Introducing Needle Knitwear for SS14

Whilst I'm not thrilled about the weather this week, one of the benefits of this strange reversal of Spring back into Winter is that I get to stay cocooned up in my jumpers a bit longer. As you'll know from past blog posts I'm more than partial to a bit of knitwear, and am always on the hunt for quality, wearable pieces that can be worn all day everyday and anywhere my life takes me. 

That being said I'd like to introduce you to Needle, an Italian made knitwear brand with headquarters in Yorkshire. Needle was launched in early 2013 by Lizzie Cawthray, and strives to offer luxurious but wearable, fun every day knitwear for women of all ages. 

SS14 is Needle's second season and takes inspiration from the rural English coastline where cool blues, on-trend pastels and bold brights all play their part across lightweight cotton blends and feather-soft cashmere pieces perfect for layering. 

I'm already in love with the Crete colour blocked cashmere jumper (I'm thinking statement necklace and boyfriend jeans would be the perfect pairing yes?) as well as the Kos multi stitch colour block jumper and the Ithica lace-hole stitch striped jumper in oatmeal and coral combination. The SS14 is available at www.needleboutique.com Prices start from £115.

Read my Q&A with Lizzie and see more from the SS14 collection after the jump. 

Colour Me Happy, Colour Me Blue

Winter to Spring is always a difficult transition for me since my wardrobe predominately consists of black, grey, navy and green. But one of my resolutions this year is to be a lot bolder with colour and an easy way of easing into the new season is through it's most talked about shade; blue. 

It doesn't even really matter what shade of blue (though it obviously does if you subscribe to Miranda Priestly's views in The Devil Wears Prada) as blue was apparent in every hue on the SS14 catwalks from periwinkle and cobalt, icy aqua to classic navy. Particular kudos to Diane von Furstenberg who used my favourite shade of Moroccan blue which shall ever remind me of last year's trip to Marrakesh and the Jardin Majorelle. There was also denim, lots of denim. So much it may deserve a post of its own which is why you'll see none of it in my edit below. 

What you will find is a splash of green to contrast with strong, bold colour-block blues in good quality fabrics, plus holographic heeled sandals (just because I love them OK) and one 'if money was no object tee' with beautiful azure geo print. 

If you're not convinced, blue make-up is also experiencing a come back as seen at Derek Lam and Marc by Marc Jacobs. A slash of electric blue eye shadow or a corner flick with an eye pencil will do the trick. Style Note: For a high fashion look pair cobalt blue outfits with an orange lip for a high-impact colour contrast. 

1. Whistles, structured neoprene sweatshirt, £852. ASOS, Hoeward heeled sandals, £283. 3.1 Phillip Lim at My Wardrobe, Embroidered Geo T-Shirt, £5804. Reiss, Romoli Turkish blue peacoat, £2455. Hobbs, Queensbridge bag in powder blue, £1996. Warehouse, pelmet leather skirt, £607. Whistles, Ali heavy frame sunglasses, £708. NW3 by Hobbs, Lawrence Chino, £859. Tophop, Nina heeled jelly sandals, £2510. Warehouse, palm print crop tee, £35

Introducing Jaunt Accessories for SS14

If you're anything like me then this sudden burst of British sunshine will have you already researching your next holiday and entire summer wardrobe. And slotting easily into my planning is Jaunt Accessories with its debut collection for Spring Summer 2014. 

The brands mission; providing essential travel pieces for globe trotting women that combine style with function and take the stress out of reaching your destination. 

Jaunt is under the creative direction of Kim Lai, a New York native living in London who's frequent travels highlighted the need for enduring, chic and functional accessories to accompany her. However - and this is the clever part - a bag from Jaunt is not just limited to travel. The multi-purpose accessories translate to many occasions including a day at the beach to a night sipping cocktails. The collection consists of 5 distinctive bag shapes, including an expandable tote and two elegant clutch bags.

Lai has also understood the need for vibrant prints and colour combination - after all, us Brits do love to shed all our inhibitions and embrace riotous colour abroad when we think no-one will see us! This season, prints were inspired by Bodrum in Turkey demonstrated though Ikat prints and bold stripes on canvas and nappa leather. 

As well as a seasonal collection Jaunt will soon be launching their signature range, which will remain as part of their core collection. Prices range from £150.00 - £315.00 and the full collection is available from e-commerce shop www.jauntaccessories.com. Selected styles are also available now from Wolf & Badger in London. 

Warehouse Launches Fashion Shooters Festival

Warehouse has launched it's exciting new Spring Summer 2014 campaign, Fashion Shooters, which is all about photography and getting creative with your cameras!

As a Warehouse Affiliate I'm pleased to announce that the brand is also planning a Fashion Shooters festival, where anyone can come for a day of fashion and photography. Taking place on Saturday 22nd March on Brick Lane, the festival will feature an Elle magazine styling zone, Poloroid gallery, Toni & Guy mini salon, WAH Nails nail parlour, a DJ set by Whinnie Williams and Food by The Wandering Chef. 

Plus 20 lucky winners will have the chance to go behind the lens, mentored by Helena Christensen and shoot the 13th and final image of the campaign. The 20 winners on the day will not only have the opportunity to shoot the campaign image mentored by Helena in a professional studio with hair and makeup team but will also get travel expenses to and from London, a stay in the Hoxton Hotel for them and a friend, and an exclusive VIP experience at the Fashion Shooters Festival.

Sign up for free festival tickets here: www.warehouse.co.uk/fashionshooters

FASHION SHOOTERS FESTIVAL

The Loading Bay, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB.

Saturday 22nd March