London Fashion Week - Trends

London Fashion Week, like London Collections Men, is definitely the place to find emerging designers and new talent.  There are the big design schools, like Central Saint Martins and The Royal Academy of arts who have produced design genius such as Alexander McQueen and Erdem, who are producing young designers.  You will see a lot of lesser known designers in London, but way more creative than New York.

Some trends that I see coming through now that there has been 2 show weeks, plaids, especially in gray, metallics and sequins, I think it's that whole women empowerment stance, and fur details, particularly as sleeves, collars, and pockets.  Below are the trends pulled from LFW.

Metallics and Sequins

Emilia Wickstead

Erdem

Ashish

Christopher Kane

J.W. Anderson

Markus Lupfer

Roksanda

Temperly London

Plaids

Daks

Erdem

Markus Kupfer

Mulberry

Fur Details

David Koma

Mary Katrantzou

House of Holland

New York Fashion Week - Day 4

I actually had a day off Saturday from shows, but I was still following everything on social media!

My favourites from Day 4 of fashion week are below!

Christian Siriano
Every since Project Runway he has always been a favourite and he is actually one of the only project runway winners, that I know of, who has gone on to have a successful line.  His focus is usually on formal wear.  And this season he showed plus size models in the collection as he designs a line for Lane Bryant.  The collection had a bit of a 50s, South of France vibe and the use of colour was great.  He is also offer 4 of his designs as part of see now buy now on Amazon.com.

Top Looks

Co

I think I was drawn to this collection because of the amazing location they used.  But then looking through the collection the clothes are so lovely.  Beautifully structured pieces that have texture from the ruffles and fullness.  The brand is based in LA, but it has a more East coast sophistication to it, very polished but easy.

Top Looks

Jill Stuart

Generally not a big fan of Jill Stuart, her stuff seems to gear older, and for me I have always associated her with more classic pieces, and luxury basics.  But for SS17 there is definitely a younger feeling to the collection, but I can still see 40+ women wearing it.  I love the pairing of the leggings with the dresses, and the colour combinations.  The dresses had really great silhouettes, a bit of a ballerina 80s feeling to me.  The shoes were also great and well styled with the looks.  There were also a lot of different floral prints used throughout the collection.  Some of them were a bit drab, but I love this print the image below.  

Top Looks

All images were taken from vogue.com

Trend Tuesday - Summer Hats

I have missed the last couple of Tuesdays because I have been traveling, so this Trend Tuesday is coming out 1 day early!

I was Chicago and New York recently and both cities were experiencing temps well into the 90s and it looks like those temperatures will continue into the next couple of weeks.  Also back in London we have had temperatures at 90 and in the 80s.  With all of the heat and the bright sun it is important to keep your face shaded and your head cool, especially if you have dark hair like me!  Below are some of my favourite straw hats right now and some looks that work great with a hat.  If you're petite stick with a fedora style hat, or a hat with a shorter brim if you're out and about.  If you're poolside or by the beach try the most floppiest hat you can find, it will produce the most coverage against the sun.
Stay Cool!

& Other Stories | £17.00

Jcrew | £55.00

Anthropologie | £38.00

Rag & Bone | £170

Reiss | £95.00

Yosuzi | £320.00

& Other Stories | £19.00

Looks Perfect for Day

Looks Perfect for Evening

Trend Tuesday - Menswear - PJs as daywear

I know Trend Tuesday is a day late!
Pajamas have become a huge trend for women, I'm not talking thermal underwear and baggy logo
t-shirts, but the pajama sets in silk and fun prints or classic stripes worn together or as separates.  Well the trend has trickled over into menswear and this past weekend at the menswear shows I definitely saw this trend.
The easiest way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is to start with the shirt.  Short sleeve or long sleeve look for the piping and a straight cut to the shirt.  My recommendation is to pair the shirt with a pair of loose fitting trousers, or cropped trousers.  Don't be afraid to mix and match prints for top and bottom, as long as there is a common colour.

Top finds for Pajama shirts

Dolce & Gabbana | £675

Marvy Jamoke | £150

Marc Jacobs | £355

Ami | £185

Zara | £29.99

Trend Tuesday - Micro Bags

Okay so I am in love with the micro bag!  Sure you can't fit much inside, but they are so small and cute and it seems that every website has now added mini bag to there menu of products.  The micro bag can really be worn with anything, so stock up on multiples in different colors, I know I would if I could.

I got this gem a few months ago and it is perfect!


Top 10 Micro Bags 

Anya Hindmarch | £550

Kate Spade | £178

Marc Jacobs | $275

Zara | £29.99

Coach | £575

New Look | £9.99

Tory Burch | £445

Whistles | £85

Ann Taylor | £110

Gucci | £565