The Great Coat Debate

Hey people,

Sorry the posts have been a little sporadic, work and life has been a little hectic.

So onto my next topic du jour, the great coat. Every year, as the temperatures start dropping I find my eyes drawn to the fantastic selection of great coats around.

I love coats and cute jackets, I quite possibly have too many, but where's the fun in shopping without happily ignoring excess?

THE SHORT BLACK COAT





Left: ASOS Extreme Funnel Neck 60GBP http://www.asos.com
Centre: ABS double breasted wool coat $400 now $160 http://www. smartbargains.com
Right: Long Tall Sally Kimono Sleeve Coat 85GBP http://www.asos.com


Sometimes when you're busy a full length coat just kinda gets in the way. These short black coats are the perfect everyday winter coat. They go with everything, the work by day and by night and they're easy to dress up or down.

Whether you go for the funnel neck (perfect for keeping extra warm) or the peacoat inspired ABS with swing sleeves or the LongTallSally (fabulous brand for taller women) kimono sleeve, you'll be looking seriously stylish in your anything but boring black coat.

STYLISH NEUTRALS






If you want a change from boring black and want to stick to something smart and stylish, opt for the camel-beige-tan colour spectrum.
LEFT: Asos funnel neck frill edge 70GBP http://www.asos.com
CENTRE: Victoria's Secret VIA Double Breasted Coat $148 now $128 http://www. victoriassecret.com
RIGHT: French Connection Wool Mix Mohair Belted Jacket 130GBP http://www.asos.com
Again, this is a selection of stylish twists on a staple classic coat.




WINTER WHITES
Whoever says you're not supposed to wear white in winter, just doesn't know how to wear it! I love winter white and I think worn well it can look supremely stylish. The smart funnel neck of the McQ jacket or the oversize collar on the Ben Sherman are both fab places to start looking.

LEFT: Ben Sherman coat $229 http://www. urbanoutfitters.com
RIGHT: Mcq by Alexander McQueen funnel neck jacket $545 http://www.net-a-porter.com




GORGEOUS GREYS
Grey is another fabulous colour for a coat. Go light or dark depending on your preference but it acts as a neutral as it goes with everything.






LEFT: Victoria's Secret Ruffle Hem Coat $168 http://www. victoriassecret.com
CENTRE: Mcq double breasted frock coat 500gbp http://www.asos.com
RIGHT: ASOS bustle back trench 60gbp http://www.asos.com




BRIGHT POPS OF COLOUR - TRUE BLUE

This shade of bright blue is a perfect shade for winter, It works with jeans, black and looks great in the evening too. Definitely not for the shy and retiring but it is a fabulously retro inspired quirky hue.
LEFT: Old Navy Pique Wool Blend Coat in Siberian Blue $89 http://www.oldnavy.com
RIGHT: J Crew Double Cloth Tulip Coat $330 http://www.jcrew.com





LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

I'm a big fan of the little red riding hood come winter. I love a great red coat. As with the black or camel coat, just make sure you choose one that's the best quality that you can afford.
LEFT: Asos Ringspun kimono coat 95gbp http://www.asos.com
RIGHT: J Crew stadium cloth bridget coat $365 http://www.jcrew.com





PURPLE REIGN

I love purple and I love a great purple coat and man oh man, I think i might just need this J Crew coat. That shade of purple is so divinely stylish and regal...love it.
LEFT: Urban Outfitters Florrie Coat $108 http://www. urbanoutfitters.com
CENTRE: J Crew double cloth lady coat $330 http://www.jcrew.com
RIGHT: Soia & Kyo coat $360 http://www. bloomingdales.com






GREEN WITH ENVY

Ok, I've been permanently scarred against green coats from wearing our school uniform coats for 7 years...but its been just about long enough now since I had to be a 'GreenFly' to appreciate a nice green coat.
LEFT: Tulle Cypress Coat $89 now 49 http://www. nordstrom.com
RIGHT: Victoria's Secret Classic Wool Twill Coat $138 now 119 http://www. victoriassecret.com




TWEED
Tweed is another great love of mine when it comes to winter coats and these two manage to pull off the understated moneyed look that I love about tweed.

LEFT: Asos Miss Sixty tweed a line coat 230gbp http://www.asos.com
RIGHT: DKNY Ruffle Front Wool Blend Coat $300 now 144 http://www. overstock.com

To Shooboot or not to Shooboot?

I love a new season and the new wardrobe additions we deem mandatory.

Next up on my list is the much coveted perfect shooboot.

They have a stylish versatility that makes them suitable for most climates buts I would say if you find yourself on warmer regions as the temperature drops elsewhere, if you're going to shooboot, go for one of those superstrappy options. There's always something a little strange about girls in tropical climates on boots.

For everyone else, the only question is....how's a girl to choose which shooboots for you?


Arturo Chiang's options are a fabulously wearable shade of grey (which is the colour for the season) and a bargaintastic $160.
http://www.overstock.com



Belle by Sigerson Morrison is an astoudingly popular offshoot of the main Sigerson Morrison line and these gorgeous $379 taupe suede shooboots are a must. I'm loving the cutaway side, perfect for skinny jeans or leggings. And yep, I love beige with black.



There's somethinga bout this mossy green that just screams Autumn! Cute boots from Chloe $585
http://www.net-a-porter.com




Ok, these aren't strictly speaking shooboots, but almost. And I love them and for $24.....the only question is which colour?
http://www.forever21.com



Gabriella Rocha is a new name to me but the hardware, colour, winged detail and slick design caught my eye. Love them. $119 from http://www.zappos.com



Or how about these L.A.M.B. Shooboots for a bold pop of colour? $429 from http://www.eluxury.com




Its the tinyiest touch of blue on these patent Marc by Marc Jacobs shooboots that really makes them stand out in the understated glamour. $455 from http://www.net-a-porter.com


Its taken a while for the Oxford Brogue inspired shoe to grow on me, and grow on me it has. I'm sure I'd pick a pair less serious than these black patent ones....but they are rather fab. Mia $470 from http://www.zappos.com


You see that skinny high, slightly curved heel on these? Love. Miu Miu $640 from http://www.saks.com



Loving the lace details on these Nine West Shooboots and at a bargaintastic $109, its an easy and effective way to rock the shooboot and lace trend with one key piece you're bound to wear to death.
http://www.ninewest.com



Peeptoes with a seriously boho luxe twist, these Sam Edelman shooboots are very very on trend. $169 from http://www.nordstrom.com



If I was going to pick one pair out of the bunch I think it might just be these. I love the way the black suede is all scrunched up on one side...fabulousness. Best worn with s pair of unbreathably tight skinnies or shiny leggings. Midory $149 from http://www.stevemadden.com



I've got a serious LoveJones for this brand. The shoes are just so unusual looking and these silver ones are a little space-agey, but worn with an all black ensemble, they'd look even more fab. 150GBP http://www.unitednude.com



Love, love, love these. The flattish heel makes them a great daytime option and I love the colour too. Jeffrey Campbell $78 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com



Steve Madden does it again...tropical climate women, this is the type that works for you. $120http://www.stevemadden.com

Absolutely Shagadelic

I'm in all types of love with a new trend on the horizon.

Its handy for keeping warm as the temperature drops, and its the latest look in Boho Luxe.

The fur gilet has been a long time love of mine and while I'm not fighting for animal rights (I'd rather spend that time fighting for people's rights)...there's something about real fur that ain't too kosher in 2008. Depends where you live as to how likely you are to get pelted with paint from some PETA person, so spare yourself the hassle and go faux. And yes, this is probably the only time I'll advocate going faux.



Its Gucci and you know they don't give a f*** about animals, or probably people. But this is one of the key looks of the season that spawned this trend.



Cassie looking fabulous in that Elizabeth & James Monkey fur gilet. Ok yes it looks fabulous but damn, I'm not down with having monkey draped on me!



This fab casually sexy little gilet is by BB Dakota and its the perfect everyday gilet. Kill 3 birds with one item, tartan/plaid/check, fur (hood) and its a gilet. Love it. Love that fur hood.



Kate Moss working her magic for her TopShop line in this fab photo. Its her Yeti coat which keeps selling out apparently. Looks like a fabulous portable blanket. In a cute way.


Next? I kid you not. This absolutely fabulous looking (I'd need to see it up close and personal) gilet is from next only 45 squid...not bad.


Pri-mygoodness. Primark are really stepping up their game in their total domination of the cheap and cheerful market. This is only 18 GBP (new laptop can't find the pound key) so its an easy way to dip your toe in the fur gilet trend.



Princess Riri doing what she does best, getting papped out and about looking fabulous. LOVE her gilet.



This supercute outfit is y Sweetface, J-Lo's not very talked about fashion line. Its a cute take on the casually sexy laidback everyday style of the chick from the BX. Love it.


And here are some of my takes on how to work the fur gilet to maximum effect.

Peacock Faux Fur Gilet 18GBP
Miss Sixty Knit Dress 75GBP
Dolce & Gabbana Raquel Shopper $795
Chinese Laundry 'Tahoe' boots $99



Cecil McBee Faux Fur Gilet
Forever 21 blouse $20
Frankie B Heart Cords $110
Nook & Willow weave slouch bag 420GBP
Steve Madden Merritt Shooboots $139



Primark Faux Fur Gilet 18GBP
3.1 Philip Lim Paisley Print Dress $695
Jeffrey Campbell Belinda Boots $159
Susannah Hunter Overnight Bag 770GBP




ASOS Fur Bolero 35GBP
Iisli Cashmere Butterfly Top (from Ebay)
Level 99 Chloe Straight Leg Jeans $106
Angel Jackson handbag 184GBP
Steve Madden Midory Shooboots $149




Peacock Faux Fur Gilet 18GBP
Express Chiffon Top $60
Sass & Bide Rats Leggings $176
United Nude Boots 150GBP
Botkier Cairo Bag $410
Charles & David clutch $165



Which is your favourite absolutely shagadelic look?

I See You Baby - NY Fashion Week Runway Part 1

As NY fashion week has drawn to a close, who won, who lost, who sold, who's left feeling like crap as nobody ordered what they had?


Well, I think we'll all have to wait until Spring/Summer 2009 for the most conclusive answers to that.

But as a welcome break from all the diva-ness and overly serious articulation of opinions that surrounds fashion week, I decided to look at fashion week from a different perspective. What would I buy...and wear?

So without a second thought of who said what clouding my vision and a very clear, singular purpose...what would look fierce on me....here we go.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
Diane von Furstenberg called her show 'Rock Goddess', but 'Love Child' might've been a more apt title for this breezy Spring collection. The collection had a happy, hippy laidback vibe, with lots of pretty colours, diaphanous silks in strong colours. Exactly what we all need to put a spring in our steps and a smile on our faces as we battle our way through what's looking like a distinctly dreary economic climate.

DVF is one of my favourite designers as she dresses women like women. Bold, beautiful, strong women. What's not to love about that?



LEFT: Ok, the head attire looks great on the runway but obviously I wouldn't wear that. The black dress is very covered up but the cut, draping and the way it skims over the body is supremely sexy. Would be a fab choice to wear to a dinner do...dark angel.

RIGHT: The monochrome print is so cute and pretty. Dress it up with heels or down with flats and you have yourself one versatile dress that's good for brunch, lunch, cocktails and dinner.




LEFT: I am sooo in love with this white 3 piece suit. Start out in all 3, then as your day (garden party) or night (any type of party) hots up, lose the jacket and you have one hot mama of an outfit.

RIGHT: Love the floppy hat with the white shift. Not sure if I'd wear it in yellow, but it looks so good in this picture I just might. Those floppy hats are perfect for politely ignoring people, you can just 'pretend' you didn't see them.



LEFT: Love a sexy lace dress and this is a sexy lace dress. The A line shape and long sleeves give it that boho luxe vibe we all love so much and worn with some fabulous bright (or metallic if you're feeling a little more tame) and you've got yourself a hot ticket to a white party.

RIGHT: This is such a pretty dress. Wear it to a wedding (and pretend its cream), any type of garden party, christening, to meet his parents...any occasion when you might want to look a little demure.





LEFT: Cardigan OR dress, I wouldn't wear both but its a fabulous colour and print. It works really well with the belt, metallic clutch and laced up shoes.

RIGHT: Simple, stylish and very necessary grey jersey top. This is one of those tops that looks great with everything. The shiny shorts, could work. With a plain tshirt...ok I'll admit, I thought it was a skirt at first glance. I'd prefer it as a skirt.





LEFT: Abstract colourful prints are always a winner in summer and the combination of the very demure looking dress with the very deep v neck....is definitely eye-catching. I'd lose the gold jacket though.

RIGHT: Love a good maxi dress in the summer and I am sooo in love with this fantastic plum shade. The shape is very hippy, boholuxe and sophisticated at the same time. Love it.




LEFT: The clashing print of the summer coat and the dress actually work. Obviously not for the shy and retiring but I love it. Bold, bright and beautiful.


RIGHT: I hate(d) that whole dress over jeans thing but I'm soooo loving this sheer maxi dress over trousers. Very slick, sophisticated and stylish.



ALEXANDER WANG
Is one of those names that's been popping up on my horizon more frequently, on celebs, in magazines. I like his style. After a Fall collection done almost entirely in black, the new palette took shape during a trip to Miami, home not just of those amazing tropical Art Deco pastels but also of the so-bad-it's-good eighties tackiness of Miami Vice.


LEFT: This is one of those so-stylish-it-hurts, takes on a simple shirt dress, but with a couple of top buttons undone and feminised with more delicate heels and a softer bag, I would so wear this. The baby blue makes it a very daytime look, but the blue has a brightness to it that lets you know...it ain't cheap.

RIGHT: This bright baby blue shorts suit is so cute and so 80s. I'm not a fan of shorts suits....but i am so loving this one its almost enough to convince me otherwise. I think the key thing with an outfit like this is to bear in mind there's nothing serious about it, its totally a party outfit!




LEFT: You certainly won't be eating any pies in this short, tight, white dress but I love the drapey detailing and the way it criss crosses over the body. Love it with those hardcore black heels too. Very sexy.

RIGHT: This is a much easier to wear outfit. As an outfit or separates. the flowy white top or the tight white skirt. Tight white skirts can be difficult to wear well, my main piece of advice would be keep the top very simple, and not tight and you'll be looking fierce. Especially if you wear it with these kind of shoes.




LEFT: This is more about the top than the trousers. That gorgeous shade of lilac/grey, asymmetry at the neckline and asymmetry at the back...love it. Would look fab with jeans.

RIGHT: Ok clearly for normal people, this is no dress. But I love it, over the past year or two I've been falling in love with grey more and more. And this must be the sexiest grey tshirt I've ever clapped my eyes on.




LEFT: Love the laidback vibe of this grey sweatshirt and leather trousers. Very easy to emulate and I'd swap the leather for latex leggings .
Not because I'm some hair animal lover, I just think leather trousers still look just a teeny weeny bit naff.

RIGHT: Again its the asymmetry that caught my eye. I like asymmetric clothes, especially when it comes to what to wear at night. It looks so sexy and stylish without being prim, prissy or overly done up.

That's all for today but I'll be back with 3 more designers over the weekend.

Have a good one!
xxx

Hip To Be Square

New season, new trend.

And I think the last time this one was big was the 80s.

If you're American you call it plaid, if you're English you call it tartan.

To-mah-to. To-may-to.

It looks good when you know how to wear it.

COATS & JACKETS
The plaid/tartan print works really well on coats and jackets. For the most part, I prefer the more muted tones...stops it looking too 'festive'.

First up, the gilet (English) vest (american) is from Guess $148. I love the simple colours and that furry hood is just too cute. But remember when it comes to faux there's a fine line between fur and fraff.www.guess.com.

On the right, the supercute green tartan/plaid (I'm keeping it PC) bomber jacket is from BB Dakota. If you haven't heard of them, take a look at their site www.bbdakota.com. Very cute stuff for very reasonable prices.



These are both cute, casual, comfy options.
On the left the BDG Portsmouth Bomber is available from www.urbanoutfitters.com for $138 or £120. Perfect to throw on at the weekend when you just need to pop out. And at risk of looking like an ASBO teen, a hood is quite handy for keeping warm and keeping your hair dry if the skies suddenly open.

On the right, is a very similar jacket. Can I just point out that bomber jackets are supremely slimming on all figures? Yep, its the way they nip in and disguise muffin top. Handy that. This Riley Bomber is from www.delias.com for $30.




FYI, these are for the grown ups.

This divine plum hued mohair coat is by Hanii Y. Its $820 but its soooo soft, and such a distinctive colour, print yet classic shape and style. Love it. www.net-a-porter.com.

On the right, the monochrome delicate print coat is by Semantiks and is available from www.nordstrom.com at a pretty reasonable $168. Love the way its shaped at the bottom. And the belt gives it a good shape over bulky winter layers in the coming months. Love it. A lot.


Love this monochrome print. From Charlotte Ronson (who could soon be La Lohan's sister in law if the media is to be believed). The funnel neck and belt make it a very sexy option. Love it.
www.urbanoutfitters.com $450.

On the right, also a stylish monochrome option, is the Monroe from www.fredflare.com and is a much more wallet friendly $90. The large buttons give it a retro look and feel. Very Twiggy.


THE SHIRTS
One of the easiest ways to introduce this trend into your wardrobe is with a shirt. Short sleeved, long sleeved, with skinny jeans, with a mini and boots, under a cardi, under a jumper...so many ways to wear them. And who doesn't welcome a hard working item of clothing into their wardrobe?


For something so ordinary, I'd say go cheap and cheerful.These two are both from Topshop. The short sleeved red and black is a little more punk rocker and is £25. The blue oversized shirt would look fab over dark denim (skinny, bootleg or a mini, I'd stay away from flares unless you're actually trying to recreate the woodstock steez) and is £28. www.topshop.com



The next two incredibly simlar shirts are from www.forever21.com. The green Midwest is $23 and the red Nira is $20.



Or switch it up a little and wear a printed vest(american) waistcoat (english). Keep the print simple and from a muted colour palette otherwise you might end up looking a little like Farnsworth Bentley.

The left option is from www.newport-news.com
and is on sale from $35 to $19.

The right option is from www.nyandcompany.com
and is $30.


SKIRTS
One of my favourite options for this category. So easy to wear. When its warm, just throw on a tshirt and some ballet pumps. When the temperature drops, throw on a nice chunky jumper, some dark tights and ballerinas or flat boots (heels look a little too naughty schoolgirl stripper...don't say I didn't warn you).


This skirt from www.bebe.com is $98 and very girly so keep other colours to a minimum. The chocolate brown and white is an unexpected colour combo that works well for the colder months.

On the right, this dark, simple and straightforward skirt is from www.gap.com for $23.


Love the purple and ruched side on the Nanette Lepore skirt. Its on sale for $145 at www.bluefly.com.

On the right, this simple, classic monochrome print is by Maria Bonita and is available at www.brownsfashion.com for $180.




On the left the very autumnal skirt is from www.dorothyperkins.com for £25.

On the right, the more summery gingham skirt is See By Chloe and is available from www.brownsfashion.com and is on sale from £140 to £70.




On the left, this cute, quirky wool option is McQ by Alexander McQueen and is available from www.bluefly.com for $199.

On the right, the blue and black skirt is from www.forever21.com and would be perfect with a black jumper and black riding boots.


Sometimes, more fabric is more sexy. These skirts definitely have the va-va-voom.
On the left, the greay and black structured skirt is from www.warehouse.co.uk at £45.

On the right, this seriously seductive skirt is from www.victoriassecret.com and is on sale for $58.

ACCESSORIES

Vivienne Westwood does it best with the handbags. The distinctive shape, the choice of fabrics, they can look very proper or kinda punk depending on who's carrying it and how they carry it. Pretty much like everything from our Viv.

On the left, The Vivienne Westwood Tartan Jasmine bag is £240 from www.my-wardrobe.com

On the right, the Vivienne Westwood Bedrock is £360 from www.coggles.com



These more budget friendly options are cute and more casual.
On the left, www.topshop.com is £35.

On the right, www.Urbanoutfitters.com, the Huntington is $58.



This cute selection of pumps keep the colours simple and stylish.
Left: www.gap.com, Tux ballet flats $39
Middle:www.stevemadden.com, Madden Girl 'Tuscann' $49
Right:www.zappos.com, Sam Edelman 'Carmen' $89


And take it back to school with these print scarves.
Left: www.forever21.com, classic plaid $10.
Right: www.my-wardrobe.com, Navy tartan cashmere scarf by Johnstons, £70.

Happy shopping!