Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category
Accessories, Designer Fashions, Gallery, Haute Couture, How to Wear, Trend Alert
By emilyborrett on August 3rd, 2011
Marc Jacobs included hard pill-box hats for vintage mystery in his Autumn/Winter 2011 show
If you’re looking forward to planning your new A/W wardrobe then buying a few new accessories is a great place to start – and Mr. Marc Jacobs’ recent Autumn/Winter ’11 with it’s prim skirt-suits and 194os pillbox hats have got us coming over all wistful for an era we were never in. Luckily stores are already cottoning on to wartime-style fashions, so it’s time to get nostalgic with some vintage inspired headgear.
Hats are a huge part of this year’s Autumn/Winter dressing, as the season’s fashion heroine is a mysterious femme fatale who knows her stuff about tailoring – a good dramatic hat can add mystery and old Hollywood glamour to any outfit.
There are a few good pillbox-style pieces already available on the high street, though we reckon there will be more to come. If you can’t find a style at the moment that tickles your fancy you could also opt for a fascinator headband – lots of high street stores such as Lipsy and RockNRose are already making bands complete with large flower detailing and veils.
Check out the gallery above for our favourite pillbox hats and fascinators.
Tags: 1940s, Accessories, autumn/winter, fashion week, Hats, Marc Jacobs, trend, vintage
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Accessories, Affordable Fashions, Features, Gallery
By emilyborrett on August 2nd, 2011
Pink Max C Satchel Bag
This rose-coloured beauty is amazing - I'm planning to buy it and move all of my things into it immediately. Find it at Fashion Union.
We’re already halfway through the summer holidays now, and while that might not mean much to those of you working a job all the year round, it means that Autumn is just a few weeks away – and that means that back-to-school feeling of new tights, new coats and smart new bags.
I’m starting my degree in London in a month’s time and I’ve decided to blue a bit of my student loan on a beautiful new satchel to keep all of my drawing bits and sketchbooks in. You should think about a new bag for yourself too – who doesn’t crave that new-term, new-things feeling that comes with the change of seasons?
Luckily you don’t need to go straight to Mulberry with your life savings for a good satchel (though of course it is tempting), as nearly all the high-street stores are still producing high-quality affordable bags in the Alexa style.
Shiny’s personal favourite? The dusky rose-coloured satchel from Fashion Union, which will go with pretty much everything I own and hopefully integrate perfectly into the new Autumn/Winter outfit I can’t afford to buy myself. Check out the gallery above for our top 5 satchels on the high street.
Tags: Accessories, affordable, bag, leather, mulberry alexa, satchel, tan
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Accessories, Affordable Fashions, Gallery
By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011
I’m always excited to find about new up-and-coming affordable fashion stores, so it was a pleasure to learn about Fashion Union, an online fashion retailer who’s speciality is exciting, fashion-forward clothes at extremely reasonable prices. There are about a million different things on the site that I liked (the dress section is especially large – shopping heaven for me) but I eventually managed to whittle down my favourite buys for you lovely people and put them in the gallery above.
Simple shapes and bright jewel colours are hot at the moment and will be throughout Autumn/Winter, something that Fashion Union caters for extremely well with an assortment of full skirted dresses, chinos and city shorts that will lend an exciting burst of colour to any wardrobe.
There’s also a clear love for vintage in Fashion Union’s designs, with 50s-esque sun dresses and brightly coloured blouses that tie at the waist. I’ve already earmarked their adorable blue and white striped sundress for payday.
Even more exciting is their shoe section, which is completely in tune with the upcoming Autumn/Winter trends. I’m obsessing slightly over their loafer heels which come in either patent black or cream – check them out in the gallery, then click through to the site and check out the price. Amazing.
Like what you’re hearing? Have a look at ShinyStyle’s top picks from Fashion Union above.
Tags: affordable fashion, block colour, dress, Fashion Union, high street, online store
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Accessories, Features, Gallery, How to Wear, Trend Alert, vintage
By emilyborrett on August 1st, 2011
Shift Dress in Colour Block
This is the best mod-inspired dress on the high street right now. The contrasting tones and eye-popping colour make this dress from Asos an absolute must-buy.
Oh happy days, the mod trend is back with a swinging sixties vengeance and I couldn’t be happier if I tried.
At this Autumn/Winter’s fashion shows the likes of Jil Sander and Burberry Prorsum travelled back into the past to bring us a veritable assortment of swing coats, tunic dresses, ankle boots and ski-inspired knitwear in a bold rainbow of colour.
More wearable than other upcoming trends such as goth, craftwork and (whisper it) zoot suits, the scooter girl look is a cute and girly way to easily sail through the perils of a new fashion season. What’s more, the simplicity of mod-inspired clothes means that it’ll be an incredibly easy look to wear in the winter months when you want to layer up. Snuggly and fashion-savvy, this is a trend we’ll get on board for.
If you’re looking for the definitive tunic dress then head on over to Asos, where we guarantee a rush on their brilliant turquoise tunic with contrasting pockets. Meanwhile, Topshop is all over Chelsea boots and have updated the classic sixties boot style with a few quirky fashion-forward twists such as fringing and studs.
The high street is already all over this trend, so if you’re ready to start planning your A/W wardrobe then check out our gallery above – we’ve had a highly successful search for amazing mod-inspired pieces.
Tags: "shift dress", autumn/winter trend, Burberry, how to wear, Jil Sander, London fashion week, mod, sixties, tunic
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Accessories, Affordable Fashions, Gallery, jewelry
By emilyborrett on July 27th, 2011
Here at ShinyStyle we’re all suckers for quirky, unusual accessories to add interest to a trusty old outfit. I’m especially a fan of vintage-inspired designs, which are having a bit of a revival at the moment, so it was great to finally check out the up-and-coming jewellery brand RockNRose today and see what their store is all about. What I found was a riotous and quite magical explosion of colour and shape which took inspiration from antiques and Victoriana to create a new, exciting jewellery brand. Pixie Lott and Peaches Geldof are already fans.
Especially exciting is their special collection of intricate headbands. If you’ve ever fancied a high-drama, quirky look like Anna Dello Russo or similar, this is the place to try it out, as RockNRose offers a pretty and theatrical array of fascinators. Our personal favourite is their much sought-after hummingbird headpiece, which is handpainted leather and gives a nod to this Autumn/Winter’s craft trends – wear it with a cocktail dress for a cool and exciting party look.
As well as their own vintage-inspired designs, they sell the real thing. Check out the Vintage section of their online store for specially sourced, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Have a peek at the gallery for our favourite bits and bobs from the RockNRose store – and girls, don’t buy everything at once!
Tags: antique, festival style, Jewellery, locket, Pixie Lott, rock and rose, Trend Alert, vintage
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Accessories, Features, Gallery, How to Wear, Trend Alert
By emilyborrett on July 27th, 2011
Poltock Walsh for Asos Silk Maxi
Maxis are still a big deal this Autumn/Winter - if you're not a fan of its hippy/boho connotations then opt for this elegant silk maxi.
There are two main fashion camps that you’ll feel the pressure to fall into come this Autumn/Winter: will you take your inspiration from the likes of Givenchy and Meadham Kirchoff and turn yourself into a peculiar, cat-lady rainbow of oddities, or will you keep things sleek, modern and minimal in muted palettes and clean shapes? I know that I’ll be straying into definite cat-lady territory this year, but minimalism isn’t to be sniffed at – sometimes keeping things simple can have a dramatic effect, as the likes of Lara Stone and Diane Kruger are always proving.
Luckily, you don’t need a hot-shot actress’ salary to get in on the action as this is on trend that the high street is wholeheartedly embracing. Asos in particular is an excellent source for simple, clean and modern designs – we were especially wowed by a Poltock Walsh for Asos silk maxi dress in soft grey silk, which could look equally amazing worn with heels and jewellery at night or a slouchy blazer during the day.
However, accessory-lovers beware. This is a trend that requires careful styling – too little could look frumpy, too much will definitely look ridiculous. Do not cancel out your outfit’s clean simplicity by emptying your entire jewellery box over yourself. Instead, seek out pieces that will work on their own to compliment your look – Topshop has some brilliant cuff bracelets and futuristic-style earrings that could set off a minimalistic outfit wonderfully.
Have a look through the gallery above for our favourite pieces rocking the trend on the high street.
Tags: "shift dress", autumn/winter, AW trend, Calvin Klein, grey, minimalism, nude, simplicity, Trend Alert
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Accessories, Features, Gallery
By Elisabeth on July 25th, 2011
With the iPad becoming more of a staple item in people’s lives these days – I sure would like the third generation iPad that is rumoured to be announced in not too long – one dilemma us women will face is where and how to bring it with you. It’s not big enough to warrant its own over-the-shoulder full-on laptop case, it’s too small to keep in the pocket of your blazer, and while that designer bag fits it perfectly you have to be careful of keys scratching the screen.
Luckily, there are quite a few iPad covers available to keep your favourite gadget scratch and smudge free while still looking fashionable. So whatever you are after, I’m sure you’ll find the iPad case that is just right…
Capulet London
Look chic with these gorgeous iPad cases from Capulet London. Prices start at £240.
Tags: girl gadgets, iPad cases, stylish iPad cases, tech accessories
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Accessories, Affordable Fashions, Gallery, vintage
By emilyborrett on June 28th, 2011
Searching for hidden treasures at Portobello has long been one of my favourite things to do on a summer’s day, ever since I first discovered the delights of vintage at the age of fourteen. The only downside of market shopping, besides tired feet and that mad impulse you get to buy everything ever, is the hassle of markets, especially on their busiest days. Which is why we love Pretaportobello.com.
The last time we wrote about the online marketplace it was a relatively small operation – but now there are numbers of new sellers all selling beautiful fashions. We were so excited about the site’s expansion that we had to share it with you.
The genius of the site is the diversity of stock, ranging from vintage siren-inspired jewellery to shredded tees perfect for festivals, clean modern designs and 40s-inspired tea dresses.
Our two star buys this week online at Pretaportobello are the hot-pink lace dress, which you can see above in the gallery – so Christopher Kane, no? And only a fraction of the price! – and an amazing brown leather messenger satchel from Vida Vida which I’ve got my eye on for when term starts in September.
If you’ve never been into the idea of market shopping, why not try it out this way? No pickpocketers, no bad weather soaking the clothes, no fuss. Check out our favourite pieces at the moment in the gallery above.
Tags: boho, crochet, independent fashion, london style, portobello market, pretaportobello, quirky fashion, sienna miller, vintage
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Accessories, Affordable Fashions, Gallery, shoes
By emilyborrett on June 28th, 2011
Cream Bow Print Sundress
Make like trendsetters Chloe Sevigny or Kirsten Dunst this summer and wear your sweet folksy-print sundress with chunky sandals and a pair of vintage sunglasses. You can find this dress here.
May I just start off by saying, HOW HAVE I GONE THIS LONG WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT DESIRE CLOTHING? I bet you’re all sitting at home reading this thinking “Geez Emily, we all know Desire sell great stuff, keep up with the times grandma”, but I have genuinely never got around to checking out their online store before. I wish I had – they could have solved so many of my “what shall I do with my last thirty pounds?” dilemmas.
This was initially supposed to be a piece about their awesome new shoe designs for summer, but I was so won over by their clothes that this has turned into a general free-for-all which just features all of my favourite stuff from the site crammed together. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first checked out the site – I’m afraid I’m a terrible snob and am always wary of labels that promise bargain-basement prices – but I was more than pleasantly surprised by what I found.
There’s an array of summer fashion as veritable as any available on the likes of Topshop or Urban Outfitters, from aztec-printed maxis to caped cocktail dresses and sexy gypsy tops. I’m a massive fan of their long-sleeved floaty sundresses (see the first image in the gallery) which I can totally imagine being seen on some cool New York actress like Chloe Sevigny on a summer’s day.
My absolute favourite design on the Desire Clothing site is their off-the-shoulder gypsy top, which you can buy in a variety of different florals on the website. I want one in every print.. better do a few stomach crunches first though.
If you’re not looking for a whole new wardrobe but just want to revamp things a little, invest in a pair of their S/S shoes, which combine chunky platform styles with crisp whites and sizzling colour for a style that is completely on-trend this season.
Check out the gallery above to see our favourite Desire Clothing pieces – you can click the links to buy.
Tags: affordable fashion, cheap fashion, desire clothing, floral, gypsy top, spring/summer
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Accessories, Gallery
By Elisabeth on June 10th, 2011
With the skies opening up over London today, I praised myself lucky that I remembered to put my umbrella in my bag before leaving for work this morning.
Despite being well into June and summer being here we all know how unreliable the English weather can be. While the sun is shining one minute the next you might find yourself running for cover as Noah’s Ark floats by…
To make sure you’re ready for anything the universe throws your way – well mostly rain – here are five cute umbrellas that will not cramp your summer style.
I love You Birdcage Umbrella by Lulu Guinness
Featured image from Daily London.
Tags: Cath Kidston, Esprit, Firebox, Lulu Guinness, Orla Kiely, Umbrella
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Accessories, Celebrity Style, Gallery, Trend Alert, vintage
By emilyborrett on May 31st, 2011
Nicole sporting a classic Diane Von Fustenberg turban in March for a UK telly appearance
Vintage glamour has been on our mind ever since ex-Pussycat Doll and femme fatale Nicole Sherzinger was spotted in March wearing a pale mustard-coloured turban (pictured above) for an appearance on Loose Women. It was a brave fashion choice for the singer, who normally sticks with her fail-safe ultra-sexy Herve Leger dresses and heels, but we think it paid off. With a face as smoking hot and sultry and Nicole’s, she looked more glamorous than ever.
Other stars have showed their love for the turban-wrap accessory as well recently; the Olsen twins have been spotted teaming silk black ones with tough leather, flowing black chiffon and lace for a dramatic evening look that has ensured their positions at the top of the fashion-pack further. And well, if the Olsen babes are doing it then we want to as well. Lover of all things vintage Paloma Faith also has a fondness for her silk head-wraps, going all-out with scarlet ones to set off her stage ensembles of leopard-printed wiggle dresses and flame-coloured lipsticks.
If you want to get in on this sumptuous 1930s-inspired fashion action, we’ve got a gallery above for you with our favourite ones available online (including an actual Diane Von Fustenberg turban which will only set you back forty pounds and is an absolute classic – that lady is so good to us!). Check it out above.
Tags: 1930s, Celebrity Style, diane von fustenberg, Glamour, hair wrap, Nicole Sherzinger, Olsen twins, silk, turban, vintage
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Accessories, Features, Gallery, Handbags
By emilyborrett on May 30th, 2011
Yellow "Beach Me Up" Bag
We love, love, love the zingy yellow colour and slogan of this cool beach bag from River Island. Whether you'll be in St Tropez or in Cornwall this summer, this is a bag that will get you noticed.
It’s always a joy to get a brand spanking new bag, but few are as all-important and eternally useful as a trusty beach bag, your very best friend for holidays in sunnier climes. Designed with the capacity to carry literally everything you need, from a tupperware beach picnic to a spare change of clothes for when the sun goes down (and if you’re like us, a cheeky bottle of Sangria), every girl should have one!
We’ve found a style to suit every different kind of beach babe, from Moroccan-inspired carpet prints to inspire the hippy traveller in you, to bold bright colours and cool slogans to catch everyone’s eye as you’re making your way down to the beach. One of our favourites here at Shiny Style is the folksy-style tote from Debenhams in a really pretty blue-and-white print that will look really cool with some distressed denim shorts and a floaty 70s-inspired blouse.
It’s June in two days, and so begins fashion’s most fun season. Long live summer!
Tags: "summer style", beach bag, holiday, shopper, spring/summer, tote
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Accessories, Celebrity Style, Gallery, Trend Alert
By emilyborrett on May 26th, 2011
Asos Maxi Dress with Ruffled Sleeves
This gorgeous dress is such a statement that you don't need to add anything to make this an outfit - and it'll look just as good on the beach as at a party. Find it here.
Whether you’re into over-the-top 70s-inspired glamour, huge hair and all, or more laidback hippy-girl style, there are different ways to rock one of this summer’s hottest trends: bohemian. When I first heard that this trend was tipped to come back I felt a little uneasy (who doesn’t remember the style’s heinous comeback in the beginning of the noughties? No, Britney Spears, that yak-wool gilet and paisley babydoll smock don’t look good on you) but this time around the look is being given a little more sexiness, a little more glamour and versatility.
Yesterday, Shiny’s lovely editor Andrea showed us which stars are rocking the trend best this year, featuring the likes of Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie and Kate Moss (no surprises there). The key thing to take note of is that instead of heaping on the accessories and crazy folk prints until you look like a mad old woman that runs a candle shop, keep it simple.
Going out for a relaxed day with friends in the sunshine? Opt for a sweet boho-printed sundress with some vintage accessories and some ankle boots a la Sienna for a look that’s cool but not too try-hard. Or if you’re going out for a party and you’re sick of your regular uniform of minidresses and heels, go for a beautifully simplistic maxi dress with some gold seventies-esque jewellery and tousled hair – it’s a look that will walk the line between dressed-down and sexy glamour perfectly.
We’ve found some of the best boho pieces on the internet for you readers and whacked it all into one lovely gallery – whether you’re looking for a new wardrobe staple or just some accessories to round off an outfit, it’s all there. Check out our gallery above!
Tags: bohemian, boho, dresses, hippy, seventies, sienna miller, summer/spring, Trend Alert
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Accessories, Celebrity Style, Gallery, Style spotlight, vintage
By emilyborrett on April 8th, 2011
Fierce, studded and punky, Debbie's look often involved a lot of fetish-y leather. Check out those over-the-knee boots
Yesterday we went back to the 1960s to celebrate the classic style of Factory superstar and rich socialite Edie Sedgwick – but today we’re fast-forwarding to 1979 in New York, where girl power was having it’s first proper punk moment. Heading up a wave of new strong, confident girl rockers was the mysterious and beautiful Debbie Harry, ex Playboy Bunny turned punk queen.
With her messy mop of ice-blonde hair, nonchalant attitude and tough-girl dress sense, she was the girl that everyone wanted to be (even some of the boys). Whether she was shooting a music video in a laidback Grecian dress or performing onstage with Blondie in nothing more than a band T-shirt and knickers, everyone wanted a piece of the Debbie Harry magic – and they still do. Celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst and Kate Moss cite Debbie Harry as one of their style heroes – she’s one of mine, too.
The distressed, rough-around-the-edges look is huge again at the monent, with designers such as Alexander Wang and Balenciaga giving the black leather n’ lace look a modern revamp. It’s one of the absolute easiest styles to try out – all you need is a pair of cool shades and attitude. Debbie’s dress sense was very no-frills, no-fuss – just sling a leather jacket over your favourite old T-shirt, and a slick of red lipstick and you’re good to go.
So here’s Shiny Style’s girl-power salute to the Blondie singer – check out the gallery above for our favourite Debbie Harry looks, and the best copycat finds on the high street.
Tags: 1979, blondie, debbie harry, get the look, girl band, icon, New York, punk, style spotlight
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Accessories, Gallery
By Andrea Petrou on April 7th, 2011
By Emily Borrett.
Floral Cat's Eye Sunglasses
Full-on glamour is the trend rocking the catwalks at the moment - we love how this Asos pair has a modern twist to a classic shape. Buy them, love them, wear them with everything.
Glory be, how great is this Mediterranean weather? I actually got a little bit sunburnt yesterday when I spent a long day on the grass with friends (I was supposed to be doing university work, but who can work in weather like this? We have to take advantage when it might be snowing or something next week.) And so, to thank this weather that’s winging it’s way over from Spain, apparently – thanks, Spain – we’re looking at one of summer’s most important fashion item, sunglasses.
Luckily for you readers there’s an absolute abundance of cool eyewear on the market at the moment, thanks to the inspirational catwalks of designers such as Henry Holland, Jil Sander and Prada, where eye-popping colour, futuristic shapes and glamourpuss styles were key. Our absolute favourite style of sunnies this season is the 50′s cat’s-eye sunnies, which have made a huge comeback, and will add a touch of glamour to any outfit this summer.
To see our favourite sunnies around at the moment, check out our gallery.
Tags: "summer style", 1950s, cat's-eye, floral, frames, Glamour, spring/summer, sunglasses
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From:Debenhams show us how to avoid tanning disasters this year