Author Archives: Samar Ayesha Sadullah

An Early Peak into A/W 2011 – Part One – It's all Colour…

Posted on by

Ok, so it’s January 2011, the sun is still a counterpart to our day to day routines,  however, one thing that never stops, is FASHION!

Let’s take a little peak into this A/W trends – starting with colour. We all know Burberry has shown us the gateway to mulling rouges, purples and reds. This year is going to be a runway for diverse colours, and let’s face it, no matter what the season, fashion is a playground when it comes to experimenting with colour.

Lets break this down into themes – as this year will be prompting us with a heavy mix and match of moods in colour.

Olive and Gold – The Avante Garde of rich colour beauty. An array of strong, striking bronzes, symbolising the brash fire of a woman! These colours will play happy to patterns in tweed and heavy layed cottons and knits.

Let’s shift to a flurry of Blues and Greys – think Urban meets metropolitan. Minimalist silvers and heavier metallic colours, symbolising culture and diversity. Think striking navys – baby blues, of course conceptualised with the universal pallete noir.

The richness of darker colours – Plums, Auburns, especially on heavily layered georgettes and chiffons. Deep violets on silk yarns – edgy and all about the Winter.

Now let’s get a little girly – Vibrant Pinks on scarves, knits in a pallette of lighter colours, light coloured trench coats, and woollen enthused mittens and gloves – very girl-next-door! Also, rich pinks in the Autumn will be applied to sheer layers and as an extra to ruffled blouses and details on skirts. So delicately Autumn.

Greens – A colour we all connotate with nature, green will be a big colour this Autumn – Mustard and Apple greens. Think rich and natural – energising colours.  A labyrinth of scarves and jumpers – keeping the faith of the 60’s look.

Spring & Summer 2011 Part Three – Fashion Accessories {Fashion}

Posted on by

Who can forget those vital Accessories!  We all know that no matter what single piece of clothing we choose, we make an exaggerated statement by how we wear it – and what we wear it with.

Accessories play a huge part in 2011 trends. The two main accessory trends are Cat Eye Sunglasses – the 60’s favourite in the brightest of colours – and Tassels.

Yes, we’re talking Dame Vera and Elton John here – shapely and bold! This year, there is a mass of frames to set your eyes on. If you are anything like me, and base the finishing touches of your casual to sexy outfits on the ringlets round your eyes, check out a personal favourite – the selection by Giles Deacon – but for an equally stunning, but slightly more conserved look – the selection by Paul Smith.

Tassels – OK, they may have been slightly overplayed in the hand bag phenomena last year, but tassels on bags, and incorporated into jewellery will be a great thing. Tassels are feminine and elegant, an attachment to any well suited attire.

Let’s not forget shoes. This Spring/Summer sees the hotspot return of the Kitten Heel.

The dainty, chic look has made its mark previously, and this year is a fashion must-have in any fashion followers cupboard. The best thing about kitten heels is the versatility of wear.

They can be worn in the daytime with casual jeans or accompanied with a more dressed-up look in the evenings. From a minimalist look to a more retro, funky stance.

From neutral tones like greys and creams – again Stella McCartney perfects this – to more eye-catching pinks and striking reds – none other than the range from Prada.

To combine the kitten heel look with this summer’s festive season, look to Missoni’s collection. Their delicate detail and open-toe theme is both cute and so chic.

Spring & Summer 2011 Part Two – Fashion Trends {Fashion}

Posted on by

Time to look at Trends. OK, this is a tricky one, as there are so many to choose from. I think a key trend this year will be Stripes, the bolder the better. I’ve personally been a massive fan of this trend. It goes with practically anything and has a friendly versatility to it. Dressed up or down, in Vintage, Urban and Street Wear. This year sees Stripes as the dominant trend setter, as it has always been popular. This year, (particularly blue and white) will play an integral part in the fashion scene. Jak and Jil have a great collection for stripe themed hats too – well worth taking a looking at.

Capri Pants – Yes, indeed a favourite of mine, I think these will be playing a dominant part of S/S 2011. Although we have all been a lover of skinny jeans, Capri Pants are a recognition of the trend, with that extra edge, especially in shiny, shimmering colours. The three-quarter length look will be particularly dominant this year. Balmain, again masters this look like no other.

Right, now for the season’s opposite – Flares and Bell Bottoms – Making wave with the 70’s look – yes, they are back! As mentioned, this year will spark off all things 70s and what obvious way to start your wardrobe collection, than to purchase a fashion classic. Together with wide leg trousers, this will be a dramatic comeback! Again, skinny jeans have been a intricate part of people’s clothing style, therefore, like all things in fashion, there is bound to be an ominous change. Derek Lam and Rocha are indeed the masters of this style!

Lace – Showcased in the specific tailoring of clothing as well as dresses and skirts. Lace is great. It’s chic, as well as girly and fun. Worn with practically anything – but be careful not to overdress it. Even lace in more radical colours are resolute to their simplicity, so it’s best not to try and overshadow a look this pure and feminine.

The return of the Jumpsuit – Though proving to be a fashion ‘must have’ last year, the jumpsuit has still been a ‘shall I? shall I not?’ trend. This year will see its casual to dressed up comeback – especially during the summer festival period. The basic designs and most versatile wearing, are by none other than sterling Stella McCartney – keeping the colours soft and simple – a definite for any lady’s wardrobe essentials.

The Jumpsuit will also be a fashion piece one can dazzle up and wear in the evenings too. Look out for Alber Elbaz’s designs for Lanvin. Beautiful, shoulder cut and sparkly. A refreshing alternative to any conventional evening attire.

Spring & Summer 2011 – Part One – Fashion Looks – Wear It Like You Know It! {Fashion}

Posted on by

So here it is – the start of a fresh new year, with the fashion world upon us. For all you keen fashion lovers out there, prepare to be geared up for a wonderful selection of bright, uniformed, geometrics and an array of textures and bedazzling patterns. 2011 is indeed the year for dynamic fashion.

We see a variety of emerging and reinvented trends, year by year. This year makes a stand for some interesting themes.

Here’s a look into the Spring/Summer Key themes – Military meets Biker. Yes, the military style has been on the fashion scene for quite some time now, and even though this look is great; screaming versatility and can be worn on both a formal and casual basis, this year will highlight room for change.

Introducing the Biker/Motorcycle theme, I remember spying a biker jacket last year whilst strutting down the streets of Soho myself. This is a look that has been in the shadows of fashion since forever, and this year will be a crystal replacement to the military mode we are so used to. Quilted and zipped sleeves will also be a big look, with the added accessory of belts and shimmering bags to accompany. Alexander Wang and Balmain (a personal favourite) have a great range – for the more affordable take – be prepared to hoist River Island‘s asymmetric zip jacket – striking and edgy.

Punk Fashion – Again, this look has been in the mix of a la Rock meets Boy George, largely appealing through 2010. However and somewhat measured by the ‘crowd’ it is most suited to, probably because this look is one that is pretty hard to master, but continuously influential in the fashion world.

2011 will make an iconic stand in Punk Wear – more so in the way it will be experimented with, within other genres. Renowned brand Balmain are at the top of their league when it comes to this look – a real one to look out for – if you can configure the art of Punk to your wardrobe collection, you are doing pretty well! Think Chuck Taylor’s and Motorcycle boots! Treat yourself and take a trip down to Camden Lock and Soho, and be dazzled by the sheer range of punk enthused clothing – at a much more affordable price!

The 70’s Look – 70’s style is all about glamour, so it’s no wonder the striking geometrics and elegance of the bohemian look, are making such a comeback. Flowing dresses, silks and satins being prominent, creating a look of sophistication and feminine, earthy glamour. Faye Dunaway, Angelica Huston and Bianca Jagger are just a few examples of the range to this unique glamour.

The key to winning this style is confidence and boldness. Being experimental is a must. By day – sophisticated block patterns, deep colours. High waisted Wide Leg trousers, accompanied by cute, silk/satin blouses in lighter colours, rolled up sweaters and turtle necks – indeed a Farrah Fawcett look by day. For the evening – silks, satins and metallic patterns. Beautiful dresses with low neck cuts and sexy slits.

The 60’s Fashion Spot – 2011 makes a gateway for one of the most illustrated and sought after looks of all time. Be prepared for bright colours, fresh looking pastels, an array of florals and pinks. Check out Louis Vuitton and Jayson Brunsdon for inspiration. High waisted floral and checked skirts – pinstripe dresses in calming colours, high waisted belts in a multitude of reds, yellows and greens. Bold accessories which make for completion of this look will include heavy beads, 60’s cat-like glasses and sunglasses. Think Jacqueline Kennedy, Twiggy and Edie Sedgewick.

Does My Bum Look Big in This? {Fashion}

Posted on by

It has always been a wonder to me, as to many women, what drives our ideas of fashion? Is it the flamboyant array of sensual, yet edgy, designs we see displayed on city catwalks? Our individual idols, who we worship as fashion martyrs? Or do we simply see something, ask our peers and then deliver the asking price? Maybe the likes of Gok Wan could educate me.

This brings back memories of the days when my girlfriends and I would casually take off on ‘therapeutic’ shopping sprees, leaving with the good intentions of attending to our wardrobe essentials and returning with more than our arms could carry. Ahh, classic tale isn’t it?

The days of  ‘does my bum look big(ger) in this?’ are days I can personally look back on and laugh, it is now more appropriately replaced with ‘I like this,  I could wear it with a tie.’

It’s true to say that the days of periodic, segregated fashion are long gone. Replaced now with a much more dynamic, hybrid idea of ‘what to wear.’  In the streets of London, you will see women comprising jeans teamed up with kaftans, eastern designed jewellery with boho flair. This was even more evident in the Middle East. The women looked effortlessly elegant combining low cuts with hijabs – beautiful and dignified.

‘It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.’  We’ve all heard that and yes this is true, but i’m not referring to the lady who situates herself permanently on the right side of the Gucci counter, because her friends do. Sense my sarcasm here? Good.  It’s fine to experiment, but not essential to conform. For example, I wouldn’t wear leather trousers because other girls do,  but if  I myself find something interesting to wear, then I will do,  so all within reason.

What we wear is an illustration of what we feel good in, hence, want people to see.  Being experimental and flamboyant by nature can easily be represented in the clothes we wear,  It’s all down to choice. Anyone can be confident, regardless of shape and size. We are all judges of what looks good on us and what doesn’t.  Now I’m remembering the days of let down sweatys. Thank God the polaroids are gone.

One genre of fashion that is a definite yes in my book is Boho. It is fabulous, I cannot keep count of how many scarves, necklaces, skinny jeans and boots I keep in my closet.  It’s not just that it ‘looks’ good, but really represents the modern, streetwise young women of today.  Classy, sexy, diverse and relaxed.  It may initially have been labelled as a ‘celebrity look’, but then again, when it comes to fashion, what style isn’t?  Choicewise again, I’d team this up with vintage (I hope Gok is keeping notes). I so love vintage shopping,  it’s always the sneaky shops that play happy for me and the variety keeps me searching for hours.

So this again brings me back to my initial question. Who dictates our choice in fashion? Do our choices run deeper than what ‘we’ think looks good? Well, we can all make decisions on what we think looks good, but there are other factors that contribute to taste.

Take a young Muslim lady. She may have been bought up to believe that what looks exquisite does not involve wearing hotpants and a tiny t shirt. Instead,  she would feel teaming up traditional clothing (that covers both the legs and shoulders) is both feminine and beautiful.  Some may look to magazines such as Asian Woman, to derive their sense of what looks good.Therefore, it is not just individual thought that conducts the way we dress and what we see as fashionable, but exterior influence too.

I’ll stay with the belief that confidence in choice and awareness is everything. Whether it be a religious girl walking down the street or a cosmopolitan chick with an A to Z style list in her handbag – choice works in line with confidence and the words ‘I am individual’ are of upmost importance.