John Rocha aw14
When I think of John Rocha a couple of things instantly come to mind. Among them is volume, romance and utter beauty. The designer's most recent collection had those trademarks in spades. The show was full of moody black dresses. Some looked like they had been spun together from spiderwebs that were slowly following apart
When I think of John Rocha a couple of things instantly come to mind. Among them is volume, romance and utter beauty.
The designer's most recent collection had those trademarks in spades. The show was full of moody black dresses. Some looked like they had been spun together from spiderwebs that were slowly following apart. Others were more robust and all encompassing. A particular red number was compiled of a multitude of layered fabric which transcended to the models face and head, nearly obscuring her view completely.
Some of my favorite looks included the pieces with flower appliqués layered on top of sheer skirts. Another top look was the white dress with an attached grey flower at the neck. All of the shapes were demure and classic but it was the grand adornment which set the mood and defined the collection.
With this collection Rocha took it up a notch. Everything was coherent, with a strong flow between pieces and a central thematic message running through each look. With this collection he nailed his classic silhouette but updated the dresses into simple pieces that people could easily wear. My absolute favorite look was the last one. It's a relatively basic shaped dress with a round neck and no sleeves. But the embellishment and mixture of fabrics and textures is what makes it a true Rocha gem.
Sophia Webster AW14
Walking into the Sophia Webster AW14 presentation was like stepping back into my high school fantasy world.
There were girls perched on platforms in all sorts of ridiculous costumes that were straight out of my favourite early noughties movies. Clueless and Mean Girls references were rife throughout, and clutches boasted sayings from No Doubt songs.
It was like a mash up was taking place between a dream girl world and a traditional fairy tail. Rapunzel was there, with her long blonde hair draped over a staircase and surely my school nemesis was there, perched on the edge of her bed texting feverishly.
There were girls in bath tubs full of bubbles and chihuahuas lounging in the arms of models. It was pretty much exactly what I wished my life was like when I was 14. It was like you were peering through a looking glass that transported you into your high school fantasy. Long glossy hair, cell phones in awesome cases plus No Scrubs blaring through the speakers. The icing on the cake was that there were no parents around.
One model was even decked out in a cute embellished apron and could be seen dusting the inside of a storage room. Oh, and did I mention there was a sprinkling of killer heels around everywhere you looked? There were plenty of Sophia's signature pairs, with beads lining the heels, but there was also lots of shiny silver and transparent pieces thrown into the mix.
If you're after a speech bubble clutch then you're just in luck because there were a spattering of those too. Some even boasted cross body straps to make them more usable. There was everything you'd need to channel your inner Cher, Regina George or Gwen Stefani. The only question is who to pick.
Pleather pants
One day we have hail and the next it's 26 degrees and sunny. I'm not complaining though. When there are clear skies it feels like summer has well and truly descended and that makes me a very happy girl indeed. I had my legs out for the first time this year at the weekend for a brunch date. Can you hear my squealing from excitement?
So, as you know Spring is officially here. In Zurich the weather has been beautiful lately. Well, actually, it's been a bit schizophrenic.
One day we have hail and the next it's 26 degrees and sunny. I'm not complaining though. When there are clear skies it feels like summer has well and truly descended and that makes me a very happy girl indeed. I had my legs out for the first time this year at the weekend for a brunch date. Can you hear my squealing from excitement?
I actually shot these outfit photos back in February when I was in London. The weather was unnaturally warm at that point and I've basically been wearing the exact same outfit nonstop since I took these photos. I'm living in these Zara pleather trousers, even though they are about two sizes too big, and this cream knit from Weekday. I finally gave it a wash and got out all the blue dye that had sunk into the sleeves from them rubbing against my jeans. Spring cleaning at it's finest right there.
By the way, I have a slight confession to make. I don't actually wear glasses these are just for fun.
Wearing: LINDBERG glasses, Weekday knit, Muriee scarf, Zara trousers, Vans slip ons and Savannah Wild bag.
Photos by Charlie May.
Luxury with an edge
Pringle isn’t a brand I’m super familar with. Of course the name rings a bell, it channels a sophistication and a certain class. Turns out that Grace Kelly has been a fan since the 1950s, so it makes sense that I might be drawn to the company, right?
For some reason, when I received my invitation to the Pringle of Scotland show during London Fashion Week, I was really excited.
Pringle isn’t a brand I’m super familar with. Of course the name rings a bell, it channels a sophistication and a certain class. Turns out that Grace Kelly has been a fan since the 1950s, so it makes sense that I might be drawn to the company, right?
When I arrived at the show venue I was blown over. It was my first time going to a salon show, where you sit at little tables with breakfast and watch the show. Seriously, it was decadence taken to a whole other level. I sipped coffee, nibbled on delicious treats and watched beautiful clothes on even more beautiful people saunter by. I was pinching myself. The whole experience of attending the show was incredible.
Needless to say, the collection was amazing. Literally I wanted to wear just about every single look from head-to-toe. In a world where I am far more chic, I’d opt for heels like the models wore... but in reality I’d pair every outfit with a pair of slip on Vans and be good to go.
Pringle was founded in 1815 and first started out producing hosiery and underwear. Today they’ve moved into the luxury arena and are knocking the ball out of the park with their new 3D printed knitwear designed alongside architect and material scientist Richard Beckett. My favourite items included the slouchy jumpers and trousers combinations plus a little black dress with white fringe detailing along the bottom hem. The return of the Pringle of Scotland lion emblem secured a serious soft spot in my heart as it gave homage to the brands long history without being too ostentatious. A white polo shirt, made from 100% silk, had my heart beating fast and, in general, I loved the mix of laid-back separates paired with more refined silhouettes.
In my dream world, I’m a Pringle girl through and through.
Photos taken at the Pringle of Scotland AW14 show.
Getting organized
I’m the worst person in the world when it comes to organization. I tend to throw all my important documents into a little bag, which then gets thrown into another bag... which then gets thrown into another bag... which then ends up lost amongst the million bags I carry. But I’m determined to organize my life and get my documents under control.
I’m the worst person in the world when it comes to organization. I tend to throw all my important documents into a little bag, which then gets thrown into another bag... which then gets thrown into another bag... which then ends up lost amongst the million bags I carry. But I’m determined to organize my life and get my documents under control.
When I discovered RODTNES bags during LFW I was instantly sold. They’re chic and minimal plus totally functional. There’s nothing worse than a great handbag that has no inner pockets or a wallet that has no spot for your change or cash. RODTNES bags fuse practicality with grown up sophistication, which is exactly why I love them so much. The owner of the company, Mette Rodtnes, is also an incredible woman. She lived in Zurich (love) and now resides in Denmark. Her goal is to create bags that real women want to carry and that work in real life.
Exactly my cup of tea.
Wearing: RODTNES foldover clutch, Godrun & Godrun jumper, ring by BACK and American Apparel T-shirt nail polish. Photos taken by Kit at the Re-Present showroom.
TOPSHOP UNIQUE AW14
The Topshop Unique show was a bit of a beast. Held at the Tate, it was like a massive circus. Paparazzi and fashion fans were there in the hoards.
The venue was heaving and the drinks reception held beforehand was swamped with people. I trotted off to my seat early on just so that I could escape the madness. Trying to get memory cards and cameras situated when you're sat amongst blogging royalty is a bit of an overwhelming endeavor.
Thankfully, when the show finally started, the collection was breathtaking. I loved the fresh yellow hues and massive faux furs. There was personalization to the pieces, the first look below is embroidered with text along the chest of the roll neck. The knits were thick and chunky. Leather harnesses wrapped around the body in rich orange shades. Some of the models had fake tattoos emblazoned across their arms in bright shades of blue. The coats fused practicality and nonsense by incorporating waterproof hoods. The prints were bold and championed bird motifs. The collection finished off with one of the most beautiful sequined dresses I've ever seen.
Top of my wish list for next autumn winter though is, undoubtedly, the yellow sweatshirt with faux fur neckpiece. That's got my name written all over it...
Home Things
Lately, I'm completely obsessed with planning for my house. I'm thinking flowers, big chairs, and marble counters.
I'm quite into graphic lines mixed together with soft homely touches like big quilts and cozy fireplaces. I like bright colors mixed with neutrals and dark tones. Plus lots of crisp whites thrown in to make things feel fresh.
I've created a board on eBay collections that channels all my favorite home interiors. Follow it for updates on what I'm craving at the moment.
Photos via Pinterest.
Surviving fashion week
Fashion week is a killer, as you might know. It's an adrenaline fueled nut ride.
When I was in London, I was in one of my favorite cities in the world, with some of my favorite people, eating amazing food (cough, McDonalds) in glorious locations (cough, my hotel bed at the Fielding Hotel).
It's addictive though. There's beautiful clothes flowing everywhere you look, incredible people to meet and nights that go on far too late - even if it's just because your new ear piercing won't stop throbbing.
But fashion week has a darker side.
The glitz and glamour comes at a price. Whether it's the price of a venue, a model, or even just the pair of trousers you choose to wear. Every up has a down. For me, fashion week was a massive up. I got treated to the Amex Insiders experience, which meant I got to attend the Mary Katrantzou show, and get whisked away to the airport in a plush leather Addison Lee Cab. I got given an iPhone 5c as part of the Sing It Kitty campaign and, to be honest, it's the nicest phone I've ever used.
But the price I paid was my health. An ear piercing on one of my first days of arriving led to a spiral of not sleeping enough and exhaustion. I had to come back to Zurich just to mellow out and reconnect with the normal world. You know, where people ride bikes to work and keep leftover salami in tupperware in their fridge. I lost a bunch of weight, which seems like a plus, as I was training so hard before going to fashion week (10miles runs anyone?) but actually it's extremely unhealthy.
So how did I survive fashion week in the end?
With the help of a strong support network around me.
Make sure you've got yours. They are priceless.
Wearing: Ganni AW14 top and coat (available at Atterley Road). Zara pleather trousers. Vans checkerboard sneakers. Ann-Sofie Back ring. Rodtnes fold over purse. American Apparel T-shirt nail polish.
Photos by the Kat. Taken outside the Re Present showroom at LFW.
MARY KATRANTZOU
Fashion and drama go hand-in-hand. Personally I love a bit of drama. In life it adds unpredictability and at a catwalk show it creates an emotional response to the collection. A little flare and chaos helps to keep life interesting.
The Mary Katrantzou show had drama in abundance.
At the time that I headed to the show venue I was feeling rather fragile. Just beforehand I got mega lost. Luckily I had arranged a car service with the help of the Amex Insiders. So instead of me wandering around in circles someone came and picked me up and took me over to the show. Thank God, otherwise I never would have made it. Traffic was crazy and I was feeling panicked that I wouldn't make it on time. Drama drama. Thankfully my driver was a saint and zoomed across town taking all sorts of shortcuts. He was an old bonafide east London native and we had a heart-to-heart about London being the best city in the world. I arrived at the location with plenty of time to spare, with a heart that was warm and glowing. Major transformation to when he picked me up and I was nearly in tears.
Just before the show began smoke started oozing out of the ceiling and a burning smell wafted through the air. It wasn't anything serious and the show started straight afterwards. But there's nothing like a bit of danger to get everyone on the edge of their seat.
The collection, as you'd likely guess, was breathtaking. It was so unlike anything Mary has done before. The fit was loose and billowy instead of curved and constructed. The colour palette was muted and soft rather than bright and bold. The pieces were really wearable and easy to relate to. There were pleats, sweatshirts, suits and even a classic navy peacoat (#want). There was embellishment in spades. At one point the models were making clinking and clattering noises with each step that they took.
To me, it felt like Mary had really matured with this collection. It wasn't showy or over the top. Some of the past seasons have felt as though she was trying to make a statement, to do something bold and original. With this collection, it didn't feel as though she was trying at all. Everything was paired back and reserved: which, coincidentally, made the biggest statement of all.
Photos by The Style Crusader.
LFW UPDATE
Well, well, well. Day 2 of London Fashion Week has just come to a close and I'm still alive (insert praise hand emoji here). I'm sitting on my bed in my sweats contemplating going out to find McDonalds. Chic, no?
The main news here is that it's super-insanely-out-of-this-world windy. Also, don't be fooled by the photo, it's been raining like mad. I'm talking horizontal madness that soaks you to the core. Oh, and there are also some fashion shows going on. I guess we should talk about that too? Yesterday I was reminded of why London is the most amazing city in the world for fashion. There is so much diversity and, just when you think you've seen it all, someone goes and does something completely unexpected (whole post on this coming soon). Rather than try to edit the thousands of photos I'm taking each day I thought I'd just share a few Instagram snaps to show you what I've been getting up to. Basically it involves eating and drinking as much as possible and catching up with friends who I really only get to see twice a year (sob).
Lots more updates to come soon, most likely once I've caught up on my beauty sleep. If you aren't already, follow me on Instagram for (probably too many) updates throughout the day. Find me, where you'd probably look anyway: @stylecrusader
// UN-COMPLICATE YOUR FASHION WEEK //
Well boys and girls it's that time of year again. Make sure you've got an extra memory card, flats in your bag and some ibuprofen at hand because today London Fashion Week kicks off.
It's no secret that fashion week is a stressful time. Long days, hours spent on your feet and hardly any time to grab a bite to eat. Worry not though show-goers because I know a little secret that will make everything just a bit easier. American Express have set up a concierge team that are tucked inside Seamen's Hall at Somerset House and it's their job to ease the pain of fashion week. They're known as the Amex Insiders and they ensure that everything runs smoothly for the fashion crowd. Whether you need something simple like directions or are suffering a major emergency like a broken heel - they'll point you in the direction of venues and show you the way to the nearest cobbler. If you need to book a table for dinner or hail a cab just call on them, they'll be at your service.
Because this is fashion week, you'd better expect the Insiders to be kitted out in the hottest attire. This season, London wonder child, Christopher Raeburn has designed their uniforms. They feature capes inspired by his AW14 collection which takes reference from disappearing landscapes, wildlife and the culture of arctic pioneers. The capes, which were designed exclusively for the Insiders, feature Raeburn's classic silhouette and are based off the shape of traditional military capes.
Since everyone can't be at fashion week, or make use of the Insiders, I've been given the opportunity to share the experience by giving away one of the capes that Christopher designed. The one I have available features the arctic inspired print in blue and white. This piece isn't going to be put into production so, if you're a supporter of British talent or just want to stay dry in the rain, this is your chance to grab a piece of fashion history. The giveaway is open to readers worldwide and to enter all you need to do is leave a comment on this post. Just be sure to include your e-mail address so that I can get in touch if you're the lucky winner.
If you're attending London Fashion Week and want to double, triple, or even quadruple your chances of winning the cape then Instagram or Tweet shots of your favorite street style images with the hashtag #AmexStyle for the chance to win one. So that makes two possible capes to win. Goodness is flowing all around, eh? Happy fashion week.
In collaboration with American Express.
Zara, I'm coming for you
You might already know, I have a serious love/hate relationship with Zara. Love: because it looks like a little slice of heaven on the website. Hate: because in reality it's often quite crap.
You might already know, I have a serious love/hate relationship with Zara. Love: because it looks like a little slice of heaven on the website. Hate: because in reality it's often quite crap.
Every season I do the same thing. I troll the website repeatedly and make a mental wish list of all the things I want to buy. Then, I finally go into the store and accept the reality that we aren't meant to be together. I feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff in the shop, get put off by the length of the line to get into a fitting room and always always dump my pile of clothes on a table and walk out with nothing.
Well, it just so happens that I'll be staying in a hotel that is a five minute walk from Zara this week and so I'm making it my goal to go into the shop and have a proper look at what's on offer. I really want the little navy dress with the belted waist, the pink chunky knit and the holy jeans. Oh, and the mules. I don't know why I've just been overcome by the desire to wear mules. Talk me out of it if you think that's necessary. Okay, I will keep you updated on what happens. Expect some frantic Instagram shots from the changing room.
Photos via Zara.
SARTORIAL SLUMPS
Current mood: un-fashun.
I'm not entirely sure what to blame it on. Maybe it's the weather? Or the fact that Venus is in retrograde? Jk, made that up. But lately I'm feeling very un-fashion. I just want to pull on my skinny jeans, comfiest piece of cashmere and Birkenstocks. I'm refusing to wear a coat even though it's bloody cold and, after watching snowboarding all morning, I had the sudden urge to pull out this keffiyeh I bought in Egypt a few years ago. None of it makes any sense. The leopard clutch doesn't really go. Looking at these photos I don't know what I'm wearing or why. But this is where I sartorially am. Stuck in between seasons, staring into the blinding sun, waiting for the temperature to rise enough so that people quit looking at my toes in utter confusion. Yes, it's February. Yes, I'm wearing sandals.
Heading to London on Wednesday so I'm hoping that will snap me back to reality with a jolt. Still wondering whether I should bring the Birks or not?
Wearing: Muriee jumper, 7 FAM jeans, Lilifi clutch, Birkenstocks and Timex watch.
Spring 2014 Collections
It might be hard to recall but it showed its face last September. Since then we've seen pre-fall and couture - so it might all feel a bit muddled. Funny that the fashion gods have already moved on to next winter while us mere mortals are stuck trying to clamber our way out of the current one.
While everyone is shoving their faces into the metaphorical pie that is AW14, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the season that is upon us. Remember spring 2014?
It might be hard to recall but it showed its face last September. Since then we've seen pre-fall and couture - so it might all feel a bit muddled. Funny that the fashion gods have already moved on to next winter while us mere mortals are stuck trying to clamber our way out of the current one. But guys, I promise you this, spring is just around the corner. So before we get sucked into the vortex that is next-next season let's recall what the spring collections were all about.
Rodebjer did bedouin inspired stripes, Prada plastered faces onto everything and Tommy Hilfiger reinvented scuba gear. At Rick Owens the very nature of a fashion show was called into question and at JW Anderson tops were tied on by strings. Exaggerated ruffles made a return at Dries van Noten and Bottega Veneta. Ugly sandals were everywhere and at Lanvin models carried bags that looked full of trash. There was monochrome in abundance, geometric prints galore and, at Celine, Phoebe shook the minimalist agenda. In many collections the focus of sex-appeal moved to the back with deep Vs and crossed straps.
While I might not be able to afford any of the things pictured below, I'll be using them all as inspiration when it comes to getting dressed. Now all we need is some sun.
Photos via Dazed & Style.com
Atea
When I clicked over to the Atea website one afternoon last week I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Ten minutes in, I scrolled through all the contents of their stock and made a mental wish list that tallied up to the multi-thousand pound mark. Oops.
When I clicked over to the Atea website one afternoon last week I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Ten minutes in, I scrolled through all the contents of their stock and made a mental wish list that tallied up to the multi-thousand pound mark. Oops.
This is really saying something because there isn't that much to wade through on the site, the collection is small but (be warned) it packs a mighty punch. It's made up of basics in navy, white and grey with a few stripes thrown in for good measure.
Need I even say that this is my formula for no-fuss everyday dressing?
Atea provides the building blocks necessary to create the perfect wardrobe. From their simple wide-legged trousers to round necked grey sweatshirts, the collection is full of the sort of items you'd reach for day-after-day for countless seasons to come. This is what I love about the brand so much. You won't find any fancy logos or explicit branding, instead they just provide well-cut good quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a slew of classic looks. My absolute favorite piece is the navy striped racer dress. There's something sort of nineties inspired about the neckline and I love that it has darts at the bust that create the perfect fitted shape. Here's to hoping I can avoid the high street and instead save my pennies for some of the luxury essentials that Atea have to offer.
Images via Atea.