Tag Archives: Jackets

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

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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.

Feeling Sheepish | Best of the Shearling Trend AW10 {Style}

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Ok, it’s still technically summer but it feels more like winter. Let’s blame the jet stream. Still it gives us an excuse to shop the transitional trends a little earlier than expected and here’s some of the best of the shearling trend available at the moment.

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<<< TopShop Sheep Skin Sleeveless Gillet, £195

Sheepskin jackets are flying off the rails at Top Shop so be quick if you’re buying into this look. 100% Sheepskin and bound to keep you toasty.

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Warehouse Faux Fur Aviator Jacket, £65 >>>

Want the look but prefer to go faux? Grey Faux Fur Aviator Jacket at Warehouse is perfect.

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<<< Oasis Drape Aspen Jacket, £80

Oasis have plumped for a chic silhouette with this suedette jacket. The lining is faux shearling and it also comes in ivory and dark cocoa.

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Oasis Drape Gilet, £60 >>>

Another one from Oasis is their drape gilet. Suedette and faux shearling but looks toasty.

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Asos Faux Shearling Slouch Bag, £36 >>>

Not stopping at jackets, Asos are selling the prettiest shearling slouch bag. Oooohhhh.

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<<< Asos Trecker Lace Up Shearling Boots, £55

Probably not the most practical boots there are but Asos are also keeping toes warm with faux shearling lace up boots.

Rainbow Stripes {Style}

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Stripes have been around for decades but this summer they are hitting the shops hard and in their masses. Whether your guilty pleasure is jackets, shirts, skirts, shorts or trousers, there will be no struggles in finding something suitable within this trend. If you find bold or subtle stripes, bright or muted colours appealing, there is plenty on offer. The best part about this trend is that you can work it into any outfit because if the clothing isn’t your thing, there is even a huge range of accessories readily available.

John Lewis Stripe Shoulder Bag, Plaited Handle

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John Lewis has some nice women’s bags like this women’s fabric bag shoulder bag with plaited handle. £20, John Lewis.

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Paul Smith Strips BagPaul Smith has a stunning range for you gents, plus Paul Smith also has a great range for this look overall with their signature stripe flaunting the style.

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Fendi Nautical Striped Dress

The current stripes have heavy nautical influences encouraging the boundaries between stripe directions to become blurred with some diagonal stripes emerging.

The varied nature of stripes means that every person will be able to find something appropriate and complimentary to them. Those who wish to make a statement might go for a full outfit, more on the girl side with a dress perhaps; Fendi has an interesting and unusual nautical striped shift dress currently available.

If you wanted to be a little more reserved perhaps a scarf would do this trick, LemLem has a nice nazret cotton striped scarf which is available from www.net-a-porter.com, £65.

There are some great trousers and shirts which fit in with this trend, Kitsune has my personal favourite in both these with a decent selection of stripy wear.

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The great thing about stripes is that the garments you buy can be easily layered in to your other favourite trends such as with your shorts or blazers and can be mixed and matched with other easily for a more unique and outgoing look. This fabulous trend can even be carried over into your interiors,  striped wall paper or sofa even striped bedding from Lulu Guinness are all readily available and are there to bring that added extra to your love of fashion.

Blatantly Blazers {Style}

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It is very rare that a garment is guaranteed to complement the wearer but whether it’s an elderly gentleman or a teenage fashionista, the classic tailored blazer is always a timeless piece which works in tandem with most wardrobes. The piece is versatile and timeless.

It is perfect for this time of year as it becomes too warm to wear that winter coat however still not warm enough not to wear any kind of jacket. Be it drinks with the boys or a romantic dinner by candle light, whenever there is the possibility of a slight chill your blazer is a sure fire hit.

The options available are so varied there is a version of the blazer for every taste and style, they range from the very classic tailored men’s suit jacket in plain wool such as Armani’s extensive range www.emporioarmani.com through to the fitted women’s brightly coloured ones.

Some designers stick to simple and classic styles where as others like to push the boundaries and create something spectacular. If you want something with a traditional tailored fit but an unusual fabric choice Paul Smith does a nice range www.paulsmith.co.uk .

For something still very accessible but a bit more interesting, Pauls Boutique have a couple of interesting ones www.pauls-boutique.com

Whether you are wearing rolled up suit trousers with a simple t-shirt or your comfy jeans, your favourite summer day dress or your specially selected wedding guest outfit, or even your festival chic styles, the blazer will complement your style. The modern one or two button emphasise your slim waist, the open v-neck style emphasing you guys wide shoulders.

Depending on how courageous you are feeling you can either stick with the ever flattering and versatile black blazer or you can jump out for the shadows and select something much more out going and obvious. You can either treat yourself to a trip to Savile Row www.savilerowtailor.com for a tailor made blazer or perhaps select something off the shelf; Jack Wills has some interesting ones for men and for women if you fancy something a little more modern. www.jackwills.com .