Twilight fashion is a big hit

December 17th, 2011 . No Comments »

The stars of the hit movie The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 had the opportunity to show off their fashion sense during the film premiere.  The hot young actors shunned teen vampire chic in favour of suits, accessories and altogether something a little more grown-up as they graced the black carpet at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Leading man Robert Pattinson, who plays sultry and misunderstood young vampire Edward Cullen in the movie, wore a smart suit by Gucci in charcoal, teamed with this season’s essential skinny black tie.

Co-star Kellan Lutz, who plays Edward’s adoptive brother Emmett Cullen, cut a fine figure in a black suit and tie.  Man-of-the-moment, Taylor Lautner, who plays werewolf Jacob Black in the film, scored high in the style stakes, wearing a navy blue suit accompanied by a tie in dark red.  Jackson Rathbone, who plays Jasper Cullen, did not follow the crowd with the sharp tailored look, opting instead for a red velvet suit by celebrity favourite Dolce and Gabanna, worn with a black vest top and accessories.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Premier Los Angeles

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Premier Los Angeles

Posted in Celebrities, Designers, Fashion News

A guide to men’s jeans

December 15th, 2011 . No Comments »

Men’s jeans are a permanent wardrobe staple whatever the season, and there is a cut and style to suit everyone.  Classic fit jeans sit on the waist, have a straight leg and should be comfortable to wear.  Levi’s 501 straight leg jeans will always be seen as the originals, and are available in a selection of denim hues to suit every taste.  Alternatively, look at Armani’s range, or for the weekend, check out 883 Police jeans.  Wear with a biker jacket and patterned scarf for a timeless style.

Boot cut jeans fit below the waist and are slightly flared at the ankle, to allow room for a pair of boots.  Often these styles are a little more casual than the classic fit, and they generally look good across all generations.  Boot cut jeans worn with desert boots will fuse style with comfort and practicality. For a smarter boot cut style, check out the range from Diesel.

Skinny or tapered jeans are not just for girls.  Styles for men should sit at the waist and feel tight-fitting, tapering downwards towards the ankle.  This style definitely looks best on the young and lithe, and it is something of a modern trend synonymous with indie rock.  Skinny jeans are a great way to have fun with denim.  Uber-cool tapered jeans from Diesel, Firetrap or even Vivienne Westwood, worn with a blazer and motif T-shirt is probably the ultimate way to wear this style.

Distressed denim has made a comeback, and is one of the coolest ways to wear jeans.  This is another style that looks best on younger people; however there are some subtle styles around by numerous brands including Jack & Jones clothing.

Posted in Uncategorized

How to Ensure a Bra Fits Properly

December 12th, 2011 . No Comments »

Choosing the right bra can be very important, as it can have an impact on a woman’s health.  If the wrong size is selected then it might not give a decent amount of support to the bust area, meaning delicate internal parts of the breast can become damaged.  An ill-fitting bra can also cause various other problems, such as back pain, headaches and indigestion.

It can be quite easy to tell if a woman wearing the wrong size bra.  There are a few tips that are well worth following to the right size and fit.

If the band at the back of the bra is tight and the straps are far apart from each other, it may be too small.  The straps should be parallel with one another, so check this whilst standing facing a mirror.

If the bra rides up when a woman lifts up her arms or during normal day-to-day tasks, then it might not be the right size.  It is best to go for a smaller band size next time so that it sits more firmly under the bust area.  This will stop the bra from moving around, as well as giving much better support
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The straps should not be tightened too much as this can cause them to dig into the skin, which may lead to pain or soreness.  Instead, go for a smaller band size to make the bra tighter.  A good idea when buying a new bra is to wear a t-shirt over it to see if it creates a smooth effect or not.  If there is a slight bulge at the top then the bra could be too small and so a bigger cup size will be needed.

An indication that the cup size might be too small is that if the middle area on the front of the bra does not lie flat against the body.

Posted in Lingerie, Women\'s fashion

What to wear this winter

December 9th, 2011 . No Comments »

A new season brings new trends, with designers and top brands showcasing their collections during fashion week, which then help to influence choice of collections in stores and on the high street, which is good because not everyone can afford designer clothes.

Stripes are back this winter, and stripy shirts are everywhere as well as stylish stripy jumpers. Winter accessories as well have been focusing on this trend too and there is also a huge range of striped scarves available. Broader stripes are easiest to wear on a cardigan or sweater, and stripy socks are a fun and subtle way to incorporate bold stripes into an everyday outfit. Striped pyjamas are definitely back in fashion, and with high street packed with winter warmers ready for the festive season, there is plenty of choice out there.

Bold prints are making a comeback in stores once again. A cotton print shirt is a good way to take up the trend, and can work well with jeans or chinos. You don’t want to add too many accessories when wearing print so keep everything else simple and jumpers or jackets in a similar colour.

Rucksacks are also right back on trend.  As well as looking good, rucksacks are a practical way to carry belongings around as they keep both arms free.  So make sure you add this onto your Christmas wish list.

Roll-neck sweaters are back for the autumn/winter season.  They remain popular for their versatility, working well with jeans and trainers, or even with trousers and a blazer. There is a vast array of colours available, and a pure wool or wool-rich fabric will be warm and comfortable to wear.  If you’re looking for the added luxury why not check out some more luxury brands on Designerwear who stock a wide range of designer brands.

Posted in Designers, Fashion News, Trends

Spring and Summer Trends for 2012

December 7th, 2011 . No Comments »

Traditionally, spring and summer couture lines seek to imitate or counterpoint the colours and themes of the seasons.  This summer designers have chosen to take an imaginative step away, choosing the themes, fabrics and hues that are whimsical, harmonious and ethereal.  Here are some of the top themes  which will dominate women’s fashions in 2012:

Changing Proportions

Phoebe Philo and several other designers have chosen to alter the proportions of several elements of their clothing lines including jacket sleeves, frills, waistlines and shoulders, emphasising the garment as an extension of a person’s aura amid the brightness of spring.

Undersea Aqua

From Chanel’s grand undersea backdrop where their spring 2012 collection was introduced to Versace’s ‘Aqua’ theme, the spirit of the sea and water underlines the choice of fabrics this season.  While cerulean and aquamarine are not in vogue, colours such as deep teal, quarry and cedar that counterpoint the undersea theme have been seen on the catwalks of Rome, Paris, Milan, London and New York.

Androgyny

Androgynous clothing for women is a major trend through the 2011-2012 season, in keeping with a revival of themes from the 1960s.  The military jacket and high-waisted sailor pants from Designer Marc Jacobs’ collection are being paired with fur capes for the perfect androgynous look.

The Environmental Fashionista

More and more designers are beginning to choose socially responsible and ecologically balanced themes in their clothing.  One of the key themes among designers is responsible clothes made from sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics.  Many of today’s top models and celebrities endorse responsible designers who care for the world around us.  This spring, several designers including Gucci and Armani have introduced eco-friendly fabrics into their collections.  So when you refurbish your wardrobe this year, think responsibly and do your part for the world in which we live.

The Opposites

The season reverberates with the ‘yin-yang’ philosophy.  From the hardcore gothic designs to the simplicity and elegance of a sixties revival, the season has no single focus but flourishes in the abundance of diversity.  Make your wardrobe reflect the diversity and clarity that togetherness and symbiosis brings.

The trends for spring and summer 2012 are sure to bring a breath of fresh air to your collection.

Trends from Phoebe Philo at Celine, Chanel spring summer collection and trends from Marc Jacobs

Posted in Designers, Trends

Raf Simons – The Influential Innovator

December 5th, 2011 . No Comments »

Raf Simons, born in 1968, is a Belgian fashion designer.  As a young adult, Simons studied furniture design before going on to become a menswear designer.  Simons did not receive any formal fashion design training; self-study taught him all he needed to know to find a work placement in industry.  Initially, Simons worked alongside Walter Van Beirendonck in Paris.  During this time, he was exposed to the works of both Martin Margiela and Jean-Paul Gaultier. 

In 2005, Simons was offered the role of creative director for Jil Sander, a label then owned by the Prada Group.  His first collection for the label, designed with autumn/winter 2006 in mind, sold well.  In 2006, Simons launched his menswear line, Raf by Raf Simons.  His autumn/winter collection was recognised among the most impressive lines of that season. 

Simons’ autumn/winter 2007 collection for Jil Sander was acclaimed as being appropriate for the high-powered, career-centric female.  During the showing of his autumn/winter 2008 collection in Paris, Simons was hailed for his designs inspired by the stark contrast between human softness and futuristic robotics.  In 2008, Simons collaborated with Fred Perry to produce a 12-piece collection of polo shirts and knitwear. 

Simons’ collections are indirectly influenced by youth culture.  His clothing combines strongly cut classic design with loose cut items heavily swayed by streetwear.  Simons has been hailed as an innovator by global fashion critics. 

Simons, who still lives and works out of his home country, presents new collections twice per year, typically on the catwalks of Paris.  During his first few years as the creative director at his own label, Simons’ exhibited unconventional catwalk shows, consisting of models running down makeshift streets and walking around photographers’ studios.  Fans of Simons’ work for Jil Sander include Ellen DeGeneres and Ashley Olsen.

Raf Simons

Raf Simons

Posted in Designers, fashion

Style from the Sixties

December 3rd, 2011 . No Comments »

The 1960s were a time when the radical met the conventional, where freedom met elegance and floral headscarves met the iconic pillbox hat worn by Jacqueline Kennedy.  While the summer’s fashion may have echoed the suave sophistication of the late seventies, this season, designers have put out a new spin on the bold elegance of the sixties. The high street has also jumped on the bandwagon and Republic clothing has a great selection of sixties inspired styles. 

Fashion from the Sixties Today 

The mod movement has seen a resurrection with the use of the strong, feminine colours including orange, teal, bamboo and classic pastels.  Knee-high boots are an essential part of the sixties wardrobe when paired with a pair of orange or black hot pants.  Jackets with sloping shoulders and bracelet sleeves are also wardrobe essentials from this fashionable period.  Culottes or split skirts have been reinvented with tartan or inverse floral print.  The androgynous look of the sixties has been blended by the major fashion houses in a trend that looks to go well into their spring and summer collections.  In keeping with the spirit of exploration and freedom, the sixties couture line will see the use of new materials, including photo-luminescent fabrics.  Angular paisley prints and trench coats are also expected to be in vogue later this season. 

Sixties styles

Sixties styles

Posted in fashion

Aamaya by Priyanka

December 1st, 2011 . No Comments »

Aamaya by Priyanka is an extraordinary label that was launched in Europe in April 2008.  Its creative head is Priyanka Lugani, who has a strong background in design and luxury branding, in addition to the advantage of her family’s long involvement in the textile industry.  This vibrant and enticing couture label combines easy-to-wear feminine outlines with Eastern exoticism.

This range transitions easily from day to night wear and features luxurious fabrics from all over Europe, delicate beadwork with Middle Eastern inspiration on vibrantly coloured backgrounds that capture the spirit of the Orient.  The collection is a favourite among celebrities and fashionistas all over the world.

Jewellery

The Aamaya by Priyanka couture line is best complimented by their own range of exquisite handmade jewellery, which comprises of fashion statements made of rose quartz, turquoise and citrine.  A signature aspect of their jewellery is the three-stone ring, which is made of three different semi-precious stones set in a textured gold fitting.  The popularity of the fashion culture created by Priyanka Lugiani is evident from the fact that her collections have already been featured in Vogue and Marie Claire (Germany).  In London, the line is stocked at the cult boutique Trilogy, among various other upmarket stores across Europe.

Aamaya by Priyanka

Posted in Accessories, Designers, Jewellery, fashion

Sparkle this festive season

November 29th, 2011 . No Comments »

You can’t really beat a bit of sparkle at this time of year, smatterings of glitter and sequins can really make an outfit feel magical. Even if you only wear your sequins at this time of year, they really are an investment because you can bring them out year after year.

Plus at this time of year it isn’t that hard to find some shiny, sparkly clothes because they are all over. Clothing from Vila, Vera Moda, Miso and Lipsy are offering fabulous sparkly selections perfect for the festive season. Whether you go for a full out glitzy dress or low key sparkly top, there is no excuse not to mix some sparkle, glitz and glamour into your winter wardrobe.

Below we have a selection of sparkly tops, skirts, dresses and accessories from Republic which are perfect for a night out however sequins and sparkles don’t have to be restricted to evening wear. There is no reason why you can’t add some sparkle to your day wear either. For example opt for a sparkly hat, scarf or gloves to give you outer some glitz or some glittery pumps. Even layer up with a sparkly jumper, cardigan or jacket, dressed down with casual jeans or denim skirt.

Christmas Sparkle

Christmas Sparkle

Posted in fashion

Top Spring/Summer 2012 Handbags

November 27th, 2011 . No Comments »

For all you handbag fans out there who are eternally engaged in acquiring an enviable collection of practical and stylish designer handbags, here is the round-up of the best that 2012 has in store:

Prada’s 1950s Car Print collection definitely tops the list and is available in clutches and totes.

For some undersea elegance, try out the pearl-embellished seashell bag from Chanel.

For those who still prefer a shoulder bag, the any-hued envelope bag by Phoebe Philo will be a great choice.

Looking for practicality and the ‘fab’ factor?   The Louis Vuitton patent leather bag, shaped like a shopping basket will give you both.

Philip Lim still creates bags that are simple, uncomplicated and to die for.

For those fashionable evenings, sling on a patchwork snakeskin shoulder bag by Derek Lam, which carries his signature Ram’s head clasp.

The gigantic orange tote by Victoria Beckham is sure to turn heads for its minimalist design and practical size.

Chic purses by Marc Jacobs that feature block colours and top handles will give you a big entrance at any occasion.

These bags are highly anticipated on the fashion circuit and should be in stores soon.

Posted in Designers, Handbags
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