Amy's Adventures in Fashionland: 2013

Friday, September 27, 2013

Into the same idea...

What I wore yesterday v's backstage Alber Elbaz's SS14 show yesterday.

Twinsies!

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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Everything's Coming up Karl (poor Alexa)

Kaiser Karl has been busy. Not only is there a new drop of his eponymous Karl Lagerfeld range on Net-A-Porter, he's also put his, ahem, singular views in print.

Lets talk clothes first:

The collection is utterly wearable with some details and fabrics that hint at some of Lagerfeld's more exclusive collections. Jackets in tweed, leather and a chubby fur (faux this isn't Fendi) sit alongside sporty separates in grey jersey and acid yellow and a selection of kitschy accessories (a Choupette keyring anyone?). Embellished logo T's were less successful and are probably aimed at Karl superfans. Who else would love to sport Karl or his kitten's profile on their chest (à chacun son goût).

The boots which include a pair of rubber wellingtons with biker detail I felt would make the ultimate buy from the new drop. This could be purely based on the drastic change in the weather in the past fortnight that has left me floundering without having shopped for winter footwear, however I'll stand by my vote. Do you agree?:

You can of course go the whole hog and start sporting some leather fingerless gloves for a true homage to Karl's signature style.

Onwards to the main event "The World According to Karl". Ever quotable, Lagerfeld's book is billed as a compendium of his greatest hits, whether he's taking potshots at dowdy politicians or expounding on his favourite subject, himself.

Published in honor of the iconic designer's birthday, this hardback book is a celebration of Mr Karl Lagerfeld's "razor-sharp wit". It's undeniable that Karl Lagerfeld is a great fashion designer, and despite many decades at the helm of two great houses as well as his own brands his work remains fresh, but does this justify his outspoken opinions? Everyone who has heard of him has an opinion, Jean-Christophe Napias, editor of the book, insists that the content forms "a complex portrait, both public and intimate, of a secret man"

My favourite quote from the selection

I'm inclined to agree. Lagerfeld's seemingly intentionally controversial one liners as well as the often contradictory nature of his opinions seem to me to be in aid of constructing a facade, an idea of Karl Lagerfeld. Everything about his never changing appearance, the ponytail, the waistcoats down to the fingerless gloves seem to form a shell, a barrier between the world and the man. Tellingly included is the quote "When I was younger I wanted to be a caricaturist. In the end, I've become a caricature."

The World According to Karl will make a fabulous gift for those with an interest in fashion and style, a coffee table must, both for the Lagerfeld fanatics as well as those who appreciate the tongue in cheek.

I feel sorry for poor Alexa Chung having the misfortune to release her "It" during the same period as her pal Karl's tome, people have been much less complementary to her musings, I wonder why...

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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

VMA's Rate and Hate

The VMA's last night was a seriously mixed bag. At one end of the scale there was cutaway couture, at the other a beetlejuice-esque monstrosity. Check out the high (and low) lights below.

Rate:

Wow wow wow. All grown up at 21 Selena Gomez knocked it out of the park in navy Atelier Versace. The hip high split and revealed corsetry could have been too much but the matte navy fabric as well as the natural makeup and undone hair tempered the sexiness.

Katy Perry's grill caused some people to scratch their heads but I liked her look. Yes the knee length embellished Emmanuel Ungaro was cut to the thigh but for once she kept her considerable cleavage under wraps which was a nice change. The shape suited the Roar singer's figure and her classic two strap sandal (a style that's been a real winner for a couple of seasons now), neat accessories and simple high ponytail modernised the leopard print. This look is just right for the VMA's. it's glam with a hint of fun (teeth jewellery is a right laugh) but most importantly it's not too formal. Hello this is not the grammy's, MTV is the channel who brought us Jersey Shore for goodness sake lets not take the evening too seriously. Which brings us to Taylor Swift...

Taylor Swift went full glam with old Hollywood hair and makeup in a stunning full length Herve Leger gown with a plunging neckline. The dress fitted like a glove and navy is an update on the black dress theme that is a perennial red carpet favourite and Taylor did look fabulous. However I can't help feel this is a bit too done, this is the VMA's and Rihanna wore jeans ffs.

Daft Punk looked slick as ever in their Yves Saint Laurent suits (Sorry Hedi I can't bear to drop the Yves) their chromed out helmets and gloves were a slick addition. Possibly the best of the boys.

Ellie Goulding occasionally gets a hard time for not conforming to the big blowout and lots of cleavage standards of many of the red carpet favourites. I've never understood this, the singer looks pretty and cool and far more contemporary that many of her compatriots most of the time, and never more than in this high necked high split studded gown. The all over studs added the perfect rock and roll edge for a music awards event, watch and learn everyone else who didn't keep in mind which red carpet they were walking.

Jemima Kirke you complete me you mad vintage curtain wearing goddess you.

Vintage Dolce and Gabanna, VINTAGE DOLCE AND GABANNA! Seriously every now and again people surprise you. Yes Miley Cyrus's performance resembled the actions of the the possessed child from The Exorcist (the tongue, the miming finger-banging herself with an inanimate object, dry humping on some old lad) but this outfit is cool contemporary while nodding to the 90's and completely different to everyone else. The crop top is al brave choice for a red carpet but I can't help but feel Miley is channelling the poster girl for the crop top, Gwen Stefani, (check out the buns) and if so then it all makes sense. Kudos to Miley for daring to wear couture rubber designer Atsuko Kudo's (do you see what I did there) nude bralet and pants, I'm a huge fan of theirs, but not sure she pulled it off. Oh well, you win some you lose some Miley.

Iggy Azalea you can do no wrong in my eyes. The Aussie rapper totally pulls off this completely sheers wisp of embellished Pucci. The full on gilt on her pale pale skin, and her phenomenonly curvy physique makes this a look that not many will or will be able to emulate. A departure from her usual big earrings and booty shorts outfits, I'm excited to see where Iggy goes next sartorially.

Not sure...

Givenchy stop trying to make Ciara happen, Ciara is not going to happen. She looks stunning in this sheer embellished couture which is not a million miles away from Iggy Azaleas Pucci but the feathered hen made it just a step too far for the VMA's.

Hate is a strong word but:

Nope, nope nope. Not working for me sorry Rita Ora. This is way too much and I'm not keen on the beauty look either, the tones make you looked washed out and plastic. Better luck next time.

Gaga no. You're wearing a bin bag and a Halloween witch wig. Go back into retirement and try again.

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejui... Stop! Don't finish reading it aloud it might appear. Best to kill it before it lays eggs. The suit or Robin Thicke I hear you ask? You decide.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

She Who Can do no Wrong Pt. 5: As if You Needed More Proof...

It's Gwen again!

Gwen Stefani has had a whopper week of sartorial success, see the evidence below:

Beach side cool in crop top, boyfriend jeans and kimono cover up, Gwen had me rushing to ebay in search of a japanese jacket. the low slung black belt, black aviators and slash of fuschia lip bring the look together. not many have the abs for this so thank you Gwen for allowing us to live vicariously through you.

Daring to do double denim, Gwen did the school run (I speculate) in a G-Star denim jumpsuit with a mock waistband making it appear she is pulling off the more challenging jeans and denim shirt option. The jumpsuit does all of the work and the casual roll-up legs make this look proportionally perfect for Gwen. The rocky chain detail sandals by Gwen's own label L.A.M.B. seem to be a favourite of hers, she wears them regularly out and about and I can see why. They lengthen the legs and remove any risk that Gwen looks like a painter and decorator on duty. Extra points for the stunning L.A.M.B. structured shoulder bag also in denim hues and in for a penny in for a pound the fedora is also blue in tone. This denim blue overload was a big trend on the catwalks for summer with several designers showing looks of either one block shade of blue or combining many tones. Gwen naturally has made taken the trend to the street, and won.

Dude you are killing me here. Gwen went for a trot around Primrose Hill this weekend. She wore what the majority of the locals would have been sporting, the skinny jeans, ubiquitous high-tops and a hipster plaid shirt thrown over band t-shirt. But the sunglasses, and HEADBAND! She looks like a fabulous alien from planet celebrity who is doing a pretty good job of blending in with the humans around her but stumbles at the final fence (hint for Gwen: using an umbrella to shade your perfectly porcelain complexion when all around you are basted in oil and sizzling is a massive give-away that you're not from round these parts*)

*This reference may be lost on non-Londoners. For your info during our mini heatwave the much celebrated London parks have been packed with girls and boys in bikinis and boxers baking themselves on their lunch breaks and weekends. We have no beaches or gardens so please don't judge us!

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

She Who Can Do No Wrong Pt. 3: Barefoot and Fabulous

If after a frantic summer wedding season you are bored to death of cookie-cutter brides who all look alike (and don't look anything like their usual fashionable and fabulous selves) then you make enjoy this episode of She Who Can do no Wrong. Introducing Mrs Beth Ditto-Ogata!

Yes the inimitable vixen with the enormous voice married her long term partner Kristin in a casual ceremony on the Hawaiian island of Maui sometime recently. The happy bride logged her thanks to Jean Paul Gaultier on her bands facebook page in the weeks after the wedding, sweetly rhapsodising about her "dream-come-true dress!"

And what a dress. A beautiful tulle confection, strapless and perfectly proportioned to Ditto's famously short stature and abundant curves. The daringly plunging neckline was well constructed to support her assets as one could expect from a couturier of Gaultier's tenure. Her dark hair was waved under her short veil and the bride went barefoot, the only other accessory: her lacy heart tattoo on her right arm.

What I love about Beth in her wedding outfit is how comfortable she looks, how like Herself. So many brides make the mistake of wearing a meringue or something that wouldn't look out of place in a period drama. Fine if you're a dedicated donner of vintage, but for the rest? well I'm assuming a lot of grooms must peer down the aisle and wonder who the hell is tripping towards them on the arm of their future father-in-law.

Beth is fearless in her fashion choices, often matching her loud soprano voice with a suitably loud look, she's unselfconscious and daring and it usually pays off. I love how she looks the majority of the time. This may be one of her quieter choices, but it sure speaks volumes about the kind of dresser she is: unwaveringly true to herself. Take note brides-to-be!

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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The Power of Social Networking

I had a little mention from Harrod's two days ago on Instagram. They didn't even show any of my work, just a snap I took while visiting the store recently and in less than two days the post has 10,000 likes!!!!!

Lets see if the mention translates into increased website traffic. I'll report back as to whether any of my enquiries for services stem from this link, would be pretty impressive if a simple mention from a powerful brand like Harrods could influence popularity in this way. Interestingly enough they originally shared this image on their facebook page and it received a measly 350-ish likes. Does this disparity mean the rumours are true and Facebook's deathknell has already rung? Is this a symptom of our shortening attention spans, meaning we only like to see single snapshots or 150 character items of news rather than larger swathes of info? Answers on a postcard or in the comments below.

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New Editorial. Cake Magazine. Wish I Could

Out this week in Cake Magazine is another collaboration of mine with the fabulous duo of AL&K Photography. The Wish I Could Editorial is inspired by the pared back aesthetic of the late, great Corinne Day's early work. The styling and beauty are minimalist, the look often focusing on a single luxurious piece, such as the cashmere cardigan in the shot above. Featuring the stunning Vanessa Jobb of Premier Model Management the shoot had an all female crew on the day including Make Up by Shino Ariizumi and Hair by Michiko Yoshida. I think the result is an intimate snapshot of a girl, home alone, unselfconscious and lost in thought. Click the image below to see the entire editorial on Cake-mag.com

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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Just in Time for Baby Mania

Right at the culmination of the worlds mania for the Royal Baby (or maybe thats just the media making it seem like we've all gone mad when really people aren't that bothered) comes a product that many cosmetics aficionados have been waiting for: Maybeline's Baby Lips lip balm.

Until today this product, a cult item stocked up on by fashion editors and beauty junkies alike on New York trips, was US only. But low and behold, days after the birth of the new Prince of Cambridge you can buy Baby Lips without the panic that you haven't got enough air miles to bump up to business for the obligatory shopping trip.

Is the timing a cynical marketing ploy? Probably, but who cares, this stuff is great so get yours before they're gone. Available in Hydrate, Mint Fresh, Intense Care, Pink Punch, Cherry Me and Peach Kiss the balm is a blend of shea butter, vitamins, centella and SPF20 protection (in three of the six) and cost just £2.99 each. So in demand has Baby Lips been in anticipation of their arrival Boots had to set up a waiting list, making this product the Birkin of lip balms.

The word baby is on everyone's lips right now. Now have it in more ways than one.

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Jack of all Trades, Master of Some

Being head of a small company you quickly realise that your responsibilities lie far outside of the tasks in your main job description. Hence I am web-designing away at ten thirty on a Tuesday night. I won't lie I've always enjoyed fiddling with Photoshop and pals, and taking on these tasks has some advantages. In this case I can update my site as and when I fancy, making multiple tweaks without having to send seven emails and have a twenty minute phone call with a webmaster (if that is the correct term, que a barrage of corrections from real techies). So for now I am my own webmaster, one day I will have to devolve responsibility for tasks like these but for now I will continue to be a control freak. The debate about devolving responsibility, delegation, work/life balance and productive use of time I will leave for another post. Pop over to my website today to check out newly released editorial for Berlin based Kaltblut magazine.

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Thursday, June 6, 2013

She Who Can Do No Wrong Pt. 2

Kirstin Dunst I salute you. Your blue-on-blue, leopard printed, silk double-breasted pajama blouse with white piping paired with black skinny jeans and topped off with oversize dark sunglasses and black Chloé sandals is about as close as you can get to a perfect long haul outfit, without sweatpantsing out. Given the constant hovering papps the sweats situation isn't really an option for Kirsten. And if you're going to go pyjama, then definitely make it high end luxe, this blue lovely is by Louis Vuitton from the Resort 2012 collection. She is also carrying a smokey white ombré “Alma” satchel and a monogram “Pegase” rolling suitcase, both from Louis Vuitton. Despite going three for three in LV she has avoided the branding overload (and any similarity to Alan Garner at the airport in the Hangover 2: "That is a Lewis Vuitton").

Take notes for when you next dress to head to the airport. Leave the stripper heels to VB, she does it so well you'll never compete.

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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

She's Baaaaaaaack!!

The one-time journalist and fashion editor of British Vogue Luella Bartley was perfectly placed in terms of knowing what cool girls wanted to wear when she launched her eponymous fashion label "Luella" in 1999.

Her first collection had the tongue in cheek title of "Daddy, I want a Pony" and the kitchy, instantly recognisable designs, fashion moments in themselves, landed on most wanted lists from the get-go. A year later she was awarded Britain's Young Designer of the Year award, in short her rise to the top of the British Fash-Pack was nothing short of meteoric.
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But as is often the case what goes up must come down. In the early noughties the support that new designers receive was far more scant, and Luella's business, despite the support of a Singaporean investor, floundered. Fashion fans mourned when it was announced in November 2009 that the business had ceased trading. Finding some of Luella's final collection languishing on a rail in a TK Maxx basement was emotional, the business had been folded, it's assets sold off and the rumoured rescue of the brand by faceless money-men was never going to materialise. End of an Era.

Until this week that is. The news is that Luella Bartley has made her long-awaited return to fashion! The designer has joined fellow Brit, and former colleague at Luella the label, Katie Hillier at the helm of Marc by Marc Jacobs. Jacobs has for the first time handed over control of his eponymous label to this dream team.

With their particular skills for accessories the business is in fabulous hands. With Bartley credited with reviving the ailing Mulberry brand in 2002 through the instant success if the "Gisele" bag she designed from the best selling "Luella for Mulberry" collab and Hillier having a rake of awards under her belt including Accessory Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards 2009 I feel there may be a new focus in the pipeline at Marc. They are due to unveil their first designs for the brand for autumn/winter 2014-15. Press releases have advised us to expect an emphasis on quality, "interesting" capsule collections and and introduction of new product lines, I for one can barely contain my excitement.

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Monday, June 3, 2013

She Who Can Do No Wrong Pt. 1...

The acid yellow skinnies. Skinny belt. Perfectly proportioned bright-white tank. The front of shirt in waistband tuck. The original bleached out hair. Aviators. Coordinating primary-coloured superhero outfit attired child. Yep Gwen Stefani you're my hero.

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Friday, May 31, 2013

Fridays Child is full of shoe?

THIS is a Friday Shoe. Leave it to Rupert Sanderson to cater to our daily needs. And what Friday needs is a disco shoe.

The Metallica brights are so summer, although its yet to show its face. If you don't feel you have it in you to crack out your high-summer 'fashion-moment' pieces when the sky looks like sludge then may I suggest you have a mini moment in footwear form.

Team a show stopping 'nailing a trend in one item' shoe such as these Sanderson lovelies with a narrow black trouser and wispy blouse and pull off summer without looking like a crazy tranny wandering bare legged in the snow. They're a ray of sunshine in themselves!

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