Accessory focus 1#

Hello lovely people,

So I thought I would mix things up a little bit this week and provide you with a delightful s/s11 accessories trend.

I would say I am a little infatuated with sunglasses. I love the way they can transform a look, the way one feels instantly glamorous and important once you have them on your face. They also have the added advantage of being a necessity for one's health and they are great for covering up a hangover/crying session/tired eyes.

Cat Eye sunglasses originated in the 50's and 60's and they were designed to provide the wearer with a seductive reproduction of the classic almond eye shape.

Made famous by the iconic Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, women wearing these sunglasses throughout these eras were considered fashion forward and elegant.

This trend began to crawl throughout the A/W 2010 shows with Prada being the dominant player and now it is running fiercely in S/S2011.

Designers who have adopted this trend include Jeremy Scott, Dior, Twenty8twelve, Paul Smith, Giles Deacon, Thakoon whilst the list of celebrities who have made their fashion mark is impressive- Olivia Palermo, JLo, Nicole Richie, Jessica Alba and Dita Von Teese.

I know glasses are a very personal purchase however research indicates to me that if you have a square/diamond face than the rounder style of glasses will suit best. If you have a more round/fuller face it is better to stick with glasses that have more sharp edges or those with a slight curve- however it’s all down to your own preference.

In my opinion every lady should have two pairs of sunglasses- one that you throw in your bag and don’t care if they get scuffed and the other which is an investment purchase. I think designer sunglasses are for some the closest we can afford to buying a piece of luxury whilst being able to justify the cost as let's face it it’s an actual health need.

So first up here are my recommendations for designer purchases:

Large round eye- $126- http://www.shopbop.com/large-cateye-sunglasses-ray-ban/vp/v=1/845524441900932.htm?fm=search-shopbysize- Rayban consistently deliver fantastic styles that are always guaranteed stylish investments

Tom Ford Angular eye- $276- http://www.visiondirect.com.au/designer-sunglasses/Tom-Ford/Tom-Ford-FT0173-Nikita-01B-75760.html- I have absolute respect for Mr Ford and his fascinating fashion vision

Acetate round eye- $442-http://www.therow.com/shop/acetate-cateye-1.html?color=Black- the olsen twins have come a long way since Full House and I admire them as designers. They have worked hard to get to where they are and definitely have a classic take on the world of fashion

Lafayette angular- $151- http://www.shopbop.com/lafayette-sunglasses-elizabeth-james/vp/v=1/845524441901445.htm?fm=search-shopbysize- a less expensive Olsen offering, on the right face these could look bewitching

Chunky round eye- $293- http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dior-rounded-cats-eye-sunglasses/3149416?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=dior_rounded_cat's_eye_sunglasses:338367&cm_pla=eyewear:women:sunglasses&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-j78DstAzoFVphdkQ_PfWOg- ive really had to hold myself back from boring you with my love of Dior but I can’t help it if they are a leader of this trend- these glasses just gorgeous and timeless

However if you are feeling tentative about adopting this trend then a less costly piece might be a better option:

Mix Frame round eyes- $21.30-http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Mix-Frame-Cats-Eye-Sunglasses/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1489698&SearchQuery=cat%20eye%20sunglasses&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=White#ctl00_ContentMainPage_mainImage3- I love the super cute mix of white with leopard print on these

Half frame retro black- $13- http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Half-Frame-Cat-Eye-Sunglasses/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1432543&SearchQuery=cat%20eye%20sunglasses&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black- these are a more daring version of the style, however there are many fashionistas out there that could pull it off- plus they are super cheap!

Black extreme cat eyes-$34- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2445916&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208555&parent_categoryId=204484&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[276989|208555]&noOfRefinements=1- these are a more rounded version of the style, I could definitely see Nicole Richie wearing a pair!

Plum Winged Studded glasses- $27- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2339115&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208555&parent_categoryId=204484&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[276989|208555]&noOfRefinements=1- these are not for the faint hearted, but they are fun none the less

Betsey Jonson- $55- http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?preference=NorthAmerica&selectedProductSize=&itemdescription=true&navCount=30&popId=WOMENS&pushId=W_NEWARRIVALS&sortProperties=%20subCategoryPosition,&sortby=&prepushId=&startValue=81&id=22626535&parentid=W_NEWARRIVALS&clickid=0004abdae06c58500a8ae60d3dee1376&color=&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliates-_-ShopStyle.com-_-Primary&itemCount=80&selectedProductColor=&navAction=jump&availableOptions=availableOptions – I think this is a very clever line between classic and quirky, I love that it comes in multiple colours

Will you be game enough to give this trend a go?

Happy Shopping

X

At the strike of midnight

There is something very seductive and mysterious about the colour dark blue. Clothing in this colour doesn't have the same sexy appeal as black however it's also not as flirty as a cornflour blue either. What is amazing about royal blue is that it draws you in and tempts you with its dark secrets.

Whilst the shops in Australia are exploding with a multitude of rainbow colours I am going to take a moment, as the very talented Giorgio Armani did, and pay my respects to the bewitching colour of dark blue.

Giorgio Armani's S/S2011 collection was inspired by the night sky over the Sahara. The collection harked back to a vintage era for the label as it featured a strong stream of striking dark blue and black pieces which occasionally included sparkles of sequins that transformed the clothing into beautiful constellations as they paraded down the runway.

Other designers to flirt with this trend include Mulberry, Tommy Hilfiger and Salvatore Ferragamo (the new womenswear designer Massimiliano Giornetti showed an amazing collection of minimalistic bohemianism, a total departure of classic styles presented in previous collections by then designer Cristina Ortiz).

Turning to my favourite online website ASOS did not produce the same fantastic results as browsing through the current Topshop collection.

For a lovely blouse you can go no further than these three picks:

Broderie sleeveless top- £25- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2603110&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- this piece also taps into the hippy vibe featured in many S/S 2011 collections

Sequin collar shirt- £36- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2599097&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- this piece replicates the night sky projection that was presented at the Armani collection

Pocket Jersey T-Shirt- £18- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2610183&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- a classic basic that could be matched with numerous outfits and trends

However if you would like to indulge in a skirt/pant option, these three tick my box:

Wrap maxi skirt-£40- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2643299&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20 I love the way this skirt falls like a waterfall, it makes its beautiful and sensual, a divine purchase

Jersey Tapered trouser- £26- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2625533&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- whilst this style is not flattering for every woman out there on the right body this would stop traffic

Lace pencil skirt- £40- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2643276&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- lace is a huge feature in many S/S 2011 collections and this beauty is feminine and perfect for the office through to after work drinks

If a dress is more your preference then you could try Paul by Paul Smith's Frill Bustier dress- $106.38- http://www.asos.com/Paul-By-Paul-Smith/Paul-By-Paul-Smith-Fitted-Frill-Bustier-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1372178&SearchQuery=dark%20blue&Rf-700=1000&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Darkblue or maybe a more classic 1/2 Sleeve dress at a steal price of £20- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2610281&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20

Lastly if you would prefer an accessory options than these velvet pumps would perfectly compliment most of the S/S trends featured so far, £18- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2630261&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20

or maybe this cute Velvet bow bag- £25- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2648623&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[204484|root]

or lastly maybe just a splash of colour with these feather chandelier earrings- £16.50- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2642879&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[204484|root]

Which trend do you prefer, pop colours or midnight blue?

Happy shopping

X

Step back in time

I know the majority of us weren't actually born in the 70's but I have no doubt that we are all well aware of the music, glamour and the idols that shone in this era.

Many designers tapped into these historical moment of sexuality and freedom, sometimes in the most eccentric way possible.

Marc Jacobs really dominated this trend flirting with his audience through a series of fun and colourful pieces. Models strutted down the catwalk in halter neck dresses, jumpsuits and voluminous pieces finished with oversize flowers or wide brimmed hats. Materials such as silk, satin and chiffon ensured that the collection oozed sex appeal.

Pucci (another new found favourite designer) took a more bohemian approach to the trend by providing a collection of thigh high dresses matched with dominatrix tie up boots or bell bottom trousers worn with draw string chiffon tops. The highlight was the white suit, an obvious homage to the iconic Bianca Jagger.

Elie Saab took a more grown up approach to his designs drawing on the glamour of outfits worn to Studio 54; he used jersey, chiffon and sequins to convey this style loved by all.

Whilst this trend is slow to filter into the high street one can still use some clever hunting skills to find the right outfits to experience the delight of the disco era.

My personal favourite is this cross strap back jumpsuit- it's sexy, stylish and versatile- $77.05- http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Cross-Back-Wide-Leg-Jumpsuit/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1724477&SearchQuery=jumpsuit&Rf900=2230,1501&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Black

However if the hippy vibe is more your thing than you cant go past this crochet 3/4 sleeve dress- $99.99- http://www.forevernew.com.au/Collections/Sunset-Boulevard.aspx?cl274

For those of you that like a little volume than this chiffon kaftan dress would be perfect in either colour- $37.68- http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Chiffon-Kaftan-Dress-With-Pleat-Sleeve/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1508624&SearchQuery=kaftan&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Cobaltblue

Last but not least you cant go past a pair of classic high waisted flare jeans- $59.94- http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-70-S-High-Waist-Flare-Jeans/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1639443&SearchQuery=70s&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Vintageblue

Which part of the trend do you love the most?

Happy shopping

X

It's a floral fiesta

Flowers, nothing a girl loves more to receive and no other object that reminds me more of my childhood. Whether I was playing in them or wearing super girly dresses with flower features, as an adult now I cannot think of flowers without smiling.

Lucky for me (and maybe a few of you) floral patterns are making a huge comeback and it's appeal is not limited to just the 10 year olds on the playground.

Erdem absolutely consumed this pattern within their S/S11 collection as did Christian Dior and Alberta Ferretti.

Christian Dior's collection was fun, camp and fun again. The clothes can best be described as tropical with the majority of the pieces incorporating the current pop colour trend. The collection as a whole had a vegas show boat feeling, which I was totally in love with- actually there is not a lot of Dior's history that I do not obsess over!

Ferretti's collection was based on fantasy. The clothes were made primarily of chiffon, lace and crotchet which gave them very dream like qualities- evoking feelings of longing and desire. The use of pastel colours completed the collection so that the models somehow transformed from beautiful women into garden fairies, Ferretti commented backstage 'fantasty is so important'.

Sighting influences from his time working on the 'Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballets Russes' exhibition Erdem presented a girly, soft and charming collection.

A selection of the pieces demonstrated the impact of the Russes with the clothes reflecting ballerina costumes and the footwear using pointe shoe laces. I challenge a woman not to fall in love with the elegance and the beauty of Erdem's S/S11 collection.

Whilst I have yet to see this floral trend be fully incorporated into the Australian high street stores I know I can always rely on the trusted ASOS.com and various other online fashion sites to help fufill my trend needs.

Firstly I think this little number does a great job replicating the feel created with the Erdem collection, not to mention it does the practical job of having a multi purpose uses- office to weekend attire. Vintage floral print dress- $59.95- http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Mini-Dress-with-Vintage-Floral-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1657248&SearchQuery=floral&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1465,1646,1573,1604&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Print

If you wish to flirt with the trend play it safe with this gorgeous Babydoll camisole- on sale for $17.15- http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Floral-Printed-Babydoll-Camisole/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1463518&SearchQuery=floral&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1604&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Print

Maxi skirts are going to stay around a little longer so why not invest in this adorable skirt with belt- also on sale for $30.85- http://www.asos.com/Dahlia/Dahlia-Floral-Print-Maxi-Skirt-With-Tan-Belt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1619724&SearchQuery=floral&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1573&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Creammulti

However if you like your skirts a little flirty than this pleated mini skirt is perfect- on sale for $17.15- http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Floral-Printed-Pleated-Mini-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1598848&SearchQuery=floral&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1573&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Whiteprint

I do love a summer jumpsuit and Charlotte Ronson has created a lovely little number- on sale for a tidy $175- http://www.shopbop.com/floral-print-romper-natural-braided/vp/v=1/845524441895023.htm?fm=search-viewall-shopbysize

As we are all aware Nicole Richie is doing a fantastic job leading the style stakes season after season and this Winter Kate Shrug ticks all the right boxes for me and its on sale! - $112.50- http://www.shopbop.com/roque-flare-sleeve-print-shrug/vp/v=1/845524441901229.htm?fm=search-viewall-shopbysize

Until next time, happy shopping

X

nb/ all images taken from style.com