Embracing Fashion Trends - Coloured jeans

OK...before I post this I want you all to know that I very rarely fully embrace fashion trends

a. because they are sooo transient
b. they can be costly
c. you simply blend into the fashion heard

...but, I hate to say it, the trend has got me and I've been completely seduced by coloured skinny jeans! I am a big fan of denim and have already posted of the virtues of my favourite brand, Cheap Monday. I tend to wear jeans under all my dresses and long tops, finding them a far more substantial option than leggings. So imagine my delight when the High Street began to produce a rainbow of coloured jeans, to compete with the leggings. Now I am feeling a slight fashion glutton, as today I bought 3, yes THREE pairs. I fear the reason behind my colour choices has a deep base in my psyche - I used to live in France and teach French, so my jeans are actually an "hommage" to Le Tricolore, (although some may argue I am simply revealing my love of the Union Jack!).

So, I hate being a follower but I find myself worshiping the coloured jean! I shall do my up-most to add diversity in the rest of my look. Many people are advising on this trend, even The Times has produced its own guide to working the look. The main reason I'm feeling a little smug - all these pairs cost me less than £100. So if this trend is short lived, I'll be able to cope and will continue to wear these jeans in my own way, without needing High Street approval! The red and white pairs are from Oasis, called Cherry skinnies and the blue pair are actually denim look trousers from Topshop.

Maria Bonita Extra - Headwear at its most original

Headwear in general holds a great fascination for me. I adore original hats and scarfs but at times, when I attempt to wear them, I don't really feel as if I pull of the look. Maria Bonita Extra - a Brazilian label - has offered a glimmer of hope. Between their gorgeous summer flowers and unique fall headbands, I'm sure there is a stylish feature that could enhance anyone's look. The unfortunate thing is that their site is extremely slow to load and all in flash - it took me about 30 minutes to get these screen-shots! I'm not sure about a full list of stockists but Shopbop do have a selection of their clothing line. The great thing about a lot of these looks is that they could be easily recreated. A piece of felt fabric and a sewing kit, you've got yourself one of these quirky bands.

I am loving Bertie peep-toes.

I have feet that could unfortunately be mistaken for canoes - which isn't a great look! In the summer I can cope with getting out the flip-flops as I have no foot shame...but if there is a kinder alternative, especially for other peoples' eyes, then I'm willing to try it out. So, what are the alternatives? Well, peep-toed shoes spring to mind but I hadn't been able to find any that I loved...that was until this weekend. I spotted these little gems by Bertie. The reason I love them - the shimmery white with the gold piping. You can't see their true beauty in this photo but once on the foot, they can transform even my hobbit-like boats, into acceptable specimens! Check out The Shoe Studio for more from Bertie.

The "Search" is over....

...for the little white dress; I've found it in Zara. This angelic, puff-sleeve, pin-tuck dress is heavenly as it also has fantastic low pockets - a fashion favourite of mine. I tried it on in Knightsbridge's Zara on Friday but unfortunately the lone dress in my size had been tried on by a very over-exuberant shopper. It was ripped across the chest, covered in make-up and fake tan. I was going to buy it anyway but stupidly thought I could pick one up in another branch. I'll have to wait until I go shopping tomorrow to see if I can buy one (knowing my shopping luck, this will be a fruitless expedition - but I can still have hope!). So the search is over...but the actual dress still eludes me. Another reason it's the one...the fantastic image on the right from the Facehunter. Seeing it on someone else brings on the shopping envy!

...P.S. Sorry I've been away for so long. I popped to visit some friends in London for a few days. After the sunny days and clean air of Northampton, I needed a bit of smog to balance me out!

No posts for a few days...

Just to let you avid readers and visitors know, there will be no posts for a few days as I'm away for a few days in the Northampton countryside, in one of these...

...an Austin Healey Bug-eyed Sprite. Hopefully, I'll be back on Thursday, in one piece!

Zero Maria Cornejo - Stunning Silhouettes

Zero Maria Cornejo first came to my attention in Elle magazine. They had a picture of Diane Kruger in a Zero Maria Cornejo dress. I adored the unusual shape and silhouette, which are repeated throughout this stunning collection. Even though layering, volume and gathering have been a feature of many catwalk collectons, Zero Maria Cornejo seem to have incorporated all these elements, along with pristine tailoring. I adore the layered dress, right and top left - it's laid back, edgy and still wearable. Zero Maria Cornejo has their own e-store and on their website you can see their Fall 2007 preview.

Polkadot Jewellery - Fab Vintage Pieces.

I adore authentic vintage pieces and feel as if I've stumbled across a little goldmine in the form of Polkadot Jewellery. Above are a selection of brooches, each with individual charm and history. Top right is a Lea Stein brooch, entitled Carmen - it evokes so many visual memories, 80's power dressing, the Mondrian inspired VO5 ads, the Wella haircare logo! Bottom right is a celluloid chariot brooch which dates back to the 1920s - it seems so delicate and detailed. Below are some of the fantastic cuff bracelets on offer. On the left is a 1960's Monochrome cuff, that is retro yet truly modern and would fit in with any of the 60's shift dresses that seem to be everywhere. It may sound cheesy but it just seems so much more special to wear an item with a story behind it..who was it worn by, when, etc. So check out Polkadot for a piece of fashion history.

Just a Quick Reminder...Laura Ashley Archive Online Tomorrow.

Don't forget, the Laura Ashley Archive Collection goes on sale in their e-store tomorrow.

Joie Flats...oooh they're soo pretty!

I love these t-strap flats, simply because they're a little bit different. I don't really do heels, so flats are my friend...but recently the selection I've seen in stores is a little boring, just the ubiquitous ballet shoe! So its refreshing to see a different style. I love the t-bar strap and ankle buckle. Unfortunately I can't find a Joie accessories U.K. stockist but they are available from Shopbop in the U.S. (they do ship internationally but this can really up the cost). If anyone has any U.K. Joie information, please let me know.

Josh Goot - Silver and Spandex

Josh Goot's spring/summer collection is an erethral vision in silver and white. I don't know why but I found it quite strange these two shades dominated his range. I first noticed Josh Goot's work when the whole American Apparel lamé leggings hype began and I saw a pair of his metallic leggings at Browns...but they were a little more expensive at £130. Surprisingly the other Josh Goot items in stock at Browns were relatively affordable - his pencil skirts retailing at £80, all be it in the sale. I adore the simplicity of the looks above, especially the mannish trousers with that hint of bagginess. So if your into designer leggings, Josh Goot is the designer to seek out; or if like me you like simplistic design with heavenly colours, he's also the designer for you.

DKNY...a juxtaposition of styles.

I am never really blown away by DKNY clothing, Donna Karan's New York inspired range...but I have been impressed with their most recent ad campaign. The image below embodies all that New York represents to me...laid back, cool but with a distinct sense of style. Whenever I come across these ads in a magazine, I do take a second glance. The ad campaign empitomises their mission statement to "represent the international pulse of New York in the design". Although, although my slightly "let down feel" came gushing back when I looked at the DKNY e-store. The images are a little bland and to top it all, they have a section for a clothing item called a "Cozy"! A Cozy!!...and a guide as to how to wear it! (12 different ways!) So I'm thrown, DKNY's ad campaign...aspirational, the actual product...a little too "cozy" for me!

Diesel - Not so much logo hell, as design heaven.

I have to admit I'm not the biggest fan of Diesel clothes. I used to be and I still have some great jeans but then it turned into logo hell (those of you that read my blog regularly, will know how I feel about logos!). I have got some fab tops and dresses that are logo free and do have the quirky design details that I love...but I bought them several years ago. Recently I'd begun to feel that they'd taken their finger off the style pulse, so I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across their website and saw these visions in gold. I was shocked to see the voluminous blouses and skinny, high waisted trousers - I also love the gathered hem mini-dress. I have to say, I haven't really seen anything like this is stores - but I haven't been in a Diesel flagship store for a while, just department stores that sell various brands. If I do spot any of these items I may convert back to Diesel, we'll have to wait and see.

Topshop Gets Graphic.

Topshop's gone graphic this week, with great prints and 80s inspired tops. I adore the shape of the vest on the left - fab tulip hem, with that little bit of volume. I also adore the print - although I can image to some, it may seem a little scary. It feels like a true 80s delight!

The vest on the right - not so great. It seems a little too much like camoflouage, which has been totally overdone over the last few years. But I do like the way that high street fashion is taking a bold colour step forward.

Oasis Metallic Shift...stunning.

I think this one speaks for itself. Metallic is everywhere and U.K. store/e-store Oasis, have come up with this affordable, yet stylish balloon sleeve, shift dress. So, I've found a metallic dress, now what about the elusive white number I'm looking for?

Simply a post of appreciation - Sass & Bide

I adore everything that is Sass & Bide. Sarah & Heidi - nicknamed Sass & Bide, started out with humble beginnings, with a stall on the Portobello Road in London. This is part of the reason why I adore their designs, they've truly come so far (very heartwarming). I also love their unconventional, eclectic mix of styles. Below you can see their runway, denim and play looks; each piece of clothing is almost personified by being given its own fabulous name - so original. Please take a look at their website - their minidresses are little wonders, fab with jeans, great with heels (multipurpose delights!)

Runway Collection - The Lovehawk Season
Look 1 - On My Way Home shift
Look 2 - He Missed Me vest, The Last Call tee, Take Me Back pants
Look 3 - Cross The Bridge minidress
Runway Collection - From Here to Arcadia
The Last Part, Ready for Love, Anxious About Her.
Denim
Play
A Life Long Friend sundress, Hustley Strutters jeans

Little fashion find - Chloé inspired dress by Mango

I stumbled upon this little 70s minidress by Mango (called VTC LALALA) - a true homage to Chloé. Unfortunately, I can't link to the dress directly but go to Mango's e-store and click on dresses. Take a look at a great, designer inspired, summer dress for £45.

The great white dress...truly elusive!

The search for the great white dress is proving more difficult than I thought. I've found two very pretty dresses at Miss. Selfridge but they lack that little bit of originality I'm looking for - the bell/puff sleeve, volume? I like the simpicity of the shimmer dress, left and the more laid-back look of the smock dress, right. So...the search continues. If you have any suggestions as to where I can get an affordable, yet original white dress, please let me know. Will my search be fruitless?....I'll keep you informed.