On Trend Now - Short Frame Sunnies

Surely short frame sunglasses have to be the biggest eyewear trend to emerge in the past 12 months? One of the catalysts for this trend, came when models walked the Adam Selman AW17 runway wearing sunglasses designed in collaboration with eyewear brand Le Specs. What was surprising is that prior to this Selman was not considered a big name in the fashion world, but Le Specs loved the designers aesthetic and signed him up for a collab. Cue Gigi Hadid wearing the sunnies in question straight after the show and legions of fans were dying to get their hands on a pair. Talk about the power of celebrity! Other brands followed suit and short frame sunglasses dominated the eyewear market in 2017, with consumers looking for something a little different from the classic aviators or preppy rounds they were used to wearing. Whilst you can't go wrong with classic sunglasses, and you will no doubt still have some failsafe options in your eyewear collection, this season be brave and try something more daring. Just note, that many of these short frame styles are marketed as 'fashion eyewear' meaning that you are not necessarily guaranteed the same eye protection...just something to bear in mind. If you want to shop the exact styles, as worn by some of your favourite celebrities then the key designers to know are as follows: Andy Wolf, Le Specs, Illesteva and Poppy Lissiman and Gentle Monster. 

Phillippa x

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London Fashion Week A/W 18 - Top 5

London fashion week wrapped up earlier this week, here is my top 5 review...

Matty Bovan

Ok so if you've not heard of Matty Bovan you really need to get him on your fashion radar. Winner of the LVMH Graduate prize in 2015 and nominated for the British Emerging Womenswear Talent at the 2017 Fashion Awards, Central Saint Martins alumni Matty Bovan is fast becoming one of the most exciting British designers of the past few years. With a studio based in York, all of his collections are designed and created in the north of England. For his latest collection, Bovan began by looking at the British standards of smart-lady dressing - cue the tweed fabrics. From here the collection developed into a wonderful array of practical daywear separates (jodphurs), frayed tweed outerwear and an impressive range of screen-printed and knitted evening gowns. Many have commented that Bovan's work is reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood and a young Alexander McQueen, and I couldn't agree more. I adore the fact that Bovan puts a huge emphasis on creativity and hand produced designs, favouring small local production and experimenting with different textures. I can't wait to see this collection feature in editorials and on the red carpet. Fans already include Georgia May Jagger and Noomi Rapace.

Peter Pilotto

I have adored Peter Pilotto for many years now, and this collection has to be one of my favourite's from the brand. Known for their use of colour and print,  the design duo behind the brand were conscious to create a collection that would work well in a real-life setting, as opposed to creating show-stopping runway pieces. The colour palette had a Middle Eastern feel to it, with divine shades of: mustard, indigo and red. Quilted coats tapped into the puffer jacket trend, but these came in silk fabrics with oversized pockets. Knitted dressed were amongst my favourite pieces, patched together in contrasting coloured stripes with sequin inlays. For me though, the prints were what captivated me the most. Floor length dresses, some of which has plunging v-necklines and handkerchief hems, were printed with intricate motifs not to dis-similar to those you would expect to find on an antique rug. I loved that the printed faded in and out on the silhouette creating an almost 70's vintage feel. This collection got a HUGE yes from me...I need one of everything for Autumn!

Mary Katrantzou

Katrantzou's latest collection was titled 'Interior Lives' and the designer was looking at the beginnings of modernism for inspiration. The first few looks in the collection focused on the Bauhaus movement and consisted of patchwork dresses featuring a multitude of different textured fabric and embroideries. Further along the collection we saw a number of tile print motifs and exquisite rich  arts and crafts tapestries which were on: corsets, dresses and quilted leather trimmed coats. Amongst some of the most extraordinary pieces were the pointillist inspired knits, which had thousands of glass beads embellished onto them, which were quite simply stunning. To close the collection, Katrantzou referenced her very first collection by showing lampshade inspired structured corsets and jackets in metallic embossed jacquard. 

Christopher Kane

There has long been sexual undercurrents in Christopher Kane's collections and this season was no different. The starting point was the famed 1972 published book The Joy of Sex. The graphic illustrations, as seen in the book, were printed on 3 of the dresses in this collection. Lace and leather featured heavily throughout the show, but many of the silhouettes were surprisingly wearable. Colours were largely red and black, with a few nude shades thrown into the mix as well. One of my favourite design elements, was the use of zips which created off-the-shoulder detailing and daring splits on skirts.

J.W.Anderson

Utilitywear was present throughout Anderson's latest offering, with oversized loose silhouettes in khaki colours paired with low slung belts. Handkerchief hems on skirts were also a key feature, complete with coloured striped piping. These colours complimented the paisley printed frilly shirts and statement coloured accessories, which came with lace details. Anderson has mastered his aesthetic exceptionally well, creating contemporary pieces which work well head-to-toe but also as wearable everyday separates. Models wore Converse from the designers latest collaboration with the footwear brand. They added comfort and practicality to the collection.

Phillippa x

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Brit Awards 2018 - Red Carpet

Earlier this week the Brit Awards took place in London. Take a look at what the stars wore to attend this event...

1. Ellie Goulding - Stella McCartney Spring 18

2. Cheryl - Jean-Louis Sabaji SS18

3. Camila Cabello - Ralph & Russo Spring 18

4. Hailey Baldwin - Ralph Lauren Fall 17

5. Rita Ora - Ralph & Russo Fall 17 Couture

6. Dua Lipa - Giambattista Valli Spring 18 Couture

7. Paloma Faith - Ashish Spring 18

8. Alana Haim - Rodarte Spring 18

9. Millie Bobby Brown - Rodarte Spring 18

10. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - Saint Laurent Spring 18

11. Pixie Lott

12. Ella Eyre - Ellery

Best Dressed

Ok so it goes without saying that both Rita Ora and Dua Lipa nailed their red carpet looks at this event! Whilst their OTT gowns won't be to everybody's taste, they really pulled out all the stops to impress and they had fun with their looks. My personal favourite's included Hailey Baldwin wearing Ralph Lauren and the Haim sisters wearing Rodarte.

Who was your best dressed?

Phillippa x

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On Trend Now - Polka Dots

Emerging as a huge trend for A/W, the polka dot is one of this seasons' champion print trends. Artistically known as a 'non-print' print, polka dots can have an almost childlike charm about them but can also look ultra sophisticated thanks in large part to their versatility and wearability. Making countless runway appearances at shows including Milly, Balenciaga and Alexandre Vauthier, polka dots were seen on daywear separates as well as floor length evening gowns. Famed artist Yayoi Kusama has been a notable reference, as has the wardrobe of the late Princess Diana who often favoured this print. Key note: keep colours simple.

Whilst some of our favourite celebrities and street style stars my go head-to-toe in polka dots, you need not necessarily follow suit. I mean for sure if you are brave enough then go ahead and rock the look, but it is not the only option. A cute tie-front blouse is a winner in my eyes, and gives you that 'model off duty' look if teamed with leather trousers and pair of killer ankle boots (see Kaia Gerber for ref). Similarly a polka dot shirt or biker jacket can look great with a pair of vintage inspired mom jeans. Shop my edit below to get on board with this trend...

1. Leather Jacket - Commes des Garcons £900
2. Trousers - Nobody's Child £28
3. Dress - New Look £16
4. Top - Topshop £29
5. Camisole - G.V.G.V £212
6. Shoes - No.21 £485
7. Dress - Michelle Mason £460

Phillippa x

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BAFTA's 2018 - Red Carpet

Tonight the BAFTA's took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. In keeping with the Time's Up movement most of the stars in attendance wore black. Here's a quick look at what the stars wore to attend the event this year...

L-R

Greta Gerwig - Jonathan Cohen Fall 18

Lupita Nyong'o - Elie Saab Fall 17 Couture

Jennifer Lawrence - Christian Dior Spring 18 Couture

Margot Robbie - Givenchy Spring 18 Couture

Saoirse Ronan - Chanel Pre-Fall 18

Lily James - Burberry

Anya Taylor Joy - Dolce and Gabbana

Kate Mara - Christian Dior Fall 17 Couture

Gemma Arterton - Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition Spring 18

Andrea Riseborough - Elie Saab Fall 16 Couture

Angelina Jolie - Ralph and Russo

Emma Roberts - Schiaparelli Fall 16 Couture

Best Dressed

Lupita Nyong'o wearing Elie Saab - I adored the gold piping detail and the exaggerated volume on the hips. It makes a statement without being OTT.

Margot Robbie wearing Givenchy - With the help of stylist Kate Young, Margot has not put a foot wrong on the red carpet in months. This look was no exception. Beautiful!

Saoirse Ronan wearing Chanel - I love that Saoirse opted for something a little different than the typical floor sweeping gowns we are used to seeing at these award shows. The high neck collar gave me mod 60's vibes, and the sheer panel kept the length appropriate for a red carpet event.

Who was your best dressed?

Phillippa x

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New York Fashion Week A/W 18 - Top 5

As always, I will be reviewing my top 5 collections from each city during fashion month. First up, of course, being New York. NYFW has a special place in my heart as I interned with the fashion brand Milly back in 2012 and attended their SS13 show. Ever since then whenever NYFW takes place, I still get the same excitement as I did back in 2012. With more brands than ever skipping fashion week, switching to presentations rather than traditional runway shows and/or adopting the 'buy now see now' module, its hard to really second guess what to expect anymore. Despite this, I have selected my top collections from this months New York Fashion Week...

Prabal Gurung

As a champion of feminism, Gurung explained that his strong use of the colour pink in this collection represented strength and fearlessness. Knitwear was present throughout, and came in the form of: oversized scarves, classic pullovers, wrap dresses and sweater dresses. For me though, it was the eveningwear that really shone. Sequinned slip dresses with beaded hems really caught my attention, as did the panne velvet gowns. There were so many beautiful pieces in this collection and I look forward to seeing them translated onto the red carpet.

Calvin Klein

Picture the scene, a show space at the American Stock Exchange with: Andy Warhol photographs, Sterling Ruby sculptures suspended from scaffolding and a runway covered in popcorn...yes really this was the order of the day at the Calvin Klein AW18 show. Oversized mannish coats have been present on the runway for the past few seasons, and Calvin Klein delivered a number of such coats in plaid. More oversized silhouettes were seen on knitwear and on trapeze dresses. For me some of the most interesting pieces in the collection were the sheer, geometric printed dresses in rainbow colours and also the deconstructed dresses with revealing cut outs.

Milly

As previously explained, i'm a long-time loyal fan of Milly. Designer Michelle Smith always empowers with her collections, and if you follow Smith on Instagram you will know that she is a strong advocate for many different charities and causes. Smith's collection was titled 'Chromatic' and was a statement of love, inclusiveness and equality, with each colour on the spectrum representing a different characteristic. The collection was full of great vibrant daywear pieces as well as sequinned eveningwear. For me, Milly always finds the perfect balance between creating day to night transitional apparel, meaning these will be the pieces which you consistently reach for in your wardrobe.

Sies Marjan

Sander Lak is known for his use of colour, just one of the many reasons I adore his Sies Marjan collections. This season he experimented with ombres and these were seen on twisted materials and beautifully draped and unconventionally cut dresses. Colours were feminine and sensual and looked sensational on liquid silk fabric. I also adored the felted outerwear as well as the patent and holographic jackets. I look forward to seeing how this collection translates on the runway, I would love to see both Kate Bosworth and Jaime King wearing some of these pieces.

3.1 Phillip Lim 

Lim explored the theme of living a nomadic life with his latest collection. Patchwork garments had the appeal of clothing which had been made from scraps of fabric, some of these patchwork pieces were also colour-blocked. The collection consisted of some beautiful colours ranging from soft pastels to parka green and earthy camel. There was lots of oversized silhouettes, layering and off-the-shoulder tops and dresses. I particularly liked the scarf hem, paisley printed silk dresses.

Phillippa x

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SS18 Trend Report - New Cowboy

Now THIS is my kind of trend! For many years I have championed the iconic cowboy boot, after picking up a killer pair in a second hand store for £3 I was rarely seen not wearing them whilst I was at college. Fast forward a few years and not only are cowboy boots back in a big way in mainstream fashion, but so is a total head-to-toe western look. Many cite the current political situation in the US as an instigator for this trend, as cowboys are closely associated with American identity. Couple this with a love of popular film culture such as: True Romance, No Country For Old Men and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, and you've got yourself the foundations for a major trend. You may remember that last year I documented the Americana trend, which focused on patriotic colours and stars and stripes motifs, but this take on the trend is different - 'New Cowboy' if you will. A kitsch, and colourful, take of this trend would of course be to reference the queen of country music Dolly Parton, but the main strand of the trend focuses more on earthy colours and wearable cowboy/Western inspired daywear. The Dior Resort 18 show was a homage to California and the West coast, with models walking the runway wearing stetson hats, poncho's and raffia jacquard dresses. Coach also went big on this trend, with 70's inspired suede cowboy shirts and studded cowboy boots. For a subtle nod to the trend, look to Chloe for reference. Snake print mini skirts and cowboy ankle boots proved that this trend can be wearable for the modern day without looking too cliched.

Ok so you've decided that you are hopping on board with this trend, but where to start with apparel? A cowboy shirt is a must, but instead of opting for suede you could pick a silk version for a more versatile daytime option. Fringing is also an essential application technique. If you are feeling brave you could go for a skirt with lots of fringing, or perhaps go for a jacket with just a little fringe trim if you want a more low key look. Oversized knitwear is great to throw on over a cotton dress, for a further nod to the trend. The knitwear in question could feature motifs or patchwork detailing - this will add further references to the trend. Collar details, studs, denim and bandana prints are also key looks. Key colours are earthy taupes and blush hues, with just a hint of red and blue for more American vibes.

1. Maison Margiela £1270 / 2. Alanui £2960 / 3. Coach £538 / 4. Tory Burch £475

5. Coach £1467 / 6. Caroline Constas £385 / 7. Caravana £270 / 8. Coach £973

9. Helmut Lang £725/ 10. Etoile Isabel Marant £365 / 11. See by Chloe £435 / 12. Miu Miu £1975

13. Coach £441 / 14. Coohem £206 / 15. Etro £1010 / 16. Ronald van der Kamp £1385 

17. Tre £540 / 18. Miu Miu £450 / 19. Philosophy £405 / 20. Diesel £287

If dressing head-to-toe in this trend is not for you, then why not embrace this trend with accessories? As mentioned earlier, the easiest way to opt into this trend is with a classic pair of cowboy boots. I'm personally a massive fan, and find the pointed toe and sloped heel really elongate my legs - so its a win win situation really isn't it? If a classic embossed pair of boots is too much for your personal style, finding a pair with studs will make a great alternative. Key materials: suede, leather and metal hardwear. Any of the below options, from my edit, will give your outfit major kudos...

Phillippa x

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New Music Playlist - February 2018

Just a few of my most played tracks of the year so far...

When I'm In Need by Liam Gallagher

Lose My Cool by Amber Mark (Franc Moody remix)

Bedroom by Litany

Fallin 4 U by Will Heard

Arm's Length by Kacy Hill

Nobody by Niia ft GoldLink
Mephisto by Jata
Cheetah Tongue by The Wombats
Daydream by Milk & Bone
My Thoughts On You by The Band CAMINO
American Eyes by Promises Ltd (Gilligan Moss remix)
My Love by Christopher Port
Find What You're Looking For by Olivia O'Brien

Wild by JONES
Say Something by Justin Timberlake ft Chris Stapleton
Grey by Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn
Backbeat by Dagny
People Will Always Need Coal by Public Service Broadcasting
Stay Safe by Rhye
Reverie by Justin Nozuka
Reaarange by Ella Vos
It's All In Vain by Wet
It's The Light by Gavin Turek
Dog Years by Maggie Rogers
Una Massive Sunshine by Astrocolour
For Sarah by Tourist
London Summer by Sam Sure
I Got You by Leska, Batuk
Virtue by Kllo
People by MLiR
Static Resistance by Hookworms

Roses by Ghostly Kisses
Life Goes On by E^ST

So It Goes by Taylor Swift

Athletico by Rae Morris
Say Nothing by MUTO, Emerson Leif

Fix Me by Beck
Fading by Retro Culture

Get Out Of Your Own Way by U2
These Days by Rudimental ft Jess Glynne, Macklemore, Dan Caplen

Always Ascending by Franz Ferdinand

Sky Walker by Miguel ft Travis Scott
Artifice by SOHN
Run by Tourist
Lid by Christian Loffler
November Nights by Maribou State

Phillippa x

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Outfit of The Month - February

You may remember last year on my blog, I spoke about the current trend for Prince of Wales checks. Taking direct inspiration from this trend, I knew that for this outfit I wanted to base the look around a grey checked blazer. I've long been a fan of a classic black blazer, but this new version offers a little twist on formal dressing. I wanted the overall look to be casual with an edgy undertone. For this I opted for an oversized t-shirt from Balenciaga, with faded print. A distressed grey tee is always great for creating a nod to vintage. Cropped flared jeans from Mother are a great alternative to skinny jeans, the hems cut off above the ankle meaning any chosen footwear will make a statement. Ankle boots come courtesy of Anine Bing. Black and navy leather accessories complete the look.

Phillippa x

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