Posts Tagged ‘military’

23 August 2010: 09:00

Spend or save: skinny cargo pants

The military trend is key for Autumn/Winter and khaki trousers have been spotted across numerous collections. But would you go for the khaki cargos loved by celebs or the high street budget buy?

Left to right: Khaki skinny cargo pants, New Look £25; J Brand Houlihan khaki skinny cargo pants, Donna Ida £245

We’ve lost count of the number of stylish celebs that we’ve spotted wearing J Brand Houlihans - Jessica Alba, Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth are just a few of them. The skinny khaki version has been flying off the shelves at Donna Ida. Fear not, they are back in stock now. 

Look out for the new Houlihan in town too. Stealth is the same skinny jean style, but it’s leather. Trust us, it is seriously hot! Us Westfield fashionistas are counting down for their arrival. You’ll find them in Donna Ida too (£300).

But if you’re looking for a more purse-friendly option, check out Next and New Look. Both stores have skinny cargo pants which are rather similar in style to the J Brand Houlihans but at a mere £25.

Skinny cargoes: spend or save?

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7 July 2010: 09:00

Celebs love J Brand Houlihans

If, like us, you rate the oh so stylish Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth and Rachel Bilson  then you may have noticed that they have a similar taste in trousers. Not quite skinny jean nor cargo pant, the J Brand Houlihan is the style of choice and it’s selling fast.

Jessica Alba in J Brand Houlihans

The military trend has been around for a while now but it’s still riding high in the fashion charts. The J Brand Houlihan is not your traditional slouchy cargo pant though. It is far more tailored and slim-fitting. They’re more like a pair of skinny jeans, but with the added detail of oversized flap pockets at the thigh and gold-tone zippered legs. The  seam runs down the centre and diagonally across the knees for a slim fit.

J Brand Houlihans are available in a choice of natural colours, including  olive and shark skin. Also look out for the vintage navy.

Ideal for easy summer dressing, team your Houlihans with a simple vest top and metallic flat sandals or utilitarian boots as shown here by Jessica Alba.

J Brand Houlihan jeans are available at Donna Ida, £245

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18 March 2010: 10:53

Our Top Five Spring Buys

The sun is out, the spring flowers are blooming and we’re in the mood to overhaul our wardrobe. But where to start? With so many new trends and fabulous new clothes out there, it can be hard to know what to buy, so we’re going to make that process easier for you with our top five spring must-haves!

1. A Military Cover-Up
Combat coats are back again on the fashion radar. There are so many different styles out there but as long as it’s khaki, it’s bang on trend for this season. Make sure you team your military cover-up with something super feminine though – such as a floral dress. Top-to-toe military should be left to the Territorial Army!

L-R: Parka, £49.99, River Island; Should detail coat, £85, M&S; Drawstring parka, £65, Topshop

2. A Satchel
It’s time to go back to school for this season’s must-have bag! Satchels are so cool that Mulberry have named one after the queen of cool, Alexa Chung, however, if you can’t afford the A-list price tag, the high street have lots of great alternatives.

L-R: Grey leather satchel, £45, New Look; Two-tone leather satchel, £50, Topshop; Brown satchel, £22, Accessorize

3.  Something Nude
If it isn’t flesh toned, then it just isn’t worth wearing this spring! The easiest way to wear this trend is with a dress – add black opaques until the weather warms up. If you’re not brave enough to go all nude, try an accessory such as a leg-lengthening shoe or nude bag.

L-R: Ruffle vest, £18, Dorothy Perkins; Lace-up shoe, £120, Kurt Geiger; J by Jasper Conran Clutch, £35, Debenhams; Feather dress, £150, Oasis

4.  Shorts
Skirts are still very much on the radar but ’tis the season to go short in shorts. From military inspired to pretty silk numbers, shorts are the perfect go-everywhere number. Team them with a blazer for the office or with a cami style top for a night out.

L-R: Navy shorts, £35, Warehouse; Pink shorts, £29.50, M&S; Military style shorts, £55, French Connection

5. A Mid Heel
We never thought we’d see the return of the ’90s kitten heel, but it’s back. Ditch your 5 inchers for something a little more manageable this season. Don’t stick to boring courts though – go for interesting heels, wooden soles, bright colours and quirky styles.

L-R: Wooden sandal, £40, Aldo; Stud sandal, £85, French Connection; Woven sandal, £65, Office

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1 March 2010: 10:00

Spring/Summer Preview: M&S

Last week we attended the M&S Spring/Summer Press Show and saw some great pieces, which are all now on our new season wishlist!

Key trends include Boudoir, which sees a nod to underwear as outerwear (who else better to do this trend?) and Sports Luxe, which is all about chic comfort with jersey blazers and harem pants. There is also a focus on Military styling with embellished statement jackets and shorts in a khaki colour palette.

The range also features some fabulous prints including tribal maxi dresses, romantic floral tea dresses and cute playsuits which can be teamed with a denim jacket or blazer.

While the latest collection is more trend based than we normally see from M&S, the prices remain affordable, and we all love that!

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