Help Beyond Skin's Kickstarter Project

For those of you who've never heard of Beyond Skin they are a 10 year old, UK based independent footwear label who not only create shoes which are rather beautiful, but are also vegan and cruelty-free.

I've been in contact with the lovely team at Beyond Skin for awhile now so this week I was sad to hear of a recent misfortune whereby their main factory closed down taking with it the vast majority of their Spring ’13 collection. This has annoyingly left them short of the funding needed to implement a new diffusion line of comfy, wearable yet stylish shoes to sit alongside their current luxury 'boutique' line.

The lovely team at the brand have therefore created a Kickstarter (crowdfunding) project to raise the money for the new line to be put into production. The new collection is set to launch with 10 styles for everyday wear at a slightly lower price point and has already been fully designed.

If you'd like to learn more about the brand and its Kickstarter project check out the link here and the video below. Every person who pledges over £10 to the cause will receive a reward - many of which come from the brands Autumn Winter ’13 ‘boutique’ line including on-trend slipper designs, cute court shoes and vintage inspired heels a selection of which can be seen above. 

 

The MiH Jeans Autumn Winter Collection

Last month I introduced the Pre Autumn / Winter Collection from MiH Jeans with a big thumbs up. As a huge fan of the brand already (see my Instagram for further proof) I was expecting great things this season and I'm here to tell you the mainline AW 13 collection is just as impressive.

Elegant simplicity and chic, casual classics are the buzzwords to watch out for as MiH are again inspired by the contrasts inherent in denim, fusing high fashion with an everyday basic. Understated ‘bluejean’ washes sit alongside faded blues and blacks, with denim coatings, particularly in metallic, becoming darker and more aged this season.

Stand out pieces include the shearling-lined Parka, a thick navy wool pea-coat that had me drooling on the press day and chunky, oversized knits hand knitted in North East England (I had to get that in as a Northerner sorry). Dot and stripe prints can be found on silk shirts and as stripes on jeans for AW 13, replacing the bandanna print that was so key for summer. Watch out for the intense colours this season too - there are some rust and green tones that make me instantly wish for Autumn and think of crunching leaves underfoot.

Likewise, the popular Boiler Suit of SS 13 is updated and refined with military detailing and metal hardware to become more evening attire, detailing which is carried through to the Boiler Pant, Jump Top and Jump dress. 

As a final flourish the MiH team are proudly unveiling their British Icon Shirts collection - a new launch for A/W 13. The capsule line of five shirts is inspired by traditional men’s styles, and includes the Army Shirt, Studio Shirt, Nightcap Shirt, Dinner Shirt and Oversize Shirt. They all look deceptively simple and pretty effortless as we've come to expect from MiH and if you invest in a new shirt this season I'd make it one of these. 

Here's just a taster of the full collection. To see more visit www.mih-jeans.com.

See more after the jump

La Redoute Autumn / Winter 2013 Press Day

Last week I was invited along to the Autumn / Winter 2013 press day for La Redoute at the Ice Tank Studios in Covent Garden. The event was doubly special as the iconic French brand was celebrating its 18th year in the UK with cupcakes, cocktails, Prosecco and mini manicures. 

Alongside viewing the La Redoute A/W 13 own label collections - Soft Grey, Mademoiselle R and Season Trends - the day also presented us with the opportunity to view the designer collections this season from Courreges, ba&sh and Le Mont St Michel. Myself and Sophie from La fashion Folie found some great hidden gems in each range but my favourite piece has to be the biker style jacket with detachable fur collar that I'm clinging on to below. If that doesn't float your boat there are plenty of other on trend looks including an oriental bomber jacket, an asymmetric quilted skirt, two pink coats, a cool boyfriend coat and plenty of a leopard print. 

French fashion house Courreges, considered 'futuristic' in the 60's, showed a capsule collection of clean, structured lines and a minimalist colour palette of bright white and hot pink. The 3/4 length sleeve 'Trapeze' dress below is a key look for the season - and looks far more expensive than its £119 price tag. 

Faux leather was another important aspect of the La Redoute for the season, featured on leggings, trousers and a dress studded with metal eyelets. Meanwhile, accessories and footwear options were simple yet classic. The thin gold bee belt caught my eye, as did a faux snakeskin chain strap bag. 

See more after the jump

One To Watch: Nicola Crawford

The first collection, ‘Lost Words’ established from her graduate collection was inspired by the lost art of letter writing, after discovering a letter, written during the war, in an antiques shop. 

Nicola Crawford followed this up with ‘With Love’ - also influenced by vintage correspondence, using a postcard written in 1908. The illegible hand writing on the postcard is represented in the jumbled lettering in unique pendants, whilst the signed off x's feature on intricate rings and stud earrings.  

Nicola’s latest collection ‘The Secret Garden’ is inspired by the classic children's tale by Frances Hodgson Burnett and uses motifs such as twisted ivy leaves, locks and keys and rose buds in silver and gold vermeil and bronze. I'm especially in love with the lock and key rings. I'm having a bit of a ring obsession at the moment and I thinking this will look great stacked up alongside my midi rings and vintage finds

Bio: Nicola graduated with a first class BA (hons) in Silversmithing, Goldsmithing and Jewellery from the University for the Creative Arts.  Each collection is designed and made by Nicola in her Kent based studio, where she began the brand in 2011. Prices start from £44 and you can shop the collection online here.

Top Limited Edition Beauty Buys

Limited Edition pieces used to be the preserve of luxury fashion brands before trickling down to the high-street and now words like 'online exclusive', 'capsule collection' and 'collectors edition' are becoming common place. We knew it wouldn't be long before the beauty industry jumped on board this trend, with everything from mascaras to candles being given the treatment so far. The Rhianna red lipstick for MAC sold out in just THREE HOURS the first time it went online for example. 

The whole thing does seem a bit cruel however - getting hooked on a the perfect lipstick shade or nail polish is so easy - but for beauty bees like me (flitting from one brand to another at the promise of perfect skin) limited edition pieces are a fun way to experiment with my look. Here's the top pieces I've got my eye on right now. Happy Shopping! X

1. To celebrate a new Royal baby the Royal Candle is available in blue or pink and comes boxed, £41.95, Available at www.bahoma.com 
2. The lip scrub: Lemonade limited edition, £20, Sara Happ at Selfridges. 
3. Limited edition Pure Chromatics eye palette - Downtown, will work now and through to winter, £42, Yves Saint Laurent 
4. Summer Splash palette in Midday Sun, £32, Burberry. I love the sophisticated mix of blue and brown. 
5. Great shades and cute packaging Mini pack runway Minnies inspired by the style of Minnie Mouse, £12.95, OPI
6. The most stylish candle ever? Mary Katrantzou x Rodial Skincare candle, £35, available in September from Space NK, Harrods, Harvey Nichols & Selfridges. 
7. Matthew Williamson 'the rich is back' for Benefit is coming on holiday to Marrakech with me, £26.50, online exclusive at Benefit.
8. Love the hand-drawn prints! Hypnose Drama mascara by Alber Elbaz, £23, Lancome at Harvey Nichols.

The Lust-worthy M&S Autumn / Winter Collection

I know that in this crazy hot weather the last thing you want to be thinking about is your winter wardrobe (even the word layers is giving me another hot flash) however this you really need to see. Just like the autumn / winter 2013 collection from Primark I blogged about the other day, Marks & Spencer's forthcoming range is looking exceptional.

After a recent glimpse of the look book styling on none other than the Daily Mail website, I was hooked. Having never been a M&S shopper before I may have to change my ways. Top of my shopping list is the check and leather mix pieces - especially the jacket below left - and the red leopard print jumper pictured below at £35. I'm also saving room in my closet for the pink coat. Despite swearing the Primark version was the one for me the version below at £95 is calling to me in all its over-sized glory! Are two pink coats two much for one girl?

"Autumn/winter 13 marks the beginning of a new era for Marks & Spencer womenswear with a renewed focus on exceptional quality and confident style," so says the new style director Belinda Earl, who previously cut her teeth in executive roles at all British brands Jaeger & Aquascutum.

I'm in love with the two looks above - seriously whoever styled this shoot deserves a raise - the combination of the pink, leopard and red envelope clutch (also on my wish list) is so unexpected but somehow works. Kudos to M&S as well for including a heart print - its a nice nod to the key Burberry print of the season for those of us without bottomless pockets.

Other looks from M&S include lots of substantial looking outerwear with fur detailing (this is going to be stylish and practical) plenty of country-inspired checks teamed with leather leggings, and skirts, skirts everywhere skirts - all falling to a respectable mid thigh or knee length of course whether pleated kilts or sharply tailored.

What do you think of the M&S collection this season? Is it tapping into your wardrobe needs for once or distancing itself too much from the core customer?

This Little Girl Loves: Rosita Bonita

Out of all the jewellery brands I spotted at Treasure last month, Rosita Bonita was perhaps the quirkiest and the most up my street if you pardon the phrase. 

The leather pieces - which are made right here in her East London studio - all start life as original illustrations which are then screen printed or foil-embossed giving them that extra 'touchy feely' quality. 

The current collection - Siren - was the first thing to catch my eye at Treasure. Styles are inspired by the ocean and includes shells, seahorses and mermaids - thanks to the designers' fascination with the mermaid carnival exhibits and aqua shows of the early 20th century. Available in a buffet of soft pastel shades, the leather is embossed with shining gold and holographic prints - a continuation of summer's catwalk trend and perfect for catching the light.

The forthcoming Toledo Collection takes its cues from the traditional damascene jewellery of Spain and Japan. Gold is embossed onto lightweight leather in black, on-trend ox-blood (its going to be huge again for A/W 13) and teal paired with gold chains and tassels. I'm In love with the big hoop earrings and fan broach below - it would look fantastic teamed with winter's trend for dark floral, baroque and Art Nouveau prints or pinned to the lapel of an over sized coat.

Selected pieces from each collection form part of the permanent archive range, including the popular Hummingbird necklaces from the debut 'orchard' collection, sacred hearts from the 'amulet' line and my personal favourite - the Art Deco black and gold scarab wing earrings of 'she's my witch'. To see the full range and a list of stockists head over to www.rositabonita.com

Perfect For Petites: Maxi Dress Dilemma

I don't think I've ever blogged about my height before so most people won't be aware I'm only 5ft 1 and therefore have struggled most my life to find clothes that won't trail on the ground or cause me to trip over. Of course, if there is something I really love I'll have it altered but otherwise it's a constant battle! I especially struggle with summer's biggest trend - maxi dresses.

Not any more though - recently I discovered the petite range at Miss Selfridge and it was a revelation. I bought the black jersey maxi dress (left) first, closely followed by the same version in turquoise (right) after wearing it once and loving the fit, not to mention that its the perfect length when worn with flats.

I'm now thinking of ways to style my new buys for the great British summer (read changeable weather) and for my upcoming holiday to Marrakech. I've decided on sticking to my usual summer hippy-boho style and adding a few luxe touches when it comes to jewellery. This Aztec kimono from Topshop is a recent purchase and goes great with both colours, whilst the rhinestone midi rings and Zara necklace are already residing in my jewellery box (see my Instagram account for proof). Alas, I wish I could afford the Mulberry Alexa aztec satchel - it's a great statement piece that would last well into autumn.

1. Gold necklace, Now £3.99, Zara

2. Alexa Aztec Satchel, £1,870, Mulberry

3. Beaded dip dye tassel drop earrings, £25, Topshop

4. Jersey Maxi Dress, £33, Miss Selfridge

5. Aztec Embroidered Kimono, £60, Topshop

6. Strappy Back Maxi Dress, £33, Miss Selfridge

7. Rhinestone midi ring, £5.50, Topshop

8. Gladiator Sandals, £26, Topshop

9. Flower midi ring, £5.50, Topshop

Friday Treat Time: The Bling Ring Homage

This week's Friday treat time is in honour of The Bling Ring. Finally released in the UK today, it feels like I've been waiting forever to see this film after all the initial hype surrounding it at Cannes. From director Sophia Coppola and staring Emma Watson, The Bling Ring is inspired actual events and follows a group of celebrity-obsessed teenagers who rob celebrities cash of jewellery, cash and designer swag.

I'm most intrigued by the poster which identifies the member's of the crime ring by their designer sunglasses. As someone who is obsessed with finding the perfect pair of sunnies (12 pairs and counting) I couldn't resist putting together my own edit of styles, one for every personality you have & every occasion you would wish to attend. Happy shopping! x

1.  Leopard print acetate, £290, Illesteva + Zac Posen at Net a Porter

2. Cat eye frames, £280, Agent Provocateur 55 at Linda Farrow

3. Teashade sunglasses, £449, Linda Farrow

4. Rimmed aviator sunglasses, Prabal Gurung at Linda Farrow

5. Red matte sunglasses, £95, Sheriff & Cherry at Farfetch

6. Tortoiseshell acetate Wayfarer, £120, Ray-Ban

The Bling Ring is released in UK cinemas this Friday the 5th July 2013. The original poster and the official trailer are below.

Having A Moment: Vicky Davies Jewellery

If you have been on the blog recently you may have noticed that my love of jewellery has gone past me simply being a magpie for all things shiny, to a full on obsession that culminated with a trip to Treasure jewellery show at Somerset House last month.

 

Whilst there I spotted some amazing up-and-coming and established jewellery brands which I've already mentioned on the blog. Today's turn belongs to London based contemporary jeweller Vicky Davies.

 

Davies's most recent collection 'Diamond', which was on display at Treasure, features geometric triangles and is inspired by the Art Deco movement. Triangles beads move on fine chains to make diamond shapes, whilst matching drop earrings make great day-to-night pieces.

 

 

One of my favourite styles has to be the Druzy rings. These round sparkly Agate beauties are set in frosted silver, and after trying one on a Treasure its' gone straight to the top of my wish-list. Also on the list are the star twist rings and friendship bracelets - I just can't get enough of friendship bracelets at the moment and there will be no room left on my arm soon!  

 

If these aren't your style there's plenty more to see; delicate pearl collars and pendants are classy and elegant whilst bird motifs, keys, clovers, arrows, hearts and other various charms will make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The 'winking eye' and 'salute the sun' discs are my charms of choice - coming in spinning designs on pendants and bracelets these are great summer holiday buys. Even better, the collection features plenty of rose gold - another current obsession of mine!

 

 

Bio: Vicky Davies jewellery was established over two decades ago with a workshop based in East London. All designs are handmade using sterling and semi-precious stones with diverse inspirations spanning from antique to ethnic jewellery but channelled in a modern way. Davies produces two new collections a year and also offers a bespoke service. You can find the brand at EC1, Fenwick’s, Fortnum & Mason, Columbia Road and online here.

I can't believe its Primark...

Before I start this post I want to make it clear that I have shopped, and do still shop in Primark on a semi-regular basis. I am no label snob! That being said its mostly for basics (tights are my main buy) along with shoes as they are the only brand on the high street who do a small enough size three. It's not often I'll venture into Primark and buy clothes though, and its very rare that I'll go with the mind to buy a whole new outfit.

All that is about to change though for Autumn / Winter 2013 as Primark has just released their campaign imagery for the new season alongside a few product shots of key on-trend pieces and its looking good. Very good.

Let me break my shopping list down for you: I'll be buying Primark’s black duffle coat as a classic investment piece. I threw my old black winter jacket away last season and this is crying out to fill the gap. Its smart enough for everyday but with a touch of old school appeal. Another great wardrobe staple is the black pleated skirt pictured to the left. Although I suspect this particular style will be too long on me its a great 'stealth piece'. No one will realise from Primark, and you don't need to tell them if they can't figure it out...

I enjoy a PU sleeve as much as the next girl and this coat (right) will be coming with me to work to keep me looking sharp. The pink coat (left) is purely for pleasure - it doesn't need to be practical. The new pink tones for autumn are very feminine and should be balanced with structured bags and slim fits. I'll be wearing mine with patterned and / or jacquard trousers. 

I think this tartan Peter Pan dress (right) is a great way to channel the Punk / Grunge trend that's sure to pop up come Autumn with the arrival of the "Club To Catwalk" exhibition at the V&A. I'll be wearing mine with my favourite chunky black cut-out boots from Topshop and the aforementioned 50 denier tights. For the brave amongst you the lacquered pencil skirt and matching crop top - paired with a faux leopard coat no less - will provide a sexy evening look.

What do you think of Primark's new collection? Will you be rushing into stores to buy anything from Autumn / Winter 2013? 

Mascotte partner with PPQ for LFW

Footwear and accessory brand Mascotte has announced a collaboration with PPQ and partnership with London Fashion Week today.

 

Under the collaboration, Mascotte will be an Official Supplier of London Fashion Week SS14 and will be collaborating with London fashion label, PPQ to create limited edition shoes, which will debut in their catwalk show this September. 

 

Anyone who hasn't been to the new Mascotte store in Westfield White City yet, I can highly recommend it for a good bout of shoe-lust. If not you can see more from the bran online at: www.mascotte.org.uk. In the meantime here is a little taster of the limited edition black and gold heels below.

Image credit: Fashion Insight. For more LFW news head to www.londonfashionweek.co.uk.