alternative to a classic LBD for evening wear. Keep styling simple.

70's Remix

Another trend which has made an appearance on the runway for a few seasons now is the 70's. Designers and the high-street can't get enough of it. Luxe suede clothing and accessories in autumnal hues are perfect for the season. These are great investment pieces as they will last you for years as well as keeping you super cosy and warm.

I hope you have enjoyed this Karen Millen Fall trend edit. Do check out the Karen Millen website to see the full A/W 16 collection. New pieces are dropping online and in-stores on a weekly basis.

Phillippa x 

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SS17 Trend Report - Tartan

Tartan featured heavily on the A/W 16 catwalk back in March, adding a traditional Scottish touch to many a runway show (Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Prada, Victoria Beckham). These collections were authentic in their use of tartan, opting for conventional earthy colours. Then for Resort 17 designers switched it up a notch, adding hints of bright colour to offset the customary browns and olives - in-turn creating something rather fresh for Spring (Balmain, Gucci, Marco de Vincenzo, Rosie Assoulin, Suno). But the really exciting modern take on this otherwise 'mainstream' print came during the SS17 shows. Throwing the rule book to one side, designers showcased a vibrant and dynamic use of tartan. Buttercup yellow was a key colour of choice, clashing with blue and orange to great effect. The scale was also a little larger than traditional tartan, with oversized lines elongating proportions. The use of tartan itself was also different, used to create ruffles and trims as well as being used on shirting to creating interesting tailored silhouettes. Some prints were even patchworked together adding an energized movement to the lines. Key Designers: Delpozo, Sacai, Preen, Margiela, Gypsy Sport, Pringle, Antonio Berardi, Apiece Apart, Tome.

Phillippa x

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Outfit of The Month - November

As we fast approach the festive season, I'm already thinking about those all important party outfits. I fell in love with this Temperley skirt as soon as I saw it. The nautical tattoo inspired embroidery adds an offbeat twist to an otherwise classic black midi skirt. The feminine off-the-shoulder blouse from Alice and Olivia is perfect to be worn as evening wear, and the liquid silk ruffles ensure this top is bang on trend for Fall. Mixing up the outerwear, I have opted for a structured navy cape from Pierre Balmain. This makes for more of a statement than your usual go to winter coat and adds drama to the outfit. The pointed toe boots come courtesy of French footwear brand Gordana Dimitrijevic, the accent of blue suede perfectly complements the detailing on the skirt. The plush velvet drawstring bag from Vanessa Seward will hold all of your essential items, but the overall look is minimalist so will not distract from the rest of your outfit. Finally, an iconic Tiffany & Co 'T' silver bracelet completes this outfit.

Phillippa x

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Collaboration - Kenzo X H&M

It seems like only yesterday that fashionista's were scrambling to get their hands on the Balmain X H&M collection, but believe it or not that was an entire year ago. Next up in the Swedish retailers long list of designer collaborators is KENZO. Design duo Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have been at the helm of Kenzo since 2011 and are in large part responsible for turning around the fortunes of the brand with their eye-catching prints and super commercial motifs. Their latest collaboration with H&M will be music to the ears of their long-standing fans. Cue vibrant animal prints, bold florals, multi-coloured patchworks and the all important iconic tiger motif.

If print is not your thing, you may be pushed to find pieces in this collection that will work for you. The majority of the garments are heavily printed and make a real sartorial statement. Whilst the lookbook see's the pieces in the collection styled together creating a riot of clashing prints and colours, you could always team one of the tops with a pair of jeans for a more refined look. More conservative pieces include plain blouses and some exceptional shearling outerwear. There are also a few pajama-style pieces, which coincidentally is a huge trend for SS17 so if you are looking to invest in this collection these could be your best bet. Some silhouettes are a little more daring, full length tiered skirts and paper bag waist culottes are amongst the more audacious pieces, whereas in contrast classic polo-necks and cap-sleeved tops are ideal for everyday. Despite the fact this is a highstreet collaboration, some pieces do come in at a more premium price point (around the £200-£300 mark). However I have to say that overall this collection is much more affordable than previous H&M collaborations with many pieces being very accessible (under £60). If apparel is not your thing, accessories come in the form of: gloves, shoes, hats, scarves, bags, socks and keychains. Here is my edit of the best the collection have to offer...

A launch party took place in New York last month and stars including: Chloe Sevigny, Rosario Dawson, Lupita Nyong'o, Elizabeth Olsen and Charli XCX all attended. See below for how they styled the Kenzo X H&M collection...

The collection drops online and in stores on November 3rd. Happy shopping!

Phillippa x

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Harpers Bazaar 'Women of the Year' Awards - Red Carpet

Last night the 2016 Harpers Bazaar ' Women of the Year' Awards took place at Claridge's Hotel in London. Who was your best dressed at this event?...

1. Laura Carmichael - Christopher Kane A/W 16

2. Emma Watson - Christian Dior S/S 17

3. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - Saint Laurent S/S 17

4. Ella Purnell - Erdem Resort 17

5. Keira Knightley - Rochas S/S 17

6. Felicity Jones - Rosie Assoulin A/W 16

7. Malika Firth - Burberry A/W 16

8. Natalie Massenet - Atelier Versace Spring 16 Couture

My vote for best dressed goes to Ella Purnell, who is fast becoming a rising star of both the big screen and the red carpet - definitely one to watch in 2017! The Erdem dress, and the styling, struck a perfect balance between being feminine and yet dramatic at the same time.

Phillippa x

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