Untitled but Elegant

This "The Sartorialist" image (all copyright to the photographer - http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/) is, in my opinion, so amazing it deserves an entire post dedicated to it. Scott Schuman says of his photograph; "I love the simple color story of navy, tan and brown; but what really caught my eye was the slimness of their jacket sleeves. Look how narrow they are around the wrist - so many of today's jackets are cut so loose to fit everyone (or at least everyone with fat wrists)."
I think its breath taking. The combination of Schuman's simple, realistic photography and this man's exquisite style make for a photo to inspire the entire season's wardrobe.
To translate this timelessly tailored look opt for a blazer just like this one, with the key element a very slim sleeve, sitting just at the wrist (Reiss, Zara, Ralph Lauren). Team this with Topshop's 'Pippa Ankle Grazer' jeans in a dark indigo wash, and cuff the bottoms like this man has done. Make sire the turn-ups are no thicker than 1 inch, to complete the super-slim-and-tailored vibe. For the shirt go with a simple button-up in pale blue, or on chillier days a navy-blue slim sweater and maybe even a gold and maroon diagonal striped tie. Shoe-wise stick to brogues like this man does, or try a simple white or navy lace-up plimsoll (Topshop, Office, Primark). The straw trilby also adds a lovely, fresh touch; try one with a red and blue striped ribbon to add to the slightly nautical feel of the whole look.
I haven't changed the style much I know, but its so perfect I really didn't need to!

Happy Shopping and Read The Sartorialist! Real people are the best style inspiration you will ever find.

Love, Fashionista
xxx

Style Icon - Alexa Chung

Tomboy style is huge this a/w, and Alexa Chung has the casual "I just got out of bed and threw this on" vibe radiating out of her. Luckily this style is very simple to recreate, just make sure you wear it with just the right amount of laid-back nonchalance.

Layering is key in this look, so try a basic loose tee in nude, grey, black or white (Zara, Topshop, H&M, Primark) under a Breton stripe top, which every girl should own. Its hard to recommend shops for these, as everyone likes a different style. I have 2 however - A short sleeved tee from H&M and a long sleeved classic french vintage one. Complete this look with skinny jeans, plain boots or plimsolls, long miss-matched necklaces and a couple of bangles.
For cooler weather a military style coat is the essential cover-up. Wear with a simple skirt, black opaques and brogues.
In the summer opt for ripped denim hot-pants an striped tops or shirts, semi-tucked in. Add ballet pumps and a bright beach bag for days tomboy fun in the sun.

Alexa Chung is pretty much the saint of the Breton stripe top, so if you're trying to emulate her style then its a absolute essential. It can be so tricky to find the perfect one, so I've helped you out a bit - I love this Jack Wills version of the classic, its loose, stylish and distinctly Alexa Chung:Its in the Jack Wills seasonal sale now, for £39.


Skinny Jeans are another wardrobe essential, and key to the Alexa look. If you don't already own a pair head to Toppers and snap up these beauties:
For the military coat try Zara, or Primark's wonderful new collection. Topshop also have some nice versions and if you're shopping with no budget then Miu-Miu, Burburry and MaxMara are the coat Meccas.

Coat - £741.08 by Burburry at Saks Fifth Avenue UK

For a night on the town stay with the cool vibe, just dress it up a little with a Uniqlo grey marl jersey skirt, ballet pumps (Office, Faith etc.), a blazer (Another Alexa essential, try Zara and Ralph Lauren) and head to Gap and snap up one of their new silk slouchy tees for the finishing touch of laid-back luxe.

Skirt - £19.99 at Uniqlo

To add an individual touch add a few different necklaces, bangles and rings to your look, but be careful not to over do it or you will look like you tried to hard. The aim is to look like you couldn't care less, but still be utterly fabulous!

Happy Shopping!

Love, Fashionista
xxx

Understated British Perfection

For a/w '09, I'm so completely in love with Aquascutum. Their classic, sophisticated take on Audrey Hepburn-esque poised elegance is perfect for next season, with warm winter basics combined with beautiful detailing and a timeless vibe. Here are my favorite looks from the new collection:

This chic ensemble combines brights with a/w must have; tweed. The pieces are available at http://www.aquascutum.com/ but for a cheaper option try Reiss, their look book is very reminiscent of Aquascutum's clean lined luxury:
I love this look, and you could team it with a tweed blazer; one of Reiss's own or Zara and Topshop have some slightly less pricey versions available. I love the yellow skirt here; yellow is huge for a/w '09, it has that much needed cheerful smile about it, and looks radiant with our winter darks and neutrals. To finish off the look, add shoes or boots in a neutral shade and a large, neural tote (Louis Vuitton?)

Here's my next lust-worthy look from Aquascutum:
I love this blouse. Love it. Its so feminine and voluptuous, and so British. It's also very Blair Waldorf (look at my earlier post on her if you like this top). I love it with the Gucci style trousers, but I think it would be even better with a fitted high-waisted skirt in neutrals, maroon, yellow or moss green, possibly made from boiled wool. And so here's the Reiss look that I think captures this style:
I know it might look quite different from the Aquascutum style, but they both use the magic combination of the statement, voluptuous top with the slimline, neutral toned lower. I love the detailing on the hips of this skirt and the top gives a nice hint of colour, but If you love this look then that stunning Aquascutum blouse is the only true choice; team with a Reiss skirt, or head to Zara for a cheaper option.

Here's my final Aquascutum style:
J'adore. This dress is lovely, and the detailing adds interest. Also have you noticed Aquascutum's silk headscarf's on these models? I love them, they add that charmingly personal, vintage edge to any look. Try Hermes for true tradition, or head to Tie Rack for a fantastic bargain. A silk scarf is such a useful thing to have; wear one round your neck, on your head or, for a bit of flair, try knotting one round one of the handles of your bag. Voila; sophisticated Parisian chic!

For a High Street adaptation of this high-end look, try a simple smock dress (Zara, Reiss, Phase Eight, Whistles, Boden etc.) in a neutral tone, with discrete pattern or detailing. Clinch in at the waist with a chocolate brown skinny belt and tie a bright silk scarf around your head or neck for a finishing touch. Team with neutral heels or brown boots and a large, neutral tote.

Happy Shopping!

Love, Fashionista
xxx

Hello Fashionistas!

Hello Fashionistas!
Inspired by Gossip Girl, Vogue and my new resolutions I have decided to start a blog. I doubt anyone will ever read it, or if I will mange to keep it up, but here goes!
Its the most important time of my fashion calender right now, as its time to sort out our a/w '09 wardrobes! I hit Oxford Street yesterday and I'm saving for one of those gorgeous cashmere tweed Ralph Lauren Blazers. Tweed: Stylish, Sophisticated and utterly, utterly timeless. From Chanel monochrome to farmers hats, we British love tweed as much as Wimbledon and our dogs.Tweed Investments a/w 'o9: Chanel Jacket

Miu Miu's Oatmeal Tweed Coat
Ralph Lauren Cashmere Blazer
Chloe's Grey Tweed Suit (Wear with feminine Blush Silk Blouse)
Farmers Cap

Remember - Tweed has spilt into two distinct groups; The masculine, farmer style caps and loose blazer club and the feminine, structured and clean sophisticated luxury. I'm all for them both, but I love the new elegant tweed, it screams next season; new, beautiful and classic. I adore classic.
Speaking of classic, lady like is back. I'll be dreaming of Chloe's scalloped blush jackets this season, and maybe Diane Von Fustenburg with her stunning signature jersey wrap dresses.

So here are my resolutions and my wish list of a/w 'o9:

RESOLUTIONS

As Gok Wan Says "Shop Less Wear More"
Start a Blog
Have a clear Image of what I want
Only buy pieces that fit into this Image
Be Better Organized
Read Enlightening Books

WISH LIST

Breton Stripe Top
Ralph Lauren Tweed Blazer
Marni Coat (Winter Florals)
Viktor and Rolf Flat Boots
Elbow Gloves in Berry Shades (Nina Ricci have some stunners)
Jumbo Hounds-Tooth Waist Skirt or Jacket (Try Chanel and Hobbs)
Chloe Scalloped everything
DVF Jersey Wrap Dress
Camel Trench
Boiled Wool Coat and Skirt

Happy Shopping!

Love, Fashionista
xxx

Gucci and Christian Lacroix show us why we heart tweed...