S/S12 | CLOSET CHARMS

Apr 21 2012

Once upon a time…

I have reverted back to my childhood this week with all things fairytale, thank you to the release of Mirror Mirror, and upcoming release of Snow White and The Huntsman. Plus, we have the first anniversary of the Royal Wedding on April 29, so what better time to conjure up dreams and memories of Princes and Princesses. No other designer than Elie Saab can say it best with a dress either, after bringing a beautiful array of Princess worthy gowns down the runway this Spring. His 2012 Haute Couture collection quite simply took my breath away, and while I may still have to kiss a few more frogs before I find my Prince Charming, at least this collection can sweep me off my feet until then.

ELIE SAAB HAUTE COUTURE SPRING 12 PARIS

Tagged Elie Saab, Haute Couture, Mirror Mirror, Paris, Royal Wedding, Snow White and The Huntsman, Spring 12

Mar 09 2012

The little mermaid…

I have always loved the idea of mermaids, despite the myths about their cruel and evil behaviour. In folklore, it is believed that mermaids would use their beauty and charm to lure sailors to their deaths. However I am still not the first to be seduced by the little mermaid, after all, although wicked, they also present confident, sexy, headstrong women (ok, half women) that could teach us all a small lesson or two. Now, I am not suggesting we start to spurn or spark revenge on the male form, but if we take at least one thing from these mythological creatures – it would be that we should all be more confident in ourselves.

Perhaps this is why the runways of S/S12 also took inspiration from the mermaid? Versace adorned dresses with diamante starfish and sea shells, Giorgio Armani used a pearlesque palette of navy, turquoise and silver, which was accompanied by patterns of swirling water and ripples, whilst Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen topped her collection off with a showstopping tiered fish-tail gown. Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel even set his show ‘under the sea’, sending models down a runway of oversized oysters, pearls and bubbles, with coral reef shaped ruffles and encrusted shell clutches.

Versace

Giorgio Armani

Chanel

Alexander McQueen

This has to be one of my favourite trends of S/S12, because it instantly takes me away to the clear blue seas of summer, but unfortunately my bank balance isn’t going to stretch to a Versace dress, or Chanel clutch (one can dream). Instead here are my favourite purse friendly finds, so we can all get some of that mermaid confidence into our wardrobes this season…

GET THE LOOK

Lipsy stud detail corset £45

Topshop animal jacquard shorts in mint £30 (also available in silver and pink)

Accessorize clam shell chanelier earrings £6.00

Accessorize ballroom diamante clutch £40

ASOS cupchain and cord statement necklace £15

River Island scallop hem top £30

River Island cream sequin mini skirt £60

TO FINISH

Bourjois little round pot eyeshadow in BLEU CANARD £5.49, available at BOOTS

*Don’t feel brave enough for a dramatic eye? Just add a sweep of BLEU CANARD along your lashes to act as an eyeliner.

Topshop nails in MERMAID £6.00

Charles Worthington front row rough and tousled salt spray £6.29, available at BOOTS

*Spray onto wet hair and scrunch dry for natural off-the-beach waves.

Tagged Accessorize, Alexander McQueen, ASOS, Boots, Bourjois, Chanel, Charles Worthington, Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, lipsy, River Island, S/S12, Sarah Burton, TOPSHOP, versace

Feb 04 2012

1 Comment

beauty, fashion, S/S12

Ice cream sundae…

Finally the Christmas rush and winter sales are at an end, and despite the horrible cold spell of weather, I am beginning to get very excited about the S/S12 collections hitting the shops. Pastels in particular have really taken my fancy this season, from floral notes of rose, daffodil and daisy, zesty infused hues of apple, peach and lemon, to the sugared coated goodness of candy, marshmallow and almond. So if you have a sweet tooth, this really is the season to indulge in sugar and spice and all things nice.

For the little girl inside of all of us, these colours bring back memories of picnics in the sun, cream tea with Grandma and jelly and ice cream parties. Inspiration should be taken from the catwalks of Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Richard Nicoll and Chanel, who all showcased the most wanted shades of powder pink, sky blue, peppermint, lemon, peach, lilac and vanilla. You should also look out for fabrics such as lace, broderie anglaise, tulle and feather appliqué to embrace the ultra feminine nature of the trend.