Stylistpick.com launches new social media initiative

Stylistpick.com has become the first European online retailer to integrate social imagery directly into its website with the launch of StylistpickLive.

The concept is simple: StylistpickLive enables customers to share photos of themselves wearing Stylistpick product on a bespoke website gallery featured on the home page. Pictures can be loaded from Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, Facebook or PCs straight into the StylistpickLive gallery direct from the brand's avid fans. Customers can hashtag images of themselves with #stylistpick directly from their public Instagram or Twitter accounts to include them in the gallery or load directly from the home page.

By enlisting customers as both stylists and models, StylistpickLive is bridging the gap between social and ecommerce, enhancing the style inspiration available to customers who are able to shop the items in the gallery, with a direct link from each image to the relevant product page.

Cheap Monday at Stockholm Fashion Week

Swedish fashion brand Cheap Mondays Autumn / Winter 2013 Fashion Show took place during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Stockholm yesterday.

The theme of the collection is Artificial Grunge, which reflects the commercial memory of grunge, more than the actual grunge lifestyle. Chaotic styling and layering in a seemingly random manner is the core of the collection. Lace, football stripes, military details, second hand-like cardigans and 60's style tops and dresses are all mixed.

Key pieces are the flannel checks in shirts and dresses, worn over or under t-shirts in earthy greens, black and lime,whilst see-through dresses are combined with a more crispy silver and twilight blue lurex, silver mirror skirts and bandeau tops. I'm especially loving the 'trashed' mohair knits and denims - very Nirvana-esque.

Before the show fans of the brand could take part of the preparations – such as styling, location preparations, and casting – through Instagram and Twitter and got an insight in show coordination, fittings and rehearsals, make-up and set design.

A bit of Crumpet: S/S 13 preview

Fancy a bit of Crumpet? I headed along to the S/S 13 press day last year to see the collection...here is what I discovered.

Though always desirable, luxury English knitwear brand, Crumpet, is looking more on-trend than ever this season. Returning favourites like the leopard print on scarves and sleeves, have been updated in new colourways for Spring whilst cable knits are bright in tones of lavender, pink and green. There's no way you could miss the bananaa plant prints this season either - team flowing maxi skirts with sleeveless tops for a truly tropical flavour. However my heart truly belongs to the vintage floral prints found on a dress in cabbage patch green and a sleeveless shirt in pink, both with luxurious gold studded collars.

This Little Girl Loves: Kelly Love

The S/S 13 collection "This Idyllic Hour" from boutique Australian label Kelly Love explores the love that we have for each other, the cities that we live in and how everything shapes us to be the people that we are. As per usual there is a lovely verse to compliment the look book shots, which feature the brands signature pieces such as feminine blouses, shorts and vintage look midi dresses, across a palette of blush pink, cream, lemon, blue, fuchsia, and the ever present prints. 

S/S 13 THE IDYLLIC HOUR

"It started on the hour. Any ordinary hour with just a single sunbeam filtering though

the leaves that I knew would eventually break through the haze.

He asked me to walk with him. He wanted to show me the city but I had seen it all

before. He told me I hadn’t seen it with him and I thought he was a cliche. 

He told me this city was perfect and I believed him.

How could I not?

He asked me if I was too busy. I told him I was but I would make an exception.

We started walking. I saw the city spread out and become too big. 

I felt unadorned in the middle of something so vast.

He told me to look beyond the obvious and I did.

That single sunbeam began to pierce my eyes and I felt something shift in me.

Night began to fall and the hazy sky turned to rain. It was over as quickly as it began 

but it changed my mind about everything."

First Look: Spring at Only

Only's Spring Collection was a decidedly denim affair with hints of flowers and flurou's added to the mix. 

Though I'm not usually a fan of denim (I own two pairs of jeans that I wear until they fall apart and then begrudgingly buy a new pair) Only has me re-evaluating my position this year with all American stars and stripes and polka dot patterns for S/S 13. Lace collars on stonewashed shirts are charming whilst denim jackets are back in a big way - this time with lots of distressed elements and transfer prints.

Overall the collection was a more causal vibe than I'm used to wearing but great statement pieces still existed such as the 'sweetheart' grey marl sweater below that's at the top of my wishlist. I especially loved the dainty bejeweled epaulettes on a khaki army jacket above, this was a nice touch to soften something that's been around for a few seasons now and will look great with denim shorts and cowboy boots come festival season. 

January Style Notes: New Season bags

As part of my New Year Resolutions I promised to be more adventurous with my accessories. So coming up below are ten gorgeous bags I wouldn't normally pick up, but nevertheless I'm lusting after this season. I've also decided 2013 will be the year I embrace colour, hence there is not a black bag in sight, rather lovely shades of yellow and green in leather and some cool prints from the designer bags of the moment. Happy Shopping! x 

1. £750, Versace 

2. £935, Olympia le Tan 

3. large bowler, £225, Karen Millen 

4. £150, Pied a Terre

5. Phone in a box bag, £200, Marc by Marc Jacobs 

6. £405, Jerome Dreyfus 

7. £40, River Island 

8. Shopper, £495, Charlotte Olympia 

9. £189, BIBA

10. Box chain leather bag, £28, Topshop

Red Carpet Report Card: Golden Globes

I'm reviving a post I used to do called 'Friday fashion round up' in honour of the Golden Globes this week but instead of looking at the best and the worst dressed on the night I wanted to focus on those that left me underwhelmed. Basically if this was a school report card it would read "OK but could try harder". If I were a harsher woman it would read "get your shit together, its award season and I want to see some pretty dresses."  

I've then gone and photo shopped the heads of those accused (very badly I might add) onto the dresses I think they should have worn, or those I think they should wear for the Oscars, which are fast approaching. 

I'll start off with Jessica Chastain who wore Calvin Klein. Due to the sheer amount of times Jessica has been wearing Calvin Klein on the red carpet recently I am beginning to think she under some kind of contractual obligation whereby she must wear the brand at all times or forfeit her firstborn child. I really wish Chastain would break this pact, child be damned, as I think there are better designer's out there for her. All that billowing fabric left her looking like she was slouched over and sagging in all the wrong places (is there ever a right place to sag come to think of it?) and that colour is not doing her any favours either. Therefore for the Oscars I'd like to introduce her to some much needed structure: Jessica meet Christian Dior Couture and Giorgio Armani Prive if you please. 

Amy Adams is another beautiful redhead who did herself no favours with a frothy pale pink Marchesa gown she seemed to have colour matched exactly to her skin-tone. Remember back in 2011 when her film The Fighter was up for so many awards including best supporting actress and she was really going for it fashion wise? Can we have this lady back please! I need Amy to bring fierce and sexy back come Oscar time with some splits and strong shoulders. Something from Gianfranco Ferre or Antoni Berardi S/S 13 would be just the ticket.  

I also need Rachel Weisz to wake up and smell the coffee. Yes she is 40 something but she is still smoking hot and a real life bond girl, which instantly makes her the envy of millions of women worldwide. But sister, no one is jealous of that polka dot monstrosity. For the Oscars I'm hoping she'll go and do an Angelina and thrust her leg out of a thigh high split just to remind us she's alive! Sadly I don't think that's coming any time soon, so in the meantime I'd be happy to see her in anything other than one of the black dresses she ALWAYS inevitably wears - like signature Marchesa from S/S 13 or this nude Chanel gown to show off her English rose complexion? I do feel sorry for her though, it must be hard to keep a good stylist around when all they want to do is drool over your husband.

Speaking of legbombing...from left to right: Katharine McPhee, Eva Longoria and Rosie Huntington Whiteley. I'm so over this black dress, thigh high split, add in boring shoe look I can't even bring myself to write a whole sentence about it. 

I know your life is complicated right now Halle Berry and you have men fighting on your driveway and all but that's no excuse for this Versace number from the S/S 13 collection. A friend rightly commented that she appears to be stuck in a time warp: that's the same kind of dress she would have worn ten years ago, her hair is the same and her make up remains unchanged. And though her body is defying the ageing process she needs to move on style-wise as this cut is unflattering on her bust with the print and colour far too summery for the occasion. To tone it down for the Oscars I'd suggest classic black or metallics. Some edgy Vivienne Westwood or Elie Saab, both from S/S 13, expose enough flesh whilst leaving something to the imagination. 

See more after the jump.

Kenzo's X campaign returns

Building on the success of the last campaign for A/W 2012 Kenzo's creative directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have announced their collaboration with world-renowned artist Jean-Paul Goude will continue for Spring/Summer 2013.

The 'X Campaign', as it has become known since initial outing last year captures the essence of the brand new invigorated styling in its fun use of off-kilter symmetry and playful undertones.

Are you loving the shoot or wishing they'd gone in a new direction? 

This Little Girl Loves: Emilio Pucci A/W 13

Peter Dundas presents a Autumn / Winter 2013 Emilio Pucci collection defined by graphic tones and patterns, underlined by 1920's influences. 

Short tunic-shaped dresses are a key shape for the season, taking the eyes off the waist and onto the legs. Skirt hemlines swish and swing, trimmed with embroidered or jet micro baguette edges, and are paired with boxy, cropped jackets embellished with bugle beads or metal studs. Slim, cropped cigarette pants and sharply cut tuxedo jackets provide the tailoring foundation perfect for an updated take on masculine / feminine evening wear. trend. 

Pattern is, as always, paramount for Pucci and has been achieved this season with the 3D workmanship of intricate gold metal or thread embroideries or the new quilted effects of leather and guipure lace. Traditional Pucci prints make an unmistakable entrance in graphic, art deco patterns worked on chiffon which has been dip dyed for a smoky, antiqued effect.

For evening, the hemlines drop and the temperature rises in body skimming gowns featuring silk crepe or lace cutout techniques on transparent bodices. The models’ legs are perched on metal heel stiletto sandals with suede ankle cuffs while boxy shoulder bags or quilted clutches add a ladylike finish. 

January Jewel Notes

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to be more adventurous with my accessories so each month of 2013 I'm going to take a look at some more daring pieces of jewellery, and bags than I've been previously used to, and, hopefully (budget permitting) buy at least one piece to wear. 

This month I've been thinking a lot about large or statement jewellery - something I tend to favour over smaller, delicate styles - and how I can incorporate these more into my everyday wardrobe without looking overdressed, especially at work. I've decided the way forward lies with the ten pieces below; on trend without being outrageous and more or less affordable with some investment pieces (another resolution) thrown in. Happy Shopping x 

1. Earrings, £12, ASOS 

2. Bracelet, £22.50, Topshop

3. Ring, £220, Katie Rowland at Harvey Nichols

4. Necklace, £120, J. Crew at Net a Porter 

5. Earrings, £15, ASOS

6. Fang Necklace, £105, DJ by Dominic Jones at Harvey Nichols. 

7. Choker, £215, Giles and Brother at Matches

8. Earrings, £15, ASOS 

9. Druzy Crystal Ring, £75, Decadorn at Harvey Nichols 

10. Twist Collar Necklace, £50, Topshop

Friday treat time: Stella McCartney

Friday treat time this week comes in the form of this block shape crew neck jumper from Stella McCartney's new Spring collection.

This chunky cotton jumper twisted with a fine yarn in fading neon block colours is perfect for the new season; it's channelling one of the hottest trends for Spring - fluorescent - whilst still being cosy enough to combat the continuing chilly January weather. 

Featuring a shorter length at front, long sleeves and all over ribbed detail its more of an investment piece at £515 than an impulse buy, but you won't regret it. Style over a slinky pencil skirt, accessorise with a statement necklace and you're good to go! Happy Shopping x 

First Look: Givenchy Pre-Autumn Collection

The Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Pre Autumn / Winter Collection is a modern vision of the designer's native Italy of the 1970s. 

Geometry reaches a new level under Tiscis's eye as it ranges from contour to cuts, layering, prints and embroidery techniques. Square panelling appears on asymmetrical dresses, tunics, straight skirts and slim, boyish short pants. Signature blazers with softly squared shoulders are mixed with delicate tuxedo blouses with micro-pleated sleeves and fronts. Meanwhile, ruffles, lace and transparent organza add a sensual element. 

A graphic motif made of white, black and skin inspired by buildings and furniture designs from the 1970's animates a number of slinky second-skin silhouettes. Printed, embroidered or assembled, the mosaic-like effect feature patchworks of lace, nappa leather in black and oxblood, mink or cable knits. 

The finish, footwear ranges from plimsolls and hybrid trainer-sandals to derbies and ankle boots, with surprising twists at the back - they show wood and metal details including gold nails, chains, eyelets and heels.

Just Released: Emilio Pucci S/S 13 Campaign

Italian luxury fashion label Emilio Pucci, designed by Peter Dundas, has revealed the first images of its Spring-Summer ad campaign, set to debut in February worldwide.

For the new campaign photographers Mert & Marcus continue the journey where they left off in Autumn, this time shooting on location at the stunning Villa D'Este in Rome and depicting the Pucci girl, Amber Valletta, in her Palazzo garden. 

I'm loving the shots - the Eastern themed collection meeting the classical Italian setting is all very opulent and mysterious and for someone who's spent a lot of time looking at studio backgrounds recently (I'm plotting my next shoot) an outdoor campaign is actually a welcome relief. 

Just Released: Givenchy Campaign

The Spring/Summer ad campaign from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci have been released and its a refreshing change from the norm, celebrating strong women and natural beauty.

According to the brand the campaign "exhales family trust, faithfulness & love. Even though business may be sometimes at stake, true friendship can also exist."

"They (women) are depicted as feeling strong, showing their natural inner beauty and in their best light. No hair or make-up comes to disrupt the attention on the casting and the clothes. The pictures are about accepting women the way they are, about reality and honesty."

"They are people I love and who love me. It's about family. Something that is difficult to find in today’s world. It's about real people, only taking the best of their personalities, with no effort.” says creative director, Tisci.

You can find out more about the making-of video on Givenchy’s You tube channel here.

Burberry Campaign Video: Cute Overkill

The Burberry Spring / Summer 2013 ad campaign video has been released, and after a snapshot last month, we finally get to see Romeo Beckham's first modelling job in full!

 

I couldn't resist posting the video, even though it will probably be everywhere by now, because he's just so god damn cute in it! I was discussing this whilst on a shoot the other day and some people think he has peeked to soon and won't be all that attractive when he's older. I totally disagree - just look at his gene pool - Posh and Becks could not make an ugly human being if they tried.

As for the rest of the video - can I use the word underwhelmed and not get struck down? The amazing metallics that looked so cool on the catwalk may have been a bit lost in translation I feel. Maybe another viewing will change my mind...

New Season, New Wardrobe

Now that I'm all rejuvenated and glowing from my festive break (I wish) I can return to talking about fashion - hurrah! However I'm not going to start telling you about all the sales around at the moment since I don't do sales shopping - been there and rejected that when it was full price thank you very much! No, instead I'm going to talk about all the newness in stores. That's much more exciting isn't it!

I can't do any actual shopping just yet (January is such a killer month isn't it) but I've already seen some little gems to start getting excited over! I've counted down my top 10 'New Season' pieces, and explained below why they stand out for me. If you've saved your Christmas pennies for this exact reason then Happy Shopping! x

 

1. Neon jewellery is big news right now, invest in statement styles from Shourouk: Earrings, £300, Shourouk at Net a Porter

2. White shoes are back in fashion but you can make them contemporary with a wedge: Wedges, £395, Jimmy Choo at Net a Porter

3. I'm calling it, bomber & varsity jackets will be what all the cool kids wear in 2013: Bomber,  £670, Rag & Bone at Net a Porter

4. Metallics are still going strong, add snake effect leather and you're on to a winner: Skirt, £650, Faith Connection at Net a Porter.

5. This shade of blue is the colour of the season, make this your arm candy of choice: Tote, £567, Sophie Hulme at My Wardrobe.

6. Just think of the endless outfits you could make with this stretch polka dot pencil skirt: Skirt, £405, Jonathan Saunders at Net a Porter.

7. Neon is one of the hottest trends for S/S 13, especially across tops and knitwear: Cropped Jumper, £30, Topshop

8. This stingray and stud box bag will take you wish ease from catwalk show to nightclub: Bag, £35, Topshop

9. Biker jackets are far from classic this season in tropical tones of red, pink and orange: Leather biker, £770, Theory at My Wardrobe

10. Take note: Heels this season must have a pointed toe, even better if they glitter too. Glitter effect satin twill heels, £410, Gianvito Rossi at Net a Porter.

New year fashion resolutions and I'm not dead!

It's been awhile since I last posted so I'd just thought I'd take a moment to reassure people I'm not dead before resuming activity. I was in fact just having a very long, very relaxing break over Christmas and New Year at home with my mum.

The first thing I wanted to do when I got back was decide on some New Year's Resolutions as I never bothered last year and really regretted not setting myself some goals. So for 2013 I've set myself some personal ones and some fashion ones that I've listed below. They mainly involve being more adventurous as 90% of my wardrobe at present is probably black, navy or grey in the same cuts. Fingers crossed 2013 is so uplifting that I'll naturally want to wear lots of colour!