KIDS FASHION – EN POINTE
Freya wears leotard, £20, 0-13Y, Angel’s Face. Diamante tulle skirt, from £30, 4-13Y, Baker by Ted Baker at Debenhams. Feather headdress, £175, Astrobohemia at Etsy
Our beautiful ballet story was dreamt up in a coffee shop in Soho. Whilst idly chatting over a cappuccino about all sorts of things, from our children’s dance shows, to enthusing about Sia’s video for song ‘Chandelier’ and the fabulous sheer organza fashion in the latest issue of Vogue, photographer Helen Marsden and myself realised we’d come up with a rather lovely theme for a kid’s shoot. A sort of mad Swan Lake at home.
Like many girls, I’ve always loved ballet and took lessons from aged 2 until I was a teenager. But felt this shoot shouldn’t be exclusively girly. Things have dramatically changed since I was little when it was seen as quite extraordinary for boys to do ballet. My Father was bemused when my brother Jonathan pleaded to do classes. His reaction was very similar to the Dad in Billy Elliot – “No son of mine is going to be a bloody ballet dancer!”
Luckily opinions are so different now. Premier league footballers, front-row rugby players even heavy weight boxers are all at it. It’s an amazing discipline for core strength, agility and flexibility. The boys in our shoot were as proud of their fabulous barre work as we were of them!
There was a flurry of excitement at the shoot. The children loved dressing up in tutus, feather headdresses and wings. They had such fun, leaping and pirouetting over the furniture in Helen’s beautiful house. I’m thrilled with the pics as were Little London Magazine who used the story in this month’s issue. What lovely team work – Bravo us! We should all take a bow.
Bram wears candy striped shirt, £84, and Arthur wears white shirt, £74, both 4-10Y, Little Wardrobe London. Both boys wear vests, £5.90, 3-11Y, UNIQLO. Dance leggings and ballet shoes throughout by Dancia International.
Poppy wears lilac frilled tutu dress, from £56, 0-13Y, Angel’s Face at Childrensalon. Freya wears silver zipped hoodie, £57.50, 4-14Y, Eleven Paris. Grey and ivory chiffon tutu skirt, from £36, 0-13Y, Angel’s Face at Childrensalon.
Meg (in foreground) wears pale pink tulle dress, £71, Billieblush and beaded headband, £18, Carrement Beau both at House of Fraser. Isabella (in middle) wears pink sequin tulle dress with fuchsia waistband, from £44, 12M-14Y, Baker by Ted Baker at Debenhams. Freya (at back) wears pale pink silk dress with fuchsia trim at neckline, £195, 3-12Y, Marie-Chantal.
Bram wears metallic top, £48.75 and silver leggings, £14.95 both 4-16Y, Smallable.
Meg wears pale blue organza dress from £125, 3-12Y, Caramel Baby & Child. Isabella wears pale blue lace dress with sash, £145, Little Wardrobe London. Diamante headband, £18, Wild & Gorgeous.
Meg wears pale blue organza dress, from £125, 3-12Y, Caramel Baby & Child.
Isabella wears pale blue lace dress with sash, £145, 4-10Y, Little Wardrobe London. Diamante headband, £18, Wild & Gorgeous.
Arthur wears white cotton shirt, £38, 3-12Y, Jacadi. White vest, £5.90, 3-11Y, UNIQLO. White combat trousers, £125, 2-14Y, Stone Island Junior. Feather wings, £10.47, Amazon. Meg wears metallic jumpsuit, £79, 2-15Y, Wild & Gorgeous. Beaded headband, £18, Carrement Beau at House of Fraser.
Isabella wears pale pink satin pussy bow blouse, £49 and maxi tulle skirt, £112, both 4-10Y, Little Wardrobe London. Isabella wears ivory sparkly dress, £75, 2-9Y, Le Mu. Headdress from a selection from Astrobohemia at Etsy.
Meg wears taupe, sequin say dress, £149, 4-10Y, Little Wardrobe London. Poppy wears gold lace and net dress, £117, 6-10Y, Le Mu.
PHOTOGRAPHY : HELEN MARSDEN, FASHION STYLIST : BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE-UP : ROSE ANGUS
MODELS : FREYA, POPPY, MEG, & ISABELLA from GRACE & GALOR and ARTHUR & BRAM
Behind the Scenes of our beautiful shoot. Top Left, Freya adjusts amazing Astrobohemia headdress. Top Right, The girls relax in between shots in the dressing area. Bottom left, Rails and rails of fabulous clothes. Bottom right, Make-Up artist Rose perfects the ballet look on Poppy.
Thanks to Freya & Poppy’s lovely Mum Jodie for the behind the scene pics.
THE OLYMPICS – LEGWORK
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed The Olympics and so proud of Team GB and their amazing haul of medals. So feel I need to flag up these very patriotic leggings that fitnesswear brand PlayerLayer have launched to celebrate this summer of sport. They have a pop-up shop right now in the new Body Studio of London’s department store Selfridges. The range consists of 12 popular national flags. But if your country isn’t one of these, you can easily order your own using iPads and PlayerLayer’s customising platform allowing you to design your very own unique leggings.
Leggings Studio by PlayerLayer is also available online at www.selfridges.com Prices start from £90 for limited edition ‘Fly Your Flag’ print and £100 to customise your own leggings.
KAFTANS – THE COVER-UP STORY
Embroidered cotton kaftan from a selection from Miss Selfridge.
Hallelujah! Finally, I’m off on holiday. I’ve been tearing around the sales in search of the perfect cover-up. Gee whizz the kaftan has come a long way since I first saw one way back when, worn by Demis Roussos on Top Of The Pops. I remember thinking NEVER EVER as I looked at this item of clothing whilst Mr Roussos strained the lyrics to his song ‘Forever and Ever’.
Now here I am, quite a fan (of the kaftan) and cover-ups are a staple holiday piece. They’re a perfect ‘throw on’ especially at the beginning of the holidays when you feel a little self- conscious exposing so much pale skin and very sensible when the midday sun becomes a bit too strong. But as you get more of a tan I think they look amazingly glamorous wafting around the pool. Choose pale colours – white, cream and light tones of grey. The words ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ suddenly popped into my head and this made me giggle as this hit by Procol Harum emerged in the Summer of Love when the kaftan was definitely all the rage! I will leave you with these beautiful images to peruse and fabulous video of the band in 60’s London. I’m sure it’ll make you smile. Bon Voyage Moi!
Long line kaftan, £128 by Eberjey at www.lyst.com
Print, lace up kaftan, £59, by Monsoon.
Embroidered kaftan, £125.40 (in sale) Eberjey at www.beachcafe.com
Lacey Kaftan, £231, by Eberjey at www.beachflamingo.com
Cotton embroidered kaftan, £15, Primark.
Cotton lace up kaftan, £49, Monsoon
MYLEENE KLASS’S UNDERWATER SWIMWEAR SHOOT
RED DRAPE BANDEAU BIKINI TOP, £25 AND RING BIKINI BRIEF, £18. ALL SWIMWEAR SIZES 8-18
Yippee! The weather is meant to be good this weekend – about time too! I’m getting all geared up for a little trip to our local lido. First step, buy a cossie. Whilst trawling through the internet I came across these amazing pictures of Myleene Klass in her fab new swimwear range for Littlewoods. I decided to delve deeper into this underwater shoot….
PALM PRINT DRAPE FRONT SWIMSUIT, £40
It was shot in the very swanky Haymarket Hotel in London. The basement of this hotel has the most glorious pool. I have been to quite a few press launches there and it’s very glam!
BLACK AND METALLIC GOLD STRAP BIKINI, £35
Obviously Myleene is no stranger to swimwear. It’s actually been 10 years since we saw her in that infamous white bikini on I’m A Celebrity’, but these shots are a different class – if you excuse the pun. I’m so impressed how Myleene looks so serene in these images. It can’t be easy doing an underwater shoot in the first place, but coping with swimming with heels and chunky jewellery must have been quite something.
WHITE HALTER MOULDED BIKINI, £40
I decided to find out from the lady herself. Myleene told, “It was the most physically challenging shoot I’ve ever done. We had three safety divers on hand and the challenge of shooting my swimwear whilst maintaining the right level in the water, as well as keeping the look as ethereal as possible in one breath was no mean feat.”
“I absolutely loved the experience of shooting underwater. My Dad was a navy diver, so I’ve grown up splashing in the ocean but this shoot was one I’ll never forget.”
Myleene went on to explain, “I had to micro manage my breath to float at the right distance from the bottom of the pool, remove bubbles from my face for the photographer whilst looking composed.”
GOLD TASSEL TRIANGLE BIKINI, £35
I’ve ordered the beautiful, palm print swimsuit and obviously expecting to look just like Myleene in mine! So what advice would the goddess of swimwear give to us mortals?
“Wear a bikini or swimsuit that gives you the support where you need it, pop on a glam cover up to take you from the beach to the bar and as my auntie would say ‘stand tall’.”
THE PERFECT BRA GUIDE FOR YOUR SHAPE
Simone Perele Saga Bra, £72, 32B-36E
There has been so much hoo-ha about bras this week! I’ve been busy working on a feature for Femail, looking into new research that apparently it’s not our measurements and cup sizes that are important but the shape of our bust!
Lingerie Company ThirdLove has even devised a breast shape glossary specifying the seven most common shapes with advice choosing the best bra. Well in my books all shapes and sizes are fabulous, but as a stylist I strive to make people look as good and happy with themselves as possible. So I’ve made my own list of fantastic bras, one I’m sure will definitely compliment your shape!
1. ASYMMETRIC BUST
I don’t think any woman on the planet has completely symmetric breasts. If you feel particularly self conscious about the size differences these bras will really help to balance you out!
TAUPE EMBROIDERED BRA BY HUIT, PLEIN LES YEUX PADDED AIR BRA, £53, 32A to 36DD
This is a fabulous bra to even out asymmetric breasts as it uses detachable air pads that will boost you up at least 2 cup sizes. If one bust is bigger than the other, you can just wear the enhancers on one side. Lots of women find these air filled pads much more comfortable to wear and they feel so light compared to heavy padding or gel.
BLACK CALVIN KLEIN NAKED GLAMOUR BRA FROM FIGLEAVES, £35, 32A TO 38DD
If you feel you need to balance out your breast shape this bra is wonderful for you. The removable padding can add up to 1 and half cup sizes. The bra straps are obviously adjustable too all helping to create a lovely cleavage.
HOT PINK WACOAL ENCHANTING PADDED PUSH UP BRA, £73, 32A TO 38D
This luxurious bra has clever detachable cookies that can ‘even’ out your breasts. This beautiful bra will give you great shape and boost you up to feel super confident!
2. TEARDROP BUST
This is when the bust is less full at the top. These bras will give you more of a rounded shape.
CORAL WACOAL INTUITION PUSH UP CONTOUR BRA, £49, 32A to 38D
The push-up effect on the lower part of the breast gives a fabulously rounded shape whilst the moulding also helps with this uplift and support. I love this smooth look bra, it’s a flattering and comfortable everyday bra.
HOT PINK SIMONE PERELE SAGA BRA, £72, £49, 32B to 36E
This demi-cup is ideal for those with teardrop shape bust as the half-cup fills and uplifts the bust to enhance a great cleavage. The cut out wide band gives fantastic lift and shape giving super oomph to the bust.
LILAC HEIDI KLUM INTIMATES FOR FIGLEAVES CONTOUR BALCONNET BRA, £38, 32A to 38DD
This balconnet style bra encourages the bust into a more rounded shape by the artful use of underwiring and seaming. The clever vertical lace bias trim form a rounded orange segment effect of which even Nell Gwynn would be proud!
3. EAST TO WEST BUST
When the bust faces outwards these bras are great for drawing in the breast and giving you a great cleavage.
BLACK FREYA HERO SIDE SUPPORT PLUNGE BRA, £30, 28D to 38G
This is such a well constructed bra and just the thing for an East to West bust. It features a four section cup that gives you great fit. The side panelling pulls you in whilst the straps continue down into the bra ensuring that the bust is fully encompassed.
WHITE CALVIN KLEIN IRON STRENGTH PUSH UP BRA FROM FIGLEAVES, £42, 32A TO 38D
The front fastening on this sports inspired bra draws in the bust. The curved underwiring and side padded cups ensure maximum cleavage.
TAUPE BOUX AVENUE JODIE PLUNGE BRA, £26 28A to 36F
All the emphasis on this plunge bra is on the sides with the panels drawing in the breast to give maximum cleavage. There are even side removable pads to give an extra boost, getting those bosoms to a more northerly direction!
4. BELL SHAPE BUST
The bust is slimmer at the top and full at the bottom – especially common in more voluptuous ladies!
BLUE PRINT PANACHE, JASMINE BALCONNET BRA, £32, 28D TO 38K
Ding Dong! This bra is a good bra for a bell shaped bust. The semi-circular underwiring creates a rounding effect. The vertical seams starting from the middle of the cup in line with the bra straps also offer good shaping and support.
CORAL ELOMI, RAQUEL BRA, £42, 38DD TO 42JJ
Classic full coverage bras are ideal for bell shaped breasts as the circular underwiring and cups make the bust look rounder. This bra also has a substantial band and wide straps that will ensure good uplift.
BLACK, WONDERBRA STRAPLESS LACE BRA, £38, 32A to 38G
If you thought more pendulous breasts couldn’t wear strapless bras well think again. This bra’s unique uplifting construction and patented silicone dots give hold and cleavage, mimicking the feel of holding your breasts in your hands!
5. SLENDER BUST
When the bust is smaller and flatter. These styles will give you extra oomph!
LIGHT BLUE AFFINITAS, THE ALISON SUPER PUSH-UP BRA, £27, 30A TO 38D.
This padded push-up bra is great for a slender bust as not only is it super comfy it can offer a larger bust feel by adding up to two sizes to your look. This one is particularly good value too!
BLACK, MAGIC BODYFASHION, THE DOUBLE PUSH-UP BRA, £32, 32A TO 36C
This bra gives an extra boost for even the smallest of busts. I’m told it’s like major enhancement without the surgery! The double soft cushions provide comfy uplift, taking you up to two cup sizes bigger.
TURQUOISE B.TEMPT’D, B’WOWD BRA, £35, 30A to 38DD
This underwired plunge bra can certainly add some va-va-voom! The graduated built-in push up pads really give natural looking enhancement to your bust! I love the colour too – wear it under a sheer blouse for a glam evening out.
6. ROUND BUST
The bust is equally full at the top and bottom. When you have a larger cup size and need extra support these bras are excellent.
BLACK LACE PRIMA DONNA COMFORT BRA FROM AMAZON, FROM £66, 36D to 46H
This bra ticks all the boxes for larger round bust ladies. It’s glamorous, comfortable and fabulously supportive. It has good underwire, really sturdy lower panel and wide straps. This is such a winning bra- practical yet gorgeous enough for date nights too!
BLUE FANTASIE REBECCA BRA, £41, 30 D to 40H CUP
This denim look bra really makes the most of a rounded bust. The moulded cups and wide support band give a natural shape and uplift. This is a perfect T shirt bra for the fuller bust. I’m delighted to see it goes up to H cup too –Hooray!
PALE PINK SIMONE PERELE INSPIRATION BRA, £54, 30A to 38F
This strapless bra is perfect for rounder bust women. The moulded cups enhance your lovely shape, giving you a seamless finish. Some women worry that strapless numbers will creep down the body by the end of the day, not with this one as it has an anti-slip interior which grips the bust.
7. SIDE SET BUST
If you have a side space between your breasts these bras will pull you in and give you an amazing shape.
RED FIGLEAVES BOUDOIR MARILYN BRA, £45, 30B to 36G
This pure silk, plunging front bra screams silver screen glamour. Again the ‘segment’ panelling forms a round look to the bust whilst the underwiring hoists everything upfront to a starring position!
BLACK BOUX AVENUE, LOW PLUNGE U BRA, £28, 30A TO 38E
This seductive bra grips and pulls in the bust whilst the ingenious U-shaped underwiring takes the strain and ensures that the bust stays in place. It also comes with additional straps to convert to a daring low back. Good enough for any red carpet!
PALE PINK ADINA REAY, V-NECK PLUNGE BRA, £120, 32DD to 36G
This beautiful V-neck plunge bra is particularly good for curvy women as it goes up to a G size cup. This foundation wear really supports and embodies a larger bust as the straps are built into the bra leaving no room for side spillage.
KIDS FASHION – LONDON CALLING
Chase wears waistcoat, £120, T-shirt, £36 and shorts, £76, all Stella McCartney Kids. Trainers, £40, Plae. Sunglasses, Lotho.
I love London and obviously love fashion, so styling this kids photo shoot was perfect for me. These striking images for glossy magazine, Little London were shot in two phases. Firstly, talented kids’ photographer, Daniel Pangbourne ‘set the scene’ shooting the background photos. He really put in some leg work here, zooming around London shooting the most iconic buildings from The Albert Hall in Kensington to The Shard in London Bridge. Luckily, a fabulously sunny day was chosen where the sky was vibrant blue – a rarity in London Town!
A couple of weeks later we did the kids photo shoot in The Factory Studio, South London. The models, photographer Daniel and lovely hair & make-up artist, Rose met up at the studio bright and early. As per usual my car was groaning under the strain of so many amazing clothes by designers such as Stella McCartney, Stone Island and Bonpoint. We had a very busy day. The kids were fantastic – running, leaping and jumping around the studio against a white backdrop. What energy!
After these two shoots, the images were digitally combined to produce theses stunning images. So here you have it – CAPITAL FASHION!
Lottie wear jumpsuit, £55, I Love Gorgeous. Hat from a section, Bonpoint.
Madison wears dress from £35 and cardigan from £30, 4-13 yrs both Jigsaw. Wellies from £11, Mothercare.
Eden wears dress, £59 and cardigan, £29 both Billieblush.
Chase wears, jacket, from £245 and sweater, from £75 both Stone Island. Shorts, from £61, Bonpoint. Headphones, from a selection from Tiger.
Lottie wears top, £50 and skirt, £59, both No Added Sugar. Wellies, from £11, Mothercare.
Madison wears jacket, £120 by Stella McCartney Kids.
PHOTOGRPAHER – DANIEL PANGBOURNE. FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN. HAIR & MAKE-UP – ROSE ANGUS.
KIDS FASHION – THE HAMPTONS PHOTO SHOOT
When I was asked to style a kidswear shoot the client called ‘The Hamptons’ I imagined jetting off to New York State. No such luck I’m afraid, this time the budget didn’t quite stretch to an overseas trip. So if we couldn’t go to The Hamptons, The Hamptons would have to come to us!
We ended up in an East London studio that became our base. I was sure it would all pull together and look amazing as I was working with such a fantastic team. First of all, set builders constructed a whitewash, weatherboard backdrop and then it was up to me to find some really eye catching props that would make the images come alive.
The day before the shoot I headed off to ‘Propland’ – the name in the trade we give to an area in West London where all the furniture and prop hire houses are situated. Soon I was elbow deep in all types of seaside and Americana paraphernalia – flags, bunting, binoculars, sailboats and starfish! I remembered that there were also some lovely kids’ stripy deckchairs in my daughter’s Wendy house that would come in handy too.
It was fun doing a day ‘propping’, usually I’m trampling up and down The West End sourcing clothes for editorial shoots, but as it was a shoot for well known brand Mothercare all the lovely nautical clothes were supplied by them!
The big shoot day arrived and we had such a gorgeous array of little models ranging from 14 months to 8 years old. Ross, our photographer is always brilliant at making the kids laugh so I knew the pictures would look really animated and lively!
The trickiest part of the shoot was the group shot. It was challenging getting all 6 infant school kids in a line, looking in the same direction and smiling all at once. The children’s clothes and hair had to look just right too so lovely make-up artist Freya and myself had to madly rush in and perfect the look in between each shot.
Working with kids is exhausting and I’m always ready for a G&T at the end of the day. But it’s totally worth it as you can see by these fabulous pictures – That’s a shore thing!
PHOTOGRAPHER – ROSS BOLGER, FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE-UP – FREYA DANSON-HATCHER and ROSE ANGUS, CLOTHES – MOTHERCARE
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR STARS IN NEW SHOPPABLE POP VIDEO
Wow! This is pretty futuristic – pop star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has released a new ‘shoppable’ pop video to launch the new C. Wonder fashion collection.
This vibrant video sees Sophie strutting her stuff and snapping her fingers as she transforms into eight different looks from this fab collection, exclusive to QVC. Shoppers can simply click on each outfit and be taken to the QVC website to purchase any of this new stylish range.
The film features a specially composed song “Wonder” featuring vocals from new talent Biba and is a great backing track for our wonder woman Sophie’s magical wardrobe change dances!
The C. Wonder range was curated by E! Fashion Show Police panellist Brad Goreski, whose celebrity clients include Jessica Alba and Demi Moore.
Brad told us, “I’m so excited to bring something wonderful to QVC UK as the Creative Director of C. Wonder! This line is all about global travel and exploration and I hope that the C. Wonder woman will love our preppy, bohemian look.” He went on to say, “Wearing C. Wonder means being confident, comfortable and chic – that’s what I love about fashion and style.”
It seems Sophie is impressed too! This energetic mother-of four explained, “I really like the stylish and accessible nature of the C. Wonder collection at QVC. I have a passion for all things 60’s and 70’s inspired so it’s a perfect addition to my wardrobe.”
Take a look at this global inspired collection yourself. At prices ranging from £23 to £65 I could definitely afford to unleash my inner bohemian goddess too!
EASTER EGGS, FASHION BUNNIES & CRAZY CHICKS
Box of chocolate biscuits, £35, Biscuiteers Baking Company. Milk chocolate egg, £27 and White chocolate egg, £15 both Hotel Chocolat.
MY EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA – HERE’S TO A HAPPY & PEACEFUL BANK HOLIDAY…………
Easter egg biscuit, £35, Biscuitjes Baking Company.
HOPPING MAD
Cotton knit bunny romper, £69.34 by Blamo Toys at Etsy.
Supersoft bunny, £8, Sainsbury’s Home. Fluffy bunny ears, Poundland. Bunny costume and hat, The Little Distinctions.
CRACKING EASTER
Green bunny Top, £3.50, M&Co. Easter egg glasses, £4, Paperchase. Bunny Easter egg basket, £3.99, Hoi Polloi Gifts. Chick head boppers, Poundland.
CRAZY CHICKS
Pack of 18 fluffy chicks, Poundland.
SUPER STYLISH SKI WEAR
If I wasn’t snowed under with work, I’d love to jet off to some fabulous ski resort, perhaps Aspen, Courchevel, St. Moritz even Klosters. There are so many fashion opportunities slope side!
One brand that has really caught my eye is Superdry. They’re fairly new to the ski world but you have to admit this second snow collection dazzles, encapsulating glacier-cool style for downhill daredevils and chilled out skiers!
The range has covered all bases. For the hardcore skiers and boarders there’s the Full Tech collection featuring the Ultimate Snow Pants and co-ordinating Wind Bombers. This max-performance and thrill seekers collection comes in stylish denim blue, grey and black along with vibrant injections of fluro pink and orange. I love the Ultimate Snow Service Jackets and Ski Pants in Superdry’s iconic camo print as well as the girls zingy Ski Command Utility Hooded Jacket. There’s such attention to detail in this icy attire with fully taped seams, detachable skirts and cuffs plus the durable waterproof fabrics that give serious protection against the elements.
For chilled out skiers and free riders, the Semi-Tech Elements range is perfect. It boasts high visibility branding, detachable layers, inner skirts and snap tabs. Superdry’s best selling Arctic Windcheater and Mountain Marker Jacket are key in this collection both ideal for when the sun goes down and temperatures drop.
All in all, this super stylish snow wear is a winner, ensuring boarders, skiers and powder hounds get noticed even in a whiteout! Available in selected stores and online Superdry
Have a look at the amazing video below. To support the 2nd snow range, Superdry teamed with radical BASE jumper and extreme skier Matthias Giraud. As their official snow ambassador Giraud puts the collection through its paces in the snow covered mountains of Chile. Wow what an adrenalin rush!