Archive for February, 2015
KIDSWEAR – PRINTS CHARMING
I was thrilled to work with the American brand Little Name. This little girls collection is so innovative and imaginative. Founder and designer Alexis G McVicker had previously worked as a print designer for such companies as Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters and OshKosh B’gosh so clearly very talented.
This ‘Rain and Shine’ range is ingenious. Behind the whimsical beauty it boasts all sorts of amazing qualities, such as the sun protecting collars, spill proof “get dirty in” fabrics and practical pouch pockets. But as a stylist, I loved the “grow into” factor – size adjustable, loose silhouettes that allowed me to put the same clothes in children from 3 to 9 year olds. Obviously with Alexis’s background the prints are totally gorgeous with their playful vintage feel. All in all, it is a winning collection.
So why shoot it in the UK? Alexis told me, “I truly enjoy vintage nostalgia and an old authenticity that is found in remote areas of the world … making the English countryside a lovely atmosphere for the collection.”
So what does the future hold for Little Name? Well, Alexis has recently become a new mother and she says this is spurring her on to create more gorgeous kidswear collections. “Our beautiful daughter is called Fable… Maybe a fable-themed inspiration could be in the making.”
That sounds fabulous – I can’t wait.
Photographer – Richard Burns. Fashion Stylist – Becky John. Hair & Make-up – Sally Kvalheim. Location – Wingsfield College, Suffolk.
THE VALENTINE GUIDE
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My Loved-Up guide for your VALENTINE…………..
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PUCKER UP! LIP SHIRT, 39.50, OLIVER BONAS
For those who wish to wear their heart on their sleeve or anywhere else –
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Cut-out Heart dress, £49, Simply Be. Lip Skirt, £59, House of CB. Fringed top, £9.90, People Tree. Heart jumper, £55, White Stuff. Heart print dress, £45, Oliver Bonas
For the homey –
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Cake stand, £10 Sainsburys. Jigsaw, £2 and Lap tray, £5, both Tiger Stores. Heart dish, £49, Le Creuset at Occa Home. Heart pillow, £16, M&Co.
If food be the music of love –
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Box of Chocolates, £39, Hotel Chocloat. Red heart box of chocs, £14, Butlers Chocolates. Individual champagne chocolate truffles,£3.75,Hotel Chocolat. Personalised wine, £19.99, Getting Personal. Louboutin inspired chocolate shoe, £35.95, Azra Chocolates.
For those who LOVE to accessorize –
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Heart cufflinks, £79, Amara. Heart Keyring, £50, Juicy Couture. Sunglasses, £15, Monsoon. Socks, £2, Tiger Stores. Phone charging purse, £79.99, Cuckooland. Stack of rings, £6, Accessorize
And Finally the Lingerie Lover
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Red bra set, £16, Tu at Sainsburys. Floral bra, £28 and high waisted brief, £16, Boux Avenue.
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Floral bra, £25 and knickers, £12.50, Marks & Spencer. Cerise bra, £28 and thong, £12, Boux Avenue.
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NEW FACE OF PHASE EIGHT – SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR
I do like Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Someone who enjoys a dance routine as much as fashion gets a big thumbs up from me.
I first saw singer-songwriter Sophie strutting her stuff in 2002 on her video for Murder on The Dance Floor. A decade later and three children on, she still looked amazing on Strictly Come Dancing in the arms of dance partner Brendan Cole.
Norma Floral Burnout Dress, £140
So I was thrilled to see her unveiled as the face of Phase Eight. The beautiful, floral prom-style dresses really suit her. Sophie who has often been compared to Audrey Hepburn looks wonderful in these Fifties looking pieces. A big move for Phase Eight as they haven’t used a high profile celebrity since Yasmin Le Bon in Spring 2003.
Ninette Dress, £140
Judith Bremner, Brand Director says, “Sophie is the ultimate Phase Eight woman – she is successful, confident, loves fashion and interprets it to work for her own personal style. She relates well to our customers who aspire to wear dresses that are elegant, flattering and versatile.”
Chantay Rose Dress, £120
These gorgeous dresses are definitely versatile. I’d wear them to work events and evenings out. My favourite one is the Kimono style, Chantay Rose dress that embraces two of the major trends this spring – The Orient and ‘Flower Power’. This one looks like a winner to me!
Beautifully shot by photographer Damien Weilers, the soft lighting and floral prop styling compliment the very romantic feel.
Elodine Dress, £140
This 22-piece collection is completed with lovely vintage style jewellery, heels and clutch bags. Sophie explains, “This collection provides perfect outfit solutions for summer weddings and garden parties where you always want to feel special and unique. I love how the collection exudes feminine and stylish dressing.”
Well it certainly looks like Phase Eight is coming up roses with this collaboration. I’m popping in-store this afternoon to bag one myself!
Have a look on-line at the beautiful collection – Sophie Ellis-Bextor at Phase Eight.
Loretta Dress, £169