CHRISTMAS IS COMING

In a bah humbug spirit akin to that of Ebenezer Scrooge, I have been ignoring the impending Christmas season with as much determination as I can. However when it hits December, the temperatures drop into the minus and radio stations bombard us nonstop with Mariah and The Pogues, I don't mind getting into the spirit. Plus, what sort of person doesn't enjoy a chocolate fix at 7am?

Inevitably at this time, we all get the 'what do you want for Christmas?' question from friends and family (and Santa himself of course). Usually I'm one of those irritating people who respond with an 'I don't know' but this year I have a fully formed list of lovely things that I would like. On top of these things I'm hoping for a nice relaxing Christmas break as the last few months have been hectic!

On my wish list this year is:

1. A parka. The only coats I own are hyper-formal so I'm after a casual addition to my wardrobe. Parka from Topshop (£60)

2 & 3. This outfit. Perfect combination of Christmas sparkle and my ever-present black/white essentials. That skirt appeals to my innate magpie instinct more than anything else I've seen this season.
Top from River Island (£15) and Skirt from Topshop (£60)

4 & 6. Pandora Jewellery. I'm not usually much of a jewellery person but I'm after some essentials. These earrings and stackable rings are perfectly minimal.
Earrings (£35) and Rings (£30) from Pandora

5 & 7. Make Up Basics. Christmas is the time when I top up on all the make up that I always convince myself is too expensive. My make-up attitude is strictly investment piece; it might be expensive but it is the best.
Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (£36) and Clinique Moisturiser (£34) both from John Lewis

8. Heeled Boots. My ultimate winter essential; my much loved Office pair have reached the point of no return so I need to replace them.
Alexander Wang Chelsea Boots (£495) from Lane Crawford

9. Red Handbag. I've been fixated on this colour for months but haven't managed to locate one. This Givenchy one is perfect in every vein bar the price tag.
Givenchy Pandora Bag (£1,205) from Selfridges

Alexa

Spotted this Alexander Wang Cargo Jacket on FarFetch and figured it's perfect for  nailing some laid-back yet super stylish street style. Yeahhh, you didn't know I knew about alliteration did you? Pair it with Topshop's metallic tube skirt, and Zara's hottest new accessories.

Jacket by Alexander Wang, Shirt by Givenchy, Necklace by Givenchy, Tube Skirt by Topshop, Heels by Zara, Clutch by Zara.

Tropic Thunder

Proneza Schouler / Peter Pilotto / Mary Katrantzou / Alexander Wang / Peter Pilotto / Proenza Schouler / Altuzzura

Spring/Summer 2012 is now in full swing, and so I think the time to jump on the tropical print bandwagon.
I can't actually decide which one I like the most (well I can, Alexander Wang wins for me everytime), but Peter Pilotto's digital palm trees are so innovative, and Mary Katrantzou's underwater prints are so good for summer.
Alternatively, you could go for Proenza (and no one would blame you if you did), or Altuzzura and get your hands on his pieces (not like that) whilst his superstar is still in the ascension.

And now for the finale...


I agree, it's all about the Givenchy.

The Bandeau Experiment

Prada / Proenza Schouler

So bandeau tops are popping up all over the new Spring stock, but let's just think about the bandeau for a second. You can't really get away with wearing one normally or you'll look like a 13 year old who's going to the beach. If you're over the stomach bearing of your teens (a phase I never had the privilege of experiencing) then Spring's collections gave us the resolution:

Bandeau + High Waisted Skirt = Classy & Street Cool

Miuccia is undoubtedly the figurehead here, as we saw prolific bandeau tops at Prada all teamed with the pleated pastel skirts, but there were examples elsewhere. Best other demonstration; Proenza Schouler who paired their dual colour bandeau with yellow florals (a look which made their Poly starring campaign). I digress, but anyone else creeped out by Kinga's Schwarzenegger abs?

There seems to be a question here though...can we actually get away with the bandeau? It's not really the sort of look to go unnoticed in the office (and not in a good way) but it seems if you pair it with a blazer/jacket/coat (I know it's summer) then it becomes suddenly more demure, a la Prada with those hell-a-ugly printed coats.

So let's try these on for size...

Haider Ackermann Blazer / Tillys Bandeau / Jil Sander skirt / DVF Clutch / Alexander Wang Shoes

Or....

Givenchy Vest / Miso Bandeau / Chloe Skirt / Chloe Pumps / Tory Burch Clutch.

Seems to me like a jacket or a flat shoe might just push the bandeau into acceptable territory. Still, I think the only place this look is going to proliferate are those concrete catwalks outside shows.

And can we all just take a moment of silence to consider those Alexander Wang white sandals. I want them, you want them, we all want them. Hence why they're already sold out everywhere. Voila.

Peace Out

Loes x

Battleship Fashion

Rihanna in Alexander Wang and Brooklyn Decker in Stella McCartney at the Battleships photocall in London.

Street Sports

There's been some sportswear about on the Street Style scene this fall...especially those Isabel Marant sneakers that are everywhere. I'm enjoying the baseball caps a lot, especially the two above. Get the look below...



1. Alexander Wang Marion Bag - £529 from farfetch.com
2. Topshop Knitted Wet Look Sport Vest - £26 from Topshop
3. Jason Wu Varsity Wool Sweater - £950 from net-a-porter.com
4. Topshop Silk Runner Shorts - £32 from Topshop
5. Etoile Isabel Marant Cotton Jersey Track Pants - £185 from net-a-porter.com
6. Alexander Wang Patchwork Chloe Sandals - £330 from lagarconne.com
7. Isabel Marant Sneaker - $660 from net-a-poert
8. Givenchy Python Duffle Bag - £2,040 from ssense.com