Archive for the ‘Hot or Not’ Category

2 July 2010: 09:00

Hot or not: summer boots

Think of summer footwear and you normally conjure up images of flip flops and sandals. Not so this year. The ankle boot has taken over as the summer trend of choice. It has become the surprise fashion hit of the season.

The ankle boot was seen on many a well-turned heel at Glastonbury too. Check out Sienna Miller’s totally festival-appropriate look. She ticks so many of the hot trend boxes – the cute denim shorts, the straw hat, the crochet waistcoat and of course, the lace up ankle boot.

It may not look particularly pretty, but the ankle boot is a sensible choice for the British summer. We’re never too far away from a rain cloud after all. Plus, it’s really comfy and ideal for walking. But fashion isn’t meant to be comfortable is it? When did stylish and practical go hand in hand?

After months of hiding feet away inside thick socks and winter boots, isn’t it good to give them a bit of an airing? Surely summer is the time to treat your feet to a pedicure and show them off in sexy sandals.

What do you think? Summer boots – hot or not?

Left to right: Max Cleat lace boot, Schuh £84.99; Loose lace choc leather boot, Office £90; Millie canvas boot, Topshop £30

Comment(1) | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , , ,
Categories: Fashion, Hot or Not

28 April 2010: 16:35

Hot or Not? Crop Tops

Back in the ‘80s, you couldn’t move for crop tops. Madonna flaunted her tummy in cropped lace tops, Yazz went sporty in a cropped vest top, while Bananarama larked about in a uniform of cropped loose T-shirts and ra-ra skirts.

For those of us that lived through the ‘80s, it was one of those trends we were glad to see the back off. After all, unless you had a toned stomach, they really weren’t the easiest look to rock.

Imagine our ‘delight’ then when we clocked a plethora of cropped tops hitting the high street. From cropped logo T-shirts to glammed up lace versions, if you want to be top of the crops, there’s plenty to choose from.

This is one trend however that really should be left to the young – if you remember the craze from the first time around, you should probably leave it alone.

If you do want to persist with the trend, try a bit of double layering and wear your lace cropped top over a white body or, wear a cropped jumper over a long-line vest. There are also some more modestly cropped tops out there (like the floral number from Miss Selfridge, below), which will look great paired with a high waisted denim skirt.

Top to Bottom: Cropped jumper, £7, New Look; Soul Cal California Crop Tee, £14,99, Republic; Lace cropped top, £38, Topshop; Floral cropped top, £35, Miss Selfridge

So, what do you think of the cropped top trend? Is it wearable? And more importantly will you be flashing your abs this summer?

Comment(1) | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , , ,
Categories: Fashion, Hot or Not, Trends

16 April 2010: 10:19

Hot or Not? Satchels

It may have been a few years since you considered toting a satchel, but it’s time to banish those school memories as the satchel is the bag of 2010.

It all started when Mulberry produced their gorgeous Alexa satchel. Named after TV presenter and model Alexa Chung, this bag, produced in a variety of finishes, has kick-started the satchel trend on the high street. If you want the real deal, you’re going to need to pay out around £700, but fear not, this new it-bag can be found on the high street for a whole lot less!

This is one fashion area where your man can come in handy, as satchels have long been a staple in their wardrobe, and men’s departments have some great authentic looking leather satchels out there, starting from as little as £99. However, if you want something a little more girlie, check out M&S, Topshop or Hobbs who have all created our favourite it-bags.

From top to bottom: Metallic satchel, £35, M&S; NW3 satchel, £179, Hobbs; Pushlock satchel, £45, Topshpo

They’re so adaptable, and will look as good at work as they will at festivals – that handy long strap means you can wear them across your body, leaving your hands free for that essential beer!

Take some notes from Alexa, and keep the rest of your outfit casually slouchy – throw it on over a parka and floral dress combo, or team it with your double denim.

So will you be going back to school and picking up a satchel this season? Or do you think they should remain in the school playground? Don’t forget to let us know your comments!

Comment(1) | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,
Categories: Celebrity Style, Fashion, Hot or Not, Trends

13 March 2010: 09:30

Hot or Not? Dungarees

When Alexa Chung recently wore Ralph Lauren dungarees in the March issue of Vogue, we all knew that the head-to-toe Americana denim revival was in full swing.

A clear ‘love or hate’ item that originally began life as men’s workwear, dungarees have once again seen a revival on catwalks around the globe. A very tricky trend to pull off – associations with farmers and mechanics spring to mind -  they were last seen in the ’90s before they were banished to our charity-shop pile.

We’re not convinced here at Westfield HQ and think they’re best left to toddler-wear, but for those who want to embrace the trend, Oasis, H&M and River Island all have options in their Spring/Summer collections. For a modern, feminine take on the look, team yours with a camisole or semi-sheer blouse and nude coloured shoes.

L-R: Oasis dungarees, £45, River Island dungarees, £29.99, Whistles Pinafore Dungarees, £135.

Comments(2) | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,
Categories: Fashion, Hot or Not

6 March 2010: 09:20

Hot or Not? Clogs

Already labelled the “it” shoe of the season, clogs were a key piece in the Chanel Spring/Summer collection. While not all trends filter down to the high street, this is not true of the clog with stores, such as Topshop and Kurt Geiger, selling a variety of different takes on the distinctive wooden-heeled shoe.

Best teamed with the floral looks of the season, clogs offer a modern take on ’70s hippy-chic and are undeniably more comfortable than the sky-high heels of past seasons. However, it has to be said that they’re not the prettiest of shoe and just because Alexa Chung can pull them off, doesn’t mean us mere mortals can!

What do you think? Will you be wearing clogs this Spring/Summer? Our advice is to chose your clogs wisely…  you’ve been warned!

Clockwise: Zara, £99, Kurt Geiger, £150, Topshop, £40, and Aldo, £70.

Comment(1) | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,
Categories: Fashion, Hot or Not

11 January 2010: 09:48

Hot or Not? Uber Hair Accessories

Since the models at the Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2009 catwalk show appeared wearing bunny ears, hair accessories have become oversized. It wasn’t a huge surprise. The last few years have seen a rise in all things oversize – from sunglasses to bags – but these were much easier looks to carry off.

Hair accessories have been popular for a while now with the Blair Waldorf Gossip Girl look being seen sported on many a high street. Now, apart from being able to buy these somewhat tame alice bands, the high street has gone crazy for uber-hair accessories – from bunny ears to huge bows.

L-R: Red Velvet Bow Headband, £6, Miss Selfridge; Nude Bunny Ears, £18, Topshop; Crazy Flora Catwalk Alice Band, £12, Accessorize

This is definitely not a look for the shy and retiring type, however, we think they can definitely add a touch of uniqueness to a boring outfit. Imagine the Topshop bunny ears, above, worn with a simple black playsuit? Or the red bow teamed with a casual blazer and skinny jeans combo? This is one trend we love!

But it’s over to you? What do you think of this latest craze – is it hot? Or most certainly not?  Leave your comments now.

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , , ,
Categories: Fashion, Hot or Not, Trends

22 December 2009: 16:01

Hot Or Not? The Body Is Back!

We’ve probably got Lady Gaga and her eccentric dress sense to thank for that ’80s classic, the body coming back into fashion. Back in the day, they were all the rage on the catwalk and suited the sleek, power dressing that was so popular.

Having worn the original bodies however, I’m somewhat reluctant to tip my toe in that trend again. For one, they were really quite uncomfortable and then there was the somewhat un-lady like issue of going to the toilet!

However, the body seems to be back with a vengeance and looks like carrying onto be a big trend for Spring/Summer 2010, with the underwear as outerwear theme that was seen on many of the catwalk shows. The new style bodies do have some plus points – they make layered dressing very easy and

If you do think the body is hot, wear them with jeans, flirty skater skirts and harem pants. Do not, whatever you do, team them with jeggings or leggings – camel toe is not a good look!

the_body

Comment(1) | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , ,
Categories: Fashion, Hot or Not

13 November 2009: 09:30

Hot or Not? Jeggings

There’s one so-called fashionable item that we’ve got to call to task – jeggings. Part jean, part legging nearly all of the top high street stores stock this peculiar fashion item. More structure than a legging, but not as flattering as a pair of jeans, they also seem to be on all you fashion lovers.

Now we have seen some people rock this look, but we’ve also seen a lot of unflattering jeggings out there. Unless you’re stick thin with legs to die for, we think this is one trend to avoid – but what do you think? Are jeggings your thing? Or do you think they should be consigned to the fashion bin?

jeggings

Comments(3) | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , ,
Categories: Hot or Not

26 October 2009: 14:54

Hot or Not? Halloween Fashion

‘Tis the season to be scary with Halloween just around the corner. As a nation, we’re spending more on Halloween than ever before and the shops haven’t been slow to cotton on. From pumpkin outfits for newborn babies to skeleton earrings for the grown ups, Halloween has never been so fashionable. Or has it?

A quick look around some of our favourite high street retailers showed that everyone from M&S to Topshop are providing Halloween related products, whether it’s full on costumes or gothic accessories.  Take a look below at some of the fun (or hideous, depending on your view!) products we found on the hight street.

halloweenfashion

Skull Tee, £10 (New Look for Men); Leopard Ears, £4 (Topshop); Flashing skull brooch, £4 (Accessorize); Pumpkin bag, £3.50 (M&S); Wendy Witch Earrings, £3 (Accessorize)

We think that Halloween is a bit of fun and that it’s the one holiday where being fashionable goes out of the window, however, we’ll be sticking to kitsch skulls and cute ears, after all if rabbit ears were good enough for Louis Vuitton this season, then they’re good enough for us!

If you’re doing a full costume, try to avoid the sexy witch/vampire/werewolf option and go for full on comedy fun. Or you could be like one member of our team who dressed up as The Devil Wears Prada one year – her costume comprised of leopard print horns, a large Prada shirt worn as a dress and huge big sunnies. Stylish and fun – we love!

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,
Categories: Fashion, Hot or Not, Men's Fashion

15 October 2009: 14:50

Hot or Not? Snoods

Back in the decade that style forgot – also known as the ‘80s – there were many strange and unwearable trends. Even though the ‘80s is back with a vengeance, the styles have been given a noughties feel, meaning people look cool rather than foolish! However, we’ve noticed one particular trend that has resurfaced and we’re just not sure how we feel about it.

Wikipedia says a snood is ‘to a tubular neck protector or warmer’ which in theory is fine, however, isn’t that the function a scarf has? It can obviously be used as a hood – snood is after all a mixture of the words scarf and snood – but it can look slightly odd. Nativity plays spring to mind for some reason!

Lots of shops are selling the new look snood, including Dorothy Perkins, which have come up with this vibrant pink version for £15. While it looks quite cute, it does look like a scarf, which begs the question, why don’t you just buy a scarf? However, the most disturbing new snood on the block has to be the men’s version! While wearing it as a scarf (as this New Look one is), it’s fine, but really will any man ever use the hood facility.

snood

So is this another trend flash in the pan resigned to the bargain bin in three months or are snoods here to stay? We hope not – but what do you think? Post your comments below now!

Comment(1) | Email | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , ,
Categories: Hot or Not, Trends