Spring/Summer 2012: Fashion

Hello, my fellow beauty lovers!


**I would like to apologise for my lack of posts during last month. Google decided to prevent me from viewing my blog dashboard and then wanted me to download Google Chrome. That didn't work for ages, but it is now, so I'll leave my rant for now! 


Colour is finally back in the world! Yes, that's right. As you go about your day-to-day life, you'll notice a subtle dispensing of colour in people's wardrobe and a whole revamp of many stores who have been hidden in a colour wheel that ranged from black to grey. That's because spring and summer are creeping closer and its time to throw on that bright pop of colour on your lips and inject versatility into your wardrobe!


Underwater World 


Florence Welch, in a shell, dressed in beads? Not at all conspicuous! After that Chanel performance, the underwater world trend was evident. With metallic shimmers, iridescent sequins and wave-like detailing it appears we've jumped back into the Disney's Little Mermaid. Intermingled with the twenties trend, it's time to shine and glitter in short and long hemlines! Try ASOS for a cheaper version of this fun trend. 

Versace 

Chanel

Givenchy

Givenchy

Bra/Crop Tops 

Not for the shy and conservative, this look needs attitude and lashings of it. It's fun, flirtatious and refreshing on a hot day. Each designer did their own versions of the trend with Emilio Pucci taking the a gothic, full-skirted route, whereas Nina Ricci did a patterned, simple look that was a combination of sixties and seventies. Dolce and Gabbana went sparkly and short for a more party-appropriate take on the crop top. But you can do it your own way. One way is to pair a small crop top (like those from Topshop and American Apparel) with a pair of very high high-waisted jeans. This looks gorgeous and for the self-conscious, only a little skin is visible. 

Emilio Pucci

Nina Ricci

Dolce and Gabbana 

Pastel Palette 


If it works on the nails, why not on clothes? This lovely, fresh, summery trend has been regarded as feminine and workable into an everyday wardrobe. Easily wearable and complementary to most skin tones, it is a trend that everyone can try. Coupled with lace at Erdem; ombred at Jonathan Saunders; used in conjunction with granny chic as Louis Vuitton. You'll find this at most stores wherever you are and adds a light touch to any outfit. 

Erdem

Jonathan Saunders

Louis Vuitton

Print Mania 


In total contrast to the light pastel trend, bright prints makes a fashionable attack to the eyes this spring and summer. An array of prints have been seen from Preen to Emilio Pucci and everyone in between. They're fun, flirty and fabulous, so why not try out a couple of clashing prints and see what you think? Take heed from Miu Miu and Ted Baker and opt for some animal prints or seaside scenes to really make a statement! 

Preen

Diana von Furstenberg

Emilio Pucci

A Twenties Frenzy


With drop waists and beading, it wasn't hard to see the affects of the new rendition of 'The Great Gatsby' set to be released this December and the newly found interest in Sherlock Holmes. Cloche hats, masculine tailoring and loose-fitting is a brilliant revival of this pretty trend that is accessible to the girly and the boyish. If you're nervous about your hips, drop waists tend to draw the eye to them, but if you have a boyish figure, then this is perfect for you. But don't be afraid to emphasise your best assets! If you're not looking for full-frontal twenties, then try accessorising with fur, hats and gorgeous jewellery. These can all be found at charity/thrift stores, Topshop and ASOS. 

Emporio Armani

Alberta Ferretti

Ralph Lauren

Pretty Peplums 


This trend moves in and out of the radar constantly and it usually flattering for most figures. But be careful if you're self-conscious about your waist as it will naturally direct all attention to that spot. If you're more liable to opt for a conservative hemline, this might just be your subtle injection of quirkiness. From Christian Dior to Jason Wu, it was done in innovative and pretty ways that can be worn for a night out or possibly for the office - if you're feeling daring! It can be found in stores like Primark, ASOS and stores like Dorothy Perkins if you're interested. 

Christian Dior

Giorgio Armani

Jason Wu

So, my lovely readers, here are just some of the trends you can rock during the spring and summer of 2012. Hope you've been having a great month and I promise to try and update more regularly!

Rebecca xx

Christmas Crackers!

Hey there!

For the Christmas season, I ordered two outfits for the parties I won't be going to! I had an offer on Oasis and decided to take advantage of it and I'm glad I did. I absolutely adore Oasis: the quality of their clothes is amazing and well worth the price even though you might feel a bit guilty about spending so much money at first. So when they arrived, and very quickly (fantastic service), I couldn't decide between the two, so my lovely mum said she would give me them for Christmas. What a star! So here are the two items I got:

The Satin Crepe Jumpsuit:

This is an absolutely gorgeous jumpsuit and feels wonderful on the skin. I probably won't wear the belt or I might buy another one, but I have to make my mind up first. The silk top is a halter neck with spaghetti straps and quite loose-fitting but fitting at the waist, but I will probably have to get it taken in as its too loose-fitting. If you're conscious about your legs then the wide-leg design of this jumpsuit hides those flaws that you're uncomfortable with, which is why it appealed to me so much. This would look amazing with a tan and I would probably be wearing fake bake to Christmas dinner with the family. They do stock this in a purple, but I'm a bit shy about what I wear - as much as I love fashion - so this is perfect for me!

The next item I got what the Tipped Pencil Dress:

This dress is a fitted shift dress and has a zipper at the back that nips in at the waist and sticks to every possibly curve! The bright pop of colour brightens up the black like the Christmas decorations brighten up those dark Christmas nights. In the picture, the model must be about 5'10 because I stand at 5'5 and it reaches below my knees. It has lining underneath which makes it difficult to put on but once you rearrange it out of the twisted mess, it's wonderful!    

My sister also bought this gorg number:

It's one of those illusion dresses that people like Kate Winslet are loving and the high street are beginning to emulate. It does give the illusion of being slimmer and it the perfect style for my sister. If you're looking for something flirty and young, then definitely go for this creation. It's not fitted so it's comfortable and fashionable at the same time. Absolutely beautiful!

Fabulous Fashion: My Favourite Dresses Of All Time

Hiya, everybody!

In light of the recent publication of '100 Unforgettable Dresses' by Hal Rubenstein I have decided to choose my favourite dresses of all time. Some you may like, some you may not and I'd like to see what you think. This is in no particular order, so here goes.


So, first up is the Hubert de Givenchy dress Audrey Hepburn wore to the 1954 Oscars, an display of style and elegance. Givenchy had been expecting to dress Katherine Hepburn but was shocked (and probably grateful in retrospect) by the appearance of impish Audrey dressed in a t-shirt and sandals. It was following this that Givenchy began to dress Audrey frequently with great results that still resonate today. The belted ivory lace floral designer dress gave further definition to Audrey's tiny waist and quickly marked her a fashion icon.

In 1994, 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' was being released, but no one remembers much about the premiere but "That Dress". Who could forget that unmistakable Versace dress that Hugh Grant's date wore? Unknown at the time, Elizabeth Hurley made a bold decision by dressing in a black plunging dress held together by strategically placed large gold pins to hold her in place. It was a dramatic choice and is considered Versace's finest dress and the moment Elizabeth became known around the world. Made from a combination of silk and Lycra it is claimed to be inspired by "neo-punk" - well, maybe a more feminine and sultry version of it.

Who wouldn't love to stand outside Tiffany's and munch away on your breakfast in that elegant way Audrey Hepburn does? But more than that, who doesn't want to be wearing that dress? A beautiful piece that inspires millions of women around the world to invest in LBDs. One half designed by Givency and the other by Edith Head as the length originally designed was not suitable for the film and so Head had to created a longer length. Made from Italian satin sheath with a slightly open back to reveal her shoulders and creating a gorgeous, memorable figure. Designed specifically to accentuate her waif features, Givency ensured the accessories (including those fab sunglasses) matched the look down to a T; thus becoming the "Hepburn" look and is still the basis on which every LBD is designed around.

Grace Kelly: actress, princess and style queen. She is the epitome of fashion and proves that simple and understated are always a winner. Her clothes are timeless and classic and the same can be said for the clothes designed in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rear Window'.  The Paris dress she wears in the film has a fitted black bodice with a plunging V-neck with cap sleeves. The skirt, full and made of gorgeous chiffon and tulle gave Grace the appearance of a ballerina. Clearly designed by Edith Head, one of the most famous costume designers of film, it is delicate and beautiful and gives Grace the perfect silhouette, reminiscent of the '50s and the floral spray on the skirt feminises what could be considered a tomboyish cut. A stunning dress for a stunning woman.

It was the designer, Jacqueline Durran's intention to create a diverse outfit that varied from the "scruffy, slumpy and bumpy" fashion adopted by upper-class females in the '30s and '40s; thus Keira Knightly's fabulous, beautiful gress was created. The fabric was made from an emerald green silk - a controversial choice for any film as it can render the audience uncomfortable, but green is often seen through Atonement like the fields in France and the kitchen walls of the estate in the film. A loose-fit around the bust with spaghetti straps descending to the lower-back is a wonderful creation that exudes temptation. The waist is gathered and has been knotted at the front which drops to a straight skirt and a rear train. A gorgeous dress that suited Keira's slight figure and alabaster skin.

 

Marilyn Monroe is an ionic sex symbol to both men and women and a fabulous icon for fashion. Monroe's approach to clothes was the sexier the better and she proved it in the number she wore to sing for President Kennedy's birthday. A flesh-coloured floor-length gown that was encrusted with rhinestones designed by Jean Luis, it curves around Marilyn's body so tightly that it has been said it had to be sewn on. It's almost a work of art that encompasses everything about femininity and elegance.

In the film 'Pillow Talk' which stars Doris Day and Rock Hudson, Doris wears a fabulous range of clothes to coincide with her job as an interior designer. One particularly stunning dress that I adored was the dress she wears in the nightclub where Rock is sitting nearby. It is a white calf-length dress that has a biased, ruched bodice with a large waistband. The front and back has a contrast: the front has a high neckline and the back drops in a V to her waist. It highlights her fab white-blonde hair and she accessories it plainly with white, simple gloves. It is an understated piece which is just beautiful.

**I apologise for this crap picture - no one seems to have upload the full length picture, but I would recommend watching the film! 

A controversial choice, I must admit, but being a lover of all things Emma Watson I can't help but love everything she wears, including this Oscar de la Renta number that may not to be everyones taste. The simple embroidery on the bodice meant that she did not have to adorn herself with jewellery. With its voluminous size, the colour is kept neutral and simple in order to keep things simple and the attention on the detailing of the skirt. Her young age meant that the neckline and lack of jewellery was perfect and ensured it was fresh and funky. A somewhat daring dress for Emma to wear, but she carries it off perfectly and naturally.

The glamorous dress Kate Winslet wore to the 2002 Oscars was designed by Ben de Lisi was simple in design, but magnificent in effect. Everything was created around the asymmetric shoulder made from a leaf-design that was delicate and feminine. The neckline had a twisted affect and then the dress fell straight with a pleated skirt and rear train. The red hot colour of this emphasised Kate's pale English skin and to ensure the dress was a complete knockout, Kate kept her hair and make-up minimal which is the look we have all come to love from this beautiful woman.

I just had to choose a Princess Diana dress and a blue dress (my favourite colour) and this one is just simply breathtaking. The soft, powder blue chiffon dress has a strapless neckline that compliments her bronzed skin tone beautifully. She matched it with a simple scarf that was integral to the look of the dress, and to-die-for jewels - as usual. Designed by Catherine Walker, this creation has ruching around the bust and a waist band that crosses over one another and falls to a straight skirt that slightly fills out. Princess Diano had evolved her fashion credentials through her years as a public figure and this dress displays her fabulous eye for fashion.

So, there we have. My list is massive in reality, but I don't have the time or energy to write about all the fantastic dresses I love. But please, let me know what some of your favourites are. I'm always interested in other's opinions!

Rebecca xx