Every week we’ll be bringing you info about the latest trends and upcoming talent to look out for
Trend Alert- Double Denim
I know what you’re thinking, denim with denim is the biggest fashion sin known to man.
I felt the same. All my life, well the past 15 years or so since discovering fashion I have been aware that teaming jeans with a denim jacket, for example, would be the most horrendous thing to do. So imagine my shock on finding out that denim with denim is now the hot new trend for spring.
They say trends always repeat themselves, and it seems 80’s double denim is doing just that. Having been born in the middle of that decade, I am happy to say I have no memories of the trend first time round. Although perhaps it wasn’t the denim that made the look so awful, but denim combined with an array of equally awful looks (leg warmers) and terrible hair (poodle perms)
I was unconvinced about this trend, until I stumbled across this picture used in the Swedish version of Elle magazine.
Managing to make double denim sexy seems like an impossible task, but Elle have achieved it.
The great thing about this trend is that denim is available everywhere for any budget, and when the trend dies, you’ll still have lots of great pieces that you can wear separately. With that though it mind, I am cautiously decalaring that double denim is good thing.
My favourite high street find is this 70’s wash oversized denim shirt, from Topshop for £30
One to watch- Nina Koutibashvili Jewellery
As award season approaches the stars are on the hunt for jewellery which will make them stand out on the red carpet… and nothing could be better than a piece by jewellery designer Nina Koutibashvili. Her beautiful and inspiring pieces have one her countless awards, including the Gold Award in Goldsmith Craft & Design Awards. She was also voted designer of the year on the Coutts London Jewellery week website.
As a single mother bringing up 3 children, Nina decided to find a career that fitted around her home life. So she followed her passion for Jewellery. After graduating from the prestigious Central Saint Martin’s college she has never looked back.
Described as the handmade magic of Nina, her complex and mesmerizing designs are truly unique. Presenting her items through luxury stores such as Harrods, it won’t be long before she’s a household name.
Please visit www.ninakoutibashvili.com for more details
Trend Alert- Digital Prints
This spring is all about patterns but digital prints seem to be the one that everyone talking about.
So what exactly does this mean? Digital printing has a hi tech furturistic edge as it involves using computer programmes to create designs which are then printed on to the fabric using an ink jet printer.
First seen in 2004 this technique has now taken the fashion world by storm. And where the designers go, the highstreet are sure to follow.
Whatver your budget, you can be sure to find some digital prints, we’ve found three great digital print buys to suit any bank balance.
£150 to spend:
Head to Karen Millen and pick up this gorgeous Kaleidoscope print dress £150
Under £100 to spend:
Oasis have a great monochrome print dress for £55
Under £50 to spend:
We found this great digital print dress as ASOS for £35
This is an easy trend to follow. Digital prints have appeared on T Shirts, trousers and scarfs, so whatever your taste or budget you’ll find a print to suit you.
Monday 1st February
Charity shop Challenge
The humble charity shop has has come a long way in recent years, but with all the hype about bagging designer bargains, is it really that easy to find something great.
With the credit crunch biting, most people are trying to cut back, the downside to this being that last week I encountered, not one, but two people, who were wearing the same Primark dress as me… so much for individuality.
Annabelle and I hit the streets armed with only £10, to see what treasures we could find, if any.
I headed for up market Pimlico, confident in the thought that the wealthy locals were sure to have donated something, and I was right. My first stop was Oxfam and I didn’t have to rummage for too long before coming across a cashmere and silk jumper from Zara, it was only £5.99 and in perfect condition. Where else can you buy cashmere that cheap?
There were many more bargains to be had in Oxfam, although with my £10 budget, the £19 Aquascutum shirt and the £15 Karen Millen court shoes were out of my price range.
I then popped next door to Fara, a charity shop which collections donations for Romanian orphans. This great Topshop skirt was only £4. For the same price I also found a Kate Moss for Topshop jersey knit dress.
Annabelle opted for Barnardo’sin Brixton. She had to do a double take when she came across this genuine (yes we checked and double checked) Chloe Paddington handbag for the ridiculous price of £5.99
and as if that wasn’t good enough, she spent the rest of her money on these sky high ASOS heels for £6.99
We think we did pretty well with our small budget and we’ll be definitely be going back, why spend money on polyester in Primark when you can get cashmere in Oxfam. The biggest bonus comes from knowing that you have helped a charity with their valuable work… guilt free shopping, the party squad like it.
Monday 25th January
Trend Alert: Underwear as Outerwear
Corsets, bodies, sheer fabric, suspender belts and bra tops lingerie is everywhere is everywhere this spring. The difference is it’s no longer hiding under clothes… which may come as good news if you’ve ever invested a sexy bustier from Agent Provocaateur, which has spent most of the time languishing in a draw… now you can actually get your money’s worth!
On the catwalks bras were worn over tops and big knickers were on show, but for those of you don’t quite feel ready enough to venture outside the house in just your pants, the trend can be worked more subtly by wearing sheer floating fabrics and lace (think 1940’s petticoat).
Who: Many celeb’s are choosing this look, although the one that springs to mind first is Rhianna, and it seems you all noticed too. After Rhinna wore a full body corset, the sales of luxury corsets at selfridges went up by 70%
Where: We love this corset from Topshop, trendy without looking too burlesque. This skirt from Boohoo is so pretty and would look fab with a leather biker jacket.
So aim for a hint of sexy. If you do want to go for all out revealing keep it cool like Rhianna and stay away from Madonna circa blond ambition tour.
Tuesday 19 January
If you read the latest blog, you’ll know that we have just been lucky enough to get a sneaky look at the new Spring Summer 2010 collection of Damsel in a dress. This unique collection is the brainchild of designer Alison Mansell (the woman behind “that dress” worn by Sam Cameron).The collection is super feminine and as each piece is hand made in limited numbers is gives the wearer an exclusive hautecouture feel. We love this gorgeous cardigan with a cashmere front and silk back, its the prefect combination of comfort and glamour 
Unlike other high fashion brands, damsel in a dress, won’t be out of reach for ordinary women. From February this amazing collection will be available exclusively at John Lewis stores throughout the country, ensuring that we can all get our hands on our own piece of affordable luxury.
Friday 15 January
Trend Alert: Pastels
This trend is ultra girly. Sheer fabrics in neutral shades are set to be hot. These sugared almond shades are a world away from the luxe and sequinnes of 09. With baby blues, soft pinks, pale yellows and lavenders there is bound to be a colour to suit everyone.
Who:Rachel Bilson’s beautiful Chanel dress in a lovely pale beige is girly without being too pink 
Where: We love this tiered sleeve wrap dress from Topshop£60, and this silky strappy vest £16 from New Look
