Go retro this season by flaunting the must-have dress style that celebrities such as Kate Middleton and Kelly Osbourne have been seen in. 40’s inspired dresses are wonderfully feminine and chic and can be worn day or night.
It is a flattering trend for all body shapes and the dresses allow you to flash just the right amount of leg! There are so many styles out there from A-line skirt details, tighter hourglass fits and military retro designs.
A cross-over front is ideal for women with a full bust as it will give you a gorgeous shape. You could even add a belt to the look to define your waist. Frilled sleeve styles are great for pear shapes as they will add volume to your upper half and balance out your curves.
Add a chunky cardigan to your 40’s day outfit then team with flats and a little boxy patent bag. For the evening wear your dress with heels and a clutch. Experiment with other vintage inspired accessories such as long gloves, faux fur and clashing tights and belts!
Rose Wrapover Dress, £30.00 from iStylista.com
Cape Sleeve Dress, £50.00 from iStylista.com
Independent designer label Libelula, which means Dragonfly in Spanish, has become the label to watch. The brand has grown over the years and has a celebrity fan base that includes Jerry Hall, Tamara and Jennifer Eccleston. Designer Sophie Cranston is the genius behind this luxurious label where she combines her pattern cutting expertise, print design and design prowess.
The Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection is visually stunning and has a vintage feel. Elegant feminine designs can be seen in bold vibrant colours of blue, purple, red and green as well as subtle shades of grey, cream, navy and black. The pieces are beautifully cut to flatter and enhance the female form and are made using the finest silks and chiffons. Velvet and lace are also featured which are perfect for winter. Classic tailoring mixed with chic designs makes the collection versatile yet sophisticated.
Sophie draws inspiration from a mix of sources from Portobello market and vintage fairs, to flamenco and the Spanish surf. Stylish dresses, blouses, tops and coats make up the AW11 Collection which can be worn from day to night. I love the delicate prints on some of the pieces. They definitely add a unique twist to the designs and add a feminine flare!
Hundreds of eagerly waiting shoppers queued outside the new Forever 21 store at Westfield Stratford City on Tuesday 13th September to browse round the most anticipated new retail destination!
DJ, blogger and model Bip Ling, wearing a cute polka dot dress, was behind the decks to provide the entertainment whilst the first 20 lucky people in the queue were treated to makeovers – a little jealous!
The brand new store at Westfield Stratford City boasts an amazing 3 floors and is the first in the Capital to feature the men’s fashion line – 21MEN. Your partner will have no excuse now not to go shopping with you ladies as they’ll have their own range of stylish, on-trend clothing and accessories to browse through.
Forever 21 already opened a store on Oxford Street (which I absolutely love!) so I am super excited to visit the one at Westfield Stratford City. More clothes for little fashionista me to buy – my poor bank card!
British womenswear label Wondaland is designed by Central Saint Martins graduate Alice Rugge-Price. Her collections are vintage inspired with emphasis on prints, detailing and embellishments and fans already include Margo Stilley and Poppy Delevigne. Elegant and sophisticated dresses, blouses, jackets and coats are fresh and fashion forward which is down to Alice combining new and old techniques.
The Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection is beautifully crafted and oozes femininity. Inspiration is taken from the 1950’s silhouettes and Irving Penn’s black and white photography from the same era. Gorgeous subtle tones such as violets and pale pinks can be seen alongside bolder shades to create a dreamlike range. Silk georgettes and velvets add to the luxuriousness of the clothing as well as the detailing of pleated chiffon, epaulettes and gold beading.
The wool coats, in versatile colours of camel and navy, are ideal for the cold months ahead. Chiffon cuffs give the styles elegance and are extremely flattering.
www.wondaland.co.uk
Caprice, originally from Southern California, became one of the most photographed women in the world having appeared on over 300 magazine covers. Investing her own money, in 2006 she started her own company which she runs and fully finances. It was then that she started By Caprice Lingerie!
The brand has become incredibly popular over the years reaching out to women who are after sexy lingerie that will make them feel beautiful and confident. Caprice designs, models and markets the line herself which is a unique idea and is why women have stayed loyal to the brand.
Her latest By Caprice Lingerie collection is feminine, bold and daring! Vibrant colours and bow detailing are mixed with lace and embroidery resulting in a seductive yet versatile range.
I recently got my hands on the Lilylou lingerie set in black. The padded gel bra features embroidery and a cute bow whilst the Brazilian briefs sport girly frills and a large bow in the centre. It is an ideal set for pear shaped women, like myself, as it helps to balance out your proportions. The bra fits me perfectly giving plenty of support as well as a subtle cleavage. The briefs give the illusion that my thighs are smaller which is down to the feminine skirt detailing. Lilylou gives me an amazing shape and definitely won’t be the last By Caprice Lingerie set to find a home in my drawer!
Lilylou Bra, £23 to £25
Lilylou Brazilian Briefs, £13
www.bycaprice.com
