Getting Fashionably Older

Yesterday I celebrated my 25th Birthday and though I didn't celebrate in style with a party (too much work, too little time) I did take the time to look back over the past year, especially the past few moths since moving to London, to consider just what a lucky girl I am.

I've had a great year, with fantastic experiences and I've met some lovely friends along the way. Whilst I've managed to capture most of it on film (see below) I still feel as if a lot has slipped me by.

With that said I plan to take more photo's next year and pledge that Instagram will continue be a major part of that. I can't wait to take a look back again next year at all the memories I've stored up from 25 onwards...



Received: one beautiful birthday present

Enjoying the exhibitions at Somerset House

But skating isn't for me...

I heart beautiful sunny days



and huge first of December Christmas trees

But small ones are great too when decorated with love

 

making my own mulled wine

 

relaxing with a brew at Antoni & Alisons tea room

 

attending a beautiful baby shower - not my own I'll add

 

baking ghostly cupcakes for Halloween

Putting on bling to see the crown jewels

then putting on my PJ's for a magazine reading catch up!



Christmas party Dresses: The High Street Edit

Yesterday I listed my top fantasy dresses for the office Christmas party if money was no object and today I am being slightly more realistic in my budget and looking at what the Great British high street has to offer.

My office party is on Thursday this week so it's a subject which has been preying on my mind a lot recently. After much debate the dress I chose to wear is number 5 - a black and gold baroque number from Oasis, as its the perfect length for my short frame whilst still being glamorous enough for the venue.

There are plenty of bargains to be found at the moment (20% dresses at Karen Millen is one many) so if you haven't got your dress yet it's not too late and hopefully something below will inspire you. Happy Shopping! x

 

1. Sheer panel dress, £30, Dorothy Perkins

2. Arples embellished dress, £175, Coast

3. Blue laced pencl dress, £210, Karen Millen

4. VIP beaded embellished peplum dress, £95, Lipsy

5. Baroque Jacquard dress, £67.50 (with current 10% off offer) Oasis

6. Sequins dress, £250, French Connection

7. Power stud body con dress, £95, Topshop

8. Lace printed pleat dress, £175, Karen Millen

9. Baroque sequin body con dress, £38, River Island

Fantasy Christmas Party Dress Shopping

Regular readers will be well aware there is nothing I love more than indulging in a good fantasy shop where money is no object, from fantasy met dress shopping to creating the ultimate christmas wish list.

So in the same spirit I decided to compile a list of the most desirable Christmas party dresses and, as you can see, though I'm a huge fan of an LBD whatever the occasion I couldn't help being seduced by some colour this season alongside plenty of lace, baroque themes and pretty prom ruffles.

Just for balance I've created a list of more affordable high street styles coming up tomorrow. Happy fantasising until then!

 

1.Nina Ricci, £4,690

2.Lanvin,£2,330

3. Moschino, £2,270

4.Lanvin, £5,195

5. Red Valentino, £675

6. Chloe, £1,725

7. Oscar de la renta, £2,950

8. Kaufman Franco, £2,990

9. Alberta Feretti, £2,530

This Little Girl Loves: Second Female S/S 13

Second Female is the diffusion line of Danish label Just Female and specialises in the thing which I desire above all others: Sleek, Chic Scandinavian fashion. What's more the label will make its UK debut shortly with its progressive Spring / Summer 2013 collection, a teaser of which I was treated to at press days last month.

 

I'd seen the label (and this particular collection before) on its home turf at Copenhagen Fashion Week but every time I end up finding a new hidden gem that gets me excited all over again.

 

 



Candy coloured dresses, floral print shorts, and chiffon blouses are mixed effortlessly with heavy duty jackets, over sized knits and sportswear-inspired separates (didn't I say bomber jackets will be huge news this season) to create a bold and coherent look.

Knowing each item would perfectly slot into my wardrobe, allowing me to mix and match, is certainly one of the biggest draws of the brand for me. The second is probably all the crystal embellishment. I just love that this is still hanging around for Spring!
 

 

 

Biography: The inspiration behind each quarterly collection can be traced back to an old industrial harbour in the east end of Copenhagen, where you’ll find a modern and energetic design team who strive to incorporate their surroundings into the identity of the brand. Confirmed UK stockists for S/S 13 include Anthropologie, Mary Portas & West Village, and in the meantime you see more from the brand here.  

 

Pixie Lott for Rock 'N Rose

I have to admit I wasn't expecting to like Pixie Lott's Christmas collection for jewellery brand Rock 'N Rose but I've completely been bowled over - just look at the crackers below.

A little bit girly, a little bit goth the 23 piece collection screams "Yes this will go with my Christmas party dress!" all over from the floral crowns and bow headbands to vintage inspired pearl collars. I'm especially loving the cocktail rings in emerald and ruby red - they'll work perfectly with the baroque trend this winter.

Pixie looks great in the promo pictures as well, check them out and the full range here.

Mary Katrantzou's Christmas Tree

Yesterday it was announced that designer Mary Katrantzou will be designing this year’s Christmas tree for the Design Museum.

The tree incorporates patterns from her Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection, which was inspired by everyday objects and will be a 2D design on the museum's outer wall from now until the 9th January.

Measuring 3m in height the tree will combine Katrantzou’s trademark bold patterns with Christmas sparkle to create this inventive take a classic, but how does it shape up to your decoration efforts at home?

Don't Miss: The Design Museum is hosting a special late night shopping event, 'Sparkle the Dark Up' this Friday the 7th December, running from 6:30 - 10pm.

Get It Now: Kelly love for Aussie Haircare

Aussie Haircare have teamed up with fellow Aussie womenswear designer and Little Girl lost favourite, Kelly Love as part of a new initiative supporting upcoming design talent.

Kelly Love has designed a silk scarf exclusively for the launch of Aussie's new Miracle Shine range which includes a shampoo, conditioner and a three minute miracle treatment serum.

Taking inspiration from Kelly Love's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, Ethereal Darkness and exotic wildflower prints, the silk scarf is priced at £80 and can be bought direct from www.kellylove.com.

Aussie's new miracle shine range includes pearl powder and Australian Ginseng extract for super shiny hair and I'll be trying it out shortly, just in time for the office Christmas party.

Sneak Peek: Vero Moda Spring Collection

When I was invited along to the Vero Moda Press Day a few weeks ago I was instantly bowled over by the amount of colour on offer - something every other brand seems to have shied away from this season bar some flashes of neon. 

Yet there was no playing it safe here, with neon's, pink, orange, blue and the lightest lemon's all coming out to play. Abstract florals, together with more antique blooms, will work well for their younger customer, especially when paired with coloured denim. Highlights include PU patchworks, Tie Dye's, drawstrings, laser cut's outs, mesh fabrics and multi-layered sequins later down the line in March and April.

 

 

Slightly more design led, luxe sister brand Vero Moda Very, meanwhile took a different tact with a colour palette of neutrals, grey's and oxblood. There were sporty touches, along with some lovely leather pieces, but the best trend, in my opinion, has to be the western 'cowgirl' look they have adopted on shirts - I'm searching for a pair of matching cowboy boots as I type!

 

 

See more after the jump

Trend Alert: My Velvet Crush

I have to admit I have a bit of a crush. Last month it was leather - everything I bought had a leather panel, peplum, sleeve etc - but no more, because there is a new love in my life, and that love is velvet.

Designers and high-street brands alike have embraced the traditionally old fashioned fabric this winter, and where once upon a time there was a danger of looking like some curtains or drapes, now you're more likely to look truly FAB-U-LOUS dressed head to toe in velvet.

 

Though velvet is a go-to fabric for evening wear this month (try a tux and trouser combo) don't be afraid to mix it into your day-wear too. Some embroidered velvet slippers or high tops will pack a punch with basic jeans, whilst Topshop's midnight blue dungarees should be layered over a crisp white shirt for a playful office-wear look. You can even paint your nails to match with Ciate's clever velvet manicure set, available from all good chemists and beauty spots.

 

1. Skirt, £25, River Island

2. Velvet limited edition manicure set, £14, Ciate

3. High tops, £440, Miu Miu

4. Jeans, £15, River Island

5. Tux Jacket, £470, McQ Alexander McQueen

6. Dungarees, £38, Topshop

7. Kitty Embroidered Flats, £465, Charlotte Olympia

8. Oxblood Skater skirt, £28, Topshop

9. Trousers, £190, By Malene Birger

Thu Thu Spring / Summer 2013

Taking inspiration from German artist Gerhard Richter, designer Thuy Duong Nguyen presented her new collection for THU THU Spring / Summer 2013 at press days a few weeks ago.

Even though its only a young brand (this will be the fourth collection) Thuy has already developed a strong brand identity and signature design handwriting with the use of Sapa, her own textile designs and the ever popular biker and bomber jackets.

 

Thu Thu's typical designs explore Western Vs East themes, with Western styles and silhouettes married with the intricacy of the Far East such as handcrafted Vietnamese embroideries.

The striking fabric featured is sourced from vintage skirts and blankets in Sapa, a mountainous region in North Vietnam. These sit alongside colour blocked panels, print and beautiful touchy-feely suede and leather.

Thu Thu can boast stockists such as Browns Focus, Start Boutique, Matches and Department Store Cabinet at Quartier 206. To find out more about the label check out the website here.

Tis the Season: Young Republic's Christmas Gift Guide

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Picked out your office Secret Santa?

Don't get caught out giving bad gifts this Christmas season, This Little Girl Is Lost's favourite shopping site, Young Republic, have released their 2012 Christmas Collection featuring hundreds of unique and exciting gift ideas for the fashionable woman or man. Just click the play button below for instant inspiration. Happy Shopping! x

By the way if anyone is reading this year and I'm your secret santa I'd love the wishbone earrings from ShopHayleyM and if my mum is reading I'll have the slightly more pricey, but no less beautiful, Crochet Sinu necklace from Andrea Bocchio jewellery - team it with a grey marl jumper and you are good to go.

Open publication - Free publishing - More 2012

Ye Olde Worlde Tea with Antoni & Alison

Last night I was invited along to opening of Antoni & Alison's Ye Olde Worlde Super Modern Tea Rooms, launched to celebrate the design duo's 25 year anniversary in business.

The Tea Rooms are located at 43 Rosebery Avenue, an elegant Victorian two storey building which stocks a selection of dresses, knitwear and accessories such as scarves and purses downstairs.

I went along to the event with friend and fellow blogger Sophie from La Fashion Folie, where we drank tea and ate Victoria sponge cake served to us by no other than Alison herself. The beautiful china was worth going for in itself as you can see by the images below and the surroundings, though simple, are very charming.

Cake and Tea for two at Ye Olde Worlde Super Modern Tearoom

Housed in the design duo's old work space where they claim to have had some of their best ideas the concept behind the tea-room is simple: Antoni & Alison want to share with you this previously unseen 'think tank' and hopes it provides you with the same level of inspiration it did for them over a 'new' cup of tea.


The 'No Choice' Menu

There is no wi-fi or mod cons available, instead visitors will be invited to use the old fashioned note pads and pens to jot down their thoughts and actually (wait for it) converse with each other without the distraction of modern technology. What a novel idea!



The downstairs shop floor

See more after the jump

Orwell + Austen launches with luxe scarf selection

Orwell + Austen has launch of its first collection of luxe, hand-made and hand-printed pure silk and cashmere blend scarves.

With the use of bold colour, and focus on femininity, the first collection, for Autumn / Winter 12, takes its inspiration from markings found in the animal kingdom.

Traditional leopard-prints take note, this is the way to do animal print for a new season, with contemporary looks from the Lily scarf in Cinnamon and Leo in Light grey as pictured below.

 

Orwell + Austen’s scarves are all handmade in Nepal from natural materials and are available in either 100% woven cashmere or 70% cashmere and 30% silk. Because each scarf is hand-woven and hand-printed, no two are exactly the same.

The scarves will be sold online here from mid November, and are available from £210.

Its all about Vila's Pre-Spring fling

Open Vila's Spring / Summer 2013 collection look book and you'll find these words shouting back at you in a big, bold typeface  "Art Deco, Minimal Romance meets Raw Luxury". Already I'm intrigued...tell me more I say!

 

The pre-spring collection from Vila is full of flirty, feminine and sophisticated elements that are bang on trend for its young audience. References span from Art Deco (hence the heading) to more romantic touches and the key to this seasons look is to mix all the pieces together. Don't be afraid to add a bright floral blazer to a boucle skirt says the look book, and equally, it's OK to do Fluoro still, be it loud or a subtle hint.

 

Most of all though I love the outerwear - pretty much every collection I've seen this year has some variation on the floral bomber jacket so there's no way I won't be buying one come Spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Vila is available in selected independents, House of Fraser and ASOS. To find out more check out the brand's website here.

First Look: Selected Femme Spring 2013

The Selected Femme collection for Spring Summer 2013 is all about Sweet meets Street (remember that phrase, I predict you will be using it a lot this year) with elements borrowed from both athletic fashion and soft, feminine style.

The main Selected Femme collection for Spring is inspired by the late 50's with playful pastel shades (yes they are still around for next year) raspberry and white. As summer comes ultra feminine looks are spiced up with metallic details, embroidery, embellishments, psychedelic prints and peek-a-boo lace.

In the Selected Femme Jeans collection sporty shapes are in focus throughout such as cool joggers with contrast panels and sweat two pieces in relaxed fits creating an early 90's vibe, complemented by 80's style heavily washed denim. A touch of the military /outdoors trend can also be seen creeping back in - borrowing utility detailing and army uniforms as inspiration for outerwear. Colours to watch out for are indigo blue, grey melange, fresh greens and fluorescent and coral accents to add some warmth.

 

See more after the jump

This Little Girl Loves: Age Of Reason

As I continue my quest for the perfect scarf I thought I'd revist one of my favourite brands, Age Of Reason.

Inspired by Brit punk heritage, the streets of London and her own upbringing in Africa designer Ali Taylor Mapletoft has another winner on her hands for A/W 12.
 
Luxury with a playful twist is the name of the game here and designs range from punked out owls to magic mushrooms, a roller skate revival and mask motifs inspired by Mexican Luca Loco, who each have their own unique fighting mask design. Cheeky charms and wrestler dolls adorn the borders, available as eagle, panda, or tiger marks in deep berry, navy and pink.

 

In addition the brand's highly collectible Bondage Doll scarves enter their 3rd season and turn to the dark side with midnight blacks, deep reds, hot pinks and rich golds.

Biography: Raised in volatile Lesotho, Africa, during the eighties, Ali Taylor Mapletoft first touched base in the UK at the age of 16.  Age of Reason was born, partly, to feed Ali’s own obsession with silk scarves. Ali took classic designs and made them unique by indulging in a twist, hidden motif, or secret image. A staunch believer in creating and manufacturing in the UK Age of Reason is a fully British brand and you can see more from the brand online here.

 

Friday Treat: Weston Journals

In keeping with my theme this week my Friday pre-payday treat is from a scarf brand, turned lifestyle brand, turned national treasure: Weston.

The story goes that Professor Richard Weston, inspired by his studies in landscaping and architecture, created a line of beautiful scarves that were quickly picked up by Liberty. A lifestyle range followed, spanning everything from wallpaper, ties and phone covers to gorgeous silk bound journals.

As a writer, a pad is one of the most important tools of the trade and I love to gather as many quirky designs as possible to inspire me each day. This agate print design certainly ticks all my boxes. At £38 I'd definitely keep it for best but I just can't resist.
 

This journal and other designs are available now from Net-A-Porter amongst other retailers.

Lots of lovely stuff from the Mango press day

After announcing model Miranda Kerr as the new face of Mango for Spring / Summer 2013 yesterday, it was in a timely fashion that the brand held its press day today. In the surroundings of the brand's Oxford Street store, press were invited to view the full clothing, accessory and footwear range for the very first time.

To start the season Mango have embraced classic sporty elements in fresh tones of aqua and emerald. The military look is also revived, mixing tangerine and coral with traditional neutrals, geranium red with classic khaki.

Mango's formal wear plays with the same hints of vibrant colour blocking, adding a modern feel to classic tailoring, statement knits, separates and smart dresses. To finish evening wear is subdued in nude,ivory, black and purple but with all over sparkly sequins - j'adore!

What really caught my eye though was the denim / festival story. Its very Coachella with its denim braided jackets, embroidery, boho prints and short-shorts. team with suede fringed wedged high tops for the ultimate in 'I'm with the band' cool.

 

See more after the jump