Nov 27
In the second in a series of interviews, FashionBite chats to Angela Simkins – the footwear designer for contemporary high street brand Jane Shilton – who is passionate about retail having worked in the industry all her life. She talks about the key looks for AW11 and what to look out for next season. Read more
FashionBite interviewed Alannah Murphy – the handbag designer for contemporary high street brand Jane Shilton – who has designed for the likes of All Saints, Miss Selfridge and TK Maxx, about the key trends for autumn/winter 11 and what to look out for next season. Read more
Preen AW11 catwalk show at New York Fashion Week
Design duo Preen is set to design a collection for high street footwear brand Aldo. Preen designers Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi said:“We have just been in Montreal working with their [Aldo's] design team on the initial designs. It’s still in development, but the initial designs are looking very modern and sexy.”
Iwasn’t really familiar with Fossil’s leather bags and accessories until recently (I knew the brand for its retro inspired ’70′s style watches), but since discovering the leather goods ranges I’m now a massive fan…
FashionBite - along with a group of fashion/style bloggers – were asked to pick our favourite pair of sunglasses from the newly launched designer glasses site MisterSpex. I chose these fabulous white, Jil Sander sunglasses – a nod to this summer’s all white trend with a dose of Jil Sander minimalism. I love them!
London-based accessories designer Jackie Cawthra, founder of premium label Belen Echandia, talks to FashionBite about what goes into making the perfect handbag.
Read the interview…
Apr 27
Brass jewellery is my new accessory obsession, and so I was thrilled to find fairtrade brand Mirabelle.
Founder Veronique Henry is the daughter of a Parisian silversmith, with a passion for South-East Asia; expressed through her collections, which feature vibrant gems and a range of regional flora and fauna worked into her designs.
Best of all, Mirabelle jewellery is created using materials sourced from fairtrade suppliers. Pieces are made from sterling silver, (my favourite) brass, semi-precious stones, mother of pearl, wood and shell.
For me, gold jewellery is a little too stark – I prefer a toned-down shade. The muted colouring of brass jewellery gives it an antique look.
I recently bought the brass Mirabelle Seahorse Pendant, with an amethyst stone, from fashion boutique Black Truffle, which is where I first spotted the brand. However, after a birthday day out, and a few too many Vodka and Tonics, I carelessly dropped the chain down my wooden floorboards.
The next day I went onto Mirabelle’s website (www.mirabellejewellery.co.uk), on the hunt for a replacement, and quickly formed a mental wish-list featuring other items in the collection. Among my favourites, on the website, are the Turtle Pendant with Shell (£39.00), Tree of Life with Garnet necklace (£39.00), and the Bird-Charm bangle (£24.00).
Prices range from around £15 to £70, and so the brand is perfect for adding a special touch to outfit without spending a fortune.
GUEST BLOGGER: Freelance Journalist Amy Golding
FashionBite xx
For me, Clara Francis’ fairytale-inspired, hand-beaded necklaces are perfect accessories for spring.
The London-born jewellery designer creates statement, yet elegant, pieces. Her unique trademark necklaces feature beautifully crafted three-dimensional butterflies and hummingbirds birds with fluttering wings.
Francis’ current collection also includes toadstool and hot air balloon pendants, handmade with colourful glass beads on long silver chains.
Another prominent piece is the ‘Fox’ necklace. A delicate fox face, made with rustic brown, burnt-orange and white beads, comes on either a silver or gold chain.
I first came across Francis in December at the Clothes Show Live, where I purchased a multi-pendant silver necklace. The piece consists of a solid silver wishbone, dove and lotus flower, as well as a beaded pink and cream butterfly, on a silver chain.
She also makes classic silver and gold pendants. Her spring collection includes a leaping hare and flying bee and fox and deer head designs.
Francis, a self-taught designer, was an actress before she switched to jewellery.
To view her full collection visit Clara Francis
FashionBite reporter Amy Golding xx
Dec 23
FashionBite and The ASOS team
The lovely folk at ASOS invited FashionBite for a nose around their winter accessories collection, a few glasses of mulled wine and then ice-skating at Somerset House.
I was able to pick out a few pieces from the fab selection including faux fur, fairisle and cable knit gloves, hats, scarves, snoods…
I nabbed this Russian hat (above), I’ve been after a Russian-style hat for ages..so really pleased!
Also, these shearling gloves. I have to say, I’ve been wearing the gloves for the last few days and they are SO warm, I’ve never had a warmer pair..my hands almost get too warm in them..but they’re perfect for this weather!
For more winter accessories, see www.asos.com.
Ice-skating was great fun, noone fell over luckily, but we did shield a few randoms from falling on us after they crashed into us.
I’m heading home for Christmas tomorrow, like most people I’m sure…
Happy Christmas to everyone! I’ll try and post something but can’t promise as roast turkey and mulled wine might get the better of me!
FashionBite xx
Make a statement this spring with oversized headwear, as seen on the catwalks at Luella and Marc by Marc Jacobs (above).
To get the look- Rock ‘n Rose, the online store which sells gorgeous re-worked vintage pieces, has launched its first range of handcrafted hairwear for spring/summer.
The price points are fantastic, ranging from £15 to £30.
So, if you’re strapped for cash post-Christmas, a statement headband will update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
fashionbite xx
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