Diffusion? What diffusion...

  Now I am not a personal fan of the way Mrs Beckham dresses herself of a morning, it is far too well put together, harshly groomed and perfectly executed for me... And the whole heels noon and night thing is a wee bit boring, especially her choice of hooker shoe. However, I am a huge fan of her work. The mainline collection that takes her name is a lesson in marvellous, teaching even the most unstylish how to dress... Or at least give you a solid idea. 

  My main point is that her second collection Victoria, Victoria Beckham is classically known as with any other second, cheaper line a "diffusion collection." I don't think this goes anywhere near to doing it justice, "sister line" is more fitting... Or even "second brand" because there is nothing diffusion about the collection. If her mainline is the grown up, honed more well put together of the two, Victoria, Victoria Beckham is the cooler, unrefined generally awesome little sister. She is the one you would ask for styling advice, the one who knows all about the most up and coming designers and brands, the one that can rattle off names and brands you have never even heard of. She is the one at all the coolest parties and shows at fashion week, the one at all the best FROWs, she has the newest handbags and  the most coveted hair. She is the one you wish came to your party... 

  She may have blasted LL Cool J over the speakers, and mentioned that people always asked if her collections are inspired by living in LA, but one thing is for sure... This collection is the furthest thing from the LA look you could imagine. The always loose, deconstructed shapes and girlish hemlines of this collection never fail to disappoint... However she added a few demure  knee length pieces to the proceeding, which may have been austere in silhouette but they more than made up for it with cool prints, and edgy details. I like that the pieces are mostly short, and that the prints are bold and overblown, it adds a sweet taste to the proceedings. My favourite thing about this line is there doesn't often appear to be a concept or theme, and this is reflected in the palette and use of fabrics, it is just all about good, honest, beautifully made clothes. That you would kill for.

Whatever you opt to label this brand, a diffusion it ain't... 

images courtesy of style.com

J Dubbs + Toppers = Heaven

 images Jamie Hawkesworth (above)

my picks...

dress 39.99

 skirt 69.99

rubix cube 14.99

 loafers 69.99

 iphone case 14.99

cats eye knit 69.99

I am a huge, dirty great fan of a Topshop collab and was super duper excited when I read in Grazia magazine last week that on the 14th September an awesome, well priced and true to the designer collection was set to land... I have been a keen fan of 27 year old J W Anderson (Jonathan William, J Dubbs to his mates) since he quietly landed on the LFW calendar via the Topshop NEWGEN initiative a few seasons ago. I thought it was rather awesome it launched on the first day of LFW as he is one of the rising, shining superstars to be launched and given a helping hand via the now iconic NEWGEN platform. Topshop hand pick a selection of newbies to sponsor and get onto the coveted LFW schedule... and the NEWGEN  shows are always one to watch as the names that crop up tend to be some of the best to hit the calendar. Buyers hit up these shows to check out upcoming talent and find fresh fledgling talent to smatter the shop floors with.

Now you know someone is set to hit the big time if they are gracing the Topshop rails in a collaboration, and sometimes they are already a big name (for instance Marios Schwab, Jonathan Saunders and Sophia Kokosolaki were already well established when they hit the shop floors) plus it is always a way to get a piece of fashion history for a snippet of the price. The quality is always tip top and despite the distinctly lower price ticket (Mary Katrantzou for £350 not three grand anyone?) the designs are usually doppelganger's for the real deal swinging off the rails of luxury stores for a million times the price.

I love the whole lot, the paisley, the ghost knits, the fact the whole shebang is inspired by youth culture and street wear, as opposed to re-hashing old trends and fashions. I love that you can pick up iphone cases, earrings, umbrellas, badges and stationary along with clothing and cute loafers. I will be picking up a piece of quilted paisley, loafers, a ghost knit and some cute bits and bobs to accessorise it all with. Oh, and I can so see myself in the girlish striped tunic dress... Even if I will resemble a seven year old. The coolest part of the collection is it is all designed to be layered up all over each other to create an edgy mis-matched statement... However the beauty of the pieces is each and every one could hold its own as a single piece. That is what you need these days, more bang for your buck.

So if you are going to invest in anything this week, make it a bit of J Dubbs...

all iamges courtesy of topshop.com

Round Two

Sorry if I'm a little slow at trawling through the shows and not getting things as fast as all the PRO BLOGGERS but sadly I have boring day job and haven't mastered the art of earning squill ions off my little fashion musings.

Next up for my round of New York highlights are as follows...

Calvin Klein Collection caught my little eye this season, well FRancisco Costa's offerings for the New York super brand always catches my eye... Despite being an out and out maximalist I always find time for perving on the more minimal fashion week offerings. Calvin Klein Collection is the go to brand for sheer unadulterated minimalism... The original Mr Klein pimped this nineties look the first time around and his predecessor hasn't failed to let him down. The reason why the collection caught my eye was the obvious shift is style at the house this coming season... Costa's past offerings for the brand have been loose, simple and the strong side of minimal, however the only similarity here was the muted colour palette. This collection was filled with shape, clearly celebrating the waist and femininity and harking to a soft fifties silhouette with neat folds, pleats and gentle shapes. I won't lie, I was shocked but I loved the distinct shift. It was minimal for ladies. Very pretty.

Alexander Wang is one of my all time favourite designers, and this collection pretty much summed up why. After recent departures from his usual style, clearly challenging himself, he returned to the look he does best... Sporty, sexy, edgy and just plain cool. The colour palette didn't move far away from black and white, just a simple flash of a nude putty shade that didn't look too far removed. There was Wang's usual lashings of leather and relaxed tailoring that was made all the more fabulous with patch pockets, zips and cutaways in the garments giving the collection a strange futuristic feel, making the models look like extras out of Fifth Element, save for the boob bandages and crazy hair cut. Still it was a look I would definitely emulate, especially if I was in a crazy and futuristic other universe. I vote Wang for dressing the future.

all images courtesy of style.com

Proenza, Proenza, where for art thou Proenza?

In all my flurry of fashion stalking and bringing y'all up to speed with all things NYFW I have decided to do a post dedicated to the brainchild of Jack and Lazzaro that is Proenza Schouler... Cutely named after the boys' grandmammys maiden names and fast becoming one of the go to shows of the Big Apple, the label is one of my favourites on the New York schedule, mainly because it is sooooo far removed from the aesthetics of the designers of this capital.

The boys tend to fuse together some pretty avant grade influences but the end results are always rather magical, now it isn't to everyone's tastes and it most certainly won't help in the "make me sexy" stakes but I can guarantee you will have every fashion pervert worth her salt eyeing you with sheer jealousy. Me included!!

For this weeks offering the collection was a mash up of punched leather, snakeskin, sportswear inspired silhouettes and a whole lot of patchwork... Enough to make even the keenest quilt maker go cross eyed. Mix this with patch pockets and exposed nineties style zips (you know the ones with the big rings for doing/undoing) and you've got some mega wardrobe hero pieces that will score you serious points down the local fashion disco. I've never been a girl to please and collections like this are my undoing, they make my heart beat a little faster, the hairs on my neck prickle and my cheeks flush... All little biological reminders why I am OBSESSED with fashion, and why despite the setbacks and self doubt I know I could never be involved in anything else. It's collections like this that make me proud to get funny look, nasty things whispered at me and why I could never ever dress for boys... I'm all for impressing the girls. You know what I mean... That little flush of pride when a fellow fashion pervert stops you to tell you she loves your outfit.

images courtesy of style.com

Roll up, Roll up...

Yesssssss! Fashion month is finally here... I have spent six months (well sort of, we had couture in July) waiting for this big fashion perving extravaganza and I have never been more excited... I'm usually more bothered about the round up of February shows because I am a total autumn/winter girl at heart and hardly shop much over summer, however this year was a total u-turn for me. Last September I nearly died of excitement because the shows and trends were FINALLY different... There were no lashings of Breton stripes, the usual nautical fare and boring sundresses... It was like a fifties, sherbet pastel/ice cream/macaroon explosion! I effing loved it all. So this September I am quite excited to see how s/s 13 will be shaping up aesthetically...

Thakoon S/S 13

First up from my NYFW highlights is Thakoon... Now I am a massive fan of the little collective of NY Asian designers because I for one am not really into the New York aesthetic but Thakoon, Alexander Wang, Philip Lim and Derek Lam always make me sneak a peek because their interpretations of the season is always fabulous. Thakoon's offering for this week was no disappointment, he utilised sumptuous florals and hummingbirds teamed with cool, simple shapes and fine gold lines almost giving a caged effect. I loved the little flashes of yellow, cobalt blue, green and hand made lace (which later on became the focal point of gowns cuts into butterfly and botanical shapes) and chunks of black that added a harder edge. I loved the way that the collection began to take on an edgy patchwork look.

Then halfway through wispy gossamer fine transparent layers and panels were teamed with teeny ditzy florals and the collection looked a lot more sweet and feminine, rather than hard and edgy. Towards the end laser cut shapes and huge transparent paillettes (massive disc like sequins if you're not too sure...) added a further cool look to proceedings. I just loved that the collection kept the same light, feminine floral/garden mood but catered for a zillion different tastes and styles... The point of a collection, no?

Victoria Beckham S/S 13

From the first flurry of shows Victoria Beckham caught my beady little eye, now Mrs Beckham and her collections aren't really what I ever wear or choose when shopping but I have decided along with a few Parisian brands (see Chloe, Céline, Lancin, Chanel) her brand will be what I will be emulating when I grow up. Maybe be I even want to be her a little bit...

Her offering for next season didn't disappoint either, the useof soft minimal tailoring adding a grown up air to her floppy, short pleated dresses and skirts created a wonderfully minimal yet super polished aesthetic. I love that there is always a little knee length sculpted austerity for the slightly maturer client giving ladies of a certain age (and bank balance) the chance to look, well, fabulous! The colour palette was mainly monotone with flashes of sumptuous tomato red. The silhouettes were simply crisp, clean and gorgeous with the additions of her usual sport inspired sharp lines and panels... There were lovely panels of lace giving stiff, sharps shapes a cute burly feel. My favourite parts were the unadulterated slinky, lingerie inspired dresses that even the teensiest models were positively poured into... So the order of the Beckham day is... Buy these pieces whatever shape or style, and you will look effortless, cool and downright FIT! Go Vicky B!!!

Alexandre Herchcovitch

Thirdly in my round of New York fashion perving is the talented Alexandre Herchcovitch.... My favourite thing about this chap is his collections are rarely the same. I loved this collection because it was so different, cool and playful,compared to what I've seen so far. The shapes were deconstructed, minimal yet so well cut they still make you look wonderful. It was a huge mish mash of different textures, prints and silhouettes so it met all my eclectic needs.

There were mixtures of small checks, lathe checks, monotone and bold colours and prints. I loved the layering of checks with fine florals and graphic prints. I loved the cocoon shapes and flashes of egg yolk yellow that burst into proceedings later on in the collection. I liked that there was something childlike and rebellious about the heart motifs and clashing prints running through the collection.

Roll on next season....

all images courtesy of style.com

Leather and Suede

I spotted Vicky, a fashion student, milling around my local Size? and knew I had to capture her for my blog... She was rocking the right amount of trashion with a cool girl edge... Think more grunge than ghetto if you will!

I can't even decide what part of the ensemble is my favourite. I just loved the hi/lo aspect of oversized leather and suede with boyish Nike Air Max juxtaposed with the vintage Chanel. I loved the little rude girl vibe of the mini creole earrings too... Oh and the slash of grown up deep red lippie added something a little off to the proceedings...

One of my all time favourite traits in somebody's personal style is using certain styles of grooming that are a polar opposite to the garms they are rocking, and Vicky has achieved that perfectly. I also love that she is wearing oversized leather pieces (very Céline) as opposed to next seasons boring vampy "how to wear leather..." trend, I like that it's not all sexy sexy and uber tight pencil skirt/peplum combo that is boring the fuck out of me already. I really love it when someone puts a total spin on a look/trend/texture and it's totally unexpected and a little random. They always make the best outfits...

Obsessions...

I have been working a lot lately, which has sadly stopped me from spending as much time as I would like on here, meaning after I get home I tend to just pass out in front of the telly or manage to force myself to cook a meal... Also I have been a bit brain redundant and struggling to think up post ideas because I have been so overworked and in need of a sunny holiday, or a break to refresh my head. After much thought there will be a few regular post additions, as well as the odd wild card so I can make the lovely blog more consistent and regular.

So as a little insight into my world I thought I would post about a few things I have been loving, and doing non stop... I have decided to do a little weekly/fortnightly 'Obsessions' post giving folk an insight into what is making me tick... I think I have a habitual/addictive personality and go through phases of obsessively eating the same foods, wearing the same things, and doing the same routines and I fancy inflicting this silly little side of me on folk... please comment if you think it is a bit wanky, I thought it'd be nice and a cool way to personalise things on here.

Firstly...

Chanel Perversion! I recently came into a rather princely sum of pennies and after clearing up some financial indiscretions (ie nasty debts) I had a little left over which I decided to use to gift myself with some Chanel goodies. I have a small secret list of "fancy things to buy before I die" and many of them happen to be from the house of two C's... After much deliberation (and deciding I do NOT need another iPhone case) I settled on ballet pumps (beige/black toe) in lambskin, a cosmetic case in caviar leather with hammered silver hardware and a Timeless Classic purse in lambskin with gold hardware. The purse will match the handbag I plan on saving for and gifting myself as a Christmas gift next year... Think of my purse as a sweet reminder of what I am slogging my guts out at work for! Anyways my new treats mean a lot because I am not some trustafarian with buckets of cash being thrown at me by my parents, neither do I have a 6 figure salary, therefore these things are poignant, and classic. Things I intend to keep forever and pass down to a little girl of my own one day. Or stash away in a cupboard to peek at when I am old and grey and wish to be reminded of how fabulous my life once was...

Next up are my recent boot purchases... First up, the £45 Topshop knock-offs of the luvvverly Acne Pistol boots... I had to get these as I wanted the slightly pricier fakes they did a few months ago with two zips that every girl bought. I, sadly, spent my pennies on other things an was delighted to find they re-issued them cheaper! Winner! Good things come to those who wait, etc etc... I got these instead of pretty dresses to wear on a weekend of debauchery with my BFF at Manchester Pride acting as his wing woman, and I recon they will last me a lot longer and come in handier. The other studded, strapped and generally fabulous pair were a little impulse treat that I spotted on my lunch break, and decided needed to move into my dressing room. I have wanted a nice pair of biker boots for ages, as I live in the SUPER rain soaked city of Manchester and didn't want to ruin another pair of Uggs in the snow/rain that will inevitably become part of my daily routine. Plus they just look pretty snazzy...

Third up was an magical little freebie I acquired for subscribing to Grazia magazine... £52 worth of Phyto Lab hair goodies. When you get such fun things as a thank you I thought 'why the hell not!' I have heard good things about this French hair care brand, and thought I would give the products a whirl and see if they make my bouncy curls stronger and generally hair-tastic! Plus, who can say no to a fancy free treat?!

Number 4 is prosecco with strawberries... Quite possibly the most wonderful, summery drink I have ever encountered... I love Champagne and Prosecco because they are bubbly, tasty and makes my head feel all fizzy and I giggle a little when I drink them... My friend said its better with raspberries but I was happy with the humble strawberry. I won't lie, it would have been fine riding solo but you know, when in Rome and all that... I just love a bit of bubble especially in summer. It just makes me smile, and is the way balmy summer evenings should be spent... drowning in bubbles surrounded by magical company!

Now the next obsession may be listed far down but it is far from low on my list of general obsessing... It is a woven boucle tweed-esque long jacket I picked up in Zara. The photo doesn't do her justice! She is just lovely... I feel like a proper grown up lady when I wear it, and that makes me feel rather good. I have to really consider my outfit when I want to wear it too... as certain things would look silly with it. That in itself makes me feel like a proper woman (although I'm 26 I often feel like a teenager unsure of myself and who I am) and I rather enjoy feeling that way. It has big gold buttons on the shoulders and pocket fastenings, and makes me feel like a chic parisian lady. I feel like I should be shopping on Rue Cambon and having afternoon tea at the Ritz. I also love that it looks a wee bit Chanel, a look that Zara do oh so well, and without looking like a cheap knock off. The best part is it's unlined so hangs just so... The way every jacket should.

Last but definitely not least... The humble cup of tea. Responsible for making me feel human most mornings, and soothing me when I feel a bit fed up.