Paper Crown comes to the UK

Lauren Conrad's clothing line, Paper Crown has landed in the UK.

The collection is now exclusively available at avant-garde style hub and on line boutique, The Contemporary Level.

Entering its fifth successful season this year spearheaded by Conrad it is no surprise the brand has found a home here after being a rousing success across the pond.

The line focuses on pieces with a modern take on classic style, maintaining an emphasis on fit and fabric quality to create wearable wardrobe staples. On offer at the moment are cropped velvet jackets, lace t-shirts, sheer blouses, pleated skirts and little black dresses.

At the middle to upper price range customers can expect to pay around £140 for tops, £215 for jackets and £190 for most dresses.



A sneak peak at Paper Crown's A/W 12 collection, available from The Contemporary Level



After finding a home at The Contemporary Level, Paper Crown will now share selling space with other young creative artists and labels such as Tramp in Disguise and Avril Lavigne's brand Abbey Dawn.

The A/W 12-13 collection will debut in August on the site and is bang on the money as it is inspired by all things British, though I sincerely doubt there will be a union jack flag in sight! Anyone else sick of the Union Jack print being splashed over absolutely everything just yet or is it just me?

I've given you a sneak peak above at the patriotic line which includes designs such as the Thames short and the Wimbledon skirt, but the winner for me is the Kensington gown - how perfect would that be for a wedding! Not that I am getting married or anything I would like to add!

What do you think of the collection? Will you be investing in Conrad as a design star of the future?

Dip Dye-arama

Its no secret I am a little obsessed with a good dip dye - from my hair which is back to brown roots and blond ends - to my wardrobe and whilst I was bleaching the purple out of my hair this weekend I was thinking about how the sun brought out the hippy in all of us.

For example silhouettes get slouchy, less formal, and a boho maxi dress is now acceptable to cope with the summer's extreme heat (there is no air con in my office)  whilst frizzy, curly hair runs riot and pedicures become necessity for all the flip flops you start wearing.

Something else I have noticed which happens every summer is that the high street explodes with bleached out denims, acid washes, tie dyes prints and dip dyes.

This year is no exception but the key piece - which you MUST own - is a pair of dip dye shorts or, for the brave, hot pants!

What I have discovered in my research is that it helps if they are denim, but lace and crochet are also on the menu, colours are eye popping and a little bit of distressed detailing, such as frayed hems, will get you far.

With that in mind I have selected my favourite four pairs and styled them four ways for the perfect on-trend ensemble. Enjoy!

Look 1: I lost my heart at Coachella

Take one pair of shorts from Miss Selfridge, throw in a crop top and a weave bag and you are festival ready. Glamour pusses can choose a flat form or wedge, whilst the more practical can opt for cowboy boots or wellingtons. I'd style this with plenty of colour or braids in my hair and an arm stacked with friendship bracelets.

Crop top, Mara Hoffman, £145, Shorts, Miss Selfridge, £35, Bag, H & M, £7.99, Shoes, Missoni, £545

Look 2: Saturday Night Fever

If you are out on a Saturday night wearing dip dye shorts here is how to do it: take a scarf print top, tuck it in and add a snake print bag in contrast colours casually slung over one shoulder. Finally keep accessories to the minimum and let the shoes do the talking.

Top, Warehouse, £32, Shorts, Topshop, £34, Bag, Jerome Dreyfuss, £700, Shoes, Brian Atwood, £555

 

Look 3: Pretending your at Cannes

If you can't be on the French Riviera this summer pretend with this variation on the tribal trend with some nautical thrown in. The more subdued palette is down to the explosion of texture: you have lattice work on the top, crochet on the shorts, a snake print bag and perspex panels on the shoes. To die for with some oversize sunnies and floppy hat.

Top, £510, Sass & Bide, Shorts, Girl by Band of Outsiders, £400, Bag, Stella McCartney, £545, Shoes, Dolce & Gabbana, £475

Look 4: Double Trouble

When wearing denim shorts why not double up with a denim top. Take this button down shirt, tuck it in and sling a suede tassel bag over for extra texture. Now pile on the height with these candy cane heels with a raffia weave that reminds me of a beach mat. Summer ready, double the trouble.

Denim shirt, Topshop, £32, Shorts, £14.99, H & M, Bag, £74.99, Mango, Shoes, £940, Brian Atwood

Ps. Apologies for the designer price tags on some of the items, especially the shoes! Next shopping post I do I am going to show you where to find the hottest S/S 12 catwalk trends on the high street to compensate.

ShopStyle partners with Fashion Fringe

On line shopping site ShopStyle.co.uk is the official search engine for this year’s Fashion Fringe, the nationwide search to discover and nurture design talent across the UK.
The addition of ShopStyle as a partner brings a new digital dimension to Fashion Fringe, as the site has more than 1.3million monthly unique users all hungry for the hottest new trends and news on up and coming designers to name drop.

ShopStyle.co.uk will join Fashion Fringe to engage on line audiences through their websites and social media channels, including video and editorial content, as well as on line and offline marketing and PR.

ShopStyle will also be a prominent partner at all Fashion Fringe events in 2012, having already covered the Road Show series in March. 

The sites involvement will culminate at London Fashion Week in September, where the winner will show their collections on the catwalk and Christopher Bailey will announce a final winner.

In the running this year are designers Haizhen Wang, Teija Eilola and Vita Gottlieb.

To find out more about the finalists visit the Fashion Fringe website.

London-boutiques.com launches

This week saw the launch event to celebrate brand-new on line retailer, London-Boutiques.com – the hot new destination that allows shoppers to browse and shop all of London’s Best Boutiques and designer talent under one virtual roof.

The party took place in uber cool nightclub Le Baron and celebrities in attendance included James Blunt, Jade Parfitt and Henry Conway.

Other guests were Lizzie Cundy, Katya Virshilas, Mariella Fostrup, Antonia O’Brien and Made in Chelsea’s Diego.


Guests ate Canapés of Margarita Ice Cream and Rhubarb Crisps and were treated to goody bags containing Neom Candles, Kit Heath Bracelet and Couture Cookies.

Launched this month and  headed-up by Founder and Managing Director Tina Lake, London-Boutiques.com will showcase collections from a raft of the most exclusive London Boutiques including Austique, Iris, Powder and Trilogy.

Designer womenswear brands stocked by the e-tailer include Vivienne Westwood, Hervé Léger, Acne, Stella McCartney and Temperley London. These sit alongside established brands such as J Brand, Preen and By Malene Birger and up-and-coming designers such as Greta, Skultuna and Misst.

Alongside the luxury offering of clothing, footwear and accessories, London-boutiques.com also plans to provide weekly news feeds and partner with some of the capital’s most well-known bloggers for S/S 12.

Lagerfeld collaborates with I Love Dust

Karl Lagerfeld - under his label KARL - has teamed up with British collective I Love Dust to create four limited-edition t-shirts.

Available for both men and women, the four designs use key elements in the spirit of KARL and of the designer himself. A sketch of a leather glove or a trompe l'oeil shirt front echo Karl Lagerfeld's personal style, while the two other creations use letters and graphics to transform his iconic face and name.

 

Based between London and Hampshire, the members of I Love Dust graphic design and creative agency call themselves a "multi-disciplinary collective" known for its playful style.

The opportunity of working with KARL was a genuine milestone for the agency according to founder Mark Graham "designing limited edition t-shirts for someone like Karl Lagerfeld is every graphic designer's dream."

The t-shirts will be available from May 31st on www.karl.com, at the KARL pop-up store on Bleecker Street in New York and at Colette in Paris.

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Friday fashion round up

It's time for my Friday fashion up after I took a bit of a break this week to get some work done and generally sort my life out ready for the big London move next week.

First up its a run down of all the looks that ticked all my trend boxes this week at the Cannes film festival starting with Nicole Kidman and Heidi Klum.

These two ladies have been working the red carpet for years and both know what suits them best so its no surprise both turned up to The Paperboy screening yesterday looking like goddesses - Nicole in a rose coloured draped number with exposed back by Lanvin and Klum in silver beaded Marchesa.

Heidi Klum and Nicole Kidman at The Paperboy premiere

Also looking like a Greek goddess in a number of ethereal and flowing gowns was Jessica Chastain who seemed to have listened to my advice from last week to bring some glamour back into her red carpet appearances. Gone were the ill fitted dresses and low key make up and back were the va va voom dresses that played up to her curves and a strong red lip.

Two looks in particular rocked my boat - a cream Armani Privé strapless style for the premiere of Madagascar 3 followed closely by premiere of Lawless in a Gucci Première nude gown with sequin detailing. Jessica is back on top form and I am loving it!

Jessica Chastain in Gucci on the left and in Armani Prive on the right

I was never going to leave my next entry out of the running: Cannes judge Diane Kruger.

My love of Diane knows no bounds and she could probably wear a sack and I would still find a way to hail it a fashion triumph.

Thank god then that she saved me the trouble and wore this custom made white Nina Ricci gown, accessorised with a Judith Leiber clutch to the Killing Them Softly premiere. In fact I don't know which I prefer more, this or the white puffball design she wore for the amfAR gala.  

Diane Kruger wears white to the amfAR gala and Killing Them Softly premieres

Kruger didn't stop there as earlier in the week she wore these two equally showstopping custom made dresses, first up a Vivienne Westwood sequin gown at premiere of Amour followed by a navy and black lace draped dress by designer Jason Wu. I think the Wu has the edge for me for the simple reason that I have seen the Westwood style a lot recently, Mischa Barton wore a shorter style for example, but still how tiny does it make her waist look!

Diane Kruger in Vivienne Westwood and Jason Wu respectivley

Next up and its a surprise entry from my nemesis Kristen Stewart who proved she can be both classy and fabulous at the premiere of her film On The Road. Kristen slipped into a thigh high split dress from Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière. The dress had just the right amount of plunge, print and lady like grace for me without looking frumpy or over the top. Kristen please dress this way all the time!

Joining her was co-star Kirsten Dunst who looked radiant dressed in a bright pink Christian Dior pre-A/W 2012-13 silk gown and Louis Vuitton jewellery.

Dunst and Stewart on the red carpet promoting On The Road

Both Kirsten and Kristen impressed earlier in the day too with more casual outfits. Here Dunst looked like summery perfection in a lace Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2012-13 dress with Charlotte Olympia heels whilst Stewart wore Balenciaga printed trousers, a white T-shirt and blazer. I need to get me some of those trousers!

See more looks after the Jump
 

Yumi's Injection Collection

Yumi have released its summer injection collection inspired by the biggest catwalk trends of S/S 12.

The injection range is designed to work in synergy with the brand's mainline collection and has the same Yumi handwriting running throughout which will please its existing fans, but with a new fashion forward edge any dedicated style queen will love.

The main focus is on print, with references to both retro summer holiday postcards and cars (think Prada) clashing with an 'under the sea' theme (think Chanel). Cute peter pan collars feature on shell tops and belted tea dresses.

The print theme continues with hot house, tropical florals - Hawaii is having a moment don't you know. Wear this print with Yumi's on trend pleated midi length skirts in fuchsia and orange or clash with more print. Add in neon accessories for a playful, club Tropicana edge!  

Lastly Yumi has this summer's Sports Luxe trend nailed with zebra print bomber jackets, stripey crop tops and psychedelic sporty t-shirts with zip detailing. For a top like this I'd pair it with some leather look shorts or drawstring shirt, add in a cross body bag and some strappy sandals for a track team look.

What do you think to Yumi's injection collection? With prices between £15 and £50 surely this is the best way to do catwalk trends on a budget?

Electric Tees launches

New brand Electric Tees have just launched with a range of eye catching T-Shirts, vests and bodies.

The brightly printed designs are perfect for throwing yourself round in muddy fields this summer at festivals with key styles including tigers, wolves and skulls. Other looks are neon-tastic and the laser beam prints scream of all night raves and Ibiza. Wear with hot pants, a glow stick and a smile!

What's more each style is designed to fit and flatter with asymmetric stripes printed on the back of each design - a clever trick to ensure the wearer looks good from all angles.

Retailing at between £34.95 and £39.95 they are probably on a level with Topshop - another brand which goes crazy for bodies - and are available at ASOS and their own newly launched website: www.electrictees.co.uk

ABO London launches

New design company ABO London has launched, offering an exclusive range of limited-edition, high-end luxury silk scarves ethically made in the UK.
 
The company is a partnership of two Kazakhstan-born friends, Aliya
Boranbayeva and Aizhan Bodanova who were inspired by the famous Silk Road trading route which connected the West to the East.

The scarf prints are based on original artwork by Aliya whilst designs and are manufactured in London using environmentally friendly processes and some are finished by hand.

The scarves are made from pure silk and come in a range of sizes featuring bright pops of colour from fluoro to fruity. Unique styles include a triangle scarf demonstrating a different print on each side.

See below for some of my picks from the current S/S 12 range.

What do you think - are they the next Weston scarves?

Friday fashion round up

Its that time again to look at this week's movers and shakers plus the down right disgraceful and what a better way to start than the height of glamour: Cannes Film Festival.

Ever since Cannes came on my radar years ago I have dreamt about walking down that red carpet (Clooney on one arm Gosling on the other naturally) and in my dreams, from now on, I will look a little something like Diane Kruger does below...

On opening night she wore a mint green Giambattista Valli couture dress with sweeping shoulder train-thingy! I just can't get enough of this dress, with every picture and every new angle I see it just gets better. Considering that the festival spans 11 days and Kruger is a judge this year, I am expecting a different show stopper every night from now on please.

Competing with Kruger for the best dressed award was Eva Longoria who wowed in a cream embroidered Marchesa gown finished with an endless tulle train. Another sleek up do and (slightly too large?) bejewelled clutch completed the look.


Eva Longoria and Diane Kruger both wore show stopping gowns on the opening night of Cannes

 

Next up and its more Cannes pictures and yes that is Diane again (what can I say I just can't get enough) wearing a burgundy Versus dress which laced up the sides for the festival's jury photo call.

Diane Kruger in burgundy Versus dress

Last up for Cannes (for now) is Marion Cotillard wearing a pale peach Dior dress with gold belt. Keeping it fresh with Lemon shoes by Versus Marion looked youthful, tres chic and very French in typical fashion.

Marion Cotillard in Dior

Next up and someone who has ticked all my trend boxes this week is Charlize Theron who has had a busy week promoting her new film, Snow White & the Huntsman. For the London premiere she chose a stunning Christian Dior couture S/S 12 dress with nude body and black overlay. The pleated sheer skirt added the right touch of sexy appeal whilst those smokey eyes meant business! For the Berlin premiere she tuned it down but still looked amazing.

Charlize Theron promoting her new movie this week

Another premiere now and from 'What to expect When you are Expecting' there were two clear winners: Jennifer Lopez in a nude Maria Lucia Hohan gown slit down the front, and a more demure Anna Kendrick in another nude dress, this time a highly embellished prom number from Elie Sabb.

J Lo and Anna Kendrick both work the nude trend

See more looks after the jump

Simeon Farrar: British to a T

Designer of the moment Simeon Farrar has created three British inspired T-shirts in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee and London’s 2012 Olympics.
 
The quirky T-shirts feature prints including a graphic ‘God Save the Queen,’ a repeated toy soldier print and a Kate and Wills ‘God Save the King and Queen’ print. All prints are hand dyed in Farrar’s signature style that his brand is now renowned for and will cost £50 and come in women’s sizes XS, S, M and L.

Styles will be available from Liberty of London’s exclusive Pop Up store, opening in Westfield Stratford this summer (which will also house print collaborations by Dr Martens and Barbour and other quirky objects)

What's more visitors in the first two weeks have the opportunity to win their favourite Liberty print item, by tweeting a picture of it to @LibertyLondon. So get your tweet on and you could be taking home - I know I will be trying my hardest!

Trend Alert: Work It

Today marked exactly three weeks until I move to London and start working from our very 'corporate' offices and whilst I am frantically trying to sort out flat viewings I also have another major concern to worry about - my wardrobe.

I have far too many clothes, not all of which are suitable for the new office environment (leather shorts and high top wedges anyone?) and with too few suitcases and a small car something is going to have to give!

So without loosing the 'fashion' element of my look I need to organise myself and create a capsule work wear wardrobe with everything else being saved for the weekend, put on eBay or sent to the charity shop. These outfits will then be road tested in the office over the next week and hopefully I can put some outfit posts up to gather opinions.

So far I know my capsule wardrobe will consist of the following: loosely tailored trousers  in soft colours and city shorts which will both be worn with soft blouses and shirts. To finish off I might throw in the odd printed dress in a midi length, worn with nude heels.

I have all these items in my wardrobe already which is perfect as I can just adapt and mix as needed - however a girl is allowed to dream - see my pick of my dream designer work wear wardrobe below.

1. Shorts, £145, Paul & Joe

2. Shirt, £325, Philip Lim

3. Trousers, £515, Chloe

4. Dress, £525, JW Andersen

5. Trousers, £170, Maje

6. Dress, £395, Erdem

7. Trousers, £350, Miu Miu

8. Shirt, £325, Burberry

9. Shorts, £40, Topshop

10. Shoes, £735, Yves Saint Laurent

Chanel's 2013 Cruise Collection

Ohh la la - It's time to take a look at Chanel's 2013 Cruise Collection which was reveled yesterday under the dramatic backdrop of the palace of Versailles.

The setting was no doubt chosen to compliment the collection as Karl had clearly been inspired by historical 18th Century French costumes, and in particular Marie Antoinette.

Ruffles, bows and lace were used in abundance whilst ornate embellishment was present in the form of gold embroidery and sequined flowers. Highlights included 'lampshade' skirts across a procession of white and pastel dresses. The other key length is still the Midi - a fact I am very happy about as its the perfect ladylike shape!

Tomboys though should not despair as wide trousers, pantaloons, ruffled shorts provided the required mannish touches and wedge brothel creepers and trainers kept things young and fresh.

But the most distinctive element was the models’ bunt bob fringed wigs in a pastel palette inspired by macaroons. In baby blue, blush pink, mint green and lilac they are a continuation of Chanel's S/S 12 collection with its under the sea theme - proving the sugar sweet colours are here to stay!

Another nice touch was the tiny interlocking C beauty marks on the models’ cheekbones, painted on by make-up artist Peter Philips. Tres Chic!

Guests meanwhile, included Tilda Swinton, current face of the brand Alice Dellal and Vanessa Paradis.

See below for my pick of the key looks...

Embellished pastel dresses with fun, flirty lampshade skirts  

Midi lengths were a key feature on showstopping dresses

Embellished tops combined with plain trousers and fierce footwear

Traditional Chanel touches including boucle jackets and monochrome

What do you think of the collection - fashion triumph or a Largerfeld let down?  

Car Booty

Yesterday I braved a 5am start to go to Halifax's biggest car boot sale and I am so glad I dragged my ass out of bed as I managed to grab a bag full of bargains (see below as photographed with instagram)

I am a strong believer in sourcing from car boots and charity shops as opposed to the endless supply of speciality 'vintage shops' which are often over-priced these days. Not only are you getting great pieces at a reduced rate, the joy of rummaging for hidden gems and haggling brings out my inner wheeler dealer!

Just check out this super cute tea dress, snapped up for £1.50 and originally from Primark. Not vintage I know, but it could be considering cute floral print and midi length. I can't wait to wear this for summer with converse and maybe a trilby to top it off!

I also bought three pairs of clip on earrings - a bargain at 50p each! These 80's and 90's wonders will fit in really well with my existing vintage jewellery collection - though they are slightly more refined than my door knocker earrings stolen from my mum many years ago. 

My final purchase of the day were these beautiful cut glass bottles at £2 for the pair. I think these were most likely perfume bottles in a former life but I will be using them either for decorative purposes on my windowsill or to hold flowers come summer.

Hopefully when I move down to London there will be some equally amazing car boot and vintage sales to go to, potentially with my good friend Ginger Nut Crafts, who scours them for tea cups and plates to make amazing cake stands!

Mad for Mad Love

Australian young fashion label Mad Love burst onto the scene in 2011 and is now bringing its signature style to the UK.

Known for its easy going aesthetic and use of print the brand’s next collection by Australian designer Gill Lawrence continues in the same vein with relaxed silhouettes in bamboo jersey paired with softly tailored blazers and skinny trousers.

Entitled “Mad Rock” the line features pieces with an effortless festival vibe to them, referencing the eras of Woodstock, Disco and Modrock alongside tribal prints and utility shapes.

Hero pieces include softly tailored, slouch and drawstring trousers paired with raw edge blazers. These are toughened up with ‘I’m with the band’ tank tops and slogan tees to be worn under biker jackets for ultimate rock-chic appeal.

Meanwhile subtle stud detailing and fringed hems add interest to skater dresses, kaftans and denim pieces whilst cotton crochet, tassels and 70’s inspired patterns liven up maxi length dresses and skirts.

Capsule basics in this season’s must have tones of caramel, mustard, peach, cream, black and lipstick pink round off the collection.

Already a hit across Australia, Japan and the USA, Mad Love is already available in Topshop Oxford Circus with other UK stockists set to follow as the brand expands.

Earlier last week i blogged about Festival Fashion and I think Mad Love would make a perfect addition to my glamping wardrobe, especially the band tee's and hippy maxi lengths. What do you think of the collection, will you be buying it come summer?

All Images from Mad Love's high Summer / Autumn collection

 

Trend Alert: Studs

I went shopping today (what's new I know) and everywhere I looked every piece of clothing, plus accessories and shoes were covered in studs!

Prime offenders were Topshop and Zara - where every shirt collar and every neckline was covered in detailing - not to mention the glam gladiator sandals.

I absolutely love this trend and half of my wardrobe is studded up to the max already so I fear for my credit card if this goes on much longer...

I can also see several celebs rocking up in studs at festivals this summer - I'm thinking Rihanna should wear the skirt, crop top and high tops for her set at Wireless this year yes - don't you think that would make an amazing outfit?

Whether its festival ready denim shorts and sandals or uber glam gold studded dresses in the style of Versace, this year the high street has it covered.

So In the words of Sandy "Tell me about it stud!"

1. Sandals, Zara, £39.99

2. Hot Pants, Topshop, £75

3. Top, Miss Selfridge, £32

4. Skirt, River Island, £20

5. Collar, Topshop, £28

6. Mini Clutch, Kurt Geiger, £60

7. Dress, Lipsy, £65

8. Top, 3.1 Philip Lim, £369

9. Bralet, House of Dereon, £45

10. High Tops, Gienchi at ASOS, £210

Fantasy Met Dress Shopping

My weekly Friday fashion round up got me thinking about what I would wear should I be invited to the Met Ball myself - not that its likely to happen being neither rich, famous or influential in the world of fashion.

I decided on Haute Couture as if I am fantasising I might as well go all the way. So I took a look back at all the S/S 12 Couture catwalks and came up with some options below.

I think the Gothic pleated designs at Christian Dior Haute Couture below would suit my need for drama and the tones are pretty much suitable for everyone - including my pasty complexion! The sheer fabrics satisfy the requirement to look sexy whilst the pleats keep things feminine.

Christian Dior S/S 12 Haute Couture runway

These three from Giambattista Valli are classic with a twist - one of my key philosophies when buying clothes - but are  all embellished enough to keep things interesting. I'd wear any of the three with a dramatic red lip and a sweeping up do to add extra drama. I think Emma Stone, who was in my sin bin earlier, would have benefited from any of these Valli masterpieces at the Met Gala.

Giambattista Valli S/S 12 Haute Couture runway

Lastly its the master of couture, Elie Saab with three perfect pastel creations. I can see someone like Jessica Chastain in the cream whilst the younger pink and blue hues would suit Ellie or Dakota Fanning. For myself I'd wear the cream with long wavy locks and vintage jewellery. 

Elie Saab's S/S 12 Haute Couture collection. All images from Elle.com

As I said before all of this is pretty moot as I could never afford couture, but maybe one day I will still get to witness the glamour of the Met Gala. Fingers (and toes) crossed..