MOVE ASIDE ASOS – MIINTO IS IN TOWN

Following incredible success across Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the United States, online retail company Miinto has finally hit the UK and Ireland. Launching in April/ May of this year, Miinto.co.uk and Miinto.ie, will build on the company’s mission to bring an extensive range of womenswear, menswear, kidswear, sportswear and accessories, all under one fashion e-roof.

However, what makes Miinto particularly special is its partnership with independent boutiques, working as an online portal for boutiques to showcase their stock online. Brands include Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, American Vintage, Gant and Superdry, as well as a vast array of smaller labels, all sourced directly from boutiques all over the UK and Ireland. This ingenious idea allows fashion lovers to shop 24/7 from boutiques they never knew existed, or would normally be unable to access.

If you didn’t think the e-commerce world could get anymore exciting, here comes Miinto throwing a spanner into the online shopping experience. I believe Miinto can do for boutiques, what Net-A-Porter did for designer, and ASOS did for e-fashion, and I cannot wait to see how the company grows in the next few years.

Here are a few of my top Miinto picks:

Miinto.co.uk (for shoppers in the UK and Channel Islands):

Antik Batik Opyla Silk Mix Print Tee £150

Perfect for the festival season, simply pair this tie-dye inspired tee with some frayed denim shorts, over the knee socks and wellies.

Fonty by Ted Baker £109

The ideal day-to-night dress, wear with a floppy fedora and loafers for a shopping trip, then slip into some classic courts and team with an oversized clutch for a night on the town.

Hale Bob Sequin Dress £320

Nothing can beat a bit of sparkle, and this all over sequin number is a wardrobe classic. For an ultra-glam look just add your favourite sling-backs and some bright red lippy.

Muubaa Turna Laser Leather Jacket £399

I cannot live without my leather jacket, and for those of you who want a modern update on a classic biker this Muubaa piece might be right up your street. The laser cutout detailing also reminds me of the Giles S/S12 catwalk, making it bang on trend too.

Acne Contrast Pistol Boot £370

Every wardrobe needs a pair of Chelsea boots, and this Acne pair will see you throughout the year. Team with black skinnies in the winter, or with a tea dress in the summer for an edgier look.

Miinto.ie (for shoppers in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland):

Aztec Disc Earrings by People Tree 15,00 EUR

I am a big fan of gold jewellery, and these Aztec discs by People Tree are no exception. Plus, they are made of recycled brass so they are environmentally friendly too.

Nautical Dress from Frime 65,00 EUR

Nautical prints come around year after year, so what better to way to invest in one than a timeless cute mini? Just add some retro sunnies, gladiators and a basket to complete the look.

Missey Black Chiffon Skirt 35,00 EUR

The midi-maxi trend is here to stay, and this Missey piece ticks all the boxes. Wear with a cotton tee, wedges and chunky jewellery for a relaxed but chic vibe.

Barbour National Trial Wax Jacket 249,00 EUR

Our on-going wet weather means we will always need a stylish yet sensible coat on tap, and Barbour always does it best.

Blush from Finsk 400,00 EUR

One of Julia Lundsten’s signature wedges, and the perfect IT shoe. Pair with jeans and a boyfriend jumper for a casual look, or with a simple LBD in the evening and let the shoes do all the talking.

For more information please visit Miinto.co.uk and Miinto.ie.

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WHITE HEAT

As the sun starts to peek out from the clouds, and temperature forecasts hit the twenties this week, my inspiration for today is all things WHITE. High summer collections have also begun to hit the shops, and dreams of sun drenched deserts, scorching sands and warm palm breezes have filled up my Sunday afternoon. From crisp clean cuts, sharp and structured tailoring, to wind-swept chiffons, lace and linens, I have been transported to the Riviera, Grecian Coast and heart of Mexico…

Professional images:

Versace SS12

Chanel SS12

Mango lookbook Summer 2012 with Anna Selezneva

Monsoon SS12 lookbook

Other inspiration:

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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.

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The new animal print…

I love a statement animal print, as long as it is kept classy. Over the last few years we have seen the comeback of leopard, snakeskin and dalmatian prints, but it seems that zebra is the one to invest in this season after Michael Kors graced the runway last September. From dresses, jumpers, jeans, bags and even shoes, zebra prints (not real fur) have entered the shops sooner than you can say safari.

Michael Kors S/S12

Here are some of my favourite pieces I have spotted out and about in the last few days, and the best way to wear them:

For work:

Oasis zebra print dress £60 

Keep the dress smart with opaque tights, a tuxedo blazer, and loafers or courts.

A lunch date:

Oasis zebra print cardigan £42

This cardy can be worn as a jumper with all the buttons done up, or over one of your favourite tops, then pair with black skinny jeans and ankle boots to complete the look.

For a night out:

Lipsy zebra dress with belt £48

For instant glamour just add platform heels and an oversized clutch.

At the shops:

River Island brown zebra print tote bag £40

This shopping tote is guaranteed to make any daytime outfit stand out.

At the beach:

River Island black zebra print panel sandals £28 

Team these sandals with a tribal inspired bikini, maxi dress, beach basket and your signature sunnies.

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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.

Louis Vuitton

3.1 Phillip Lim

Richard Nicoll

Chanel

Here are a few of my favourite picks from the high street:

ZARA

Embroidered silk top £59.99

Coloured denim light yellow £35.99

Skinny jeans mid pink £35.99

TOPSHOP

Lilac lace strappy sundress £36.00

OASIS

Multi natural colourblock lantern dress £65.00

Mid blue lexi lace skater dress £65.00

ASOS

Sleeveless skater dress in green £45.00 (also available in pink)

Just add some bouncy curls, a sweep of pink lippy and a box clutch to complete these looks!

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Ooh La La…

Following the Galliano saga, Dior had a bit of moment last year. Had the alleged anti-semitic comments from the fashion extremist scarred the labels reputation? And would it still be able to hold its position as a classic fashion favourite?

Luckily damage was minimal after the label instantaneously cut ties with the designer, though there is still a question mark over the head of Galliano’s successor that looms in the house of Dior. However despite these troubled waters I still feel the label are as strong as ever, especially after recently announcing Mila Kunis as the latest leading lady for their Miss Dior handbag Spring/ Summer 12 collection.

Mila Kunis for Miss Dior Handbag S/S12

The 28-year-old actress is the second Black Swan beauty to be cast for Dior, stepping in the golden footsteps of award winning Natalie Portman. Miss Kunis’ pictures hold an air of grace and sophistication that I feel captures a true essence of the brand, but this isn’t the first time I have fallen in love with a Dior campaign. In the past, Dior’s campaigns haven’t really stood out or at least grabbed me, but Portman’s campaign over the last year has really caught my attention too.

Natalie Portman for Dior

The official commercial was directed by Sofia Coppola, and set against Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin’s “Je t’aime…moi non plus.” It is full of innocent girlish charm, encapsulated in the romance and sexiness of the city of Paris, as well as slightly mirroring the imagery of Audrey’s Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany’s (although set in a different city).

Here are some stills from the commercial for inspiration:

Please also have a look at these links for the making of, and the final commercial!

Enjoy!

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