Designers to watch: Alix of Bohemia

Unconventional is one of my favourite terms.

Whether it be a nonchalant accessory mixed into a clean cut outfit, a flash of lingerie through a conservative shirt or even those circa 90's shoes that you promised yourself you'd never wear again but somehow manage to work their way into your daily ensemble - I'm all about the unexpected. (Hilarious considering my day planner is my bible.)

With this sentiment in mind, I came across Alix of Bohemia and it was love at first jacket collar pop. Known as the gypsy tailor, Alix of Bohemia was born from a love of travelling the world by founder Alix Verley- Pietrafesa. Having artistry in her blood and a passion for textiles, this ready to wear label has sashay'd it's way into premium stores such as Moda Operandi, Flat 128 and Warm NYC.

What's my favourite from the 2017 collection?

The Valentina...

The Bohemia...

And my all time favourite, The Prince (both name & jacket will make you feel like you're owning it)...

So whether you're a hippie, a groupie, a free-spirit or just looking for the unexpected Alix of Bohemia is the perfect 2017 addition to your wardrobe.

Welcome to the Tribe.

All Wrapped Up

My Favorite Season of the year is officially here! 

The roads are icy, there's a chill in the wind and its officially time to bundle up on those layers (not only to conceal any Christmas sins we've all committed!) 

With so many options out there- what's a girl to do!? We've got you ladies- have a look at our Top 5 Selection of Classic (some not so classic!) Coats to start 2016 with a statement: 

1.This beautiful flekked fabric coat from Jack Wills complete with a faux fur collar. Appropriate for stomping around the city and heading out for date night- pair with the perfect LBD. 

Available here

2. Stand out from the crowd in this Canary Yellow number from Dolce & Gabanna. An oversized Wool blazer fit is just right to hide the extra turkey that we sinned with over Christmas!

 Available here.

3. A printed cape that doesn't look like fancy dress? We're in fashion heaven! This beautiful Alice by Temperly Riviera Cape is the perfect monochrome dream. Pair with well-fit indigo wash skinny fit jeans.

 Available here.

4. Bored of the back to black options? Take this Pastel Pink Chalyan Winter Coat for a whirl.

Available here. 

5. This raw edge trench coat is the perfect hybrid for the in between Winter to Spring period. With the perfect cinched in waist- this is a seasonal winner from Topshop!

Available here. 

Covet a Clutch

A clutch finishes off any outfit. 

Whether your going City Chic or Holistic Hamptons, the art of the clutch polishes off any outfit with a well rounded (or squared- dependent on your choice!) seal of approval. 

With March 'springing' into fruition (get it?), a new season calls for a new wave of Little Bag candies! My must haves for this season?

1. These wonderful little perspex numbers from Furoshiki Shiki. Not suitable for the lady who leaves crushed Maltesers at the bottom of their bag, these see through bad boys will put all of the contents of your bag on display. So be sure to have a thorough clear out before rocking a Shiki! 

2. J'adore Clare V! These streamlined 'Oui' and 'Non' bags by Clare V come in the most delicious of monochromatic colour tones. Pair with your ripped jeans and blazer or maxi dress for that chilled out beach Sunday- I guarantee this is one to round your wardrobe off perfectly! 

3. See by Chloe does it again for this season! The younger line of the Chloe luxury brand has released this demure clutch for the up and coming little lady. Pair with a tailored look and channel your inner Blair Waldorf! 

4. For my pure amusement to 'make you happy' (in every sense of the word), Charlotte Olympia  has released this Tequilla Bottle Shaped Trick into the market! Love! 

Tijuana or Tottenham Court Road- we'll race you there!

A Night at The Oscars

Did you catch the Oscars? 

It's become a bit of a tradition- like Christmas Eve or the night before my birthday (7th of June- just in case you're wondering). I clear out any spectators, pour myself a glass of wine, skip straight past any predictions or awards and head straight for the red carpet fashion!

As predicted, the Oscars 2015 did not disappoint. With a strong lean towards all things Fiery Red and Natural Nude's- our best dressed award of the night, without a shadow of a doubt, goes to Jennifer Lopez! 

Creating a true Cinderella moment in this Elie Saab creation- Jennifer Lopez never fails to wow the red carpet. Sticking to a relatively safe colour but an overly dramatic silhouette- Jenny Lo manages to get the balance of creation & creative absolutely right! And as if that wasn't enough...

The lights dimmed as the evening transitioned into the Vanity Fair After Party and like a true trooper, Lopez shimmied into her go to designer friend - Zuhair Murad...

#Swoon.

Our other top picks for the night are: 

Miss Johansson in plunging green Versace, Rosamund Pike's Red Lace Creation & Lupita Nyongo in a Calvin Klein Collection gown!

Our not so favourites? 

Paltrow in Petals, Lady Gaga a.k.a. the fire marshall for the evening & Rita Ora... I have no words. 

Who were your best dressed picks for The Academy Awards?

Dear Diary, Dear Frances

Shoes elevate me. 

Not only literally [at 5ft 3.5 inches I can do with all the elevation I can get], but emotionally too! A well made, well crafted shoe is the perfect finisher to any outfit. Ripped jeans? Polish it off with a pair of courts. Pencil Skirt? Throw on a pair of Mary Janes- the choices are endless! 

So what's a girl to do when the number of shoes, good & bad admittedly, are endless but we have, woe, but only two feet?

Well wasn't it Marilyn Monroe who put things in perspective for us? 

"Give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world"- Marilyn Monroe

Let's take it back to basics shall we- strong design aesthetics and respect for artisian details also known as Dear Frances. 

Dear Frances shoes are the product of creator, Jane Frances, who trained at the London College of Fashion and ModaPelle Academy in Milan- the best of London and Italy? Yes please!

My favourite from the collection? 

The AW14 Arch Boot...

Rock with a cape, leather pants and something sparkly

Whether you're looking for the perfect present for someone special or you just fancy treating yourself, definitely the latter in most cases, head over to Dear Frances now and pick up your AW14 shoe-style staple! 

Designers to watch: Aquazzura

I've been through a lot of change this year. Ups and downs, a real roller-coaster if I'm honest. And as we draw closer to the end of the year it's fair to say...

I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes- much to the credit of Edgardo Osorio's new line, Aquazzura. 

Taking the best from Colombia, Miami and London- Osorio combines the best in luxury and impeccable craftsmanship [not to mention one fine eye for dressing women's feet] with his fall/winter 2014 collection.

Hues that span a plethora of colours ranging from primary to fiery, Aquazurra has fast become the go to shoe for ladies across the globe. Designed to take you from not only day to night, but lift your sensory awareness to a realm of exotic skins and golden pineapples [The Willy Wonka of the Shoeworld if you will] - Edgardo Osorio is fast changing the landscape of footwear fashion. 

What I'll be strutting this season? The Amazon, Leaf and Lola ofcourse!

 So ladies, slip your feet into a pair of shoes from Aquazurra this winter and strut your way into the holiday season!

Adriana Castro: S/S '14

A series of contradictions. 

Supple yet sturdy. Rich yet delicate. Intricate yet deliciously simple- it was love at first carry. With inspiration taken from 'Zoocriadero' [not only fun to say, but cool to look at...], designer Adriana Castro's collection was born. 

With previous collections harboring a heavy influence from exotic districts, her first collection was aptly named 'Amazonia', Castro's designs have been featured in a massive amount of press and media, most prominently so The Sex and City 2 film. 

And honey, if it's good enough for Carrie Bradshaw- it's definitely good enough for the rest of us!

Castro's S/S '14 collection brings a more refined approach to accessories, with a series of classic silhouettes. 

My favourite from the collection is without a doubt, this Bea clutch in natural watersnake and black leather

Insert sharp intake of breath and accessory dreams here. 

You can find all of Adriana Castro's collections here 

What's your must have accessory for this Summer?

Wish & Wear it: Poolside Accessories

Gone are the days of sweeping your hair up into a disheveled bun, attempting to place your 80's inspired sun visor atop like a tactical game of fashion Jenga all while playing the dedicated role of Rudolph the white nose'd reindeer from that much talked about SPF 50.

No, No, No- dear ones.

As we spiral further in to a world ladened with body chains, double wrap poolside anklets and the much sought after 'Straw Trilby'- how do we accessorize while regaining the relaxing meaning that 'poolside' is synonymous with?

Fear not; I've got your backs! Take a quick peek at my Wish & Wear it- Poolside Accessories edition for this seasons Top 3 must have accessories while your working on that sunkissed, just stepped off the jet in Cannes look... or you know whatever else floats your boat!

1 The Stack 
Nothing says Poolside Chic more than a stack of 'I just threw these on' well placed bracelets to adorn your newly bronzed arm. There's no rule to the stack- colours, textures, sizes... all is welcome! Throw in a couple of my favourite bracelets to your stack to add to your poolside look:

From Left to Right: 

Topshop here, Asos here, Ottomon Hands here, Topshop here

2 The Body Chain  

Getting strapped up and draped in intricate body chains is definitely a good way to divert the eye if you've had one too many frappes in this summers heat! From full body to belly chains- pick one up to add to your accessory collection this summer. These are my favourite at the moment: 

From Left to Right: 

Topshop here, Tom Ford here, River Island here 

3 The Anklet 

There's something about The Anklet that gives you instant eco-jungle chic even when you're lying by the poolside of your non-eco friendly, guzzling resort. [Albeit my favourite type of resort.] Suitable from poolside all the way through to dancing the night away with your girlfriends, chuck some of these on and jingle jangle your way around your destination. 

From Left to Right: 

Myflashtrash here, Accessorize here, Etsy here

What's your favourite accessory to rock poolside? 

The Swimsuit Edit

After being bound to London for the last month the countdown to my next holiday excursion begins!

At the end of this month I’ll be jetting off to the Caribbean for a little island hop and a much needed frolic in the sun! 

In an attempt to avoid my signature last minute meltdown at the lack of swimwear available at the nth hour, I’ve started to have a browse before hand and am pleased to say that the range of swimwear available to the buying public at the moment is quite honestly... awesome!

I’m absolutely loving the rise of swimwear designers that are specializing in bespoke beach and poolside solutions as oppose to the normal derelict ‘off the rack’ approach that has been around for years!

My current top 2 picks for being beach wear ready this summer? Well I’m glad you asked!

The number one spot has to go to Kimberley London- home to a capsule collection of luxurious swimwear made from the finest Italian fabrics. 

The pieces are elegant with an edge of flirtation that is flattering to any woman’s form, guaranteed to have you swishing around in the water without a care in the world! Any to make it even better- they’re named after some of my favourite places in the world! My favourite pieces from the collections has to be:

Left to Right: Monaco, Beverly Hills, California 

You can find them all right here.

I discovered Melissa Odabash while on holiday in Dubai.

 The ultimate in luxury holiday wear, the message from Melissa’s collection is simple. Beautifully designed pieces with timeless style. You can dress these up for a day time pool party, or lounge around on the beach for a day of strawberry daiquiri’s and volleyball- they’re that versatile! My favourite from the collection is this Naples Halterneck Swimsuit

And this expertly crafted Orlando Halterneck Bikini.

Increase the wear factor by throwing on some of her delectable swimwear accessories such as this 

Elizabeth Lace Kaftan available in Black and White available here.

   

Fabulous swimwear at the touch of a button- Let the countdown to holiday season begin!