Statement Jewellery | Fashion

I love statement jewellery. Why buy a new outfit when you can brighten up an old one with some statement pieces that convey your personality ad style?

This season is all about oversized jewellery, so make sure you stock up on statement pieces for spring/summer.  With designers such as Chanel, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana showcasing shoulder-length earrings and embellished cuffs on the catwalk, bigger is definitely better this season.  Stay on trend with this gorgeous selection of gems, available exclusively at QVC.

I have chosen some of my favourites. Let me know what you think.

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Classic Fashion Buys

Jessica Ennis London Fashion WeekA lot can be said for having a capsule wardrobe. In fact most of those I-have-nothing-to-wear moments could be averted by a classic wardrobe. While certain garments will be up to interpretation we have put together what we think are some fashion classics. They can be mixed together and used separately to build up a great basis for a classic wardrobe. Here are our picks, put your own below.

Black Trousers

An absolute classic. You would be surprised at just how much you can dress up a pair of black trousers.

Little Black Dress

Ditto. A little black dress is what accessories were made for. You could wear a black dress everyday and still make it seem like a different one with clever accessorising.

White Fitted Shirt

White is classic and just looks amazing. Fitted is best. You can get good custom shirts for women at Shirtinator.co.uk. When buying a white shirt make sure it is good quality.

A Good Blazer

A good blazer can be worn with a dress for night and with jeans during the day for a great smart casual look.

Jeans

Who can live without jeans? Well, I have done so in the past but they really do make getting dressed so much easier. You can even have a night out wearing jeans and still look dressed up.

 

What are your fashion classics?

 

Fashion Classics: Converse

There are some things in life that are so classic, so iconic, that no matter how many people wear them, and no matter how much time passes, they will always remain a classic. Converse is one such thing. In fact Converse recently launched a new video with the tagline “Shoes are boring. Wear sneakers”. How right they are. Trainers with a suit looks awful but you can wear Converse with anything and still look smart. Think Lily Allen in her prom dresses and The Strokes in their suits.

I bought my first pair of Converse when I was a teenager and I am still wearing them years later.
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Converse started in 1908, Marquis Mills Converse decided to start a rubber sneaker company. In 1913 Converse said, “Our company was organized in 1908 fully believing that there was an earnest demand from the retail sneaker dealer for a rubber sneaker company that would be independent enough not to follow every other company in every thing they do.”

That is the thing about Converse. They have stood the test of time. With great design and good quality they have entered the popular conscious. Even though they are popular they are still a great fashion buy. They bridge the gap between cool and popular. Frost loves.

Do you own a pair of Converse?

Sponsored by Spreaditfast

Workforce Socks | Fashion

404702_10151330557437093_1435897173_nSocks? Yes, socks. Few things are more underrated than wearing the right socks. If they make you too hot or too cold they can ruin your day. I also hate it when socks are so tight they stop your circulation, and don’t get me started on socks that only last a couple of wears and end up having holes in the heel and toe. In fact as I am writing this I realise just how hard it is to find a good pair of socks.

So, time to review Workforce socks. Are they any good?

They look good so straight away they get points for design. They also have an ‘R’ and an ‘L’ so you know that you are putting them on the right foot. They have padding on the heel and the ball of the feet. You would be surprised just how much of a difference this makes. They also have some padding on other areas.

The toes are also reinforced. Workforce call themselves the most comfortable socks on the market. A big claim.

I wear the workforce socks for a few days (not in a row. I washed them!) I have had sore feet from running all around London going to different events and stuff. It is surprising just how much abuse your feet take.

The socks really are comfortable. So much so that I don’t think I can go back to normal socks again. I am definitely going to buy these socks for my family and friends. They are just so much more superior than normal socks. They are comfortable, tough and just so much kinder to your feet. I really like them. Consider me converted.

 Workforce also say:

 

 Technical features to be found in the Workforce range include knitted arch support engineered for a precise fit and hold, terry cushion panels to provide excellent comfort from shock absorption. Specially constructed ventilation panels aid moisture management, specially treated yarns and bamboo fibres provide natural antibacterial protection.  Many styles include heavy gauge ribbing and fully cushioned soles for total comfort and heel and toe areas are enhanced with polypropylene for maximum durability.

 

 

Celebrity builder Tommy Walsh is impressed with the performance of his Workforce socks and adamant that they have improved his life at work:

“Workforce are the hardest wearing socks I’ve ever worn and also the most comfortable. They provide me with the comfort and protection I need when I’m working hard or when I’m out and about. They’re warm, but never get too hot; they’re padded, extra strong and fit comfortably with my working boots and shoes. I don’t know how they’ve done it, but Workforce have a range of socks ideal for workwear purposes”

Workforce Socks available from Amazon UK.

What do you think?

Superdry + Timothy Everest Womens Sebiro Collection AW13

Superdry founder James Holder and contemporary British tailor Timothy Everest have designed an exclusive new women’s collection. It is a tailored collection with a very classic British feel. This follows on from their men’s collection. I went along to the launch and grabbed a cocktail. The show was part fashion show and part theatre. Lots of fun and I liked the clothes.

The women’s collection has a shooting and fishing crowd feel with a mix of rock’n’roll rebel. The material and cut is superb and the clothes can take you everywhere from work to an evening out. Take a look and let us know what you think.

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From £75 to £250, available at Superdry International.

How To Find The Perfect Jeans. Mimi Noor Tells You How

james_twiggy_blackclean_01Frost Magazine has called on Mimi Noor, the owner of Miminoor.com, to help you find the perfect pair of jeans. Mimi offers a personal outfit builder advice section on her website. With a focus on how to buy the perfect jeans and turn the chore of finding the right pair into a pleasurable experience.
Mimi Noor stocks a variety of designer brands including J Brand, Victoria Beckham, James Jeans, Wild Fox, Zoe Karssen and Des Petit Hauts.
What should a woman look for when buying jeans?  
One of the first recommendations I would make is to really narrow down what
occasions you want your denim for as it’s going to determine what to
look for in a new pair of jeans. There are so many fantastic denim brands
that are able to offer styles to suit every shape so women no longer have to
worry about a certain jean style for their body; it’s all about lifestyle.
Work out if you want an everyday pair or one for evenings/smart casual wear. What footwear are you likely to wear with it?  I’ve had so many customers who have admitted to buying several pairs of flares or bootcuts because they tried them on with killer heels, which looked great in the shop. However, if your lifestyle means that you can’t wear killer heels all day every day then you’re not going to get the right amount of wear and should reserve these styles for evenings out or special occasions.
What is the main problem women have when buying jeans?
Buying jeans on your own can be a scary experience because most stores don’t
offer the sort of assistance you need when finding that perfect pair of
jeans. Many brands run sizing differently so you never know what size
you are, It is not always obvious how the styles differ and often no one is
available or knowledgeable in denim to help you pull out the right size,
colour or shape once you’re in the changing room.
How do they fix this?
I would always recommend shopping with a friend or relative you trust if
you’re buying denim from the high street or in department stores. Take your
friend with you to help bring you alternative options or sizes once you’re
in the changing room and ask their honest opinion on whether the cut suits
you. Alternatively, shop with a specialist like us. We provide a
consultative service where we establish what you want your jeans for,
determine your general size, provide alternative options based on your
feedback and then do any further alterations you may require (such as hemming to
the correct length).
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I find it really hard to find a great pair of jeans, they always seem too big at the waist. What is your main tip for women to buy the perfect jeans?
The 3 main considerations to make when buying your perfect jeans are
1) What purpose do I want these jeans for
2) What footwear am I most likely to wear with them
3) What rise is most comfortable for me
So many pear shaped women struggle to find a pair of jeans that fit well on the legs and fit neatly into the curve of the back or waist as you’ve mentioned. This is where rise comes into play!
Depending on your figure your preferred rise will vary. So often we find that women who have that perfect pear shape will need a jean with a higher rise and greater fabric stretch so that the jean fits perfectly on the legs and nips into the back of your waist.
For ladies who are really long bodied the high rise is going to sit
like a mid rise so it’s really important to factor the rise that’s most
comfortable for you.
What are the best jeans for the following body shapes: Tall, short, petite
and curvy?
 
The denim market right now is full of amazing brands that are able to offer
a plethora of styles for every body shape out there so the traditional
combinations such as a pear shape with a bootcut don’t necessarily apply anymore. As a general rule I would suggest:
Tall: A mid to low rise jean in a straight or skinny style. My pick would be the Goldsign misfit, which is long in length with a 14″ leg opening that means it’s sleek but not ankle tight.
Short: Super skinny styles look great on smaller girls as they flatter a more petite
frame. My favourite would be the James Jean Twiggy style.
Curvy: Curvy girls look best in two shapes. Firstly, a high waisted skinny looks
fantastic on a pear shape when teamed with boots or heels. Equally a
babyboot looks great on this frame. Pick the J Brand Maria or 818
respectively.
What are your favourite jeans?
Picking a favourite is so hard but so far this season I have been living in
my Mih Bonn in minidot. It’s a cropped skinny with a high waist, which is
perfect on my frame and the fabric is super soft. I love how the polka dots are on trend but subtle enough for everyday wear.

So Rad Boutique Interview | Fashion

So Rad Boutique has developed a line of eco hip, luxury clothing for babies and toddlers. After the birth of her son, founder Jasmine Bashaj combined her background in digital illustration and a successful line of greeting cards into an affordable clothing line for babies and toddlers using luxury bamboo fabrics. Frost interviewed Jasmine to find out more. collage_fin_web

Tell us about your brand

So Rad makes bebe & toddler apparel the is eco friendly, modern and affordable. Bamboo and
organic cotton fabrics, made in Canada – from start to finish. Not your average kind of stuff
either! Creative, functional and simple designs by a Mummy.

Catering to the layette newbie crowd, the crawlers & walkers and now for the little big kids with
sizes up to 6X.

How did you get it started?

I was inspired by my own kids. There are so many choices out there for Mummy and Daddy to
choose from and I wanted to narrow it down. I took elements I liked from different pieces and
put them together to make 1 piece. I started because I thought other Mum’s could also benefit
from my creations. I talked to other clothing manufacturers – small guys, talked to people in the
industry, suppliers. Emailed all over the world to compare products, prices. Weighed all of my
options and decided to get everything made in Canada.

When did your interest in fashion start?

I was interested in fashion when I was 12 – I used to design dress’:) I never thought I would end up
actually designing clothes! At the time, it was more of an artistic outlet. I went on to study illustration
and by trade, I am currently a digital illustrator, still doing freelance on the side.

Why children’s clothes?

Well, I’ve got kids and when you have kids, the world revolves around them. I’ve never really thought
about “why kids” it was just a given.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everywhere! Real life, nature, art, abstracts, urban, childhood memories, the mixed-tape generation,
geometry, patterns – should I go on?

Tell us about bamboo fabric.

I love love love this grass. So soft like silk when made into fabric, feeds Pandas and can be as solid as
steel when used for building materials. As a fabric, it’s amazing AND with benefits too! It’s naturally
organic, It grows like weeds – just try & kill it! My bamboo is actually certified organic.

It replaces full forrest canopies in about 3 years! It’s antibacterial, it’s hypoallergenic. It’s also naturally
moisture wicking. Great for cloth diaper inserts. It also gets softer as you wash it!
A little advice on bamboo fabric – you should avoid buying 100% bamboo for a couple reasons; Bamboo
is an interesting material – you could wash it once and it will stretch lengthwise and shrink widthwise.
You could wash it again and it could stretch widthwise and shrink lengthwise. You can hang it on a
hanger for a week and the arms could grown to the floor – very weird. Also, it is so silky, it could get
holes and rip at the seams. It’s weak on it’s own – it needs to be mixed with something, anything else
just to keep it’s “flexibility” in check. My fabric is 70% Bamboo, 30% Organic cotton.

What makes it better than other fabric?

Definitely for all that was mentioned above. What other fabric do you know can offer all of those
properties?

Any advice for people trying to start their own business?

I would say do your homework – research your industry, educate yourself.
Find more then 1 resource
Talk to lots of people who do the same as you – follow them on twitter, see what they’re saying.
Remember, these things take time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t make a billion dollars in
a year.:)
Last but not least, be open to change and learning, this never stops.

What’s next for you?
More designs!.. Oh, and I’ve having baby #3 early May!:)

 

What To Wear In The Fashion Capitals. Elnaz Niknani Reveals All

TRAVEL TO THE FASHION CAPITALS IN STYLE

Momondo’s Elnaz picks out what’s hot to wear, where…

 

London designer and Momondo Local Fighter ELNAZ NIKNANI, has been busy promoting her fashion line, at all four recent major fashion weeks – New York, London, Milan, and Paris, earlier this month.

 

Elnaz here unveils the key fashion trends for each city this season, and essential items to pack when visiting, to be in vogue…

 

What to wimage010newyorkear in New York

The current New York style is very simple, with clean lines – very smart casual. If you want to be bang-on-trend in the Big Apple this season, make sure you pack an oversized coat, and see-through bag,” says Niknani.

 

 

 

                                     What to wear in Milan

image011milan“This season, Milan’s fashion is all about fabric, pattern and texture. Make sure you pack printed pieces, and don’t be afraid to combine several different fabrics, in one outfit,” says Niknani.

 

 

 

 

                                       What to wear in London

image012london“London has always been known for its cutting edge fashion. One trend I noticed this London Fashion Week, was a lot of DIY fashion. You don’t see this in New York, Milan or Paris. In London, far more people are improvising, and making up their own rules.

 

“So my travel/fashion tip for those visiting London, is to be to be a little creative – perhaps you might be wearing something you’ve designed or printed yourself, or it could be something as individual as using your favourite scarf, as a belt or turban,” says Niknani.

 

What to wear in Paris

“Paris is the land of couture fashion, so I wasn’t surprised that everyone was wearing a lot of designer labels. However, one trend that really stood out this year was fur. My tip for fashionistas would be to pack one fur item (it doesn’t have to be real), if you are booking a city break to Paris this season,” says Niknani.

 

And for everywhere else…

“If you want to be in style and don’t want to spend too much money, buy a clutch bag – these are on-trend everywhere this season,” says Niknani.

 

Momondo recently ran a competition to win a travel-inspired clutch bag, designed by Elnaz Niknani. Watch out for more competitions to win items from her new collection, on the momondo blog. http://blog.momondo.co.uk/