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

MANGO signs up Miranda Kerr

Today it was announced that Australian model Miranda Kerr is taking over from Kate Moss as Mango's ambassador for the Spanish label's Spring / Summer 2013 campaign.

But how does the famous Victoria Secrets model shape up to the past faces of Mango including the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Lizzy Jagger, Penélope Cruz, and Mossy herself? 

You can cast your votes below but for me the ultimate face of the brand had to be miss Cruz - I loved the capusle collections she designed with her sister and she always did her best 'smouldering' pout in the adds.

This announcement is especially timely as the Mango S/S 13 press day is tomorrow and I'm pant wettingly excited to be going. Generating a buzz around the new season collection is something which the brand excels at and I can't wait to pick out my key pieces I'll be snapping up in a few months time.

Who's the best MANGO model?

One To Watch: Charlotte Hudders Scarves

I need to share with you the lovely debut collection of scarves which dropped into my in box this week from designer Charlotte Hudders.

Such is my obsession with scarves at the moment as the cold weather sets in I must have bought about five in the past few weeks alone - but nothing as ornate as this.

The unique hand drawn and illustrated scarves focus on Charlotte’s visual perception of ‘All Things bright and Beautiful’ and feature designs from nature, fauna and flora, travel, personal treasures and jewels.

Made in Lake Como, Italy, the emphasis is on luxury ‘art to be worn’ and all year round staples. There are six different designs in two colour options. All the scarves are available to buy in Silk Twill and an over sized style in Silk Light Crepe de Chine.

Biography: After completing a BA Hons in costume and set design at Liverpool's Institute for Performing Arts, Charlotte continued to work as a freelance designer, illustrating and creating unique costume and fashion pieces. An opportunity in Bali, Indonesia, took Charlotte to the other side of the world working as a print designer, drawing inspiration from the culture and natural environment. Her dream of starting her own label was realised in Bali where she began to put together her design ideas for the exclusive collection. To find out more just check out her website here.

Celebrate Christmas with Baukjen

For two days only, Isabella Oliver is offering customers a unique shopping experience as it launches the Baukjen Christmas collection.

Just enter the code SURPRISE at the checkout to receive your surprise free gift, plus free standard delivery and complimentary gift wrapping. Perfect for early Christmas present shopping!

The T's & C's are laid out below and to get you started I've selected some of my favourite pieces from the current online offering including a racy leather skirt, a dazzling sequin one and mock stingray clutch bag, as seen in this week's Grazia magazine. Happy Shopping! x

Baukjen is a women's fashion line created by Isabella Oliver, to start shopping the collection just click here.

Get It Now: Anthropologie & Front Row Society

Stocked exclusively in Anthropologie stores and online at www.anthropologie.eu, these three luxurious modal scarves were designed as part of a collaborative competition with Front Row Society to find three talented new designers.

 

 

Inspired by the elements, the designs see soft florals contrasted with glares of bright lights, deep blue and purple smoke colliding and autumnal tree branches.

 

Digitally printed onto luxuriously soft modal, the scarves measure at 65 x 200cm and retail at £44.

 

Whats more you can ease your conscience as you swipe your card as Front Row Society promises to donate £1 from every scarf sold to the Ethical Fashion Forum.

First Look: Madam Rage S/S 13

More from the Spring / Summer 2013 press days now and here's one to get really excited about if you are a fan of trend-led fast fashion like me!

Madam Rage brings four of the hottest seasonal trends into every girl’s wardrobe with their latest collection for S/S 13 starting with 'Promenade,' a collection compiled of 60's inspired A-line skater dresses, and quirky cute prints including polka dots, hearts and bows.

Meanwhile, a vintage trend launching in April, titled 'Oyster Capture' plays with lace topped with detailed embellishments and pearls in a collection inspired by femininity and romance.

The month of May sees the launch of the ‘Eclectic Festival’ range showcasing feather tied maxi dresses, plenty of dip dye options, denim, tribal prints and floral a plenty. That's your festival wardrobe ticked off then!

Turning up the heat in June, Madam Rage injects some 'Miami Beach' with tropical prints, neon explosions and coloured lace. Key Pieces include neon yellow maxi skirts and Hawaiian hot pants.

 

 

With pieces starting at £20, Madam Rage offers pieces that won't break the bank and is available to buy online here.
 

Hartnell to Amies: Couture By Royal Appointment

The Fashion and Textile Museum celebrates the impact of royal celebrity on 20th century British fashion with a new major retrospective of London couture design by Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Frederick Fox.

The exhibit will run from today (November 16) to February 23 and will feature examples of British couture rarely before seen in public.

The showcase begins with the opening of Norman Hartnell’s first salon in 1923, before discussing the advent of Hardy Amies among the leading couturiers of the post-war years.

The exhibition ends with a discussion of the design house in the current fashion industry and the resurgence of British heritage brands, traditional tailoring and dressmaking and is accompanied by a display of Norman Parkinson’s photographs.
Images: Norman Hartnell in studio with models from British Vogue; Hardy Aimes with models from British Vogue. All images ©Norman Parkinson Limited / Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive.

Call It Spring open first UK store

Today I was invited to the Call It Spring store on Oxford Street to celebrate the brand opening its first UK flagship.

For those who aren't familiar with the brand, Call It Spring is the second line of the Aldo group and is already in several Debenhams stores as concessions. Targeted to 15 - 25 year old's footwear and accessory styles are trend-led styles and accessibly priced (typically £25 - £50)

The store is a bespoke concept which has been developed just for the UK and features an "outdoor meets indoor" concept, labelled "A cabin in the garden" - the idea being that men's and women's styles are separated by gender specific shop spaces, meeting under the impressive "Tree of Lights" in the centre.

I was really impressed by the look and the feel of the store, complete with very helpful staff, and by the overall collection itself. Pretty much every style above is now on my Christmas wish list and what's more they fit well - pretty hard for someone who is a small size 3 and usually struggles!

Whilst I was there I also managed to get a sneak peek of the upcoming Spring / Summer 2013 collection which was equally lust-worthy. Three trends prevail: pastel girlyness in 'Virtual Dreams', prints galore in 'Culture Clash' and my favourite 'Plastic Fantasic' which plays with texture, metal hard wear and studs across a largely monochrome and metallic colour palette.

Get Tropical with Lucy Folk S/S 13

Jewellery designer Lucy Folk presented her S/S 2013 collection "Tropicalismo" during press days a few weeks ago.

To those unfamiliar with the label, the self confessed foodie concentrates on 'wearable food' with her signature piece being taco a inspired friendship bracelet.

This season is no different, taking the culture and colour of Brazil as inspiration with watermelon, pineapple and lemon motifs used in a charmingly quaint and nostalgic way reminiscent of childhood summer holiday.

 

 

In addition to the fruity concoctions, fish bones, palm leaves and bright colours inspired by a Favela are mixed and matched across friendship bracelets, bangles and necklaces.

Luxury and unusual materials include sterling silver, gold and rose-gold plating, resin, glass trade-beads, crocheted cotton and powder-coated steel.

 

 

After winning the “Accessory Designer of the Year” award from Marie Claire magazine in 2009 Melbourne based Folk has gained international recognition and is available from My Wardrobe, Matches and online here.

Ultimate Christmas Wish List

I'm pretty sure this is what my Christmas list would look like if I'd won the Euro Millions last weekend - or at least if my family had.

Sometimes it's nice to fantasy shop to distract yourself from the realities of life, which for most of us at Christmas can often mean socks and bath salts. My particular fantasy involves that Mulberry Bayswater I've always wanted, an office Christmas party dress by Lanvin - to be worn with an Alexander McQueen skull box clutch and YSL Tributes naturally - followed by some extravagant treats. £465 bottle of rose anyone?

I've added it all up and it comes to about £8,500. Too excessive? I'd love to see your Christmas wish lists and if you go higher than me... happy fantasy shopping! x

 

1.The Affair Filofax, £375, Temperley London for Filofax

2. Tribute patent leather sandals, £565, YSL

3. Ruby false eyelashes, £900, Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura.

4. Velvet Love, £120, Dolce & Gabanna

5. Dress, £2,510, Lanvin

6. Ring, £215, Mawi

7.Enamelled flower box clutch, £1,995, Alexander McQueen

8. Ace of Spades rose, £465, Armand De Brignac at Harrods

9. Royal box, £100, Godiva

10. Snake-effect leather Bayswater, £1,100, Mulberry

11. Falabella iPhone case, £150, Stella McCartney

Sneak Peek: Goldie London S/S 13

Goldie London presents a S/S 13 collection which fuses feminine styles with edgy detailing, sexy shapes in sorbet shades with cut out detailing and exposed shoulders.

Shirts & crop tops are perfectly paired with mini and midi skirts which give the collection a glamorous nod to the naughty 90's (you know you're getting old when you remember the trend from the first time around) alongside a few cute tailored short options. Corset tops, backless oversized blouses, thigh high split maxi's and a few slinky party dresses complete the line-up.

Light, floaty fabrics and soft coral and pistachio colours are either girly with lace panels or toughened up with heavy metal embellishments - especially on the collar. Its now becomming commonplace to see so many metallics, sequins and gemstones in summer collections and I for one can't wait to be rocking out (see what I did there) decked out in the pieces below.

Goldie London is available to buy online here and in Topshop Oxford Street, amongst other concessions.