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Archive for January, 2010

Jan 15

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New season preview: key looks for spring, part III

Fashionbite continues its new season preview, showcasing key designer looks for spring, as seen in Vogue, and highlighting where to get your hands on designer looks at high street prices….

RALPH LAUREN

The all-American fashion pioneer triumphs with Dust Bowl denim.

Denim, denim and more denim strongly resonated from the catwalks of Ralph Lauren, with sequined nightdresses and low-waisted flapper style dresses for eveningwear.

Top-to-toe denim, a key look from the ’90s- see Fashionbite’s Cool Britannia: the ’90′s revival-can be quite full-on, so why not tone it down for the teenies?

Invest in a fabulous pair of jeans that will stay looking gorgeous throughout the season, Republic has a great range on offer and team with a loose fitting white shirt (white-also a strong trend for spring, see Fashionbite’s Spring Preview, part II) and a denim waistcoast with frayed edges- as seen at Louis Vuitton-see Spring Preview, part I.

MOSCHINO

Rossella Jardini keeps the picture sweet with a cherry-print bustier dress.

A faded sunflower print also appeared on silk minis and puffball dresses.

The black mini featured heavily in the collection, in various forms and guises such as a miniskirt suit fringed with strings of pearls. Designers went short for spring and the black mini is probably one of the most high street-friendly trends out there.

Why not combine two trends and opt for a black mini leather skirt? See Fashionbite’s Harvey Nichols-trend report. I popped into Zara the other day and saw a gorgeous one on sale, also take a look at Asos which has a huge range on offer.

VERSACE

Inspired by Tim Burton’s ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ Donatella spins her own fantasy via a cacophony of prints.

Short, bold and tight is the name of the game at Versace, with a patchwork effect of prints. You generally need the body of a glamazonian to pull off it off.

For a more demure shape to suit all body types, Topshop has a fabulous range of printed pieces.

Alternatively, for patchwork print dresses, search Shopstyle.

MAXMARA

The trench is stretched to long, Annie Hall proportions with sloping shoulder lines and soft lapels.

The City might have had a turbulent time recently, but that’s no reason for its fashion to falter, and Maxmara’s collection embodied the City-woman (with a dash of military) to a tee. Khaki and olive tailoring, suede trousers and pencil skirts scream grown-up City-chic.

To copy the look, BHS has a safari-style tailored dress, see fashionbite’s post BHS rocks accessories for spring.

To get your hands on a traditional trench, John Lewis has a great range on offer-but for a more daring fashion statement, Jaeger has a stunning mustard yellow trench for spring- see fashionbite’s Jaeger launches new line for spring.

MEADHAM KIRCHHOFF

Ed Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff perceive the new pretty in flyaway, fine pleats and a shot of pink glitter.

Meadham Kirchhoff rocked the pretty-edge look for spring, from skinny trousers slit at the knee to translucent dresses with ruffled hems. Boxy glitter tunics were worn with narrow trousers.

To get the look, Miss Selfridge has an affordable take on ‘pretty’ for spring.

fashionbite xx

Jan 14

Detox in the Cotswolds


Just returned from a wonderful few days at a picturesque 16th century hotel and spa in the Cotswolds The Lygon Arms…almost didn’t make it though due to the snow.

The deal was booked through Lastminute.com and included a massage/facial, use of the swimming pool/gym/spa facilities, a three-course dinner in The Great Hall and breakfast the following morning…at just £125 per person- incredible value!

The staff were so lovely, friendly and welcoming and the hotel itself was stunning. After dinner we sat by a huge roaring fire (idyllic with the snow billowing down outside) with a- not so healthy dessert of- port and cheese and chatted to the lovely Italian food manager.

The facial used Elemis products and was probably one of the best facials I’ve had, my skin felt incredible afterwards and the spa facilities are exceptional.

I couldn’t fault the whole experience- and it felt like we were away a lot longer than two days. The hotel was located in the beautiful setting of Broadway, a small village in the heart of the Cotswolds…and felt it like a million miles away from London (despite only being an hour and a half by train).


To kick-start your new year health regime or as a relaxing break away, I highly recommend it…would make a fab valentine’s getaway if you’re looking for ideas.

fashionbite xx

Jan 12

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One leather jacket- four fab looks

If you’re looking for a piece of outerwear to invest in this spring, the leather bomber is perfect! Versatile and on-trend (see Harvey Nichols-SS10 trend report, you can adapt the look to suit your own style.

Fab new website I Love 2 Love has a great range on offer. For outfit inspiration, Fashionbite brings you four gorgeous looks to tantilise your tastebuds….

WIDE WORLD

Wide legged trousers are making a come back for spring/summer. For the leaner look, team with a fitted leather jacket, white ruffle shirt and killer heels.

Ideas:

UPDATE THE BOYFRIEND

Create a quirky take on the boyfriend look by throwing in an element of country squire. Team your leather with this fab flat cap by hot new accessories website Accessoryo and finish with an Alexa-style oversized bag.

Ideas:

STREET CHIC

Team a nautical striped top with Ray Bans and a trilby for urban chic appeal. This look works with flats or heels- so perfect for day to nightwear.

Ideas:

OFF DUTY STYLISTA

Laid-back and effortless- this look oozes rock-chick cool and perfectly embodies the minimalist ’90s trends, see Cool Britannia: the ’90s revival.

Ideas:

fashionbite xx

Jan 12

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Cool Britannia: the ’90s revival

The fashion world is bored of shoulder pads and leg warmers, so cast aside your stonewashed jeans and embrace a new decade…the ’90s.

Selfridges launched a pop-up shop ‘The Nineties are Vintage’ in its London store this week, which celebrates all things 90′s, from fabulous vintage Vivien Westwood to iconic films such as Pulp Fiction.

London-based vintage stores Rellik and Beyond Retro gave a helping hand to the concept store, which stays open until the end of January…so get your skates on if you fancy delving into the culture of the last decade.

Blur v Oasis, Spice Girls v All Saints (above), mobile phones became mainstream, the internet revolution, sports inspired clothing, grungewear, the decade of the supermodel…just a few reminders..

Selfridges head of creative told Grazia: “The ’90s feel so relevant for 2010. From minimalism to grunge to sportwear, the decade’s influence is a key reference.

“We decided 10 years is the perfect time for a retrospective – our ’90s shop will celebrate the best bit of the decade’s trends as well as all the albumns, books and films that made 1990-1999 unique.”

Spring/summer 2010 catwalks gave a definite nod to the nineties, from bumbags at Louis Vuitton to grunge at Charlotte Ronson. Sportswear as a fashion trend is huge for spring/summer-team your sweatpants with killer heels- see fashionbite’s post Jog On.

So dust off your denim shirt, dig out your Doc Martens (Fashionbite’s Snow bunny: keep stylish in the snow) and get ready for the comeback….

fashionbite xx

Jan 8

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New season preview: key looks for spring, part II

Continuing the new season preview, Fashionbite is showcasing key designer looks for spring, as seen in Vogue’s February issue, and highlighting where to get your hands on designer looks at high street prices….

BALENCIAGA

Booted and hooded in urban armour at Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquiere dresses his tribe for victory.

Make-up at Balenciaga’s catwalk show was ‘warpaint,’ as described by The Telegraph’s Hilary Alexander, with flashes of neon pink, orange, yellow and blue around the models eyes. Boots were mid-calf, with fierce metallic heels and open toes.

For a high street take on uban/tribal-chic, Urban Outfitters has a strong offer, to search for open toe boots, check out Shop Style.

DIOR

John Galliano plunges into the lingerie drawer to bring us frills, lace, point d’esprit and corsetry, said Vogue.

Underwear as outerwear, as seen at Dolce and Gabbana- see Fashionbite’s earlier post- is strong for spring, but you can adapt the style with lace/frill detailing on tops and skirts.

Warehouse has a fab range of lace-inspired pieces.

Alternatively, Topshop has a huge array of lace/frill detailing on tops, adding a touch of glamour to any outfit.

CALVIN KLEIN

Pairing a shrunken racerback dress and a oversized, textural blazer gives a fresh stance on brilliant white at Calvin Klein.

Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa said “My inspiration came from Ferne Jacobs, an American artist who is best known for her sculptures created using an ancient basket-weaving technique.”

Unstructured, pared down and white. Soft, organic shapes and contrasting texture. You have to have a sylph-like frame to pull this one off..but for high street inspiration, take a look at Zara (although you can’t buy online yet) and Whistles- which embodies pared down minimal to a tee.

ALBERTA FERRETTI

The mistress of the evening dress stealthily plays with sheer, floating it to the ankles in smoky layers, said Vogue.

Alberta Ferretti said “I used overlapping to get a new kind of lightness, free of structures.”

Light, unstructured, fluid and romantic sums up Ferretti’s offer for spring/summer.

To get the look visit Ghost, a label which had a re-birth earlier last year (with a little help from London Fashion Week design duo Modernist) and offers a fab range of romantique-esque pieces with light layering and fluid silouettes.

ROBERTO CAVALLI

The slipdress makes a welcome return in silk and a retro flower print at Roberto Cavalli, layer as you please.

Roberto Cavalli moved away from his overtly sexual, high-glamour style of norm, to a more romantic vision for spring/summer, inspired by the garden in his Florence home.

Floral dresses with contrast slips give an edgy high street take on the look at Asos.

New season preview part III will focus on Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Versace, Maxmara and Meadham Kirchhoff…..

fashionbite xx

Jan 6

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Snow bunny: how to keep stylish in the snow?

Snow is falling down relentlessly outside, but that’s no excuse to wrap up warm, snuggle up under a duvet with a hot chocolate and hide from the outside world…oh, ok it is then!

…but, if you have to venture out you may as well do it stylishly- the snow is no excuse to let up on your fashion credentials. In fact, it’s a great way to try out some new styles. Fashionbite has picked out a couple of key looks to keep you stylishly cool in the snow…

This eighties-style faux fur coat from Topshop ticks all the boxes, I love the Cruella de-Ville-esque vibe.

Team it with black Dr Martens, from Rubbersole and a knitted beret from Accessorize.

Sportier snow bunnies- keep snug in these blizzard snow boots with faux fur trim from Mountain Warehouse.

Accessorise with a bobble hat from Accessorize and a Lula white padded coat from Fat Face.

fashionbite xx

Jan 6

3 Comments

New season preview: key looks for spring, part I

In its February issue, Vogue has compiled the key designer looks for spring.

For inspiration updating your spring wardrobe, Fashionbite brings you the highlights (in four parts) and where to snap-up the designer looks at high street prices….

LOUIS VUITTON

Cycling shorts and field jackets, dip-dyes and frayed edges are a unique fizzy cocktail in the hands of Marc Jacobs (Louis Vuitton’s creative director). Louis Vuitton’s spring collection is inspired by new age travellers and life on the road.

For pics of Louis Vuitton’s fab spring shoes and accessories, see fashionbite’s earlier post Louis Vuitton rocks clogs. Almost every high street footwear brand has adapted the clog look for spring (so you’ve got plenty to choose from).

For Clarks take on the look, visit Fashionbite’s post Clarks-handbag lust.

Alternatively, Kurt Geiger has some georgeous clog-inspired items for the more daring of shoe lovers.

DOLCE & GABBANA

Dolce & Gabbana reprised their signature corset in a confection of tulle and lace. Corsets featured in black lace, denim, leopard print and floral.

Underwear as outerwear is a key trend for spring, for some fabulous and affordable corset alternatives- visit Corseta-UK, where you can pick one up for under £20.

CHANEL

Chanel embraced all things country for spring, with crochet mini-dresses and an abundance of flowers. Creative director Karl Lagerfield used a spectacular giant barn yard as the backdrop for his catwalk shows.

Lagerfield said: “I loved the thirties creations of Chanel. I reused that idea of pique, or printed flowers, but in a very different, contemporary way.”

Rather than going out top-to-toe crochet, you could adapt the look with crochet detailing on tops/dresses. To search the key high street brands for crochet-inspired items, visit Shopstyle.

GUCCI

The domanatrix-style leather look was strong at Gucci.

Vogue said ‘ribbed and contoured leather provides the closest fit in a scuba-style jacket and shorts,’ to accompany a model wearing the outfit.

Leather, a strong trend for autumn, has continued into spring/summer- see Fashionbite’s Harvey Nichols Trend Report for more details. To get the look, Asos has a fab range of leather skirts/dresses/jackets on offer.

MICHAEL KORS

Body-con dresses were impact-making at Michael Kors.

Kors said ‘Sleek, spare and sexy are the key elements for urban dressing now.’

For stunning pin-up credentials on a budget, Reiss and Oasis have a gorgeous range of body-con dresses.

See tomorrow’s fashionbite for Balenciaga, Dior, Calvin Klein, Alberta Ferretti and Roberto Cavalli.

fashionbite xx

Jan 5

Asos: key looks for spring/summer

Asos is launching in an explosion of contrast for spring/summer, with wild prints juxtaposed against tailored elegance.

Fashionbite has posted Asos ‘behind the scenes’ for The Online Fashion Agency, but for an extended pic version of spring/summer looks, see below…

For statement appeal, inspiration comes from East and West Africa- with tribal prints and bejewelled necklines.

Softer style 60’s and 70’s bohemia has been reworked with a hint of the Orient using floral prints and dip dye.

The Asos Black collection, a limited edition range of party pieces, draws on fantasy and fairytale in an abundance of ruffles, lace and chiffon.

Acessories are big and ballsy, definite statement pieces…..

Wedges, killer heels and studding are strong in footwear…

fashionbite xx

Jan 3

Boden- fresh and colourful for spring

NEW year, NEW challenges, FRESH outlook- Boden’s bright, zesty spring/summer offer is the perfect pick-me-up for any fatigued wardrobe. Nothing quite sums up the strong colours and bright floral prints of spring/summer as Boden.

Nautical stripes in red/yellow/blue are splashed across cardigans and accessories, fabulous floral prints in fuscias, greens and purples brighten up beachwear and chunky wooden wedges or sunshine yellow pumps complete the look.

The accessories look fab- I love the block colour wallets and polka dot sun hats…roll on the summer!

If you want to get your hands on some of the gorgeous pieces- spring/summer product starts going on sale at Boden next month.

fashionbite xx

Jan 1

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

from fashionbite xx

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