Summer Holiday Swimwear Special

PARADISE FOUND

Make a splash in this summer’s sizzling swimwear

The holiday is booked. You’ve changed your money to the local currency and the passport is at the ready. Now all that’s left is to trackdown the perfect beachwear.

This summer, swimwear is striking. All bold prints, strong colours and statement pieces. This summer’s star buy is the one piece, which has been given an edge with plunging necklines and cutaway detailing. The perfect way to instant poolside chic.

Bandeau bikinis also made waves in a riot of colour. Rich, exotic colours and prints were homage to this seasons love affair with all things tribal. Beachwear has a definite bohemian twist (as seen at Etro’s Spring/Summer show), with layering and accessorising being key. To nail the bohemian look layer vest tops and jewellery over bikini’s, throw on some gladiator sandals and add a chic tribal print scarf.

 

 If you haven’t got a designer budget, fear not! The high street has done some great directional pieces for this season. Here’s a pick of the best bikinis, one pieces and beach cover ups.

     

Turn up the heat in this sizzling red bikini (£24 from Miss Selfridge). Not only is it bang on trend sporting romantic ruffles but it also works wonders on boyish frames. The perfect figure fixer! And after all that sunbathing throw on this cute dress (£28 from TopShop) and turquoise necklace (£12 ASOS.com) and you can head straight to the bar! Cocktails all round!

    

This bikini (£14 from Debenhams) encapsulates this summers bohemian feel. Throw on some beads and a hippy scarf (£20 New Look) And if you’re feeling daring, pull on these knee high gladiator sandals (£25 from TopShop) for some serious style credentials.

             

Go for grown-up hippy chic in this 70s-esque bikini (£24 Accessorize), embellished kaftan (£30 Accessorize) and Indian-inspired earrings (£6 ASOS.com).  

                

Be bold in this bohemian print bikini (£26 Accessorize), add statement jewellery such as this peacock feather necklace (£15 TopShop) and ring (£8 ASOS.com) and release your inner flower child.

              

Go for all out glamour in this cutaway swimsuit (£30 Miss Selfridge) and sumptuous accessories. (scarf £10 New Look, Bracelet £12 and earrings £6, both ASOS.com) Jackie O would be impressed! Now where did i anchor my yacht?

More High Street Holiday Hits

 COVER-UPS

1.2.    3.

 Not only do these beach cover-ups capture the essence of this seasons laidback bohemian cool but they also take you from beach to bar (saving you room in your case for potential holiday buys!)

1.  Turquoise print dress, £25 Accessorize. This dress would look great with long gold beads and metallic sandals.

2. Flower print folk dress, £30 Accessorize. Not only a hit for the beach this dress would look amazing with stacks of wooden bracelets and heels. This cover-up is so versatile it could be worn for both sightseeing and sipping cocktails at the beach bar.  

3. This kaftan is great! It captures the laidback cool of this season’s beach wear whilst still being ultra feminine. Add a flower hairclip for a romantic edge. (Kaftan, £35 Accessorize)

BEACH BAGS

1.2. 3.

Wear your style on your sleeve (or arm!) with these gorgeous hippy-inspired beach bags.

1. This bohemia print bag is bang on trend and perfect if you don’t want to go head-to-toe hippy. It would brighten up a classic bright swimsuit or bikini. (Bag, £35 Accessorize)

2. Turquoise and pink beach bag £10 from Accessorize.

3. Beautiful and ethical, what’s not to love? Grab this fairtrade bird print beach bag from Accessorize for only £12.

SANDALS

1.  2.

You can’t go wrong with a pair of sandals on holiday, they’re classic, stylish and comfortable enough for pounding the streets whilst sightseeing.

1. Tan gladiator sandals £18 TopShop

2. Embellished sandals £35 TopShop

ACCESSORIES

1. 2. 3.

 

4.  5. 

Accessories are the easiest route to channelling a trend, updating a holiday outfit or lifting a plain bikini. So hit the high street now for these little gems!

1. Layer this bird charm necklace over a strand of long beads for instant hippy chic.  Team with a plain loose cut kaftan and surfer girl hair for beach cool. (Necklace £8 ASOS.Com)

2. ”Rock” this season’s bohemian look in this edgy feather hairband.  (£6 Accessorize)  

3. Flower hair clips, £5 (for two) Accessorize.

4. Peacock feather hair clip, £8 Accessorize.  

 5.  Scarf £10, TopShop.

 

Gemma Douthwaite

Ó

 With thanks to PRShots.com, Elle, Vogue and Marie Claire

COMING SOON: Autumn/Winter trend focus, How to…update your wardrobe for autumn, Festival special, Bag and shoe report (autumn/winter).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn/Winter 2008/09 Trend Forecast!

SPELLBOUND

This season prepare for a journey into the magical world of the fairytale…. 

Yes, its that time of year yet again! In the fast paced world of fashion the Autumn/Winter pre-collections are slowly trickling into the shops and the summer sales are starting. So, it is inevitably time for the bi-annual trend forecast! There is always an enormous buzz at this time of year, a great anticipation over what the next season has in store. And let me tell you, you won’t be disappointed! This year, we are taken on a voyage through a magical fairytale world. From dark gothic femme fatales and pagans to royal princesses there is sure to be something to melt your heart this coming season.

It seemed designers were inspired by the world of fiction, allowing them free-reign to create an intricate and beautiful fashion story. Veronica Etro said she was inspired by Narnia and Giles Deacon was heard stating, ‘I was inspired by a Roger Corman film, Masque of the Red Death, which is a gothic femme fatale sort of film where these really decadent people live in this castle while outside lots of people are dying.’ (source: Vogue.com) Alexander McQueen said his collection was inspired by a 600 year-old elm tree in his garden. He added, ‘I made up this story of a girl who lives in it and comes out of the darkness to meet a prince and become queen.’ (source: Vogue.com)

So, what does all this mean for us fashionistas? Well, let me tell you in my run-down of the key trends that will make a splash this season…

This autumn/winter the gothic femme fatale makes a big impact. Channelled by Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Prada and Giles this look is all about drama. Giles’ collection featured slashed strapless gowns (in rich colours such as blue and green) all adding to the ill fated gothic heroine feel. ‘Tough love’ was a term he used to describe his collection. This trend is all about texture (think lace, leather, silky fabrics and as seen on the McQueen catwalk appliqué detailing) and volume (McQueen’s show featured a strong silhouette with fitted dresses that billowed out from the waist).

The staple and classic military trend makes a welcome return this season but it will have a much more regal feel. The military jacket of last year will prove a big hit but it has been updated with richer colours and embellishments. Take your cue from Alexander McQueen who featured strong colours such as royal blue and red with gold piping.  This year it can be dressed up with full, swishy skirts and dresses giving a nod to the princess theme which featured strongly on the catwalks. It can also be dressed down and given a less romantic feel with skinny trousers and heels á la Temperley London. As well as the classic military jacket the trend diversifies this season spawning military-esque dresses, waistcoats and skirt suits (see Temperley London for inspiration).

Another trend which came through in the major shows of fashion week was a relaxed 70s bohemian look. A clear homage to the success of the globe trotter trend of spring/summer. Channelled by Etro this trend is all about layering. Think brown leather and sheep skin coats over long flowing 70s-esque maxi dresses cinched in with a belt. Texture is also a key component of this look (feathers, fringing, leather and chiffon are all big news when teamed together). Luella also gave a nod to this look but in the usual quirky way. A little bit Pagan and a little bit Wednesday Adams. Luella’s show featured a strong palette of earthy colours such as orange, brown and green (which had a distinctly pagan feel, especially as some models completed the look with a witches hat!) Dolce and Gabanna, in an unusual yet highly successful departure from their signature look, also embraced the bohemian trend. The highlight of the collection included an effortless but oh-so-cool tartan shirt layered over a David Bowie t-shirt. You can be assured that Tartan and plaid will be everywhere this season! From coats to skirts.

 

For those of you who loved spring/summer’s penchant for all things art print fear not for Christian Lacroix updates it for autumn (so no need to say goodbye to your favourite paint splattered tee just yet!) However, it is given a much hipper edge. Voluminous ladylike cocktail dresses featured oil paint brush strokes.

 

Of course autumn/winter wouldn’t be the same without classic tailoring. And this is where Chanel always comes to the forefront. Karl Lagerfeld wanted to give Chanel a more ‘grown-up feel’ which was refreshing after a summer of Americana inspired stars and stripes. There was the trademark tweed tailoring but also edgy oversized knits teamed with sexy lace tights (which are going to be big, especially when teamed with full, swishy skirts and ankle boots.) Sheer blouses and high-waisted trousers were also a hit. Lagerfeld also embraced victoriana (which again will be big news this forthcoming season) with ruffle neck blouses and  vintage inspired dresses in nude, pastel green and royal blue.  And as Lagerfeld wanted, the basis is still very French, very chic.

And for those who have a more rebellious approach to fashion there is plenty to play around with. Offering a more tongue-in-cheek approach was Marc by Marc Jacobs, which is welcome after the darker, gothic collections of this season. If the collection were a person it would be the tear away daughter of a prim and proper wealthy family who own a country estate (Boy, will she rock the manor?) Think along the lines of punky dog tooth. Say goodbye to the traditional black and white and hello to mint-choc-chip green and shocking pink! Leather dresses, trapeze shapes and oversized jumpers worn a few sizes too big with black opaque tights all add to the defiant attitude. So feel free to shake it all up but just make sure whatever you do, you wear with attitude!

As well as Jacobs, Eley Kishimoto have also come up with a playful collection. Theatrical circus inspired ruffles and harlequin prints ensure you stand out. Rabbit print t-shirts and slouchy trousers also ensured this design duo are way out in front when it comes to fresh and eye catching fashion. And true to form directional high-street favourite TopShop are working some Eley Kishimoto inspired harlequin and ruffle collars into their new collection (source: Drapers Online).

Vivienne Westwood who made a welcome return to London Fashion Week after a ten-year abscence, previewed her Red Label, which embraces the rebellious side of fashion. And for those who want to mix fashion and politics she’s your woman! One model carried the banner ‘Fair trial my arse! Justice for Guantanamo Bay Prisoners.’ Westwood’s rebellious, creative and politically active streak comes through in the collection. Think tailoring with an edge. Slouchy trousers and punky dog tooth. Eccentrically English and totally Westwood. Wear with passion…vive la revolution!

In terms of coats the big news this year is the cocoon. The catwalks were awash with this shape, from Pringle to Viktor & Rolf. Sleeves are also important this season, with oversized being the order of the day.

In terms of key colours this season, metallics (such as olive green, bronze and gold) and rich, regal colours such as (royal blues, reds and forest greens) are bound to be a hit on the high-street. More sombre palettes are also central to this seasons main trends (blacks, browns, pastel colours and greys). Strong hues such as orange will also be pivotal to next season.

This season is theatrical and dramatic. It reminds me of a library in the sense there are so many genres and characters to choose. There is the gothic femme fatale, the fairytale princess, military heroine, the rock star, the bohemian, the revolutionary and the classic! The only problem is deciding who you want to be! And with a nod to the Viktor & Rolf show, this season our imaginations are given free reign, in this fashion fairytale, to ‘dream on’. And dream we shall!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures courtesy of Vogue.com

With thanks to Drapers Online

Written by Gemma Douthwaite Ó

 

Coming Soon: Swimwear Special, The Edge of Love fashion feature, Footwear and accessories trends for Autumn/Winter and much, much more!

 

Trend Focus: Globetrotter

Global Adventure

“my country is the earth, and I am a citizen of the world.”

-Eugene V. Debs (American socialist, 1855-1926)-

Photoshoot by Vogue (To see their feature buy the March issue out now!)

This year the runways came alive with a riot of rainbow colours, prints, feathers, frills, and chunky beads all with a heavy tribal accent.  Designers drew inspiration from exotic far flung destinations taking you on a ride from the African plains to the Far East. Etro and Hermes chanelled the look with their Spring/Summer ‘08 collections. Shows were awash with saris, safari jackets, embroidery and ethnic scarves. This is one fashion adventure you won’t want to miss, so grab your passport and go global!

Get the Look for Less…

1.2.3.

4.5.6.

7.8.9.

10.11.12.

13.14.15.

 

1. Brown dress by TopShop £30

2. Vest top by TopShop £38

3. Red and black dress by TopShop £60

4. Safari print dress by Dorothy Perkins £30

5. Global print top by Warehouse £40

6. Warehouse Spring/Summer 08 collection

7. Tiered skirt by TopShop £30

8. Tile print scarf by Warehouse £14

9. Warehouse Spring/Summer 08 collection

10. Embellished waistcoat by New Look £18

11. Bikini by Dorothy Perkins £16- top £8 and bottoms £8

12.  Scarf by Primark £5

13. Bangle by Next £10

14. Gladiator sandals by Office £40

15. Chunky beads by Next £8

 

Gemma DouthwaiteÓ

Pictures courtesy of PRShots.com and TopShop.com

Coming Soon: Bag Trends and Fashion Week round ups and Trend predictions, How to Wear sections and Much, Much More!

Spring/ Summer shoe trends

The Statement Shoe

Designer’s have blurred the boundaries of fashion and art to create modern day masterpieces that even Picasso would be proud of…

 

This is definately the year of the statement shoe. From Miu Miu’s candle shaped heels, to Chanel’s metallic peep toe shoes the runways welcomed a riot of colour, creativity and artistry. There is something for everyone. If Marc Jacob’s modern art inspired upside heel is “too out there” why not try Roberto Cavalli’s more traditional yet head-turning wedges? If Balenciaga’s warrior shoes aren’t for you why not opt for Chloé’s wide strapped patent heels? You get the idea. Designers invite you to let your imagination run wild, to experiment, to be whoever you want to be. This year’s shoes capture the essence of this season. This year its all about you. All about choice, flair and creativity. The line between fashion and art has been blurred and they have collided to create a truly inspiring season…

GET THE LOOK FOR LESS

   1. 2.

                            3.  

4.  5  

                    6. 

     

  7.  8. 

                          9. 

10.11.

                   12.   

13.14.

1. Long gladiator boots by Office (No price/New collection)

2. Green patent shoes by Faith £65

3. Blue and black ‘’space” shoes by Shelleys (No price/New collection)

4. Gladiator sandals with zip detail by Office £40

5. Tan cutaway detail boots by Shelleys £80

6. Red strap detail wedges by Faith £50

7. Monochrome heels by Faith £55

8. Suede cutaway black boots by ASOS.com £36 (In Sale now)

9. Colourful heels by Office £60

10. Brown leather peep toe cone heeled shoes by KG £90

11. Black and tan patent strap shoes by Matalan £12

12. Ankle boots with cutaway detail by TopShop Unique £115

13. Suede and patent block heels by Marks&Spencer £19.50

14. Sporty cut away detail wedge by Nine West (New collection/No price)

 

Photos courtesy of PRShots.com, Marksandspencer.com and Topshop.com

Gemma DoutwaiteÓ

Next on FashionBeat: Bag trends and London Fashion Week….

 

M&S hit all the right fashion notes with their new Spring/Summer Limited Collection range…

Will Lily make M&S Sales Bloom?

                                 

              Lily Cole is the new face of M&S’ Limited Collection…

Stuck for ideas on where to look to update your wardrobe? I suggest you hot trot it down to M&S and check out their edgy new Limited Collection spring/summer range. They’ve recently got hot model of the moment Lily Cole on side in a bid to give their collection a fresher and younger appeal. Will it work? If this lot is anything to judge by I’d say a big yes. Still not convinced? Take a look at these instant summer wardrobe reviver’s…

         Tribal               Romantic             Nautical

                        Sporty

                       Soft Tailoring

Tribal: Graphic print tribal dress £39.50, Black patent bag £29.50 and Gladiator sandals £25

Romantic: Chiffon floral dress £69, wooden necklace £15, ankle socks £3.50 and shoes £19.50

Nautical: Sailor dress £49.50, red patent belt £5 and red shoes £19.50

Sporty (from left) : Leather jacket £149, sequin graphic t-shirt £19.50, white jeans £35 and square toe pumps £19.50. 

Lime pleat dress £35, necklaces £9.50 each and Gladiator sandals £25

Lightweight parka £59.50, white vest £8, black leggings £9.50 and shoes £49

 Soft Tailoring: Emerald shirt £35, straight leg indigo jeans £35, clutch £9.50 and shoes £49.50

 

Pictures thanks to Marks and Spencer (from instore leaflet which is available in shops now)

Still to come this week: London Fashion Week update (including all the gossip on Vivienne  Westwood’s collection), Shoe and Bag trends

…And Coming Soon: Autumn/Winter ‘08/09 style forecast, New York Fashion Week, The Oscars, More Trend Focus and How to Wear…sections (including the Star trend)

BAFTA Awards 2008

BAFTA Stars turn on the Glamour for a Sparkling Fashion Performance

Shining Stars…

This year’s BAFTA awards saw more glamour than usual with many big names turning up for the event. The crowd was most definately dressed to impress. It could have been down to the writer’s strike in America, which saw the Golden Globes scaled down to a one hour press conference, coupled with uncertainty over whether the Oscars would get the go-ahead (though it looks pretty certain now a deal seems to have been reached). Whatever the reason there were some gorgeous gowns. The order du jour seemed to be long and many opted for romantic Grecian-esque dresses. Keira Knightley wore a beautiful tiered Valentino dress which along with Marion Cotillard’s Grecian inspired Chanel Haute Couture creation stole the show. Sienna Miller also wowed crowds in a simple yet head-turning black floor sweeping dress by Dior, perfectly offset by her red lips and diamond earrings.

Lust, Caution actress Wei Tang shows she has a great fashion eye by wearing new designer Jason Wu’s black on white floral dress. Jessica Biel went for understated elegance in a Dior gown and pulled it off perfectly. Eva Green, also in Dior, went for simple yet striking and got it so right. However, not everyone was fortunate enough to get it right…

Fallen Stars…

Full marks for trying Tilda Swinton but something about this Dior creation doesn’t work. I’m all for people taking fashion risks but you should wear the clothes not let them wear you, which is what happened in this case. And a legend you may be Julie Christie but I’m afraid it doesn’t let you off the hook. I’m not sure what possessed a usually well dressed Christie to opt for these trousers but all I know is they didn’t work.

Gemma Douthwaite

Pictures courtesy of Style.com (visit their site for more pictures and BAFTA news!)

To see a larger version of the image simply click.

COMING SOON on FASHIONBEAT…

• Still plenty more Trend Focus (including nautical, grecian, tailoring, globetrotter, bags, shoes and sports lux.)
• How to wear…sections (including this season’s Stars as sported by Chanel.) 
• Fashion Week round-ups
• Autumn/Winter ‘08-09 trend forecasts
• And i’ll be looking at the dresses that wowed at the Oscars.

 

Spring/Summer ‘08 Key Trends: The New Volume

The New VOLUME…

 Make a bold statement and pump up the volume in this seasons key shapes…

   

  

Clockwise from left: White, red and black striped dress by Miu Miu, red dress also by Miu Miu, Skirt and yellow jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, Monochrome striped skirt also by Dolce& Gabbana, floral dress by Balenciaga and black ruffle detail dress by Valentino.

(Images with thanks to Vogue.com and Elle magazine. To see Elle’s feature buy February edition out now!) 

This look is all about the cut and shape of the material. Keep everything else simple and let the clothes do the talking. So this summer turn up the volume and wear it loud and wear it proud!

Get the Look for Less…

1. 2.3.

1. Floral dress, short and sweet and not a million miles away in style from Balenciaga’s spring/summer ‘08 dresses!

2. This monochrome skirt is a deadringer for the Dolce and Gabbana one pictured above

3. This Black bubble hem dress is simple yet striking which is the essence of the New Volume trend.

And the really good news?

…They’re all from Warehouse’s Spring/Summer collection! They’ve not yet hit the shops but keep your eyes peeled because they are almost guaranteed to fly off the rails!

4. 5. 6.

                               7.

 4.  Full netted skirt £28 from ASOS.com

5. Gingham full skirt from Oasis (New Collection)

6. Cream skirt £28 from ASOS.com

7. This black dress is bang on trend and definately embraces Miu Miu’s take on the New Volume trend ( see above) and it’s only £115 from Coast.

Coming soon on FashionBeat:

More Trend Focus (including globetrotter (tribal), Nautical, Tailoring and sports luxe and bag and shoe trends) 

How to Wear features…(Including this season’s scarves-they’re going to be big this summer especially worn with the globetrotter/tribal look. And also how to carry off the Chanel Star trend.)

…And a round-up/sneak peek at the ready to wear Autumn/Winter 2008-09 collections from fashion week! As well as a Autumn/Winter 08-09 trend forecast.

Put these dates in your Diary:

New York Fashion week- Feb 1st-8th

London Fashion Week- Feb 10th-15th

Milan Fashion week- Feb 16th-23rd

Paris Fashion Week- Feb 24th- March 2nd

With thanks to PRShots.com for images

Gemma Douthwaite Ó