Style Notes » Fashion

Style crush… Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Sophie — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:41:57 +0000

From her effortless airport style, to her red carpet leg baring gowns, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley gets it right every time. The Devon native may have migrated to the sunny beaches of California, but it seems she has taken her laid back signature British style with her where ever she goes. 2011 was a big year for Miss Huntington-Whiteley, earning her Victoria Secrets angel wings and starring in the box office smash Transformers: Dark of the Moon, plus being the face and body of Burberry and M&S, it seems the whole world has fallen for the Brit beauty as much as we have.

For effortless Rosie chic add a breton top and scarf to skinny jeans or leathers. Ankle boots and an it bag finish the look off perfectly.

Kate Moss goes monochrome for Mango

Anna Krahn — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:07:29 +0000

We love the latest campaign for Mango featuring Kate Moss (see the video below – it’s fab) and we can’t get enough of Mango’s latest collection of simple, well cut, staple pieces. Kate Moss always looks effortlessly chic and this outfit of black skinnies with ankle boots, pale blouse and black blazer is simple, casual yet elegant. Now watch the video. We want pretty much everything in it…

This season’s essential: the Zara Shopper Basket

Anna Krahn — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:54:05 +0000

The Zara shopper was one of the most popular bags of last season but we think their new shopper basket is even better (so expect to see it everywhere). Big enough to fit your life into but structured and stylish the bag comes in black and sand for £39.99.

Trend alert: 90s Grunge

Anna Krahn — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

It had to happen at some point. The 70s and 80s have had their come back for the last couple of seasons as every decade does and as 2012 kicks off, so does a return back to the days of crop tops and grunge - say hello (again) to the 90s.

While many of us who did live through the decade may not look too fondly on a number of trends – think Spice Girl platforms (shudder) – 90s grunge was the look that defined a generation.

Topshop have got it spot on with their latest collection of rock-inspired t-shirts, denim and leather.

Get the look

Hippy Girl Photo Tee: £18,

Peace bra top £12,

Check grandad shirt £28,

Flat top plastic sunglasses: £16,

April Nubock flat Chelsea, £62,

Black leather crossbody £68,

Moto Denim hotpants £30,

All Topshop

How to wear it

Do plenty of denim. Long, short, fitted, a little baggy, as jeans, as a shirt, as a scarf…wherever, it just needs to look like it’s been lived in a little.

Midriffs are back in vogue so if you can bear to bare it then, well, do.

Checked shirts – wear over crop top or with denim shorts and boots for the perfect 90s grunge look.

Boots are flat or with a small chunky heel, ankle length and mean business.

A little taste of Spring from River Island

Anna Krahn — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:53:19 +0000

There’s something very un-January about January at the moment, what with the Spring flowers popping up and the weather being about as mild as it gets.

So, it’s no surprise that our thoughts have turned to next season’s trends earlier than expected. With that little taste of Spring in the stores there’s plenty to get excited about on the fashion front and looking at River Island’s SS12 collection is enough to have us looking around for a beach to go and lie on. Layering on the colour and the prints next season is going to be bright and playful for men and women…

Here’s a little taster of River Island’s Spring /Summer 2012 collection.

New Year Style Resolutions

Anna Krahn — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:51:08 +0000

The new year always feels like it’s time for a change, whether it’s big or small. Well, if you want to make some style changes to your life we think these seven style resolutions are well worth sticking to if you want to strut your way through 2012.

1. Have a wardrobe clearout

Be honest. If you don’t wear half your wardrobe it’s taking up valuable space for things you love. Clear it out and move on.

2. Plan your new wardrobe (and your budget).

We all buy those things that we like that we’ll never have anything to wear with or just end up buying the same thing with a slight variation. Try planning your purchases for the seasons ahead. Find out what you need, figure out what you want to spend and buy things that will make your new season wardrobe complete.

3. Spend it wisely

Do you shy away from spending £100 on a top you love but then buy several tops you ‘quite like’ which then adds up to more anyway? Stop buying things you don’t really want! Invest in something you’ll really love and get your money’s worth.

4. Be sale savvy

Shopping the sales well is an art form. There are still plenty of great bargains out there but you do have to take the time to go through it. Don’t buy something which is very seasonal because it will be ‘so last season’ before you’ve left the store. Think ahead and buy those good quality everyday essentials like jeans and boots in the sale.

5. Refresh your make up kit

Some things may not have a sell by date but if your blusher or fave eyeshadow is looking a bit tired it’s definitely time to upgrade. You can get the same colour but you’ll find that a brand new version can make all the difference.

6. Find your scent for the year

If this year’s about love try out a scent with floral hints to make you feel the romance all the time or if your new year’s resolution is career progression then why not try something with a little more punch to put a spring in your work step.

7. Try out a new look

So you always wear black or you always get your hair highlighted every 6 weeks and trimmed. Try out something a little different (like Leighton Meester, pictured) for the new year and see how it feels. Maybe you’ll like yourself as a brunette or rocking a bit of colour in your wardrobe.

Fashion Foie Gras on Aquascutum

Anna Krahn — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:28:14 +0000

Recently we caught up with the lovely Emily Johnston of blog Fashion Foie Gras for her take on our newest brand to hit The Village at Westfield London Aquascutum. Here, Emily talks about why she loves the brand and how she almost made off with one of the coats…

Say hello to Harriet, Mulberry’s new must-have bag

Anna Krahn — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:35:33 +0000

We’ve had Alexa, Tillie and Lily and now there’s a new girl in town threatening to steal the ‘It’ bag crown. Meet Harriet, the new bag from Mulberry that’s already going down a storm.

The latest collection of bags from Mulberry which comes in the form of clutch (left), tote, satchel and shoulder bag is coming to stores in the new year just in time for the new year.

The patent beige spongy clutch version seen here is already a firm celebrity favourite with Kate Bosworth with her showing it off at several Hollywood dos while the Harriet, in its various incarnations, has also been spotted the top of the fashion food chain gracing the hands and shoulders of the likes of Blake Lively and Olivia Palermo.

The Mulberry Harriet, £350, coming soon to Mulberry, The Village Westfield London

My Christmas Wishlist by Briony Whitehouse

Anna Krahn — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:58:51 +0000

Briony Whitehouse, the blogger behind A Girl, A Style and our official guest blogger for The Village shares her holiday wishes with us; from investment pieces to everyday luxe.

INVESTMENT LUXE

Mulberry jewelled Lily bag (£850): Every season, my pulse quickens as the new bags arrive in the windows at Mulberry. I’m currently dreaming of finding this gorgeous midnight suede bag (I love the coloured gems and the chain strap) under my tree. I’d wear it with a pretty dress for parties, or slung over jeans for day.
Jimmy Choo glittery Tyler ipad case (£260): I’ve just got myself a shiny new ipad (for blogging on the go), and this glittery pouch will make it look like a Christmas present every single day!
Louis Vuitton leather agenda (£225): Despite the fact I am constantly overcommitted, I love the idea of starting the year thoroughly organised. and in the age of digital overload, isn’t there something lovely about putting pen to paper each day?
Miu Miu crystal necklace (£290): My love affair for Miu Miu shows no signs of slowing down, and their new-season jewels are just fabulous. Like the Mulberry bag, this multi-coloured collar would work as well over a plain black tee as it would with your most fabulous party dress and just screams ‘party!’.

EVERYDAY LUXURY

Whistles feather hem dress (£265): The perfect ‘happy dress’ for winter, if you ask me. Wear it on Christmas Day, on New Year’s Eve, on a romantic date, to after-work cocktails, or just when you’re feeling sad and want to be feeling fabulous.
Kurt Geiger glittery Lucille flats (£80): Amazing heels may be the ultimate footwear luxury, but I personally love the idea of my everyday run-all-over-town flats being twinkly and special too.
Tiffany sterling silver twist bow necklace (£225): My sister gave me a Tiffany heart necklace years and years ago, and even though my fashion tastes may have changed since then, I still treasure it to this day. You’d be hard pressed to find a girl who wouldn’t be thrilled to find a little blue box under her tree, and their silver pendant charm necklaces (starting at £80) are whimsical and adorable. There are countless pendants to choose (from lucky charms to Eiffel Towers), but this bow is my favourite.
Mulberry Bayswater key ring (£95): Even if you can’t afford the actual bag, this golden key ring would be the most adorable little treasure to pull out of your bag each day (and bonus points for being cute and practical).

SMALL LUXURIES

Jo Malone large Pomegranate Noir candle (£38): Any Jo Malone candle will make your house smell instantly more welcoming and luxurious. I’ll admit they’re not cheap, but they last for hours and hours (40, to be exact) and are simply incomparable to cheaper imitators. I dare you to choose going out vs staying in once you’ve lit this!
Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb perfume (from £46.50): Who doesn’t love getting perfume for Christmas? This is a delicious heady floral, and is a universal woman (and man) – pleaser. Will last for months and months and make all your wintery layers smell delicious.
Wolford Bunny Dot Tights (£32): Like beautiful lingerie, there is something so divine about beautiful stockings. These will make any black dress feel a bit fun at Christmas. Although I warn you, you won’t be able to go back to buying bargain 3-pack tights after trying Wolford!

STOCKING STUFFERS

Whistles clover stud earrings (£15): These are adorable, lucky and a bargain! What’s not to love?
Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick (£23.50): A classic Chanel red lipstick or gloss is the ultimate in small luxuries.
Deborah Lippmann glittery nail polish (£14-£18): With glitter, crushed diamonds and 24k gold flakes, Deborah Lippmann’s polishes are outrageously fabulous! I promise this will make fingers look twinkly and happy on even the greyest of post-Christmas days.
Dior Creme de Rose plumping lip balm (£19.50): Because it smells like rose petals, softens winter-ravaged lips, and looks like it belongs on a Hollywood starlet’s dressing table.

A touch of heavy metal this party season

Anna Krahn — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:00:49 +0000

It’s party time and while the music may be chart toppers and guilty pleasures (a recurring theme this year) the dress code has a touch of sparkle which is definitely more rock than cheese. Metallic leathers, sequins galore, studs and embellishment are all big party hits this season and even if its just a touch of accessory rather than full on head-to-toe shine there’s a way to get a little metal into your wardrobe this year.

From left to right: Premium coated snake jacket, Topshop, £110, Premium metallic calf skirt, Topshop, £60; Sequin Wrap Dress, Rare by Topshop, £55, Skinny belt, Topshop, £14; Mixed metal necklace, Evans, £10; Planet Shift Dress, £79, House of Fraser, Black embellished boots, River Island, £55

For more party looks check out our picks from the best party dresses on sale. It’s like Christmas come early!