Autumn and Winter Trends - Early Preview

OK admittedly while the sun is shining and the weather is warm, we really don't want to think about autumn and winter trends too much. There are so many better things that we could be doing like taking a dip in a cool pool or sipping cocktails on the beach. But there is a method in the madness. With summer sales offering some amazing fashion offers and discounts, a quick look at what the autumn and winter trends will be might help pick out some pieces that will last us right through.

For autumn and winter there will be many different trends but here are just a few of those that I picked up on:

Animal Skins

Snakeskin was definitely big news on the catwalk for AW11 with Chloe and Gucci both having their own brightly coloured versions. At Prada it was fish scales then there were the big volumous and slightly crazy furs including Giles and Bottega Veneta. Dolce & Gabbanna also featured some of their signature animal skin prints.

animal print

Dark Florals

If you thought florals were just for summer then you were wrong. This winter dark florals in rich shades were another popular look. Mary Katrantzou showed us how to mix up florals using intricate prints inspired by Faberge eggs. Erdem, Cacharel and Jil Sander also had their own version of the dark winter floral print.

floral

Sixties

The sixties is back again this autumn and winter. With the Mod look being one of the key trends the shift dress, mini skirts, boxy sihouettes and knee high boots were all over the catwalk. This is such an easy look to wear just don't forget the dark eye makeup.

shift dress

Ladylike

Another look that has proved so popular over the last few months, it is living on to become an autumn winter trend is the ladylike look. This time the emphasis is on the pencil skirt and pussy bow blouse. This style was clearly evident at Miu Miu, Nina Ricci,  Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Saunders to name but a few.

pussybow

Wild West

All sorts of wild west inspiration was featured at the AW11 shows from the fringed details like the boots at Chloe worn with double denim, blanket ponchos by Band of Outsiders and the Apache patterns at Hermes, Balmain and Proenza Shouler. Look out too for cowboy style collar tips.

navajo

Plaids and tartans

Traditional British fabrics like tartan, paid and herringbone were all paraded down the catwalk at a variety of shows for Autumn winter. Check out Ashish, Karen Walker, House of Holland, Mulberry, Burberry Prorsum, Celine and Etro for a few examples.

herringbone

Seventies Style

Another one that will be hanging around is seventies. Look out for genuine vintage maxi dresses or the many designer and high street collections that are doing 'new vintage'. What ever style of the seventies you love, it is all there from bohemia to disco fever.

maxi dress

Masculine

Last but not list was a slightly masculine style worn in a very cool way. Think Psychobily, mods, teddy boys and new wave all fused with a bit of Saville Row tailoring.

boyfriend

Which of these trends do you love?

lWeekly Shopping and Goodies

Summer  has finally arrived and this summer it is really easy to keep cool and stylish with these amazing posts from our shopping and Goodies friends, from scarves to bags, trousers and even perfume, there is something for  everyone. Enjoy!

A Few Goody Gumdrops is drooling over Matthew Williamson's Chiffon Weave Bag and it's on sale!
Cityrockajewelry Styleblog shares 5 ways to sabotage your jewelry!
Handbag du Jour features the 'It' bag of the moment: Prada's Madras Woven Top-Handle Satchel.
RedPoppy Fashion is loving these delicious porcelain plates from Kate Spade's new home collection!
Shopping and Info loves the Kuna alpaca scarf in violet purple seen on Bad Teacher Cameron Diaz. which is a great addition to the Summer wardrobe!
The Fashion Buzz is loving Palazzo pants and suggests 5 great ways to wear them
TheFind is eco-chic and carefree all summer long in a pair of Naya Shoes Samara Gladiator Sandals.
What's Haute is in love with this sweet summer scent: 'Love G&P' Roll-On Eau de Parfum by Juicy Couture!
Image from The Find

Floradita - Vintage Style at Dorothy Perkins

Vintage style is everywhere at the moment from the cute fifties sundresses to seventies flared trousers and maxi dress. Dorothy Perkins is the latest retailer to launch their very own new vintage inspired capsule collection called Floradita.

The collection combines simple feminine shapes with beautiful floral prints. There are romantic fifties sundresses, full skirts and simple tops. Each piece is made with plenty of attention to detail including some very delicate embroidery and cute Peter Pan collars. There are also some pretty shoes in a variety of colours and prints and plenty of accessories to complete the look. With prices ranging from £8.50 to £55, it is ideal for giving yourself a little midsummer treat.

Green Floral Dress

This dress is ideal for so many different occasions from lunch with the girls to a summer party or even to wear to work. The colours are incredibly vibrant and will work especially well for those with green eyes.

Floradita Sundress

This floral sundress has the prettiest print, don't you think. I can imagine strolling around the marina on holiday or sipping cocktails whilst watching the sunset over the beach. Accessorise with any of the colours in the print for a cute and very feminine look.

White Platform Sandals

Such ladylike dresses require the perfect pair of shoes. These platform sandals combine height and comfort with whilst making a subtle statement with floral printed platforms.

Gold Crew Neck Cardigan

If you want to keep wearing your pretty fifties dresses for cooler summer evenings or into late summer and early autumn all you need to do is throw on a neat little cardigan. This beautiful coloured choice goes with just about everything in the collection and many other outfits so is a great investment.

Pink Embroidered Prom Dress

In the most delicate shade of pink this very pretty prom dress is ideal for a special occasion. It would make an ideal wedding guest outfit but would also look great for more casual daytime parties.

Straw Embroidered Clutch Bag

This retro style clutch bag is one of my favourite accessories for the summer, you can carry it with a ladylike vintage dress or simply use it to add some vintage charm to a pair of jeans and white shirt.

Men's Fashion - Lou Malloy Clothing Launch

Have you ever wanted to get a tattoo like one of the stars? perhaps like David Beckham's famous Guardian Angel tatoo?

Well now you can wear a piece of art by Lou Malloy, tattoo artist to the stars, muscians, glamour models and sporting heroes and straight talking star of TV show London Ink. Lous Malloy's newly launched clothing collection features a range of T shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts and knitwear in collaboration with John Smedley.

The t shirts feature Lou Malloy's signature style line drawings and drawing with detailed shading. Taking inspiration from renaissance art and architecture on a trip to italy but with his own added twist the designs are applied with sublimation printing to give them a vintage feel. The high quality t shirts are in a neutral palette of whites and khakis and are hand finished in England.

This collection is a opportunity to get a piece of Malloy's art as his Manchester tattoo studio is booked up a year in advance. Lou Molloy has won the UK Outstanding Artist of the Year award twice and is now recognised as one of the most influential exponents of tattooing in the world.

You can check out the full collection at http://www.loumolloy.com/

Palazzo Pants - 5 Great Ways to Wear Them

Palazzo pants are definitely one of the trendiest pieces of clothing to own this summer, with a huge variety of floral print, animal skin and colour block available. Palazzo pants are a slightly more practical version of another the summers key trends, the maxi skirt.

Whilst everyone can wear palazzo pants this summer and look fabulous, you may have to put a little thought into exactly how you wear them. The volume, pattern and shape of these trousers can be tricky to style into a flattering outfit. But as with most things in life it is easy when you know how. First of all you need to select the right style for you. If you are short and slimmer fits will suit you best. if you are tall you can wear the more volumous styles. Just about everyone will benefit from wearing heels with palazzo pants but for the most practical alternative you should go for wedges. For those that have larger hips or minimise their bottom half darker colours, small scale prints and plain styles are the best option.

When choosing what to wear with your palazzo pants, look for tops and jackets that are fairly fitted in order to balance out the volume of the  trousers. Here are 5 ideas on what to wear with them.

Marsha Floral Palazzo Pants worn with sheer sleeveless blouse

Marria High Waisted Trousers worn with cropped long sleeve top

Marsha Floral Trousers worn with bandeau top and waistcoat

Alea Tribal Print Palazzo pants worn with black vest top

But probably one of the most flattering and stylish ways of all to wear palazzo style trousers is in an all in one or jumpsuit.

Martine Halterneck Jumpsuit in Black



Celebrities Design T Shirts To Save Japan

At 1am tommorrow morning Uniqlo will collection of limited edition t shirts designed by celebrities with messages of support for victims of the earth quakes in Japan.

The T shirts are being produced in collaboration with Conde Naste Group and 'Save Japan' established immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake to support the affected parts of the country by providing information on area-specific relief efforts. The profits from the project will be donated by UNIQLO to the Japanese Red Cross Society to back recovery efforts in northeastern Japan. It is hoped that the project will make 100 million yen (Approximately £750,000.

Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham and Nicole Kidman are just a few of the celebrities who have got involved in the project by designing the t shirts. Each of which will be sold for £12.99.

Pictured Lady Gaga T shirt for Save Japan.

You can see the full collection here

Vivienne Westwood Ethical Fashion Africa Launches

Vivienne Westwood has just launched a fantastic collection of Fairtrade bags and accessories at the Pitti Immagine show in Florence to be sold exclusively on Yoox. The collection is made in Kenya using recycled materials like old roadside advertisement banners and safari tents.

Vivienne Westwood has always been passionate and outspoken about ethical fashion and saving the planet but with this innovative project she is proving that she can also walk the walk when it comes to ethical fashion. Rather charitable donations to communities in Kenya, Vivienne Westwood actually travelled out there to teach the women how to use recylced materials to make handbags. The result of the limited edition collection is not just some very desriable handbags that are likely to get snapped up in no time at all but also sustainable skills for the ladies who have benefitted from teh project giving them a way of earning money.

A series of short films about the project have been made by legendary photographer Juergen Teller, you can watch it here.

The handbags are true to Viviennne Westwood's signature style for accessories but with a twist. They all feature earthy colours inspired by Africa, eyecatching prints or woven textures and the Vivienne Westwood insignia.

You can view the full collection here

Ethical Fashion Discounts and Offers

The summer sales are now in full swing and if you wished you could buy ethical fashion but didn't have the budget, the sales is the perfect time to do so. You can find some amazing investment buys and fashion discounts that are incredibly stylish too. The best bit is that you can feel good about your spending spree, safe in the knowledge that your clothing has been made with respect for the people who have made it and the environment.

People Tree have up to 30% off their youth range and further discounts throughout the website including the ever popular Emma Watson collection. People Tree are known for being pioneers of ethical fashion with beautifully clothes crafted using traditional techniques. Their clothing is also Fairtade.

This pretty floral dress is reduced from £65 to £46. It is made of 100% organic and certified Fairtrade cotton in India and is available in both blue and pink.

Fashion Conscience have also got an amazing sale on with up to 50% off. They sell a range of ethical clothing from some of the most fashionable ethical brands including Melissa shoes, Bibico, Jackpot, Nomad and Komodo. Here are some of my favourites from the sale.

Nomad Vintage inspired Fairtrade floral dress

Komodo Fairtrade Floral Jumpsuit

Komodo Paint Splash Dress

Melissa Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon Shoes

Weekly Shopping and Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops is giving away a pair of of Truluxe dark wash bootcut jeans with "bling". Enter to win!
RedPoppy Fashion is thinking ahead to Fall thanks to some gorgeous heels making an early summer debut!
Shopping and Info gets shaded with Marc Jacobs aviator sunglasses. A must-have Summer essential!
StyleMaven is ready for summer adventure with a Très Chic Colorful Nylon Messenger Bag from JPK Paris. Mais oui!
The Fashion Buzz explores how you can be ethical and stylish this festival season with its Green Festival Fashion Guide
TheFind has shopped and found a few fun and daring earrings bring to a bit o' fabulous to an ordinary day or night look.

Lipsy Floral Playsuits For Summer 2011

One of the biggest trends for summer 2011 is without a doubt the floral playsuit. Perfect for festival fashion, a walk in the park or summer beach holiday. I am loving the selection of Lipsy Floral Playsuits which are fun, colourful and flattering.

Why not try wearing your Lipsy floral playsuit with heels and a clutch for a night out or with a biker jacket and boots for a summer festival. They are incredibly versatile!

This strapless floral playsuit is ideal if you want to look stylish on the beach without getting strap marks in your sun tan.

or how about this floral belted playsuit for lunch with the girls or  going out for drinks?

This Pixie Keyhole back playsuit is the perfect choice for those who want to mix romance with rock and roll.

This Chiffon Front Frill Playsuit is great for taking on holiday as it will take you from daytime to evening in effortless style.

Just add some killer heels and this One shoulder frill playsuit will be ready to party.

Trends in Ladies Shorts and Trousers - Summer 2011

Hannover Pants - Crew Clothing

Fashions and trends are constantly changing and sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with exactly what is in and what is out. For example trousers for ladies that have been on trend have included skinny, peg legged and cropped.

This summer flared, wide legged and floral palazzo trousers are some of the biggest trends. As always jeans are probably the most popular trousers with brightly coloured jeans in reds, bold blues and yellows selling like hotcakes. The cut of these jeans is mostly skinny and usually cropped but there is also an abundance of beautiful floral printed trousers in a looser fit which are perfect for summer holidays and the hot weather when it finally arrives.

Denim Shorts - Crew Clothing

For festival fashion, and everyday wear, ladies shorts are definitely on trend from the loose fitting floral print culottes, to smart tailored shorts and denim cut offs, there is something to suit all body shapes and tastes. If you want something a bit smarter, a floral playsuit is right on trend and is the perfect combinatination of the practicality of shorts and feminine style of a dress.

What ever style of shorts or trousers that you choose to wear this summer, look for styles to flatter your figure and fit in with your lifestyle.

The Green Festival Fashion Guide

It will be Glastonbury Festival this weekend and thousands of people will be thinking about what they will be wearing in advance of the big event. Festival fashion has become a huge part of all of the summers big festivals from Coachella to Glastonbury but this year it has reached new heights. With just about every shop having their own festival fashion collection, the 'festival fashion' look that has evolved in recent years is also influencing general street style and those who are not even attending a festival.

For a long time into its history Glastonbury has been doing its best to help the environment by supporting charities like Greenpeace. The organisers are also doing everything that they can to make sure that Glastonbury is amongst the greenest and cleanest festivals in Europe. They even have their own Green Police and all tea, coffee and sugar sold at the fair must be Fairtade.

If you really want to get into the spirit of Glastonbury (whether you are attending or not), you can do so by supporting ethical and eco fashion and minimising the impact of your clothing on the environment. Of course shopping in charity or second hand shops is not only a great way to get that 'festival fashion' look, but you also won't worry as much if your clothes get ruined. For those who have to have new clothes, there are some great ethical fashion brands around that are suprisingly affordable. The festival fashion look is all about comfort and practicality teamed with effortless style. It is also about individuality and having fun. Colourful prints, bright colours and quirky accessories are all great ways of getting the festival fashion look. If you are looking for something unique and unusual to wear ethical fashion might just be a great starting place with amazing fair trade prints and innovative upcycled or recycled pieces.

FAIR+true are a young and up and coming, hip, eco label based in London. All their designs are made from organic or sustainable materials such as soy, bamboo, tencel modal or organic cotton and are currently made in London or fair trade made abroad.

Fair and True - Fair Trade African Print Ruched Skirt

Fair + True Sustainable Leopard Print Slouch Trousers

Fair + True Sustainable Racer Back Vest

Lalesso pieces are made in Kenya under a Fair Trade scheme and supporting communities

Lalesso Pineapple Fair Trade Dress 

Lalesso Fair Trade Kidogo Shorts

Nomads items are all Fair Trade certified and made to benefit communities in their own countries.

Nomads Fair Trade Maxi Dress

Nomads Fair trade Spash Print Kaftan

Viridis Luxe is a US based label that designs utilise organic and sustainable fabrics such as bamboo.

Viridis Luxe Bamboo Cashmere Draped Top

Gringo are traders in fair trade fashion only working with fair trade groups from India, to Africa and South America, ensuring they all earn a good wage for their products. Their clothes feature colourful prints and rich colours.

Gringo Fair trade - Ruched Shoulder Maxi Dress



Gringo Fair trade Patchwork Sarong Dress



Ruby Rocks clothes are made in a small factory in Bali, where no children are employed and they are all fairly paid well above the average for the country and industry. The company know everyone who makes the clothes, provides them with recreation areas, healthcare and healthcare for family members as well.

Ruby Rocks Fair Trade Black Playsuit

ReLuxe is a hip label which uses upcycled fabrics to make one off items.

Reluxe Upcycled Foral Playsuit

Reluxe Upcycled Bright Skirt

Reluxe Upcycled Floral Shorts

For more great places to shop ethically, you can check out the Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Guide.

What do you think? Will you be wearing any ethical festival fashion this summer?