ShinyStyle loves: Oasis Spring/Summer 2011 collection
By Andrea Petrou on March 2nd, 2011
Archive for the ‘First Looks’ Category
Fashion Crush, First Looks, Gallery, News
First Looks, Gallery
First Looks: Leighton Meester for Missoni
By Andrea Petrou on January 12th, 2011
Designers, Fashion News, First Looks
Karl Lagerfeld names Haider Ackermann as potential successor to the throne of Chanel
By Andrea Petrou on November 20th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Like Coco herself, Karl Lagerfeld has become as iconic as the famous double C’s that immediately spring to mind when we think of the fashion uber-brand that is Chanel. Having swept in wearing leather gloves, a silk tuxedo and that starched-looking white ponytail, he is the grandpappy of Parisian fashion.
Which is why we couldn’t ever imagine Chanel without Karl – the man has done the undoable and carried on Coco Chanel’s legacy of timeless French style effortlessly, churning out collection after collection of jaw-droppingly, sickeningly gorgeous clothes, and each more innovative than the last. Just when you think he’s at the peak of his creative ability, BAM! he sends out a new dress at Paris Fashion Week that makes you faint.
We may not want to think about Chanel without Monsieur Lagerfeld, but it looks like he is. In an interview with Numero magazine, in which he was asked about who he would choose to take over, Karl responded: “I have a contract for life so it all depends on who I would like to hand it to… At the moment I’d say Haider Ackermann.”
For those of you unfamiliar with Haider, he’s been slowly creeping up on the fashion radar for a while – and if his SS2011 collection shown at Paris is anything to go by, I’m not sure I’d mind if Karl eventually handed over the torch to him. (Very eventually, though. Don’t leave us yet, Karl. Sob!)
To check out Haider’s most recent collection, click here. We want to know what you think – do you think that Haider has got something special to bring to the table, or should Karl think again? Comment below with your opinions.
Accessories, Affordable Fashions, dresses, First Looks, Gallery
This on-trend cape is a chic alternative to a regular coat when wrapping up warm this winter. Fearne Cotton has one.
ShinyStyle loves: PretAPortobello.com
By Andrea Petrou on November 20th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Goldie Fringed Camel Cape
Portobello Market has, for a long time, been an iconic site for London shopping – it’s one of the best places in the country to pick up something unique and unusual. Suits of armour, vintage postcards, old luggage, records, and most importantly, clothes. If you live in London, love vintage and one-offs and have yet to go, I wouldn’t recommend anywhere else more highly.
However, market shopping is tiring and can be a bit of a pain; especially for those of you visiting from outside the city. That’s why Shiny Style hearts the new clothing site Pretaportobello.com so much. Taking all the best boutique clothes and accessories available at Portobello and squishing them together in one lovely website, you can now shop the best of the market at a click of your mouse.
I’ve been hard at work (poor little me) searching the website to compile a shortlist of all the very best clothes and jewellery that the site has to offer, readers – and you can see the clothes in the gallery above. Everything we found is gorgeous, but ShinyStyle’s favourite is the cute sixties mini-dress with bow cuffs – the perfect cocktail dress.
Designers, Events, Fashion News, Features, First Looks, Gallery, Gossip
First Look: Tom Ford lets us have a peep at his first womenswear collection for six years
By Andrea Petrou on November 19th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
The words “Tom Ford” and “womenswear” are enough to have any fashion-lover worth their salt quivering and shuddering with excitement these days – move over, Mr. Lagerfeld, there’s a new Don of fashion and his aesthetic is much more modern, much less “fashion-bitch on an ego trip”, much more now. (Not to put Karl Lagerfeld down – I still love him obviously.) You know that you’ve got a ridiculous level of fashion influence when you can bossily insist that Victoria Beckham gets out of those sloppy clothes and into something more haute, pronto – which is exactly what Mr. Ford did when he met VB on an international flight recently. Amazingly, she complied. It’s the stuff legends are made of.
Graduating from creative director at both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent to becoming the head of his own brand, Mr. Ford has been primarily known for his impeccably tailored menswear and his directorial debut in last year’s A Single Man, which received Academy Award nominations and is worth seeing for the clothes alone. (Frankly, Colin Firth has never looked better.) But now Ford is set to return to what he has spent most of his professional life doing for other fashion houses – womenswear.
The Spring/Summer collection for 2011 has been very hush-hushed and kept under wraps, but he’s finally relented enough to let the public see the first four official photos of what is his first venture into womenswear for the past six years. And the man doesn’t disappoint. It’s a super-glamorous collection manages to be both sexy and masculine at the same time – he doesn’t have an understanding of tailoring for nothing! The clothes are modelled by some of his muses, which feature Beyonce, supermodel Karen Elson and Stella Tennant. We love, we love, we love.
Check out the gallery above for the first official images of his SS2011 womenswear collection.
Ad campaigns, Designer collaborations, Fashion News, First Looks
First look: Lanvin for H&M preview
By Andrea Petrou on October 20th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
It’s the fashion moment that we’ve all been waiting for: H&M teasingly let us have a sneaky preview of their campaign photo for their dream high-street collaboration with Lanvin. And so far we’re loving what we’re seeing – sharp androgynous tailoring and some dramatic LBDS that we can’t wait to introduce to our wardrobe. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, Alber Elbaz.
It’s been a long time coming to get our hands on edgy, trademark Lanvin style at our favourite H&M prices, and it’s only a little while longer to wait until the collection goes on sale; it hits shops on the 23rd of November. Mark it down on your calendar, because you’ll have to get there early to avoid the inevitable shopping-centre stampedes.
So far H&M is being cruel and withholding any further photos of the collection (the teases), so keep checking back on the site for more news on this couture/high-street mash-up.
Accessories, Designer collaborations, Fashion News, First Looks, Footwear
Dream fashion collaboration: Pierre Hardy For Gap
By Andrea Petrou on October 20th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Exciting news as Gap unveil the fruits of their most recent collaboration with design geniuse Pierre Hardy; one perfect pair of black suede and leather shoe boots. Well, sometimes simplicity is best. The shoes won’t hit stores in the US until the 28th of October at the slightly un-Gap price of $195, but we can forgive them – it is a beautiful shoe, after all.
Gap’s had a rough time of it these past few weeks; it’s taken a cutting verbal beating from the internet and worldwide fashion-lovers for its’ attempt to ditch their iconic logo for a newer, spiffier one (turns out that the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is an important lesson to learn in fashion), so this collaboration could be exactly what the brand needs to get back into their customers’ good books. And we’ll certainly be helping out – by fighting tooth and nail to get a pair when they become available to buy in the UK.
Affordable Fashions, dresses, Fashion Crush, First Looks, Gallery, vintage
One to watch: River of Romansk at Etsy.com
By Andrea Petrou on October 20th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Cast your eye back to the poetry and romance trend that we highlighted on the site recently, and then read on. Inspired by the likes of Valentino, who showed their delightfully girly and fairytale-esque creations at Paris Couture Week earlier this year, it’s not a mode of dress to be sniffed at and you don’t have to look like a model to wear it well.
The River of Romansk store on Etsy.com ticks all the right fashion boxes, using delicate and girly colours such as peach, nude and lemon in the dresses while creating dresses which sport hourglass silhouettes that Mad Men’s Joan herself would be green over. The creators of the store themselves describe their little dresses as recreating “an era of dainty loveliness; of sash and ribbons, satins and laces.. all of which are reminiscence of a time more dreamy and innocent.” They’re beautiful clothes, but one could argue that their teeny-waisted wiggle dresses are more sexy and knowing than innocent; they promise to create curves that you never knew you had and put an extra slinkiness in your step.
Major fashion points go to River of Romansk for their caramel-toned wiggle dress, which features the silhoutte of the season (womanly) and the colour of the season (camel). A modern approach to the fifties, if you will. Meanwhile, any serious shopper worth their salt would realise that the pale-yellow tea lace skater dress with the zip front is an investment worth making – why get one from Topshop that all your friends own when you can get a unique, River of Romansk original? If you don’t feel like wrapping yourself up in shearling and granny jumpers this winter, do Autumn/Winter the pretty way instead and check out the gallery above for some of our favourites from the store.
Beauty, Fashion News, First Looks, Yay or Nay
Yay or Nay: Cheryl Cole’s new scarlet barnet
By Andrea Petrou on October 15th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Our Cheryl is famous for her chocolate-haired, lusciously doe-eyed look, so it was a massive surprise to see this photos today of her out and about right before the second week of live X factor rounds sporting new cranberry-coloured hair. On closer inspection it’s the exact same colour as her yummy leather handbag – I suppose that’s probably not why she dyed it though.
She’s had red tones to her hair before, but this is a shade of scarlet that could rival Storm Lee’s. In the past it’s been a colour that has only been favoured by the bravest of the brave when it comes to celebrity hair – think Rihanna and Florence Welch – but we at Shiny Style can predict that a lot of Chezza fans will be reaching for the Loreal home-kit hair dye now (which is, incidentally, what she used – if you want to get your hair this colour you can find it online here).
So what do you think? Do you like our Cheryl’s new plum-coloured locks or did you prefer her a more natural brown? Vote in our poll and comment below to let us know what you think.
Celebrity Style, Fashion News, First Looks, Gossip
She’s a glamourpuss again: Amy Winehouse’s black and white shoot for Harper’s Bazaar
By Andrea Petrou on October 14th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Amy Winehouse seems to be back on top form, as a tasteful black and white photoshoot for the November issue of Harper’s Bazaar showed us. The smoky-voiced singer looked much more healthy and glamorous than she has in a very long time, rocking her iconic Bardot-esque beehive and a 1960s pea coat for the shoot, which will be available to buy later this week.
It’s good to see that Amy’s recovered from her fall from grace – a couple of years ago you couldn’t look through a gossip magazine without seeing a photo of her looking tired and scabby, or hear increasingly nasty developments of her tumultuous relationship with her then-hubby, Blake. But what a recovery she’s made. The singer has regained her curves, got a lovely new boyfriend and is set to launch a classically 1950s collection of sportswear with iconic British fashion brand Fred Perry, which should be available to buy this month. It’s good to have Wino back again – we can’t wait to see what she’s come up with.
Ethical Fashions, First Looks, Gallery
Saumarez lingerie: ethical fashion just got sexy
By Andrea Petrou on October 8th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Eco-friendly fashion hasn’t got such a good rep in the past – often when we think of organic and world-friendly textiles, we think of a smelly old lady wearing a burlap sack. Or at least I have in the past – but now with Fair-trade designers like People Tree showing us that it’s easy to be kind to the earth and be fashionable at the same time, that’s beginning to change. Still though, “ethical” and “luxurious” are not two words that are normally put in the same sentence to describe fashion – and that’s where lingerie company Saumarez comes in to shake up our preconceptions.
It’s sexy underwear with a difference – beautiful, vintage-inspired lingerie and accessories that could have come straight out of a saucy French photoshoot from the 1930s, but made out of ethically-sourced and recycled fabrics. The site’s slogan is: “Who says being good can’t be fun?” Who indeed. A lot of vintage lace and recycled silks are used, so not only are you helping sustain the ethical fashion industry, but you’re wearing the real deal. Get ready to feel like Miss Von Teese in an array of slippery silk bras, adorable pants with ribbon ties and the coolest nipple tassels ever.
Check the gallery above for our favourites from the site, and get ready to banish that smelly burlap-sack lady from your head for good..
Accessories, Affordable Fashions, Fashion Crush, First Looks, Gallery
Shiny Style loves: Adorable bespoke charms and jewellery from Cat Bear Express
By Andrea Petrou on September 28th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Sweet Pink Macaroon And Ribbon Necklace
I’d like to see the girl that won’t want to “ooh” and “aah” over the adorable handmade jewellery from Cat Bear Express. Even the hardest of girls wouldn’t be able to turn down the necklaces, rings and charms in the shape of itty-bitty cakes, ice creams, sweets and little animals, which look lickable and good enough to eat. I actually had to eat something sugary whilst looking through Cat Bear Express’ online Etsy store.
If you’re really just not that into the whole tough leather and lace look, or just want to let the world know how much you love food with smiley faces and cute little animals, you can’t do much better than this jewellery shop. It’s perfect present material for a friend or girly relative, and items can be made bespoke on request to make the jewellery personal. It was hard to select some favourites from the shop as I love everything (as you can tell from the gallery above) but I especially loved the pink macaroon necklace and the marshmallow bracelet.
I suddenly feel a passion for charm bracelets coming on…
Designer Fashions, designer pick of the week, First Looks, Gallery
Shiny Style loves: Nicole Richie’s new autumn line
By Andrea Petrou on September 22nd, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
Nicole Richie’s got a lot to celebrate at the moment – yesterday she turned 29, and today the birthday girl launched her new autumn collection for her label “Winter Kate” on online mid-priced designer shopping site My-Wardrobe.
The star, whose style has made her a modern icon for LA fashion, is adding to her already booming business assets – she already owns jewellery line House of Harlow 1960 - with clothing line Winter Kate. The collection, which is named after her young daughter (aw), is a deliciously nostalgic assortment of slouchy, draped jackets and kimono-style jackets in oriental and velvet prints. Richie describes the inspiration behind the A/W clothes as “inspired by birds, peacocks .. cute prints on kimonos and waistcoats”. The jackets are a pretty, delicate way to dress up a LBD this Christmas or just wrap up warm without looking too overdone or try-hard.
Yes, the price tags aren’t exactly high street. But then again, you won’t need to take out a mortgage to buy one either, and each piece is timeless. To have a look at some of the prettiest pieces in the new Winter Kate line, check the gallery below.
Butter Jade Silk Burnout Velvet Drape Top
Affordable Fashions, First Looks, Gallery, Handbags, Uncategorized, vintage
One to watch: Jennifer Witte on Etsy.com
By Andrea Petrou on September 20th, 2010
By Emily Borrett.
It’s been a while since I’ve had a good look for some new talent on crafts site Etsy, and it’s high time that I did again. Though you’re pretty much spoilt for choice perusing the site, seller Jennifer Witte, “interior design and art graduate that is crazy for anything and everything vintage” has been a stand-out name to me. The Cali-girl’s speciality is hand-painted vintage leather accessories that she hand-paints herself at home, then sells on through the site. No charity shop tat here – Jennifer’s very picky about the quality of the vintage item that she’ll work onto, so you know that there’s a lot of love going into each piece – and they’re all one-offs.
The designs that get painted onto her accessories are all very fresh, simple, girly and sweet; birds are a recurring theme in her work, as are flowers, trees and other animals. (They’re the kind of accessories that I can image Bambi would carry, if Bambi had an interest in bags and shoes.) A personal favourite of mine is the vintage blue purse with the hand-painted whale, which is so adorable that my toes curl every time I think about it. For fans of the androgynous, leggy Brit-schoolgirl style that’s seen on the likes of Coco Sumner and Alexa Chung, who want satchels and leather shoes with a unique twist, Jennifer Witte’s Etsy shop is worth a look.
She’s also co-founder of an online Etsy store which sources beautiful vintage housewares and pretty little things. Have a peek at it here.
Brown Vintage Flats With Hand-Painted Cherry Blossoms
From:Debenhams show us how to avoid tanning disasters this year